2012 Coruce Zinfandel - Wine of the Day

 2012 Coruce Zinfandel

$24.99

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This wine is comprised of 90% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.  The fruit was all hand harvested and table sorted followed by a 48-hour cold soak on the skins.  The fruit was fermented for 18 days and then pressed off the skins and racked off the solids into 3 and 4-year-old American oak barrels and aged for 18 months.

This wine has flavors and aromas of wild blackberry and brambly raspberry fruits, cherry, .cola and leather followed with a toasty finish.  Medium tannins.

Fiddletown - Wine Region of the Day

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Fiddletown received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 12,044 acres, Fiddletown is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Amador County. The terrain of Fiddletown is hilly with most vines situated between 1,500 and 2,500 feet above sea level. The soils are made up of decomposed granite and volcanic material, are well draining and not nutrient dense; leading to smaller yields in production, forcing the vines to put all their efforts into the fruit, developing deep rich flavors. Fiddletown doesn't receive the benefit of cooling Pacific Ocean breezes like many of its neighbors, but its high elevation results in a cooling effect in the evening to combat the dry, hot daily temperatures. This cooling results in a longer growing period and allows for the fruit to stay on the vine longer and develop the balance in sugar and acidity. The region is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Barbera.

2010 Coruce Syrah - Wine of the Day

2010 Coruce Syrah

$24.95

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2010 Coruce Syrah: This wine is comprised of 90% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Zinfandel and 3% Viognier. The grapes were hand harvested and table sorted and co-fermented for 14 days and pressed off into 3 & 4 year old French Oak barrels.

This wine has aromas and flavors of dark cherries, plum & lavender and blueberries with a lush jammy finish.

Open and decant for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Eagle Peak Mendocino County - Wine Region of the Day

The proposed Eagle Peak Mendocino County viticultural area is another region proposed by Ralph Jens Carter.  In the process of creating Eagle Peak, Mr. Carter proposed editing the already existing Mendocino and Redwood Valley appellations so all three viticultural areas were separated with no overlapping territory.  

Eagle Peak Mendocino County is so named as there are nearly fifty “Eagle Peak”s throughout the United States.  Mendocino County was added to the proposed name to clarify its location.  

The area is slightly over 26,000 acres in size of which 120 are under vine in 16 commercial vineyards and surrounds the summit of Eagle Peak.  The rocks in the area are mostly shale and sandstones from the Franciscan Complex which are found on rolling to steep, unstable slopes and terraces.  These rocks tend to be high in nickel and magnesium which can have negative impacts on grape vines.  Fortunately, the soils are thin and rocky allowing for the optimum canopy to maximize sunlight exposure.  Thin soils on steep slopes are subject to erosion but hold enough moisture to avoid the use of irrigation until after the period of fast growth called “grand growth stage”.  

The elevations in the viticultural area range from 800-3,320 feet which protect vineyards on the high slopes from frost by allowing cool air and excess water to drain into the surrounding valleys.  The slopes are largely south facing giving the vineyards longer daylight.

The region is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Syrah and Zinfandel.

San Miguel District - Wine Region of the Day

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The San Miguel AVA is located in the north central portion of the original Paso Robles appellation and is named for the Mission San Miguel Arcángel, the Franciscan Mission created in the late 1700s.  Marine influence is not much of a factor in the San Miguel appellation.  Precipitation is relatively sparse due to the region being located in the rain shadow of the the Santa Lucia mountain range.  It receives 11.4 inches of precipitation per year.  The area is also warmer than many of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and averages 3,300-3,400 Growing Degree Days.  This makes San Miguel the third warmest area in the region.  The elevations in the region range from 580 to 1,600 feet above sea level and is crossed by both the Estrella and the Salinas River.  The geology at some of the higher elevations are characterized by granites and Monterey Shale which are then eroded into alluvial soils which are deep in the benches, terraces and floodplains.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Dunnigan Hills Wine Region of the Day

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Dunnigan Hills received its designation as an AVA in 1993. Situated across 89,000 acres, Dunnigan Hills is located in the northwest portion of Yolo County. The terrain of Dunnigan Hills features rolling hills with elevations between 200 and 500 feet above sea level. The soils of the region vary from gravelly loams and sandy loams over sandstone to silt. The climate of the region is recognized for its warm days and cool nights, offering a diurnal temperature swing of up to twenty degrees. This change between day and nighttime temperatures allow for a longer growing season and allow the fruit time to develop their tannin structure and acidity. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Viognier.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Unlike many of the wine regions in the United States, there is a long history of viticulture in the San Antonio Valley.   It was home to the Mission San Antonio de Padua that was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.  Franciscan Missions in Alta California could not rely on supplies from Spain and were required to be self-sufficient.  This meant making flour for bread and grapes for wine.  The Mission is still in operation as a parish church and visitors can see the original wine pressing vats and wine cellar.

The valley is located in the southern part of Monterey County and is located between the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Salinas Valley and includes San Antonio Lake and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.  The terrain contains gently rolling hills which form a basin or bowl shape.

The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean.  The region averages approximately 3,000 GDD on the Winkler Index indicating that it is the prime climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.  The cool marine air that is so common for Monterey County is mostly absent. The region tends to be hotter and drier during the growing season but cooler during the spring and autumn.

Soil composition is also unique in San Antonio Valley.  Nearby Hames Valley is primarily composed of soils from the Lockwood series that are alluvial fans and terraces of siliceous shale.  San Antonio Valley has a more varied soil profile with 40 different types being represented.  The soil is primarily gravelly loam and clay that are mostly alluvial but with more gravel, sand and clays in the mix.

The region is known for its production of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals but is becoming home to Spanish and Portuguese grapes as well.  You can find Albarino, Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Dolcetto,  Grenache,  Malbec,  Marsanne,  Merlot,  Mourvedre,  Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Primativo, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel being produced in San Antonio Valley.

Ramona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Ramona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated across 89,000 acres, Ramona Valley is centered around the city of Ramona, located 28 miles north of the city of San Diego. The region's soils consist of clay and granite and are very well draining. Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley. The area is a broad valley that is ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1400 feet and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches. Ramona Valley is known for its production of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

Mount Veeder - Wine Region of the Day

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Mount Veeder received its designation as an AVA in 1993 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 15,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains, the steep mountain face gives the vines the benefits of more direct sunlight and better drainage. Mount Veeder has high elevation and volcanic soil that imparts the region's distinctive flavor characteristics of eucalyptus, herbs, and florals. Given its proximity to the Los Carneros region, Mount Veeder benefits from the cool fog and ocean breezes off the San Pablo Bay. The cool and moderate climate on Mount Veeder extends the growing season and produced fruit that is well rounded and balanced in its acidity. The region is known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Calistoga - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

2012 Coruce Syrah - Wine of the Day

2012 Coruce Syrah

$23.95

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This wine is comprised of 93% Syrah and 4% Petite Sirah and 3% Viognier.  The fruit was hand harvested and table sorted and then cold soaked on the skins for 48 hours and then co-fermented for 16 days and pressed off the skinsand racked off the solids into 3 and 4 year old French oak barrels and aged for 18 months.  Left on the lees and stirred monthly.

This wine has flavors and aromas of dark cherries, plum, lavender, blueberries followed by a toasty bacon finish.  Medium tannins 

2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red - Wine of the Day

 2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red

$26

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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.

2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red - Wine of the Day

2012 Oak Cliff Cellars Zipline Red

$26

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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.

2012 Oak Cliff Amber View Petite Sirah - Wine of the Day

2012 Oak Cliff Amber View Petite Sirah

$38

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A new release of the Petite Sirah varietal - this one from Northern Lake County. Deep purple in color with big nose of lavender, bacon and chocolate, this blockbuster offers a mouthful of boysenberries, blueberries and blackberries.  Stands up well to pork, game or beef, but soft enough to pair with chocolate or mixed berries.  This is a beautiful wine with lamb, wild boar, venison or virtually any savory game, Moroccan lamb tagine, chicken mole', strong cheese like stilton or camembert and even dark chocolates. 

Sloughhouse - Wine Region of the Day

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Sloughhouse received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 78,800 acres, Sloughhouse is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento County. The construction of levees in the Sacramento Delta led to a lowering of the water table and drying out the shallower tributaries of the Cosumnes and Deer Rivers. The rivers left behind alluvial deposits and river stones, which make up the soil and terrain of Sloughhouse. This shallow soil does not let the roots of the vines penetrate too deeply, and, as a result, the vines struggle for access to water and produce a robust fruit that is not watered down. The climate is hot with the vines receiving tremendous amounts of direct sunlight. With an elevation above 500 feet above sea level, Sloughhouse does not receive the same cooling morning fog prevalent through much of Lodi. The combination of the terrain and the climate produce deep flavors within the fruit and give the region its characteristic spicy flavors. The region is best known for its Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah production.

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Howell Mountain - Wine of the Day

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Howell Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Howell Mountain is located on 14,000 acres in the Vaca Range on the northeast side of Napa Valley. Most vineyards on the Howell Mountain are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,200 feet placing them above the fog and cool winds from San Pablo Bay. The soil in the appellation is volcanic with good drainage, causing the vines to struggle and place all of their efforts into the fruit. The region is known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

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.

Suisun Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Suisun Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982 and is located on 15,000 acres in Solano County, California. Suisun Valley features a range in elevations from 200 feet on the floor of the valley to over 2,000 feet up on Oak Hill. The region features varying soils depending on the location. In the valley, the soil is sandstone, deep and well draining. In the foothills, the soils are more volcanic in nature. The Suisun Valley receives daily sunshine but due to its proximity to Suisun Bay, it has foggy and cool nights with coastal breezes flowing through the valley during the day. The variety of soils, temperatures and growing elevations gives Suisun Valley great versatility in its varietals with more than twenty varieties of wine grapes being produced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier, Riesling, and Zinfandel.

Rockpile - Wine Region of the Day

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The Rockpile AVA is located on 15,400 acres in Sonoma County, California. The AVA was established in 2002 and is located northwest of the town of Healdsburg. The name originates from a local mountain top named Rockpile Peak. The mountain has a steep elevation of over 800 feet above sea level. The steep slope of the Rockpile area is an average of 18 inches deep with small rocks and gravel mixed in the soil, which allows for excellent drainage. All of the elements of the soil combine to cause the vines to struggle mightily to produce, giving vines from Rockpile low yields and intense fruit flavors. The high elevation of the region means that the vines are above the fog line that creeps in from the Pacific Ocean and makes for a very moderate climate. The area is most well known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel.

Rockpile Ranch was founded in 1867 by Tennessee Carter Bishop who started as a sheep farm but later planted the first wine grapes in the area in 1872.  He was joined in the endeavor by S.P. Hallengren whose descendants continue to produce wine grapes in the appellation.