Top Wines of the Week

Each year around this time we start to wind down our tastings so that we can focus more on all of our clients and their personal and gifting needs. With that being said, we still had an amazing week of new wines to taste. Here are a few of our favorites.

2006 Ramey ‘Husdon Vineyard’ Chardonnay, Carneros

Wine Spectrum 95+: Also north of the Carneros Highway, but further west, the terrain here is more rolling than that of Hyde, the soil lighter and more friable. This year’s bottling is the first to come entirely from B-block, planted in 2001 to a Wente selection from the Hyde Vineyard, so the vines were seven years old this vintage and just coming into their maturity. Hudson Vineyard wines tend to a more muscular, masculine character—broad-shouldered, if you will.

2013 Stanton Petite Sirah, St. Helena

Wine Spectrum 94+: Consistent and loyal fans of Stanton Petite Sirah will not be disappointed with this 2013 offering. This fruit-driven Petite Sirah is every bit as rich, opulent, and structured as previous Stanton Petite Sirahs. It’s dark brooding texture is masterfully integrated to allow the chocolate berry fruit to shine bright against a nice oak finish. Made by Dave Phinney of Orin Swift wines. 100% Petite Sirah. 273 cases produced.

2012 Jonata ‘Todos’ Red Wine, Santa Ynez Valley

Wine Spectrum 94, Wine Advocate 93: A great wine, the 2012 Todos Proprietary Red Wine offers terrific notes of black and red raspberry fruits, toasted bread and spice. As it sat in the glass, more classic Syrah olive, bacon and a touch of violet all developed. Medium to full-bodied, juicy, mouthfilling and loaded with sweet fruit, it doesn’t skimp on structure and will have at least a decade of longevity. Think of this as a mini-La Sangre. The blend here is 75% Syrah with 7% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance a mix of varieties.

2013 Andronicus Red Wine, Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 94:A berry basket of aromas immediately greet your nose with blackberry, ripe strawberry and raspberry, while reminiscences of Schwarzwalderkirschtorte add depth with German chocolate and cream. On the palate, dark cherry candy and tart plum entwine, revealing great acidity and balance as blackberry and very light vanilla lead you towards well integrated oak and a sweet, red-fruit finish. Another delicious vintage of Andronicus, the 2013 is lush, lively and quaffable. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Malbec.

2012 Darms Lane ‘Bon Passe Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 94: Our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals generous notes of blackberry, mocha, and gingerbread. Full-body with fine-grained and supple tannins, the palate is bold and a bit chewy with mouthwatering flavors of dark chocolate, fig and cherry. Our 2012 shows the typical concentrated palate of the Bon Passe thus we recommend some decanting. The density of the palate and more savory flavor profile make it an ideal pairing for grilled meats and hearty dishes. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot. 600 cases produced. 

2013 The Paring Sauvignon Blanc, California

Wine Spectrum 94: Exotic and enticing nose with lemon grass and fresh ginger. Citrus oil, lemon zest, chamomile tea with honey. Lemon custard and dried pear on the attack. Voluptous, yet also fresh and energized. Full bodied with a touch of semillon density. Savoury notes. Mouthwatering vibrancy. A wine defined by the sun, but built on a strong foundation of mouthwatering acidity. 750 cases produced.