Dolin "Dry" Vermouth de Chambéry, France

 

Dolin Vermouth de Chambery has long been the benchmark for fine Vermouth. France’s only Appellation d’Origine for Vermouth.

The process chez Dolin begins with purchase of base wine, always white, light in alcohol and as neutral as possible, both on the nose and palate. To this is added a selection of herbs and plants, which are left to macerate several months. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but there are about 54 different plants used. notably lighter, drier and less pungent than their larger commercial counterparts. The particular mixture of plants found near Chambéry give a fresh, restrained and elegant nose, with a subtle, complex bittersweet palate. Just enough bitterness to whet the appetite. Can be enjoyed as aperitif on ice, with a twist of citrus, or in a broad array of traditional cocktails.

Chateau Ste. Michelle "Horse Heaven Vineyard" 2010 Columbia Valley, Washington

100% Sauvignon Blanc

30% barrel-fermented. Fresh herbs, cut grass, citrus, and a hint of gooseberry creates a crisp, refreshing, impeccably balanced Sauvignon that is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years."

Distefano "Sogno," Columbia Valley 2007

82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Franc offers a complex nose of cedar, tobacco, clove, and black currant. Medium-bodied, smooth-textured, and savory, 1-2 years but can be approached now.

Clos du Bois "Briarcrest Vineyard," Alexander Valley, Sonoma, North Coast, California

Cabernet Sauvignon

Has a dark ruby/purple color, formidable tannin with a tight finish, and plenty of black currants, leather, and spicy oak.

Simonsig Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa

100% Chenin Blanc [Steen]

Beautiful aromas of apricots, with hints of kiwi fruit and pineapples. Well-balanced wine with excellent structure and dimensions, and pleasing acidity.
There is a lingering freshness in the finish.

Granrojo Garnacha 2009 Valdepeas, Spain

100% Garnacha [Grenache]

The most cultivated red grape in the world, produces excellent wines which achieve expressive-power. The grapes for this wine are from 40 year-old vines grown in the limey soil of Campo de Montielin old vines grown in the lime-y soil of Campo de Montielin Valdepeñas.
Pleasant aromas of liquorice, wild red berries fill the nose. Well-rounded from start to finish. Red fruit, minerals and a hint of fresh thyme linger on the finish. Surprisingly silky and full-bodied.

Morse Code Shiraz, Padthaway, Australia
100% Shiraz

Deep garnet-purple in color, it is intensely scented of warm blackberry, eucalyptus and a touch of forest floor. Great acid and plenty of berry fruit with soft tannins all play well together and leads to a long dark berry finish. The winemaker, Renae Hirsch creates this wine with amazing zip and feel!

Padthaway has a very diverse and site specific range of soils. This provides many outstanding opportunities for blending options which then allows for the development of the complexities so evident in Padthaway wines.
The climate of Padthaway is best described as Mediterranean with the coastal influences, days during ripening are generally dry and sunny and the nights cool.

Morse Code Chardonnay, Padthaway, Australia

100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay has a style that allows the fruit to be forward and present, but kissed with oak to allow a more complex and rounded feel. Melon and hints of toasted spice, with a round and soft texture leads to crispy-clean, long finish.