November 2013 Wine Club Features

Ara Single Estate Pinot Gris 2011

Ara’s first release of Single Estate Pinot Gris 2011 won Champion Pinot Gris at the inaugural Marlborough Wine Show. Small parcels of fruit were selected for their structure and weight as well as their aromatics then hand harvested and gently whole bunch pressed. The result is a highly aromatic wine with a concentration of flavors distinctive of Ara’s Single Estate Wines, balanced with a wonderful minerality and crisp citrus acidity.

Cameron Hughes Lot 324 Chardonnay 2010

Orange blossom, lemon curd, and toasted almond aromatics underpinned with spicy pear and apple aromas. Sourced from the Atlas Peak AVA in California.

Cameron Hughes Lot 254 Meritage 2008

This Bordeaux blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec that are sourced from vineyards and a winery in the Happy Canyon AVA which is located inside the Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  The color is ruby red with black highlights. The nose is strawberry and raspberry, cinnamon spice drops, a little cedar plank, some soft vanilla and a faint whiff of brewing coffee. There is a silky mouthfeel that contrasts nicely with a spicy mid palate. It starts with blueberries, cassis, French vanilla, cola, and curry spice. The mid palate adds Christmas spice, fresh juicy plum, orange zest and custard. The tannins are silky, the structure holds the flavors and textures together. The finish is complex and lengthy, it fades quickly, but never really goes away.

El Pajaro Rojo Mencia 2011

A rich and unctuous Mencía, this has a fluency in the mouth, deploying its ripeness, completely covering the palate with caramelized and voluptuous flavors. Great with grilled meats.  90 Points, Year's Best, Best Buy, 100 Best Values of the Year Wine & Spirits, Oct 1, 2012