Central Valley Wine-Wine Tasting with Appetizers by Roy Harland

Email rickh@bentleysmarket.com with subject line saying "Bentley's Wine Tasting" stating how many people in text portion of email.

Appetizers by ROY HARLAND

Grilled Figs with Mascarpone & Bacon

Blackberry-Duck Crostini

Mini Peppered Beef Potato Skins

Roasted Shallot- Gorgonzola Pizza Squares

2005 Crucero Cabernet

Lovely and intense ruby colour. It has a nice aroma with hints of red ripe fruits, strawberry jam, hints of plums and some tones of vainilla. In mouth is fat, well balanced, soft tannins, well rounded, good concentration and persistency. It's hard to say how nice it is to open a bottle and to feel the pleasure of drinking it.

2005 Green-Lion Cabernet

"This wine is a terrific representation of the sub appellations of Napa Valley and the ripe harmonious fruit that characterizes the 2005 vintage. Enjoy it now when in search of classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavors."

2005 Provenance Cabernet

The 2005 Provenance Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon displays lively red currant, black cherry and wild blackberry aromas layered with classic mocha and toffee character. Hints of clove, violet and dark chocolate are released with each swirl of the wine. The wine's richly textured, opulent dark berry flavors open with chocolate, espresso and accents, and then pick up more subtle nuances of spicy black pepper, black tea and green olive on the mid-palate.

Overall, the sensation is of impeccable balance. The wine's plush tannins and long, graceful finish make this a classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, with the distinct cocoa powder nuances of "Rutherford Dust."

2004 Cedar Knoll Cabernet

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted is in the fruit-forward style, with 7% Merlot and nicely integrated French oak (aged 17 months, with 50% new barrels). Less fleshy than some Napa Cabernets, the Cedar Knoll offers bright cherry-berry flavors and nicely integrated, refined tannins. The wine finishes a little shy but has substantial fruit, allowing for at least 3-5 years more development.

2005 Newton Claret

A sophisticated blend in the Bordeaux tradition with an unexpected addition of 4% Syrah, this wine is a dark garnet color with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and hints of cracked pepper and clove. These aromas carry over to the palate, which leads with red fruit flavors and has clove and pepper spices on the finish. The creamy mid-palate and soft, rounded tannins make it an appealing choice.