California Dreaming

Hello Wine Lovers! Spring is supposed to be here... tell that to Mother Nature! A cold and lousy weekend weather at best here in Chicago, but it gives us character. (So they say) I am going to get right to the point this week, no long winded sermons about wine making, cork, glasses or what you should be drinking instead of this or that... just talk about two wines I feel you should run, not walk, run to your favorite wine shop and buy! Both California producers, both great values and both will keep you thinking your rich! Trentadue Winery, Old Patch Red and Huntington Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of these wines are around $9 and will just floor ya! Trentadue is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, (Don't worry, I'm not going into one of my explanations about this little known grape) Sangiovese and finally Syrah. The grapes are grown in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties and this wine is packed with abundant berry flavors, mostly black cherry and plum with a nice long smooth finish. A touch of oak on the finish as well, but not over powering where you feel like you just swallowed a 2x4, just enough to say hello. Huntington Cabernet is from the Hahn Family Wines and has an interesting story behind it. (I'll keep it short) The Hahns own a ranch in northern Africa and assist the community in building schools and to help preserve the culture and endangered landscape there. Gaby Hahn is a painter/artist and her paintings are made into the labels for their wine bottles. You will find this wine to be rich with a dense black purple color. You will find aromas of sweet black plum and cherry, pretty French oak, spice, cedar and coffee. This is a wine where both Old and New World meet, and you will discover enough structure and just a touch of sweetness after you swallow. I think it shows very nicely for the money! Enjoy! Cheers! J