Two Reds to Love!

Arnot and Roberts

The last two times Don and I have dined at the DCC we've asked Aaron for a great wine recommendation for our evening dinner. He suggested both of the wines that I will share with you from two different dinners.

The first dinner we were there, Aaron suggested a Cabernet Sauvignon because he knows Don LOVES a big, bold CAB. 

2010 Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains ($80), bottled in Healdsburg, California fit the bill. And by the way it was half-price bottle night, which is always a plus for anyone! Arnot-Roberts' website doesn't offer this wine, so we were pretty lucky to get it.

 The front of the label is super boring, so I took a picture of the back, which is much more informative. "Opaque ruby, expansive, heady aromas of candied red and dark berries, pipe tobacco, potpourri and licorice, with a spicy nuance that gains strength with air. Stains the palate with sweet cherry-cola, cassis and floral pastille flavors supported by juicy acidity. The spicy quality comes back strong on a finish that features velvety tannins and a refreshingly bitter cherry pit quality."

Another night we dined at the DCC, Aaron wanted us to try something a little different from Don's usual BIG CAB. So, he brought us an Oregon Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills. We tried it and bought the entire bottle. It was amazingly delicious.

2010 Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir, Drouhin Family Estates ($72). Before I looked at the back of the label, I told Don that this wine had a French feel to it. Then I turned to the back of the bottle and it said "French Soul-Oregon Soil". 

 The history of the Drouhin family runs deep in the French tradition of winemaking.

"The 2010 Laurène is a very pure expression of this estate, with clear notes of cherry, black cherry and red fruits. On the palate, one finds great depth and freshness, traits more commonly used to describe Burgundy, but very present here. The finish is long and graceful, and you'll love the harmony, balance and complexity. Though enjoyable now, this is very much a vin de garde - a wine to hold for the long term. Expect that you will be able to cellar the 2010 Laurène for the next 10 years, but 15 years wouldn't be a surprise at all.”

Another must for lovers of Pinot Noir!

Enjoy!