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DOVETAIL VINEYARDS
I love these wines. Their philosophy is very simple - "make outstanding wine that we would serve to our closest friends." Their very limited wines are crafted with integrity, coupling the best farming practices in the vineyard with artisan winemaking to bring us an exceptional wine.
Dovetail "Ashley Vineyards" Cabernet '06 - Oak Knoll District: $61.99
"Aromas of creme de cassis, crushed cherries, graphite, mild vanilla, rose petals, and seductive oak leap from the glass. The black and red fruits carry through both in color and mouthfilling flavors. Without being heavy or excessive the tannins dance on your tongue, balanced by bold and layered flavors of black cherries, kirsch liqueur, and mild spice. The finish is fresh and prolonged."
Dovetail "Indindoli Vineyard" Pinot Noir '06: $58.49
"Very focused floral and purple fruit aromas gradually yield to air and blossom into a concentrated expression of Pinot Noir. The deep ruby/purple delivers a mouthfuf of crushing bing cherries and kirsch liqueur that mingles seamlessly with the delicate tannins and acidity into a long finish."
Other wine by Dovetail:
Viognier '07: $26.99 / DTall Pinot Noir '07: $21.49 / DTail Cabernet '07: $27.99 NOTE: Their viognier is sold out just about everywhere - but we've got it! And it is simply, well . . . AMAZING!
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HENDRY WINES
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Hendry Wines and it was a real treat to have a private tasting with owner, George Hendry. I have in stock:
Hendry Red '05, Napa Valley: $40.49
"Familiar notes of mint, cedar, leather, cocoa and violets hint at the complexity of this wine. French oak is detectable, adding structure and elements of toast and spice to the palate."
Hendry Pinot Noir '07, Napa Valley: $29.49
"The 2007 Pinot Noir entices with classic aromas of cherry, earth, leather and baking spice. Cocoa ripe cherries and toast continue to emerge with further exposure to oxygen in the glass. Good body, firm structure and palate-piquing acidity."
Hendry Barrel Fermented Chardonnay '05, Napa Valley: $29.49
"Complex aromas of stone and tropical fruits, oak and spice. Full mouthfeel, despite the lack of malolactic fermentation. Creamy and nutty, with mango and custard, biscuit and mineral. Long finish with cleansing acidity."
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HIRSCH VINEYARDS AND WINERY
Perched on a ridge overlooking the Pacific at Fort Ross, Sonoma County, Hirsch Vineyards is one of the prettiest places I've ever seen. The views are breathtaking. David Hirsch founded the vineyard on the extreme Sonoma Coast to grow fruit and make site-specific wine, which they have done stunningly well. Pictured here is Mark Doherty, "Winemaker Extraordinaire". I'm really pleased to offer these wines at Grand River Grocery.
Hirsch Pinot Noir '06 (375 ml), Sonoma Coast: $36.49
"Garnet. Primary fruit aromas have evolved to a bouquet of earth, leather and sandalwood, with a touch of baking spice. On the palate, mature plum, smoked meat, and mineral flavors dance with a velvet texture across the tongue, leading to and expansive finish of dark plum, espresso and hints of woodsmoke. A suave and seductive wine."
Hirsch "Bohan-Dillon" Pinot Noir '07, Sonoma Coast: $36.49
"Deep, dark aromas of red plum, Bing cherry and spice ar the topnotes followed by pleasing loam, bergamot and leather notes that add complexity and are signature of our site. On the palate, flavors of cranberry, plum and blackberry unfold. Minerality drives the mid-palate, expanding upon the finish with lingering flavors that echo the opening aromas."
Photo: David Hirsch perched atop one of the water tanks on the property.
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JOCELYN LONEN WINERY
This small family owned winery is based in the Napa Valley and they dedicate themselves to producing high quality wines. The winery is family owned and managed by Brandi Jocelyn Pack who is furthering the vision that her late father and winery founder Leon Lonen Curtis established in 1996. Her dad would be proud.
Jocelyn Lonen Cabernet '06, Napa Valley: $35.99
"Ripe and concentrated with dominant flavors of bing cherry, strawberry, and currant. Style is reminiscent of the highly acclaimed 2002 vintage. Wonderful balance between fruit and tannins. This wine is very drinkable now but will age nicely over the next 10-12 years."
Jocelyn Lonen Chardonnay '07, Napa Valley: $31.49
"Delicious and bright with hints of pear, apple and fig. Well-balanced wine with a long creamy finish. The grapes used to make this wine come from the prestigious Sangiacomo Vineyard."
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OTHER INTERESTING FINDS . . .
Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc '08, Napa Valley: $17.99 " A polished wine, dry and wonderfully crisp."
Mayacamus Sauvignon Blanc '06, Napa Valley: $25.49 "Bright acidity and crisp."
BR Cohn Chardonnay '08, Sonoma: $31.99 "Exceptional depth and body."
BR Cohn "Olive Hill" Cabernet '06 375 ml, Sonoma: $33.49 "One of the best vintages yet."
Cline Cellars "Cashmere" '08, Sonoma: $33.49 "Silky rich blend."
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ORANGE TOASTS
Sarah goes to California and I went north . . . back in the market by popular request, orange and garlic toast from Sisson's Main Street Specialities in Leland. Here I am with the "orange toast makers" - Linda Sisson and Rose. And yes, I think those orange toasts could pair beautifully with some of Sarah's California wines and goat cheese from either Evergreen Creamery in Fennville or Dancing Goat Creamery - both due to arrive early March.
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