California Rhones

January 25, 2008

The White Knight Viognier ’06
The Clarksburg Viognier is golden straw in color with a blast in the nose of fresh stone fruits; nectarine,
orange blossom, and lemon meringue. Concentrated tropical flavors cover your mouth upon first sip; mango, breadfruit, orange pound cake, Tahitian vanilla, lemon curd, and white peach with a long lingering finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Smoked Magret Duck Breast Baguette

Austin Hope West Side White ’04
Golden straw-like in color, the wine is full-bodied with honey overtones and hints of pie spice, with a rich, round mouth feel. Blending partners Viognier and Grenache Blanc contribute stone fruit aromas, minerality
and citrus notes that offer a clean finish and make the wine a perfect partner to a wide variety of cuisines.
Allyson’s Pairing: Laura Chenel Chevre Log

Cline Ancient Vine Mourvedre ’04
The Ancient Vines Mourvèdre, grown in the warm, sandy soils of Oakley, California, produces a wine that has a distinct chocolate character. The tannins are soft and the wine has good weight in the mouth. Flavors and aromas of cherry and mint help make this delicious wine an unusual delight.
Allyson’s Pairing: Etorki Basque Style Cheese

Zaca Mesa Syrah ’03
"Another excellent bargain is the 2003 Syrah Estate. Made in a mainstream, somewhat commercial style, it offers a deep ruby/purple color, lovely purity of fruit, good texture, medium body, and no hard edges. This luscious Syrah will offer plenty of enjoyment over the next 3-6 years." 88 points. Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Swiss Raclette Cheese

Jade Mountain La Provencal
The wine offers a ripe, smoky raspberry nose with exotic hints of spice. Round and rolling on the palate, it
has a bright, fruity front and a soft, silky finish. Delicious on its own, La Provençale shines when served with food. Enjoy it with soups, braised beef, and veal dishes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Algerian Dates with Crater Lake Bleu Cheese

Tablas Creek Cote De Tablas ’05
43% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah, and 15% Counoise. Deep, dark color, almost opaque, with lots
of Rhône-ish briar, bramble, roasted meat and iron over deep, dark plum, berry and currant in flavor and aroma, all accented with something like a note of root beer. Full bodied, well structured and considerably brawnier
than last year’s model, this is drinking very well right now, and it has the stuffing to age and develop for at least three to five years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Raw Milk Roquefort from France