Archive for the 'California' Category

2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay

In 2010, our Central Coast Chardonnay grapes enjoyed an extended period maturing on the vine, which produced fruit with impressively concentrated flavors. The natural roundness of our Chardonnay was enhanced by partial barrel and malolactic fermentation coupled with extended aging on the yeast lees, resulting in a luscious, complex wine. The blend is made up of 98% Chardonnay, 1% Muscat Canelli, 1% Malvasia Bianca.

From the Wine Maker – “The nose reveals lemon blossom, pineapple, and peach aromas with smoky oak nuances along with enticing vanilla spice and toasty brown sugar flavors. The creamy, mouthfilling palate creates a lush impression and is balanced by a rich, lingering finish.”

Enjoy this delicious wine with rich seafood, poultry and pork dishes, white-sauce pastas – like fettuccine Alfredo, or flavorful, soft ripening cheeses.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2010 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $11.99 a bottle, $64.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $115.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#48690

2007 Cakebread Cellars Zinfandel

The Red Hills appellation of Lake County is prime Zinfandel country, and there’s no better site for it than Snow’s Lake Vineyard, whose 2,000-foot-plus elevation make it a unique growing site in  Lake County.  We have three distinctive clones of Zinfandel planted at Snow’s Lake, including heritage selections from Mendocino and Amador counties and a Primitivo clone.  The vines are rooted in magnificent, red volcanic soils and enjoy a perfect southwestern exposure.  Warm sunny days and nights cooled by breezes from nearby Clear Lake provide ideal conditions for California’s heritage grape variety.

From the Wine Maker – “Our 2007 Red Hills Lake County Zinfandel is perhaps a bit more open at this stage of its development than our three previous vintages.  Its scented, almost floral nose of fresh strawberry, red cherry and blackberry fruit also boasts intriguing milk chocolate, wild herb and cracked pepper scents, creating a marvelously complex bouquet.  On the full-bodied, smoothly textured palate, the wine’s mouthfilling cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors mingle with pronounced briary spice, rich chocolate and toasty oak tones to create a delicious taste experience. While the forward fruit and supple tannins of this youthful Zinfandel make it delightful to drink now, especially with hearty, spicy fare, it will age well for another 3-5 years.”

This wine could be enjoyed when eating grilled meats or chicken. Also try with spicy dishes, and medium cheeses.

Rating:

This wine was given a 87 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2007 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $34.99 a bottle, $188.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $335.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#26940

2010 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc

Our 2010 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard wine. The fruit is sourced from our estate vineyard surrounding our winery in Calistoga. Although this is a continental climate with little maritime influence, the proximity to the Napa River creates a cool microclimate that is ideal for growing aromatic white varieties. The vineyard is planted to a mixture of Sauvignon Blanc clones from California and France. A dry-farmed field selection, planted in 1980, delivers great richness and depth to the blend. Our vineyard is sustainably farmed.

From the Wine Maker – “Our 2010 Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc has a light straw-yellow color and a dynamic nose of honeydew melon, citrus blossoms, white jonquil, guava, custard apple and pie crust. It has beautiful acid balance, great mouthfeel without heaviness and a long clean finish redolent of lime zest and mascarpone.”

Enjoy with a crab salad, smoked salmon,  or Oysters Au Gratin. Cheeses such as brie, swiss or gouda.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Enthusiast.

Availability:

2010 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $24.99 a bottle, on sale for $21.99 a bottle 09/12/2011 to 12/31/2012. SKU#23527

2007 St. Francis “Old Vines” Zinfandel

Zinfandel is sometimes referred to as California’s own grape variety. Prized by Italian immigrants arriving in California in the early 1900’s, it was a popular choice for making their families traditional rich hardy style dry red wine.

From the Wine Maker – “The grapes for our 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel program must meet certain criteria to be included in this classic California wine. The vines must be at least 50 years old; many are as old as hundred years old. Because of their age, these plots yield less than two tons per acre of exceptionally concentrated fruit. Many of these vineyards have Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet planted among the Zinfandel adding texture and color to what is called a “field blend”. This distinct “old world style” Zinfandel displays deep aromas of ripe black cherries and boysenberries laced with licorice, shadowed by spicy toasted oak notes that carry into a long luscious finish.”

Try this great Zin with roast, steak, beef ribs, brisket, Beef Wellington or beef jerky. Hard cheese like Parmigiano or Romano.

Rating:

This wine was given a 89 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2007 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $23.99 a bottle, $129.55 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $230.31 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#12022

2008 Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc

We sourced the grapes for our 2008 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc from throughout Napa Valley, especially several outstanding vineyards in the Oakville area and our estate vineyards in Rutherford. The superb fruit from these sites allows us to produce a full-bodied, crisp, complex Sauvignon Blanc of distinctive varietal character. In 2008, we enhanced the wine’s complexity by blending in 4% Sauvignon Musqué, an aromatic clone of Sauvignon Blanc, and 6% Sémillon, which enriched the mid-palate, softened the wine’s acidity and contributed a pleasing citrus tone.

From the Wine Maker – “Our 2008 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc displays a beautifully fragrant nose of ripe pomelo, Golden delicious apple, honeydew melon, lime and mineral, with little of the herbaceousness that sometimes characterizes the variety. On the fleshy, full-bodied palate, ripe melon, grapefruit, kiwi and lemon-lime flavors lead to a long, flavorful finish enlivened by bright mineral tones. “Golden” and “sun-kissed” are words that pop to mind when sipping this delicious Sauvignon Blanc, which makes both a wonderful aperitif and a delectable companion to simply prepared seafood, poultry and vegetarian entrees. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years.”

A perfect oyster wine, this Sauvignon Blanc is also delicious with many vegetarian dishes. Cheeses such as chevre and other fresh cheeses, Brie and other semi-soft cheeses, Swiss, Gouda and other mild, firm cheeses.

Rating:

This wine was given a 86 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2008 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $34.99 a bottle, $188.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $335.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#06728

2007 Three Saints Pinot Noir

The Dierberg Vineyard is situated atop a sandy loam mesa above the South Bank of the Santa Maria River. The ranch features a series gently rolling hills and soils that are uncharacteristic of the growing area. The higher loam content and slightly heavier texture of our soil tends to produce Pinot Noirs that are more powerful in structure and more savory in flavor-profile than is typical for the Santa Maria Valley.

From the Wine Maker – “Our most overtly fruity and exuberant Three Saints Pinot to date, the 2007 shows bright blackberry, crushed raspberry and subtle black tea notes. On the palate the wine is both vibrant and luxuriously rich, with decadent creamy blackberry flavors underpinned by satiny tannins and a blast of fresh acidity. Although our 2007 Three Saints Pinot will age well for up to three years, it would be a shame not to drink it now for its almost primal sense of gratification.”

A great complement to wild salmon. Also try with roasted duck, grilled lamb, mushrooms, and medium cheeses.

Rating:

This wine was given a 87 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2007 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $23.99 a bottle, $129.55 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $230.31 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#21393

2008 Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone

This Zinfandel is made up of 90% Zinfandel; 10% Petite Sirah. Once fermented, the wine is aged in American oak barrels for 12 months. The touch of Petite Sirah adds the additional color, structure, and tannin to this Zinfandel.

From the Wine Maker – “Our Mother Clone Zinfandel is full-bodied and intense with classic Dry Creek Valley, aromas of ripe raspberry and warm spice with jammy fruit flavors framed by subtle black pepper. This is a concentrated wine that offers a great balance of fruit, spice and tannin combined with a long, lingering finish. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.”

Zinfandel wine is happiest when paired with anything from the meat aisle. From barbecue pork ribs, leg of lamb or a big, hearty meal.

Rating:

This wine was given a 88 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2008 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $15.99 a bottle, $86.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $153.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#15149

2010 Seaglass Riesling

Every once in awhile, a casual stroll on the beach yields an unexpected treasure—an unbroken shell, an unusually shaped stone, a piece of sea glass. Occasionally, the same thing happens with wine.

From the Wine Maker – “Our Riesling grapes thrive in the cool climate of Monterey County. This crisp coastal air and low rainfall provide a longer growing season, perfect growing conditions for Riesling. SeaGlass Riesling is fermented in stainless steel tanks at cold temperatures to retain the grape’s natural flavors.”

This versatile wine is exquisite on its own or can be paired with spicy Asian-inspired dishes or a rich fruit dessert.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2010 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $11.99 a bottle, $64.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $115.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#24348

2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabertnet Sauvignon

Our 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of wine from several different vineyards, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. We blended the vineyard lots in early 2008 and transferred the wine to 50% new and 50% once-used American oak barrels for aging. Blending prior to barreling allows us to achieve a balance of the wine’s natural elements, such as fruit and tannin, before they are influenced by oak. The wine was then aged in barrel for approximately 25 months and another 15 months in bottle to harmonize its components before release.

From the Wine Maker – “Our 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a profound, fruit-driven wine from a great California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a purple edge and an inviting nose of ripe black plum, blackberry, baking spices and soy sauce. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, reminiscent of the flavors of a berry cobbler. It has a long, fruity finish with fine-grained tannins, and is a testament to exquisite ripeness at moderate alcohol. With proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2031.”

Great with wild game like squab, pigeon, quail, pheasant, venison (Deer) and buffalo or hard cheeses like Parmigiano or Romano and firm cheeses like Cheddar.

Rating:

This wine was given a 87 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2007 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $74.99 a bottle, on sale for $59.99 a bottle 09/12/2011 to 12/31/2012. SKU#26944

2009 Dreaming Tree Crush (Red Blend)

When Steve Reeder and Dave Matthews first met, they realized they had a few things in common, like a passion for making wine at least as strong as their passion for drinking it.

They set out into wine country, looking for a way to make quality wines accessible to everyone. Along the way, they found inspiration in the down-to-earth characters and unforgettable flavors that give the region its rare kind of charm.

From the Wine Maker – “For Crush, Dave and I hand-selected a special blend of our favorite varieties to create a red wine that pulls you in with notes of smoky berry and a pop of raspberry jam. Around the dinner table or out on the patio, it’s a wine you’re going to want to share with your favorite people. –Steve Reeder on his Dave Matthews wine collaboration.”

Grilled Rack Of Lamb With Salsa Verde

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • Two 7 to 8 bone racks of lamb, trimmed and Frenched (the butcher can do this)
  • ¼ cup fresh thyme, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salsa verde

Directions

  1. Preheat your grill so you have a hot flame.
  2. Combine thyme, pepper and salt.
  3. Drizzle olive oil onto the lamb and coast evenly with your hands.
  4. Coat the lamb with the herb mixture evenly.
  5. Oil the grill rack and lay the racks of lamb on it. Grill turning once or twice, until nicely browned on all sides. Be mindful that the fat on the lamb can drip and cause the flame to flare; if this happens, simply turn the lamb over or move it away from the hottest flames.
  6. Reduce the flame to low, cover the grill and cook the lamb in a cooler part of the grill until done. Lamb from the rack is best served medium-rare (130°F).
  7. Let the lamb rest for a few minutes. Cut into chops, or serve the half-racks as they are.
  8. Serve with salsa verde on the side.
  • 1 ½ shallots, minced
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ½ bunch fresh mint, stems removed
  • ½ bunch fresh parsley, stems removed
  • ¼ bunch fresh oregano, stems removed
  • ¼ cup capers (rinsed if packed in salt and chopped roughly)
  • 2 cups oil (1 cup canola, 1 cup extra virgin olive oil)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Salsa Verde Directions

Makes 2 cups – Also goes great with grilled beef, pork or chicken!

  1. Marinate shallots in vinegar for 30 minutes in a small bowl.
  2. Place herbs, oil mixture and salt in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Place in a bowl.
  3. Strain shallots and add to herb mixture.
  4. Add the chopped capers and stir to combine. Season to taste.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $19.99 a bottle, $107.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $191.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#26901

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Good 02/22/2012 - 03/06/2012

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