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Summer 2008 - Issue Number 62

VINTAGE 2007
THE BUZZ GROWS LOUDER

By Don Gillette

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were starting to ferment, with Cabernet mostly still on the vine when I first heard local winemakers buzzing about the 2007 vintage. The Cabernet crop was looking great, and it was poised to follow a wonderfully trouble-free Pinot harvest.

This meant little at the time, as the 2004 Cabernet release was at its peak, and our staff was preoccupied with selling the outstanding 2005 Pinots, as well. I normally ignore early reports from winemakers anyway. They always seem more excited by easy harvests than those potentially greater ones that caused them anxiety and sweat.

When the Cabernet grapes rolled in as near-perfect as the Pinots, the buzz got louder. What is good for Pinot is not always good for Cabernet, and years when both prove exceptional are rare. As usual, most of the harvest time buzz concerned the reds. Perhaps that's because the early ripening Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes are safely in, while oceans of expensive red grapes keep arriving. Possibly in Marlboro, New Zealand, they chatter mostly about whites.

We are now seeing a substantial release of white wines from California's 2007 vintage, which have been consistently delicious. Much better than average! Fruit driven, ripe and all around sensational! There are five spectacular 2007 white wines in the Twelve Picks section of this newsletter and the Cocktail Hour White Wine Six Bottle Sampler will gain the respect of even the most dedicated red wine drinker!

I recently attended the California Cabernet Society's first showing of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon in barrel. Passport to Cabernet is an annual event, where the trade can judge the new Cabernet vintage through a cross-section of appellations. With it, I have now seen enough to draw general conclusions about 2007.

2007 Cab Country

Nearly all of our best Cab acreage is within Napa, where 2007 was clearly outstanding. Napa's various sub-appellations seem uniformly successful, with mountain appellations especially impressive. Sandi Belcher was justly proud of her '07 Arns, while Michael Keenan thinks his Spring Mountain Reserve is his best ever. Sherwin was another Spring Mountain success, while O'Shaughn-essy was a Howell Mountain standout. Diamond Creek, from Napa's northwest end, poured a very impressive "Volcanic Hill" Cab, while Delectus, with fruit from the Sacrashe vineyard in the mountains to the southeast, was equally impressive.

Valley vintner Clif Lede brought a gorgeous wine from Stags Leap, while Whitehall Lane poured their wonderfully elegant "Reserve," a Rutherford-St. Helena blend. Martin Estate showed a delicious single-clone Rutherford offering.

Napa's Louis Martini brought a fine "Monte Rosso" from Sonoma's Moon Mountain, and the Silver Oak Alexander Valley showed better than their Napa. The few Cabernets from Paso Robles seemed off kilter, while other Cab-friendly appellations were poorly represented. I saw nothing from Sonoma Mountain or the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Pinot Paradise

I have tasted more 2007 Northern California Pinot Noirs than anything else and they, along with their south-coast siblings, have been fine to brilliant in quality. Chasseur's Bill Hunter says that his Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast grapes were even better than his fabulous 2005s. Au Bon Climat's Jim Clendenen feels that 2007 Pinot Noirs from Santa Barbara have the charm of those from 2005, but with more concentration, a statement echoed up by his neighbors. It won't be long until the first 2007 vintage Pinots start to appear on our shelves.

Our Little Secret

Staff member Kristen Kettell recently unveiled another duo of 2007s for us. Under Kristen's direction, NVWE has partnered with local vintner "Crushpad" to produce two barrels of wine from 2007 grapes, one white and one red. The results reflect the brilliant fruit quality available. The Howell Mountain Cabernet is deep, concentrated, focused and altogether impressive. The release of the Cabernet is two years away but the white wine is not far from bottling. Our white wine is a creamy, fruit-packed Roussanne-Marsanne blend from the Russian River Valley and we can't wait to sell it this fall. The name and price of NVWE's first wine will be revealed in the next issue of NVWE News.

Oakville Winegrowers Three-Winery Set

The Oakville Winegrowers trade tasting traditionally held at Robert Mondavi Winery in May has become the "A Ticket" of wine tastings in Northern California. Attendance is by invitation only invitees literally receive a numbered ticket and attendance is strictly limited to two per account, plus a guest. It is the trade's chance to taste the latest and the greatest from this appellation including Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Bond, Dalla Valle, Opus One, Nickel & Nickel plus many, many more. Some of the wineries make other than Oakville appellation wines, but only the Oakville wines are poured at this esteemed show.

White wines at this event are few and far between! The room is like a candy store of rich red wine, some of it not yet released. This May, the event was attended by Denise Johnson, Don Gillette and James Jackson and the three of us have assembled a three bottle sampler box of our favorites of the day that are both attainable and affordable! With a little cellaring these three can become the gems of your collection -- you should own all three! Full notes accompany each order.

2005 Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavors of sweet vanilla, caramel and earthy mineral elements join cherry syrup and Cassis in a deliciously balanced melange.

2005 Stanton Cabernet Sauvignon

Mouth filling juicy flavors of cherry, pomegranate syrup, mocha and vanilla hold their focus and sweet nature through a generous finish.

2004 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon

Textbook Oakville Cabernet - polished, but gutsy on the palate, with cherry, red currant, vanilla and the unmistakable mineral terroir of its appellation.

(Full tasting notes available on our website www.nvwe.com)

Three Bottle Set (one of each) $199.95 plus S&H

Six Bottle Set (two of each) $384.95 plus S&H

Twelve Bottle Set (four of each) $729.95 plus S&H

order now - supply is limited!

What's New at NVWE?

By Denise Johnson

We are wrapping up our Twentieth Anniversary celebrations and special offers, and are moving on to another successful twenty years. Here is our last Twentieth Anniversary offer: If you took the time to read this part of our newsletter, you deserve a reward! Call or email me directly (denise@nvwe.com)Click To Email and I will give you 20% discount on one order of your choosing -- up to one full case. Order must be placed by July 15th. Use your discount to purchase something that you really want but would not otherwise be willing to pay for! Or I can suggest something for you. I am full of ideas!

Have you noticed our new Monday morning email called New Arrivals? You can glance at this list and quickly see if your favorites have arrived. Two special wines are always featured and described more fully than the others. If this is more information than you want, you can just ignore the New Arrivals but please do not unsubscribe, because then you won't get any of our other emails, like the special offers and Spotlight on the Small Producers.

Our Japanese website is now fully up and running. If you are in Japan, our url is www.nvwe.com and if you are in the United States, the url is: www.nvwe.com/jp In late March, our newest staff member, Midori Iwamoto, visited Japan and had a NVWE wine tasting at La Mouri Restaurant in Tokyo. Seems like everyone had a good time and we are hoping to have another tasting there by the end of the year. Here is a picture of Midori with her adoring fans:

THE SUMMER 2008 NVWE 12-PICKS!
$272.11

The Twelve Picks is a quarterly selection of wines that are carefully chosen by our staff for our customers and club members! This unique mix of a dozen red and white varietals (usually six red and six white) is selected based on quality, exclusivity and value. Guaranteed greatness! Purchase this entire box of wine for only $272.11 (plus shipping) OR order any quantity of each wine individually! 10% discount applies on any twelve bottle mix. For maximum convenience, join our Twelve Picks Advance club and receive a selected box of wine automatically every three months. There is no charge to join, and membership can be cancelled at any time. Additionally, members receive a 15% discount on all reorders of club wines. Contact us now to order or join!
800-653-WINE (9463) -- Send Us An Email Or visit our website for our full inventory of wonderful small-production California wines: www.nvwe.com

2005 Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Santa Cruz Mountains

This is a Bordeaux-esque blend with complex aromas of blackberry, Cassis, smoke, black tea, leather, sandalwood and forest earth. It has a racy/gutsy feel and loads of blackberry, blueberry, violet and dark forest earth flavors. The finish is gently tannic, with lingering flavors of blackberry and plum. Satisfying and delicious with sauced meats or stews, it should get considerably better for 2-4 more years. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauviignon and 42% Merlot. 3470 cases produced.
Regularly $39.95/btl. or $431.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $33.96/btl. or $407.49/cs.

2006 Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles -- Margarita Vineyard

The aromas of this beauty are fruit-forward and decidedly Napa-esque, as bright red currant, sweet red plum and red rose rise above elegant vanilla and baking spice scents. Things are sleek, polished and soft-edged on the palate, with lingering flavors of red cherry, red plum, red licorice, minerals and sweet vanilla. Flavorful and supple to the end, its quiet zest will make it a match for a multitude of foods. 1,000 cases produced.
Regularly $21.95/btl. or $237.06/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $18.66/btl. or $223.89/cs.

2006 Pelerin Pinot Noir St. Vincent

Santa Lucia Highlands

The nose of this Pinot offers attractive mineral-floral-fruit contrasts of red cherry, red plum, smoke, dried red rose, dried orange peel and iron ore. Brighter and juicier than expected on the palate, its dried Michigan cherry, red licorice and red plum notes cast a sweet spell over its savory undercurrents. Long and structured, but smooth, it is a fine match to flavorful meats, and it will improve for another 12 to 18 months. 900 cases produced.
Regularly $37.95/btl. or $409.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $32.26/btl. or $387.09/cs.

2006 Sandler Syrah Connell Vineyard

Sonoma -- Bennet Valley

Aromatic and rather floral-spicy, this Syrah offers sumac and white pepper to contrast strawberry, dried cherry, red raspberry syrup, mocha and caramel scents. It is ripe and slightly heady on the palate, with white pepper, sumac, salted plum, caramel, bouillon, toffee and tobacco infused with the cherry and raspberry fruit. Rich, lingering and decidedly savory, it will be best to match this one to rich lamb or beef roasts or Mediterranean-style stews. 95 cases produced.
Regularly $29.95/btl. or $323.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $25.46/btl. or $305.49/cs.

2006 Barrel 27 Rock & a Hard Place Grenache

Central Coast

The nose of this aromatic and delicious wine offers rich, quietly zesty scents of sweet dark plums, roasted meat, pomegranate syrup, allspice, white pepper and a hint of toffee in an engaging and rich display. It is both leaner and firmer on the palate, with flavors of red berries, smoked meat, powdered sumac, allspice, peppercorn and plum that are dry, lingering and just a trace heady. It will be perfect for roast lamb. 200 cases produced.
Regularly $23.95/btl. or $258.66/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $20.36/btl. or $244.29/cs.

2006 Hobo Wine Company Zinfandel

Dry Creek Valley

This is a Zin built for dinner service. The nose offers a pretty and attractively ripe, but balanced, mix of sweet plums, red berries, black and white peppercorns, smoke and earth. It is supple and quietly rich on the palate, with cracked pepper, plum and red licorice the lingering flavor themes. Ready to drink, it will be just the thing for pork roast, barbecued ribs or a pizza with plenty of goodies. 400 cases produced.
Regularly $18.95/btl. or $204.66/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $16.11/btl. or $193.29/cs.

2006 Tamber Bey Chardonnay Two Rivers Vineyard

Napa Valley -- Yountville

This is a wonderfully stylish and complete Chardonnay, that offers genteel but pristinely focused scents of white peach, pear, apple and lemon custard, with hints of toasted nuts and vanilla in the background. It is fuller on the palate, if just as elegantly balanced, and quitely zesty. The finish is silky and delivers delightfully satisfying flavors of tarte tatin, pear, toasted nuts and roasted grain. This one deserves the more elegant, sauced entrees. 575 cases produced.
Regularly $39.95/btl. or $431.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $33.96/btl. or $407.49/cs.

2007 Luli Chardonnay

Santa Lucia Highlands

This is a Chardonnay of vivid refreshment and lovely fruit, with aromas of fresh pears and apples, preserved lemon and a bit of clove, over a firm mineral core. It proves fuller than expected in the mouth, as dry peach and apple push forth to contrast the mineral undercurrents and flesh-out the texture and finish. A refreshing sipper and satisfying companion to grilled foods, it has the sophistication to handle cream-sauced entrees. 3,000 cases produced.
Regularly $22.95/btl. or $247.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $19.51/btl. or $234.09/cs.

2007 Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc

Suisun Valley

This is a bright and perky Sauvignon Blanc and a very fine value, with focused aromas of key lime, citron, gooseberry and honeydew melon. As expected, it is zesty and forthcoming on the palate, with lots of soft-edged melon, gooseberry and kiwi. The finish is dry, sleek in texture, refreshing and balanced. A classic picnic wine, it will be great with grilled foods, especially seafood. 15,583 cases produced.
Regularly $13.95/btl. or $150.66/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $11.86/btl. or $142.29/cs.

2007 Cambiata Winery Albarino

Monterey

This is a near-perfect Albarino, with freshness, depth intensity and balance. It has scents of fresh apples and pears, lemon drops and key limes which soar above harder impressions of nut husks and minerals. It is plush and super forward on the mid-palate, with layers of Bosc pear, preserved lemon, honeydew melon over mineral undercurrents. The finish is stony dry, lingering and substantial, making it a brilliant food companion. 400 cases produced.
Regularly $22.95/btl. or $247.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $19.51/btl. or $234.09/cs.

2007 Radog Riesling

Santa Lucia Highlands

This delicious Riesling has bright, perky scents of fresh pears, apples and peaches over honeysuckle, honeydew melon and a hint of jasmine. It is a hint less dry than expected on the palate, but adds mineral hints to its vivid pear, apple and jasmine profile to bring a cutting balance to the lingering fruit. Deliciously refreshing all by itself, it should be terrific with crab salad or one of the milder Thai curries. 2,275 cases produced.
Regularly $16.95/btl. or $183.06/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $14.41/btl. or $172.89/cs.

2007 Banyan Gewurztraminer

Monterey

This delicious Gewurztraminer has aromas that are a pretty mix of melon, Lychee fruit, jasmine, yellow rose and lime. It is genteel, sleek and just dry on the palate, with melon, lime, kiwi, Lychee and mineral elements in fine proportion. It finishes a trace off-dry, but some grapefruit notes join the mineral undertones to keep the finish cutting-clean. A super value, beautifully balanced for food, it should be terrific with Asian curries. 1,034 cases produced.
Regularly $12.95/btl. or $139.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $11.01/btl. or $132.09/cs.

It's Cocktail Hour!

Cocktail Hour is that wonderful time before dinner when you tease the tastebuds and relax, reflecting on the day's events and enjoying conversations with those around you. At Denise's house, cocktail hour is 5pm. At your house it may be earlier or it may be later, but either way there is nothing like a glass of cool, crisp white wine to begin the end of a hot summer's day. Pair this glass of wine with a simple summer appetizer and you've got a little slice of heaven!

Our Cocktail Hour White Wine Six Bottle Sampler contains the six knockout wines described below, all from the superb 2007 vintage. This sampler will carry you through a good many summer cocktail hours and would be the showstopper of any summertime backyard party. Order the Twelve Bottle version for twice as much wine at less than twice the price! To order call toll-free 800-653-9463 and ask for this set by name, or visit the Gift Sets & Samplers section of our website.

The 2007 Palmina Santa Barbara Pinot Grigio is vividly refreshing, sleek and polished on the palate, with crisp, mineral-accented flavors of preserved lemon, pear and melon.

The 2007 Whitehall Napa Valley Lane Sauvignon Blanc is bright and seductive. It's dry peach, preserved lemon and Crenshaw melon flavors jump out at the finish.

The 2007 Heitz Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc's lovely balance and zesty fresh citrus, lemon custard, gooseberry, golden fig fruit profile make it ideal for creamy sauced dishes. The first Sauvignon Blanc ever made at Heitz Cellars.

The 2007 Mahoney Carneros-Las Brisas Vineyard Vermentino with its bright pear, white peach, lemon zest and honeysuckle flavors and drying mineral notes, cries out for Sicilian-style seafood.

The 2007 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc has tantalizing aromas of fresh kiwi, grapefruit, melon, hints of tropical fruit, new-mown grass and a lingering finish.

The 2007 Ampelos Santa Rita Hills Viognier is a bright, focused, genteel, but infectiously gulpable melange of lemon blossom, white peach, honeysuckle, lime and Lychee fruit.

Cocktail Hour White Wine Six Bottle Sampler (1 bottle each) - $109.95 plus S&H

Cocktail Hour White Wine Twelve Bottle Sampler (2 bottles each) - $198.95.95 plus S&H

Simple Summer Appetizers Start With a Fresh Baguette!

Basil & Roast Beef Slices

Kristen Kettell slices a sourdough or French baguette (1/4 slices) and spreads one side of each slice with a blend of mayonnaise and horseradish (about 1 T. horseradish to 1/2 c. mayonnaise). Top with a single basil leaf, then add a small slice of beef. Use thinly sliced leftover steak or deli roast beef. Salt & Pepper lightly. Serve immediately.

BLT Crostinis

Denise Johnson's recipe starts the same way. Slice a sourdough or French baguette (1/4 slices). Brush one side of each slice with a light coating of olive oil, place on cookie sheet and heat in 150 degrees oven for 10-15 minutes. Cool. Spread with mayonnaise, top with a small portion of leaf lettuce, a slice of ripe, red tomato then top with a 3" piece of crisp bacon. Serve immediately.

A Napa Valley Cabernet for under $25?

There are so few, you should get to know the 2005 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon, a sweet-natured wine whose pretty flavors of red plum, currant, rose and vanilla make it attractive as a dinner wine and perfect for long summer nights on the patio.
Only $23.95 per bottle or $258.66 for a case!