2008 Burgess Cellars Napa Valley Merlot

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Mission Codename: Spring Forward

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: With Howell Mountain’s Burgess Cellars under extended surveillance, rush to procure their newest Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Burgess Cellars

Wine Subject: 2008 Estate Merlot

Winemaker: Steve Burgess

Backgrounder: Our Operatives love Burgess Cellars’ Napa Valley wines. The 2005 vintage that we featured previously became a best-seller and we have been unable to procure any of the subsequent vintages – until today, when we were given a special preview allocation of the Steve Burgess’ stellar 2008 Estate Merlot, a delicious wine that is sure to please fans of fantastic Merlot.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby red, with darker see-through core. Even coloration runs from the heart of the wine all the way out to the meniscus. When swirled, tall, skinny, wine-colored tears run from high up on the glass wall, thinning as they move very slowly downward.

Smell – Sweet and fresh with young blackberry, red currant, black currant, brambly raspberry and softly toasted oak. Swirl the wine and it really springs to life, exuding additional aromas of sweet black licorice, soft leather, Bing cherry, dark minerals and cocoa.

Feel – Light-weight and soft on the attack. Then, as the wine settles onto the palate, it gains texture, weight and complexity. Moderate, integrated tannins provide structure, while bright acids support the delicious fruit.

Taste – Blackberry, black currant, black cherry and brambly raspberry take the lead. When the wine really opens up (keep swirling and witness a wonderful transformation), it reveals sweet plum, sweet black licorice, smoky cherrywood and a hint of spice.

Finish – Long and flavorful, with bright red fruit that lingers for a long time, gradually tailing off you dark berry, spice and sweetwood flavors. At the very end, a soft minerality enhances the easy dryness.

Conclusion – The 2008 Burgess Celllars Estate Merlot is a true delight to drink! This wine is a juicy, delicious, balanced Merlot and any lover of the varietal will go bonkers for it. Sweet, juicy fruit is beautifully balanced against earthy, savory aromas and flavors and the feel is initially soft – and then complex. Textured and mouthcoating, but still soft, juicy and elegant, this wine is as intriguing as it is delicious. This wine is a perfect food companion, and it provides a tasty cleanse of the palate between bites. Pair with a juicy porterhouse or a fatty prime rib. Enjoy this wine, now, or cellar for the next several years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Steve Burgess

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: We are into terroir and brilliance.

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1972


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Steve. We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 Napa Valley Estate Merlot today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

STEVE BURGESS: You are welcome. We always love sharing our wines with you network of spies,”terroirists,” and foodie operatives.

WHITE: Excellent! Tell me, was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

STEVE: Europe in the 1960s. I could tell you more, but, you know…

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

STEVE: Europe in the 1960s.

WHITE: ‘Nuff said. Who do you make wine for?

STEVE: We make wine for ourselves – in a style that isLOVED by chefs, foodies, and serious-wine people.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

STEVE: This is an incredible wine. It has focus, purity and is packed with flavor.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

STEVE: A wine of incredible focus, purity, and packed with flavor!

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes your Napa Valley vineyards so special?

STEVE: The well-drained bench land soils, cool nights and hot days.

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

STEVE: Fine-tuning. Lots of fine tuning…

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

STEVE: With an open mind, mouth, and a curiosity as to “Wow, why is this so different and great? Where have you been all my life!”

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

STEVE: Please visit Burgess, we have the best view of the Napa Valley to enjoy while trying our estate-only wines. We are a part of Napa’s history, come see why!

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Burgess Cellars can be seen in thissatellite photo.

2007 Olabisi Wines Suisun Valley Petite Sirah

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Mission Codename: Le Roi de Cœur

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Olabisi Wine Cellars, in the town of Napa, and procure their the new release of their Petite Sirah, a 2007 that is one of their most popular wines.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Olabisi Wine Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Suisun Valley Petite Sirah, King Vineyard

Winemaker: Ted Osborne

Backgrounder: Petite Sirah’s California roots dates back to when it was believed to be a close relative of the Syrah grape. Later it would be found to be genetically identical to the Durif, named for its after French discoverer François Durif who found that the varietal was a Syrah grape pollinated with Peloursin flowers. Its smaller berries with higher skin to pulp ratio leads to more intense flavors. Another benefit of the smaller berries are tighter clusters that are more resistant to mildew. Currently Petite Sirah is less popular in France and increasingly popular in the United States

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark burgundy, with a very dark heart. The wine is clear, not opaque, but you really need strain your eyes to see through it. At the glass wall, a thick ring of beautiful magenta encircles the wine. After a swirl, tall, skinny, colored tears move very slowly down the glass.

Smell – Very aromatic, with bold fruit, spice and earthen scents leaping from the glass. Rich, ripe blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry are way out in front. Just behind these, dark chocolate, brown spice, dried leaves, leather and green tobacco leaf provide the perfect balance to all of the up-front fruit.

Feel – Full and mouth-coating almost immediately. Firm, well-integrated tannins provide a very plush, crushed-velvet feel. As soon as the wine passes the palate, a grippy dryness spreads all around the mouth, drying cheeks, tongue and lips.

Taste – Bold and dark with ripe blackberry, seared plum, darkest blueberry, currant and black cherry. As the wine opens up, additional flavors emerge, including cocoa powder, soft spice, chalky minerals and hints of star anise, black pepper and dried violets.

Finish – Extremely long, drying and packed with dark fruit flavors, that gradually yield to spice, minerals, dried dark flowers and black pepper at the tail end.

Conclusion – Thank you, Ted Osborne! We loved Ted’s fantastic 2006 Petite, but today’s 2007 King Vineyard Petite Sirah is simply remarkable. After about 20 minutes of decanting, we set about to review this wine. In that time, it really opened up on the nose and the palate, revealing far greater dimension and character. Where the wine had been a little tight, before, it now delivered a rush of aromas that could be sensed before even lifting the glass. Aromas and flavors, while bold and big, are very balanced. This wine does not slap you around like those from rival regions. We paired ours with a perfect, seared, rare New York strip steak, rubbed with Himalayan pink salt, cracked pepper and garlic. The combination was perfection! Be sure to stock up on this ready to drink, age worthy Petite Sirah.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the King Vineyard can be seen in thissatellite photo.

2006 Estancia Estates Reserve Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: The Essence of Soledad

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Estancia Estates and secure an allocation of their Reserve Chardonnay – before they run out.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Estancia Estates

Wine Subject: 2006 Reserve Chardonnay

Winemaker: Scott Kelley

Backgrounder: Monterey County is home to some of the finest Chardonnay in the country. The Wine Spies have featured several Monterey County Chardonnays and, every time, our Operatives have scooped them up enthusiastically. Today we mark our return to Estancia – and return, with the final cases of their stellar 2006 Reserve Chardonnay, a wine that is in perfect form and still approaching its peak.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Light golden yellow, with perfect clarity ad perfectly even coloration, from core to edge. Swirl the wine wine and marvel at round after round of tall, skinny tears that fall slowly down the glass.

Smell – Bold and full on the nose, lush fruit and dried flowers jump from the glass. Bright, zesty lemon, pineapple and Anjou pear take the lead. As it warms a little, dried white flower petals, flinty minerals and toasted oak round out the nose.

Feel – Soft, smooth and velvety on the tip of the tongue. As it settles onto the palate, this wine takes on a more medium-bodied feel. Soft minerals and a bright acidity add complexity.

Taste – Bright and zesty, with fresh lemon, acacia flowers, flint, toasty oak and a hint of Asian pear. As the wine opens up (allow it to warm slightly), it reveals darker citrus flavors and hints of softest spice, toasted vanilla bean and a subtle earthiness.

Finish – Long and complex, but clean and refreshing, with fruit and soft spice that last a very long time.

Conclusion – The 22006 Estancia Reserve Chardonnay is a delicious wine that is fresh, intriguing and just a little complex. Bold aromatics greet the nose before you even lift your glass for a sniff. Flavors are of authentic fruit, minerals, soft oak, white flowers, complex darker toasty vanilla and subtle spice. While this wine is a 2006, it was built for a little bit of aging. The wine is approaching its peak, and it probably has another year or two left in it, for optimal enjoyment. Quantities are very limited, as we got out hands on every last case that the winery had. Act quickly, as this wine will certainly sell out!

Mission Report:

Below is a recap of Agent Red’s recent interview with winemaker Scott Kelly when we featured another of his fantastic wines:

SUBJECT: Scott Kelley, Estancia

PLACE OF BIRTH: Salinas, CA

WINE EDUCATION: UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: General Manager and Director of Wine Making-Estancia

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Estancia’s winemaking philosophy continues to be firmly rooted in terroir, with the goal of producing wines that reflect the unique vineyards and appellations in which they are cultivated.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Pinot Noir

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Becoming GM and Director of Winemaking at Estancia.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “It begins and ends in the Vineyard.”

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Scott. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Estancia Reserve Meritage today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

SCOTT: Thank you very much. Always happy to chat with the Wine Spies!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

SCOTT: I knew I wanted to do this since I was seventeen. I grew up in agriculture family and had an early interest in chemistry while in high school. I really found winemaking to be the perfect blend of agriculture and chemistry. My older brother was into viticulture as well, so that probably influenced my career direction a bit.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

SCOTT: Growing up I had a lot of varied interests, not just in oenology but also in food science, so I pursued studies in Fermentation Science at the University of California at Davis. In addition to winemaking, I also explored the principles and science behind distillation, food engineering and even a little cheese-making. Since my brother and I were experimenting with home brewing during the summers, I took the opportunity to study at Davis’ Institute of Brewing Studies, eventually earning a Master Brewers Certificate. After Davis, I joined the Carmel Brewing Company, and eventually assembled a brewpub in Monterey from the ground up, formulating the recipes and brewing all the beer that we would serve on tap. I had always enjoyed the engineering side of things such as fluid dynamics and heat transfer, and working in a small brewpub allowed me to be hands-on throughout the brewing process and use some of the mechanical skills I learned growing up.
Ultimately though, I found that brewing didn’t really fulfill my creative side, and I found myself gravitating back toward winemaking. In 2000, I joined the Robert Mondavi family of wines working on a variety of brands that took me from Australia to Italy. These experiences abroad really shaped my philosophy about wine and winemaking, my travels to Italy clarified the synergy between wine and food, while making wine in Australia introduced me to a new approach with a focus on the details and the idea that you only get one chance to make a wine great.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

SCOTT: Winemaking fulfills my artistic side without giving up the innovative hands-on experience that keeps me in touch with my family’s roots in agriculture. I enjoy all of the challenges that each vintage presents in order to shape the style of wines we make at Estancia.. Our winemaking style is one that fully embraces the coastal terroir.

RED: Tell me, what makes the Monterey and the Central Coast region so special?

SCOTT: Born and raised in Monterey County, I have tremendous respect for the climate – the wind and fog and the impact it has on the fruit and wine. Whether it is using less oak in the Chardonnay to protect the tropical characters or fermenting Pinot Noir only in open-top fermenters to respect the silky tannins, I am really passionate about making estate-based wines that have truly have a reason for being.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

SCOTT: Estancia Meritage is a sophisticated, rich, complex and luscious wine harvested from the distinctive terroir of our Keyes Canyon Ranch and the Paso Robles AVA.. The 2006 Meritage was a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 8% Petite Verdot. This wine has vibrant, dark black cherries with hints of anise, rosemary and sage. Accents of chocolate powder and soft oak. Intense flavors of chocolate dipped black fruit, accompanied by notes of sweet oak. Wonderfully structured ripe tannins lead to a nice long, fruit driven finish.

In 1999, Estancia planted its Keyes Canyon Ranch, covering nearly 700 acres of vineyards in appellation of Paso Robles. This unique appellation is home to more extreme temperature swings than any other wine-growing region in California. During the day, the vines bask in the warm sunshine and at night they are soothed by a cool marine layer from the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the infertile soils and rugged terrain of Keyes Canyon, encourages the vines to yield small fruit clusters with tiny berries packed full of rich berry tones.

The 2006 harvest was compact due to a wet spring, cooler than average summer, and then a record blast of heat at veraison. September 26th marked the beginning of harvest which continued through October 26th.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

SCOTT: I think this wine is very versatile, but it would marry particularly well with steak or nicely grilled rack of lamb.

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

SCOTT: When I am not making wine, my fiancée Dena and I try to find time to pursue one of our many hobbies. We golf, cook, hunt, scuba diving and we go fly fishing for Steelhead in Oregon.

RED: What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

SCOTT: It’s tough to pick a “favorite” as it really depends on what time of year it is or what we might be enjoying for dinner. Pinot Noir is always a favorite, and I have to say that that the more we play around with the Grenache fruit that we have on some of our Estate properties the more excited I am getting about that varietal.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

SCOTT: Thanks, this has been a lot of fun. I hope everyone enjoys the Meritage…it’s one of my favorite wines to make each year.

Wine Spies Winery Check:
The location of the Estancia Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

Ruggeri Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 'Gold Label' DOCG

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Mission Codename: The Gold Standard

Operative: Agent Sparkle

Objective: Secure an exclusive Italian sparkler for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Ruggeri Valdobbiadene

Wine Subject: Prosecco di Valdobbiadene ‘Gold Label’DOCG

Backgrounder:

Prosecco, a native white grape of northeastern Italy originating in the village of the same same, shines as the preferred spumante, its favorite sparking wine and in Venice, at just about every cafe in the late afternoon it is served as the favorite aperitif and obrette for Venetians.

Some of the best Prosecco comes from around the villages of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene as is the case of today’s selection in the hills just north of Venice. Many Prosecco are slightly sweeter and less fizzy than its cousin Champagne, however, today’s selection is a fully dry Brut. Also, Prosecco is made differently from Champagne with its secondary fermentation taking place in pressurized tanks (a method called Charmat) as opposed to a secondary fermentation in the bottle (methode champenoise).

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Very pale straw yellow in color with a brilliant clear core, fine bubbles and vibrant effervescence that leaves a medium mouse. When swirled, slow medium thick legs ring and descend at varying speeds along the side of the glass.

Smell – Fresh, bright and youthful on the nose with aromas of citrus and orchard fruit, pleasantly perfumed floral notes, and a touch of orange blossom honey and a hints of minerality.

Feel – This demi-sec to dry Prosecco is both effervescent and smooth in its attack with its vibrant acidity and minerality that lingers long into this sparkler’s finish. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp with its spumante lingering on and on.

Taste – Fresh, sweet and tart flavors of citrus and orchard fruit including Meyers lemon, green apple and Clementine orange are framed and backed by a limestone minerality and the floral notes found on the nose. A touch of light honey, very subtle toasty and creaminess rounds out the bright fresh and clean flavors of this wine.

Finish – Crisp and clean with a lingering minerality that supports its fresh orchard and citrus and other flavors of this delicious sparkler.

Conclusion – The Ruggeri Prosecco di Valdobbiadene ‘Gold Label’ DOCG is fresh, bright and very clean with a dry crisp spamante mouth feel. A lovely wine to celebrate any of your spring festivities. Pair this wine with brunch, a light lunch, seafood or salad, or if you must, you can always make a perfect Bellini. Enjoy this wine right now as there is no reason to cellar this lovely fresh sparkler.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the village of Valdobbiadene in Italy can be seen in this satellite photo.

2006 Hendry Ranch Wines Napa Valley Red Wine

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Mission Codename: Pretty in Purple

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate Hendry Ranch, and procure their vaunted 2007 Block 28 Zinfandel. Before the winery sells out, procure an exclusive allotment for our Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Hendry Ranch

Wine Subject: 2006 Napa Valley Red Wine – Bordeaux Blend

Winemaker: George Hendry

Backgrounder: Bordeaux wines are usually a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. In France, perfection is achieved with the perfect balance of these grapes. Today’s 2006 Hendry Ranch Red Wine is a masterful blend of 42% Malbec (from Hendry’s Estate Block 14 vineyard), 26% Petit Verdot (Block 15) 21% Cabernet Sauvignon (Block 8), 7% Merlot (Block 13) and 4% Cabernet Franc (Block 26).

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest Bordeaux purple, when viewed side on. The wine is inky and darker, at its core, and it lightens to garnet at the edge. Spin the wine and take note of how it stains the glass before it coalesces into tight clusters of skinny tears.

Smell – Dark and spiced, with generous blackberry, burnt raisin and dark oak. As the wine airs out, black cherry, leather, dried violets and subtle pencil shavings.

Feel – Clean and light on entry. Then, immediately grippy and weighty as the wine settles onto the mid palate. A mineral-driven dryness spreads from the center of the palate, outward, drying the lips. Plush tannins give the wine a chewy feel.

Taste – Darkest cherry, overripe blackberry, grilled mission fig, dark plum, spice, oak and black licorice all work in equal proportion, driving big flavor from beginning to end.

Finish – Very long and flavor-filled, with black fruit and oak sustaining beyond the spice and licorice components. As the wine dries the palate, and the wine takes on a chewy feel, flavors tail off slowly, leaving behind oak and flinty minerals.

Conclusion – The 2006 Napa Valley Red Wine, from our great friends at Hendry, is a big, bold, delicious, flavor-packed Bordeaux Blend. Sourced from the winery’s own lovingly tended estate vineyards, this wine really impressed our tasting panel. Give the wine time to breath, after opening, and you’ll have a softer and more elegant experience with the wine. On opening, edges are a bit hard, but the wine really opens up and softens as it breaths. We had fun, spinning the wine in our glasses, and sipping every few minutes. The more we spun, the more we loved this wine. Pair with bolder dishes. Drink now, or cellar for up to ten more years!

Mission Report:


WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: George Hendry

WINE EDUCATION: 1963, I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from UCCalifornia at Berkeley in engineering. My years of experience in the vineyard and the laboratory are the resources I call upon in my search to achieve the delicate balance of terroir, clone, viticulture and enology.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: I aim to make wines that reflect the unique terroir of our ranch: wines with refinement, elegance and balance.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Wines should be good dinner guests: they should participate in the conversation, interact with the other guests (the food), but they should never dominate.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1995


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, George. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Napa Valley Red Wine today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

GEORGE: Thank you, Agent Red! We are thrilled to be back with The Wine Spies.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

GEORGE: Not a specific experience but a keen interest in wine and food pairing contributed substantially.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

GEORGE: The winemaking style of Tim Mondavi in the 80’s and 90’s.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

GEORGE: This wine is a Bordeaux blend. In the blend we use a lot of petite Verdot and Malbec. These grapes are not widely grown in Napa, but they do very well in our vineyard. Together they produce incredible color and contribute to the richness and complexity in this wine.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

GEORGE: This wine pairs well with rich foods and meats of all kinds. I love it with lamb.

RED: In your opinion, what makes your estate vineyard so special?

GEORGE: The Hendry vineyard is in the foothills north west of the city of Napa. We have been growing grapes here since my grandparents purchased the property in 1939. This latitude in the valley provides enough marine influence for a long growing season, but enough heat to ripen Cabernet in a cool year. It is a great spot.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

GEORGE: This harvest was one of our latest. We have finished picking, but will be draining and pressing tanks for a few more weeks.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

GEORGE: If you know us for our Cabernet Sauvignon, try one of our Chardonnays. If you know us for our Pinot Noir, try our Red Wine (a blend of our Bordeaux varietals). You may discover a new favorite. Most certainly you’ll discover another reason why Hendry is such a special place to grow grapes

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

GEORGE: Taste a lot of different wines, always with food.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

GEORGE: Thank you…

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Hendry Ranch Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2006 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Merlot

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Mission Codename: The Wrangler

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Saddleback Cellars, a Wine Spies Operative favorite, year after year. Procure their newest Napa Valley Estate Merlot, a wine that has been getting a great deal of attention among aficionados of the varietal.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Saddleback Cellars

Wine Subject: 2006 Merlot Napa Valley

Winemaker: Nils Venge

Backgrounder: The Oakville AVA, centrally located and adjacent to Napa Valley’s famous Rutherford AVA, was established in July 1993. Oakville is considered on of the most diverse AVA’s in the Napa area and grows some of the best Merlot and Cabernet in California. This wine is produced by the famed Nils Venge who is widely considered to be one of the best winemakers in the region.

To true wine lovers, Merlot is one of the finest wine varietals in the world. Today, Merlot continues to sell in record numbers across the US, outpacing most other varietals. Merlot is a sincere, food-fabulous wine for serious wine drinkers. Today’s wine raises the bar for Napa Merlot, by delivering a delicious, complex, fruit-forward wine with plenty of complexity.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest ruby hues, with a deeper and darker heart. As with the former vintage of this wine, a fine ring of bright red ruby encircles the wine. After swirling, skinny, wine-colored tears move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Heady and full on the nose, a big rush of jammy blackberry, raspberry, red plum and black currant leap from the glass. These are closely followed by leather, soft spice, dried fall leaves, blueberry, black cherry and hints of subtle cocoa, sweetwood and anise.

Feel – Soft and very smooth on entry. Then, the wine digs in at the mid-palate, adding a soft dryness as soft, plush tannins take hold. A fresh acidity gives the wine added life and complexity. Overall, the wine is silky and medium to full-bodied..

Taste – Dark mixed blackberry, black cherry, black plum and cassis step out in front. As the wine settles onto the palate, it reveals cherry candy, dried leaves, soft leather, toasty oak, soft spice and a hint of minerality.

Finish – Very long and full of dark fruit throughout. Gradually, the fruit fades and is replaced by spice and earthy characteristics. At the tail end, a soft, mineral dryness is accompanied by a hint of black pepper.

Conclusion – There is something very special about this wine. It shows great fruit, both on the nose and on the palate, but it was the overall balance that really captivated us. Earthiness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the fruit. Plush tannins balance against the initial softness. Lively acids provide seem to frame everything in a way as to make this lovely wine feelcomplete. A very food friendly wine with tons of flexibility, we can’t think of many foods that this wine would not work with. We paired ours with a wood oven pizza, with prosciutto, arugula and spicy red peppers. This pairing was a delicious treat, with the wine providing a tasty, between-bites cleanse. This 2006 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Merlot, which comes, in large part from the winery’s own Estate vineyard, ishighly recommended.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

NILS VENGE: The 2006 Saddleback Cellars Merlot is a hedonist’s dream! This delicious, concentrated wine has aromas of black currants, ripe plums, dark cherry licorice, and cocoa. It has a silky full bodied entry on the palate, with tamed/controlled tannins, plenty of sweet oak, and a luxuriously long finish. With proper storage, this wine will age admirably for ten years, however, we feel it is drinkable now.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

NILS: Merlot is a classic wine and should be paired with classic foods such as pasta and pizza. It’s everyday approach-ability pairs well with steak and blue cheese, roasted chicken with a wild mushroom demi glaze or even a Veal sausage rissoto. Pork and Lamb prepared grilled or roasted both uniquely match the layers of earth and fruit in the layers of the wine

RED: In your opinion, what makes the grapes for today’s Merlot so special?

NILS: This wine is a classic style worthy of distinction as a blend from the best of three Napa Valley vineyard sites. Our Oakville estate, where we have one and one-half acres planted, blended with grapes from the Truchard vineyard in Carneros, Napa as well as the Galleron vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

NILS: Now that spring is finally here we’ve been busy at the vineyard rotatilling rows, replacing end posts and fixing broken grape stakes. As much as we would like to kick back and enjoy the delayed warm weather, we are occupied by preparing for the 2012 growing season!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Saddleback Cellarscan be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 von Strasser Winery 'Rudy' Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mission Codename: Brilliant Successor

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to von Strasser Winery, a wine Spies Operative favorite. Procure their 2009 “Rudy” Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine whose prior vintage still holds the honor of being our Top 3 Best-Selling Cabernetof all time. Secure as many cases as possible.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: von Strasser Winery

Wine Subject: 2009 Rudy Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Rudy von Strasser

Backgrounder: Best known for its exceptional, ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, von Strasser Winery sits stop Napa Valley’s high-elevation, on Diamond Mountain. von Strasser Cabs are revered for their elegance and exceptional quality. Having recently wontwo perfect 100 Point scores for their Cabernets, von Strasser wines are in hot demand.

Winery Backgrounder: von Strasser winery is located in the Diamond District AVA (American Viticultural Area) at the northern tip of the Napa Valley. The higher elevation of the region sees more direct sunlight and less cooling that the rest of the valley, leading to the production of some of the most concentrated and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire Napa Valley.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Perfect ruby red, with perfectly even color, from the heart of the wine, out to the edge. After a hearty swirl, tall, skinny columns of tightly-spaced legs start high up on the glass, before running slowly downward.

Smell – Heady, lush and full, with bright aromas of juicy Bing cherry, red currant and cranberry. These sit just atop dried meats, dried violets, soft spice and a hint of sweetwood.

Feel – Softly grippy on entry, the wine then glides across the mid-palate. Then, it settles onto the entire palate, slowly introducing a spread dryness as fine tannins and a soft acidity bracket the delicious flavors of the wine.

Taste – Delicious and juicy, with black cherry and blackberry in even proportion. Then, a cascade of additional flavors seems to pour onto the palate, even after the wine is swallowed. Flavors include candied cherry, raspberry, soft brown spice, smoky red currant and hints of leather and soft spice.

Finish – Long, flavorful and very dynamic. As the initial flavors peak, follow-on flavors seem to appear out of nowhere. These last for a very long time, initially increasing before they fade. At the tail end, a softly peppery feel persists on the gums.

Conclusion – We were astounded with how excellent the 2008 Rudy was – and we are absolutely blown away by how much more we love the 2009 Rudy Cabernet Sauvignon! No hyperbole, here. This wine is spectacular and if you are looking for an approachable wine that drinks way above its price class, we give it our highest recommendation. Loaded with fruit, on the nose and on the palate, and delivering other complex flavors, this wine is an exciting and delicious treat. We paired ours with roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary, and herb-rubbed broiled chicken breasts. The combination was divine! Stock up, dear Operative, you won’t likely have the opportunity to purchase this wine, again.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The gorgeous location of the steeply sloping von Strasser vineyards, high atop Diamond Mountain, can be seen in this satellite photo

2006 Beringer Vineyards Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Merlot

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Mission Codename: The 1800

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to wine colossus Beringer Vineyardsand return with another of their excellent and exclusivelimited-production wines

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Beringer Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2006 Bancroft Ranch Vineyard Howell Mountain Merlot

Winemaker: Laurie Hook

Backgrounder: Merlot, one of the primary grape varietals from Bordeaux finds an exceptional home in the Napa Valley. The Howell Mountain sub-appellation is among the most famous of names in the valley and is primarily know for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and the other big Bordeaux varietals like Merlot. Today’s remarkable Merlot hails from the Bancroft Ranch Vineyard, which sits at 1800’ elevation, on the western slopes of Howell Mountain. At today’s price, this wine is a remarkable value.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest garnet, with a dense and darker core. Color is evenly maintained, from the core of the wine, right out to its fine red edges. When swirled, skinny clusters of tall, wine-stained tears move very slowly down the glass.

Smell – Bold and lush and loaded with dark fruit and wonderful spice. Blackberry, black cherry and cassis just leap from the glass to greet you on the nose. These are followed, closely, by braised plum, seared mission fig, cigar box, leather and brown spice. Just beneath these, hints of mint, black pepper and earthy mushroom round out the aromas.

Feel – Soft and slightly round on the attack. As the wine passes the mid-palate, it settles in and then coats the entire palate. Soft, ripe tannins and a fine acidity provide great structure and the perfect framing for the lush fruit.

Taste – Ripe, dark and very flavorful, this wine initially offers up ripe blackberry and black cherry, with a hint of smoky sweetwood. These are closely followed by plum, bramble, black tea leaf, leather and hints of caramel, lavender and black pepper. At the very end, dried black rose petal makes a long and mineral-laced appearance.

Finish – Long and full-flavored, black and red fruit slowly yield to earthy flavors, spice and creme brullee. Mineral and dried black flower petals persist, long after the fruit fades, drying the palate, slightly.

Conclusion – Elegant, delicious and filled with flavor, today’s 2009 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Merlot is one of the finest Merlot we have tasted in some time. Decant for at least 30 minutes for best results – and you’ll find the treasures that are buried within this initially shy wine. When it does open up, it really springs to life, driving deep aromatics and really terrific fruit flavors. Once opened up, this is a wine that you can smell long before you lift it to your nose. And, it is one that you can smell for a long time before you even take your first sip. Rich and concentrated, on the palate, this delicious wine is an obvious companion for a great meal. Pair with your favorite meat pasta or a herb-roasted chicken. Enjoy this wine now, but be sure to cellar a few bottles for the next 5 to 7 years.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Beringer Vineyards as well as their tasting room can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Aldrich Browne Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Syrah

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Mission Codename: Honoring the Past

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Respond to reports that Aldrich Browne is has crafted an extraordinary Single Vineyard Syrah from the Mednocino Ridge Appellation. If the wine is as good as the rumors suggest, procure an ample allotment for our Syrah-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Aldrich Borwne

Wine Subject: 2006 Mariah Vineyard Syrah

Winemaker: Boela Gerber

Backgrounder: Today’s is made by award-winning South African winemaker, Boela Gerber. For more than a decade, Boela has headed winemaking for South African wine powerhouse, Groot Constantia, one of the nations most prestigious wineries. When he’s not in South Africa, he makes small batches of premium California wines with his partners, under their Aldrich Browne wine label. Their specialty is Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Mendocino Ridge AVA, located along Coastal Mendocino County, to the north of Sonoma County, where the grapes for this delicious Syrah were grown. The actual AVA is centered between Hopland and Ukiah in the southern third of the county and are heavily influenced by the climate which is regulated by the mountain ridges that surround the upper Russian River. The deep alluvial and gravelly loam soils also contribute to the flavor profile of the grapes grown in the region. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are the primary grapes grown here, but Syrah thrives in small, cool-climate pockets along the coast.

The popularity of Syrah is undeniable. Big and bold in flavor and texture, it packs a concentrated punch of flavor that many people love. This Rhone varietal, although many believe that the grape originated in the Persia region, is 100% French in lineage. The Syrah grape is directly descendant from the Monduese Blanche and Dureza varietals and is grown worldwide with great success. Today’s delightful Syrah is a bold and balanced delight with deep flavors, dark aromatics and a voluptuous mouth feel

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark burgundy, with a clear but darker heart. Color is evenly concentrated, from core to rim, where a thin ring of magenta runs a circle around the glass. After spinning the wine, tall, thin, wine-colored tears move very slowly downward.

Smell – Lush and ripe, with blackberry, warm spiced plum and bramble leap from the glass. After spinning the wine for a while, it really comes alive, introducing follow-on aromas of dried meats, brown spice, dried violets, leather and cigar box.

Feel – Light and soft on initial entry, with a feminine feel that gradually expands to become more full, plush and complex. Integrated tannins and bright acids play together in perfect harmony, giving the wine greater complexity and texture.

Taste – Dark mixed berries mingle with earthy dark dried flower petals. Primary flavors include young blackberry, black cherry, plum, and cassis. As the wine opens up – after some hearty swirling – it reveals flavors of leather, dried meats, black pepper and dusty bramble.

Finish – Very long, with dark, lingering berry fruit that slowly yields to the darker flavors of dried meats and leather, along with the more earthen flavors of bramble and spice.

Conclusion – Today’s delicious Syrah delivers the best that Old World and New World have to offer, where the complex, earthen characteristics of Old mingle with dark, flavorful, New World fruit. Winemaker, Boela Gerber, brings his lifelong love of wine to bear on today’s delicious 2009 Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Syrah. The wine, which is a little shy on first pouring, really opens up and its fruit, texture and flavors really come to life. A balanced wine with plenty of complexity, this medium-acidity wine is an obvious companion for a great meal. Pair this wine with a savory pork loin or tangy ribs. Drinking very well now, we believe that this wine will continue to progress for the next several years.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the VINEYARD can be seen in thissatellite photo.

2008 Chateau Poitevin Medoc, Cru Bourgeois

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Mission Codename: Second to None

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit the Medoc and secure an exclusive allocation of a Cru Bourgeois for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Chateau Poitevin

Wine Subject: 2008 Medoc, Cru Bourgeois

Winemaker: Guillaume Poitevin

Backgrounder: The Médoc, on the tip of the Rive Gauche gets its name from the Latin medio aquaebecause it lies between the estuary of the the Girondeand the Atlantic Ocean. The region is best know as the home of some of Bordeaux best, and most expensive, wines. Many of the top wineries however, produce second and third label wines that while are not totally comparable to their top-shelf brethren, are extremely enjoyable. The wines of this region tend to be Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blended with any number of the other fine grapes in the region.

Today’s selection is 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and is designated Cru Bourgeois.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet with ruby red streaks and reflections that shine through its deeply hued but clear hear. Along the edges, the color only slightly pales. When swirled, evenly spaced medium thick legs race down the side of the glass to the wine below.

Smell – Bold and redolent with its green herbal, fennel and forest earth undertones frame the dark red and black fruit including black cherry, plum and ripe blackberry. Complex notes of cigar box, bittersweet chocolate and even some savory notes lead you in.

Feel – This dry wine is medium bodied with finely grained tannins and dusty minerality that balances its lively acidity providing well structured and mildly chewy mouthfeel.

Taste – Black cherry, plum and other dark fruit blend with the herbal, forest earth and savory notes found on the nose. A touch of bittersweet chocolate, tar and dark minerals are both felt and tasted. Slightly restrained on the palate, something that wouldn’t be evident from the bold nose gives this wine an elegant flavor profile..

Finish – Long and clean with the fresh sweetness of the fruit fading first leaving behind just hints of those flavors that linger with the other flavors while the mouth drying tannins and minerality that lasts and lasts.

Conclusion – The 2008 Chateau Poitevin Medoc, Cru Bourgeois is a lovely wine that surprises you with its rich and bold nose and its more restrained old-world palate. Clean and fresh with approachable complexity. A pleasant wine that can be easily enjoyed, especially considering its medium-bodied palate, with a variety of foods, dried or grilled meats. Enjoy this wine now, after decanting or cellar for the next three to five years.

Mission Report:



WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Guillaume Poitevin

WINE EDUCATION: Advanced certification in viticulture

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Making the most of the grapes by adapting the method of vinification each vintage



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Guillaume Poitevin. We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 Chateau Poitevin Medoc, Cru Bourgeois today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

GUILLAUME: Thank you for featuring our wine today.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

GUILLAUME: The recovery of property from the working with the cooperative to going out on our own.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

GUILLAUME: Consulting oenolgist Anoine Médeville, And I was raised on wine and in the vineyards!

WHITE: How would you recommend that people approach the wines of Chateau Poitebin, or wine in general?

GUILLAUME: In all cases, we need people to enjoy themselves with a wine that matches their tastes.

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

GUILLAUME: It’s April so we are doing work in the vineyards.

WHITE: What is your favorite wine to drink every day?

GUILLAUME: The white wine we produce with fish and our reds for the rest of the meats

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Chateau Poitevin can be seen in this satellite photo.