Blank Cabernet Sauvignon

As my daily routine is taking me through my day, I am busy bringing product out that has been delivered by our distributors. As I am working through the inventory that has arrived for the day, I come across this totally unassuming case. I open it up and see the above label staring me in the face. I kinda chuckle to myself because of what I see. It is rather an ingenious design for what the bottle holds. I begin doing my research of what has been put into my hands to sell.

 

Now let me tell you, my interest was peaked when I started looking at what would make this wine special. As with all the previous wines that I have posted about, I look for things that would make it noteworthy here.

 

Well, the noteworthiness of this bottle comes from not only what lays inside the bottle (which is juice that is absolutely magnificent) but also the story that lays behind it as well!

 

The layers of black and red currant dance with wonderfully yummy eucalyptus while the moderately juicy ripeness is lending to being classically dry, it has excellent feel and structure with red fruit, mint, and licorice.

 

This is one that I would love for you to come in and talk to me about! Being produced on 1.8 acres of vineyard next to Caymus, there isn't much to be had. So be quick because I know this won't last long!



Huge Bear Chardonnay

 Apple, lemon, white flowers, and a hint of sweet oak. The mouth mirrors the nose with a great richness, nice texture, and crisp clean flavors of golden delicious apples and lemon custard. This huge chardonnay holds true to its name! This is definitely one that should be in anyone's rack. Coming in at under $40 this bottle can rival some of the other big shots out there!

Longboard Point Break Red

So here recently I have been noticing a trend leaning towards not so "traditional" (the Bordeaux style blends that rely heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) red blends coming out of California. I think it is due to the holidays coming around the corner and a desire to try something that most don't think about trying during the other parts of the year. Though some popular wineries have already introduced some of these already and are righteously delicious. The popularity has driven pricing to where some don't want to experiment with them. So while people are missing out on these fantastic wines to experiment with, I have been looking for wines to help introduce people to and to get to people that already are familiar with this non "traditional style" that is under the $20 mark but still offer the undeniable flavors that they are looking for.


This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and a bit of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Malbec offers just that. I like what Longboard put on their homepage for their winery. They stated:

"Try balance, harmony and nature for starters.
Surfing is part sport, part meditation and all working within, rather than against, nature. Winemaking? Pretty similar approach"

 



 Not only were they able to do this but they also made it at an exceptional price for everyone! Coming in at under $15, I am sure that those of you who are adventurous experimenters that don't want to spend a lot, as well as, with the veterans that are looking for the "everyday" wines that are in that price range are going to enjoy it!

Leviathan

The name says it all! This beast of a wine will surely seduce you into its vibrantly rich and deep blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,  Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. A truely decadent wine that will pair with the heartiest cut steak or big pasta dish. But the price doesn't do its name sake justice at under $48 a bottle!

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling

With the holidays quickly approaching, it is time to start thinking about what to serve with those wonderful meals. Planning on the traditional turkey with all the fixin's? Then this Riesling from the northern part of France is an excellent choice! A wonderfully creamy texture lends itself to beautiful honeysuckle and apple blossom, fresh apple, apricot , and stone that has hints of lychee. The zesty finish is very focused. At just under $25, this will show your holiday quests an unforgettable experience with their meal!

Aduro Cabernet

So we just got this goodie in that I want to share with ya'll. This explosive cab comes from a neat little vineyard on a hillside over looking the city of Yontville, CA. The nose exudes black cherry all the while in the mouth is silky tannins and has intense flavors of spice, cocoa powder and deep dark fruits. We only got a limited amount of this small production (only 535 cases produced total) in. This is a first come first serve basis, so if you are looking for an outstanding bottle, I highly recommend this. It definitely is a steal at around $60 with your Spec's key.

De Wetshof Danie de Wet Chardonnay

Ok, here is one for the chard drinkers out there looking for something different.....This is a must try if you are looking for the ripe apple and lemon followed by a beautiful long nutty finish. Coming in at under $13, give it a try!

Cross Springs Chardonnay

Looking for that vanilla, butterscotch, oaky creaminess? Well ya ain't gotta look any farther! Besides offering all those yummy flavors this chardonnay offers a balance of ripe tropical fruit up front as well. And just imagine it is under $14....this is definitely one to try!

Cross Springs Cabernet

What a cool find! Nice bold and rich flavors of ripe Bing cheery, blackberry, and full vanilla oak takes and carries the soft tannins through to a long lingering finish! This bottle goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover with an easy to open screw top for under $14.