Lail Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

At the same time the wily sales guy at Sigel's was tempting me with the Blueprint Cab, he mentioned how good the Sauvignon Blanc was. Of course I bought it since I'm on my Sauv Blanc search this summer. As a die-hard red drinker, I'm trying to broaden my horizons. Prior to trying this wine, Duckhorn was my top Sauv Blanc but this one is really good. It's fruity without being too sweet and very light. This is the drink-by-the-pool wine on a hot day.





Here are the winemaker's notes:

Our "Blueprint" Sauvignon Blanc exhibits the fabulous acidity, minerality and amazing purity of its Sancerre sisters. Produced with a focus on preservation of aromatics and acidity, it has a delicate pale straw robe, an elegant and intense floral perfume (geranium, melon and lime), and crisp fruit flavors with profound richness and length.

Retails for $38.

Lail Vineyards 2007 Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon

I never pass up a free wine tasting at Sigel's and last week they hit a home run. I had stopped in just to see what was on special and they offered me some of this fabulous Cabernet. I loved it! It's very smooth for a 2007. This vintage is 100% Napa Valley fruit with 75% Cabernet, 25% Merlot. The black currant flavor mixes well with a slight oak background.

Retails for $50.

Lail makes a much more expensive red called J. Daniel Cuvee which I have not yet had the opportunity to try but it's now on the list and Lail Vineyards has made the tour list for our 2012 trip to Napa.

Conn Creek Anthology 2003 & 2005

My brother recently visited from North Carolina. He and his wife are "wine worthy" so we had them over for steaks and some of the "good stuff". They are big Caymus and Duckhorn fans so I thought I would introduce them to something different by opening up some bottles of Anthology - a 2003 and a 2005 bottle. If you like red blends, you will love Anthology. I actually favored the 2005 vintage but both were excellent. Pairing this wine with steak was a good call.

Here's a description from the winemaker:

"The pinnacle wine of Conn Creek, Anthology is an expressive, complex blend of Napa Valley's finest Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This blend offers red and black fruit aromas and spicy flavors with nuanced expressions of creamy oak. A robust wine balanced with silky tannins."
-Jeff McBride, Winemaker

Retails for about $55.