2006 Navarro Gewürztraminer (Anderson Valley, California)
Dave visited the Anderson Valley last month on his trip to explore some wineries in Northern California, and he came back raving about the wines from Navarro vineyards. From my time in California, the Anderson Valley has been one of favorite places to visit, and not just for the wine. The area is beautiful and somewhat isolated, and has remained friendly, farming focused and very down to earth for its entire existence. Located along highway 128 which travels inland from the costal town of Mendocino, the Anderson Valley has some of the oldest and best established vines in all of California. The wines which originally made the reputation for the region were two whites, Riesling and Gewürztraminer (Pinot Noir is also well-known here too). Both whites, while distinctly having a California fruit-driven style, were uncannily similar to the old world Rieslings and Gewürztraminers coming from Germany and Alsace. The 2006 Navarro Gewürztraminer is made from 100% estate fruit and shows the classic grace, style, and power these wines are capable of; on the nose, rich floral notes lift the melon and lychee which then become the body of the wine. Next the profile deftly turns to focused citrus and juicy peach accented with honey and rose petal before exiting with a mineral and lightly spiced finish. This is a wine with "layers" of flavor which unfold in distinct stages. It is a great tasting experience to taste slowly and carefully. What's more is the flavor profiles are exact enough that one could consider the notes of the wine as a caliber by which to "test" one's taste buds. Enjoy with a wide range of food, from Asian dishes to grilled or roasted chicken. Superb with appetizers that use nuts, fruit, and cheeses, and very interesting with certain tapenade combinations. Supply is up in the air (restaurants really chase the Navarro label), so drink now and come back for more.

2007 Andrieux & Fils Escale Cabernet Sauvignon (Vin de Pays D'Oc, France)
A delectable and powerful Vin de Pays wine (which roughly means "country wine" that has been blended from several vineyards) from the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France which tends to produce full bodied, floral-accented wines. Upon first popping the cork, the scents of powerful blackberry and cherry fruit mixed with sweet oak and flowers. Yet a very interesting thing happens as the wine breathes; the presence of oak diminishes and the fruit and floral notes become the main show, gliding effortlessly through the ultra-smooth finish. What we call a "very drinkable" wine in that it invites full sips (if not gulps!). It's at a great price point, so it's easy to stock up! Great wine for late summer grilling; also a nice late evening wine. Once opened, it lasts very well for several days.