Special Report

http://www.mountaukum.com

After the Mount Aukum’s 2005 Petite Sirah Reserve took Platinum honors at the first annual Sommelier Challenge last September WiseGuy made it a point to visit and check out the other wines from this relatively new player in the Sierra foothills area. A spectacular view of the foothills greeted me at the tasting room, where I found some very good wines. Mike Ellertson took me through the line up.

2007 “4 of a Kind” 42% Grenache Blanc, 24% Viognier, 20% Marsanne, 14% Roussanne

This white Rhone styled blend shows a nose of lemongrass, lime rind, stonefruit and apple. The palate delivers those elements and adds soft oak and touches of tropical and nutty notes. The finish is long and crisp with citrus tones coming forward. Bright acidity and a light palate feel. Very food friendly.

14% alcohol. 171 cases produced. SRP 28.00.

2006 BDX, El Dorado

This wine contains 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlt, 14% Malbec and 14% Cabernet Franc. The nose brings black cherry, vanilla, allspice and some light dried herbs. The palate shows forward cherry and herbs with light cassis, allspice and sweet oak tones with a long finish. A bold style.

14.9% alcohol. 335 cases produced. SRP 28.00.

2007 Zinfandel, El Dorado

Here’s a classic foothills fruit bomb Zin - a huge black raspberry jam nose with bright cinnamon is followed by a palate of same with sweet oak rounding things out. If you’re a fan of this style, you’ll love this wine. Get the stilton!

15.6% alcohol. 632 cases produced. SRP 26.00.

2006 Petite Sirah, Fair Play

This is a Petite to lay down for a while. The nose is showing blackfruit and black pepper. The palate has very bold black pepper with medium charred oak toastiness and spicy berries. It’s pretty tight right now but will definitely reward 5 - 10 years in the cellar.

14.6% alcohol. 378 cases produced. SRP 26.00.

2005 Petite Sirah Reserve, Fair Play

This is great Petite Sirah. The nose shows big blackfruits pepper, cinnamon and spiced plum. Solid acidity hold up the translation of aromas into flavors, adding nice citrus notes and a touch of raisin for complexity. It’s quite approachable now, and there’s a long life ahead for this one!

15.3% alcohol. 167 cases produced. SRP 35.00

Mount Aukum also makes single varietal Rhone style wines, both red and white, and a nice ruby style port they call “Ace of Hearts.” Stop by and drink in the wines and the fabulous view - you won’t be disappointed!