Top 12 of 2012

Bacchus & Venus Top 12 of 2012

2012 was quite a year at Bacchus & Venus. We did tastings for Google, hosted incredibly festive parties, saw many old friends and, met many new ones, as well. And as an end-of-the-year celebration, we put together a list of our 12 top-sellers and most exciting wines of the last year. 

These wines tend to be very fruit-forward and easy to drink. Take, for instance, the Four Sons Fraternity from the Baldacci Family. This heavy-hitting Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot Blend is made by Rolando Herrera, one of our favorite winemakers. (He even came here to toast one of our local customers for her birthday back in March.)

"The Offering" has a following like no-other. A Rhone-style blend made by Curt Schalchlin from Santa Barbara, this wine is uniquely crafted and extraordinarily delicious. There is an annual waiting-list for this wine at Bacchus & Venus and consistently sells out. Expect to see it on our Tops list of 2013. 

It should be no surprise to see the Westerhold Bennett Valley Syrah make the cut this year. We tend to be winemaker fanatics here. When we see the name "Russell Bevan" on a wine, you know it is going to be a beautiful, French-oaked, rockstar-in-a-glass. Russell makes this wine for his neighbor and friend John Westerhold. It is everything you want on a cold night by the fire or when you're out on a hot date. 

Who doesn't love blends? Our customers are wild and crazy about them. On our list you'll find a variety of them: Bordeaux blends, Rhone-style blends and adventurous red blends. Adventurous is the key word. Who says you can't blend Zinfandel with Syrah, Petite Sirah and Malbec. If you're feeling adventurous, go for the Atrea "Old Soul" Red — one of the best red wines we've seen all year from Mendocino.

If you prefer light and easy to drink, Deb Mayo's 2009 Burgundian-style Pinot Noir will be right up your alley. Deb is a one-woman-wonder. She does all of the vineyard work, winemaking and distribution herself. Deb's Pinot Noir is as lovely as the woman herself. Pop on in here on any random weekday and chances are you'll catch her bringing us her amazing banana nut muffins and chocolate chip cookies.



They can all be yours—2012 in a case. A very, very delicious case. 

Blankiet "Prince Of Hearts"Bordeaux Blend 2009  A classy, refined wine graced with exquisite finesse of red berries, flowers, liquorice and sweet spices.	Four Sons Fraternity Cabernet Blend 2009 Aromas of black cherry, cassis and crushed herbs are an amazing introduction to the mouth-watering flavors of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate.	Fisticuffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2010  A full bodied Napa Cabernet with a lingering finish of black cherry, baking spices, and vanilla.  A superb value.

Westerhold Bennet Valley Syrah 2008  The seductive flavors of dark fruit and roasted meats with just a subtle hint of anise lead to a round, long finish in this wine made by Wine Spectator featured Winemaker Russell Bevan.  Adelaida "Keeper" Paso Robles Rhône Blend 2009 The Keeper busts with bright cherry and blackberry flavors that lead into a finish of coffee and Mediterranean herbs. "The Offering" by Sans Liege Rhône Blend 2009   With curried mix-berry cobbler, turmeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper on the palate, this wine captures the imagination and challenges expectations.

Hill Family Beau Terre Vineyard Merlot 2009    A rich, explosive style Merlot with layers of currant, blackberry and wild berry all woven together with mouth-watering savory flavors. Atrea "Old Soul Red" Mendocino Zinfandel Blend 2007  Jammy raspberry and blackberry fruit followed by a hint of sandalwood and anise- this organic wine is ready to drink now. Pezzi King Old Vine Dry Creek Zinfandel 2010 Lush flavors of ripe cherry, violets, and candied cranberries layered on top of spicy pepper are harmonized with velvet tannins that dance on to the finish.

Petite Abeille Russian River Pinot Noir 2009 Filled with bright red cherry, rose tips and spice, this light-bodied Pinot will make you long for more.	L'Objet Noir Reserve Cuvée Pinot Noir 2009 Dark cherry and plum with undertones of mushroom and clove ease your palate into a smooth, vibrant finish.	Mi Sueño Pugash Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2008  Rich, voluptuous and velvety with loads of citrus, creamy vanilla and toasty flavors.