sample reviews

Heidi Barrett crafts a near classic Napa Cabernet

off the vine — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:45:08 +0000

2005 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, Ca
Made by winemaker Heidi Barrett (former winemaker at Screaming Eagle), this is the tenth release of her signature wine. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cab Franc. Aged 22 months in French oak of various ages. Small, under 500 case production.

Dark ripe fruits, including blackberry and cassis, earthy spices and rose petals. Structured, pure and somewhat firm at this young age, it shows interesting complexity with tobacco leaf, alderwood and cedar as it moves to a long and Bordeaux-like finish. An investment grade Cabernet from a good year, made by an iconic winemaker.

drink: best from 2010 to 2020
price: $150.00
online

Great Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast

off the vine — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:42:15 +0000

2006 Fort Ross Chardonnay - Sonoma Coast, Ca
From the Fort Ross Vineyard this exceptional Chardonnay shows off citrus, honey, apricot and rich melon fruits along with balancedacidity, oak andvanillaextract. Luscious texture and refinedlengthyfinish. 34% old Wente Clones and 66% of Hydefieldselection. French oak… 30% new. Another well structured wine from vineyards planted at 1200 to 1770 feet only a mile from the Pacific Ocean.

drink: 2008 to 2010
price: $32.00
online

2006 Broken Spur Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley

off the vine — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:39:11 +0000

From the Bounty Hunter team and winemaker Marco DiGiulio up in Napa, California comes this well made Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley. Sweet old vine fruit—think raspberry, boysenberry. Notes of chocolate and spice. Aged for 15 months in 30% new French oak. Only 150 cases produced.

drink: now thru 2009
price: $24.95

Bounty Hunter
975 First St. Napa, CA
(707) 252-5330