CLOS DU BOIS CHARDONNAY
Our Classic Sonoma Country Chardonnay exhibits ripe fruity flavors of pear, crisp green apple, vanilla and toasty caramel. A medium-bodied wine, approximately 70 percent is barrel-fermented to integrate fruit and oak flavors. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a rich texture and buttery component on the palate. Sonoma County Chardonnay is aged in the barrel for 6-8 months before bottling.
Wine Critic's Notes
2002 Classic Chardonnay
Wine Enthusiast
Score: 87 -- "A crowd-pleasing wine, with its oaky flavors of vanilla, smoke and buttered toast, and ripe fruity flavors of pears and tropical fruits. The texture is creamy smooth, with a rich edge of smoky honey." December 15, 2003, Steve Heimoff.
At a Glance
Look for these aromas and flavors in Chardonnay:
• Grape: Green apple, golden delicious apple, pear, lemon, lime, melon, fig
• Winemaking: oak, butter, vanilla, toast
Food Pairing
This Chardonnay is perfect for sipping alone or with fish -- like terriyaki or soy-glazed salmon --grilled chicken or lighter pasta dishes. Enjoy lightly chilled -- store in cool location, then place in the refrigerator about an hour before serving.
Pairs great with the Gilbert Family Potato Latkes. The aromatic 2005 Reserve Chardonnay bursts with scents of mandarin citrus, ripe pear and lime, intermingled with jasmine, clove and notes of oak spice. The taste is bright and juicy, with refreshing flavors of ripe pear and citrus that help highlight the earthiness of the latkes. Click here for the recipe.
CLOS DU BOIS MERLOT
The fruit of our Classic Sonoma County Merlot comes from vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Extended maceration enhances color, flavor and mouthfeel, and aging for 18 months in 60-gallon oak barrels adds softness and a subtle vanillin component. We blend small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and complexity, which enlivens the subtle texture and plum-like fruitiness that is the hallmark of fine Merlot.
Wine Critic's Notes
2000 Sonoma County Merlot
CHEERS
**** = Four Stars (86-91) "A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. Deep red color; a smooth, easy to drink wine with rich fruit flavors and a nice touch of oak complexity; plum, cheery and toasted vanilla finish; always a favorite." March 2004
1999 Sonoma County Merlot
SANTE
"Ripe, fragrant, plum and black cheer aromas. Rich, concentrated red and black fruit flavors with a note of spicy red raspberry; long, spicy finish." November 2001, Tasting Panel
At a Glance
Look for these aromas and flavors in Merlot.
Grape: Blackberry, raspberry, plum, blueberry, herbs, chocolate
Winemaking: oak, cedar, tobacco, smoke
Food Pairing
Merlot is food's best friend and a fantastic party choice. We like ours with roasted leg of lamb or tomato-based pasta dishes.
Pairs great with Mama LoSasso's Hot Italian Sausage Stuffing. The fruit aromas in the 2004 Merlot are complemented by hints of vanilla and spice. It has balanced flavors of juicy black plums, mocha and a touch of tobacco that provide structure and finesse to stand up to the spiciness of the sausage. Serve slightly chilled. Click here for the recipe.
