It’s
harvest time! After many days spent eagerly anticipating the
perfect moment when ˚brix
(the sugar content of grape juice) reach desired levels, the time arrives for
the vineyard manager to deploy the harvest crew into the seemingly endless
aisles to carefully pick the fruits from the vine. The reward for an entire
year of tedious care and nurturing, combined with desirable climatic conditions,
is wine that will reflect the vigor and spirit of an exceptional vintage. The
current vintage is shaping up to be a tremendous year for many wine regions
around the globe. Here are a few wines from previous vintages with excellent
pedigree:
It has been said that Napa Valley doesn’t experience bad
vintages, and if the past 10 years are any indication, that statement is
accurate. Comfortably nestled between
the slopes of the Vaca and Mayacamas mountains, this premier wine region has an
exceptional track record for consistency year after year. The 2007 Clos Pegase, Merlot, Napa Valley,
California ($15 per glass) depicts the sun-kissed vineyards of the
valley floor with sweet notes of blackberry syrup and ripe plum preserves,
followed by savory baking spices with a touch of licorice. Matched with our
Char-Broiled Beef Tenderloin Sandwich, it is easy to see why this noble varietal
is one of the most widely planted in the world.
From another tremendous vintage in Napa Valley, 2009 Ladera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Valley, California ($75 per bottle) benefitted from the long dry
growing season. Known for its tremendous ageability, Cabernet Sauvignon is the
most regal wine varietal. Fruit forward aromas of ripe plum and black cherry
with notes of cedar and anise give way to black fruit and sweet oak spice which
create a long velvety finish. This is a perfect combination with Petite Filet
Mignon & Lyonnaise Potatoes.
Founded
in 2004 by Greg Harrington MS, Gramercy Cellars has quickly emerged an industry
leader for Syrah production in Washington State. Sourcing fruit from only the
best vineyards, minimizing the use of oak, and creating wines with high acidity
and low alcohol gives the 2010 Gramercy Cellars, Syrah, Walla Walla,
Washington ($128 per bottle) pure expression of exceptional
regional quality. The vibrant nose offers violet and a savory meatiness, with
layers of dark berry, black pepper and refreshing acidity on the tongue. This wine will complement our Dry Aged
Bone-In Rib Eye with a side of Leek Gratin.
Follow me on twitter @invitisveritas. Tell me what’s
in your glass, #wiyg.
Kevin Bratt
Concept Wine Director
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