2008 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

There have been some incredible wines come out of the Robert Mondavi Winery in recent years, largely in part to the exceptional talent of Genevieve Janssens, Director of Winemaking at RMW.  Dark purple in the glass, this 2008 Cabernet Sauvingon has plum and black cherry aromas with some pleasant smoky charcoal and spices.  In the mouth is solid and tasty wine with juicy dark fruits with the dominant being black cherry followed closely by plum.  This wine has a very silky full bodied feel and is a combination of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah, and 1% Petit Verdot.  Towards the back of the palate sweet fruit and mild oak flavors combined superbly with the young tannins, and a long finish is the result.  This wine is a fantastic bargain considering the price and what you get!

About Robert Mondavi Winery:

Robert Mondavi believed that the path to a more gracious lifestyle leads through the appreciation of wine, food, and art. He believed that Napa Valley could be the center for that lifestyle, producing wines that belonged in the company of the great wines of the world, and wines that belonged at the family table.

Raised in a traditional Italian family, Robert Mondavi understood that sharing good wine and good food with family and friends is one of life’s great pleasures. He saw the potential of then unrecognized Napa Valley to be a pre-eminent winegrowing region and cultural hub for his vision.

ABV:  15.3%
AVA:  Napa Valley
Retail Price:  $28.00
Score:  91

www.robertmondavi.com

2009 Bugay Vineyards Long Stem Rose - Rose of Syrah

The look alone of this bottle has some incredible merit - gorgeous dark pink grapefruit color with a bottle that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.  First of all, if you have never tasted a Rose of Syrah, go out and get a bottle (preferrably this one) tonight.  No, this is NOT White Zinfandel - not by a long shot!  This is a semi sweet Rose that exhibits a potpourri of flavors that include strawberry, grapefruit, citrus basket, and just a touch of wild raspberries.  The flavors are mouth watering and when served chilled (but not cold) this wine will be one of your new best friends.  This is quite possibly the best Rose I have tasted in recent memory.  99% Syrah, 1% Mourvedre.

About Bugay Wines and Vineyards:
Vintner, John Bugay's, right hand man happens to be a woman, his wife, Reta Bugay. Whether she is working in the role of art director, bookkeeper, schedule coordinator, party planner or sales manager, her focus is always the people. Reta says that the wine business has created a wonderful opportunity to meet exceptionally interesting, creative and successful people; many have become her dear friends. If you want to meet with John, order their extraordinary wines, arrange for a tour of their beautiful gardens and vineyards, or correspond with a friend, contact Reta.
 
ABV:  13.5%
Appellation:  Sonoma County
Cases Produced:  220
Retail Price:  $22.00
Score:  93
 
www.bugaywines.com

2007 Hunnicutt Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

This wine has great appeal to me - intriguing bottle appeal, full aromas and flavors, and a very good price on a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2007 vintage from Hunnicutt Wines is 100% Cabernet and it lifts the quintessential and welcoming Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of red and black fruits that include blackberry, blueberry and plum.  The dark fruit flavors give way to cherry cobbler that takes center stage mid palate and combines with a warm oak flavor and just a hint of pepper.  The combination of flavors and structured tannins dance in your mouth to leave you with an incredibly long finish that will quickly find you reaching for the bottle again.  This is a Cabernet lover's wine.

About Hunnicutt Wines:
HUNNICUTT is a family owned and operated winery founded in 2002. Their varietal focus is Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The name ‘HUNNICUTT’ was Justin's great grandmother’s maiden name, is Justin's middle name and the middle name their daughter, Parker Hunnicutt Stephens. To accompany HUNNICUTT, they added a companion brand in 2009 called CUTT that will focus on producing wines other than Zin, Cab and Chard.

ABV:  14.7%
AVA:  Napa Valley
Cases Produced:  630
Retail Price:  $48.00
Score:  93

www.hunnicuttwines.com

2008 Perry Creek Winery Zinman Zinfandel

What's not to like about this versatile and delicious Zinfandel made from old vines?  The mystery of "Zinman" comes to life with incredible and explosive aromas of red fruits, cocoa powder and dust.  In the glass is a beautifully colored true red wine with hints of plum skin colors.  The flavors include raspberry, cherry, strawberry, dried tea leaves, old world dusty book and cocoa.  There is the right amount of pepper that adds some zip to the wine without creating a spicy effect.  Extremely versatile with a wide variety of foods and this wine lingers in the mouth for minutes. 

About Perry Creek Winery:
Perry Creek’s diverse winemaking team of Garrett Buckland, Stefan Tscheppe and Jonathan Pack combine experience from Napa, Austria and the Sierra Foothills. They share a vineyard driven approach, developing a personality and character for each wine they produce while incorporating the typicity of each varietal in every vintage.

ABV:  14.9%
AVA:  El Dorado
Retail Price:  $14.00
Score:  90

www.perrycreek.com

2007 Agate Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir

Initially this wine is very bright on the palate, but with some air time evolves into more luscious and inviting flavors of raspberry, cherry and some polished leather.  The oak integration is perfect and not overpowering, adding to the fuller bodied feel and enjoyment of this delicious bright red Pinot Noir.  This is a very good food wine or one that can be enjoyed solo.  A medium finish and a touch of acidity provide for a lingering finish.

About Agate Ridge Vineyard:
Located in Eagle Point, Oregon, Agate Ridge handcrafts its wine from grapes grown on their estate vineyard.  In addition to Pinot Noir other red varietals produced by this winery include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Malbec.

ABV:  12.2%
AVA:  Rogue Valley
Cases Produced:  201
Retail Price:  $24.00
Score:  89

www.agateridgevineyard.com