SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s selection from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards aptly deserves the Superior Wine Alert recognition. If you are a fan of Bordeaux blends made with a unique California style, then this wine is sure to please.

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Mission Codename: Tribute to Family Tradition

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Secure a lovely Bordeaux style blend for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2005 Valeriano Bordeaux Blend

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos

Backgrounder:

There is a reason that Bordeaux is the benchmark for all red blends. The skillful combination of the noble grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot results in wines of exceptional character and quality. It is in this tradition and with the intention of honoring the second-born son of Giovanni and Terra Jacuzzi that this wine is named.

The fruit, representing all of the Bordeaux varietals hails from California’s famous Carneros region, known for its mild-cooler temperatures and a climate influenced by the neighboring San Pablo Bay that results in perfectly ripened fruit.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark garnet with dark ruby hues and a deep but clear core. Slightly lighter garnet along the edges and when swirled, this wine shows a slightly thick viscosity and its fast thin legs hold hints of this wine’s color as they streak down the side of the glass.

Smell – Medium in intensity, complex but well balanced and integrated with aromas of mild spice, fresh herbal notes, toasty oak and ripe juicy cherry. As you further explore this wine’s nose, hints of smoke, tobacco leaf and sweet-woods complement this wine’s pleasant bouquet.

Feel – Initially soft and smooth, this full-bodied wine’s finely grained tannins kick in just as you start to fully recognize the array of flavors in this wine. A touch of minerality and balanced acidity add a slightly tangy quality added by the fruit.

Taste -Fresh, ripe and plush flavors of red and black cherry that are well integrated with mild notes of spice; herbal and bramble notes; toasted and fresh oak; and a hints of minerality. Layers of tobacco, cigar-box and smoke add to the complexity of this wine.

Finish – Lingering and clean with flavors of oak, ripe cherry and herbal components that fade in unison and invite further exploration.

Conclusion – The 2005 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Valeriano is a lovely red Bordeaux style blend that shows classic old-world character with a distinct California Carneros flair, represented by the perfectly ripened fruit. Each varietal component of this wine sits in harmony with the others. A great structure that will hold up against your boldest foods, especially a grilled steak, or if you have patience (this spy does not) you can cellar this wine for years to come as it is sure to continue to develop in aromas, flavors and complexity over the next ten years, perhaps even longer.

Mission Report:

As a Wine Spy, I have several methods of collecting intelligence and information about wines and wineries. Of all of the myriad ways to gather intel, the best and most reliable is my network of assets.

An asset for those who do not know, is an individual that provides valuable information, sometimes without solicitation and at other times on a just in time basis.

It is through my assets that I have learned of new releases, pending ratings and scores, shortages and more. My assets have allowed me to stay way ahead of the game and without my network, my job would be far more difficult.

I met my latest asset while vacationing near Lake Tahoe, earlier this year. After a day of snowboarding, I found myself relaxing in the hotel hot tub. It was just what I needed.

After a few minutes of soaking, I was joined by another hotel guest. We chatted as we soaked, and when the conversation turned to professions, I revealed that I was in the wine business. He revealed that he, “… works for the FBI” and was an avid wine lover.

He told me that he was a fan of a website called The Wine Spies and had I heard of it. I feigned ignorance. He went on to tell me that he was a regular customer and that he first purchased a wine from The Wine Spies more than a year ago. I asked him which wine it was and he replied, “It was from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards…” He stopped and we both considered our situation – and then we both laughed!

We talked for a while longer and when I got out of the jacuzzi, I slipped a business card into his robe and said my good-bye.

Back in my hotel room, I send a dispatch to my contact at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Minutes later, I confirmed that we would be giving our Operatives another chance to sample another great Jacuzzi wine for today’s offering.

Just yesterday I got a note from my new friend in the FBI. It read:

“Agent Red: You did a great job of keeping your cover during our talk in Lake Tahoe. Well done. Thanks for all of the great wines. Keep up the covert ops! Also, consider me an asset. I’ll have some great wine recommendations – and insider information – coming soon. Sincerely, Special Agent Jones”

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.