Wines   McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 - California
CLUB: S / RO
Scents of cassis, lush ripe blackberry, and cedar pulse from the velvety, ruby-robed 2000 McManis Cabernet Sauvignon. Look for heaps of ripe fruit, touches of spice, earth and toasty oak, to wrap themselves delicately around the palate. It clearly shows us Cabernet Sauvignon does not have to be tannic, hard, and unapproachable in its youth. The varietal is one of the world's greatest, fulfilling and plush, especially when it hails from old vines and in the hands of a master winemaker. Note soft tannins that have not been ruined by loads of added tartaric acid in the finish. We'd suggest that you enjoy this natural and uncomplicated Cabernet Sauvignon at room temperature. We found it wonderful with or without breathing time, however opening thirty minutes before serving will provide optimum enjoyment.
Wines   Bishop's Peak Chardonnay 2000 - California
CLUB: S / WO
Round, ripe, and buttery, Bishop's Peak Central Coast's 2000 Chardonnay was made for those that appreciate the luscious, more hedonistic approach to California Chardonnay. It's not for the "oak crowd" or those that worship toasted oak barrels as the supreme expression of a wine. Instead, this Central Coast Chardonnay offers a natural and lovely fruit-driven personality. The good people at Bishop's Peak didn't exactly decided to leave the oak out of this lovely wine, it is simply that oak is not the reason for being of their Chardonnay. Yet, there are hints of oak in the Bishop's Peak, which imbue the wine with a subtle framework and roundness rather than overwhelm it. What a wonderful and welcome relief. Enjoy this very drinkable Chardonnay moderately chilled.
Wines   Chante Perdrix Chateauneuf-du Pape 1999 - France
CLUB: RO
Utterly hedonistic and certainly flamboyant, Chante Perdrix's 1999 Chateauneuf-du-Pape is in short, decadence in a glass. Look for tantalizing scents of fresh herbes de Provence, kirsch, and exotic spices to spring from the glass. Note complex, rich flavors permeating in the mouth, providing a genuine feast for the palate. Lush, ripe tannins provide ample depth and structure and lead to an explosive finish. You better believe that there's a heck of a lot going on in the 1999 Chante Perdrix, and the great news is…that it's all very good…irresistible in fact. We'd suggest opening it an hour before serving and like most fine Grenache-based wines, you should serve it at cool room temperature (62°-66°).
Wines   Bott-Geyl Pinot Blanc 1998 - France
CLUB: WO
Clear testimony to the longevity of fine, estate bottled wine from Alsace, Bott-Geyl's 1998 Pinot d'Alsace is approaching its peak of maturity. A blend of 40% Pinot Auxerrois, 40% Pinot Blanc, and 20% Tokay Pinot Gris, this youthful looking wine offers plenty of sophisticated drinking. Look for delicate scents of peach, melon, orange peel, and spring flowers burst from its nose, all the while, soft flavors ripe with white fruits define this exceptional wine's palate profile. The longer it remains in the mouth, the more satisfying and intriguing it becomes. We found it such a fun wine to savor, we have had to cut off more than a few panel members that didn't want to stop reviewing it! To maximize your enjoyment, serve the 1998 Bott-Geyl Pinot d'Alsace well chilled, allowing it to slowly open in the glass over time.
S = Standard Red & White Shipment RO = Reds Only Shipment WO = Whites Only Shipment