Wine By Nine

Vintage by Dom. Carneros from Carneros, California. The 2004 vintage was the earliest harvest in memory. The early spring was followed by nearly ideal ripening conditions and the crop was small, as were 2002 and 2003. The resulting Brut cuvee is one of Dom. Carneros' most fragrant vintages. The 2004 cuvee is composed of 61% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Blanc. Approximately 9% of the cuvee underwent malolactic fermentation prior to blending the cuvee for tirage bottling. The wine has been aged for three years prior to release and will further age gracefully in your cellar (if you can resist opening). This cuvee has wonderful fruit aromas of pears, baked apples and citrus peel enhanced with hints of caramel, spice. The wine is unusually round for its age, very mouth-filling and with a long creamy finish. Lovely served with double or triple cream cheeses, it also matches especially well with fish, shellfish, poultry and most Asian dishes.

Vintage by J from Sonoma County, California. Blend: 49% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Meunier The 2002 J Brut exudes enticing aromas of Asian pears, nectarines, lime zest, and light honeydew melon in its initial aromas. The pear and lime notes follow through in the mouth with a mix of honeysuckle and vanilla cream flavors that lead to a lengthy finish highlighted with a hint of ginger. This wine will pair nicely with light brunches as well as elegant dinner fare.

Vintage by Iron Horse from Russian River, California. The same base wine as Classic Vintage Brut, but with a richer dosage, which makes it more opulent, slightly sweeter and heightens the fruit. Originally designed for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War. According to USA Today, an intertwining of the arts of diplomacy and gastronomy. Delicious before, during or even as dessert. Especially fun with a handful of pomegranate seeds bobbing in the glass.

Vintage by Dom. Carneros from Carneros, California. This superb, handcrafted sparkling wine, immediately reminiscent of the Taittinger style, is marked by an exceptional refinement and finesse. Its brilliant straw gold color is punctuated by strands of persistent, pinpoint bubbles. The subtle, ripe fruit richness of the Pinot Noir is balanced by the elegant depth and structure of the Chardonnay, converging in notes of toast and vanilla which linger in the extended finish.

Vintage by Iron Horse from Sonoma County, California.

Vintage by Argyle from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Color: Pale yellow Aroma: Aromas of grapefruit citrus-blossom, and fresh baked vanilla-caramel ladyfingers ride the pinpoint bubbles up into your senses. Taste: The flavor is a parquetry of Nashi pear, citrus blossom honey with an extra juicy, creme puff center. The finish is long lasting and fresh fruited, while retaining an amazing mineral structure throughout.

Vintage by Zardetto from Veneto, Italy. This elegant Prosecco shows ample and inviting aromas of apples, pears, apricots and pineapple with a pleasant note of glazed almonds on the finish. This sparkling wine is extremely versatile and can be served as an aperitif with light dishes and with traditional desserts, such as pastries or fruit tarts, or simply by itself at the end of a meal.

Vintage by Argyle from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Millions of tiny bubbles carry aromas of pear tart, honeysuckle, and vanilla bean. The flavor is zingy, with a blend of citrus, pear, vanilla spice, and yeast. The creamy texture is supported by quarried rock mineral structure. The finish is complex and very, very fresh.

Vintage by Dom. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. Luxe is a very delicate Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine crafted in the time-honored methode champenoise tradition. As in Champagne, only free run juice is used which results in extremely delicate flavors. For the 1999 vintage, juice was feremted in French oak after inoculation and aged for 12 months to build layers of flavor and creaminess. The second fermentation in the bottle lasted 20 weeks and then the wine was aged for 3.5 years for added complexity. Even in the glass this sparkling wine will tempt you - a beautiful very pale yellow sparkler with loads of tiny bubbles promises good things to come. Enticing aromas of grapefruit, lemon and pear fill the nose. On the palate tropical pineapple notes are complimented with subtle hints of ginger and a creamy soft mouthfeel. Mmmmm?. -- Rick Casqueiro, Winemaker

Vintage by Francis Coppola from Napa Valley, California. The 2003 Sofia Blanc de Blancs flaunts aromas of fresh summer peaches, tropical fruit, and juicy pineapple. Hints of pear, melon and creamy lemon unfold on the palate with honeysuckle emerging on the crisp, vibrant finish.

Vintage by Francis Coppola from California. Sofia Blanc de Blancs, a unique blend of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat, is a delicate sparkling wine perfect for any celebration. It offers sophisticated flavors, seductive aromas, and light effervescence - all packaged with striking, feminine flair. The fruit for Francis Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs is grown in the cool vineyards of the Arroyo Seco in northern Monterey County. Known for its Burgundian-like climate, Monterey offers ideal conditions for Pinot Blanc, which include a long growing season and soils that accentuate the alluring floral characteristics inherent in this varietal. The 2006 Sofia Blanc de Blancs exudes fresh aromas of peaches, apricots, and tropical fruit, as well as a light perfume of lemon cream. Like Italy's best Prosecco, this wine is vibrant and crisp, displaying bright flavors on the palate and seductive notes of honeysuckle on the finish.

Vintage by Paringa from Australia. The juice is Paringa Shiraz with bubbles and a dosage. It's dark, rich, and juicy - full of fruit flavor and bubbles. It is gorgeous to look at and surprisingly complex and stunning to drink.