Herb's Collector's Corner
 

WHITE WINES
2004 Ferrari Carano Tre Terre Chardonnay
"This wine has aromas of freshly cut flowers. Citrus, green apple and hazelnut carry over to the palate where the zesty acidity keeps the flavors lively and cleansing. The finish keeps repeating the fruit and citrus themes." 
Wine Spectator - 90 Points!

2004 Domaine de la Chapelle Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes
Why is this French Pouilly in the California section?  Because it can - it’s big and balanced and not every California vintner can say this. It has oaky aromas and is smooth and creamy on the palate with ripe lemon and apple flavors and hints of toasty oak. It has a crisp mid-palate with perfect acidity which continues on the dry finish. This is an elegant wine with great fruit and great balance.

RED WINES

2004 Stolpman Estate Syrah
"The 2004 Syrah Estate, which includes a dollop of Viognier, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as beautifully uplifting aromas of black fruits, flowers, and a hint of smoky barrique. Rich, full-bodied, opulent, luscious, and intense, it should drink well for 5-6 years." The Wine Advocate - 93 Points!

2003 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet
Raise your hand if you'd like a stellar Napa Cabernet at a reasonable price and know that's it's the declassified juice from Quintessa. This Cabernet absolutely rocks! It has a great aroma of sweet ripe dark fruit. On the palate you'll find dark cherry fruit that's very smooth on the palate with a soft mid-palate and tannins that are present and very well integrated. This wine has beautiful fruit and that's an achievement for 2003 because I've tasted numerous 2003's that are less than stellar.

2004 Tandem Peloton Red
This is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Carignane, and Sangiovese. I agree with the winemaker when he calls this the winner of the “First Empty Glass” contest. It’s immensely enjoyable with cherry/raspberry fruit and cedar notes. The acidity and tannins are very well-balanced. The finish is lengthy with cassis flavors. Great wine!

2004 Tandem Sangiocomo Vineyard Pinot Noir
This is a stunning Pinot Noir!  Aromas of mushrooms and cranberries fill your nose. You’ll find ripe raspberry fruit and brown spices on the silky smooth palate. The mid-palate is slightly creamy as the red fruits wash over your tongue. The finish is ripe with sweet tannins and spicy red berry fruit. Expensive, but worth every penny!

Note:   The Tandem Peloton Red & Tandem Sangiocomo Vineyard Pinot Noir are SIGNED by the owner/winemaker, Greg LaFollette! Limited quantities!
 
2002 Kilikanoon Sybarites (Shiraz / Grenache)
This is a great Aussie blend. It's a full-flavored, elegant offering that has great balance.  It has a rich, dark berry nose that continues on the palate with big, blackberry flavors. It has great concentration of flavor without tasting too intense. The mid-palate has good acidity and a nice hint of eucalyptus. The finish is excellent with dark fruit and tremendous length. I think the addition of 40% Grenache has tamed the intensity of the Shiraz and added elegance  and a superb fruit component. 

2003 Lost Highway Stella's Garden Shiraz
"There are only 500 cases of this singularly-styled, inky/purple Shiraz. Its projected nose of ripe figs, blackberries, chocolate, and espresso roast is followed by a full-bodied wine with superb fruit intensity and purity as well as a long, concentrated finish with ripe tannin. Consume it over the next 12-15 years." The Wine Advocate - 93 points!

2002 Armonioso Barolo
This is a great, “drink now” Barolo. It has a lovely aroma of eucalyptus and dried cherry fruit.  On the palate you’ll find nice complexity with pretty red berry fruit and tobacco notes. This wine is medium-dry with bigger tannins, but there’s more than enough fruit to compensate. I sampled this wine after it had been open about 6 hours, so PLEASE decant this wine at least an hour before serving. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the results.

2001 Dehesa la Granja
I love this style of Spanish wine. It has an earthy, spicy aroma with brambly, berry fruit that’s silky and smooth on the palate. This wine has excellent concentration along with great structure with fruit/acid/tannin balance. It’s an elegant wine that has all its parts working together to produce an outstanding finished product.

 
2003 Chateau Tournefeuille Lalande de Pomerol
This is a wonderful Bordeaux from a great vintage. They have famous neighbors, Chateau Petrus, but luckily for us they don't share the same pricing. The nose has oak and cocoa notes and the mouthfeel is smooth with lovely black cherry and dark berry  fruit with just a hint of cedar. It has good acidity and well-balanced tannins on the dry finish. You couldn't ask for anything more--good fruit, balanced acidity, and integrated tannins.