Hendry Block 28 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. This 4.17 acre block is 160 feet above sea level and has thin, stony Boomer Series soils. Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the maritime climate. The vines were planted in 1995 using St. George roots and grafted with bud wood selected from an old vine Zinfandel vineyard. The vines are spaced 6.9' x 5', cordon trained and spur pruned. A vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.

In 2002, the median bud break in Block 28 occurred April 6. Median bloom was May 29 and median veraison was August 4. Harvest was October 7 with a yield of 4.0 tons per acre. The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week in closed fermentation tanks. The wine was pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was fourteen months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% were new.

The concentrated dark fruit flavors include black currant, black licorice and bay with hints of black pepper. The French oak is well integrated and adds a layer of toast, tobacco and leather. The wine is full bodied, with very fine tannin structure and a long finish. The alcohol is 15.8%.

Hendry Block 8 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa.  The vines grow on thin stony soil between 200 and 300 feet above sea level.  Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the climate.   The vines were planted in 1974.  They are spaced 8’ x 10’, cordon trained and spur pruned.  The clone is U.C.D. 7 grafted to St. George roots.  A seven-foot vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.  Average production is 2.5 tons per acre.

In 2003, the median bud break in Block 8 was April 1.  Median bloom was June 3 and median veraison was August 12.  The harvest was October 13-16 with a yield of approximately 1.5 tons per acre. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was aged for 22 months in 90% new French oak barrels.

This Cabernet Sauvignon, similar in profile to the 2002, has layered aromas of black licorice, cigar box, violets, caramel and dark cassis.  Flavors echo the aromas, adding sweet dark berry and cedary fruit, mineral, mint and red dust.  Tannins are present, firm but fine-grained.  The alcohol is 14.5%.

 

 

 

This wine is a blend of 26% Petit Verdot (Block 15), 26% Malbec (Block 14), 22% Cabernet Sauvignon (Block 8), 17% Cabernet Franc (Block 26) and 9% Merlot (Block 13). The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, approximately 70% of which were new.

The diverse components of this wine give it many layers of aroma and flavor. Mint, eucalyptus, bittersweet chocolate, dark cherry, and a floral note of roses are among the many aromas, which echo on the palate. This wine has sophistication, restraint, and complexity. The palate is bolstered and enriched by well-integrated French oak. Tannins add structure and elements of toast and spice. The alcohol is 14.4%.

 

The Hendry Vineyard is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. The vines grow on thin stony Boomer series soils between 200 and 300 feet above sea level. Morning fog and afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay moderate the climate.

This wine is a blend from Hendry's Block 9 (KD Selection), Block 19 (Dijon 96), Block 20 (Dijon 95), and Block 21 (Old Wente Selection). It was whole cluster crushed and fermented in stainless steel. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation and remained in stainless steel until bottling. The beautiful fruit flavors of this wine are accentuated by the absence of oak.

Intense, abundant peach, pineapple, floral and lime aromas form the initial impressions of this 100% stainless steel fermented chardonnay. A complex array of aromas and flavors surround the forward fruit, including herbal notes of green tea and lime leaf, and sweet yogurt and honey. With refreshing acidity and richness of texture, this wine finishes clean and crisp.

 

 

 

 The 2004 Rosé is the result of a saignée of Cabernet Sauvignon. This rosé had a long, cool fermentation in small bins, followed by four months in stainless steel before bottling. Cool fermentation resulted in refreshing and bright clean flavors and aromas of nectarine, banana and white cherry, and a round, delicious mouthfeel. Fermented off-dry, it is a perfect wine for a warm afternoon or with a meal with slightly spicy foods. The alcohol is 14.4%

 

In 2004, Sokol Blosser discovered a little known Roman goddess, Meditrina. Everyone knows about Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and intoxication. Who knew there was also Meditrina, Roman goddess of wine and health! We couldn't believe that thousands of years ago the Romans had enough savvy to connect wine and health and name a goddess to oversee the two. What happened? Overshadowed for too long by Bacchus's flamboyance, Meditrina deserves to take her rightful place in the wine world. We decided to help her get there by creating a heart healthy red wine in her honor. You can't be serious all the time. Sokol Blosser makes wines that help you kick back and enjoy life. These proprietary wines, Evolution and Meditrina, are spirited, whimsical, and a delicious way to relax and laugh with a group of friends. Meet Meditrina. Cousin of Cupid. Daughter of Apollo. The yin to Bacchus’s yang. Meditrina, the Roman Goddess of Wine. Meditrina is an approachable and easy-to-drink wine that pairs well with food. It’s a wine fit for a Goddess … and anyone else who loves great wine. Meditrina. A perfect marriage of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel that’s juicy, rich and full of fruit. Open a bottle and say marvelous, magnificent or simply Mmmmm. Magnificent… momentous… mind-boggling… Meditrina. Pair with BBQ, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Charbroiled Chicken w/ Rosemary Mashed Potatoes. Ruby red; a core of rich, lush raspberry from the Syrah. The Zin brings spice. And the Pinot Noir brings flowers and earth. A luscious, juicy, easy-drinking mouthful of wine that's both bright and vibrant yet round and soft. Retail $14-18.

 

 

 

Castello di Brolio sits on a historic three thousand acre Estate in Gaiole in Chianti that was ceded to the Ricasoli family in 1141 by the Republic of Florence. For over 900 years, the Estate has produced some of the most important wines in all of Italy. As the oldest continuously operating winery in the world, Brolio has been pairing wine with food for over 900 years. In that tradition, this flagship wine from the Brolio estate is an excellent match to a variety of foods including, but not limited to grilled chicken and steak. The 2003 vintage provided a late frost and hot summer, which led to a reduced but concentrated crop. The harvest was dry making this wine a perfect example of Sangiovese at its best. Bright ruby red; a subtle bouquet of rose petals opens to dense black cherries and plums followed by a hint of tobacco. This is a juicy wine with black fruit flavors balanced by Chianti Classico’s characteristic earthiness. The finish is long with a transition to tart cherry. Retail $18-24.

 

 

 

The 2004 Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay, rated 87-points by Wine Spectator, is medium-light golden yellow, earthy, herbal, green apple aroma with mineral like notes. The flavor is medium intensity with a light, smokey, cedary oak, ripe pear, melon and apple flavors with a hint of mango. It has low tannin, medium body and is very dry. I like this Chardonnay with lightly smoked or grilled dishes that will enhance the flavors imparted by the oak barrels. One of my favorites is a grilled, herb marinated Sea Bass on a bed of white beans and sautéed spinach. The firm acidity in the wine highlights the herbal components of the dish and echoes the earthly character in the wine, while heightening the sweetness of the fish. For those of you who know me also know that I truly enjoy this Chardonnay all by itself too... It retails for between $14-20 or $45-60 in a restaurant or $12-15 per glass.

 

 

2001 Au Bon Climat (ABC) Pinot Noir. Displaying more of a berry cast than one normally sees in Pinot, this outgoing effort smells of strawberries with background of black cherries, bacon and dried brush. Somewhat supple and velvety in feel, it tastes of ripe, fairly deep fruit before finding puckery tannins in the finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Russian River). A very cool summer following late rains produced an abundant crop. We thinned three times, dropping unprecedented amounts of fruit on the ground. A cool August allowed slow, even ripening. Harvest began on September 7 with our youngest block and ended on October 3 with our oldest. We picked primarily on flavor. This coincided with a brix range of 21.7 to 23.7

 

Grapes were hand harvested at night using tractors fitted with lights. The cold fruit was picked into half-ton bins and hauled the short distance to the winery at 5 in the morning. We hand sorted the fruit using a custom made sorting conveyor. The fruit was then whole cluster pressed while still cold. A combination of inoculated and indigenous fermentations were used. The Malolactic fermentation was conducted early to prevent development of buttery aromas. The Wine was aged on the yeast lees until a month before bottling.

Our Estate Sauvignon emphasizes citrus fruit in the aromas and mid palate with a finish broadened by malolactic fermentation. The wine is fresh and grassy with distinctive Sauvignon Blanc character. Retail $14-19

Moschofilero Boutari 2004 (mo-sko-feel-ero). For years Boutari Moschofilero has been an important selling white wine in Greece and, until recently, a virtual unknown in the United States. That was until Tony Terlato discovered it in a blind tasting at Paterno Wines International’s corporate headquarters. From his first sip, he believed this little gem, so rich in flavor, was a secret just waiting to be discovered in the United States. Boutari Moschofilero's explosion in sales supports his initial prediction; national press, leading restaurateurs, wine retailers and consumers across the country have embraced this crisp, refreshing white wine with enticing citrus, floral and melon aromas.

 

The Boutari winery's vinification of Moschofilero is a breakthrough for Greek wines...and it just might be the start of the next white wine revolution in America! Retail $11 - 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alder Brook Zinfandel 2001. "Upper Dry Creek is the grape source of this high-powered Zin that was made from old craggily vines picked at the peak of ripeness. Aged in 100% French oak for 16 months, the structure is broad, elegant and refined. Enjoy this classic expression of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel." ~ George Christie, General Manager. Retail $18 - 25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ca'marcanda Promis 2004. Due to its sunny character, Promis is a great success in winebars, restaurants and elegant trattorias, often served as "Gaja wine by the glass." A delightful wine, which combines the elegance and suppleness of Merlot and Syrah with the austerity of Sangiovese. Balanced, almost musical, its a pleasure to drink from an early age with a potential of 5-8 years. Retail $45-55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bollinger Special Cuvée. Special Cuvée is the purest expression of Champagne Bollinger's style. All the House's know-how is required in order to create, year after year, a blend that is consistent both in style and quality. It has a depth and balance, with rich and toasty aromas. The Bollinger style is very round and mature with a luxurious finish. The first fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, with each cru and grape variety fermented, using traditional yeasts, separately. After a cold stabilization and a light filtering, Special Cuvée is kept at 65°F to induce malolactic fermentation, for softness. Retail $42-65

 

 

 

 

Altanuta Pinot Grigio 2004 (Italy). Aromas are floral and citrus paving the way for a palate impression of green apple, pear and a sprightly and balanced lemon acidity. Pears well with fish and other seafood (including sushi), it is also perfect by itself as a light aperitif. This wine retails between $12-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2004. Tropical flavors (pineapple, mango, and papaya) with a creamy lush rich palate. Notes of cinnamon, candied lime and vanilla crème brûlé created an appealing and lingering sensation. This wine retails between $25-28 and was rated in December 2005 by Wine Advocate an 89-91.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artezin Zinfandel 2004 (Hess Group). This Zinfandel elicits aromas of jammy blackberries interlaced with spicy nuances including black pepper, cassis, and cloves. Flavors follow through with black cherry and exotic spices while the mouth feel is full and rich with a hint of chocolate on the plush finish. Artezin is a true representation of Zinfandel and a must try. This wine retails between $12-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty School Syrah 2004 (Treana Vineyards, Central California). A beautiful deep red with a violet hue; its up-front fruit aromas, flavors of mulberry and blueberry, are complimented by full notes of exotic spice and cigar tobacco. The wine has a robust mineral backbone with well-integrated, silky tannins that finish through the length of the palate. This wine retails between $12-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dow's Tawny Porto, Aged Ten Years. Attractive tawny colour with a classic bouquet of nuts and almonds, finely balanced by some lovely mature fruit. On the palate beautifully rounded, with hints of dried fruits, and an intense nutty finish. Taste slightly chilled to appreciate the full complexity and sensuous pleasure of this wine. This wine retails between $25-35.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hendry Blocks 9 & 21 Chardonnay 2002 has concentrated ripe tropical fruit flavors of passion fruit and guava. There is substantial weight in the mouth with bright, acidity and a long, intense, ripe fruit and mineral finish. The French oak adds toast and nutmeg flavors which are integrated in the wine, adding an additional layer of complexity. The fruit, acid and spice are very well balanced and delicious. This is definitely a wine I recommend getting for your collection and enjoying for a special treat. This wine sells retail for $35-45 a bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mettler Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 This cabernet has an approachable yet traditional style. It's fruit forwardness, is balanced by structured tannin. It pairs beautifully with barbecued lamb chops with fresh rosemary, filet medallions and caramelized onions, and is sinfully delicious with dark chocolate. An excellent choice to drink now or cellar. -Gold Medal! - 2006 San Diego National Wine Competition

-Gold Medal! - 2005 Riverside International Wine Competition

-"Should be quite popular!" - The Colorado Wine News - August 2005

-90 Points! - The Wine News - July 2005

This wine sells retail for $22-28 a bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2007 Tasters Guild Orlando