KLWines.com | 800.247.5987 April 25, 2018

Spring for some from the Northwest, Southwest and the Golden State.

APRIL 25, 2018 FEATURES 1 Buyer’s Top Three Picks 5 Old Vines in Modern Times 2 ABCs of 6 The Side Hustle 3 2015 NorCal Cab 7 Rosé for Summer Sippin’ 4 Central Coast Gems 8 Desert Delicious? Caduceus Home Base for Exploring Domestic Wines By Ryan Woodhouse

Many of you may know me as the New Zealand, Australia and South wines both in the retail and production sectors. I have many old friends Africa buyer at K&L, my role here for many years. However, in throughout the business who have proven to be great resources, keeping late 2017 I was given the opportunity to transition over to the company’s me in touch with some of the most exciting wines being produced today. Domestic category, an opportunity that I jumped at. The local wines of I believe we are currently drinking our way through one of the greatest ’s Central Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains were actually my eras in West Coast wine. We’ve experienced a string of brilliant vintages. first love after moving here from England in 2008. One of my first jobs in Viticulture and winemaking have never been stronger. Our wine regions California was working for the notorious Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon have become enological melting pots with ideas and influences coming Vineyards. Emerging relatively unscathed and inspired by Randall’s from far and wide to an environment relatively unconstrained by any sense of adventure, I moved into the production side of the business, particular regulatory controls (like the French AOC system). I believe working in the historic cellars of Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos. I there has never been a better time to explore domestic wines and I will joined K&L on 11/11/11 (easy to remember) and the rest is history. I be diligently searching for the most interesting examples. For now, check feel lucky to have had many years of experience working with domestic out this trio of wines that have piqued my interest so far this year:

2016 MaidenStoen “Coast View Vineyard” 2014 Comartin Cellars “Cuvée Cassidy” 2014 K Vintners “Ovide – Jack’s Vineyard” Monterey ($19.99) A razor-sharp, Santa Ynez Valley GSM ($29.99) My Walla Walla Valley Cabernet dry Riesling from a high-elevation vineyard affection for California Rhône-style blends Sauvignon- ($39.99) One of the in the decomposed granite soils of the runs deep and this dynamite - most pleasant surprises of my Domestic Gabilan Mountains above the Salinas Valley. Syrah-Mourvèdre from Adam Comartin assignment so far. This is a stunning, Mike Callahan (an ex-colleague of mine hits the mark. A lovely combination of pure structured wine packed with dark from Testarossa, now assistant winemaker at brambly fruit, wild thyme, loamy earth fruit, plum, blackcurrant, cassis, Chamisal) has dedicated himself to single- and a lick of exotic French oak. Packed to bittersweet chocolate, huckleberry, vineyard expressions of Central Coast the brim with forward fruit but beautifully clove and cedar, with fine but grippy Riesling. This mouthwatering, electric, balanced and fresh. The Syrah adds some tannins to keep the torrent of fruit wonderfully pure Riesling has to be tasted depth and a dash of Mourvèdre a savory, in line. Dusty earth and spice blow by any lover of this noble grape. 92 WE brooding edge. 92 WE through the finish. And at a super sharp price! 95 RP, 94 WE

Key: 90 Critic Score on 100-Point Scale RP Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate WS Wine Spectator JS James Suckling WE Wine Enthusiast VN Antonio Galloni’s Vinous W&S Wine & Spirits ABC: Anything But Chardonnay? Absolutely Brilliant Chardonnay By Ryan Woodhouse

I believe (and hope) that subscribers to the old own roots (ungrafted) in a mix of gravelly loam soil. The wine is adage “ABC—Anything But Chardonnay” are on fermented with native yeast in entirely neutral oak and aged on fine the decline in recent years. I must admit that since lees. This wine is much more about soil, or terroir-driven nuances

DOMESTIC assuming the Domestic buyer position at K&L late than any particular fruit profile; I find it utterly delicious and find last year, I have been thoroughly impressed by new flavors with every visit. the quality and stylistic diversity of Chardon- 2015 Copain “Les Voisins” Chardonnay ($29.99) nays I have encountered. Sure, there are A wine that is powerful and restrained all at once. plenty of big, oaky styles still out there (and From the famed Ferrington vineyard, replanted in they continue to be some of our best sellers). 1996 to heritage clones Robert Young and Old Wente However, there are also many inspiring, that both give concentrated yet vibrant fruit with distinctive, restrained, terroir-driven Chards phenolic density and bright acidity. The wine has a that are among some of the most compelling musky, raw almond type character that reminds examples I have ever tasted (white Burgundy me of Meursault, great weight on the palate and included). Here are a few I hope will excite intensity of flavor, yet crunchy, tangy acidity even the most jaded ABCer! that teases out on the long finish. Golden 2016 Hanzell “Sebella” Sonoma Valley tree fruit, baked apple, toasted rye and a nice Chardonnay ($24.99) A very deliberate, fresh, citric zest on the back end. Really compelling zesty, crisp style of Chard made without the Chardonnay. 91 VN use of new oak and without the wine going 2015 Shea Wine Cellars “Shea Vineyard” through malolactic fermentation (for those uninitiated, malolactic Willamette Valley Chardonnay ($32.99) is typically what gives Chardonnay a rounder, creamier feel in the I’ve tasted some fantastic Chardonnay from mouth—“buttery,” if you will). Made mostly from younger vines on the Willamette this year. I had long known its Hanzell’s spectacular estate plus some parcels from other top growers potential to produce world-class on the Sonoma Coast, this is a fantastic value given Hanzell’s pedigree but had only scratched the surface of what the and the quality of the wine. Try with seafood like crab, scallops or Chards have to offer. The Shea vineyard is world-renowned for moules marinières. Pinot Noir but this wine shows just how special their Chardonnay 2015 Domaine Drouhin “Arthur” Dundee Hills Chardonnay can be as well. This wine is from vines planted in 1998 on a hillside (375ml $17.99; 750ml $29.99) A lovely new release from Domaine of fractured sandstone. It is packed with bright yellow stone fruits, Drouhin, “Arthur” is named for Dominique Drouhin’s son and apricot pit, baked bread and grainy minerals. The oak (just 16% new) comes from mature (30 year old) vines on the estate. The wine was delicately frames the freshness and energy of the wine. Beautifully fermented partly in French oak and partly in stainless steel. The two judged and very refreshing. 92 WE resulting wines were then married together to create 2015 Arnot-Roberts “Watson Ranch” Napa Valley Chardonnay what Dominique likens to a Meursault meeting a ($39.99) This has been a perennial favorite of mine Chablis. There’s ripe orchard fruit, with honeysuckle for quite some time. I have always found it to be and pear blossom floral notes, warm pie crust and a compelling California Chard that can stand stone ground flour. The palate has great texture and toe-to-toe with the top-notch white Burgundy weight without being overly heavy or creamy. The that still seems to remain the benchmark for wine has fantastic length and purity on the palate. high-quality Chardonnay. This fruit comes from 94 JS, 93 W&S a cool, exposed site in southeast Napa. The soils 2015 Baxter “Oppenlander Vineyard” are quite unusual for the region, being highly Mendocino Chardonnay ($39.99) I first tasted calcareous, and it really shows in the wine’s this Chardonnay with winemaker Phil Baxter at intense minerality. Despite the wine’s very the Aromatic White Wine Festival in Anderson low 12.5% ABV there’s no lack of ripeness and Valley and was floored by its unique saline texture. It’s actually quite a rich, dense wine minerality and shimmering acidity. Phil makes (perhaps from the thick-skinned grapes this this wine from just a couple tons of Chardonnay windy site produces). Golden orchard fruit, fruit from the Oppenlander vineyard in a remote baked pear, dusty white flower and saline part of coastal Mendocino. Just eight miles mineral tinges linger in the nutty lees-driven inland from the town of Mendocino, the site is finish. Lots of savory umami elements here. very cool with lots of ocean influence. The vines are planted on their 94 VN

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Check out more staff product reviews at KLWines.com at product staff reviews more out Check of theof vineyard and small-lot, attention to detail winemaking goes a waylong here: this is very serious, age-worthy Cabernet. savory More tones pipe tobacco, of laurel, bay red currant and bramble here, and then some darker plummy fruit comes through the on palate, with grainylovely tannins, crushed rock and cedar. Beautiful old-school Cabernet. Drink with now a bone-in ribeye years in or 5–10 with a French trimmed rack lamb. of Faust Napa Valley2015 ($49.95) wine from the of one premier producers in the valley, Quintessa. I’ve been keeping an eye the on evolution Faust of the over last few years, seeing the wines from go strength to strength, and marks the 2015 a real leap in quality, in opinion. a lush, my rich, It’s modern style with exoticripe fruit, soft, fleshy textureand beautifulpolish. A real crowd- pleaser, this tastes as though should it be expensive! more much The fruit was sourced from sites around the valley, including Coombsville, Quintessa’s biodynamic Rutherford vineyard, and even some mountain parcels andin Howell theVeeder Mountain Mt. AVAs. Chateau2015 Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95) Brand new from this Napa Valley icon, Cab the is 2015 simply delicious, super accessible, forward and open-knit. Quite blackberries, perfumed, floral, with fresh-picked liquored cassis, subtle vanillin oak and warm earth. Medium-bodied, with ripe, smooth tannins and moderate acidity. Drinking beautifully upon release will but provide doubt no plenty of pleasure down the road as well. 92 VN Philip2015 “Estate” Togni Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.99) A wine that was badly affectedby low the yields with 2015, of production down half. by What tiny amounts are available are truly special and yet again make list my potentialfor wine the of vintage. I say “potential” wine the of vintage because this wine’s true reveal colors won’t themselves a decade- for plus…maybe two. Thelow yields and drought stress, have however, given this wine a littlesoftness more than in prior some years. There is a dark, sweet core fruit of wrapped around the sinewy, firm structure thatTogni’s defines Spring Mountain Cab. Gravellymountain soil minerals and green tobacco notes linger with long-chain tannins and beautifully preserved acidity. A classic. 94 VN

Made highly by regarded above its modest price point. Also check Blacksmith’s out 2015 bodied Cab that one but is true to the varietal and an exceptional value. Blacksmith2015 “C.L.R.T” Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend ($19.99) I was simply blown the by away quality the of Blacksmith wines and couldn’t believe the prices being quoted as I was tasting them. Winemaker Matt Smith trained Beaulieu at Vineyards in the 1990s and has day jobs with Dashe and Cellars. JC started He Blacksmith as his own passion project in 2003. Fruit C.L.R.T. the for (aka 2015 Claret) is predominantly from Oakville. quintessential It’s Napa Valley stuff:loamy earth, ripeplum, cassis,briary notes. The balance is striking, with beautifully refined structure purity. and Drinks way Reserve Oakville Cabernet…simply stunning. ($39.99) Forman2015 “Château la Grande Roche” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.99) A very classic take Napa Cab. on This wine shows the restrained more as would one side 2015, expect of from Ric Forman. The Château la Grande Roche bottling is made from entirely estate fruit, and named after the giganticpink and gray boulders that the winery was carved from the at base Howell of Mountain. This is simply parcels fruit of that selected aren’t the for “first” wine but are grown and made in exactly the same Meticulous way. hand-tending winemaker Aaron Pott, and sourced from a Beckstoffer vineyardat 2,400feet elevation in Red Hills, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) Lakeof County, this tastes like a big, saturated, mountain fruit Cab from some cult Napa producer—except Blackcurrant, $19.99! it’s cassis, mocha, charred oak and graphite. A full- If didn’t you already was 2015 a monumental know, year for Cabernet Sauvignon in . The wines are powerful, structured and ultra-concentrated from the several years prevailingof drought conditions. Inclement weather duringspring floweringmeant very a poor fruit set across almost all major growing regions. Some producers 50% were down average on yields. This small meant crop the vines all put their efforts into the limitedbunches they had, resulting in spectacularly flavorful wines. a handfulHere’s Cabs of from vintage the 2015 that impressed have me: Red Hills Resolute (Aerena) 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) Favorites from 2015 North Cabernet Sauvignon Coast from 2015 Favorites Woodhouse Ryan By DOMESTIC 4 It shows vines. farmed organically non-irrigated, head-trained, ($22.99) Cinsault River Mokelumne Vines” Old Vineyard “Bechthold 2016 Birichino blossom. citrus and salinity ginger, of almonds, notes to leading here, showcased are well soils granitic clay, and shale, The years. other in than wine this for savory,richer,if more profile to a led This of rain. lack the to due more concentrated 2015. fruit were lower in and Yields fruit the in presence their showing started really of California soils ridden ($14.99) Bianca Malvasia Monterey 2015 Birichino minerality. great exudes soils content of the limestone heavy the and concentration great lend soils low-vigor the from berries Ynez. Small at 1,100 Santa in planted feet soils, Jurassic-aged ($19.99) Blanc Ynez Chenin Santa Vineyard” Park “Jurassic 2015 Birichino them. to contribute that sites of the of many nature historical the and wines of the quality stunning the given astonishing is offerings of their for all tag price under-$20 The filtration. little and oak neutral fermentations, native favoring winery, the in intervention for minimal aim guys these work to with, material amazing have such they Because own-rooted. survive, to able have been they therefore and resistance for phylloxera allowed has are planted vines the which in environment unique The centuries. twentieth early and nineteenth the in planted vineyards family-owned from fruit their source Locke John and Krause Alex Founders of fruit. concentration and vibrancy for their vineyards older toward look people as strength gaining is popularity but its now, for adecade around been having winery, not abrand-new is Birichino for me. revelation that is Birichino more. of learning point a make you different, and new moment of something rare that you find when so world of wine, the you in excites and surprises really that something to find rare increasingly It’s becoming By Stefanie Juelsgaard at Birichino Vines Historic from Wines New Get completeGet tasting notes at KLWines.com Sourced from own-rooted 33-year-old vines, from sandy, sandy, from vines, 33-year-old own-rooted from Sourced This wine is made from 130-year-old, from 130-year-old, made is wine This The drought- 90 90 WE elevate the wine’s profile. profile. wine’s the elevate really soils limestone the and on flavors, compromising without on take lighter is a This fresh. and bright flavors low, level fruit and alcohol the keeps aging, oak neutral and fermentation steel stainless with along influence, marine The Mountains. Cruz Santa the in environment acool in planted are vines 96-year-old ($22.99) Zinfandel Mountains Cruz Santa Vine” Old Vineyard George “St. 2016 Birichino flavors. delicate the overwhelm not to as so oak, neutral in done only is aging and wine this making in used is hand lighter A old. now over 100 years are which roots, original on their remain to vines the permitted has This years. over the infection phylloxera any inhibited has grows vineyard this which in Delta ($19.99) Mourvèdre County Costa Contra Vines” “Old 2015 Birichino complexity. and of flavor depth great shows but still driven, mineral and light is Grenache this Rhône, the in counterparts of its some Unlike focus. and intensity of great grapes producing low yields, very in result vines of the age advanced the and irrigation of lack The Mountains. Cruz Santa the from distance short ($22.99) Grenache Coast Central Vine” Old Vineyard “Besson 2016 Birichino more intense. even wine this for remains that juice the making gris, vin for Birichino’s saignéed is fruit the is picked, it After types. soil varied and yeast native from resulting dimension and fruits, purple dark concentration, intense The sandy soil of the Sacramento River River Sacramento the of soil sandy The A unique take on Zinfandel. The The on Zinfandel. take A unique The vines for this wine were planted in 1910 were planted a wine this for vines The 90 90 WE 92 92 WE 93 93 WE Old Vines in Modern Times By Ryan Woodhouse DOMESTIC

California has an absolute treasure trove of old-vine vineyards. wines “Mullineux Family” with her husband Chris Many of these incredible parcels of vines have survived multiple in the Swartland region north of Cape Town. Andrea waves of phylloxera (a bug that attacks the roots of vines, eventually was named global “Winemaker of the Year” by killing them), devastating droughts, fires and floods. The largest Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2016 and is revered threat to these vines is often urban sprawl, as strip malls, gas stations by all who know her in the wine world. A native and housing developments take priority over some of the most of the Bay Area, Andrea returns to California incredible pieces of the country’s agricultural history. At last, in annually and makes tiny amounts of the recent years these historic sites have started to achieve the recognition Fog Monster wines from unique sites across and protection they deserve, largely thanks to a handful of dedicated the state, often experimenting with unusual winegrowers and winemakers championing their cause. What follows winemaking techniques. This wine is a very are a few examples of exactly why these viticultural treasures need to elegant, perfumed, light-touch expression of one be preserved—because they make delicious and distinctive wines! of the state’s most highly regarded old vineyards. Planted in the 1880s, this vineyard is a diverse 2015 Precedent “Wirz Vineyard” Cienega Valley Old Vine White field blend of interplanted varieties. Driven ($19.99) From a patch of 60-plus-year-old, organically farmed, by Zinfandel (60%) and Carignane (20%), the dry-farmed Riesling (and some other mixed whites) in the rugged remainder consists of 20-plus mixed grapes. Cienega Valley. The soils here, mixed up by tectonic movement, are a Just 50 cases made. complex mix of decomposed granite, shale and limestone. Raised in neutral oak foudre not for flavor but for the wondrous texture the lees 2015 Vöcal “Bates Ranch” Santa Cruz aging gives the wine, it reminds me of some of the best out of Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.99) Old-school Cabernet that the famed Morstein vineyard in Rheinhessen…that effortless power harks back to an era (largely) gone by. This wine is more reminiscent and density while retaining a filigreed expression and delicacy. of the styles being made and consumed back when these vines were adolescents. Planted in the 1960s, these are own-rooted, dry-farmed, 2017 Aerena Bay AVA Rosé ($19.99) A new edition head-trained Cabernet vines in the shadow of Mt. Madonna in the to our rosé selections here at K&L and one I’m super excited about. very southeastern corner of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. The fruit Aerena’s AVA rosé is actually from a single has real “Cabernet” character: that is to say, plenty of leafy, herbaceous 130-year-old vineyard in the Oakley area that grows in pure river notes mingling with huckleberry, plum, graphite and subtle lavender. sand. Del Barba Vineyard is organically managed and the vines are The tannins are firm but fine and the acidity is markedly present, own-rooted—it’s quite a spectacular sight! The wine is made from giving great staying power on the finish and begging for food. roughly equal parts old-vine Mourvèdre and Carignan. It’s bright, crisp and refreshing with crushed raspberry, orange zest, pink 2013 Amapola Creek “Monte Rosso Vineyard” Sonoma Valley grapefruit and sandy minerals. This will be constantly stocked in my Zinfandel ($34.99) From arguably the most famed Zinfandel fridge this summer. planting in the world, a site declared a “first growth vineyard” by the inimitable Robert Parker. These gnarly vines were 123 years old 2016 Bedrock Wine Company “Chuy Vineyard” when this fruit was picked! This parcel of fruit was expertly crafted Moon Mountain District Chardonnay ($44.99) by Richard Arrowood who himself has 50-plus years of vinous From a stunning old block of dry-farmed, wisdom under his belt. I love how it beautifully captures the rich mountain-grown Chardonnay planted to and exuberant fruit that old-vine Zinfandel gives but also retains a Shot-Wente clone in 1964. You can ask any of our drinkability and balance. No over-extraction or excessive residual staff members—I have an obsession with this sugar here. Just pure, brambly, lush old-vine fruit immaculately particular version of the Chardonnay grape. presented for a very reasonable price, especially when you consider Its small, uneven berries are packed with flavor the pedigree of both the fruit source and craftsman! 95 RP and high malic acidity, resulting in powerful, exotic but fresh and glistening wines. This 2016 Carlisle “DuPratt Vineyard” Mendocino Ridge Zinfandel wine was aged in mostly neutral Stockinger ($44.99) From a high elevation, relatively cool climate vineyard site barrels to preserve the character of the fruit. in the remote Mendocino Ridge AVA, Carlisle’s DuPratt Zinfandel is Limited availability. sourced from 97-year-old vines and provides a different expression of Zin than the big, broad, lush Russian River or Sonoma Valley bottlings 2013 Fog Monster “Bedrock Vineyard” most people are more familiar with. While still being very powerful Sonoma Valley Red Blend ($49.99) Fog and ripe, there is more “crunch” to the fruit, some savory, briary notes Monster is a very cool project from dynamic and wonderfully bright acidity. Brooding slate-like minerals and winemaker Andrea Mullineux. Andrea is better woodsy spices linger. Such a cool wine. 94 VN known for her namesake South African-based

Online auctions are LIVE at KLWines.com 5 DOMESTIC 6 Find all your wine accessory at needs KLWines.com these side hustle wines. They seem to provide the perfect perfect the to provide seem They wines. hustle side these have been I’ve tasted wines coolest of the some years the with layers and intrigue. and layers with conduit for creative vinous outpourings. They allow a allow They outpourings. vinous for creative conduit Over paycheck. regular their pays that or brand winery job” and have their own personal label separate from the the from separate label personal own have their and job” to winemakers who go above and beyond their “day “day their beyond and go above who winemakers to known for. A very complete wine wine complete for. Avery known blank canvas for the artist to work with the varieties varieties the work to with artist for the canvas blank I’m referring article this But in idea. the get band…you make coffee at Starbucks; get crafty on Etsy; play in a in play Etsy; on crafty get Starbucks; at coffee make acidity that this cool site is is site cool this that acidity or vineyards they choose, apply more experimental more apply experimental choose, they or vineyards DoorDash; for deliver some or Lyft; for Uber drive Some folks folks Some necessity! or out of economic by passion winemaking techniques, and break from convention. convention. from break and techniques, winemaking counterbalanced by bracing by bracing counterbalanced extra gig that’s typically either a project motivated motivated aproject either typically that’s gig extra little that hustle, of side kind have some of us Many mid-palate texture is beautifully beautifully is texture mid-palate Here are a few examples that I’m excited to have on our have on I’m to our excited that examples afew Here are A creamy, lees-derived By Ryan Woodhouse The Side Hustle shelves right now: right shelves almond and toasted chestnuts. chestnuts. toasted and almond pears, golden pie crust, raw raw pie crust, golden pears, orchard fruit spectrum: roasted old vines, this is more in the baked baked the more in is this old vines, Winemaker: Eric Johnson density and power, likely from the the from power, and likely density refined but with an innate sense of of sense innate an with but refined Day Job: Talley Vineyards Job:Day Talley textural wine. Still tight and and tight Still wine. textural in 1973. A very concentrated, concentrated, 1973. Avery in Side Hustle: Ann Albert Wines Albert Ann Hustle: Side Chardonnay vines planted planted vines Chardonnay an old block of Bien Nacido Nacido of Bien old block an 2015 Ann Albert “Zotovich Vineyard” Sta. Sta. Vineyard” “Zotovich Albert 2015 Ann Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay ($39.99) Chardonnay Valley Maria Santa 2015 Ann Albert “Bien Nacido Vineyard” Vineyard” “BienNacido Albert 2015 Ann crab wine. crab Rita Hills Chardonnay ($39.99) Chardonnay Hills Rita unadulterated. Very Chablis inspired. Fantastic Fantastic inspired. Very Chablis unadulterated. and pure Beautifully quince. crunchy and citrus combines this soil-driven character with zesty zesty with character soil-driven this combines saline, oyster shell minerality. Eric’s expression Eric’s expression minerality. shell oyster saline, highly aromatic wines with a distinctive adistinctive with wines aromatic highly producing sand, and earth diatomaceous mostly Chard mouthwatering mineral-tinged, focused, that is electric on the palate. The soil here is is here soil The palate. on the electric is that A beautifully From From 93 93 savored. be to deserves that Noir Pinot Very serious tannins. fine with layered and mid-weight is palate The truffle. and porcini dried earth, floor, forest rocky is petals rose dark and raspberry wild Noir. Beyond of Pinot side more savory the showing wine, brooding It’s clones. a heritage Martini and on Pommard based is 1999, this from vines younger some 1970s with the in planted blocks own-rooted ($39.99) Noir Pinot Valley Maria Santa Vineyard” “Bien Nacido Lugar 2015 El in spades. Love it. Just 96 cases made. made. cases 96 Just it. Love spades. in vibrancy and drive with Noir Pinot proportioned elegantly focused, pure, is this here; or sappy big Nothing palate. energized expressive, by the perfectly followed up is nose lifted floral, The spice. mulling and bramble herbs, sweet fruits, berry forest compelling with Noir Pinot crunchy bright, ($39.99) Noir Pinot Valley Grande Arroyo Vineyard” “Rincon Lugar 2015 El Lugar El Hustle: Side &Churchill Job:Day Claiborne Winemaker: Coby Parker-Garcia longevity all but assured. but all longevity of plenty and core muscular aserious has certainly that but one Syrah elegant alifted, is this tannins; appropriate and acidity lively with mid-weight drippings; beef peppercorns, pink herbs, Provençal dried fruit, purple juicy, with Bursting treat. in for a I’m that likely to me signifies that meat smoked and pepper cracked violets, sential quintes the with perfumed Hauntingly wine. this co-ferment to in order re-graft, their rejected that of Sémillon vines row, single other afew plus one this picks Mike but re-grafted been has vineyard the of rest The District. Valley’s Napa Stag’s Leap in selection massale Valley old Barossa an to planted row of Syrah From asingle ($34.99) Syrah District Stag’s Leap Row” “Lost 2016 Disregard Fine beautifully. age to sure is that Awine endless. seeming is palate the on length The bread. baked and lime key lemon, preserved blossom, White it long ageability. ensures that acidity searing the plus presence and weight textural Sémillon’s captures perfectly wine this (two-thirds), oak neutral and (one-third) steel stainless in Fermented of Valley. Napa District Knoll Oak the in block half-acre a special from is wine This site. of its expressive purely astyle make to strives He Sémillon. with infatuated somewhat is Valley,Hunter Mike ($29.99) Sémillon Valley Napa Knoll Oak Vineyard” “Millhouse Disregard 2015 Fine Disregard Fine Hustle: Side Job:Day Turley Cellars Wine Winemaker: Mike Schieffer Inspired by his time making wine in Australia’s Australia’s in wine making time by his Inspired A fantastically fresh, fresh, fantastically A Predominantly from old-vine, old-vine, from Predominantly 94 94 WE - WE DOMESTIC 7

- A tart, crunchy take on Get complete tasting notes at KLWines.com at notes tasting Get complete 2017 Vaughn Duffy Vaughn 2017 Mendocino Carignane Rosé ($17.99) A very interesting wine from an 80-year-old patch of Carignane near Ukiah in Mendocino County. A focused, dry style with macerated raspber ries, citrus zest, baking spice, rose petals and flint. husband-and- by Made wife team Matt Duffy and Sara Vaughn, whose wines continueto impress acrossme the entire range. this for out Watch semi-under-the-radar brand; they also make dynamite Pinot Syrah Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc that are to be not missed. Santa Barbara Tyler 2017 County Pinot Noir Rosé ($24.99) Pinot Noir rosé showing some the of more sultrysavory, elements theof varietal, this ismade from the free-run juice that collects in the picking bins as the clusters Pinot of get squeezed under their own weight. A patchwork fruitof from across Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. fragrant Very and floral. Alpine strawberry, bramble, wild thyme and orange peel. The wine also has a distinct saline, mineral quality, maybe from Sta. calcareous Rita’s soils. Super elegant and refreshing rosé. Brander2017 Los Olivos District Rosé ($16.99) an of A bit outlier among our rosé selections that are dominated by Pinot Noir and Rhône varietals nonetheless but delicious! This and CabernetMerlot (70%) Sauvignon based rosé comes(30%) from Brander’s Los Olivos estate vineyards, and Mesa Verde both in the Los Olivos District Santa of The Valley. fruitYnez was grown and picked specifically roséfor production and picked early bright for flavors and acid retention. A crunchy, zesty wine with white strawberry, lemon, cranberry and spearmint, this is also a very versatile food wine alfresco for dinners this summer season. A fantastic edition this of Another perennial favorite mine of and this year truly In a few short years Flowers’ rosé Pinot of It seemsIt in this day and age can you never quite tell what the weather swing is going do. We to from historic drought to historic flood. Dormant vines woken are from their slumberby unseasonable heat spikes only the for mercury to plummet back to record lows just days TheSF Giants later. got rained out Aprilin for the first time in years…a12 few days pushing later it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the City thing one But the by Bay. can you almost always depend upon in California is that some at point summer will arrive and will it be andlong glorious. So in an effortprepare helpto you for flop flip and grilling season I thought I would outline some my of favorite domestic rosés selected I have this spring: Flowers Sonoma Coast2017 Pinot Noir Rosé ($29.99) Noir has quickly becomebenchmark a wine. Made from some the of finest PinotNoir fruit the Sonoma Coast has(including to offer good a chunk their of Sea View Ridge estate vineyard). whole-cluster grapes are hand-picked The pressed a gentle on cycle and juice is fermented with nativeyeast in stainless steel and neutral French oak. Malolactic is partially blocked to keep the acidity zesty and fresh. Aromas tart of alpine strawberry, yogurt, spiced orange peel and bramble leaf. Flavors follow suit. The palate has a subtle creamy feel and then the bright acidity rushes back, drawing the out wine to a juicy, mouthwatering finish.pure, A fresh, aromatic takeon PinotNoir rosé and that one issure to be a favorite again this year. Copain Ensemble”2017 “Tous Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Rosé ($24.99) fantastic, this subtle salmon pink wine shows aromas and flavorsof golden raspberries, melon, peach and brioche. Quite a lees-driven style with some nutty elements adding complexity to the fruit. A soft mouth-filling texture with racy acidity to finish intertwined with stony minerals. quaffable. Very Bedrock2017 Wine Company “Ode Lulu” to California Rosé ($21.99) wine, Ode to Lulu pays homage to the great Lulu Peyraud in Domaine of Bandol, the Tempier origin some of the of finest rosé wines world the has ever Lulu seen. is composed The 75% 2017 of Mataro (Mourvèdre) and the rest Grenache, all from very vines. old Light in packed color but with crunchy berry fruit flavors,mulling spice, dusty earth and torn herbs de Provence. Very Bandol-like indeed. Another wine I plan to drink plenty this of summer…at least until the supply runs out. Be Prepared for Summer Sippin’ Woodhouse Ryan By The Desert is Blooming with Great Wine By Mari Keilman

With Napa Valley vineyard land reaching astronomical prices per world. He began making wines under the Caduceus label with consulting acre, and the threat of climate change driving wine companies on a winemaker, Eric Glomski . After seven years, the two northerly march in pursuit of cooler sites, it’s somewhat anomalous amicably split, with Keenan deciding to focus his efforts on that an up-and-coming player in the wine game may be coming his Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards labels. from Arizona. Yup, that’s right, I said it—Arizona. Under the Merkin label, 2016 “Chupacabra” Blanca Most people think of Arizona as a dry, flat desert wasteland with no rain ($19.99) is a blend of Riesling and Chardonnay, and and sweltering heat almost every day of the year, but Arizona has its 2016 “Chupacabra” Arizona Red Blend ($24.99) is a diverse regional climates, a few of which are quite suitable for growing Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend coming from grapes. One such area is in the central-northern part of Arizona near vineyards in the southernmost part of Arizona. The Flagstaff, while two sites just north of the Mexican border are home Merkin wines are fun, easy-drinking and pleasurable to high-altitude vineyards that sit between 3,500 and 5,000 feet. This wines that will please almost every palate. elevation gives the vineyard sites huge diurnal swings that allow grapes to The 2014 Caduceus “Anubis” Arizona Red Blend achieve phenolic ripeness and sugar necessary for fermentation, while the ($49.99) is Keenan’s version of a Bordeaux-inspired cool nighttime temperatures help them to preserve acidity. blend, with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet The other meteorological phenomenon that contributes to successful Franc and 20% Petite Sirah. Previously, Keenan blended viticulture in this arid climate is that during the late summer, tropical grapes from other AVAs, sometimes even out of state, moisture travels north to Arizona, a much-needed refreshment that keeps but his goal has been to have the Caduceus wines come the grapes from drying out before phenolic ripeness can be completed. solely from his estate vineyards in Arizona. The Anubis is a big, bold, The Spanish priests planted winegrapes all the way back in the sixteenth dense and meaty red that has enough stuffing to sink your teeth into and century for sacramental use, but Arizona didn’t start making fine wines satisfy all those with a big Cali Cab palate. until the early 1980s, when the quality cultivars were introduced. And The2013 Caduceus “Nagual de la Naga” Arizona Red Blend ($49.99) while there are currently over 110 wineries, vineyards and cellars across is Keenan’s homage to the Italian varieties that thrive in the Arizona Arizona, I think it’s safe to give due credit for bringing Arizona wines to climate. with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, this delightful the national stage to and Caduceus Cellars. little blend is exactly how I envision the future of world-class caliber In 2002, Keenan (who first found success in the music industry as the wines from Arizona. It’s evident how well Sangiovese takes to the frontman of the band, Tool) moved to Jerome, Arizona and realized that climate. It is a bright yet ripe, full bodied yet sophisticated, quenching yet the terroir resembled winegrowing regions he had visited all over the indulgent red wine.

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