Wine Spies: Today's Deal

Deerfield Ranch Winery 2004 Los Chamizal Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $58.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $34.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Sonoma County
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

bq.

Mission Codename: Secret Cavern

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Wine Spies’ Operative favorite, Deerfield Ranch Winery, and procure an exclusive Library Selection for our special Elite Operative Saturday.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Deerfield Ranch Winery

Wine Subject: 2004 Los Chamazal Cabernet Sauvignon – Sonoma Valley

Winemaker: Robert Rex

Backgrounder: Located in Kenwood, California, Deerfield Ranch Winery is a Wine Spies Operative favorite. The winery has proved elusive in recent times, but Agent Red was able to secure a limited allotment of today’s 2004 Los Chamazal Cabernet Sauvignon, a balanced delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, for our demanding Operatives.

Sonoma Valley’s first vines were planed way back in 1825 by Spanish missionaries. This unique micro-climate region receives less rain and is less influenced by the fog making this warmer AVA ideal for Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This wine is made from grapes from Peter Haywood’s Los Chamasal Vineyard. The vineyard is located in a small isolated valley near the town of Sonoma.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest rub red hues, through the darker core of the wine. Color is evenly concentrated, right out the the edge of the glass. Thin, widely-spaced tears run swiftly down the glass when swirled.

Smell – Softly spiced cherry candy rushes up to greet you. Then, ripe blackberry, black cherry, leather, truffle, toasted oak, bramble, subtle walnut and brown spice emerge as the wine opens.

Feel – Cool and lightweight at the tip of the tongue. The wine becomes grippy and more full-bodies as it settles onto the mid-palate. Smooth, medium tannins and a balanced acidity offer good structure while supporting the fruit.

Taste – Black cherry and blackberry give way to leather, dark cocoa, dried cranberry, dried mission fig, bramble, cracked leather, subtle tobacco and subtle anise.

Finish – Long and very flavorful, with extended fruit flavors that gradually yield to more subtle earthen flavors.

Conclusion – This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from our great friends at Deerfield Ranch Winery, delivers a classic, delicious, balanced experience. The wine is gorgeous, now, and while it is drinking beautifully, we’d recommend that you also stash a few bottles away for the next few years. Today, the wine shows off delicious fruit, a balanced mouthfeel and beautiful aromatics. Our tasting panel enjoyed our sample bottles with a pizza loaded with veggies, sausage and jalapenos. An unusual pairing, to be sure, but the wine was the perfect compliment. Enjoy this delicious wine on its own, or with your own complex pairing.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Sonoma Valley region can be seen in this satellite photo.

Dutch Bill Creek Winery 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $20.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $16.00
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: California: Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.2

QPR WINE ALERT:

Today’s wine is a truly exceptional value Chardonnay, showing off delicious Heitz Family fruit, the terroir of the Russian River Valley, and the skills of a talented winemaker. If you are a fan of classic Chardonnay, at a fantastic price, then today’s wine must not be missed.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Earliest Settler

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Return to Dutch Bill Creek & Heintz Ranch and secure an exlcusive allocation of their delicious Russian Rivery Valley Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Dutch Bill Creek Wines

Wine Subject: 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Winemaker: Kevin Kelley

Backgrounder: Today’s wine hails from Heintz Ranch Vineyards, under their original label, Dutch Bill Creek Wines. This label was created in recognition of one of the early settlers of the town of Occidental, CA, named William “Dutch Bill” Howard and the creek that was later named after him. Heintz continues the tradition of crafting fine wines under this label – crafted from Heitz family estate fruit.

The list of wineries that purchase grapes from Heintz Ranch Vineyards is as long as it is impressive. The list includes a Who’s Who of award-winning, ultra-premium wine producers. Littorai, Oren Swift, Williams-Selyem, Suacci-Carciere and many others prize Heintz grapes for their superior quality.

The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Chardonnay (as well as Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel) of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the RRV ideal for growing Burgundian varietals. This AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep golden yellow with orange hues that glisten through its brilliantly clear core. This wine pales slightly along the edges from yellow to nearly clear. When swirled slow thin legs hang for a moment before randomly descending.

Smell – Bright, fresh and redolent with aromas of stone and orchard fruit along with a touch of dried apricot, apple and tart Clementine orange. The fresh fruit is accompanied by sweet baking spice, orange blossoms, toasted biscuit and honey.

Feel – Smooth and creamy on entry, this full-bodied and dry white shows its minerality and acidity at mid palate with a touch of tanginess that lingers into the finish.

Taste – Ripe and rich fruit, as previewed on the nose leads the way and is followed by tangy and tart versions of the same and a touch of cinnamon apple as well. The fruit blends with a touch of creamy butter and toasted biscuit and oak. The sweet baking spice, stony minerality, honey and floral notes also make their appearance on the palate.

Finish – Medium long and clean with the notes of citrus, stony minerality and tart acidity lingering.

Conclusion – The 2007 Dutch Bill Creek Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay is delicious and classic California style Chardonnay that keeps the fruit, spice, toast and butter in balance all held together by lively acidity and minerality. This wine is drinking very well right now and pair with grilled whitefish dusted with herbs and dried mustard.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Kevin Kelley

WINE EDUCATION: UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for Heintz , Dutch Bill Creek, Salinia and The NPA.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Provide a clean safe environment for mother nature to work her magic.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: You can’t improve upon nature so don’t try.

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2003

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Kevin. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Dutch Bill Creek Chardonnay today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

KEVIN KELLEY: Always a pleasure to spend time with you and your Operatives, Agent Red!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

KEVIN: In High School I read a book called “Like Modern Edens” by Charles Sullivan that was about the beginning of grape growing and winemaking in California. I was so enthralled by it that I read another wine book and then another. I was hooked and the path was laid out in front of me. At the time I didn’t know that Charles Sullivan was the same Mr. Sullivan that was teaching English at my High School.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

KEVIN: I find a huge amount of inspiration from the generational passing down of the winemaking craft. I did not have that because I did not come from a winemaking family and we have very little of here in California. There are a few pockets in the world that have been making wine the same way for generations, parts of Slovenia and Croatia for instance. They have resisted the modern winemaking trends circling the globe and are very unique because of that. Some of these wines are so pure and honest that it is hard not to be inspired by them. RED: Who do you make wine for?

KEVIN: I most certainly make wine for the consumer with the hope of allowing them to experience a definitive time and place through the wine.

RED: Heintz Ranch grapes find their way into some of the most sought-after California wines. Can you name a few wineries that benefit from Heintz grapes?

KEVIN: True there is great company out there, Littorai, William Selyem, Dumol, Flowers and Salinia just to name a few.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

KEVIN: Today I am thrilled to be talking with you about the 2007 Dutch Bill Creek Chardonnay. I love this bottle of wine for so many reasons but I will just touch on a few key points. For us, wine is about a time and place, being Chardonnay growers in the Russian River Valley, 2007 seemed like everything was coming together in near perfect order. We had a small crop so grapes were packed with concentrated flavors. It was a very cool year, which Chardonnay thrives in, allowing slow maturation of the fruit. This gives time for layers of delicate aromatics to fully develop and ensures that the acidity levels remain high. Finally we are fortunate to be working with three amazing vineyards for this bottling. The Charles Heintz Vineyard is the estate property and home for Dutch Bill Creek, Searby Vineyard is a stones throw away from Heintz, farmed by Charlie Heintz and within 10 miles of the cold Pacific and finally Boriolo is planted in the heart of the Russian River Valley on the sandy soils the valley is so well known for. Each of these vineyards are over 25 years old and bring a complexity and refinement that you can only get from older vines. All of the grapes were hand picked and the wines hand made in our small cellar. They were fermented in both new but mostly neutral french oak barrels so you can taste the time and place not just oak. With a few years in bottle now this wine is exploding with flavors and aromatics that jump out of your glass! It is so approachable on opening that you are tempted to drain your glass. However if you enjoy this wine over and hour or two it will settle into an elegant refinement that will make it difficult to stop smelling your glass. With such a cool vintage, this is also a perfect candidate to lay down for many more years. Patience will be greatly rewarded with this wine for sure.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

KEVIN: Well, we are in Dungeness crab season here on the Sonoma Coast so I can’t resist going straight there. Rubbing an herb blend all over the shell and then a quick roast over a wood fire would be a brilliant pairing. The sweet crab with light touches of herb and smoke would blend beautifully with the chalk, citrus, and jasmine in this wine.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Russian River Valley such a special place for Chardonnay?

KEVIN: It’s the Pacific Ocean that makes the region so special. The soil is mostly ancient seabed lifted out of the pacific by the San Andreas fault. And of course all of our weather systems come off the ocean, including the fog that washes over us daily.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

KEVIN: The vineyards actually as we are just starting to get into flowering which will not only dictate the crop for this year but influence next years as well.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

KEVIN: Approach them with patience, these wines are meant to improve with age. When drinking them young, start the bottle cool, cold even and pour yourself a glass as you cook. Slowly let it warm up in your glass over time. Taking your time to enjoy the evening while watching the wine evolve in glass will reward you on many different levels.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

KEVIN: Take your time, slow down and enjoy the moment. Those evenings spent with family, friends, food and wine are what memories are made of.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Heintz Ranch vineyard can be seen in this satellite photo

Maloy O'Neill Vineyards 2007 Fremere Bordeaux Style Blend

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $38.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $28.00
Varietal: Red Blend
Region: California: Paso Robles
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

We always feature wines that we personally taste – and love. When a wine really shines, and rises above, we issue a special alert, like this one, to let you know that a wine is really special. Today’s wine is the best red blend that we’ve tasted, so far, this year!

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Triple Double

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Maloy O’Neill Vineyards in Paso Robles, uncover their best red blend, secure an amply supply for our blend-thirsty Operatives around the U.S.A.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Maloy O’Neill Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2007 Fremère

Winemakers: Shannon O’Neill

Backgrounder: Paso Robles has long been established as a wine producing region that give other California regions a run for their money. With a climate and soils that make for perfect growing conditions for grapes, it is no wonder. Winemakers in Paso are a somewhat unique breed, often declaring themselves to be the renegades of Cali wine. A meeting with Shannon O’Neill, winemaker and owner of Maloy O’Neill affirms this sentiment. A warm, excited and deeply passionate man, Shannon makes wines that reflect his personality. Join Agent Red as he visits Shannon and tastes his incredible 2007 Fremère, a delectable blend of 45% Petit Verdot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc – and returns with a cache of the wine for our eager Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous dark ruby hues, with perfectly even coloration from core to edge. After spinning the wine, tall legs form high up on the glass wall, before streaking swiftly downward.

Smell – Lush and deeply aromatic, with a rush of blackberry, Bing cherry and raspberry that leaps from the glass. Underneath, violets, leather, cedar, soft spice and berry bramble round out the nose.

Feel – Medium-bodied, plush and gently grippy on entry. Then, as the wine passes across the mid-palate it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet quality. A soft dryness spreads from mid-palate, outward, eventually drying the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bursting with flavor, this juicy wine leads with blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry and raspberry. These are balanced against secondary flavors of cedar, dark chocolate, black licorice, black pepper and dried black flower petals.

Finish – Ultra-long and very flavorful with dark berry fruit that seems to go on forever. As the fruit flavors taper off, a distinct and delicious anise flavor appears. As that fades, black pepper punctuates the ending.

Conclusion – Shannon O’Neill does it again! What a fantastic and delicious wine this is. We went bonkers for the 2004 Fremère, but this 2007 is so much better. Bursting with dark berry flavors, this wine shows great complexity and great balance. The aromatics had us inhaling the wine, long before our first flavor-filled sips. When our glasses were empty, we were sad. It was a good thing that we had a second bottle on hand! If you love big, extracted, concentrated wines – ones that also show balanced good behavior – then this wine will surely win you over.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Maloy O’Neil vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

Schug Carneros Estate 2007 Sonoma Valley Merlot

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $28.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $19.50
Varietal: Merlot
Region: California: Sonoma Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.0

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Founding Squared

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Respond to operative requests and return to Schug Carneros Estate and retrieve thier latest Sonoma Coast Merlot

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Schug Carneros Estate

Wine Subject: 2007 Sonoma Valley Merlot

Winemaker: Michael Cox

Backgrounder:

Walter Schug is, arguably, one of the founding fathers of California wine. When Walter came to the United States to make wines, he co-created, with Joseph Phelps, legendary California wines. Insignia was born, vaulting California – and Walter Schug – into the wine-making spotlight.

To true wine lovers, Merlot is one of the finest wine varietals in the world. Today, Merlot continues to sell in record numbers across the US, outpacing most other varietals. Merlot is a sincere, food-fabulous wine for serious wine drinkers. Today’s wine raises the bar for Sonoma Merlot, by delivering a delicious, complex, fruit-forward wine with plenty of complexity

The Sonoma Valley AVA is one of the oldest wine growing regions in California with the first vines being planted in the early 1800s. The AVA is located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacama mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Zinfandel.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Robustly ruby red in color with a deep but clear heart. The color remains consistent and dense nearly to the very edge and when swirled, clusters of widely and randomly spaced fat legs slowly creep down the side of the glass.

Smell – Ripe and tart red fruit leads the way with red and Bing cherry melding with spice and toasted oak, green herbal and earthy notes and a touch of anise. Other aromas of dark bittersweet chocolate and a hint of undergrowth adding complexity.

Feel – Finely textured and smooth tannins lead the way and warms the palate on this dry and full-bodied red. A healthy dose of acidity and textured minerality adds to the the structure of this wine.

Taste – Tart, ripe and slightly pulpy red and Bing cherry and spice glide over the palate with toasted oak following suit. The other aromas as found on the nose make their appearance on the palate especially the peppery spice, green herbs, and bittersweet chocolate.

Finish – Medium long in length with the tart spiced fruit fading first followed by the other flavors, and leaving behind hints of the textured minerality, acidity and tannins that linger and invite another sip.

Conclusion – This 2007 Schug Sonoma Valley Merlot is a very nice wine that shows that Merlot can be well structured when made with exceptional fruit and expert wine-making. Classic varietal character on the nose and palate with complex spice, toasted oak and green herbal notes adding depth. Enjoy this wine tonight with grilled steak tips, a winter stew or even roasted chicken, giving it time to open up or cellar for three to five years.

Mission Report:

Winemaker, Michael Cox, was too busy in the vineyards to spend time with us for an interview, this time round. What follows is our previous interview with Michael,in which he refers to a different wine than the fantastic wine we are showing, today.

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Cox

WINE EDUCATION: Started working in Sonoma wineries out of high school. Graduated form UC Davis in 1991

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for Schug Winery since 1995

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY:
Don’t get to fancy, let the vines and the yeast do their stuff. Just don’t mess up what mother nature intended.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: From Tao Te Ching: “The hard and stiff will be broken, the soft and supple will prevail.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1993 Napa Valley Chardonnay from DeMoor (Napa Cellars)

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Mike. We are thrilled to be showing your fantastic wine today. Thanks so much for the wine, and for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL: Thanks Red, we are so happy that you continue to love our wines. We always enjoy your detailed reviews – and these sit-downs!

RED: The pleasure is all ours, I assure you. How long have you been making wine?

MICHAEL: My first job in a wine cellar was when I was 19. I got a summer job working at Hacienda Wine Cellars (pre Bronco – then family owned by the Cooleys).

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MICHAEL: Not sure if it is specific, but that summer of 1987, working on the bottling line, cleaning barrels, driving all over Sonoma County sampling vineyards, long wide ranging conversations on music and farming with the winemaker, Eric Laumann all combined to sell me on the idea that growing and making wine would afford me the ability to continue to live in Sonoma Valley.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MICHAEL: Hmmmm. Tough one. I spent my formative years from 1987 -1991 at Hacienda, a year at Dry Creek Vineyards, got my first‘Winemaker’ job at Napa Cellars/DeMoor, and have spent coming on 14 years here at Schug with Walter. I’d probably have to say my time at Napa Cellars. I was 25 and they gave me the keys and said ‘drive’. I learned to get things done, not to waste time or money, and how to pull together a wine from vineyard to bottle. For all the talk of art, it is also a big logistics game.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MICHAEL: I’ll happily steal from Robert Mondavi here: ‘The first glass of wine should invite the second.’ I don’t like flabby, heavy, ponderous wines. I want brightness and zip. Elegance is foremost.

RED: Walter Schug is a legend in the wine business. How has he influenced you?

MICHAEL: Walter has been, and continues to be a mentor. I am very fortunate that Walter saw in me someone with the kernel of his own winemaking style that he could nurture and develop. He is a font of knowledge that I can tap into at any time. With just about any situation he’s seen it in his own experience here, at Gallo, or as consultant, at least twice.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MICHAEL: We already talked about Walter being a mentor, but Eric Laumann, who gave me my first job was also very important. He certainly instilled a confidence in myself and the wines that make. He also is a reminder to not
take yourself too seriously, just the wine.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: Myself foremost. Plan D is always to just drink it all ourselves, so it better be good.

RED: Whoa… Umm, YUM! Tell me, what makes the Carneros region so special?

MICHAEL: It is a small region, so within our borders there is a lot of consistency. Appellations like Sonoma Coast and Russian River just don’t have the same climate conditions throughout the appellation. We have two main dominating features: the wind and the water. Wind is where the cool ocean air forces it’s way though the Petaluma Gap into the bay and interior valley. It cools us in summer and brings the fog. The water is the San Pablo Bay and the wetlands that surround it. In winter, it buys us a few extra degrees and gets the vines going early. Between the wind and the water, the growing season in Carneros can be up to two weeks longer than our neighbors. At the same time, we don’t have to push the growing season into late September/early October, so rain is not normally an issue. On top of that Carneros is pretty dry as far as Northern California goes, though this year it has been downright silly. 1” of rain in June? The record in the past 20 years was less than a quarter of an inch…

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

MICHAEL: Trust yourself and your palette. Don’t chase a style or someone else’s opinion. Be ready to work and get down and dirty. Don’t expect a lot other than the reward of the wine itself.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MICHAEL: Thinking about the 2011 vintage, planning meetings for the vineyard, evaluating barrels, tasting the 2010’s, planning bottlings, catching up on paperwork, walking the vineyard to keep an eye on the current crop, getting ready for a wine club event….

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

MICHAEL: Considering how much I enjoyed NASCAR, I may well be a closet redneck.

RED: Nice. What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MICHAEL: Well until recently it had been Laurenz V.’s Gruener Veltliner, either the Singing or the Charming, but I have been drinking a lot of our dry Rose of Pinot Noir of late.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

MICHAEL: Well wine is for sharing with friends so have some people you like around and start opening bottles. Schug wines always get better of the course of a meal as the layers start to unveil themselves. Don’t rush into it. Relax and enjoy.

RED: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

MICHAEL: The Holy Trinity from E. Guigal – La Turque, La Mouline, La Landonne. Odd for a Pinot maker, but I could drink those all night.

RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

MICHAEL: Hmmmm. How about: ‘If you couldn’t make wine, what would you do?’ And to be honest, I am not sure of the answer… I always say that my retirement plan is to move to Hawaii (Kauai – westside) and make rum, but that’s a bit close to winemaking… So perhaps a historian and author. 18th and 19th century European to be a bit more precise.

RED: Very cool. Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

MICHAEL: No problem. Thanks again for having me. I hope I covered what you wanted to know. Glad you like the wine, I hope your Operatives do, too.

And here is a recap of Agent Red’s original interview with Walter Schug:

I had the incredible great fortune to meet with one of the wine industry’s most respected and renowned wine craftsmen in California wine history.

Walter Schug, owner and winemaster at Schug Carneros Estate, was born into wine in Germany in 1936, where his father was winemaker for one of Germany’s top Pinot Noir Producers.

As a young man, Walter worked throughout Europe, honing his craft. In 1966 Julio Gallo asked Walter to oversee all grapegrowing and quality control for the company. Seven years later, after Walter’s reputation had grown, Joseph Phelps asked Walter to become Phelps’ winemaker at his new Napa Valley winery.

Walter helped to create the Insignia label and some of the finest and most sought after Bordeaux-style blends in the country. Walter crafted wines that set the high water mark for excellence in winemaking.

To this day, Walter Schug’s early influence on the industry lives on, with wineries across California and around the world emulating his winemaking style.

With Phelps, Walter Schug’s goal was to make the best Bordeaux-style blend possible. Today, Walter Schug’s philosophy remains largely unchanged. There is one big difference, however; Where a bottle of Insignia may cost you $200 or more, a Schug wine of comparable quality with cost you less than $60.

On arriving at the Schug winery last week, I am greeted by Axel Schug, Director of Marketing for the winery and the son of Walter Schug. Axel, with whom I had met previously, introduces me to his father, and then escorts me through the bowels of the winery, to a tasting room buried in a wine cave. The long table the stretches down the tunnel is surrounded on both sides by seemingly every vintage from Schug’s history.

As I am escorted to my seat, I notice several magnums of Insignia wine and I spot one bottle in a special wooden display. Walter Schug sees me looking at it and he takes it from the display and shows it to me. The bottle is from Joseph Phelps himself, and a touching tribute to Walter Schug, from Phelps, is engraved on the back.

What follows is a partial transcript of our conversation:

AGENT RED: Mr. Schug, thank you so much for making yourself available today. It is an honor to meet you!

WALTER SCHUG: Welcome, Agent Red.

AGENT RED: Let me first say that your wines blow me away. The winery is beautiful as well. I love Carneros and wines from the region. You are really a pioneer of the region. When it came time to build your own winery, how did you come to settle here?

WALTER SCHUG: When I was with Gallo, I sourced fruit from Carneros. I recognized the region as having great potential for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Given my passion for Pinot, settling in Carneros was a natural.

AGENT RED: And, when you did settle, you produced a fair amount of Chardonnay, did you not?

WALTER SCHUG: Yes, and it was excellent, too. It still is. Back then, Chardonnay subsidized my passion for Pinot Noir! It allowed me to perfect Pinot here.

AGENT RED: This Cabernet Sauvignon we are drinking [today’s 2003 Heritage CS] is incredible. How has your philosophy changed from your Insignia days?

WALTER SCHUG: Very little. The goal now, as it was with Phelps back then, is to create the very best wine that we possibly can. And, to do so without recipe or formula.

AGENT RED: Ahh. Whereas I have heard that Insignia is more formulaic in its approach to winemaking today. Instead, your proportions or even fruit sources may change a good deal – if it means making wines that are that much better. Am I correct?

WALTER SCHUG: Yes, this is true. This Cabernet is streamlined and far more European in character. This is a wine that has elegance, delicacy, finesse – this is what I strive for in all of my wines!

AGENT RED: Again, this is a great wine and I am sure that our Operatives will love it. I also look forward to bringing them your Pinot Noir, during a future mission.

WALTER SCHUG: If they appreciate wines that are made for the best enjoyment, they will love this wine. In the end this wine is not made by going to the vineyard and knowing what you are going to get. Rather, it is the result of meticulous blending of wines made from the best fruit. Again, it is my mission to create wines that are the best expressions of place. It is my mission to make wines that are to be enjoyed.

AGENT RED: Mission accomplished, Mr. Schug, Mission accomplished!

WALTER SCHUG: Thank you, Agent Red.

We talked a great deal about Walter Schug’s history and his influence and impact on the wine industry. While I was certainly impressed by his incredible history, I must say that what impressed me the most – what seemed to matter to me the most – was what the Schug Carneros Estate winery was doing today. Today, Schug is crafting remarkably beautiful wines that are a true delight to drink and enjoy!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Schug Carneros Estate can be seen in this satellite photo.

Ravenswood Winery 2008 Barricia Zinfandel

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $35.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $25.00
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: California: Sonoma County
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

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Mission Codename: The Low-Yielder

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Ravenswood Winery to procure another flagship Zinfandel, from one of our favorite Zin producers in Sonoma County.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Ravenswood Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 Barricia Zinfandel

Winemaker: Joel Peterson

Backgrounder: We are very pleased to return to Ravenswood Winery, where Agent Red was able to secure an allocation of the winery’s extraordinary single vineyard Zinfandel Barricia Zinfandel, a fantastic wine that is a rare treat for lover’s of exceptional Zinfandel.

Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Sonoma Valley Old Vine Zinfandels, which are characterized by their refinement and balance, are very popular with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet, with a darker and slightly opaque heart. At the edges of the wine, burgundy hues catch the light. After spinning the wine, tight clusters of skinny legs descend slowly, from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – Alluring and dark, with plenty of blackberry, black cherry and spice beckoning you to take your first sip. Inhale more deeply, though, and find additional aromas of bramble, dark chocolate, truffle and soft earthy oak.

Feel – Plush and soft on entry. Then, quite gradually, the wine gains weight and dimension on the mid-palate. As the wine takes shape, a soft dryness spreads very slowly outward, to the edges of the palate, eventually leading to a very soft dryness.

Taste – Ripe blackberry, spiced cherry, warm brown spice and bramble lead the way. As the wine opens, it reveals dark raspberry, dried cranberry, dried leather, espresso bean and soft oak.

Finish – Long, jammy and very flavorful, with long-sustaining fruit that starts sweet and transitions to slightly earthy, dry and mineral-laden.

Conclusion – This is another in a succession of fantastic single vineyard Zinfandels that Joel Peterson is famous for! Big flavors, a lush and mouth-filling feel with big fruit on the nose and on the palate, this wine delivers a very well-rounded sensory experience. The Barricia Vineyard shows of its consistent quality and unique character, improving with each successive vintage. This wine is an easy choice for anyone that loves really excellent Zinfandel. Pair with a grilled steak, rubbed with salt, pepper, garlic and olive oil for the ultimate experience.

Mission Report:

Joel Peterson, winemaker for Ravenswood, was too busy to sit down with us today (we think he’s on a covert mission at the moment), but here is a retransmission of our original interview with Joel when we reviewed his Chauvet Zinfandel.

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: JOEL PETERSON

DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 1947

PLACE OF BIRTH: Born in Oakland, California. Fifth generation Californian.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: ZINFANDEL

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Style, history, quality, character – California wine has it all.”

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Joel. We are thrilled to be showing your very exclusive Chauvet Zinfandel today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JOEL: Happy to answer questions, particularly when they are about my favorite subject, wine. I am also thrilled that you are showing my wine today. Direct experience is one of the best ways that we have of developing fans for Ravenswood wines.

RED: I’m sure that our Operatives will respond well to today’s offer. Your Chauvet Zinfandel is excellent! Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JOEL: My father taught me to taste when I was fairly young. Many young men play baseball or hunt with their fathers (we did those things as well), but what was unusual was that I learned to taste wine and as a result got an olfactory training that is fairly rare. The single wine that change my vision of wine was a 1957 Chateau Fortia. I was about 20 years old and had developed incredibly interesting and complex perfume and flavors making is one of the most memorable wines that I had tasted up to that date.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

JOEL: I spent the years from 1973 until 1977 with Joseph Swan learning the nuts and bolts of winemaking. Joe was good friends with Andre Tchelistcheff and used him as a consultant, so I was able to learn in a very hands on way from the best in the business.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

JOEL: Wines should reflect the flavors of the places that they were grown. Wine should taste like fruit, not oak. Wine should be balanced, rich and complex and interesting. The best wines are the ones that develop well with age. To that end we attempt to let each vineyard express it’s optimal character by using winemaking techniques and careful attention to detail that dwells on each vineyards particular strengths. Our mantra is “no wimpy wines”, meaning that we want each wine we have to exhibit strength of character, not merely power.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JOEL: There are a whole series of wines that have influenced my winemaking style. Most of them have been European form places like Bordeaux, the Rhone and northern Italy. These memorable wines have a certain balance of fruit, density, acid and tannin that I find desirable in a wine.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

JOEL: 35 years

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JOEL: I make the wine that best expresses the vineyard, the vintage is balanced and tastes good. As a result ,it is fair to say that, Ravenswood makes wine for me, wine reviewers and wine lovers everywhere.

RED: Tell me, what makes the Sonoma Valley so special?

JOEL: The Sonoma Valley is, from a historical perspective, one of the first important grape growing regions in California. It was chosen because it has all the elements that create excellent wines. The soils, for the most part, are volcanic. In the case of Old Hill, they are called Tuscan Red Hill soils. These soils are ideal for dry farming vineyards. The other primary characteristic is that it has a maritime influence which creates a significant diurnal variation; that is warm days and cool nights. This allows for longer maturation resulting in more intense and fresher fruit flavors in the wine.

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

JOEL: Learn your craft well, be patient and love what you do. It is not “just a job”.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

JOEL: The usual things, but I spend a lot of time these day sharing the joy of wine and the special aspects Ravenswood with as many people as I can.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

JOEL: The 2006 Ravenswood Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel is a wonderful wine. It received 95 points from Wine and Spirits Magazine and was their highest rated Zinfandel of the year. The vineyard is one of California’s most historic and interesting vineyard plantings. It is located in Sonoma Valley and was originally planted in 1861 by William McPhearson Hill. The vines that go into the wine that we are featuring were planted in 1889. This is a unique vineyard because it is a mixed field blend planting from the old school of California viticulture. As planted, it includes zinfandel which is about 51% of the field blend, and as many as 14 other grape varieties. Many of these varieties are Rhone varieties like Syrah and Grenache and Mourvedre. This contributes a rather interesting Rhone-like character to the wine, which is rich, complex and age worthy as one might expect of a vineyard with this kind of low production and vine age. The vineyard is certified organic and is farmed with great attention and care. The winemaking is very simple, designed to bring out the best flavors of the grapes. Open top fermenters, punched down by hand, native yeast fermentations and approximately 30% new French oak contribute to the complexity, harmony, and nuance found in this wine.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

JOEL: This wine would work well with anything that had its origins in the Mediterranean or Northern Italy. One of my favorite pairings with this wine is osso bucco or, alternately, a lamb daube.

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

JOEL: I delivered my son, Morgan, at home.

RED: Both of my mini-agents were, as well! Tell me, what is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

JOEL: Sherman and Hookers Shebang. A one liter jug wine from California. Beyond that, I taste so much, my answer should be whatever wine is in front of me.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

JOEL: With a sense of exploration, joy and with food and company.

RED: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

JOEL: I would never make such a choice. Wine is about diversity and complexity. One wine would be boring. This is not a monotheistic endeavor.

RED: Excellent answer! What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

JOEL: Do you have the best, most interesting, most diverse, most challenging, most satisfying job in the universe? YES

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

JOEL: Every winery needs fans. Without them there is only a singular void. So, thank you to you and all those who make wine part of their daily experience.

VC Cellars 2005 Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $25.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $19.99
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Region: California: Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 15.5

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: The Inaugural

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Agent White revisits VC Cellars in response to reports that winemaker, Miro Tcholakov, is covertly making wine for wineries other than Miro Cellars and Trentadue Winery.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: VC Cellars

Wine Subject: 2005 Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah

Winemaker: Miro Tcholakov

Backgrounder:

The Dry Creek Valley across the Russian River from Alexander Valley has a generally cooler and wetter climate which makes the growing season longer and more flexible than neighboring appellations. This is an area well known for producing delicious Petite Sirah as well as other bold red grapes.

Petite Sirah’s California roots dates back to when it was believed to be a close relative of the Syrah grape. Later it would be found to be genetically identical to the Durif, named for its after French discoverer François Durif who found that the varietal was a Syrah grape pollinated with Peloursin flowers. Its smaller berries with higher skin to pulp ratio leads to more intense flavors. Another benefit of the smaller berries are tighter clusters that are more resistant to mildew. Currently Petite Sirah is less popular in France and increasingly popular in the United States.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark and dense purple and nearly black when viewed from the side. When viewed from the top, the color remains dark but clear, with garnet and ruby tints. Along the edges, the garnet hues really shine though and when swirled thin legs of varying speeds ring the glass evenly.

Smell – Ripe and rich blackberry, plum and black cherry along with black, blue and red fruit lead the way with black pepper and other brown spices following suit. Just underneath the fruit are notes of toasted and smoky wood and dark earth.

Feel – Velvet smooth and warm on the palate, this full-bodied dry wine has finely grained and well developed sturdy tannins. Its textured minerality and balanced acidity makes this wine not only well structured but also grasps the fruit long into the finish.

Taste – Ripe and tangy blackberry, black cherry, dark plum on the palate, initially fruit forward but quickly balanced by its other complex flavors including black pepper, toasted oak, other hot and brown spice, dark earthy minerals and bittersweet chocolate.

Finish – This wine’s finish is lasting and persistent with the rich fruit lasting long as the smooth but textured tannins and minerals dry the tongue. Notes of pepper and spice also linger and beg for another sip.

Conclusion – There is a reason that Miro Tcholakov is one of our operative’s favorite winemakers, and the 2005 VC Cellars Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah shows all the care and quality he crafts into every bottle. Ripe and fresh on the nose with great fruit, spice and other flavors. A generous, smooth but sturdy mouth-feel and great fruit and complexity on the palate. A delicious wine that you can enjoy now or cellar for up to ten years. Pair this wine with grilled game meat, hearty winter stews or with a close friends in front of a warm fire.

Mission Report:

Please enjoy Agent Red’s interview with Agent KGB (VC Cellars’ winemaker, Miro Tcholakov), below.

MIRO INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Miro Tcholakov

DATE OF BIRTH: February 4, 1966

PLACE OF BIRTH: Trojan, Bulgaria

WINE EDUCATION: Higher Institute of Agriculture, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, UC Davis, SRJC

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Dry Creek Vineyards-1990-1999 as Assistant Winemaker/Cellar Master, Trentadue Winery-1999-present-Winemaker/VP of Production, Miro Cellars-2001-present. Also consulted and continue to consult for a few other small projects domestically and abroad. Currently serving on the Board of Directors for ZAP and “PS I Love you” organizations

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “Freedom of Expression”- meaning for Miro wines I source only vineyards that are interesting to me in regard of geology, soil types, location, grape growing styles, grape grower…etc. Not being confined to an “Estate” vineyard gives me the freedom of choice. If the vineyard does not deliver I move on. Great wines can be made without blue blooded heritage and a Chateau in the foreground.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: So far I made my mark with Petite Sirah for the Miro brand, with my other jobs I have done very well with other varieties and blends. In general I’m very fond of perhaps the only two varieties that California has claim to fame as truly “heritage” –Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. But, I am so pleased with my inaugural Pinot Noir! It turned out beautifully.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Well I’m not sure what do you consider Highlight but if you mean wine scores I have a few 90 points and above from Wine Enthusiast, Parker, Wine Spectator, Connoisseur Guide, California Grapevine, top picks in New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of Gold medals and Best of Class and a few Sweepstakes from wine competitions that matter.

I have met and tasted my wines one on one with Michelle Rolland (without paying for it) if that is considered an event but I found that to be very interesting. I have been on the pages of few wine publications. Once Dan Burger put me on the top 20 winemakers in the country…

There is probably more that I don’t remember…

MIRO QUOTE: Just drink it-it is only wine!

AGENT RED: Greetings, Miro. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 VC Cellars Zinfandel today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MIRO TCHOLAKOV: Always a pleasure!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MIRO: I don’t think that there was any specific event-wine has always been part of our life back in Bulgaria. We made every year about 1000 liters and manage to drink most of it before the next harvest. Wine has always been part of the life circle, just like making cheese or jam or tomato sauces. We also made grappa every year. My grandfather Mariano was the initial inspiration and the first hand source of winemaking knowledge.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MIRO: The real winemaking I learned during my first years at Dry Creek. I’m not done with the learning by any means yet. Back in Bulgaria we made the wine in the most pure way possible. We rarely used even sulfur! No additives and none of the modern gadgets-just grapes and barrels.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MIRO: Don’t play with the wine just because you know how. Only intervene when you absolutely have to and you are sure of the outcome. Always pay attention to the details all the time. Everything you do to the wine-matters!

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MIRO: Well I don’t think there is just one person-it is more of a collective of people and styles. I do not believe that I have a particular style per say-I just try to get out of the grapes the most from every vintage-and that would be different every year.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

MIRO: Legally? Commercially –this harvest was my number 20!

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MIRO: I guess I can say that first I want to be satisfied with the wines I make and of course it will be great if a lot of people including media like them as well. Otherwise I’ll have a lot of wine to drink by myself…

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

MIRO: It is a perfect example of this varietal: blackberry, opulent blueberry, plum and a hint of chocolate.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

MIRO: Short ribs and garlic.

RED: Tell me, what makes the Dry Creek Valley so special?

MIRO: Clay loam soil with a lot of rocks, warm days and cold nights.

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

MIRO: You have to love the job. If you are in it just 8 to 5 don’t even think about it. If the love and passion are not there you will be just a booze maker. Also you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of time and long days and hours away from the family.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MIRO: Bottling, rocking barrels, monitoring malolactic fermentation.

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know.

MIRO: I wanted to be a MD back in Bulgaria but my girlfriend talked me out of it.

RED: Thank goodness for us fans of your wines! What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MIRO: Rhone wines for sure. I even make one for a winemaker called Cuvee Sasha a GSM-simply delicious without all the pretense.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

MIRO: Think of them as $100 bottle of wines and you will not be disappointed. I hate the cliché but they are “affordable luxury”.

RED: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

MIRO: I would like to try again the 1927 Château D’yquem.

RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

MIRO: Have I been connected to KGB? The answer is –perhaps!

RED: Our intel reports were correct, then! Thank you so much for your time, Miro. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

MIRO: Thank you! Wine Spies days are always very exciting around here. Your customers are well-informed – and they know good wine.

Domaine Christian Belleville 2009 'Les Chauchoux' Rully AOC

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $44.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $32.00
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: France: Burgundy
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.0

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s Red Burgundy is truly a wine of great distinction. We have a very limited allocation of this delicious wine so if you’re a fan of great Pinot Noir, be sure to act quickly!

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more bottles and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Certainly NOT Un-Rully

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit the Côte Chalonnaise commune of Rully and retrieve a delicious Red Burgundy.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Domaine Christian Belleville

Wine Subject: 2009 ‘Les Chauchoux’ Rully AOC Red Burgundy

Backgrounder: The village commune of Rully, the northernmost appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise. It is one of the best regions for delicious Chardonnay and is also well regarded for Pinot Noir in the area and has an excellent reputation for flavorful and serious wines. The AOC was formally designated in 1939 and there are 23 Premier Crus but not one Grand Cru in the appellation.

The region is well known for its unique soil composition of white limey marl and calcic limestone, Jurassic gravel and rock and red clay. Also the vines grown in Rully are grown at an elevation of from 750 to 1100 feet above mean sea level.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright and glistening ruby red with sparkling ruby streaks in its crystal clear core. The bright ruby color extends to the very rim lass and when swirled, widely spaced fat legs are randomly spaced around the edge of the glass.

Smell – Fresh and ripe red fruit including red cherry and strawberry leading the way with redolent floral, spice and soft toasted oak aromas that include notes of cola, vanilla and both exotic and brown spice.

Feel – Velvet smooth and fresh on the palate with racy acidity and medium firm but supple tannins generously expanding over the palate with a soft touch of mineral texture.

Taste – Ripe, sweet and tangy red cherry, strawberry, raspberry followed by slightly more tart versions of the same fruit are followed by the layers of other complex flavors including spring flowers, brown spices, cola and toasted oak.

Finish – Clean, fresh and medium long in length with the tangy red fruit lasting as the other complex flavors linger. The supple tannins and racy acidity linger on the tongue and invite another sip.

Conclusion – The 2009 Domaine Christian Belleville ‘Les Chauchoux’ Rully AOC is a delicious and fresh Pinot that bridges the gap between French styles and the newer American fruit forward style without sacrifice. Fresh and ripe fruit on the nose and a well structured palate blend with a slightly fruit forward flavor profile making this wine great for food. Enjoy this wine tonight or cellar for the next five years to see how it evolves. A nice wine to pair with pork whether roasted, grilled or barbecued.

Mission Report:

Agent White has been reported as A.W.O.L. and last seen just outside Beaune sipping wines at a cafe and enjoying local food and culture.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the the Rully commune south of Beaune and northwest of Chalon-sur-Saone can be seen in this satellite photo.

Collier Falls 2002 Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $36.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $18.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.2

LIMITED LIRBARY RAID:

Today’s delicious selection from Dry Creek Valley’s Collier Falls is a very limited library allocation. Be sure to pick up a few bottles of this delicious wine while you can today.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Home & History

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a limited allocation of a library Cabernet from our new friends at Collier Falls.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Collier Falls

Wine Subject: 2002 Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Backgrounder:

The Dry Creek Valley across the Russian River from Alexander Valley has a generally cooler and wetter climate which makes the growing season longer and more flexible than neighboring appellations. This is an area best known for producing rather incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot as well as other red varietals.

Today’s limited release Cabernet selection is 97% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Estate Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels after an extended fermentation and maceration.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark and beautiful garnet with a dense but clear heart. Along the edges the color shines through a deep garnet and when swirled, this wine leaves alternating fast thin legs as well as slower slightly thinker legs on the side of the glass. Some sediment settles on the cork and in the glass.

Smell – Ripe and rich blackberry, cassis and a distinct red and black cherry aroma are framed by cedar cigar box, toasted and smokey notes and soft developed spice. Soft notes of black licorice, green herbal and pepper and earth adds to the complex and fruit forward nose of this wine.

Feel – Rich, smooth and warm on the palate with finely textured and developed tannins leading the way and followed by a touch of minerality and acidity that lingers on the tongue.

Taste – Rich, ripe and generous cassis, cherry and other dark fruit linger with the cedar box and other wood aromas found on the nose. The black licorice, green herbs, spice and earth meld with notes of bittersweet chocolate.

Finish – Medium in length and clean with the fruit fading first followed by the other complex flavors. The finely textured tannins and mineral feel linger for quite a bit longer as just hints of the fruit cling on the tongue.

Conclusion – The 2002 Collier Falls Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, plush and smooth wine that is drinking very well right now. If your a fan of plush Cabernet then this wine is a perfect choice at an unbelievable price. A great wine for burgers, tips or skirt steak. Enjoy this wine right now or cellar for the next couple years, but don’t wait too long, this wine is hitting its strive right now. Be sure to let this wine fully open to reveal all its aromas and flavors.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

Collier Falls wines can be tasted at the Family Wineries of Dry Creek Tasting Room and can be seen in this satellite photo.

Churchill Cellars 2008 Two Vineyard Blend Pinot Noir

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $39.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $29.00
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: California: Sonoma Coast
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.0

LIMITED ALLOCATION ALERT:

Today’s wine will very likely sell out. We are attempting to secure more, but we may not be able. Don’t miss out on this fantastic Pinot Noir.

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

We always showcase wines that we really love, but when one really shines – as is the case with today’s Churchill Cellars Pinot Noir – we issue a special alert.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Opportunities won

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Churchill Cellars, makers of some of our favorite small-production Pinot Noir. This time around, evaluate their newest, budget-minded Pinot, the 2008 Two Vineyard Blend Pinot Noir. Secure an ample allotment for our Pinot-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Churchill Cellars

Wine Subject: 2008 Two Vineyard Blend Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast

Winemaker: Anthony Austin

Backgrounder:

We first featured Churchill Cellars Pinot Noir nearly five years ago. We fell in love with Ken Churchill’s Pinots, then, and we’ve been eagerly awaiting their return to our pages. For today’s wine, Agent Red returned to Churchill Cellars to evaluate Ken’s newest release, the budget-friendly 2008 Two Vineyard Blend Pinot Noir from two special vineyard sources in the Sonoma Coast Appellation. Agent Red loved the wine and he was able to retrieve a small number of cases for our Operatives. Read Red’s mission report and tasting notes, below.

The Sonoma Coast AVA is the 750 square mile area with the Pacific ocean on its western boundary, the San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino County to the north, headed inland to the other designated AVAs in Sonoma County. The region is heavily influenced by the cooler ocean climate, increased rainfall and fog that lingers long on the coastal mountains. The specific climate suits the demanding Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay very well.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Perfect ruby red hues, with completely even coloration from core on out to the ruby edge of the wine. When swirled, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind short, branching columns of skinny legs that move swiftly down the glass.

Smell – Bright and vibrant, with cherry, brambly raspberry, young strawberry, spiced blackberry with hints oak, forest floor and kola nut.

Feel – Soft and round on the attack. Then, quickly, the wine becomes softly weighty and mouth-filling, with a bright acidity that makes the mouth water. Supple tannins and a soft minerality give the wine a soft complexity.

Taste – Bright red cherry, earthy raspberry, bramble, young strawberry, dried red flower petals, subtle forest floor and kola nut.

Finish – Long, bright and mouthwatering, with flavors that start sweet and then go softly tart and softly spicy, with brown spice, chalky mineral and a hint of black pepper. At the very end, a soft dryness spreads to all corners of the palate, reminding you to take another flavor-filled sip.

Conclusion – Prepare to be impressed by this bright, juicy, delicious, approachable Pinot Noir! This is a juicy, bright and delicious wine that has plenty of flavor and character. Well-balanced, the bright red fruit is held in check by earthen components that make the wine complex – and interesting. Pair with a roasted chicken or a creamy pasta dish. Enjoy now, or lay some down for up to 5 more years. What ever you do, don’t miss out on this terrific wine!

Mission Report:

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.” It is almost as if he were speaking about Churchill Cellars and their relentless pursuit of Pinot perfection.

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Anthony Austin

DATE OF BIRTH: November, 1951

PLACE OF BIRTH: Healdsburg, CA

WINE EDUCATION: B.S. Vit/Enology, University of CA, Davis Post grad with Andre Telistcheff.

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Asst Winemaker, Simi, Healdsburg; Winemaker/V.P. Enology/Viticulture, Firestone Vineyard; Winemaker/General Partner, Austin Cellars; Winemaker/partner, Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Guidance, not manipulation, nature, not technology.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Pinot Noir.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: “Worlds best Chardonnay” MW London, 3 “Best of Show 3 years running (2 time “Best Red” , 1 time “best White”. Centeral Coast Wine Comp.) “Americas best Pinot Noir” , Wine and Spirits Buying Guide, 2Cordon Bleu Awards (only one other winery recieved 2) SoCal Wine and Food Society.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: First work as Head Winemaker by age 23, and it just gets better, though now I am doing 500 case lots, not 25,000.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Consumable art requires work on the part of the observer to truly enjoy. Preception requires focus.

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Anthony. We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 Churchill Cellars Two Vineyard Pinot Noir today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

ANTHONY: Thank you, Agent Red. It is great to be back with you.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

ANTHONY: Not so much love of wine, rather LOVE of the ART of wine. Wine is many things, on many levels, a beverage, a food, and on that rare level, consumable art. Emote and it is art. So many wines are not that emotionally inspiring, many just beverages, and there is not enough there to “love”.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

ANTHONY: Most about the Science, UCD, most about elevating wine from beverage status, Andre Telistcheff, and inspired and inspiring Winemaster who would not accept good as enough. Most about my expression as winemaker from the 30+ years as winemaker.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

ANTHONY: Elegance is of utmost importance, balance is a requirement.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

ANTHONY: See Andre Techelistcheff.

RED: I can’t tell you how many times we hear that! How long have you been making wine?

ANTHONY: First vintage as Winemaker, 1975

RED: Who do you make wine for?

ANTHONY: Foremost, myself, to be personally rewarding and artistically relevant, I am the first and only “conductor” to the wines, and therefore must have the freedom to realize the concept, vision, or interpretation of what that grape/barrel/billions of yeast and bacteria can work together to produce. The labels I make are CV, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Clouds Rest Pinot Noir, Grandpa Moses Cabernet Sauvignon.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

ANTHONY: The wine is a blend of two different vineyards. The Bella Sonoma Vineyard located near Cotati and my own Left Edge Vineyard located in Occidental. It was my vineyards first harvest.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

ANTHONY: I would recommend paring the wine with duck, salmon or pork. It has a very nice minerality that is causes your mouth to water on the finish. So I think it is a really great food wine.

RED: Tell me, what makes the Sonoma Coast such a special place for Pinot Noir?

ANTHONY: Kosta Browne just won Wine of the Year with their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This recognition proves what I have been saying for a long time, that the best Pinot Noir fruit comes from the climatically challenged regions of the Sonoma Coast. That is why I moved back to Occidental from the Central Coast. I wanted to work with fruit from this region. I know this region will produce the best Pinots in the world.

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

ANTHONY: If you love it, do it, forget about trading dollars for your time.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

ANTHONY: The 2011 wines are still aging in the barrels and we will probably start bottling the Sauvignon Blanc and Roses from 2011 in April. The 2010 Pinots we will bottle in September. I usually age my red wines about 18 months before bottling.

RED:What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

ANTHONY: “Everyday” to a winemaker is interesting. One of the great things about being a Winemaker is that “everyday” wine can and should be special.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

ANTHONY: beverages should be opened and consumed. Art should be anticipated, approached to maximize the wines potential and expression. Great wines, young or old should be opened to “breath” if not outright decanted. Proper stemware a must. Spend time with the wines, and for Pinot Noir especially, get the largest glass and pour what you are going to enjoy at that sitting, let the wine develop and open and ripen in the glass over the time you can.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

ANTHONY: Thank you, Agent Red! Enjoy the Pinot!!

Optima Wine Cellars 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $40.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $30.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Alexander Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s wine is nothing short of stupendous! Taste it and see for yourself why Optima, and the Alexander Valley, are producing wines that rival the best that the Napa Valley has to offer.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Oh, Seven!

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Optima Winery, a long-time Wine Spies Operative favorite. Procure their 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the fantastic successor to the previous vintages that we’ve showcased, here.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Optima Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Mike Duffy

Backgrounder: Today’s Cabernet Sauvignon comes to us from one of our favorite new wineries, Optima Winery, in Healdsburg. Grown in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, today’s wine is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from select premium vineyard sources

The Alexander Valley AVA in northeast Sonoma County is located on the western side of the Mayacamas range and extends westward to the edge of the Russian River Valley. This appellation was formerly considered a part of Dry Creek Valley but became its own appellation in November 1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest black cherry hues, with a darker, inky core. At the edge of the glass, a line of fine burgundy runs a fine ring around the wine. When swirled, the has a dense and springy look. When the wine settles, skinny legs glide slowly down the glass.

Smell – Bold and lush, with black cherry, currant, dried mission fig, blackberry and spicy toasted oak. As the wine opens up, softer aromas of bramble, dried fall leaves, bramble, clove and dried red flower petals begin to emerge.

Feel – Crushed velvet on entry, then big and weighty as the wine settles onto the mid-palate. Gradually, the wine takes on a dry and darkly mineral feel as structured tannins add complexity.

Taste – Bold, dark and complex with bold black fruit out in front. Black plum, blackberry, spiced blueberry and dried current takes the lead. Beneath these are black cherry, toasted oak, spice, dried black flower petals and espresso bean.

Finish – Very long and vibrant, with black fruit gradually giving way to the secondary flavors. As the wine dries the palate, spice, soft oak and minerals emerge.

Conclusion – The 2007 Optima Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and darkly delicious wine that delivers a rich, concentrated and complex Cabernet experience. The Alexander Valley is home to vineyards that are composed of gravel, clay, and volcanic soils – and Optima does a fantastic job of getting the most from their grapes from this region. 2007 has been such a stunning vintage, and today’s wine is richer, darker and more bold than many of the Cabs from this vintage. Enjoy this big boy Cab with a well-marbled, grilled to perfection, steak!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Mike Duffy

DATE OF BIRTH: May 1959

PLACE OF BIRTH: Oregon

WINE EDUCATION: Graduate of UC Davis in Enology

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: When I finished my Enology degree from UCD in 1981, I was already employed as the Assistant Winemaker at Trefethen Vineyards in Napa Valley. “I was very motivated to earn my degree and start working after being a broke college student for so long. I moved to Field Stone as winemaker in 1988, studying under the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff. For nine years, I worked full-time at Field Stone, saving weekends to tend to my own fledging winery, Optima.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Mike. I know how busy you are right now, so I really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you – if even for a few scant minutes, today.

MIKE: My pleasure, Agent Red.

RED: Tell me, was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MIKE: Yes, I was raised around wine. My first job in High School was helping my parents, Bill and Della, at their wine shop, that is what sparked my interest. Later I played with making wine out of anything I could get out of my parents garden. I would take flats of strawberries, peaches and blackberries and craft them into wine. One time I even raided the rose bushes in the neighborhood so I could make a rose petal champagne

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MIKE: UC Davis gave me an excellent technical background. It was the basis for my ability to solve problems when they arise. The experience of making wine came from getting in and getting dirty at my internship at Trefethen in 1980. That’s where it all came together for me. I have a unique work ethic and a strong mechanical background, both of which I have my father to thank for. Both those qualities served me well when I left the academic world and helped distinguish me from other classmates and co-workers.

RED: Great places to get your footing! What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MIKE: Andre Tchelistcheff was the biggest influence on how I make Cabernet, and the greatest source of perspective, history and wine knowledge that I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed. He approached the entire winemaking endeavor, from the vineyard in the spring, to harvest, and through barrel aging, as one integrated whole. I learned to take Alexander Valley Cabernet and to use its brilliant fruit as the basis for my wines. “Don’t bother making one of those huge Cabernets like many do in Napa, Mike. Anyone can make wines like those.” Andre would say. He inspired me to make a Cabernet that spoke to the virtues of Alexander Valley. A wine with an intense core of fruit and coco, balanced with vanilla and oak. Complex and powerful, yet subtle and soft. He also impressed on me the critical concept of not manipulating the wine, rather helping it become its best.

RED: You don’t know how many winemakers mention Andre as an influence! How long have you been making wine?

MIKE: Well one could say since I was a child but 2009 was my 30th harvest in Napa and Sonoma. I still enjoy the “seasonality” of winemaking.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MIKE: I began making wine for my own creative satisfaction. I worked for several top wineries that produced Cabernet, and there was always some step in the process when I said to myself, “If this were my wine I would do this differently”. That need to satisfy my own creativity from beginning to end is why I started my own winery when I was 25. My approach to winemaking combines art and practicality. “I always liked the honesty and hard work of agriculture and to me, winemaking is the ultimate fusion of agriculture and art.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MIKE: Like I said, we are in the thick of Harvest and it feels great, this is one of my favorite times of the year. When things slow down I hope to continue working on some old cars that I am restoring. I know that the two sound dissimilar, but a restoration embodies some of the same qualities needed to make great wine. Patience, attention to detail, craftsmanship and pride. When you finish restoring an old car, people can appreciate the quality and craftsmanship just by looking carefully. Wine is the same, but you’ve got to pop a cork.

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

MIKE: I enjoy cooking; to me this is another form of taking an ingredient and using your creativity to make something incredible. My wife thinks I cook so well that she refuses to cook anymore. I love watching all of the cooking shows on TV, especially Iron Chef. I just can’t get enough, they are very inspiring.

RED:What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MIKE: I enjoy drinking a dry Gewurztraminer from Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, or from the Alsace region of France. It’s a wonderful wine that you can drink alone or with Thai, Asian or Mexican food all of which I enjoy cooking and eating. The best examples have a depth and a perfume that is unbelievable.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans. Your Alexander Valley Cab is stupendous!

MIKE: Thanks, very much, Red. Now, back to the grapes!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Alexander Valley vineyard where today’s exceptional wines was born can be seen in this satellite photo.

Ottimino 2006 Estate Vineyard Zinfandel

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $35.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $19.99
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: California: Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.8

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Lucky Number 8

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Ottimino, a smash hit with our Zinfandel-loving Operatives. This time around, infiltrate their private library – and secure a stash of their best library Zin.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: Ottimino

Wine Subject: 2006 Zinfandel Ottimino Vineyard – Russian River Valley

Winemaker: William Knuttel

Backgrounder: Zinfandel is often aptly named California’s grape. Its history and lore and the wines that result are often the makings of legend. In this case, Starry Night’s winemaker selected the best old-vine grapes from a number of the Russian River’s best vineyards, many of which have been planted for nearly 100 years. The Russian River Valley is ideally suited for red grape varietals. Its early morning fog and coastal breezes result in a cooler climate than the neighboring wine growing regions. For today’s wine, Agent Red returns to Ottimino, to bring you their delicious, single vineyard Russian River Zinfandel, a wine that is bursting with flavor.

Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Russian River Valley Zins, which are characterized by their bold flavors, are among the most popular wines with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest garnet, with a dark and slightly opaque center. Coloration is evenly concentrated, right out to the burgundy edge of the wine. After swirling, skinny, wine-stained tears move down the glass in an achingly slow manner.

Smell – Lush and very fragrant, with sweet blackberry jam, dark cherry candy, blueberry pastry, blackberry bramble, cocoa dust and dried cherry. These are closely followed by sweet chocolate, sweet brown spice, soft oak and a hint of dried fall leaves.

Feel – Smooth, cool and light across the front-palate. Then, as it passed the mid-palate, it becomes gently grippy, plush and mouth-coating. A soft dryness then eases its way around the palate, leaving behind flint and bright spice. Structured medium tannins and balanced acidity contribute to the complexity of the wine.

Taste – Darker than the sweet nose would lead one to expect, this wine is still juicy, delicious and bursting with flavor. Earthen blackberry, black cherry juice, black plum, blueberry and dark chocolate lead the way. These delicious flavors are followed by black tea leaf, espresso bean, oak, brown spice and black pepper.

Finish – Ultra long and lingering, with dark fruit slowly giving way to the earthy components of dried leaves, oak and tea leaf. After these flavors tail off, minerals, spice and black pepper take longer to disappear.

Conclusion – Of all of the Ottimino Zinfandels we have showcased, this one is our very favorite! Their 2006 Ottimino Vineyard Zinfandel delivers true Russian River greatness, at a price that makes the wine even harder to resist. Sweet and juicy on the nose, this wine is a pleasure to simply inhale. Sip the wine and be pleasantly surprised to find that it drinks more darkly than the nose had suggested. The feel is plush, with a crushed-velvet appeal that our tasting panel really enjoyed. The more you spin this wine in the glass, the more it opens up, revealing additional aromas and flavors. Pair with zesty BBQ or a thick grilled steak with plenty of salt and pepper. A medium dark chocolate is also a delicious treat with this delicious Zin.

Galante Vineyards 2009 “Ace High” Malbec

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $26.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $20.80
Varietal: Malbec
Region: California: Carmel Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.3

RARE WINE ALERT:

Today’ wine is a fantastic, approachable, affordable Malbec, made from fantastic Carmel Valley fruit. At today’s special price it it is difficult to skip this delicious wine.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Galet’s Dream

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Galante Vineyards and acquire an allocation of their very exclusive “Ace High” Estate Malbec, a wine that is extraordinarily popular with the winery’s wine club members.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Galante Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2009 Ace High Malbec – Carmel Valley

Winemaker: Greg Vita

Backgrounder: For nearly five years, The Wine Spies have had the great honor to bring you the exceptional wines from Jack Galante’s namesake Galante Vineyards. With each successive vintage, we have experienced the continuous improvement and and growing quality of Jack’s wines. Today, we are very pleased to be you Jack’s very limited-production, Ace High Malbec. This wine is available in very limited quantity, with the majority of the wine allocated to Galante’s luck wine club members.

One of the six classic component varietals that go into a true French Bordeaux wine, Malbec (named for the Hungarian peasant who first brought the grape to France) is a thin-skinned grape that requires more time to mature than its Bordeaux brethren, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In America, where very little Malbec is grown, the wine is often used as a minority component of Meritage blends. While Argentina is, perhaps, best-known for producing exceptional examples of the varietal, increasingly, California wineries are becoming more skilled in extracting a unique, and delicious, expression of the grape. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes and mission report below

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Ruby red with a slight burgundy caste, in the right light. Color is slightly darker at the core and it lightens toward the edge. Spin the wine and marvel at the the seemingly endless cascade of wave after wave of skinny legs that descend from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – Sweet and spicy aromas jump from the glass, led by sweet red plum, cinnamon, clove and spiced cherry candy. These are closely followed by fresh soil, dark minerals, dark chocolate and violet petals.

Feel – Cool and light, initially. At the edges of the palate, the wine is soft and round. At the mid-palate, the wine settles in, adding a dry and grippy feeling the spreads a mineral-rich dryness to the corners of the mouth. Supple tannins and a bright acidity give the wine a complex feel that adds to its intriguing character.

Taste – Spicy, earthy, sweet black cherry is way out in front. This initial flavor is soon joined by dark plum, bramble, blackberry and sweet oak. As the wine opens, it also reveals hard leather and fresh soil.

Finish – Sweet and tart and softly spicy, this wine has a lovely, medium-long finish that is complimented by an earthy minerality at the tail end.

Conclusion – It is seemingly rare for us to feature a Malbec here, so when we do, you can be assured that we love it. Today’s example is a very approachable, delicious and nicely complex wine that delivers great flavors and an enticing, complex feel. The lush aromatics had our tasting panel spennding a long time just _inhaling) the wine before ever taking that first flavor-filled sip. If you are seeking a delicious wine that is just a bit out of the ordinary – without being completely obtuse, then we encourage you to sample this great wine. Pair as you would a Cabernet or a Merlot. We recommend a nice thick steak!

Mission Report:

For your enjoyment, what follows is our original mission to Galante Vineyards:

[note: be sure to read the following in your best cowboy voice]

Howdy Pardners! Agent Red here, reportin’ back from the range.

During a recent mission to infiltrate the notorious Galante Gang, I was known simply as ’Red’.

Why me? Well, match up my love for great red wines with the time I spent playing Cowboys and Indians as a child – and it was only natural that Central Command should chose me for this mission.

It had been rumored that Galante produced some of the best Cabernets in the state so I was sent to investigate. I arrived at the Galante Ranch where I was greeted by Cowboy Winemaker, Jack Galante. I told Jack right off that I was new in town and wanted to join his Gang. He looked somewhat skeptical when he noticed my shiny penny loafers, but after he sized me up, he invited me in for a tasting. (Note to self: Pay better attention to my disguises!)

Jack poured me a glass of his Cabernet Sauvignon (shouldn’t he serve it in a tin cup?). What struck me first was this wine didn’t have the overpowering aromas of chili pepper usually found in the Cabs of the Monterey region. Rather, I found sandalwood, oak, cherry, currant and rose. This is an aromatic wine that’s not afraid to boast about its character.

After some very skillful cowboy style sniffing and yelling “YEE-HAW!”, I went in for a taste. I was impressed. This is a very bright and flavorful wine that has a big mouth feel, with medium tannins and big tastes of cherry and berry.

This wine certainly gets my personal recommendation and I’m pretty sure that we’ll feature other Galante wines here in the future. Pair it with free range gourmet like pan-seared baked beans, cactus fritters or even a fine tumbleweed stew.

For a real Cowboy Cabernet that can be served with real cuisine, you should pick up a bottle or two. This is a wine that is ready to drink now, but could peak in just a few years.

For a real pairing, we recommend a delicious Montana Legend steak

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Galante Vineyards vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

Souverain 2005 Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $40.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $26.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Alexander Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.7

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s delicious Cabernet Sauvignon is sold out at the winery – but we’ve raided their archives, and have managed to get our hands on the last remaining bottles. Today only you can secure you very own allocation of this superb wine, at a great price, exclusively through The Wine Spies.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: King Killian

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Chateau Souverain and secure an allocation of their flagship Cabernet, the gorgeous 2005 Winemaker’s Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that is totally sold out at the winery.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Chateau Souverain

Wine Subject: 2005 Alexander Valley Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Ed Killian

Backgrounder:

Today’s wine is made from choice vineyard sources that were hand-selected by master winemaker, Ed Killian. Mister Killian sought out the finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from his best vineyard sources, in order to craft today’s extraordinary wine.

The Alexander Valley, where today’s wine hails from, , is located in northeast Sonoma County, on the western side of the Mayacamas range. It extends westward to the edge of the Russian River Valley. This appellation was formerly considered a part of Dry Creek Valley but became its own appellation in November 1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but recently people are starting to discover its Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Chardonnay as well.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep, dark garnet with a dense, darker heart. The color retains even concentration, right out to the very edge of the glass. After swirling, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind tall, thin, wine-stained tears that move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Lush and very aromatic, this wine leads with bold blackberry, candied dark cherry, cassis and dark chocolate. As the wine opens, it reveals additional aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, subtle cigar box, tobacco leaf, with hints of star anise, soft spice and black tea leaf.

Feel – A plush medium body is evident immediately. As the wine crosses the mid-palate, medium-fine tannins and a balanced acidity add a terrific intrigue as they do their part to drive dark flavors to the corners of the mouth.

Taste – Richly layered, leading with bold black cherry, overripe blackberry and dark plum. These are layered over sweet green tobacco leaf, brown spice, cigar box, cocoa dust and dried fall leaves.

Finish – Sweet and then tart as fruit flavors eventually morph into more earthen flavors. The finish goes way long, and eventually fruit and earthen character are replaced by mineral-laden dark spice, black pepper and flinty minerals. At the very end, a dry and slightly chewy feel persists for a long time.

Conclusion – A truly fantastic wine, the 2005 Chateau Souverain Winemaker’s Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the sort of well-rounded gem that has something for any Cabernet fan; Dark, rich and bold fruit are tempered against softly earthen characteristics that add complexity and balance. This wine is ready to drink, now, and it will continue to improve for at least 7 more years. I know that we’ll be stashing some in our Top Secret wine cave. Pair this food-fantastic wine with a hearty red meat dish, lamb or a spicy grilled chicken. We’ll enjoy a bottle, all on its own, at our next gathering.

Cascina Bruciata 2005 Barbaresco Rio Sordo DOCG

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $75.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $49.00
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Region: Italy: Piedmont
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.0

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s exclusive and very limited production wine is a superb example of the power and elegance of Italy’s Barbaresco. This wine is a must have addition to your cellar and will be drinking wonderfully for the next decade and beyond.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Wine Is A Devotion

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an exceptional Barbaresco just in time for the holidays

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Cascina Bruciata

Wine Subject: 2005 Barbaresco Rio Sordo DOCG

Winemaker: Francesco Baravalle

Backgrounder:

The wines of the Barbaresco DOCG are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Nebbiolo, native to the Piedmont in north-west Italy and cultivated in the region since the 13th century is generally a softer more elegant wine than its heavier brethren Barolo. The late ripening Nebbiolo is known to be highly influenced by various soil and vineyard conditions, with the wines from the best vineyard sites having sublime character.

The Nebbiolo grapes in this wine, considered the greatest of all Italian grapes, must be aged for a minimum of two years, of which one year must be oak or chestnut barrels. Barbaresco has exceptional aging qualities with the best wines having 40+ years of potential. Both Barbaresco and Barolo are considered to be among the finest wines in Italy.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dense and deep ruby red with a clear dark ruby core. Along the edges, the color shows a slightly paler deep ruby red patina. When swirled, slow fat tears hang before slowly descending into thin legs to the wine below.

Smell – Bold and masculine in intensity with classic aromas of spiced and earthy black cherry and other dark berries, toasted spiced oak, black licorice, a touch of complex herbal notes and a hint of rose and violet petals.

Feel – Bright and tangy on the initial attack with highly textured etched minerality, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. As with all Barbaresco, give this full-bodied wine time to open and you’ll be greeted with a smooth and sublime experience that is 100% pure Piedmont.

Taste – Bright tart and ripe black cherry and other dark fruit flavors are layered and well integrated with complex notes of spiced toasted oak, a touch of licorice, earthy undertones, soft green herbal and floral components and a touch of rich cigar tobacco.

Finish – Ultra long with this wines highly textured and sturdy tannins gripping onto the palate for seemingly minutes as the spiced and earthy black cherry and other complex flavors slowly fade and beg for another sip.

Conclusion – The 2005 Cascina Bruciata Barbaresco Rio Sordo DOCG, like the previous vintage we featured, is a truly exceptional example of the power and grace found in fine Barbaresco. This wine’s sublime aromatic complexity on the nose, depth on the palate is buttressed by its study but elegant structure. Certainly young to drink now (decant or let breathe for at least an hour), this wine will improve for at least a decade or more. Pair this wine with any classic Piedmonte cuisine, especially anything with truffles in it.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Francesco Baravalle

WINE EDUCATION: -Viticulture and Enology degree (2001 University of Turin)
-Sommelier degree (2008 Associazione Italiana Sommelier)

WINE JOB BRIEF: in addition to working in the Piedmont, I’ve spent three months in Margaret River (2003 Western Australia) and 4 years in Virginia making wine in the Monticello wine area (close to the city of Charlottesville).

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Apply the technologies to enhance and respect the personalities of each wine terroirs.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “wine is a devotion”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Barolo Bricco Rocche Prapo’ 2003 (2007).

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

Below is our recent interview with Francesco when we featured the previous vintage of this exceptional wine.

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Francesco. We are thrilled to be showing your 2004 Barbaresco Rio Sordo DOCG today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

FRANCESCO: Greetings to you!You are more then welcome, for me it is a great pleasure and honor to be part of this interview.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

FRANCESCO: My family in not into the wine business but I grew up going to vineyards during harvest time when my grandfather used to purchase grapes to make his own red wine. In addition, my dad is a great wine lover, so I’ve been educated to appreciate and respect wine.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

FRANCESCO: My stile is the Barolo and Barbaresco, I was born in Cuneo and I grew up surronded by this taste and flavors. I’m working now to understand more about this territory to get always the best expressions of it.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

FRANCESCO: I make wine for Cascina Bruciata, a little family owned winery located in one of the most prestigious crus of the Barbaresco DOCG area, the Rio Sordo

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

FRANCESCO: Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva 2004 is a wine that comes from a 45 years old vineyard located in the heart of the Rio Sordo. In 2004 the grapes where perfectly ripe and healty,the whole season was very balanced (sun vs rain) and the flavors we are aprreciating now are showing great elegance in a perfect balance with its mouthfull body. We realised this wine in 2009 after have been elevated for 24 months in french allier oak barriques, 1 year in stainless steel tank and 1 year in bottle. This wine can age in bottle for another 10 years easily.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

FRANCESCO: A structured wine requests a structured dish, I think it pairs wery well with pre-braised piedmontese veal marinated and cooked in Nebbiolo based wine (Barolo or Barbaresco).

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Piedmont so special?

FRANCESCO: Each wine from this region shows a very distinctive personality due to the hilly landscape and the ancient origin of the soil. Even inside the same cru you can find different expressions of the same style. The Nebbiolo grape in this area shows the highest quality with its unique aromatic profile.

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

FRANCESCO: We are a small winery, so I do pretty much everything the season requests. Recently I’m spending a lot of time travelling to promote and explain what our territory is about. Spending time with people allows me to learn a lot and to share this “devotion” that I have for wine.

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

FRANCESCO: The beauty of wine is not only the sensorial experience of tasting it, it is about knowing the tradition and culture of people and territory behind it. We have infinite sources of info through the internet, so I think when we decide to discover a wine, it would be interesting and fun to get some info about where it is from.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

FRANCESCO: When we taste a wine we are exposed to traditions, lifestyle and taste; this is a great way to increase a lot our culture on people and territories. It is a lot of fun!

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

FRANCESCO: You are very welcome, thank you for letting me introduce my wine and region.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Cascina Bruciata and its vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

Mount Veeder Winery 2006 Mount Veeder Reserve

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $80.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $44.00
Varietal: Red Blend
Region: California: Mount Veeder (Napa)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

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Mission Codename: Ethos Elevated

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red to the mountain vineyards of the Atlas Peak Winery. Choose a bold, delicious Cabernet Sauvignon for our deserving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mount Veeder Winery

Wine Subject: 2006 Reserve Red – Napa Valley – Mount Veeder

Winemaker: Janet Myers

Backgrounder: Known for its ultra-premium Bordeaux varietal blends, Mount Veeder Winery takes the greatest care in tending its high-elevation fruit – leading to the creation of some rather extraordinary wines.

Mt. Veeder, located on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas range has a climate that is cooler than the valley floor below. This climate and the more difficult (less fertile) volcanic mountain soil influence the flavors of the wines from this region. Best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, the region also produces Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. The premium vineyards of the Mt. Veeder appellation produce grapes of exceptional character, density and intensity.

Today’s 2006 Reserve Red is a prefect blending of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 4% Petite Verdot, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest garnet, with a deepening, inky core. Color is evenly concentrated, right out to the thin band of pure ruby at the rim of the glass. After spinning the wine, skinny, wine-stained tears rush quickly down the inside of the glass.

Smell – Layered with sweet blackberry and spiced black cherry that leap from the glass. Just beneath these, additional aromas of blueberry, plum, dried dark flower petals, dark chocolate, bramble and soft cedar round out the complex nose.

Feel – Soft and cool at first, then immediately grippy and textured as the wine settles onto the mid-palate. Tannins are big, but so evenly integrated that the effect is plush, rather than coarse. Bright acids add balance and help to drive flavors to the far corners of the palate.

Taste – Rich and deep, with complex layers of dark fruit, sweet spice and earthen elements. Dark stone fruit, bramble, blackberry, cocoa powder and European black licorice lead the way. These are joined, closely, by cedar, subtle dark spice, black pepper, darkly toasted oak and chalky minerals.

Finish – Ultra-long, mouthwatering and delicious, with long-lingering fruit that starts dark and then goes more sweet then tart and sweetly spicy. At the very end, a mineral-rich dryness persists, remind you to take another flavorful sip.

Conclusion – Fantastic! I could end my review right there. Rich, delicious, aromatic, lush and really complex, this wine gets our heartiest recommendation. Be sure to decant for at least 30 minutes, to unleash fuller, juicier and more authentic fruit flavors. This wine is dark, to be sure, but bright fruit at the mid and back palate really bring balance. Enjoy this wine all on its own, or really make it sing by pairing it with a juicy grilled steak. Drinking just beautifully now, be sure to cellar a couple of bottles of this age-worthy wine for a few more years.

Mission Report:

Winemaker, Janet Myers, is especially busy this time of year, and she was unable to sit with us for an interview.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Mt. Veeder Appellation in Napa can be seen in this satellite photo.