Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Located at the foot of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley has become the source of some of California's finest chardonnay. While the chardonnays coming from Monterey County and the Central Coast seem to be tasting more on the tropical side, the Russian River Valley wines tend to exhibit more traditional fall and stone fruit flavors. The over-riding theme here is lean, Burgundian restraint.  This is in part a result of the blanketing, cooling fog drawn inland from the Pacific.  

Two really stunning Russian River Valley chardonnays that we have recently aquired here at Wines.com from Rutz Cellars.  The 2004 Maison Grand Cru is fat and rich, showing honeyed vanilla notes. This wine went through complete malolactic fermentation and over six months maturation resting on lees.  For the layperson, the ultimate effect of all of this is a big, lovely, lush chardonnay.  Toasty oak notes weave through the spicy pear, honey, apricot & nectarine flavors. This full-bodied wine is nonetheless perfect with elegant poultry dishes, say, roast turkey.  On sale at Wines.com for $15 per bottle (typically $30).

The 2005 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay comes from Wente clone vines planted in the fog belt of the RRV.  These low-yielding vines produce fruit of great intensity and focused minerality.  The fresh, crisp acidity of this wine surrounds a midpalate rich with vanilla and peach.  The understated oak component serves as a delightful, enhancing counterpoint to its natural, refreshing, lengthy finish.  This vintage truly is one of California's best efforts.  On sale for $29 per bottle at Wines.com (usualy priced $60-$70).

Parducci Organic Winery

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Mendocino County you'll find a true family success story, in the form of the Parducci Winery. Located in Ukiah, Parducci has certainly seen its ups and downs.  But it's certainly riding the crest of a big "up" right now.  My friend Tim Thornhill, a partner in the current operation, was determined to "reunite our extended family on several hundred acres of land where we could grow something".  That was 2002. 

In a few short years the family turned around a winery that needed turning around, and today the Mendocino Wine Group, based at Parducci, produces nearly a quarter of a million cases of wine. Parducci purchases grapes from local family farms, who pride themselves on protecting the environment through certified farming practices; exercizing carbon neutrality (America's first) and extensively utilizing solar power, renewable energy, placing emphasis on re-use and recycling, using earth-friendly packaging- these are but a few of the reasons why Parducci was chosen by the team here at Wines.com to lead off our National Wildlife Federation Organic Wine Club.  Plus, we love their wines & think that they are a steal at their modest price-points.  

The Pinot Noir offers distinct Mendocino spicy mintiness, with ripe berry and chocolate undertones. The refreshing Sauvignon Blanc provides aromas of lemon and tropical fruits with zesty citrus and melon flavors. Bright flavors of juicy pear and ripe apple define their Chardonnay, wrapped lightly by a creamy oak accent.  

Tim views Mendocino County as a great, undiscovered land where history, agriculture, fresh air, natural beauty and warm-spirited people create a comfortable lifestyle. "I see Parducci as a way for our family to work together to benefit the community while improving things environmentally".  Having recently been the guests of the winery, seeing and tasting the fruits of their efforts, I wholeheartedly agree.  We here at Wines.com support their efforts, and invite you to do so by subscribing to Wines.com's National Wildlfe Federation Organic Wine Club, with some of the proceeds from each subscription going to support the NWF.

Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon

We here at Wines.com are always seeking ways to please our customers, and well chosen second labels often prove to be successful. The Stag's Leap Wine Cellars second label, Hawk Crest, is a great case in point. We've come across a nice quantity of Hawk Crest 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's yours for a sweet, crazy-low price. This wine hails from Cali's Red Hills AVA(pictured) adjacent to Napa Valley and is made by the great winemaking team at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. This 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon has moderate grip and approachable tannic structure, featuring red cherry, currants and smoky blackberry notes on the fruit palate. This is a "house wine" and then some. Whenever we find a deal as good as this, we're happy. No second guessing this second label vino. It's just an unbelievable deal for unbelievable times. How unbelievable, you second-guessers ask? This wine can be found variably 'round the web in the high teens, and it's well-priced there.  The Hawk Crest 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is on sale for  $109/case(+ tax) and free shipping at Wines.com. 

The Power of Diversity

There are few wineries that consistently produce a wide variety of great wines at great prices year in and year out.  One of our perennial favorites is the Peter Lehmann Winery.  Making wonderful wines in Australia's Barossa Valley, few wineries can offer as many acclaimed wines at such reasonable prices. Given my affinity for red blends, it's no surprise that I've been a huge fan of Lehmann's Clancy's for many years. A bold, robust mix of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot, Clancy's really over-delivers at it's modest price-point. With the 2004 vintage scoring 90 Wine Spectator points, and the 2005 coming in a great vintage year in Australia, this is a wine not to miss. Lehmann's '05 Shiraz garnered a 91 pt. WS score, and the shiraz component of the '05 Clancy's is clearly the headliner of this star-studded show. A variety of dark fruits is proffered, with black cherry and plum predominating. The spice palate is shot through with everything from allspice to white pepper. Aussies are well-known for blending the distinctly diverse flavors of cab and shiraz, and Lehmann does so to great effect. The merlot component softens the package, providing finesse with it's rounding qualities. It is on sale at Wines.com for $13.99/bottle (typically $20) with free shipping on a case.  Call 800-690-WINE and mention the "Diversity Special".