Michael Pozzan Wines: Vintage Wines Priced to Enjoy Every Day
Following the traditions of three generations rooted in Italy’s famed Piemonte wine region, Michael Pozzan wines are a stylish, award-winning collection of lush reds and crisp, flavorful whites that are the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of foods, and priced to enjoy every day. Whether barrique-aged in oak or the product of cool fermentation in stainless steel, these wines capture the essence of terroir, vintage after vintage. Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Michael Pozzan 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
75% Knights Valley
25% Alexander Valley
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged 14 months in 100% French Oak
This juicy Cabernet has a brilliant plum/garnet color. The aromas display a myriad of tannins from grape to oak based, featuring dark chocolate and mocha notes, Cassis and chocolate covered cherry notes. The palate enters as a classic left bank Bordeaux with cassis, cigar box, and pencil lead but then opens up with plum and ripe cherry flavors which are backed with silky French Oak tannins and hints of cedar with rhubarb and pomegranate on the finish.
This is a great wine for roasts, bouillabaisse, and marinara pasta dishes. Also great with barbeques like a dry rub and smoked pork ribs served with a pasta salad made with freshly grated ginger and a lemon herb spiced corn grilled on the cob.
These fine Cabernet grapes come predominately from Knights Valley (75%) and has been blended with the remainder from Alexander Valley (25%), both are prestigious appellations within Sonoma County. The tannins will allow this wine to age well for 8–10 years through 2020. Total cases produced: 4,000.
Michael Pozzan 2008 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Sonoma County
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged 14 months in French and American Oak
A classic Cabernet even in color, medium brick red/ruby color. This wine has concentrated aromas of black cherry and cassis and loaded with cherry vanilla throughout. The palate is ripe with black cherry and mocha flavors and finish with classic Cabernet spice that is presented with supple elegance. The tannins while firm have soft and approachable edges and will age very well for between 6–8 years.
This wine pairs well with Eggplant lasagna with a hint of Cumin. Its flavors and structure lend itself to exotic dishes such as Indian Cuisine such as Lamb cooked in yogurt, Chicken Masala and Basmati rice and served with mint chutney. Enjoy now through 2016. 4,500 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2008 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Knights Valley Cabernet
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged in French Oak for 18 months
This fine wine has an opulent medium plum color with brick red edges. The aromas express ripe black cherry notes backed with mocha, chocolate and vanilla notes. On the palate this is a classic Cabernet with a layered structure of spicy Cab tannins with silky oak tannins and sappy vanilla and caramel. The fruit concentration displays lush red fruit like cassis, raspberry, black cherry, red plum along with sun dried cherries.
This wine pairs well with Eggplant Moussaka, Beef Wellington or double cut Pork Chops glazed in a Huckleberry reduction. This wine will age well for 5–10 years, until 2020. Total cases produced: 4,000.
Michael Pozzan 2007 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
95% Knights Valley Cabernet
5% Napa Syrah
Aged 13 months in French oak (35% new)
Smooth and rich with a great nose that seems to jump out at you. Sage and by leaf along with currant and blackberry aromas. Slowly comes into focus on the finish with a rustic, earthy quality. A bit tight, but will develop nicely over time. Drink now until 2013. 12,000 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2010
Russian River Chardonnay
100% Russian River
100% Chardonnay
Aged 4 months in 1 and 2 year old French Oak
This Russian River Chardonnay is a real crowd pleaser. The color is a textbook medium straw. Aromatically, the wine is tropical with passion fruit, Lychee and guava. The palate sweet fresh Fuji apple flavors followed by baked apple cinnamon, caramel, citrus and passion fruit ripeness which finishes with juicy pineapple, peach nectar and honeysuckle notes. The Russian River is arguably the finest AVA for Chardonnay and this wine is an excellent example of why. It was barrel fermented in 100% French oak and aged sur lies for 4 months and has undergone partial malo-lactic fermentation (ML) to the tune of 30%, fiving this wine and nice, round mid-palate and balance, avoiding the ulterior extreme of one-dimensional bitterness.
This wine is an undeniable 'go to' Chardonnay aperitif and all around wine. It is best consumed within 3 years; it should drink well through 2017.
Try this wine with fresh John Dory or other flakey whitefish and served over pureed parsnips and mashed potatoes and finished with truffle oil. Total cases produced: 4,500.
Michael Pozzan 2010
Napa Valley Chardonnay
88% Yountville
12% Howell Mountain AVA
Fermented on French oak and aged for 6 months Sur Lies
30% Malo-Lactic Fermentation
The color is a beautiful medium straw, light mustard color. The aromas that jump out of the glass are generous and range from baked apple and custard to tropical pineapple, banana and guava. Underneath these aromas lie spicy clove aromas wrapped in cream laced butterscotch. The palate is supple with sweet French oak notes of vanilla, cream, and almond paste but then folds into a fine fruit matrix with kiwi fruit. This wine finishes well with lemon lime, blood orange, and mango nectar but embraced by a lavender-clover honey essence.
This is a very serious Chardonnay with fine acidity and a creamy finish primarily from cool climate mountain fruit. It is fabulous on its own as an aperitif at fancy parties but also accompanies a wide array of foods from Grilled swordfish or Salmon steaks served with a beurre blanc and served with freshly cut heirloom tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. It can be served with pork loins, chops or venison and will pair with most anything vegetarian.
This wine is a fine choice for everyday, but will cellar well through 2015. As it ages the flavors will bring out a light nuttiness you may find intriguing and lovely with aged Reggiano Parmesan. Total cases produced 3,000.
Michael Pozzan 2009
Russian River Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
100% Russian River
Aged 6 months in French Oak
This is a generous Chardonnay from one of the finest locations in California to grow Chardonnay; the Russian River. The color is slightly golden with a steely blue streak. The initial aromatics identify a rich Chardonnay with ripe Carmel coated apples and a buttery composition. Indeed on the palate this wine is super rich; replete with layers of sweet French oak and layers of complex tropical fruit intermingled with layers of butter and butterscotch. The fruit composition spans from tropical mango and passion fruit to spices from jasmine to clove.
This wine is really best as an aperitif or cocktail wine due to its richness and complexity. However, it would do well with a goat cheese tart with a fresh sun dried tomato paste and would do well with a Thai curry like Emerald green curry with Japanese eggplant. Drink now through 2013. 5,200 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2008
Napa Valley Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
100% Napa Valley
50% Barrel Fermented
Aged 6 months in French Oak
This classic Napa Chardonnay is the color of Spring Napa Valley Mustard prevalent throughout the valley after the rainy season. Aromatically this wine is refined with Peach/Apricot nectar notes followed by creme brulee custard notes. The palate is a harmonious balance of the two: Fruit; displayed as ripe white peaches and Mandarin tangerines; the Creamy notes feature Tahitian Vanilla and lightly caramelized sugar flavors. The wine finishes with lavender honey and juicy sweet lime essence.
This wine pairs well with Mesquite grilled Oho Tuna topped with an olive/heirloom tomato tapenade and haricot verts; or roasted game hen with soft polenta. If you have a half a glass left over after dinner, order the creme brulee. 2,000 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2009
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
100% Napa Valley
100% Sauvignon Blanc
100% Stainless Steel Fermentation
Light-bodied and refreshing, this wine offers aromas of sweet Meyer lemon, ripe pear, and citrus blossom. The palate delivers bright notes of key lime, lemon peel, and just a hint of flint. With solid acidity and a mineral core, this wine is best enjoyed by itself on a warm summer afternoon or with a light salad. Drink now through 2013. 1,900 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2009
Napa Valley Merlot
100% Napa Valley
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged in French Oak for 14 months
This generous Merlot is deep plum colored with a garnet hue illustrating good opportunity for aging. The aromas are full of ripe cherry and cassis notes wrapped in rich toasted French oak. The palate continues on substantiating the aroma profile with classic Bordeaux notes such as cigar box, cassis, ripe black cherry and cedar notes. The wine finishes with plush vanillin, supple cherry extract, and refined cocoa flavors.
Try it with Pizzetta con Funghi e Tartufi or Duck Confit over chilled Arugula with a Champagne vinaigrette. But my favorite is slow roasted pork belly served with garlicky mashed potatoes and poached beefsteak tomatoes topped with bacon, breadcrumbs, chopped sundried tomatoes, and rosemary. Drink now through 2016. Total cases produced: 3,500.
Michael Pozzan 2007
Napa Valley Merlot
100% Napa Valley
92% Merlot
8% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged 12 months in French and American Oak
This juicy, ripe Merlot has overtones of black cherry, blackberry and black currant. It has a very smooth silky finish. Medium tannins allow this wine to drink well over the next 3–4 years. Open the bottle one hour before you intend to serve in order to allow the fruit and oak to develop. It would pair quite well with a Veal Roast or Barbequed Lamb. 4,800 cases produced.
Michael Pozzan 2010
Russian River Pinot Noir
100% Russian River Valley
100% Pinot Noir
Aged 11 months in French Oak
This medium garnet colored, Coastal Pinot Noir was selected from vineyards found in the rolling hills of the Russian River Valley. The deep color for a Pinot Noir suggests deep concentration of fruit and is proven so here. The aromas of sweet black cherry jump out of the glass and invite you to focus on this very serious wine. The palate right away shows intense cherry ripeness and backed by solid acidity which will allow this wine to not only age, but stand up to many foods. There is an earthy quality from the Pommard clone that resonates with the mid-palate and is suggestive of an old world selection. The finish has soft cinnamon and clove spices and they intermingle beautifully over the silky, ripe cherry/plum matrix.
This Pinot Noir is a natural with roasted duck breast, fingerling potatoes and sautéed chanterelle mushrooms with shallots and tarragon. It works well with most any eggplant, mushroom or tomato based dishes. Drink now through 2018. Total cases produced: 4,000.
Michael Pozzan 2009
Russian River Pinot Noir
100% Pinot Noir
100% Russian River Valley
Aged 9 months in French oak
This special wine is medium garnet colored. The aromas are of exotic spices of clove, jasmine, sundried tomato and cinnamon. These spices intermingle with the juicy ripe cherry with deft and balance. This is a fine example of Russian River Pinot Noir and expresses the best of this cool climate which is ideally suited to Pinot Noir and comes across with a light dusting of earth and intense varietal perfume. The texture is spicy with generous, but integrated French oak and finishes silky ripe with cherry fruit. In short, this is a very seductive wine.
This wine needs no food at all and is quite special with chilled organic raspberries (cream optional). Don't be surprised if this wine steals the show at dinner over roasted duck breast with beets or duck confit over a simple arugula salad. Enjoy now through 2014. 5,000 cases produced.
