A Bargain at 50% Off...
One of the major differences between New World and Old World wines that most people notice right away is that they are labeled differently, with Europe tending to label wines based on where they are from, and New World wines typically placing more emphasis on the variety of grape that makes up the wine. Theses New World wines are typically labeled either "Red Wine" or "White Wine" as appropriate. For those that know, some varieties to do really well in a blend and make exceptional wines.
A few weeks ago we made friends with Verismo Wines up in the Napa Valley. Nice people and a family owned business by four brothers: Don, Nick, Frank and John D'Ambrosio, who are well know for their traditional Italian restaurant named Frankie Johnnie and Luigi Too down in Silicon Valley. With such a rich history of food and wine, we instantly fell love with their family story, and after sampling the wine we were delighted find out that their wines live up to our expectations. We were immediately impressed by what we sampled that day, so when the winery said "let's make a deal!" we jumped at the chance to offer their 2007 Stretto Red at $20, half of its original asking price.
The 2007 Stretto Napa Valley Red Wine uses French grape varieties sourced from two small family owned vineyards in Napa. It is made up of 65% Merlot, with about 5% of Petit Verdot and Malbec, and also 30% Syrah for added structure. This is more like a Super Tuscan blend you might find from a cutting edge Italian producer. The result of this blending is a lovely wine, blood red in color with a nose of mixed berry, spice, and dried herbs. The palate is firm and structured, with plum and cherry flavors joined by hints of earth and spice. This wine will only continue to improve with cellaring. A perfect accompaniment for beef or lamb, and an incredible bargain at 50% off the retail price. This is definitely one you do not want to miss.
Aging: 22 months in French oak barrels (20% new)
Blend: 65% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: Las Cerezas in Yountville, Napa Valley, West Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
Harvested: Mid October 2007
Brix: 25.4 Average
Alcohol: 14.9%
Bottle Date: August 2009
Production: 80 Barrels
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
