tastes of - Vintages

DISCOVER OUR LATEST • SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
USA – RED WINE CONT’D
CALIFORNIA
CHALK HILL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
Chalk Hill, Sonoma County
TASTING NOTE: Ripe, full-bodied and richly
flavored, with tiers of black cherry, plum, anise
and blueberry unfolding gracefully. This holds
its focus and ends in a long, persistent finish. Drink
now through 2016. Score: 91 (James Laube,
winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2009)
990168 (D) 750 mL $44.95 2
FREEMARK ABBEY MERLOT 2008
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: A very successful vintage for
Freemark Abbey’s wines overall, and this young,
intensely concentrated Merlot is a star of the
year. Quite tannic now, with delineated blackberry,
cherry, cassis, cola and spice flavors, its best
years are ahead. Cellar this impressive wine for
4-6 years. Score: 94 (Steve Heimoff, Wine
Enthusiast, May 2011)
001602 (XD) 750 mL $29.95 3
GIRARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: This dark garnet colored Cab
opens with a mild black cherry bouquet with hints
of blackberry, cedar and leather. On the palate,
this wine is medium bodied, balanced, soft, and
smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty black cherry
with a hint of old oak and cinnamon. The finish is
dry and its dusty tannins are sticky and linger a
bit. The panel suggested paring this wine with Kobe
burgers or lamb chops. (Very Good) Score: 89
(Ken Hoggins, kenswineguide.com, Oct. 6, 2010)
231712 (XD) 750 mL $32.95 2
24 VINTAGES SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
KUNDE ZINFANDEL 2007
Sonoma Valley
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby with a hint of garnet.
Aromas of blueberry, ripe plum and wet earth with
touches of cloves and pepper. Dry and mediumfull
bodied, the palate follows through on the great
promise of the nose with offerings of deep, dense
ripe fruit and spices. This is a classic Zin, very well
made and showing the complexity and poise to
reward 2-3 years in the cellar. It can be enjoyed
tonight with barbecued steak or pulled pork.
(VINTAGES panel, June 2011)
965921 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 2
MATCHBOOK SYRAH 2007
Dunnigan Hills
(JL Giguiere)
A Silver Medal winner at the 2011 California
State Fair.
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby in the glass, with rich
notes of sweet blueberry, vanilla and spice on the
nose. Ripe and full, the palate is dry, balanced and
very well structured. Blueberry, plum, and mulberry
tones combine, made all the more interesting by
a spicy mid-palate. Medium tannins, a crisp acidity
and a long, spicy finish. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing,
great-value wine with a barbecued steak, ribs or
gourmet burgers. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2010)
235978 (XD) 750 mL $18.95 2
RODNEY STRONG KNOTTY VINES
ZINFANDEL 2008
Northern Sonoma
From one of the pioneers of modern Sonoma.
Pair this ideal barbecue wine with lamb chops,
or grilled steaks.
TASTING NOTE: Mild sun-dried tomato and
cherry butter aromas with a supple, satiny dryyet-fruity
medium-to-full body and a smooth
blackberry cobbler a la mode finish. Tasty. Highly
Recommended. Score: 88 (tastings.com,
Oct. 11, 2010)
363358 (XD) 750 mL $22.95 1