2005 Zinfandel, Santa Ynez Valley $ 24.00

This wine was barrel aged for a little less than a year, then bottled early to allow its bright, berry-focused fruit to mellow and evolve in the bottle. This is a fine Zinfandel with loads of bramble berry fruit; red, purple and black. Enjoy this wine over the next 4-6 years with Italian cuisine, Mediterranean fare and American ethnic foods.

2005 Zinfandel Reserve, Santa Ynez Valley $ 36.00

This Reserve Zinfandel comes from a small block of vines near the historic Santa Ynez Mission and the river of the same name. The cool, often foggy mornings, bright, sunny afternoons and alluvial soils produced a wine in the classic, California style typified by Sonoma County Zinfandel at its finest. Very dark with zesty acidity and bright brambleberry fruit this wine is vivacious, cutting edge and thoroughly delicious.

2005 Vixen Vacaras, Santa Barbara County $ 32.00

Named after the small French village of Vacqueyras in the southern Rhone valley, where the Grenache based red wines reigh supreme and are known for their amazing complexity and finesse. This wine is full of paradoxes approachable yet age worthy, bold yet refined, intellectual yet charming; much like its namesake. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise, and Mourvedre, the fresh and vibrant raspberry and bing cherry fruit are seamlessly integrated with a pinch of white pepper and nutmeg to spice up the lengthy finish. A wine that will transport you to the narrow cobblestoned streets of Vacqueyras!
Only 89 cases produced. - Jennifer Gehrs

2005 Villain (by Vixen) Red Wine $ 29.00

A new label conceived by Jennifer Gehrs, as an accompaniment to her more established Vixen label. This medium bodied red is the highly fashionable Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blend that is enjoying popularity in the market this year. And for good reason: The Syrah contributes a wonderful raspberry and red cherry component with a good deal of spice, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes just a hint of earthy tannins and structure to the finish. Enjoy this wine with pasta and meat sauce or any manner of pork tenderloin dishes.

2005 Tempranillo "Incensio", Paso Robles $ 35.00

Tempranillo is not yet widely planted in California, even thought the Golden State's climate closely resembles that of Tempanillo's homeland; the Iberian Peninsula. Only two tons of these grapes were harvested for us in October from the first crop of a grafted vineyard. This is a very fragrant wine with plum, spice and damp earth notes. The wine is soft on the palate with blackberry and black raspberry flavors. Enjoy it over the next two-three years.

2005 Methuselah, Santa Barbara County $36.00

These three varieties are historically blending partners, the proportions of each depending upon numerous factors including regional tradition, actual plantings at the Chateau, and the blending preferences of the winemaker. For 2005 I have chosen to emphasize Cabernet Franc which is big, bold, spicy and rich with notes of blueberry and plum. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and length on the palate with black currant and blackberry flavors with a bit of Merlot adding smoothness and ripe sweetness on the palate making this Methuselah a classical, yet thoroughly Californian red wine. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years with beef, lamb and other hearty fare. DRG 12/07

2005 Sangiovese, Santa Barbara County $28.00

Sangiovese thrives in the moderately warm climate of the Santa Inez Valley where these grapes were grown. Cool nights, foggy mornings and warm to hot afternoons allow the vines to ripen their grapes slowly to perfection preserving balanced natural acidity and sugar at harvest. After fermentation the wine was aged in older French and American oak barrels for just over two years. This wine is bursting with wild strawberry and red cherry fruit flavors following similar aromas with alluring hints of tea leaf and spice. It is a wonderful companion with Italian and Mediterranean foods and may be enjoyed over the next 2-5 years. DRG 12/07

2005 Pinot Noir, LIMITED, Santa Barbara County $ 40.00

This limited edition Pinot Noir was grown in the Santa Maria Valley appellation of Santa Barbara County. From a well established vineyard, this wine offers up ripe, black cherry and kirsch aromas with sweet earthy spiciness. The flavors are very smooth and well intergrated with blackberry overtones and spicy, black cherry nuances. It will be at it's best anytime over the next 3-4 years. Our LIMITED series represents our finest efforts, bringing you wines of the highest quality and distinction.

2005 Cabernet Sauvingon, Santa Barbara County $ 25.00

The grapes for this wine were grown along the Santa Ynez River Valley flood plain near the village of Solvang and the historic Santa Ynez Mission. This is a moderately cool location with well drained alluvial soils, foggy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. Cabernet thrives here. This wine, which includes 10% Cabernet Franc, is dark and perfumey with black currant, cassis, sweet Asian spices and toasty French oak. It is a full bodied red wine with enough tannin for structure and aging, yet smooth and supple for current consumption. Enjoy with beef and other hearty fare over the next 3-5 years.

2005 Syrah, San Luis Obispo County $20.00

San Luis Obispo County, lying between Monterey to the north and Santa Barbara to the south, encompasses a veritable cornucopia of macro and micro climates where well chosen matches of site and varietal produce outstanding wines. This Syrah is such a wine from an excellent 2005 vintage. Deep, dark, bursting with ripe, blackstone fruit, spicy, toasty French oak and a lush, savory palate this 100% Syrah will turn skeptics and doubters into true believers. DRG 2/08.