$35.00 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This is the second time we have featured a wine from Mt. Veeder’s Korbin Kameron winery. . .the first was a delicious cabernet sauvignon last September.  The winery is owned by Mitchell and Jenny Ming, and it was pointed out in the notes then that Mrs. Ming is the former president of The Gap/Old Navy and now heads up another fashion retailer, Charlotte Russe.

The winery is truly family run, with Mr. Ming heading up the program.  His son is general manager and his two daughters handle marketing and wine club management.  Heavy lifting is handed-off to two pros:  winemaking is the purview of Bob Pepi; Phil Coturri is viticulturist.

After spending 21 months on 100% French oak, of which 50% was new, this wine is truly ready to drink now!

Winery Tasting Notes:   “The floral aromatics are vibrant and alive with bing cherries and cranberries. It follows with a seductive second wind of cardamom, cinnamon, and brambles. The palate shows an elegantly graceful demur with good acidity and balance with components of pomegranate and cola. It shows impressive structure and backbone.”

$11.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Smashberry produces two blends—red and white—and is a project of Turn Key Wine Brands in Santa Maria, CA.  It is a project of the three Miller brothers —Stephen, Nicholas and Marshall­—who own vineyards across the Central Coast.  They  grow the fruit and specialize in custom crush and private label wines.

The Smashberry wines are simple and tasty and priced right. . .so you’ll feel comfortable opening a bottle any evening.  They are produced from sustainably grown fruit in a very large facility in Paso Robles.  Winemaker Chris Brown is a enologist out of Fresno State with 15 years of winemaking experience.

Remarkably, the Smashberry Red Wine received 88 points from the Wine Advocate, an outstanding score for a wine at this price point.  That makes it a top value on any level.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Smashberry is all about the fruit: bright raspberry on the nose and boysenberry and coco flavors on the palate. It is rich on the palate with a supple mouthfeel, yet has firm tannins and a clean finish. Not a wine for the faint of heart or spirit.”

Wine Advocate Review, 88 Points:  “A big, ripe and delicious effort that’s also a smoking value. It offers up easygoing aromas and flavors of cherry pie, mint and underbrush as well as a seamless, textured and well-fruited palate. You could do a lot worse for the money. This is a perfect mid-week drinker. Enjoy it over the coming couple of years. Drink now-2015.”  –Jeb Dunnuck

$35.00 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This is the second time we have featured a wine from Mt. Veeder’s Korbin Kameron winery. . .the first was a delicious cabernet sauvignon last September.  The winery is owned by Mitchell and Jenny Ming, and it was pointed out in the notes then that Mrs. Ming is the former president of The Gap/Old Navy and now heads up another fashion retailer, Charlotte Russe.

The winery is truly family run, with Mr. Ming heading up the program.  His son is general manager and his two daughters handle marketing and wine club management.  Heavy lifting is handed-off to two pros:  winemaking is the purview of Bob Pepi; Phil Coturri is viticulturist.

After spending 21 months on 100% French oak, of which 50% was new, this wine is truly ready to drink now!

Winery Tasting Notes:   “The floral aromatics are vibrant and alive with bing cherries and cranberries. It follows with a seductive second wind of cardamom, cinnamon, and brambles. The palate shows an elegantly graceful demur with good acidity and balance with components of pomegranate and cola. It shows impressive structure and backbone.”

$45 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

When a wine makes the cover of Wine Spectator magazine, it’s parallel to a rocker making the cover of Rolling Stone.  And it doesn’t happen very often. . .over the past year or so, only three wines have had their big moment. . .including the 90-point ’09 Derenoncourt Cab from Lake County.  It was front and center on the February 28, 2014 cover alongside the headline, “Editors” Picks—Wines to Discover in 2014.

We got behind this wine a few years ago when the 2007 vintage was released, again scoring 90 points from Wine Spectator (the 2006 vintage earned 92 points; there was no 2008 release).  Here’s the cool part. . .as far as we know, we’re the only source for this wine in Northern California.  Google it for yourself.

French Winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt’s California project has been a huge hit; he produced seven wines for the current vintage, and two are sold out already (most wine is sold through the winery’s web site).  Pricing ranges up to $175 per bottle; only two wines are under $100 ($90 and the Red Hills cab at $45).

We’re fortunate to get this juice, so please enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Our popular entry-level Cabernet from the volcanic soil near Clear Lake is back after a one-vintage hiatus, and in 2009 this wine is hitting new heights of depth and complexity. Harvested at optimum ripeness before the October rains, the grapes’ remarkable concentration and ample acidity gave a wine that strikes the perfect balance between brightness and richness. An enticing nose of fresh plum, caramel sauce and vanilla give way to buoyant yet dense flavors of candied cherries, ground black pepper, and cinnamon, overlaid with lively tannins and a dark minerality. A joy to drink.”

Wine Spectator Review, 90 Points:  “This offers plenty of muscle to the flavors of red and dark berry, red and black licorice, and cedary earth and oak. Notably dense and concentrated for a Lake County Cabernet. Drink now through 2023.”  –James Laube

$45 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Here’s a bit of a curve ball:  instead of a lusty zinfandel or a velvety pinot noir, this time we’re bringing you a chardonnay from Martinelli’s impressive line of estate wines. . .from a family that has been farming the same Sonoma property since 1896.

The Martinelli family sells about 90% of the grapes it produces to other winemakers, and the fruit it keeps it handles old school.  Vineyard practices are non-interventional and natural, says the winery’s web site:  “We try as much as possible to use a hands-off approach during the winemaking process, allowing the wine to go through a set of natural processes with minimal intervention.  Ironically, this approach requires much more expertise and attention from the winemaking team.

“Our wines are fermented with naturally occurring yeasts.  We feel these native yeasts enhance the flavor and texture of the wine.  The wines are kept in barrel for 10 months, are unfiltered and unfined, and clarified only by racking before bottling.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This wine is a blend of selected single vineyard chardonnay estate grapes, with the majority of the grapes coming from our Lolita Ranch and Charles Ranch Vineyards.  Flavors of bright lemon, mineral, juicy ripe pear, with a weighty texture in the mouth. Aromas include caramel, toast, lemon and spice.”

$38 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

We are delighted to have a Mi Sueño wine back on the shelves of Carpe Vino.  It means “My Dream” in Spanish, and that’s what this winery is for Rolando Herrera, owner and winemaker.  His web site provides a succinct capsule of his remarkable life story:

“His journey took him from El Llano, Michoacán, to washing dishes at Auberge du Soleil, and eventually becoming the owner/winemaker of a highly regarded, boutique winery in Napa Valley.  Proof that dreams do come true,  Rolando has constructed a network of complementary businesses over the last 16 years,  including vineyard management, wine consulting, custom crush, vineyard leasing, and of course, Mi Sueño Winery.  All of this has been done with one singular focus…….making better wines each and every year! Although always busy tasting barrels and making blends, Rolando always has a big smile and firm handshake for visitors to the winery, and welcomes everyone to share his dream.”

Mi Sueno wines are that good. . .good enough to be served at a President Obama-hosted state dinner for then Mexican President Felipe Calderón at the White House in 2010 when the 2006 Mi Sueño Cabernet Sauvignon Selección Rebecca was featured on the menu.  A Mi Sueño Chardonnay was also served at the White House in 2001 when President Bush hosted Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Nestled right next to the San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros Appellation, our Tierra Blanca Vineyard couldn’t be happier to be in such a cool and beautiful climate. Round and rich, but not hollow and flabby. On the contrary, this wine yields high acidity and minerality, which contributes to its refreshing qualities. Rolando’s first four years of production were dedicated to just producing Chardonnay. While working at Chateau Potelle and Paul Hobbs, Rolando fell in love with native yeast fermentation; hence the exotic features of this wine. “  Look for rich flavor of white peach with hints of ginger.

$38 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

We are delighted to have a Mi Sueño wine back on the shelves of Carpe Vino.  It means “My Dream” in Spanish, and that’s what this winery is for Rolando Herrera, owner and winemaker.  His web site provides a succinct capsule of his remarkable life story:

“His journey took him from El Llano, Michoacán, to washing dishes at Auberge du Soleil, and eventually becoming the owner/winemaker of a highly regarded, boutique winery in Napa Valley.  Proof that dreams do come true,  Rolando has constructed a network of complementary businesses over the last 16 years,  including vineyard management, wine consulting, custom crush, vineyard leasing, and of course, Mi Sueño Winery.  All of this has been done with one singular focus…….making better wines each and every year! Although always busy tasting barrels and making blends, Rolando always has a big smile and firm handshake for visitors to the winery, and welcomes everyone to share his dream.”

Mi Sueno wines are that good. . .good enough to be served at a President Obama-hosted state dinner for then Mexican President Felipe Calderón at the White House in 2010 when the 2006 Mi Sueño Cabernet Sauvignon Selección Rebecca was featured on the menu.  A Mi Sueño Chardonnay was also served at the White House in 2001 when President Bush hosted Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Nestled right next to the San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros Appellation, our Tierra Blanca Vineyard couldn’t be happier to be in such a cool and beautiful climate. Round and rich, but not hollow and flabby. On the contrary, this wine yields high acidity and minerality, which contributes to its refreshing qualities. Rolando’s first four years of production were dedicated to just producing Chardonnay. While working at Chateau Potelle and Paul Hobbs, Rolando fell in love with native yeast fermentation; hence the exotic features of this wine. “  Look for rich flavor of white peach with hints of ginger.

$11.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Smashberry produces two blends—red and white—and is a project of Turn Key Wine Brands in Santa Maria, CA.  It is a project of the three Miller brothers —Stephen, Nicholas and Marshall­—who own vineyards across the Central Coast.  They  grow the fruit and specialize in custom crush and private label wines.

The Smashberry wines are simple and tasty and priced right. . .so you’ll feel comfortable opening a bottle any evening.  They are produced from sustainably grown fruit in a very large facility in Paso Robles.  Winemaker Chris Brown is a enologist out of Fresno State with 15 years of winemaking experience.

Remarkably, the Smashberry Red Wine received 88 points from the Wine Advocate, an outstanding score for a wine at this price point.  That makes it a top value on any level.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Smashberry is all about the fruit: bright raspberry on the nose and boysenberry and coco flavors on the palate. It is rich on the palate with a supple mouthfeel, yet has firm tannins and a clean finish. Not a wine for the faint of heart or spirit.”

Wine Advocate Review, 88 Points:  “A big, ripe and delicious effort that’s also a smoking value. It offers up easygoing aromas and flavors of cherry pie, mint and underbrush as well as a seamless, textured and well-fruited palate. You could do a lot worse for the money. This is a perfect mid-week drinker. Enjoy it over the coming couple of years. Drink now-2015.”  –Jeb Dunnuck

$38 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

We are delighted to have a Mi Sueño wine back on the shelves of Carpe Vino.  It means “My Dream” in Spanish, and that’s what this winery is for Rolando Herrera, owner and winemaker.  His web site provides a succinct capsule of his remarkable life story:

“His journey took him from El Llano, Michoacán, to washing dishes at Auberge du Soleil, and eventually becoming the owner/winemaker of a highly regarded, boutique winery in Napa Valley.  Proof that dreams do come true,  Rolando has constructed a network of complementary businesses over the last 16 years,  including vineyard management, wine consulting, custom crush, vineyard leasing, and of course, Mi Sueño Winery.  All of this has been done with one singular focus…….making better wines each and every year! Although always busy tasting barrels and making blends, Rolando always has a big smile and firm handshake for visitors to the winery, and welcomes everyone to share his dream.”

Mi Sueno wines are that good. . .good enough to be served at a President Obama-hosted state dinner for then Mexican President Felipe Calderón at the White House in 2010 when the 2006 Mi Sueño Cabernet Sauvignon Selección Rebecca was featured on the menu.  A Mi Sueño Chardonnay was also served at the White House in 2001 when President Bush hosted Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Nestled right next to the San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros Appellation, our Tierra Blanca Vineyard couldn’t be happier to be in such a cool and beautiful climate. Round and rich, but not hollow and flabby. On the contrary, this wine yields high acidity and minerality, which contributes to its refreshing qualities. Rolando’s first four years of production were dedicated to just producing Chardonnay. While working at Chateau Potelle and Paul Hobbs, Rolando fell in love with native yeast fermentation; hence the exotic features of this wine. “  Look for rich flavor of white peach with hints of ginger.

$45 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

When a wine makes the cover of Wine Spectator magazine, it’s parallel to a rocker making the cover of Rolling Stone.  And it doesn’t happen very often. . .over the past year or so, only three wines have had their big moment. . .including the 90-point ’09 Derenoncourt Cab from Lake County.  It was front and center on the February 28, 2014 cover alongside the headline, “Editors” Picks—Wines to Discover in 2014.

We got behind this wine a few years ago when the 2007 vintage was released, again scoring 90 points from Wine Spectator (the 2006 vintage earned 92 points; there was no 2008 release).  Here’s the cool part. . .as far as we know, we’re the only source for this wine in Northern California.  Google it for yourself.

French Winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt’s California project has been a huge hit; he produced seven wines for the current vintage, and two are sold out already (most wine is sold through the winery’s web site).  Pricing ranges up to $175 per bottle; only two wines are under $100 ($90 and the Red Hills cab at $45).

We’re fortunate to get this juice, so please enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Our popular entry-level Cabernet from the volcanic soil near Clear Lake is back after a one-vintage hiatus, and in 2009 this wine is hitting new heights of depth and complexity. Harvested at optimum ripeness before the October rains, the grapes’ remarkable concentration and ample acidity gave a wine that strikes the perfect balance between brightness and richness. An enticing nose of fresh plum, caramel sauce and vanilla give way to buoyant yet dense flavors of candied cherries, ground black pepper, and cinnamon, overlaid with lively tannins and a dark minerality. A joy to drink.”

Wine Spectator Review, 90 Points:  “This offers plenty of muscle to the flavors of red and dark berry, red and black licorice, and cedary earth and oak. Notably dense and concentrated for a Lake County Cabernet. Drink now through 2023.”  –James Laube