Wednesday 12/29

Yeah, we know, you’ve got a big party coming up in a couple days.
But you gotta make time for this one, too. Our good buddy Alex
from R&R Distributors will join us Wednesday 12/29 for a night
of incredible wines and incredible fun!

Anytime after 5 pm, pop on in for wine, food, and good times.
Just $10 will get you a healthy taste of 7 wines from Alex’s
amazing portfolio. Who knows? We may even pop a bottle
of bubbly to start the New Year’s celebration early!

Here’s our Lineup:

Minassian-Young White Rhonocerous 2008, $14.97
Haka Tempranillo 2008, $15.97
Leal Franc Five 2007, $23.97
Jocelyn Lonen Cabernet 2006, $19.97
Clesi Halter Ranch Cabernet 2007, $29.97
Tobin James James Gang Reserve Zinfandel 2007, $24.97
Leal Godsend 2006, $59.97

Gonna be seriously awesome!! See you here!

NCWC TASTING NOTES, 12/29/10

MINASSIAN YOUNG WHITE RHONOCEROUS 2008
No, that’s not misspelled, it’s just clever wordplay for a California blend of the 3 most common white grapes of France’s Rhone Valley.  This is 48% Viognier, 32% Roussanne, and 20% Marsanne.  And since it’s 100% tasty, we think it’s a great way to kick off our last event tasting of 2010!  An oaky, apply nose leads to spicy baked pears and vanilla custard riding a long finish.  $14.97.

HAKA TEMPRANILLO 2008
We’ll forgive you for thinking “Haka Tempranillo” is the name of the latest Hollywood martial arts action star.  Produced by Labyrinth Wine Cellars in Paso Robles, this takes the primary grape used in Spanish Rioja and conjures a medium-bodied beauty full of ripe plum and dark berry flavors, along with hints of licorice and graphite and a nice tannic finish.  $15.97.

LEAL FRANC FIVE 2007
“Franc” because the primary grape is Cabernet Franc.  “Five” because that’s just one of 5 varietals that go into this blend, the others being Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet, and Petite Verdot.  Inhale and you’ll find dusty dark fruits in a cedar box.  Then you’ll taste juicy black cherry and boysenberry flavors with touches of pomegranate and spice  Soft tannins complete the picture of a well-structured wine that is tremendously enjoyable right now.  $23.97.

JOCELYN LONEN CABERNET 2006
This is a lovely Napa Cab that is immediately drinkable, with vanilla and mint notes dusting bing cherry, strawberry and currant flavors, as well as balanced tannins on the smooth finish.  You can age this for several years if you’d like, but you don’t need to.  And after tasting it, you probably won’t want to.  $19.97.

CLESI HALTER RANCH CABERNET 2007
Halter Ranch is a sustainably farmed vineyard on the West Side of Paso Robles.  One taste of this will show you why lots of wineries buy grapes from them.  Start with the classic nose:  rich blackberry pie a la mode.  Then you sip:  black cherry, plum and cola flavors with mocha notes.  Great balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins on a long, dry finish.  $29.97.

TOBIN JAMES “JAMES GANG RESERVE” ZINFANDEL 2007
Tobin James will always have a special place in my heart.  Partly because my name is James Tobin, and partly because his wines are so good.  This Reserve Zin is deep, dark and intense, with rich berries and spice on the nose.  Ripe raspberry and jammy black cherry flavors float on a full, velvety texture.  Peppery notes jazz up the finish.  $24.97.

LEAL GODSEND 2006
People laughed at Frank Leal when he quit his job in his twenties and started making wine in San Benito county.  No one’s chuckling now.  Frank takes only the very best Cabernet grapes from his estate fruit to make Godsend.  You’ll pick up that 18 months of French Oak plus 6 more months of American oak on the nose, along with rich currants, cassis, and soft spices all following through on an elegant, structured, velvety mouthfeel.  $59.97.