Wine Cellar Flight #4

The California Dreamin’ Collection

The Golden State is rightly known for its complex Chardonnays and huge Cabs … what a dream.

2016 Meiomi Chardonnay – California

2015 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay - California

2016 La Crema Chardonnay – California

2015 Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - California

2015 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – California

2015 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon – California

The Estimated Retail Value of this Collection is $115

Meiomi Chardonnay, 2016, retail value $20.00

Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara Counties, California

Clean, crisp and compelling. A slight effervescence in the glass gives way to aromas of melon, lemon soda, mango, plumeria and cold steel. The palate is quite tight at first then opens toward guava, Anjou pear and pineapple. Rating: 88 pts (Wine Enthusiast)

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay, 2015, retail value $17.00

Monterey County, California

Loads of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and guava are present in the aromatics of this rich, zesty, luxurious style of Chardonnay, which offers a boatload of fruit in a somewhat dramatic, in-your-face style.  Drink it over the next several years. Rating: 90 pts (Robert Parker/Wine Enthusiast)

La Crema Chardonnay, 2016, retail value $23.00

Sonoma Coast, California

On the nose, the 2016 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay shows Meyer lemon, passionfruit, grilled pineapple and pie crust. On the palate, nectarine, papaya and crisp lemon-tangerine notes are complemented by a touch of spice and complex minerality. Rating: 90 pts (across vintages)

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015, retail value $15.00

Hopland, North Coast, California

Juicy on the palate with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, accented by roasted almonds, vanilla and hazelnuts, finishing long with fine, firm tannins. The complex flavor of this wine complements just about any well-seasoned meat such as beef, pork, or lamb, followed by an indulgent dessert or espresso. Rating: 87 pts

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015, retail value $25.00

Napa Valley, California

Elegant and concentrated aromas of black currant, ripe loganberry, ripe fig, and mocha tones with some mild, warm spice notes in the background. This wine is full-bodied with a strong mouthfeel and approachable tannins. Pair it with port braised beef short ribs topped with mint leaves. Rating: 90 pts (Wilfred Wong)

Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015, retail value $15.00

Columbia Valley, Washington State

This bold Cabernet opens with flavors of black cherries and blackberries with a touch of currants and vanilla, complemented by earth and mineral notes. Deep berry flavors lead to a soft tannin cocoa finish.  Rating: 87 pts (Wine Enthusiast)