Petite Sirah - Feb 2010

Host: Hilary
Book: Peach Like a River by Leif Enger
Wine: Petite Sirah

1. Big House Wine Company Petite Sirah The prodigal Son '06 - $7.99
Arresting hues of this very deep dark red, is an attesting to the beauty of the biy. The bouquet is muscular with black fruits, blackberries, and cassis dominating the introduction. Then a whiff of anise sets in, followed by whisper of smoke and white pepper. The palate follows the nose with lip smacking blackberry and currant. Flavors then interrwine chocolate, spice in a swirl of bodacious body, that one would consider gravitas. All of this delight leaves you longing for another sip, before ending with a hint of vanilla, oak and spice.
2. Bogle Petite Sirah - $9.00
Ripe summer blackberries and plums overwhelm both the nose and palate of this wine. Its trademark inky, jammy qualities are a barrage of black fruit and spice, adding layer upon layer of complexity. Notes of supple leather and toasty oak envelop the flavors through the finish, giving way to wisps of caramel and vanilla. The firm tannins make this a wine that can develop for years to come, but you won't want to wait that long to enjoy it!


3. Concannon Petite Sirah - $12.99
The 2006 Petite Sirah, Limited Release is an intense wine with vibrant berry fruits and a full palate. The wine starts with attractive aromas of ripe berries, creamy oak and a touch of spice, and hints of toasty oak and vanilla enrich the palate. The wine's full body is complemented by a firm and balanced structure, and the finish is lasting and memorable.


4. Petite Petit Michael David - $14.99 - GROUP FAVORITE!
"Aged 16 months in new French Oak, our carnivalistic blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot is definitely the star of the show. Trunk fulls of blueberry, plum, violet, and chalky tannins give a seamless finish to this jumbo size offering."

Various Reds - Jan 2010

Host: Bonnie
Book: My Life in France by Julia Child

1. Snap Dragon Mertage - $9.95 GROUP FAVORITE
Free from the restrictions of a varietal name, a red wine yields itself to the creativity of the winemaker who can combine the best lots of several varietals. At harvest, the grapes were brought in to the winery and vinified individually. Diligent monitoring of the fermentation temperatures ensure maximun character. After fermentation, the individual lots were blended together for a wine that exhibits powerful, lithe and striking qualities that the name Snap Dragon implies.

2. Cline Old Vine Carignane '07 - $10.99
Carignane holds the distinction of being one of the most widely planted red grapes in France. It is also grown abundantly in Italy, Spain, Algeria and Israel and was once the most planted varietal in the new world. It has traditionally been used as a blending grape because of its favorable yields, excellent acidity and big tannins. Cline Cellars is one of a few wineries to vinify this varietal. Dark ruby in color, the 2007 Ancient Vines Carignane offers aromas of plum, chocolate and clove. The old vine elicits a taste of typical Oakley terroir, a dusty, dark cherry fruit and a nice bright acidity. It's a perfect match for grilled meats, pasta dishes, even pizza with goat cheese.

3. Cline Old Vine Zinfandel ' 07 - $18.99
As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.

Cotes du Rhone (French) - Nov 2009

Host: Melanie
Book: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Wine: Cotes du Rhone - Wine Region in France

1. Perrin & Fils - $13.95 GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with number 3!
90 points Wine Spectator: "Very pure, with gorgeous plum and black cherry aromas and flavors laced with enticing spice, graphite and violet notes. Long, very silky finish. Delicious. Drink now."-WS May 8, 2009. Just 20% of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards are entitled to add "Villages" to their name. These are the best vineyard sites, which means if you like Côtes du Rhône, then you'll love Côtes du Rhône-Villages. This wine is produced by the Perrin family of Beaucastel fame, using the same viticultural and winemaking techniques they use in making their famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from two specific vineyard plots that are among the best in the Rhône Valley. The 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages from Perrin & Fils is an absolute pleasure to imbibe.

2. Belleruche - $13.95
Michel Chapoutier says that one of the most difficult tasks of a vineyardist and winemaker is to make a serious, high-quality wine, yet have it remain a good value. His "Belleruche" wines accomplish just that. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge is a great introduction to one of the world's most celebrated wine appellations: the Côtes-du-Rhône region. Aroma: Red fruit aromas, mainly Morello cherries. Taste: Well-structured, with dark red fruit and pepper notes; sustained tannin. Grape Varieties:50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

3. E. Guigal - $16.00 - GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with #1

4. La Vieille Ferme - $8.00