Edge Wines…2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $29.95

The Edge Cabernet Sauvignon is not a new wine for us however it has been a while since we have been able to offer it through the Consignment Program. Edge is the result of a partnership that came together with the goal of producing a premium Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at a very competitive price. Blended by a very notable winemaker, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon drinks wonderfully now and will age well for 5 to 8 years. We think that you will agree that the Edge represents superior quality at a reasonable price.

2004 Edge Cabernet Sauvignon – medium to full-bodied on the palate with flavours of ripe cassis, vanilla and hints of blackberry. A long finish, accented by soft, silky tannins.

Honig Cellars…2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $46.95

The history of this winery began in 1964 with the purchase of a 68-acre ranch in the heart of the Napa Valley. Well known for producing excellent Sauvignon Blanc the winery began to produce small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 80’s. The winery is committed to sustainability which as they say, “ is a way of doing well while doing good “.

2003 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon … ripe plum and black raspberry flavours are framed by vanilla, allspice and some toasty oak. Intense fruit flavours and rich round mid-palate are followed by cocoa and black cherry on the finish.

J. Lohr…2003 Cuvee St. E., Paso Robles $68.95 (6 pks.)

Many of you are already very familiar with wines from J. Lohr, which is located in Paso Robles roughly half way between L.A. and the Napa/Sonoma.  The J. Lohr Cuvee Series was designed to allow the winemakers a chance to blend small premium lots into cuvees that represent the basic varietals grown in three different areas of Bordeaux. This wine which is meant to showcase Cabernet Franc also has Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a very small amount of Merlot.

2003 Cuvee St. E. – deep dark purple in colour, a nose that is very briary with blackberry and currant fruits and has touches of mint coffee and chocolate.

Ladera Vineyards…2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $45.95 and the 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $84.95
(6 pks.)

Ladera Vineyards is a relatively new winery for us, the wines having been featured for the first time at our Portfolio Tasting on October 11th  2006. The story behind the winery is essentially the tale of two vineyards almost at opposite ends of the Napa Valley. The Lone Canyon Vineyard on the flank of Mt. Veeder ranges in altitude up to 1,100 feet while the Howell Mountain property ranges in altitude from 1,600 feet to 1,800 feet.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley … characterized by the fruit forward aromas of bright cherry, raspberry and black fruits. The palate is soft and approachable with elegant velvety tannins.

2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon … this wine shows the intense fruit of well drained hillside and mountain vineyards. It is full of toasty wood, blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. The wine scored 95 points in Wine& Spirits Magazine (October 2006). 

Miner Family Winery…2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay $40.95 & 2004 Wild Yeast Chardonnay, Napa Valley $65.95 (6 pks)

Last May we had the opportunity to visit this winery and to meet with a number of Dave Miner’s staff. It was one of those warm early summer days and we had an amazing time tasting many of Dave’s wines including a barrel tasting of these two wines. Both of these Chardonnays are hand crafted in the Burgundian style using carefully selected fruit from low yielding hillside vineyards for great natural acidity.

2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay … brisk, sleek on the palate and extremely well balanced, this wine is suited to a wide range of foods.

2004 Wild Yeast Chardonnay … made using only indigenous yeast cultures on the skins of the grapes themselves results in a wine that retains its vital acidity along with an incredible freshness and richness. Aromas of vanilla and pear are followed by effusive fruit flavours and subtle toastiness on the palate.

Merryvale Vineyards… 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley $53.95 & 2003 Profile, Napa Valley $127.00 (6 pks)

Merryvale which was founded in 1983 sits in the centre of St. Helena, Napa Valley on the site of the first winery that was built in the valley following Prohibition. The 2 wines that we have chosen to feature are the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and the 2003 Profile.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve… is a blend from vineyards in Oakville, Oak Knoll District and Rutherford. The wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc added to soften mouthfeel and add aromatic complexity.

2003 Profile… is a blend of many of the wineries finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes were chosen for their concentration, depth of flavour and fine tannin structure. The wine is opulently structured, very concentrated and should develop complexity for up to 10 years in the bottle.

Peter Franus…2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $58.95

In trying to put down some thoughts on Peter Franus and his wines I went to his website where I found the following comment on his wine making philosophy. “ It reaffirmed my notion that wine is a sensual experience, and my goal remains to provide as much pleasure as I can, whatever the wine “. Peter does not produce a lot of different wines, four to be exact however they are all impressive and the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley … this extracted wine which was aged in oak for 17 months displays aromas of allspice, lavender, bay and cassis. It strikes a perfect balance between the lushness of the mouth that makes Cabernet Sauvignon what it is and the firmness of structure.

Optima Winery…2004 Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel $34.95

I think that both Mike and Nicol Duffy would agree that the majority of their time and effort is directed at making the best possible wines that they can. While the winery’s history and focus centres around Cabernet Sauvignon they also make a great Petite Sirah and the Dry Creek Zinfandel.

2004 Dry Creek Zinfandel … the 2004 Zinfandel is a ripe full flavoured yet exceptionally easy going wine. It delivers the distinct raspberry nose along with black cherries and vanilla. The fruit is well integrated into a spicy background of subtle sweet oak and the flavours blend together in a rich round mouthfilling finish.      

Signorello Vineyards…2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $52.95

The original plan for the Signorello family was to sell their grapes to existing wineries, however a bountiful crop in 1985 allowed them to custom crush and produce their own wine. Since that year, there have been a lot of changes including a new winery in 1986. There are now 42 acres under cultivation and Ray Signorello Jr. is committed to both grape growing and wine making. The Estate Program follows traditional French winemaking practices.

2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon … the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose that opens to black currant, vanilla and hints of cedar. There is a lush full bodied palate with flavours of ripe cassis tobacco and vanilla. The finish is intense, long and velvety and this wine should drink well through till 2018.

Keenan…2003 Merlot, Napa Valley $46.95

This was also one of the wineries that we had an opportunity to visit in May of 2006. The winery and vineyards are located on Spring Mountain roughly 1,700 feet above the Napa Valley floor. A long hike up, but definitely worth the drive rewarding those who are patient with spectacular views of the Valley. The Keenan winery focuses on 3 varietals; Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While initially known for its Cabernet Sauvignon the late 80’s and 90’s saw the winery develop a reputation for excellent Merlot as well.

2003 Merlot … the 2003 is a blend of Estate grown Merlot, Merlot fruit from the Napa Carneros region and 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon has been added in order to add further complexity and structure. The wine shows intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry and cassis. This is a “big” Merlot which should age well for many years.

Oakville Ranch Vineyards…2005 Chardonnay, Napa Valley $44.95

The winery is located on a sloping plateau that rises to 1,400 feet above the Silverado trail on the East side of the Napa Valley. Striking in its unique character is the vibrant, almost otherworldly, rusty-red hue of the rocky vineyard soil. This signature component of terroir expresses itself in all the wines of Oakville Ranch Vineyards — a subtle but identifiable mineral character threaded through the expansive and powerful fruit.

2005 Chardonnay … is one for the purist. Crisp, natural acidity and the ranch’s distinctive “minerality” are evident in the bright and vibrant wine from 2 vineyard blocks Vista & Plateau. Fully integrated oak flavours provide nuance and spice.