On Friday we will have two different wineries here to present there selections.  The two wineries are Encanto winery featuring wines from Carneros and Rutherford, and Alximia Winery located in the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada. We will get the opportunity to taste some limited production wines from wineries concentrating on quality as opposed to quantity.

On Saturday we will taste three whites and two reds from winemaker Peter Seghesio.  Peter has been immersed in the culture of winemaking since the day he was born. He grew up in the vineyards, working alongside his father and uncles farming grapes and producing wine.  He has a passion for Italian varietals in addition to maintaining the family tradition of producing world class Zinfandel.

See you this weekend.

~ Jason

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 6th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, September 7th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, September 6th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Encanto and Alximia Wineries:

Encanto Vineyards, or Enchanted Vineyards as the name translates from Spanish, are located in both the Carneros Region of Napa Valley and the Big Valley appellation of Lake County in Northern California.  The Carneros Region has a climate similar to Burgundy in France ­­ prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The soils of Lake County provide the perfect terroir for producing Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Both regions offer distinct characteristics that we are proud to capture in our wines.

2010 Encanto Lake County Estate Sauv Blanc ($21.99)

• Our Sauvignon Blanc starts out with warm tropical aromas of mango and passion fruit and is underlined by a well-weighted palate of kiwi, stone fruit and minerality. Soft acidity adds a nice balance to a refreshing crisp finish. A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little Encanto in your life!

2010 Encanto Vinyds. Carneros Pinot Noir ($34.99)

• This Pinot is a dark ruby garnet color. It shows intriguing aromas of pistachio brittle, macaroon, melted wax, and cherry chutney with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, mouthwatering cranberry, spice, and earth finish.

2010 Rutherford Cabernet ($64.99)

• No tasting notes at this time!

Alximia Winery is a small family owned boutique winery in the Guadalupe valley near Ensenada, Baja California Mexico that is owned by Manuel Alvarez and his family. Their wines are mostly non-traditional blends that make the best of the Italian & Spanish varietals that grow so well in these hot wine valleys. Alvaro (the winemaker) is considered one of the best up & coming winemakers in Mexico and his wines have received multiple accolades – being rated 89 to 95 by Mexico’s top sommeliers and wine guides.

2010 Sendero ($29.99)

• (ELEMENT: Earth / Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo / Aged 12 months in French oak). A complex wine with nice fruit flavors mixed with aromas of pepper; fresh blackberry and strawberry aroma stand out, with a hint of lavender, violet and menthol. Good aromatic intensity that lasts. The balance with the barrel is very nice.

2010 Axima Pira ($29.99)

• (ELEMENT: Fire / 100% Barbera / Aged 15 months in French oak). Intense and clean nose with delicate notes of cinnamon and fresh plum. Excellent aromatic development that reflects an impeccable wine-making process. The balance with the barrel is very nice; you can smell the fruit accompanied by spicy notes like cinnamon and cocoa.

2010 Magma ($49.99)

• (ELEMENT: Fire & Earth / Carignan – Sangiovese / Aged 13 months in French oak). A wine with great complexity but that is also very elegant. You can smell the ripe red fruits like prunes and red fruit compote. The balance with the barrel is very nice; we find how the fruit is accompanied by notes of toast and hints of chocolate. This wine is aromatically very interesting.

Saturday, September 7th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of Peter Seghessio

2011 Pinot Grigio ($22.99)

• Pinot Grigio was part of that plan to grow intriguing varieties in the best and most appropriate sites. Noted for its unusual grayish/pink clusters and shared lineage with Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio is well-suited to the cooler climate of the Russian River Valley. Flavors of sweet melon and juicy white peaches.  Firm acidity with clean finish.

2012 Costiera ($24.99)

• The 2012 Costiera White is 83% Pinot Grigio and 17% Vermantino.  It has enticing aromas and flavors of pears, stone fruit and citrus.  The wine is richly textured, and has a complexity on the palate balanced by crisp acidity and clean finish.

2011 Journeyman Chardonnay ($54.99)

• Our family set out to craft a Chardonnay with the mineral vibrancy of White Burgundy while retaining the layers of texture and opulence that have defined the Russian River AVA. From this perspective, we sought to expand the range of energy and depth of flavor through varied, exceptional fruit sources and employing two different modes of fermentation, both barrel and concrete egg. The result is a wine of structured elegance with nuances of green apple, stone fruit, wet limestone and honeysuckle, with layered sweetness from refined oak components.

2010 Rockpile Zinfandel ($37.99)

• “The 2010 Zinfandel Rockpile bursts from the glass with racy red raspberries, flowers, mint, cinnamon and sweet tobacco. The Rockpile is one of the more feminine, sensual wines in this range, but it, too, has excellent balance and plenty of early appeal. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 88 Points!

2010 Cortina Zinfandel ($42.99)

• Cortina, the dominant soil type of our vineyard, is a gravelly loam that contributes to Dry Creek Valleys reputation as one of the finest places in the world to grow Zinfandel. Good fruit concentration and elegance with supple mid-palate dark fruit. Raspberry, black currant and subtle pomegranate flavors with white chocolate undertones distinguished varietal appeal. Aromas of black raspberry and mineral with a hint of violet. Ripe acidity, integrated tannins and structured to last. 94 Points – Wine Advocate / 93 Points – Wine Spectator!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This Friday at Harvest Ranch El Cajon, due to popular demand, we will explore our favorite growing regions for Pinot Noir, with an eye toward contrasting the northern versus southern regions of our west coast.

We have found that there is more consistency year to year within places in the world that get their more stable influences from the ocean, places like Oregon and coastal California.  Differences begin to show when one accounts for latitude along the coast.  The most northern region, Oregon, arguably produces a more Burgundian style, in that French Burgundy is known for predominate earth and mineral notes and is a bit less fruit forward than most California Pinots.

The more northern parts of California, Anderson Valley and Sonoma/ Carneros, can seemingly produce either style, while the Central Coast, with its hotter climate, typically produces a riper, more fruit forward style.

Join us as we examine Pinot Noir properties Friday at El Cajon.

See you this weekend.

~ Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, September 6th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Pinot Noirs – North vs South

This weeks selections: $15.00

Bethel Heights 2009 ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Polished, light and immensely appealing for its pretty raspberry, cream and floral aromas and flavors, lingering easily on the sleek finish. 90 Points – Wine Spectator

Champ de Reves 2010  ($25.99 During Tasting)

• Very pure and sharply focused, with racy, precise strawberry and cherry flavors. 91 Points – Steven Tanzer

Domaine Carneros 2009  ($33.99 During Tasting)

• Delivers cedar, juicy red fruit flavors, and a persistent hint of dark chocolate with a broad richness of even-tempered tannin that stretches into a long finish.

Talley 2011  ($29.99 During Tasting)

•  “Wafts from the glass with exquisite aromatics and weightless, articulate fruit. Bright, nuanced and wonderfully delineated, this is a drop dead gorgeous wine.” – 93 Points – Anthony Galoni

Lincourt 2009  ($24.99 During Tasting)

• “Beautiful blackberry and lightly toasted oak on the nose and palate. Turns to spices and meat. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long finish. Balanced and pretty.” 92 Points – James Suckling

Foxen 2011  ($33.99 During Tasting)

• As Foxen’s most fruit-forward Pinot Noir, this wine displays the bright red summer fruit of cherries and strawberries, with notes of cinnamon and clove, a velvety texture and a long lingering finish.

See you all at the tasting!

Located on California’s South Central Coast, the Santa Barbara County AVA is famous for ripe yet elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However it is also gaining a reputation for Rhone varietals including Syrah and Viognier.  The County now claims more than 60 wineries and 21,000 acres of vine, with the vast majority of the vineyards in the County’s three AVAs: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez and Santa Rita Hills, each with its own distinct terroir. On Friday night we will experience an array of what the AVA has to offer. Beginning with two elegant Chardonnay’s, followed by three different red varietals: Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, & Syrah.

On Saturday we will, primarily, experience wines of the Southern Rhône, which is mostly known for its red wines. These include famous names like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but the area is perhaps best known for the less expensive wines of the Côtes du Rhône. We will begin with a fantastic from Hautvillers in north-eastern France before taking our tour of the Southern Rhone which will culminate with the 94 Point Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Cuvee CDP.

~ Jason Perry

Email Jason

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 30th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 31th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, August 30th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Santa Barbara County:

2011 Foxen Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard  ($34.99)

• A wine of significant potential, the 2011 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Block UU (from tank) is cool and beautifully focused, with lovely purity in its aromas and flavors. Flowers, lemon peel, crushed rocks and spices are layered into the energetic, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2009 Zotovich Estate Chardonay ($37.99)

• The 09 Chardonnay displays upfront notes of light, toasty oak, Seckel pears and spritzed lime zest.  Crisp green apple acidity coupled with sublime minerality.  The neutral oak ferment really promotes the light oak fully infusing into the wine.  Our 09 is lean, crisp, strikes a balance between fruit, minerality, oak toast and acidity.  Light buttered cracker and light citrus finish.

2010 Longoria Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard  ($49.99)

• Bright ruby-red.  Heady bouquet of candied red fruits, potpourri and candied orange peel, complicated by subtle vanilla and cola nuances and a spicy topnote.  Sappy and appealingly sweet, offering pliant raspberry and cherry compote flavors that take a darker turn with air.  Fine-grained tannins add shape to the long, smooth, smoky finish.  I find this expressive pinot delicious right now.” Stephen Tanzer -  International Wine Cellar – 92 Points!

2007 Longoria Tempranillo Clover Creek Vine ($34.99)

• “One of the best California Tempranillos of this or any vintage, Longoria’s ’07 establishes a new benchmark for the variety. Finally we have a dry, crisp and complex Tempranillo, filled with cherry, red currant, tobacco, spice, vanilla and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into polished tannins. A delicious, medium-bodied red wine to enjoy with lamb chops, game, or even roast salmon.” Steve Heimoff – Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points!

2007 Dragonette Syrah ($34.99)

• “Dragonette Cellar’s tightly-knit 2007 Syrah reveals dense cassis, earth, smoke, pepper, and black olive notes in its medium-bodied, rich, dense, pure personality. Still tightly coiled, it should unfold and drink nicely for 7-8 years or longer.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 89 Points!

Saturday, August 31st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of Rhone France

Non Vintage Marion-Bosser Premier Cru Rose ($64.99)

• Elegant, smooth & balanced Premier Cru Champagne made with great care and rigor by a mother and here daughter who perpetuate the tradition of making high quality Champagne in their native village of Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon dedicated his life to making champagne.

2011 E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone ($17.99)

• “60% viognier, the rest marsanne, roussanne, clairette, bourboulenc and grenache blanc; no oak):  Pale yellow.  Spicy peach and yellow plum aromas are enlivened by a tangy mineral quality and a hint of white flowers.  Firm, linear, sharply focused flavors of dried pit and citrus fruits gain weight with air.  Youthfully taut, focused and lithe for a white Cotes du Rhone, finishing with good bite.” Stephen Tanzer – International Wine Cellar – 89 Points!

2005 Domaine le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu ($17.99)

• The Plan de Dieu is the only Cotes du Rhone Villages without a village.  The wines produced in this are are so unique that they have been granted special status by the French Wine Authorities.  Producers here are required to adhere to stricter wine growing and wine making rules than those prescribed for Côtes du Rhône. In the red wines the Grenache grape must be present at not less than 50%, with 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. A maximum of 20% of other authorized varieties is permitted. Wines from this area typically display flavors of dark fruit.

2010 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret CDP ($39.99)

• “Not surprisingly, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape (Domaine de Vieux Lazaret) possesses more power, concentration and substance. Dense black raspberry, garrigue, licorice and floral notes are found in this pure, impressively full-bodied 2010 along with lots of fat, glycerin, flesh and succulence. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-15 years.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 90 Points!

2007 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Cuvee CDP ($59.99)

• “Perhaps the finest wine I have ever tasted from Jerome Quiot is Vieux Lazaret’s 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Exceptionnelle. This fabulous wine boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of cassis, black raspberry liqueur, spring flowers, and hints of graphite and truffles. It is deep, ripe, full-bodied, rich, and multidimensional with a stunningly long, 45+ second finish. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following two decades.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 94 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This Friday at Harvest Ranch El Cajon, we’ll take a look at South American wines.

The ocean of decent Chilean and Argentine imports has always tossed ashore a few scattered pearls, but never a range of head turners like the top wines we are seeing now. The perfect climate and water from the Andean snow melt give South America an unlimited potential.

“When I began making wine here in 1989,” says well-known California-based winemaker and consultant Paul Hobbs, “nearly all the wines were oxidized, tired and brown. Argentines thought that’s what good wine meant.”

Now however, such quality pioneers as Nicolás Catena in Argentina and Aurelio Montes in Chile, and international consultants like Hobbs and France’s ubiquitous Michel Rolland are showing the world the incredible quality South America can produce.

You don’t want to miss this one!

~ Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 30th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Quintessential Wines

This weeks selections: $15.00

Hermanos Torrontes 2012 ($14.99 During Tasting)

• “Superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent.” 92 Points – Robert Parker

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet 2006  ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Nose of cedar, tobacco, black currant and blackberry. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied effort reveals some silky tannin, spicy, savory fruit, and excellent length.

Catena Malbec  2010  ($21.99 During Tasting)

• “Aromas of blackberry, strawberry cheesecake, a touch of cassis and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins on the entry. The acidity is crisp and lends tautness towards the succulent finish, which bestows blackberry, black olive and loganberry fruit. This is a finely crafted, feminine Malbec.” 91 Points – Robert Parker

Clos Apalta 2006  ($52.99 During Tasting)

• “Once again, Clos Apalta distinguishes itself as one of Chile’s best wines. The bouquet is dark and slightly minty, with licorice, shoe polish and ripe, herb-tinged black fruit. Saturated and deep in the mouth, with cola, cassis, black cherry and blackberry flavors.”  Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet, Petit Verdot blend.  Wine of the Year – 94 Points – Wine Spectator
  

Purple Angel 2010  ($54.99 During Tasting)

• “A dark, ambitious red, with ample toast and mocha to the macerated plum skin, dark cherry and grilled fig fruit, pumping out layers of humus, iron and olive paste before the fruit returns for an encore on the finish.”  Carmenere, the Bordeaux varietal that was considered extinct, was discovered in Chile.  Michele Rolland and Montes have taken it to a new level with Purple Angel! 93 Points – Wine Spectator.

See you all at the tasting!

On Friday we have special guest Bill Flemming here to tell us about some great wines from Cornerstone Winery in Napa Valley. Cornerstone Cellars has been making exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley for just over 20 years now. For the last few years they have also been making wine under their Stepping Stone label. These wines are produced from fruit sourced in Napa as well as some other regions in California.  We will culminate the evening sampling the elegant Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet which retails for $75.00

On Saturday we will be enjoying some great wines from the Pacific Northwest. We will begin with a couple whites from Oregon, a Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.  The very highly regarded Domaine Serene Reserve pinot Noir will be the first red, and last Oregon wine of the evening.  We will move on to Washington to try a couple outstanding Cabernet’s.  One from Seven Hills winery and another from Woodward Canyon, which just received 94 Points from Wine Enthusiast.

I look forward to seeing you all here!

~ Jason Perry

Email Jason

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 23rd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 24th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, August 23rd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Cornerstone Winery:

2012 Stepping Stone Rose ($19.99)

• Summertime in a glass, this lovely pink has it all—focus, balance, crisp acidity and delicately rich fruit. Offers notes of raspberry, spice and smoky vanilla. Syrah. Drink now. 419 cases made. –TF - Wine Spectator – 90 Points!

2012 Stepping Stone Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

• The sauvignon blanc musqué clone is responsible for some of the finest sauvignon blancs in California. Used by many wineries as a blending component, a few wineries are now using the musqué clone as if it were a distinct grape variety: sauvignon musqué.  Our 2012 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Cuvée Musqué represents a unique side of this increasingly popular and versatile sauvignon blanc sub-variety.

2010 Stepping Stone “Red Rocks” ($17.99)

• This is a very tasty, appealing, and easy to drink red blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah.  Blackberry and vanilla aromas leap with some intensity from the nose. Those aromas are augmented by bits of smoke and bacon. Lots of red and black fruit flavors are present from the first sip to the last one.. Willing and eager fruit flavors complemented by bits of spice continue through the finish which has decent length. This is a terrific little blend for the money and a fine example of a new world wine that is enthusiastic and loaded with fruit flavors but still even keeled.

2010 Cornerstone Cabernet Franc ($34.99)

• With perfectly balanced fragrant aromatics of red berry fruit, sweet basil and tobacco leaf that are both alluring and complex, combined with well structured, fine grained, suave tannins, this wine has the right amount of ripe, integrated acidity which gives a lovely inner-mouth energy producing a very tactile, elegant wine with a velvety persistence.

2009 Cornerstone Howell Mtn. Cabernet ($74.99)

• The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reveals a dark flavor profile and quite a bit more muscle than the straight Napa Valley bottling. Smoke, tar, menthol, new leather and black fruit are some of the many nuances that emerge from this beautiful, powerful mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The inclusion of 5% Merlot in the blend works quite nicely. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

Saturday, August 24th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines of the Pacific Northwest

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris ($19.99)

• The grapes used for this wine are from the original vines, planted almost 50 years ago by David Lett. Rich, sleek and textural, this thrilling effort sets a new standard for Oregon Pinot Gris. Grassy notes are married to lush citrus and apple fruit. The flavors go deep and long, the finish is immaculate and brings a palate-refreshing minerality. (8/ 2012) 93 points – Wine Enthusiast.  #7 – Top 100 Best Buys of 2012!

2012 The Four Graces Pinot Blanc ($24.99)

• An explosion of aromas welcomes you; apricot, banana and lychee combine with notes of apple on the nose. An invitingly fresh tangerine flavor is followed by grapefruit and lime zest. There is a hint of minerality to the Pinot Blanc 2011 along with the usual bright acidity. This is a full bodied, balanced wine with an extremely long finish. Enjoy!

2008 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve ($64.99)

• The 2008 Evenstad Reserve has a super-expressive nose of smoke, spice, mineral, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a medium-bodied, stuffed wine containing layers of ripe fruit, outstanding volume, vibrant acidity, and a lengthy, velvety finish. It will benefit from 2-3 years of additional bottle age and will offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2020.” Jay Miller - Wine Advocate 92 Points; Wine Spectator 93 Points; Wine Enthusiast 94 Points! Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2012!

2010 Seven Hills Cabernet ($24.99)

• Supple, focused and appealing for the floral, vaguely meaty overtones to the nicely detailed blackberry and dark plum fruit. Finishes with finesse. Drink now through 2016. 1,260 cases made. –HS – Wine Spectator 90 Points!

2010 Woodward Canyon Cabernet ($54.99)

• “More refined and elegant, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series #19 is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and was aged 20 months in 50% new French oak. Very classic on the nose, with plenty of black currant, tobacco leaf, chocolate, cedar and herbs, it is medium to full-bodied, seamless and perfectly balanced, with a light fresh texture that conceals underlying ripe tannin. Enjoy it over the coming 12-15 years. Drink now-2028.” Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 94 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This Friday at Harvest Ranch El Cajon, we welcome Daniel Morando of Quintessential Wines to the tasting room.  Daniel will be pouring an assortment of his finest wines for your pleasure.

Daniel represents some of the finest wines from Australia, South America, and Italy.  He’ll be showcasing a fantastic Moscato from Asti, Italy, and some highly rated big reds from two of the finest producers in Australia, Henry’s Drive and Shirvington.

You don’t want to miss this one!

~ Patrick Campbell

Email Patrick

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 23rd, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

Quintessential Wines

This weeks selections: $15.00

New Age White ($10.99 During Tasting)

• New Age white is a fruity blend of Torrontes & Sauvignon Blanc.  It has a slight effervescence to it, sometimes so subtle it is barely detectable.  The little sparkle gives this fruity, refreshing, slightly sweet wine just the zip it needs to wake up those taste buds.  Think Moscato d’Asti, but a little more refreshing, not as sweet.  Flavors of fresh peach, pear and apricot.

 Bianchi Malbec 2010 ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Balsam wood, mineral, brier, cherry blossom, and assorted black fruits titillate the nose while pointing to a full-bodied, structured, savory wine with layers of spicy black fruit flavors. Made with organically grown grapes. 90 Points – Wine Advocate.

Shirvington Cabernet  2006 ($52.99 During Tasting)

• Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits a fragrant, expressive perfume of toasty oak, vanilla, spice box, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a racy Cabernet, slightly lean, with intense black fruit flavors, good depth and concentration, and enough structure to support 8-10 years of development in the cellar. 92 Points – Wine Advocate

Dead Letter Office Shiraz 2008  ($21.99 During Tasting)

• Although this starts off showing loads of vanilla and bright, boysenberry-like fruit, this is not a simple fruity concoction; there’s some elegance here, and some savory notes of coffee and roasted meat, as well. This is a rich, full-bodied Shiraz.  Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points

Luca Bosio Moscato ($14.99 During Tasting)

• The bouquet is an explosion of aromas – lime-tree flowers, acacia, gooseberry and orange, and  peaches.  On the palate the bubbles form a thick coating which soon melt into freshness and sweetness.  Aftertaste is very long and dominated by an amazing taste of strawberries.

See you all at the tasting!

On Friday, we will be tasting some wines from Western Europe. Wine, linked in myth to Dionysus/Bacchus, was common in ancient Greece and Rome, and many of today’s major wine-producing regions of Western Europe were established with Phoenician and, later, Roman plantations. Wine making technology improved considerably during the time of the Roman Empire: many grape varieties and cultivation techniques were known; the design of the wine press advanced; and barrels were developed for storing and shipping wine. By the Middle Ages, wine was the common drink of all social classes in South Western Europe, where a variety of grapes were cultivated.

On Saturday, we will sample some more great wines from Napa Valley. Napa Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Napa County, California; Napa Valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. Records of commercial wine production in the region date back to the nineteenth century, but premium wine production dates back only to the 1960s. The combination of Mediterranean climate, geography and geology of the region are conducive to growing quality wine grapes. John Patchett established the Napa Valley’s first commercial vineyard in 1858.

See you out this weekend.

~ Jason Perry

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 16th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 17th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, August 16th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Western Europe:

2012 Hill Family Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

• The 2012 Hill Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of 2 vineyards. Each offered an irresistible combination for Sauvignon Blanc. The nose has graceful honeysuckle, lime peel, hyacinth and elder flower notes. The palate is creamy and opulent, with well centered honeydew melon and nectarine flavors, while the wine finishes bright and satisfying with long, lingering white peach notes.

2011 Frog’s Leap Chardonnay ($25.99 )

• Much of the complexity and style of the 2011 Frog’s Leap Chardonnay comes from the unique combination of barrel fermentation followed by aging in concrete vats. The result is a wine with compelling flavors and a bright crisp mouth feel. Lightly scented citrus and stone fruit aromatics are followed by flavors of apricot, wet-stone and vanilla. Seductive and elegant, you will be tempted to a second and third sip. The beauty of this wine immediately opens up culinary possibilities rarely found in bigger California Chard’s.

2007 Keenan Merlot ($29.99)

• “The seductive, soft, plush 2007 Merlot offers a luscious combination of herb-tinged mocha, chocolate-infused black cherry and currant fruit, plum, and anise. The complex aromas are followed by a lush, succulent wine with dark fruit flavors showing a hint of spicy oak. This beauty should drink well for 10-12 years.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 89 Points!

2005 Von Strasser Cabernet ($49.99)

• This is what Cabernet is all about! It is a big, bold wine with intense fruit, a full body and a long smooth finish. Look for blueberry and cassis lined with chocolate and anise. The Estate Cab is very approachable early but will continue to improve with age and reward your patience.

2006 Chateau Le Grand Roche Cab ($49.99)

• Very fine Cabernet Aromas; dusty with rich cocoa and ripe berry fruits. This is a beautiful clean expression of ripe mountain grown Cabernet.  There is a subtlety to the nose and flavor which suggests fine second-tiered Bordeaux.  The flavors are quite rich and satisfying. This wine is too good to be known as a second label wine.  It speaks volumes for the winemaking of Rick Forman.

Saturday, August 17th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines Napa Valley

2009 Patrick Piuze Premier Cru Chablis ($59.99)

• “The 2009 Chablis Montee de Tonerre possesses considerable freshness and focus. Clean saline notes meld into white flowers and smoke in this textured, precise Chablis, one of the most harmonious of the premier crus here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 91 Points!

2003 Azamor Selected Vines ($29.99)

• The 2004 SELECTED VINES is 1/3rd each Syrah and Touriga Franca, with the rest divided more or less evenly between Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira. The wine was aged in 15% new French oak and 15% new American oak barrels. It is softly textured, with light tannins and a modest mid-palate, but the finish delivers loads of tasty fruit to the palate. It is a bit compact, but rather charming.” Mark Squires – Wine Advocate – 87 Points!

2006 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny ($44.99)

• Dark forest floor, roasted meat, bitter-sweet black fruit, clove, and pepper flavors render this far more somber than I anticipated. Texturally, it is quite refined, with a hint of creaminess. Chalky and saline mineral notes and a fresh fruit skin edge lend invigoration and refreshment to a satisfyingly long finish.  This could use a bit of bottle time to explore its potential synergies, but will I suspect be best enjoyed within 3-4 years.” David Schildknecht – Wine Advocate – 89 Points!

2006 Quinta Vale D. Maria ($39.99)

• The 2006 TINTO QUINTA VALE D. MARIA has a beautiful nose, floral with blue fruit and vanilla nuances. It is a little too marked by oak at the moment, but the oak has a chance to integrate in that this wine has a chance to age. In other words, this has pretty good structure for a 2006 and it drank quite nicely the next day. In fact, with some of the oak integrating and the wine’s structure more apparent, it showed far better the next day. This aromatic wine is one of the nicer ‘06s. It will be approachable early, but it could use some time. Drink 2010-2019.” Mark Squires – Wine Advocate – 92 Points!

2006 Sierra Cantabria ($44.99)

• “The 2006 Collecion Privada was sourced from some of the estate’s oldest Tempranillo vines. Malolactic fermentation was in barrel and the wine was aged for 18 months in new French and American oak. It gives up an alluring bouquet of pain grille, liquid mineral, lavender, incense, and blackberry. On the palate it is layered, medium to full-bodied, ripe, and complex. Give this lengthy effort 3-4 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2026.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate – 92 Points!

Hope to see you all out this weekend!

This Friday at Harvest Ranch El Cajon we will explore our favorite growing regions for California’s most iconic grape, the Zinfandel.

Periodically, Zinfandel comes into style and then goes out of fashion.  It’s currently “in” like never before, with hot new restaurants in wine country giving it prominent placement on their wine lists. In general, Zin has two styles: one from warm, inland regions, and one from cooler regions with some maritime influence.  The former tends to be the ripe, jammy style, and the latter a more elegant style.

We hope you’ll join us this week as we zero in on some of California’s top Zinfandel addresses, from Napa and Sonoma to Mendocino and Amador, and of course, Paso.

~ Patrick Campbell

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 16th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

This weeks selections: $15.00

Frog’s Leap Zin 2010 ($24.99 During Tasting)

• Luscious flavors of cherry and boysenberry–laced with hints of earth and spice–delight your palate. The resolved tannins and plush texture are balanced by a bright acidity. However, the beauty of this wine is its drinkability and with an alcohol of less than 14% you are assured a perfect partner for your backyard get-togethers. 91 Points – W&S

  Seghesio Sonoma Zin  2010 ($23.99 During Tasting)

• “Jammed with pepper and licorice, plus black raspberry, sage and smoke.  Still youthful and unpolished, but promises much.” 90 Points – Wine Spectator

Trinitas Mendocino Zin 2009 ($19.99 During Tasting)

• Juicy strawberry and blackberry fruit with an inkling of lavender and dark chocolate will work with barbecue sauces, especially those with a bit of sweetness. The fruit is kept fresh and lively with acidity, and the wine finishes with smooth, ripe tannins that make the wine a pleasure to drink.

Renwood Amador Zin 2010  ($16.99 During Tasting)

• This classic old vine character also exhibits notes of lavender. On the palate full in body and very ripe the dark fruit on the first taste melds into mildly spicy fruit with a hint of roasted coffee towards the end. Overall this dusty and bold wine offers ample flavor. 94 Points Gold – LAWC

Opolo Paso Zin 2010 ($25.99 During Tasting)

• If you like your Zins big and rich, Opolo is where it’s at.  An intense nose of sweet red fruits, quince, and berry compote lead to a palate showing layers of black raspberry and plum preserves with accents of vanilla and caramel. There is a hint of smokey spice at the finish.

See you all at the tasting!

On Friday we will be sampling some great wines from Trinitas Cellars.

Trinitas celebrates the connection among sun, soil, and humanity by working closely with its grower society throughout the Napa Valley and other wine growing regions in Northern California. Furthermore, Trinitas sources a broad range of varietals from the regions where climate and soil conditions are most favorable. Small quantities of these exceptional grapes are then handcrafted into an approachable, California wine to be enjoyed as an aperitif or with food. Some of our best wines come from historical vineyards in Northern California with a selection of vines that are over a century old.

On Saturday we will be sampling some more great wines from Italy.

Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world and Italian wines are renowned worldwide both for their quality and for their broad variety. Italy shares with France the title of largest wine producer in the world, its contribution representing about 1/3 of world production. Italian wine is exported around the world and is also extremely popular in Italy: Italians rank fifth on the world wine consumption list by volume with 42 litres per capita consumption. Grapes are grown in almost every region of the country and there are more than one million vineyards under cultivation.

I hope to see you out this weekend.

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, August 9th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 10th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, August 9th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring the wines of Trinitas Winery:

2010 Napa Sauvignon Blanc ($22.99)

• We split the fermentation into two portions tank and barrel. By doing this we create complexity. The tank fermented portion (84%) is fermented at very low temperature. A cool slow fermentation allows a larger amount of fruity esters to stay in the wine. While the barrel fermented wine (14%) absorbs color, flavor, sugar, and aromatics of spice, vanilla, and toast. The barrels also build structure and lengthen the finish by adding tannin.

2011 Carneros Chardonnay ($27.99)

• The Trinitas 2011 Chardonnay is from the Los Carneros appellation of the Napa Valley. Barrel aging in American oak lends to aromas of toasty, sun- kissed straw. Under the toast, subtle hints of bright citrus, vanilla, and toffee will fill your glass. Secondary fermentation creates a mid-palate with rich flavors of creamy butter and caramel. The medium toasted barrels provide the caramel and butterscotch notes. The surprisingly bright finish lingers with hints of baked granny smith apple.

2010 Carneros Pinot Noir ($44.99)

• The aroma draws you in with toast and caramel dipped apple notes, which progress into scents of cherry cola, cedar box, tobacco, mocha, and black tea. The palate is rich and round in the mouth and quite full for a Pinot. The flavors are heavily influenced by cola berry and cherry, which enhance the smoothness and drinkability of the wine.

2007 Mendocino Zinfandel ($29.99)

• Zinfandel, like this is a great wine for backyard barbecues. Its juicy strawberry and blackberry fruit with an inkling of lavender and dark chocolate will work with barbecue sauces, especially those with a bit of sweetness. The fruit is kept fresh and lively with acidity, and the wine finishes with smooth, ripe tannins that make the wine a pleasure to drink. I’d like to set some aside to age but it’s so good I keep drinking it all. To quote Tony Montana “Don’t get high on your own supply.”

2007 Napa Cabernet ($49.99)

• The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts distinctive flavors which were heightened with the 2007 growing season. It is deep and concentrated with balance and structure. Bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice lead to a full palate of blackberries, cherries and cocoa. The mid-palate is full and leads to a bright long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee. The mouth is full, supple, and rich. Flavors of chocolate, espresso, and plum add to the lengthy finish.

Saturday, August 10th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

Featuring wines from Italy

2011 Masi Masianico ($17.99)

• This well-constructed blend combines the freshness, fruitness and the aromatic finesse of pinot Grigio, the epitome of Italian white wine, with the full-bodied smoothness of verduzzo. Citrus, white flowers, and honey on the nose followed by a palate marked by peaches, apricots, and a hint of lemon zest.

2006 Cantina Kellerei Porphyr ($54.99)

• The 2006 Lagrein Riserva Porphyr is perfumed and delicate in its mineral-infused blackberries, scorched earth, minerals and flowers. This is a relatively subdued vintage for Porphyr yet the wine flows with gorgeous balance and persistence. The finish is refined and polished. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.” Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2008 Poggio Antico ($34.99)

• Poggio Antico’s 2008 Rosso di Montalcino offers up delicate, perfumed red fruit in a mid-weight, somewhat fleeting style. Ideally the wine is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 88 Points!

2006 Valdisanti ($39.99)

• The estate’s 2006 Valdisanti is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Here the fruit is marvelously rich and decadent, with layers of cherry preserves, roasted coffee beans, new leather and French oak all woven together in fabric of notable class. The sheer richness of the fruit should allow the Valdisanti to develop gracefully in bottle for a number of years. Dried flowers and mint linger on the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2004 Cascina Morassino Ovello ($49.99)

• The estate’s 2004 Barbaresco Ovello presents a much darker color as well as a heavier dose of oak than the Morassino. Ovello is one of the region’s most distinctive sites, so it is a shame to see much of its detail covered by the oak, which also contributes to the harder tannins on the finish. Still, this is beautifully made wine with a dark, spiced personality and plenty of style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.

Hope to see you all out this weekend!