Wine Club News Letter

*Wine of the Month December 2007*
Collectors: 2004 Woodward Canyon “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon	$64.00
Being one of the first winemakers in the Walla Walla area, Rick Small has been crafting superior wines since he founded the winery in 1981. In 2003 he brought on Kevin Mott, whose experience includes winemaking at Ste. Chapelle, Sagelands, Canoe Ridge, and now winemaker at Woodward Canyon. The Cabernet (95.5%) grapes for the "Old Vines" were harvested from the Champoux and Sagemoor Vineyards, while the Petite Verdot (4.5%) grapes were grown at the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard. This wine is rich and powerful, with aromas of espresso, black currants and blueberries. Flavors of dried black cherry and cassis, married with spicy oak and vanilla coat the mouth for a silky finish with firm mature tannins. The fruit is dark, the wine is complex, and will do well hiding in your cellar through 2035.
Classic Red: 2001 Valenciso Reserva, Rioja	$30.00
Spanish wines are winning over even the most distinguishing palate, and we are no exception. Pronounced “Valenthiso”, this wine is coined after winemakers Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso, Rioja natives with extensive experience in all areas of the winemaking process. The winery was founded in 1998 with the goal to produce a single wine of the highest quality and authenticity. 100% Tempranillo, aged in French oak, this vintage boasts harmony and a soft Burgundian style. Tasting notes: Deep ruby red. Dark cherry, chocolate, mocha and smoky, cedary oak on the nose. Supple, lush and suave with classic Rioja flavors of plum, cedar and chocolate, nicely shaped by ripe acidity. Shows the fat of the year, with darker fruits and burnished oak tones. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins.
Classic White: 2005 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Karia” Chardonnay	$29.00
This Chardonnay is a treat for all white wine lovers. As you remember, the 2005 vintage in Napa was extraordinary. Karia is derived from a Greek word meaning graceful and it aptly describes this wine. Grapes were sourced from Arcadia, B.R.V. and vineyards in Carneros, all being cooler climate vineyards and contributing to this elegantly styled Chardonnay. In the cellar, oak and malolactic fermentation are used with a very light touch. Tasting notes: aromas of pear, lemon meringe, and flint. Crisp apple, pear and citrus flavors linger across the palate while hints of ginger and coconut unfold. With delicate richness and bright acidity, “Karia” is refreshing, light and graceful.
Select Red: 2005 Terre del Marchesato Emilio Primo Toscana	$19.00
The Bolgheri area is characterized by a “terroir” that is unique in the world, a microclimate that is favored by its nearness to the sea and protection by the wooded coastal hills. The “Terre del Marchesato” vineyards stand in this little angle of paradise. This traditional Super-Tuscan is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Syrah. Enologist Fabrizio Moltard displays his trademark “sweet tannins” and dark, dusty fruit profiles almost effortlessly. Flavors of dark, dusty plums and raisins with a slight hint of vanilla slide softly over the palate with an easy tannin finish that is elegantly feminine. 2500 cases. An Italian beauty at a great value.
Select White: 2005 Rodney Strong “Chalk Hill” Chardonnay	$19.00
Founder Rod Strong planted Chardonnay in the original Chalk Hill Vineyard in 1965, named for its unique chalky white soils which impart a subtle mineral character to wines grown there. Winemaker Rick Sayer has been making wine for this winery since 1979, after years of direct instruction under world renowned wine master Andre Tchelistcheff. With the favorable growing season 2005 provided, this wine was destined to be great. Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak adds toasty vanilla and spice complexity while stone fruit profiles almost give this wine a peaches and cream quality with splashes of apricot and butter. Well balanced, in the glass the wine is creamy and crisp, ready to be paired with food or enjoyed alone.