The presidential election is only a few weeks out and the campaigning is heating up.  The number of political ads on TV seems to be at an all time high and our mailbox is stuffed with political fliers every day.  I’d like to ignore some of it, but it’s important that we all learn the issues and get out and vote on November 4th.


This week we will look at wines from “The Other Guys” produced by Don Sebastiani and Sons.  Don is no stranger to politics either; he was a California Assemblyman for three terms.   They released “The Other Guys” portfolio in 2005 which consists of appellation specific varietals and unique brands, often of limited availability.  They received the 2005 Wine Star Award  for “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. 

Clarksburg White Knight Viognier 2006
The Clarksburg Viognier is golden straw in color with a blast in the nose of fresh stone fruits; nectarine, orange blossom, and lemon meringue. Concentrated tropical flavors cover your mouth upon first sip; mango, breadfruit, orange pound cake, Tahitian vanilla, lemon curd, and white peach with a long lingering finish. This wine is extremely versatile.

Hey Mambo California Sultry Red 2006
The 2006 vintage is a blend of Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouchet grapes. The color of garnet-dyed satin, this wine opens with aromas reminiscent of an old-fashioned five and dime: chocolate granache, red raspberries, cloves and sweet leather. Enticing scents are satisfied by indulging flavors. Blackberry cobbler, holiday plum sauce, espresso, and decadent chocolate.


 

Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2005
With deep garnet color, the nose reminds us of caramelized oak, chocolate covered strawberries, and savory subtle sage. The mouthfeel is soft but the flavors are vibrant with notes of cassis, vanilla rum, pecan pie, and black cherries with a warm, lingering finish. The Dry Creek Zin would be great with pecan crusted salmon with mushroom risotto, or with a dessert of dark chocolate crème caramel.


 

Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
The color of dark rubies, this Cabernet presents itself with a nose of bourbon-soaked cherries, chocolate, and cedar, complemented by flavors of red currants, blackberry cobbler, and subtle notes of walnuts, wild game, and rich French oak. This would be an excellent Cabernet for grilled lemon-peppercorn New York steaks alongside white-cheddar potato gratin.

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