Cool Springs Wines & Spirits New Arrivals
Updated February 22, 2010
Wines
2007 Sequana Sundawg Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Green Valley of Russian River
97 Points Wine Enthusiast
This distinctive Pinot Noir’s source is a tiny vineyard in cool Green Valley; the winegrower is James MacPhail, whose own MacPhail Pinot Noirs are so good. The wine itself is totally dry and silky and firm in acidity, yet soft in fine tannins. You might call it noble. It’s eruptive in cherries, sweet smoky bacon, raspberry granola and oaky sandalwood. Gorgeous, seductive and brilliant, a truly great Pinot Noir that’s impeccable now.
2007 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Deep purple red color. Intense and complex on the nose, with different layers of aromas such as spices, black and red fruit, herbs and minerals. In the mouth, this wine shows elegant balance with velvety and well defined tannins, that evolve towards a concentrated mid palate filled with juicy tannins followed by a very long persistence.
2007 Blackbird Illustration Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley
97 Points Wine Enthusiast
A spectacular wine that gets better and better with every sip. It’s dramatic from the get-go, with rich, fine tannins framing extraordinarily good flavors of blackberries, black currents, anise, dark chocolate and cedar.
2004 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany
93 Points Wine Spectator
Has fabulous aromas of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry. Full-bodied, with wonderfully integrated tannins, fresh mushrooms and milk chocolate. Chewy in the end. We will see if this is better than the 2001 with age. Best after 2010.
2005 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
It has a dark garnet color and a complex nose of boysenberry, truffles, wild game, soy, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a silky mouthfeel and an elegant, long finish with a slight tannic grip.
2006 Antinori Guado Al Tasso, Bolgheri
97 points Wine Enthusiast
Guado al Tasso is finally back. After a string of past vintages that exhibited some rubber-like aromas, the 2006 expression is a study in purity, focus and excellence. This wine is impressive on all levels in terms of intensity, personality and persistency. It’s rich and luscious with smooth tannins and lasting flavors of blackberry and spice. Drink after 2015.
95 points Wine Spectator
This is racy and refined red shows intense aromas of blackberry, currant and dried flowers that follow through to a full body, with sleek, minerally undertones and superpolished tannins. Made for aging. A more refined, new style of Guado. Best after 2012.
2006 Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
The 2006 Frank Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep purple color. The aromas are overflowing with the scent of a ripe blackberry patch, sweet vanilla and juicy black cherries. Notes of aniseed, chocolate covered blueberries and wildflower honey are intermingled throughout, followed by dusty cedar and a hint of roasted pecans. The palate is abundant and lively bursting with juicy loganberries, black huckleberries, fresh baked spice cake and a touch of cinnamon toast. This bounty of flavor is harmoniously balanced by a well structured mouthfeel of velvety tannins that are graceful and supple with lasting grip.
2007 Sequana Sarmento Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
92 Points Wine Spectator
Deliciously complex, with a rich range of flavors built around loamy currant, blackberry, plum and sassafras. Gets more interesting with every sip. Best from 2010 through 2015.
2008 Craggy Range Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
92 Points Wine Spectator
An elegant style, deftly balanced, with refined pear and lime on a satiny frame. Lingers effortlessly. Drink now through 2014.
2007 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis
88 Points Wine Spectator
Apple, melon and mineral notes mingle in this vibrant, balanced white, which lingers with a Granny Smith flavor and a mouthwatering impression. Drink now through 2012.
2008 Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza
Intense ruby red color. Enticing aromas of ripe plum and wild berries. The berry flavors are joined by accents of spice, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco on the palate. The ripe, vibrant tannins give the wine a beautiful structure and an amazing long finish.
2008 Frias Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Starts off with explosive grapefruit and candied lemon peel in the nose, with hints of guava, fig and gooseberry in the background. On the palate, this zippy wine displays the tangy acidity which keeps the wine lively, while also coating the mouth with the concentration and richness of a round white wine.
2008 Little Black Dress Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d'oc
Aromas of cherry and clove with light floral notes. A light-bodied wine with a lingering finish of strawberry jam and pomegranate.
2003 Anciano Reserva Tempranillo (Aged 5 Years), Valdepenas, Spain
The scent is of cassis, earth, a cask aroma. With a toasty, light-cedary flavor with cherry and vanilla on the finish. A classic.
Spirits
Death's Door Vodka
Clear. Pistachio nougat, sweet cream, and cream of wheat aromas have a wonderful toasted grain edge and follow through on a soft, supple entry to an off-dry medium body with dried cherry, raisin toast and vanilla accents. Finishes in a husky, nutshell, powdered sugar, tarragon, and peppery spice fade with a hint of vinyl. A fun, lively vodka that is sure to inspire flavorful cocktails or all types.
Death's Door Gin
Clear. Aromas of cream of wheat, brown sugar, licorice, and delicate peppery spices follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with citrus and peach custard and herbal juniper notes. Finishes with a vibrant anise seed, citrus marmalade on a sweet wheat cracker, and white pepper fade. A smooth, lively gin and will shine in cocktails.
Death's Door Whisky
An absolutely clear bottle, highlighting the absolutely clear liquid within. This whiskey is not flavorless like a vodka – it has all the silky sweetness characteristic of pure white dog(spirit fresh off the still, before it goes into barrel), probably emphasized by the wheat. It’s a little hot in the middle, more than you might expect from a 40% drink that starts and finishes with such mellowness. There are hints of banana, the ester that indicates a young spirit. The distillers put this whiskey in oak barrels for a couple of days before bottling it – not enough time to add any color or wood flavor, but perhaps helping to add some roundness. Also like white dog, the finish vanishes quickly and cleanly.
