Denman Moody's Wine Blog Report

Tom Jordan has silently turned over CEO duties for his Alexander Valley winery to his son John. To his credit, it doesn't seem that John has changed anything. I imagine his theory would mirror mine: Why **** up a good thing? I'll be visiting John this summer to get a little more in-depth on this issue. I was actually one of the first writers to rave about the first release, 1976. Most California Cabernets were around $4 or $5, and were not very good. The better ones, like Heitz Martha's Vineyard, were over $20, but needed some bottle age. The fabulous '76 Jordan, which I served blind to change Francophile's minds into the early '80s, was gorgeous, ready to drink and about $10 at Spec's in Houston. One writer said I overscored it because he didn't think it would age well. My response, "So don't age it--drink it now--it's fabulous!" The '78 was even better, and for the last umpteen years, Jordan Cabernet has been in the top 5 (usually top 2 or 3) Cabernets sold in fine restaurants in the U.S.

Denman Moody's Report: Stags' Leap Winery

As the wine consultant (voluntary) for the Grand Wine and Food Affair in Sugar Land/Houston, I was fortunate, on April 23rd, to be able to introduce Kevin Morrisey, Director of Operations at Stags' Leap Winery at a black tie, $250 each gourmet dinner at the gorgeous Trevisio Restaurant at the Houston Medical Center. Kevin's goal at this historic property is to make the best wines possible, while being a good steward and using sustainable farming techniques, so that when his grandchildrens' grandchildren come to visit, nothing will have changed. While Stag's Leap Wine Cellars - singular possessive - is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon which won the famous Paris Tasting (rush to buy George Taber's book about it), Stags' Leap Winery makes not only a great Cabernet, but also a fascinating, bone dry Viognier, the quintessential Petite Sirah (the '04 was unbelievable) and a rich, plumy Merlot. - Denman Moody, Consultant to Personal Wine and Owner of Corporateeventwines.com (photo by Kelly S. Howell)

New Website Feedback

I am very excited about my new website. I added many more cool labels that you can choose from and personalize. Also, I have selected new quality award-winning wines, coming from quality grapes and credible vineyards giving you a better selection. Please check out my website: www.personalwine.com. I would appreciate feedback.
Cheers,
Alex

2005 Janzen Napa Valley Cabernet...Marvelous!

I've seen some incredible vintages come from Rutherford in 2005 but this along with the Gargiulo are perhaps my favorites to date. This cabernet was in my opinion much better than the Napa Reserve from Harlan and at a better price point as well. On the nose it opens up with aromatic hints marmalade, pepper, and well rounded floral bouquet. The perfect balance of fruit combined with hints of pepper, slight earth tones as well as a not-too dry, well balanced finish. Blended from the fruit of the famed Georges III vineyard in Rutherford with near-legendary To Kalon. Made by legendary wine makers Nils and Kirk Venge.

Gargiulo Vineyards Visit

Yesterday we visited Gargiulo Vineyards, our newest addition to the Personal Wine line up that we are featuring in an upcoming promotion. Garguilo is located on Oakville Crossroads nestled between Rudd and Screaming Eagle and across the street from Harlan's property. I was very fortunate to get April Gargiulo to give us a personal tour. The winery itself is new and constructed from organic and recycled materials giving it tremendous charm and personality. April was kind enough to taste us on their Pinot Grigio, which was clean and crisp with a gentle bite. I tried their Chardonnay at room temperature and was pleasantly surprised at its texture and complexity, not too dry, and definitely not buttery. The highlight was the Money Road Cabernet which had just the right amount of fruit, medium body, and some deep earth tones with a hint of licorice. This wine is absolutely fantastic.