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I’M Chardonnay, 2003, Sonoma County

The Mondavi Family has a long history of wine making in the new world. Robert is directly responsible for the advancement of many techniques that are still used today, including cold fermentation, the use of French oak barrels and the use of steel tanks. He was also responsible for popularizing the Sauvignon Blanc grape and starting the first blind tastings in California. Although most of his relatives have moved on to their own endeavors, they remain largely in the wine business. The “I’M” line of wines are named for Isabel Mondavi, the wife of Robert’s son Michael, and are designed to her specifications…

Everything, from the style of I’M Chardonnay to the appearance of the label, is modeled after Isabel?s designs. Even the shape of the bottle, that is the slender Bordeaux style, is used because it more easily fits in her hand than the fat Burgundy bottle, which is classically used for chardonnay. The wine itself is made for Isabel by her son Rob in the typical California styling of rich butter and oak, the characteristics which Isabel looks for in her chardonnays.

The I’M Chardonnay is actually a blend of juice from three different regions: Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Knights Valley. While the Alexander and Knights Valleys are warm, lending weight and minerality to the wine, the cooler Russia River brings ripe acidity and citrus fruit, with hints of banana. The wine is oak aged in French and American cooperage and endures a second fermentation known as malolactic fermentation, where the malic acid is converted into lactic acid. This provides the warm, round mouth feel of butter and oak that Isabel loves.

For pairing I recommend hearty fish with heavy butter sauces. Try scallops or rockfish with fingerling potatoes and spinach in garlic, white wine and cream. Follow with smoky Gouda and top it all off with brandy and a cigar. What could be finer?

This wine is an absolute steal at around $17. It goes to show that the younger generations of Mondavis are no slouches themselves. Watch for big things from this group.

Terra Valentine, 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District

So far everything I?ve reviewed on this blog has been wines I truly like. Well this wine is different. That’s because this wine I absolutely love. In fact, it may be my favorite wine at this particular price point, and is definitely my favorite California cab for the money. The guys at Terra Valentine have only been in the wine business since 1995, but under the leadership of skilled businessman Angus Wurtele, Terra Valentine has become a world class winery. Their production is small, but their goal to create some of the world?s finest cabernet has not gone unrealized…

In 2002, Spring Mountain enjoyed a long, warm growing season, making for deep rich fruit. On the nose this is characterized by black boysenberry, which is accentuated with spice and vanilla from the oak aging. This broad shouldered, mountain cab fills the palate, but remains surprisingly elegant throughout the long finish. Dark, chewy fruit is punctuated with creamy caramel from 20 months in French oak. 

Grilled meats from lamb chops to marinated sirloin streaks can pair well with this wine. Also try heavy cheeses and rich tobaccos. Really any hardy accompaniment should do well.

This wine is an absolute steal at $35, but look for the price to skyrocket in upcoming vintages, as this wine is receiving top ratings from well respected winos everywhere. Keep your eyes open for Terra Valentine’s Wurtele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon as well. A bit more expensive, but perfect for a few years in your cellar. On the other hand, the Spring Mountain cab is drinking great now, and should continue to do so for at least 10 years.