Jane's Weekly Wines 
from the Atlanta Wine School

PRINT AND GO VERSION
December 14th, 2006
Monterey California Wines
	
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Jekel Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2005
Monterey

Medium-bodied  slightly sweet white wine; medium pale yellow. Intense, exotic, 
appealing aromas of tangerine and Asian paer apple with substantial spice; fine 
fruit-filled palate, focused on white fruits (Asian pear apple), tangerine peel 
and aromatic spice, which carries through to the long finish. Voluptuous mouthfeel. 
Serve moderately chilled, about 55 degrees, in tall tulip-shaped white wine 
glasses. Great value. Jekel, founded in 1972, is one of Monterey's pioneers.

Ideal with Asian foods: spicy California rolls; curried chicken salad; Thai 
curry coconut green lip mussels; calamari or mussels with black bean; 
chicken teriyaki; Indian food (if not too hot).. Also dishes with whole-grain 
mustard (such as pork steak with creamy whole grain mustard sauce); grilled 
sausages; coq au vin made with Gewürztraminer instead of red wine; German fish, 
chicken or pork dishes

Empire Distributing
90
$12

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Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay 2003
Santa Cruz Mountains

Full-bodied dry white wine; medium gold.  Aromas of pear/apple, with a custardy 
texture enveloping pear/apple flavors, and a touch of caramel and vanilla at the 
edge (from oak). Unlike so many California Chardonnays, oak and fruit are pretty 
well integrated, so no impression of oak dominating fruit. Serve moderately 
chilled, about 55 degrees, in large tulip-shaped Burgundy glasses. 

Relatively food friendly for a California Chardonnay: marinated artichokes 
(a surprise); herbed garlic Boursin (on pasta or cocktail potatoes); grilled 
chicken apple sausage; pecan-crusted fresh cod (or similar mild fish) and 
French-style tartar sauce; veal scaloppini al limone; chicken pot pie (really good!); 
Thai coconut chicken (if not too hot) and similar Thai seafood dishes; maybe paella

Quality Wine & Spirits
92
$30

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Ventana "Due Amici" 2003
Arroyo Seco

Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red. Initial aromas shy, but bloom as the 
wine opens, suggesting malted milk ball aromas. Initial monochromatic dark fruits 
acquire depth as wine opens, silky texture and easy tannins. Grape types 
(the "two friends"): Sangiovese (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (50%). Decanting 
two hours ahead a good idea, as it needs time to evolve. Then mid-palate finds 
its center, and finish acquires length and a vanilla note. Venetana, established 
by Doug Meador, is among the leading wineries in the county. 

Assorted pâtés; rilletes; cured meats; grilled steak; roast duck; braised oxtails 
or short ribs; stews; grilled or roasted veggies; aged cheeses, such as 
aged Manchego or Zamorano; high-cocoa dark chocolate

Empire Distributing
87
$26

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Paraiso Pinot Noir 2003
Santa Lucia Highlands

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium (translucent) ruby red. Dark cherry marks the 
aromas and carries through to the palate, where a distinctive dried herb character 
adds complexity. A little heat in the long finish. (Alcohol is a relatively high 
14.5%). Serve cool, about 60 degrees, in large tulip-shaped Burgundy glasses. 

Likes saltiness and richness: duck or pork rilletes; salami and other cured meats; 
firm, aged Zamorano or Manchego cheese. Also liver pâté; smoked liverwurst; roast 
chicken or duck, grilled quail or Cornish game hen; grilled lamb (not as good with 
beef); creamy blue cheese (such as Cambozola); fruit-filled dark chocolate

Grape Expectations
89
$20

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Pessagno Central Avenue Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
Monterey

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium (translucent) ruby red.  Initial shy aromas open 
quickly; supplying dried herb-influenced dark fruit aromas; very Burgundian. 
Dried herb-kissed dark fruit flavors, with suggestions of dried fruits in the 
finish. Very easy tannins.  Lovely texture, with substantial mid palateddds. 
Pretty high alcohol (14.6%) but it doesn't show in the finish. Well balanced. 
Serve moderately cool, about 60 degrees, in large tulip-shaped Burgundy glasses. 

Pâtés and terrines; pork or duck rilletes; roasted rabbit or chicken with garlic 
and roasted potatoes; grilled salmon or tuna; beef stroganoff or boeuf Bourgignon 
with noodles; Parmesan potato cakes with roasted pork tenderloin; roast chicken or 
duck; Portobello mushrooms stuffed with mild sausage, bread crumbs and herbs, 
chocolate-powder-dusted chocolate truffles

Savannah Distributing
92
$19

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Joullian "Sias Cuvée" Zinfandel 2003
Carmel Valley 

Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red. Impressive, intense aromas of 
blackberries/blackberry jam with hints of vanilla, flavors focused on blackberry 
and spice, chocolate notes, some dried dark fruits. Spicy! Classic Zin. 
Alcohol (14.8%) initially seems in step, but grows more prominent as wine opens. 
Grapes: A field blend, Zinfandel and many Rhône varieties, planted hillside in 
1984. Serve cool, about 60 degrees, to temper alcohol.

Smoked liverwurst and other smoked meats; pork or duck rilletes; terrine of 
duck or rabbit; peppered dishes (steak; tuna; pâté); salamis, sausages, cured meats; 
baked ham; roast pork loin; grilled lamb chop or steak; Mexican meat dishes; 
black-eyed pea salad.

Atlanta Wholesale Wine/NDC
91
$20