Enjoy Jessica & John Bowlin's introduction to Wine Tasting in your very own home - here are their picks from Napa Valley!

BOTTLE #1: 2005 ZINFANDELl - CAKEBREAD CELLARS:
Each of our three Zinfandel clones at Snowsmalls Lake was harvested and fermented separately. After a short, warm fermentation in stainless steel tanks to fully extract color, flavor and tannins, the wines remained on the skins for another two weeks to further enhance color and flavor extraction while softening tannins. After pressing the wines off the skins, we transferred the lots to French oak barrels, 35% new, where they aged before the final blend was assembled in July, 2006. Our Zinfandel then aged another 9 months in barrel before bottling in April, 2007.

BOTTLE #2: HEITZ WINE CELLARS
2001 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON:
Tasting Notes

The 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet is a stunning wine from the vintage everyone has been waiting for. Deliciously concentrated and gracefully classic, the flavors continue to unfold and mesmerize on this voluptuous Cabernet. The wonderful balance of smooth, rich, ripe varietal characteristics are so enjoyable...a winner.

Technical Notes

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Oak Aging: 3 years (One year American Oak tanks and 2 years in French Limousin Oak barrels)
Residual Sugar: Dry
Alcohol: 14.5%
Release Date: February 2005

BOTTLE #3: 2006 LEWIS CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY:
Our Napa Valley Lewis Chardonnay is created from meticulously managed vineyards in the Carneros and Oak Knoll districts. The nose is packed with apple blossom, pear and vanilla-tinged oak. Rich, ripe and thickly textured, pear and stone-fruit flavors turn creamy on the palate with a broad, round finish and a hint of cinnamon. 500 cases produced.

BOTTLE #4: FAR NIENTE 2006 ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY:
Far Niente Chardonnay is blend of superlative Napa Valley vineyards, many of which are located in a little-known area called Coombsville, a cool growing region nestled in the rolling countryside and protected hills east of the city of Napa. Aromas of melon, guava and ripe fig are layered with toasty spices that resemble hazelnut and clove. Upon entry, the wine is round and creamy and the palate brings forth a tropical minerality that balances a spicy, toasty finish. Far Niente Chardonnay has never gone through malolactic fermentation, as we prefer bright fruit and crisp acidity in our Chardonnay. Sur lie aging and regular stirring of the lees provide layers of complexity. Appellation: Napa Valley; Harvest Dates: September 20 - October 16, 2006; Varietal: 100% Chardonnay;Aging: 9 months sure lie in French oad (70% new, 30% once-used); Fermentation: 100% barrell; No ML; Release Date: September 2007.

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