WINE OF THE WEEK CANNONBALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 CALIFORNIA

 By:   Ed “The Wine Guy”

The 2012 vintage in California, both in red wine as well as white, has been universally praised. Even the least skillful vintner could not help but make a good wine. This Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon is an example of that vintage. What is remarkable, unlike most good California Cabernets, is that it's so affordable. The aromas and flavors satisfy my expectations of a California Cabernet: blackberry, currant, chocolate, hazelnut, some oak. It is firmly structured, yet the tannins are soft and well-integrated; it has a lingering finish; the 3% Petit Syrah   adds complexity. If your Easter dinner consists of red meat, this Cabernet will be a good complement to the meal.     

WINE OF THE WEEK CHLOE CHARDONNAY 2013 SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy"

A California Chardonnay, a California Chardonnay from Sonoma, a California Chardonnay with grapes primarily from the Russian River Valley. You can't get much better than that! The Chardonnay grape is one of the most widely planted grape varietals in the world, and, because of its versatility, lends itself to many styles of wine including Chablis, White Burgundy, and many sparkling wines, most notably Champagne. Being a rather neutral-tasting grape, it depends on the terroir (climate, soil) for its characteristics. In a cool climate, the wine tends to be lean, crisp, with high acidity; in a medium climate, such as Sonoma's, tropical fruit characteristics dominate. This Chloe Chardonnay is a medium-bodied, well-balanced wine, exhibiting aromas and flavors of orange, pineapple, and pear, with soft acidity, a buttery mouthfeel, and a long silky finish.