December 2015 Wine Club Selections
December 2015
The Federalist Lodi Cabernet 2014 $14.99
As a leading author, printer, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor and diplomat, Ben Franklin was a true polymath. But perhaps most importantly (we flatter ourselves), he was a lover of wine. Naturally, the best way we could honor this inimitable founding father is with The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from the distinctive sandy soils of the Lodi appellation, it’s a rich full-bodied wine with hints of black cherry and cassis.
The Lodi Cabernet has aromas of blue/black fruits (blackberries, blueberries) and cinnamon spice, a good density, firm tannin structure, and a long, smooth finish. Our fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah and Sangiovese. The result is a well structured wine that is perfect with any type of beef, lamb as well as hearty stews.
The Federalist Sonoma County Chardonnay 2014 $ 14.99
This golden wine offers rich flavors, ripe fruits and bright acidity, with an aroma of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon. The lemon and cardamon spice flavors shine, with a lush texture and long, smooth finish. This Chardonnay features aromas of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon/clove spiciness. Classic and crowd-pleasing! This golden wine offers rich flavors, ripe fruits and bright acidity, with an aroma of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon.
Connoisseur club
Ayres Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane 2012 $34.99 Retail
Founded in 2000, the estate includes 18 acres planted to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 667, 115, 777, 113, and Pommard all situated on a gently eastern sloping hill; Willakenzie soils predominate the vineyard. They are committed to sustainable growing practices; our health, the earth’s health, and the health of the plant are our top priorities. They limit each plant to less than two pounds of fruit and it shows…our clusters are beautiful. Ayres Vineyard achieved LIVE and Salmon Safe certification status in early 2011.
Winemaker Brad McLeroy honed his winemaking skills at the famed Domaine Drouhin Oregon under the direction of Veronique Drouhin. His full-time position at Ayres completes his circle of wine experience from retailer to distributor to producer. According to McLeroy, “My wines will always have a soul.” Open a bottle and it shows… They believe their wines give voice to the soil. It’s about reciprocity. It’s a relationship that begins in the vineyard, from the first sign of bud break to the last cluster harvested. They seem to love what they do at AYRES.
The Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir is rated 93 by Robert Parker! This is one of the best Pinot Noir’s I have tasted in a long time. I believe you will agree!( see below)
The 2012 Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane is a barrel selection from the estate from five clones. It has a more introverted bouquet that Ayres’ other 2012s with dusky mulberry and dark plum scents intertwined with pleasant mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe and supple blackberry and bilberry notes, well-judged acidity and then it fans out beautifully in what is quite a sumptuous finish.
Hahn Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2013 Retail $ 18.99
In 1980, the Hahns released their first wine from SLH. A mere eight years later, Nicky led the charge to establish SLH as an American Viticultural Area, a dream he saw realized in 1991. Today, Hahn Family Wines, now run by Nicky and Gaby’s son Philip, owns and sustainably farms 650 acres of estate vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. SLH enjoys worldwide acclaim for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made there.
92 Rating Wine Enthusiast – “There’s an exciting array of aromas on the nose of this wine, with honeydew melon, citrus candy and barely ripe cantaloupe gaining complexity thanks to fresh scents of chive, oregano and thyme. It’s light and easy on the palate, with lots of yellow grapefruit freshness, a pithy edge and a singing acidity on the finish.”
