Jim R474's profile

2003 Marco Di Giulio - Cabernet Sauvignon Mark K Vineyard
very smooth, great fruit, long finish. Could last another 10 years

1995 Juncuas - Gigondas
Still quite tannic, definitely needs time to breath and open up.

2007 Terra Valentine - Amore
Vintage Notes The season began dry with some very cold days and single-digit nighttime temperatures around the New Year holiday, the opposite to the start of 2006 when floods greeted the New Year. It continued dry, with about 60% of normal precipitation throughout the appellation. Temperatures were warmer than normal as winter continued into spring, resulting in earlier bud bloom and set in the vineyards across all varieties. Winemaking Notes The 2007 Amore is a blend of 90% sangiovese from Atlas peak, 7% cabernet sauvignon from our Wurtele Vineyard and 3% merlot from our Yverdon Vineyard. We used 20% new French Oak puncheons and aged it for 12 months. Tasting notes Sweet aromas of red fruits, cola berry and pomegranate fill the nose, complemented by a nuance of vanilla and nutmeg. The 2007 vintage is characterized by great concentration and depth, with a forward grip and chewy, fruit tannins that evolve into a finish of silky berries and cream.

2005 Terra Valentine - Marriage
This Bordeaux blend was first produced to honor the marriage or our winemaker Sam Baxter and his wife Angela. Marriage symbolizes the love that brings two people together to become one. Terra Valentine celebrates that commitment with this special blend where select barrels of Bordeaux varietals are united, bringing out the best in each other. Vintage Notes The 2005 winter rains took pause for a dry, mild March, resulting in an early bud break. April began again with record-setting precipitation late into the growing season delaying bloom and set. The summer months were cool and pleasant with few heat spikes. Fog and cool temperatures were a concern heading into September, as sugar levels were yet to rise in all varieties. With the arrival of autumn came warm, nearly perfect conditions providing us with excellent flavor development and balanced acidity. The long growing season and extended hang time resulted in one of our highest quality and latest harvests to date. Winemaking Notes The 2005 Marriage is a blend of 33% cabernet sauvignon from the top of the Wurtele Vineyard, 33% cabernet sauvignon from the Yverdon Vineyard, 17% merlot from Yverdon and 17% cabernet franc. The best barrels were chosen (85% new and 15% once used French Oak) and the wine was left to age for 30 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Vineyard Notes Terra Valentine is blessed with two estate vineyards that capture the best of Spring Mountain District winegrowing: The Wurtele Vineyard and the Yverdon Vineyard. They are distinguished by a diversity of mountain terrain and vines that are well adapted to the environment. While the mountain sites present challenges - including accessibility, diversity of soils, ripening, and hand labor - they reward the effort in wine filled with intense flavor and color. Each vineyard, with a unique set of soils, exposures, and micro-climates, produces a wine of distinction and personality reflecting the terroir of the estate. Tasting Notes The 2005 Marriage opens with a big, sweet nose of rich cassis, sandalwood, violet and mineral notes. As in past vintages, the 2005 gives generously with a voluptuous full-body, as well as even, soft tannins that bathe the palate, coalescing into a long smoky finish. The intense character is highlighted by dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar. Estimated maturity, 2012-2015. Retail: $75 750 ml Detailed Wine Information Appellation: Napa Valley Sub-Appellation: Spring Mountain District Release Date: February 10, 2007

2005 Rubicon Estate - Zinfandel Edizione Pennino