ejosephwines.com

Palate Personas

Pairing wines with personalities.

Today's guest: Jay Starling

Featured Wines

• Zind-Humbrecht Muscat Goldert Grand Cru 2005
• Veritas Claret 2007

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Newton Vineyards Unfiltered Chardonnay 2006		Hawley Viognier 2007
Our Price: $62.00		Our Price: $23.00
Placed 1st among the Chardonnays in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! A classic expression of unfiltered Chardonnay; this rich powerful wine opens with rich creme caramel, butterscotch and fresh vanilla bean aromas, later revealing baked apple and nutty characters. Flavors of white peach and caramel with a touch of honey round out this full-bodied, balanced wine with a lingering creamy finish. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate gave the 2005 vintage 96 Points!		Placed first among the Viogniers in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! This 100% Viognier shows intense tropical fruit cocktail. Its complex flavors mingle honeysuckle, pineapple, peach, apricot and orange blossoms with a wonderfully light, clean fruity aroma. The mouth feel is smooth and buttery with moderate acidity, and a long fruity finish. Hawley Vineyard was certified organic by CCOF in 2006.
Lang & Reed North Coast Cabernet Franc 2007		Delfosse Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Our Price: $27.00		Our Price: $27.00
Placed 1st among the Cabernet Francs in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! Showing clear and brilliant red color with youthful violet on the edge, the aromatics of this vintage clearly shout Cabernet Franc with late summer herbs and bright white cherry fruit mingling with typical Franc floral characteristics. On the palate savory and tarragon combine with floral essence buttressed with dried cherry and currant fruit flavors. The gentle tannins are nicely punctuated by lively fruit acid, which lead into a finish that is fresh and mouthwatering. 100% Cabernet Franc. 90% Lake County 10 % Napa Valley.		Placed 1st among the Cabernet Sauvignons in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! (It even beat the Peter Michael 'Les Pavots' 2006!) Delfosse's Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux style...on the nose it's rich and complex with deep Cabernet fruit aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and vanilla oak. On the palate it's smooth textured and well balanced, the tannins blend nicely with the dried currant flavors and black cherry notes. The long elegant finish completes the total package of a true age worthy classic. A great match for steak and heavier beef dishes this wine will continue to improve over the next 5-7 years. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels.
Glen Manor Hodder Hill 2007 750mL		Frog's Leap Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Our Price: $30.00		Our Price: $24.00
Placed 1st among the Meritages in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! (It even beat the Opus One and St. Supery Elu!) Aromas of wild blackberries, dark currants and cedar while on the palate it's full-bodied, concentrated, complex and layered with soft tannins and balanced acidity.		Placed 1st among the Sauvignon Blancs in our VA v. CA Blind Tasting Competition! Crisp, bright, refreshing: three words that capture the essence of the 2008 Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc. Classic aromas of lemongrass, white flowers and subtle mineral notes are your introduction, followed by flavors of grapefruit, lemon zest and delicate white peaches. The wine’s connection to its Rutherford roots is underscored with subtle flavors of wet stone. Lean and lively, the wine’s low alcohol and balanced acid make for a totally engaging and pleasurable experience deftly suited for a table filled with “le fruit de mer.”