Archive for the 'New Wines' Category

New Vintages! Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from Bonneau Wines

November 14th, 2007 · Categories: New Wines

Bonneau Wines, a favorite among WineQ members, has released new, incredible vintages that are now available on WineQ!

Bonneau 2004 Los Carneros Chardonnay, Catherine’s Vineyard

pineapple · ripe apple · vanilla · caramel · cream · smooth · silky · spicy oak · long finish · well-balanced · complex · rich

“Our Mission is to produce the best Chardonnay in the world,” says Bonneau owner John Bambury, and with a Double Gold at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, they seem be doing just that. This exquisite Chardonnay is bright golden yellow in color, and aromas of ripe, juicy apples and ripe tropical fruits jump out at you. These ripe fruit flavors fill the palate along with vanilla, caramel and cream derived from aging 10 months in high-quality French oak. The texture is supple with a smooth, silky feel in the mouth.

This is a complete and opulent wine that releases its sweet, spicy oak and pineapple flavors before leading to a long, insistent finish. This well-balanced wine has layers of complexity and richness that demonstrate the care and attention to detail in the making of this wine.

All the grapes for their flagship Chardonnay wine were hand harvested from the Catherine Bonneau Vineyard and carefully transported to the winery. After gently pressing whole clusters, the juice was fermented in 100% French oak barrels.

Bonneau Chardonnay goes well with Brie and fruit, as well as light pasta, rich seafood, poultry & veal. Enjoy the wine now - however, it will continue to gain depth and richness for at least 5 years. »More

Bonneau 2004 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

blackberry · ripe raspberry · cranberry · mocha · cassis allspice · black cherry · ripe fig · full-bodied · smooth · supple tannins

Bonneau’s first red wine release from Sonoma County features equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes selected from two outstanding vineyards - one located in the Dry Creek appellation and the other on Sonoma Mountain. To enhance and compliment the wine, Petit Verdot and Malbec varietals were blended. In the glass, you’ll find a deep purple-ruby color and wafting aromas of blackberry, ripe raspberry, and cranberry mingled with mocha, cassis and allspice.

Our Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and luscious on the palate, with tannins that are finely integrated with a defined amount of French oak. The texture is smooth as black cherry, juicy black fruit and ripe fig flavors capture the mouth, and the finish is long lasting and satisfying. This wine is made to enjoy with meals in its youth, however, it will continue to gain depth and richness for at least 5-7 years. »More


An Ode to The Spaniard and A Good *%#&@! (New Twisted Oak Wines at WineQ!)

September 28th, 2007 · Categories: Humor, New Wines
In 1492, El Jefe sailed the ocean blue
But it took 6 years to find worlds new
So what’s a restless explorer to do?
Why, quaff down a bottle of wine or two!

But, of course, not just any vino will do,
not just the Tempranillo imbibed by his crew
He wanted flavors of Garnacha, and Graciano, too
For this spaniard, only The Spaniard rang true

Currants and cloves, a berry that’s blue
Cherry, leather and oak in this brew
Tannins that are the size of Peru
for $44.99, you can try it too!

After this bottle, he’s definitely not through
Because, to tango, it usually takes two
And though this may be somewhat taboo
He was in the mood for a good *%#&@!, too

No, dirty reader, I don’t mean a screw
A delightful red blend, I thought that you knew
Grenache and Mourvedre being the first two
A splash of Syrah, and then it is through

A meaty leathery flavor that’s fit to chew
with boysenberry and raspberry imbued
Provençal herbs remind you of stew
And at $27.99, it’s quite the value

No, brilliant reader, not a word of this is true
Except these two tasty wines that are new
So resist no more, you know you want to
Add these two great blends to your Q!

Twisted Oak 2005 The Spaniard

black currant · clove · Blueberry · plum
Made at Twisted Oak by Winemakers Of Unusual Size, this swash-buckling Calaveras blend is so big you’ll need six fingers to hold the glass… »More

Twisted Oak 2005 Calaveras County *%#&@!

boysenberry · raspberry · meaty · leathery
The meaty & leathery characters and hints of Provençal herbs & spices might have you thinking this Rhône- style blend of Mourvedre… »More

Introducing Joseph Family Vineyards: Close to Silver Oak Without Going Broke

September 4th, 2007 · Categories: New Wineries, New Wines

Across the street from Silver Oak Cellars’ vineyards in Alexander Valley lies Joseph Family Vineyards, and the owner, Jon Joseph, has traveled quite a long way to be here. After several years in Japan where he began his career as a journalist, Jon spent the next two decades as a Wall Street technology analyst. Several years of investment success afforded Jon the opportunity to do what two generations before him had done privately — produce a fine Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Joseph Family Vineyard produces a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon that could best be compared to its’ closest neighbor, Silver Oak. However, one thing that JFV’s Cab doesn’t share with this prestigious vintner is the price. While a Silver Oak Cabernet can sometimes run upwards of $200 a bottle, a Joseph Family Vineyards Cabernet is much more reasonably-priced at $39.99.

Joseph Family Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

wild berries · stone fruit · mature tannins · creamy oak · textured oak

From the Winery: This is a bigger wine than our 2003. Exotic wild berries and fleshy stone fruits infuse our 2004 Cabernet. This wine is characterized by sweet, mature tannins well-integrated with creamy, textured oak. This Bordeaux-style wine can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for 10 to 15 years.

Read more about the Joseph Family 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and add it to your Q today!

New Wine! Croze 2006 Sauvignon Blanc

August 31st, 2007 · Categories: New Wines

Croze 2006 Sauvignon Blanc

citrus · grapefruit · grassy · melon
Sauvignon Blanc is said to be one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon - the other being Cabernet Franc. This premier Croze Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant wine with true California style. This delicate and lovely wine began life in the hills of Lake County, overlooking Clearlake, and reflects its’ terroir - hot days, cool nights, perfect soil. The delicate nose has a hint of freshly-cut grass, and the wine’s straw color mirrors the surrounding grass lands at harvest.

2006 Croze Sauvignon Blanc is light, crisp and well balanced. The moderate structure compliments its bright fruit character, which is in keeping with the winemaker’s philosophy and style. Its bouquet reveals fresh aromas of citrus and grapefruit with a hint of newly-mown grass. As the wine warms in the glass, melon and pineapple flavors emerge. The finish is agreeably long and full.This Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with poultry, fish and pasta dishes. It’s perfect with rich sauces and soft cheese. It’s also great for sipping - share a cool, refreshing glass with a friend!

New Wine! The Deerfield 2002 Super T-Rex

August 30th, 2007 · Categories: New Wines

Deerfield Ranch 2002 Super T-Rex

Super Tuscan · Fruit-forward · integrated oak · complex

Super T-Rex is a Meritage style with an Italian bent. It’s a French girl in a Ferrari. It has the forward fruitiness and lovely varietal characteristics of a Sangiovese, with the depth and complexity of a Meritage blend. This unique red blend won a Silver Medal at the 2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!

Sangiovese forms the backbone, Cabernet Franc take flavors and aromas to the upper palate, Cabernet Sauvignon takes them back into a long lingering finish and Dolcetto (an Italian blending variety and occasionally bottled on its own, in the Piedmont) adds to the lower and side palate. The result is a full taste experience - fruit up front supported by a complexity of layered aromas and flavors - without aggressiveness or ponderosity.

According to Deerfield, the greatest Italian wines come from Tuscany, where winemakers added California and French techniques to their grape growing and winemaking to produce the best of these, known as the Super Tuscan wines. Super T-Rex honors these wines and the Rex family’s Italian heritage.

Super T-Rex will pair superbly with many foods, especially Mediterranean cuisine. It is very enjoyable now, and due to its structure and stability, will age well.

Check out the Deerfield Ranch 2002 Super T-Rex to add it to your Q or to read more about it.

Bad News and Good News for Fans of Ceja Vineyards

August 8th, 2007 · Categories: Award-Winning Wines, New Wines

For all you Ceja Vineyards fans out there, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, unfortunately, the Ceja 2003 Pinot Noir (a 5-star wine on WineQ) and the Ceja 2003 Vino de Casa - Red (a 4.5 star wine) are completely sold out!

The great news is that they’re being replaced by the 2004 vintages, both of which have won awards in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition! The Ceja 2004 Pinot Noir is even better than the exquisite 2003, with a Silver medal in the “Pinot Noir, over $35″ category. The Ceja 2004 Vino de Casa Red Blend also won itself a Silver medal in the “All Other Red Blends” category.

If you’ve enjoyed either of these wines from Ceja, definitely add the 2004s to your Q.