2004 Bell Sonnette

My first taste of this lovely wine occurred a couple months ago at a wine tasting with Anthony Bell at the Spirited Gourmet in Belmont (of Mitt Romney fame). There we tasted Bell's Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon--including his Clone 6, and Syrah. All were wonderful wines, I'd tasted the Claret on a previous occasion and enjoyed a bottle of his Cantebury Syrah awhile back. Reviewing the provided literature led me to ask about Sonnette--French for "bell"--the Bordeaux blend absent from the table.

After the tasting and having browsed the shelves of the Belmont store, I returned to the tasting table to the news that hidden beneath the table was a bottle of Sonnette. Upon tasting and having learned when the bottle was opened, I knew I had a winner (even though I'd already purchased a couple bottles of Clone 6).

Tonight, I give you the breakdown:

The 2004 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville (14%), Rutherford (14%) and Carneros (14%); Merlot (25%) from the Spanos-Berberian vineyard surrounding the winery; Cabernet franc (12%) from Atlas Peak and Petit verdot (11%) from the Massa Ranch in Yountville. Aged 19 months in 69% French, 31% American, 86% new oak; bottled 2006, 200 cases made

Reddish-purple in color with bright aromas of black and red fruit, it also smells hot with alcohol. Probably not the best wine to open up on a hot, humid day in the middle of August, nonetheless, still great. Great fruit flavors on the palate, nice acidity against a tannic structure that has softened with age. This is built for the long haul, how long I'll hold on to it is another question.

2002 Clos Saron Heart of Stone

I've always been a fan of Rhone varietals and stumbling upon this 100% Syrah from the Sierra Nevada Foothills was a pleasant surprise. Grown on its original rootstock, these vines sit 2300 ft above sea level and yield a full-bodied, bio-dynamic red with just 13.2% alcohol.

Given that I bought this unfined and unfiltered wine today on a whim (even with the new 6.25% sales tax) at the Winchester Spirited Gourmet, it might have been wise to give it a day or two to rest.

With 7 years of age, the color is still a robust purple, with brick-colored edges and extremely long legs. The nose is filled with vibrant dark fruits and a pronounced spiciness, it almost smells hot with alcohol. This lead me to throw it in the fridge for a moment. After which, an elegant, integrated wine emerged; black and blue fruits, juicy acidity, smooth tannins, and subtle oak influences all dance together in splendid harmony.

There's two bottles left at the Spirited Gourmet in Winchester, MA. Grab them fast, or at least before I do.

Clos Saron's website.
Spirited Gourmet's website.