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
You may also like:
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.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
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.
94 Points
Juice explodes out right 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.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
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.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
93 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
92 Points
Deep garnet core with aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice mingle and swirl on the nose. The palate is equally gorgeous with extremely rich cookie, walnut, plum and cassis with a long smooth creamy vanilla finish. This one is aged to perfection and ready to show off.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
90 Points
Deep garnet in color, with enticing aromas of brandied cherry, lavender, and forest floor. The palate is juicy and engaging with blueberries coursing through with depth and keeps you running back for more. Pure and balanced with perfect levels of acidity with notes of salted caramel, and cocoa. It's ripe silky tannins lead to a long supple finish that just keeps on giving.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
95 Points
Deeply wild and floral with cherry, raspberry bramble, and dried cranberries layered with notes of baking spice and satsuma. Hints of cherry bark and dried violets carry through with touches of herbs and spice, lending a savory balance to silky layers and juicy, red core.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
