June 2008
Mak 2004 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot/Cabernet Franc - $19.99
“The deep ruby-hued 2004 Cabernet/Shiraz offers up sweet aromas of cassis, blackber ries, forest floor, and damp earth. Medium-bodied with excellent richness as well as a European-like restraint and a linear personality.” ––Robert M. Parker Jr.
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 34% Shiraz; 12% Merlot; 4% Cabernet Franc
Maturation: New and used French and American oak
Technical Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol Like the recounting of local Australian bushlore Mak wines embody the ‘core of regional Australia’, promoting and championing the unique characters of Australia’s wine districts. Mak is not constrained to any one area but instead seeks to produce wines that are ‘best of type’, utilizing varieties that are recognized as the most suited to a particular area. The name Mak is derived from shortening the proprietor’s surname ‘McDonald’ to ‘Mak’, a typical Australian trait.
About the label: “The Man from Snowy River” is an Australian legend from the High Country who could ride like no other. His pluck and fiery courage were immortalized by poet Banjo Paterson in the tale of the stockman’s wild ride to recapture the colt from Old Regret who’d got away.
Tasting Notes: Opening with a heady blast of perfumed blackcurrant, cherry and spice this wine illuminates the cool finesse of Coonawarra. Polished, cedary oak overtones further lift the already fragrant berry characters. The promise of the aroma is translated onto the palate with dense, ripe wild berry flavors traveling the length of the tongue. Defined and persistent, fine-grained tannins provide additional structure to the long creamy finish which is kept in check by tight acidity. |
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May 2008 - Your Choice!
Reginato 2006 Blanc de Blanc - $24.99
A small 1,000 case production of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Chenin Blanc make the ultimate blend for a loveable sparkling wine that you should always have a few bottles of in the fridge. After all, shouldn't you be celebrating life on a regular basis?!! When you think of a partying wine, you want something bubbly, light, refreshing, but certainly not boring or tiresome. The Reginatos feel the same way, so they pack lots of fresh fruit flavors of fresh cut lime, tart apple and hint of toast onto a crisp, refreshing frame that will keep you sipping while you hang in the sun out on your patio with friends!
Reginato 2006 Celestina Rose of Malbec - $21.24 (Regularly Priced at $24.99)
The “Celestina” Rose of Malbec is a special tribute to their family's late matriarch, whose name means “matchmaker” in Spanish. Match it with a night of romance or your favorite meal! It’s 100% Malbec and aged 15 months on the lees giving it that creamy richness. As soon as it hits the glass, you can see with your own eyes that this is no “salmon-hued” sparkler. It has a vibrant, rich, red color that suggests something heavy, but pop it in your mouth, and you will feel the crisp, dry and refreshing mouth-feel that you want with your meal. It has some light berry flavors, just a hint of tannin structure, and an amazing elegance. It speaks of the rich Malbec grape, but never loses its light, refreshing nature. It will give you a good reason to drink sparkling wine with your main course! Only 500 cases were produced and our small allocation is sure to go quickly! |
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April 2008
Simonnet-Febvre 2004 Chablis - Burgundy, France ~ $29.99
Simonnet-Febvre was founded in 1840 and is now managed by Jean-Philippe Archambaud following its acquisition by Latour. The wine house produces wines from the four appellations of Chablis. Specialist in the wines from the Yonne area, Simonnet is also the only producer for the bottle-fermented Crémant de Bourgogne in Chablis - a skill that dates back to the heyday of the sparkling Chablis. The wines age in tanks for 10 to 12 months. This is the real deal when it comes to Chardonnay.....fresh, flinty, crisp and rich with no oak influence at all. What you're tasting here is true Chardonnay fruit from the Chablis region of Burgundy with intense flavors of freshly cut granny smith apples and tart lime with a hint of lemon oil...all balanced by perfect acidity and minerality from the region's soil. When Jean-Philippe stopped in the shop last month to taste us through is entire lineup I fell in love with the underdog of the bunch...the 2004 Chablis! Most of what he had were his stellar 2005's and some 2006's which were no where ready to drink. The 2004 has the life and verve of the '05 and '06, but the years in the bottle have tamed it a bit showing off more of it's genuine character. And at half price by the case it's even more of a treat! Stop in all weekend long to taste this precious flawless gem and see what real Chardonnay is supposed to be like! |
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March 2008
2005 Cartwheel South Eastern Australia Shiraz ~ $14.99
Australian Shiraz has been a favorite affordable red wine for years, but the supply is literally drying up because of a serious drought that has the Aussies importing wine to supply their own domestic market. We managed to grab this wine before the drought really hit.
Tasting notes: This elegant yet full-bodied Shiraz appeals to meat eaters with its food-friendly mouthful of berries and cherries. If you like red wine, you’ll like this. |
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February 2008
Brunier 2002 Telegramme Chateauneuf du Pape ~ $39.99
Just in time for Super Bowl XLII this Chateauneuf-du-Pape…..wait a minute, what the hell does the Super Bowl have to do with CdP? Absolutely nothing. Okay, so on with the wine….
There are a lot of things to say about the how and why of Telegramme, but here is the important part: after importer Kermit Lynch’s final tasting of the year in 2003 at the Bruniers’, they invited him to stay for lunch, and Daniel Brunier wondered aloud what vintage Vieux Telegraphe he should bring up from the cellar to drink. His father, Henri, asked, ‘‘Why don’t you draw off a carafe of Telegramme from the foudre?’’ ‘‘That’s all he wants to drink these days,’’ Daniel said, laughing. And to Kermit - knowing well the selection of marvels aging in their subterranean cellar - that says a lot. It says that Telegramme is the kind of forward vin de plaisir that you want to drink not because it is so great (they could have picked a 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, you get the idea), but because it is so good. In 2002, Vieux Telegraphe’s old vines Grenache in the stones did quite well. Better, I would say, than in 1992 and 1997, for example. But the Syrah and Mourvedre were ruined by rains and deemed unacceptable by the Bruniers, who decided they would not blend them in with the Grenache. Then they decided that without Syrah and Mourvedre (25% of the normal blend) it was not truly Vieux Telegraphe. They wondered what to do. At the time, the 2002s were selling in bulk at the same high prices as the grand 2001s, but the Bruniers liked their Grenache too much to sell it off to negociants like that. They decided to keep only the best and create a one-time label, quite a striking label, thank goodness, and named it Telegramme. |
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January 2008
Mas Champart 2001 Causse du Bousquet ~ $24.99
While not the first wine from Saint-Chinian we’ve had, this not quite opaque inky garnet is certainly the most impressive. It shows an enticing, smoky, crushed blackberry bouquet with overtones of sea air that more than echoes in the flavors. Four or five years’ worth of tannins can’t hide the lovely texture or the promise of an elegant glass of wine down the road. As it opens, it more and more resembles a fine Chateauneuf - du - Pape, especially as the smoky quality accentuates, and although it’s very good now with any grilled red meat, it will be so much better given time to fully mature. The cepage is made primarily of Syrah with 10% each of Grenache, Carignane and Mourvedre and aged 12 months in French barriques. This wine is a true expression of the Languedoc-Roussillion region of France and displays all the character of the region’s terroir. |
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December 2007
96 Points 2005 Durif
Aka "Petit Sirah", Durif grows extremely well in the Riverina district of New South Wales. This is wine is made in traditional open fermenters as old as the vines themselves. Aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Deep, inky dark-red color; rich aromas of plum, cherry and berries; an intense palate that is rich and full of blackberry, chocolate and blackberry palate; firm & silky tannins. Perfect for sirloin, lamb, prime rib and stinky cheese…well, almost perfect! 96 points. 300 cases produced.
96 Points 2005 Shiraz/Viognier
Adapting the old Cote Rotie recipe, this wine is a ripe and full bodied Shiraz (93%) co-fermented with Viognier (7%), from genuine old vines; it is made in traditional open fermenters as old as the vines themselves. Aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Dense yet vibrant purple-red color; bright & floral aromatics with blood plum and spice; a palate that is rich and shows elegant chocolate and blackberry palate; firm & silky tannins. Perfect for roast lamb, osso bucco and vintage cheddar…well, almost perfect! 96 points. 500 cases produced. |
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November 2007
Bogle 2005 Petite Sirah ~ $16.99
WINEMAKER NOTES
First produced in 1978 by the Bogle family, this 2005 Petite Sirah is considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. On the nose, luscious boysenberry teases you along with touches of black pepper and herbs. Trademark inky and jammy tones fill the mouth with ripe fruit and berries. The voluptuous finish lingers with toasty oak and lush fruit. The firm tannins make this a wine that can develop for years to come, but you won’t want to wait that long to enjoy it! Try this unique wine with rich meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces.
SERVED BEST WITH:
Try this unique wine with rich meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces…it’s perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner!! |
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October 2007
Domaine Jean Louis Chave 2005 Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone ~ $24.99
This 2005 bursts with the slinky red fruits of the family-owned Domaine, which have rounded out beautifully as the vineyard has grown up. A medium-bodied and supple wine, this is a classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Drink now to 2010.
This is what The Wine Spectator had to say: 90points/Smart Buy “Racy and fresh, with lots of raspberry fruit backed by grilled herb and bright mineral notes. The long finish shows a nice stony persistence. Drink now through 2010. 4,000 cases made. –JM” |
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September 2007
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| Feudi di Santa Croce 2005 Sole di Puglia Rosso ~ $14.99
This blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo is a stunning example of a concentrated, elegant, rich, deep, dark purple wine. The raspberries jump out of the glass to herald the aromas to follow: blueberry, tar, leather, anise and cedar. The complexity evolves and the soft, velvety tannins linger on the long, long finish. This is a real crowd pleaser!
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Feudi di Santa Croce 2005 Sole di Puglia Bianco ~ $14.99
These are the beautiful grapes that are used to make this beautifully aromatic white wine: Malvasia. A bright bouquet of tangerine, grapefruit and floral complexity on the nose. Dry with loads of fruit depth and well- balanced with a long, fruity finish. A lively and crisp white for when you're ready for something different. Lovely with seafood and shellfish or spicy Asian cuisine!
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August 2007
Tohu 2000 Gisborne Chardonnay ~ $19.99 |
Apricot and melon fruit aromas with butterscotch, vanilla and a hint of oak. A medium bodied wine with lots of character. This wine complements many types of food from poultry to pasta. It also goes well with cheeses and dried fruits.
The grapes are grown on a cane-pruned, vertical shoot positioned trellis on fertile loam soils, without irrigation.
The fruit was machine harvested and pressed lightly to retain fresh fruit flavors. Once lightly settled and racked, the juice was transferred to oak barriques for fermentation to give the wine a rich and integrated palate. The wine was aged in French and American oak barrels (40% new) for 7 months. Drink through 2010.
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Tohu 2002 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ~ $14.99
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This is a medium bodied Sauvignon Blanc with fragrant aromas of flowers and passion fruit. The 2002 vintage was made in the classic Marlborough style and has fresh zingy citrus flavors that linger on the palate. This wine is an excellent accompaniment to all types of seafood or great as an aperitif.
Vines are trained to four canes on a vertical trellis, with balanced pruning, shoot thinning, tucking and trimming to achieve an open, healthy canopy. The growing season was characterized by a warm dry summer, followed by a cool autumn, which maintained the flavor intensity of the fruit.
Grapes were harvested from the Awatere and Wairau Valleys in Marlborough, where the harvest date was determined by flavor assessment. The juice was cold fermented in stainless steel at low temperature with selected yeast strains to preserve the inherent fruit flavors. Drink through 2008. |
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July 2007
2004 Shiraz , South Eastern Australia ~ $14.99
(only $11.24 for members when re-ordering)
A soft peppery shiraz, with ripe blackberry aromas. A flavorsome, medium weight wine re vealing a warm palate of plum and blackberry with a subtle smoky oak finish. Enjoyable now or age for up to two years. This great everyday drinking wine is ideal with Pizza Neapolitan, crumbed Veal Cutlets or marinated Steak on the barbeque.
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June 2007
Truchard Vineyards' Cool Climate Yields HOT Syrah
Truchard 2001 Carneros Syrah ~ $25.49
Truchard Vineyards is a small family owned winery in the cool climate Carneros region of Napa Valley. Proprietors Tony and Jo Ann Truchard have managed a successful vineyard and grown exceptional grapes for over 30 years. Through their hard work and devotion to this unique property, they helped pioneer grapegrowing in the Carneros. In 1989 the Truchards established a winery and began producing wines using only their estate-grown fruit.
The 2001 vintage was an outstanding harvest. Erratic springtime weather before and during bloom resulted in below average yields. Moderate temperatures throughout the summer allowed for excellent flavor development and fully mature fruit. The wines from this vintage have intense aromas, rich flavors, and beautiful tannin structure.
Tasting Notes: A powerful nose of blackberry, black cherry, and white pepper; accented with sweet vanilla and subtle earthiness. The mouth is filled with bright flavors of cassis, red currants, and blackberry jam; ending with a touch of mineral and cracked black pepper. Round tannins provide an opulent finish of fruit and spice.
14.3 % alcohol • 3.71 pH • 6.6 g/l TA
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May 2007
Cinco de Mayo Spainish Vino
Vino Sin Ley M5 ~ $16.99
Hola… it's Cinco de Mayo weekend and we're ready with all the Mexican libations for you! Every year I get customers looking for a good Mexican wine to go along with their Margaritas and Corona... well, it's not happenin'! But here's a great wine to round things out. It's from the good folks over at Ole Imports who are getting all the phenomenal press from Robert Parker… and this is one of them (87 points)!
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April 2007
German Rieslings
Rudi Wiest - 2005 Mosel River Riesling $12.74
Mosel River Riesling is a very mineral focused wine, showing typical Mosel valley characteristics such as apple and pear fruit with excellent balance provided by the acidity.
The wine is made for Rudi Wiest Selections by Wegeler in the Mosel Valley. Cellarmaster Norbert Breit is not only responsible for this Mosel River Riesling, but also for the great Bernkasteler Doctor wines the Wegeler estate is famous for. Mr. Breit's talents ensure top quality with every vintage.
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Rudi Wiest - 2005 Rhein River Riesling $12.74 |
Rhein River Riesling is a clean, bright, flavorful, rich and balanced wine. With its simple and attractive package it reflects the light elegance of the wine in the bottle. An easy to remember label states exactly what the wine is about, it shows the typical characteristics of a Rhine valley wine with apricot and peach on the nose, fine fruit and excellent supporting acidity.
An excellent value made for Rudi Wiest Selections by Fritz Hasselbach of Gunderloch.
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March 2007
The Top-Selling Wine from Frank's 2007 Golden Wine Event
il Molino di Grace 2003 Volano Rosso ~ $14.99
Release Notes: Il Volano is a Sangiovese-driven (65%) wine with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cannaiolo Nero and Merlot added to round out the blend. Maturation takes place in stainless steel vessels with micro-oxygenation to retain freshness. The resulting wine has surprising fruit concentration and suppleness. Better than many Chianti Classico, this wine reinforces Il Molino di Grace's reputation for quality.
Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red color with a dense smoky and earthy nose full of Sangiovese fruit. A medium-bodied, supple wine with great concentration, good structure and dense flavors of leather, plums, and cherries. The finish is smooth and well-balanced with good tannins. Drinks well now through 2008. Versatile: perfect for pizza, pasta with meat sauce, steak, or chicken.
Winery: In the heart of the Chianti Classico region, just outside the village of Panzano, there is an impressive stone wall that goes on for over a mile. This wall, obviously built when labor was cheaper, marks the edge of the Molino di Grace property.
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February 2007
Samantha Starr
2003 Monterey Chardonnay Reserve ~ $14.44
This delicious Chardonnay was stainless steel fermented to retain the pure fruit flavors and aged in French oak barrels for added complexity. Medium straw in color, the nose shows balanced elements of tropical fruits and fresh citrus. At a whopping 14.4% this is certainly no whimpy Chardonnay!
On the palate it exhibits ripe bananas, peach and just a hint of cinnamon spice and toasty oak. The long, crisp finish is soft with sweet yeasty overtones. Another Monterey/Santa Lucia Highlands Burgundian-styled Chardonnay for those who prefer a lighter oak treatment than many other California Chardonnay.
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January 2007
IL CUORE Rosso Classico 2001 - $15.29
Tuscan Style Blend from Mendocino County
IL CUORE (say “eel quarry”) is a fitting tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast region of California to vine during the latter portion of the nineteenth century.
The name IL CUORE translates to “The Heart” from Italian and is derived from the title of the original watercolor by Dan Rizzie featured on the label.
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This vintage is the sixth release of Rosso Classico , a unique blend of Sangiovese, Syrah, Carignane and Zinfandel. IL CUORE 's Rosso Classico is a medium bodied yet expressive wine, produced with modest oak cooperage to emphasize supple tannins and rich fruit flavors on the palate. Rosso Classico creates a rich and exuberant expression of berries, plums and ripe cherries. Sangiovese, the principle grape variety of Chianti, contributes effusive ripe cherry flavors and good acidity to cut through spicy cuisine. Old Vine Carignane offers deep fruit flavors and structure while Zinfandel from this region provides jammy complexity and spicy character. Syrah from old plantings adds succulent plum nuances and great color. The fruity, spicy flavor will enhance a diverse range of cuisine, including comfort foods such as braised lamb shanks, roasted herbed chicken, classic Italian dishes and especially Mediterranean style grilled meats. Rosso Classico is excellent served with oven-roasted salmon, grilled eggplant, and has the fresh acidity to marry with spicy cuisine and dishes with tons of garlic! |
December 2006
Tamaya 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
Limari Valley, Chile $19.99
Intense red in color, with delicate touches of purple, the aromas of this fine wine exude small red fruits, harmoniously blended with an elegant hint of smoky vanilla. On the palate refined notes of truffles, chocolate and spices impress with their balance and structure, whilst the smooth, yet firm, tannins add a little extra poise. The result is a wine with plenty of strength and character.
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November 2006
Ramblin Red Cuvee One` ~ $12.74
This in-your-face wine is a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier from the Upper Hunter Valley. The Viognier gives the wine a more aromatic aroma of rose petals and floral notes and helps to brighted the color of the Shiraz. Surprisingly, the Viognier adds a bit more tannin structure. It's a big fruit-bomb with spice notes of black pepper...love it!
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| Big Mouth 2005 White - $14.99 |
This is a really cool blend of 50% Verdelho, 25% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc....all the fixins for a great Thanksgiving Day wine! It has excellent balance of fruit and acidity....from the blast of bright orange rind from the Verdelho to the richness and honeyed character of the Semillon to the racy and steely kiss from the Sauvignon Blanc. It's a beauty for those of you looking for an interesting alternative white wine. Give it a shot!
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October 2006
Ramblin Red Cuvee One` ~ $12.74
Here's a fun new cuvee to welcome the cooler Autumn months ahead! I'll have it open on our tasting table throughout the month and offer the Sampler Case promo until Halloween. Regulary priced at $14.99 per bottle, I'm offering a 12pack case for only $119.99….that's 10 bucks a bottle! I love it so much that I made it my CLUBVino selection for October! Come and taste with us!
TASTING NOTES: The wine has attractive aromas of cedar, tobacco and cherry fruit with a toffee overlay. On the palate the flavors are seamless; cherry jam, baking spices, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom enhanced with complex components of mineral, licorice, leather, and hints of graphite. The tannins are soft and nicely balanced by the fruit. The wine is well integrated, the fruit fresh and lively, and not overly ripe.
FOOD PAIRING: Enjoy this wine with grilled meats, lamb, stew, pasta and all but the strongest flavored cheeses.
VINEYARDS: Ramblin' Red Cuvee One, is a multi-vintage blend of approximately 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 22% Zinfandel, with 2% Merlot and 1% Petite Verdot.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is predominately from Paso Robles. It adds ripe fruit and firm structure. The Syrah comes from vineyards in Elk Grove and west of Lodi. It adds texture, soft fruit, and nice licorice flavors to the blend. The Zinfandel was harvested from Lake County. It adds the higher tone fruits and the leather notes. Its seamless integration with the Cabernet is such that it does not dominate the cuvee. The Merlot and the Petit Verdot add notes of complexity. All the lots were fermented in stainless steel and aged in oak of various ages. American oak 90%, French oak 10%
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September 2006
Yalumba's Sangiovese Rose` ~ $14.99
Yalumba 2005 Sangiovese Rose from Australia! Regulary priced at $14.99 per bottle, I'm offering a 12pack case for only $119.99….that's 10 bucks a bottle! I love it so much that I made it my CLUBVino selection this month!
With a fine ruby colour, this wine has exotic aromas of raspberries, strawberries and cream and notes of lilac and violets - all with a minerally edge.
The mouth feel is succulent, with strawberry, rhubarb and cinnamon flavours. It opens to a fine dense body of wine with a soft texture that is long and beautifully balanced.
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August 2006
Diamond Oaks 2001 Carneros Chardonnay ~ $15.29
New into the market I was able to acquire their coveted 2001 Vintage….at a great price! Regularly $17.99 per bottle. I'm offering a 12pack case for only $119.99….that's 10 bucks a bottle! I love it so much that I made it my CLUBVino selection this month!
Established in 1890 by Pascual Toso, originally from Piemonte in Italy, Toso is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Argentina.
Dinesh Maniar, the quiet and unassuming founder of Diamond Oaks is patience and persistence personified. A self-made man from modest beginnings, his lifelong dream was to create world-class wines. Intuitively, he understood that to achieve this goal, his first step was to acquire the finest vinyard land. He set his sights on strategic purchases within Napa and Sonoma appellations, exclusively. Slowly and steadily, he has stayed the course to realize his personal vision.
It's clean and crisp with rich tropical fruit flavors. A wonderfully balanced Chardonnay demonstrating the soft, pleasant style characteristic of the Carneros appellation. Enjoy with spicy foods, light cheeses, fruit and salads…or pop the cork and enjoy it by itself!
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July 2006
Pascual Toso Brut Sparkling ~ $11.99
A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Chenin. In appearance this wine is bright, with green and yellow undertones. It has a gentle, soft fresh taste which is easy to drink....a little too easy to drink! It's creamy mousse has flavors of zesty lemon and slight toastiness. One of my favorite bubblies for the money!
Established in 1890 by Pascual Toso, originally from Piemonte in Italy, Toso is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Argentina.
There are two wineries - both in the premium region of Mendoza. The first is in San Jose Guaymallen with a production capacity of 4 million litres. The second is in Maipu and is called "Las Barrrancas". It is here that vinification of all of the premium quality fruit takes place as state-of-the-art technology combines with traditional winemaking methods to produce some of the best quality wines from Argentina. "Las Barrancas" meaning "Canyon" is known for its cooler climate and long ripening season, with hot days and cool nights, making for optimum grape-growing conditions. World-renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs joined Toso in 2001 to manage a huge vineyard and winemaking investment process which has already shown outstanding results. Toso produces an outstanding range of wines which retail at exceptionally good value prices.
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June 2006
Avila 2002 Santa Barbara Merlot ~ $16.99
This hefty wine bursts with blackberry and ripe fruit flavors. Vanilla and toasty accents in aroma are a result of the high percentage of new oak. The richness of fruit in the front of this wine rolls into full tannins and a smoky robust finish that screams for beef stew or a combination pizza. Barrel aged in French and American Oak for 13 months....2,800 cases produced.
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May 2006
Vieux Chateau Saint Andre 2003 Montagne Saint Emilion – Bordeaux $29.99
| From the stellar 2003 vintage this classic Bordeaux is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The owner of this property is the famed Jean Claud Berrouet, the winemaker of Petrus, Lafleur and Trotanoy. The estate sits on 6 acres in Montagne Saint Emilion and was planted in 1957. Showing brilliant ruby/garnet color, the wine really shows its Merlot roots, but only in color. Aromas are certainly Cabernet Franc dominant exhibiting rhubarb, blueberry and earth notes. A punch of white pepper underlying the rhubarb displays the beauty of the Cabernet Franc. The palate is perfectly structured. Impressive weight and a long finish give this wine a regal feel. A good drink right now, but I might put some away for a few years and watch it develop. |
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April 2006
Petit Crau 2003 - $16.99
From the Southern Rhone produced by the famed negociant Patrick Lesec from the stellar 2003 vintage
Points: 86 Cut from the same cloth with more body and herbes de Provence as well as a slightly earthy, leathery component, is the 2003 VDP Petit Crau. A tank-aged blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, it should drink well for 1-3 years. From the Wine Advocate #156 (Dec 2004)
Order Petit Crau By The Case!
12 Bottles for Only $149.99! Save $53.89...That's 27% Off!
Patrick makes great efforts to search out the finest terroirs, the best soils with old vineyards — and thus the finest sources of grapes — in each appellation. These are often growers who own parcels of the best sites, but who may not bottle wine under their own label. Historically, these growers have sold their production to negociants who blend and market their own cuvées. |
Grape growers Pierre Marquis and son Eric with Patrick Lesec (right). |
Elevage
12 year old vines
Low yield, 45hectolitres per hectare
From stony hillside vineyards southeast of Avignon in the town of Noves
Destemmed
100% aged in tank
2 week maceration
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Producer
Patrick Lesec
Region
Southern Rhône, France
Cepage
30% Syrah
30% Mourvedre 40% Grenache |
March 2006
Groenekloof
Vineyards
Sojo 2004 Shiraz ~ South Africa $14.99
2nd Label to Onyx
Terroir
Deep dark coloured soils from decomposed granite in the Darling hills.
Vineyards
Bush vine/dry land
Climate
The climate is positively influenced by the Atlantic Ocean with sunny days and cool nights.
Spicy notes on the nose with aromas of coffee and mocha, accompanied by a full-bodied and well balanced palate. Great concentration of lingering fruit, the palate is seduced by the wines sheer opulence. |
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Ageing: A combination of new and second fill 300 litre French Oak barrels. Aged for 15 months, with an additional 6 months bottle ageing before release.
Drink now and over the next 5 to 10 years.
100% Shiraz
Michelangelo Awards 2005 - Gold Medal
Veritas 2005 - Bronze
The semi-precious stone of Onyx represents the dark granite bedrock so prevalent in the premium vineyard of Groenekloof. This vineyard, is without doubt, our most treasured pride and joy! It is only the very best of these selected parcels which produce wines of great depth and complexity that are bottled under Sojo.
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February 2006
Novy Family Winery
2004 Novy Four Mile Creek Red Table Wine - $16.99
Production 1291 cases
Winemaker's notes...
Four Mile Creek is an actual creek in Ellis County, Texas. It runs through Dianna's family's property (the Novy Family). In the drier Texas summer months it doesn't look quite as lush as the depiction on the label, but that is another story. |
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This wine requires a little explanation. Dianna and I worked in retail for many years and we saw the large number of very good, reasonably priced wines of character coming from the south of France. It was frustrating that very few similarly priced, character filled wines were being produced in California. Of course, over the last few years an entire category of lower-priced negotiant wines have emerged. These are wines that are serviceable but lack the expression of flavors that emerge from boutique wineries. Accordingly, over the last couple of vintages we have experimented with producing this type of richly flavored, red table wine and have come up with a rather unique method of doing so.
We begin by bleeding off any of our Novy and Siduri's single-vineyard wines that we feel need additional concentration. Usually this bleed off is performed shortly after crushing and a rose' wine is produced. We wait and perform this saignee a few days later than is the norm, thus producing a more darkly colored wine. We then add back skins from wines that we have already pressed off to give the wine more structure and weight. The fermentation occurs on these skins in a tank and the wine is then drained to bins by gravity and added back to a tank where it is mixed together and, after malolactic fermentation, bottled.
Four-Mile Creek is thus special for several reasons. Its parentage includes some of California's most famous vineyards (including the Page-Nord Vineyard in Napa, the Unti Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, the Pisoni, Gary's and Rosella's Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Clos Pepe Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, and the Carlisle Vineyard in the Russian River Valley). The final wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. Unlike many of its price-point peers, the wine is produced using gravity (no pumping) and is bottled entirely unfined and unfiltered.
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January 2006
Haras de Pirque - Maipo Valley, Chile
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon - $14.99
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Color: Deep purple red.
Aroma: Rich fragrances of dried fruit, dark cherries; wood, smoke and vanilla notes.
Flavor: Pronounced character and well-structured by soft, mature tannins. Lingering finish. |
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Origin: Haras de Pirque's own vineyards, Maipo Valley. Grapes harvested in April. Yield Average: 7 ton/ha.
Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats and French Taransaud oak vats. Long postfermentation maceration period. Seventy-five percent of the mixture was aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months.
Viña Haras de Pirque is located in the winegrowing region of the Maipo Valley, Pirque sub-region, both classified internationally as producers of fine wines. Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Upper Maipo area, where Pirque is situated, is renowned for its production of Chile's best red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.
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December 2005
Pumari - Talbott Vineyards Pinot Noir 2002 - $14.99
Santa Lucia Highlands
Monterey County, California
Hints of raspberry, strawberry and cherry in the aroma, and subtle smoky and earthy nuances in the flavor, along with undertones of fresh fruit.
After 20 years of making wines to honor their family members, Talbot Vineyards decided to give their dog his due. Pumari wines are named after the family dog, who in turn is named after a sacred mountain in Nepal, "Pumo-Ri." The style of this wine pays homage to the free spirit of the dog, and rugged, remote geography of Pumo-Ri. This is a very easy-drinking wine that should be enjoyed with your favorite pet nearby. Pumari, the dog, was rescued from an animal shelter, and a portion of all sales is donated to local animal shelters in areas where the wine is sold. |
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November 2005
New Release: Heron Pinot Noir, CA 2002.
Rich with ripe red cherry aromas, soft spice, and a smooth vanilla finish.
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My goal with this Pinot Noir was to make a wine that was an excellent prototype of the varietal. It is ruby red in color with ripe red cherry aromas and flavors balanced with vanilla spice from French oak barrels. This wine represents the perfect balance of structure, fruit and oak so that the personality of the wine shines through naturally. |
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Winemaker, Laely Heron |
Heron's Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in Carneros and Mendocino, areas known for their long, cool growing season. This medium-bodied wine is true to the varietal: well-balanced, neatly textured, firm and delicate. Aromas of plums and strawberries are followed by an attractive dried fruit flavor, leading to a smooth finish and a lively aftertaste. |
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