Californian wines made their mark on the world in 1976 at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, now known as the “Judgment of Paris”.  This event is being chronicled in the feature movie “Bottle Shock” that is coming out this august.  What was amazing at this event was that a red, Chateau Montelena, and a white, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, won at the same time.   This event put American wines on the map internationally and helped to kick start the American wine industry.

The reason I bring this bit of history up this week is twofold.  The first is that I wanted to introduce some California wines from the Clos LaChance winery.  Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy got started growing grapes in 1987 and their first commercial vintage was 1992.  Their ability to create wines and find a market for them was helped by the recognition of the ability to make great wine in California back in 1976.  They are a great example of a small winery that produces dependable wines that are good values.

The second reason I bought up the “Judgement of Paris” is that talks are in progress to sell Chateau Montelena to a Bordeaux estate!   There is great irony that this transaction will occur about the same time as the movie “Bottle Shock”.  The purchase of Chateau Montelena is perhaps the ultimate recognition of the growing global demand for high quality wines and the need for French wineries to diversify and expand their holdings.

The Clos LaChance wines I wanted to introduce are from their Hummingbird collection.
 
2006 Glittering-Throated Emerald

Chardonnay (unoaked)  ~ $11.99 
This wine opens up with strong aromas of freshly cut green apple, melon and pear. A bowl full of tropical fruit salad (pineapples, bananas, mangos and papaya) is in there, as well as a hint of floral apple blossom. On the palate, the refreshing flavors of crisp apple and fresh citrus are balanced with an acidic component. The finish is fairly long considering that there was no oak used when making this wine. I really enjoy the lingering tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and banana. 


 

2005 Crimson Topaz Meritage  ~ $14.99
Aromas of red plum and cherry fruit with driend tobacco, cedar and a touch of smoke. Flavors of black plum and currant and driend sage with a hint of earth and firm tannins on the finish. 


 

2005 Black-Chinned Syrah  ~  $14.99 
Dark ruby purple in color with aromas of blueberries and huckleberries. Candied plums. Smoky and meaty with rosemary and black tea. Red cherry and blackberry flavors on the palate with classic meaty undertones. Long finish with vanilla beans and coffee flavors. 


 

2004 Violet-Crowned Merlot  ~ $14.99 
The color of this wine is intense—deep ruby purple. Aromas of ripe plums, smoky berry fruits and spice. Juicy red currant flavors on the entry, followed with rich, red cherry, black cherry and blackberry flavors extending to the mid-palate. A long finish with spicy oak and velvety fruit. Soft, lush and colorful! 


 

2005 Ruby-Throated Cabernet Sauvignon  ~  $14.99 
Aromas of sweet blackberries & blueberries with hints of rose petals, plum, vanilla & tobacco. Some cedar & anise spice. The mouthfeel of this wine is full & rich. Flavors of briary berry, currant & plum dominate the palate. Ripe tannins balance the fleshy fruit & leave a long, smooth finish.