WALL OF WINE

2008-06-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2007 WALL-OF-WINE

2007-07-24T16:46:00.002-07:00

The featured auction item of SFGMC's Catered By The Chorus on Saturday, August 11, 2007, the WALL-OF-WINE is a single item featuring a fabulous collection of wines donated by SFGMC members and friends. The collection features approximately 100 bottles of red and white wine originating from several countries (e.g. USA, Chile, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia), including some unique, limited edition selections from Northern California.

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, you'll have wonderful gifts for your friends and family for years to come. A tasteful wine rack is includes.

Last year's Wall-of-Wine, which consisted of more than 100 bottles, was valued at $3000 and sold at auction for $2000. What a bargain!

Below is a summary of some of the wines featured this year:

DONATED BY DR. WILL BROWN:

2004 Vintage Claret Collection, personally selected by Sommelier Elizabeth Pitt:

Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon

Value: $125

Pahlmeyer Merlot

Value: $120

Leoville Barton Bordeaux (first growth), France

Value: $100

DONATED BY PORTER CREEK VINEYARDS (special thanks to Mike Bernard):

Porter Creek Vineyards, Russian River - case of wines, including:

2001 Syrah, Timbervine Ranch

2004 Pinot Noir, Hillside Vineyard

2004 Pinot Noir, Fiona Hill Vineyard

2005 Zinfandel, Old Vine

2005 Chardonnay, George's Hill Vineyard

$400 value

A case of some of Porter Creek Vineyards' finest selections. This award-winning winemaker is fast becoming one of the region's most well-known.

DONATED BY JOE HEGE AND MICHAEL MAMONE:

Peter Michael Winery 2003 Les Pavots Knights Valley Sonoma Cabernet Blend

Value: $160

Full medium ruby. Cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and flowers on the nose. Lush, broad and wonderfully ripe but classically dry, with terrific intensity of currant, chocolate, cedar and leather flavor. Distinctly suave wine, finishing with broad, dusty, building tannins and excellent length.

Peter Michael Winery, 2003 L'Apres-Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

Value: $46

From reviewer Stephen Tanzer: Multidimensional nose combines lemon, lime, grapefruit, quinine, wet stone and oyster shell. Juicy, pure and extremely intense, with powerfully mineral flavors of white grapefruit, fresh pineapple and soft citrus fruits offering terrific cut. At once supple and tensile, with uncanny depth of flavor for California sauvignon blanc. Finishes with superb length and floral lift. A great vintage for this bottling.

DONATED BY CHRISTIAAN MCEWEN AND BRADLEY ALFORD:

Stryker Sonoma 2003 '3' Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley

Value: $50

This wine never made it to the general public and after its intial offering to the wine club members, it is no longer available even at the winery. The winner of the wall-of-wine will truly own a unique hard-to-find bottle of wine. The name of the wine is simply '3'. It is an experiment they tried which turned out to work in the winery's favor. They blended their Speedy Creek, Two Moon and Monte Rosso cabarnets; the result was an amazing full-bodied, richly textured, deep berry colored wine that should be held onto for at least another three to four years.

Dutcher Crossing 2005 Mapel Vineyard Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

Value: $36

Donors Christiaan and Bradley are founding members of this winery. This particular selection won the gold medal in the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. As a side note on this winery, they will be hosting Christiaan and Brad's commitment ceremony this October followed by a dinner in the vineyard. They are wonderful folks and extremely gay friendly. You can only get their wine at the winery! Here is a link to this wonderful wine:

http://www.dutchercrossingwinery.com/dutcher/catalog/index.jsp?cat_id=1003

DONATED BY STEVE GALLAGHER:

Mazzocco Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Value: $50+

This unique bottle of classic zinfandel has been signed by the winemakers and is, therefore, priceless!

DONATED BY TIM PAVEK:

Windsor Vineyards 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon

Value: $50

DONATED BY BRIAN WEART AND RICHARD HILLMAN:

Hartford Family Winery, 2005 Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Value: $45

Sensual aromas of caramel, honeysuckle flowers and Gravenstein apples complemented by fresh pineapple... you pick your pleasure!

DONATED BY AL MARTIN:
Benziger Family Winery 2003 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, California
Value: $42

This wine is round, full bodied, and fairly complex in flavor, with a medium to long finish. In aroma, it features plum, vanilla, toasted oak, ripe cherry, and clove. With its evident richness and fruitiness, it can be enjoyed with broiled fish such as halibut, flounder, or swordfish; crab or shrimp Louis; earthy mushroom dishes; pork tenderloin; or broiled steak.

DONATED BY TOM BURTCH AND NEIL AUSTIN:

Papapietro Perry, 2005 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Value: $33.00 ~ 750 ml

Deep garnet in color leading to an aromatic nose of delicate oak, cherry and white pepper. This is an elegant, full-bodied wine with pleasing complexity with flavors of bright cherry, a hint of spice, and a delicate pepper finish. Smooth tannins add structure and mouth feel, but don’t overpower. This Zinfandel is perfect for lighter meat dishes and spicy seafood fare.

Trentadue, 2004 Syrah, Alexander Valley Estate
Value: $22.00

This wine qualifies for the "Big" category, but without the clumsiness usually associated with the heavyweights. The very dark and alluring color leads to a full spectrum of dark fruit aromas such as blueberry, plums and dark cherries. There is a nuance of earthiness and leather with a touch of vanilla and toast from the oak. On the mouth, the wine is lush but with enough acid and full tannins to achieve a long lasting finish. You’ll be rewarded if you age this wine for 3-5 years although it is tempting to drink it now.

DONATED BY DENNIS CHASE:

Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne
Value: $30

Piper-Heidsieck cuvée Brut combines 50 rigorously selected growths. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes give cuvée Brut its earlier years are used to create a more rounded blend and ensure the originality of the Piper-Heidsieck style. The wine's harmony develops over the course of slow ageing in Piper-Heidsieck's chalk cellars.

DONATED BY RANDY LERNER AND STEVE HESS:

Obscurity Cellars 2003 Pinotage, Sutter Ridge Vineyard, Sierra Foothills

An outstanding example of an extremely rare variety. Only seven growers and eight makers of this wine exist in the county. Awards: Gold Medal and Best of Region, California State Fair; Gold Medal, Amador County Fair; Silver Medal, El Dorado County Fair. Value: $20

Karmere La Petite Morgan Nebbiolo-Syrah 2004

Boysenberries, vanilla and cloves tip your nose to the rich and lucious mouth feel of this blend of Italian and French noble varieties. Value: $24

Karmere La Petite Rachel 2005 Syrah

All of the Karmere vineyards are named after women in the family; the daughter, the granddaughters and daughters-in-law. In the case of the granddaughters, the vineyards were planted on the week that they were born. In 2004, they welcomed two new granddaughters, so the new release syrahs have their names: La Petite Drew and La Petite Rachel. As for the grandson, Clint, they names the tractor after him. Clint thinks this is cool! Value: $30

Both of these wineries are located in the Sierra Foothills, one of the best and unexplored wine areas in Northern California. Randy and Steve love to go visit periodically as there are dozens of small wineries where one typically finds the owners and winemakers pouring the wine themselves behind the counters. These selections were discovered on one of their visits to the region.

DONATED BY JOHN SIMS:

Domaine Chandon, Chardonnay, 2004 Carneros Appellation

Value: $25

DONATED BY SEAN HIGGINS:

Eroica 2005 Reisling, Chateau Ste Michelle, Columbia Valley, WA

Value: $22

White peach and fresh apricot aromas characteristic of Washington State Rieslings, melded with the mineral, floral notes and lively acidity associated with German Rieslings.

WINES VALUED AT $20 OR UNDER PER BOTTLE

DONATED BY PETER JACOBS:

La Crema 2005 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Review: Smells of green apples and vanilla. Tastes spicy with strong lemon peel taste. Strong beginning, smooth buttery finish. This wine really benefits from letting it sit a long while. It becomes much smoother and creamier while retaining the strong citrusy beginning.

DONATED BY STEVE GARBER:

Bella Sera 2005 Pinot Noir, vinted and bottled in Trento, Italy
Typical of the approachable wine enjoyed throughout Italy over simple, yet delcious Italian meals. This wine exhibits aromas of fresh red berries with hints of spice. Its juicy berry flavors and smooth and silky style make it a perfect complement to your favorite pasta dishes, roasted meats and poultry, and grilled vegetables.

DONATED BY BRUCE FRIEDRICHSEN:

Beringer 2005 Knights Valley Alluvium Blanc
From The Wine Advocate: A wine that mimics a top white Graves is Beringer's 2005 Alluvium Blanc, a barrel-fermented blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that represents terrific value. This honeyed effort possesses crisp acidity as well as loads of melon, fig, and waxy lanolin characteristics.

Chateau St. Jean 2005 Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County

This lively and refreshing Fumé Blanc offers bright aromas of grapefruit, melon and lemongrass. The Semillon contributes a hint of sweet red apple that combines with the vibrant citrus, fig and spice characters found on the palate, creating a beautifully balanced wine with a long, lingering finish.

DONATED BY BRUCE CARPENTER:

Seven Terraces 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Clifford Bay Estate 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

These two bottles from New Zealand were specially selected and imported to our event tonight by Bruce! Think Sauvignon Blanc; think New Zealand. It is fair to say that New Zealand has become synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, or more specifically, Marlborough Sauvignon. This is the single most successful New World variety of the 21st Century: yes, Chilean Carmenère, Argentine Malbec and Australian Shiraz have all become benchmarks, but the Sauvignon from this one tiny area of one tiny country has become the global pinnacle for the variety, and one of the world's most recognisable wine styles.

DONATED BY MICHAEL LYNCH:

Two Brothers Winery, Big Tattoo Red, 2005 (6 bottles)
and Big Tattoo White, Riesling 2006 (6 bottles)

From the Colchagua region in Chile, Two Brothers Winery is a partnership between brothers Erik and Alex Bartholomaus. They founded the winery as a way to raise funds for cancer research and Hospice care in memory of their mother, Liliana S. Bartholomaus. It was the Bartholomaus brothers' goal to honor their mother, who lost her battle against cancer. They wanted to do this in a non-serious yet beneficial way.

DONATED BY GARY KUKUS:
Estancia 2006 Pinot Grigio, California

DONATED BY MICHAEL LEVY:

Barricas 2003 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

This fine red wine is round and full bodied. It is a very characteristic vivid purple varietal 100 % Malbec. It has mulberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of violets and vanilla. In the mouth it is round and friendly, with fine tannin notes and a long finish.

Smoking Loon 2005 Merlot, California

This Merlot has a dark ruby color and the aromas are reminiscent of raspberry jam with hints of lightly toasted oak and caramel. This wine is made in a fruit forward style exhibiting mouth filling Bing cherry, white chocolate, and just a touch of cranberry finishing soft with ripe plum and delicate vanilla oak flavors.

DONATED BY RAVENS WOOD (special thanks to Anthony Levintow):

Ravens Wood 2003 Merlot, Sonoma County - 10 bottles

Medium dark. Cherry aromas on the nose. Nice black cherry fruit, with some smoke, moderate acid, solid structure, some hard tannins, and long fruity finish. This not your usual wimpy Merlot. It needs a few years of aging to soften out the hard tannins.

Ravens Wood 2005 Chardonnay, Sonoma County - 12 bottles

An incredible throwback to the past, the '05 Ravenswood Sonoma County Chardonnay recalls a past that we almost forgot; rich, blustery, full-flavored yet balanced and dry; superb!

DONATED BY HORIZONS FOUNDATION (special thanks to Jeff Lewy):

Grand Cru 2003 Chardonnay, CA - 4 bottles

Barons de Rothschild 2003 Bordeaux, Reserve Speciale, Bordeaux, France - 2 bottles

Stephen Vincent 2004 Crimson, CA - 2 bottles

Fess Parker 2004 White Riesling, Santa Barbara County

Louis Jadot 2002 Chardonnay, Bourgogne, France

DONATED BY DAN JORAANSTAD:

Three Saints 2003 Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley

Full aromas of black cherry and plum are accented by the characteristic licorice note found in all of the Three Saints' Merlots. This lush and generous wine offers up juicy flavors of black fruit, wild cherry and plum and an earthy undertone that is the hallmark of the Star Lane Vineyard. Rich and velvety in texture, this 2003 Merlot will reward after a few years of careful cellaring.

Five Rivers 2005 Pinot Grigio, Monterey County

Five Rivers 2005 Pinot Grigio is a dry, straw-colored wine that immediately fills the mouth with tastes of green apple and pear. It is best cool, not cold. It is lovely to drink on its own, sitting in the garden on a warm spring evening.

DONATED BY MARK SORENSEN:

Bogle Vineyards, 2005, Clarksburg, CA - Zinfandel
Acacia, 2005, Napa Valley - Pinot Noir

DONATED BY DENNIS CHASE:

2003 Shiraz, Rosemount Estate, diamond label, Australia
Louis-Philippe Champagne, Cuvee' Des Etoiles
2004 Chianti Classico Banfi, Italy

DONATED BY R. KARL HEBENSTREIT:

Wente Vineyards 2003 Merlot, Monterey

Tamas Estates, 2004 Pinot Grigio Rosato

DONATED BY TIM PAVEK:

Glen Ellen Reserve 2004 White Zinfandel, 1.5 ltr

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2006 WALL-OF-WINE

2006-07-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

WALL OF WINE
DESCRIPTION

Consisting of more than 100 bottles of wine donated by members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the Wall-Of-Wine is valued at over $3000 and includes a wide variety of red wine, and a selection of white wine, rose, port, sparkling wine, fortified wine and aperitifs from California, Washington state, Oregon, Texas, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Moldova and New Zealand. The collection will be auctioned at the SFGMC's Dessert Soiree on Saturday, August 5, 2006, by guest auctioneer, Donna Sachet.

WHAT TO DO WITH A WALL OF WINE...

Not a wine drinker? No problem - you'll have wonderful gifts to give for years to come!

New to wine collecting? This will get you started, and be an impressive array in any home.

Already have a wine collection? These selections will supplement and enhance your cellar.

WINE SELECTION

This list will be updated as more information is available

Featured Wines:

1995 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
donated by Jeff McEwen. Value: $125 - $158

Tasting the 95 Silver Oak Alex is a hedonist's dream. The nose is rich vanilla-laced oak, black cherries and currants. But all the fun is in the mouth - rich fruit of crushed ripe currants, mouth-filling oak like Mexican vanilla, and lingering spice on the finish that goes on and on forever (or at least a minute). This wine is like Robert Redford - amazingly smooth, interesting and complex and with the structure to stay around for decades. There is no better way to impress your friends by serving it. This is a cult wine that has been around for decades - it's about time people discovered it.

Peter Michael Winery Estate Bottled 2003 Belle Côte Chardonnay (Sonoma County, Knights Valley, CA)

donated by Joseph Hege and Michael Mamone. Value: $150

Exotic lychee, pineapple, and marmalade notes (which suggest tremendous ripeness) along with a refined, sophisticated structure result in a sensational glass of full-bodied Chardonnay that is well-delineated for its size and power. This is pretty sensational stuff...

Peter Michael Winery Estate Bottled 2003 L’ Après-Midi Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County, CA)

donated by Joseph Hege and Michael Mamone. Value: $140

Tangy and ripe, with excellent depth. Grapefruit and cedar tones on the finish.

Chateau St. Jean 2000 Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon
donated by Jeff Tobler. Value: $90

Fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from the finest Bordeaux variety vineyards in Sonoma County; 37% from Alexander Valley, 36% from Sonoma Valley, 23% from Knights Valley, and 4% from Dry Creek Valley to assemble a wine that showcases Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley grapes highlight bright berry with back notes of dried herbs, while the Sonoma Valley fruit is from our home vineyard - the St. Jean Estate Vineyard, and brings black and dense mountain fruit to the blend. The Knights Valley fruit adds a firm mouthfeel and pronounced tannins and the Dry Creek Valley grapes tend toward dark, dense black cherry and berry fruit flavors with a rich mouthfeel.

Bargetto Winery 2004 Lodi Carignane
2 bottles donated by Matt Prather. Value: $75 - $90 each

Carignane is a lesser-known varietal that grows well in the Lodi area, with the hot days and cooler nights. It produces very rich blackberry, pepper, and spice aromas, berry and fruit flavours in the mouth, and a soft but clean finish. The Bargetto Winery is considered one of the finest of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, creating boutique wines featured in better restaurants from Manhattan to Manhattan Beach. This wine ages well, but is delicious at about 3-4 years, and pairs especially well with lamb or Mediterranean dishes.

Aida 1999 Zinfandel (Oakville, CA)
donated by Paul Olsen. Value: $75
usually available ONLY at the vineyard

8 gift-boxed bottles - O’Brien Cellars 2004 Seduction
donated by O’Brien Cellars. Total value: $224

Seduction, the signature wine of O’Brien Cellars, is a proprietary red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (Bordeaux varietal grapes) from the Napa Valley appellation. The bottle comes in a shimmering burgundy-colored, organza "gift bag;" a large gold-leaf "O" dominates the front label. O'Brien insists the Big O is for O'Brien Family Vineyard. O’Brien Cellars was the wine sponsor of the 2006 SF LGBT Pride Festival.

Esterlina Vineyards 2004 Port (Sonoma County, CA)
donated by Dianne Terp. Limited Edition

A unique port from a Latino-African family vineyard in the Anderson Valley. ”This year's Port is a blend of Syrah from the Janian Vineyard in Sonoma Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon from our Alexander Valley property, and a bit of Merlot… This Port is rich, smooth and complex, with flavors of red berry, black cherry and a bit of baking spice. We didn't make very much of this stuff, so Happy Holidays from the Sterling Family and all the staff at Esterlina!”

Cuvée Mumm Napa Sparkling Wine
donated by Dianne Terp. Four 187 ml. bottles. Total value: $68

With fruit selected from over fifty separate vineyards, this exceptional sparkler reveals layers of crisp and creamy texture that are rich and lingering. Beautiful notes of ripe peaches, creamy vanilla, and rich white chocolate lead to lush fresh fruit and decadent flavors. Perfect with hors doeuvres, creamy desserts and spicy foods.Although Mumm Napa Valley founder Guy Devaux passed away almost ten years ago, his legend lives on in the Napa wines of Mumm. He was born in Epernay,

France

, the heart of the French Champagne district. After a stint at famed Champagne house Möet & Chandon, he was tapped by Seagram's to find a home for a new U.S. Sparkling Wine operation. He chose Napa and helped guide the new winery to its lofty status as one of California's finest. The newest addition to their already awesome lineup is this fabulous Cuvee M. Guy would be proud.

AWARD WINNING Willis Hall 2003 Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley, WA)
donated by Sal Baglieri and Peter Cironcione IV. Value: $35

Awarded a Gold Medal at Vineyard & Winery Management's 2006 West Coast Wine Competition and Silver Medals at the 2006 Lone Star International Wine Competition and 2006 Washington Wine Competition held in conjunction with the Central WA State Fair. Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety usually employed in a blending role to uplift, with floral scents, the wines made from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. It also is the sole variety allowed in the classified red wines from the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. Occasionally, Cabernet Franc can be a chameleon, exhibiting a rustic side and displaying its character in a cascade of dark, earthy flavors. This is such a wine. Its intense flavors require similarly intense preparation of complementary food. Such preparations might include bold spices, herbs, and pepper, especially when applied to vegetables, mushrooms, and game meats. Santé!

AWARD WINNING Suatti Winery Duarte Vineyard 2002 Old Vine Zinfandel (Contra Costa County, CA)
donated by Randy Lerner and Steve Hess. Value: $26

2 GOLD MEDALS- Critics Challenge (PLATINUM) and Amenti Del Vino

Ripe and rich, with a generous core of vibrant blackberry and black cherry, this Zin, from thirty-plus year-old vines in nearby Oakley, is surprisingly only medium-bodied, with restrained yet evident pepper and spice.

Sapphire 2003 VLH Zinfandel (Russian River Valley, CA) 375 ml
donated by Randy Lerner and Steve Hess. Value: $40

Sapphire Hill’s first-ever VLH (Very Late Harvest) zinfandel, produced exclusively from a 60-year-old Russian River Valley vineyard, is overflowing with plump berry goodness, juicy ripeness and unfettered zin-ness. Fermented using an ice wine yeast, this exceptional wine is the quintessential choice to complete a fine meal – perhaps paired with a dark chocolate dessert - or to end a perfect day.

AWARD WINNING Lucas & Lewellen 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Barbara County, CA)
donated by Bud Dillon. Value: $25

Double Gold Medal Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Competition

"Right now," says winemaker Daniel Gehrs, "our Cabs are the best kept secret in California." In 2002, the thirty-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines responded to a dry winter with a modest crop. The deeply rooted vines slowly but completely ripened the grapes by early November without significant rain. This is a ripe, well-sculpted Cabernet in the Bordeaux tradition. Ample aromas of black currants, a hint of violet and spicy oak lead to smooth cassis-like flavors. This elegant wine will benefit from up to seven or eight years of additional cellaring.

AWARD WINNING Chateau Grand Traverse 2005 “Whole Cluster” Riesling (Michigan)
donated by Sal Baglieri and Peter Cironcione VI. Value: $15

Gold Medal - 2006 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2006 International Eastern Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2006 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition

This off-dry Riesling was made in a classic crisp and aromatic style. It was produced from specially hand-picked grape clusters pressed "whole" without any de-stemming or crushing. Its fermentation was long and cool, tapering off at 1% residual sugar. The resulting wine is sleek and minerally with nuances of grapefruit, apple and pear.

AWARD WINNING Amphora 2004 Merlot (Dry Creek Valley, Mounts Vineyard, CA)
donated by Bud Dillon. Value: $28

SILVER MEDAL, 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The 2004 Mounts Vineyard Merlot is a dark garnet-colored, full-throttled gem. Straight forward aromas of white pepper, dried cherries and spice make for an exciting bouquet. Intense flavors of black cherries, ripe plum, anise and subtle hints of rose dance on the palate. The third vintage of this exceptional estate Merlot is a welcome addition to our family of wines. This beauty will complement grilled lamb, hearty stew, or a seared filet mignon.

Simi 2003 Merlot (Sonoma County, Alexander Valley, CA)
donated by Bud Dillon. Value: $23

SF Gate *Wine of the Week*. In the movie Sideways, wine snob Miles voices his disdain for Merlot, but SF Gate’s Wine Writer W. Blake Gray explains that Simi’s 2003 Merlot is "exactly what I want when I want a Merlot.'' This wine will satisfy that skeptical Miles in your life.

Two unique wines hand-selected and imported from Germany
donated by Matt Prather:

Königschaffhausen 2004 Spätburgunder
not readily available in USA

From the state of Baden-Würtemburg, German, this is a deliciously drinkable red wine – a burgundy from an area of

Germany

more traditionally known for its white wines. As a result, it is lighter in character than what one might ordinarily expect in a burgundy. The mountains of the area give this wine a richly fruity flavor with hints of cassis, berry or currant, and bit of leather. Serve with a meat stew or bouillabaisse, or just in enjoy by the fire on a crisp fall evening.

Franken-Qüalitätswein-Gutsabfüllung 2004er Rivaner-Trocken
not readily available in

USA

This is the white wine to take on that romantic Labor Day picnic. Also from Baden-Würtemburg, it makes the most of mountainous warm days and cool evenings to produce intensely fruity flavor that is still crisp and light with herbal notes throughout. It pairs particularly well with chicken or other fowl, as well as with cold pasta salads or a simple meal of bread and cheese.

Special selection of red and white wines
donated by Mike Bernard:

1997 Hop Kiln Winery Big Red
Great Spaghetti Wine Value: $20

1999 Hop Kiln Winery Big Red
Great with BBQ or pizza Value: $20

1999 Hop Kiln Winery Valdiguie

Luscious, rich red wine. Sadly, very few Valdiguie vineyards exist and this is one that has since been torn out as well. Value: $30

2001 Ridge Vineyards Syrah/Grenache
Big, rich, fruity, excellent with BBQ Value: $40

2002 Ridge Vineyards Carignane
Old Vine wine. Excellent with red sauce pastas Value: $36

2003 Ridge Vineyards Carignane
Old Vine Carignane. Old vines produce some of the best wines Value: $40

2002 Ridge Vineyards Grenache/Syrah
Larger percentage of Grenache in this one. Big, smooth, dark. Value: $36

1989 Topolos Vineyards Alicante Bouschet
This is one of only a few red grapes that have red juice. Value: $14

1992 Story Winery Zinfandel
Medium bodied Zinfandel. Nice with pasta. Value: $12

Rabbit Ridge Winery Barbera
Nice table red. Value: $10

2000 Rabbit Ridge Winery Grand Reserve Barbera
A classic Barbera. Full, rich, mouth-watering. Value: $45

2003 De la Montanya Vineyards Syrah
One of the best new wineries. This is a big, rich, wonderful Syrah. Value: $42

2004 Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, lean and vegetal. Value: $26

2004 Porter Creek Vineyards, Fiona Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

Written up last year in Money Magazine as one of the best Pinots in the country for the money. Needs about 4-5 years of aging. Value: $34

2003 Porter Creek Vineyards, Reserve Pinot Noir

One of the best pinots around. Beautiful cherry and raspberry flavors with a light dusting of terroire. Only 8 barrels produced. Value: $55

2004 Porter Creek Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel

A phenomenal Zin. Smells like blackberry jam with chunks of cherries and black raspberries thrown in . Silky and spicy. Not tannic or peppery at all. Classic. 2 bottles. Value: 32

2004 Porter Creek Vineyards Viognier

Perfect wine for Thanksgiving dinner. Viognier will someday be more popular than Chardonnay if it is produced like this. This one was presented at a tasting of Viogniers in San Francisco last year and out of 69 Viogniers tasted, this was rated number one. Aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine with a touch of roses. Not at all sweet or grapefruity. Just rich, smooth and velvety with a long wonderful creamy finish. Only 6 barrels produced. And unfortunately, it’s sold out. The 2005 vintage will be released in November. Value: $30

SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL WINES

Donated by:

Sal Baglieri, Robert Benda, Bruce Carpenter, John Cashman, Peter Cironcione, Bud Dillon, David Falzone, Steve Garber, Bruce Friedrichsen, Joe Hege, Steve Hess, Sean Higgins, Dan Joraanstad, Kevin Jones, Gary Kukus, Randy Lerner, Michael Lynch, James Machado, Christiaan McEwen, Jeff McEwen, Paul Olsen, Gary Richards, Brent Roelofs, Stephanie Smith, Mark Sorensen, Chris Spanos, Michael Tate , Dianne Terp, Jeff Tobler, Jeffrey Van Dyk, F. Ross Woodall

RED WINES
Value: $10 - $30 per bottle

J. Vidal-Fleury 2001 Côtes-du-ventoux Red Rhone Wine (France)

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2000 (Spain)

Dashe 2003 Merlot, Iron Oak Vineyards, Potter Valley (CA)

Wente Vineyards 2003 Crane Ridge Reserve Merlot (Livermore Valley, CA)

Cuvée Selena Marr Cellars 2002 Grenache (CA)

Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2005 Pinot Noir (CA)

Bishop’s Peak 2003 Edna Valley Chardonnay (Arroyo Grande, CA)

Carmenet Winery 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County, CA)

Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois 2003 Red Table Wine (CA)

6 bottles – Le Clos 1998 Red Wine (CA)

Tisdale Vineyards 2005 Merlot (CA)

Ironside Vineyards 2003 Xpression Red Wine (serve chilled – Murphys, CA)

Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (CA)

Sensorium 2004 Syrah (Central Coast, CA)

R.H. Phillips 2002 Merlot

Papio Vintage 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (CA)

Red Bicyclette 2004 Syrah (France)

Becker Vineyards Texas Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon (Texas)

Eberle 2005 Roussanne (Paso Robles, CA)

Lucas & Lewellen 2003 Syrah (Santa Barbara County, CA)

Jade Mountain 2004 Syrah (Monterey County, CA)

Babcock 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (CA)

Bridgeview 2004 Pinot Noir (Southern Oregon)

Bella Piazza 2004 Shiraz (Shenandoah Valley, CA)

Taft Street 2004 Syrah (Dry Creek Valley, St. Emydius Acres, CA) – 2 bottles

Duryee Merlot (CA) – 2 bottles

Lolonis Winery Ladybug Red Old Vines Cuvée V Table Wine (Redwood Valley, CA)

Havens 2002 Merlot (Carneros, CA)

Wild Horse 2004 Pinot Noir (CA)

Schug 2003 Merlot (Sonoma Valley, CA)

Taylor Family Vineyards 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, CA)

Dionysos-Mereni - Four Seasons Collection 1998 Lidia Dessert Wine (Moldava)
A good companion to desserts, fresh fruits and ice cream

SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL WHITE WINES
Value: $10 - $35 per bottle

Ruffino Lumina 2003 Pinot Grigio (Tuscany region, Italy)

Nobilo Regional Collection Marlborough 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

2004 White Label Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Morton Estate (New Zealand)

Louis Jadot 2004 Pouilly-Fuissé White Burgundy (France)

Chateau St. Jean 2001 Reserve Chardonnay (Sonoma County, CA)

Giesen 2005 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Stevenot 2003 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard (Calaveras County, CA)

2 bottles - Barefoot Brut Cuvee Chardonnay Champagne (CA)

Fetzer Vineyards 2004 Gewürztraminer (Mendocino County, CA)

Curtis 2005 Heritage Blanc (Santa Barbara County, CA)

Cycles Gladiator 2004 Chardonnay (CA)

Murphy-Goode 1999 Gewürztraminer (Alexander Valley, CA)

Ponzi Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley, OR)

Dionysos-Mereni - Four Seasons Collection 1998 Muscat Dessert Wine (Moldava)
Great companion to fresh fruits, chocolate, cheese and dessert

ROSE

The Grey Rose 2005 Pinot Pinot – blend of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir (CA)

Rose has a strong pulse today; small and large wineries are starting to produce them again and the press and trade are talking about them. This “pink buzz” is also based on consumers’ increased interest and demand for hot and spicy foods of oriental, Indian and Latin American origins. Well made and chilled rose wines have always done well in complementing hot and spicy dishes, because they exhibit the more complex characteristics of red wine without the accompanying tannis.

APERITIFS / SPIRITS / FORTIFIED WINES

Fernet Branca
donated by Dianne Terp. Value: $30

A MUST to supplement any wine collection, Fernet Branca is a bitter, aromatic spirit made from of over 40 herbs and spices, including myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom and saffron, with a base of grape alcohol. The recipe is a secret, and was created by the young Maria Scala in 1845 in Milan. Scala's name became Maria Branca through marriage, and the product's name was born. The Fernet Branca is still produced in Milan by the company Fratelli Branca, overseen by the Branca family.

Fernet Branca is usually served as a digestif after a meal, but may also be enjoyed with coffee and espresso, or mixed into coffee and espresso drinks. It may be enjoyed neat at room temperature or with ice. And, rumour has it that it can help cure hangovers!

Lillet Blanc Aperitif de France (Bordeaux)
Value: $16

Lillet Blanc is an aperitif from the Bordeaux region of France that was created in 1887 as a tonic for whatever ailed you. It comes in white or red versions, the red version being created in the 1960s, and is in the same family as Vermouth but with subtle differences. The formula for Lillet contains wine, orange peel and quinine, which provide the slightly bitter aperitif quality that has made this drink so popular. Lillet can be enjoyed straight up or used in delectable recipes that excite your palate. Its sumptuous flavor makes it the perfect ingredient for a deliciously original cocktails or desserts.

The Lillet Tomlin

1 ounce Lillet Blanc
1 ounce Mandarin Napoleon
1/2 ounce Maraschino liqueur
1/2 ounce Cognac

Stir with cracked ice for thirty seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange wheel, two ringy-dingys and serve to the party to whom you are speaking.

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