Valentine's Day Wines

Here comes Cupid, but in case his arrows don't hit the target, here are a few selections that should get the job done.

Sparkling

 - Cavicchioli 1928 Sparkling Lo Spumante Sorbara DOC Italy $14
This sweet sparkling white Lambrusco, made with 100% Malvasia, is floral, perfumed, and delicate with notes of peach and apricot.

 - Korbel Sweet Rose Sparkling Wine California $13
Inviting notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry and watermelon and a sweet - tart freshness give this wine great appeal. It is made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Zinfandel and Sangiovese.

 - NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne France $70
Very dry, crisp, minerally and delicately fruity, this Pinot Noir-based Champagne is very refined, elegant and subtle, but don't let that fool you. It is very powerful as well.

White

 - 2011 Edict Proprietary White Wine Napa Valley California $26

This lively, luscious blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Viognier has notes of quince, lemon drop, chalk, jasmine, carnation, chamomile, honey, and banana pudding. With sweet and tart notes, like a bite of fresh pineapple, the wine is both satisfying and refreshing. 

 - 2012 Olivier Leflaive Meursault "Poruzots" 1er Cru Burgundy France $95

Wines from Burgundy, both red and white, are said to be the quintessential wines of seduction. This smoky, sexy Chardonnay is both decadent and restrained, like a ballet dancer letting loose.

Red

 - 2012 St. Amant Old Vine Zinfandel Mohr-Fry Ranch Lodi California  $18

Warm and inviting with notes of black cherry, Dr. Pepper, red apple skin, Red Devil cake, mulberry, blackberry, and a sweet red rose perfume. It is full, round, fruity, soft, creamy, powerful, and rich with dry, earthy chocolate, vanilla, cedar, and toasty oak notes complementing the intense core of berry fruit. 

 - 2011 Fore Family Vineyards GSM Red Hills AVA Lake County California $30
With sultry red berry fruit, dark chocolate, black licorice and spice, this is Valentine's Day in a bottle! Velvety and intense but with that beautiful natural Lake County acidity for balance, this blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre is a slam dunk for you and your sweetie.

- 2004 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC Italy $100
There is nothing better than snuggling up to a cozy fire with your loved one and a glass of Amarone. With deep, spicy fruit and earth notes, a soft, opulent texture, and a long chocolate cherry and raisin finish, this is definitely a wine of "meditazione" and romance.

© Copyright 2014 Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, Planet Grape LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Republic of Tea Launches Ron Rubin Pinot Noir

Grown in Green Valley’s signature Goldridge soil, which naturally stresses the vines and brings balance,  the classy 2012 Ron Rubin Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley $35 is clean and delicate with notes of wild strawberry, cherry, yellow apple, orange rind, root beer, dried sage, crushed fall leaves, leather, lavender and white rose.

On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, delicately structured, and very silky. A rich burst of bing cherry and watermelon rind is followed by notes of tobacco, earth, and white mushroom. The oak is subtle and tannins are fine and seamlessly integrated. The finish is long with notes of cherry and sarsaparilla. Gentle acidity leaves the palate refreshed.

This cool climate Pinot Noir is like a fine young Chambolle Musigny – delicate, elegant, feminine, and slightly earthy.


© Copyright 2014 Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, Planet Grape LLC. All Rights Reserved.