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Cabernet Franc
Yorkville Cellars
1998
By David Ginochio
Yorkville Cellars is located in a particularly breathtaking part of CaliforniaÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs generally stunning Mendocino County. On sunny days in Yorkville (population 25) the densely wooded environs of this all organic winery have a timeless quality, where the sky is everlastingly deep blue, and the refreshing crispness of Fall lingers endlessly. Tasting completely of its serene, perpetually golden autumn surroundings, Yorkville Cellars 1998 Cabernet Franc Rennie Vineyard is luxurious and juicy, with a nose full of violets and roses. Flavors of cherry and dark berries, figs, rhubarb, orange scented tea, and at least three or four of the things you find in Asian five-spice reveal themselves with each slightly opaquely garnet sip. Gently tugging tannins and a finish of nearly 10 seconds makes this marvelously mouth coating red a sensuous knockout of a quaff.
Score 94
Visit the Yorkville Cellars Web Site
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Flirting With Twilight
Kurt Elling
Blue Note
By Jim Santella
This weekend's shopping list is now clearly defined. Just released, Kurt Elling's fifth album grabs you by the heartstrings and just won't let go. It's a ballad album from the emotional jazz singer based in Chicago. Emphasizing traditional harmony with unique inner voicing, Elling strolls with a superb horn trio and rhythm section. From a delicately soft whisper to a mighty roar, the vocalist produces dynamic changes to enhance each lyric gem. Coming from a wide range of sources, the program represents melodic beauty, and is steeped in jazz's history. Of his new project, Elling says, "I wanted to create something that genuinely comes from us, that can speak to a broader audience. We've been very experimental in the past, and in a way, this record is just as much an experiment." His thoughts, no doubt, lie with audience acceptance. Rather than diving into the creative ether, Elling is simply flirting with it this time out.
Every singer needs a clear mechanism for communicating with his audience. Kurt Elling's natural talent makes it work. His voice is both clear and flexible. Leaps in range pose no obstacle, as the singer dips and rises easily. All the while, his intuitive expression speaks to the public. The world over, folks are sure to get the message. He's supported by a stellar group. Bass and drums blend tastefully with distinction, while Laurence Hobgood leads with a sixth sense. The session provides warmth. Jeff Clayton's sultry saxophone interlude on "Orange Blossoms in Summertime" is followed by a lovely four-part harmony chorus. Elling, with superlative dexterity, supplies the wordless vocal fourth part. Bob Sheppard adds a pleasant, lyrical soprano solo to "Not While I'm Around," as well as a lush tenor interlude on "Say It." Elling's ballad album offers something for everyone and represents a logical step forward for the successfully creative young artist.
More on Kurt Elling at AAJ.
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