May 2008 Selections!

GOLD SELECTION PLAN I

BORSAO 2006 CAMPO DE BORJA
The Campo de Borja is a promising Spanish wine zone in northeast Spain. This is one of the most arid parts of the country and low-yielding vineyards planted predominantly with Garnacha vines produce intensely ripe, dark grapes which are made into heady red wines. Borsao has revolutionized the region with it’s young and intensely fruity reds, often as in this case blended with Tempranillo. This is quite a versatile springtime red considering it’s easy quaffability yet Tempranillo-blessed structure which makes it an ideal empanada, quesadilla, pizza and burger pal!

TORBRECK 2006 “WOODCUTTERS” SHIRAZ
Although founded in 1994, Torbreck began in 1992, while Dave Powell was working for Rockford Winery, one of the Barossa Valley’s most highly-regarded estates. It was during this time that Powell discovered and nurtured back to health some neglected dry-farmed old vines Shiraz in the valley and began making a small amount of wine from the grapes. Over time he secured a contract for the supply of grapes from a run down ancient Shiraz Vineyard and the rest is history. This wine is named for the period when Dave Powell was working as a woodcutter in the Torbreck forest in Scotland. It’s a perennial customer favorite at Hi-Time and we continue receiving requests for the wine throughout the year long after it is sold out. Packed with hand selected fruit, it’s brimming with fresh ripe aromas of black raspberry, tea, white pepper and spice and loaded with richly textured and layered flavors of blackberry, bluberry and plum. Powell ages this wine in large used oak barrels and avoids the excessive oakiness.

GOLD SELECTION PLAN II

VALENTIN BIANCHI 2005 “ELSA” CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“Elsa” comes from Argentina’s Mendoza appellation, regarded by many to be their most prestigious vinicultural region. 2005 is, for sure, a“world vintage” with virtually every winemaking nation turning in some stellar work. Sourced from one of Valentin Bianchi’s top vineyard sites,the Dona Elsa Estate, the wine comes across loud and clear as a classic “drink me” that provides soft, lush fruit to the palate encompassing mixed flavors of flambéed currants,cherries and plums in conjunction with pleasing hints of spice and sweet earth. “Elsa” proffers decent complexity and surprising depth of flavor for the price and qualifies as the perfect “kick back with TV” wine suitable for such informal noshes as meatloaf, burgers, pizza or tacos.

BOUCHAINE 2005 CARNEROS CHARDONNAY
We are big fans of Bouchaine. A winery with significant historical roots, Bouchaine inhabits the oldest continually operated winery in Carneros with vines first planted in the mid-1800s. Completely renovated and updated, new ownership hired Michael Richmond as winemaker and general manager. With over 30 years experience in Carneros, (he founded Acacia), he set new standards in both the vineyard and winemaking. Mike said that he wanted the oak to be “transparent”, with a “wisp of spice”, and he kept the malolactic to 50%. It showed very well upon summer release, and we were shamelessly effusive in our praise at a recent retasting. This 2005 defines balance and seamlessness. The fruit is all estate and the oak was only 30% new, which most definitely begat the desired result. This beauty is crisp and multi-tropical, coating the palate with added hints of peach, citrus, lemon crème, spice and vanilla. The wine has developed a subtle and most interesting mineral component beaming throughout. A great vintage for Bouchaine!


PLATINUM SELECTION PLAN I

TORBRECK 2006 “WOODCUTTERS” SHIRAZ
Although founded in 1994, Torbreck began in 1992, while Dave Powell was working for Rockford Winery, one of the Barossa most highly-regarded estates. It was during this time that Powell discovered and nurtured back to health some neglected dry-farmed old vines Shiraz in the valley and began making a small amount of wine from the grapes. Over time he secured a contract for the supply of grapes from a run down ancient Shiraz Vineyard and the rest is history. This wine is named for the period when Dave Powell was working as a woodcutter in the Torbreck forest in Scotland. It’s a perennial customer favorite at Hi-Time and we continue receiving requests for the wine throughout the year long after it is sold out. Packed with hand selected fruit, it’s brimming with fresh ripe aromas of black raspberry, tea, white pepper and spice and loaded with richly textured and layered flavors of blackberry, bluberry and plum. Powell ages this wine in large used oak barrels and avoids the excessive oakiness.

WORTHY 2004 “SOPHIA’S CUVEE” NAPA VALLEY RED
It’s back! And oh-so-worthy! 2001 was the first vintage of this wine made by Gus Kalaris from “cult” Caberent producer Axios. Every vintage has been delicious, and the fact that it drinks so far beyond it’s price point has made it a darling of the wine writers. Sourced from Sacrache, Spring Mounain & Atlas Peak it’s enormously appealing for its exuberant display of ripe, fleshy blackberry and wild berry fruit. It adds a pretty touch of floral, cedar nuances before revealing its depth, richness and concentration on a long, persistent, impressive finish that keeps the flavors lively and flowing. Less than 2000 cases produced.

PLATINUM SELECTION PLAN II

BOUCHAINE 2005 CARNEROS CHARDONNAY
We are big fans of Bouchaine. A winery with significant historical roots, Bouchaine inhabits the oldest continually operated winery in Carneros with vines first planted in the mid-1800s. Completely renovated and updated, new ownership hired Michael Richmond as winemaker and general manager. With over 30 years experience in Carneros, (he founded Acacia), he set new standards in both the vineyard and winemaking. Mike said that he wanted the oak to be “transparent”, with a “wisp of spice”, and he kept the malolactic to 50%. It showed very well upon summer release, and we were shamelessly effusive in our praise at a recent retasting. This 2005 defines balance and seamlessness. The fruit is all estate and the oak was only 30% new, which most definitely begat the desired result. This beauty is crisp and multi-tropical, coating the palate with added hints of peach, citrus, lemon crème, spice and vanilla. The wine has developed a subtle and most interesting mineral component beaming throughout. A great vintage for Bouchaine!

WORTHY 2004 “SOPHIA’S CUVEE” NAPA VALLEY RED
It’s back! And oh-so-worthy! 2001 was the first vintage of this wine made by Gus Kalaris from “cult” Caberent producer Axios. Every vintage has been delicious, and the fact that it drinks so far beyond it’s price point has made it a darling of the wine writers. Sourced from Sacrache, Spring Mounain & Atlas Peak it’s enormously appealing for its exuberant display of ripe, fleshy blackberry and wild berry fruit. It adds a pretty touch of floral, cedar nuances before revealing its depth, richness and concentration on a long, persistent, impressive finish that keeps the flavors lively and flowing. Less than 2000 cases produced.