International Fine Wine Merchants and Independent Wine Consultants
Wine information Dream Vintage Exclusivities
Please visit the links to each winery for more detailed information!
Merry Edwards Wines
Over the course of a 25-year career, Merry Edwards has made wine for some of California 's top wineries including Liparita, Matanzas Creek, Whitehall Lane and many others. Her particular focus, though, has been Russian River Pinot Noir. Merry Edwards established her own winery in 1997 and suddenly found herself given an entirely new sphere of influence: Herself. “To be able to improve things from the ground up, that is what I work for now,” she says, speaking of her own patch of ground—her first. Meredith Vineyard, in the Petaluma Gap just south of the Russian River, is finally bearing fruit, as is the Russian River Valley plot named for her husband, Ken Coopersmith.
Meredith Estate: Located in the Sonoma Coast appellation, on the southern border of the Russian River Valley , Meredith Estate is planted on a southeast facing hillside. In 1996 Merry Edwards purchased the 24-acre site, then an abandoned fruit orchard. Under her direction, arborists removed and transplanted 38 mature oak trees in preparation for planting Pinot Noir green grafts in June, 1998 .
Recent Awards & Accolades:
• For the third consecutive year, Wine & Spirits Magazine named Merry Edwards Wines an Artisan Winery of the Year in their 2005 Buying Guide.
• Wine & Spirits Magazine named Merry Edwards Wines an Artisan Winery of the Year in the 2003 Buying Guide! Pa
trick Comiskey writes: "Pour one of Edwards' wines into the glass, and you're tempted to wonder, is this textbook Russian River , or is this textbook Merry Edwards? And is there even a difference?"
• Merry Edwards Russian River and Olivet Lane Pinot Noirs ranked number 2 "Most popular Pinot Noirs" in a national poll conducted by Wine & Spirits Magazine. "Pinot arouses the passions of sommeliers like no other grape," says the report. -
Wine & Spirits Annual Restaurant Poll, April 2002.
• Frank Prial, the esteemed wine critic of The New York Times , devoted an entire column to Merry Edwards as “The Itinerant Wizard of Sonoma Pinot Noir”. "Over the years, I've derived a lot of pleasure from wines made by Merry Edwards. …… She radiates the energy and the excitement found only in someone who truly loves what she is doing." - January 30, 2002
• Fortune Magazine's August issue profiles Merry Edwards.
“Breaking the Wineglass Ceiling” by Eryn Brown, cites Merry as a leader in the highly prized, limited production category of the wine market. Ms. Brown profiles Merry as an experienced hands-on viticulturist and seasoned winemaker.
• 2002 Sonoma Coast Meredith Estate Pinot Noir: 93 Points by Wine & Spirits Magazine
• 2001 Russian River Valley Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir: 93 Points by Wine & Spirits Magazine
• Wine & Dine Magazine, Singapore, January 2006: (Click to read)
Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2003 Russian River Valley: “Fresh nose intermixed with strawberries, red cherries and plum. Soft, dense and ripe red fruits on the palate with a clean fresh finish. Weighty and delicious”. 3 1/5 Stars out of 5.
• Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane 2003 Russian River Valley: 94 Points in theWine & Spirits' recent The Year's Best Issue
• Wine & Spirits' Seventeenth Annual Restaurant Poll, April 2006: (Click to read)Restaurant Top 50 Wines in the U.S.: Merry Edwards Wines are #16
Restaurant Most Popular Pinot Noirs in the U.S.: Merry Edwards is the #1 brand!
• 2003 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Klopp Ranch: 95 Points by the Wine Spectator
Kent Rasmussen Winery / Ramsey, Carneros
The Kent Rasmussen Winery is a small family winery with 14 acres of Pinot Noir. The Rasmussen family has proudly supplied grapes to Robert Mondavi Winery for their Reserve Pinot Noir for over twenty years, until 1997.
Kent Rasmussen began making wine as a home winemaker in 1979. His passion for this hobby, as well as the praise received from his wine-making neighbors in the Napa Valley, inspired Kent to pursue a degree in Enology at U.C. Davis. Kent worked as an assistant winemaker for Robert Mondavi Winery and Domaine Chandon for several years, but also spent one harvest in South Africa.
Kent opened his winery at the family vineyard in the Carneros in 1986. From his first 
release, Kent's wines have been highly praised by the press, trade, wine professionals and consumers. He uses minimal amounts of SO2, does not like to filter his wines and uses wild/natural yeasts whenever possible.
Starting in 1989, Kent and his wife Celia launched a second brand, Ramsay, which was originally intended to focus on some "less-than-usual" varietal wines. But as time passed, the Ramsay brand has taken on an entirely different identity, that of a true "Second Label".
Recent Awards & Accolades:
- Kent Rasmussen Cabernet Sauvignon 2000: 89 Points & "Highly Recommended" by the Beverage Testing Institute of Chicago
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Schug Winery, Carneros, Sonoma
Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California 's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970's where he created California 's first Bordeaux-style blend (Insignia) and the first varietal Syrah in the United States . As it was decided in 1980 that the Phelps Pinot Noir would be discontinued, Walter left to pursue his own vision for this increasingly popular grape variety.
The Schug wines are a reflection of many decades of Schug family involvement in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California . Very French in character, as much as one-third of their wines is sold in Europe.
Schug Carneros Estate is based in the Carneros region, south of the town of Sonoma . Appellations are Carneros, Sonoma Coast or Sonoma Valley depending on the wine.
Last year, Walter Schug celebrated his 50 th vintage as a winemaker!
Not available for Japan and the Philippines, nor for all Cruise Lines.
Recent Awards & Accolades:
- Schug Pinot Noir 2002 Carneros: Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Schug Merlot 2001 Sonoma Valley: Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2001 Carneros: Double Gold and Best of Class at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition AND 92 Points by the Wine Enthusiast
- Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2002 Carneros: Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir 1998 Carneros: 93 Points by the Wine Enthusiast AND Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair
- Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Carneros: 91 Points by the Wine Spectator
- #1-rated American Chardonnay 3 times at the Chardonnay du Monde Competition in Burgundy
Sawkar Family Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain
Sawkar Family wines are made from grapes grown on a small Sonoma Mountain hillside estate. The total production is 1,700 cases of wine. This year for the first time, a Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using grapes sourced from a Stags Leap District Hillside Vineyard.
Sawkar Family Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Raghu Sawkar, M.D., whose life-long passion for fine wine led him to the earnest art of wine making. His wines are currently poured in high-end establishments such as Amber India in San Jose & Mountainview and Napa Silverado Country Club in Napa .
- Sawkar Family Vineyards Merlot Reserve 2003: 90 Points by the Wine Enthusiast
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Sawkar Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003: 88 Points by the Wine Enthusiast
Renaissance Vineyard & Winery, Sierra Foothills
Renaissance is a beautiful mountain vineyard in the Northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Inspired by the famous vineyards of Europe, the vines climb dramatically contoured terraces to form an immense green amphitheater.
At 2,300 feet elevation, with clear views of the snow-covered peaks of the Northern Sierra Nevada, Renaissance is one of the largest mountain vineyard estates in North America.
The climate is ideal; above the fog and below the snow. Hot days are followed by nights cooled by currents drifting down from the High Sierra. All grapes are organically grown and all the wines are all estate-bottled.
"Renaissance is California's best-kept Cabernet secret". Matt Kramer, the Wine Spectator
"If there is a more remarkable vineyard in California, I did not see it. Those who have visited the Douro in Portugal or gazed upon the hill of Hermitage in the Rhone Valley will understand the impact Renaissance has on the first-time visitor". James Halliday Wine Atlas of California
365 acres of steep, terraced slopes, unique microclimates and a European wine making style produce wines of such “individuality and finesse that they are the very expression of terroir.”
- Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine
"Renaissance makes some of California's finest cabernets, bar none."
- Matt Kramer, The New York Sun, 6/1/05
Not available for Japan
Current Releases:
Recent Awards & Accolades:
See the Winery Website for a full list of all 219 awards and medals
Roshambo is California slang for the hand game “Rock-Paper-Scissors”, known as Jan Ken in Japan .
The name sums up both the Californian roots and the Japanese heritage of the third generation winery owners, Naomi and Tod Brilliant.
Located in Sonoma County , the vineyard is comprised of 175 contiguous acres that straddle both the Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley appellations. With varietals planted to suit the unique characteristics and microclimates of each appellation, the vineyard provides superior quality fruit to wineries such as Chateau St. Jean, Rabbit Ridge and Artesa. These varietals include Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
As a separate range, the winery also offers: Rock-Paper-Scissors wines in Chardonnay and Merlot.
Recent Awards & Accolades:
Wine & Spirits names Roshambo one of the Top 100 Wineries!
• 2002 Dry Creek Valley The Reverend Zinfandel: 94 Points by Wine & Spirits Magazine
Schweiger Vineyards, Napa Valley
High atop Spring Mountain, overlooking the beautiful Napa Valley is a small, unique microclimate, located at an elevation of 2,000 feet (above the fog line), featuring rich volcanic soils that are particularly favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon. The first Schweiger vines were planted in 1981, and for the first 10 years, the Schweigers sold their fruit to Joe Cafaro, ZD, Newton and Stags Leap Winery. In 1994, Schweiger Vineyards became a bonded winery and the family began bottling wine under their own label.
Today, the Schweiger family uses 100% estate grown fruit and Schweiger Vineyard wines are crafted by Andrew Schweiger. Like many true family wineries in California, the Schweiger family has a rich multi-generation history on Spring Mountain and within the Napa wine community. With new wine making facilities completed in 2002, Schweiger Vineyards makes wines that are richly flavorful with the ripe and distinct complexity of Spring Mountain including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port in limited quantities.
Gold Medal for 2003 Chardonnay
Washington Post: Top reds don't come cheap from any of the Napa's districts, and Spring Mountain is certainly no exception, because yields are low and vineyard work is tough on high-altitude slopes. However, the best Spring Mountain reds are stunningly delicious:” Highly Recommended 2000 Schweiger Vineyards Dedication: Dark and concentrated, with deep, intense flavors.
Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, Temecula, CA
While Wilson Creek makes many wonderful wines, the winery has become best know for its Almond "Champagne". This gold medal-winning "Champagne" is also referred to as the "OH MY GOSH" Champagne, as it is typically the reaction when wine enthusiasts try it at Wilson Creek Winery for their very first time. This white sparkling wine is naturally fermented, with just a hint of pure almond added to guarantee to dazzle your taste buds. Wilson Creek (and Temecula in general) is raising eyebrows with numerous recent medals, as well as regional and national accolades.
"Decadencia" Chocolate Port: Gold medal-winner, Chairman's Award. Zinfandel port (100-year old vines) with a touch of Essence of Chocolate. Indulge yourself with a Port that will surprise you by its flavor, yet relax you with its smoothness. An astonishing 81-year old vine Zinfandel, made into a dynamic Port with a touch of Essence of Chocolate to create an even more delectable pleasure.
Recent Awards & Accolades:
Gold Medal & Best of Class, Rated 95 at California State Fair
"Romantic and enticing, the well-balanced, slightly sweet Wilson Creek Almond Champagne offers a delicious match with light desserts". Beverages & More Retail Chain
Download Wilson Creek pdf sheet
Galante Vineyards, Carmel Valley , CA
At Galante Vineyards, the philosophy is simple: grow the finest grapes possible and let the fruit express itself in the wine. Since all of the grapes are estate grown, each bottle of wine produced embodies the characteristics of the unique region, exhibiting the natural flavors that are born from the land.
The Galante Family has a long history in the Monterey area. Owner Jack Galante's great grandfather, J.F. Devendorf, was the founder of the town of Carmel . Today, Galante is recognized as one of the premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Monterey County and all of California .
Galante produces very limited quantities of Estate Bottled 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from two single vineyards, Red Rose Hill and Blackjack Pasture. The Rancho Galante is a blend of Cabernet grapes from several of their other vineyard parcels. In addition, Galante produces very limited quantities of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the extreme daily temperature variations in Cachagua (upper Carmel Valley), the growing season is very long with harvest normally occurring in mid-October. This long "hang time" causes the grapes to ripen slowly, intensifying their rich berry flavors.
Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains
What began as a pastime is today the Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyard, one of the San Francisco Peninsula's most respected wineries. Thomas Fogarty planted his first grapes in 1978 and in 1981 established a commercial winery in the historic grape growing region of the Santa Cruz Mountains . The long, cool growing season and excellent sun exposure provide an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese grape varieties. Fogarty also produces an excellent dry style Gewurztraminer with Monterey county grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes from both Napa Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains .
It is Dr. Fogarty's commitment to producing the highest quality wines which maximizes the benefits of the unique soil and climate in this mountain region, through small quantities that can be truly handcrafted.
Pinot Noir has the most difficult job of any wine varietal in maintaining a yin-yang balance between subtlety and finesse. One aspires not to overwhelm, but rather, to seduce. The 2001 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot enraptures our strongest sense, the nose, with a rich invitation to savory red fruits.
Monterey Gewürztraminer - This new Gewürztraminer proves the point in bold, flashy flavors, tangy, tongue-loving spiciness and over and above it all, a feast of fruit for the nose.
Not available for Japan and Taiwan
Greenwood Ridge Vineyards is named for the coastal Mendocino County ridge top where the grapes are grown. From eight acres planted in 1972, the vineyard overlooking Anderson Valley has expanded to 16 acres, four each of White Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. At 1,400 feet above sea level in the Mendocino Ridge appellation, the rolling ridge top property is above the fog and frost, meaning that grapes reach full maturity at the end of the ideal, long growing season.