A couple quick reviews on good wines.

(Note: Blogger is having trouble at the moment, I can't upload a pic of these labels, I will try to get them on in the near future, sorry for the inconvenience.)

I have been told in the past that I review wins that are hard to find so now every time I review a wine that I know is hard to find I will post another that is easy to find with it. Here we go, two quick reviews:

Heringer Estates 2004 Chardonnay, Clarksburg
This one is hard to find. For those of you who do not know yet, I am from Clarksburg and love to write about wines from the appellation. It is a growing appellation in the Sacramento River Delta that opens into the San Francisco Bay. Because of its location the region receives a great evening breeze that comes up from the SF bay like clockwork during the warm summer months. It is considered a warmer region but because of the cooling effect from the delta breeze it can still make some spectacular wines. It is the home of Bogle Vineyards and mainly known for Petite Sirah and dry Chenin Blanc but the region is also making great efforts with Merlot and Chardonnay as well. I think that this is probably the best Chardonnay that I have tasted from the region.
Color: Nice and clean, bright straw yellow. Not browning at all.
Aroma: Awesome pear and apricot with some pink grapefruit. A subtle hint of oak. I love this style of Chard. Not overdone with the oak giving a lot of varietal character. Great job by the winemaker. Someday maybe this will become the standard for good Chardonnay instead of tooth picks and buttered toast.
Palate: Long finish with good balance and acidity. A lot of fruit on the mid palate with a hint of sweetness on the finish probably from the 14.5% alcohol.
Overall: Love it, although many people would rather have the heavily oaked style, I prefer this fruit driven Chardonnay. I give it an A.

Geyser Peak 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $15
This is a good value Cab from a region that I am beginning to prefer over Napa. Alexander Valley is just over the Mountains from the famed Napa Valley. They are, in my mind, producing much more approachable cabs. Lets put it this way, Silver Oak has a Napa Cab and an Alexander Valley Cab (about $20 cheaper). If I was to choose any vintage within the last three years to have with dinner it would be the Alexander Valley Cab. If I was going to buy one to age for 10 to 15 years, I would choose the Napa Cab.
Color: Nice and dark. Clean, bright edges showing thick legs.
Aroma: Cherry pie with sweet spice, clove and licorice. Cedar and vanilla come through from the barrel.
Palate: Full bodied, more voluptuous, soft, a tinge of sweetness on the take. Covers the whole palate with good long finish. The two of us finished the bottle easily over some country-style ribs with Larrupin' Sauce (from Humbolt Co., CA).
Overall: This is a great Cab to take to a dinner party and everyone will love. It is very "Safe", there is nothing wrong with it, very approachable, and very new world. Not a lot of tannin that will turn some of the lighter eaters off. I have enjoyed better Cabs from the region but for the price I will buy it again. I actually bought this on sale for $11.99. I give it a B.