• Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  California,  Malbec,  Merlot,  Napa,  Weekend Selection

    Weekend Selection

    Faust 2006 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Interesting to learn that Faust, the wine, celebrates a legend which has inspired many great minds, among them the German poet Goethe, from whose masterpiece they draw inspiration.  In Goethe’s most famous work, the aging scholar Dr. Faust barters his soul in the afterlife in exchange for another chance at youth.  He gets his chance, yet ultimately his soul is saved by love.  Faust is indeed the fruit of renewed passion for Agustin Huneeus, though Mephistopheles has not yet appeared to claim his soul.  The underlying premise for all of the wines he has ever produced has been that great wines must be a reflection…

  • Cabernet Sauvignon,  Merlot,  Sangiovese,  Super Tuscan

    Super Tuscan

    Mongrana 2010 Agricola Querciabella I was looking for a Super Tuscan recently.  A “Super Tuscan” is usually the blend of Cabernet / Merlot & Sangiovese.  The blend varies somewhat, but the blend naturally lures the dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, the fruitiness of sweet Merlot and the grit and pungent taste of Sangiovese, which is the significant grape in this blend.  I absolutely love how the Sangiovese interacts with the Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot and gives these Super Tuscans the unmatched Italian character and flavor.  I came across Mongrana 2010 Agricola Querciabella, which was in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2013.  I wasn’t “rating shopping” (which I will discuss…

  • Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Cellar Selection,  Merlot

    Cellar Selection

    Girard Artistry 2010 Wanting something nice for the weekend to sit and enjoy, powerful, but not as big as a 100% Cab, but has some finesse, I found this little Gem from Girard Winery, their Artistry 2010 which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Malbec (8%) and Petit Verdot (6%), a Bordeaux style blend (five permitted red Bordeaux grapes).  Girard’s Napa roots go back about 30 years ago, about the time Napa was getting world accolades as a premier wine growing region, and they have become a fine producer of quality wines.  Since about 2000, Pat Roney, a longtime California vintner (Sonoma wineries Ch.…