Variety the Spice of Life; Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir makes some of the lightest red wines around. They can sometimes be fuller bodied than normal and stretch into the medium body red wine territory.  No matter how light-bodied a Pinot Noir may be; it will also be complex and nuanced.  It might take a discerning palate to notice all the layers of flavor and hints of tastes, making this wine one that is always SOPHISTICATED and when it is really good; sensuous.

Flavors Commonly Experienced :

• Strawberry

• Cranberry

•  Mushroom

• Mint

• Vanilla  Smoky / Oak    

• Violet

• Floral  

• Underbrush  

Pinot Noir grows well in cool climates around the world, including California, New Zealand and France it's home.  Pinot Noir was already in Burgundy when the Romans invaded Gaul and it was among the first vines to be domesticated and cultivated.  It's name, dates to the fourth century; "Pinot" which comes from its small pinecone shaped clusters and "Noir" it's dark almost black color.  With the notable exception of Champagne, Pinot Noir is almost never blended with other grapes. 

Some Recommended Pinot Noir...

• Pinot Noir, EMERITUS, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley,  Sonoma, California
• Pinot Noir, A TO Z, Oregon
• Pinot Noir, GREG NORMAN, Santa Barbara County, California
• Pinot Noir, BUENA VISTA, "VITICULTURAL SOCIETY" Sonoma County, California

And please reply to this blog; 
what is your  favorite Pinot Noir?

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST

Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val, Napa Valley, California, 2010

Clos Du Val, French for “small vineyard estate of a small valley,” founded in 1972 in the now legendary STAGS LEAP DISTRICT by Franco-American entrepreneur John Goelet.

·    POWERFUL 

·     opulent, brooding purple hue

·     aromas of ripe black and red fruit, black pepper and hints of toast.

·     chocolate, toffee and ripe blackberry.

·     rich, full mouthfeel marked by focused, silky tannins

·     and a long, lingering finish.

The iconic label features an artistic depiction of the mischievous daughters of Zeus, the Three Graces; Splendor, Mirth and Joy.  In ancient Greece they were know for dancing, singing and being the life of Olympian parties.  Makes you want to open a bottle just to let the Three Graces into your life and who knows they might even make your own party Olympic!

And please reply to this blog; 
have you tried this Cabernet Sauvignon?

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST

Variety the Spice of Life; Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular grape for red wine making in the world!   Some people drink this one wine far more than any other red variety, if not exclusively drinking only this one.  
Cabernet Sauvignon makes wines that are POWERFUL and structured even when the wine itself falls in the medium to full body category. The aromas are bold making the fruit aromas are easy-to-read in the flavors.

Flavors Commonly Experienced :

• Cherry

• Plum

• Mint

• Olive

• Cedar     

• Coffee

• Vanilla  

• Anice

Cabernet Sauvignon is at it's best in the great wines from Bordeaux and California.  It is grown all over the world, pretty amazing when we consider that it has only been around since the 1600s.  Genetics research has revealed that it is the result of cross-pollination between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Some Recommended Cabernet Sauvignon...

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val, Napa Valley, California

And please reply to this blog; 
what is your  favorite Cabernet Sauvignon?