WINE ALERT – All Customers
VINO! – Spokane’s Fine Wine Authority
Date: May 8, 2012

Here are two examples of very fine wines from specific sites in the Sonoma Valley, crafted according to the winemaker’s preference. Even though winemaker Cory Beck is responsible for many other wines that have to meet with “committee approval,” the Director’s Cut wines are his own baby.  Just below the topmost Reserve Wines Series from Francis Ford Coppola’s winery the “Director’s Cut” level is described on their website in filmmaking terms.  In the film business, when the final version of a film released by the studio differs from what the director intended, the director’s own re-edited version is called the Director’s Cut. In the same way, “the Director’s Cut wines showcase our winemaker’s vision of what Sonoma’s premier sub-appellations can bring out in varietals most suited for the region.” Initially suspicious of celebrity-type wines being something a bit less than top-quality, we were delighted to discover very evocative and characterful wines throughout their portfolio. In particular we enjoyed the 2007 Director’s Cut Zinfandel ($21.95 / cc 18.66) for capturing a dramatic expression of Zin’s brambly, juicy nature without going all jammy. Their 90 point 2009 Director’s Cut Russian River Chardonnay ($19.50 / cc 16.58) furnishes star impact with its silky texture and exotic fruit richness. These are both impressive examples of what the long, Pacific Ocean-influenced growing seasons of Sonoma Valley regions are known for: producing rich, deeply flavorful wines that are crisp, fruity, and very balanced through the finish. Stellar examples at reasonable prices! Enjoy.

May we suggest:
A 2-pack with 1 of each – only $41.45 | cc 35.23
A 6-pack with 3 of each – only $118.13 | cc 105.70
Mixed case with 6 of each – only $223.83 | cc 211.40
(TO ORDER: simply reply to this message with your request)
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1. Coppola Director’s Cut Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA

One Bottle $21.95 | cc 18.66 (cc = 15% discount*)
5% Six Bottles $125.12 | cc 111.95
10% 12 Bottles $237.06 | cc 223.89

Vino! Notes:  With a dose of 7% Petite Sirah (the winemaker’s favorite grape) this blend of 93% Zinfandelhas really come into its own over the last year in the bottle.  Aromas of spice, lite bramble, tootsie rolland earth suggest the complexity to come. Forward flavors weave together imparting deep black raspberry, dried herbs, and black pepper with a lively buoyancy, finishing with great fruit and lightly dusty tannins.
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2. Coppola Director’s Cut Chardonnay 2009
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA         90 Points Wine & Spirits
One Bottle $19.50 | cc 16.58 (cc = 15% discount*)
5% Six Bottles $111.15 | cc 99.45
10% 12 Bottles $210.60 | cc 198.90

Vino! Notes:  Tropical scents of papaya intermingle with a toasty, nutty fragrance imparted from 50% new French oak barrels. Richly textured and viscous tropical flavors display suggestions of pineapple upside down cake with notes of banana and mango. Its long smooth finish arrives with a crispness reminiscent of green apple skin.  It’s a lip-smacker!

Wine & Spirits gave 90 points: “Juicy peach and peach fuzz refreshment—this is saturated with floral fruitrichness. The structure is a little blunt, but the orchard fruit carries it. Ready to chill for brunch with poached salmon.”