2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red - Wine of the Day

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2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red

2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red

$26

This proprietary blend marries the blue-black fruit of Petite Sirah with the brightness and elegance of Zinfandel. Petite Sirah provides big fruit and tannins, while the Zin provides the brightness and finesse of a lighter, more refined raspberry-strawberry notes and a lingering silky finish. The cab/merlot/cab franc provide more structure and depth. This wine is surprisingly quaffable and easily paired with a variety of foods.

The grapes in this wine represent a marriage of the best from three vineyards in two counties – all at higher elevations and all benefiting from cool Pacific breezes at night. Petite Sirah grapes are from Amber View Vineyard in northern Lake County, while the Cab/Merlot/Cab Franc come from Wild Diamond Vineyard in the southern part of the County. The Petite Sirah has bigger tannins and dark, dense fruit while the Cab/Merlot/Cab Franc have softer tannins than many Napa Cab blends to the south. Both enjoy shorter than normal harvest periods but fully ripe fruit because of their vineyard elevations of over 2,000 feet. The Zinfandel from Firebrick Hill Vineyard to the west, however, enjoys a cooler climate and longer growing season, resulting in a more refined, layered fruit as evident in this wine’s long, silky finish.

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

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Yountville

Yountville received its distinction as an AVA in 1999 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The AVA is sitting on 8,000 acres, centered on the town Yountville, California. Volcanic soils on the eastern flank are similar to the neighboring Stags Leap District but also features centuries-old coastal deposits, and both sedimentary and alluvial soils exist to the west, interspersed with sandy and gravelly loam, as well as a little clay. No other area in all the Napa Valley has this particular geomorphic combination and pronounced soil differences. The climate of the region consists of cool marine air currents from San Pablo Bay to the south, allowing for cooler temperatures year round. These milder temperatures allow the grapes of the region plenty of time to develop unique flavor characteristics. The region currently produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Willow Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Willow Creek map

Willow Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 6,000 acres, Willow Creek is located in Humboldt and Trinity Counties and is centered around the town of Willow Creek. Willow Creek soils are typically very rocky with little clay content. The terrain is dominated with rocks, sand, and a loose loam. The Trinity River cuts through the center of the region, offering a cooling element to an otherwise hot daily sun. During the peak of growing season, the temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees, during the day. During the height of winter, the region can dip well below freezing temperatures. The hot daytime temperatures allow this region to grow a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

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Paicines received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 42,882 acres, Paicines is a sub-appellation of the San Benito AVA. The proposal for this appellation came from the Almaden winery which operates in the area.  The name Paicines was well documented as having been in use, including the name of the town in the center of the region. Confusingly enough, the original name of the unincorporated town was Tres Pinos which switched names with the original town of Paicines located further south down Airline Highway.

The Paicines that we are discussing is located east of Pinnacles National Park and takes its name originally from the Rancho Cienega de los Paicines (still in operation today as Paicines Ranch) a land that was granted in the 1840s.  Reports indicate that viticulture in the area began as early as the mid-1850s.

The soil of the region consists of a sandy loam which include alluvial deposits and feature fanned materials and benches which may act as natural terraces. The temperature is akin to that of the high desert and often will see daily temperatures north of 100 degrees in the peak of the growing season. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40 degrees as cool Pacific air sweeps into the region.  The Paicines region tends not to feature fogs associated with that marine air.  Though on days that are particularly foggy some will move into the valley and will linger longer that surrounds regions.  Without this swing in temperatures, the region would be too hot to produce vines. The diurnal shift and fogallows the grapes will cool off and extend its growing season. Grapes will stay on the vine longer than in neighboring AVAs. The region is known for producing Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

San Juan Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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 One of the eleven sub appellations in the Paso Robles Viticultural area this viticultural area is located along San Juan Creek, a tributary to the Estrella River.  The source of the creek is the Temblor Range that runs from the northwest to the southeast in San Luis Opisbo and Kern Counties.  The viticultural area follows the creek from Shandon and then along the steep canyons of the Temblor Range.  The region is shielded from marine influence by both the Temblor and Santa Lucia Ranges with elevations ranging from 980 to 1,600 feet above sea level.  The area has a more continental climate that is warmer and drier than the surrounding regions.  San Juan Creek receives approximately 10.4inches of precipitation per year and receives nearly 3,400 Growing Degree Days which makes it ideally suited for warmer climate grapes such as those from the Rhone Valley, Italy, Spain and Portugal such as Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel The soils are formed from the alluvium that was formed by the San Juan Creek, the Cholame Creek and the Estrella River valleys.

2012 Humanitas Cabernet Franc Willy's Vineyard - Wine of the Day

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2012 Humanitas Cabernet Franc Willy's Vineyard

$60

Oft overlooked, occasionally maligned, but ever adored around here, the Cabernet Franc variety is shown off in its full glory when grown in Willy's Vineyard. There's something seductive about this wine, from its aromas of cinnamon, clove and worn leather to its soft, full mouthfeel and imposing structure. We love the way dusty tannins can melt into tantalizing flavors of cherry cola wiping our sorrows away. Charles Mingus is playing in the background, the aromas of a beautiful meal are wafting in from the kitchen, I'm on my second glass, and I'm pretty sure life doesn't get much better than this.

Napa Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Napa Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated on 43,000 acres, Napa Valley is home to sub-appellations Los Carneros, Howell Mountain, Wild Horse Valley, Stags Leap District, Mt. Veeder, Atlas Peak, Spring Mountain District, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Chiles Valley, Yountville, Diamond Mountain District, Coombsville, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, and Calistoga. The Napa Valley floor is flanked by the Mayacamas Mountain Range on the western and northern sides the Vaca Mountains on the eastern side. The floor of the main valley gradually rises from sea level at the southern end to 362 feet above sea level at the northern end in Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena. The Oakville and Rutherford AVAs lie within a geographical area known as the Rutherford Bench in the center of the valley floor. The soil at the southern end of the valley consists mainly of sediments deposited by earlier advances and retreats of San Pablo Bay while the soil at the northern end of the valley contains a large volume of volcanic lava and ash. Several microclimates exist within the area due to various weather and geographical influences in the different sub-appellations. The open southern end of the valley floor is cooler during the growing season due to the proximity of San Pablo Bay while the sheltered, closed northern end is often much warmer. The eastern side of the valley tends to be arid because winter storms tend to drop much more precipitation on the western mountains and hills. Napa Valley is known for its world-class production of Cabernet Sauvignon but also produces Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

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Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend

$86

Our bold, fathomless, Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc is the collective soul of the vineyard. Barrel fermented and hand-racked for thirty months in French oak barrels. Testament has an inky dark hue and it’s intense nose heralds black and red currant, lavender, cola and black cherry followed by mocha-laced layered flavors of dark chocolate, cassis and baking spice in every glass.

Testament compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, beef bourguignon, lamb and hearty stews.

2012 Oak Cliff Cellars 'La Belle Endormie' (Sleeping Beauty) Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

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2012 Oak Cliff Cellars 'La Belle Endormie' (Sleeping Beauty) Bordeaux Blend

$55

This traditional Bordeaux style red blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is still a young, but already complex wine: raspberry, cranberry, a little blackberry, minerals, pencil shavings, vanilla, coffee and toffee with great structure, full bodied, very long finish. But like most Bordeaux style wines, waken it gently from its sleep and decant a little while before serving.

These classic Bordeaux grapes come from the Wild Diamond Vineyard in southern Lake County and have been co-fermented in making this premium wine. The Wild Diamond Vineyard is in southern Lake County (just north of Napa Valley) at an elevation of 2,200 ft., meaning warmer, longer growing days with cool Pacific breezes at night and an overall shorter growing season resulting in fully ripe fruit. The red, volcanic soil of this vineyard contributes both to the depth of color and rich flavor profile of grapes from the Wild Diamond Vineyard.

Rutherford - Wine Region of the Day

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Rutherford gained AVA status in 1993, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Sitting on 6,650 acres and centered on the town of Rutherford, the region is one of the most famous Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions in California. The well-drained soil of this area is composition of gravel, loam and sand with volcanic deposits. Warm summer days give way to cool evenings. An average day has a diurnal cycle of as much as 12 degrees. This fluctuation allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace and develop good balance. The vast majority of the grapes grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, but there are also productions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Bennett Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Bennett Valley AVA is located in Sonoma County, California and was granted AVA status in 2003. The Bennet Valley currently has under 700 acres planted with vineyards, giving the area small production yields annually compared to neighboring AVAs. Surrounded by the Sonoma Mountains and located south of Santa Rosa, Bennet Valley receives cool coastal fog and breezes that sweep into the area from the Pacific Ocean. The AVA features well-draining beach-land soils, which force the vines to create deep roots in search of water. The soils and temperature of the region make it particularly well-suited for growing cool climate varietals, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Even though the region is not ideally suited for warmer climate varietals, the Bennet Valley has shown quite a bit of diversity in its ability to produce high-quality Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, and Syrah.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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San Antonio Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil is primarily gravely loam and clay. The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Alta Mesa - Wine Region of the Day

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Alta Mesa by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Alta Mesa received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Located on 55,400 acres, Alta Mesa is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento. The soil in Alta Mesa consists of clay, and gravel. The climate of Alta Mesa is warm with very little rainfall annually. The dense soil and low rainfall force the vines to grow smaller and focus all of their energy in producing their fruit, giving it a robust deep flavor. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Leona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Leona Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Leona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2008. Located on 8,751 acres, Leona Valley is located in North Eastern Los Angeles County. Leona Valley features well draining nutrient rich alluvial soils. The Leona Valley is a high desert climate with hot days and cool evenings. The grapes receive daily sun during the height of the growing season, and the 2,700-foot elevation of the vineyards ensures a cool evening and a longer growing season. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Malbec.

The valley was named for rancher, Miguel Leonis, a Basque shepard from France who bought a previously existing adobe in Calabasas, California which was eventually expanded into a Monterey style building with a Queen Anne veranda. Leonis eventually controlled most of the western portion of the San Fernando Valley and was considered the robber baron of the region.  The adobe is considered to be one the most haunted places in California with sitings of Miguel, his common-law wife, Espiritu Chujilla, a Chumash indian, who was forced to fight her husband's relatives in court when her 'husband' referred to her as his "faithful housekeeper" in his will.

Red Hills Lake County - Wine Region of the Day

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Red Hills Lake County by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Red Hills Lake County AVA is located on 31,250 acres in Lake County, California. The wine region is southwest of Clear Lake, at the foot of Mount Konocti, which is an active volcano. True to its name, Red Hills consists of rolling hills between elevations of 1,400 feet and 3,000 feet. The Red Hills receive an average of between 25 inches and 40 inches of rainfall each year. The volcanic soils of the region give the vines their signature minerality. In particular, the soils are known to be strewn with volcanic glass called obsidian which was created when Mount Konocti erupted and lava flowed into Clear Lake cooling it instantly.  The region is known for its red wines, specifically Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.

Dos Rios - Wine Region of the Day

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Dos Rios by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Dos Rios AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California. Dos Rios is located near the confluence of the Eel River and the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Dos Rios receives constant breezes from the Pacific Ocean, offsetting the warm daily sunshine. The soil in Dos Rios is more infertile than other regions in Mendocino. Only one winery, Vin de Tevis, currently operates within the boundaries of the AVA. Vin de Tevis has only six acres under vine, almost exclusively planted to red varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.

Calistoga - Wine Region of the Day

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Calistoga by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Calistoga received its AVA status in 2010 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA located on in the northern portion of the Napa Valley. Calistoga's soil is almost exclusively volcanic, providing a consistency throughout the region. The daily high temperatures up to 100 degrees and cool nightly breezes from the Russian River cause the highest diurnal temperature variation in the Napa Valley. This temperature fluctuation along with the volcanic soil creates wines with big bright flavors and deep complexity and well-balanced acid. The region is known for its Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Cienega Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Cienega Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Cienega Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Located at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, the soil of the region is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil to the east of the fault consists of granite and sandstone, but to the west, the soil consists of granite and limestone. The Cienega Valley has warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop bright flavors and even tannins while retaining acidity levels. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Capay Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Capay Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Capay Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2002. Situated across 102,400 acres, the region is neighbors with Napa County and is centered on the Capay Valley in Yolo County. The terrain of Capay Valley consists of rolling hills and valley floor where the soils contain river rock and volcanic ash deposits. The climate in Capay Valley features warm days and cool nights. The mountainous terrain captures daytime heat in the valley but has cooling effects in the evenings. The warm climate leads to a short growing season and robust yields. Capay Valley produces many different varietals including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, and Viognier.

Spring Mountain District - Wine Region of the Day

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Photo of the Spring Mountain District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Spring Mountain District gained AVA status in 1993, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 8,600 acres, the appellation sits on steep terraces of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma Valley. Elevations on the mountain range from 400 feet to 2,600 feet above sea level. The region contains mostly residual upland soils with only a few areas of alluvial soils at the lower elevations. The soils are derived almost equally from sandstone and Sonoma volcanic formations which are predominately composed of Andesite. This mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocky soils distinguishes the region from adjacent mountain areas. Spring Mountain is the coldest appellation in the Napa Valley. In the height of growing season, strong cold winds and low lying fog permeates the region. The vast majority of the wine produced in the Spring Mountain District is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.