Dominio IV 'Love Lies Bleeding'

There is no question that some of the most interesting and complex Pinot Noirs being produced today are grown in Oregon, but unfortunately, like many of the superb wines of the Cotes de Nuits, the great wines of Oregon come at a hefty price tag. Alas, this brings us to discover Dominio IV Pinot Noir. This is a joint venture between winemaker Patrick Reuter, his wife Leigh Bartholomew and Liz and Glenn Bartholomew, owners of Three Sleeps Vineyard. Patrick and his wife decided to settle in Mosier, Oregon and plant what their hearts told them, Tempranillo, Syrah and Viognier. With some of the most promising domestic successes for the before mentioned varietals, the heart and soul of the soils of Oregon are most adapted to Pinot Noir and it is now with Dominio's Pinot Noir release that the anticipation has grown rapidly. We have a limited allocation of this bottling but would like to encourage any of our Pinot Noir customers to take advantage of this one since at a meager price tag of just under $20 dollars, the quality and complexity of this wine are a steal!

This 2009 release called 'Love Lies Bleeding' comes from the Dundee Hills region, the oldest Pinot Noir growing region in Oregon and one that has established itself for its terroir. If you already appreciate the marvels of Ken Wright, Bethel Heights, Penner Ash and Argyle, consider the Dominio in such company even at its extraordinarily lower price tag. Grab a case and save an additional 20% off for the months of January and February!

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Brovia 2006 Barolo offer ………..

If you have not yet tasted one of Brovia’s cru Barolos, now is your chance to take advantage of this pre-arrival offering on their 2006 releases. Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate recently posted his thoughts after tasting through Brovia’s entire line up. Please read on…

“Tasted all of the single-vineyard 2006 Barolos today plus the 2005 Villero. The wines came in at the high end of my barrel scores, if not a touch higher. You have to really admire what Brovia has done, especially in recent years. The wines are simply fabulous, and that includes the 2008 Dolcetto and Barbera. But the most moving of the new releases is the 2006 Ca’ Mia. The bouquet alone is extraordinary. What a wine! Readers discouraged with the upward trajectory on pricing at the most famous of the traditional estates should not pass up an opportunity to check out Brovia. These are superb wines by any measure.”

We believe the key to Brovia’s success is unmistakably linked to their terroir holdings. The Brovia winery, originally launched by Giacinto Brovia in 1863, has some of the best cru plots in Piedmont, notably from Rocche, Villero and Garblét Sue. In addition, the family painstakingly nurtures each soil type and vineyard site to that each of their bottlings offers a distinctive reflection of the different soils of the region. Leave it to the Brovia’s to craft wines of such character, elegance and longevity!

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Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte 2007 - The Spirit Shoppe

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte 2007 - The Spirit Shoppe

Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

What better way to ring in the New Year than discovering an incredibly affordable and worthwhile California red wine: Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. This Central Coast bottling offers surprises at every turn and is humbly priced at under $10 a bottle. Years ago, I remember working with Derek Benham at one of my previous employments. At that time, he was just introducing a ‘private label’ Merlot called Blackstone. As you may be aware, this label grew in popularity and fame rather quickly and it was in 2001, that Derek sold the label. The reason I mention this young California born wine visionary is he is now the creator and owner of Avalon winery. Along with winemaker Alex Cose, who spent 6 years at Calistoga’s famous Peter Michael winery, Derek Benham has created a winery exclusively dedicated to fine red wine, more specifically, Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2007 California release is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with smaller amounts of Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah. So, in addition to offering the textbook aromas and flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon – cassis, eucalyptus and mint – this red gains a supple mid palate thanks to its Merlot, gathers enticing scents and flavors of blueberry from its Syrah and offers deep plummy spice and tannin from its Petite Sirah. With 20 months of French and American oak aging, this wine’s finish is subtle and toasty with lingering vanilla and nutmeg. Run; don’t walk to grab some of this spectacular California offering!

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Tenuta Santomè Prosecco n/v, Veneto

With ghouls and goblins lurking about, it is the perfect time to start considering what bubbly would be best for your upcoming winter holidays. At the Shoppe, we have seen a steady rise in Prosecco requests, perhaps because of its delicate, aperitif quality or its wonderful food affinity or even most, its affordability. Whatever the reason, Prosecco is a staple at our home and this holiday season Tenuta Santomè will be at the top of our list! Owned by the Spinazzè family, Tenuta Santomè is an extremely modern Veneto winery with close plantings and scrupulous grape selection in the vineyard and in the cellar. The property spans 60 hectares between the towns of Treviso and Venice with 30 hectares in their main estate in Biancade and the remaining property on ‘Grave de Papadopoli,’ a small island on the River Piave between the villages of Cimadolmo and Maserada.&# 160; With the assistance of famed Veneto oenologist Marzio Pol, this winery produces classic, elegant, Prosecco. Crafted in the traditional style of extra dry, this Prosecco is harmonious and refreshing with an enticing bouquet of acacia flower, green apple and citrus. With balanced acidity and weight, this sparkling wine is ideal with passed hors d’oeuvres or your ‘primi piatti’ of choice. It is true that the French have perfected Champagne but if you are searching for a lighter more delicate alternative that won’t break your budget, Tentua Santomè is the wine for you!

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Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf du Pape 2005

When it comes to the Rhône valley, I must admit that I am a bit of a traditionalist in regards to flavor profile and Domaine de Ferrand, lead by visionary Philippe Bravy, is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Châteauneuf du Pape offers. Robert Parker, Jr. has called Philippe ‘one of the most serious of the young generation of vignerons in Châteauneuf du Pape’ and one of the region’s ‘up and coming stars.’ Perhaps it is the dedication and care that Philippe laboriously garners on his family’s scant 5 1/2 hectare domaine. While practicing organic farming techniques and strictly limiting yields on his extremely old vine parcels (some of which date to over 100 years in age), Monsieur Bravy is able to achieve superb ripeness of fruit and great complexity. The 2005 release of his Châteauneuf du Pape is primarily Grenache with a 10% cépage of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and several local white varietals. This red is altogether captivating with aromas of garrigue, licorice, black cherry, wild raspberry and smoked game. With a broad, generous palate, this is a serious wine through and through with layers of earthy, meaty, Provençal inspired fruit. In other words, this red is not for the faint of heart but for those, like myself, who appreciate the southern Rhône in all of its glory. Not to mention, this beauty, although currently drinking well, does have the potential to age gloriously over the next decade.


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O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir 2008

In this day and age, we are constantly searching for value priced wines that are as equally impressive as they are affordable and Owen Roe’s O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir 2008 is just such. David O’Reilly, owner and winemaker of Owen Roe, started with just a few barrels in a tiny winery he shared with Peter Rosback (sineann). He is now a formidable force in the Pacific Northwest. Some may call it the luck of the Irish but the fact of the matter is that David and his business partner Jerry Owen produce excellent wines from some of the best vineyard sites in the Pacific Northwest. The 2008 release is vibrant yet refined with all of the characteristics of a drinkable and approachable Willamette valley Pinot Noir. With bright red berry notes on the nose and a hint of forest floor and toasty oak, this red is silky and broad on the palate with delicate toasted oak and earth to complement the rich strawberry and raspberry fruit. This is the ideal everyday drinking Pinot Noir that showcases the wonderful food friendly acidity and earthy character that I have come to love from Oregon wines.

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Goisot Saint Bris

After several weeks of summer traveling, visiting family and friends along our attractive New England coastline, the cool weather has brought me back to my senses and my task of finding the perfect wines for the approaching days of Autumn. We recently tasted several extraordinary wines from the northern Burgundian producer Ghislaine and Jean-Hugues Goisot and although I usually keep my recommendations to one at a time, I feel compelled to endorse a white and a red from this notable grower! The Goisot family estate is traced to the 14th century and is located in the picturesque villages of Saint Bris and Irancy. With completely estate grown vineyards in the appellations of Saint Bris and Côtes d'Auxerre, all of Goisot's wine are vinified in the ancient village within the cellars, dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. In other words, this winery is as 'old school' as you can imagine and their wines reveal such a deceptive purity of character and expression that I was awe struck by their quality and precision. If you are unfamiliar with the wines of the Auxerrois, the wines of the Goisot will surely entice you!

Their 2007 Sauvignon Saint-Bris 'Exogyra Virgula' is classic Sauvignon Blanc (with Sauvignon Gris) from Burgundy's northernmost appellation of Saint-Bris. Much like its neighboring village of Chablis, this white has persistent minerality and focus due to the deep, chalky Kimmeridgien soils of the region. This white could easily rival any of the top bottlings of Sancerre with its bright, complex citrus fruits and vibrant acidity.

The 2006 Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre' Pinot Noir 'Corps de Garge' is also an amazing find. Although this region is planted almost exclusively to white varietals, this red shines on its own merit and Goisot's Pinot Noir is the best in the region, including the area of Chablis in that assessment! Similar to the wines from the villages of Mercurey or Givry, this red has a delicate smoky core with great Pinot Noir acidity and interesting depth thanks to the chalky soils of the town of Irancy. With a bouquet of violets, forest floor and red berries, the palate of this red is harmonious and yielding.

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Goisot 'Saint Bris' 2007 Sauvignon 'Exogyra Virgula'
Goisot Bourgogne 'Côtes d'Auxerre' 2006 Pinot Noir 'Corps de Garde'

La Serena Rosso di Montalcino 2007

There is obvious excitement currently for the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino offerings entering the scene but I would like to highlight a Rosso di Montalcino this week, more specifically, La Serena 2007. This estate has belonged to the Mantengoli family since 1933 and Andrea and Marcello started making high quality Brunello and Rosso in 1988. Originally, with a mere one-hectare parcel under vine, the family has increased their holdings to 8.5 hectares and has just recently completed an extremely avant-garde and environmentally friendly new cellar, designed by Marcello himself. In addition, the dedication and meticulous care of the low yield Sangiovese vines are reflected in every sip of their Rosso and Brunello. The Rosso, much like its big brother counterpart, is brimming with spiced blueberry, raspberry fruit tones and aromas of rose petal, tobacco and cherry. Thanks to 12 months of aging in French and Slovenian oak casks, tonneaux and barriques, there is a toasted oak quality and a silkiness to the tannins that is purely sublime. If this Rosso is any indication of the Brunello to come from the 2007 vintage, there will be much euphoria ahead. Pair this lively yet complex red with anything off the grill and you will be in for a lovely dining experience.

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Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2008

The word Arneis in the local dialect of the Langhe translates to 'little rascal.' This difficult to grow, stubbornly thin skinned white varietal which once played a role as an aromatic subordinate to the reds of Piedmont, much like Viognier to Hermitage in the northern Rhone, has been saved from extinction by a few Piedmont growers to which we owe a world of gratitude. Hence our discussion of Bruno Giacosa begins. Along with other notables as Aldo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa has solely built the superb reputation that Barolo and Barbaresco enjoy today. He has chosen to focus his white production on the little known esoteric varietal of Arneis. Being a meticulous craftsman who has the utmost respect for the land of the Langhe and its vineyards, would you expect anything less than extraordinary from his Roero Arneis? I think not! With unbelievably, unyielding aromatics, this white will have your attention at first sniff. The bouquet conjures scents of white acacia blossoms, fresh picked summer peaches, delicately roasted almonds and ripe apricots. Once you get past the intoxicating nose of this beauty, the palate continues to entice with lush, almost full-bodied fruits, reminiscent of pear, peach, apricot and citrus. Perhaps the most intriguing quality of this indigenous varietal is that although it is so thin skinned and fickle, its palate is deceptively full bodied and rich as if it undergoes malolactic fermentation, yet it does not. The triumphant finish of this Arneis lingers with minerality and focused acidity and a delicate hint of almond skin. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy this varietal and Bruno Giacosa's version is nothing short of amazing. Try this Roero Arneis and you will partake on a truly memorable white wine experience!


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Bodegas Uno Torrontes 2008

Located in the foothills of the picturesque Andes Mountains, the winery Bodega Uno  may be a bit unknown at present but their wines are so extraordinary and reasonably priced that their anonymity will soon be a thing of the past. Focusing on the indigenous grapes of the area, all of the wines we tasted were originally grown and great representatives of their respective varietals with bright focused fruit and delicate tannins. Today I would like to bring one of their white wines to your attention: Torrontés. Torrontés is the most characteristic and unique white varietal of Argentina and like Malbec, is responsible for the country's growing prestige in the international wine area. This wonderfully refreshing Viognier like varietal is exclusive to Argentina and in my opinion, the ideal alternative to the mundane white selections of summer. With enticing aromas of white flowers, orange citrus zest and stone fruit, this white is a mouthful of exotic flavors, ranging from citrus and peach, with delicate herbal notes and invigorating acidity. Pair its beautiful structure and clean edges with a myriad of foods, including seafood, cheeses, smoked meats or even spicy Asian cuisines. This very well may be the next Pinot Grigio phenomenon!

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Fontodi Chianti Classico 2006

In the valley of Conca d'Oro (the Golden Basin) just south of the town of Panzano are the illustrious vineyards of Fontodi. This estate, dating back to the times of the Roman empire, is at the epicenter of the Chianti Classico region and much like another favorite producer of mine, Felsina, seems to churn out remarkable bottlings year after year and the new release of their 2006 Chianti Classico is no exception. The Manetti family, with three centuries of heritage in the Tuscan region as terracotta manufacturers, decided to purchase the estate in 1968 and it is now Giovanni Manetti who is in charge. Granted this winery has garnered its most praise for its Flaccianello della Pieve bottling but their straight Chianti Classico is well worth a look, particularly for the avid Tuscan collector. This 100% Sangiovese bottling beautifully showcases the philosophy of the Fontodi estate as it represents the soil characteristics of the region thanks to its optimal southern exposure vineyards and the natural marl soil with its excellent drainage. With layers of dusty, tobacco laden cherry fruit on the palate and aromas of spiced plum and earth, this red is rich and yielding and shows all the graciousness of character of the 2006 vintage. If you have yet to discover the wines of Fontodi, this one will have you hooked and like me, you will more than likely become one of Fontodi's new followers for years to come!

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Domaine Morin Bourgogne Chitry 2006

Just when I think I have a handle on Burgundy, I have the opportunity to taste a wine that is completely unfamiliar to me yet somehow incredibly familiar and worthwhile. The wine of which I speak is from the village of Chitry, more specifically, Chitry-le-Fort. This commune in the Auxerrois district of the Yonne department of north eastern France lies closely to the austere region of Chablis and thus, the most remote and northern slice of what is considered Burgundy. Upon greeting the bouquet of Olivier Morin's Chitry, I was quickly reminded of a steely Sancerre or perhaps a minerally, focused Chablis, for the clear, precise, flinty citrus notes and the hint of honeysuckle seemed to conjure memories of traveling in the Loire valley or even spending time in the Champagne region and enjoying white Burgundy years ago. When I began to research this obscure region, the pieces of the puzzle solidified. The soils of the Chitry appellation are comprised of Jurassic clay-limestone from the Kimmeridgian series. The village of Chablis has become famous for its kimmeridgian chalk terroir while the Loire valley boasts an unparalleled limestone terroir. Could this regional wine of Burgundy possess the like? YES. With a rich golden color and flecks of green, this 100% Chardonnay is balanced and harmonious with Sancerre like gunflint and Chablis like minerality that is unyielding. In addition, Olivier's small production Chitry offers a snappy, savage grape skin sensation and texture that is captivating and quite frankly, delicious. With lingering notes of wet slate, mineral and lemon peel, this Chardonnay reveals its complexity and depth. To create the ultimate sensation, pair with escargot, charcuterie, shellfish or foraged mushrooms and take a tour of white Burgundy like never before.



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Lalande Couturier 2005

This past Saturday, we held a small Bordeaux tasting featuring the wines of Jean-Luc Thunevin, the infamous 'bad boy' of the Right Bank. I have to say that there were many standouts from the lineup and for me, perhaps the most surprising wine, was also the most affordable. That brings me to discuss Lalande Couturier 2005. First of all, if Jean-Luc Thunevin is not a familiar name to you, let me enlighten you. Jean-Luc and his wife Murielle Andraud have single-handedly created the 'vins de garage' movement in France. In 1989, they purchased a miniscule .6-hectare parcel in a small valley near Saint Emilion and thus, the 'garage' wine Château Valandraud was born. Since their first release in 1991, they have slowly acquired more and more parcels in various appellations on the Right Bank as well as new properties in the Languedoc and most recently, Margaux. Their philosophy of creating micro-cuvées originating from extremely low yields and incredibly ripe fruit, has garnered the Thunevins the praise of many. The Lalande-Couturier, like all of their wines, speaks of fruit and terroir in a most gracious and memorable manner. Coming from a small 4 hectare vineyard owned by one of Thunevin's employees in the village of St Palais de Blaye, this red Bordeaux is focused, elegant and surprisingly rich. Jean-Luc ferments and ages this red in stainless steel vats and the result is quite impressive. It allows the Merlot varietal to reveal its true character and potential when grown in the sandy, deep red clay soils of the Côtes de Blaye. With a nose of deep red fruits, mint, coffee and gravel, this red has a palate of dark plum and cassis with touches of sandalwood and menthol. The tannins add an interesting textural element to this wine's finish without being too overpowering. Pair with a steak or whatever else you may be grilling this evening, sit back and enjoy a stellar sampling of Bordeaux from the praised 2005 vintage (without breaking the bank).

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Falesco Vitiano Bianco 2008

We have been longtime supporters of the Cotarella brothers and their winery in Umbria and as anticipated, the 2008 release of their Falesco Vitiano Bianco is exuberantly fresh, exciting and the ideal choice for my current wine of the week! Founded in 1979 by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, Falesco is located in the municipality of Montecchio near the border of Lazio in the southwestern corner of Umbria. Flanked by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and Italy's mountainous center to the east, the dry, perfectly drained, volcanic terroir of the region imparts a bold, refreshing quality to this bottling. With a unique native blend of Vermentino and Verdicchio, this white, with its harmonious symphony of flavors, gives the taster a true picture of two less than mainstream varietals in a somewhat familiar yet incredibly inspiring fashion. With aromas of fresh white flowers, tangerine peel and wet slate, the palate of this white reveals great minerality, focus and complex herb-tinged citrus flavors. The Vermentino is showcased in the wine's somewhat briny edges and ample acidity while the body, weight and complexity can be attributed to the Verdicchio. The bright, lingering acidity of this wine's finish make it ever so appealing with a myriad of foods. You may want to grab more than a bottle of this one as it could turn out to be your favorite white wine of the season!

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Tenuta Friggiali Rosso di Montalcino 2004

Tucked between the picturesque landscapes of the Valle d'Arbia and the wild, sun drenched Valle d'Orcia lies the village of Montalcino. If you have ever had the occasion of visiting Siena and its environs, you would probably agree with me when I say that words cannot even begin to describe the splendor of this region. The hill upon which Montalcino sits is said to have first been settled during Etruscan times and the initial documents of a 'Brunello' red wine in the area date to the early 14th century. The reason I mention the above is because every once and a while, I come across a wine that embodies history in a glass, hence, my suggestion of Tenutua Friggiali's Rosso di Montalcino. Hailing from the much-adored 2004 vintage, this Rosso di Montalcino offers a glimpse of the early potential of Brunello's Sangiovese Grosso. Owned by the Peluso Centolani family (also landholders of Tenuta Pietranera), the vineyards of this estate lie on the southwest slope of Montalcino. The characteristics of the terroir of this region impart ample richness, acidity and great minerality to this red. With incredible balance and a vein of acidity that carries through its silky, red fruit palate, the layers of flavors of this young vine Brunello show elements of mineral, earth, tobacco, plum and wild raspberry. Rosso di Montalcino may live in the shadow of the more esteemed Brunello di Montalcino which matures slowly and regally, yet, do not neglect the appeal of one of Italy's most drinkable, complex and elegant Sangiovese bottlings!

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Branko Pinot Grigio 2007

Igor Erzetic, owner of Branko, is an extremely dedicated individual who farms his six hectares of vineyards in the Collio DOC with such passion and grace that his wines are frequent contenders at Gambero Rosso's Three Glass finals. Once again, this year Igor's Pinot Grigio 2007 garnered the prestigious 'tre bicchieri' award for the third vintage running and it is now considered one of the most ultimate expressions of the varietal. Who can argue with a record as such and I have to admit that I find the Branko Pinot Grigio possesses a profound depth of fruit and structure that is often times fleeting in this somewhat pedestrian varietal. Igor's father, Branko, persists tirelessly in the vineyards and with his son's mastery of the cellar; the pair is unstoppable. Interestingly, the fermentation of this bottling is divided between 80% stainless steel tank and 20% 500 litre French wooden barrels, both undergoing a 7-month aging process. The combination is magical and Igor creates an olfactory synergy with ever sip. From aromas of roasted hazelnuts, spiced fruits and resin, this wine has an inviting and warm palate of full-bodied citrus inspired fruits and a Chardonnay-like viscosity. The complexity of this white permeates the senses and its soft yet refreshing finish lingers mysteriously on the palate. Perhaps it is the northern hills of Collio, nestled against the Yugoslavian border that give this wine its unique and impressive character or maybe it is the delicate hand of winemaker Igor. Whatever the reason, this white will make any apathetic Pinot Grigio drinker a true convert! Wine snobs beware for Pinot Grigio may be the most underrated grape around...

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Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2007

The story of this wine is plain and simple. Each year, Produttori del Barbaresco, a longtime family cooperative in the Langhe, declasses around 20% of their Nebbiolo production (Nebbiolo that is grown in the Barbaresco district) and bottles it as Nebbiolo 'Langhe.' Think of a 'super second' if you will, a wine of Barbaresco caliber with younger, racier edges and great vibrancy of fruit, all at a fraction of the cost. I cannot recommend this red enough, particularly if you, like myself, are enticed by the hills of Piedmont and the rusticity of fruit and character that they yield. With centuries old skill and dedication in growing Nebbiolo, the families who comprise the Produttori bottle this Nebbiolo as a wine suitable for earlier consumption. Much like the vintage it represents, the 2007 Nebbiolo Langhe is ripe and generous, with bright spicy aromas and deep red fruits. Six months of barrel aging appear to soften the tannins of this juicy, succulent red yet not at the cost of its acidity. With hints of fresh cut violets and anise on the nose and a palate brimming with ripe raspberry, cherry fruit and forest floor, this red possesses the elegance of a much pricier Piedmont offering. Sauté you favorite vegetable and pasta dish and open a bottle of this vibrant red or better yet, grab a case!

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Lafage côté EST Catalan Blanc 2007

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of esteemed winemaker Jean-Marie Lafage and well- respected importer Eric Solomon, the côté EST is my selection of the moment to welcome in the changing of seasons. Only in his thirties, Jean-Marie is becoming somewhat of a legend in the wine world as he manages to turn out exquisitely crafted wines from his estate in the Roussillon as well as work on several projects in Spain and South America. His passion lies with the varietals of the south of France and his côté Est is an example of a completely refreshing, sophisticated, highly aromatic offering of some of France's oldest varietals. Blended of 60% Grenache Blanc and Gris, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Marsanne, this vin de pays glides over the palate with elements of honey, almond peel and delicate citrus. In the glass, a nose of fresh white flowers, citrus zest, pineapple and flint accompanies its gentle flecks of green. Jean-Marie's estate is nestled between the Mediterranean sea on one side and the mountains of the Pyrenees on the other and the influence of neighboring Spain is most definitely present in this superb white. With a supple texture and soft acidity, this wine is surprisingly vibrant and the elements of the cépage work harmoniously together; old vine Grenache adding texture and snappiness, Chardonnay adding weight and Marsanne adding a more exotic honeyed note. Grab a bottle of this one, sit down with a friend and ponder the warmer weather ahead!


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Schug Pinot Noir 2006 Carneros

I have to admit that I am sometimes skeptical of domestic wineries, particularly those where seven or eight different varietals all seem to flourish in one appellation. It is essential for grapes to suffer, to weather the rain, the fog, the sun, the frost, etc. That brings me to discuss Schug Carneros Estate and the merits of their Carneros Pinot Noir. The California wine industry would not be what it is today without the influence of such visionaries as Walter Schug. Being the founding winemaker of Joseph Phelps in the 1970s, Walter Schug crafted California's first proprietary red blend (Insignia) and was also responsible for the legendary vineyard designated Cabernets from Bacchus and Eisele vineyards. With this experience and his love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he founded his current winery in 1980 where the cool, marine climate of Carneros called his name. His 50 acre estate is situated in the southern lowlands of the Napa and Sonoma valleys, just southwest of the town of Sonoma. This region benefits from the cool, coastal air of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is blanketed with a brisk fog throughout the summer months. This fog slowly burns off during the late morning hours and is then replaced midday by winds that rush through what is known at the Petaluma Gap, a break between two mountains which creates a wind-tunnel across the vineyards. Why is this microclimate so important? It goes back to my earlier point about grapes and their need to strive for existence. All of these factors are essential for great Pinot Noir, that fickle thin-skinned red grape and Schug Carneros Estate respects the varietal in all of its glory. The 2006 Carneros release shows all of the purity of fruit that one would expect from a Burgundian Pinot Noir but with a brightness and abundance of flavor that is unmistakably Carneros. By carefully blending several separately vinified lots, Schug creates a wine with great complexity and elegance. Its bouquet of spiced red fruits and toasted oak is complemented by a palate of red cherry and strawberry fruit tones, smooth, silky tannins and gentle acidity. Just a whisper of eucalyptus lingers on this wine's spicy, zesty finish. Pair this red with duck, lamb or even your grilled fish of choice and you will not be disappointed.

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