The Summers wines came blowin' in

by Darryl Beeson

Boasting some 25 acres of vineyards in the Napa Valley and 28 acres in Knights Valley, Jim and Beth Summers have methodically launched their namesake Summers Estate Wines. Though not coming exactly from an agricultural background, Jim brings passion to the creation of great wine. Ignacio Blancas, the talented wine maker, brings alot to the table.

It seems natuaral to begin with the Summers Alexander Valley “LeNude” Chardonnay ($24.00), slick and well crafted. The 2007 LeNude Chardonnay is produced from grapes in the Alexander Valley. This un-oaked Chardonnay was fermented and aged "sur lie" (extended contact with the decaying yeast cells) for eight months in pristine stainless steel tanks. Simplicity is the key. The wine offers aromas of ripe pineapple, lemongrass and floral nuances of honeysuckle in the nose. In the sip, this massive Chardonnay delivers more flavors of fresh tropical fruit and floral, with crisp acidity. The finish is long and works well with fine foods, or simply as an aperitif.

For more traditional tastes, ot for the Summers Alexander Valley Chardonnay ($26.00) produced from grapes grown again in the important Alexander Valley, roughly bordered bythe classicc and cooler Russian River Valley and the renowned Chalk Hill appellation.  The wine was fermented and aged again "sur lie" for complexity and in French oak. There are charming nuances tree fruit, perhaps that of pear and apple, and flavors of brigt citrus, subtle brown spice followed by tropical hints

What sets Summers apart from other high quality wine producers is that the hang their, so to speak, upon a lesser understood and lesser respected grape. Their 2006 Estate Charbono ($28.00) is packed with brilliant, ripe fruit flavors and is a perfect red for most any food pairing. Estate-grown on their Villa Andriana Vineyard in Calistoga, the site is blessed with deep, loamy, volcanic soil. Some say that the Charbono varietal is similar to Dolcetto, and is thought to have originated in southeastern France or northwestern Italy. Less than 100 acres of Charbono are planted in California, and the rare grape thrives in the northern end of the Napa Valley. This refreshing red is aged in American oak barrels.

The Summers Knights Valley Reserve Merlot ($30.00) should change opinions of those still thinking that Merlots are a soft-weight red wine.

Being a small-production from avineyard set among majestic oaks and a small lake, the site was originally planted some 30 years ago by the Merlot king, Dan Duckhorn. This 2005 vintage represents perfection in this fleshy grape.

The Summers Estate Zinfandel ($34.00) comes from 40-year-old vines that reportedly have consistently produced premium wine. "The volcanic soils and hot weather of northern Calistoga contribute to the exquisite, dark, rich and full-bodied Zinfandel fruit," boatss Jim Summers. Once again, the Villa Andriana Vineyard may be the secret. The sip is fruit forward, with spiced oak nuances, balanced tannins and a long, complex finish containting black fruit and soft, brown spice.

The Summers Andriana’s Cuvée ($25.00) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from three precise vineyards in northern Napa, including Summers’ own Villa Andriana Vineyard. Unique microclimates combine, resulting in a concentrated and complex Cabernet. Barrel aging with judicious use of new oak make this a wine that can be enjoyed young. There are firm elements of tannin well within balance to the luscious and complex fruit.

Summers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($46.00) comes from, once again, the Villa Andriana vineyard in the deep, loamy, volcanic soils. The 2004 vintage captures powerful Cabernet Sauvignon character. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 21 months, resulting French vanilla notes. The sip shows rich black cherry and cassis flavors, with well-balanced textures and tannins.

Learn more at  www.summersestatewines.com.

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine and food finds. He is an instructor for The International Sommelier Guild at www.internationalsommelier.com.