Wine Spies: Today's Deal

B Cellars 2007 Blend 25

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $55.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $40.00
Varietal: Red Blend
Region: California: Napa Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.9

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend is truly a fantastic wine worthy of our special designation of an exceptional wine. Pick up a few bottles, one or two to enjoy now and a couple to keep in your cellar for a special occasion or gift. 2007 is the finest vintage on record in more than a decade. With the coming wine shortage, please be sure to stockpile the great 2007s while you still can.

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 Limitless

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to B Cellars, whose spectacular wines are made by all-start winemaker and winemaking favorite, Kirk Venge. Procure every last available case of their flagship red wine, their Blend 25, a wine made from some of the finest, ultra-premium vineyards in the Napa Valley. These include Stagecoach, Gorges III, Garvey, Williamson and others. the resulting wine is their most sought-after wine in their line-up.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: B Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Blend 25

Winemaker: Kirk Venge

Backgrounder: Since we first featured the fantastic blends from B Cellars a few years ago our operatives have been clamoring for us to feature another vintage! The focus at B Cellars is blending. This is evident, not only among the B Cellars team, but also among their wines. Each wine, or potion, is a unique proprietary blend that highlights the strengths of each component varietal and balances with its other varietals. Today’s delicious selection is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Syrah. The blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has become one of our most popular blends among our operatives and once you taste this wine, you’ll understand why they are so loved.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet hues at the core, with concentrated color right out to the pretty burgundy edge. Wave after wave of chubby, wine-colored legs thin out as the move swiftly down the glass.

Smell – Lush blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and bramble mix with sweet spice, tobacco leaf, toasty vanilla, cured beef, black pepper and a hint of anise.

Feel – Full bodied and rich, right from the start, this wine becomes softly grippy at the center of the palate. Form there, a chewy feel seems to emanate outward, spreading a dark, mineral dryness as it grows. A lively acidity gives the wine a very balanced overall feel.

Taste – Dark and very rich, with overripe blackberry, black cherry and black plum with mocha, dried cherry, dried cranberry and cassis. As the wine opens, it reveals expanded follow-on flavors of dark chocolate, dark spice, dark tobacco leaf, dried meats and a hint of sage.

Finish – Extra long and loaded with dark, ripe fruit that takes a very long time to fade. As it fades, the wine leaves the mouth with a chewy coating of dried red and black fruit, spice, pepper and dark cocoa.

Conclusion – The 2007 B Cellars Blend 25 is a truly remarkable wine. We really enjoyed the previous vintages that we’ve featured here, but we are absolutely in love with this vintage. If you love dark, extracted, boldly delicious wines, please act quickly as this wine will sell out. We grabbed up every last case of this limited-production wine and when it is gone, it’ll be gone forever. Pair as you would a classic Napa Cabernet or a rich, fruit-driven Syrah. We paired this classy wine with a classic grilled burger, with all the fixings. This wine gets our heartiest Wine Spies recommendation!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the B Cellars Tasting Room can be seen in this satellite photo.

Canard Vineyard 2009 Napa Valley Estate Zinfandel

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $45.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $33.75
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: California: Napa Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.6

WORLD EXCLUSIVE ALERT:

We are the only wine merchant on the planet, today, to be selling this very special wine. You can’t even get any from the winery, itself. Allocated for the Wine Club, later this year, you may never have another opportunity to purchase this wine ever again.

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s wine, made by one of our favorite winemaking teams, is so outstanding that it easily earns this special alert. We only showcase wines that we love, but when one really rises above, 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: 80 Years Old and 60’ Deep

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Canard Vineyards, and be the first wine merchant – anywhere – to sell their much-anticipated 2009 Zinfandel. Before it is too late, procure an exclusive allotment for our Operatives, as the winery sells out each year.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Canard Vineyard

Wine Subject: 2009 Napa Valley Zinfandel

Winemaker: Brian Graham

Backgrounder: In the 1980’s, when Rich & Caroline Czapleski purchased what are now Canard’s estate vineyard, they hired a vineyard manager to tell them what to do with the existing, ancient Zinfandel vines. It was his opinion that they should be torn out to make room for Cabernet Sauvignon, the up and coming grape of the region. Soon after this advice, Rich received a phone call from… Robert Mondavi. Mister Mondavi, on hearing that the vines were to be replaced, sternly advised that the Zinfandel vines be left to keep producing the exceptional fruit that Mondavi Winery had been purchasing from the vineyard for so many years. A little while later, none other than Joseph Phelps called, making the same appeal. The Zinfandel vines saved, they keep producing fruit – in very low volume but very extraordinary quality. These ancient vines, which produce less than three tons of fruit per acre, have roots that go down at least 60 feet.

Varietal Backgrounder: 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. The Calistoga AVA (American Viticultural Area), at the northern end of Napa Valley’s fabled Silverado Trail, is home to some of of our favorite Zinfandels. Today’s exclusive wine easily joins the ranks.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous burgundy edges deepen to a dark ruby red toward the center of the glass. After swirling the wine, tall, skinny columns of clear tears move slowly downward.

Smell – Black cherry, raspberry, leather and spice jump to greet you on the nose. Blackberry, dark chocolate, berry bramble, subtle violet and black pepper follow behind.

Feel – Initially soft, but quickly the wine grows on the palate, growing in dimension as plush tannins work their magic. A bright acidity serves to juxtapose the tannins, while driving fruit to the far corners of the palate. Gradually, a spreading dryness makes its way to the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bright and juicy, dark and balanced, with equal parts fruit and lush earthiness. Black cherry and blackberry are out in front, here, with bramble, dried dark flower petals, soft spice, dark chocolate and black currant giving way to leather, smoked meat and black pepper.

Finish – Super long and bursting with dark fruit, this wine sustains its dark fruit and earthen flavors for a very long time. At the tail end, dried dark flowers, leather and pepper persist long after the fruit has faded.

Conclusion – This is another extraordinary offering from our dear friends at Canard Vineyard! Dark, lush and bursting with dark fruit and earthy goodness, this wine is very aromatic and very delicious. This is an important wine, given its rich history and remarkable quality. There is great balance, great depth and great energy to this wine. Made from vines that are near the century mark, the fruit is vibrant, deep and complex. This, from older vines, can be a rarity. Pair this bright, food-friendly Zinfandel with grilled lamb or a hearty, spice rubbed steak. And, just to be clear, this wine gets our heartiest recommendation.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Brian Graham

WINE EDUCATION: University of Bordeaux; Wine & Spirits Educational Trust: London; Napa Valley College

WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “Allow the vineyard and the grapes that come off the vineyard to shine with minimal intervention in the winery. Use classic winemaking techniques and the best barrels to complement the wines”

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Its really all about the vineyards”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1999

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Brian. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Canard Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

BRIAN GRAHAM: Hey, Red. As usual, it’s great to be on another mission with you.

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

BRIAN: Yes, a 1963 Dow port. It was monumental, the light came on that night.

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

BRIAN: Really my first love has always been classic Bordeaux. Always remaining true to tradition it sure is refreshing to see in this day and age.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

BRIAN: I make my wines for wine enthusiasts that enjoy big, classic, elegant and age worthy reds.

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

BRIAN: Yes, our 2009 Canard Estate Zinfandel. This wine is 100% Zinfandel from some of the oldest vines in the Napa Valley. Our youngest block is 80 years old and goes up from there. We have one block that is over 120 years old. This vineyard completely dry farmed which concentrates the intensity of the fruit and creates an enormous about of complexity and structure in the wine. The old vines yield roughly half of what the younger vines yield but what you get is a more elegant wine unlike so many of the over the top jammy wines that most people associate with Zins. This wine is so food friendly, you will actually be able to taste your food and your wine.

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

BRIAN: I love this wine with lamb, hard cheeses, rich pasta sauces and of course my favorite, grilled steak.

RED: In your opinion, what makes your estate vineyard such a special place for Zinfandel?

BRIAN: The climate. Calistoga is the warmest end of the Napa Valley. And Zin loves the heat. But this vineyard also has great air circulation which cools the grapes in the late afternoon. It’s really the most perfect place in all of Napa to grow grapes for a world class Zinfandel.

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

BRIAN: Getting ready to bottle the 2010 vintage. Then the wines will age another year in the bottle before we release them.

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

WINEMAKER: With a corkscrew and a glass. No seriously, wine should be enjoyed. I hope your with family and friends having a good time when your pulling the cork out.

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

WINEMAKER: Come visit us or send us and email. We are always here and looking forward to sharing our passion with you.

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 approximate location of the Canard Vineyard winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

Portalupi Wine 2009 Mendocino County Barbera

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $36.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $26.00
Varietal: Barbera
Region: California: Mendocino County
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.1

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: Tradizione di Piemonte

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of Portalupi’s prized Mendocino County Barbera.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: Portalupi Wines

Winemaker: Tim Borges

Backgrounder: Barbera, the third most planted varietal (after Sangiovese and Montepulciano) in Italy finds its most classic expression in the Piedmont and specifically in Asti and the much smaller Alba region also finds an exceptional home in California’s Mendocino County.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark ruby red with glistening streaks of bright ruby when held to the light. A clear heart of dense ruby red and slightly more pale ruby edges. When swirled, randomly spaced fat legs hang on the side of the glass and broaden as they descend to the wine below.

Smell – Earthy red fruit including plum, red cherry and raspberry blend with notes of exotic spice and dark mineral notes. Ripe sweet fig and zesty tar components invite a sip.

Feel – Plush, generous and round on the initial attack. At mid palate with vibrant acidity and finely textured but firm tannins grasp hold and blend with a little heat from the spice and additional texture from the mineral components.

Taste – Bright and fresh red fruit including red cherry, raspberry and red plum blend with exotic and hot spice and a solid dark earthy minerality. Hot spicy pepper follows and is framed by the rich red fruit flavors

Finish – Long and lingering with plenty of red fruit, spice and earthy dark minerality lingering and the mouth drying tannins and vibrant acidity lasts and lasts.

Conclusion – The 2009 Portalupi Mendocino Barbera is a delicious example of this Italian classic. Great red fruit on the nose and palate, fantastic acidity and minerality makes this wine perfect for food and a complex but approach feel will make this wine a crowd pleaser. Enjoy this wine now or for the next several years and pair it with any of your classic Italian recipes.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Tim Borges

WINE EDUCATION: Self-taught. Audited enology classes at Santa Rosa, Junior College

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: 1977-1985 self-employed wine retailer (Two Street Wine &Cheese); Self-employed wholesale wine broker (Western Wine Marketing); Amateur winemaker, 1986-2002; General manager site developer (Cosentino Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery);
2002-present owner/winemaker, Portalupi Winery

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Avoid being a (J.A.W.) just another winery

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “If the wine you’re having causes you to do more thinking than drinking then it’s probably not for you.

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1987

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Tim. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Portalupi Mendocino Barbera today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

TIM BORGES: Great to be here with you and your Operatives, Agent White!

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

TIM: Sharing a glass of Almaden French Colombard with my mother when I was a teenager

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

TIM: 3 wines inspired me, including a 1969 Chalone Pinot Noir Pinnacles Monterey County, a 1976 Montevina Barbera Special Selection Amador County, 1976 Carneros Creek Zinfandel Esola Vineyard Shenendoah Valley. As for winemakers, Mitch Cosentino, old Ying and Derek Irwin, young Yang.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

TIM: For my friends!

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

TIM: The 2009 Barbera is classic Italian, D’Alba style. Unctous black mission fig,plum and subtle mushroom are the main flavor components, held together with great acidity and firm tannins the perfect match with rich Norther Italian cuisine.

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

TIM: A traditional smoked egg plant parmigiana!

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Mendocino such a special place for Barbera?

TIM: Northern interior Mendocino County(Redwood Valley) mimics the mother land of Piemonte,Italy where Barbera originates.Hot days during the growing season with cool evening breezes of the Coast Range similar to those from the Italian Alps also the similarity of slatey gravely soil which are similar in both Redwood Valley and the Asti and Alba regions of Piemonte.

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

TIM: Preparing to bottle 2010 Reds and 2011 whites and then getting everything tuned for 2012 harvest.

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

TIM: Think about a food that fits the wine, our wines are crafted to be enjoyed with all types of foods from Cheetos to braised lamb shank.

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

TIM: remember there’s no right or wrong to what wine you should drink. It’s all about what works for you. Also, remember the best wines come from great grape growers who deliver their grapes to great winemakers – who in turn make great wines.

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!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Portalupi Wines tasting room can be seen in this satellite photo.

Troubadour Cellars 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $38.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $24.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Napa Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.6

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s wine, made by one of our favorite winemakers, is so outstanding that it easily earns this special alert. We only showcase wines that we love, but when one really rises above, 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: Oh, Occitania!

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: For our special Elite Operative Saturday, infiltrate Maroon wines, in the Napa Valley. Extract their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – a true Napa Valley gem – and make it available at a Top Secret price.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Troubadour Cellars

Wine Subject: 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Jason Moore

Backgrounder: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon continues to dominate as the leader in California red wine. For good reason, too, as Napa produces some of the richest and most delicious examples on the planet. Approachable, richly flavorful and deeply delicious, today’s wine shows off the winemaking skills of our long-time friend, Jason Moore. At a price that is hard to resist. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes and mission report to learn more about this fantastic Napa Cab.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest burgundy, with a deeper, inky core. Rich magenta hues show at the edges of the wine, when sitting in the glass and when swirled. When the wine settles, tall, skinny, widely-spaced tears crawl downward from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – A rich rush of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry preserves leap from the glass. These full aromas are followed by candied black cherry, fresh red flower petals, dried red rose petals, cigar box, leather and a subtle hint of fresh fennel.

Feel – Soft, round and very silky at the tip of the tongue. The wine then coats the palate, gaining weight and dimension at the mid and back palate. A soft dryness spreads all around the palate, leaving behind a mineral-laden cracked pepper flavor.

Taste – Ripe, dark and bursting with flavor, this wine leads off with rich, overripe blackberry and blueberry jam. These are quickly joined by black cherry, tobacco leaf, cigar box, roasted Mission fig, black currant, flinty minerals, cracked pepper and softest brown spice.

Finish – Dark fruit sustains for a very long time. As fruit flavors fade, cedar and tobacco remain for even longer. At the tail end, when all of the fruit flavors have finally faded, the palate becomes dry and mineral and cracked pepper flavors persist until you take the next delicious sip.

Conclusion – The 2009 Troubadour Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic, bold and big Napa Valley Cabernet. With layers of flavor and an amazingly long finish, this wine is a delicious delight. A little tight, at first, this wine really opens up as you swirl it in your glass. If you perfer, just decant the wine for 30 minutes or more. Enjoy this complex and elegant wine with a hearty grilled steak or your favorite red meat dish. We enjoyed our sample bottles all on their own. Highly recommended, please don’t miss out on this special wine.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

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

Alberto Quacquarini Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco

Sun, 13 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $32.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $25.00
Varietal: Vernaccia
Region: Italy: Marche
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 12.0

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: Scintillare Fresco Rosso

Operative: Agent Sparkle

Objective: Secure an exclusive Italian sparkler for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Alberto Quacquarini

Wine Subject: Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOCG

Backgrounder:

Produced in the Marche province of Macerata, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOCG is primarily made from Vernaccia Nero grapes and sometimes has some Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo added. These rare and unique red sparkling wines can be made in form dry secco or semisweet to sweet. These wines undergo three fermentations that result in its spumante character.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark ruby red with brighter ruby streaks that shine though this wine’s clear and effervescent heart when held to the light. Moderately persistent ruby tinged mouse when initially poured that descends to a slow stream of steady small bubbles. Pale ruby along the edges and when swirled, slow medium legs hand on the side of the glass.

Smell – Fresh, bright and youthful on the nose with aromas of red fruit including cherry and raspberry along with floral violets, slate minerals and herbal notes as well.

Feel – This dry wine has exceptional minerality that balances over the finely textured medium tannins and fresh acidity. Its effervescence adds to the vibrant and fresh. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp with its spumante lingering on into the finish.

Taste – Fresh, sweet and tart flavors of fresh red fruit including red cherry, raspberry and red plum meld with slate minerality and the floral violet notes found on the nose. A touch of green herbs and medium hot and exotic spice adds depth and complexity to the fun wine.

Finish – Crisp and clean with a lingering minerality that supports its fresh red fruit flavors as the minerality, spice and floral notes linger on and on inviting another sip.

Conclusion – The Quacquarini Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOC is a clean, bright and very fresh with red sparkling spumante with plenty of character. Fresh red fruit, floral violets, subtle green herbs and fantastic minerality on the nose and palate and into the finish. This is a great wine to serve at any spring gathering_. Enjoy this wine right now as there is no reason to cellar this lovely fresh sparkler.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Macerata in Italy can be seen in this satellite photo.

Renteria 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sat, 12 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $50.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $34.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Napa Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

ALERT!

If you are looking for Renteria’s 1999 Napa Cabernet, it has sold out. In its place, we are proud to offer you another fantastic Library Selection, their 2002 Q Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley.

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s wine is a stunner! If you love big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, we invite you to be blown away by this 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: Q is not just for James Bond

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Renteria, taste through their wines and pick the one wine that stands out the most. Then, secure a load for our Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: Renteria

Wine Subject: 2002 Renteria Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Karen Culler

Backgrounder:

While it is not uncommon to find tenth-generation winemakers throughout Europe, America is too young a country for this to be possible. Today in this country, there are a small handful winemakers whose families are becoming multi-generational artisan winemakers. 45 years ago, a young Salvador Renteria arrived in California from Mexico. He began work as a field laborer and worked his way quickly to vineyard supervisor. After years spent developing his own planting techniques, he got the attention of major wine producers like Beaulieu Vineyards, Clos Pegase, Cuvaison and Silverado – and went to work planning and planting these now famous vineyards.

Salvador went on to found his own vineyard management company where he put his love of the business to work as he managed some of the largest and most successful vineyards in the Napa Valley. Salvador’s son, Oscar, grew up in the vineyards alongside his father, learning the family busniess from top to bottom. In 1993, Oscar took over management of the company and carried forth the traditions and the love of wine production that his father imbued him with. Working with select vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma’s Russian River, Renteria still grows world renowned grapes for clients that include William Selyem, Robert Mondavi Winery, Caymus, Rombauer and Duckhorn. By combining practical, generational field knowledge with innovative trials and experimentation, the Renteria family has found a balance which allows them to grow the finest grapes possible.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep Burgundy with a darker heart and solid color-concentration right out to the edges of the glass. This wine also has a very loose surface, but settles fast on swirling. The wine’s fat but tightly-spaced legs move down the glass quickly

Smell – Super deep aromatics of dark blackberry, black plum, leather, currant and licorice with subtle tomato vine and mildest cigar box

Feel – Velvety and ultra-smooth at the front of the mouth, then the wine’s medium tannins bite down softly on the mid-palate

Taste – Beautifully balanced with layers of fruit of mixed berry, dark cherry, black plum, cassis and currant, with the slightest smoky herbal taste and light sweetwood

Finish – Big flavors persist for a long time here and the wine finally tails off with a mouth-watering acidity and soft to medium tannins

Conclusion – WOWZERS! Here I thought that 2004 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon was the vintage to beat and, indeed, we have been featuring some incredible 2004 here of late. However, this wine utterly blows me away with its perfect balance of flavors, aromas and grand mouth-feel. The is nothing too subtle or, conversely, over-the-top about this wine; It strikes a perfect balance while delivering great character. Because this wine is in limited supply, be sure to grab up as much as you will need. Drink now or cellar for another 10 or more years.

Mission Report:

When we have fully infiltrated a winery, our follow-on missions to secure additional wines usually just involve a covert communication to the winery. When we got word that Renteria was preparing to move its 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon to its library – effectively taking it out of general circulation – I sprang into action, calling on my contact at the winery, Codename: Wolf Mother.

Wolf Mother was able to divert a small quantity of today’s superior wine, allowing us to make it available to you, our Operative. The rest is going into the Renteria library, which means that you’ll never be able to get your hands on this wine again.

Thank you, Wolf Mother, this is a great wine and we appreciate you giving our Operatives the only last chance to grab up a few bottles of your great Cab!

Previous Mission Recap, in which we present to you our original mission report:

With harvest nearing, I was only able to observe the Renteria family at work in their estate vineyards. This time of year, it is difficult to have a sit-down with most winemakers. Rather than go undercover using an assumed identity to gather intel, I decided to visit the winery to learn what I could from other on-site staffers.

My contact at the winery gave me a leisurely tour, detailing for me the rich history of the Renteria family and their love of growing the grapes that make up some of the finest wines in the world.

The family itself now owns 53 acres of vineyards in Napa and is planting 27 more. In 1997 they launched their own Renteria label and today produce 1,800 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

While taking our tour, Oscar Renteria, who now runs the family business, gave a quick wave and a smile. As we watched him speaking animatedly with his workers, it was obvious that this was a man who was passionate about his business and about wine.

The site where the family is building its winery and wine caves is stunningly beautiful. While construction only just began this summer, it is clear that this will be a wonderful destination for wine lovers.

A trip to the makeshift tasting room after our tour was a perfect way to retreat from the heat of the Napa summer afternoon. Inside I learned more about the family history and about the love that ties this particular winemaking family to each other and to the earth that they farm.

With the help of consulting winemaker, the famous Karen Culler, Renteria is producing some fantastic wines. Of particular note to me was their 2004 Knittel Vineyard Pinot Noir, a great Pinot that is simultaneously a classic example and a tasty interpretation, born of a rich winemaking history, modern growing and production techniques, and, oh yeah, lots of love.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the new Renteria winery can be seen in this satellite photo

Renteria 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sat, 12 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $50.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $35.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Napa Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.1

LIMITED AVAILABILITY ALERT:

There are very few cases left. Act quickly.

LIBRARY RAID ALERT:

Renteria gave us exclusive access to their private Library for today’s special wine… and we pulled every last case. Once we sell out, there will be no more of this wine left. Anywhere.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

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Mission Codename: If you wish long enough…

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: After a two year hiatus, send Agent Red back to Renteria. Raid the winery’s stash of 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that was recently reported to be drinking brilliantly.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Renteria

Wine Subject: 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Karen Culler

Backgrounder: Napa Valley is revered worldwide as the ultimate area in which to produce fine Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2006 vintage has produced some remarkable examples and we were lucky to get our spy-hands on today’s fine offering from our friends at Renteria. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes and winemaker interview, below

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – With remarkable coloration, there is non of the brickish quality that one might expect from an ‘aged wine’ like this. With beautiful crimson hues, throughout, the wine shows slightly darker at its core and only slightly lighter at the edges of the glass. Tall, plump tears start high up on the glass wall, before marching very slowly and very steadily downward.

Smell – On opening, this wine presents lush black cherry, rich ripe blackberry and dark tobacco. As it opens, it reveals such lively fruit, with notes of blueberry, currant, Rainier cherry and sweet plum. Under these, cigar box, flint, cocoa powder and dark anise round out the nose.

Feel – With a crushed velvet feel on entry, and then cool and light-weight at the mid-palate, this wine becomes quickly grippy and mouth-coating. Firm, medium tannins and a well-balanced acidity beautifully frame the fruit. Minerals feature at the end, along with hints of warm spice.

Taste – Rich and well layered, with delicious black fruit of sweet and tart plum, overripe blackberry, smoky blueberry, black cherry and cassis. These layer over sweet brown tobacco leaf, black tea leaf, brown spice, dried fall leaves and hints of dusty cocoa and dried earth.

Finish – Ultra-long, with fruit that takes a very long time to tail off. As the fruit fades, earthen characteristics ease their way in as a chewy, mineral laden dryness slowly encroaches.

Conclusion – Today’s spectacular 1999 Renteria Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley is a remarkable wine that absolutely floored us with its bold, delicious fruit and perfect aromatics. There is a surprising amount of fruit and color in the wine, letting us know that the wine was aged tenderly and to perfection. This is an aged wine, so some flavors fade from some points on the tongue faster than they do on others, which was an endearing, learning experience quality. Overall, this wine is gorgeous and just perfect. The only ‘problem’ that we had with the wine is that the winery has less of it left than we thought. We are making every last case available to you, but you have to act quickly. We will sell out. Drinking beautifully, now, we think that the wine is near its peak. We’ll hold onto a bottle for a few more years, though, just for fun! Get it while you can, and… enjoy!

Mission Report:

Presented for your reading enjoyment, what follows is our original mission to Renteria:

My contact at the winery gave me a leisurely tour, detailing for me the rich history of the Renteria family and their love of growing the grapes that make up some of the finest wines in the world.

With the help of consulting winemaker, the famous Karen Culler, Renteria is producing some fantastic wines. Of particular note to me was their Knittel Vineyard Pinot Noir, a great Pinot that is simultaneously a classic example and a tasty interpretation, born of a rich winemaking history, modern growing and production techniques, and, oh yeah, lots of love.

Winery Background Check:

While it is not uncommon to find tenth-generation winemakers throughout Europe, America is too young a country for this to be possible.

Today in this country, there are a small handful winemakers whose families are becoming multi-generational artisan winemakers.

45 years ago, a young Salvador Renteria arrived in California from Mexico. He began work as a field laborer and worked his way quickly to vineyard supervisor. After years spent developing his own planting techniques, he got the attention of major wine producers like Beaulieu Vineyards, Clos Pegase, Cuvaison and Silverado – and went to work planning and planting these now famous vineyards.

Salvador went on to found his own vineyard management company where he put his love of the business to work as he managed some of the largest and most successful vineyards in the Napa Valley.

Salvador’s son, Oscar, grew up in the vineyards alongside his father, learning the family business from top to bottom. In 1993, Oscar took over management of the company and carried forth the traditions and the love of wine production that his father imbued him with. Working with select vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma’s Russian River, Renteria still grows world renowned grapes for clients that include William Selyem, Robert Mondavi Winery, Caymus, Rombauer and Duckhorn. By combining practical, generational field knowledge with innovative trials and experimentation, the Renteria family has found a balance which allows them to grow the finest grapes possible.

Winemaker Profile:

Karen Culler started her winemaking career as a child, making homemade wine with her father and grandfather in Ohio. Her job was to destem the clusters by hand.

Many years later she attended the University of California at Davis to get her Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology (grapes and wine). After graduating from UC Davis in 1984, she started a 6 month internship at Robert Mondavi Winery in their Research Department. Six months turned into two years and when Robert Mondavi purchased Vichon Winery, Karen joined Vichon as Assistant Winemaker in 1986. In 1989, she became Winemaker.

In 1996 started her own label, Culler Wines, and began producing her well respected wines with the harvest of 1997. She also consults as winemaker to various other wineries in Napa Valley, such as Renteria, Wolf Family Vineyards, Ladera, and Rivera.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The Knittel vineyard is located in a prime site, south of Highway 12 on Los Carneros Road on the Napa side of Carneros. An experimental vineyard, it was planted by Renteria Vineyard Management in 1997. It has all of the aspects of a perfect Pinot Noir vineyard: planted on an east facing, gentle hillside on clay soils in a cool microclimate to five different Pinot Noir clones. The different clones not only add complexity but also impart various sensory components to the wine. Clone 115 is the largest block and adds depth and tannin structure. The Dijon clones 667 and 777 give the wine’s aroma the higher fruit tones, while the complexity and “spice” flavors come from the California selections, Calera and Swan.

The approximate location of Renteria’s Carneros Knittle Vineyard can be seen in this satellite photo.

The location of the Renteria winery can be seen in this satellite photo

Axis Cellars 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $35.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $18.00
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: California: Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.8

HIGH QPR ALERT:

This is a fantastic wine, especially considering the price. This great value earns it today’s special QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) alert. This wine get’s our heartiest recommendation, today, so don’t miss out.

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: On Axis

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to multi-year favorite, Arimda Winery. Secure their newest single vineyard Castelli-Knight Ranch Pinot Noir for our Pinot-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Axis Cellars

Wine Subject: 2006 Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley

Backgrounder:

The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Pinot Noir of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the Russian River Valley ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The Russian River Valley in Sonoma is particularly well suited to producing exceptional Pinot Noir. 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 – With a core of pure clear ruby. Color is evenly concentrated, until the very edge of the wine, where it transitions from ruby to terracotta to a lovely pink hue, to almost clear at the meniscus.

Smell – Deep red cherry, spiced raspberry candy, bramble and earthy aromas just jump from the glass. As the wine breaths, aromas of hard cracked leather, flinty gunpowder, black cherry, soft cedar and a hint of toasty vanilla appear.

Feel – Soft, cool and light on initial entry. Then, the wine gives a tender bite at the mid-palate, introducing a medium body and a little added complexity. A slight, flinty dryness spreads from the rear of the palate, forward. Bright acidity drives the sweet fruit to the corners of the palate.

Taste – Black cherry, juicy raspberry, cranberry and Bing cherry are in the forefront. Just behind, follow dark chocolate with pepper, bramble and hints of mineral, cedar, black tea leaf and cigar box.

Finish – Very long and clean with sweet fruit that slowly fades to earthy spice and woody components.

Conclusion – Really delicious, with great fruit and a big nose, this delightful wine was a terrifically pleasant surprise. A little shy at first, once it opens up, this 2006 Axis Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a terrific and very juicy wine. Swirl or decant for best results. We recommend swirling, so that you can witness the progression from shy and restrained to expressive, juicy and delicious. The Russian River Valley has become such a special place for Pinot Noir and today’s wine delivers a true representation of the regions unique terroir. Well structured, bright and with a lively acidity, this is a wine that is really well-suited to being paired with a fine meal. Enjoy now or for the next couple of years.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Russian River Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.

Alderbrook Winery 2005 Confluence Zinfandel/Syrah Blend

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $38.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $28.00
Varietal: Red Blend
Region: California: Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.8

LIBRARY RAID ALERT!

After three years of covert maneuvering (begging and pleading), Alderbrook gave us access to their secret archive. We chose today’s 2005 Confluence red blend, a delicious wine that we very highly recommend.

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT!

We only showcase wines that we love. When one rises above, we issue these special alerts, to let you know to pay particular attention.

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: Rivers Crest

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: After more than a three year absence from our pages, send Agent Red back to Alderbrook Winery, in the Dry Creek Valley, where their library is rumored to be holding back some remarkable wines. Infiltrate their private stash and retrieve their best Library selection for our deserving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Alderbrook Winery

Wine Subject: 2005 Confluence Zinfandel – Syrah Blend

Winemaker: Bryan Parker

Winery Backgrounder: 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.

The popularity of Syrah is undeniable. Big and bold in flavor and texture, it packs a concentrated punch of flavor that many people love. This Rhone varietal, although many believe that the grape originated in the Persia region, is 100% French in lineage. The Syrah grape is directly descended from the Monduese Blanche and Dureza varietals and is grown worldwide with great success.

Today’s wine is a delightful blend of both Zinfandel and Syrah, delivering a delicious delight with original flavors, deep aromatics and a fine mouth feel.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest garnet hues, with a darker heart. Coloration is perfectly even, from edge to core. When swirled, tall, skinny legs descend from high on the glass wall. They carry the garnet color of the wine as they move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Sweet and warm, aromatic and lush, with smoky cherry, raspberry, blackberry and warm spice. Just beneath these, bramble, cassis, bitter chocolate, subtle cinnamon, violets and pepper round out the nose..

Feel – Bright and light-weight, up front, then grippy on the edges of the palate. As the wine airs out, it gains in complexity and body. Fine, integrated tannins give the wine a softly plush feel and bright acids provide a great counterpoint that drives flavors to the far corners of the mouth.

Taste – Blackberry, Bing Cherry and dried cranberry are the initial flavors to present themselves. As the wine opens, additional flavors keep appearing, including Black cherry, sweet brown spice, dark chocolate, sweetwoods, slate and hints of star anise and cracked pepper.

Finish – This wine finishes long, with a pronounced, sustained Bing cherry flavor that persists long after other fruit flavors have dwindled.

Conclusion – A little shy at first, this wine comes to life as you spin it in the glass – or after about 30 minutes of decanting. As it airs out, fruits become more authentic and flavorful, delivering additional energy and delight. Fruit flavors really come to life and aromas take on new dimension, making each successive sip and inhalation more of a delight than the last. With plenty of fruit and medium-high acids, this is a fantastic summertime BBQ wine. This wine gets our hearty Wine Spies recommendation!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the beautiful Alderbrook Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

Jason-Stephens Winery 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $28.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $22.00
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California: Santa Clara County
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.5

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

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Mission Codename: The Perfect Pairing

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate Jason-Stephens Winery, on California’s Central Coast, and retrieve their fabled 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Jason-Stephens Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Santa Clara Valley

Winemaker: Jason Goelz

Backgrounder: The Santa Clara Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located along the western boundary of the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountain range. While there are dozens of famous wineries, here, the amount of acreage under vine has gradually dwindled as Silicon Valley’s own footprint has grown. Wines from this unique region are some of the most sought-after Central Coast wines.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and foreboding, with dark garnet hues that grow darker through the clear, deep core of the wine. At the edge of the glass, the wine shows soft ruby hues. When spun, fat, wine-stained tears from low on the glass wall. they take a long time to emerge, and a longer time to move downward.

Smell – Lush and dark, with a rush of black cherry and blackberry that just leap from the glass. As the wine opens up (spin well for best results), it reveals dark raspberry, sweet tobacco leaf, fennel, cassis, cocoa dust, pepper and a hint of cedar.

Feel – Initially soft, this wine becomes almost instantly grippy, coating the palate with a plush chewiness that spreads from the edges of the palate, inward. A spreading dryness follows, accompanied by soft minerals and a hint of bright pepper.

Taste – Black cherry juice, blackberry and black plum present themselves at the tip of the tongue. As the wine settles onto the palate, tobacco, smoky blueberry, lightly burnt Mission fig, dried violets and sweet cedar follow.

Finish – Medium long with sweet dark fruit that gradually yields to tart fruit – and then dried black flowers, smoky fig and flinty minerals, with a hint of black pepper at the tail end.

Conclusion – The 2007 Jason Stephens Winery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon really took our tasting panel by surprise. It is an approachable, easy to drink wine with Classic Cabernet flavors. Intriguingly, it has a character uniquely its own. Where we have been so used to giant Napa Cabernet and some lighter-hearted Sonoma County examples, this wine expresses a feel and a melange of flavors that are likely due to the unique terroir of the Santa Clara Valley. While this bears further investigation (look for more interesting wines from the region, later this year) we encourage you to explore right along side us, by trying this tasty, slightly austere wine

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Jason Stephens Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

Ottimino 2007 Estate Vineyard Zinfandel

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $28.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $19.99
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: California: Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.9

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

We are blessed, today, to bring you another fantastic Zinfandel from our dear friends at Ottimino. This wine comes from the fabled 2007 Vintage, which Robert Parker, Jr. rated a walloping 96 Points (for Northern California Reds). When we feature a wine that we are really crazy about, we issue these alerts.

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: Eights full of Aces

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Ottimino, a smash hit with our Zinfandel-loving Operatives. This time around, secure a stash of their 2007 Estate Zinfandel, a stunning wine from the best vintage on record in 10 years (96-Points, Robert Parker, Jr.).

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: Ottimino

Wine Subject: 2007 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 – Dark ruby hues, throughout, with a clear and slightly darker core. After spinning the wine, tall, thin, wine-colored legs move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Full and bursting with dark fruit, this wine presents lush blackberry, black cherry and brambly raspberry out in front. As thee wine opens up, it also reveals cocoa, leather, Bing cherry, black plum and softly toasted oak.

Feel – Velvet-smooth on entry and then grippy and plush with a light crushed velvet feel that leads to a soft spreading dryness that begins at the edges of the palate, and then spreads inward.

Taste – Black cherry, blackberry, smoky plum, bramble, braised mission fig and forest jam take center stage, presenting as sweet at the front of the palate and then deliciously, mouthwateringly tart at the mid-palate. After spinning the wine for a spell, it opens up, revealing softly toasted oak, dark strawberry, black pepper and hints of fresh herbs, dark leather and forest jam.

Finish – Medium-long with dark fruit gradually yielding to earthen flavors of dried leaves, minerals and black pepper.

Conclusion – Welcome back, Ottimino! We always love Ottimino’s Zin’s. So, too, do our Operatives, who snap them up in record numbers. Ottimino Zinfandels are among our most popular and today’s wine reminds us why; Ottimino lives Zinfandel, making it their focus – and their passion. Today’s 2007 Ottimino Zinfandel comes from the winery’s own Ottimino Vineyard, in the Russian River Valley. This wine is smooth, delicious and abundant. Somewhat austere at first, this wine comes to life as you swirl and swirl in the glass. We prefer this approach to decanting, as you get to experience the transformation that the wine undergoes. Shy and a little reserved, in the beginning, flavors and aromas are enhanced with every spin. Delicious all on its own, we paired ours with a warm spinach salad with truffle oil, goat cheese – and a fried egg on top!

Huntington Wine Cellars 2009 Alexander Valley Costello Vineyards Chardonnay

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $30.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $22.50
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: California: Alexander Valley
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.1

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: Along the Precipice

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit our friends at Huntington Wine Cellars and return with an allocation of their esteemed 2009 Alexander Valley Costello Vineyards Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Huntington Wine Cellars

Wine Subject: 2009 Alexander Valley Costello Vineyards Chardonnay

Backgrounder:

Chardonnay is arguably the greatest of all white grape varietals, showing its influence in the legendary sparkling wines of Champagne, the great whites of Burgundy and of course its expression as ’the’ white wine of California. Chardonnay represents over 50% of the planted white grapes in California with nearly 100,000 acres planted. With such a great number of wines made from this grape, it stands to reason that finding wines of immense quality would be hard, but look no further. Today’s selection from Rodde Family Vineyards is a richly delicious wine with plenty of character.

Winemaker:

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright and slight pale straw yellow in color that lightens just slightly along the edges. Long, medium thick legs with fat heads slowly sink to the wine below

Smell – Fresh and bright aroma of orchard fruit including tart apple, pear and citrus along with some tropical fruit as well lead you in and are accompanies by notes of toasted nuts and a hint of smoke, white pepper spice and orange blossom and white floral hints.

Feel – This medium-to-full bodied white is smooth and creamy on the palate with well developed tannins and balanced acidity. This wine’s soft minerals and spice hit at mid palate and linger into the finish.

Taste – Fresh and bright, lead by green apple, a mixed citrus fruit along with a touch of tropical fruit. Soft and round creaminess with a touch of toasted nuts, soft spice and pepper, slate minerals and the redolent floral notes from the notes give add texture and complexity.

Finish – Medium long in length with the apple, citrus and tropical fruit lingers and is followed by tartness provided by the acidity and a touch of spice. As the fruit fades the toasted and nutty flavors continue on and on.

Conclusion – The 2009 Huntington Wine Cellars Alexander Valley Costello Vineyards Chardonnay is a bright a fresh with a lovely aromatic character and a fantastically balanced mouth feel. Aromas and flavors of green apple, citrus that blend with spice, floral notes and toasted nuts and oak provides depth and complexity. A great wine to enjoy as the days become longer and warmer. Pair this with pan-seared scallops or grilled shrimp.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of Huntington Wine Cellars can be seen in this satellite photo.

Raina - Francesco Mariani 2009 Umbria Rosso IGT

Sun, 06 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $25.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $18.50
Varietal: Sangiovese
Region: Italy: Umbria
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.5

EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT!

Today’s wine is an exclusive selection from a very small an unique boutique Italian producer.

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: Incredibly Indigenous

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of the elusive and delicious Umbrian classic for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Raina – Francesco Mariani

Wine Subject: 2009 Umbria Rosso IGT

Winemaker: Francis Mariani

Backgrounder:

Today’s Umbria IGT wine hails from the Umbria region of West Central Italy, is famous for producing some of the most unique and distinctive wines of Italy. Today’s selection is a blend of indigenous grapes including Sangiovese and Montepulciano and was aged exclusively stainless steel thus preserving the grape’s unique character.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and ruby red in color with a brilliant clear core that shows bright streaks when held to the light that pales just slightly along the edges. When swirled, slow thin legs of varying speeds hand on the side of the glass and thin as they descend.

Smell – Bright and tangy red and black cherry as well as other tangy bramble berries lead you in and are followed by a touch of green herbal notes, exotic and peppery spice and zesty tar. Subtle floral notes and hints of candied fruit adds depth.

Feel – Bright and tangy with vibrant acidity and youthful tannins great you and the attack of this medium-to-full bodied dry wine. The etched minerality is tightly woven in with the tannins and acidity provide a slightly chewy feel.

Taste – Bright, fresh and tangy red and black cherry along with other red fruit blend with zesty tar, mocha coffee, green herbal and peppery spice notes.

Finish – Medium long in length with the textured minerality, tannins and acidity drying the palate as the fresh and ripe fruit gently fades leaving behind just a hint of spice.

Conclusion – The 2009 Raina Umbria Rosso IGT shows great varietal character and purity with its fresh and tangy red fruit on the nose and palate. Its vibrant acidity, youthful tannins and textured minerality makes this wine one that you both taste and feel – and lends itself very well to a variety of foods! Enjoy this wine tonight (after a little breathing time) or cellar for the next three to five years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Francis Mariani

WINE EDUCATION: For the first two years we have collaborated with Tiziano Vistali, from whom I certainly learned a lot. Currently we have no enologist. Me and my cellarmaster, Andrea Mattioli, personally follow the cultivation of the vine and all stages of winemaking products. Then individually decide about the processing techniques, aging and assembly, as we are clear on the kind of product we want to achieve.

WINE JOB BRIEF: Personally, besides the experience gained working together with Tiziano Vistalli in 2003 I followed the courses of innovative techniques for the cultivation of vines. Also in 2006 I attended a course in oenology, lasting five months, in Parma, near Alma International School of Italian Cuisine “by Gualtiero Marchesi.
Andrea Mattioli, after graduating and receiving a degree as an agricultural expert, he attended courses related to the cultivation of the vine. Also 3 years experience at the winery “Colsanto” group “Livon, besides the three years of work completed in my company.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: We firmly believe that a wine should be a full expression of Terroir: First, the wine is made in the vineyard. We take care of yourself so all stages of cultivation, from pruning to Suckering from thinning to harvest. All these operations take place manually. Then try to limit the use of chemicals in the vineyard and do not use herbicides. The aim is to always get a product that, upon collection, be healthy, intact and has reached an appropriate degree of ripeness.

In the cellar, we are convinced that the product should not be chemically altered in any way: we do not use aromas or additives to change the typical characteristics of wines. The use of sulfur is minimal and we do not filter which we believe diminishes the wine. As for the aging in wood barrels we use strictly French oak barrels.

To further ensure quality, we use Technological systems for pumping next generation fermentation tanks with temperature control, soft pressing …

These tools, in addition to preserving the quality of products, help us to always work in a clean way: that is, in our opinion, fundamental.
This leads to wines of living, distinctive and interesting, full expression of the territory, with a strong personality and at the same time, very drinkable (we are not interested in produce wines for tastings and competitions).

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Life is too short to drink bad wine.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Raina in Sagrantino can be seen in this satellite photo.

De Angelis Wines 2009 Viognier

Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $27.49
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $18.49
Varietal: Viognier
Region: California
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 13.5

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s Viognier is, hands down, the best we have ever tasted. We only feature wines that we love, not what wineries need to sell. When one really stands out, we issue these special alerts, to let you know that we really love it.

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: Heaven Scent

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate De Angelis Wines, a San Luis Obispo winery that has been creating quite a stir on California’s Central Coast. Taste their sought-after Viognier. If the wine is as good as its reputation suggests, procure an ample allocation for our Operatives’ Spring and Summer enjoyment.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2009 De Angelis Viognier

Winemaker: Jerry and Marsha De Angelis

Backgrounder:

Viognier, is a very shy grape that is difficult to grow and was once an endangered species worldwide. Today, skillful growers and winemakers tend the grapes with great care, closely monitoring their progress and picking at the pinnacle of ripeness. Viognier, when perfectly produced, is a delightful wine that can range from fully dry to demi-sec as is the case in today’s delicious example.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Brilliant yellow gold with color that extends evenly, right out to the very edge. When swirled, this wine spins in the glass for a very long time, giving clues to its weight and viscosity. When the wine settles, tall, slow-moving columns move slowly down the inside of the glass.

Smell – Bright white peach, pear and golden apple leap from the glass. Tropical notes follow, as the wine warms slightly. The more you spin the wine, the more it releases aromas of orange blossom honey, white flowers and a hint of sweet light spice.

Feel – Ultra-soft and velvet-smooth, this wine has a decidedly sexy feel. It takes on added dimension at the mid-palate where soft acids and a hint of minerals add complexity and weight. A soft dryness follows the fruit.

Taste – Fresh, full, dense flavors of apricot, citrus, pineapple, orange zest and honeysuckle provide a bold, delicious initial rush of flavors. These are followed by pear, golden delicious apple, Asian pear, soft, sweet white spice and subtle minerals.

Finish – Extremely long with sweet fruit and flowers taking a long time to fade. Long after the wine is swallowed, flavors persist, gradually replaced by a softly spreading dryness. Minerals and soft spice ultimately give the wine a softly chewy feel, but not in the way that a highly tannic red wine can. This chewy feel is soft and light.

Conclusion – The 2009 De Angelis Viognier is a tremendous wine! We were really blown away by how fragrant, delicious, complex and tender this wine is. Bursting with lush aromas and complex, delicious flavors, this is the best Viognier that we have featured in a very long time. This tender wine is packed with life, flavor and smooth feelings. Enjoy it all on its own, or pair with fresh fruit, creamy cheeses, Charcuterie, or a summer salad with mandarin slices and goat cheese. Enjoy this highly recommended treat!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Jerry & Marsha. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Viognier today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

WINEMAKERS: We are happy to be a featured wine in Wine Spies. We feel that this is a great opportunity for us, and for folks to access a handcrafted wine made in very small lots.

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

WINEMAKERS: Like many winemakers, we started with a small personal winery and vineyard. As our knowledge grew, and our wines became more appreciated, we were asked to make wine at a number of wineries, and eventually to become the winemakers and general managers at a larger winery and Custom Crush facility in Paso Robles, CA.

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

WINEMAKERS: We have had a number of great teachers and colleagues. Probably the most influential was Harold Osborn. Harold was, and is, an incredible resource, as well as a fine winemaker. During his many years in the field, he has made wine in California, and consulted to wineries in New Zealand and Australia.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

WINEMAKER: We make wine for ourselves – De Angelis Wines – as well as for a number of clients. These clients are located in Northern and Southern California, and as far away as New York. We handcraft our wines paying great attention to detail, and to developing wines that are true to the variety. The wines we produce taste like they should taste and reflect the region, and the terroir of that region.

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

WINEMAKER: This wine – our 2009 Viognier – was made from fruit of exceptional quality. The alcohol level is 13.5%. That is consequential because many Viognier exhibit much higher alcohol levels. In our opinion that masks the flavors, and can upset the acidic balance of a white wine. Stone fruit characteristics are evident in this Viognier, as is a well-balanced acidity. The mouthfeel and the long finish add to this wine’s appeal. Approximately 70% the wine was aged in Hungarian oak, and the rest in stainless steel. The wine in stainless was stirred on the lees for 4-6 months to increase its creamy aspects. The wine was bottled in April of 2009 following cold stabilization and sterile filtration. Sterile filtration was necessary because this wine was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. This is a white wine which, in our opinion, should not be poured very cold. Temperatures below about 45° F. usually inhibit the nose of Rhone whites, and negate the floral tones of this style of wine.

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

WINEMAKER: This Viognier is balanced, and can be served with any number of appetizers or main dishes. For instance a lighter pasta, a roasted fowl or fish dish, with or without mushrooms, may be served with this wine. We especially enjoy a seared Tuna salad, as well as a well-constructed Nicoise salad with this wine.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Central Coast so special?

WINEMAKERS: The climate here is conducive to growing fine Rhone varieties.

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

WINEMAKERS: We are bottling 2010 red wines, and beginning to prepare for the 2012 harvest.

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

WINEMAKER: We recommend that people approach our wines, and wines in general, with few, if any, preconceptions. There are thousands of labels in California, many of which are produced in small lots by dedicated winemakers. What makes winemaking so interesting is that there is no singular way to make a particular wine variety. That is there is room for many wines and wine styles.

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

WINEMAKER: That’s about it! Thank you for the opportunity.

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!

Bradford Mountain Winery 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Regular Retail Price: $24.00
The Wine Spies One Day Price: $19.00
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: California: Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma)
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol %: 14.8

WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE ALERT:

The Wine Spies are the only wine merchant on the planet to be featuring today’s delicious Zinfandel. Quantities are limited and we will sell out, so be sure to act quickly.

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Boastful, bold and bursting with fruit today’s wine handily earns this special recognition. We always feature the very best wines that we can find, but when a wine really shines, we issue special alerts like this one.

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 bonus.

Mission Codename: Fortune Favors the Bold

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Ahead of the release of their 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, send Agent Red to Bradford Mountain to infiltrate the winery and acquire all available cases for our Bradford-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: VML Winery

Wine Subject: 2010 Bradford Mountain Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Winemaker: Virginia Lambrix

Backgrounder: Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is a treasure trove of great wines. Arguably, the region is best known for producing some of the finest Zinfandel in the country. For today’s wine Agent Red returned to Bradford Mountain Winery, a Wine Spies favorite. There, he was able to negotiate a small amount of their 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, nearly a full month ahead of the wines general release into the wild. Quantities are limited, though, so act fast as we are certain to sell out.

Varietal Backgrounder: 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. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels, which are characterized by their balance and juiciness, are gaining in popularity with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest magenta, with a darker core of deep garnet. At the rim of the glass, beautiful ruby hues catch the light. After a hearty swirl, tall columns of ultra-thin legs fall from high up on the glass. After this first round, a second round starts from very near the surface of the wine. This set of legs is far thicker and just as slow.

Smell – Dark blackberry and blueberry jam lead the way. These are closely followed by smoky black cherry, leather, dark chocolate dust, black plum and mixed sweet brown spice. As the wine opens, it also reveals subtle dried tobacco leaf and black pepper.

Feel – Soft, round and cool on entry. At the mid-palate, it takes on a plush and softly drying feel. A gradual, darkly mineral dryness spreads all around the palate, eventually drying the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bold blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and dark leather lead the way, followed by juicy Bing cherry, Oregon black raspberry, soft cedar, subtle tobacco, sweet brown spice and a hint of flinty black pepper.

Finish – Berry fruit persist for a long time, dwindling as cedar, spice tobacco and black pepper take even longer to fully tail off. At the very end, flinty pepper lingers as the palate slowly dries.

Conclusion – First, please note that today’s wine will sell out. Last year we featured a previous vintage of this wine – and it set a record, becoming our best-selling Zinfandel at that time. Today’s 2010 Bradford Mountain Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is every bit as great as that wine, with most on our tasting panel declaring it to be even better. With more berry fruit than the 2007, this wine also posses more greater balance, with flavors of leather, tobacco, spice and soft cedar rounding out the palate. On the nose, the wine is simply bursting with berry and sweet spice. Despite its relative youth, this wine is ready to drink, now. Be sure to stock up, though, as this may be your only chance to get your hands on this fantastic, highly recommended wine.

Wine Spies vineyard Check:

The location of the Bradford Mountain Winery vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.