February Wine of the Month: Lang & Reed 2009 Cabernet Franc 214
It's A New "New World"

It isn't often your hear us talking about "balance, elegance, and finesse" and "California" in the same sentence, but the times, my friends, they are a changin'. Known for their ripeness, power, fruit concentration, and ample oak, California wines are in part a reflection of their terroir (warm sunny climate, moderated by cool Pacific maritimes), and a dominant winemaking style that has been pushed by the press and pulled by the consumer, encouraging the production of ever bigger and more powerful wines. But there is a new "New World" wine
style emerging, led mostly by a wave of winemakers whose reference point wines are more likely to be found in the backwaters and classic regions of France, Spain and Italy. Their aim? To produce wines that are cooler, fresher, with brighter acids, lower alcohols and better balance. There has been a steady move of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to the coolest coastal regions of California - West of West as they say, the true Sonoma Coast, with wineries like Peay and Hirsch leading the charge. There are groups like IPOB (In Pursuit of Balance), an association of wine growers seeking balance in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are dozens of small new wineries making wines like the 2 week skin maceration Chardonnay (Scribe), wineries growing Italian varietals in the cool Santa Rite Hills (Palmina), and there are a host Sommeliers willing to promote them with food, bloggers touting the unique and different, and a few mainstream writers like Eric Asimov at The New York Times getting out the word. And there is the consumer. I have noticed a subtle but steadily shift from the biggest and most fulsome California wines (we have known and loved and still do on occasion!) towards lighter and fresher styles, many from Europe. I have tasted a number of new California wines over the last few months that will challenge your concept of California as they have mine: diverse, exciting and delicious wines that will redefine the California wine scene. 

This month we launch our "It's a New New World" campaign with a stellar example of a somewhat unsung grape from a daring winery that put all its eggs in the Cabernet Franc basket. The results are this beautifully perfumed, elegant, supple Cab Franc that will have you thinking Chinon, Bourgeuil or Samur Champigny way before California. Dare we say Rougeard? Well worthy of our our Wine of the Month designation, don't miss out on this beautiful harbinger of things to come - Only a few cases available so don't wait!

Lang and Reed 2009 Cabernet 214
$45 per bottle on sale, $39.99 for six or more* (reg price $49.99) Click here to order

If you were to taste this beautiful Cabernet Franc blind I can almost gaurantee it will have you thinking "Loire Valley, warm vintage" way before you think of placing it in the Napa Valley. It is grown in a rocky hillside vineyard on Sugarloaf mountain in southeastern Napa Valley where the climate is influenced by cool breezes from San Francisco Bay. It is also made from, and named for, a Loire Valley clone (214) of Cabernet Franc that also plays a role in the style and flavor of this terrific wine. Cool, aromatic herbs, red and dark fruits, hints of earthy, stony tones on the nose, followed by a suple, round, gently mouthfilling wine that has depth and body balanced by nice acidity and soft tannins. Perfect for light meats, chicken, duck, pork or classic steak and frites. 

To Order: Click here to order on our secure website, call us at 908.953.0900 or reply to this email. Please include payment and pick up/shipping or delivery information with order. *While supplies last, no further discounts