2009 Jaxon Keys Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

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Mission Codename: Purple Keys

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Jaxon Keys, secure an exclusive allocation of their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel our Zin-loving Operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Jaxon Keys Winery

Wine Subject: 2009 Zinfandel – Dry Creek Valley

Winemaker: Fred Nickel

Backgrounder: Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels, which are characterized by their refinement and balance, are the most popular with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest ruby hues, with a slightly darker core. Coloring is evenly concentrated, from core to the fine pink line at the edge of the glass. When swirled, the wine leaves behind tall, skinny, wine-stained tears.

Smell – Lush black fruit, earth and spice leap from the glass. In even proportion, the wine presents bold blackberry, black cherry, bramble, leather, tobacco, dried fall leaves, mocha, smoky brown spice, dried meats and black pepper.

Feel – Instantly grippy on entry. At the mid-palate, it feels smooth and softly round. Plush tannins and a bright acidity give the wine a mouth-filling feel. As the wine settles onto the palate, it gradually takes on a chewy feel.

Taste – Darkest cherry and smoky blackberry, dark spice and dried wild fennel make a powerful initial appearance. These bold flavors then give way to cocoa powder, dusty bramble, dried fall leaves, slate, bold and softly toasted oak. Black pepper appears at the very end.

Finish – Very long and very flavorful, with black fruit yielding to red fruit and the wines earthen components of bramble, oak and spice. At the very end, these give way to slate and pepper notes.

Conclusion – This is an impressive Zinfandel at a terrific price. Jaxon Keys has come a long way since we first sampled them a few years ago. The addition of winemaker, Fred Nickel, is a welcome one. Fred, who has long made wines for some very prominent California wineries, has been called a winemaker, a scientist, a farmer and a wizard. Whether there is magic involved in his winemaking or not, we can simply say that we are impressed. Today’s spicy, darkly fruity wine is delicious, and classic Dry Creek Valley. Enjoy now, or cellar a few bottles for the next few years.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of XXX can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Cas' Almare Reserva Malbec

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Mission Codename: The View From The Andes Foothills

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of a delicious Mendoza Reserve Malbec

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Cas’Almare

Wine Subject: 2009 Reserva Malbec

Backgrounder: One of the six component varietals that go into a true French Bordeaux wine, Malbec (named for the Hungarian peasant who first brought the grape to France) is a thin-skinned grape that requires more time to mature than its Bordeaux brethren, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West France region. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine and Chilean varietal wine. Argentina, and Mendoza in particular is best-known for producing exceptional examples of this robust varietal.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dense garnet with deep purple hues that extend to the very meniscus. When held to the light, ruby streaks shine through this wine’s dark but clear core and when swirled long thin legs slowly descend down the side of the glass.

Smell – Rich and fruit forward aromas of savory spiced ripe red fruit including cherry, plum and other red berries. Toasted oak and vanilla hints blend with savory herbs, mocha coffee and earthy notes inviting you to take a sip.

Feel – Rich and plush, this generous and expansive full-bodied and dry wine warmly greets the palate while its soft acidity and plush round tannins linger on the palate. As you sip this wine, the tannins firm slightly and cling on the tongue into the finish.

Taste – Softly ripe and rich red fruit including raspberry, red cherry and ripe plum meld with sweet spice and savory herbal notes. Underneath the fruit are notes of vanilla, toasted oak, cherry liquor and bittersweet cocoa as well as earthy and mocha undertones.

Finish – Long and rich with the spicy and savory fruit fading leaving behind the textured but plush tannins, toasted oak and other flavors.

Conclusion – The 2009 Cas’Almare Reserva Malbecis a delicious, rich and plush wine that will instantly please lovers of new world Malbec. Plenty of ripe red fruit on the nose and palate with a depth of approachable complexity. A soft,plush and round mouthfeel that you’d expect from a well developed Malbec. Enjoy this wine tonight, after letting it open with burgers or other grilled meats or cellar for three to five years.

Mission Report:



WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Cas’Almare is our global brand of wines from South America and Europe. Cas’Almare wines are made by Stepan W. Baghdassarian and his winemaking partners from the finest winemaking appellations in the world.

Cas’Almare brings together luxurious and affordable wines under one brand that people will recognize and enjoy. Whether it is a Malbec from Argentina, a Carmenère from Chile, a Grenache from Spain, or for that matter, a Pinot Grigio from Italy; these are all wines of impeccable pedigree that people enjoy every day and on special occasions.

Each of our hand crafted wines are true expressions of their appellations and meet the standards of the increasingly discriminating public who are demanding wines that are not only easily drinkable but also make great accompaniments to food around the table with family and friends.

Enjoy Cas’Almare wines with your family and friends.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “We only offer wines to our customers that we like and enjoy drinking them with our friends and family.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: September 2011


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings Stepan, we are thrilled to be showing your Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

STEPAN: Thank you very much.

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

STEPAN: I have always loved and been fascinated with wine. From my college days I’ve had a passion for wine. What finally sealed the deal and made me quit my lucrative law practice and dedicate my life to wine was a trip I took to Bordeaux France. I was blown away by the first growth Bordeaux wines.

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

STEPAN: Initially Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and subsequently the New World wines from South America and California. WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

STEPAN: For the increasingly sophisticated wine drinker who appreciates good quality wines both for everyday and on special occasions. We will only make wines that we enjoy drinking ourselves.

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

STEPAN: Our 2009 Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec is a special wine. Aged 12 months in new French and American oak barrels, is a handcrafted wine made from 100% Malbec grapes, from Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, 3400 feet above sea level, in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains. You should look for intense violet-red color, aromas of red fruits and raspberries, accompanied by notes of vanilla and coffee from its oak aging. Smooth on the palate, well-balanced with flavors of plums, gooseberries, red fruits, violets, chocolate, and coffee. Very long finish.

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

STEPAN: Enjoy Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec by itself or pair it with a nice juicy steak, all kinds of BBQ, roasted or grilled pork, hard cheeses or with a nice moist chocolate cake.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Mendoza so special?

STEPAN: World renown Agrelo in the heart of Mendoza is the place to grow Malbec in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains. Malbec loves this region where it is thriving. Because of its sun soaked high elevation, Malbec grapes mature to their full potential, developing rich flavors of plum, earth, spices and berries.

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

STEPAN: “To each his own” is the motto we go by. But in general what makes our wines more special if you share them with family and friends.

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

STEPAN: Drink what you like but always experiment. There is whole world of wines out there waiting to be discovered. Cheers!

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 Luján de Cuyo, in Mendoza, Argentina can be seen in this satellite photo

2007 St. Supery Vineyards & Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

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Mission Codename: The Halo Effect

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Wine Spies favorite, St. Supery, secure the latest vintage of their exceptional Cabernet Franc for our deserving operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: St. Supery Vineyards and Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

Winemaker: Michael Beaulac

Winery Backgrounder: We love St. Supery Winery, and while we would love to show their wines more frequently, we are made happy by the fact that the wines they do share with our Operatives are universally fantastic. Today, Agent Red returns to St. Supery and returns with their Winery ExclusiveCabernet Franc. To Red, this is a double score, as his love for the winery is matched only by his love for this delicious varietal.

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. This explains why we have not shown a Cab Franc here in some time. Agent Red recently scoured the Napa Valley to bring you today’s exceptional selection from our old friends at St. Supery. Red Red’s tasting notes and mission report below

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet with a clear, darker core. Out at the edge of the glass, a wide band of pure ruby encircles the wine. The wine leaves behind chubby legs, when swirled.

Smell – Bold blackberry and plum and smoky blueberry leap from the glass. These are underpinned by berry bramble bush, dried violets, dark chocolate, soft spice and toasty oak.

Feel – Initially cool and soft on entry. The, the wine becomes quickly grippy, spreading a crushed-velvet dryness all around the mouth. This dryness seems to lock in darker fruit flavors for a long time.

Taste – Rich and dark, with smoky plum, overripe blackberry, crushed dried violet petals, dusty bramble, dried fall leaves, black salted licorice, spice and softly toasted oak.

Finish – Very long and very dark, with black fruits gradually yielding to the more earthy flavors in the wine.

Conclusion – This 2007 St. Supery Cabernet Franc is a delicious departure from the previous vintage of the wine. Where the 2006 was more fruit-driven, with sweet red fruits, this 2007 is darker and more foreboding. Plush on the palate and expressive on the nose, the dark flavors bring a delicious overall balance to this elegant wine. Pair with a pork roast, a tri-tip roast or a bold pasta dish with a spicy meat sauce.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Scholz, Vice President Winemaker

WINE EDUCATION: BS in Enology at Roseworthy College, Adelaide, Australia

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Ironhorse then St. Supery 1996-2001, Wattle Creek, returned to St. Supery in 2009

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Make expressive wines, distinctive, fragrant, vibrant and delicious

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “No drama”



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Michael. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Franctoday. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL: It is always such a pleasure to see St. Supery featured on Wine Spies!

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

MICHAEL: I grew up on a family vineyard estate in the Barossa Valley in Australia, near Adelaide. The estate has been in my family for 5 generations, so I had the good fortune of growing up among the vineyards and wine on the table daily, of course.

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

MICHAEL: My big brother, Peter, but don’t tell him that and give him a big head.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: People who love wine, food and good times.

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

MICHAEL: This wine comes from our estate vineyards, one in Rutherford, which yield elegant wines with structure and charm, and the other is Dollarhide, a mountain vineyard that yield intense and bold wines. Cabernet Franc is usually an elegant and charming wine on its own, adding fruit lift and floral components to a Bordeaux style wine. With the addition of Dollarhide fruit, ours carries some intensity of fruit, yet the approach is generous and graceful. I really like this wine, myself.

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

MICHAEL: I like this wine with a grilled lamb or roasted quail. It’s almost lunchtime, so I can imagine it being good with all kinds of foods, but anything grilled or roasted or cooked on a rotisserie would most likely be a winner.

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

MICHAEL: The Napa Valley is a fantastic place to grow grapes and make wine. The climate is ideal for fine wines and the diversity in soils and aspects and elevations contribute to the ability to create really complex yet approachable, delicious wines.

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

MICHAEL: Blending wines, preparing for bottling, watching the vineyards as always.

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

MICHAEL: With an open mind and some friends along, if you can!

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

MICHAEL: We are remodeling our tasting rooms here at St. Supery. It’s a major overhaul. Everyone should come visit us in April to experience the new place and all of our new releases. Very exciting around here!

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 location of the the St. Supery Vineyards and Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 D-cubed Cellars Korte Ranch St. Helena Zinfandel

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Mission Codename: St. George, Cubed

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Respond to Operative requests for a Zinfandel from D-Cubed Cellars in Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley. Evaluate Duane’s single-vineyard Korte Ranch Zinfandel. Secure an ample allocation for our Zin-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Epiphany Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Korte Ranch Zinfandel – St. Helena, Napa Valley

Winemaker: Duane Dappen

Backgrounder: The grapes for today’s wine comes from the Korte Ranch Vineyard in Napa Valley’s St. Helena. This vineyard was planted of fabled St. George rootstock, around 1910. This head-trained, dry-farmed vineyard produces distinctive and very sought-after Zinfandels. Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivogrape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Napa ValleyZinfandels, which are characterized by their bold character, deep flavors and deep aromatics, are very popular with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby hues at the edges, with a darker Burgundy core. When swirled, the wine leaves behind tall, wine-stained tears that move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Vibrant Bing cherry, black cherry and spiced blackberry preserves leap from the glass. Dark strawberry, smoky blackberry jam, anise, dried meats, mocha, exotic spice, sweetwoods and black pepper soon follow.

Feel – Instantly grippy on the attack, then smooth across the mid-palate where it feels almost silky. Fine-grained tannins and a balanced acidity give the wine a complex feel. As the wine settles all around the palate, is takes on a dry, flinty feel.

Taste – Bright cherry and blackberry make a powerful initial splash. These bold flavors give way to espresso bean, dried fall leaves, spice, leather and toasty oak. Black pepper and slate deliver a bright and zesty tang at the tail end.

Finish – Very long and filled with bright flavors. Red fruit yields to black fruit, spice, leather, minerals and black pepper.

Conclusion – This 2007 D-Cubed Cellars Korte Ranch Zinfandel is a bright, juicy, delicious wine from one of the our heroes of California Zinfandel. Duane Dappen has crafted a complex and balanced wine that is a true delight to swirl, sniff, taste, discuss and analyze. As the wine stretches out, in the glass, it transforms, opening up to reveal deeper aromatics and more natural fruit flavors. Serve with a grilled steak or tangyBBQ. Drink now – but also lay some down for the next few years. This terrific 2007 has the structure to age and evolve.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Duane Dappen

WINE EDUCATION: Studied Enology and UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Worked in Napa Valley for 26 years. Started at Grgich Hills Cellar, was Cellarmaster at Storybook Mountain Vineyards, Assistant Winemaker at Rombauer and Frank Family Vineyards. Winemaker at Frank Family Vineyards. Currently Winemaker and President of D-cubed Cellars and Winemaker at Bravante Vineyards.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Keep it simple. Try to allow the fruit to be at its best with some elegance and balance.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Who wants the last rib?

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: (1994 Howell Mountain Zinfandel released February 1996.)



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Duane. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Korte Ranch Zinfandel today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

DUANE DAPPEN: Thanks, Agent Red. Your perseverance has paid off.

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

DUANE: Growing up in the Foothills my parents would go wine tasting and then I started working with a friend’s father making home wine in his cave (the cave originally was a Gold Mine)

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

DUANE: There was no particular wine or winemaker, but the combination or wines from Grgich Hills Cellars and Storybook Mountain have influenced me.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

DUANE: I make wine that I enjoy drinking and that I hope my friends and customers will like.

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

DUANE: This is the 2007 Korte Ranch Zinfandel. Korte Ranch is an amazing vineyard just north of St. Helena planted around 1910

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

DUANE: I love either, a nice pasta with a sauce of fresh vegetables, a little sausage and some wine reduction, or a medium-rare steak off the grill.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the St. Helena such a special place for Zinfandel?

DUANE: St.Helena is situated just north of the middle of the Napa Valley and this gives it the warm days and cool nights to ripen Zinfandel while keeping the acids and tannins in a wonderful balance.

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

DUANE: Finishing racking the 2011 wines and getting ready to blend the 2010 wines.

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

WINEMAKER: I like to think that people enjoy my wines with good food and company, whether it is their spouse or significant other having dinner at home together or a group of friends tailgating. Wine is best with good food and company.

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

DUANE: I hope everyone enjoys this wine with great food and friends.

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!

2007 Rutherford Grove and Winery Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

Mission Codename: Spring Hopes Eternal

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Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a fantastic Petite Sirah from our good friends at family run Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

Winemaker: Andy Pestoni

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

The Rutherford AVA is among the most famous names in the valley and is primarily know for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the other big Bordeaux varietals and as in today’s wine Petite Sirah. Ironically, Rutherford was the last of the major districts to receiveAVA status and is home to about 30 wineries. Its well drained soil made of a combination of marine sediment and volcanic gravel, sand and loam is distinct and contributes to its famed ‘Rutherford Dust’ component found its its great wines.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark purple and nearly black with a dense and inky core that only shows its clarity when carefully examined. The color becomes purple at the edges and when swirled, slow and thin color-stained legs ring the glass. Some sediment and tartrate crystals cling to the cork and settle at the bottom of the glass.

Smell – Ripe and fruit forward aromas of dark black and blue fruit including blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry blend with savory and spice and toasted vanilla and oak.

Feel – Smooth, warm and expansive in its initial attack before the sturdy and textured tannins strike at mid-palate of this full-bodied dry wine. Textured dark minerality and vibrant acidity keeps the luscious fruit in check. As this wine opens, the feel smooths making this rich wine both round and plush.

Taste – Dense and focused dark black and red fruit lead the way and are framed by a touch of tangy acidity. Complexity is added by its vanilla and toasted oak that blends with savory and spice notes.

Finish – Extremely long with the rich and generous fruit lingering on and on while the sturdy and finely grained tannins and mineral texture drying the palate and leaving your tongue stained purple.

Conclusion – The 2007 Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah is rich, plush and generously plump wine that is fruit forward without the typical coarse tannins you might expect from this bold of red grapes. Bountiful blue and black fruit along with pleasant vanilla toast, savory spice and minerality greets you upon pulling the cork and lasts until your last sip. We enjoyed this lovely wine with grilled buffalo rib-eyes and barbecued pork ribs.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

2006 Mayo Family winery Red Dog Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: Clifford!

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Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Mayo Family Winery, secure the last remaining bottles of their coveted Red Dog Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that we a smash hit with out Operatives during previous vintages.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: Mayo Family Winery

Wine Subject: 2006 Red Dog Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Michel Berthoud

Backgrounder: Our Operatives know, by now, of our fondness for Mayo Family wines. Over the course of the last four and a half years, we have gotten to know Jeffrey Mayo, who runs the winery, and his entire crew. We love the people as much as we love the wines.

Some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world come from Napa Valley. A delicious and elegant example of the varietal, today’s wine is a Classic Napa Cabernet. Approachable, richly layered and deeply delicious, this wine shows off the winemaking skills of Michael Berthoud. It is a delicious wine at a price that is difficult to resist.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful dark crimson hues, with evenly concentrated color, from center to edge of glass. After swirling, wine-stained legs take a long time to emerge, starting high on the glass.

Smell – Lush, fragrant and bursting with berries, this wine exudes sweet blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and cassis. After swirling (or decanting) for a while, the wine reveals additional aromas of spiced cherry, cranberry, anise, bramble, dried tobacco and dark chocolate.

Feel – Round and soft at first. Then, the wine gains some dimension on the mid-palate where plush tannins and a balanced acidity add intriguing structure.

Taste – Generous, concentrated and richly layered, with dark berry fruit of blackberry, blueberry and dark strawberry. These set the stage – and prepare the palate for more complex follow-on flavors that include dried violets, soft spice, cocoa dust, cigar box and subtle bramble.

Finish – Very long and concentrated, with sustained berry flavors. These give way to spice, cigar box and slate. At the very end, a hint of black pepper put a fine point on your sip.

Conclusion – Today’s high-elevation wine, the 2006 Red Dog Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from our friends at Mayo Family Winery, is a rich, concentrated, delicious delight! As with the previous vintage of this wine, today’s balances big, bold flavors against a certain elegance that had our tasting panel admiring it greatly. Drinking beautifully now, this wine is the sort that could improve for the next decade or longer. Personally, I’m not that patient. Though I will do my best to lay some down for the next few years. Pair as you would a big, classic Cabernet. Our tasting panel enjoyed ours with a grilled New York steak with lot’s of black pepper and garlic.

2008 Swanson Vineyards Oakville Merlot

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Mission Codename: Four times and counting

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Swanson Vineyards and secure the next vintage their famed single vineyard Oakville Merlot, a Wine Spies Operative favorite!

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2008 Merlot Oakville – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Chris Phelps

Backgrounder: Today, we are very proud be be showcasing our fourth successive vintage of Swanson’s stunning, signature Merlot. Best known as a ‘Merlot house’, Swanson continues its proud tradition of crafting the finest Merlot in the Napa Valley. Each time we showcase a Swanson Merlot, our Operatives snap it up in record numbers. If you have not yet had the pleasure, don’t miss out.

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 in California. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes and mission report below

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dense and dark garnet with purple tints. In its dark but clear core, streaks of ruby and garnet shine through when held up to the light. Along the edges the color retains its dense character and when swirled, medium legs ring the glass and descend at varying speeds.

Smell – Deep and redolent with aromas of spiced and ripe dark black cherry, ripe plum and currants. Earthy undertones blend with bittersweet cocoa, soft savory herbal notes and toasted and spiced oak aromas.

Feel – Very smooth, rich and generous, this full-bodied dry wine warmly expands over the palate with its smooth but sturdy tannins, bright tangy acidity along with its soft earthy and dusty textured minerality lingering in perfect balance.

Taste – Rich and ripe red and black cherry lead the way with notes of ripe plum and other dark ripe fruit blending with soft toasted oak, sweet spice and bittersweet chocolate flavors. The soft earthy undertones found on the nose along with hints of savory herbs adds depth and complexity.

Finish – Warm, rich and long; this wine warming clings to the palate and lasts and lasts with its soft mineral texture lead structure leading the way as the plush and ripe fruit and other flavors linger on and on.

Conclusion – Once again we are blown away by the simply delicious winemaking skills of Chris Phelps. The 2008 Swanson Vineyards Merlot Oakville is yet another successive vintage that defines New World Merlot with plenty of Old World influence. Rich and inviting on the nose, a balanced but sturdy structure, fruit forward but with depth and complexity on the palate. A great wine to pair with roast meats, warm winter stews or simply enjoy in front of a cozy fire.

Mission Report:

AGENT RED: Greetings, Chris. We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 Oakville Merlot today. The wine is really fantastic. Thanks so much for the wine, and for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today. We are really impressed by your wines!

CHRIS PHELPS: I always appreciate hearing that, Agent Red. It’s a pleasure to go ‘covert’ with you today.

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

CHRIS: Well, yes, but more cumulative experience than specific. I grew up in Livermore, CA, a stone’s throw from Cocannon Vineyards. My parents made a barrel or two of Zin or Cab every year when I was a kid. They picked the grapes with friends, and I helped with crushing, racking, etc. when I was old enough. I found it fascinating that the wine quality could vary so much, depending upon variety, grape source and vintage. Wine was often on the family dinner table, so I was able to taste when I was a kid, and I liked it.

RED: So, winemaking was really in your blood. Tell me, where did you learn the most about winemaking?

CHRIS: I learn more about winemaking every day! There is so much nuance in winemaking, which consists of hundreds of details, some of which might seem insignificant, but can really affect the final product. I was fortunate to me mentored by many colleagues along my career path, starting with Mike Martini at Louis M. Martini in 1980. I graduated from UC Davis in Enology, then continued my education at the University of Bordeaux. Those years in academia, coupled with the key internships I did at Martini, Chappellet and in St. Emilion / Pmoerol as I cut my winemaking teeth, were very formative years.

RED: It sounds like it! What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

CHRIS: In a word, minimalist. If the fruit, at the time it is picked, is physiologically ripe and balanced, intervention through winemaking techniques is minimized. Speaking of red Bordeaux varieties, since we are tasting the 2005 Swanson Oakville Merlot today, I’m looking for perfectly ripe fruit, but avoiding super-high Brix levels, which lead to some of the very stylized wines produced today, which need huge doses of input by the winemaker. If the fruit is handled correctly, it is possible to coax the optimum extract out of the must, and produce a wine which honestly reflects the terroir from which it came. My job as a winemaker is precisely this: to form an honest interpretation of what a specific vineyard site in a specific vineyard is trying to tell me. I hope that makes sense to you…

RED: Your focus is on Merlot, and we applaud that. We are really happy to see Merlot doing so wonderfully. Tell me, what makes Merlot so unique?

CHRIS: So nice to preach to the choir when it comes to Merlot. Merlot is uniquely a ‘winemaker’s wine’. It suits my minimalist approach to winemaking perfectly. Grown in the right climate, in the right soil, with the correct conditions that dictate terroir for Merlot, it is one of the best varieties to work with. Color, aromatic expression of fruit, balanced acidity, silky, ripe tannins – the key attributes we are looking for – come very naturally to Merlot. Even grown under less-than-appropriate conditions, Merlot yields a decent, quaffable wine, and this is also the problem with Merlot, which is part of its uniqueness… there are a number of Merlots, from hot climates, with deep soils better suited to corn or tomatoes, which are not unpleasant, but have nothing to do with great Merlot. We know at Swanson that the clayey-loam soils in Oakville are optimum for this variety, and we take full advantage of this. When it comes to Merlot, terroir is everything. In Napa, there are sites on Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, in Oakville, in Carneros that are perfectly suited to the production of ultra-premium Merlot.

RED: And you happen to make your Merlot in one of them! What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

CHRIS: Jean-Claude Berrouet, winemaker for Ets. JP Moueix in Libourne, France. After being the winemaker for Petrus and a number of other Moueix properties on the Right Bank of Bordeaux for 44 years, he has ‘retired’, staying on in a consulting role for Petrus in Pomerol, and Dominus, here in Napa. During my 12 years as the first winemaker at Dominus, he had a significant influence upon my approach to winemaking.

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

WINEMAKER: It’s like real estate – location, location, location. I believe Napa Valley, and especially Oakville, rocks as a wine region because of the climate. A big factor is the maritime influence of nearby San Pablo Bay. The ‘refrigerator effect’ of summer fog interspersed with hot spells allows us to grow premium Bordeaux varieties here.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

CHRIS: My first stint was 6 months in 1980 at Martini. I became a ‘winemaker ’ in 1984, when I joined the team at Dominus. I remained there for 12 years, before moving to Caymus for 7 years. I have been at Swanson for 6 years.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

CHRIS: Chuck Wagner at Caymus gently reminded me from time to time that I should not make wine for myself, and this was an important lesson. I don’t fixate on ‘who’ the wine is for, per se, but it does get factored into the overall picture. I am conscious of the fact that Clarke Swanson would like me to be producing wines that appeal to consumers, critics, bloggers, etc. At Swanson, as in my previous winemaking roles, I strive to make the absolutely best wine possible, given the fruit sources and other resources I am given to work with. I’m sure this sounds cliché, but it always seems to work out. The wines are not just for the critics, not just for the consumers, not just for me. Wine should be universal. We’ll need to sit down and discuss this question more over another bottle of Merlot…

RED: Any time. It would be a great pleasure. Tell me, what makes the Napa Valley so special?

CHRIS: As I am reminded every time I return to the Valley after being away (I’m sending these notes from Chicago, where I am spending 3 days helping promote Swanson wines), Napa Valley is a place of unique natural beauty. And it is still the Mecca for ultra-premium domestic winegrowing.

RED: Nice to hear someone else call Napa ‘Mecca’. What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

CHRIS: Seek a mentor or mentors who are willing to share what they know. Plan on internships in different international wine regions. Study, sure, but not to the exclusion of lots of practical experience. You must be willing to get your hands dirty.

RED: And stained purple. What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

CHRIS: We are totally fixated on final preparations for the bottling of our 2011 Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosato (Rosé of Sangiovese/Syrah) next week. Oh, and I am supposed to be working on my budget…

RED: Ahead of schedule. I wonder what that’s like. Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

CHRIS: How did you manage to acquire the 2008 Swanson Oakville Merlot, already??? We have always bottle-aged our Merlot for up to 24 months prior to release. Having bottled this wine in April 2010, it was just released. I think you got it before the winery did! Even with 2 years in the bottle, this wine is very youthful. It’s composed of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and- for the first time – 2% Petit Verdot. It’s a charmer, and reminds me more of a solid Right Bank Bordeaux claret than a Napa Merlot. Black cherry, plum and dried red cherry on the nose, and firm, sweet, mouth-coating tannins on the palate. Definitely a “Cab drinker’s Merlot”.

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

CHRIS: We had it last night with rosemary-infused lamb chops cooked over hot coals on the grill. I highly recommend trying this combination. I’m not sure you can enlist my 20-year old son to do the grilling, but he did a perfect job last night. Of course, if the price is right…

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

CHRIS: I’m an Indigo Girls (folk-rock duo) groupie. I love to get to as many shows as possible. Emily Saliers (one of the IGs) has become a good friend, and she loves wine.

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

CHRIS: Over the past 15 years or so, I’ve made a barrel or two of home wine every year, kind of like my folks did. In addition to being the communion wine at our church in St. Helena, this is our everyday table wine.

RED: You’ll have to tell me your secret formula one day. How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

CHRIS: Keep an open mind. Minds are like parachutes, they function best when open. Drink what really appeals to you, not what someone else thinks you should like. Always be open to trying new wines.

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

CHRIS: I would love to try the 1961 Petrus again; I’ve tasted it out of both 6 liter and 750 ml format, and it was phenomenal.

RED: If I come across a bottle, I promise to share! What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

CHRIS: What are my favorite Napa Valley producers? It’s actually a tough question, and my answer varies, but Joseph Phelps, Chappellet, Provenance, and Honig are always on the list.

RED: Thank you so much for your time, Chris, and for the extensive answers. Our Operatives love getting to know our winemakers and I appreciate that you spent this much time with me today.

CHRIS: Thank you for spending time with me, and for your insightful questions. Is your name really Agent Red?

RED: I could tell you, but, you know…

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Swanson Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

2008 Adobe Road Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: The Winners Circle

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Operative favorite, Adobe Road Winery. Secure the latest vintage of their distinctive Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Adobe Road Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Winemaker: Michael Scorsone

Backgrounder: The Sonoma Coast AVA, established in 1987, is the area directly adjacent to the Pacific coastline of Sonoma County. The ocean’s influence causing a cooler, higher rainfall and foggy climate most influences the vineyards of this region, many of which have exceptional views of the mighty Pacific. These factors cause grapes to mature and ripen more slowly which is idea for Burgundian varietals like Chardonnay. The region is approximately 750 square miles with about 7,000 acres under vine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep golden-yellow, maintaining even coloration from core to edge. The wine glints as its edges catch the light. Skinny tears start high on the glass, where they are quick to appear before they move slowly and steadily down the glass.

Smell – Zesty and sweet, with lemon curd, citrus peel and dried apricot. As the wine warms, slightly, tropical notes of pineapple, passionfruit and mango begin to emerge. Then, thee wine opens further, revealing white flowers, slate minerals and a hint of cedar.

Feel – Soft and light when well chilled. If you allow the wine to warm, slightly, it becomes more round and silky. It shows some weight and complexity at the mid-palate, where it takes on a slightly dry feel.

Taste – Sweet citrus and pineapple mingle with dried white flower petal, dried apricot, white peach and a hint of kiwi. Again, allow the wine to warm slightly, and witness how new flavors emerge, including green melon and loquot flesh.

Finish – Favors linger for a long time, eventually culminating in a softly dry feel with flavors of white flowers, minerals and subtle pineapple.

Conclusion – This is a perfectly lovely Chardonnay that our tasting panel really enjoyed. Out of the chiller, the wine has a lighthearted feel. When it warms, even slightly, it really comes alive, revealing a softer feel, deeper aromatics and a bevvy of flavors that simply were not there before. This oaked Chardonnay certainly has some oak character, but not in a way that overpowers the experience. A fantastic wine with a roast chicken or a creamy pasta, this wine deserves our hearty recommendation – and a place on your table.

Mission Report:

Adobe Road winemaker, Michael Scorsone could not be located for an interview about today’s wine. Rest assured our agents are searching the vineyards for him. Check back for a full interview, the next time we showcase another fantastic Adobe Road wine.

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The approximate location of the Adobe Road tasting room, in the heart of the town of Sonoma, California, can be seen in this satellite photo.

 

2009 Armida Winery Maple Vineyards Zinfandel

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Mission Codename: Famous Grapes

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate Armida Winery and secure a limited allocation one of their superb single vineyard Zinfandel

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Armida Winery

Wine Subject: 2009 Maple Vineyards Zinfandel

Winemaker: Brandon Lapides

Backgrounder: Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is a treasure trove of great wines. While The Wine Spies have been trying to keep from acquiring too many wines from the region when the wines are great, so why not? Today’s wine is sourced from Tom and Tina Maple’s 27 acre vineyard near the intersection of Lytton Springs and Dry Creek Roads. Being dry farmed and with its clay and loam rocky soil it is particular well suited to exceptional Zinfandel.

Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. The Dry Creek Valley, where this Zinfandel’s grapes are are grown are characterized by their bright and balanced flavors, distinct minerality and spice are quite in popularity with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Intense dark magenta hues with even coloration – from core to edge. Skinny, wine-stained tears form high up on the glass wall, before rushing downward.

Smell – Dark and foreboding, with stewed mixed blackberry, plum and black cherry preserves. Just beneath these, dried meats, leather, oaky spice, dried brown tobacco leaf, black pepper and bramble round out the nose.

Feel – Smooth and soft on entry, then mouth-coating and plush with a weight that slowly but steadily increases, evening out to a medium-bodied feel. Plush tannins and a balanced acidity give the wine an elegant but still lively feel all over the mouth.

Taste – Bursting with dark black and red flavors, this juicy wine leads with sweet cherry juice, blackberry, cassis, braised raisin and tart black plum. Just beneath these, soft leather, cigar box, dark chocolate, brown spice and wild fennel make a tasty appearance.

Finish – Very long and filled flavor, this wine leads with juicy fruits and ends with soft spice, and wonderful earthen flavors that contribute to a softly dry ending that reminds you to take another big mouthful.

Conclusion – The 2009 Armida Winery Maple Vineyards Zinfandel is a real gulping wine! Our tasting panel found itself taking small sips, at first. We quickly graduated to bigger, satisfying mouthfuls. This is a such a delicious wine that you’ll want to try this for yourself! Plush and complex, this wine delivers a really exciting and tantalizing drinking experience. We dare you to sip your way through an entire glass. Enjoy now, or cellar for the next several years.

Mission Report:

SUBJECT: Brandon Lapides

WINE EDUCATION: BS. Fermentation Science University of California at Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Internships: Testarossa Vineyards, RH Phillips, Brancott Cellars; Assistant Winemaker: Peachy Canyon Winery, Dutton Goldfield Winery

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Lets bring back the old school philosophies, using as little new technology as possible.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Fill up my cup, Mazeltov.” – Black Eyed Peas.


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Brandon. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Il Campo today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

BRANDON LAPIDES: My pleasure, Red. I am always happy to see that we can make some of our wine available to your loyal Operatives!

RED:I could tell you, Brandon, but… you know… Tell me, was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

BRANDON: Growing up I was mystified that when our whole family would get together, there would be many lengthy discussions about different wines. My curiosity then led to my eventual love of wine.

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

BRANDON: ’61 Latour. My grandfather had enough foresight to start buying Bordeaux wines in the late 60’s. I have been fortunate enough to have a few bottles over a span of 10 years. The wine has been the only wine that I have tasted that has ever lived up to its hype. The balance and complexities in the ’61 Latour after 40+ years of aging influenced my winemaking to try to have as much longevity in my own wines.

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

BRANDON: I always recommend that consumers accompany our wines with food. Our wines pair well with a variety of foods and should be consumed with family and friends.

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

BRANDON: I would love to invite any of your readers to come visit our vineyards, winery and tasting room right outside of Healdsburg. We have a beautiful patio with an incredible view overlooking our vineyards and manicured gardens. There is also a bocce ball court to test your skills after a glass of wine.

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 location of the Armida Winery can be seen in thissatellite photo.

 

2010 Amorosa Bella Russian River Valley Sparking Brut

Mission Codename: True Vintage Love

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Amorosa Bella and procure their vintage Brut, a sparkling delight from the Russian River Valley, birthplace of some of the component varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that make up the composition this wine.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Amorosa Bella

Wine Subject: 2010 Brut – Russian River Valley

Winemaker: Kenneth Juhasz

Backgrounder: The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Chardonnay (as well as Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel) of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the RRVideal for growing Burgundian varietals. This AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s. The Russian River Valley is ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – which make up today’s sparkling wine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright and lively, with just a hint of copper color, when held up to the light. A steady rush of bubbles wind their way up the glass in a continuous frenzy of energy.

Smell – Crisp and fresh with fresh white peach, pear, yellow grapefruit, pineapple and yeasty vanilla. As the wine warms slightly, it reveals subtler aromas of white flowers, soft toasted oak and a hint of roasted chestnut.

Feel – The soft mousse expands as it enters the mouth. After a moment, it softens, leaving a soft dryness after it leaves the palate.

Taste – White peach and pear mix with pink grapefruit, toasted oak and vanilla. Lemon curd, flint, pineapple, white spice and flint round out the flavors as the wine warms slightly.

Finish – Flavors go on for a long time, enhanced by the texture of the mousse. At the end, the wine remains bright and crisp, with hints of citrus, flint and subtlest white spice that give the finish a slight kick.

Conclusion – Amorosa Bella has nailed it with their lovely 2010 Vintage Brut from the Russian River Valley. This sparkler is pretty, showing off subtle copper hues and an unending rush of fine bubbles. Deliciously crisp and loaded with a bevvy of flavors, this bubbly is also a joy to sample for its complexity on the palate. Enjoy with any occasion that calls for the sort ofluxe that a truly great sparkling wine lends!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

Mother’s LOVE sparkling wine!

Dr. Charlyn Belluzzo, internationally recognized health and wellness expert, author, and owner of Amorosa Bella Winery is back with one of her award winning sparkling wines.

Mother’s Day is closely approaching, Sunday, May 8th. It is the perfect time to reignite all of your senses with Dr. Belluzzo’s light and luscious sparkling wine!

In Italian, “Amorosa Bella” means beautiful lover. The love affair is with life!

Literally speaking, Amorosa Bella beautiful bottled sparkling wine is the essence of experiencing the full spectrum of “sensuality” using all six of your sense: sight, smell, sound, taste, touch, and intuition.

SUBJECT: Dr. Charlyn Belluzzo

WINE EDUCATION: Though classically trained in an academic sense, Dr. Belluzzo has made it her mission to expand our path on the road to wellness by living a sensual life. Dr. Belluzzo and talented winemaker, Penelope Gadd-Coster, handcraft uniquely sensual wines exclusively for Amorosa Bella.

 

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “Wine is relationship!”True to Amorosa Bella’s Italian family heritage, wine is blended to bring greater pleasure to everyday living. Through a luscious alchemy of elements, wines awaken your senses create intimate personal moments and enliven all gatherings.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Living with passion requires igniting the spark. Our sparkling wines flicker, then burst into flame!”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 23 October 2009



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW 

AGENT RED: Greetings, Charlyn. We are thrilled to be showing your 2010 Sparkling Brut today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

CHARLYN BELLUZZO: It’s great to be back with you, Agent Red!

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

CHARLYN: As a scientist and a medical researcher, I am fascinated by the science of our senses. Our senses are primal and have been essential to our survival dating back to the dawn of humankind. As we refined our intellect, we lost touch with our ability to “feel”. Rediscovering your senses is exciting! Wine, particularly sparkling wine, triggers all of your senses.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

CHARLYN: The characteristics of Amorosa Bella wines please some of the most sophisticated wine aficionado, yet the romantic sensual nature of our wines and the enjoyable lifestyle we purvey attracts a new class of young wine enthusiasts.

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

CHARLYN: This sparkler hails from the Russian River, a cool climate area. This area I feel, creates some stunning sparklers. With the cooler climate we can get the grapes to maturity at a lower level of sugar. That translates into some beautiful fruit flavors that you wouldn’t get with a shorter hang time. This is done with a Brut dosage level (1.1%) and ya’ just can’t stop drinking it!

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

CHARLYN: OMG- I love lime crème fraiche on potato chips with Tobiko – I am getting hungry thinking about it!

Chill down Amorosa Bella Sparkling Brut wine as a refreshing drink alone or a perfect match for many dishes from salads to spicy outdoor barbeque dishes! Try sparkling wine with salty foods like potato chips or popcorn.

A bowl of fresh fruit or berries, drizzled with sparkling wine becomes a light appetizer or desert. Place your Sparkling Brut fruit bowls in the freezer and create a fruity wine slush—perfect for an outdoor appetizer on a warm summer evening.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Russian River Valley so special?

CHARLYN: Amorosa Bella wines are conceived in the heart of Sonoma County, California, nestled along the famed Russian River, where the beauty of lush hillsides laced with delicate rows of grapevines and alluring aromas fill your senses. Temperate weather; warm sunny days and nights cooled by the ocean fog as it rolls in most summer evenings infuses the grapes and the people living in the region with a unique sweetness that is intoxicating making easy conversation with friends and lovers.

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

CHARLYN: Making more bubbles- yeast cultures, blending, then into bottles for the long rest!

As you all know, the process for producing Amorosa Bella sparkling wines is much different from our still wine portfolio. Wine created from our 2010 harvest is destined to become sparkling wine was just placed in the bottle for the first time!

We will now let these bottles “rest” with their very first corks for six months, waiting their first disgorging. Our sparkling wine is made in the traditional riddle method, periodically hand turning each bottle, disgorging three separate times before the final cork is placed, eighteen to twenty-four months after harvest.

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

CHARLYN: Get to know yourself and explore your own tastes and style as you experience wine. Discover your wine preferences using all of your senses. Consider which wines you would select for yourself to enjoy when no one else is watching. There are no wrong wine choices if your senses are pleased.

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

CHARLYN: Ask your mother, friends, and even yourself what would the best wine be for celebrating this season. We invite you to pop a cork on Amorosa Bella Sparkling Brut and raise a glass to toast your love affair with life!