California Wine

Deep purple in color with a ruby red hue, this exceptionally well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits ripe blackberry, cassis and plum fl avors, colored with a touch of mocha and coffee. The sweet, fruity entry is enhanced with a juicy mouthfeel, notes of savory herbs and velvety tannins, followed by a long, smooth finish.

Following its brilliant, silver straw-yellow hue, this Chardonnay has intense primary aromas of apple blossom, ripe pear and sweet lemon drop, complemented by toasty oak, spice and cream. The wine’s silky smooth texture is overlaid with bright juicy flavors of rich, ripe apple and pear, lingering into a fresh, satisfying finish. This rich, silky Chardonnay is ideal with lobster and other shellfish, especially if served in a butter or cream sauce, roasted poultry or other white meats, creamy pasta dishes, a buttery mushroom omelet or any meal tinged with sweet spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.

This is a terrific bottle of Chardonnay, regardless of whether it hails from Napa Valley or from Burgundy. The style is clearly an amalgamation of the best of both idioms. It doles out plenty of delectably forward, Napa Valley yellow apple fruit, but the richness is checked by brisk acidity and refreshing notes of cool climate minerality imparted by the chilly Carneros microclimate. While oak is present in the wine's structure, the effect is subtle and understated, much as it would be in a top quality white Burgundy. In short, this is one of the most enjoyable Chardonnays I've tasted in a long time, at a ridiculously low price. Highly recommended.
-- Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education

This 4 Bottle Sampler contains one bottle each of the following wines:

- Russian River Chardonnay 2011
- "Four Hearts" Chardonnay 2010
- Russian River Pinot Noir 2011
- "Land's Edge" Pinot Noir 2011