Kimmel Four Blocks 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Being such a Kimmel Wine fan I was more than excited to open a bottle
of the Kimmel Four Blocks 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine hails
from Mendocino County California, Potter Valley and is aged in French
Oak.

In the glass a fabulous deep garnet red with expressive layers of aroma.
Dried cherries, warm spice, blackberry, cassis and a pinch of saffron with more subtle notes of vanilla and sweet tobacco. I knew this wine would taste amazing and it did. Rich, supple, full-bodied velvety texture saturates your palate with intense flavors of raspberry brittle, cherry-current, plum and a touch of toasted oak and vanilla with a slight hint of leather on the back end. This complex beauty had soft tannins, good acidity, smooth, round, and well-balanced, with a lovely silky mouth feel that expanded into a lingering mouth watering finish.

For more information on Kimmel Wines or to order visit  

http://kimmelvineyards.com/

                                                                                                                                                                          

Ritual 2009 Veramonte Pinot Noir (Chile)

I had this Pinot about a year before I actually opened it, perhaps saving it for a special occasion but any night you open a great bottle of wine is special occasion right?


The 2009 Ritual was aged in 100% French oak barrels for a period of 12 months. This wine hails from the Casabalanca Valley of Chile.
Located 41 miles northwest of Santiago, the Casablanca Valley was first planted to vine in the mid-1980s. It quickly turned a page in Chile’s wine making history. Chile’s first cool-climate coastal region soon turned out crisp, fresh wines that caught the world’s attention, and Chile’s search for new terroirs was on. Cool Mediterranean climate with pronounced maritime influence. Proximity to the ocean creates cool foggy mornings ideal for top quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

The color was dark and rich and the aroma was amazing. I have a knack after one sniff of knowing if I am going to Love a wine or simply like a wine and I was pretty sure I was going to love this wine and I did.


On the nose subtle hints of spice, fresh baked bread, ripe raspberry and pipe tobacco. Equal to the aroma with an added thread of a higher note in the flavor: spiced cranberry, dark chocolate and enough complexity to keep you interested. It’s like a handsome man: tall and striking, buff but not a bully. Smooth and swanky. Classy, with an edge of spice. Full-flavored, round, mouth-filling, and not a bit of jamminess. Absolutely delicious. Pipe tobacco. Soft tannins. Its tight structure whispers “French oak and you need another bottle" 

 Casablanca Valley

Raymond Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California)

With temps. in the triple digits I am draw to lighter crisp wines that pair well with summer foods. A nice Sauvignon Blanc always seems to hit the spot. 

Raymond Sauvignon Blanc hails from Napa Valley California. The color is clear and pale with a slight greenish cast. Aromas of grapefruit, grass and jasmine reminded me of a hot summer day when the sprinklers were on full blast and you could literally smell summer. On the palate citrus, guava, honeysuckle, white pepper and a slightest hint of tarragon. Good minerality, smooth and creamy with a lingering finish. This wine reminded me of the Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand. Very nice and around $15 per bottle you can't go wrong.

I served this wine with Chicken ala l'orange and rice and it paired pretty well. This wine would be a wonderful pairing with a pear and walnut salad, mild cheeses and Sushi.