2008 Thea Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley (California)
THEA is a small family-owned winery in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California. They practice organic and sustainable farming methods in collaboration with our vineyard manager, Sonoma County farming legend Duff Bevill. “Thea is unusual in Sonoma County because it specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, and that focus is why this is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs from the area. Proprietors Daniel Donahoe and Alexis Woods had access to some of the best vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. Woods’ father founded Clos du Bois and still has extensive vineyard holdings in the area. The vineyards are farmed using organic methods, and the wine is made by Bill Knuttel, who is head winemaker at well-known Dry Creek Vineyard. This is a fresh, crisp wine with flavors of grapefruit, pear and tropical fruit. It’s well-balanced and extremely refreshing — the perfect wine for a fall day. Have a glass as an aperitif, or enjoy it with all kinds of lighter food: salads, fish, shellfish, chilled pasta salad.” Jonathan Newman – 91/100
2009 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand)
“Elegant and vibrant, this mouthwatering wine offers lime and tequila flavors that are reminiscent of a margarita, but remains light, refined and distinctive.” Rated 89 by The Wine Spectator
-A mini comparison tasting of Sauvignon Blanc
2004 Sosabe Cellars Zinfandel Lodi (California)
Pronounced (Soh-saa-bee) meaning fun in the Cape-Verdean language is the essence and inspiration of our wines. Well balanced, with flavors, smoothness and complexities, enjoyable for any occasion.
Sosabe Cellars is a boutique family owned winery located in St. Helena. Founders Nuias and Sabino de Pina have a long lineage in Napa Valley, dating back to the 1930s when their grandfather and great uncle emigrated from Cabo Verde Island and settled in California.
Early in his career, Nuias learned all aspects of winemaking as Cellar Master at Raymond Vineyards. Falling in love with the industry, he studied viticulture and enology to fulfill his vision of having his own label. His younger brother Sabino joined him to establish Sosabe Cellars. prestige.premiergroup.net
2007 Klinker Brick Old Vin Zinfandel Lodi (California)
With an average age of the vines at 85 years and yields below 3 tons per acre, this wine has aromas of fresh blackberry, raspberry, pepper and cedar. Showing exceptional balance on the palate, there are rich flavors of berry pie with a long, lingering finish. klinkerbrickwinery.com
-A mini comparison tasting of Zinfandel
2005 Sarah’s Vineyard Syrah Besson Vineyard Santa Clara Valley (California)
“Sweet tannin and plenty of spice as well as a distinct damp earth/forest floor note intermixed with flowers, black currants, and cherries all make for a complex aromatic and flavor profile in this wine from the Santa Clara Valley. Sweet tannin in the finish and broad, savory flavors only add to the appeal of this wine, which can be drunk now or cellared for 5-6 years.” Rated 90 by The Wine Advocate
2003 Vasse Felix Shiraz Margaret River Western (Australia) – $26
“The estate-bottled 2003 Shiraz (actually a blend of 85% Shiraz, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color followed by a floral, black currant, mint, and toasty American oak-scented bouquet, and a creamy, rich finish with excellent concentration as well as precision. It should drink well for 5-7 years.” Rated 89 by The Wine Advocate
-A mini comparison tasting of Syrah/Shiraz
BONUS WINE: 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (California)