Wines by the Glass

Question 1

Heron, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, 2015 $8

Tasting Notes

Answer 1

This light straw colored Chardonnay illustrates its unoaked composition in appearance as well as profile. The wine is tropical with aromas of mango and custard. The palate dives further into the tropical flavors with passion fruit, guava piña colada flavors. The wine finishes with baked apple and cinnamon flavors with light caramel

Question 2

Beckon, Chardonnay, Central Coast, 2015 $9

Answer 2

This wine blends 53% Monterey County and 47% San Luis Obispo County fruit to deliver a well-priced winner. Key lime, lemon peel, white flowers and almond butter show on the nose, while the palate delivers nicely rounded nectarine, sea salt and oaky flavors that are buoyed by ample acidity through the finish

Question 3

Bourgogne, Les Sétilles, Oliver Laflaive, France, 2014 $10

Tasting Notes

Answer 3

Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Setilles (family garden) has become one of the most popular items in the entire Frederick Wildman portfolio. Year in/ year out this wine represents impeccable quality and unsurpassed value in the French wine category. This wine exceeds expectations of even the most discriminating of palates.
Les Setilles is sourced from vineyards within the communes of Puligny Montrachet and Meursault, with each village representing roughly half of the final blend. Grapes are sourced from multiple plots within each village in an effort to maximize complexity of the final wine.
Sourced from vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, this superb white Burgundy has grace and charm and other bells and whistles from ripe pear, Gala apple and searing acidity hinged on a belt of freshly squeezed citrus.

Question 4

Chateau de Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire, France, 2014 $11
Tasting Notes

Answer 4

Pale gold, with silver highlights. Powerful aromatic intensity with citrus and floral notes. Rich and well balanced on the palate with fruity flavors of grapefruit and fresh grapes
This is a fruity, pineapple and citrus-flavored wine that is tight and with a tangy texture. It is fresh, juicy and attractively crisp. It has weight and richness from the intense fruit that contrasts with the acidity.

Question 5

Chateau de Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire, France, 2014 $11
Producer Notes

Answer 5

The history of the Sancerre vineyards goes back almost a thousand years, for it was in 11th and 12th centuries that monks in the surrounding districts began to cultivate vines. From the reign of Philippe-Augustus to the reign of Louis XVI, the Kings of France delighted in Sancerre wine - “one of the most exquisite of the Kingdom”, as one described it - and a 19th century devoté, Honoré de Balzac, famously paid tribute to the “generous wines” of Sancerre.
The Chateau de Sancerre stands in the heart of the Sancerre vineyards. In 1874, the castle was rebuilt on its old site in the style of Louis XII. In 1919 it was purchased, along with part of the vineyards, by Louis Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It was he who restored the vaults and the spiral staircase which flanked the “Feudal Tower” - the only remaining vestige of the medieval castle. He also set up a private museum in Sancerre and was instrumental in building the reputation of Sancerre wines.
Today The Château de Sancerre is still owned by the Société des Produits Marnier-Lapostolle, also producers of Grand Marnier liqueurs and owners of the Château de Bourg Charente. It is here, in the heart of its historic birthplace, that an exclusive estate-bottled Sancerre wine is made and matured - the only wine which can be sold under the exclusive name Château de Sancerre.

Question 6

Bourgogne, Les Sétilles, Oliver Laflaive, France, 2014 $10

Producer Notes

Answer 6

Olivier Leflaive was formed in 1984 by Olivier and his brother Patrick. Unlike a conventional negociant who buys finished wines, the firm actually vinifies a wide range of Burgundian appellations from grapes and must (or juice) and now owns 25 acres. Under the supervision of winemaker Franck Grux, the wines are vinified, blended, and aged exactly as they would be at a top-rank domaine.

Question 7

Heron, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, 2015 $8

Producer Notes

Answer 7

We at Heron Wines believe that delicious wines should be an unalienable right. Yes, an overstatement, but we really think that high-quality, approachable wine should not come at a huge price. For years, we have heard from wine lovers from around the globe that we consistently exceed their expectations for quality, style, and balance.
Our wines come from some of the greatest growing regions in the world. Our original wine was a groundbreaking Merlot from St. Chinian in southwest France. Today we make wine in California, France and Spain; and our focus is on the purity of fruit. We go where the best grapes are grown in order to maximize the natural characteristics of the wines we make.

Question 8

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2016 $9

Tasting Notes

Answer 8

Light straw with yellow and green hues. Aromas of citrus and tropical fruits backed by characteristic herbaceous notes for which Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is renowned. An exuberant wine brimming with juicy acidity and fruit sweetness, providing a balanced flavour profile. The finish is fresh, zesty, and lingering

Question 9

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2016 $9

Producer Notes

Answer 9

Kim Crawford Wines started out in a small Auckland cottage in New Zealand. Since its launch in 1996, the label has gained critical acclaim around the globe. Kim Crawford wines capture the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle. The established leader of luxury-priced Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Kim Crawford combines a passion for excellence in winemaking with a vision of exploring new boundaries.

Question 10

Napa Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2014 $9

Tasting Notes

Answer 10

Excite your senses with aromas of vibrant gooseberry, pineapple and fresh pink grapefruit followed by flavors of pear, guava, passion fruit, lime, sweet clover and melon.
Try this wine with just about any food including grilled swordfish salad with Thai spices, or enjoy it all by itself.

Question 11

Napa Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2014 $9

Producer Notes

Answer 11

Founded by Rich Frank and Koerner Rombauer in 1996, this warm and casual tasting room is the perfect first or last stop for any visitor to Napa. Conveniently located on Highway 29, the friendly tasting staff encourages wine novices and connoisseurs alike to try their well-worth-the price Napa Valley wines. Napa Cellars winemaker Todd Graff produces a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, as well as limited amounts of Syrah, Sparkling Rose, Late Harvest Zinfandel and Late Harvest Semillon, all bearing the Napa Valley designation.

Question 12

Cielo, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy, 2015 $7

Tasting Notes

Answer 12

Colour : straw yellow with green reflections.
Bouquet : bread crust and green apple.
Taste : fresh and drinkable.

Question 13

“Sophia” by Coppola, Rose, 2015 $8

Tasting Notes

Answer 13

2016 Sofia Rose flaunts an alluring perfume of strawberries, rose petals, and the earthy minerality of Italian blood oranges. There is a raciness to the palate with juicy impressions of red berries and an unexpected hint of tea leaves and dried flowers. The vibrant natural acidity lifts the elegant aromatics, creating a bright, expressive wine that’s refreshing and extremely versatile with food.

Question 14

“Sophia” by Coppola, Rose, 2015 $8

Producer Notes

Answer 14

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, re-opened in July 2010, is the latest venture from Francis Ford Coppola, whose passion for wine, food and adventure is nowhere more evident than in this new production – a winery resort located in the heart of Alexander Valley, California. Among the many attractions at the property, Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a wine tasting bar, two restaurants, swimming pools, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts.
Francis puts it best, saying the winery is meant to be “a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.”

Question 15

Light Horse, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jamison Ranch, Napa 2015 $8

Tasting Notes

Answer 15

Intense ruby in color, this Cabernet features a bouquet of cassis, espresso, black currant, mocha and a touch of tobacco. Delectable flavors of berry and spices are supported by refreshing acidity which runs through the mid-palate and melts into a long finish. Soft tannins provide a smooth texture, with a touch of oak leading to a sweet oak finish.

Question 16

Light Horse, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jamison Ranch, Napa 2015 $8

Producer Notes

Answer 16

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards is the southernmost winery in the Napa Valley, one of the world’s foremost winemaking regions. The estate’s more than 300 acres of gently rolling hills and terraced vineyards benefit from the cooling fog and breezes from the nearby San Pablo Bay, climatic conditions that favor the production of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The unique architecture of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards is reminiscent of a majestic western mountain lodge, replete with soaring ceilings, seating around a cozy fireplace, an observation gallery overlooking the barrel room and production area, and a spectacular wraparound veranda that affords sweeping views of the Napa Valley and San Pablo Bay.

Question 17

Cooper Mountain, Cooper Hill, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2015 $11
Tasting Notes

Answer 17

Lush and pretty the 2015 Cooper Hill Pinot Noir is vibrant and expressive, displaying bright red fruit cherry framed with spice and earth
The latest vintage to date of the Cooper Hill Pinot Noir provides both power and elegance on the palate. This wine offers layers of red fruit, spice and a supple, velvety mouth feel.

Question 18

Cooper Mountain, Cooper Hill, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2015 $11

Answer 18

At Cooper Mountain Vineyards, we are dedicated to the concept of 100% estate grown and produced wines. We began growing grapes in our vineyards in 1978 on a south facing slope of Cooper Mountain, an extinct volcano site overlooking the Tualatin Valley and notable for its unique and shallow soils. All of the decisions relating to the final quality of the wine are under our control. We determine pruning technique and crop level, when to begin harvest, and how to process, ferment and age our wines. Over the years we have been able to develop an intimacy with the different sections of our vineyards and an understanding of how our wines develop in the cellar and in the bottle. This understanding comes from working exclusively with our estate grown grapes and helps us to capture the essence of this very special terroir. Certified Biodynamic since 1999.

Question 19

Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2013 $12

Tasting Notes

Answer 19

Deep red in color our Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon expresses notes of red cherry, currants and licorice on the nose. Robust and full-bodied with supple tannins and dense blackberry fruit. Flavors of mocha, molasses, blueberry, and pepper dominate with back notes of plum and graphite on the finish. Pair with salt-crusted beef tenderloin, classic rib-eye roast, herbed potatoes, simple sautéed mushrooms with chives, hard cheeses.

Question 20

Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2013 $12

Producer Notes

Answer 20

Atlas Peak was established in 1987. Over time it became clear that Atlas Peak’s most valuable hidden resource was literally underfoot: the elevation of its vineyards. The grapes growing at high elevation, and above the natural fog line, experience much lower daytime temperatures than those on the valley floor, allowing the grapes to stay cool while gaining maximum sun exposure. As a result, growers up on the mountain can afford to harvest later and pick for flavor with less worry about over ripening and excessive alcohol. No grape develops as well in mountain conditions as Cabernet Sauvignon.
Atlas Peak crafts Napa Valley mountain appellation Cabernet Sauvignon from such prestigious areas as Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain District and Mount Veeder, in addition to Atlas Peak. Atlas Peak’s Cabernet Sauvignon wines are driven by an appreciation of mountain-grown fruit and winemaking techniques that capture the distinct flavors derived from the mountain appellations in which they are grown.

Question 21

Tangley Oak, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2012 $8

Tasting Notes

Answer 21

Garnet color. Inviting plum and red berry fruits intermingled with cocoa and savory herbs aromas. Supple red fruit and juicy tannins turn to spicy plum and blackberry preserve flavors that unfold on the mid-palate and follow all the way through to a well-balanced finish.

Question 22

Tangley Oak, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2012 $8

Producer Notes

Answer 22

The wines of Tangley Oaks symbolize the majesty of California’s native oak trees. Much like these grand trees, the grape varietals selected for Tangley Oaks wines represent the enduring legacy of California winemaking. With respect to this rich tradition, each appellation and grape varietal have been carefully selected to best represent the quality of Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and the Central Coast. Just as these appellations have been carefully selected and cultivated by the great wine masters, it only follows that Tangley Oaks winemakers are as particular when selecting the lots for each bottle.
These lot numbers are printed on the bottles of Tangley Oaks wines, and are a testament to the true expression of the grape varietal, the vintage and the appellation. In short, they indicate the wine is the very best of the vintage. During the winemaking process, Tangley Oaks winemakers follow all the time-honored methods until they reach a critical point. This is when the Tangley Oaks winemakers must select the lots — representing the absolute best parcels from the vineyards that are worthy of bottling.
Each member of the Tangley Oaks winemaking team tastes through each lot, carefully assessing the fruit, balance and tannins. This process is repeated for every varietal. Only when the winemaking team fully agrees on the one lot that best represents the varietal, appellation and vintage is the lot number chosen. This is the only way to select the best quality wines for the most discriminating palates.

Question 23

Folie à Deux, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2013 $10

Tasting Notes

Answer 23

Deeply concentrated aromas of strawberry jam and black cherry, with subtle hints of cola and spice, framed by a palate of cherry, cranberry, toffee, leather and tobacco.

Question 24

Folie à Deux, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2013 $10

Producer Notes

Answer 24

Co-owners are ex-psychiatrists. Folie a Deux literally means ‘‘a madness shared by two.’’ They’re located two miles north of St. Helena and focus on Cabernet, Zinfandel, Syrah and Sangiovese. They also produce a fun white called ‘‘Menage a Trois’’ which is a blend of Muscat Cannelli, Cahrdonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Question 25

Alamos, Malbec, Mendoza, 2015 $9

Tasting Notes

Answer 25

The Alamos Malbec has a dark purple color with violet highlights. The nose offers bright black berry aromas with light floral notes and a touch of toast. The mouth-feel is full and rich, with ripe, concentrated cassis and black raspberry fruit interwoven with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice from light oak aging. The finish shows ripe, silky tannins.

Question 26

Alamos, Malbec, Mendoza, 2015 $9

Producer Notes

Answer 26

From the vineyard to the winery, the Alamos wines are made to emphasize varietal fruit character. The cool evening temperatures in Catena’s high altitude vineyards allow for prolonged hang time, preserving the fruit’s full spectrum of aromas and flavors.
At the winery, the grapes are gently destemmed, fermentation temperatures are carefully controlled and two to four year old barrels are used to age the wines.

Question 27

Corvo, Nero de Avola, Sicily, 2013 $8

Tasting Notes

Answer 27

Corvo Rosso, a classic Sicilian wine, is produced from Sicilian vines cultivated on warm, sunny hills. Aged in oak barrels it is distinguished by its round, full-bodied and persistent flavour.

Question 28

Corvo, Nero de Avola, Sicily, 2013 $8

Producer Notes

Answer 28

Corvo is a legend, a strong, long-established brand with the ability to communicate in new and current languages.
A Sicilian classic benefiting from 200 years of tradition, it obtains the best from every vine thanks to its in-depth knowledge of all of the
island’s geographical and climatic details and quality wine making processes.
Corvo wines express personality, agreeableness, have an excellent quality/price ratio and are high quality products that can be enjoyed every day.