Stock Your Cellar! (Nov. '08)

November 14, 2008

Ashland, OR

Lindeman’s ’07 Sauvignon Blanc
Beginning in 2006, Lindeman’s, one of Australia’s leading producers, began offering wines grown in their vineyards in South Africa. This is the first vintage for the Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp mineral textures with vibrant ruby grapefruit, melon and stone fruit flavors. This wine is a great quaffer at an unbelievable price.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage D’Affinois w/ Herbs on a La Panzanella cracker

Dr. L ’07 Riesling
Dr. L embodies the elegant and racy style of Riesling from the steep, slate-soil vineyards of the Mosel valley. It is fruity and low in alcohol, with a refreshingly crisp taste that cools the palate, making it an excellent wine for spicy foods.
Allyson’s Pairing: Laura Chenel Chevre w/ White Fig Raisin fruit spread

Mas de la Garrigue ’05 Cotes du Roussillon Villages
“Concentrated, with an intense array of focused red plum, raspberry and red cherry flavors and vibrant notes of anise. The cedary elements lengthen out nicely on the creamy finish. Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Drink now through 2011. 1200 cases made. 89 Points.” - The Wine Spectator
Allyson’s Pairing: Old Amsterdam aged Gouda

Punto Final ’06 Malbec
“The Malbec grapes are sourced from two mountain vineyards, both planted more than 50 years ago. Following harvest and fermentation, the wine is aged for 8 months, partly in French barriques, partly in stainless steel. The result is a wine of rich bouquet, lively mouthfeel, lingering flavors of red and black berries with undertones of black pepper and vanilla, and a velvet texture throughout. 90 Points.” - The Wine Enthusiast
Allyson’s Pairing: Piave Vecchio w/ Pear Hazelnut spread

’05 Ten Mile Broken Road
The inspiration for Ten Mile " The Broken Road" was based upon the classic California field blends from the 1800's. Sourced from several dry farmed. old vine vineyards, "The Broken Road" is a blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Malbec and Carignane. Dark purple hues with brooding aromas of pepper and black raspberry tea dominate the nose. Black fruits are well displayed on the palate in a medium bodied, supple style while the nicely structured acidity ensures a multitude of dimension, you don't often find in wines of this price..
Allyson’s Pairing: Mahon Reserva Spanish aged Cheddar

’05 Este de Bodegas Alto Almanzora
“A blend of 60% Monastrell, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha with the balance from three other varieties. Opaque purple-colored, the wine exhibits a surprisingly complex array of mineral, mushroom, black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with gobs of ripe fruit, this easy drinking wine has a firm, lengthy finish. 89 Points.” Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Smokey Blue on a Deux Chats Walnut Fig Cracker

Bend, OR

“Z” White ’07
“Z White” wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA, and is a lovely accompaniment to food or a great solo sipper. It has a beautiful floral nose with lemon zest and citrus finish. Would go great with any light meal such as grilled white fish or poached chicken with veggies.
Allyson’s Pairing: Tumalo Farms Pondhopper, served with Apricot Cumin Fruit Spread on Bremner Water Crackers

Raymond R Collection ’06 Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay that opens with intense pineapple, grapefruit and lemon aromas followed by notes of pear, apricot, sweet honeysuckle and vanilla. Bright fruit flavors of pineapple, lemon and lime with green apple, pear, vanilla and honey on the finish. Medium-bodied with very light oak influence, this wine is nicely balanced with a rich, smooth mouth feel and a long finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Honeydew Melon wrapped with Prosciutto

Monte Reale ’06 Sangiovese
The traditional red variety of the Marches, Sangiovese, is used in this wine. Lively ruby red in color, fruit of good intensity with notes of ripe cherries, delicately tannic, it expresses a gentle structure and remarkable drinkability. Refined, fruity, moderately tannic, rich in aromas, it is a pleasant accompaniment for a variety of dishes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Midnight Moon served with Fig, Strawberry, Balsamic Jam

Lindeman’s ’06 Shiraz- South Africa
Lindeman’s South African Shiraz displays ripe, dark berry and plum fruit flavors, with a touch of licorice and complimented by mulberry aromas. An easy drinking wine that is an exceptional deal.
Allyson’s Pairing: Grilled Polenta with Sundried Tomato Tapenade and Feta Cheese

Sexto ‘05- Spain
The 2005 Sexto is a red blend from the Terra Alta DO in northeastern Spain. Its name means "sixth", as it was the sixth grape – the relatively obscure Lledoner Pelut Noir – added to the blend of Grenache, Carignan, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that winemaker Laely Heron credits with adding an extra layer of complexity that made all the difference. ‘‘The wine was stunning-full-bodied, rich and fruity, and full of spices and black cherry and plum flavors.” USA Today
Allyson’s Pairing: Aged Manchego with Quince Paste

Hey Mambo ’06- California
“An attractive blend of knock-your-socks-off charisma, this Hey Mambo Sultry Red is hands-down a rare beauty. The 2006 vintage is a blend of Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouchet grapes. This wine opens with aromas reminiscent of an old-fashioned five and dime, chocolate granache, red raspberries, cloves and sweet leather. Blackberry cobbler, holiday plum sauce, espresso, and decadent chocolate unfold into notes of dried herbs and deeply toasted French oak.” The Wine Enthusiast
Allyson’s Pairing: Crater Lake Blue Cheese with Marionberry Jam

Italian Festival

November 7, 2008 - Ashland, OR

Pallazone Dubini ’06 Bianco – Umbria Region
From the heart of Italy comes this bold and nutty wine with herbal flavors and a dry finish. The Umbrian heritage means this wine's purpose is to be paired with food. Recommendation: It works wonderfully with antipasti and chicken dishes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Tuscan White Bean Dip served on Rosemary Crostini

Palladio ’06 Chianti – Chianti Region of Tuscany
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah that is vinified and matured entirely in stainless steel tanks. Temperature-controlled fermentation provides juicy and balanced tannins, while maintaining the rich fruit aromas typical of Sangiovese. Offers inviting aromas of cherries and fresh red fruit, followed by spicy, peppery notes. Fresh and easy-going, this Chianti offers soft, rounded tannins, balanced intensity and an intriguing structure. The wine of choice for barbecue, pasta e fagioli, pizza, soup, roasted meat and many other dishes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Delice d’ Bourgorgne with Black Cherry Fruit Spread served on Deux Chats Cherry Chocolate Crackers

Aia Vecchia ’05 Lagone Rosso
A Wine Spectator Smart Buy. "Plum, currant and hints of toasty oak follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with velvety tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Best after 2009." 88 points.
Allyson’s Pairing: Sun-dried Tomato and Black Olive Tapenade Bruschetta.

Farnese ’06 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Abruzzi Region
Ruby red with garnet reflections, intense and persistent fragrance, fruity with vanilla essence. Medium-bodied, tannic and well-balanced, rather intense and persistent, but ready to drink., Pairs well with salami, savory first courses, meat and cheese.
Allyson’s Pairing: Sweet Abruzzi Salami with Mama Lil’s Sweet Peppers

Carpineto ’06 Dogajolo – Tuscany Region
Dogajolo combines the power and deep colors of a young wine, the elegance and balance given by wood aging, as well as a fruity and fragrant bouquet. Up to 70% Sangiovese with Cabernet and other varieties up to 30%. The exact proportions can vary with each vintage. The two grape varieties are vinified separately, since they ripen at different times. Toward the end of fermentation they are blended and placed in small wooden casks where they slowly complete fermentation. It is deep garnet with violet reflections, very fruity and intense, with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla and spice. Full, soft on the palate, complex, well developed. Given its fruitiness, Dogajolo can be paired with first courses and white meats, but shows at its best with full-flavored dishes such as roasts, grilled meats, cold cuts and Tuscan regional specialty.
Allyson’s Pairing: Duck Moose Pate with Romesco Sauce on Petite Toasts

Michele Chiarlo ’05 Barbera d’Asti – Barbera Region of Piedmont
brilliant ruby-red wine with an intense yet airy, vinous bouquet and a medium-bodied, bone-dry robustness that is exceptionally pleasant on the palate. The best vintages, with age, tend to garnet in color, and show a velvety, harmonious quality of considerable elegance.
Allyson’s Pairing: Gorgonzola Dolce with Quince and Apple Fruit Spread

Trick or Treat!!

October 31, 2008

ASHLAND, OR

Chateau de la Vielle Tour ’07 White Bordeaux
A blend of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Semillon, the typical white wine grapes of Bordeaux. This wine develops fresh and fruity aromas and a nice Sauvignon smell. The mouth is fleshy and round, evolving towards very long pineapple and grapefruit notes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Grapes with Bucheron drizzled with honey

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV
See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil. The 3 wise monkey proverb was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk from China in the 8th Century. Because wines from the Pinot family can be so good, but yet so difficult to raise and make, many winemakers believe this family is blessed and cursed, if not downright Evil. This Pinot Grigio is fresh, with crisp acidity, and a soft friendly palate.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage d’Affinois with Peppercorns served on Rosemary Crostini

Carpineto ’07 Dogajolo
A great example of a young Super-Tuscan! The first impression of the nose has an earthy barnyard quality that evolves into wild berries and cherries. Even in its youth, this wine exhibits complex flavors of cocoa, vanilla, cherry and coffee wrapped in a soft velvet blanket of tannin that envelops the palate with a soft oak and mild peppery quality; lingering and persistent finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Mama Lil’s Sweet Peppers mixed with Mascarpone served on Rice Crisp Crackers

Vampire ’05 Cabernet Sauvignon
This bottle possesses the hallmark characteristic of the Cabernet variety, a wild spicy nose with bell pepper tones that the French call "Sauvage." Intensely dark purple in color, this full-bodied wine has a rich fruit flavor and complex oak structure.
Allyson’s Pairing: Beemster Gouda on Waterwheel Classic Cracker

Mommy’s Time Out Rosso
We all know that being a Mommy is a difficult job. A Mommy’s Time Out is a well-deserved break. This primitivo from the Puglia region of Italy has tastes of jammy raspberry fruit and lots of spice. It is fresh, fruity and has well-balanced acidity.
Allyson’s Pairing: Allyson’s Housemade New Mexico Beef Chile

Temptation ’05 Zinfandel
A blend of 46% Dry Creek, 33% Alexander Valley grapes, and 21% Solano County grapes, the 2005 vintage of Temptation Zinfandel is loaded with plum, cocoa and most prominently, Bing cherry character. The mouth feel is plush and the finish long. Temptation Zin is a perfect complement to what is AVV’s trio of Zinfandels. Sin Zin, Redemption and Temptation.
Allyson’s Pairing: Bleu d’Auvergne on Fruit Nut Crostini

BEND, OR

Nobilo ’07 Sauvignon Blanc
“Tangy and tart, with lime, green apple and grass flavors accented by grapefruit and stone nuances. Clean and refreshing. Simply put, this is perhaps the best value among a host of excellent Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. It is outstanding with salads, seafood, or all by itself! 90 Points.” The Wine Spectator
Allyson’s Pairing: Melon with Capra Belgium Goat Cheese with Honey

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV
See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil. The 3 wise monkey proverb was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk from China in the 8th Century. Because wines from the Pinot family can be so good, but yet so difficult to raise and make, many winemakers believe this family is blessed and cursed, if not downright Evil. This Pinot Grigio is fresh, with crisp acidity, and a soft friendly palate.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage d’ Affinois with Peppercorns served on Crostini with Rosemary Crackers

Carpineto ’07 Dogajolo
A great example of a young Super-Tuscan! The first impression of the nose has an earthy barnyard quality that evolves into wild berries and cherries. Even in its youth, this wine exhibits complex flavors of cocoa, vanilla, cherry and coffee wrapped in a soft velvet blanket of tannin that envelops the palate with a soft oak and mild peppery quality; lingering and persistent finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Mama Lil’s Sweet Peppers mixed with Mascarpone served on Rice Crisp Crackers

14 Hands ’05 Merlot
14 Hands Merlot exhibits classic Washington aromas of blackberries and dark stone fruits. Blackberries are repeated on the palate and joined by touches of cherries and spice. While soft and luxurious in the mouth, this wine has a firm backbone of tannins.
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Leicester Cheese on Waterthin Crackers

Basket Case ’06 Cabernet Sauvignon
Opens with a deep cherry aroma, splashes of cassis, and finishes with hints of pepper that is equal parts bell pepper and white pepper spice. There’s no death-defying tannins to grip the wine to your palate. The wine starts off juicy, glides across the tongue effortlessly with a bit of dryness on the roof of your mouth to slow it down a tad, and finishes smooth with a bit of lingering cassis.
Allyson’s Pairing: Frankenbean Chili made with Bratwurst

Mommy’s Time Out ’06 Rosso
We all know that being a Mommy is a difficult job. A Mommy’s Time Out is a well-deserved break. This primitivo from the Puglia region of Italy has tastes of jammy raspberry fruit and lots of spice. It is fresh, fruity and has well-balanced acidity.
Allyson’s Pairing: Blue d’ Auvergne on Fruit Nut Crostini

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting

October 24, 2008

Mendocino Brewing Eye of the Hawk
Eye of the Hawk is an excellent, strong, rich bodied ale that is "Bottle Conditioned" to perfection. "Eye" is coppery reddish-amber in color and its unique taste is the result of a judicious mix of caramel and pale malted barley, balanced with Cluster, Cascade and Saaz hops. This gives the Eye its luxurious flavor, substantial mouth-feel and that slightly dry finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cotswald

Pyramid Apricot Ale
Brewed by the original Wheat Beer Pioneers, Pyramid Apricot Weizen Ale is left unfiltered for extra flavor and aroma. The gold medalist of fruit beers, Pyramid Apricot Weizen is an adventurous wheat ale that offers the pleasing aroma and flavor of fresh apricots, and smooth and refreshing character for which our wheat beers are known.
Allyson’s Pairing: Niman Ranch Organic Apple Gouda Chicken Sausages

Chimay Ale
Chimay Blue Label is a beer whose fragrance of fresh yeast with a light, flowery rosy touch is especially pleasant. Its flavor only accentuates the pleasant sensations perceived in the aroma, while revealing a light but pleasant touch of roasted malt. This top fermented Trappist beer, re-fermented in the bottle, is not pasteurized.
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Dragon with Waterwheel Thins

Spaten Oktoberfest
Spaten’s Oktoberfest Beer, created in 1872, is the world's first Oktoberfest beer, brewed for the greatest folk festival in the world. Every year, over and over again, countless Oktoberfest visitors share their enthusiasm about this beer. Amber in color. this medium bodied beer has achieved its impeccable taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Having a rich textured palate with an underlying sweetness true to tradition.
Allyson’s Pairing: Niman Ranch Organic Bratwurst with SauerKraut

Deschutes Brewery Jubelale
Brewed with dark crystal malt creating a luscious holiday note with bountiful hops to excite your taste buds— it’s easy to see why Jubelale is the perfect complement to the season.
Allyson’s Pairing: Allyson’s Housemade Beer Cheese Soup

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
Luxurious and at the same time with a hint of decadence, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout has it all, delivering a satisfying, indulgent taste without ever becoming overly sweet.
“Chocolate malt and real dark chocolate are combined with Young’s award winning rich, full-flavored dark beer to craft a satisfyingly indulgent, but never overly sweet experience.”
Allyson’s Pairing: Cahill Irish Porter Cheese served on Bremner Water Crackers

A Taste of Tempranillo

October 17, 2008

Valley View Anna Maria Tempranillo 2005 [SEE A VIDEO] – Southern Oregon
The grapes for the 2005 Rogue Valley Tempranillo are from Valley View’s estate vineyard in the Applegate Valley and from Ellis vineyard in the Bear Creek Valley. This full-bodied wine is dense and rich with flavors of dried cherries and cola with fine tannins and a long finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage d’ Affinois with Garlic and Herbs served on Olive Oil Crostini Crackers

Conde de Siruela, Tinto Tempranillo 1005 – Burgos, Spain
Ruby red, clean with high medium layer. A clean, powerful, and complex wine with elegant aromas and lingering fruity fragrances and resinous nuances. Full-bodied, well balanced, overall highly harmonious. Produces complex, elegant sensations at the back of the nose, along with nuances characteristic of ageing and fruity flavors. Serve with roasted meats and strong cheeses.
Allyson’s Pairing: Penne and Three Cheeses with Bacon and Truffle Oil

Septima Tempranillo 2005 – Mendoza, Argentina
Today, Septima produces two types of wines: blends featuring Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon; and another made up of single grape varietals, including the Septima Tempranillo. The cellar also produces a sparkling wine. The grapes come from the upper Mendoza River and Uco Valley and were hand-harvested. The grapes are stainless steel fermented and then aged in American oak barrels for six months. Then, the best combination was sought after. Rich, spicy with hints of currant.
Allyson’s Pairing: Bruschetta with Roasted Eggplant, Peppers and Fennel, topped with Feta

Torres Coronas 2004 – Torres, Spain
Subtle cherry color with brick red overtones. Elegant aroma, showing a delicate balance between
varietal notes of forest fruits and licorice, and spicy hints of oak. Well rounded palate with smooth varietal tannins.
Allyson’s Pairing: Country-style Pork Pate served on Petite Toasts

Montecillo Crianza 2005 – Rioja, Spain
The Montecillo is typical of Crianzas. Its color is bright garnet with an effusive bouquet of ripe berries and sweet oak. In the mouth there is lots of flavor – cherries, cranberries, and roasted peppers. The oak flavors are somewhat muted and it finishes with soft tannins that are almost musty. Nice layers of flavor and lots of wine for the money.
Allyson’s Pairing: Roaring 40’s Blue Cheese drizzled with Italian Blackberry Honey, served on Original Waterthin Crackers

Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2005 – La Mancha, Spain
Clear and bright, deeply intense granite color. Great intensity, with aromas of preserved red fruit, yogurt, dried figs, vanilla, toffee and white chocolate. Creamy, robust, but not rough, and meaty. It unfolds in the mouth to create a full-bodied sensation which gives it character, leaving a fresh and clean aftertaste sensation. Very long and persistent.
Allyson’s Pairing: Annette’s Chocolates – Chocolate Truffle Bar

Spectacular Sakes

October 10, 2008

Haiku Premium Select Sake
Slow fermentation at low temperatures gives this sake a slightly dry flavor with a light aroma reminiscent of orchard apples. Enjoy chilled or over ice.
Allyson’s Pairing: Asian-inspired Salmon Mousse on Rice Crackers

Yukikage Snow Shadow Sake
Thanks to fermentation with the s-3 yeast and lower alcohol content, this sake has a light, soft, smooth taste and light fruity aroma. Yukikage “Snow Shadow” won the gold award at US National Sake Appraisal “Joy of Sake” in 2006.
Allyson’s Pairing: Chicken and Vegetable Pot Stickers with Sweet Chili Sauce

Momokawa Organic Nigori, Brewed in Forest Grove, OR
This is the only Nigori in the world that has been Organicly certified by both the USDA and Oregon Tilth. Nigori means “cloudy”. This sake has been roughly filtered allowing some of the sediment from fermentation to remain in the bottle. This style of sake is often on the sweeter side. This Nigori has a creamy texture and light tropical aroma and flavors that are present throughout. Shake well before pouring and serve chilled.
Allyson’s Pairing: Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce served with Peanut Sauce

G Joy, Brewed in Forest Grove, OR
This sake has been aged longer than most sake (6months instead of 3months), creating deep, rich smooth flavor . This is an “earthy” sake with flavors of light mushrooms, earthy musk and dark plum. G Joy has a slight dry finish. Best served chilled.
Allyson’s Pairing: Roast Duck and Soba Noodle Salad

Moonstone Coconut Lemongrass Nigori, Brewed in Forest Grove
Nothing subtle about this Nigori. Rich, creamy with big flavor of natural coconut with a light lemongrass background. Slightly higher alcohol content of 18%. If you love coconut and Nigori – this will be your tipple of choice!
Allyson’s Pairing: Tom Ka Gai – Thai soup with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk

Hana Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Sake, Brewed in Okayama, Japan
Hana means “flower” Hou Hou means “bubbles”. Hana Hou Hou shu has been infused with natural Hybiscus and Rose Hip. This creates a complex very floral flavor. The bubbles were created naturally through a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Hana Hou Hou shu has tons of tiny, tight bubbles. The fermentation is stopped short of its full length, leaving this sake on the sweeter side at only 6% alcohol. This is the perfect sake for those people new to sake or anyone that loves sweet bubbles. this sake will delight your palate with tons of tiny tight bubbles. Served well chilled.
Allyson’s Pairing: Diced Black Plums, Kiwi and Dragonfruit with Ginger and Lime

California Dreamin

October 3, 2008 - ASHLAND

White Knight Clarksburg 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. Tahitian vanilla, lemon curd, and white peach with a long lingering finish. This wine is extremely versatile. Great with summer appetizers like melon wrapped with prosciutto and an array of fresh fruit and nuts. Entrée pairings would be Jamaican jerk chicken with fried plantains or fish tacos with mango salsa and coconut rice. Or use this wine to make a sorbet to finish off you meal as an elegant dessert. The possibilities are endless.
Allyson’s Pairing: Marin Cheese Company Rouge e Noir Camembert on Fine Cheese Co. Rosemary Crackers

Il Cuore Chardonnay ’06- Sonoma County
IL CUORE (eel-quarry) means "The Heart" in Italian. The name is a tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast of California to vine in the late nineteenth century. IL CUORE Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown exclusively in the cool coastal region of Mendocino County. Vineyards in this area invoke Chardonnays that are fresh with apple and pear flavors, complemented by floral nuances in the bouquet. This vintage and has a 5% Viognier to enhance aromas and add complexity on the palate. The fresh, graceful style results from cold fermentation in small stainless steel vessels and small components of barrel fermentation in mostly neutral small oak cooperage. The gentle use of oak in our winemaking offers versatility with a wide range of foods, including fish and poutlry, and soft cheeses.
Allyson’s Pairing: Laura Chanel Chevre with sliced grape, on Bremner Crackers

Cypress Vineyards Merlot ’06- Central Coast
Grown in a coastal region where the fog burns away early in the morning and does not return until late afternoon, Cypress Merlot is ensured with good color depth and palate weight. It has blueberry, raspberry and red current aromas so typical of Merlot. It would be well suited to most roasted or grilled meats or tomato-based dishes.
Allyson’s Pairing: Piave on Tomato-Oregano Crackers with BR Cohn Balsamic Dipping Oil

Marr – Cuvee Selena 2004
Bob Marr founded Marr Cellars in 1997. In his first year, Bob produced a Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel and a Rhone blend. He named this wine Cuvee Patrick after his son. Then in 2004, Bob produced Cuvee Selena, naming that wine for his daughter. Bob works in Sacramento and has a small winery in Woodland, just north of Davis, where he resides. Today, Marr Cellars averages from 800 to 1,000 cases of wine per year. The Cuvee Selena Grenache exhibits softer, dense varietal aromas, along with subtle but round fruit flavors of strawberries and raspberries. The finish has hints of minerals and a touch of spice with some lingering, almost chalky tannins. Enjoy this delicate red with pizza that is dressed in ranch sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, artichoke hearts, bacon, Roma tomatoes, red and green onions and prosciutto.
Allyson’s Pairing: Prosciutto fresh arugula, with Black Truffle Oil

Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon ’06- Central Coast
The deep hue of the Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon, make it a wine that is as lovely to look at, as it is to taste. With exciting aromas of mocha, raspberry, dark cherry and rich dark fruit, along with the support of dusty tannins, this exciting Cabernet is lush and mouth filling from start to finish. Exquisite balanced acidity supports the structure making this big wine very approachable. The 2006 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon shows intense red/black fruit character and smooth tannins that portend easy drinking now. It was a Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Critics Challenge!
Allyson’s Pairing: Beemster Cheddar with Herbs on Cheddar, Chive Focaccia

Cartlidge & Browne Zinfandel ‘07
In this Zinfandel, we have tempered a full-throttle, densely textured Sierra Foothills portion with two, more stylish, yet very flavorful, portions from Sonoma County. While the Sierra Foothills lot is all plum jam, leather, and figs; the Sonoma wines are both brimming with raspberry and blackberry flavors. Pretty cherry, berry, spice and toast flavors up front. Tannins are modest, as is the finish, which ends on a toasty note.
Allyson’s Pairing: Valdeon Spanish Blue Cheese on Fruit Nut Crostini