2008 Mayo Family Winery Los Chamizal Vineyard Cabernet Franc

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Mission Codename: Franc-ly Sturdy

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Revisit our friends at Mayo Family Winery and acquire their delicious Los Chamizal Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mayo Family Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 Los Chamizal Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Winemaker: Michel Berthoud

Backgrounder:

Varietal Backgrounder: Cabernet Franc is one of Agent Red’s favorite red varietals. Perhaps this is because its flavors are often rich, layered, complex and elegant. Or, perhaps he loves Cabernet Franc so much because it pairs so exceptionally with many different foods. One of the most notable things about Cabernet Franc is the fact that finding excellent examples can be very difficult.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dense and dark garnet and magenta with a dark but clear core that shows garnet reflections when held to the light. The color remains dense to the very edge where it lighten only slightly and when swirled, clusters of randomly spaced thin legs creep down to the wine below.

Smell – Bold, bright and intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry and other dark berries leads you in and is following immediately by black licorice and dark earthy graphite notes. Complexity is added by sweet and green herbal notes, toasted oak and even spring flowers.

Feel – This very full-bodied and dry wine is smooth and rich upon entry but then a touch of spice along with firm and finely textured tannins that hit and are complimented by its tangy and lively acidity. Dusty minerals adds texture and this wine becomes noticeably rich and warm as it opens.

Taste – Rich, ripe and tangy black berries including the blackberry, black cherry and even boysenberry blend with baking spice to give an almost jammy and sentimental character initially Then notes of black licorice along with the herbal and floral components found on the nose make their appearance on the palate. Dark minerality and toasted oak adds depth but remains balanced and not overbearing.

Finish – Extremely long with this wine’s vibrant acidity and rich fruit leading the way on the finish. The other complex flavors all linger and then fade in unison providing a deep and generous mouth feel all the while inviting another sip.

Conclusion – The 2008 Los Chamizal Vineyard Cabernet Franc is a fantastic Cabernet Franc that shows great depth and character on the nose. Rich aromas and flavors paired with a sturdy mouthfeel with great acidity makes this wine great for food but also a wine that can be enjoyed completely on its own. A wine that is drinking wonderfully well right now (with time to breathe) but will continue to improve with some bottle aging. Pair this wine with barbecue baby grilled and seasoned meats or a hearty stew.

Mission Report:

Winemaker, Michel Berthoud, has proven too elusive for even us. We were unable to secure an interview with him for today’s featured wine. Be sure to check back, the next time we feature another fantasticMayo Family wine.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Los Chamizal Vineyard in Sonoma Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.

2008 Mendocino Wine Company Zig Zag Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: High Marks

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: In time for Springtime sipping, entertaining and enjoyment, send Agent Red in search of a delicious Mendocino County Chardonnay. Procure an ample allocation for our thirsty Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mendocino Wine Company

Wine Subject: 2008 Zig Zag Chard – Mendocino County Chardonnay

Winemaker:

Backgrounder: The Mendocino AVA, located along the Russian River and highway 101 north of Sonoma County is where the grapes for this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon 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.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Lightest golden hues, with glinting edges that catch the light when you spin the wine. When the wine settles, tall, chubby columns fall slowly down the glass wall.

Smell – Hawthorn, acacia, honeysuckle and sweet lemon zest jump from the glass. White peach, pineapple, green apple and softly spiced oak follow closely.

Feel – Very soft and smooth on entry, the wine glides quickly across the palate. After a few moments, a very soft dryness appears at the edges of the palate, slowly spreading inward and eventually spreading to the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Soft and smooth, flavors of sweet lemon curd, white flowers, white peach, pineapple and sweet key lime.

Finish – Medium in length, with tart fruit yielding to sweet. At the end, flint, white flowers and a hint of white pepper persist.

Conclusion – This easy-drinking 2008 Zig Zag Chard is a budget-minded wine, from our friends at Mendocino Wine Company (whose wines we’ve featured in the past), that is the sort that one stocks up on. This is great wine for your springtime parties, barbecues, picnics or just some lazy weekend sipping. Soft and flavorful, with a light body and an easy structure, this is a less complex wine than we have come to enjoy from Mendocino, but it still has that characteristicMendo fruit quality that we have tasted in previous Mendocino Chardonnay offerings. So, dear Operative, if you are looking for a wine for your next soiree, or one to keep on hand for those white wine drinkers in your life, you should consider picking up a case or two – before we run out.

2009 Peterson Winery 2-4-6 Dry Creek Valley Cab

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Mission Codename: Uncle Ned

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Peterson Winery the retrieve their 2009 2-4-6 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, the successor to the wildly popular 1-2-3 Bradford Cabernet.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Peterson Winery

Wine Subject: 2009 “2-4-6 Cab” – Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Jamie Peterson

Backgrounder: Our Operatives know just how much we love Peterson Winery, its people and its fantastic wines. Truly, this winery has become a Wine Spies favorite. The father and son team of Fred and Jamie Peterson have been making wines in the Dry Creek Valley for, well, forever. 100% of today’s wine comes from their own Bradford Mountain Vineyard. Bradford Mountain wines are also among our most popular, with a recent offering becoming our best-selling Zinfandel of all time. Wines from Bradford Mountain are simply stupendous and wines from Peterson Winery are spectacular. This makes today’s wine a wine to pay close attention to – and acquire, immediately.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep, dark garnet with a dense and darkening heart. The color is evenly concentrated, right out to the very edge of the glass, where a band of magenta cuts a fine band around the wine. After a good swirl, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind tall, skinny, tightly-spaced legs that move very slowly downward.

Smell – Dark and lush, with blackberry, cassis, blueberry and nutty toasted oak. These are supported by an under-layer of black cherry, black plum and cocoa powder.

Feel – Crushed velvet on entry, this wine quickly takes on a medium to full-bodied feel as plush, semi-firm tannins drive a mineral-rich dryness around the palate. Bright acids provide a wonderful counterpoint, giving the wine an integrated and balanced overall feel.

Taste – Bright and layered, with a cascade of black and red fruit that are supported by earthen flavors. In front, juicy red cherry, young strawberry and dried cranberry provide an initial tartness. These flavors are followed by blackberry juice, dried dark flower petals, cocoa powder, dried fall leaves and softest spice.

Finish – Initially juicy, with tart red fruit flavors giving way to darker flavors of mixed dark berry and plum. As the fruit gradually fades, cocoa and dark earthy flavors persist, ushering in a subtle hint of spice at the very end.

Conclusion – Today’s budget-minded Cabernet Sauvignon gives more expensive Cabs a real run for their money! Juicy, delicious, and bursting with flavors and lush aromas, this very approachable wine delivers a really balanced drinking experience. Pair as you would any Cabernet. We enjoyed our review bottles with a very rare New York Strip steak, rubbed with garlic, sea salt and pepper. The combination was simply divine.

Please note that this wine drinks well above its price class, earning it our very hearty recommendation!

Mission Report:



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

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

JAMIE PETERSON: This wine is very exciting for all of us here. It is from the first crop of replanted Cabernet vines from or Estate Bradford Mountain Vineyard after removing the Phylloxera affected vines in 2006. We chose to put the fun, light hearted Cab 2-4-6 label on the bottle to reflect the easy going nature of the wine inside. Very serious in flavor complexity, and overallenjoyability, and never heavy or over extracted. The 2-4-6 of course is simply how many cases we produced of it. Also, it can be a sobriety check to ask how many fingers are being held up on the bottle….

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

JAMIE: With this Cabernet, I prefer rich but not heavy food. A pork tenderloin with a herb/spice dry rub, grilled or oven roasted, with a side of potato au gratin. For vegetarian friends, I think it would go great with an eggplant parmesan. The lovely acidity really lends itself to pairing with a wider range of food than many California Cabernet wines.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Dry Creek Valley so special?

JAMIE: The Dry Creek Valley features and amazing array of soil types and exposures for such a geographically small area, leading to a diverse range of flavors and subtleties in wines, for many different varietals, or even of the same varietal. Also our weather pattern (most years) lends itself to perfectly ripening the many varieties we produce. Warm sunny days followed by cool nights allow grapes to ripen while retaining natural acidity and freshness.

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

JAMIE: We’ve recently bottled our 2011 Rose and Sauvignon Blanc, and are starting on 2010 red wines. We’re keeping an eye on 2011 reds and starting to look at blends. The vines are starting to wake up and we’ll be hoping for nice, warm spring weather for their healthy growth.

RED: Thank you, Jamie, as always!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

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

2006 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma County Merlot

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Mission Codename: No longer Sideways

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Ravenswood Winery, one of our most popular wineries, to procure their Sonoma County Merlot, a small-production, limited-availability wine that delivers a high-dollar drinking experience, for a fraction of the price.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Ravenswood Winery

Wine Subject: 2006 Merlot

Winemaker: Joel Peterson

Backgrounder: For today’s wine, we return to Ravenswood Winery, one of our most popular wineries. This time around, Agent Red was able to procure an allotment of their excellent Sonoma County Merlot, a limited-availability wine that is a hidden gem of the winery. The Sonoma mountain AVA was shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The mountain, which consists of obsidian, marine deposits and ash, rises high above the Sonoma Valley. Vineyards on Sonoma Mountain benefit from being above the fog line. This allows for even, slow ripening – resulting in complex Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with elegant and complex fruit flavors.

Varietal Backgrounder: 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, and today’s wine raises the bar for Merlot by delivering a delicious, complex, fruit-forward wine with plenty of complexity.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest garnet, with a magenta edge. After swirling, thin, wine-stained legs start low on the glass wall. They take some time long time to emerge before slowly running downward.

Smell – Sweet and spicy with blackberry, black cherry, black raspberry and soft brown spice out in front. After the wine breathes for a while, it reveals additional aromas of leather, savory herbs and dried meats.

Feel – Soft and round and very plush, this wine grips in at the front palate and then spreads a chalky, even dryness all around the palate. A bright acidity and integrated tannins frame the fruit, beautifully, giving the wine a great sense of balance.

Taste – Tart and sweet, with blackberry jam, wild strawberry, black cherry and red plum providing a brilliant burst of initial flavors. Decant for 30 minutes or more, and additional flavors emerge. These include dark chocolate, soft brown spice, softly toasty oak, dried red rose petals and a hint of flinty black pepper.

Finish – Very long and packed with dark fruit flavors. Gradually, the fruit tails off, replaced by dried red rose, bakers chocolate, spice, flint and black pepper.

Conclusion – With nearly a dozen limited-production Ravenswood wines featured here, we have come to expect greatness. While the winery’s focus is on great Zinfandel, their Merlot and their red blends really shine, as well. Today’s 2006 Sonoma County Merlot is a delicious, budget-minded wine of terrific balance and distinctive character. Bright and bold, with delicious fruit and earthy flavors, this is a classic, food-fantastic wine that provides a flavor-packed, palate-cleansing experience that our tasting panel all really enjoyed. And, while this is a great food companion, we also agreed that this wine would be a great Springtime solo-sipper. If you love Ravenswoods wine, you’ll certainly enjoy this delicious Merlot. Cheers to Ravenswood and to winemaker, Joel Peterson, for expanding our horizons!

2006 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 'Monvigliero' DOCG

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Mission Codename: Most prestigious of crus

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an exceptional single vineyard Barolo with an amazing history.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Fratelli Alessandria

Wine Subject: 2006 Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ DOCG

Winemaker: Vittore Alessandria

Backgrounder:

The greatest of all Italian wines are arguably made with from the Nebbiolo grape. Barolo, from the Piedmont made this grape famous, and for good reason. Most people don’t give Barolo enough time and drink them young, but those patient enough to wait at least ten years, and often as much as 20 plus years are handsomely rewarded with a wine that is the ultimate expression of the grape. The most prized bottlings of Barolo are those from an exceptional single vineyard such as today’s from the Monvigliero in Verduno.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark ruby red with very slight brick hues along the edges and a dark clear core. Clusters of slow medium legs ring the glass that are followed by thinner legs hang for an before slowly descending to the wine below.

Smell – This wine has a rich and initially hot nose that really opens after decanting (an absolute must with this wine) with aromas of ripe plum and cherry tangy along with other red and black berries are layered over delicious herbal including rosemary and anise laced base. Highly complex, add some floral violets, mint, dusty earth, zesty Italian tar, and toasted oak and you are starting to get the idea.

Feel – Full-bodied, dry and boldly, with firm but silky textured, almost dusty and etched tannins (softens as it breathes) that reaches the far corners of the palate. Exceptional lively acidity and a minerality that lingers long into the finish.

Taste – Much more austere on the palate but immensely complex, but give this wine time to open up and reveal its classic old world in character. Balanced and its complex herbal and anise over its plump, tangy and tart red fruit including tangy cherry, raspberry and even strawberry. Zesty tar, floral violets, coffee, dusty earth and a touch of cigar box emerge and linger framing the fruit perfectly. As this wine opens, after several hours, the flavors integrate and reveal themselves.

Finish – Extremely long with tart and tangy cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry fruit fade gently as this wine’s textured tannins, dusty minerality and acidity linger with slowly fading.

Conclusion – The 2006 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ DOCG is quite simply a delicious classic old-world wine that is both densely focused but also restrained, representing the best of what Barolo is know for. This wine’s etched and textured tannins hold on tight and don’t let go. The epitome of Barolo is its bold elegant power. An exceptional wine that is perhaps five years from getting close to its peak. Pair this classic with everything simple buttered tagliatelle noodles and shaved truffles to Osso Buco. If enjoying this wine now, be sure to give it plenty of time (open several hours before) or decant, otherwise cellar it for up to ten to fifteen and save it for a special occasion. Buona sera & cin cin!

Mission Report:

We were unable to secure an interview for today’s wine, so here is a transcript of our previous interview when we featured Alessandria’s fantastic 2005 Barolo San Lorenzo.

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Vittore Alessandria

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Show through the wine the elegance and the balance of my territory: the hills of the Langhe area.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Wine is the poetry of the Earth.” (Mario Soldati)

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: The first Barolo produced by our cellar was a 1870 Barolo!


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Vittore, We are thrilled to be showing your 2005 Barolo San Lorenzo DOCGtoday. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

VITTORE: I’m excited to be featured today on The Wine Spies, thanks for giving this opportunity.

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

VITTORE: I born and I lived in a small village: Verduno in the middle of the Barolo area surrounded by Nebbiolo vineyards. For my family making wine it’s a tradition that has gone on for 150 years.

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

VITTORE: All the wines and the winemakers that are able to give emotions, showing the “terroir” of origin and also stimulating the knowledge of this world.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

VITTORE: For wine consumers that love wine.

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

VITTORE: San Lorenzo is an important single vineyard/cru in Verduno, our first bottling of San Lorenzo was in 1997 (we waited that the vines was at least 20 years old, before to start to produce San Lorenzo as single vineyard, before it was a vineyard for the regular Barolo). Our Barolo San Lorenzo is a “traditional style” Barolo. We do the same vinification/maceration and the same ageing for all the 3 crus we produce: after a quite long fermentation/maceration of 18-20 days, it was aged for 8 months in Tonneaux (500 liters) and for 2 years in big oak (botti).

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

VITTORE: I think that it could be delicious with a stew of veal. But in any case the best pairing is with a good company!!

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Langhe and Barolo region so special?

VITTORE: There are many reasons that make the Langhe so lucky: for example the personal relationship between the producer and its vineyards, its casks and its customers. That it’s possible because, generally, in our region the cellars are family owned ! An other very special feature is the beautiful landscape – very charming-!

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

VITTORE: We have just finished the harvest! It seems a good vintage, the grapes were healthy and the potentiality of the musts seem good! Now we have to pay a lot of attention in cellar to try not loose it!!

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

VITTORE: First of all with the glass! :) Then I think that the best way is going deeper, to the origin, for example visiting the winery, meeting the wine producer and knowing the territory in which the grape is grown, discovering traditions, old recipes and different flavors.

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

VITTORE: Verduno is unique: it’s one of the eleven villages where you can produce Barolo and the only one where you can produce Verduno Pelaverga, one of the smallest and most particular DOC of Italy. I would suggest to try it!

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 approximate location of Fratelli Alessandria can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Rodde Family Vineyards Napa County Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: Go tell Aunt Rodde

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Respond to reports that Rodde Family Vineyards Chardonnay is worthy of our Operatives exacting tastes. If the wine is as good as reports have led us to believe, procure an ample allocation for our Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Rodde Family Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2009 Chardonnay Napa County

Winemaker: Scott Rodde

BackgrounderChardonnay is arguably the greatest of all white grape varietals, showing its influence in the legendary sparkling wines of Champagne, the great whites of Burgundy and of course its expression as’the’ white wine of California. Chardonnay represents over 50% of the planted white grapes in California with nearly 100,000 acres planted. With such a great number of wines made from this grape, it stands to reason that finding wines of immense quality would be hard, but look no further. Today’s selection from Rodde Family Vineyards is a richly delicious wine with plenty of character.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright yellow golden hues, from edge to core. When swirled, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind tall columns of chubby tears that streak down the glass.

Smell – Bursting with tropical fruit, led by pineapple, lychee and soft guava. As the wine warms, slightly, it begins to reveal citrus, white peach, pear and mixed white flower petals.

Feel – Voluptuous, soft and velvet smooth on entry. The wine glides across the mid-palate and then settles onto the rear palate. There, it introduces a softly spreading dryness the gradually reaches the tip of the tongue, lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bright, delicious and complex with layers of fruit, flowers and a touch of minerals. Bright pineapple, citrus and dried apricot are out in front. These are followed by white peach, creamed honey, white flowers, very subtle white spice, flint and soft sweetwood.

Finish – Long and very flavorful, with sweet fruit yielding to tart fruit, flowers, subtlest spice and flint. Gradually, a flinty dryness spreads all around the palate, making your lips pucker in anticipation of another flavor-filled sip.

Conclusion – Today’s 2009 Rodde Family Vineyards Chardonnay is an intriguing, delicious and very approachable wine. Soft and round, initially, the wine has a slowly-changing feel that adds real intrigue on the palate. Aromas are lush and rich, giving clues to the bright fruit to come on the palate. Flavors are big, but balanced. For all of its complexity, this is still a very approachable wine. With a balanced flavors and a bright acidity, today’s Rodde Chardonnay is an easy pairing companion for your Springtime dining. We’ll also hold a few bottles back for solo Summer sipping! Stock up, dear Operative, if you love fantastic, balanced, delicious Chardonnay!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Scott Rodde, Propietor and Winemaker

WINE EDUCATION: 30 plus Years of living and working in the Napa Valley

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: President of Peter Michael Winery since 1983

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Neo-Classical Laissez-Faire, without compromise

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Let the grapes tell the story”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2008 Rodde Chardonnay


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings Scott. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Rodde Napa Chardonnay today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

SCOTT RODDE: Thank you very much for showcasing our wines today.

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

SCOTT: No specific experience. I’ve always had a broad passion for wine since I was first introduced to it many many years ago.

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

SCOTT: Helen Turley, Mark Aubert, Luc Morlet

RED: Who do you make wine for?

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

SCOTT: I love this wine. Only 95 cases produced. It’s a field selection of Montrachet clone chardonnay from our proprietary 3/4 of an acre, pre prohibition era vineyard. The grapes were harvested by hand in September 2009, pressed, fermented and then aged on the lees in neutral French oak for 10 months. It’s a considerably concentrated wine, exhibiting yellow peach, pineapple and pear on the nose, followed by Jasmine, ginger and honeysuckle on the palate.

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

SCOTT: There are a few standout dishes at my son’s restaurant, Oenotri, in Napa, that I love to drink this particular wine with. I especially enjoy their local Halibut Crudo with chive blossoms, citrus segments and lemon agramato.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Napa so special?

SCOTT: The vast amounts of different micro climates and soils throughout the valley, from its floor to its hillsides and its mountain tops.

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

SCOTT: Everything.

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

SCOTT: Wine is to be enjoyed with food, family and friends.

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

SCOTT: Drink our wine. Eat at Oenotri and join their great Italian wine club called ‘GOCCINO’!

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!

2008 Solaire by Mondavi Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

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Mission Codename: The God of the Sun

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate Robert Mondai Winery and secure a wine that is only available at the winery. Make an allocation available to our well-deserving Operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Solaire, by Robert Mondavi Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 Solaire Pinot Noir – Santa Lucia Highlands

Winemaker: Rick Boyer

Backgrounder:

in 1966, Robert Mondavi was a man with a mission. Mondavi had the vision to create the first major post-prohibition winery in the United Stated. His dream of crafting the best wines in the world has been realized and today the winery is recognized as a global leader in fine wine. Mondavi’s exclusive wines, which are usually only available at the winery itself, are extraordinary. Today only, The Wine Spies are proud to be the only wine merchant in the world to bring you, our national audience of Wine Spies Operatives, this rare opportunity to taste this extraordinary wine.

Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands boasts 5,900 acres of wine grapes and a near-perfect environment for cooler climate Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which makes up more than half of the grapes grown in this region. The reason for this massive proportion? Santa Lucia Highlands grows some of the best in the country! Spanish missionaries first planted grapes here 200 years ago but the 1970s saw a major revival in the region’s viticulture. And in 1991, the region officially became an AVA.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – A dark cherry juice shows slightly lighter at the edges, and slightly darker through the translucent core. Swirl the wine and witness tall, tightly-spaced legs that fall slowly down the glass.

Smell – Bold, dark cherry and red currant mix with soft spice, kola nut, bramble and soft sweetwood. Allow the wine to breathe and be rewarded with softer, follow-on aromas of wild blackberry, mission fig and a hint of subtle savory herbs.

Feel – Cool and soft as the wine passes the front palate. Across the mid-palate, it settles in, gaining dimension and weight as soft, integrated tannins add a softly spreading grippiness and light dryness. A balanced acidity provides the perfect support for the delicious red fruit.

Taste – Juicy red cherry, smoky red currant, strawberry and spiced raspberry candy lead the way. As the wine opens up (keep swirling and you’ll be rewarded), it reveals mineral-laden brown spice, black pepper, bramble bush, wild blackberry, cherry cola and a hint of gunpowder.

Finish – Very long and flavorful, leading with a burst of red fruit that gently gives way to earthy minerals, spice and black pepper. At the very end, a warmth spreads around the palate, eventually ending on the gums.

Conclusion – This little gem from Mondavi is a delicious, easy-drinking, fruit-forward wine that we can’t get enough of. Unfortunately, there is very little left. If you love juicy, red, delicious Pinot Noir, this one is certain to please. Red and bursting with fruit, this palate-pleasing wine is a great all-on-its own solo-sipper, but with a bright and balanced acidity, it is a worthy companion for your springtime fine dining.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Muscardini Cellars Monte Rosso Vineyards Sangiovese

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Mission Codename: The Return to the Red Mountain

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red in search of a stellar, single-vineyard California Sangiovese, worthy of our Operative’s exacting tastes.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Muscardini Cellars

Wine Subject: 2009 Monte Rosso Vineyard Sangiovese

Winemaker: Michael Muscardini

Backgrounder: Owned by the Louis M. Martini Winery since 1938, the fabled Monte Rosso Vineyard is considered to be among the most highly regarded vineyards in the Sonoma Valley. The vineyard is also considered to be the jewel in Louis M. Martini’s crown.

The vineyard sits at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley AVA. One of the oldest wine growing regions in California, the first vines being were planted in the early 1800s. The AVA is located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacama mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions for Sangiovese.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep garnet hues with even coloring from core to rim. At the edge of the glass, a medium-width ring of pink cuts a circle around the wine. After a hearty swirl, short, wine-colored tears move slowly down to the wine, below.

Smell – Sweet, clean, fresh and bright, this wine leads with characteristic strawberry, blueberry, cherry and dried orange peel. As the wine opens up, it reveals soft clove, cinnamon, dried meats, brambly blackberry, soft oak and dried violets.

Feel – Instantly grippy, with plush tannins giving the wine a crushed velvet feel that spreads throughout the palate. A lively acidity frames the fruit, driving flavors all around the palate.

Taste – Bold spiced strawberry candy and black cherry juice are prelude to additional flavors of raspberry, orange peel, black pepper, toasted oak, brown spice, dried black flower petals and subtle flint.

Finish – The initial rush of berry fruit is replaced with spice, pepper, oak and flinty minerals. Black pepper and dried flower petals linger for a long time.

Conclusion – This 2009 Muscardini Monte Rosso Sangiovese is an impressive, delicious and approachable wine! Packed with California fruit, but with enough Old World character to give the wine a broad appeal to fans of either style of Sangiovese. We spent a lot of time with this wine, noting how it improved with swirling, expressing fresher fruit and deeper earthen characteristics. Pair as you would any Sangiovese, but we recommend a hearty Spaghetti Bolognese or spicy Penne Arrabiata. Sips between bites provide the perfect palate-refreshing cleanse. This wine gets our very hearty recommendation.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Muscardini

WINE EDUCATION: University of California, Davis. Wine Education – Extension Program

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: A wine must have a fruit component on bothe nose and taste. Also the wine must be food friendly before we will bottle it

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Bottled with love for the joy of living”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2005



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Michael. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Monte Rosso Sangiovese today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL MUSCARDINI: It’s great to be with you, today, Red!

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

MICHAEL: Meeting Franco Bondi Santi in 2005. The master of Brunello di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese).

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

MICHAEL: Without a doubt, Franco Bondi Santi!

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

MICHAEL: These grapes are from the famous Monte Rosso Vineyards. These grapes were harvested in the morning then rushed to the winery. The fruit was still cold, so we cold soaked them for 3 days. After a long, slow fermentation, the wine was barrel-aged for 12 month in a combination of American and Hungarian oak barrels.

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

MICHAEL: Salumi!

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Monte Rosso Vineyard so special?

MICHAEL: The vineyard is one of the best vineyards in the United States. A perfect terrior for growing mountain fruit. The vineyard was established in the 1880’s and consistently produces 90+ point wines.

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

MICHAEL: Selling wine – all across the US.

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

MICHAEL: Enjoy with family and friends over dinner

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

MICHAEL: If you keep buying my wine, I will keep making it.

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!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Muscardini Cellars Tasting Romm can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 Deerfield Ranch Winery Sonoma County Red Rex

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Mission Codename: Le Roi Rouge

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Last year, Deerfiled Ranch Winery’s Red Rex became a best-seller. Send Agent Red back to Deerfield Ranch Winery to procure an ample allocation of their current-vintage Red Rex, an Super-QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) wine that delivers a high-dollar drinking experience – for a low price.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Deerfield Ranch Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Red Rex

Winemaker: Robert Rex

Backgrounder: Located in Kenwood, California, Deerfield Ranch Winery is a Wine Spies Operative favorite. The winery, who sells out of its wines with great frequency, showed us some love by allowing us special access to their wine cave. We chose to emerge with one of our Drrefield favorites, their delicious Red Rex.

Sonoma Valley’s first vines were planted way back in 1825 by Spanish missionaries. This unique micro-climate region receives less rain and is less influenced by the fog making this warmer AVA ideal for the Cabernet, Merlot and other tantalizing varietals found in today’s exceptional red blend..

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous dark ruby hues, with perfectly even coloration – from core to edge. Lighter and less opaque than previous vintages, the look of this wine reminds us of a darker Sangiovese. Settling quickly when swirled, the wine leaves behind tall, skinny, wine colored tears that run quickly down the glass.

Smell – Red cherry and raspberry burst from the glass. As you inhale more deeply, blackberry, spiced cherry candy, dark strawberry and cassis join in. Spin the wine for a little while and it comes even further to life, exuding sweet cedar, cigar box, sweet leather and a touch of pepper.

Feel – Tender and soft on entry, the wine then gains a little weight at the mid-palate where it settles in with a velvety feel. A slow-spreading dryness begins at the edges of the palate, spreading inward. Ultimately, the dryness spreads to the lips and cheeks. Overall, the wine shows a balanced acidity that frames the fruit just perfectly.

Taste – Juicy and bursting with dark cherry, raspberry and cassis flavors, at first. Then, smoky cranberry, spiced Bing cherry, leather and dark flower petals follow. As the wine opens, tart cranberry, cigar box and black pepper emerge.

Finish – Very long and filled with flavors, beginning with the lush fruit, and ending with cedar, pepper, dried flowers and a hint of flint.

Conclusion – If we loved the 2006, we are absolutelycrazy about this delicious 2007! Once again, Robert Rex shows off his remarkable winemaking skills. Today’s2007 Deerfiled Ranch Winery Red Red is a fantastic wine that drinks well above its regular retail price – which makes today’s offer a real no-brainer. Here at Wine Spies HQ, we are stocking up. Since you follow our reviews, you know that 2007 was a banner year for California Red wines. Combine one of the best years on record with Robert Rex’s talent for selecting and sorting fruit, his skill at blending and his mastery of the winemaking process, and you get one very special wine. Very food friendy, and a delicious solo-sipper, this approachable wine is also very flexible. We recommend that you pick up at least one case of this truly great wine!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Robert Rex

WINE EDUCATION: 38 years of wine making experience

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Robert Rex is a “renaissance man” possessing a great palate and an exceptional talent for winemaking. He is a chemist, graphic designer and accomplished gourmet cook. He has the ability to fix almost anything. The harvest of 2010 will be Robert’s 38th consecutive year of winemaking. Robert and PJ, his wife and business partner, have lived in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley, for 28 years at their beautiful hilltop retreat, Deerfield Ranch, where the Deerfield Ranch Winery was founded. The view out their back door of Sonoma Mountain is the inspiration for the winery logo.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Making wine is like gourmet cooking. We start with the finest ingredients, grapes farmed by growers who put as much attention into the vines as we do into the wines. Great wine begins in the vineyard. We have worked with the same growers year after year to perfect a partnership to produce the best wine. By drawing from many vineyards, we get grapes from appellations where varietals grow the best. We allow the grapes to fully vine ripen, hand pick and sort the grapes, and use the most gentle production techniques. We produce wines using organic methods and are on of only three certified organic producing wineries in Sonoma.
We make wine by hand in small lots and taste them constantly to manage their constant change. We experiment with the latest techniques while operating from a foundation of tradition. We mold and nudge the wines in one direction or another to make them lovely, fruity and delicious to drink. Our reds receive extended barrel aging, which makes them mellow. Attention to cleanliness and balance makes them age worthy.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Taste the passion

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1982



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Robert. We are thrilled to be showing your Red Rex today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

ROBERT: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to share my passion with others.

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

ROBERT: When I was 9, I had piece of angel food cake and begged my mother to teach me how to make it. I’ve been in love with cooking ever since and winemaking, especially blending, draws from the same fundamentals. I often say I am a product of my environment in that way, if I had grown up in New York I’d have a restaurant, I grew up in California so I have a winery.

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

ROBERT: My early mentor was Andre Tchelistcheff who taught me about blending and of course my wife PJ for sure. PJ is very sensitive to histamines and sulfites in wine so all our wines are clean, meaning we triple hand sort the grapes removing anything you wouldn’t feed your baby. As a result our wines have extremely low levels of histamines and sulfites, so anybody can drink them without experiencing headaches or allergic reactions.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

ROBERT: For everyone who enjoys wine. I appreciate the reviewers and bloggers who spend time creating tasting notes and reviews but the best compliment I can get about one of my wines is delicious!

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

ROBERT: The Red Rex is a complex varietal blend. Winemaking is really 30% chemistry and 70% cooking. With 28 vineyards under contract we have many different lots, different ingredients, to work with. I think of myself as a chef with this wine, building the perfect dish from many different varietals to exemplify the structure and layers of flavor.

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

ROBERT: People! The Red Rex is a crowd pleaser and works with a variety of different dishes from ham sandwiches to lamb chops.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Sonoma County region so special?

ROBERT: Sonoma County has so many unique terroirs but there is an indescribable characteristic about the whole county and you see it reflected in the attitude of the people who live here. Even driving to the grocery store you see landscapes that take your breath away. Watching the sunset over Sonoma Mountain from the estate or walking the rows of the vineyard you can feel the bliss of Sonoma and it is reflected in our wines.

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

ROBERT: Harvest is in full swing and we’re bringing in fruit every day. Stop by the winery and you can see the activity. It really makes you respect a bottle of wine when you see the crew sorting grapes, punching down fermentators, pressing out the juice and barreling down the wine. The details of the harvest include picking decisions, yeast selection, fermentation protocols and barrel programs.

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

ROBERT: Passionately. Winemaking is more than a profession, it’s my passion. The long hours and hard work wouldn’t be worth it if I didn’t absolutely love it, and that’s what I want everyone to taste – the passion. Wine is such a delicate art and one that is meant to be enjoyed.

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

ROBERT: If you make it to Kenwood please stop by the winery and taste wines in the Grand Room of our wine cave. We always love to take the time to share Deerfield wines with guests. Sante!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

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

2009 Schug Carneros Estate Carneros Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: Leaning Towards Burgundy

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of a classic Carneros Estate Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Schug Carneros Estate

Wine Subject: 2009 Carneros Chardonnay

Winemaker: Michael Cox

Backgrounder:

Some of our favorite California Chardonnay comes from the Carneros viticultural area, a wine growing region which straddles the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The Carneros region ranks as one of the Wine Spies’ top choices for California Chardonnay. So, too, does Schug Carneros Estate. The cool Carneros region provides ideal growing conditions for the Burgundian varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that boththrives here. Schug Winery is a Wine Spies favorite and we are proud to bring you today’s very special wine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Brilliantly clear and pale golden yellow that lightens slightly at the edges to a more straw hue. When swirled this springy wine settles quickly and leaves widely clusters of slow fat legs along the side of the glass.

Smell – Bright and aromatic, this white is both fresh and complex with the layers of both tree and tropical fruit leading the way followed by toasted brioche and oak as well as vanilla hints as well as creamy and spicy notes.

Feel – Cool, smooth and expansive initially and then the vibrant acidity and a touch of textured minerality kicks in across the palate providing a crisp and fresh feel that perfectly counterbalances the rich cream and full-bodied texture.

Taste – Flavors or ripe and tart apple, white pear as well as tropical fruit and even hints of sweet and tart citrus blend with creamy and toasted brioche. Add in baking spice, and even a touch of toasted nuts to add depth and complexity.

Finish – As the creamy and smooth texture fades initially leaving behind a fresh, crisp and mouth drying feel lead by this wine’s lively acidity that lingers on and on.

Conclusion – The 2009 Schug Carneros Estate Carneros Chardonnay is quite a wine, bridging the gap between a more creamy California style but leaning more towards brighter,fresher and more textured Burgundian style. Great complexity on the nose and palate and a well structured and balanced mouthfeel. Pair this wine with ripe and aged cheeses or fresh or raw seafood.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Cox

WINE EDUCATION: Started working in Sonoma wineries out of high school. Graduated form UC Davis in 1991

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for Schug Winery since 1995

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: 
Don’t get to fancy, let the vines and the yeast do their stuff. Just don’t mess up what mother nature intended.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: From Tao Te Ching: “The hard and stiff will be broken, the soft and supple will prevail.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1993 Napa Valley Chardonnay from DeMoor (Napa Cellars)



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Mike. We are thrilled to be showing your fantastic 2009 Gold Medal Carneros Chardonnay today. The wine is really delicious. Thanks so much for the wine, and for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL: Thanks Agent White, we are so happy that you continue to love our wines. We always enjoy your detailed reviews – and these sit-downs!

WHITE: The pleasure is all ours, I assure you. How long have you been making wine?

MICHAEL: My first job in a wine cellar was when I was 19. I got a summer job working at Hacienda Wine Cellars (pre Bronco – then family owned by the Cooleys).

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

MICHAEL: This is the 2009 Carneros Chardonnay, our flagship white. I think it really shows off the Schug style well. Pleasant acidity is well balanced with the warmth and richness of the barrel fermented component. We use minimal amounts of oak, and we do stir the lees to give the wine a creamy character, but we really focus on the elegant mouth feel.

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

MICHAEL: Dungeness crab, marinated overnight with garlic, lemon, paprika, wine and olive oil. Or now that spring is here, shrimp grilled on the barbeque.

WHITE: Tell me Michael, what makes the Carneros region so special?

MICHAEL: It is a small region, so within our borders there is a lot of consistency. Appellations like Sonoma Coast and Russian River just don’t have the same climate conditions throughout the appellation. We have two main dominating features: the wind and the water. Wind is where the cool ocean air forces it’s way though the Petaluma Gap into the bay and interior valley. It cools us in summer and brings the fog. The water is the San Pablo Bay and the wetlands that surround it. In winter, it buys us a few extra degrees and gets the vines going early. Between the wind and the water, the growing season in Carneros can be up to two weeks longer than our neighbors. At the same time, we don’t have to push the growing season into late September/early October, so rain is not normally an issue. On top of that Carneros is pretty dry as far as Northern California goes. In general, we like that.

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

MICHAEL: Not sure if it is specific, but that summer of 1987, working on the bottling line, cleaning barrels, driving all over Sonoma County sampling vineyards, long wide ranging conversations on music and farming with the winemaker, Eric Laumann all combined to sell me on the idea that growing and making wine would afford me the ability to continue to live in Sonoma Valley.

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

MICHAEL: Hmmmm. Tough one. I spent my formative years from 1987 -1991 at Hacienda, a year at Dry Creek Vineyards, got my first‘Winemaker’ job at Napa Cellars/DeMoor, and have spent coming on 14 years here at Schug with Walter. I’d probably have to say my time at Napa Cellars. I was 25 and they gave me the keys and said ‘drive’. I learned to get things done, not to waste time or money, and how to pull together a wine from vineyard to bottle. For all the talk of art, it is also a big logistics game.

WHITE: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MICHAEL: I’ll happily steal from Robert Mondavi here:‘The first glass of wine should invite the second.’ I don’t like flabby, heavy, ponderous wines. I want brightness and zip. Elegance is foremost.

WHITE: Walter Schug is a legend in the wine business. How has he influenced you?

MICHAEL: Walter has been, and continues to be a mentor. I am very fortunate that Walter saw in me someone with the kernel of his own winemaking style that he could nurture and develop. He is a font of knowledge that I can tap into at any time. With just about any situation he’s seen it in his own experience here, at Gallo, or as consultant, at least twice.

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

MICHAEL: We already talked about Walter being a mentor, but Eric Laumann, who gave me my first job was also very important. He certainly instilled a confidence in myself and the wines that make. He also is a reminder to not
take yourself too seriously, just the wine.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: Myself foremost. Plan D is always to just drink it all ourselves, so it better be good.

WHITE: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

MICHAEL: Trust yourself and your palette. Don’t chase a style or someone else’s opinion. Be ready to work and get down and dirty. Don’t expect a lot other than the reward of the wine itself.

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

MICHAEL: Thinking about the 2012 vintage, planning meetings for the vineyard, evaluating barrels, tasting the 2011’s, scheduling bottling supplies, catching up on paperwork, occasional market work, open houses.

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

MICHAEL: Considering how much I enjoyed NASCAR, I may well be a closet redneck.

WHITE: Nice. What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MICHAEL: Well until recently it had been Laurenz V.’s Gruener Veltliner, either the Singing or the Charming, but I have been drinking a lot of our dry Rose of Pinot Noir of late.

WHITE: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

MICHAEL: Well wine is for sharing with friends so have some people you like around and start opening bottles. Schug wines always get better of the course of a meal as the layers start to unveil themselves. Don’t rush into it. Relax and enjoy.

WHITE: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

MICHAEL: The Holy Trinity from E. Guigal – La Turque, La Mouline, La Landonne. Odd for a Pinot maker, but I could drink those all night.

WHITE: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

MICHAEL: Hmmmm. How about: ‘If you couldn’t make wine, what would you do?’ And to be honest, I am not sure of the answer… I always say that my retirement plan is to move to Hawaii (Kauai – westside) and make rum, but that’s a bit close to winemaking… So perhaps a historian and author. 18th and 19th century European to be a bit more precise.

WHITE: Very cool. 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!

MICHAEL: Thanks again for having me. I hope I covered what you wanted to know. Glad you like the wine, I hope your Operatives do, too.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Schug Carneros Estate can be seen in this satellite photo.