In an effort to present unique wines for you to enjoy at Lahaina Grill, our sommelier Richard P. Olson III keeps himself busy traveling several times each year to meet with talented winemakers and growers around the world. This gives him a chance to discuss new and exciting techniques used in the vineyards and wineries. Recent wine trips include New Zealand’s North and South Islands; Santa Tomas, Mexico; Walla Walla and Columbia Valley in Washington State; Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Ynez and Paso Robles regions of California.
Here are a few special “picks” we are featuring now at Lahaina Grill:
DR. LOOSEN
riesling, auslese, ürziger würzgarten, erdon, germany 2006
Blazing red and insanely steep, the ürziger Würzgarten Vineyard fills the picturesque amphitheater formed by this dramatic bend in the river. Although it’s directly adjacent to the vineyards of Erden, it produces a completely different kind of wine, with exotic, spicy aromas and a mesmerizing earthiness. No other vineyard on the Mosel produces wines so bursting with tropical fruit flavors. The estate’s oldest vines are found here.
Wine Maker: DR. Ernst Loosen | Wineries worked: DR. Loosen Vineyards |
Cases produced: 1000
REALM CELLARS
st. helena, napa valley, 2004
The impressive 2004 “The Tempest”, a 524-case blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a big, rich nose of melted licorice, white chocolate, espresso, blackberries, and cherries. Soft and seductive, this wine starts off with a feminine-like power, super-pure and intense, finishing with its silky-like texture, this is a stunning wine to try. CHEERS!
WS 91 points | Wine Maker: Mike Hirby | Wineries worked: Realm Cellars, Behrens & Hithcock, Relic wines | Cases produced: 524
SELENE WINES
cabernet sauvignon, napa valley, california 2005
Mia Klein and Selene’s goal has been to capture forward fruit flavors and vibrancy from the vineyard and use minimalist winemaking techniques to frame the wines with extremely supple textures (90% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc). The resulting wines are very food-friendly. They are open and accessible upon release, and yet they have the necessary balance and complexity to enhance either home wine cellars or fine restaurants. This wine has seamless texture and length with wonderful flavors of fresh blackberry, jammy raspberries and dark chocolate truffles. ENJOY!
Wine Maker: Mia Klein | Wineries worked: Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, Dalla Valle, Selene | Cases produced: 4500
EDMEADES WINERY, CIAPUSCI VINEYARD
mendocino ridge, 2007
They call him the VANIMAL, Van Williamson makes very expressive and beautiful wines well balanced and not too over the top. This single vineyard from a small little pocket in Mendocino County called Ciapusci vineyard is wonderful with aromas of deep cranberries and bright cherries, the intensity of perfume would suggest Pinot Noir instead of Zinfandel. But DO NOT let that fool you this wine has monster length and power. The mouthwatering finish makes you want to tip up the glass without the caution normally given to Zinfandel. ROCKING!
Wine Maker: Van Williamson | Wineries worked: Ficklin Vineyards, Fetzer Vineyards, Chateau Montelena | Cases produced: 2000