August 14, 2005

Ah, summertime - vacations, blistering heat, and severe thunderstorms.  Thankfully someone out there invented computer batteries!  Thanks, also, to all of you who braved the heat (104°!?) to come by for Saturday’s wine tasting.  In case you missed it, we all enjoyed a few perfect libations to ward off the humidity.

We finally welcomed back (with a new vintage) California’s Black Oak Fume Blanc.  After some difficulty finding proper distribution, this vineyard is has finally found a home, and just in time.  Their latest fume is just what the doctor ordered – light, crisp, fruity, and easy-to-drink.  Even better, at only $6.99, easy-to-buy.                         

The fume’s big brother, Black Oak’s Cabernet Sauvignon, shares in the winemaker’s influence of style.  Light in mouthfeel, but big on flavor.  If a steak is what you are aiming for, take this cab with you.  Also only $6.99.

To round out our reds, we hit California again with a visit to Lodi’s Turner Road Shiraz.  The shining star of the day, this shiraz was rich and bursting with luscious ripe plum and dark berry fruit.  At $9.99, this will give any Aussie shiraz a run for it’s money.

The beautiful thing about vacations, is that you have the ability to perhaps…indulge in wines that you wouldn’t normally have.  Case in point, Caymus Conundrum.  A little strange seeing a waitress open the screwcap top, but I wasn’t going to let that take away from the wine itself.  A rich blend of different white grapes (so many that the winemaker recommends the drinker try to figure them out for themselves), this wine did not disappoint.  A luscious nose, floral, with a hint of apricot, leading into a heavy, almost honey sweet front palate.  The finish is long and enveloping.  Thankfully, obtaining some of this delight is less painful at a wine shop than a restaurant.  Offered at $27.99.

For those of you looking for something different, these hot days are made for Twisted Tea.  Tastes just like iced tea, only with a kick.  We now carry Regular, Raspberry, and the new Peach, all for $7.49 per 6-pk.  A 12 bottle mixed pack is also available for $13.58.  Try on the rocks – you won’t regret it.

Until next time…

August 7, 2005

            In our never-ending quest to enlighten the throes of guests that grace our doorstep each Saturday, our tasting wines this week were a mixed bag.  Firstly, we started off the day with Robertson Winery Gewurztraminer Special Late Harvest from South Africa.  That’s right, a Gewurz from South Africa.  Wow!  “Sumptuous honeysuckle and rose petals in the bouquet…rich and smooth with beautifully balanced sugar and acid given extra interest by a touch of honeyed botrytis.”  Nice and cold, the crowds were amazed!  Offered at $9.99 per bottle

            We next took a little flight over to Spain for something completely different:  Carril De Cotos Tinto Tempranillo.  Robert Parker recently reviewed this wine and scored it an 88/100.  “Succulent, juicy, explosively fruity effort fashioned from nearly 100-year old vines.  Revealing succulent licorice and berry characteristics, it may be Spain’s answer to a high class California Zinfandel.”  ‘Nuff said!  Offered at only $8.99.

            We then headed back home to enjoy Stonehedge’s latest Pinot Noir.  “Elegant, velvety and full bodied, this Pinot delivers delicate layers of blackberry, plum and strawberry framed by subtle oak nuances.  A versatile wine which can be enjoyed with a variety of foods from seafood to grilled meats to hearty pasta dishes and strong cheeses.”  I see this wine being a favorite well into the fall.  A steal at only $8.99.

Cheers

July 24, 2005

            We decided to mix things up a little this week.  First, our white selection was a wonderful new chardonnay from Australia, produced by the Nugan Family.  Now this is not your typical Aussie chard - tropical fruit on the forward palate, and rich, toasty oak on the finish.  Not overpowering and drinking very nicely.  Offered at $9.99 per bottle.

            Our first red was just that…”Red”.  From the brilliant minds at Martin Ray, “Red” was the fan favorite of our red wine drinkers.  A bit of a mutt, this wine has zin, syrah, merlot, cab, cab franc – some of everything.  But, boy, did it come together!  Very easy drinking and approachable, this is a great wine for a gathering of friends.  Good fruit and a pleasant finish.  Plus the package will give you something to talk about:  a one liter jug with a screw cap.  Don’t be fooled, this is no “jug” wine.  $19.99 per bottle.

            Our last red was definitely not least.  Gravity Hills Syrah was, pardon the pun, a mouthful.  From Paso Robles, this wine was rich, heavy, and meaty.  Very reminiscent of southern Rhone reds, it did not disappoint!  Worth well more than our special $13.99!

            One other variety not to be forgotten, especially in the dog days of summer is white zinfandel.  I know what you die-hards out there are thinking:  “say what?”  Just hear me out.  I had the privilege once of meeting Michael Mondavi, Robert’s son.  Some colleagues of mine and I were talking about wine and he approached us to introduce himself.  Now face-to-face with the heir to the throne, I had to think fast.  What do I say?  So I posed this question to him:  what do you have open in your house right now?  He looked me square in the eye and said “a bottle of white zin.”  “During the hot days of summer, nothing beats a white zin on the rocks, and sitting outside.”  You know, he’s right.  As I write this, it is hazy, hot and humid and by my side is white zin on the rocks.  When in Rome…

Enjoy!

July 10, 2005

Finally a break and we are back to summer weather!  This past week’s wines were again a huge hit.  The Zaccagnini Verdichio, $9.99 a bottle, is especially great with the promise of warmer weather.  This Verdichio is a dry, white wine from Italy, ideal for a clear evening on the deck or with your favorite seafood dish.  This wine is crisp with a good backbone.  Perfect! 

The other two wines we had were aimed at lifting the spirits from the rainy day doldrums.  Porto de Alto Gran Reserve Cabernet and Merlot.  Big, rich, meaty - ready for you at your next barbeque!  What were we thinking offering these gems at $12.99?  These are two incredible reds from Chile and not to be missed.

Let’s not forget everybody’s favorite summertime wine, Sauvignon Blanc.  This year’s hit, still going strong, Monkey Bay.

Also new to our shelves is California’s White Hall Lane Sauvignon Blanc.  Cleaner and crisper that a New Zealand white and sure to quench your thirst at $14.99.

For you golfers out there, Greg Norman now has California wine interests.  The latest being his Estate Pinot Noir.  Juicy and bold, it’s a wine sure to please your pallet, on sale for $14.99.  Now you, too, can see what all fuss was about in Sideways!

            Since it is summer let’s not forget Sam Adams Summer Brew.  Jim Koch has outdone himself again!  Available in 6 and 12 packs.  If you are out and have a chance, try it on tap, it’s even better.