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Clos LaChance Chardonnay

The Clos LaChance 2005 Glittering-Throated Emerald Chardonnay is a delicious wine that has already won an eye-popping Double Gold and Best of Show, at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The fruit for this Chardonnay is from longtime Monterey County grower, Scheid Vineyards. This gem of a Chardonnay is reminiscent of an Old World, white Burgundy; pastel yellow melon in color, clean, crisp, refreshingly complex and well balanced. The wine opens with an abundance of aromas of freshly cut green apple, melon, pear, coupled with tropical fruit encompassing pineapple, banana, mango and papaya. On the palate, the refreshing flavors of crisp apple, citrus and tropical fruits are balanced with an acidic component. The finish is fairly long considering there was no oak used when making this wine. Try pairing with Grilled Sea Bass with Tropical Salsa Chicken Salad, Camembert Cheese. 100% Monterey County Chardonnay. Enjoy now until 2010.

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Barnwood Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County

The 2004 Barnwood, 3200' Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from the winery’s estate vineyard located 3200 feet above sea level. Right out-of-the-shoot, the 2004 Cabernet is compiling a portfolio of awards equal to earlier vintages. This rich, deep garnet colored cabernet was awarded a Gold Medal from the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Critic’s judge and San Francisco Chronicle wine writer Linda Murphy comments, “Black is always in style—black cherry, black licorice, tar and peppery spice.” And at the well-respected Beverage Testing Institute this delightful Cabernet walked away with a solid 88-Point rating. Ripe, firm tannins frame the fresh black plum and cassis flavors, giving it an excellent balance and soft-mid palate. Hints of cocoa and vanilla come through on the long, rich finish. Aged for 14 months in French Oak. 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Abundance 2002 Merlot

The 2002 California Merlot is the first release of this varietal from Abundance Vineyards; they are very proud of their accomplishment, and rightfully so! With the results coming in from the national competitions, the 2002 California Merlot has received its first Gold Medal from the Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition. A Silver Medal was awarded at the Orange County Fair Wine Competition and a second Silver Medal was won at the Hilton Head Wine Competition. A dark red hue with a ruby red edge, the 2002 California Merlot opens with an aroma of toasted-smoky oak and then a quick release of ripe Bing cherry and plum comes to the surface. As the wine continues to breathe, mineral notes and earthy nuances appear. The mouth is remarkably soft for being a young wine and the finish is medium to long with a mouth full of lingering fruit, vanilla and oak to the end. Aged 22 months in French oak. 82% Merlot and 18% Syrah. Enjoy now through 2009.

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Bargetto 2004 Pinot Grigio

The Bargetto Pinot Grigio has consistently won top awards vintage after vintage and has become one of the winery’s most popular wines. The Bargetto 2004 vintage Pinot Grigio continues this varietal’s medal-winning ways by earning a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Bay Wine Competition. Out of 29 California Pinot Grigios tasted, the 2004 Bargetto was chosen for the San Francisco Chronicle’s Wine Selection Panel Pick and was also awarded a Silver Medal. The West Coast Wine Competition awarded this delicious wine its Second Silver Medal of the season. “Jasmine, mineral, melon and herb aromas; flavors of apricot, tropical fruit, melon, baked apple with some genuine viscosity on the palate; rich, very well-balanced and showing fine acidity lending length and brightness to a lasting finish.” Try it with Thai cuisine. Enjoy now through 2008..

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2004 Incognito Viognier

In the words of self-appointed winery poet, David Phillips, “...it flutters my heart and stirs my libido, the former Roussanne, now known as INCOGNITO.” This wine’s predecessor was awarded “Best Rhone in the World” when it was labeled as a Roussanne at the 2000 L. A. International Wine Competition.However, using DNA testing, it was determined that the grape varietal used to produce the wine was actually a rare clone of Viognier that mysteriously appeared in California during the past decade. The 2005 Viognier continues the award winning tradition by recently earning a Gold Medal at the West Coast Wine Competition and a Silver Medal at the New World International Wine Competition. The 2005 Viognier is refreshing, powerful and crisp. By blending a “dabble” (as the winemaker puts it) of true Roussanne and Marsanne into the Viognier, a wonderful and striking floral bouquet of pear and honeysuckle opens up to a citrus fruit flavor that cleanses the palate and prepares the mouth for the passion fruit, green apple and apricot finish. The folks at Michael-David suggest drinking this wine young. Serve chilled by itself or pair with Eggs Benedict and/or smoked Salmon during Sunday Brunch.

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2004 Incognito Rouge

Soon after the Incognito Viognier was released it was obvious to Michael-David they needed a red cellar mate. The Incognito Rouge was produced to create yet another mystery around the Incognito story. The 2004 Incognito Rouge has so far collected a Gold Medal at the New World International Wine Competition, a Silver Medal from the West Coast Wine Competition and a second Silver Medal from the San Diego Wine Competition. A fruity deep red wine, with a bouquet of blueberry, cranberry, oranges, clove and toasted oak. The prolific jammy flavors coat the mouth and burst wide open, finishing with a myriad of smooth tannins and ending with a light spice. Incognito Rouge changes with each vintage using Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignane as the base. The 2004 Rouge contains five additional Rhone style varietals to complete the winemaker’s mysterious blend. (Can you guess the other five varietals? The answer is in the Wine Wizard section on page 5.) The Rouge holds up to strong flavored,soft imported cheeses; pairs well with the Phillip family’s crab rounds, wild mushroom stuffed pork roast and red meats. Drink now or hold until 2012.

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Arbios 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Alexander Valley Cabernet is Arbios Cellars’ flagship wine, and what a fabulous wine it is! Grapes for this wine come from a single vineyard at high elevation at the northern end of the valley. 90 Points,says Wine Enthusiast— “You’ll like this wine for its easy drinkability. The texture is soft and luscious, with rich, fine tannins. Flavors of black currants, mocha and sweet spices entice the palate. Shows complexity and finesse throughout.” The Beverage Tasting Institute chimed in with a Highly Recommended rating. The Wine Spectator touted Arbios Cellars as a “promising new name in California Cabernet Sauvignon,” describing the 2000 Arbios Cabernet as, “Graceful, with fine balance to the currant, cherry, and roasted herb nuances. Toasty oak, olive and modest tannins.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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2004 Serenity Reserve Chardonnay

It’s a growing trend for California Chardonnays—no oak, no malolactic fermentation. Why? Because wine makers (and wine drinkers) want the pure expression of fruit in the bottle without the big overblown oak bomb flavor that was once the definition of California Chardonnay. If you think of Chardonnay as buttery, toasty, nutty, perhaps tasting of vanilla, you are describing the flavors of the barrel, not the grape. Unoaked Chardonnays are designed to show you what the grape itself tastes like. The Serenity Chardonnay expresses scents of ripe citrus, honeysuckle and tropical fruits. Honeydew melon, pineapple and lemon zest all help to define its flavor. Simply put, this wine is subtle, satisfyingly complex, complete, and hard to put down. Apparently, the judges agree, recently awarding this wine a Gold Medal in one of the first major wine competitions of the year. 100% Chardonnay. Enjoy today or cellar for another three years.

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Lambert Bridge 2002 Zinfandel

Created to be a casual and versatile wine without losing dimension or complexity, this Zinfandel won a Gold Medal at the California Zinfandel Competition. Gourmet Magazine included this outstanding wine on their Recommended list. The Wine Report rated it 88 points stating, “Not a wine to trifle with, this dense, deep purple offering seems to have a sense of purpose, with complex aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and anise. It demanded tasters’ attention with well-focused flavors of black currant, cocoa, mint cherry and raspberry. Befitting its demeanor, it finished smooth and velvety with a suggestion of cherry and hint of tannins.” This very pleasant Zinfandel also picked up a Silver Medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The winery tasting notes suggest aromas of black pepper mix with blackberry flavors and hints of toast and coffee.” Drink now or up to 2010.

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Charles Creek 2002 Chardonnay

The 2002 Las Patolitas Chardonnay received a 90 Point rating from the California Grapevine, “…attractive, forward, floral, honeyed, ripe pear and tropical fruit aroma with hints of grapefruit and butterscotch; full body; rich and supple in the mouth…Very highly recommended.” The Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this wine an 88 Point rating writing. “…If you like them rich and oaky, this Chard’s for you. Tropical fruit, pear and peach flavors… a flashy wine.” This Chardonnay received Best of Class and a Gold Medal – from the judges during the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.At the 2004 Critic’s Challenge Wine Competition the 2002 Las Patolitas Chardonnay was awarded a Gold Medal. Listeners heard San Francisco’s KCBS Food News wine editor describe the wine “Luscious, full ripe aromas of tropical fruit with a fine acidity on the palate. The flavors linger, very pleasing with a soft, lush feel. A really nicely balanced wine.” Taste great with chicken, fish, vegetables, and salads that have a slightly sweet-based dressing.

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Charles Creek 2002 Merlot

Stated as the Best Buy in the Market by Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine - “…stands out at the head of the class as one of the best buys when considering the best buys in Merlot” with a rating of 91 Points they also had this to say “…opened nicely during the tasting and impressed with its sweet, concentrated cherry notes, and its caramel, cocoa and crème brulee richness in the nose...” The wine’s depth, richness and elegant finish enabled it to win a Gold Medal, at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Competition. It also won a Gold Medal at the 2005 Grand Harvest Awards, where they identify the finest examples of wine from each viticultural region. Grand Harvest Awards are judged according to the context of their own viticultural area. Enjoy this merlot with sumptuous rack of lamb and/or your favorite beef dishes.suggest aromas of black pepper mix with blackberry flavors and hints of toast and coffee.” Drink now or up to 2010.