Inland Empire Wine-Great Grapes, ... Great Wines for Summer

Saturday July 12. 2008 … NapaCabs.com

These are wines to be enjoyed during the lazy, hazy days of summer

along with your favorite backyard & patio recipes.

Echelon 2006 Pinot Grigio Clarksburg Esperanza Vineyard $9.95

This 2006 Pinot Grigio offers aromatic pear and citrus on the nose, with hints of honeysuckle. It is silky on the palate with a clean, fresh finish. The style is medium with good fruit and enough acidity to match lightly sauced dishes. 13.6%

Newton 2006 Chardonnay Napa/Sonoma Red Label $16.95

Delicate aromas of white flowers, crisp apple, fresh pear, and toasted bread translate to rich fruit flavors on the palate. A burst of freshness unfolds with flavors of citrus, pear, apple, and honeydew melon. A discreet presence of oak evolves into spring-like acidity on the finish. 15.5%

Rosenblum 2007 Viognier California Kathy's Cuvee $14.95

This Viognier possesses beautiful aromas of apricots and peaches gently touched by vanilla and cinnamon. A palate loaded with honeyed apricots, rich vanillas, subtle hints of tropical fruit and just a touch of toasted oak complete this elegant wine. This wine is perfect as an aperitif; or will accompany grilled swordfish or frogs legs in cream sauce.

14.2%

Brandborg 2006 Pinot Noir Umpqua Valley Bench Lands $17.95

The wine is a beautiful garnet red rimmed with violet. The aroma is lush with dark cherry, blue berry and ripe plums. The bouquet is filled with toast and spice, showing nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. The flavors abound with blueberries and cranberries with overtones of pomegranate with dark cherries. The mouthfeel is full, pleasing and warm with a long toasty finish. 14.3%

Barnard Griffin 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley $14.95

WS 90Pts - Velvety in texture, this is generous with its cherry, pomegranate and sweet spice flavors, deftly balanced to slide some oak notes into the background. The finish lingers enticingly. Drink now through 2013. 3,000 cases made. 13.8%

Chappellet 2005 Napa Valley Red Wine Mountain Cuvee $23.95

This is the wine to choose when you're looking for vivid fruit and rich, soft tannins--the perfect wine for the season. Complex spice aromas and concentrated sweet fruit abound in this wine. The aromas entice with blackberry and ripe plum mingling with clove and vanilla. The mouth is alive with berries, cherries and spicy oak. Smooth and full, this approachable wine offers a long, lingering finish. 14.6%

(57% Cabernet, 41% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot )

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