Saturday

WINE AUCTION FOR A GREAT CAUSE
Saturday, August 23, 8 pm, Palace Hotel
Benefiting and hosted by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
Event admission: $50 - includes desserts, live entertainment, silent & live auctions
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

The featured auction item of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus's third annual Catered By The Chorus, on Saturday, August 23, 2008, 8 pm at the Palace Hotel, is the WALL OF WINE. This fabulous collection of hundreds of bottles has been donated by wineries and private cellars from Northern California and beyond. In previous years, the Wall Of Wine was a single item, but due to the unprecedented number of contributions received this year, there will be several Walls Of Wine for enthusiasts to bid on.

Whether you want to start or expand your cellar, the Wall Of Wine will impress one and all! And if you're not a wine drinker yourself, you'll have wonderful gifts for your friends and family for years to come. The Chorus will assist with delivery of the wines for the winning bidders.

In previous years, the Wall Of Wine has been auctioned for about 66% of the retail value of the wines. What a bargain!

Below is a partial list of the wines and contributors featured this year (please check back often as the list will be updated periodically):



BOURASSA VINEYARDS NAPA VALLEY

Contribution includes an exclusive gift certificate valued at $200, with a private barrel blending and wine tasting for 4 adults with the proprietor, Vic Bourassa, and a barrel factory tour.







Donated by Christiaan McEwen:

ROBERT MONDAVI
1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
The primary source of this wine is the To-Kalon Vineyard, acknowledged for over a century as one of the world's great vineyards. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabarent Franc, and 5% Merlot; aged in the finest tight-grained French oak. Time to enjoy!
Estimated retail value: $175





Donated by Steve Garber:


WOODBRIDGE BY ROBERT MONDAVI
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Spicy dark fruit character, with a velvety smooth finish. Estimated retail value: $18



Donated by Jeff Tobler:

ST. JEAN ESTATE VINEYARD
2003 Merlot
Exclusive merlot with intense black cherry, blackberry and mocha varietal characters, aged twenty-seven months in French oak with soft, round tannins. Estimated retail value: $50

DURRELL VINEYARD
2005 Chardonnay
Rich, full-bodied chardonnay with complex tropical fruit elements along with notes of melon, pear and honey, balanced by toasted almond and vanilla oak flavors. Estimated retail value: $28

EIGHTY-FIVE FIFTY-FIVE
2003 Red Wine
This exclusive 2003 cuvee is a blend of Syrah (36%), Petit Verdot (25%), Malbec (18%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), and Merlot (7%). Juicy and mouth filling, this wine bursts with bright raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cafe au lait. Big, chewy tannins surround a complex core of black fruit and hints of roasty oak, with a long finish. Estimated retail value: $55

CHATEAU ST. JEAN

Sonoma County
2002 Reserve Chardonnay
This wine is no longer available for purchase.

To craft the Reserve Chardonnay, fruit is harvested from the outstanding Sonoma County vineyards Robert Young, Belle Terre and Durell. Each vineyard lot remains separate as it is fermented in small French oak barrels and aged sur-lie for seventeen months. Then individual barrels of the best lots are selected for the final blend. This vintage yields bright aromas and flavors of lemon and crème brulee with a velvety texture and rich finish.

Robert Young Vineyard
2005 Chardonnay
This wine is no longer available for purchase.

Fresh aromas of lemon cream, Bartlett pear, vanilla and light tropical notes introduce the nose of this Chardonnay. A medium-bodied entry fills the mouth with notes of melon, lemon oil and cardamom spice. Bright acidity and lingering notes of roasted almonds and vanilla cream on the finish make this an excellent food wine.



Donated by Brett Vaughn:





2005 Moscato

Delicate floral Muscat wine with intense perfumed aromas of ripe peaches and apricots enhanced by cantaloupe and lychees for a crisp and balanced wine. Estimated retail value: $23

2003 Merlot
This Merlot offers supple texture enhanced by generous sweet berry, toasted oak and a round middle with a licorice finish. Estimated retail value: $26

2003 Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon
A fruit-forward red wine inspired by the 2003 crush team. This wine is innovative and palate-pleasing with plenty of charm, color and even a bit of cheekiness.

2003 Chardonnay
This Chardonnay has subtle, inviting aromas of pear and melon with a delicate nuance of toasted oak. It is full in body with a creamy texture and expressive fruit qualities. Estimated retail value: $25


Donated by Gary Richard and Cecil Johnson:

CHARLES KRUG
1992 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine tastes of ripe berries with subtle undertones of cedar and chocolate. The velvety texture is the result of extended aging in oak barrels.

RODNEY STRONG
1995 Sonoma County Merlot
Rich, ripe, succulent flavors of bright black cherry and currant fruit are well-integrated with soft, supple tannins, creamy oak, and a hint of chocolate mint.



Donated by Joe Hege and Michael Mamone:

ARBIOS
PETER MICHAEL WINERY
2002 Alexander Valley Cabarnet Sauvignon

The 2002 Arbios Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in color with garnet hues and violet highlights. An earthy aroma is accented with scents of cedar, violets and sage. Bright flavors of bing cherries and rich, warm vanilla blend easily on the palate. Arbios is full bodied, smooth and balanced. Two years in French oak give the wine a toasty character and the tannins are well integrated. The wine is ready to drink now and will keep for ten years or more.

BERINGER
2005 Merlot

This rich and intense flavored Merlot is full of blackberry, plum and toasted spice flavors. It’s the perfect complement to a creamy pasta dis or your favorite grilled meat. Enjoy!
Value - $11.00

PETER MICHAEL WINERY
2003 ‘La Carriere’ Chardonnay
French for “The Quarry”, this name of this chardonnay aptly describes the vineyards rocky soil. Terroir-driven minerality remains the signature of this vineyard, with aromas of crushed stone, lily, hazelnut and sweet pear. Touches of mandarin orange, acacia, honey and sweet vanilla complete the elegant bouquet. Notes of citrus oils, white peaches and lemon highlight the minerality. Rich, intense, and sculpted, presenting wonderful concentration and elegance on the palate, its bright acidity and minerality will allow it to age well over the next 10 years, much like its Burgundian cousins from Puligny-Montrachet.




Donated by Al Treuter:

SMOKING LOON
2005 Chardonnay

Behind the light straw color are aromas of sweet spring flowers, green tea, and a touch of fresh pineapple. The palate is framed by flavors of lemon meringue, fresh papaya, limestone, and subtle nuances of clove finishing with nectarine and light vanilla oak tones.
Value - $10.00




Donated by James Machado:

EOS
2005 Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc - 2 Bottles

The 2005 vintage Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of lemon grass, mint, citrus, mango and melon. The flavors are bright, exotic citrus with lemon grass, and finish with lingering crisp, citrus acidity. 31% barrel fermented in primarily French oak, this wine is approachable and elegant, with an austere weight and good balance.
Value - $22.00 each

EOS
2006 Paso Robles Chardonnay

This dawn-harvested wine opens with intense aromas of nectarine, tropical fruit and toast oak, leading to flavors of tangerine, green apple, kiwi, and coconut.
Value - $13.50

CHATEAU ST. JEAN

Sonoma County
2005 Cabarnet Sauvignon - 2 Bottles
Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, and cedar lead to a rich, layered mouthfeel, replete with black cherry, vanilla, and cassis, and structured with lush, mature tannins. Enjoy this seductive cabernet sauvignon now and over the next several years.
Value - $19.00 each



Donated by Gary Kukus:

Rutherford - Grand Pacific
2005 Starliner Red
A soft, silky Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Petit Sirah and Pinot Noir with smooth, lingering tannins.
Value - $12.00




Donated by Randy Lerner and Steve Hess

Chateau Felice – Chalk Hill – Healdsburg, California
2005 Rainbeau Red

A delightful blend of the winery’s favorite varietals, Chateau Felice farms 25 acres planted to five different varieties of wine grapes. These vines, carefully tended to produce a low-yield, allow the winemaker to craft small lots of extraordinary wine. Value - $25.00

Karmere Winery and Vineyard - Shenandoah Valley California
2005 Empress Julie Ann Barbera

Ripe cherries and caramel greet your nose and are joined by lovely layers of mocha and spice on the palate. The vanilla from the oak helps to contribute to a long tasty finish. Value - $20.00

Mauritson Wines – Dry Creek Valley, California
2006 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Vibrant aromas belie the silky tannin and soft rich mouth feel ofthis wine. Bright acidity was another advantage of the cool temperatures, giving the wine phenomenal balance. While not as overtly tannic as previous vintages, the grace that the 2006 Dry Creek Zinfandel exhibits will leave you cursing global warming and craving long, cool summers. Value - $27.00

Armida Winery – Sonoma County, California
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stuhlmuller Vineyard Alexander Valley

Sonoma County is world renowned for its phenomenal growing regions and Armida is fortunate to receive fruit from three of its finest: the Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys. Value- $42.00

Dashe Cellars - Alexander Valley, California
2005 Zinfandel Todd Brothers Ranch Old Vines

The 2005 vintage was a classic vintage, with a long, extended, quite warm ripening period that allowed the vines to concentrate flavor in the grapes. We consider it one of the finest vintages of Todd Brothers Zinfandel that we have produced, a dark, concentrated wine with tremendous depth and balance. Value - $32.00

Vincent Arroyo Winery – Napa Valley
2005 Petite Sirah

All of the varieties produced at Vincent Arroyo Winery are consistently rich with deep berry and earthy flavors which characterize the growing region of Calistoga at the tip of the Napa Valley. Value - $32.00
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Donated by Mike Bankert

2006 Lake County Zinfandel – NOVA Vineyard
While DE LOACH vineyards did not plan to step outside of the Russin River Valley for this Zinfandel, they found the NOVA Vineyard, situated 1500 feet above sea level on the benchlands of Mount Konocti, whose old head trained vines produce opulent, spicky furit that bursts forth in the mouth.

2003 Syrah Estate Reserve, Mendocino County
The 2003 Syrah premium varietal stems from the most beautiful and exquisite Yorkville Highlands, with its far reaching views, the terraced mountain vineyards rise up to 1900 feet above sea level. Closer to the sun and above the fog, the grapes have intensely rich flavors, combined with gentle pressing and aging in French oak barrels for 2 years providing a smooth character that results in a deliciously flavorful wine. Value - $40.00
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Donated by Jeff Lewy

Five Hills Blue - 2006 California Chardonnay
In Mendocino the Five Hill Blue thrives and flowers every summer in the shade of their organic vines. The vines here are tended carefully, protected by beneficial insects and fed only what they can draw from the soil. Every fall this patience brings a new harvest that holds nothing but the purest flavors.

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Donated by DE NOVO Wines – Sonoma County, California

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
The Cabernet Sauvignon is made from hand-picked grapes grown at “aCURE eSTATE vineyard” in Alexander Valley. Not the typical huge California Cab, but rather a medium-bodied Cab with good backbone. Moderate French oak and good tannins. Value - $19.00

2006 Bastille, Alexander Valley
The Bastille blends hand-picked Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and a bit of Russian River Valley Cabernet Franc. Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, this is De Novo’s Bordeaux-style blend. The Cab provides the backbone, the Merlot provides the softness, and this particular Cab Franc provides an exceptional set of fruit aromas – cherry, blackberry, plum. With medium-toasted French oak and good acidity, the Bastille is well-balanced and goes with just about anything. Value - $19.00

2006 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
The Zinfandel is made with hand-picked grapes from Domenico Canale’s traditional dry-farmed old vines in Dry Creek Valley. This is the show-stopper. Dominant flavors are a unique combination of strawberry and black pepper, with a slight ripe currant flavor typical of Dry Creek Zins. Good backbone, and, because this Zin is unfiltered, the body and mouthfeel are substantial. Value - $19.00

2006 Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir is sourced from several Sonoma County vineyards, and is blended with a bit of Alexander Valley Cabarnet Sauvignon. This is exactly what you expect in a Sonoma County Pinot – plenty of ripe cherry and fresh currant. Substantial yet balanced. Value - $24.00

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Donated by Kyle Levinger

Diablo Creek Vineyards - 2006 Cabarnet Sauvignon
You will see that here in the Diablo Creek Cabarnet, where clear varietal blackberry, cherry and ripe plum aromas let you know exactly which win it is. Time for grilled red meat or a full-flavored cheese.

Rosemount Estate - 2005 Chardonnay
This Chardonnay displays an aroma of white peach and melon. The palate has soft rip tropical flavors and a long, creamy finish.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi - 2006 Cabarnet Sauvignon
This Cabernet's spicy dark fruit character, with a velvety smooth finish is delicious with grilled or roated meats.

Firefly Ridge - 2006 Merlot
This Merlot is a vibrant, plum-red wine with aromas of raspberry, red currant and toasted almonds.

Doghouse - 2004 Merlot
A doggone good wine, this Merlot boasts sweet black cherry and anise aromas with smooth boysenberry and pomegranate flavors.

Yellow Tail - 2007 Chardonnay
This Chardonnay's nose leaps from the glass and displays a lovely peachy vanilla and coconut aroma. The wine has a rich creamy toasted finish on the palate whilst being silky smooth and easy to drink.

Lindemans Bin 65 - 2006 Chardonnay
This wine boasts a stonefruit and melon flavor with a soft, smooth finish. Best enjoyed while young and fresh.

Ravenswood - 2005 Shiraz
This Zinfandel is a rich, luscious wine full of dark fruit characters, chocolate and spice for which Shiraz is renowned.

Blackstone Winery - 2006 Merlot
This Merlot is friendly, flavorful and balanced, encouraging the marriage between food and wine. The rich fruit is surrounded by elegant creaminess, supple oak flavors and firm tannins.

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Donated by Sean Higgins

Loxton - 2005 Sonoma Valley Shiraz
This Shiraz is a selection from the barrels of Syrah the vitner makes, looking for wines that can bottle earlier than the more age-worthy Syrah. Somewhat Australian in inspiratioin with it's ripe fruit, soft tannin, low acid and nice touch of oak on the finish. Value - $17.00

Jepson - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Bright, clean and crisp. Reflecting characteristics of hay, herbs and citrus. The grapefruit and lime flavors are subtly balanced by a little melon and kiwi. Value - $11.50