Greetings!
April marked my 30th year living in California. I arrived at SFO with a bright orange Kelty external frame pack, a return ticket and not much more. I took the Greyhound bus to Santa Cruz and six months later sold my return ticket. I held a string of jobs my first few years in Santa Cruz. Among them were host at the Kiva retreat, a clothing optional day spa (a perfect setting for a nineteen-year-old New Yorker), a prep cook at a Chinese restaurant, and an occasional day laborer at Bonny Doon Vineyards. At this point in my life, my experience with wine had been mainly Almaden and Manicshewitz. But all that changed, slowly but surely, living in Santa Cruz.
Recently,
I was fortunate enough to discover some wines from Santa Cruz County that
have all the hallmarks of a Community Wines selection: deliciousness,
distinctiveness, and a great price to value ratio. River Run wines remind me of
a simpler time in Santa Cruz. They are unpretentious, full flavored, made by an
old hippie, but not hippie wines. Francie and I were so taken with River Run
that we bought four of their wines: Chardonnay, Viognier, Zinfandel and
Negrette. All of these wines make me happy (almost as much as working at the
naked day spa).
Making
things even better, Andrew, the owner of the Real Wine Company who distributes
River Run, donates a portion of his proceeds to Rocket Dog Rescue, a great
organization.
To
introduce you to these wines, we are offering them both individually and as a
specially priced four pack. Try one of each and you’ll save 10%.
2008 River Run Mountanos
Vineyard Chardonnay (Mendocino, organic grapes) NEW!
California
Chardonnay is like research or the word genius – terribly overused and abused –
but the genuine article is still a rewarding experience. This one is oak free.
You can actually taste the grape in all its glory, and it is glorious.
$12.75/bottle, $137.70/case w/10% discount
$12.75/bottle, $137.70/case w/10% discount
2010 River Run Viognier (Santa
Cruz County) SOLD OUT
The winemaker describes this as “raised without the dubious benefit of chemical sprays … aged in stainless steel barrels and bottled early to preserve the stunning fruit qualities possible with Viognier.” It has a crisp mouth-feel with a flowery bouquet. Make no mistake – this wine is dry.
$17.00/bottle, $183.60/case w/10% discount
The winemaker describes this as “raised without the dubious benefit of chemical sprays … aged in stainless steel barrels and bottled early to preserve the stunning fruit qualities possible with Viognier.” It has a crisp mouth-feel with a flowery bouquet. Make no mistake – this wine is dry.
$17.00/bottle, $183.60/case w/10% discount
2008 River Run Negrette (Circle
S Vineyard, San Benito County) SOLD OUT
This grape variety is usually found in the Southwest of France, and apparently there are only three vineyards that have it in the U.S. I like French Negrette, and when I saw a domestic one, I had to give it a try. I was extremely pleased. Not to mention, Francie loves it! This wine has great soul, and a wonderful polish; it’s a perfect red for things coming off the grill.
$17.00/bottle, $183.60/case w/10% discount
This grape variety is usually found in the Southwest of France, and apparently there are only three vineyards that have it in the U.S. I like French Negrette, and when I saw a domestic one, I had to give it a try. I was extremely pleased. Not to mention, Francie loves it! This wine has great soul, and a wonderful polish; it’s a perfect red for things coming off the grill.
$17.00/bottle, $183.60/case w/10% discount
2007 River Run Wirz Late Harvest
Vineyard Zinfandel 375ml (Cienaga Valley) NEW!
We’ll let the winemaker speak again about this not-to-be-missed beauty. “The vineyard is 110+ years old and I can't tell it what to do, but about every 6 years I can get a late harvest wine from the twisted vines. 2010 was the best year since 2003 and the entire 5 acres yielded 300 gallons of wine of unparalleled intensity. Fermented in neutral oak the inky wine is loaded with berry fruit qualities. 2.4% residual sugar, 17.1% alcohol.” Please note this is a 375ml bottle. It’s perfect for after dinner or with really bold flavors.
$12.75/bottle, $137.70/case w/10% discount
2010 Binz + Bratt Francona (Germany, organic) SOLD OUT
White wine for a barbecue? We’ve got it! This wine from Germany is perfect for a hot, California day. It’s made of three grapes you’ve probably never heard of. (Extra credit for those who know Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, or Bacchus.) Know them or not, this is a great wine for well-spiced foods, be they off the grill or from your favorite Asian restaurant. We’re not alone in our love for this wine – it’s a New York Times wine club selection.
$13.50/bottle, $148.50/case w/10% discount
2010 Peciña Rioja Joven (Spain)
We’ll let the winemaker speak again about this not-to-be-missed beauty. “The vineyard is 110+ years old and I can't tell it what to do, but about every 6 years I can get a late harvest wine from the twisted vines. 2010 was the best year since 2003 and the entire 5 acres yielded 300 gallons of wine of unparalleled intensity. Fermented in neutral oak the inky wine is loaded with berry fruit qualities. 2.4% residual sugar, 17.1% alcohol.” Please note this is a 375ml bottle. It’s perfect for after dinner or with really bold flavors.
$12.75/bottle, $137.70/case w/10% discount
2010 Binz + Bratt Francona (Germany, organic) SOLD OUT
White wine for a barbecue? We’ve got it! This wine from Germany is perfect for a hot, California day. It’s made of three grapes you’ve probably never heard of. (Extra credit for those who know Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, or Bacchus.) Know them or not, this is a great wine for well-spiced foods, be they off the grill or from your favorite Asian restaurant. We’re not alone in our love for this wine – it’s a New York Times wine club selection.
$13.50/bottle, $148.50/case w/10% discount
2010 Peciña Rioja Joven (Spain)
This wine is the
younger sibling of the Peciña Grand Riserva that won high praise from Eric
Asimov in the New York Times. This oak-free darling is 100% Tempranillo. If
you’ve always wanted to know what real Rioja tastes like, here’s your chance.
$13.50/bottle, $145.80/case w/10%
discount
2010 Tami Frappato (Sicily)
Arianna Occhipinti,
the island’s premier natural wine maker, brings us this robust red. Think
Sophia Loren circa 1950, with that lovely Italian accent, and you’ll get the
idea. Like Sophia, this wine is easy to spend time with. It is made from
Sicily’s native grape, Frappato.
$17.00/bottle, $183.60/case w/10%
discount
2009 Chateau d’Oupia Minervois Rouge
(Languedoc, France)
This wine is a
blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. Not only do we love this wine, Robert
Parker of the Wine Advocate does,
too. Here’s what he had to say: “Château d'Oupia has produced the ideal bistro
wine. Dark, ruby-colored, the wine is wonderfully clean and pure, with an
exuberant personality, and gobs of rich, peppery, red and black fruit...” We
think you’ll agree.
$13.50/bottle, $145.80/case w/10%
discount
Special Offer
Once again, we are
delighted to offer the wines of Cowan Cellars. Try the two Pinots side by side
and you will experience the difference between Pinot Noir made from grapes
grown on the coast and those grown inland. The contrast is wonderful. The Isa
is a white wine made like a red wine. As a special introductory offer on the
Cowan Cellars Wines, we are taking 15% off the single bottle price and 20% off
of purchase of three bottles or more. Please feel free to mix and match. The
winemaker Jim Cowan wrote the descriptions of the wines.
2010 Cowan Cellars Isa (Lake County)
In Friuli and across the border in Slovenia, several producers make wines that have come to be known as “orange” wines. These are skin-fermented white wines, usually from grapes indigenous to the region, often somewhat oxidized and occasionally, buried in amphora in the ground to age. They are not for everyone but they are distinctive and, in a world where very few wines surprise, these do. I like to drink it with a wide variety of dishes; its savories seem to accompany almost any food except red meat.
In Friuli and across the border in Slovenia, several producers make wines that have come to be known as “orange” wines. These are skin-fermented white wines, usually from grapes indigenous to the region, often somewhat oxidized and occasionally, buried in amphora in the ground to age. They are not for everyone but they are distinctive and, in a world where very few wines surprise, these do. I like to drink it with a wide variety of dishes; its savories seem to accompany almost any food except red meat.
Regularly $27.00/bottle Special Introductory
Price $22.95
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County)
A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway near Cazadero will take you to within inches of the Pacific Ocean and within three miles of this vineyard, in the same area as the noted Hirsch Vineyard. This bottling is translucent and brilliant; dominated by red fruit scents, it is silky and feathery across the palate, with intense cherry flavors augmented by earth and truffle notes; a medium length, refreshing finish.
Regularly $36.00/bottle Special Introductory Price $30.60
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County)
A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway near Cazadero will take you to within inches of the Pacific Ocean and within three miles of this vineyard, in the same area as the noted Hirsch Vineyard. This bottling is translucent and brilliant; dominated by red fruit scents, it is silky and feathery across the palate, with intense cherry flavors augmented by earth and truffle notes; a medium length, refreshing finish.
Regularly $36.00/bottle Special Introductory Price $30.60
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir Bennett Valley
(Sonoma County)
This wine is from a new vineyard in the Bennett Valley AVA. Early mornings are often foggy among the vines and the temperatures always seem to be cooler than anywhere else along the road where it is situated. Even so, the sun can be intense here and choosing a picking date is challenging. We try to watch the acids in the grapes so that when we pick, these wines will have the verve and structure needed to accompany food, and, the aromatics that make pinot such an enticing drink. Lots of black cherry scents and flavors here with some spice notes and a smooth delivery.
This wine is from a new vineyard in the Bennett Valley AVA. Early mornings are often foggy among the vines and the temperatures always seem to be cooler than anywhere else along the road where it is situated. Even so, the sun can be intense here and choosing a picking date is challenging. We try to watch the acids in the grapes so that when we pick, these wines will have the verve and structure needed to accompany food, and, the aromatics that make pinot such an enticing drink. Lots of black cherry scents and flavors here with some spice notes and a smooth delivery.
Regularly $36.00/bottle Special Introductory
Price $30.60
Also, we are
pleased to offer you two selections from Argot Wines. If you were at the YES
tasting last November, you may have had the good fortune to taste some of
Justin Harmon’s fabulous wines. Please don’t miss these delicious bottles.
2011 Argot Couture Rosé (California organic 500 ml) SOLD OUT
Couture is stunningly beautiful in all respects. Packaged in a tall, slender, brilliantly clear 500 mL bottle, it is apparent from the outset Couture is not your typical Rosé. An elegant wine whose versatility affords it to shine equally well as either an afternoon sipper or paired with salad as part of an extravagant multi-course meal. We find that it is best served with a deep chill to enhance refreshment and precision of flavor.
$18.00 per bottle/please inquire for case price
2010 Argot The Articulator White Wine Sonoma County SOLD OUT
Another eyebrow-raising blend of Roussanne and Chardonnay, The Articulator is a fitting successor to its highly touted older sibling, 2009's Happenstance--Wine Spectator's highest scoring white wine in its annual California Rhone report.
$35.00 per bottle/please inquire for case price
2011 Argot Couture Rosé (California organic 500 ml) SOLD OUT
Couture is stunningly beautiful in all respects. Packaged in a tall, slender, brilliantly clear 500 mL bottle, it is apparent from the outset Couture is not your typical Rosé. An elegant wine whose versatility affords it to shine equally well as either an afternoon sipper or paired with salad as part of an extravagant multi-course meal. We find that it is best served with a deep chill to enhance refreshment and precision of flavor.
$18.00 per bottle/please inquire for case price
2010 Argot The Articulator White Wine Sonoma County SOLD OUT
Another eyebrow-raising blend of Roussanne and Chardonnay, The Articulator is a fitting successor to its highly touted older sibling, 2009's Happenstance--Wine Spectator's highest scoring white wine in its annual California Rhone report.
$35.00 per bottle/please inquire for case price
