Jack's Cellar

Boasts very good affordable wines from several
California growing regions, especially Monterey County.
 

Lagniappe. . .or
A Little Sumpn' Sumpn' at the End

What follows is just a little extra information about
some of the wines that you might find interesting or helpful.

Sparkling Wines

Neibum Coppola "Sophia" Sparkling Wine, Napa
Tasting notes on the bottle of Sophia include rich pear, honeysuckle and exotic passion fruit aromas with crisp apple, ripe melon and juicy tangerine with notes of bright lemon and honey on the finish. It is delicious with bread and cheese or any appetizer or dessert.The winery is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, award winning director and producer of such films as "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and "Dracula."

Scharffenberger Brut Premium Sparkling Wine, Mendocino County
The wine is two-thirds Pinot Noir which produces red fruit (cherry and plum) forward nose combined with one third Chardonnay which adds the tropical expression of litchi nut and mango. The 100% malolactic fermentation (undertaken by certain bacteria to convert grape acids) adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full bodied wine. After approximately two years on the yeast lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of this wine. Finally, after several months on the cork the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors.
You cannot go wrong with Scharffenberger Brut while dining.
Jack London's "La Peep Gruyere" (stuffed chicken breast) comes to mind as
a wonderful meal to pair with this distinctive sparkling wine.

Red Wines

Murphy-Goode "Liars Dice" Zinfandel 2002, Sonoma
The late Tim Murphy was the architect of the Murphy-Goode Zinfandel program in a plan conceived over 20 years of breakfasts and "liars dice" games at Mickey's Cafe in Geysersville. Tim's circle of friends at these early morning meetings are some of the finest Zin growers in Sonoma County and are now the fruit source for Liars Dice Zinfandel. Dense black cherry, raspberry jam, and currant notes are brought together with sweet vanilla oak. This wine is especially well paired with Jack London's smoked Baby Back Ribs or a bowl of Louisiana Gumbo. Kit Fox

"Foxy" Red 2003, Stanislaus County
A blending of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah makes up this sumptuous wine with an exquisite bouquet of homemade cherry pie and dried cranberry. On the palate there are vibrant flavors of fresh raspberry and silky blueberry that balance perfectly with smooth velvety oak nuances and round tannins.
The winemaker ranked these of our menu items to be best enhanced while drinking "Foxy" Red.
Dinner
1) Grilled New York Strip
2) Rack of Lamb/Prime Rib (tie)
3) Smoked Brisket
Lunch
1) Wild Burger
2) Pig Sammich
3) New York Steak Sandwich
Appetizers
1) Sauteed Lamb Chops
2) Pepperoni Pizza

Ventana Syrah, 2003
Syrah, when grown in a cool growing region such as Arroyo Seco, shows unique black-pepper qualities that can be lost in warmer regions. The Ventana Syrah shows a bright ruby-purple color. The bouquet is lively with fresh cracked black pepper and black cherry. On the palate, the wine is lush and full with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and smoke.
Try with Smoked Brisket or Cajun Stuffed Pork Chop from Jack Londons menu

Qupe' Syrah 2004, Central Coast
This wine is 96% Syrah and 4% Grenache. It is a blend of 14 different vineyards: 55% from Santa Barbara County; 43% from Paso Robles; and 2% from Arroyo Grande Valley. The largest vineyard components in order are: Bien Nacido-Santa Maria; Lonesome Oak and French Camp-Paso Robles; Chalbot-Santa Barbara County near Los Alamos; and Vogelzang-Santa Ynez Valley. This is a racy, spicy wine that is fruit forward in character. Qupe Syrah 2004 pairs favorably with roasted meats with garlic and herbs (Jack London's Rolfe's Rack of Lamb, Lamb Chop appetizer or Cajun Stuffed Pork Chop).

Seven Deadly Zins 2003, Lodi
A sinful blend indeed! This flagship Zinfandel was the devise of the two Phillips brothers in their search for a blended Zin so captivating that no one could refuse. With consistency in mind, the brothers decided to blend the fruit of Lodi's finest growers to fill the bottles of Michael-David's new fangled wine. Seven vineyards were chosen for their superiority. The brothers quickly related the seven deadly sins from their Catholic school upbringing to the seven Old Vine Zinfandels blended in their wine. A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast evoke the senses of carefree, youthful nights. You will need a trip to the confessional when you share a bottle of this wine while consuming a slab of Jack Londons St. Louis Pork Ribs.

HRM Rex Goliath Merlot
This Merlot is soft, supple and complex. There is a certain elegance that fits the vision of the perfect Merlot: Pretty and seductive with a decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar. Very ripe and round, almost like a jolly rancher candy. Mouth filling flavors of plum, cherries and wild red berries dominate from start to finish. Try the Rex Goliath Merlot with the Steak Frites from Jack Londons Grill Room.

Blackstone Merlot 2003
The 2003 Merlot perfectly demonstrates the "Blackstone style"- rich fruit aromas, elegance, supple oak characters and soft tannins. The wine is with lifted dark cherry and berry aromas with a touch of spicy clove. The palate is supple and well integrated with flavors of cherry and spice. It provides a soft, lingering finish. Blackstone Merlot will pair nicely with Rolfe's Rack of Lamb or the famous "Wild Burger" at Jack London's.

Peachy Canyon Incredible Red Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Winemaker Josh Beckett displays a 100 mph fastball with this 100% Zinfandel wine merging grapes from select Paso Robles area vineyards. The soils on the east side of the Salinas River consist of clay, gravel and sand which results in a wine that is fresh and bright with hints of strawberries, light raspberries and blueberries. Light oak and dried herbs are complemented by supple spice.
Consider the Incredible Red with your Smoked Brisket Po' Boy for a special lunch at Jack Londons.

Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 41 2004
This represents one of the best wine bargains in California. A blend of primarily Syrah (70%), with small amounts of Grenache, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan, it offers jammy blackberry and cherry notes intermixed with hints of Provencal herbs, pepper, and spice box. There is plenty of substance and flavor in this delicious, easy-going, medium to full bodied red. While not complex, this terrific value is a savory, pleasure filled offering to enjoy over the next 2-3 years.
You may confidently order this wine with any of the BBQ dishes at Jack Londons.

Talbott “Kali Hart” Pinot Noir 2004
Kali Hart is a stand alone "winery within a winery" named after Robert S. and Cynthia Talbott's youngest daughter Kalin Hart Talbott. The wine portrays the youthful, vibrant and casual characteristics of its namesake. The fruit is sourced from distinct, young new clone plantings in the River Road and Sleepy Hollow Vineyards, located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The clones planted in these blocks are Pommard and Dijon plantings on various strains of disease and pest-resistant, shy-bearing rootstock. The 2004 Kali Hart is an inky-deep ruby in color with great clarity. The nose shows tart cherry, ripe plum, fresh strawberry, and floral notes framed by nuances of oak and cedar. It is fruit driven, true to its previous vintages. Concentrated on the mid-palate, the wine displays blackberry, loganberry, and dried cherry flavors on the palate, accented by coffee and smoke notes.
In the finnish, strawberry and framboise character linger, along with a balanced presence of tannin and acid with a touch of sweet French Oak.

Chalone 2003 Pinot Noir
Bright and alive in the nose with a nice line of youthful cherryish fruit that carries through
to it's clean, mildly spiced flavors, this medium bodied opus is drawn along slightly leaner lines
and is fit with fairly pert acids. Its modest tannins do not speak of the need for additional age,
but its bias to firmness will lessen with another two or three years of time. It will be right at home
with all manner of dishes from the fleshy fish in savory preparations to grilled steaks and chops.

Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2004
The wine bursts with the aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and earth,
with a rich, lingering mouthfeel. A versatile wine, this pinot noir compliments meals of
salmon, lamb, poultry and grilled vegetables.

Pessagno "Gary's Vineyard" 2002 Pinot Noir
Located in the Santa Lucia appellation of Monterey County, Gary's Vineyard
is a joint collaboration of grape growers Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni.
Planted to the famous "Pisoni" clone of Pinot Noir, with origins from La Teche, Burgandy,
this highly regarded clone has captured national attention for its superior quality and
expression of flavor. This complex, elegant wine portrays deep concentrated aromas,
ripe fruit, spice, and a hint of smoke. The full, lush mouth feel follows layered flavors of
dark cherry and vanilla, reflecting the depth of fruit and lavish use of oak. Beautifully balanced,
this wine offers superb body, rich texture and a long lingering finish. Pair with grilled meats.

Joullian 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rich, robust, elegant, and concentrated, this is a claret lover's wine with amplified fruit
and bouquet. Note that the new barrels (30%) add spice, not wood flavor.
3 year air-dried stavewood makes the difference!
Enjoy the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon(85%), Merlot(8%) and Cabernet Franc(7%)
now or after 10 years of bottle age. The wine will always remain balanced, fruity,
and with ever increasing perfume.
Tasting Notes - Dark garnet color, cherry pink rim.
Perfumed, spicy Bing cherry, red currant and anise nose.
Extremely "bright" entry of red currant, Black Friar plum and cherry fruit that
leads to a vibrant finish that accentuates spice, cedar and anise.
Lovely with lamb and beautiful with beef, this is a perfect wine for Jack's Cellar.

Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Napa
This Cabernet is grown on a well-drained alluvial fan at Vineyard Georges III in
Napa Valley’s Rutherford subappellation. All the grapes were handpicked when
the grapes tasted rich and ripe. The 2001 is marked by flavors and aromas of
tree-ripened plum with leather, soy, cola, licorice and, ah yes, the "Rutherford Dust"
that this area is famous for. There is a long sweet liqueur finish with flavors of rum raisin.

White Wines

Kit Fox "Foxy" White 2004
50% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Orange Muscat Savor the bouquet of ripe peach, orange blossoms and candied spices.
Taste the layers ofspiced baked pears drenched in lemon vanilla sorbet.
This pretty wine is extraordinary in its balance of vivid fruit and smoky oak nuances.
Like a first kiss Foxy will leave you wanting more.
Dinner
1) Bayou Fried Chicken
2) Blackened White Fish
3) Shrimp Creole
Lunch
1) Grilled Chicken Sandwich
2) Shrimp Po' Boy
3) Fish and Chips
Appetizers
1) Artichoke and Jalapeno Dip
2) Calamari
3) Cajun Stuffed Mushrooms
4) Prawns Salad

Ventana Vineyards
The Ventana is a 300+ acre vineyard in the heart of the Arroyo Seco American
Viticultural Area, Monterey County California. The soil is primarily a calcareous composition
of alluvial deposit with rock and gravel that support excellent drainage.

Ventana Reisling 2004
The Ventana has produced the grapes for Gold and Silver Medal winning Reisling wines
for 27 consecutive years. To retain fresh fruit flavors from the vineyard,
the winery immediately presses the fruit gently using a European press.
The juice is quickly transferred to cooling tanks to initiate cooling and settling and to retain the delicate flavors. Ventana’s Reisling has a tart/sweet composition on the papate.
The nose is explosive with apricot, orange peel and flowers.
Not typically sweet, the off-dry style (Alsatian) allows the fresh stone fruit components to be
forefront with some acidity for a lively mouth-feel. Try Ventana Reisling with spicy hot foods.

Ventana Gold Stripe Chardonnay 2003
The vineyard location within the temperate climate of Monterey County awards the
fruit with an extra 4 to 5 weeks of hang time, allowing an even and full ripening process.
The Chardonnay grapes in this wine are picked at the peak of ripeness,
making several passes through the rows in mid-October.
The fruit is beautiful and contains concentrated flavors of
tangy apple, Asian pear, lemon and a tinge of mineral.
An accent of the finest French oak adds vanilla and light honey tones.
The balance and body make Ventana Gold Stripe Chardonnay a fine companion at the table.

Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Rutherford Napa Valley
"The 1981 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc is what we feel a Sauvignon Blanc should be.
It is a dry wine of substantial scale that carries itself well, as it retains a delicacy to
complement food, not overwhelm." Those are the words the winery used to introduce
their Sauvignon Blanc, and in fact, their winery to the world.
Dubbed a "Prince of a Wine" in 1982, this wine set a course that has not veered much
from its original ideals. Today this wine is still made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes
and done so in such a way that the alcohol is kept low, the acidity high, and the flavors crisp
and refreshing. The 2005 version shows all the character of a textbook season.
Aromas of citrus, stone and white flowers fill the glass.
Across the palate the wine's deep connection to the Rutherford region is highlighted
in the stone fruit and lean mineral flavors that bookend the round mid-palate.
The wine's medium weight and taught, crisp flavors balance each other perfectly. Bracing and refreshing, there is no mistaking this wine for chardonnay.

HRM Rex Goliath Chardonnay2004
Wow. A rich, ripe and tropical chardonnay!
Pretty toasted oak wrapped around layers of pineapple, pear and citrus.
Lengthy, round and creamy aftertaste that lingers well on the next sip.
A solid core of acidity and a seamless wine from start to finish.
This wine is a great companion to a rich pasta like our Cajun Chicken Fettuccine.

Bernardus Chardonnay 2003
Rich, in an understated style, with a mix of ripe pear, fig and apricot flavors shaded by
light toasty oak that gives it a slight butterscotch edge, gaining complexity on the finish.

Stags' Leap 2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay
Beautiful spring time aromas of orange blossom, cantaloupe melon and
honeysuckle flowers introduce the senses to this Chardonnay.
A medium body entry coats the mouth with notes of citrus, honeydew melon
and subtle hints of vanilla and clove. The perfect balance of acidity and structure gives the
finish a surprisingly crisp and clean note and leaves a lingering lemon zest on the palate.

Chalone Vineyard
For thousands of years the mists from the Pacific Ocean have swirled around
what is known as Chalone Peak. This high altitude location is ideal for vineyards,
as the mists cool the small valleys that are nestled on top of the Gavilan Mountain Range in California's Monterey County, the home of the extinct volcanic spires called the Pinnacles.
The sloping limestone area at the base of the rugged, basalt Pinnacles is a vinous
microclimate unto itself. Nearly 40 years since its first Chardonnay was produced,
Chalone Vineyards is still considered the benchmark for California Chardonnay.
Accompanied by stone fruit and lush ripe pear, the wine's mineral flavors are derived from the distinctive limestone soils.