Simi Chardonnay 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie 
Simi started with two brothers from Italy named Simi who arrived during the California Gold Rush and opened up a winery in 1876.
The winery moved to northern Sonoma County in 1881, and cellars were built into the side of the hill. During Prohibition, the family continued to make and store wine, selling off much of the land to survive before wine sales were legal again in 1933.
The winemaker’s notes describe delicate and balanced orchard fruit flavors and a toasty oak character “best described as sweet vanilla mingled with hazelnut, nutmeg and smoky bacon.”
We didn’t detect bacon, but it certainly has orchard fruit, citrus and some oak character.
Sherry: “Dry and tart, with a citrus and lime flavor and a little buttery on the finish.” 3 stars
Chris: “Pineapple, pear, nuts and a bit of vanilla.” 3 stars
Available locally for about $15.
Coming next week: Penfold’s Hyland Shiraz

Toad Hollow Erik’s the Red 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
The fun folks at Toad Hollow have named this red blend after the Norsemen explorer and conqueror Erik the Red, but it’s also a tribute to Erik Thorson, the winery’s general manager and partner.
It’s a mixture of merlot, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, souza, tannat, syrah and petite sirah grapes sourced from northern California vineyards. The wine was co-fermented and aged in oak for nine months before release, resulting in plenty of dark fruit and berry flavors with nuances of spice.
There’s a lot going on in this robust blend, which may a bit ambitious with its kitchen sink approach.
Sherry: “Medium-bodied and fruity, with black cherry, a little raspberry, strawberry and a touch of cocoa on the finish.” 3 stars
Chris: “Light strawberry with raspberry, black cherry and a raisin-like finish.” 3 stars
Available locally for about $12.
Coming next week: Simi Chardonnay

Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
 Thirty years ago, Jess Jackson released his first bottle of chardonnay and the Kendall-Jackson era began. Jackson died last year, but his family still controls more than 35 wineries located around the world.
At the heart of K-J is the Vintner’s Reserve line, representing grapes from vineyard estates. This fine cabernet — which is blended with cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot primarily from the Sonoma region — is oak-aged for 13 months. The pour features dark fruit and berry, with noticeable but rich tannins that pleasantly linger on your inner cheeks.
Sherry: “Robust and dry with black cherry, strawberry, licorice and a touch of floral with rose on the finish.” 3-1/2 stars
Chris: “Plum and vanilla bouquet, soft plum and cherry flavors and a vanilla finish.” 4 stars
Available locally for about $16.
Coming next week: Toad Hollow Erik’s the Red

A by Acacia 2007

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
This red blend comes from Napa Valley producer Acacia, which sourced the grapes from various vineyards in California.
Acacia is known for its chardonnay and pinot noir wines grown in the Carneros region just north of San Francisco, but this selection comes from the Sonoma area.
This is a Rhone-style blend with syrah, grenache, mouvedre and a splash of viognier. It adds up to a soft and smooth wine layered with red fruit and delicate spice. There’s a lot of texture in this wine, which would pair well with grilled food or pasta. It’s a blend that is very approachable.
Sherry: “Smooth with lots of fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry.” 3-1/2 stars
Chris: “Cedar notes; raspberry and cherry mint flavors.” 3-1/2 stars
Available locally for about $10.
Coming next week: Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Hardy's Whiskers Blake Classic Tawny Port

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
The wine selection for a cold winter night or to cap a delicious meal has to be port. Some ports are carefully fermented to high alcohol levels, and others are fortified with brandy or other alcohol for levels in the
18 percent range.
This is an Australian non-vintage that is aged for eight years. It's generally the aging that defines whether a port is tawny. Younger ports are called ruby and display more fruit.
This tawny is layered with flavors of caramel, honey and toffee that warm your throat. Because of its high alcohol content, you can buy a bottle and enjoy small portions for weeks as it will keep.
Sherry: "Tastes of honey, caramel, brown sugar and brandy." 3 stars Chris: "A butterscotch and vanilla bouquet with flavors of honey and brown sugar." 3-1/2 stars
Available locally for about $14.
Coming next week: Acacia Red Blend