For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!
Jeanne Marie Chardonnay 2019
Origin: Central Coast, California
Retail: $13.95 | Sale: $12.55
David Gordon has been the wine director at Tribeca Grill, the famed New York City restaurant since it opened in 1990. Owned by restaurateur Drew Nieporent and actor Robert DeNiro, Tribeca Grill features a dynamic wine program with a list of over 1800 selections. He created the Jeanne Marie label (named after his wife) to offer great value California wine by utilizing the many contacts he has in Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast to source the finest grapes available. Producers such as Caymus, Lewis Cellars and Miner Family provided grapes and helped with the winemaking for earlier cuvees. The wineries that are currently used wish to remain anonymous, but the quality has remained very high. These are delicious everyday wines to enjoy at home.
This is a medium to full bodied Chardonnay with balanced flavors of vanilla from 10 months in neutral oak barrels. Orange blossom, pear and apple flavors lead to a long, silky finish. This is a perfectly balanced wine for any Chardonnay lover.
100% Chardonnay
Hendry HRW Pinot Noir 2018
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Retail: $21.95 | Sale: $19.75
The Hendry Ranch is composed of 203 acres of land in the foothills of the Mayacamas mountains, north-west of the city of Napa, one mile from the Carneros growing region to the south and adjacent to the Mount Veeder appellation, just within the western border of the Oak Knoll viticultural area. The Pinot Noir blocks are located on the sunny side of Redwood Creek within the Hendry Vineyard, slightly west of the town of Napa. The elevation is between 200 and 220 feet above sea level. The soil is thin loam on a solid rock base. The climate in this vineyard is moderated by morning fog, and the surrounding hills protect the lower elevation blocks from the afternoon maritime breeze. The Hendry Ranch Wines represent one of the best values in Pinot from Napa Valley.
Cherry, spice and cranberry aromas welcome you into the glass. Herbs and spice dominate the palate with moderate structure. A solid, savory, everyday Pinot Noir to serve with mushroom pizza or bruschetta, herbed, oven-roasted or grilled chicken, salmon, or lighter, leaner meats.
100% Pinot Noir
Bacchus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Origin: Central Coast, California
Retail: $13.95 | Sale $12.55
The Bacchus label was the first label created by David Gordon. “You had to pick up a book or magazine to learn about wine,” says Gordon. There were no YouTube or Google or extensive training programs. As he watched the dining landscape quickly change he saw an opportunity to set Tribeca Grill apart with a unique list- built to compliment the menu. While he tasted and learned about the best wines on the planet, which included expensive Burgundies and Rhone wines, Gordon always kept the consumer top of mind. “I started Bacchus as a fun, cool thing to do,” says Gordon. “There really weren't any wines associated with sommeliers at the time. Now there are many, but Bacchus was definitely one of the first. People want ripe fruit and a clean taste that’s not too oaky or tannic,” he says. “The Bacchus wines are refreshing, they can be drunk as an aperitif before dinner or with a meal".
Mostly hailing from Paso Robles, this is an all central coast blend of 90% Cabernet and 10% Merlot. Half of the cuvee was aged for 10 months in neutral oak leading to a medium bodied wine with ripe plum, black currant and blackberry flavors with a touch of mint. Cedar and dusty earth emerge on the long, layered finish.
90% Cabernet and 10% Merlot