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I got some news from Deb over at Ken Brown that some of my favorite wines are running really low in terms of inventory.  There are only 12 cases (out of only 140) of the 2007 Cargasacchi Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita AVA) left.  I’ll be the first one to admit that most Pinot Noirs leave me wishing I was drinking a wine with a bit more oomph.  I am always on the lookout for what I call a “velvet hammer” which is a balanced Pinot Noir with deep, multi-layered flavors that make a smooth progression over my entire palate, with a long finish.   I rarely find these types of  uber-satisfying Pinots, but  Ken Brown’s 2007 Cargasacchi is a lovely velvet hammer, indeed.    The flavor profile is distinctly black cherry with baking spices and some earthiness.   Here are the stats for the wine geeks out there (you know who you are):  Alcohol 14.6%, pH 3.65, 100% Pinot Noir -clone 115 on 3309 rootstock, harvested 10/10/2007, French oak for 17 months.  Get it while you can – and tell Ken or Deb that Anne at Wine Nation Underdog sent you.

Ken Brown is also running low on the 2004 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah and the 2005 A Cuvee Syrah.   There are only fifteen cases left of each.    Both are outstanding, but I am a huge fan of the 2005 A Cuvee; I will sheepishly admit that I am such a fan that I asked Ken to autograph one of my bottles. The A Cuvee is a blend of warm climate fruit from Watch Hill Vineyard and cooler climate fruit from Bien Nacido.   Flavors of black plum and blackberry from the cool climate fruit and spice and garrigue from the warm climate fruit combine to make a Syrah so deep and luscious you want to swim in it.   Just be sure to give this one some time to breathe so that you get to experience the full spectrum of flavors.    This wine is drinking soooo beautifully right now but if you are the patient type you can lay it down for a few years and be rewarded for your restraint.

What do you think about Ken Brown Wines?  Drop me a line and let me know.   Until then, remember life is too short, drink good wine.