This Week at Bella Vino – Peter Merriam from Merriam Vineyards
Hi Everyone,
Hope you’re still enjoying this weather. I will admit – I love it! It made for the perfect weather for our Summer White Tasting last week. It was an interesting experience for lots of us to taste just white wine. We did add a red as a surprise (we didn’t want to completely shock everyone’s palate). And the red went over so well that we sold out of it. No worries the tasty Dolcetto will be back in on Thursday. We also sold out of the Foris Pinot Blanc and that too will be here on Thursday.
I am really looking forward to this Thursday’s tasting. As I have mentioned in previous emails Peter Merriam from Merriam Vineyards will be hosting our Thursday night wine tasting. I love all of Merriam Vineyard wines. They are outstanding examples of Sonoma County wines. We invite you to join us to meet Peter and taste his incredible wines. We hope to see you.
Thursday’s Wine Tasting – Peter Merriam from Merriam Vineyards – Voted WINERY OF THE YEAR 2009 in Celebrate New Hampshire
“New Wine” 2008 Merriam Vineyards Simoneau Ranch – 100% Chardonnay – Alexander Valley, California - Light straw in color, with crisp stone fruit, floral notes of peach, pear and apricot on the nose. Thick and viscous mouth-feel with topical fruit of banana, mango and kiwi. ($28.99)
2004 Merriam Vineyards Windacre Vineyard – 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc – Russian River Valley, California - A delicious balance of earth and fruit, this wine is marked by aromas of leather and cherry cola that give way to flavors of violets and blueberry on the palate. A velvety mouthfeel with soft tannins and a lingering finish, this wine is a perfect pairing with lighter meat dishes such as lamb or duck. ($32.99)
“New Wine” 2006 Merriam Vineyards Jones Vineyard - 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon - Dry Creek Valley, California – Scents of plum-violets, raspberry and cherry with hints of light smoke and spice to the nose. Upon tasting, flavors of cassis, spice and vanilla on the palate give way to a thick and lasting finish of currant, sweetwood and a hint of coconut. ($48.99)
“New Wine” 2005 Merriam Vineyards Mikos – 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot – Russian River Valley, California – 93 Pts. Wine News, 88 Pts WE – A deep, dark, garnet color. Black raspberries, dried currant, ripe cherries and tobacco notes with a cherry drop in the middle. Finish is medium dry with light tannins. Long finish of mint, plum, eucalyptus and cedar cigar. ($54.99)
2005 Merriam Vineyards Block 21 - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon - Dry Creek Valley, California – 95 Pts WE Buyers Guide – Deep, dark and ruby in color with bing cherry, eucalyptus, strawberry and cedar in the nose. Flavors of red berries, black cherry and bittersweet chocolate with a medium body. Abundant mouthfeel with no hard edges–bright acid, tannins with a slight toast of oak. A lasting finish of cassis, cedar and tobacco. Drink now, but will age gracefully for 5-8 years. ($39.99)
New Wines
“New Wine” 2008 JaM Cellars – 51% Petite Verdot, 49% Petite Syrah – Napa Valley, California - Vibrant ripe plum and dark berry aromas are complemented by a spicy undercurrent of anise and a hint of oak. Lush blackberry and ripe black cherry flavors greet the palate while subtle vanilla and rich spiced plum continue to entice along the length. The opulent fruit is blalanced by bright tannins and lively, linear acidity. Just as yummy as the JaM Cabernet Sauvignon!. ($19.99)
Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00.
Until then – Cheers!
Paula