IT'S NOT AN ANOMALY!

                

Oh...but it IS! (an Anomaly that is).

I make no apology for my preference and prejudice for just about anything Paso...be it one of the select Paso Bordeaux producers or be it the incredible mouth watering, complex, layered fruit bomb Rhones that Paso is garnering a worldwide reputation for producing (not to mention scores that are knocking the !*%#! out of their Northern Cousins).

However, once in awhile...a Napa secret is born and discovered....a superstar that doesn't rely on a long standing geographical or varietal reputation...but one that is blazing new frontiers and setting a new bar of excellence, expectation and elegance.

Such is Steve Goldfarb's ANOMALY VINEYARDS Cabernet.  And the quality and WOW factor here is certainly no anomaly.

Just having opened a bottle of the 2003---I have to say that this bottle....compared to other Napa Cabs I have tried...just sets a new standard.  The subtle fragrances build as the bouquet of black fruits, cherry, plum gather force.  Then, that first sip.....makes a statement!  Fruit forward...forceful yet with a seamless and bright elegance and sophistication....that teases you and just stops short of exploding into fireworks.  Subtle, sexy and seductive as you would expect a cab to be from Napa....yet tantalizing with black fruits, a slight tartness, with great balance and a hint of earthiness and layers of flavors that keep changing.  A finish that slowly lingers on as your mind tries to grasp that last nuances of flavor.  And then...you are left with a memory to recapture...or if lucky enough....another small pour.

Sipped with an incredible meal, with sister and brother in law...at a birthday celebration...makes it even more special.

This is NOT your old-timers Cabernet!  THIS...is a STATEMENT of what Napa cabs could be when you dare to push the envelope on the old tried and true.....

Anomaly may be somewhat of a newcomer to the Napa scene......but....they have definitely made a statement, have created an elite place for themselves, and have a loyal following.

Try a bottle and see for yourself......become a believer.

Cheers,
Don

WINE, FOOD, NEW WINE, NEW FRIENDS-A SHORT PASO TRIP

It's getting to look a lot like HARVEST TIME IN PASO!

Just a quick trip for us this time up to Paso and back!

Starting out by pouring at Epoch Estate Winery with Stephanie and Christina, is just too much fun and sets the mood for the rest of our time in Paso.  Having the opportunity to pour wine, talk wine, drink wine, make new friends and then share a wonderful evening with them over wine and dinner, is priceless. Especially being able to sample one of Epoch's soon to be released new wines, Sensibility...ABSOLUTELY YUMMY!  A sensible blend dominated by 75% Grenache!  Be certain to order it upon release, it's sure not to last too long.  Nick and Dawn, Tom and Jillian and Rebecca and Ethan are three of the most delightful couples that my wife and I had the pleasure to drink and dine with this past weekend.

and...what can I say about Daniel Daou and Daou Vineyards?  Certainly not enough.  Gracious and affable host Daniel spent a good part of the morning touring us around his facility.  I am amazed at what I constantly learn about what goes into making a truly premium wine.  The picking, the equipment, the process, the barrels...and most of all....the true passion!  And Daniel's soon to be finished Tasting Room!  "WOW" doesn't even start to do justice in describing it.  You can already feel the warmth and intimacy that all will experience while sipping and looking out over what must be the most incredible view in the entire region.  That...coupled with the brilliant wines Daou makes (my current favorites being Celestus, a true celestial experience, and the unfortunately, unavailable except in my cellar Syrah)---are certain to put a smile on everyone's face.  We are still basking in the afterglow.  Be certain to plan to visit Daou's Tasting room sometime soon after their Grand Opening in late October.

And a special "Thank you" to Robert at L'Aventure for tasting us through their wonderful 2009 line-up.  While Optimus continues to be (IMO) the flagship----the 2009 Estate Cuvee is just....well...."indescribably delicious."  This blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Petite Verdot gives off an array of fireworks in your mouth, coupled with a silky, seductive blend of changing flavors and a finish that just does not want to quit.  Try it if you can.....I don't want to spoil the surprise by giving too much away.

As to food:  A trip to Paso just wouldn't be complete without a trip to Il Cortile.  Santos never fails to delight our senses with his creativity....yummmmm.   A gourmet treat in Cayucos is Cass House.  My, oh My!  A 4-course tasting menu (which actually was a 6 course menu) spread over about 3 hours of conversation and good wine, was worth every penny.  And if you want to be truly evil....take a trip next door to the Brown Butter Cookie House.....but watch your waistline---it's easy to get carried away sampling the delicious sea salt cookies (and then buying) their many delectible hand crafted varieties.

A last wine note:  Our new friends Ethan and Rebecca brought to dinner at Cass House a 2006 Vinoterra - Kisi (Kakheti).  This is a Georgian (the country, not the state of) white....which is as different, unusual, interesting and tantalizing as anything I have ever tasted.  Golden (like the sun) in color, with hints of dry hay, apricot, and nuts...the flavors kept changing as the wine opened up....truly a new winederful eperience.

Although this was just a quick trip....we are already looking forward to our next.....during Paderewski Fest in November.

Please...feel free to send me a comment, forward my blog to a friend, post it on your FB page...and drink good wine!


So...until next time, I leave you with this thought,

I am beauty and love;

I am friendship, the comforter;

I am that which forgives and forgets.

The Spirit of Wine.

W.E. Henley, British writer (1849-1903)

COMING UP--A QUICK PASO TRIP

What could be better than a quick, impromptu road trip up to the Paso Wine Country!  Leaving Sunday, coming back home Tuesday----and being able to sample some upcoming releases from a few favorites.
AND...if YOU happen to be up in Paso this Sunday the 18th (between 1:00-closing)....please drop by the EPOCH TASTING ROOM on York Mountain.....you might just find me behind the counter pouring some favorite Epoch wines (including the 95 point Authenticity)....so please come in and say HI and sip along with me.

Speaking of Epoch.....if you haven't received your Fall Release letter---sign up now at:  epochwines.com.  The store will open on September 26th at 9:00am----you don't want to miss getting in on another epic release from Epoch!

Hope to see some of you on the 18th!

Cheers,
Don