November 2009

BUDGET-FRIENDLY CROWD PLEASER
Navarro Vineyards
2008 Edelzwicker
Mendocino, California

This environmentally friendly family-run estate is a true pioneer among California wineries. Founded in 1973 in the Golden State’s somewhat untamed Mendocino County, Navarro Vineyards is renowned for its sustainably grown wines and non-alcoholic wine grape juices. The winery was instrumental in establishing Mendocino’s wine country as a tourist destination and is probably best known for its Gewürztraminer. It also produces Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat and several interesting blends. Their 2008 Edelzwicker is a traditional Alsatian blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat. While the sort of aromatic low-alcohol wine that we recommend for a picnic or a cozy evening in front of the fire, it is also an outstanding choice for a big holiday season feast. Affordable but well balanced, faintly sweet yet fresh, it’s a crowd pleaser that won’t break the budget. Pair with a traditional turkey or ham and all the trimmings.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $13

Other White Blends we have tasted
Check out our guide to California
For more information, visit www.navarrowine.com

DARK AND EARTHY
Pessagno
2007 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Stephen Pessagno’s dream of having his own boutique winery began in 1974, when his grandfather introduced him to the craft of winemaking on their family ranch. After stints at Jekel and Lockwood, Pessagno, along with two close friends, founded his namesake winery in 2004. Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands region of California’s Monterey County, Pessagno now boasts its own inn on the vineyard estate. While well known for their single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, Pessagno also produces Chardonnay, Syrah, Zinfandel, Riesling, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc and a Port-style wine. The 2007 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Pinot Noir is a dark, concentrated wine. Up-front fruit aromas and flavors include cherry, raspberry and black currant. Earthy violet and bark notes mingled with tart acidity balance the fruit’s richness and sweetness. Oak influence adds just a hint of burnt caramel to round out the palate. Pair with fall flavors like roasted squash with earthy goat cheeses, pork loin with dried cherry sauce, or veal with wild mushrooms.

Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $28

Other Pinot Noir we have tasted
Check out our guide to California's Central Coast
For more information, visit www.pessagnowines.com

FRENCH-AMERICAN RED BLEND
St. Supéry
2004 Élu Napa Valley Red Wine
Napa Valley, California

Located in Napa Valley’s famous Rutherford region, St. Supéry is held in high regard in the California wine industry. Its owners, the Skalli family, have a multi-generation history of winemaking in southern France. During the 1970s, they discovered Napa Valley and felt an affinity for its climate and culture. However, it wasn’t until the following decade that the Skallis planted their property there, choosing to highlight the noble Bordeaux varietals based on the California climate. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery is noted for its Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Élu, a Bordeaux-style red blend. Their 2004 Élu is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The blend makes for a classic and juicy Napa Valley red wine. On the nose, Élu‘s plum and anise aromas are distinct and straightforward. The wine is voluptuous in the mouth, with plum and blackberry flavors, dusty tannins and a hint of spice. Its finish is lengthy, comprising vanilla and dried fig notes. Pair it with hearty winter meals like traditional pot roast, short ribs and creamy polenta, or sea bass with braised celery.

Rating: 15/20
Price: $60

Other Meritage & Bordeaux we have tasted
Check out our guide to Napa Valley
For more information, visit www.stsupery.com