2014 Mastro Scheidt Sangiovese

2011 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2012 Casey Flat Ranch Open Range

2013 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Robert Hunter Pinot Noir Reserve Hunter Farms

2010 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

2013 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile

2013 Bogle Vineyards Phantom

2010 Carlisle The Derivative White

2009 Soter Pinot Noir Mineral Springs

 

 

 

2014 Mastro Scheidt Sangiovese – $14.71

This wine was purchased from Last Bottle at a big discount so the price listed is not a usual price.  Information on Last Bottle is at the end of this post.

 

This wine was aged 10 months in 30% new American oak and 70% neutral French oak.

 

According to the winery:

2013 was a drought year in all of Sonoma County and California, with warm, consistent sunshine and zero precipitation for nearly the entire growing season.  Yields looked good, similar to 2012 … until August arrived. The consistently dry weather began to stress the vines a bit too much,  specially in the dry farmed vineyards, resulting in lower yields in many vineyards. Meticulous pre-sorting in each and every vineyard was crucial in 2013. We harvested Sangiovese in the Lake Block Vineyard on September 23. Overall, 2013 yielded rich concentration of flavor, color and vineyard source.

 

This is from Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley.  The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The appealing nose has cherries, raspberries, dry underbrush, dusty minerals, dried violets, baking spices and a hint of cedar.  This has medium body with good acidity and soft tannins.  On the palate bright cherries, raspberries and minerals grab hold on the front end with underbrush and baking spices coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a dried floral note and a touch of cedar providing depth.  This is a very tasty, food friendly alternative to a Chianti Riserva for pizza or pasta.  This has 13.9% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2011 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands – $24.92

The Loring appellation Pinots are our “go to” wines on week nights.  The wines offer outstanding quality for the price.

 

The wine is a medium to deep ruby color.  The inviting nose has black cherries, scorched earth, dusty minerals, wild flowers, blackberries, vanilla, roasted leafy herbs and warm baking spices.  This has medium to full body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and very nice acidity.  This is much lighter on the palate then the nose would lead you to expect.  Nice bright fruit and dried earth quickly take control on the palate with spices, minerals and vanilla coming in on the back end.  The long finish showcases tart cherries, vanilla and wild flower.  This is a bargain at the mailing list price of under $25.  The wine has 14.7% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.  (90 pts)

 

 

2012 Casey Flat Ranch Open Range – $9.74

This wine was purchased from Last Bottle at a big discount so the price listed is not a usual price.  Information on Last Bottle is at the end of this post.

 

This is a house favorite when we want “something different”.

 

This is a blend of 52% Syrah, 33% Petite Sirah, 8% Merlot, 5% Mourvedre and 2% Cabernet Franc.  The wine is a dark ruby to maroon color.  The appealing nose has crushed berries, licorice, black peppercorns, dried wild flowers, dusty minerals, fresh ground espresso beans and dry earth.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate berries, black pepper and minerals pop out first with dry earth and a nice dried floral note coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with espresso beans providing depth.  This is a nice, easy drinking everyday wine, especially at the price.  I’d enjoy this one over the next 5 or 6 years.  (89 pts)  This has 14.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.

 

 

2013 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Cabernet Sauvignon – $17.99

This Napa Valley wine icon celebrated their 150th anniversary a few years ago.  To me, the quality of their wines have greatly improved over the last few years.

 

This wine is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc that was aged 17 months in French and American oak.  The wine is a deep violet color.  The inviting nose has cassis, dried herbs, tobacco, cedar, baking spices, scorched earth and wild flowers.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  Cassis, dried herbs and cedar take control of the palate on the front end with baking spices and dried earth coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a nice floral note providing depth.  This is drinking very nicely now with some air but some cellar time will be rewarded.  (91 pts)  This has 14.7% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2012 Robert Hunter Pinot Noir Reserve Hunter Farms – $14.75

This wine was purchased from Last Bottle at a big discount so the price listed is not a usual price.  Information on Last Bottle is at the end of this post.

 

This wine is a medium ruby red color.  The sexy nose has cherries, warm baking spices, damp earth, roasted leafy herbs, dusty minerals and dried wild flowers.  This has medium body with soft tannins and good acidity.  On the palate tart cherries, baking spices and damp earth jump out on the front end with roasted herbs and minerals coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with a nice dried floral note adding some depth.  This is a tasty wine to drink over the next couple of years.  (90 pts)  This has 13.7% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2010 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – $40.82

This wine was purchased from Last Bottle at a big discount so the price listed is not a usual price.  Information on Last Bottle is at the end of this post.

 

I’ve been a big fan of Jaffe Estate for a few years.  I had not heard of the winery until they sent me a couple samples a couple years ago.  I like the wines enough that I now keep multiple vintages of their wines in my cellar.

 

The wine is a violet red color.  The appealing nose has cassis, roasted leafy herbs, baking spices, tobacco, dusty minerals, dark chocolate, vanilla and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate cassis, tart cherries, roasted herbs and dusty minerals quickly take control with dark chocolate coming in later.  The finish has nice length with vanilla and a floral note as well as a slight green herbal note.  This tastes very nice with a piece of hot and juicy meat.  I’m not sure about the aging potential for this wine, I’d probably advise drinking this one over the next few years.  (90 pts)  This has 14.9% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2013 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile – $20.00

To me, this is one of the biggest bargains out there.  Other than Lodi, where can you get a consistently top quality Zinfandel for $20?

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, dark chocolate, black peppercorns, baking spices and black cherries.  This has a full body with moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate waves of berries and black cherries with baking spices take over immediately with black pepper coming in later.  The finish has great length with some dark chocolate providing extra depth.  This is a big and rich style of zin with enough structure to hold everything together.  I wouldn’t sit on this one for more than a couple of years.  This is a QPR superstar for $20.  This has 15.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Bogle Vineyards Phantom – $16.99

This is another “red blend” that is a palate-pleaser when you want to try “something different”.

 

This is a blend of 39% Zinfandel, 38% Petite Sirah and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Lodi, Clarksburg and Amador.  The wine is a dark ruby color.  The outgoing nose has crushed berries, mint, cherries, baking spices, white pepper, toasty oak and dried violets.  This has a full body with moderate ripe tannins and decent acidity.  Waves of fruit and spice immediately grabs your attention on the palate with white pepper and a touch of mint coming in later.  The finish has nice length with the fruit and spice joined by toasty oak.  This is a take no prisoner style of wine loaded with flavor.  (88 pts) This has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2010 Carlisle The Derivative White – $24.50

I love the Zinfandels, Syrahs and red blends that Mike Officer has produced over the last several years.  When this white wine was offered, I had to grab a few bottles.

 

This is a blend of 76% Semillon and 24% Muscadelle from vines planted between 1886 and 1920.  The wine is a bright golden yellow color.  The intriguing nose has pears, mint, crushed stone minerals, toast, lemon zest, orange blossoms and a touch of baking spice.  This has medium body with crisp acidity and seems to be totally dry.  On the palate juicy pears, minerals and orange blossoms quickly grab hold slowly allowing mint and lemon zest to grab hold on the back end.  The finish has good length with nice fruit and spice slowly giving way to mouthwatering lemon zest.  I’d be hard pressed to give a drinking window since Semillon can improve with extended aging.  If it was me, I’d probably open this one over the next couple of years and err on the side of caution..  (91 pts)  This has 13.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2009 Soter Pinot Noir Mineral Springs – $45.00

One of my go-to Oregon Pinot Noirs for a nice, special occasion, dinner.

 

The wine is a touch lighter than medium ruby red.  The sexy nose has plums, blackberries, warm baking spices, chalky minerals, roasted leafy herbs, wild flowers, dry underbrush and a touch of white pepper.  This has medium body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate nice fruit, baking spices and minerals grab your attention on the front end with underbrush and wild flowers coming in later.  The finish has great length with roasted herbs providing extra depth and interest.  This is drinking very nicely right now but it will last in your cellar for a few more years.  A great effort.  (94 pts) This has 14.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

 

I am a big fan of the “Flash Wine Sale” site Last Bottle.  Four of the wines in this post were purchased from the site, Mastro Scheidt Sangiovese, Casey Flat Ranch Open Range, Robert Hunter Pinot Noir Reserve Hunter Farms and Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis.  All of these wines were purchased at a big discount.  I highly recommend getting on their e-mail list.  Like most of the flash sale sites, they offer one wine per day until it sells out.  They also have a couple two-day marathons during the year.  Last Bottle is a great site to buy special wines at prices low enough to open any day of the week.

 

If you sign up using this link you will get a $10 credit that can be used on your first purchase.  I will also get a credit if you make a purchase.

 

Other than getting a credit as explained above, I have no financial interest in the site.  After you are on the list, you can also get the same credit by introducing friends to Last Bottle.

 

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2016 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

2008 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman

2012 Buoncristiani Malbec Napa Valley

2013 Cosa Obra Pinot Noir

2013 Domaine La Millière Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Dalla Gasperina Vineyard

2010 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

 

 

 

2008 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman – $26.29

I’ve been a big fan of the Turley Cedarman Zinfandels for a number of years.  Cedarman is a blend of fruit from both Rattlesnake Ridge and Dragon Vineyards, located at the top of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.  Although primarily Zinfandel, a small amount of Petite Syrah from the Rattlesnake vineyard is used as well.  This has 15.6% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a fairly deep ruby color.  The very inviting nose has raspberries, black pepper, melted licorice, crushed stones, wild flowers, dark bittersweet chocolate, smoke, and some earthiness.  This has full body, fairly solid tannins, and very nice acidity.  On the palate the sweet berries provide a nice counter balance to the savory notes of black pepper, minerals, and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and very flavorful with some nice earthiness coming into the picture.  The tannins and acidity provide a solid backbone that ensures this will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  Enjoy this now or let it sleep for a few more years, either way you’ll enjoy this one.  (93 pts)

 

 

2012 Buoncristiani Malbec Napa Valley – $46.67

This wine is 100% Malbec and was aged for 20 months in 100% French oak with 75% of the barrels being new.  This wine has a suggested retail price of $75.  This was the fifth vintage of this wine the winery produced.  The grapes come from small lots harvested exclusively from ultra premium Hillside blocks in the Eastern Vaca Mountain range.  Total production was 250 cases.

 

This wine has 15.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork

 

The wine is a deep, dark, opaque purple color.  The show-stopping nose has blackberries, blueberries, licorice, white pepper, vanilla, baking spices, freshly ground espresso beans and violets.  This full bodied wine has soft to moderate tannins and nice acidity.  This wine is rich and plush on the palate with crushed berries, white pepper, vanilla and baking spices grabbing your attention on the front end with espresso beans and a nice floral note coming in later.  The finish has nice length with the fruit, white pepper and spices carrying the major load.  This may be a bit on the young side, but it still is very easy to drink and more importantly easy to enjoy.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Cosa Obra Pinot Noir – $22.40

This 100% Pinot Noir is a blend of 56% Carneros and 44% Russian River Valley.  The wine was aged for 12 months in 100% French oak, 30% new.

 

This wine has 14.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, baking spices, white pepper, tobacco and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  This is much more open on the palate with cherries, white pepper and minerals on the front end with tobacco and baking spices coming in later.  The finish has decent length with cranberries and dry underbrush entering the picture.  (89 pts)

 

 

2013 Domaine La Millière Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes – $11.73

This wine is roughly a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah from 50 to 100 years old vines.  The wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a light ruby red color.  The appealing nose has blackberries, baking spices, tobacco, cherries, crushed stone minerals, dried herbs, wild flowers and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate tart fruit, stony minerals and spice grab hold quickly with dried herbs and underbrush coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a floral note adding depth.  This is very easy to drink and enjoy.  (91 pts)

 

 

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Dalla Gasperina Vineyard

This is the first white wine produced by Jean Edwards Cellars.  This is a blend of 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Semillon.

 

This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a pale straw yellow color.  The enticing nose has apples, lemon zest, white pepper, leafy herbs, pineapple, dusty minerals, apricot, orange blossoms and anise.  This has medium body with mouthwatering acidity.  On the palate tart apples, white pepper, lemon zest and an herbal streak immediately take control on the front end with apricot and orange blossoms coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with anise and dusty minerals joining the tropical fruit and white pepper.  The crisp acidity will leave your mouthwatering for another sip.  A great initial white wine effort from this formerly red wine only winery.  This is very drinkable now but will last for at least two or three years, maybe longer.  (92 pts)

 

 

2010 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge – $37.99

The mountain grown fruit always gives this wine a bit more backbone and a gritty edge.  The mountain grown fruit also generally highlights the savory, peppery elements of the zinfandel grape.  This wine has 16.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet red color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, black pepper, crushed stone minerals, baking spices, cherries, asphalt and dried violets.  This has a full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate brambly berries, crushed stones and black pepper take control immediately with cherries and baking spices coming in later.  The finish has very good length with asphalt and dried violets adding depth.  This is very tasty today but will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  Even though this has over 16% alcohol it is not noticeable under all the fruit and spice.  (93 pts)

 

 

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – $32.85

This wine is 100% Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards in St. Helena.    This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dusty minerals, baking spices, licorice,  plums, cocoa powder and dried violets.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  Cassis, cocoa powder, dusty minerals and cedar coat the palate on the front end with plums and licorice coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a dried floral note and plums joining the cassis, cedar and minerals.  This has very nice balance and is very easy to enjoy.  This will drink well through at least the end of the decade.  (93 pts)

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2016 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

2002 Weingut Eduard Hauth Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

2009 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Lot 282

2011 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Terra Alta Vineyard

2008 Anthill Farms Syrah Peters Vineyard

2008 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

2013 Bella Grace Zinfandel

2014 Caleo Nero d’Avola

2010 Sandler Wine Company Syrah Connell Vineyard

2010 Purple Hands Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard

2008 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four – Forty One Napa Valley

 

 

 

2002 Weingut Eduard Hauth Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett – $14.75

This was another “steal” from Last Bottle wines, my favorite “flash” wine site.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

This has 8.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  My cork was a nasty, disgusting black on the exposed end but the important part was perfect.  Remember to clean the bottle well when opening these older bottles.

 

The wine is a bright straw yellow color.  The inviting nose has apples, orange blossoms, lemon zest, petrol, honey, minerals, white pepper and juicy peaches.  This has medium body with tart acidity and nice sweetness.  Apples, peaches, stony minerals and honey take control of the palate on the front end with orange blossoms and lemon zest coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with a hint of white pepper coming into the picture.  This is drinking very nicely right now but there is no hurry.  (91 pts)

 

 

2009 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Lot 282 – $24.00

This wine was purchased in bulk from the winery when the economy was at a very low point.  As the economy started to rebound, the winery actually bought some back.

 

Here is part of the e-mail pitch from Cameron Hughes:

 

Lot 282 2009 Rutherford Cabernet is perfectly suited for the task with impeccable provenance from one of Napa Valley’s flagship Cabernet producers.  Sourced from the well-drained alluvial soils of the west side of Rutherford appellation, this wine explodes with rich and ripe, yet elegant, fruit.  Classically proportioned one would say.  The source winery approached us last fall and we contracted quite a few different 2009 Cabernet’s that they then barreled down for us until we removed them last summer for bottling.  The best of them is this 2009 Rutherford Cabernet (their $80 Rutherford appellation Cabernet being their consistently best rated wine with the 2008 scoring 93+ from Parker).  Lot 282 is the exact same wine they bottled for the 2009 vintage under their own label.  How do I know this?  Not only because they told us as much but because they sold us the entire production at first and then asked very nicely last spring with the economy looking better if they couldn’t have some back.

 

As a side note, based on a few clues, this appears to be the wine also labeled and sold as the 2009 Pine Ridge Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.  As soon as I figured this out, I was in for a case at only $24 a bottle.

 

This has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The very appealing nose has cassis, cedar, licorice, warm baking spices, dusty minerals, cherries, tobacco and wild flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate cassis, baking spices, dusty minerals and cedar immediately take control with cherries coming in on the back end.  The finish has very good length with tobacco and a nice floral note adding depth.  This has very nice balance and will last in the cellar for several more years.  This was a steal for the price.  (93 pts)

 

 

2011 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Terra Alta Vineyard – $14.85

This was another “steal” from Last Bottle wines, my favorite “flash” wine site.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright red color.  The enticing nose has cherries, white pepper, crushed stone minerals, dried violets and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and decent acidity.  On the palate ripe cherries and white pepper come through on the front end with dried flowers and minerals coming in later.  The finish has decent length with cherries and dry underbrush carrying the load.  Not a wine to stash away for extended aging, open this one and enjoy an easy drinking glass of wine.  (89 pts)

 

 

2008 Anthill Farms Syrah Peters Vineyard – $28.00

I haven’t had one of these for a couple of years so it’s time to check in again.  I felt it needed another year or two back then, let’s see how my guess held up.

 

This wine has 13.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The very inviting nose has blackberries, raspberries, smoke, crushed stones, black pepper, smoked meat, licorice, roasted herbs, scorched earth and violets.  This has medium body with moderate to solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate crushed berries, crushed stones and black pepper grab your attention immediately with smoked meat and licorice coming in later.  The finish has great length with smoked meat and roasted herbs adding great depth.  This has outstanding balance and still has several years of life ahead of it.  (91 pts)

 

 

2008 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch – $35.00

This has 16.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The sexy nose is full of black cherries, crushed stones, white pepper, licorice, brambly berries, warm baking spices, underbrush, dried wild flowers and a touch of dark chocolate.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate black cherries, baking spices, crushed stones and dark chocolate immediately tack control with white pepper and brambly berries coming in later.  The finish has great length with subtle underbrush and dried flowers entering the picture.  For a wine with over 16% alcohol the acidity keeps it lively on your palate.  This will easily last in your cellar through the end of the decade, perhaps longer.  A great job!  (94 pts)

 

 

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – $32.85

This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dusty minerals, baking spices, licorice,  plums, cocoa powder and dried violets.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  Cassis, cocoa powder, dusty minerals and cedar coat the palate on the front end with plums and licorice coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a dried floral note and plums joining the cassis, cedar and minerals.  This has very nice balance and is very easy to enjoy.  This will drink well through at least the end of the decade.  (93 pts)

 

 

2013 Bella Grace Zinfandel – $14.00

The winery was named for the owner’s two grandmother’s, Bella and Grace.  This wine has 14.3% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, plums, stony minerals, scorched earth, baking spices, white pepper, cherries and dried flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  Berries, plums and minerals coat the palate on the front end with white pepper and scorched earth coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with a dried floral note and a touch of dark chocolate adding nice depth.  This is on the young side but very tasty and easy to enjoy.  This is a winery that deserves some attention.  (90 pts)

 

 

2014 Caleo Nero d’Avola – $8.99

This has 13% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an artificial plastic stopper.

 

The wine is a violet red color.  The slightly subdued nose has cherries, stony minerals, raspberries, dark roasted coffee beans, roasted herbs and wild flowers.  This is barely medium body with soft tannins and good acidity.  On the palate cherries and minerals jump out first with raspberries and dark roasted coffee coming in later.  The finish is a bit short with roasted herbs coming in.  Not a great example of a Nero d”Avola.  This could use a bit more oomph and depth.  (85 pts)

 

 

2010 Sandler Wine Company Syrah Connell Vineyard – $20.00

This has 11.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a garnet red color.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, black raspberries, baking spices, crushed stones, dried wild flowers, licorice, smoked meat and roasted herbs.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and crisp acidity.  On the palate red and black fruit, baking spices and crushed stone take control on the front end with smoked meat and licorice coming in later.  The finish has nice length with dried flowers adding depth.  This is a nice, low alcohol Syrah that could a bit more stuffing, as is, this is a food friendly wine that will accompany a meal without wowing anyone or over shadowing the food.  (88 pts)

 

 

2010 Purple Hands Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard – $18.16

The owner/winemaker is Cody Wright, the son of well known and popular Oregon winemaker/owner Ken Wright.  This was a new winery to me when the local wine store had an e-mail special on the wine.  In my opinion, any time you can get hold of a good Pinot Noir for under $20, you buy.

 

The wine has 13.5% alcohol and is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

Winery history

Purple Hands winery strives for the expression of genuine inherent terroir of soil and grape.  We search for ideal moments of ripeness and complexity balanced with authentic strength of soil character.

 

Our wines are windows into dynamic breadths of terroir, extracting and unlocking a code of sweet and savory from our rich Oregon soil.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a bright red color with a slight ruby tint.  The soft and nuanced nose has black cherries, raspberries, fresh flowers, baking spices and subtle earthiness.  This is medium body at most, with racy acidity, and soft but persistent tannins.  The silky palate has tart, juicy fruit, spice, and a bit of earthiness which carries through on the slightly short finish.  This is a nice, light weight style of Pinot with juicy acidity and a touch of earthiness and spice to balance out the fruit.  This is a nice change up from the broad shouldered California Pinots.  (90 pts)

 

 

2008 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four – Forty One Napa Valley – $60

I’ve been a fan and customer of the winery for a few years and love opening bottles of their wines for friends to sample.  These are extremely high quality wines sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley.  The fact the wines are also sold at very consumer friendly prices is a great bonus.  This is one of the winery’s higher end offerings.

 

This 100% Cabernet is a blend of grapes from a few vineyards in the Napa Valley.  Even though the vineyard names cannot be used for contractual reasons, they can disclose some geographical information.  The major component of this wine is from a Howell Mountain vineyard.  This is combined with grapes from a vineyard in Rutherford and one in Coombsville.

 

The wine was aged 24 months in French oak, 50% new and 50% one year old.

 

This has 14.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red to maroon color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, mint, dusty minerals, warm baking spices, licorice and dried flowers.  This has medium body to full body with  moderate to solid tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate the cassis, mint and dusty minerals quickly take control, with baking spices, dried herbs and licorice coming in later.  On the back end some spicy oak shines through in the background.  The finish has very good length with a nice mix of fruit and savory elements.  This seems to have settled into a nice drinking window and it should hold for several years.  (93 pts)

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2016 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

This is based on wines provided to me by the winery or organization acting on their behalf.

 

 

2008 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

2009 Jaffe Estate Transformation

 

 

 

 

‘It’s comforting to know that if a giant meteor is ever headed our way, the Jaffes can not only warn us, they can pour us a nice glass of wine while we wait for impact’

 

 

 

Gary and Pam Jaffe

Gary Jaffe’s wine journey started in 1980 when he took a vacation from the family’s insurance business to visit St. Helena.  During the visit, Gary came to a revelation, “I decided I’d live here one day,” he said.  Monthly visits to the area again opened his eyes; he could buy some land for what he was spending on hotels.

 

Gary eventually purchased 8 acres on Pritchard Hill above LakeHennessey.  This gave Gary a place for a cabin and to set up a telescope to watch the stars.  A few years later, he doubled his land holdings and looked to plant grapes.  In 1991, reality set in when it was estimated it would cost $100,000 per acre to plant grapes on the rocky site.

 

Around this same time, Gary took a class on the art of collecting at UCLA where he met his future wife, Pam.  “I decided to collect her,” he quipped. “She’s my kind of art.”

 

Gary and Pam moved to the valley in 1999, with the addition of twin girls into their lives, the distance to town began to diminish the appeal of living at the solitary mountain site.

 

This led Gary and Pam to fine a house on 3 acres of land at the southern edge of the St. Helena appellation, at the edge of the Rutherford Bench.  The site was home to a vineyard with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that had been planted in the 1970s.  After renovating the house and added an observatory that housed a 16-inch aperture optical telescope, it was time to start the next chapter in their lives…

 

 

 

The Winery

Jaffe Estate Winery produces two estate-grown, relatively low alcohol wines, Transformation is a Bordeaux style blend and Metamorphosis is a Cabernet Sauvignon.  2005 marked the first vintage to be released.  The couple was proud when their wines were added to the highly selective list at Auberge du Soleil.

 

Jaffe Estate wines are on the wine list at several restaurants in the valley.  The wines are also available direct from the winery by clicking here.

 

 

 

The winery has a free newsletter and “The Celestial Set” Wine Club.

 

For more information on Jaffe Estate, you can visit their website, or find them on Twitter or Facebook.

 

 

 

The Line up

Here are the wines for this tasting:

 

 

 

2008 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – SRP $68

Metamorphosis is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate vineyard in the St. Helena appellation.

 

The wine is 13.8% alcohol and is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium to deep ruby red color.  The outstanding nose has cassis, baking spices, tobacco, cedar, licorice, cocoa powder, stony minerals, violets, dried herbs and a touch of dry earth.  This has medium body, moderate to full tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate this is a restrained and nicely nuanced wine with no over the top ripeness or layers of oak.  The finish has nice length and balance but at this time the tannins get a bit chalky and course.  Give this one another year or two in the cellar and enjoy over the next decade.  This has great potential.  (93 pts)

 

 

2009 Jaffe Estate Transformation – SRP $68

Transformation is a blend 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot from the estate’s vineyard in St. Helena.

 

The wine has an alcohol level of 14.5%.  The bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a bright red to ruby color.  With some air, the initially slightly shy nose has cherries, cassis, warm baking spices, cedar, stony minerals, licorice and scorched earth.  This has medium body, moderate ripe tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the up front fruit slowly adds spices, minerals and a touch of earthiness.  The rich and smooth finish has nice length with a floral note entering the picture.  This has very nice balance and could age several years but is delicious today.  (92 pts)

 

 

Closing thoughts

It was refreshing to sample a couple of wines from the Napa Valley with retrained levels of alcohol.  If you missed it above, the 2008 Metamorphosis clocked in at 13.8%.

 

Even though the Transformation is a year younger, it was more open and ready for consumption.  If I had both of these wines in my cellar, I’d consume the 2009 Transformation and save the 2008 Metamorphosis for down the road.  That said, both wines would be outstanding even today, if served with a moist, juicy cut of beef.

 

 

 

Napa Valley Film Festival

Are you interested in attending the Napa Valley Film Festival?  The festival runs from November 13 through 17.

 

Oh, almost forgot, how does attending the event for free sound?  To celebrate being a sponsor of the event, Benchmark Wine Group is giving away a very nice package to one lucky person.  Enter by October 31st for your chance to win.

 

The Napa-based company is offering one lucky winner two Festival Passes to the Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF), worth a $500 value; two private invitations to the Benchmark Opening Night VIP kick-off party; and exclusive access to the sneak preview screening of ‘August: Osage County’, starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

 

Benchmark Wine Group will be hosting an exclusive Opening Night VIP kick-off party on Wednesday, November 13 and a winemaker tasting with Todd Alexander of Bryant and Bettina on Friday, November 15.  NVFF Patrons and special guests will be invited to join Benchmark Wine Group at the Michael Holmes Gallery at Riverfront, 606 Main Street, from 8 pm to 10 pm Wednesday to launch the week’s festivities.  Every guest Wednesday will be entered into a raffle for a chance to buy a bottle of 2001 Château Haut-Brion for $1; taste magnums of 1983 Pétrus, 1966 Château Margaux, and 2003 Diamond Creek; and enjoy food catered by Morimoto Napa.

 

For more information, click here.

 

To view the official rules and to enter, click here.

 

A video about the event from my bud, Amy Payne, is available by clicking here.

 

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2013 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but my local store is usually VERY competitive.  I generally get case discounts, and since I work there part time, I get a 5% discount.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!