MORRELL WINE BAR & CAFÉ
WINES BY THE GLASS LIST
WHITE WINES
America
Chardonnay
$8.00229 Coastal Ridge, California, 2007
Napa Ridge Winery has a second label called Coastal Ridge which receives national recognition for offering exceptional wines at affordable prices. This Chardonnay has noticeable barrel aging that is unusual for a wine in its price category. Winemaker Bob Stashak has crafted a buttery, toasty Chardonnay showing apple, pineapple and tropical fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla.
$13.00239 Miner Family Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2005
A decade after their Chardonnay put them on the map; the 2005 Napa Chardonnay remains a tried-and-true classic and a testament to Gary Brookman's winemaking skills. Malolactic fermentation in moderation keeps this Chardonnay sleek on the palate with fresh appley fruit and keen acidity. The fruit is from four Napa Valley vineyards and the wine was 100% Barrel fermented and spent ten months in 40% new French Oak. Mineral and melon notes wrapped in French oak grace this Chardonnay.
$17.00288 Rombauer Vineyards, Carneros, 2008
Koerner Rombauer’s ancestors made wine in the Rheingau region in Germany and his great aunt, Irma Rombauer, wrote The Joy of Cooking. So, the Rombauer’s focus on wine as a complement to good food comes naturally. Full throttle with ripe kiwi / lemon custard fruit and rich American oak.
$20.00259 Dutton Goldfield, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, 2006
A blend of five of Dan and Steve’s favorite Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley. In 2006 their dry farmed, low yielding old vines served them well in the long, cool season. The grapes’ thick skins and high acidity delivered classic Dutton Ranch Chard with crisp fruit, great structure and moderate alcohol. Lush pear and vivid citrus aromas lead in the nose, followed by fresh cream and toffee overtones. In the mouth, the candied lime and citrus elements shine through, supported by creamy caramel undertones and fresh acidity. This is a wine of balance, freshness and personality. 90 pts. Wine & Spirits
Sauvignon Blanc
$9.00266 St. Supéry, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2008
Two vineyards - one in Rutherford, the other Dollarhide, in a serene corner of Napa Valley - are the source of St. Supéry's celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blanc. St. Supery Vineyards & Winery is owned by the Skalli family of France. Robert Skalli's family has made wine for several generations in South of France. Starting with ruby grapefruit and nectarine, the palate is bright with lime juice, honeydew melon and pineapple.
$10.00214 Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, 2006
Star Lane Vineyard, located at the far eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley, is both the warmest and the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation. Their Sauvignon Blanc block benefits from a stronger maritime influence than the rest of the ranch, promoting even ripening and racy acidity. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are typically picked a full week in advance of their neighbors’ creating a powerful yet balanced style of wine. Stainless steel lots bring vivid aromas of wild spring flowers, gooseberries and mandarin orange, while the wood lots contribute the rich lemon curd and grapefruit aromas that have been the hallmark of Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc.
$15.00211 Cakebread, Napa Valley, 2008
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes grown in estate vineyards in Rutherford, as well as from vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga to the north. The mid- and up-valley sites deliver fruit of great character, producing a crisp, full-bodied, complex style of Sauvignon Blanc. For additional complexity, small amounts of Semillon and Sauvignon Musqué, the latter an aromatic clone of the Sauvignon variety, are blended in.
$9.00189 Chenin Blanc/Viognier, Pine Ridge, Clarksburg, 2008
The fruity floral signature of Chenin Blanc and the fragrant bouquet of Viognier make up this unique bottling. Pine Ridge was the first California winery to develop this blend of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. Fragrant aromas of tangerine, yellow peach, grapefruit, white nectarine and lychee mingle with bright flavors of peach, tangerine and pink grapefruit with a crisp finish that hints at lime.
$9.00217 Pinot Gris, Mac Murray Ranch, Sonoma Coast,
2007
Gallo makes this wine from grapes grown at actor,
Fred MacMurray's ranch. Aromas of fig and melon meet white
peach and honeydew melon, but it’s the citrus, spice
and oak that adds both weight and interest to the wine,
resulting in a round mouth feel with a spicy, cool finish
$15.00243 Meritage, Conundrum (Caymus), White Table Wine, California, 2007
This might be the most aromatic white wine you’ve ever tasted. Conundrum was created from a unique blend of grapes to match the complexity and creativity of the dishes being invented by a new generation of chefs. The wine is made from a blend of six grapes that are vinified separately – some in stainless steel and some in oak – and blended together. Can you identify the grapes?
Argentina
$8.00208 Sauvignon Blanc, Mapema, Mendoza, 2008
Pepe Galante and Mariano Di Paola recently banded together to bring well over 40 years of winemaking expertise to their Mapema wine. Pepe and Mariano are widely recognized as two of Argentina’s most talented winemakers. Experience aromas of lemon pith, fresh herbs, and melon. Zesty lemon citrus is balanced with a slightly round texture brought on by 3 months in French oak.
$9.00274 Torrontes, Crios, Susana Balbo, Salta, 2008
Torrontes is the finest white wine grape of Argentina. There are three separate varieties: Torrontes Riojano, Torrontes Sanjuanino and Torrontes Mendocino. Torrontes Riojano is superior in terms of quality with aromas of mint, quince, peach, and lychee nut. Peach pit, honey and tomato leaf flavors fill your mouth followed by a hint of spice. Surprisingly, it has the body of Muscat or Gewürtztraminer, yet is high in acidity.
Austria
$8.00221 Grüner Veltliner, Grooner, Forstreiter, 2008
This is a ripe Grüner with herbal aromas of celery and lentils offset by tropical fruits, peach and lime. This refreshing and playful wine brings the best of Riesling’s and Sauvignon Blanc’s character into one glass.
$10.00194 Grüner Veltliner, Malat Höhlgraben, Kremstal, 2007
According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Malat 2007 Gruner Veltliner Hohlgraben is another juicy, satisfying, lentil- and citrus-filled example of its variety. Its melon and tart rhubarb flavors on the palate offer a contrast like that of its silky texture with tart pungency and zesty persistence, and from these tensions, the wine derives its energy and much of its fascination and potential versatility at table over the coming 2-3 years."
Chile
$8.00183 Sauvignon Blanc, Terranoble, Central Valley, 2008
Aromas of lime, gooseberries and tropical fruit
are matched by the same with hints of green herbs, juicy
acidity and a refreshing finish.
Croatia
$11.00232 Rajnski Rizling (Rhine Riesling), Ivan Enjingi, Kutjevo, 2006
The winemaking traditions in Croatia (the country broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991) go back before the Roman Empire. And, Croatia is home to some of the best Slavonian oak forests in the world, favored by old school producers of Brunello. About 5% of the country's wines qualify for the "Vrhunsko Vino" or Premium Quality Wine designation. This wine is like a cross between old German Riesling and Loire Valley Chenin Blanc with an aromatic nose of diesel fumes, spiced pears, and beeswax. It has nice weight with zingy acidity and flavors of pears, wet slate, ripe yellow apples and a dark honey flavor.
France
$9.00285 Sauvignon Blanc, Unique, Loire Valley, 2008
If you don’t want to pay the price of a Sancerre, try this ‘baby sancerre’. It is a single estate wine made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on a small family estate close to the famous Loire chateaux of Chenonceaux and Chambord.
$15.00220 Sancerre, Le Clos Chartier, 2008
This aromatic Sancerre delivers fresh cut grass, smoky minerals and a hint of asparagus. In the mouth, the wine is zesty and juicy with lemon pith and gooseberries supported by flinty mineral undertones and a concentrated finish.
$18.00237 Muscat, Zind Humbrecht, Alsace, 2006
This is unlike any Muscat you’ve ever tasted with white button mushroom aromas and firm, dry nutty and earthy minerality. Because of the extreme purity of the 2007 vintage, a lot of the ZH wines were either never racked or racked very late, allowing full lees autolysis. By doing so much is gained -- more stability, higher ageing potential and more minerality, however the wines offer less obvious fruity aromas in their youth.
$19.00204 Pouilly Fuissé, Château Fuissé, Tête de Cru, 2006
Château Fuissé is recognized as the benchmark estate in Pouilly Fuissé. It has been in existence since 1551 and in the same family since the 19th century. Currently managed by 5th generation winemaker Antoine Vincent, hâteau Fuissé combines traditional winemaking with modern technology. "Tête de Cru" covers 30 plots from the domain’s 50 acre holdings and is very representative of the Pouilly Fuissé appellation.
Germany
$12.00212 Riesling, Kabinett, Karl Christoffel, Graacher Himmelreich, 2007
Graacher Himmelreich is a classic Mosel vineyard in a prime site, comprised of slate soils and planted entirely with Riesling. This easy drinking Kabinett boasts earthy slate aromas, followed by peach essences and a juicy finish.
$31.00270 Riesling, Auslese, Melsheimer, Reiler Mullay Hofberg #38, Mosel-Sarr-Ruwer, 2006
In 2007 the prestigious Vinum magazine rated Thorsten Melsheimer as the best Riesling producer in Germany. And, while he is considered a new comer, he describes his wine as the “best sweet wine we ever had”. 100% of the grapes were botritized and fermented in stainless steel with wild yeast. Peach nectar, honey, and a caressing viscosity are underlined by notes of botrytis and minerality.
Greece
$9.00283 Moschofilero, Domaine Spiropoulos, Mantinia, 2008
Domaine Spiropoulos was established in 1870. The vineyard site is located in Mantinia on a plateau that is 650 meters above sea level in the Peloponnese region. In the 1970's the Spiropoulos family uprooted and replanted their vineyards with younger vines. Since 1993, Domaine Spiropoulos has received numerous medals for its organically grown wines. Moschofilero is a highly aromatic, light and crisp white, with notes of honeysuckle, minerals and fruit.
$17.00188 Kidonitsa, Vatistas Vineyards, Monemvasia, Peleponese, 2006
The vineyards of John Vatistas are located in Laconia, a remote southern region of the Peloponnese. The few rainfalls, combined with the ocean winds in the summer as well as the mild winters, make the microclimate unique. The grape, Kidonitsa, can make serious wines rich with honeyed flavors. Some have compared Kidonitsa to Italy’s Ribolla Gialla.
Italy
$8.00213 Poggio Argentato, Fatoria Le Pupille, Elisabeth Geppetti, Toscana, 2005
Poggio Argentato is a blend of Traminer and Sauvignon with fragrant floral aromas of white roses, evolving into notes of almond and apple skin. On a hot summer day this wine is light and refreshing.
$9.00205 Pinot Grigio, C&Donini, Venezie, 2008
Clean and crisp with aromas of flowers and citrus and a vibrant fruity palate.
$10.00236 Pinot Bianco, Kellerei Terlano, Alto Adige, 2007
Terlano is one of the top producers in the Alto Adige region of Northern Italy. Founded in 1893, this cantina comes from a 2,000 year-old tradition of winemaking. The operation produces 8,500 cases and has 371 acres planted to red and white varietals. This vineyard is located in “Vorberg” on the steep slopes above Terlano. 100% Pinot Bianco, the grapes were fermented in big oak casks, underwent malolactic fermentation, and were aged on the fine lees for 12 months. The wine is Chardonnay-like with a full body and intense aromas of ripe apples and pears combined with oaky nuances.
$11.00227 Fiano, Fattoria La Rivolta, Sannio, 2008
Fattoria La Rivolta is located in Torrecuso, near Benevento. The winery has been making estate wines since 1998 in a renovated stone farmhouse. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the grandparents Giovani and Teresa passed 120 hectares of agricultural land to their eight sons. In 1991, Mario and Bruno joined their land to form the winery, with Paul, the third generation joining in 1977. Since 1997 the vineyards have been cultivated with organic methods and the 2001 harvest was certified by the ICEA, an authorized control body. Enticing aromas of juicy pear, hazelnut and honey join a fresh, racy and dry mineral palate.
$12.00201 Vermentino, Guado al Tasso, Antinori, Bolgheri, 2008
Guado al Tasso, meaning "Badger's Ford", takes its name from a common sight on the estate of Tenuta Guado al Tasso. Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located 60 miles southwest of Florence, near the medieval village of Bolgheri in an area known as the Maremma. This wine is made of 100% Vermentino from vineyards in Tenuta Belvedere on the Tuscan coast. Enjoy an intense citrus, bergamot and pear perfume with juicy acidity and citrus and green pear fruit.
New Zealand
$9.00191 Sauvignon Blanc, New Harbor, Marlborough, 2008
An enticing bouquet of citrus, passion-fruit, and guava. Its crisp finish is juicy and refreshing and characteristic of Marlborough, New Zealand's premier winegrowing region.
$12.00216 Sauvignon Blanc, Craggy Range Winery, Te Muna Road Vineyard, Martinborough, 2008
Unlike most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs that you’ve tried, this one is from Martinborough, not Marlborough. The Te Muna Road Vineyard grows on stony, limestone soil next to the Huangarua River, lending the wine rich ripe flavors of limes, peaches and apples, with a dry herb character.
Portugal
$8.00235 Alvarinho, Quinta do Azevedo, Vinho Verde, 2008
Alvarinho, or Albariño in Spain, resembles the citrusy side of Riesling. The wine is fragrant with peachy, melony aromas and bright, crisp grapefruit citrus with a touch of chalk. Vines are grown high off the ground on pergolas to improve their chances of ripening in the cool, damp coastal climate of Moncão in Portugal. The main varieties are the laurel-scented Loureiro, the charismatic Trajadura and the crisp Arinto. Vinho Verde has low alcohol content, usually around 10 or 11 per cent, and is crisp with a slight spritz. It is perfect for the summer and seafood.
Spain
$8.00196 Airen, Bodegas Sierra Virgen, Castilla, 2007
Airen is Spain’s most widely planted grape variety and is thought to cover more acreage than any other grape in the world. While Airen can be non descript, the 70 year old, low yielding vines that deliver this wine produce honeysuckle and sandalwood aromas with delicate stone fruit flavors.
$9.00241 Chardonnay, Monjardin, El Cerezo, Navarra, 2007
This clean, crisp, unoaked Chardonnay will light up your palate with tangy yellow citrus framed by fragrant Meyer lemons and minerals. Grown in limestone soils, the wine is similar in style to Chablis and is a great value. The vineyard is named El Cerezo because of a lone cherry amongst the vines.
