Meet Calluna Vineyards – a Superb Find from Chalk Hill in Sonoma

6 Sep 2012

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Calluna Chalk Hill

Calluna Vineyards - Chalk Hill AVA, Sonoma

We are always looking out for new and exciting wines. So often our exhaustive searches are in vain. So it was quiet a revelation when one of our smaller vendors brought one of the biggest surprises we run across in a long while. From one of the smallest AVAs in California comes one of the largest Cab-based wines we have tasted. From Chalk Hill, a small valley with its unique geological qualities and growing season, it has long been regarded as one of the best areas to grow Bordeaux varietals (as well as Chardonnay, go figure).


Calluna Cab Chalk Hill 2009

Calluna Vineyards Chalk Hill Cuvee 2009 - Right Bank Style Bordeaux Blend

In all of Sonoma, such luminaries as Merry Edwards and David Ramey have made wine here. We can add to that list David Jeffrey of Calluna (Winemaker and Founder). You know that you are in the presence of an exceptional wine from the initial sniff of sweet dark/black fruit, loam and integrated spicy oak notes. On the palate, it mimics Bordeaux but is clearly a Californian surfer dude with hints of chocolate, plum, vanilla and rich toffee on the finish. What is most remarkable about this – being only their second offering – is how sophisticated and assured the estate is. Don’t miss out on this special price. We would happily pay double for this caliber of Cabernet.


David Jeffrey

David Jeffrey - Founder and Winemaker

$27.99 – Available now!

-Posted by David Goodwin, San Francisco

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California Shines

11 May 2012

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A “Golden” Cabernet That Could Only Come From California



2008 Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages

Sonoma, California

94 Points, The Wine Advocate

 

 

Cabernet is King! And no one ANYWHERE in the world does cabernet like California. That adage is usually applied to Napa Valley, however, Sonoma has stepped into the spotlight also.

Chateau St Jean’s Cinq Cepages has a history of achieving lofty heights, the 1996 Wine of The Year, 1999 #2 Wine of The Year, and now 94 points, The Wine Advocate, and all for under $50.00.  The Wine Advocate is absolutely loving Chateau St Jean and says, “From top to bottom, these wines deliver tons of value and character”.

The 2008 Cinq Cepages is a deep, rich, luscious wine containing tremendous depth and velvety smooth texture. It is the epitome of size, elegance, and style. Flavors of black summer plums, herbs, graphite, licorice, coffee, and earth leap from the glass. The purple neon color only hints at the earthy tones integrated and balanced into this savory sipper.

You know the Left Bank Bordeaux’s that wines are always comparing themselves too? Well, this ain’t one of those. It is California through and through. Offering unparalleled bang for the buck as well as being age worthy or drinking deliciously right now. ONLY $42.99

-Posted by Jeff Winfery, Santa Ana

 

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VIDEO: Bonneau Winery with winemaker John Bambury

26 May 2011

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Bonneau Wines was kind enough to host The Wine Club for lunch at their vineyard in Sonoma.  We sat down with winemaker and owner John Bambury to hear about the history of Bonneau and his thoughts on winemaking and wine marketing.  Thanks for a wonderful visit, John and crew!  You can find their wines at the links below:

09 Bonneau Catherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

06 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon

- Posted by Anne Strand

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