2008 Stanford Wine Program Selections

I used to think the Alumni office was all secret society-ish about their wine program offerings to SAA members-only. Apparently they've opened it up to the web-surfing public. Read about the selections here. The online prices are valid for CA, NM, and IA customers, but other out-of-state folks have different pricing and have to order through a special list of partner retailers - this list is not available online and is still secret society-ish.

More Stanford wine without the Stanford label.

I totally was into the story of the dudes at Vinum Cellars when the Stanford Alumni Wine Program announced last year's selections. Richard Bruno and Chris Condos both headed to UC Davis to study Viticulture & Enology. Lucky for us, they began Vinum and brought forth into the world some phantasmic wines.

Last year, Stanford panel awarded Vinum Cellars' 2005 Red Dirt Red with it's highest honor and made it available to lucky Stanford folk under the name 2005 Cardinal Cuvée (sounds like coo-vay?). At some point I should learn what folks javascript:void(0)
Publish Post mean when they describe it as a Rhône-style or Châteauneuf-style wine. I can't find the tasting notes from the panel and Mr. Bruno, but the praise was high and the advice was to keep it as a collector wine. Well, I don't know if all my bottles will make it to the 5-7 year mark, but the bottles we've had so far are amazing. $30/bottle

I went so far as to contact the winery and join their wine club. They actually ship to Massachusetts!!!

Here's a snippet from my WineBeagles tasting note.

"bold. a drier red with lotsa cherry going on. the tannins greet your first sip with a swift, but enjoyable, punch on the kisser... uber hip label and cork design, too. "

A Stanford wine without the Stanford label...

Many my workmates asked were one could buy the Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon that was featured as a 2007 Stanford Wine Program selection without having to trek to California. [A bonus to working with me is that I share Stanford wine from time to time].

Why did it stand out so much? It's a nice medium-bodied red with lots of solid berry flavor and just a slight amount of spice. The finish is just right and lingers just long enough to remind you that you need another sip.

I emailed the winery and they forwarded the list of stores below. It retails in the "real world" under the name: 2004 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon Three Vineyards*. You can buy directly from the winery or find it at a good number of places with the Google Product Search.

Leave a comment if you have a chance to try it!


Boston/Metro West Retailers

Albert Winestein 84 Fairmont (Hyde Park) [20% off on a case!]

Brighton Beverage 1650 Soldiers Field Rd (Brighton)

Brookline Liquor Mart 1354 Commonwealth Ave (Allston)

Gomes Liquors 58 Ashby State Rd (Fitchburg)

Hyders Mediterranean Market 408 Pleasant St (Worcester)

Macy’s 1826 Centre St (West Roxbury)

Plaza Liquor Mart 761 Providence Hwy (Dedham)

Port wine & Spirits 25 Storey Ave (Newburyport)

University Wine & Spirits 323A Boston Ave (Medford)

Water Street Wine & Spirits 1 Nicholas Rd (Framingham)

Wine Cask Cellars 100 Powdermill Rd (Acton)

*Under the Stanford label it was called 2004 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon