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Wine Club Selections: May 2004

By Michael Ricci
August 11, 2004
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Each month we'll pair two recent jazz CDs with the latest releases from the AAJ Wine Club . This month we're pairing Quivira's Zinfandel with Andy Bey's American Song and Zaca Mesa Vineyards's Santa Ynez Valley Chardonnay with Mark Isaacs's Keeping The Standards.

For more information about how you can taste these and other delicious wines from the AAJ Club, click here .

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Quivira
Zinfandel
2002

Specifications
Varietal: 90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Syrah
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
pH: 3.75
TA: 5.8 g/l
Alcohol Content: 14.2%
Aging: 10 months in primarily French oak

Tasting Notes: The 2002 Quivira Zinfandel is a sampling of fruit from all compass points of Dry Creek Valley, representing five different Zinfandel ranches. At the center of our wine is our estate Wine Creek Ranch Zinfandel. This vineyard has produced high quality fruit since the mid-1960's and remains the core of our blend. The Standley Ranch to the North contributes a small crop of bright red fruit with crisp acidity, To the East , Walt Dieden's Ranch harvests grapes easily mistaken for blackberries. Anderson Ranch, another property of Quivira's is home to heritage clones. The fruit from these vines is rich and black, with full yet supple tannins. Last but not least, the Tambanelli Vineyard's combination of both old and new vines, as well as a little Petite Sirah to taste, results in a true taste of Dry Creek Valley, a famous reputation 140 years in the making.

Goes with this CD: Andy Bey's American Song

Zaca Mesa Vineyards
Santa Ynez Valley Chardonnay
2001

Specifications
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Santa Barbara County
pH: 3.42
TA: 0.651 g/l00mL
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Cooperage: 85% barrel fermented in French oak, 15% stainless steel fermented

Winemaker's Notes: Zaca Mesa's Chardonnay is known for its wine crispness and bright fruit accented by only a touch of oak. This 2001 Chardonnay has enticing aromas of orange as well as lemon blossom and mango. The tropical fruit tones are complemented with notes of dried ginger, a hint of mineral, and a very full, rich feel on the palate from barrel aging. This is a great option for those tired of overly oaky and buttery Chardonnays.

Goes with this CD: Mark Isaacs's Keeping The Standards

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Wine Club Selections: June 2004

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