----- Original Message -----

From: Jim L. Ellingson

To: wine@thebarn.com

Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 4:58 PM

Subject: [wine] New World Brdx Blends at St Paul Grill on 4/20/06

Greetings,

Annette S. has arranged for us to go to the Saint Paul Grill
this Thursday.  Time is 6:30.  Vin du juor is New World Brdx Blends.
The SPG is red meat heaven, but whites are always welcome.

We were last there in May of 2005. I have not updated the wine
list nor did I expand it to include the more general New World Brdx Blends.

Cheers,
Jim



Date: Wed, 4 May 2005 11:18:05 -0500
From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings@me.umn.edu>
To: wine@thebarn.com
Subject: [wine] St. Paul Grill Wine List

Greetings,

I've copied the Cab section of the wine list:  They may well
appreciate that a 95 or 97 Arrowood is different from a 2000, but
why push the issue.

More info at:

http://www.stpaulgrill.com/

  St. Paul Grill
  350 Market St
  (651) 224-7455

Parking: Some of the Meters are free after 4:30 or some such.

Your chances of finding a spot improves as you move away from the Ordway.
Open lot accross from Fima, Marshall Fields is inexpensive. (6th and Wabasha)

Annette S.
Bob
Betsy
Warren/Ruth
Russ
Jim  (late: 7-ish)

Karen T.
Nicolai

Cheers,
Jim


512 Arrowood, 2000, Sonoma
501 Beaulieu Vineyard, 2001, Napa
508 Beringer, Knight.s Valley, 2000, Sonoma
518 Cakebread, 2001, Napa
513 Carmenet, Dynamite Cabernet, 2001, Sonoma
519 Chalk Hill, Estate, 1999, Sonoma
517 Conn Creek, 2000, Napa
68 Cathy Corison, 1998,Napa
506 Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cold Creek, 2001, Columbia Valley
520 Chimney Rock, 2000, Stag.s Leap Napa
608 Estancia, .Meritage., 2000, Alexander Valley
611 Franciscan, .Magnificat., 2000, Napa
502 Franciscan, Oakville Estate, 2001, Napa
507 Freemark Abbey, 2001, Napa
523 Grgich, 1999, Napa
515 Jordan, 2000, Alexander Valley
500 J. Lohr, Seven Oaks, 2001, Santa Clara
503 Robert Mondavi, 2000, Napa
509 Mettler Family Vineyards, 2001, Ukiah
612 Mount Veeder, 2000, Napa
504 Newton, Claret, 2000, Napa
521 Provenance Vineyards, 2000, Rutherford
605 St. Francis, 2000, Sonoma
85 Silver Oak, 1999, Alexander Valley
609 Simi, 2000, Alexander Valley
63 Spring Mountain, 1998, Napa
524 Stag.s Leap, 2000, Napa
511 Trefethen, 2000, Napa
94 Truchard, 1999, Carneros
516 Turnbull, 2000, Napa
600 White Oak, 2000, Napa
66 Viader, 1999, Napa

EUROPE
505 Chateau Clerc Milon, Pauillac, 1999
514 Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild, Pauillac, 2000
45 Chateau Gloria, St. Julien, 2000
907 Chateau La Cardonne Rothschild, Medoc, 1998
50 Chateau Le Ormes de Pez, St. Estephe, 2000
52 Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, 2000
950 Lafite, Pauillac Reserve, 1999

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
510 Henry.s Drive, 2002, Padthaway
910 Penfolds, Bin 407, 2001, Australia
903 Santa Rita, .Medalla Real., Maipo Valley, 2001, Chile


http://www.wineskinny.com/wine_review_archives/archive_californiameritage_red.htm

April/May 2006


Wine Review Archive - California Meritage and Bordeaux Blends, Red

Benziger 1997 Rancho Salina Red Table Wine ($35). We're all hyped up about California red Bordeaux blends these days, and this is a very nice example. This one is about 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and 20% Cab Franc. It is rich and heady with concentrated fruit like ripe plum, cherry, and red currant, and it has earthy accents alongside the solid oak notes. Delicious now and should age well for the next few years. Wonderful with hearty, cold weather comfort foods. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

Beringer 2000 Alluvium Knights Valley ($30). A very good value, considering the high level of winemaking -- and the smooth, enchanting results! A pretty, aromatic, Merlot-based blend, with velvety blackberry flavors mingling with mocha, mint and a sweet, smoky note. So easy to pair with food -- try it with something like pork tenderloin or rack of lamb! Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 11/04)

Bernardus 1997 Marinus Carmel Valley ($46). Marinus is Bernardus' Bordeaux blend. The 1997 is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), with Merlot (18%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Although I thought this was a tasty wine, I didn't think it came close to justifying the fairly steep price tag. Enjoyable, medium-bodied, and showing ripe fruit and spice, but the finish stopped a bit short. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

Burgess Cellars 1997 Enveiere Napa Valley ($85). This is the first vintage of this red Meritage, and it is a blockbuster success. Concentrated and intense, it shows concentrated black cherry, plum, and berry fruit with plenty of oak and cedar and sophisticated herb flavors. It is outstanding now and should only continue to improve with age. Can cellar easily for 10 years. (Weekend Wine, 02/01)

Byington 1999 Alliage Sonoma County ($21). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Cherry and cassis fruit on a medium-bodied frame, with nutmeg, smoke and herbal notes. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 11/02)

Casa Nuestra

    2000 Meritage Napa Valley St. Helena Estate ($45). Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) blend seamlessly and produce smooth red cherry and plum fruit with milk chocolate, heather and roasted nut accents. Long, supple finish. Very food-friendly. Easy to enjoy now and over the next five or six years. (Winery Spotlight, 04/03)

    1997 Quixote ($23). This is a classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (31%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (9%). And it is delicious. Medium bodied and smooth, featuring cherry, red currant, and chocolate flavors with a pronounced herbal, earthy note. Drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

Clos du Bois 2001 Marlstone Alexander Valley ($39). A rich, complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this California red offers aromatic dark chocolate and leather accents to velvety black cherry and currant fruit. Very good now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 04/05)

deLorimier Winery

    1999 Mosaic Meritage Alexander Valley ($30). Full-bodied and with plenty of tannic backbone, this wine features currant and red cherry fruit, with milk chocolate, herbal notes and toasty oak. Could use a bit more bottle time to smooth out the tannins. Drink from 2004-2008. (Robyn's Picks, 10/02)

    1997 Mosaic Red Meritage Alexander Valley ($28). Founders Al and Sandy deLorimier are committed to the concept that a well-crafted blend is superior to a varietal wine due to the unique contributions of each grape in the blend and the resulting complexities that cannot be found in a varietal wine. This Mosaic is a very good example. It is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, and it is an excellent wine. Concentrated and rich, with a velvety texture, and featuring black cherry and berry fruit with coffee and cola accents, this wine is approachable now and has the potential to age for at least another five years. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)

Dry Creek Vineyard 1999 Meritage Dry Creek Valley ($28). Spicy blackberry bouquet leads to rich red currant, black plum, and cherry fruit with clove and licorice accents. Nicely balanced, rich but still elegant, with a ripe, generous finish. Delicious. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn's Picks, 10/02)

EOS 2001 French Connection Paso Robles ($20). Delicious Meritage blend (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc and 18% Merlot), with medium-bodied ripe red cherry and plum fruit laced with mint and spicy notes. Nice tannic structure and finish. Very enjoyable overall package. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Party Planning, 02/04)

Flora Springs 1999 Trilogy Napa Valley ($60). Deep reddish purple color and appealing spicy cherry bouquet introduce concentrated black cherry and berry flavors that are layered with rich chocolate, smoke and herbal notes. Picks up light vanilla extract on the luxurious finish. Very good now and should age nicely for at least six or seven years. (Robyn's Picks, 10/02)

IO 2000 Santa Barbara County ($60). Concentrated color, bouquet and flavors on a plush, silky frame. Black currant, blueberry, white pepper, tobacco, mineral and a light touch of mint. Nice acidity and a lingering finish. Very good. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Splurge Wine, 04/04)

Joseph Phelps 2000 Insignia Napa Valley ($137). A super splurge! But a beautiful wine, with deep, rich, concentrated blackberry and black cherry fruit layered with creamy chocolate, warm spices, tobacco and a light mineral note. Lush from start to lingering finish. Should age beautifully. Tempting now and over the next ten years. (Splurge Wine, 04/04)

Justin 2001 Justification Paso Robles ($37). Blend of Cabernet Franc (71%) and Merlot (29%) offers smooth black cherry and wild blueberry fruit laced with violet, earth and mint notes. Lovely, smooth and perfumed wine. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)

Norman 1996 No Nonsense Red Paso Robles Claret ($12-$15). A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cab Franc, and you have to like the name! This is really great for drinking now, has a beautiful crimson hue, and a bright fruity taste. I think you'll like it! (Richard.s Picks, 6/99)

Quintessa 2000 Rutherford ($110). Substantial tannic structure holds up equal portions of rich, concentrated blackberry and plum fruit and funky, earthy aromas and flavors. Picks up sweet tobacco and anise accents on the finish. A really big, powerfully structured wine. Drink now (decant first!) and over the next 6-8 years. (Splurge Wine, 04/04)

Robert Craig

    2001 Affinity Napa Valley ($40). Excellent value on a powerful, complex wine. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 20% Merlot and a dash of Cab Franc, this deeply colored wine offers a ripe, fruity bouquet with sweet spice and espresso notes. Flavors feature focused black cherry and berry fruit with layers of tobacco, earth and licorice. Full, lingering finish. Nicely balanced. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Splurge Wine, 04/04)

    1999 Affinity Napa Valley ($48). This is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). It is a beautiful deep red and offers a heady bouquet of spicy plum and sweet black cherry. Concentrated cherry and berry fruit are layered with earthy notes, savory herbs, and subtle caramelized oak. This wine manages to be quite full-bodied and rich, but still elegant. Lush, generous finish. Very good now and over the next four or five years. (Winery Spotlight, 04/02)

Spring Mountain 2001 Elivette Napa Valley ($90). Mostly Cabernet (89%), with Merlot and Petit Verdot making up the balance, this is a rich, powerful wine that offers deeply concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors and aromas layered with spicy, toasty oak throughout along with green olive, espresso and a touch of sage. Absolutely delicious! Ready to drink now and over the next six or seven years. (Weekend Wine, 11/04)

St. Clement

    2001 Oroppas Napa Valley ($50). Full-bodied and structured, with good balance between the rich black plum and berry flavors, waves of warm baking spices, and restrained touches of chocolate, eucalyptus and earth. Complex, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine, 11/04)

    1999 Oroppas Napa Valley ($50). Mind-melting bouquet of rich red cherry, chocolate, and sweet oak notes that repeat on the palate, playing off focused blackberry and black plum fruit, tobacco, and spice. Lingering finish. Huge wine. Wonderful now and over the next five or six years. (Robyn's Picks, 10/02)

St. Supery 1998 Meritage Red Napa Valley ($50). A well-crafted effort in a challenging California vintage. Elegant plum, black cherry and cassis fruit is interwoven with tobacco, mineral, and earthy notes. Nice finish. Medium bodied. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/01)

Stonestreet 1997 Legacy Red Meritage ($60). Wow, this was a fantastic wine. A wine list splurge at Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Houston (although at $125, not a bad deal at all!), it packed a powerful punch, featuring concentrated blackberry and cherry fruit, layers of bittersweet chocolate, cedar, and tobacco, all on a firmly tannic frame. About half Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Delicious now and will continue to evolve beautifully over the next ten years. (Weekend Wine, 02/03)

Viader 2001 Napa Valley ($80). Ripe and jammy, with lush blackberry and blueberry flavors and aromas picking up smoke, bittersweet chocolate and dried herb accents. Finishes with an earthy note. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Splurge Wine, 04/04)

White Oak Vineyards 1997 Myers Limited Red Reserve Sonoma County ($32). This is from a small yielding winery in California. This particular red Meritage (50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Cabernet Franc) is a very deep ruby red with delicious cherry and licorice flavors, and a slight earthiness on the palate. The finish was what I enjoyed the most about the wine -- it is very elegant and drinkable now. (Richard's Picks, 04/00)