2006 Once Pinot Noir California/Oregon

Here we are on Superbowl Sunday, relaxing at home, cooking anything amd everything from homemade sauteed onion dip, to sauteed scallops, to wings with ranch dressing, carrots, and celery. As fun as it might be to go out and party at the bars, there is nothing better than Superbowl Sunday, relaxing at home!

Josie "The Pussycat Doll" came over tonight, so we popped a 2006 Once pinot noir that we picked up a few weeks ago at CoolVines. In all actuality however, since this wine has fruit from two different AVA's, they cannot put a vintage on this wine. Regardless, the fruit is from 2006. Nice California/Oregon blend, with your typical pinot color. Nose of ripe black cherry, with hints of cola, and a hint of pomegranate and spice. On the palate, nice cherry taste, not overly fruit forward, so I think that the Oregon helped from that standpoint. Some oak on the palate, but well integrated, and not overly oaked. Simple, complex finish is pleasurable, with no tannic backbone, and light acidity. All in all, a very nice wine and decent QPR. 88 points.

Quivet Cellars - MAILING LIST ALERT

Today's new mailing list addition is Quivet Cellars, who has ties to Myriad Cellars. They will be release their inaugural vintage soon with the following releases:

Kenefick Ranch Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Mountain District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Las Madres Vineyard Sonoma Valley Syrah

Expect good things from these guys, and check them out at: http://www.quivetcellars.com/

RELEASE ALERT - Auteur Wines

The March 2008 release was announced today from Auteur, and this is always a must buy with their highly rated wines. Unfortunately, I missed out on the Fall 2007 mailing, but was lucky enough to get on the Spring 2008 list, and purchased all 3 bottles I was allocated. If you are not on their mailing list, this is one I would recommend signing up for. And as always, remember that you are not obligated to purchase. To sign up, check out their website at: http://www.auteurwines.com/

This Spring release consists of:

2006 Hyde Chardonnay, Carneros Napa

2006 Manchester Ridge, Mendocino Ridge

2006 Sonoma Stage Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Check out the release notes for more information. Also note that on rare occasions, you might be able to find these wines at some of the local stores in NJ. The Canal's on Route 1 in Lawrenceville/Princeton has had their wines on a few occasions. Check them out and see if they live up to some of their 100 point reviews! Cheers!