Whom You Know: Champagne Wishes: Cellar No. 8's 2009 "8" Recommended by Whom You Know!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Champagne Wishes: Cellar No. 8's 2009 "8" Recommended by Whom You Know!

Exquisite! Cellar No. 8 Wine was one of the most delicious bottles of wine I've had in the last few years. Cellar No.8 wines are represented from meticulously chosen vineyards across select California sites. "Eight" has a unique blend of flavors that make this so scrumptious. The fruits include hints of blackberry, blueberry and mulberries. The spices- they tingle your palate and are a blend of cloves, cardamom and roasted coffee beans. The intricate blends of wine that are used in No. 8 include Petit Sirah, Grenache, Mouverde, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. As far as seasons are concerned, think of this wine as a perfect complement to that early autumn barbecue, or football game tailgate. Along with a juicy steak,smoked sausage, or hamburger, I couldn't think of a more perfect wine to wash it all down. In conclusion, I give the Cellar No. 8 a two thumbs up!

Summer's heat has started to retreat. Nights are cooling down and it is time to bring back the beloved red wines! I am loving Cellar No 8's new red, "8." It is an awesome mix of 8 varietals -- Petite Sirah, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. I know, it sounds like a few too many, however it is "GR8!" Ok, I know that's a bit much, but it really is a wine you should try. It is a true California wine -- mostly from the Lodi region, which of course has a fantastic Mediterranean climate. The warm days and cool nights round out the flavor with smooth tannins and ripe berry. Their website is also a great place to check out recipes (seriously, could they make this any easier on us?!?)! The price point is so reasonable that I know this is going to be a regular for the fall season at my house!

Having tried two other wines by Cellar No. 8, I was very much looking forward to trying their 2009 "Eight". "Eight did not disappoint"! A blend of eight different varities, the aptly named "Eight", has something for everyone. This flavorful red contains a magical blend of Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine pays tribute to the history of the Asti Winery in Sonoma County and its founders. This deep red wine begins with fruity aromas (blackberry, blueberry and mulberry). These fruity berry flavors mix with spicier notes such as clove, cardamom and coffee beans. "Eight" is the perfect wine for any occasion. With a suggested retail price of $10, it is very affordable! Stock up on some now as it is the perfect addition to your Autumn palate!

I am already a big fan of Cellar No. 8 wines, so I was very excited to try this new red wine. "Eight" is a blend of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This fantastic blend yields big flavor. The wine has a wonderful red color as it is poured into the glass. The aroma is of fresh berries. I was reminded of blackberries and blueberries when I smelled it. Those berry aromas are carried over into the delicious flavor of this wine as well. They are also accompanied by spices like clove and cardamom. I really enjoyed how smooth this wine is. It would pair easily with a juicy steak, but it can also be enjoyed all on its own! This wine would be perfect for almost any occasion!

Deep, complex, and utterly delectable, Cellar No. 8's newest offering, "Eight," is a must-have for any oenophile! Incredibly easy drinking, this wine explodes with flavor on the palate, yet does not feel at all heavy or overbearing. The wine's complexity comes from the fact that is is handcrafted from a blend of eight varietals: Petite Sirah, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. It boasts ripe berry flavors, thanks to the Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, and these are balanced by a hint of spiciness from the Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The Cab, Merlot and Sangiovese round out the taste and give it some darker, deeper flavors. It is at once intriguing yet highly drinkable. It's an ideal party wine, as it's versatile enough to go with many different foods, and would be an especially great addition to a barbecue menu, as the summer season winds down. It's also a great rainy day wine - perfect for cuddling up on the couch with a good book or a good movie! Personally, I plan on keeping it stocked on my wine rack as we head into the fall and winter - it's definitely a new go-to in my book! So, wine-lovers of the world, this is your cue - run out and grab yourselves a bottle (or two or three!) or Celler No. 8's "Eight!"

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CELLAR NO. 8 2009 “Eight” California

HISTORY In 1881 Andrea Sbarboro founded the Asti Winery in northern Sonoma County. Applying time-honored methods and expertise from the old country, Sbarboro and a group of Italian immigrants formed an entire community around which winemaking was its soul. Today, Cellar No. 8 wines honor and reflect the tradition of winemaking at Asti in a series of rich, complex wines from carefully chosen vineyard sites in California. The Cellar No. 8 “Eight” is a unique and flavorful blend of eight varieties: Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Petite Sirah lends bright flavors of triple berry pie, which are enhanced by lovely spicy notes from the Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. This wine pays homage to the history of the founding families who traditionally created field blends, yielding big, flavorful wines.

VINTAGE & VINEYARDS The 2009 growing season started dry, but with healthy spring rains, the vineyards flourished. Summer brought warm days and cool evenings, perfect for consistent ripening, while maintaining acidity within the grapes. Harvest began in mid-August and wrapped up in early November. This long vintage allowed the fruit to ripen fully with concentrated varietal fruit flavors. Overall, the 2009 vintage yielded wines of excellent quality. The majority of fruit in this wine comes from Lodi, where a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights yields wines with soft, round tannins and ripe berry fruit characteristics.

TASTING NOTES Deep red with vibrant purple hues, “Eight” begins with enticing aromas of blackberry pie, with blueberry and mulberry notes, which continue on a lush, juicy palate. Ripe berry fruit flavors mingle with toasted baking spices – clove, cardamom and dark roasted coffee beans – supported by soft, round tannins and balanced acidity, which lead to a long, smooth finish. Alcohol: 13.8% Blend: 79% Petite Sirah, 7% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 4% Mourvèdre, 2% Syrah, 1% Zinfandel, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Sangiovese Harvest: September 1st, 2009 to October 28th, 2009 Brix at Harvest: 25.3° Acidity: 0.57 g/100ml pH: 3.56

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