Silent

#101 ANCIEN WINES 5-PA CK (5 X 750ML )  OF PINOT NOIR

Five bottles (750ml each) of Ancien Pinot Noir, all from the 2009 vintage, but each one from a different vineyard, with different soils, in a different appella- tion. This unique collection of wines contains Pinot Noirs from Carneros, Russian River, Napa Valley-Coombsville, Willamette Valley and Santa Rita Hills. Experience a vivid and enjoyable demonstration of the widely various moods and expressions of this wonderful varietal. Perfect for a party and worthy of any collection.

DONOR: Ancien Wines Inc.

 

#102 BARNETT  VINEYARDS  3L  OF  2006  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

Etched 3L of 2006 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet is deep purple with immediate cassis on the nose, with large amounts of graphite and ground pepper. Deep cook- ing chocolate, black licorice and vanilla bean tones are also prevalent. The palette is rich with big black currant, more pepper and vanilla, as well as the classic Spring Mountain black earth. The tannins are firm and chalky with crisp mountain acidity to balance. More cassis and chocolate linger on the long finish.

DONOR: Anonymous Friends of The V Foundation

 

#103 ARAUJO ESTATE MAGNUM OF 2007  CABERNET SAUVIGNON

This magnum of Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a show stopper! The aromas of this wine exhibit profound notes of fresh loam, dusty cocoa powder and crushed rock. In the mouth, spicy black licorice, dried laurel and delicate violet nuances balance the ripe, juicy, briary black fruit components. On the palate it is seamless, complete from start to finish, showing the luxurious velvety tannins that are the signature of Eisele Vineyard and ending with a long graphite note. An infant today, the wine’s superb persistence and finishing perfume suggest it will rank among the best vintages of this bottling. If there is ever a classification of Napa Valley cabernet  vineyards, the Eisele Vineyard would clearly be a grand cru.

DONOR: Araujo Estate Wines

 

#104 TWO  AUGUST  WEST  MAGNUMS  OF  PINOT NOIR

The 2006 Graham Family Vineyard Pinot Noir’s color is a deceivingly light, clear ruby, but the herb- and spice-scented nose is one of the prettiest and most powerful they’ve ever made in a pinot noir. The palate is lush with bright fruit flavors and the finish is balanced by perfect acidity. The 2006 Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir starts with the intriguingly spicy and fruit-driven nose which immediately tells you the wine is from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The natural acidity on the palate brings the wonderful rhubarb and cola flavors into focus in time for the long, slightly toasty finish.

DONOR: August West

 

#105 BEHRENS  FAMILY  2007  &  2009  CABERNET  MAGNUM  DUO

92-94  points: 2009 Cemetary Cabernet Sauvignon. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 2011. Bright ruby. Vibrant aromas of blueberry, crushed stone and minerals, with a distinctly iron-like component. Then rich and plush in the mouth, with a creamy cassis sweetness that comes as a surprise after the mineral-driven  aromas. Finishes serious and quite long, with firm structure for aging. 94 points: The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Moulds Family Vineyard is an elegant yet authoritative Cabernet displaying lots of black currant, underbrush, cedar and incense notes. It is a spicy, ripe, round, impeccably well-made wine with richness, purity and well-integrated oak. Already delicious, it should drink well for 15 years.

DONOR: Behrens Family Winery

 

#106 BISTRO DON GIOVANNI DINNER FOR 2

Bistro Don Giovanni offers a warm and inviting experience with all the personality of a Mediterranean hideaway. Chef Donna Scala’s rustic fare incorporates local fruits, vegetables, meat and fowl into traditional, fresh Italian dishes with her signature, creative flair. Freshly baked breads, local olive oil, beautiful salads, tasty appetizers and homemade  pastas  are inspired by the bounty of Napa Valley. Main courses offer an array of regionally sourced and highest quality creations of chicken, steaks, burgers and seafood. The bar features hundreds of Napa Valley and Italian wines as well as a host of signature cocktails. Certificate #17612.
Restrictions: Excludes gratuity  & alcohol.
DONOR: Bistro Don Giovanni

 

#107 BOUCHAINE  VINEYARDS VIP TOUR & TASTING FOR 4

Four guests will enjoy a hosted VIP Tour & Tasting at Bouchaine Vineyards & Winery, the oldest continuously operated  winery in Carneros, Napa Valley. The visit will include a vineyard safari truck ride, a walk through the cellar to barrel sample upcoming releases, followed by a tasting of current release wines. Certificate #177.

Restrictions: Visits available May through October, Monday through Friday only. Expires August 3, 2013.
DONOR: Bouchaine Vineyards

 

#108 BRESSLER 2004 MAGNUM OF CABERNET

Winemaker Mia Klein finds aromatic raspberry, blueberry, sweet cherry, vanilla and caramel. The flavors are seamless and very well integrated. There is good impact in the mouth showing hints of cognac, molasses, raspberries, cherries and vanilla. Length of flavor is excellent and the texture is rich with just enough backbone to lend structure. The finish is long and smooth with mocha and cafe au lait flavors.

DONOR: Bressler Vineyards

 

#109 CAIN FIVE  2007 MAGNUM OF ES TATE CABERNET,  SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRIC T

Most wine lovers consider 2007 the best vintage of the decade and among all vintages, it is one you must own. Dense, dark ruby in color, with little rim variation. Complex aromas of black cherry, freshly turned earth, coriander, fir and sandalwood get a surprising citrus lift. Savory herbs, dark chocolate and sweet espresso come through on the palate. This version is balanced and concentrated with supple tannins.

DONOR: Cain Vineyard & Winery

 

#110 CALIFORNIA  &  VINE  $25.00  GIFT  CERTIFICATE

$25 Gift Certificate for California & Vine at the V Marketplace. California & Vine offers Napa Valley- and Yountville-themed apparel, wine-related accessories  and gift ideas. Books, hysterical cocktail napkins and a laugh-out-loud card section round out the shop’s selections. Certificate #536005.

Restrictions: Expires August  12, 2013.

DONOR: California & Vine

 

#111 CARVER  SUTRO  MAGNUM  DUO OF  2006  PETITE  SIRAH

Carver Sutro specializes in old vine Petite Sirah and produces approximately 600 cases of estate grown wine from 35– to 75-year-old vines on a site that Robert Parker calls “one of the best Petite Sirah sites in California.” Old vine Petite Sirah enjoys a particular chemistry in Northern California, where it can produce wines of spectacular color, intense fruit and brawny structure. Carver Sutro optimizes this style once again in this 2006 magnum duo.

DONOR: Carver Sutro Wines

 

#112 CASA NUESTRA CASE OF 2008 TINTO ST. HELENA  (12 X 7 50ML )

This wine is made from Casa Nuestra’s St. Helena Estate field mix vineyard planted in 1992. This vintage offers lush, ripe, dark blackberries and hints of nutmeg on the palate and a wonderful nose of plum and cocoa. It has great structure as well as serious cellar potential. Only 398 cases produced.

DONOR: Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards

 #113 CHANTICLEER ESTATES AUTOGRAPHED MAGNUM OF 2009 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Open and inviting upon first pouring, this gorgeous, understated Napa Cab has notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, plum, fig and vanilla bean. On the palate, it is more like a layer cake, contrasting opulent, showy boysenberry and cassis and more delicate, tart raspberry, rich mocha and sweet-tart cherry cola, and showing a streak of sanguine, iron-rich minerality. The wine is rich, full, and plush, with very fine, well-integrated tannins and is very well-balanced. Juicy acidity carries the long finish. Ready to drink now, but decanting for aeration would reveal even more character.
DONOR: Chanticleer Estates

 

 #114 CHIMNEY ROCK INSIDERS VIEW TOUR & TASTING FOR 4

The Stags Leap District is world-renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and breathtaking beauty. Inside Chimney Rock shares the magic and history behind the “valley within a valley” and offers a taste of the terroir. Sample their hallmark silky reds and their seductive white blend, Elevage Blanc, as you explore the beautiful Cape Dutch-inspired estate winery. Stroll through the barrel rooms, the state-of-the-art production facility, and where the real magic hap- pens: in the spectacular vineyards tucked alongside the Palisades. The tour concludes with a taste of the revered Chimney Rock Tomahawk Cabernet Sauvignon.

DONOR: Chimney Rock Winery

 

#115 CLARK-CLAUDON ETCHED 3L  OF 1999  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

Clark-Claudon Etched 3L of 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon in a branded wooden case is a perfect compliment to any wine collector’s cellar. Another brilliant effort from this Napa estate,  Clark-Claudon’s 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an opaque blue/purple color, and a sweet perfume of minerals, blue as well as black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses outstanding  purity in addition to well-integrated tannin, acidity and wood. Vintages to date have blended grace, power and subtlety, resulting in extremely impressive Cabernets. More over, they are built to last. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.

DONOR: Clark-Claudon Vineyards

 

#116 CLOS  PEGASE MAGNUM OF  2005  NAPA  VALLEY CABERNET

On the nose, the 2005 Cabernet is pure cassis, blackberry and cherry fruit tones combined with cocoa, coffee and cedar. The palate is big, luscious, full-bodied yet vibrant, pure and elegant, with seamless toasty oak integration combining with fine tannins that lead to a long finish.

DONOR: Clos Pegase Winery

#117 COLE’S CHOP HOUSE DINNER FOR 2

Restrictions: Expires August 4, 2013. Excludes gratuity.

DONOR: Cole’s Chop House

 

#118 CORNERSTONE CELLARS MAGNUM VERTICAL OF 2004-2006  HOWELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET AND VIP TOUR & TASTING FOR 4

91 points – James Laube, Wine Spectator, February 2010. “A subtle, delicate style, especially for Howell Mountain, showcasing the loamy earth, mineral, dried currant, tobacco and herbal sage notes. Full-bodied and well-balanced, ending with firmer tannins and a dash of anise. Only 600 cases made.” The 2005  is massive, concentrated and powerful. This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for aging with fewer than 500  cases produced.

100% Cabernet on the nose, the 2004 is full of effusive black raspberry, earth, mushroom and hints of leather. The palate is intense and layered with opulent fruit, bold spice and tremendous mineral notes. The finish, which has terrific length, features ever emerging earth, dusty baker’s chocolate notes and echoing spices. This wine is very well structured. Four wine lovers are invited to taste Cornerstone Cellars wines at their lively Yountville location. For over 20 vintages, Cornerstone  Cellars has been crafting classic, collectable Napa Valley wines.

Restrictions: Expires October 1, 2013.

DONOR: Cornerstone Cellars

 

#119 CORRA WINES  MAGNUM  OF  2009  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

Corra Wines Magnum of 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon in custom wooden box signed by Winemaker, Celia Welch. The 2009 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon aromas offer an impressive array of very ripe purple fruits: spiced plums, blackberries, and perfumed boysenberries. Hints of mocha, dark chocolate, and cinnamon provide aromatic base notes. On the palate, this 100% Cabernet is broad and silky at entry, while the fresh fruit juiciness provides structure and backbone to the mid-palate. The finish impression is again of sweet cherries and dark chocolate, echoing the aromas. As with previous vintages, Corra’s signature emphasis on texture showcases a full, supple, velvety tannin structure from start to finish. Only 375 cases produced.

DONOR: Corra Wines

 

#120 CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA AT GREYSTONE  LUNCH OR DINNER FOR 4

Lunch or Dinner for 4 at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. Local, seasonal ingredients are the inspiration for the cuisine at this award- winning restaurant, which features an American take on world flavors. The dazzling restaurant space, created by noted designer Adam Tihany, offers a view of the chefs at work from every handcrafted table. Vineyard-view terrace dining is available in season. Certificate #6236.

Restrictions: Expires August 3, 2013 and not valid on holidays. Excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity.

DONOR: Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

 

#121 DIAMOND CREEK VINEYARDS 1999 CABERNET  (7 50ML )

One 750ml bottle of Diamond Creek Vineyards 1999 Lake Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfumed black-cherry cola, violet and cardamom, spice and incense. Flavors follow in suit with nuances of anise, pepper and vanilla. Silky on the palate with great balance, good acidity and tannins that are well-integrated for a long finish.

DONOR: Diamond Creek Vineyards

 

#122 DRINKWARD PESCHON MAGNUM OF  2007  CABERNET SAUVIGNON

This knockout 2007 Cabernet is successful and satisfying on all points. The nose is perfectly ripe, has pristine focus and shows a classic north-valley personality, with scents of blueberry, blackberry, violet and Oriental plum jam forming an ideal marriage with notes of sweet vanilla, sandalwood and baking spices. It delivers the same chiseled intensity to the palate, where exquisite balance and a racy mouth-feel bring added elegance to gorgeous and lingering blueberry-plum fruit and delicious background flavors of black tea, cinnamon, toast and allspice.

DONOR: Drinkward Peschon

 

#123 TIGER WOODS FRAMED & SIGNED PHOTO

Framed & signed 21″ H x 18 1/2″ W photo of Tiger Woods. Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. With 14 major championships and 71 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one of greatest golfers of all time. Woods has been awarded the PGA Player of the Year a record 10 times and has been on top of the money list nine times. In 2009, Woods became the first athlete to reach $1 billion in career earnings, according to Forbes.

DONOR: Electronic Arts

 

#124 TROY AIKMAN FRAMED & SIGNED PHOTO

Framed & Signed Photo 26″ W x 22″ H of Troy Aikman. During Aikman’s 12-year playing career, he set 45 Cowboys’ passing records, including the club’s career record for 2,898 completions, 32,942 passing yards, 165 touchdowns and a 61.3 completion percentage.  While leading one of sport’s most famous franchises, the Cowboys won six NFC East titles (1992-96 & 1998) and advanced to four NFC Championship Games (1992-1995). Aikman is one of only four quarterbacks to guide his team to victory in three Super Bowls (XXVII, XXVIII and XXX).

DONOR: Electronic Arts

 

#125 ETUDE MAGNUM OF 2006 PINOT NOIR

The 2006 Estate bottling offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha. The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates  a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length.

DONOR: Etude Wines

 

#126 FERRARI-CARANO 5L OF 2005  CABERNET SAUVIGNON  PREVAIL BACK FORTY, TOUR, TASTING & LUNCH FOR 4

90 points, The Wine Advocate. “Serves up a complex mix of ripe, fleshy plum and blackberry fruit that has a sweetish edge, shaded by spice, cedary oak, herb and dusty mineral notes. Ends with dry, herb-laced tannins. Drinks now through 2014.” Don and Rhonda Carano invite you to visit with a tour, tasting & luncheon for 4 at Ferrari-Carano. The spectacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, set in the midst of a 70-acre Dry Creek Valley estate  vineyard. Here you can taste the critically-acclaimed Ferrari-Carano wines, stroll through five acres of exquisite gardens, view the magnificent underground, double-vaulted barrel cellar, and sample limited and reserve wines in the Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar and Lounge.

Restrictions: The bearer of the certificate must contact the winery 30 days in advance of the day they would like to visit. Saturdays & Sundays are not available. Expires August 4, 3013.

DONOR: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

 

#127 GARY FARRELL WINERY VIP BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR & TASTING FOR 8

Enjoy a VIP “Behind-the-Scenes” Tour of Gary Farrell Winery including a private tasting of limited-production, single-vineyard series Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for 8 guests. It’s hard to imagine a better vantage point from which to savor the many splendors of the Russian River Valley than Gary Farrell Winery. Perched on a hillside providing panoramic views of the forested valley below, its wines epitomize the best of the appellation and the passion and pioneering spirit of its visionary founder, Gary Farrell, a California winemaking icon. Gary Farrell Winery has long specialized in Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from some of the top vineyards in the Russian River Valley, and the wines remain benchmarks as elegant, complex expressions of their vineyard origins. At the end of the tour, savor wine and conversation while sampling artisanal Sonoma County cheeses. Certificate  #1002.

Restrictions: Expires June 1, 2013.

DONOR: Gary Farrell Winery

 

#128 SIP ‘N CYCLE TOUR FOR 4 & PICNIC  LUNCH

Sip ‘N Cycle along beautiful country lanes in Napa Valley or Dry Creek Valley for visits at 3-5 small, family-owned wineries for tastings. You’ll travel along country lanes, enjoying scenic vistas and learning fun wine facts. The guided tour includes knowledgeable tour guide, four logo water bottles, Hybrid bikes, helmets, van support and a gourmet picnic lunch. Certificate #D61468.

Restrictions: Guests must join pre-existing tour. Expires December  31, 2013.

DONOR: Getaway Adventures

 

 #129 GHOST BLOCK  6-PACK  (6 X 750ML )  OF 2009 YOUNTVILLE SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

Ghost Block 6-Pack of 2009 Yountville Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in a custom wooden case. Finesse oriented with an elegant balance and structure, supported by bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice. The attack is full on the palate with blackberries, cherries, cocoa and cinna- mon. The ripe mid-palate ties together a long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee.

DONOR: Ghost Block

 

#130 GIRARD WINERY MAGNUM DUO AND CHEESE  & CHARCUTERIE PAIRING FOR 4

Two magnums of 2005  Artistry (Bordeaux-style blend): smooth-textured, rich and polished, with layers of currant, spice, sage, toasty oak and herbal scents; all of which fold together nicely. This vintage is a brilliantly colored, dark garnet wine with aromas of baked cherries, dark plum, lavender, cinnamon, allspice and freshly cut herbs. There are also hints of tobacco, leather and toasted pecan. On the palate, this smooth textured wine offers a full-mouth, medium-bodied feel. The firm tannins are very well integrated, making the wine elegant and approachable at an early age. Enjoy a VIP Cheese & Charcuterie Pairing for 4 at Girard Winery, a quaint, comfy, modern wine tasting room tucked away in beautiful Yountville. The tastings are delicious, and the service fantastic. Every staff member is well-educated about the wines, and the intimate location makes Girard a place that keeps you coming back!

Restrictions: To be scheduled on a mutually  agreeable date between donor and winning  bidder. Expires August 4, 2013.

DONOR: Girard Winery

 

#131 GRGICH HILLS  ESTATE  ETCHED  3L  OF 2005  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

92 points, Wine Spectator, July 2009.  ”Grgich Hills Estate Etched 3L of 2005  Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of savory herb and ripe currant with berry and plum aromas that are firm and intense. Full-bodied and well-structured,  with the tannins gaining traction on the finish. Rustic but balanced.”

DONOR: Grgich Hills Estate

#132 HALL KATHRYN HALL 6L OF 2008  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

96 Points, James Laube, Wine Spectator. #2 on “Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2011.” “Rich, savory and full-bodied, showing direct, potent young Cabernet flavors built around blackberry and dark berry fruit, with touches of spice, black licorice, mineral and toasty wood. Very impressive for its purity, finesse and graceful finish. This vintage of HALL Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon will continue to improve over 15 or more years of cellaring.”

DONOR: HALL Wines

 

#133 HARTWELL  VINEYARDS MAGNUM TRIO OF RESERVE CABERNET  AND WINE & CHEESE  TASTING FOR 4

90 points, Wine Spectator. “The 2000 Hartwell Reserve Cab packs in lots of ripe, rich flavors, with tiers of currant, plum, blackberry and mocha-scented oak and hints of dusty herb and cedary oak. Finishes with ripe, supple tannins and good length.” 92 points, Wine Spectator. Hartwell’s 2002  Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is showcasing a perfect balance between the primary fruit notes of blueberry, black cherry and fig paste along with the Estate vineyard terroir characteristics of licorice and sweet tobacco leaf. Rich and stylish, this wine offers considerable hedonistic opulence, composed with sweet acidity and fully integrated tannins.

Last but not least, the 2003  Hartwell Reserve Cabernet is notably rich and concentrated, yet elegant and stylish. Dense, focused and well-oaked flavors of currant, blackberry and wild berries, with smoky, toasty notes. Combining over 30 years of work and travel experience in the wine fields, Hartwell’s two resident Certified Sommeliers will ensure that you have an enriching and rewarding visit to the Estate property. For a taste of “La Dolce Vita” join Hartwell Vineyards for their Wine & Cheese Portfolio Tasting. Carved deeply into their wine caves sits the Library Room where you’ll regale amid the splendor of Bob Hartwell’s private collection of wines dating back to their inaugural 1990 release. This truly is the definitive pairing of small production wines with artisan cheese.

Restrictions:  Expires August  31, 2013.

DONOR: Hartwell Vineyards

 

 #134 HERB  LAMB VINEYARDS MAGNUM OF 2009 CABERNET  SAUVIGNON & PRIVATE VISIT FOR 6

This special Herb Lamb Vineyards Magnum of 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of only 30 bottled specifically for fundraisers and autographed by Vintner Herb Lamb. This wine has a lovely bouquet with perfect balance. The nose is seamless, expressive and pretty, showing red fruits and a rich blueberry reduction. In the mouth you sense a richness of fig, ripe plum, deep black cherry and blackberry. You can feel the finesse and elegance

on the palate that highlights the sweet red fruit flavors of cherry, currant, raspberry and red licorice. There are spicy, toasted oak flavors with silky, elegant tannins which are muted in the background, as an extra element giving balance to the wine. Although they are not currently open to the public for tours and tastings, six guests are invited for a private visit to the home and vineyard of Herb & Jennifer Lamb. The seven-acre  Herb Lamb Vineyard is located on the ridge of a small valley facing Howell Mountain, just east of St. Helena in the northern Napa Valley with picture perfect views. Don’t forget the camera!

Restrictions: Call in advance to reserve a date and time mutually  accepted by all. Expires October 1, 2012.

DONOR: Herb Lamb Vineyards

DONOR: Hollywood & Vine Cellars

 

#136 “IT’S A GRAND NIGHT F OR SINGERS!”  AT JARVIS CONSERVATORY FOR 4

DONOR: Jarvis Conservatory

 

#137 KEEVER VINEYARDS TOUR & TASTING FOR 4  AND 3 BOTTLES OF 2008 SYRAH (3 X 7 50MLS )

Enjoy a Tour & Tasting for four and take home three bottles (750ml)  of 2008 Keever Vineyards Syrah. Private tastings and tours are conducted  by appointment only by one of the four members of the family: Olga Keever, Jason Keever, Ashley Keever, or Bill Keever. The tasting room is designed to feel like an extension of the Keever’s home. It provides visitors with an attractive, welcoming environment where they can enjoy the Keever Vineyards wines. Breath-taking views from the tasting room’s two-story window include Wappo Hill, the Stag’s Leap rock formation and Palisades and the valley from Yountville to the Silverado Country Club.  Restrictions: Call in advance to schedule a mutually  agreeable date. Expires August 31, 2013.

DONOR: Keever Vineyards

 

#138 KENWOOD VINEYARDS SIGNED MAGNUM OF 2004 JACK LONDON  SYRAH, VIP TOUR & TASTING FOR 4

DONOR: Kenwood Vineyards

#139 LADERA VINEYARDS MAGNUM OF 200 7 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE TOUR & TASTING FOR 4

One case (12 x 750ml) of 2008 Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon. The Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon is a hand-crafted wine sourced from the best vineyard blocks within Monte Rosso. This is a full-bodied wine revealing melted chocolate, black cherry, and earthy aromatics with accents of anise and brown spice. The dark concentrated fruit interlaces with firm, velvety tannins to result in a balanced wine with a long, lingering finish. It is a perfect complement to warm, earthy dishes, game and red meat such as wild boar, venison and grilled filet mignon.

“If you’re in Sonoma, you must stay here!” – Zagat, Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Located just 45 minutes from San Francisco and 15 minutes from Napa, MacArthur Place is a luxurious Wine Country getaway stituated  on a lush country estate  with 64 sumptuous rooms and suites, full-service spa and superb dining. Also just four blocks from Sonoma’s Historic Downtown Plaza and minutes away from many of Sonoma Valley’s finest wineries. Your stay in one of their luxurious suites also includes complimentary continental breakfast for two and an evening wine & cheese reception. You are encouraged to visit the Garden Spa for the finest massage and facial treatments.

A sweet and spicy nose of dark, ripe plum, blackberry pie and red licorice balanced with leather and star anise bursts from the glass in this deep garnet wine. The palate echoes the richness of the bouquet and surges with fresh cassis, black cherry and brambly black fruit flavors, supported by a framework of lush tannins, roasted espresso and dark cocoa. This tremendously well-balanced wine finishes delicately with a velvety kiss of mint chocolate and toast.

The wines from Pott Wine have concentration, balance and elegance that will blow you away. The wines are very Pauillac in feel—great black fruits, cassis and blackberry, combined with spice, cedar and tobacco with a kiss of truffle and crowned with noble, age-worthy tannins.

 

#155 RAVENS WOOD MAGNUM  OF DICKERS ON VINEYARD ZINFANDEL

 

Round Pond Estate 2009 Cabernet Magnum signed by the Winemaker. The nose on this vintage evolves dramatically from its first few moments in the glass. Initial top notes of Spanish lavender and brambles are followed by graphite, Asian plum, and cassis. Moments later, inviting fragrances of vanilla caramel greet the taster. As it presents, the palate is balanced in its weighty structure. Round, well framed tannins encompass a plush core of mixed berry compote. Flavors are reminiscent of mocha dusted bakers chocolate and dark cherries. From the vineyard to the crush pad, six guests will discover the secrets of great handcrafted winemaking with a guided tour of Round Pond Estate. Led by one of their friendly and knowledgeable wine educators, this fascinating tour culminates in a delicious tasting featuring a selection of their estate-grown wines and a sampling of scrumptious wine-friendly appetizers.

Shafer Vineyards 6L of 2005  Merlot, Napa Valley. Robert M. Parker, Jr., said the 2005  vintage “…possesses crisp acidity as well as an elegant bouquet of berry fruit, menthol, sweet cherries, and spice. The tremendous aromatics are followed by abundant  fruit.” Food & Wine magazine’s 2008 American Wine Awards has named 2005 Shafer Vineyards Merlot top Merlot in the U.S.

90+ Points. “The 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a vineyard planted in 1990 on the hillside of Silverado Trail. It exhibits a deep plum/garnet/ purple color, as well as a promising nose of charcoal, scorched earth and black currants. Young, rich, full-bodied  and dense, it is approachable now, but will be better in 2-3 years and keep for 15-20.” – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 192, December 2010.

 

 #163 SPOTTSWOODE MAGNUM DUO OF CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 96 & 95 POINTS

One magnum each of 2008 & 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon can be yours if the price is RIGHT! “95+ points. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a glorious perfume of spring flowers, blueberries and black currants, good acidity and serious tannins, as well as concentration.  2008 possesses lots of stuffing, as well as elegance married with purity, power and rare equilibrium.” – Robert Parker, December, 2010.

 #164 RIEDEL MEDOC MAGNUM DECANTER

 

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast. Sterling Vineyards Magnum of 2006 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet is a quintessential  expression of the vintage. Their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon brings together the finest lots from 2006 into a decadent, sophisticated wine. It opens with redolent aromas of ripe plum, cassis and dates joined by undertones of cocoa, butterscotch and toasted oak. On the palate, bright fruit leads the entry, which develops silky, mouth coating flavors of briary forest fruit, clove and date as it glides across the tongue. Toasted oak rides the lengthy finish and is met by fleshy, round tannins. Perched 300  feet above the town of Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. An aerial tram carries visitors up the hill to the winery, whose architecture  was modeled after that of the Greek island of Mykonos, where Sterling founder Peter Newton once lived. The brilliant white stucco stands out dramatically against the rugged Mayacamas  and Vaca mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley. Mount Saint Helena makes a lovely distant backdrop. The winery’s towers house eight bells from London’s Church of St. Dunstans-in-the-East, originally founded in the 10th century. The rich tolling of these ancient bells sounds down through the valley on the quarter hour. Walkways, balconies, and motion-sensitive DVD screens allow guests to take a self-guided tour of Sterling Vineyards’ winemaking facilities. Beautiful outdoor terraces and elegant tasting rooms provide the perfect environment to enjoy exceptional wines while taking in the view. The extraordinary Mediterranean-style architecture, unique aerial tramway, stunning location, historic bells, and attention to visitors make Sterling Vineyards a top destination in Napa Valley.

Truchard Vineyards 3L of 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has an elegant nose of black cherry, plum, and cassis; with hints of cedar, cocoa, and sweet vanilla. The mouth is rich and smooth—layered with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and raspberry. Velvety tannins focus the palate and provide an elegant finish of fruit and spice.

 

 

An intense aroma of black cherries, cassis, and plum is complimented by subtle hints of cocoa, tobacco and sweet, toasty vanilla. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a hillside vineyard atop Alexander Valley. Aged for two years in American oak barrels, this wine is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully for many years. Only 125 cases produced.

With the celebration of Charles Krug’s 150th Anniversary, they produced a Cabernet Sauvignon with a pure expressive nose that is fruit forward with ripe raspberry, blackberry and notes of dark chocolate covered cherries. The blend gives this wine the sought-after  soft tannins of fine Napa Valley Cabernets. Nutmeg, boysenberry and pomegranate finish out on the palate, followed by a seamless  mouthfeel.

The 2002 San Francisco Giants season was the 120th in franchise history, and the franchise’s 45th season in San Francisco. The season ended with the Giants winning the National League pennant. This ball has been signed by the team that took it all the way to the World Series!

DONOR: Todd Zapolski