MORE TALES FROM ATOP THE BARREL

Our SWS/Crane rep Sheena (the Queen of the Jungle herself) came by yesterday with good friend and Fosters Wine rep Jim Diana to taste through a great lineup of wines:

Beringer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2006. Grade=Average. Maybe a bit too much bottle age but this oaked SB, though it demonstrated a good presence of citrus and tropical fruit, it fell a bit flat. Would like to try a newer vintage, though.

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Robert Young 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Stunningly made, this medium-bodied Chard shows off elegant notes of stone fruit, pineapple, mineral and oak. Sees no malolactic fermentation so it’s much brighter and crisper. Exceptional.

Etude Pinot Noir Carneros 2007. Grade=Outstanding+. Love the Pinot Noir from Etude; it’s absolutely incredible, with light touches of red berry and cherry, hints of cola and red tea, plus a dash of roasted nuts, white truffle

Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah Napa Valley 2006. Grade=Outstanding+. The definitive PS, this dark monster is brooding with blackberry and black raspberry jam, loads of spice, mocha and vanillin oak. Rich tannins possess incredible grip and the finish is quite decadent.

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Sonoma County 2006. Grade=Amazing. A beautiful red Bordeaux-themed wine with complexity, power and grace. Lots of black and blue fruit aromas and flavors, notes of cedar, spice box, chocolate and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied richness leads you through to a resounding finish.

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2005. Grade=Amazing. Phenomenal. This baby is dense, dark and sensuous, even in its youth. Lots of fragrant blackberry and black currant notes with hints of black fruits, coffee, black tea, chocolate, espresso bean, cedar, and smoky oak. Needs some time but still, this is really sexy.