Sonoma Stunners

August 24, 2007

sommselections - sonoma stunners



2004	Tor Chardonnay 'Durell Vineyard' - Sonoma Coast	750ML	$60	SOMMscore 94

2004	Ceja Pinot Noir - Carneros	750ML	$40	SOMMscore 90

2005	Freeman Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley	750ML	$45	SOMMscore 97

1996	Kalin Cellars Pinot Noir 'Cuvee DD' - Sonoma County	750ML	$65	SOMMscore 95

2005	Peay Vineyards Pinot Noir 'Scallop Shelf' - Sonoma Coast	750ML	$50	SOMMscore 93

The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay emanating from Sonoma are truly world-class wines. The region is so very large, with such diverse macro and micro climes, that the wines are truly unique; the styles differing greatly. The Russian River Valley enjoys a great deal of warm sunshine, thus producing wines with intense fruit character. The Sonoma Coast appellation often has days of unending fog and cooler temperatures, creating wines with a greater acid structure. These wines are never the same from year to year. Instead, they reflect the year's weather patterns, as should any true artisinal product.

While there are many wine producers who bemoan vintage variation, desiring consistency of product, these are not the wines that our Sommelier team actively seeks. Instead, our team searches out the smaller producers and grape growers who celebrate the differences in vintage and all that Mother Nature throws at them. These wines are truly reflective of weather, soil, and climate and are honest barometers of those who are proactive to respond to vintage variation in the vineyard, and are able to produce phenomenal wines.

Our Sommelier team has tasted through many of the wonderful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of Sonoma. These talented Ladies and Gentlemen share some of their latest finds from truly exemplary artisinal producers.

- Lisa Minucci


TO ORDER:		1. REPLY to this email, or
		2. CLICK on "ORDER IT" beside each desired wine, or
		3. CALL us @ 1.877.VINTRUST (846.8787)

		Most wines receive a 10% case/mixed case discount.

WINE DETAILS AND SOMMscores

SOMMscores: Vintrust has put a new spin on the traditional 100-point rating system. Rather than simply display the final number, as so many publishers do, SOMMscores have been designed to provide transparency to each wine review. Each SOMMscore isolates the five characteristics that often make up a wine's rating and prescribes a number of points for the related descriptor, which add up to total score of 100 - Aroma (15 points), Flavor (15 points), Structure (15 points), Length (15 points) and Balance (40 points). This is the criteria our Sommeliers use when reviewing wine. For a list of our SOMMelier partners, please visit www.vintrust.com.

2004	Tor Chardonnay 'Durell Vineyard' - Sonoma Coast	750ML	$60	Order It!
		(Please indicate qty in email)
		or call 877.VINTRUST (1.877.846.8787)

characteristic

impressions

score

notes

AROMA
FLAVOR
STRUCTURE
LENGTH
BALANCE

citrus peel, lemon curd, wet stone, earth
apples, tropical fruit, minerals, lemon
mouth-watering acid, bright, food-friendly
long length of stone and citrus
wonderfully balanced, great acid structure

13
13
14
14
36

A true Sonoma coast gem, with bright mouth-watering acid keeping the rich fruits in check. Only three barrels produced. All fruit from the Dijon clone.

SOMMscore

DRINKABILITY 2007-2016

2004	Ceja Pinot Noir - Carneros	750ML	$40	Order It!
		(Please indicate qty in email)
		or call 877.VINTRUST (1.877.846.8787)

characteristic

impressions

score

notes

AROMA
FLAVOR
STRUCTURE
LENGTH
BALANCE

ripe dark raspberry, mocha, vanilla
cranberry, raspberry, vanilla spice
dry, medium bodied, medium alcohol
long with vanilla bean, cherry notes
alcohol is integrated, not overpowering

14
13
13
13
37

Ceja vineyards is owed and operated by Pedro, Amelia, Armando and Martha Ceja. The family's roots go back to Mexico. They have owned fifteen acres in Carneros since 1983.

SOMMscore

DRINKABILITY 2007-2016

2005	Freeman Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley	750ML	$45	Order It!
		(Please indicate qty in email)
		or call 877.VINTRUST (1.877.846.8787)

characteristic

impressions

score

notes

AROMA
FLAVOR
STRUCTURE
LENGTH
BALANCE

ripe cherries layered with cola and cedar
chewy cherry cola fruit, brandied cherry
elegant ripe plum skin acid and tannin
long spicy finish
truly pretty wine, classic for the region, finesse

15
15
14
15
38

Another fabulous wine from Ed Kurtzman. This Pinot Noir is feminine, high toned, and elegant. Cedar sap aromas mingle with smoked cherry.

SOMMscore

DRINKABILITY 2008-2020

1996	Kalin Cellars Pinot Noir 'Cuvee DD' - Sonoma County	750ML	$65	Order It!
		(Please indicate qty in email)
		or call 877.VINTRUST (1.877.846.8787)

characteristic

impressions

score

notes

AROMA
FLAVOR
STRUCTURE
LENGTH
BALANCE

mushroom, cherry cola, woodsy
sweet cherries, smoke, tea, mint, moss
beautifully ripe with mouth-watering acid
long, lush, makes you cry when finished
nearing the end of its run, but truly delicious

15
15
15
15
35

One of my favorite wineries because of its unique ability to age its wines in bottle at winery before release. A steal of a wine with major talent!

SOMMscore

DRINKABILITY 2007-2012

2005	Peay Pinot Noir 'Scallop Shelf' - Sonoma Coast	750ML	$50	Order It!
		(Please indicate qty in email)
		or call 877.VINTRUST (1.877.846.8787)

characteristic

impressions

score

notes

AROMA
FLAVOR
STRUCTURE
LENGTH
BALANCE

dried cherry, mushrooms, cedar, forest, balsam
deep cherry core, truffle, spice
crackling acidity tempered with soft tannins
long finish of cherry cola
lively wine with great acidity and fruit

15
14
12
14
38

This is a classic Sonoma Coast Pinot: power meets finesse. Firmer tannins and deeper flavors are evidenced by the heavy use of the Pommard Clone in this wine. This is a very cellar-worthy wine, and will shine in a 8-15 years.

SOMMscore

DRINKABILITY 2010-2020


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