There are a plethora of reasons for drinking red wine this month with Breast Cancer Awareness and Cline’s Cashmere red blend, Hog Football rooted on with Rodney Strong’s Reserve Cabernet, fall colors enjoyed with Keenan Cab Franc and of course Halloween and an amazing 2004 Elevage’ from Chimney Rock. We can always find a reason to crack open a great red. Another way to enhance the enjoyment of these wonderful reds is in a specialty Riedel Crystal wine glass. We have the largest selection of Riedel stemware and “O” series in the state with some 36 different glasses for each varietal and blend. What better way to make a perfect wine even more of an adventure than with the proper crystal vessel to enhance each and every nuance of these crafted wines.
CLINE CELLARS, 2010 GSM “CASHMERE” RED BLEND, CONTRA COSTA, CA- $12.99 - GSM – (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) An all time favorite blend of varietals first originating in the Rhone Valley and duplicated in the Contra Costa County of California. Cashmere injects huge bing cherries, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum. One of the most versatile red blends on the market today matching well with salmon, pork roast or glazed duckling. Cline Cellars proudly supports “Living Beyond Breast Cancer”.
RODNEY STRONG 2007 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ALEXANDER VALLEY - $54.21 - Direct from the “Winery within a Winery” at the RS facility in the Alexander Valley. This “micro-winery” designates small blocks of fruit within the existing blocks of grapes or as Rick Sayer refers to it as the “sweet spot” within the blocks. This amazing 100% Cab is full bodied and richly textured with intense aromas and flavors of black currant, sandalwood, and cocoa with a smooth, lingering finish. Absolutely amazing pairing with an espresso coffee ground encrusted filet.
KEENAN, 2007 CABERNET FRANC, SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, CA - $56.99 - 94 Points – Robert Parker. A wine that admirably demonstrates the heights to which Cabernet Franc can climb and this one will jump straight out of your glass for you to take notice. A brilliant effort, it boasts elegant blue, red and black fruit notes intermixed with abundant spring flower and forest floor aromas. Intense, yet light on its feet. This beautiful red is carefully cultivated high above the fog line atop Spring Mountain. Freakishly good.
CHIMNEY ROCK, 2004 ELEVAGE, RED WINE BLEND, STAGS LEAP DISTRICT NAPA VALLEY - $69.99 – A Red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley. This 04 is showing so incredibly well right now it excites me to sell it to anyone out of the honey hole. Spice, black currant, fresh earth, herb and cedar aromas are elegant and refined on the palate, ending with ripe, integrated tannins and nice lingering finish. Perfect accompaniment to a bone-in Cowboy ribeye.
With all these incredible reds to choose from one can’t go wrong with any of these selections. The heat being a thing of the past, more Hog football games in our future and the opening of Crystal Bridges American Art Museum, we have many reasons to celebrate with a Riedel glass full of red wine. We will host a winemaker’s dinner with George Bravante owner of Howell Mountain’s Bravante Vineyards at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on November 4th. I can be found at County Line for any of your wine, entertaining or tailgating needs.
Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
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