60 Barrels Produced

In the proverbial wine-world, PlumpJack is what is known as a cult-winery, with their wines quickly scooped up at $130.00 per bottle upon release. Some of you may recall that they set the wine-industry on its ear by bottling their top-end wine with screw-tops to eliminate any chance for cork-taint. The 2000 PlumpJack Oakville Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural release of their newest Cabernet Sauvignon. It is available only through the winery, through the Platinum Series and a few select restaurants where it sells for up to $20.00 by the glass. This Cabernet has aromas of chocolate, black cherry lavender and currants that jump out of the glass. On the palate are deeply fruited flavors with hints of cheery, chocolate, mint and sage. This is a 100% Cabernet blend from two prestigious Oakville vineyards, Tok-a-lon and Vineyard X. While it is very enjoyable now, it will only get better over the next 8 to 10 years.

1,500 Cases Produced

A rare exception for an exceptional wine. Normally, part of the Platinum Series selection criteria requires scores in the 90s and/or multiple top honors in the prestigious wine industry competitions. Lewis Cellars’small production of esteemed wines is routinely and entirely allocated prior to general release. So, if you want it, you buy it, and wait patiently for the avalanche of accolades to follow. The Wine Spectator commented recently about Lewis Cellars’ consistent track record of above 90-point ratings— “It’s a record of excellence that few California wineries can rival. [They are] one of the superstar labels of Napa Valley.” Winery tasting notes on their newly released 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon tell the story “. . . outstanding deep rich color, aromas of cocoa, currants and sweet oak spice that are complex, rich and focused. A multi layered broad round mouth-feel of generous plum, currant and blackberry fruit encompassed by toasty oak tantalize the taste buds. The wine’s distinct chocolate flavors become clear and apparent as the finish builds on the palate. Soft, supple and integrated tannins. You can drink this wine now or cellar up to 2010 and beyond.”

721 Cases Produced

Winning an elusive Double Gold Medal at the El Dorado County Fair Wine Competition, a Gold Medal from the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, plus another Gold Medal at the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, helps explain the broad appeal for this Runquist “R” 2002 Syrah. This is a classy Syrah with a deep purple hue and an aroma of dense, highly concentrated ripe blackberry and jammy boysenberries. The barrel aging adds a smokey mocha dimension to the over-all bouquet. Blackberries and plums mingling with a black pepper spice is forward on the palate and opens up to a full finish that lingers. The tannins are well balanced and integrated providing an over all texture without adding astringency. The relatively low pH of the 2002 vintage adds succulence to the wine; will allow graceful aging and create additional complexities. Syrah, or Shiraz as the Australians call this variety, is well suited to the Paso Robles appellation in California’s Central Coast. Enjoy this tasty Syrah today or cellar until 2012.

1,500 Cases Produced

The 2002 Private Reserve Zinfandel swept the Los Angeles County Fair with three major awards— Gold Medal, Best of Class & Best of Show— a rare trifecta achieved by only the best of the best wines produced. This stellar wine also picked up a Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and another Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Winery tasting notes suggest, “. . . a bouquet of raspberry, rose petal and spicy cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is silky with vanilla notes and hints of tobacco and cocoa. Its deep red color signals the fruit’s intensity. An elegant wine now, or to savor over the next six years!” Located in the far west corner of the renowned Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma, Collier Falls Vineyard hand harvests its estate Zinfandel fruit from eight acres planted in 1982. 93% Estate Zinfandel blended with 7% Estate Petite Sirah and aged for fifteen months in oak. Enjoy tonight or cellar until 2012.

454 Cases Produced

Calera is one of the premier Pinot Noir producers in America. The 2002 Calera Pinot Noir Mount Harlan, Reed Vineyard is solid evidence of that fact. Wine Enthusiast magazine rated this wine a lofty 93 Points— “There are Pinots that are darker in color and fuller in body in California, but few approach this bottling in complexity or apparent ageability…” Wine & Spirits magazine was close behind with 92 Points — “There’s a sense of refinement to this wine’s red raspberry flavor, a brisk fell that’s balanced between lightness and depth. The tannins remain transparent, their earthy savor lasting with the brighter berry note. Serve it with roast Cornish game hens stuffed with wild mushrooms.”The Wine News magazine chimed in with another 92-Points— “Campfire aromas with cinnamon, white pepper and leather notes. Cherry and mocha flavors with a roasted nuance working its way throughout. A fresh lick of cherry and clove in the finish.” Best from 2007 through 2011.

672 Cases Produced

The 2003 Eponymous MacAllister wine received an absolutely incredible “Best of Show, Best of the Best” & 5 out of 5 Stars in the Quarterly Review of Wines magazine’s blind tasting competition— “Big, rich, walloping, ultra-ripe, blackberry, spice, mocha and vanilla flavors that go on forever—wow!” It was the only wine to receive this trifecta of awards out of the 55 competing Meritage style wines. The Wine Investor Buyers Guide’s 4 Stars & Best Buy rating provides more evidence this wine’s superiority— “This is the first effort from Bob Pepi’s Eponymous winery, and it is sensational. Oh so refined and elegant, the wine shows its Mt. Veeder breeding with every sip. Rather than power, one is struck by its grace and delicacy. Lovely fruit scents and flavors and a long finish.” The 2003 Eponymous MacAllister has accumulated a chest full of awards since it was first released; Gold Medal, San Francisco International Wine Competition, Sweepstakes Winner – Gold Medal – Best of the Best San Diego International Wine Competition, Gold Medal, Critics Challenge Wine Competition, Gold Medal, Riverside Wine Competition. 62% Cabernet, 28% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot. Drink now through 2015.

264 Cases Produced

This Pinot Noir is a rare and wonderful selection from a winery with a long history of producing highly-acclaimed wine. As far back as 1984, Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir was considered “Best in the Nation.” receiving more awards than any other wine in America for Pinot Noir. Due to the high demand by loyal followers of Robert Stemmler, the 2003 Ferguson Block Pinot Noir was virtually unavailable within a few short months after being released. Produced from 29-year old Pinot Noir vines located in the highly acclaimed Carneros Appellation, this wine carries on the Robert Stemmler tradition of excellence. Winemaker, Kenneth Juhasz’s notes read — “Aromas of smoke, leather, sassafras, cherry and raspberry. Great acidity, firm and dark chocolate tannins and a concentrated core. This is a wine to drink every year for the next ten year and which will evolve beautifully over the coming years.” Due to extremely low production, this wine was not sent to competitions. Aged in French oak for 11 months. 100% Estate Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2010.

This month’s featured Altamura 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the most consistent, highly-rated wine to emerge in the marketplace for years. It’s a Cabernet aficionado’s dream, having garnered 90+ ratings from no less than six national wine-industry publications. The Beverage Testing Institute applauds the wine with a 93-Point rating, plus a Cellar Selection & Exceptional honors, —“Black cherry, black currant, cigar, sage and oak aromas. This is an intensely flavored wine with layers of ripe varietal fruit.”The Wine Enthusiast awarded 93-Points—“A soft, lithe, fleshy wine oozing opulent flavors. Blackcurrants and cassis, with hints of minty chocolate, are absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of wine you want to drink in the finest crystal you have.” The Wine News, 92-Points. The Connoisseurs’ Guide 91-Points— “This plump and optimally ripened wine serves up lots of sweet, slightly juicy fruit and seasons it with liberal amounts of vanillin oak.” Wine Spectator chimed in with a 91-Point rating, as-well-as a 91-Point rating from The California Grapevine publication. 100% Cabernet. Drink now through 2011.

1,900 Cases Produced

Robert Whitley, Copley News Service was impressed enough to rate the Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Lone Canyon Vineyard 2002 a lofty 95 Points,and commented, “I’m inclined to wonder why the world needs another $65 Cabernet Sauvignon. After I tasting the wine, however, I’m seriously pleased they’re not asking $100, because it is that good. This is a powerhouse cabernet, very uncommon richness and depth.” Wine Enthusiast magazine honored the wine with 93 Points, and as a Cellar Selection— “Ladera has been producing age worthy Cabernets for the last few years and this is surely one. As rich and dense in tannins as it is, it’s shockingly forward in blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, while a plethora of new French oak adds even more sweetness. The result is voluptuous now, but it should age effortlessly.” Wine Spectator rated the wine a solid 92 Points, “Rich and intense, with a tight, concentrated core of earthy currant, mineral, wild berry, sage and cedar.” Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate chimed in with 92 Points. “Rich, full-bodied, intense, and powerful… a masculine cabernet.” Aged for 22 months. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Enjoy now through 2010.