Twenty Bench Cabernet 2004

This was another red served at our book club meeting last month. The grapes are from various locations in Napa and the wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc.

From the winery's site: "The 2004 Twenty Bench is one of our more pronounced vintages to date. Aromas of black currants, plums and chocolate accompany the wines dense, inky color, while the palate shows great structure, richness and depth that comes with the first ever addition of Cabernet Franc to the blend. This wine drinks well now and will age gracefully over the next 7-8 years."

As with the Twenty Rows it's available at Western. Around $20.

Twenty Rows 2004 The Grappler

This was one of two reds served by our friend Laura at book club this month. I don't have any specific notes but recall it as excellent. It is an unusual blend of 58% zinfandel, 30% syrah, 12% cabernet. The winery site's description:

"The Grappler is crafted from carefully selected vineyards to yield an intense, deeply colored wine with concentrated aromas and flavors. We named this wine after our sons who dedicated a lot of time and effort to the sport of wrestling hence, The Grappler. Seamless integration of flavors from start to finish. The wine starts out powerful yet smooth with ripe, spicy, cherry and tobacco flavors on the mid-palate. The finish is accented with cedar and black pepper." - About $20, available at Western and Village Wine Shoppe.

Note: label shows the Cab but the Grappler label looks the same.

Syrah Turchi 2004 Santa Barbara

Another wine from the Bottega by the glass menu. It was very flavorful and I enjoyed all three glasses. Leigh could smell chocolate. Even though it was bold I had monkfish with it and it was very good. The label presented may not be the correct one.

Cavalchina Bianco di Custoza 2005

Leigh had this at Bottega the other night. It was sold by the glass and the waiter recommended it saying it went with most of their food very well. It was very good. Not too light (Sauvignon Blanc) and not too heavy (Chardonnay) but just right. A website had this to say: Mouth-gripping experience from this tank fermented and aged blend of Trebbiano, Garganega, and Fernada. Very lively - almost frizzante; green melon, ripe lemon spice, green pears. Bright and lasting finish. Since this was not purchased by the bottle I am not sure this is the correct picture.

Parallel 45 Cabernet 2004

This is the great Cab we had in Park City, UT on the 2006 ski trip. Scotty just sent me this showing their 95 point score:

Parallel Napa Valley has been fortunate to receive a wonderful review from a well respected writer and publisher of www.winereviewonline.com , Robert Whitley.

Parallel, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($48): It is difficult for me to imagine a more attractive young Cabernet. The question, of course, is whether or not a Cab that tastes this good in its youth has the capacity to improve with age. I believe it does, thus it creeps into the scoring range I reserve for cellar-worthy wines. The beauty of this wine lies in its many dimensions, the layers, the textures, the sweetness of the fruit, the spice notes, the sweet, supple tannins and the exquisite length in the mouth. For all of its ripe, opulent fruit this second vintage of Parallel is beautifully balanced and in some sense restrained if you believe, as I do, that it is early in its evolution and hasn't yet fully blossomed. Grapes for this exceptional Napa Cab were sourced from several vineyards located on the east side of the Napa Valley, above the Silverado Trail. Only 980 cases were produced. 95 Robert Whitley

He has also has written a nice article about our winemaker, Philippe Melka and our project together. Please click through www.winereviewonline.com to read. It is titled, “Star Napa Winemaker Relishes 'Humble' Project”.

We reflect back on a successful year and would like to thank the people responsible for our success – You, the fan of Parallel. Please accept our heartfelt wishes for a festive Holiday and wonderful New Year!

The Parallel Wine Team

www.parallelwines.com

Liberty School Syrah Central Coast 2004

I had great hopes for this one from Paso Robles, CA - locale of some great reds - but the alchohol is a bit strong. At 13.5% I think it overpowers the fruit. But if you look hard enough you will find dark berry flavors and a spicy finish. I may have to try it again. $10-12.

Daniel Chotard Sancerre 2004

Sancerre is a French appelation from the Loire Valley made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. I'm not sure where Mary got this but it's good - not much oak, dry, crisp, suggestive of green fruit. We had it with our smoked turkey for Thanksgiving. My price search says you should find it for $16-$21.