February 2008

Shannon Ridge Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Shannon Ridge Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Shannon Ridge Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of just 22 Cabernet Sauvignons that won Double Gold Medal awards at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Shannon Ridge vineyards include a magnificent mountain property about 35 miles north of the Napa county line. At altitudes of 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level these steep mountain ridges are cooled by steady winds off Clear Lake and from the higher peaks to the north. The lean, rocky volcanic soils make the vines produce small berries with concentrated flavors.

Winery Notes:
Color: Black Pomegranate. Aroma: Toasty Crème Brulee, Ripe Cherry with dry cinnamon nuances and layers of black currants wrapped in plums. Flavor: Bing Cherries with toasty vanilla bean. Texture: Big, pallet encompassing tannin, supple and full, long finish with staying power and bold presence.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a dark purple color, Shannon Ridge Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exudes aromas of red cherries and dark berries. Rich cherry and blackcurrant flavors dominate on the palate and yield to firm tannins through a long dry finish.

Bottom Line:
Shannon Ridge Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petite Verdot. Flavorful and hardy, it is a good dinner wine to be served with big cuts of red meat and aged cheeses. A good value at a suggested retail price of $19. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Vina Robles 2004 Signature

The Award-Winning Wine:
Vina Robles 2004 Signature

Reason for Reviewing:
Vina Robles 2004 Signature is one of just four Red Blends that earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The Vina Robles Signature Blend is made from two grape varieties that winemaker Matthias Gubler believes are "the ultimate expression of Vina Robles’ terroir." It is a blend of the Bordeaux grape Petit Verdot along with a Rhone variety, Syrah. Petit Verdot flourishes in the micro climates of the Huerhuero Vineyard where it produces wines with deep color, rich flavor and good tannic structure. From a cool site in Eastern Paso Robles, the Ryan Road Vineyard Syrah gives big, aromatic wines with wonderful color and rounded tannins.

Winery Notes:
Deep, saturated inky purple, almost opaque in color: intense aromas of dark berry fruits including notes of blueberry and plum. This big wine is supple, lush and mouth filling; complex and refined.

AlaWine Notes:
Due to the large portion of Petit Verdot, Vina Robles 2004 Signature pours as a very dark purple color in the glass. Aromas of ripe berries radiate to the nose in an earthy context. Intense flavors of blackberry and whole plum fill the palate. A spice highlight and moderate tannins frame the fruit through a long vanilla, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
While the Vina Robles 2004 Signature is an unusual blend of a Bordeaux, Petit Verdot, and a Rhone, Syrah, it provides a very juicy, flavorful, and interesting red blend experience. The flavors are intense, but well integrated and complementary, through a long and satisfying finish. Suggested retail price is $36. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Exuberance 2005 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Exuberance 2005 Syrah, Sonoma Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Exuberance 2005 Syrah is one of just six Syrahs that earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The Canihan Family produces limited quantities of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc from their organic, biodynamic and dry-farmed estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley. Their Exuberance Label is used those vintages they believe to be the best of the best.

Winery Notes:
...this is an engaging and surprisingly elegant Syrah. It is bright and rich to the nose, offering blueberry, boysenberry, red raspberry and red rose aromas, with notes of bouillon, smoked meat and black and white peppercorn in support. It is already silky on the palate, with a generous mouth-feel and lots of blackberry, raspberry, bouillon, black tea, powdered sumac and peppercorn flavors that linger in a youthful, yet elegantly expressive mix.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a dark ruby color, Exuberance 2005 Syrah exudes aromas of ripe, dark and red berries in a slightly floral context. Full fruit flavors of black berries and raspberries fill the palate and linger through a spicy pepper finish with a tobacco highlight, couched in moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Exuberance 2005 Syrah is a medium bodied, richly layered Syrah, with interesting, subtle, complementary flavor complexities. Very quaffable now and likely to improve further with some cellaring. Suggested retail price is $50. Overall composite score: 96 points.

San Antonio Wine Competition Gold Winners

There were 21 top-honor Gold Medal winners out of 590 wines entered in the recently completed 8th Annual San Antonio Wine Competition. The Gold Medal winners include:

* Messina Hof Barrel Reserve Cabernet Franc Texas 2005 $9.99
* Becker Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Texas 2005 $22
* J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Paso Robles 2005 $29.99
* Paulo Cabernet Sauvignon Texas 2002 $40
* Trinchero Chicken Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005 $30
* Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon California 2005 $9.99
* Newman’s Own Chardonnay California 2006 $15.99
* Pine Ridge Chardonnay California 2005 $27
* DaVinci Chianti Classico Italy 2004 $21.25
* Mocavero Primitivo Salento Salento IGT 2003 $16.99
* Mocavero Puteus Salice Salentino Salento IGT 2003 $20.99
* Antinori Villa Toscana Rosso Italy 2003 $18.50
* Montevina Terra d’Oro Moscato California 2006 $18
* Col Solare Washington 2004 $56.50
* Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois Red California 2006 $12
* Peter Lehmann Clancy’s Red Australia 2004 $15
* Bell Mountain Vineyards Estate Bottled Pinot Noir Reserve Texas 2001 $19.95
* Schloss Vollrads QBA Estate Riesling Germany 2006 $14.49
* Kunde Sauvignon Blanc Magnolia Lane California 2006 $18.99
* Covey Run Semillon Ice Wine Washington 2005 $17.50
* Messina Hof Barrel Reserve Zinfandel Texas 2006 $9.99

For a complete list of all medal winning wins, click here.

Wilson Winery 2005 Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Wilson Winery 2005 Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Wilson Winery 2005 Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel is one of just thirteen Zinfandels that earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
In 2001, Wilson Winery opened a tasting room on the backside of the old barn. When you think "backside of the barn" you don’t picture a breathtaking panoramic view of Dry Creek Valley. But that is what you will find behind this barn.

Winery Notes:
Seductive aromas of freshly crushed raspberry, high-grade pepper and vanilla bean entice you to dive in, but be sure to sip this beauty gently to not miss any of its pleasures. The lush and concentrated flavors of juicy blackberries and ripe raspberries are steeped with an exotic vanilla essence. The spicy black pepper finish lingers on...

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark garnet to ruby color in the glass, Wilson Winery 2005 Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel radiates aromas of ripe berries. On the palate, flavors of raspberry and brambleberry dominate the opening in a smooth mouthfeel. Spicy pepper and moderate tannins hold the ripe fruit through a long vanilla oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Wilson Winery 2005 Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel is a round, well balanced and well integrated Zin, good now and likely to improve with some aging. Suggested retail price is $32. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Florida International Double Gold Medal Winners

Forty-two wines earned Double-Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition:

* 10 Knots Cellars, Paso Robles, CA 2005 Moonraker
* Adobe Road Winery, Petaluna, CA 2005 Cabernet Franc
* Adobe Road Winery, Petaluna, CA 2005 Finish Line Meritage
* Al-Bi Winery, Dellroy, OH NA Lakeside Red
* Angoves, St. Helena, CA 2006 Vineyard Select Riesling
* Antler Ridge Winery Inc., Mertztown, PA NV Raspberry Bramble
* Bitner Vineyards, Caldwell, ID 2006 Late Harvest Riesling
* Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA 2006 Dry Riesling
* Clautiere Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA 2004 Estate Bottled Mon Rouge
* Concannon Vineyard, San Francisco, CA 2005 Limited Reserve Petite Sirah
* Conn Creek Winery, St Helena, CA 2004 Anthology
* Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Orland Park, IL 2006 Barbera
* Dominari, Napa, CA 2005 Merlot
* EOS Estate Winery, Paso Robles, CA 2005 Estate Bottled Petite Sirah
* Ertel Cellars Winery, Batesville, IN NV Foch
* Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Kane, PA NV Flickerberry Dew
* Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Kane, PA NV Tribute
* Henscratch Farms Inc., Lake Placid, FL NV Country Walk
* Henscratch Farms Inc., Lake Placid, FL NV Snow Bird
* Henscratch Farms Inc., Lake Placid, FL NV Country White
* Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery, Basehor, KS NV Kaw River Rhine
* J. Lohr, San Jose, CA 2007 Wild Flower Valdiguie
* J. Lohr, San Jose, CA 2006 Arroyo Vista Vineyard Chardonnay
* Jodar Vineyards & Winery, Placerville, CA 2004 Estate Reserve Apollos Lyre
* Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Middletown, CA 2005 Tephra Cabernet Sauvignon
* Luna Rossa Winery, Deming, NM 2003 Nini
* Lynfred Winery, Roselle, IL 2007 Seyval Blanc
* Montoya, San Martin, CA 2006 Petite Sirah
* Oliver Winery, Bloomington, IN NV Black Cherry
* Opolo Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
* Opolo Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA 2004 Rhapsody
* Peirano Estate Vineyards, Lodi, CA 2006 Estate Grown Petite Sirah Heritage Collection
* Robledo Family Winery, Sonoma, CA 2005 Red Hills El Rey Cabernet Sauvignon
* San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine, FL NV Vintners Red
* SeaBreeze Winery, Panama City Beach, FL NA Palmetto Red
* Sextant Wines, Paso Robles, CA 2006 Night Watch Proprietary Red
* Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret, CT NV Ballet of Angels
* Shasta View Vineyards, Montaque, CA NV Estate Grown Unfiltered Armonia Rossa Red Blended Wine
* Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, MO 2007 Vignoles
* Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, Spring Hill, FL NV Blanc du Bois Select
* Trinchero, St. Helena, CA 2005 Family Merlot
* Whiskey Run Creek, Brownville, NE 2007 Edelweiss

For a complete list of all medal winners, click here.

Wood Winery 2004 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Wood Winery 2004 Syrah, Gina's Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Wood Winery 2004 Syrah is one of just 21 wines that earned Best of Class honors for red wines over $25 from a complete field of 4,235 wines entered by 1,500 wineries from across the country at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. It also won a Double Gold Medal.

Noteworthy:
The unique microclimate is ideal for growing wine grapes unique to the Central Coast of California. The first blocks of vines were planted in 1999 with the inspiration of two Cal Poly Viticulture Graduates.

Winery Notes:
This is a very elegant and complex wine with hints of blueberry, lavender, violet and white pepper in the finish. This wine can be cellared for many years.

AlaWine Notes:
Displaying as a dark ruby color in the glass, Wood Winery 2004 Syrah radiates aromas of dark berries. Blackberry and blueberry flavors fill the palate in a smooth front end, and are framed through a spicy, oak finish with moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Wood Winery 2004 Syrah is a structured, full-bodied Syrah, with rich fruit flavors and a dry finish. Pair with rich red meats, Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 91 points.

Newport Gold

The results are in for the 2008 Newport Seafood and Wine Festival from Newport, Oregon. Twenty-five top-honor Gold Medals were awarded, along with 31 Silver and 43 Bronze Medals. Zerba Cellars' earned the most Gold Medals, with three, while five other wineries -- Anthony Dell Cellars, Griffin Creek Vineyards, Sagelands Vineyards, Spangler Vineyards and Wine By Joe -- won two Gold Medals each. Here (in alphabetical order) are the 25 Gold Medal winners:

* Anthony Dell Cellars Willamette Valley 2005 Pinot Noir
* Anthony Dell Cellars Rogue Valley 2005 Red Blend
* Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley 2006 Chardonnay
* Coleman Vineyards Willamette Valley 2006 Pinot Noir
* Columbia Crest Washington State 2005 Red Blend
* David Hill Vineyards & Winery Willamette Valley 2006 Chardonnay Reserve
* Griffin Creek Vineyards Rogue Valley 2005 Cabernet Franc
* Griffin Creek Vineyards Rogue Valley 2004 Syrah
* Henry Estate Winery Umpqua Valley 2006 Riesling
* Honeywood Vinery Willamette Valley 2004 Pinot Noir
* Melrose Vineyards Umpqua Valley 2005 Merlot
* Sagelands Vineyard Columbia Valley 2005 Chardonnay
* Sagelands Vineyard Columbia Valley 2004 Red Blend "Freddie's Blend"
* Sienna Ridge Estate Red Hill-Douglas Co. 2003 Pinot Blanc
* Silvan Ridge Oregon 2006 Pinot Gris
* Spangler Vineyards Southern Oregon 2006 Viognier
* Spangler Vineyards Southern Oregon 2006 Petite Sirah
* Troon Vineyards Applegate Valley 2005 Port Port-Style "Insomnia Port"
* Tualatin Estate Willamette Valley 2005 Pinot Noir
* Willamette Valley Vineyards Oregon 2006 Riesling
* Wine by Joe Oregon 2006 Pinot Gris
* Wine by Joe Oregon 2006 Pinot Blanc
* Zerba Cellars Columbia Valley 2005 Syrah
* Zerba Cellars Columbia Valley 2005 Merlot
* Zerba Cellars Walla Walla Valley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

For the complete list of all medal winners, click here.

Ventana Vineyards 2006 Riesling

The Award-Winning Wine:
Ventana Vineyards 2006 Riesling

Reason for Reviewing:
Ventana Vineyards 2006 Riesling is one of just 15 Best of Class Award Winners for white wines from the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
All of Ventana's wines are Estate grown and bottled from their single vineyard, "the most award-winning single vineyard in America."

Winery Notes:
Ventana's Riesling has a tart/sweet composition on the palate. The nose is explosive with apricot, orange peel and flowers. Green apple, honey, fig and apricot mingle on the palate. The residual sugar is offset with sufficient acidity to display a fine balance.

AlaWine Notes:
Ventana Vineyards 2006 Riesling pours as a light straw yellow color. Fragrant, floral, and fruity aromas waft to the nose. A myriad of fresh fruit flavors fill the palate, predominately peach with a light multi-citrus highlight. A bright acidity balances the sweeter fruit flavors in a complementary, long finish.

Bottom Line:
Ventana Vineyards 2006 Riesling is a light-sweet, off-dry Riesling with rich layers of fruit flavors in harmony with a tangy finish. It is well balanced, refreshing, and satisfying. While not a dessert wine, it can stand alone, or perhaps match with dry cheeses or fruit. For meals, pair with spicy oriental dishes. Suggested retail price is $16. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red

The Award-Winning Wine:
Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red

Reason for Reviewing:
Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red is one of just 22 wines that earned Best of Class honors for red wines priced less than $25 at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Family-owned and operated by Dick and Cindy Peterson, Swedish Hill is one of the largest wineries in the upstate New York Finger Lakes region. The winery hosts more than 60,000 visitors annually.

Winery Notes:
A great dry red wine blended from French Hybrid and vinifera grapes that boasts bright cherry fruit aromas and finishes with a nice touch of oak. A versatile food wine and an excellent value.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark ruby color in the glass, Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red expresses aromas of cherries and berries. On the palate, dark cherries and ripe blackberries carry over and linger through a dry oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red is a dry, red blend which is both flavorful and satisfying. As a light-to-medium bodied table wine, it is unpretentious, but very quaffable and likely to appeal to a wide range of dinner guests. Food friendly for a wide range of meals including pasta dishes and red meat. It is a very good value at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot is one of just 22 wines that earned Best of Class honors for red wines priced less than $25 at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. It also won a Double Gold Medal award.

Noteworthy:
Cycles Gladiator symbolizes a celebration of the freedom and happiness that pervaded Europe in the late 19th century—an era known as the Belle Epoque. Their Cycles Gladiator wines sport an Old World label, but are made very much in a New World style.

Winery Notes:
Lovely aromatics of Emperor Cherry, blackberry, and cedar in the nose underscored with a subtle hint of pencil lead shavings. Lush red fruits fill the mouth in increasing intensity finishing with plums and a pretty green thread over the background. The tannins are substantial but melting, offering more of a velvet richness as opposed to the harsh, bitter character that many Merlots can have. And then there is the unique cool-climate acidity that suspends the entire sensation well into the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark purple, Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot presents prominent aromas of blackberries, blackcurrant, and leather in an herbaceous, earthy context. The dark berries and herbs, with a cedar highlight, continue on the palate in a smooth front end, accented by moderate tannins, and lingering into a long, spicy, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot is a dry, full-flavored Merlot, consisting of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot. Quite drinkable on its own, Cycles Gladiator recommends pairing with mushroom and sausage over polenta squares, pepper teriyaki beef on wooden skewers, and lamb kabobs with a cherry balsamic marinade reduction. A good value at a suggested retail price is $9.99. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Ceja Vineyards 2006 Carneros Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Ceja Vineyards 2006 Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay

Reason for Reviewing:
Ceja Vineyards 2006 Carneros Chardonnay is one of just 12 Chardonnays that earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Ceja Vineyards has adopted a bell with the Latin inscription: vinum (wine), cantus (song), and amor (love) for their logo.

Winery Notes:
Pear, citrus, lemon and green apple invigorate the senses.

AlaWine Notes:
Ceja Vineyards 2006 Carneros Chardonnay pours as a clear medium yellow color in the glass. Bright aromas of apple and pear lift to the nose in a citrusy context. Fresh green apple and pear flavors carry over to the palate, cradled by a bright acidity, through a lingering lime finish.

Bottom Line:
Ceja Vineyards 2006 Carneros Chardonnay is a well balanced and well integrated Chardonnay with plenty of complementary fresh fruit flavors. Pair with seafood dishes or drink as a stand alone delight. Suggested retail price is $32. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Swanson Vineyards 2006 Pinot Grigio

The Award-Winning Wine:
Swanson Vineyards 2006 Pinot Grigio

Reason for Reviewing:
Swanson Vineyards 2006 Pinot Grigio is one of just 15 Best of Class Award Winners among white wines from the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Swanson Vineyards is a family winery founded on a passion for evolving the existing standards of wine and food. In the 1950s, long before founding Swanson Vineyards in 1985, the Swanson family introduced their first lifestyle product, Swanson frozen dinners, which helped women get out of the kitchen and enjoy life.

Winery Notes:
Vibrant aromas and flavors of ripe peach and pear, layers of honeyed almond and a crisp, clean goodbye kiss will leave you feeling strangely tingly, giggly even...

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a light straw-yellow color in the glass, Swanson Vineyards 2006 Pinot Grigio radiates aromas of apple and pear. Fresh apple-pear flavors carry over to the palate in a light honey and citrus context. A moderate acidity funnels the fruit into a into a long, minerally lime finish.

Bottom Line:
Swanson Vineyards 2006 Pinot Grigio is a crisp and clean, very flavorful Pinot Grigio with interesting flavor complexity and a refreshing finish. The winery recommends pairing it with picnic fare, ranging from caviar to potato chips. Suggested retail price is $21. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Kiona Vineyards 2005 Lemberger

The Award-Winning Wine:
Kiona Vineyards 2005 Lemberger, Red Mountain

Reason for Reviewing:
Kiona Vineyards 2005 Lemberger is one of just 22 wines that earned Best of Class honors for red wines priced less than $25 at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. It won in the category of "All Other Red Varietals/Blends."

The Variety:
Lemberger wine is characterized by its dark color, rich fruit, and a light, non-tannic, quaffable palate.

Noteworthy:
Founded in 1972, Kiona pioneered the Red Mountain appellation in the middle of Washington Wine Country. "Kiona" is the original Indian name for this region; translated it means "Brown Hills." The first commercial Lemberger planting in the New World was by Kiona in 1976, followed by the first commercial vintage (1980) in the U.S., that was released in 1983.

Winery Notes:
Rich red wine aromas ...are present, but with a spicy, intriguing background ... aromas of blackberries and cloves emerge... This mildly tanninc wine sports great structure, with a velvet mouth feel.

AlaWine Notes:
Kiona Vineyards 2005 Lemberger pours as a dark indigo in the glass. Fresh cherry and berry aromas lift to the nose. Although light in body, fresh cherry and berry flavors fill the palate with lots of fruit. The finish is smooth, with a near absence of tannins, but spicy and relatively long.

Bottom Line:
Kiona Vineyards 2005 Lemberger will likely strike first time tasters as thin and light, which it is. However, it delivers plenty of cherry-berry fruit flavors and spice. An unusual, but certainly interesting red wine, worth trying. Suggested retail price is $11.99. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Wildhurst Vineyards 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Wildhurst Vineyards 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County

Reason for Reviewing:
Wildhurst Vineyards 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is one of just 14 White Wines, and the only Sauvignon Blanc, that earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Built in 1997, the winery lies next to the former Holdenried packing shed and storage facility, for in addition to being grape growers the family owns several hundred acres of pears.

Winery Notes:
True to Ripe with lemon drop and grapefruit preceding tropical fatness. Offers a range of sensation from steely crisp, to rich and complex, all framed with a herbaceous twist and a dry finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a light straw-yellow color in the glass, Wildhurst Vineyards 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc exudes aromas of apple and fresh-cut grass in a citrusy contest. Fresh fruit including melon and lime fill the palate, in a smooth front end, braced by crisp acidity, brightening into a medium long fruit finish.

Bottom Line:
Wildhurst Vineyards 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh and bright fruit-filled white wine with interesting layered complexities. Overall, very refreshing and satisfying. Alcohol 14.2%. Fermentation is 90% Stainless, 10% Oak. Suggested retail price is $12. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Clos La Chance Wines 2005 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Clos La Chance Wines 2005 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Clos La Chance Wines 2005 Zinfandel is one of just 22 wines that earned Best of Class honors for red wines priced less than $25 at the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Clos LaChance Winery takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy’s maiden name. The Murphy’s chose the Hummingbird as the winery’s symbol for both its aesthetic beauty and its ability to keep other birds away from the grapes.

Winery Notes:
Wild black berry and raspberry fruit aromas along with rose oil, bottle brush with a hint of dill. Blueberry and blackberry jam flavors, touches of red cherry, sweet vanilla and oak spice on the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Clos La Chance Wines 2005 Zinfandel pours as a medium dark ruby color in the glass. Aromas of bramble berry exude to the nose through an earthy context. Raspberry and blackberry flavors fill the palate in a smooth opening. Spices and moderate tannins follow in a dry oak, moderately long finish.

Bottom Line:
Clos La Chance Wines 2005 Zinfandel is a medium-bodied Zin, featuring lots of ripe berry flavors complemented by a well balanced dry and spicy finish. This is a very food friendly wine likely to please a wide range of dinner guests. Suggested retail price is $18. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Falkner Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Falkner Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc

Reason for Reviewing:
Falkner Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc is one of just 15 Best of Class Award Winners for white wines from the recently completed 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition which judged more than 4,000 wines overall.

Noteworthy:
Based in the South Coast community of Temecula, California, the Falkner Winery is located near the crest of a 1500-foot hill that offers visitors a spectacular view of the valley below.

Winery Notes:
Tastes of citrus with a little grassiness followed by herbal flavors and a little fig on the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Falkner Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc looks nearly clear in its clear bottle and pours as a very light straw yellow. Floral grassy grapefruit aromas lift to the nose. Moderately citrusy flavors fill the palate in a light banana and melon context, giving way to bright lemon in a lingering finish.

Bottom Line:
Falkner Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc opens with a beautiful nose. Well integrated fruit flavors of some subtle complexity reward the palate, and a crisp acidity rounds out a quite satisfying taste. Would pair with seafood, chicken, or cheese, or this is one you could enjoy on it own. Suggested retail price is $16.95. Overall composite score: 94 points.