We have two blockbuster events on tap for this weekend. I know many of you missed us not being around last week, so we plan to make it up to you with a powerhouse schedule. On Friday we will take a little tour of France. Many of you remarked that the last tour of France was the best wine tasting we have had yet. So let’s go back to the well this week. We will start in Burgundy with a Premier Cru Chablis and a high quality Pinot Noir. Then we will move to Bordeaux for a couple of wonderful Baron de Lafit Rothchilds wines. We will culminate our tour in Chataneuf-du-Pape, with the 93 Point Andre Brunel CDP. Wow!
On Saturday Jeffrey Cruz from Duckhorn Winery will be present to tell us all about five different wines from Duckhorn. Jeffrey does the wine tasting events for Duckhorn in California, and knows the wines thoroughly. If we are ever going to have an expert here, Jeffrey is the one. It will not be a tasting event to miss. Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent more than 30 years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.
~ Jason Perry
Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:
Friday, October 11th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 12th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map
Friday, October 11th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
Featuring “A Tour of France”:
2009 Patrick Puize Premier Cru Chablis ($54.99)
- Patrick Piuze’s resume includes stints with Olivier Leflaive, Jean-Marie Guffens and Domaine Brocard. A desire for more of a hands-on approach in all facets of winemaking led Piuze to start his own micro-negociant operation a few years ago. All of the wines are fermented with ambient yeasts and are aged on their lees in steel and neutral oak with no batonnage “The 2009 Chablis Butteaux shows more focus than the Forets. Clean, well-articulated aromatics yield to beautifully nuanced fruit in this nicely balanced Chablis. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate – 90 Points
2011 Barons de Rothchilds Bordeaux ($19.99)
- “The Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Blanc is a terrific wine for everyday drinking. It is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. While predominantly Semillon, the nose of the wine showcases the Sauvignon Blanc component with aromas of grapefruit peel, lemons and limes. On the palate, the Semillon helps to balance the more volatile Sauvignon Blanc, making the wine softer and rounder and adding in flavors of oranges and orange marmalade. Together, these two grapes make a food-friendly and delicious wine, perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, grilled fish or even a pasta primavera dish.” Winemaker Notes
2006 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny ($44.99)
- “Fine lace and silk are the words most often associated with this wine. It has a bright, and intense color and complex aromas evoking violet, black cherry and damp earth. According to the vintages, there are also notes of truffle and game. Refined tannins coat the palate. Good balance between texture and acidity. This wine shows a long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit.” Véronique Boss-Drouhin
2007 Chateau d’ Armailhac Grand Cru ($54.99)
- “Slightly dullish deep red. Aromatic nose offers currant, tobacco leaf and herbs lifted by a peppery quality. Juicy and light on its feet, with brisk acidity and a repeating peppery quality giving precision and energy to the perfumed mid-palate. Very crisp, delineated wine that can be enjoyed soon or held.” Steven Tanzer – 90 Points
2010 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.99)
- This has a nice old-school edge, with toasted chestnut and singed juniper notes leading the way for dark cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. A strong tarry spine drives the finish, where hot stone, lavender and tobacco lurk as well. For the cellar. Only 100 cases imported. – JM - Wine Spectator – 93 Points
Saturday, October 12th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
Featuring wines of Duckhorn Winery:
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent more than 30 years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.
2012 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc ($31.99)
- A barrel-fermented style of Sauvignon Blanc, fermented for five months sur lie in 100% new French oak, it’s 83% Sauvignon Blanc with the addition of 17% Sémillon. Like most grapes in the region, the Sauv Blanc set a huge crop, but the long, warm growing season brought it to ripeness just fine. Expect richness and tropical fruit, melons in the glass.
2011 Duckhorn “Migration” Chardonnay ($29.99)
- Capturing both the sophistication and richness of cool-climate Russian River Valley Chardonnay, this wine displays inviting aromas of pineapple and fresh pear, alongside notes of nectarine, Meyer lemon and orange zest. The stone fruit and citrus elements continue on the palate, with layers of nectarine, tangerine and lemon curd, as well as hints of crème brulee, Gravenstein apple and subtle toast notes. Though the mouthfeel is long and rich, the wine’s natural acidity adds poise, focus and balance.
2010 Duckhorn Merlot ($59.99)
- Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from our Estate Vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation.
2010 Duckhorn Cabernet ($64.99)
- At Duckhorn Vineyards we have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978. Bringing together fruit from Estate vineyards and top independent growers, this wine embodies the flavorful complexity of Napa Valley winegrowing, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance to classic Cabernet elements of currant, cherry and plum, the blend also includes Merlot, yielding a layered with that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring.
2010 Paraduxx Z Blend ($49.99)
- Fusing the robust flavors of California’s native Zinfandel with the grandeur of Cabernet Sauvignon, Paraduxx has embraced the best of both core varietals to produce a world-class blend with a decidedly Californian personality. It has aromas of bright ripe raspberry and blackberry notes, deeper elements of molasses, nutmeg and caramel, and hints of vanilla, pepper and dried sage. On the palate, this wine is rich and mouth-coating with abundant blackberry jam, bramble and holiday spice. 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast!
Hope to see you all out this weekend!