winemaker's notes:
Do you love the classic Cabs and Chardonnay from California's Napa Valley but are itching to try some more off-the-beaten-path wines? Explore what California really has to offer -- full-bodied Sonoma Pinot Noir, Mourvedre and Cabernet Franc that rival the best from around the world, paired with a Napa Chardonnay and Cab for good measure. A great way to try the old standbys -- and the new kids on block! Each California Explorer contains one bottle of:
Wild Horse Pinot Noir
Central Coast, California
The name Wild Horse is nearly synonymous with incredible Pinot Noirs. Offering up vibrant aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, cola, and Oriental spices: complex and offering great value.
Jade Mountain Old Vine Mourvedre
Contra Costa, California
Mourvedre is a Rhone varietal best known for producing the generous wines of southern France. Jade Mountain's Mourvedre is the product of hundred-year-old vines from the Evangelho Vineyard in Contra Costa County, California. This rich and silky wine exhibits aromas of pepper and spice mixed with raspberry and blackberry.
Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Made from rich, ripe Napa Valley Chardonnay, this wine has complex aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, apple, citrus, butter and spice and a dense, rich texture.
Conn Creek Limited Release Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California
Like all Conn Creek wines, the Cabernet Franc is crafted in a bold style that reflects the intense rich character of classic Napa Valley vineyards. Plum, cherry aromas tinged with dried spice, white pepper and green olive notes give way to a structured, complex wine with dark stone fruit flavors and a lingering finish.
Landmark Kastania Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California
Beautiful Pinot Noir from a specialist in this tricky variety. Aromas are of subtle strawberry, rhubarb preserves, with chamois, bacony notes, and a woodsy scent of mushrooms. While enjoyable now, laying down a few bottles for the future will surely pay dividends.
Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
Beautiful fruit here - lush intensity and balanced tannins with cassis, dark chocolate, and cedar. Classic, delicious Napa Cabernet.
Please note that due to the popularity of this product, we reserve the right to substitute like wines and vintages.