Fidelitas m100 Columbia Valley Red, 2006

The Fidelitas m100 is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec named in the memory of winemaker Charlie Hoppes’ 100 year-old grandmother, who passed away back in 2005. Winemaker/Owner, Hoppes, has distinguished himself as a world-class winemaker after starting as an assistant winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle (where he worked with head Winemaker Mike Januik) and then becoming a head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle and then Three Rivers Winery of Walla Walla. In 2000, Hoppes started his own label, Fidelitas. The Fidelitas product line includes Semillon, a Bordeaux white blend, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, along with vineyard designated blends and Cabernet Sauvignons. The winery is located on Red Mountain and they have a newly planted estate vineyard of three different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. Up until now, their grapes have been sourced from the best vineyards in the Columbia, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys. The m100 Red has a dark ruby red color with a purple hue. There is a complex bouquet of black cherries, cinnamon, crème de cassis and flint. This is a medium bodied wine that delivers a broad, chewy mouthful of ripe fruit with cherry and black currant framed by vanilla, baking spice, minerality and considerable smooth tannins. There is nice acidity that keeps things fresh and the finish is long and elegant. This Columbia Valley red blend over performs at the $16 price point.

Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, 2000

Zinfandel is a red grape variety that grows well in Sonoma County, California. Genetic tests have shown that Zinfandel is genetically equivalent to the Primotivo grape grown in southern Italy. Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley in 1895. Since then, four generations of the Seghesio family have tended over 400 acres of vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. Back in 2003, this Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel was selected for Wine Spectators “Top 100 List”. We purchase a few bottles then, and tonight we decide to open one that had been in our cellar for the past 7 years. We remember enjoying this wine back in 2003, and we were excited to see what developed with 7 years in the cellar. I was hoping this wine would be a good companion for the Friday night Steak Dinner I was preparing. The wine has a dark red color with good clarity and a crimson rim. The nose is fragrant and complex with raspberry, cherry liquor, wet rock, oak and cinnamon. There is a full-throttle multilayer palate with red raspberry, ripe cherry, fig jam, caramel, vanilla and baking spice. The mouth feel is rich and elegant with a medium bodied frame supported by gentle tannins, sweet fruit and a long sappy finish. The complexity of flavors are delicious and this Zinfandel proved worthy of cellar aging. We purchased this Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel at Larry”s Market, in Bellevue, for about $20. We really enjoyed this wine with the lovely Hanger Steak, Balsamic Onions and Summer Vegetables.

Bodegas Castano Solanera, 2005

This red wine is imported by Eric Solomon from the Yecla region of Southern Spain. The Castano Solanera is a blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Garnacha Tintorera. The Monestrell grapes come from some of the oldest vines in the area. In the glass there is an opaque red/black color with aromas of ripe red cherry and blackberry with notes of mineral and smoke. This is a medium bodied wine with rich dark fruit flavors balanced with lychee, minerals and mocha. There are smooth tannins that mingle with some pleasant tartness that adds to the long, lingering finish. This is a delicious wine that will pair will with any summer Barbecue or a good Spanish cheese.

Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, 2007

This was the other “top-notch” wine we enjoyed, alongside the Corino Barolo, while dining at Café Juanita, last night. Leonetti Cellars wines have held almost cult status during the past 20 years since receiving top scores from Wine Spectator magazine between 1989 and 1992. Having set the bar high for Washington State premium red wines, Leonetti wines are the benchmark which others are measured. This Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Carmenere and 3% Malbec. This wine has a opaque dark red color with purple hues. A heady bouquet evokes dark black cherry, cassis, coffee and sweet vanilla. On the palate, ripe black fruit, espresso, spice, fruitcake and mocha commingle to create a bold, luscious wine. This full bodied wine has powerful dark fruit flavors with firm, solid tannins. This wine offers terrific depth and a long polished finish with exotic spice and vanilla. This Cabernet will pair well with a grilled rib-eye steak or a roasted saddle of lamb.

Corino Barolo, Vigneto Rocche, 2000

Last night we met some good friends and had an outstanding dinner and fun time at Café Juanita in Kirkland, Washington. The highly acclaimed chef/owner, Holly Smith, has created a great restaurant that specializes in the food of Northern Italy while using fresh local ingredients whenever possible. To help celebrate 3 of our birthdays during the month of June, we brought along a bottle of the Corino Vigneto Rocche Barolo from the 2000 vintage. I had decanted this Barolo for 5 hours prior to our dinner. Our friends brought a bottle of Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, 2007. The Corino Barolo, Vigneto Rocche is a single vineyard Barolo that is produced in small quantities of less than 350 cases. This wine has a dark ruby color and an amber rim. A serious perfume of smoke, earth, lead pencil and leather accompany red raspberry and plum. In the mouth this full bodied wine offers deep mineral accented dried strawberry, floral and cherry flavors with abundant gripping tannins and crisp acidity. The mouth-feel is impressive showing a great punch of flavor and a long and elegant spice filled finish. Despite being made from grapes harvested back in 2000, this wine is still youthful and vibrant. We had cellared this Barolo since 2005 and last night was the big pay-off. A great wine from a small producer.

Villa Pozzi Nero d'Avola, 2008

Nero d’ Avola is the most important red grape from Sicily and has been grown their for centuries. In recent years, modern wine making techniques are used to create fruity, “easy-drinking” wines that are often compared to new world Shiraz. This Villa Pozzi Nero d’ Avola has a dark purple color with a violet rim. This is a medium bodied wine with flavors of blackberry liquor, plum, Bing cherry and subtle spice on the finish. This wine is very soft in the mouth with gentle tannins and acidity. This is a nice value wine that is not overly complex, but appealing. I recommend this wine to accompany any casual meal or a take-home pizza. We purchased this wine at Top Foods, in Bellevue, for about $8.

Bodegas Goulart Malbec Classico, 2009

There is a flood of Argentine Malbecs entering the US market and many of these are value wines that are gaining popularity with the general public. This past weekend I tasted 5 different Malbecs and the Bodegas Goulart was a stand-out for a wine under the $10 price point. This wine has a dark red color and an aromatic nose of fresh raspberry, cherry and violets. This is an easy drinking Malbec with a medium body, smooth texture and good structure. Fresh fruit flavors of red raspberry, blackberry and red current are lively and are complimented with floral notes and black pepper on the finish. The tannins are soft and smooth and there is nice acidity that keeps everything together. This wine would make a nice “house wine” to drink with any mid-week meal. This Bodegas Goulart Malbec Classico can be found at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue, for about $9.
　

Domenico Clerico Dolcetto Visadi, 2007

Domenico Clerico’s wine estate is situated in Monforte d’Alba, right in the heart of Barolo. Barolo is the “big-gun” wine of Piedmont and for Domenico Clerico, but the Nebbiolo grape is not the only player in the Barolo area. Throughout the region there are many vineyards growing Barbera and the lesser known Dolcetto ("little sweet one"). In the case of the 2007 Visadi Dolcetto, this wine is neither little or sweet. This wine has a deep ruby color with a purple hue. This is a modern style Dolcetto that show extreme concentration of flavor and a backbone of black fruit and bold tannins. This is a full bodied wine with flavors of black plum, cherry, licorice and molasses. These deep, dark flavors are enhanced with a background of herbs and smoke and gentle acidity that set the stage for the smooth, abundant tannins. This is the kind of Dolcetto that we really enjoy.... big, bold and delicious. We purchased this winner at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue, for about $18.

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Riserva, 2004

This Frescobaldi Chianti is made on the 11th century Castello di Nipozzano property located in the Chiant Rufina DOCG. This wine is made from 90% Sangiovese with small quantities of Malvasia, Colorino, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. We have been cellaring this wine since it was released in early 2007. Tonight we brought this bottle to the Purple Café, in Bellevue, and enjoyed it with a lovely cheese board and an order of Wild Mushroom Risotto. The wine exhibit’s a dark ruby color and has a beautiful nose of blackberries, cherries, wet earth, black pepper and cedar. This is a medium to full bodied wine that is rich and dense with flavors of blackberry, cassis, roasted espresso, cocoa powder, earth and black pepper. The dark berry flavors are balanced by firm acidity and fully integrated tannin giving a wine of extraordinary depth and length. This wine is really delicious and is aging very well. I am glad we still have a few more bottles in our cellar!

FnB Restaurant

7133 E. Stetson Drive Scottsdale, Az 85251 (480) 425-9463

FnB… OmG. While down in Scottsdale this past weekend we finally found a good night to go check out this new restaurant near the SouthBridge Waterfront. This is a small restaurant with a warm inviting atmosphere and an open kitchen surrounded by a large wood rimmed counter for spectacular viewing of all the action. With textured white walls, crisp linens, dim lights and a “show-stopper” colorful mosaic floor, the space exudes a casual elegance. FnB (for “Food n Beverage”) is a co-venture between Chef Charleen Badman and Pavle and Emily Milic. Chef Badman has composed a seasonal menu of fresh ingredients, using organic and local, whenever possible. The front of the house is run by husband and wife Milic and they are extremely successful at providing great service and hospitality. With the exception of one sparkling wine from New Mexico, Pavle has crafted a wine menu of 100% Arizona State wines. We have tasted some excellent Arizona wines in the past and enjoy pairing local wines with local cuisine. The menu is small and precise with great choices for any food lover. Here is a listing of the wonderful food we shared:

1. Fried Green Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing and Feta…. Great!
2. Grilled Asparagus, Cauliflower Purée, and Crispy Beet Chips…. Great!
3. Pan Roasted Jidori Chicken with Spaetzle and Beets…. Great! (we are still talking about it)
4. Grilled Lamb Tenderloin, Snap Peas, Fingerling Potatoes, Olives and Mint…. Great!
5. Warm Steamed Chocolate Cake, Rhubarb, Vanilla Ice Cream…. Great!

All of our food was expertly prepared with the finest ingredients and skillful hands. We loved our entire meals and are still talking about how delicious everything was.

We ordered two red wines from the small, hand picked wine list:

Arizona Stronghold Nachise Syrah Blend, 2008 This is a Rhone style blend of 52% Syrah, 27% Granache, 15% Petit Verdot and 6 % Mouvedre. This wine is very smooth, medium bodied with aromas of blackberry, earth and baking spice. Rich black fruit, cherry and cranberry flavors are enhanced by silky tannins, fresh herbs and black pepper on the finish. This wine paired well with both the Chicken and Lamb entrees.
Keeling-Schaefer Syrah, 2007 This is a big wine with a nose of blackberry jam and vanilla wafer. In the mouth there is ripe blackberry, blueberry, plum, cinnamon, vanilla and toasty oak. This Syrah is full bodied with gripping tannins, a touch of earth and a long, smooth finish. I did enjoy this wine, however I would love to try it again after a few years in the cellar. This wine will pair well with lamb, beef or a stinky cheese.

Our entire evening at FnB was exceptional. The service and food were flawless and the cozy dining room was both classy and relaxing. We truly enjoyed getting to meet Chef Badman and Host Emily Milic ( Pavle was off with visiting family). Next month we will return to FnB to celebrate some birthdays! (yeah)