Pull That Cork

The 2005 Sterling Three Palms Merlot had a dark ruby color. The nose was rather restrained with dark fruit, smoke. There was light vanilla, dark fruit and smoky complex flavors. Medium tannins, more than you would expect for a Merlot. Good acid and a medium length finish.

Diageo Founders Club Black Tie Gala

February 8, 2011 by Nancy (CSW) 4 comments

Years ago we purchased Chalone Wine Group stock so that we could participate in their annual summer picnics. They were a fun affair in the vineyards of Chalone outside Soledad near the Pinnacles. A large tent was pitched, wines from all of the Chalone Wine Group were available to taste and an excellent lunch was served. They were always themed […]

Sparkling Wines on the Cheap

February 6, 2011 by Peter 4 comments

Inexpensive sparkling wines was the theme for our weekly tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton. The wines could be from anywhere in the world with the most expensive being less than $25.00. We had a pretty good turnout with some visitors from as far away as Idaho. We thought these would all be non vintage but it turned out that […]

2008 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon

February 6, 2011 by Peter Comments are Disabled

The 2008 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon (Bodega Zapata) is made from grapes grown at high altitudes (3700 to 5000 feet) and has a medium garnet color. The nose is light with dark spicy fruit and cedar. The tannins are well integrated with nice acid and there are leather, tobacco, dark fruit flavors with a little vanilla. A beautiful complex wine with […]