Roots Cellar E-Alerts

Rochioli Chard/Papapietro-Perry Pinot

2008-10-08T10:42:00.001-07:00

Rochioli Chardonnay/Papapietro-Perry Pinot Noir

A Mixed (6) Case of Rochioli Chardonnay and Papapietro Perry Single-Vineyard Pinot Noirs - $310.00

The 2007 Rochioli Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Chardonnay has been released. Recently, the 2006 Papapietro Perry Single Vineyard Pinots were reviewed by the Pinot Report (an exclusively Pinot Noir publication) receiving scores of "92", "93" and "94". The wines have also earned "90" and above ratings in the Wine Spectator. The 2007 Rochioli Chardonnay is a stunning wine. We can offer a mixed 6-Bottle case of: 3-2007 Rochioli Chardonnay and one each of the 2006 Papapietro Perry "Peters", "Leras" and "Elsbree" Pinot Noirs.

*2007 Rochioli Vineyards Russian River Valley Estate Chardonnay. The RR Valley bottling is a blend of the Rochioli vineyard properties including Sweetwater, Riverblock and Mid-40. Due to the superb quality of the site designate fruit, Tom Rochioli was able to make more of his single-vineyard Chardonnays from 2007 (resulting in a smaller-than-usual production of the Russian River wine). All of the Single-Vineyard wines are exclusively available to Rochioli's mailing list clientele (currently, there's a five year waiting period for inclusion) making the opportunity to score 3 jars of this 2007 Estate even more magical.

*"94"/RC...The Rochioli Estate Chardonnay is one of the finest white wines made on earth. The 2007 may be Tom's finest effort to date. Tasting with Barbara (Rochioli's local ambassador) yesterday afternoon I was immediately impressed by the wine's clear, golden/straw color, delicate odors of Golden Delicious apple, pear, citrus and caramel; the flavors mirror the nose adding hazelnuts, butter, roasted grains, tropical fruit and vanilla. The oak is beautifully integrated and the finish is rich and long. I can confidently state that this wine is superior to the fabulous 2006, and that is quite an accomplishment.

Having just been released, the 2007 has yet to receive any ink from the respected wine journals. Here are a few reviews of the 2006 as a point of reference.

*"91" Wine Spectator..."Starts with subtle smoky pear, fig and citrus; builds complexity, picking up rich mineral, marshmallow and light hazelnut flavors; elegant and stylish; drink now through 2011".

*"92" Parker..."Zesty, smoky hazelnut scents interwoven with notes of orange marmalade, lemon oil and brioche emerge form this medium-bodied, richly textured, pure effort. Will drink well for 4-6 years"

*"90" Tanzer..."Light bright gold; fresh tangerine and spiced apple on the nose with a smoky quality adding depth; expansive orchard and citrus fruit flavors offer palate-staining concentration and focus...finishes with admirable lift and cut".

In 1980, Ben Papapietro became a "garagiest" winemaker producing a small amount of Pinot Noir from purchased grapes (literally) in his garage in San Francisco. Over the course of the following decade, Ben secured handshake contracts for small lots of fruit from several of Sonoma Counties finest growers and worked on perfecting his personal style of winemaking. In 1998, he and his longtime friend, Bruce Perry took the plunge and produced their first 75-case bottling of wine under the Papapietro-Perry label. We first introduced you to their "Peters Vineyard" back in 2001. Since that time Ben and Bruce have expanded to produce additional vineyard designate wines from Leras Family, Mukaida and Elsbree properties as well as Sonoma Coast and Russian River appellation bottlings. Papapietro Perry is now considered one of the top Pinot Noir producers in California. The wines are strictly allocated.

*Papapietro Perry "Leras Family Vineyard" Pinot Noir..."94 Points" Pinot Report..."Medium ruby color; spicy, red cherry, orange rind aromas; rich, ripe, deep and complex red cherry, spice and orange rind flavors; silky texture, touch of tannin; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep, complex and delicious, this is a Pinot that tastes great now but will improve significantly in the glass and the bottle"

*Papapietro Perry "Peters Vineyard"..."91" Wine Spectator..."This delicious Pinot is smooth, rich and fleshy, with complex layers of plum, black cherry and red raspberry flavors that are fresh, vibrant and cleansing, repeating the fruity themes on the finish. Drink now through 2011".

*Papapietro Perry "Elsbree Vineyard"..."93" Pinot Report..."Medium ruby color; complex dark cherry aromas with earthy notes; deep, rich black cherry, pastry spice and color nuances; good structure and balance, long, fruit-driven finish; drink now through 2011"

Wow. What a great box of wine. Three bottles of one of the finest Chardonnays made in the United States coupled with three stunning and age-able Pinot Noirs from one of the "hottest" (relatively) new producers in California! This is a very good price, the Rochioli Chardonnay is selling for as much as $72.00 on various internet web sites (The WS and Parker both rate the wine based on $50.00 retail).

You could pay as much as $378.00 for this collection elsewhere. Our price $310.00

This message was sent from Root's Cellar to rebecca@rootscellar.com. It was sent from: Root's Cellar, 707 433 4937 1401 Unit E Grove Street , Healdsburg, CA 95448. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

Manage your subscription

Amazing Find:'06 Brut Bubbly

2008-09-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

Amazing Find: 2006 Brut Bubbly for $160/Case!

2006 Naveran Brut Blanc de Blanc...this is a Parkerized, Methode Champenoise-made sparkler of incredible quality, and given its price of $160/Case of 12, it is a crazy Bargain.

Economists have forecast 9 out of the last 5 recessions...

There's an old saying in our business that goes something like this: "Wine sales are not dictated by the complexion of the economy because people buy wine to celebrate and people buy wine to commiserate, but either way...people buy wine". I can tell you that there IS SOME truth to the above adage, but recently (like today) the bargain hunters have been driving hard to the net looking for quality, varietal wines that won't cause buyer's remorse or P.O. one's significant other when the CC statement arrives in the mail.

The ability to adjust to the requirements of one's clientele is crucial in survival during these trying times. This thought brings me to today's discovery.

That is correct sir! A Vintage dated (2006), 100% Estate-Grown, Cork Finished Blanc de Blanc Brut made from 50% Xarello ("The more Xarello, the better the wine" -Spanish Sparkling Wine Expert dude).

A very impressive package featuring a tasteful, vintage, Jeles Cheret inspired painting of a woman in a big, feathery hat staring intently into your eyes as you pick up the bottle.

Parker says "88 Points"... "The Vintage Brut Blanc de Blanc (a term obviously has a different connotation in Espan~a as in France it would have to be 100% Chardonnay) is a crisp, chalky sparkler that should drink well for 1-2 years."

*"90 Points"/RC...Bright, crisp fruit flavors of citrus, Gravenstein apple and minerals; super-clean with laser-beam focus and a long, enticing finish; amazing value given that this wine is estate-grown and made in the costly and labor-intensive Methode Champenoise process rather than bulk Charmat or transfer. How can they do it for the price?

*2006 Naveran Blanc de Blanc Brut $160.00/Case

The wine will be in the shop on Wed of next week

Manage your subscription

The Phantom Creeps Into View Every Fall

2008-09-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

The Phantom creeps into view every Fall

Bogle's Crazy-Popular "Phantom" has been released. $210/CS

Fall in wine country is heralded by the thunderous sound of metal grape bins bouncing through the local vineyards at the crack of dawn. The warm afternoons, cool nights and muted light remind us that the planet is steadily moving away from the sun, and folks begin rummaging through the dark end of their closets for the sweaters and jackets which have hung dormant the last few months. There's an unmistakable chill in the morning air and hints of Halloween begin to pop up around town...which brings me to the topic of today's offer; another sure sign that Autumn has arrived is the annual release of Bogle's "Phantom".

Allocated? Yes. Expensive? No.

The Bogle family produces the Phantom (a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre) in honor of their heritage (when you're given lemons, yada yada yada), as Webster's defines a Bogle as: bogle ogl n. [Scots, perhaps from Welsh] A goblin; a specter; a bogy, boggart or bugbear; a phantom.

In a parallel universe (and with a name like Root) we once thought about making Root Beer, but that's another movie.

"THE TIME IS HERE TO START LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER..."

Three varietals combine lush berry and fierce spice into a wine characterized by its incandescence. Brighter fruit and brighter spice highlight the 2005 vintage of the deep ruby apparition. Aromas of plums and cherries are embraced by touches of fresh-cracked peppercorns. From the deep, dark depths come subtle notes of anise, juniper and vanilla to compliment the concentrated fruit characteristics of this wine. The Phantom was imprisoned in a combination of new and neutral small oak barrels and showcases the finest traits of each distinct varietal employed in its formulation.

I've got the subterranean homesick blues...

Although the wine is delicious if opened tonight, a little age in the bottle will integrate the three components into a homogenized brew of magical delight. Those Bogles are Boogies alright, and should you invite this wine into your kitchen or parlor don't be shocked if a ghost or two show up demanding a glass along with a plate of something savory and rib-sticking to help them ward off the chilly confines of their subterranean refuge.

No one knows (The Shadow do) but it's still a shade of true... (Leon Russell, "The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen")

Bogle Family Winery has consistently been included in the Spectator's annual "Top 20 Value Wineries" edition, Food & Wine Magazine's "American Wine Awards" competition, Wine Enthusiasts "Best Value wines in the U.S." and over 60 medals in major wine competitions throughout the country.

Owooooooooo!!!! Very Scary! ...Owooooooooooo!!

The Phantom rarely hangs around past Thanksgiving (although it pairs beautifully with the traditional Turkey and fixins'...why do we say fixins'?) and at $210.00/Case of 12, this years version (2005 was an excellent vintage in Bogle's neck o' the woods) will likely put on Harry Potter's inviso-cape and disappear in a flash of acrid gunpowder, flash paper and theatrical flourish. So Hurry!!! Don't be left out!

But Wait, There's More!!

Be one of the first 50 to respond to this offer and receive, absolutely FREE, an official, arrestingly beautiful, blue and gold "Root's Cellar Picnic Corkscrew" to keep in your glove box, purse or beanie! Our gift to you for marshalling the courage necessary to pull of this vinous séance and beckon the Phantom into your dungeon. 2005 Phantom: Case of 12 - $210.00

Manage your subscription

Tues Super Saver...'07 TuTu PG

2008-09-02T11:02:00.001-07:00

2007 Tutu Pinot Grigio: A Yummy CAL-ITAL Hybrid

Famed Cal-Ital winemaker Rob Lawson has crafted an absolute Killer 2007 P-G that rocks the foundation of some of Italy's most noted and (far more expensive) examples made from the same, luscious grape. $150.00 Case of 12.

A friend of ours who co-owns a brokerage which features one of the most eclectic and sought after wine portfolios in California (that is NO BS) stopped by last Friday with a bottle of outrageously delicious 2007 Tutu Pinot Grigio. We've been fielding requests for this wine for months now as the 2006 vintage sold out late last spring. If you liked that wine, you'll LOVE the 2007!

Tutu is a hybrid of the better of two worlds sporting classic California flavors of nectarine, peach, Queen Ann cherries and river stones combined with the traditional Italian characteristics of citrus, mineral and flint.

This, my friends is a PERFECT Indian summer wine to serve on the back deck. It is a delicious and refreshing thirst quencher (only 13% alcohol); it will also serve you well after the sun goes down with any lighter grilled meats, Chef's salads, quiche, starters or all by itself.

"Rob Lawson says: My Tutu (named after the frilly skirt worn by Ballet dancers) consists of 100% PG grapes that are whole cluster pressed and held on their skins for several hours to extract aromatic and flavor intensity. The wine is then stainless steel tank fermented and aged "sur lies" for three months. No ML is employed in order to preserve the fresh, crisp flavors and pure aromatics. Grapes are harvested at different brix levels to maintain acidity and maximize flavor and structure".

Parker says "This cuvee is a top-notch bargain from California...Attractive nectarine and fruit aromas suggestive of ripe apple skins jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, dry, crisp, fruity white.

2007 Tutu Pinot Grigio...Case of 12 $150.00

Quick and Easy..."93" Pt Gigondas

2008-08-27T10:14:00.001-07:00

I predict “93” Points/Highly Recommended-WS

A (6) Case of the 2005 Perrin & Fils “La Gille” Gigondas $162.00

This one’s another strong candidate for the “Top 100 Wines of 2008” list...

Gazing into the magical & mystical future vision provided by my annual subscription to the Wine Spectator’s September 30th “Sneak Preview for the trade” issue my peepers lock onto the top three (Highly Recommended) wines of the issue. The first scores “94” points ($62), the second matches the first with “94” ($65) while the third, the 2005 Perrin et Fils Gigondas “La Gille” nails a “93” with a price-point of less than half at $27.

The wine is also top rated by Parker and Tanzer...

Gigondas is a small village in France’s Rhone River Valley. This quaint artist colony lies between Vacqueyras and Sablet at the bottom of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and can trace its history to the Roman times with extensive tangible proof laying around the place like polished battle axes, goofy hats and bronze-age furniture (which isn’t very comfortable to sit on). The 11th century Saint Catherine’s church, with its central clock tower flanked by the campanile belfry and old sundial are well photographed icons of Gigondas as are the ruins of the Castle of the Princes of Orange. Apparently, the little town is “run amok” with modern sculpture crafted by self-appointed artists from both Europe and the “New World”.

Nothing rhymes with Orange...

Gigondas was a “Seigneurie” of the principality of Orange and to the north of the village, on the road up to the Dentelles Montmirail; the ancient Chappelle Sts-Come-ET-Damien extends up out of the forest on a hilltop, giving an added, eerie medieval feeling to the area. I think they filmed that wacked-out Roman Polanski-Johnny Depp movie “The Ninth Gate” around Gigondas which is a nightmare inducing, spooky and extremely weird flick.

What about the wine?

Perrin’s 10.5 hectares (26 acres) Gigondas Vineyards are leased and managed by the Beaucastel team. The vineyards lay 15 kliks to the west of the town of Orange, between the Dentelles and the River Ouveze, a tributary of the Rhone. There’s also an old half acre of pre-phylloxera vines harvested separately. Perrin’s Gigondas “La Gille” 2005 is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The juice receives its extraction and complexity through multiple daily pump-overs rather than punch-downs. Perrin describes the wine as “deep in color with a velvety aspect; the nose is reminiscent of red fruit jams with a mineral and earthy tone; generous and powerful, robust and distinguished with firm, integrated tannins.”

The Spectator says “93 Points/Highly Recommended...Dark and smoky, with alluring cocoa powder, mesquite and bacon fat notes leading the way for rich black currant, melted licorice and espresso. The long, smoldering finish shows a nice wild side. Impressive now but better with some cellaring. Grenache and Syrah; now-2014”.

Parker agrees...”90 Points...Perrin ET Fils also produces two cuvees of Gigondas. Their basic cuvee, which is close to 100% Grenache aged in both tank and foudres, is called “La Gille”. The 2005 offers plenty of kirsch liqueur, licorice and crushed rocks and has an elegant minerality, medium body and a Burgundian-like flavor and aromatic profile.”

As does Tanzer...”89 Points...Bright red; smoky raspberry and strawberry on the nose, with a wild component of cured meat; bitter cherry and ripe red berry flavors are complicated by Garrigue and pepper notes. Finishes with chewy tannins and a cherry pit flavor.”

2005 Perrin & Sons Gigondas “La Gille” $162.00/Case of 6

Pahlmeyer Jayson Allocations

2008-08-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

Pahlmeyer Jayson allocations/no price increase

A 6 or 12 Bottle Case (2 or 4 bottles each) of Jayson Pahlmeyer's stunning "Jayson" 2005 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, his 2006 Napa Chardonnay and the already legendary 2005 Napa Valley Red Wine, $320/Case of 6, $610/Case of 12

All of Pahlmeyer's vinous efforts have earned international recognition due to his "full-throttle, macro extraction" winemaking philosophy and execution. Because the Pahlmeyer Napa Proprietary Red, Merlot and Chardonnay are so highly allocated and expensive, he decided to produce a second tier of wines made from "declassified" lots originally intended for his premium package as well as fruit grown on some of Napa Valley, the Russian River and Sonoma Coast's finest properties. Made in the same, intensely rich style as his pricy efforts, the "Jayson" trio is roughly half the price of the Pahlmeyer line yet often receives remarkably similar kudos.

Jayson Pahlmeyer approaches winemaking in a way that is at once both time-worn and cutting edge. The grapes are picked at high Brix (sugar level) and once destemmed and crushed, brought through primary and malolactic fermentation in small lots, which softens tannins and magnifies fruit flavors. The chardonnays undergo barrel fermentation in 100% French oak. The wine is then aged on the lees for over 12 months and in bottled unfined & unfiltered (think Kistler).

Don't forget that the first release of Opus One was labeled "Napa Valley Red Wine" (which caused a lot of debate)...it is a technical description which avoids bowing to the "Meritage Society" requirements

The Jayson "Red" (Think Opus One/Insignia etc) is a declassification of the wine originally intended for the Pahlmeyer proprietary red. Made from a blend of 73% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cab Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot and .5% Malbec, the '05 offers toasty oak, tobacco, tar, graphite and earthy notes blended with spice, cherry, red berry and dark fruit flavors in a vibrant and complex package. The finish is long and persistent. Erin does not grow or seek out fruit in order to produce wine for the Jayson label. The '05 was harvested and vinified in the same manner as the proprietary red and the Merlot; the whole berry fruit came from hand-picked lots and fermented in short, open-topped stainless steel tanks and cold soaked, using native yeasts. The wine then finished fermentation in 80% new French oak barrels and was bottled unfined/unfiltered.

A little bit of Helen in every bottle or Erin's wines

The Pinot Noir fares from Pahlmeyer's Estate vineyard out on the wild and wind-whipped Sonoma Coast (a couple five-irons from both Marcassin and Flowers) as well as a few neighboring properties. (The Mighty Russian River flows into the Pacific literally at the base of the hill one descends when departing Pahlmeyer vineyards) .Pahlmeyer's wines are made by the extremely talented Erin Green (who also served as Helen Turley's protégé at Martinelli in her previous life). Erin likes to say her job allows her to "have fun being serious" about making the Pahlmeyer wines.

The 2005 "Jayson" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is also a "declassification" of the Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir. After a meticulous selection process in assembling the final blend of the Pahlmeyer wine. Erin Green goes through the remaining lots and determines which, if any, are good enough to bottle under the Jayson label. Erin describes the wine as having a nose of cherries and rich earth, with blackberry and elegant tannins on the palate; the wine has a long and complex finish with touches of plum and spice with a long and elegant finish.

The PinotFile (our friend, Rusty Gaffney) describes the '05 Jayson as "a sexy nose of dark cherries, blackberries, mushrooms and earth; the flavors mimic the aromas with an added spice and woodsy influence in the background. After 4 hours, a little spice comes forth in the nose and a hint of root beer enlivens the flavors; the tannins are well concealed and the alcohol is well-integrated; no question this is a broad-shouldered middleweight Pinot with a core of fruit but it dances softly on the palate".

All of Pahlmeyer's wines are "Pedal to the Metal"

Over time, Pahlmeyer has nurtured relations with growers willing to acknowledge revolutionary Viticultural practices to aid his pursuit of creating powerful wines. Both Erin and Jayson work with growers to implement radical growing techniques including severe crop thinning and strict canopy management. By creating an environment for balanced growth, Pahlmeyer can harvest ultra-ripe fruit without disrupting the levels of acid and pH. The result is wine with INTENSE concentration and finesse.

"Industrial Strength" wine with polish and panache.

Erin describes the style as "going for the optimum in all stages of the winemaking process...starting with the physiological ripeness of the fruit at harvest, barrel selection, striving for supple (as opposed to angular) tannins and finally blending for maximum flavor, body, dimension and texture.

The topic of "product placement" occasionally comes up in discussions within the wine community. An example involves a scene played rather convincingly by Demi Moore and Michael Douglas in the film "Disclosure". The libation which aids in Ms. Moore's successful seduction of POOR, poor Michael was Pahlmeyer Chardonnay. Although Jayson was reluctant to donate a couple cases of the wine prior to the filming, he said that his ultimate decision to do so paid of handsomely. "I'd made 400 cases of that wine...after the movie came out I could have sold 400,000".

The 2006 Pahlmeyer "Jayson" Chardonnay is a straw-golden color in the glass and offers a nose of tropical fruit, apricot, peach and creme brulee. The palate is fresh and bright with flavors of ripe pear, orange blossoms, caramel, vanilla and toast. The finish is crisp and lingers long after the last sip.

"90" Wine Spectator..."Elegant, complex, focused and concentrated with smoky fig, hazelnut, nutmeg and cedary oak flavors of ripe pear, orange blossoms, caramel, vanilla and toast. The finish is crisp and lingers long after the last sip".

I can't stress the importance of your rapid response to this offer. The wines are selling like hotcakes from Pahlmeyer's W.Coast distributor...and there are just so many cases available.

Case of 6, 2 each of Napa Red, Chardonnay and SO-Coast Pinot Noir...$320.00

Case of 12, 4 bottles of each wine...$610.00

This message was sent from Root's Cellar to rebecca@rootscellar.com. It was sent from: Root's Cellar, 1401 E Grove Street , Healdsburg, CA 95448. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

Manage your subscription

Super Saturday-Wholesale 4 Delicious Malbec Rose

2008-07-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

Pay Wholesale for Delicious ‘07 Malbec Rose'

"Los Cardos" ‘07 Carnation-Pink Malbec Rose' $95/Cs of 12

Wow! The quality/value ratio on dry Rose' has hit an unprecedented level. Never, in my near 40 year (so called) career in the wine business have I see such a fabulous cornucopia of lusciously sexy pinks! Here's another one that costs very little yet delivers refreshing, complex fruit flavors by the bucket.

While Malbec has long been known as one of the principal contributing varieties in the great blends of Bordeaux, it has also become the signature grape of Argentina. The vineyards which provide the fruit for the Los Cardos Rose' are located in the foothills of the Andes and are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. The grapes are all hand-harvested and vinified sans a splinter of wood to muck up the bright and crisp flavors of strawberry, watermelon and creamy cherry custard.

Los Cardos means "thistles" - flowers known for their intense and surprisingly vivid color. In the Mendoza region their presence is a symbol of excellent terroir.

The wine is beautifully packaged and a stone-lock bargain at $95.00/Case

This message was sent from Root's Cellar to paul@rootscellar.com. It was sent from: Root's Cellar, 1401 E Grove Street , Healdsburg, CA 95448. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

Manage your subscription

Thurs Last Call-"94"PT Aalto Mags

2008-07-24T10:27:00.001-07:00

A Rare Magnum Opportunity... "94" RP, "93" ST

A 2-Pack of the magnificent and Parkerized ("94 Points), Tanzerized ("93 Points") 2004 Bodegas Aalto "Aalto" MAGNUMS for $290...a $30 savings off suggested price of $320.

The Bodegas Aalto is one of Spain's greatest red wines which is often compared to classified-growth Bordeaux...

I think Tempranillo is one of the world's must under-appreciated grape varieties. It shouldn't be. Wines made from this heat-loving grape possess some of the finest qualities of its vinous cousins. Tempranillo (Tinto) has the aging power of Bordeaux or top-notch Napa Cabernet, the juicy, fruit-driven complexion of Zinfandel, the muscle, color and bite of Syrah and (when allowed to age) can develop the soft, silky and sensuous traits of Burgundy/Pinot Noir.

The Aalto is only made in great vintages from hand-harvest fruit carefully selected from the properties finest rows...2004 receives "95" Points in Parker ("The finest, extraordinary") and "96" in the Spectator "Powerful and balanced with deep, pure fruit"

Called "Tinto Fino" in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, this wine drinks beautifully today but will surely age well beyond 2030 (in Magnum format, it's a fact that larger volume bottles age at a slower pace). Buy this one for your own dining pleasure but keep in mind that it would make a great 21st Birthday gift for any little knee crunchers you happen to know who were born in '04.

Like much of Spain, Ribera del Duero has a long history of winemaking. As far back as 2K years ago there is strong evidence of grape growing and winemaking by those pesky Romans. As early as the 16th century, the region began to establish rules governing varietals and quality levels. Located northwest of Madrid, the region is based around the Duero river which unites over 100 small villages and covers 115 kliks of vineyard land along the riverbanks and further north and south.

Mariano Garcia designed and commissioned the 15,000 liter stainless-steel fermentation tanks. The original conical shape of the tanks comes from the guy's desire to control and maneuver the cap during "remouage". Each vineyard is harvested, vinified and aged separately prior to blending and bottling. The wines are then bottled sans filtration.

*100% Tinto Fino from 60 year old vines

*Aged in 100% NEW French oak for 18 months

The personality of Ribera wines is displayed in their muscular structure and integrated but obvious tannins. Often compared to classified growth Bordeaux for their deep, textured and multi-dimensional character and tremendous age-ability, the best examples (such as the Aalto) are full-bodied yet retain a powerful fruit driven and food-friendly nature.

*"94" Robert Parker..."The 2004 Aalto reveals pain grille (toast!), pencil lead, wild blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry liqueur notes. Opulent on the palate, it has layer upon layer of ripe fruit and superb length but is still an infant developmentally. Give this top-flight effort 6-8 years to further evolve and drink it through 2032."

*"93" Stephen Tanzer..."Deep ruby; smoky red berry aromas offer striking precision and lift; floral and mineral qualities appear with air, adding a seductive character. Racy and bright in the mouth, displaying an impressive array of concentrated red fruit flavors with gentle tannins contributing shape; finishes with impressive cut and persistence. Very suave stuff"

"90" Wine Spectator..."This red has plenty of depth, with blackberry, color mineral and floral notes lurking under firm tannins which frame the dense texture. Rich and intense. Drink now through 2014".

This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a couple jars of extraordinary wine in Magnum (1.5 liter = 2 bottles) format. In cases involving super-premium, small production wines, Magnums are not priced proportionately to their 750 ML little brothers and sisters because most winery's bottling lines do not adapt to the 1.5 liter size vessel, hence they often have to be (essentially) hand filled. It's a pain and very time consuming which explains their price. In this case however, there are 40 bottles left on the west coast and we have committed to most of them providing us a discount which we're passing on to you. Parker gives the wine a "94" point rating based on a $80 price for the 750 ml. Your price for two Magnums of the 2004 Aalto Aalto is $290.00

Manage your subscription

The Penny-Pinching Connoisseur Has Arrived!

2008-07-17T10:07:00.001-07:00

The Penny-Pinching Connoisseur Has Arrived!

$135.00 buys you a box of Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon "Cote Sud"...a wine which Robert Parker describes as "A Mind Boggling Value" and "90 Points".

Think of this one as our Saturday Super Saver...on Thursday It's the last of the stock and it'll be here on Friday. Stop by and grab some or let me know when to ship.

This too, shall pass...

We're hardly unaware of the current status of the economy (Oy, are we not unaware!), however we also know that people are not going to deprive themselves of life's simple pleasures...they're just going to "adjust" their buying habits a bit in order to compensate. I'm proud to say that we've always been a good source of disproportionately high-quality/low priced wines and in today's financial climate the deals out there in the wholesale wine world have NEVER been better. We're going to take full advantage of this situation and double our efforts to bring you really great stuff at prices that won't rattle your teeth or curl your toes. Today's offer is a good example of that which I quack...

A "90 Point" red that retails for $11 Bucks n'change...

Jean-Marc Lafage is one of the most sought-after winemakers in Europe. Lafage lends his expertise to several top estates in both France and Spain (He makes the world-famous Las Rocas Grenache for Eric Solomon's European Cellars) however his finest efforts emerge from his estate in the hills of the Roussillon.

Caesar Slept Here...

The Cotes du Roussillon is one of the oldest Viticultural regions in France with many vineyard sites displaying evidence of cultivation by the Romans. With some of the most dramatic topography in Europe, many of the zones are composed of extremely steep hillsides. Much of the vineyard land looks more like that of Priorato in Spain than it does that of France. The area of French Catalonia still possesses many cultural remnants of being part of the Catalan region including local language, cuisine and art. Winemaking and Viticultural practices have undergone a renaissance in the last decade bringing this ancient land up to speed in comparison to the rest of central Europe.

Like much of the Roussillon, the vineyards of Lafage are at high altitude and many are on steeply terraced vineyards. The reds are grown well inland on hillsides replete with schist, red clay and gneiss. Nearly all of the parcels are quite remote and some are only accessible by tractor or 4X4 vehicle. Many of these parcels are steeply terraced with retaining walls, requiring regular maintenance and reinforcement due to extensive erosion during the winter months.

"The wine takes on an aura of unreality when one sees the price!"

All of Lafarge's varietals come from different sites in the eastern and central Roussillon and are vinified separately before blending. The reds often exhibit a mineral component as Jean-Marc avoids over-extraction, preferring the fruit to take center stage. Yields are amazingly low for wines at this price-point and all are bottled unfiltered.

"A Mind-Boggling Value"....-Parker

"90 Points"..."Jean Marc Lafage and his importer are rendering a huge service to consumers with several cuvees that represent outstanding values. Among the reds, Lafage has scored a MIND BOGGLING VALUE with his 80% Syrah-based (10% each Grenache and Cabernet) 2005 Cote Sud. Intense aromas of plum paste, cherry and herbs lead into a richly-fruited, deeply mineral, dynamic palate with layering and inter play of black chocolate, lavender, licorice, cherry preserves, singed meat, salts and iodine. A wine this rich and complex and with a finish this long takes in an aura of unreality when one sees the price! Even alongside "introductory-level" wines as amazing as Lafage's, those of his more expensive cuvees that I had occasion to taste (both from high-altitude vines in the south of Roussillon) do not have to fear comparison, and should be capable of improving for several years". -Parker

The Cote Sud ("South Slope") is a perfect Summer red as it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Pastas, pizzas, Italian cold cuts on baguette and medium-bodied cheeses.

*Full (12 Bottle) Case of Lafage Cote Sud - $135.00

Manage your subscription

Wed Quick and Easy Recession Buster

2008-07-16T09:57:00.001-07:00

DiBruno, Sea Smoke & 3-degrees of Separation

This one's a real Recession Buster!

Pay WHOLESALE for a case of Bright, Refreshing, Juicy and Delicious 2006 DiBruno Pinot Grigio from former Sanford winemaker Bruno D'Alfonso. Winery price $261...Your Price-$175!

It's not that great of a stretch even without Kevin Bacon...

Bruno D'Alfonso makes the delicious 2006 "DiBruno" Pinot Grigio. Kris Curran makes her eponymous "Curran" wines and up until last January made all vintages of the fabled Sea Smoke Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Kris is (recently) married to Bruno and both of their labels can be tasted at "Trio" tasting room (along with Bruno's "Badge" Pinot Noir...otherwise it'd be "Duo"...Doh!) Hence DiBruno Pinot Grigio is related to Sea Smoke via Bruno's longtime love interest and recent bride, Kris Curran.

If Sea Smoke had made a Pinot Grigio...?

In the hands of someone less talented or less committed to producing traditionally Italianate varietals, Pinot Grigio can be a bit dull and devoid of character. This is hardly the case with Bruno D'Alfonso, as the man takes his craft extremely seriously and is committed to producing a Grigio jammed with the classic characteristics common to the most expensive and paragon examples of the old country.

Bruno's 2006 sports a complex nose of fresh-cut hay, lively citrus and sweet herbs. Flavors of bright orange, grapefruit and lemon cream are framed by a hint of honeysuckle and zingy, ripe, chilled Thompson Seedless plus a pinch of vanilla. The finish is amazing! So crisp and refreshing yet with a serious spread of fruit flavors lingering on the tongue.

You Watcha you Mouth!

There's a famous Pinot Grigio that boasts of being one of the most ubiquitous Italian whites available on restaurant wine lists nation-wide (if you know who I mean and I think you do). This stuff will blow that mediocre, gazillion-case production, absurdly expensive import out of the Mediterranean Zuppa.

The printed WHOLESALE price on the DiBruno PG is $174.00/case (which makes the Suggested Retail $261.00, no trade secret there) YOUR PRICE $175.00/Case of 12.

Manage your subscription

Thursday Quick and Easy Summer Sipper

2008-07-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday Quick and Easy Summer Case Alert

This is going to be short and sweet…

90 Point Albarino for $12.60bottle

Today's email blast is a case of the always fabulous 2007 Burgans Albarino from Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain. This little number just scored "90" Points in Parker and is going to go quick, we just secured 25 cases which wont last us long and it's only a whopping $12.60btl. The Burgans happens to be my favorite Albarino produced, the melon citrus fruit is undeniable (you Burgans regulars know what I mean) and the crisp freshness reveals a delicious wine to pair with any light summer pasta, fish or salad dishes!

Parker said of the wine "90" points "light gold color with a sprightly nose of mineral, spring flowers and lemon peel. Ripe, balanced and concentrated…"

This bad boy will be in tomorrow for you to stop by and grab a case of or I can ship it next week once the heat settles, stock pile on this one guys it's worth it!
$12.60btl

Cheers

Becky

Manage your subscription

Announcing Release of '04 AV Silver Oak

2008-07-09T09:57:00.001-07:00

Announcing the Release of 2004 Silver Oak AV

Silver Oak (#32 of California's Top 50 Cabernet Producers) will release the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley on August 1st, 2008. Although neighboring Napa and Sonoma properties have shot past S-O in terms of price over the last 2 decades, given the consistent quality and collectable status inherent to this wonderfully American product, Silver Oak remains a relative bargain. 6-Bottle Case - $400.00.

Once again, Silver Oak devotees will gather at the gates of the Alexander Valley facility early on the morning of Saturday, August 2nd in order to stand in line and purchase their 6-bottle allocation of the wonderful 2004 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon. You won't hear me saying that this event isn't a lot of fun...it is. There's a well-established camaraderie among the attendees which involves shared coffee, stories and not a small amount of goofing off (they're there to buy wine, not T-Bills). You, on the other hand, can stay in bed and catch a few more Zs' (or fire up the lawn mower) that morning knowing that YOUR addition to your Silver Oak collection has been pre-purchased and ready for pick-up (or shipping when the weather cools) at Root's Cellar.

The 2004 Vintage ("91" Parker, "85-95" WS) was superb, with a small crop and warm growing conditions producing fruit with intense flavor and concentration. Unfortunately, as a result of lighter yields, availability of S-O's 2004 AV is far more limited than in the past.

Due to higher fuel costs and limited yields, Silver Oak is instituting a modest price increase (their first in seven years) with the 2004 vintage; the retail on the Alexander Valley has a suggested price of $70/Bottle, however we are discounting the wine on a 6-bottle case to $66. and change (still a serious bargain).

The vintage showed up early and went out with a bang...

The 2004 growing season started with popcorn (bud-break) showing earlier than at any other time in S-O's history. Once the shoots started growing, bloom, veraison, (when the grapes turn from green to pink to red) and ripening all occurred nearly three weeks ahead of their normal schedule. This early start coincided with an equally early harvest with over-all tonnage down significantly. Very little morning fog found its way into the valley during late July and early August allowing the fruit to rapidly reach maturity hence picking to begin in mid September. In most years, harvest at S-O takes between 6-8 weeks however in 2004 all the fruit was safely in the tanks in less than 3. Just for laughs a heat wave combined with a large forest fire adjacent to the Miraval Ranch vineyard put an exclamation point on the year and made for an exciting, nerve-wracking, and (very) memorable crush.

The 2004 AV (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a blend from several outstanding properties in the verdant Alexander Valley. The various lots were folded together in early 2005 and transferred to superb-quality American oak barrels of which 50% were new. The final blend was left in oak for two years prior to bottling. As per S-O's tradition of releasing wine that is both approachable on release as well as extremely age-worthy, the wine was held "in bottle" for an additional 15 months before its (upcoming) August 2nd premiere.

Kind of like Lafitte in a paper cup... (Kind of)

I used to be able to afford and enjoy Silver Oak Cabernets nearly every Thursday evening as a member of the Geyserville Kiwanis Club (I even spent a year as president but the guys from Willits kept stealin' my bell). S-O'S vineyard manager (and helluva nice guy) Dane Petersen was also a member and he'd often grab the near-empty bottles from the tasting room after it closed for the day and share them with us during our weekly meetings. Nothing like cold ham sandy's, homemade potato salad and a splash of Silver Oak Cabernet.

"92"/RC...Dan Baron's (S-O's longtime winemaker) 2004 is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth. It has a dark purple-ruby color with a deep red-blue edge and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. When taking your first sip you'll be impressed by this beauty's juicy, berry-infused and lightly spiced introduction. The tannins are there but you have to look for them, the finish is long, sexy and textured with a wonderful aftertaste of ripe and warm Cabernet fruit just plucked off the vine, cassis, Concord grape juice, baking spices, sweet vanillin oak and a hint of coconut (a common component when using American barrels). Silver Oak Cabs generally start off very user-friendly, gain complexity over a 4-6 year period and reach their peak (drink em'!) in 10-12.

What does Parker say about the AV?

"Silver Oak's AV Cabernets are supple, explosively fruity and deliver copious quantities of glycerin, extract and richness wrapped in generous amounts of American Oak. Critics have argued that the wine does not age particularly well, but that has largely been proven a myth. I doubt it will last as long as Montelena, Dunn or other Napa producers with a 30-40 year aging potential, but this wine has a broad window of drink-ability, being delicious at release and able to sustain its fruit and character for 15 or more years".

Of the 2004 in particular, he says "The (excellent) 2004 Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new oak; the well-made wine is herbaceous, with sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box and tell-tale oakiness, this is a wine to drink over the first decade of its life".

Again, the 2004 truly is a restricted commodity however because of our long-standing relationship with S-O I believe we will be able to accommodate all of your needs.

*6 Bottle Case of 2004 Silver Oak Cabernet - $400

*12 Bottle Case - $785.00

Manage your subscription

Tuesday "on the plaza" Super Saver

2008-07-01T10:48:00.001-07:00

Tuesday's "On The Plaza" Super Saver

Marques de Caceres '07 Summer White $84.00 Case/$7.00 BTL

Tuesday's in Healdsburg have become a big thing around here, our City offers up free live music in our local plaza every Tuesday evening. Almost the whole town shows up to listen, eat, drink and chat amongst neighbors and friends. I decided that I needed to bring a new something special every week to keep my friends and fellow listeners happy and after noticing how many of you I see out there along side of me I decided to make this idea into an email . So here is the Tuesday On the Plaza Super Saver numero uno…every week it'll be something delicious, inexpensive and in a screw cap so you don't even need a bottle opener. Obviously everything I will be offering is ready to go for those out of towners as well, perfect for all of your outdoor parties and events all summer long, or hook up a stereo outside, invite some friends over, slap down and blankie and pop open a bottle of this bad boy and make it your very own Tuesday at the Park…

This week is one of Spain's most famous varieties The Viura grape…a "sauvignon blanc" type of grape delivering tons of citrus fruit in a clean and crisp delivery on your tongue. The Viura grape is mostly planted in the region of Rioja, Spain. The '07 is bright, fresh and delicious! The wine delivers intense green apple, mineral and floral notes, it is a perfect match up for your picnic snacks in the plaza or your summer seafood fiestas!

I'll have lots chilled and ready to go in the cooler for you locals today and ill have cases ready to ship for you out of towners.

Another perfect summer white to pair with all of your fun summer evenings ahead.

12 bottle Case $84.00/$7 Btl

Cheers

Becky

-- If this message had been sent to a list and not as a test message, the footer and manage your subscription link would be here. To see this, add yourself to a test list and send a message to that list.

Thurs Last Call-2 "Must Have" Wines from Ringland

2008-06-27T10:22:00.003-07:00

2 "MUST HAVE" Wines from Chris Ringland-$115

Robert Parker describes Chris Ringland's Luchador and Ebenezer reds as "Fabulous and Amazing Values" giving them "92" and "93" Points respectively. Unfortunately, stellar ratings plus modest price points creates huge consumer demand. We can sell you a mixed (6) bottle case of 3 bottles each for $115.00 or a full (12) bottle case of 6 each for $225.00

I ask you to trust me on this one...if you like reds with lots of character and depth than you really want these wines.

Nacho Libre enters the ring for another go-around...

El Luchador! Gigante! Malo! El Ray! Jack Black's lovable character of "Nacho Libre", the Orphanage cook who wants to earn enough money wrestling in order to purchase a new bus for all the kids (and win the respect of Sister Encarnacion) apparently made quite an impression on Chris Ringland (Robert Parker's "100 Point man") as he put a remarkably similar depiction of Nacho on the label of his 2006 Luchador Syrah.

As Chris puts it "My longest-term employee (warehouse manager) came into my office one day and said "My friends and I usually drink beer whenever we watch the Lakers, but now we're drinking wine. Why don't you make a wine for us?" How do you want it? "Big". How much do you want to pay? "About $18 bucks". So I made it. Even though it doesn't say it on the label, Luchador is a classic, regional Barossa Shiraz. It's the baby brother of the CR Ebenezer.

Ringland continued; for those who don't know, a Luchador is a wrestler in Mexico. I'm not sure what inspired me to put a Luchador on a Barossa Shiraz label, but I did and I love it. This label is designed by a very cool team of designers called "Morning Breath" who are known for their CD designs for artists like the Stone Roses, Eminem and Jay-Z. As it says on the label, this wine will body slam your tongue. A Mexican friend of mine took a bottle to a family party in East L.A. and someone commented "I've never seen wine with Hispanic appeal before". I love when stuff like this happens. Good is good and appeals all over."

A cool spring with good rainfall followed by a moderate summer was broken up with a brief warm period in January. This provided good ripening conditions. The wine is 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon made from vines aged 10-30 years of age. It was aged one year in a combination of French and American oak.

"92 Points"...Robert Parker..."The 2006 Luchador Shiraz contains 5% Cabernet. 60% of the fruit was sourced from Barossa Valley and 40% from McLaren Vale. A glass-coating opaque purple, it features first-class aromas of spice box, cedar, mocha, lavender and blueberry. Velvety-textured, fruit-driven and intense, the wine has excellent depth of flavor and a long finish. IT IS A FABULOUS VALUE".

*2006 Ebenezer Shiraz...Made from the finest wine producing regions in Australia and made by Chris Ringland...talk about pedigree! If this wine was a canine, it would win the Westminster Dog Show. By the way, this is the first wine Chris has put his name on since his eponymous $300.00/Bottle "Chris Ringland" label (3 years, "100" Points Parker). Everyone who tastes this wine has been compelled to say "WOW!" and "93 Points" from the Wine Advocate (Parker) may be the best way to describe this incredible, no-brainer liquid order maker.

Made from 100% Barossa Valley (Ebenezer Region) Shiraz and aged 20 months in French and American oak hogsheads. The best wines of 2006 were made from grapes harvested before the rains came in mid-April. This is a typical Ebenezer; rich, dark and deep with blackberries, chocolate and Christmas cake; sweet fruit with blackstrap molasses on the finish.

I know you're smart...I can see it in your eyes...the way you arch your eyebrow...the way in which you speak...your commanding presence...and this wine's for you.

"93 Points" Robert Parker..."Sourced from Ringland's favorite sub-region of Barossa, Ebenezer. It was aged for 20 months in seasoned French and American oak hogsheads. Purple/black, it delivers a brooding nose of cedar, tar, smoke, licorice, blueberry and blackberry. Full-bodied and massive, particularly for a wine in this price category, it offers succulent, savory fruit, great depth and a 60 second finish. Seamless and complete, it should have a 15 YEAR LIFESPAN. Smart consumers will load up on this amazing value".

This may be the biggest "Bang-For-The-Buck" offer of 2008 and I strongly recommend you buy it if you like muscular, teeth-staining, fruit-driven and powerful wines. $115/6 $225/12

-Your Humble Wine Merchant

Manage your subscription

Super Saturday Sauvignon Blanc Travelogue

2008-06-27T10:22:00.001-07:00

A Sauvignon Travelogue-4 Countries/4 Wines

A superb selection of 4 Sauvignon Blancs from four corners of our round planet; New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and California. Perfect Summertime thirst quenchers! Case of 4 wines, 3 bottles of each-$148.00 saves you $25 off S.R.P.

This will be fun. We've selected four luscious, bright and thirst quenching splashes of Sauvignon Blanc from four distinct regions of the world known for producing some of the finest examples of this ambrosial variety.

You Silly Savage!

Sauvignon Blanc (literally translated as "wild" or "Savage" White) can be traced to France's Bordeaux region where (by law) it is the predominant grape variety in white Bordeaux, Sancerre, Entre Deux Mers and Pouilly-Fume'. Depending on the climate in which it is grown as well as the way it is managed/trellised, SB can run the gamut between excessively grassy/kiwi/cat pee flavors and aromas to nuances of tropical fruit/peaches and figs. In the late 1960s' Bob Mondavi decided to coin a variation of SB by aging the wine in oak barrels and calling the result "Fume' Blanc" (literally "smoke white") as an homage to France's Pouilly-Fume', a wine made from Sauvignon Blanc on the opposite side of the Loire River from Sancerre (and not to be confused with Pouilly-Fuisse' which is made from the Chardonnay grape). Generally, Sauvignons labeled as Fume' Blanc see some time in wood (which can give the wine a round, smoky characteristic) however it is a discretionary decision made by the winemaker as to what their finished wine will be called and in the last decade "Fume' Blanc" has lost ground to "Sauvignon Blanc".

One of the more famous California wineries to continue calling their wine Fume' Blanc is my winemaking Alma-Mater, Dry Creek Vineyards. For decades, DCV has consistently made one of the finest examples in California hence it is the first wine in our little world tour. (I've long given up trying to figure out why a winery called "Dry Creek" has a sailboat on every label)

*3-2006 Dry Creek Vineyards Fume' Blanc...Dry Creek's FB does NOT see any oak, it is stainless fermented (dry) at an average of 52 degrees for a month before bottling. The 2006 vintage just won the annual "Oyster Award" competition (Best wines to pair with Oysters on the half shell held in L.A. S.F. and Seattle), highly recommended by the Connoisseur's Guide, the Wine Spectator and the Grapevine. The 2006 strikes a balance between bright, crisp varietal character and mineral nuances. Aromas of cut grass, citrus lead to flavors of kiwi, lime and river stones. The finish is crisp and extremely food-friendly although the wine also makes a great "end of the day on the back deck" decompression refresher.

The Connoisseur's Guide says "One of our perennial favorites...the wine comes through again in 2006 with a fresh, fruity, lightly but distinctly grassy edition. It has the zesty, incisive character to be right at home with both the lighter white fishes or with brothy bowl of Moules Mariniere".

A midnight flight into the skies of Antipodes...

*3 2007 Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc...Let's raise the Spinnaker and head down south of the Equator to New Zealand and one of our all-time favorite Marlborough Sauvignons, Whitehaven. A New York Times affiliate described this wine as a "Rock star", and there's good reason to see it that way as a number of the original Cloudy Bay employees (winemaker/vineyard manager) defected to Whitehaven after the French buyout of that winery. Cloudy Bay had long been considered the benchmark for Marlborough SB (and sells for over $25/Bottle) however I honestly feel that Whitehaven has eclipsed that icon in recent vintages. Again, the Connoisseur's Guide:

"Exceeding most of its peers in fruit depth and complexity, this generous, rich wine is loaded with minerally and slightly grassy adjuncts to its outgoing melony fruit. Medium-full in body and impeccably balanced, it is as long in flavor as it is outgoing in its inviting aromas. It is not a wine for lovers of grassy Sauvignon but will make the rest of us quite happy indeed". The Whitehaven is quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; ripe, bright and sassy with wonderful flavors of ripe citrus, tropical fruit and a hint of delicious (not "hot") Jalapeno in the finish.

"When you see the Southern Cross for the first time..."

*3-Le Bonheur Sauvignon Blanc...We set the compass on a western course to head across the Indian Ocean to South Africa for our next splash of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc made at "Le Bonheur" ("The Happiness") a Stellenbosch winery founded in 1689 by those wild and wacky Huguenots after a FIVE FRICKING MONTH ocean crossing from the European continent. (Can you even imagine being on a leaky, creaky, smelly, rat infested, scurvy-laden, Mother Dog! sailing vessel for five months on the open sea? Yikes)...anyway, Stellenbosch is a wonderful region for growing SB and the Bonheur is a fine example. The grapes for the 2007 (100% organically grown) were hand harvested in mid February (they're 5-6 months ahead of us down there) and immediately destemmed and crushed.

The free-run juice was fermented between 12-14 degrees Celsius and left on the lees for 90 days to concentrate the flavor of the wine. The Le Bonheur is a brilliant clear diamond color with a greenish tint. Esters of tropical fruits, pink grapefruit, passion fruit and mango waft up from the surface; those odors carry through to the palate, particularly tropical fruit, ruby grapefruit, pineapple and kiwi; the finish is slippery, juicy and delicious. A slight hint of residual sugar compels your hand to involuntarily reach for the glass and another sip.

"You were roundin' the horn in the eye of a storm..."

*3-2007 La Playa Chilean Sauvignon Blanc...We'll head west across the south Atlantic to challenge Cape Horn, arriving in Chile's Colchagua Valley for a few bottles of "La Playa" SB. This property is located at the western end of the valley on the shores of Tinguiririca River near Lake Rapel; this estate enjoys a unique micro-climate blessed by the tempering effects of Pacific breezes. The La Playa consistently makes the "Top 10 white wine values" in the WS annual survey and the 2007 recently won Gold, Best of Class at the "New World International Wine Competition".

The La Playa is super ripe and bright with jump-out-of-the-glass aromas of honeydew melon, citrus, kiwi and fresh lemongrass; the flavors follow the nose adding lemon-lime notes and a refreshing, thirst quenching finish. Another perfect pair-up with fresh shellfish, fowl or mild cheeses.

California, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile. It would be fun to invite some like-minded people over (have THEM bring the vittles) and pull the corks (or screw caps) on a bottle each of these four wines for a taste-comparison.

Sauvignon Blanc Travelogue $148.00...What a Bargain!

Wed Super Saver-Provence Rose

2008-06-25T12:24:00.001-07:00

Provence's "Blue Sands" (Sables D'Azur) Rose'

A (12 Bottle) case of Provence Summer sun, the wonderfully romantic "Sables D'Azur" Rose...$120.00

Glowing Pink liquid bottled in a whimsical and unique bottle festively decorated in sand, seashells and starfish...

Released June 1st, sales of the remarkable Sables D'Azur Cotes de Provence Rose' have been rolling in like the waves breaking on the beach in St. Tropez. This gorgeous wine can be found on various internet sights for a relatively sane $179.40. Our price is $120.00/Case of 12.

With air-fare prices literally sky-rocketing toward the stratosphere and petrol aiming for $5/gallon, methinks a lot of us are going to be vacationing in a kind of a vicarious, backyard "let's pretend we're somewhere else" type of mentality this year. There are few products one can purchase which aid in virtual sightseeing more than delicious wines which fare from the far-flung vinous outposts of Central Europe, the Southern Hemisphere and the wine-growing regions of the Pacific coast. Today's offer comes to us straight out of the warm, sun-baked vineyards of southern France, located just inland from the Mediterranean's beautiful Cotes de Azur.

How can you ignore a wine with seashells on the label?

The vineyards which produce this lovely wine have their roots in the Bouches-du-Rhone, at the foothills of Mount Sainte-Victoire. These Cotes-de-Provence properties cling to the slopes in "restanques"...dry stonewalls supporting hillside terraces, or isolated in the middle of piney woods. Here they benefit fully from the Mediterranean clime; mild winters, early spring and warm summers when the sun's continuous presence encourages the vines to produce fully matured grapes just oozing with sweet, ripe juice.

The (very stingy with their ratings) San Francisco Chronicle's professional tasting group sampled 72 imported Rose's from 14 countries and found only 11 which they felt they could recommend. Of the 11, one of the standouts was/is the Sables D'Azur: Quoting Blake Gray..."We tasted a number of abominations from large, well-known producers and importers who will remain nameless while pining for the delightful, limited-release rose's that everyone knows exist. The good news is that the (Sables D'Azur) is affordable for daily drinking and charms us in the way a good rose' should; as a light-bodied, lighthearted, easy to drink quaffer. "Two Stars...Good-to-Excellent"..."this light orangish-pink wine has bright watermelon and pineapple fruit with an herbal, woodsy note. It's made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault"

The Wine Spectator placed this wine in their "Best Values" issue with the following review..."87 Points...This has a rose petal aroma and a structured, well-defined berry, cherry and Fuji apple flavor with a creamy finish. (The wine) is bright pink with watermelon and pineapple fruit with an herbal, woodsy note. Made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault".

While doing research on this item I stumbled onto a wine-related Blog which includes the author's "note to self, remember this wine" and includes a (camera-phone?) photo of the "monthly specials" of a restaurants wine list. The Sables D'Azur is featured at "$9/glass or $28/Bottle" (some special). Apparently, this guy was quite taken by the "Blue Sands" regardless of the ridiculous restaurant price (which would become $336.00/Case!?) Other sites offer the wine at a more reasonable $179.40.

Cotes D'Azur..."The French Riviera", Cannes, St. Tropez, Ste-Maxime, Healdsburg, the back porch.

The Sables D'Azur is Linda's favorite summer sipper. She's a seashell freak. I fear that one day she's gonna' knock herself out cold running head-long into a pier support whilst staring down at the sand, searching for just one more pretty shell to add to her collection. She loves the delicious, slightly sweet and fruity lusciousness of this sexy beverage and the uniquely shaped bottle with its marine-inspired, starfish and mollusks label and matching capsule let her imagine she's relaxing at her precious seashore while in truth she's stuck pulling weeds in the back yard with her two poodles of enchantment (and Moi).

All of which makes $120.00/Case look even more attractive!

Dominus/Napanook...Christian Moueix's California Petrus

2008-06-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dominus/Napanook...Christian Moueix's California Petrus

A (6) Bottle Case of the 2005 Dominus (2) and Napanook (4) Napa Valley Bordeaux Inspired Cabernet blends...$485.00

Petrus-Dominus a Theological connection (if you took Latin)

*Facts: Christian Moueix is the proprietor of Chateau Petrus, the "most collectable wine in the world". The current vintage (2005) retails for around $5,000/Bottle and is rated "96" by Parker in Wine Advocate #176.

*Christian Moueix also produces a Napa Valley counterpart to his famed Pomerol estate called "Dominus". The current vintage (2005) retails for (suggested) $144.00/Bottle and is rated "96" by Parker in Wine Advocate #174.

Hmmm...Five Thousand or One Forty-Four...Five Thousand or One Forty-Four...Five Thousand or One Forty-Four...While I realize this is not an entirely fair comparison; you must admit it has some validity.

Should you ask Moueix why it is that Dominus sells for a fraction of the cost yet enjoys the same public demand of similarly made, high profile Napa Cabernet based efforts such as Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Colgin etc., he will tell you that "I don't need to charge those astronomical prices because I own Petrus (as well as Trotanoy, Magdelaine and La fleur Petrus) which sells for $5,000.00/Bottle. I want to give the consumer good value yet offer a top quality Napa Cabernet".

In the late 1960's, Moueix broadened his winemaking knowledge by taking enology and viticulture classes at U.C. Davis. In his spare time he traveled the blue highways of N. California, falling in love with the environment and climate of Napa and Sonoma. He deduced that he could make a wine of similar quality to that of his famous "St. Peter of Pomerol" in the Napa Valley.

With his families rather deep financial recourses at his disposal (and at the encouragement of Bob Mondavi) in 1982 Moueix partnered with Yountville's Napanook vineyard owners Robin Lail and Marcia Smith to form Dominus Estate. The first 13 vintages of Dominus were made at neighboring Rambauer winery. In 1995, Moueix bought out Lail and Smith to become sole owner of Dominus and in 1996 a new, 50,000 sq. foot winery (designed by Swiss Architectural firm Herzog and de Meuron) was built on the site. The building itself is unique and is composed of Gabions (galvanized baskets) filled with rocks which protect, cool and insulate the interior of the building during summer as well as maintain a comfortable setting during the winter months.

From the same property Moueix also produces a more approachable-early-on and considerably less expensive wine called "Napanook" which often receives similar ratings as that of his famous Dominus. The Dominus style is a California-Bordeaux hybrid with the intensity, depth and age-ability of the best of Pomerol, the Napanook is a fruitier version with softer tannins and a more time-friendly nature.

Moueix first released Napanook in 1996 with the intention of producing a wine to be enjoyed in its younger years. Napanook is a blend of the Bordeaux varietals coming from vineyard lots chosen for their finesse, lively fruit and subtle tannins. The goal is to find the perfect equilibrium between these elements, creating a wine that is harmonious and, of course, pleasurable to drink. Napanook is intentionally made to be approachable young yet will age approximately 10 years after release.

"Moueix produces his wine "in the vineyard", not in the cellar. Terroir is a word that is slightly abused today. The precise definition is the combination of a given climate and a specific soil, and how the two interact. The Napanook terroir is much more variable than one would expect. The ranch is 124 acres of which 108 are planted in three different types of soil-the gravelly part (specifically volcanic soil), the heavy clay and the loam. The goal is to find the rootstock and the grape variety that will best adapt to the aspects of each block. Both the Dominus and the Napanook are grown solely on the Napanook property...they are "estate" bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux chateaux. The ranch is dry-farmed, the ideal manner to allow the terroir to express itself."

*"94-96"/RC...The 2005 Vintage in Napa was textbook "excellent" ("95" Parker "92" WS). At the Napanook Vineyard bud-break and set were ideal, allowing the vineyard personnel to harvest top quality grapes and reduce intervention in the cellar. The 2005 is dark red, almost deep crimson in color. The nose is dense and compact, filled with dark berries, blonde tobacco, black cherries and cacao. The entry is powerful and supple, spherical in quality; perfectly ripe and enveloped in firm, round and elegant tannins. Black fruit and licorice linger throughout the evolution in the mouth; a superb vintage, this wine clearly has aging potential (as have all Dominus) and decanting is recommended prior to serving to allow the wine to develop its full potential.

*Harvest began on September 29th and ended on Halloween

*The 2005 is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 14% Cab Franc and 10% Petit Verdot.

*The wine was aged 16 months in 20% new French oak and bottled in June of 2007.

*A total of 2,500 (6) cases were produced

*The wine was released May 1st, 2008.

*"96" Parker..."The 2005 Dominus has come of age, and is one of the strongest efforts they've made. It is possibly the BEST DOMINUS SINCE 2001, and perhaps even the 1997 or 1991. A beautiful, sweet nose of roasted coffee interwoven with kirsch, black currant, cedar and spice box emerges from this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. The wine has fabulous intensity, a layered, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, well-integrated acidity and a stunningly long finish. The layering of this wine as it builds incrementally on the palate is something to behold. An outstanding, sexy, age-worthy Dominus, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and last for at least 25-30 years. When I am tasting Dominus, they always present a wine opened the day before and decanted, and one just opened, and the extended aeration version always seems to be the better example of the wine, so plenty of decanting seems to be in order. (Release date ! of summer, 2008)".

*2005 Napanook "91" Parker..."The 2005 Napanook, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, has turned out to be a beauty. Four thousand cases of this wine were made, and it exhibits wonderful cedar, spice box, roasted herb and sweet black cherry and cassis notes in a medium to full-bodied style with sweet tannin, impressive texture and silky, long, lush finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years".

Dominus and Napanook have been on a roll throughout the decade. The 2005s' are both spectacular. Drink the Napanook while you wait for the Dominus to soften. $485.00 case of 6...2 Dominus, 4 Napanook.

Manage your subscription

Dominus/Napanook...Christian Moueix's California Petrus

2008-06-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dominus/Napanook...Christian Moueix's California Petrus

A (6) Bottle Case of the 2005 Dominus (2) and Napanook (4) Napa Valley Bordeaux Inspired Cabernet blends...$485.00

Petrus-Dominus a Theological connection (if you took Latin)

*Harvest began on September 29th and ended on Halloween

*The 2005 is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 14% Cab Franc and 10% Petit Verdot.

*The wine was aged 16 months in 20% new French oak and bottled in June of 2007.

*A total of 2,500 (6) cases were produced

*The wine was released May 1st, 2008.

Manage your subscription

'06 Hirsch Estate Pinot-Liquid Crimson Silk

2008-06-10T10:27:00.003-07:00

2006 Hirsch Estate Pinot-Liquid Crimson Silk

Case Lots (6) of the 2006 Hirsch Estate Pinot Noir $355.00

This wine runs in the same league with the finest efforts from such
luminaries as Marcassin, Littorai, Failla, Williams Selyem, Scherrer,
Kistler and Siduri.

*"Crimson" 'krim-zen "Strong, bright deep red combined with blue resulting
in a vibrant shade of purple"

This word describes the color as well as the soothing, palate enveloping,
mellow sensation which this sexy, silky wine provides with each sip.

David and Marie Hirsch are true visionaries. In 1980 they saw the potential
for growing world-class Burgundian grape varieties on the wind-swept, fog
enshrouded hillsides of the Sonoma Coast north of Jenner. Between 1981-2002
the Hirsch's' planted (roughly) 48 acres of painstakingly researched clones
of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For two decades, Dave sold his highly-sought
after fruit to a carefully selected group of producers who have become
legend in the "Who's Who" listing of American Burgundian varietal
specialists including Williams-Selyem, Littorai, Siduri, Scherrer, Failla
and Kistler.

In 2002, the Hirsch's' built a small (15,000 cases annual production)
winery facility and enlisted the guidance of specialist Vanessa Wong (Peter
Michael, Lafitte, Franciscan) to produce the first "Hirsch Estate" Pinot
Noir. This was an auspicious moment for Pinot Freaks the world over.
Vanessa turned over the winemaking reins (Vanessa's wonderful; she's a new
mommy and has her hands full making her own fabulous Peay Pinots and
Chardonnays) to Mark Doherty, formerly of Plump jack and Davis Bynum.

Read a thorough description of the clone selection, soil varieties and
planting decisions on the Hirsch web site.

The five vintages of Hirsch Estate Pinots have all possessed the common
characteristics of perfect ripeness, (it seems the vineyard crew picks at
the tipping point between ripe and over-ripe), polished and concentrated,
juicy, dark cherry fruit flavors, medium to full body weight and a silky
texture that has become the calling card of the finest Sonoma Coast Pinot
Noirs.

*David says that 2006 was the "seven year harvest" at Hirsch vineyards. "In
our case it had been nine years since yields and tonnages this high had been
seen (the reason for my ability to offer you case lots). Our quixotic San
Andrean climate conspired to produce apt conditions at pretty much every
stage of vine development right up to harvest. It was a fairly normal year
save for heavy winter rainstorms which caused massive landslides and slips
on the ranch and around the county. The vines opened on April fool's Day,
and warm weather promoted good root and shoot growth.
It wasn't until early August when the fruit continued to grow ever heavier
that we realized the magnitude on our hands. The bunches and berries were
not unusually large, but very compact. I estimate that we dropped at least
twice as much fruit as we had harvested the previous year!

The wines have a pronounced fruit character, but with a serious tannic
expression. They exhibit excellent balance. The "Hirsch" character is
evident; you will have the opportunity to experience how our site expressed
itself with this excellent wine.

Parker describes the Hirsch Estate Pinot as "A beauty, the dark
ruby-colored, beefy Hirsch Pinot has notes of *animal blood and roasted
meats and shows good sweetness and tannin, medium to full-body and excellent
acidity and length. This is a solidly built, borderline-rustic Pinot with
loads of character and depth. It should drink nicely for up to a decade".

*There have been reports of a vampire dressed in Chinos lurking in the
streets of Monkton!

*"94"/RC...Thirty-two blocks of Pinot Noir on the Hirsch estate and all of
them were processed on site to create the final blend of the 2006. Wow!
such incredible spice, cinnamon, clove, allspice and fennel; rich, textured
flavors of black cherry, cassis, cola, sweet cranberry, dried blueberry and
creamy blackberry liqueur. Gorgeous color of transparent jewels; a silky
and nearly cloying texture; seductive and a little slutty in the
aftertaste...one of the finest 2006 SOCOAST Pinots we've yet tasted from the
vintage.

*6-Bottle Case of 2006 Hirsch Estate Pinot Noir $355.00

This message was sent by: Root's Cellar, 1401 E Grove Street
, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Manage your subscription:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=15831402&l=27668&s=69AF&m=20
6745&c=251974

Solena:"Outstanding...One of the Finest"-Parker

2008-06-10T10:27:00.001-07:00

Solena: “Outstanding…One of the Finest” –Parker

Robert Parker describes the Solena (“Sun and the Moon”) “Grand Cuvee” Willamette Valley as “One of the finest Pinot Noirs on the market at this price category”. We have just received our allocation of the 2006 vintage of this delicious wine and are able to offer it to our clientele at $320.00/Case of 12. Oregon Pinot of this quality generally retails for $40-$60/Bottle; at $26 and change this stuff is the bomb.

The French-Napa Connection…

Solena is a relatively new venture, founded by the husband and wife team of Laurent Montalieu and Danielle Andrus-Montalieu. Laurent (a 1987 graduate of the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology) worked at Chateau La Tour Blanche before coming to the American west coast where he gained practical knowledge at Napa’s Domaine Mumm and Oregon’s Willakenzie prior to establishing Solena with his wife Danielle Andrus in 2003. Danielle had been immersed in the wine business from the age of 10 when she worked at her family’s original Napa facility, Pine Ridge. A native Oregonian, Danielle returned to her home state in 1996 to participate in her father’s new venture, Archery Summit. After spending 6 years at that new (and very successful) enterprise, Danielle le! ft to join Laurent at Solena in 2002-03.

This beautiful 2006 PN was crafted from a variety of premium vineyard sites in OR’s Willamette Valley. It has a deep ruby color with an aroma of fresh picked red fruits; specifically, cherry and strawberry with a touch of pastry spice. The wine is lively, fresh and bright with perfect balance. Typical of the 2006 vintage, the tannins are supple and complement the fruit/spice flavors with an extended finish.

*2006 in the Willamette Valley will be remembered as one of our finest vintages in terms of disease pressure and overall quality. Favorable weather in April resulted in a generous crop set, and thinning was done throughout each of our selected vineyards. Limited precipitation resulted in near zero need for adjustments during the growing season. As harvest approached we were blessed with fully ripened fruit. Overall, ’06 yields were slightly up from the two previous harvests with exceptional quality.

“91 points”…”The dark cherry-scented Solena “Grand Cuvee” is an outstanding wine as well as being one of the finest Pinots on the market at this price point. Medium-to-full bodied, it delivers broad, intense layers of black cherries in its powerful, full-flavored and marvelously lengthy personality. Drink it over the next 5-6 years” -Robert Parker, WA #165

The Grand Cuvee is made from combining grapes from several appellations including Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills. In the Willamette grapes were harvested from Sunset Knoll, Nuestro Sueno, Vista Hills and our Estate Domaine Danielle Laurent property. All fruit was hand-harvested under ideal conditions.

“90”/RC…”Dark, ruby/blue and purple color; nose of ripe blueberry, dark cherry, cola, vanilla and sandalwood; plush texture, fairly weighty on the tongue, creamy fruit flavors of dark-fleshed plum, Dr. Pepper, sweet blackberry jam, creamy oak and vanilla; the overall personality of this wine is a little forward and brazen…very confident while ignoring its “commoner” price. No question this wine would hold its own in a single-blind tasting including a number of 2006 OR and CA Pinots twice its relatively modest tare.”

All grapes from the individual vineyard sites were hand sorted and de-stemmed prior to isolated fermentation. Cold maceration preceded the fermentation to maximize color and flavor. The majority of the fruit was processed in 2.5 ton, open-top stainless steel fermenters. Punch-downs were done by hand for a total of three weeks of skin contact.

“Light and polished, with high-toned plum and currant fruit floating on very fine tannins, persisting nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2011” –Harvey Steiman/Wine Spectator

The fruit from Domaine Danielle Laurent Estate was fermented in special rotary oak barrels (?) providing gentle oak and fruit/tannin integration. After primary fermentation the juice was gravity-fed directly to barrels. 100% ML occurred over a six-month period; the wine was aged for 9 months in French oak (from a variety of coopers) of which 25% was new. The wine was bottled unfined/unfiltered.

Case of the 2006 Solena Grand Cuvee OR Pinot Noir $320.00

Manage your subscription

Our Greatest Chard deal of the year...Super Saturday

2008-06-10T10:26:00.005-07:00

Our Greatest Chardonnay Deal of The Year?!

How about a $27/Bottle (SRP) "90" Point rated (Parker) Single-Vineyard Chardonnay from the superb 2004 vintage ("99" Wine Spectator "92" Parker) for $90.00/Case of 6? A Savings of (up to) $78.00/Case...This my friends, is a GREAT DEAL (but I only have 18 Six-Packs of the wine to sell).

This weeks Saturday Super Saver Dad took over, this was too good to pass up. Enjoy and Grab it while you can.

Super Premium Chardonnay Lovers...Don't Miss this one!

Robert Parker rates this wine "90 Points" based on a retail price of $27.00/Bottle and says it's "not dissimilar to a top-notch Chablis". You'll be paying $15. Our cost on this item totally beats all other advertised pricing big time! Man, I love a bargain...don't you?

The Two Rock Vineyard...

The Sonoma Coast Appellation is huge. It runs east to west from Sonoma to the coast and north to south from Asti to the Marin border. In its southern reaches it includes the Petaluma Gap, a wedge of land running from U.S. 101 to Bodega Bay . This verdant aperture is dotted with rivers, creeks and hillsides which descend in temperature by a degree or two with each kilometer westward until it plunges into the mighty Pacific between Tomales Bay and the Mendocino county line. It is in the southern portion of the Appellation that Two Rock Vineyard was planted to take advantage of the moderate, marine-influenced climate and summer fogs which march from the ocean to the far outposts of Sonoma County each afternoon during the long Spring-to-Fall growing season.

About 10 years ago, Gina and Matt Gallo hung a hard left from their family's long-established domination of the mass-production wine business to focus on planting and crafting small lots of single-vineyard Chardonnay, Cabernet (plus other Bordeaux varieties) and Zinfandel from newly purchased and carefully planted vineyard sites in some of Sonoma Counties finest regions. Everybody in the trade knew that there was zero question that this sister-brother team had the financial wherewithal to pull of just about any wine related venture they could come up with, and it wasn't long before they began purchasing both small and large parcels of plant-able land from Asti to Cotati.

Gallo finally gets the respect it deserves...

The results of this mini-revolution in the Gallo Empire began to pay off in huge dividends and although it had been policy for years to "hide" the Gallo name on peripheral company products (both domestic and imported), the new generation felt that it was time to put their family name and crest prominently on the front label of their products as they believed (correctly) that the quality of their efforts would speak for themselves.

The Gallo of Sonoma "Single Vineyard" line became the flagship of the entire company and the wines began to receive the recognition they deserved. By creating a super-premium look in the pricing, packaging and advertising, Gallo successfully established the Gallo of Sonoma line as an independent but related entity. Recently, the company decided to create a "global brand for all Gallo vineyards which would unify all of the various brands" hence "Gallo Family Vineyards Sonoma Reserve" will replace both the "Gallo of Sonoma" and " Two Valleys " lines in the future.

Which brings me to today's offer...

Yesterday, our Gallo rep called to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. The "90" point rated Gallo of Sonoma super-premium/small production "Two Rock Vineyard" Chardonnay inventory was down to 18 cases and "we'd like to move on to the new package...would you be interested in offering this wine to your customers at nearly HALF PRICE?"

"Of course...but I've got to taste it first"; she sent a bottle over at 10:00 this morning...

*Packaged in the very dark green-brown (dead leaf?) bottle with weathered bronze capsule and very classy metallic gold "bikini" label with Gina and Matt's Signatures on the bottom, the deeply punted and arrestingly heavy bottle is instantly impressive in looks alone. Pull the (excellent quality) 2-inch long cork and pour a splash...

*"90" Parker..."The Outstanding 2004 Chardonnay Two Rock is a wine with some hazelnut, lemon butter, poached pear and citrus notes, medium to full-body, and beautiful freshness in a crisp style not dissimilar from a top-notch Chablis. Interestingly, 80% of the cuvee is aged in tank and fermented with indigenous yeasts. This is a sleeper wine!"

*"91-93"/RC...Attractive color of light straw or diluted amber showing zero aging; expensive Chardonnay odors of citrus, hazelnut, sweet woods, vanilla and freshly baked sugar cookies; flavors of ripe citrus, pear, honey, vanilla, Granny Smith apple, moderate spicy oak and a touch of orange blossoms; partial malo-lactic fermentation gives the wine a buttery, rich and silky texture; the finish is super-clean and well defined with a pleasing balance of fruit, acid and oak; very sexy wine and an incredible bargain at $15.00 (it would definitely be in the correct neighborhood at its original "suggested retail price" of $27.00-$30.00.

This wine is still very youthful and will effortlessly last into the end of the decade if stored properly.

*6-Bottle Case of the Two Rock Vineyard Chardonnay $90.00

While 18 cases last.

Manage your subscription

Davis Bynum #2 "The Great '05's"

2008-06-10T10:26:00.003-07:00

Davis Bynum Close Out #2 "The Great 2005s'"

Important: This is the SECOND edition of our Close-Out program on the Davis Bynum Russian River Single-Vineyard Pinot Noirs.

Save HUGE dollars (savings revealed at the end of this offer) on case lots of 2005 Davis Bynum Single-Vineyard RR Pinot Noirs. Case of 3 wines/4 each-$440. Cs of 6 (2 of each) -$225.00

We offered the 2004s' in April...your response was gratifying and we thank you. Many who purchased the ‘04s' (and had time to pull the corks on a couple of them) have been inquiring as to when the 2005s' would become available...that time is now.

As promised, this is the follow-up offer on close-out pricing of the 2005 Davis Bynum Single Vineyard Russian River Pinots. The legitimate reasons for the existence of this offer are detailed below. Once again, if you (or anyone you know) dig rich, extracted, fruit-driven Pinot from some of Russian River 's finest vineyard properties (but hate the $50.00-Plus tares these wines are commanding) please read this offer. I doubt we'll ever see prices of this nature again.

*All three of these wines are from the outstanding 2005 Vintage, a year rated "91" by the WS "Sleek, balanced and elegant; ripe with lower alcohol levels" "92" by Parker "Excellent".

If I prematurely reveal how much cash you'll save in buying this box you'll probably dismiss the entire offer as BS. However there are legitimate reasons for the price differential between the Suggested Retails and our asking price for the wines.

O.K. Wine Boy, I'll bite...what's the deal?

(Those of you who purchased the 2004s' may want to skip the next paragraph.)

You're paying these prices for the following reasons... A) The Davis Bynum FACILITY and VINEYARDS were recently (3/08) purchased by the Baker family of Canada. Jeremy Baker plans to improve the property and continue producing wines under a yet-to-be-named label. B) The Klein family (a fourth-generation California wine and AG powerhouse) purchased (8/07) the Davis Bynum BRAND and INVENTORY ONLY, hence, C) Under the Klein Family ownership the Davis Bynum Wines will undergo a significant change in terms of their packaging, positioning and presentation, therefore Tom Klein and his national sales manager are keen to move the remaining inventory (with the original packaging) at attractive wholesale/retail levels in order to start with a clean slate as quickly as possible sans any fear of damaging the integrity of the Davis Bynum brand.

That's it. There are no other reasons for this dramatic price reduction; they are incredibly delicious Pinots and for what its worth I didn't rate any of them under "90".

Legendary winemaker Gary Farrell was Bynum's chief enologist from 1978 until the late 1990s'. Gary made the Bynum wines as well as his own eponymous label at the Bynum facility until establishing his own winery in 1999 (going "on line" just in time for the crush of 2000). After Gary departed, Davis brought in David Georges who continued making marvelous wines with the excellent quality estate and contractual fruit he inherited.

The three wines described below were made from grapes grown at the Allen, (think Williams-Selyem/Rochioli) Laureles and Lindley's Vineyards located in the Russian River AVA.

These Pinots were bottled at the Bynum Winery; they were then transferred to a temperature controlled warehouse. Wines which are never shaken & trucked long distances or are subjected to warm storage conditions retain their freshness and youth far longer than those which must go through the three-tier wholesale/retail distributor system common to the American market. You'll see and taste these differences.

Apparently, the 2005s' were approaching release when the Bynum/Baker sales negotiations began; hence their availability was put on hiatus. None of the S-V wines were reviewed by any of the respected wine journals (Parker, WS the CGs', Food & Wine etc). The wines were set to be released at $55.00 and $75.00 price points.

*4-2005 Davis Bynum Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir:"94-96"...Dark, purple/blue; nose of blackberry, moist wood (the wine spent 10 months in French oak) vanilla and strawberry compote; silky texture, medium-bodied with flavors of blackberry jam, tea, pastry spice, over-ripe blueberry reduction sauce; fantastic wine/beautifully balanced and drinking great now...will develop and reward with a 18-24 months in the cellar. (This wine has a suggested retail price of $75.00/Bottle).

*4-2005 Davis Bynum Laureles Vineyard..."92-93"/RC...Purple/red

blue color; odors of bright, ripe red raspberry, blueberry compote and cherry, spice, cedar; very forward fruit flavors of ripe strawberry, boysenberry jam, Dr. Pepper, vanilla and cream soda; beautifully textured, perhaps a half-shade lighter in body than the Allen Vineyard; balanced slightly tannic finish. I'd open this one before the Allen however that's not to say this wine wouldn't benefit from a year or two; still very vibrant and youthful. (Winery price of this wine-$75.00)

*4-2005 Davis Bynum Lindley's Knoll Vineyard "93"/RC...Dark purple/blue, casts a red shadow in intense sunlight; odors of sweet, boiling strawberry jam, blackberry, tea, sandalwood, vanilla and baking spice; tons of raspberry and black cherry fruit framed by sweet vanilla and spice, silky with a sexy texture and creamy finish; great wine. (Winery price $55.00)

O.K. Now that I've provided the details and ratings I'll divulge your savings. The Allen and the Laureles Vineyards sport suggested retails of $75.00, the Lindley's Knoll $55.00. (Verifiable via the web) Therefore, this case, if purchased at "suggested retail" would cost $820.00 and given their lineage, vineyard sources, incredible quality and neighborhood (Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli) would be priced competitively

Because of this exclusive (it really IS exclusive) offer, you pay $440.00...nearly 50% off retail and WELL below wholesale. I can't emphasize enough that this is a ONE TIME ONLY deal.

*12 Bottle Case of 2005 Bynum Single-Vineyard Pinots-$440.00.

Manage your subscription

World's Best '06 Champenoise Rose Value

2008-06-10T10:26:00.001-07:00

World's Best '06 Champenoise Brut Rose Value

Simply the finest TRUE Champagne styled Bubbly Value on the market...Graham Beck's 2006 Brut Rose' - $210.00/Case

It's finally back in stock!

A year ago we introduced you to the Graham Beck Brut Rose' calling it one of the finest Methode Champenoise sparkling Roses' we'd ever tasted for under $30 retail. The response was immediate and nearly overwhelming. Unfortunately, a short time later the supplier lost the import contract and availability quickly dried up. Recently however, one of the finest wholesalers in the country picked up the brand and (at our request) imported a quarter pallet of the Rose' exclusively for our shop.

Comparable to $40-Plus French Champagne

You'd be hard pressed to find another Hand-Harvested, Vintage dated, Cork Finished, Methode Champenoise (88% Pinot Noir/12% Chardonnay) Brut Rose' of this quality for under $25.00. At $17 bucks and change I believe your task would be impossible.

And Frank Gorshin as...*"The Riddler!"

The Beck Brut Rose' is made in the traditional (and costly) French tradition of "Methode Champenoise". In this manner the wine is bottled with a "dosage" (a combination of sugar and yeast) and allowed to develop its bubbles via a secondary fermentation. When the process is completed, (which takes months as the individual bottles must be "riddled"...the guy who does the riddling is called the "Riddler") slowly from the horizontal to the up-side-down position which causes the "plug" of spent yeast cells to sink to the neck of the bottle where it is frozen and removed while topping with a small amount of finished wine before installing the cork. The cap and cage are attached and BOOM! You've got a Champagne-styled sparkling wine.

We're told to forget about sub $30 French Champagnes...

It's not hyperbole that French Champagne prices are rising

By as much as 50% as you read this. All the big houses

Claim that they've held the line long enough and are now forced to adjust their pricing to reflect the Euro/Dollar exchange rate, shipping and fuel costs, import taxation etc. This means that the average bottle of French Brut Champagne could be nearing the $50 price point by the fall.

Both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are hand picked. The Pinot came in at 20. Brix for complexity, weight and length of flavor, the Chardonnay at 18.-19.5 for crispness, fruit and elegance. The Pinot and Chardonnay were pressed in the same unit. Fractional recovery form the whole bunches ensured that only the quality juice went into fermentation. After completion, the wine was lightly fined and bottled for the secondary fermentation. A minimum lees contact time was allowed before a disgorging of 15 months.

"Extremely attractive salmon pink in color (the Brits describe the Beck's color as "eye of the Partridge"). Nose of fresh-baked bread in a bakery at 4:00 A.M. Sexy, ripe strawberries and raspberries from the Pinot Noir are supported by a creamy, citrus infused complexity from the Chardonnay. The wine is fairly weighty in texture (I do not like bubbly without body) with a pin-point line of little beads marching their way through the rose-colored liquid to burst and sizzle when they reach the surface.

You could easily convince even the most jaded bubbleheads that the Beck was $60 French from one of the famed houses of Epernay or Reims.

Full Case of 12 Graham Beck Brut Rose' - $210.00

Guaranteed to hold to Holiday Season 2009.

Manage your subscription

:Napa's Mountain Cabernets-Reclusive Jewels

2008-02-02T12:54:00.001-08:00

Terra Valentine Cabernet for YOUR Valentine

A Collection of the artfully balanced 2004 Cabernet Sauvignons from
Napa Valley's Terra Valentine winery, a state-of-the-art
Cabernet-focused facility perched 2,100 feet above sea level on Spring
Mountain. Terra Valentine's winemaker, Sam Baxter crafts three
high-elevation Cabs, two Single-Vineyard bottlings and a "Spring
Mountain" blend of the two; Case of 6 (2 of each) $395.00 Full Case (4
of each) $775.00 Discounted.

These Terra Valentine reds are Quintessential Napa Valley Mountain
Cabernets from the Great 2004 Vintage: "92" Parker, "95" Wine
Spectator..."A small crop with extremely high quality; Napa Cabernets
are ripe, elegant, concentrated and harmonious with deft balance and
ripe tannins"

"Terra Valentine" derives its name from the two words "Terra"
[Lat./earth, ground, land,] (acknowledging the importance of hillside
soil) and "Valentine" which honors owner Angus Wurtele's late father
"Valentine Wurtele" and the Valspar Corporation....hence "Terra
Valentine". The roots of the Valspar Corp trace back to the Valentine
Company, an early American Firm that made its reputation manufacturing
the varnish for spars of clipper ships.

If you're planning a trip to our neck O' the woods, let us know
beforehand. Private tours at T-Valentine can be arranged; it is well
worth your time and effort.

Terra Valentine is a pine-shrouded, artisan crafted, medieval inspired
state-of the-art facility tucked away at the 2,100 foot level of
Spring Mountain. Fred Aves designed and built the 17,000-square foot
facility out of native stone and poured-in-place concrete. Aves vision
included one-of a-kind design features such as gorgeous,
Greco-Romanesque inspired stained glass windows and statuary, British
woodcarvings and panels purchased from WR Hurst (which had been
obtained but not used in the creation of his fantastic "Castle" above
San Simeon Beach) and cast iron spiral staircases. Unfortunately, the
building had been long dormant and hidden from view when Wurtele
purchased it in 1999. Angus maintained and enhanced the "storybook
castle" complexion of the building while adding a 21st century
fermentation system, updated electricity and plumbing.

Pretend you're Julie Andrew's "Maria" character for a second and
you're on the top of the mountain as the Helicopter-mounted camera
pans around the majestic landscape, then swoops in on you as you
spread your arms and spin whilst singing..."The Hills are Alive...And
it's kind of scary"...

When thinking of the Napa Valley, images of spectacular, tree-lined
drives leading to Disneyland like facades surrounded by manicured
gardens generally come to mind, and those places DO in fact dot
Highway 29 from Calistoga to Yountville. There is another Napa which
is often missed by the average visitor. This other portion of the
valley consists of a group of wineries and acres of vineyards perched
way up in the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges with (Sub) AVAs' like
Diamond, Howell, Veeder, Spring, Oak Knoll, Stag's Leap and Atlas
Peak. Unlike Highway 29's wall-to-wall winery death march, up there
you're more likely to navigate a gravel road while avoiding tractor
ruts and Wild Turkeys in order to arrive at a weathered, stone or
redwood building where you might have to shout "Hallo!" in order to
get someone's attention. Congratulations, you've arrived at one of
the many Mountain wineries which occupy little nooks and aeries of the
region.

The people of the Mountains are a bit more independent and perhaps a
tad cavalier in their attitude toward the public and its perception of
their efforts. Show some enthusiasm and a bit of humility in your
approach however, and you will likely soon find yourself tromping
through the vine rows, listening to their personal philosophies
regarding trellising procedures and ground cover practices while
tasting cellar-cold, thieved samples of some of their teeth-staining,
enamel-ripping, tannic young Cabs straight out of the barrel. (Hint;
warm the wine by cupping your hands around the glass while gently
"swishing" it in circles for a few minutes to bring out the flavor and
scare off a bit of harsh tannin)

Once a Mountain Man, always a moun...you get the idea

Terra Valentine is such a winery, and although the building is a bit
more "Magic Kingdom-ish" than many of its neighbors, the isolation and
its corresponding independent spirit thrives there and can be seen in
the eyes of the staff and winemaker, Sam Baxter. (kind of funny side
note, when Sam dropped by last week he mentioned to Becky that she
looked vaguely familiar as she said the same to him. After a bit of
discussion, it turned out that he was one of her counselors at a
summer camp she attended years ago in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near
Lake Tahoe!)

The following bit was swiped from Tim Teichgraeber's column in the
S.F. Chronicle of 3/2/07.

"Mountain vineyards are more difficult to farm. It's harder work to
establish them, they're lower yield. I think the people who planted
the vineyards at elevation are a different type of character" says
Philippe Melka (you guys know who he is). But does any of that make
California's mountain wines superior? The idea that certain vineyard
sites might be better for growing great wine isn't exactly new. In
France, the most consistently outstanding vineyards have been
officially honored with the "Grand Cru" rankings. But even if
mountain vines make more intense and cellar worthy wines, California
doesn't have a ranking system, and the idea of establishing a class
system may be a hard sell in a society that fetishizes class
mobility...even winemakers and critics who prefer mountain-grown wines
are hesitant to endorse a formal ranking program.

Mountain-grown Cabernet is notorious for taking a little more time to
open up, but it's often well worth the wait. Vines planted in thin,
high-elevation soils produce smaller grapes with more skin and less
juice than those grown on the valley floor. The result is
concentrated with deeper color and more tannin than grapes grown at
lower elevations. The Terra Valentine wines are ideal examples of
this;

I tasted the three T-Valentine Cabs with Sam Baxter here at the shop
last Friday...here are my notes and Sam's take on his three 2004s'.

*2004 Terra Valentine "Spring Mountain" Cabernet Sauvignon..."88-91"
"Already opening up and shedding some of the tannins I expected to
find; rich fruit flavors of blackberry, dark plum, ripe cherry and
more than a pinch of dark chocolate and a hint of licorice on the
finish. The oak is restrained in this one and it is obviously made
for earlier consumption although I'd bet it would age well for a
minimum of 3 years". This is the wineries least expensive Cabernet.
It sells for under $35 within this offer...an almost unheard of price
for the category.

*"A major percentage of our Spring Mountain bottling (88%) comes from
the Wurtele Vineyard which was planted in the early 1990's. The
balance is taken from our Yverdon (EE'verdon) Estate and includes 3%
Cab Franc. The property is comprised of 35 acres planted to 100%
Cabernet ranging in elevations from 800 feet to nearly 1000 feet with
360 degrees of exposure. The wine was fermented during a 26 day
period (including cold soak and extended maceration) with X2 daily
punch downs. After aging 20 months in 33% new French Oak the wine was
bottled unfiltered with a light egg white fining. (Egg whites are
"positively charged"; when dropped through the wine they absorb
suspended matter and "drag" it down to the bottom or "lees" which is
then racked off creating a clear liquid.

*2004 Wurtele Vineyard Spring Mountain Cabernet..."91-92"..."Very
assertive; a delicious and classically structured Mountain Cab; Big,
very rich and muscular with bright flavors of cassis, rich dark
chocolate, black cherry, licorice and sweet oak. A formidable wine
with excellent aging potential."

*Sam Says..."I made the 2004 Wurtele from two distinct and designated
blocks on the top of Wurtele Vineyard. Grapes were hand harvested in
mid to late September and early October. The wine was put through a
28 day fermentation. Free run was kept separate from press juice and
put into French oak of which 45% was new. The wine was aged 20 months
and bottled unfined and unfiltered; Opens with wild berries, black
licorice, peppercorn and spice; Deep black cherry fruit and chocolate
ease into a broad mid-palate with supple tannins and a long finish;
317 cases produced".

And the Big Gun...2004 Yverdon Vineyard Spring Mountain
Cabernet..."93-94"..."Yikes! Dispels the notion that only "old vine"
grapes produce wines of dimension...difficult to believe that this is
only 3rd leaf! A massive, bruiser of a Cabernet with all of its
components in spades yet nothing out of proportion. Big fruit, big
oak, big depth, big texture, big tannins, just Big big BIG. MR. BIG!
This wine will still be youthful when Rebecca reaches middle age (and
I'll probably be fossil fuel). And yet, it is balanced; All
properties in equal amounts, nothing sticking out to call attention.
A Classic, extremely age-able and deep baby of a Red Wine! I base my
score on the age-worthiness of this wine...it shouldn't be consumed
for a few years minimum unless aerated and decanted several hours (a
day?) prior to service.

And Sam? ..."Grapes were hand picked and hand sorted from September
15th through October 15th. Aged for 20 months in French oak of which
45% was new, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Opens with sweet black
currant, spicy cedars, toasted marshmallow and caramel. On the palate
you'll find spicy, lush fruit with a hint of fresh ground espresso.
(French Roast I think). Round, cocoa tannins finish off this rich,
elegant wine". 370 cases produced.

When comparing the Terra Valentine Cabernets with other Napa Mountain
bottlings (and the fact that production is in the hundreds of cases
rather than thousands) the inherent value of the wines becomes
obvious.

Case of 6-2 of each $395.00
Case of 12-4 of each $775.00

:"97"/Parker "94"/Tanzer "90" WS...SERIOUS #'S

2008-01-29T10:04:00.001-08:00

"97"/Parker "94"/Tanzer "90"/WS...SERIOUS #S'!

Forty-Seven & Change for a "97" Pt Parkerized killer RED

The 2005 El Nido "Clio" has arrived. This, my friends is a fabulous
Red. Literally every wine publication on earth does double back-flips
over the stuff, rarely scoring it less than "91" and generally in the
mid to high "90"s'.

Given the press and attention, it's hard to believe that it still
sells for $285.00/Case of 6 or $145.00/Case of 3.

The El Nido "Clio" is a small-production fusion of Cabernet and
Monastrell which sells for (SRP) $48.00. Robert Parker scores the
wine an average of "95.3" Points. Stephen Tanzer awards the 2005
"94", the Wine Spectator "90", the Cellar Tracker Community Tasting
(57 independent reviews) gives the Clio a low of "89", a high of
"97"...with an average of "93.2".

I am often criticized by members of the wine-production end of the
business for using numerical scores in the "E-Alert". This is both
frustrating and flattering as most of their comments are the result of
a belief that my clientele will (after nearly 30 years) be willing to
make their wine-buying decisions based on MY recommendations and
descriptions, ignoring the nationally recognized publications,
especially those which solicit advertising.
I appreciate the implied confidence in my palate which these
well-meaning individuals express, and in a perfect world I WOULD offer
only those wines which I personally believe merit your consideration
regardless of any published ratings. In my defense, regular readers of
this electro-rag are aware that a decent percentage of the wines
featured here are in fact, personally rated and presented sans
additional hype or the opinions of the "professionals".

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world, and while I would NEVER
intentionally offer you a wine which I felt did not deserve a place on
your table, it is a fact that a "90" or above score in any of the
respected wine and foodie publications will A) likely to be good or
very good in quality, B) receive a positive response to the alert in
terms of sales which C) puts money in the bank at the end of the day
allowing me to continue doing whatever the hell it is that I do. (And
money is the Root's Cellar of all evil)

Therefore...when a tightly allocated wine nails Unanimous "90-97"
point ratings, sells for a disproportionately lower price than others
of similar nature and is actually AVAILABLE to us (hence, you) on a
limited basis, the only question is "how many cases have been slated
for our account?"

$47.00 or $190.00, $47.00 or $190.00, $47.00 or $190.00?!

Chris Ringland is the consulting winemaker at El Nido (you know, the
guy who gets consistent "100" Point ratings from Parker for his
"Ringland" Shiraz). Chris makes both the "Clio" blend of Cabernet and
Monastrell ("97" Points, $47.00) and the Bodegas El Nido "El Nido"
blend of Cabernet/Monastrell ("99" Points $190.00) at El Nido.

Yes, I know it's a little confusing; simply put, there are two wines,
the "El Nido" and the "Clio"...the name of the winery is "Bodegas El
Nido".

Both of these wines are massive in body, weight and overall dimension;
they smell like a wild blackberry patch in late summer. Each wine
exhibits a satiny texture, rich flavors of plum, blackberry, sweet
spice, vanilla, cream, cola and black cherry. They both sport ripe
yet integrated tannins.

The Clio and El Nido are two of the finest wines made in Spain, a
country whose Enological and Viticultural capabilities have
leap-frogged over many other Central European wine-growing regions in
just the last decade.

"97" Parker..."The consulting winemaker at El Nido is Chris Ringland
of Barossa Valley fame. The 2004 Clio is 30% Cabernet and 70%
Monastrell (from 63 year-old vines) which received malolactic
fermentation in new oak followed by 26 months of aging in new French
and American barriques. A glass-coating opaque purple, it exhibits a
sensational nose of earth, mushroom, leather, blueberry and blackberry
jam. On the palate the wine is supple-textured, complex with vibrant
flavors of spicy blue and black fruits and a big-time WOW factor.
This is a totally HEDONISTIC effort with exceptional length and
balance. It is remarkably light on its feet for such a powerful
wine".

*"93-Plus" Tanzer...The 2005 Bodegas El Nido "Clio" is "Inky purple;
Vibrant red and dark berries in the nose with sexy vanillin oak, Asian
spices, fresh flowers and bright minerality. A silky graceful
mid-palate displaying wild raspberry and blackberry flavors and a slow
burning tannic grip; more tangy than the 2004 and AT LEAST as elegant;
finishes with outstanding clarity and persistence."

"90" Wine Spectator..."Oak dominates the 2005 El Nido Clio, but it's
delicious oak, with cola, toasty vanilla and smoke flavors. There's
also plenty of fruit, tart cherry and raspberry, with ripe tannins and
lip-smacking acidity. A modern style; expressive and lively;
Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012."

*There are just too many reviews to print from the Cellar Tracker.
(Yahoogle "Cellar tracker") suffice to say that they are ALL extremely
favorable; with an average score of "93.2"...quite a recognition
considering the sheer number of extremely enthusiastic wine geeks who
respond and comment on that site.

Full Case (6) of Bodegas El Nido "Clio" - $285.00
Half Case (3) $145.00

IMPORTANT ADDITION: THE BODEGAS MUGA "RIOJA TORRE MUGA" IS #11 ON THE
WINE SPECTATOR'S "TOP 100 WINES OF 2007" LIST WITH A SCORE OF "95".
WE RECEIVED (ALONG WITH THE ORDER OF CLIO) ONE (1) SIX PACK OF THE
WINE FOR OUR SHOP. THE TORRE MUGA SELLS FOR $88.00/BOTTLE. IT IS
OPEN ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

*"2004 Bodegas Muga "Torre Muga"..."95"..."Plush and harmonious, this
red is alluring yet subtle with intense flavors backed by an
impressive structure. Look for black currant, cocoa, cigar box and
mineral notes now and expect further complexity as this evolves.
Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2020".

'06 Marquis-Philips "9"..."95" Parker

2008-01-24T10:07:00.001-08:00

'06 Marquis-Philips "9"..."95" Parker!

Your allocation of the 2006 "R" Winery's (Marquis Philips) "9" "95"
Point (Parker) along with the "92" point Shiraz and the "91" point
"Sarah's Blend" for $370.00. On the Ol' Parkerization scale (that I
just made up), that comes out to an average of $3.87/point making this
one of the highest rated/least expensive boxes of the NEW YEAR (should
you be counting).

Why is it that number "9" (nine) seems to play such a prominent role
in the periphery of societal consciousness? Starting with the average
human gestation period to John Lennon's "#9 Dream" to LaVey's "Number
of Satan"...throw in the Motzkin, Dante's "9 Circles of Hell", the
number of planets in our solar system (until Pluto got uppity), add
the judges of the Supreme Court and Wally Cleaver's locker number or
the numerical baseball position (right field, where I always ended up)
and you'll see that the ennead (9 of anything) is always hanging
around like melody in your head that you can never really purge.

And then there's the Marquis Philips "9"...a wine which would be
immediately banished to Dante's vision should it be true that "the
meek shall inherit the earth". This is not a red for the feint of
heart or the weak of will. Alongside this mother, wines of similar
nature would leap out the nearest window knowing they'd be too weak to
defend themselves.

Case in point...

Last year a friend of mine asked me to assemble a case of "really good
reds" (his cost request was very generous) for a dinner he was hosting
with the power elite of San Francisco (this guy runs with the big
dogs). I had no problem filling the box with a few high-dollar Napa
Cabs, Sonoma Coast Pinots and central state Syrahs. On a hunch, I
included our last two bottles of the 2005 "9" (the least expensive jar
in the selection). A week or two after the event he called to say
that all the wines were extremely well received...but, "that
"9"..."Wow! What an impression that made! Do you have any more?"
That's the kind of response this stuff attracts whenever its poured.

*Here is Bob Parker's review; "95 Points"..."(The 2006) "R" Marquis
Philips "9" has been barrel fermented in new French and American oak
barriques and hogsheads where it has been aging for 14 months. It
delivers an alluring bouquet of pain grille, smoke, mocha, espresso
and blue fruits. This is followed by a full-bodied,
personality-filled Shiraz with blueberry, blackberry liqueur, licorice
and a hint of chocolate emerging on the palate. Opulent, sweet and
lengthy, it will evolve for several years but can be enjoyed now and
over the next 12-15 years. "R Wines" is a new company founded by
importer Dan Philips along with co-owner, renowned winemaker Chris
Ringland. The Marquis Philips wines have established a six year track
record for delivering a big bang for the buck and what is in the
bottle consistently over delivers from low-end to high-end. Starting
with the 2006 vintage all the fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale."

The "9" is (and always has been) very highly allocated. It is with
zero dilution in the quality of this offer that we have teamed up the
wine with three bottles each of the 2006 "R" M-P Shiraz and "Sarah's
Blend".

First, the (Beige Cap) Shiraz...

*"92" Points..."The 2006 "R" MP Shiraz was barrel-fermented in aged
and predominantly American oak for 12 months. It offers up fragrant
aromas of cedar, smoke, tar, blueberry and blackberry liqueur. Full
bodied, opulent and structured, this intense, well balanced wine will
evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2016. IT IS AN EXCELLENT
VALUE". Beware! At one minute before midnight on December 31st, 2015
should you have any of this yummy wine left in your cellar it will
immediately turn into the Giant Rat of Sumatra. Don't tell me you
haven't been warned.

*Finally the (Pale Green Cap) "Sarah's Blend"...

"91" Points..."The 2006 Sarah's is composed of 60% Syrah, 28% Cabernet
and the balance being Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It was also barrel
fermented and aged in seasoned French oak for 12 months. Deep
crimson-colored, it yields a complex aromatic array of cedar, spice
box, clove, pepper, cassis and blueberry. Full bodied, fruit-driven
and intensely flavored, this layered blend has a 45 second
finish...and delivers Big Bang for the Buck. Drink it over the next 8
years". (On December 31st of 2015 this wine becomes Donald Trump, a
monster of equal dimension.)

Attempted explanation of the whole Marquis Philips "R" Debacle

I have never met Dan Philips or Chris Ringland. Rebecca (along with a
group of American wine professionals) toured Australia last year with
Dan (and Chris to a lesser degree) as her host and guide. She has
nothing but positive things to say about the two men. Sparky and
Sarah Marquis who (along with Dan) founded "Marquis-Philips" wines
have become friends of ours via phone and E-mail conversations over
the years and are now receiving international praise for their
MollyDooker wines...they are delightful people and incredibly talented
winemakers as is Chris Ringland. Apparently, Philips and the Marquis'
had a falling out in 05-06 which explains why Ringland now makes the
M-P wines. We've been told that the continued existence of that label
was one of the primary issues surrounding the split. This situation
leaves us feeling like the third party in a divorce as we have no
reason to harbor ill feelings for Dan, Chris, Sparky or Sarah. If
that didn't confuse you nothing will.

*I think it's fair to say that not only are these wines incredibly
well made, offer far more dimension, texture, pleasure and power than
most other similarly priced reds, it is also true that the "9"
consistently receives scores equal to many of Australia's legendary
Shiraz-based wines (such as Penfold's Grange etc...)

Box of "R" M-P Reds including 6 whole bottles of the Mystical, Magical
"9".... $370.00

______________________________________________________________________

What This Country Needs is a $75 Cab for $25!

2008-01-17T11:42:00.001-08:00

What this Country needs is a $75 Cab for $25!

The Remarkable 2005 Obsidian Ridge High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon -
$297/Case...Let's Head for the (RED) Hills!

It's hardly a secret that given the complexion of the economy, we're
all looking for ways to maintain our lifestyles while simultaneously
cutting our expenses...a balancing act not easily performed. But
guess what?! I DID find a remarkable bottle of Cabernet that looks
and tastes like seventy-five bucks yet can be yours for only
$297.00/Case of 12. All I ask is this: JUST TASTE IT! I'd bet $ I
don't have that this is one of the best "Sub-$25" Cabernet to have
ever graced your pearly whites. As a participant in an annual wine
awards judging I'm gonna be a strong proponent for inclusion of the
Obsidian Ridge in the "Value Cabernet" Category for year 2008.

The wine business is a very cyclical. For years, Zinfandel was the
top act...hell, we were known as "The Zinfandel Shrine of America" (a
customer in D.C. came up with that, not me) then, for a time we simply
couldn't get enough Merlot to satisfy demand...when the Merlot train
derailed, Syrah became the hot item. Unfortunately, Syrah hit a brick
wall at about 90 MPH in the spring of 2007 and continues to languish
(???). Pinot Noir on the other hand, took off like Han Solo's
Millennium Falcon at the beginning of this decade and hit Hyper-drive
after "Sideways". Although slowing down, Starship Pinot continues to
fly. Cabernet on the other hand has always held a steady percentage
of our sales and has seen a resurgence of interest in the last year.
Recently, I put out a challenge (to the wholesale trade) to come up
with the greatest bang-for-the-buck California Cabernet on the
wholesale market.

On the surface, the conditions didn't seem all that difficult. The
wine must be: from a respected California AVA, contain a majority
percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, spend time in quality oak, be
approachable AND age-able, possess quintessential varietal flavors and
structure and present itself in an impressive package...i.e. it has to
"stand out"...what's the big Whoop?

Apparently, I was wrong. This was quite a large whoop after all. The
candidates began "pouring in" (intended). After tasting a number of
mediocre, overly tannic or (worse) thin and weedy candidates, the
winner became obvious...heck, nothing else came close!

Why Obsidian Ridge? Why "High Elevation"?

"Red Hills" is a new AVA (American Viticultural Appellation) located
15 miles NW of the Napa Valley at the confluence of Sonoma, Mendocino
and Lake Counties. The area is roughly 12 miles NW of Howell
Mountain, Spring Mountain and Mount Veeder (as the Gooney flaps).
Cabernet vines planted in the shallow, mineral laden soils of this
high elevation (roughly 2,700 feet), obsidian and gravel-strewn red
dirt produce intensely flavored, tiny, thick-skinned berries which
pack powerful flavors of blackberries, super-ripe Bing cherries and
exotic spices. The wines made from these grapes are muscular, deep,
complex and age-able. In the hands of talented, journeymen winemakers
Michael Terrien (Acacia and Hanzell) and Alex Beloz (MacRostie) the
O.R. Cabernets from these lofty acres possess dark fruit flavors and
tamed tannins which exhibit beautifully when teamed with quality oak
barrels.

The Cabernet is aged exclusively in superb Hungarian Oak

Obsidian Ridge is owned by the Molnar family who own and manage a
thriving Barrel production company in Patriarch Nicholas Molnar's
childhood home of Budapest, Hungary. (Nicholas escaped in 1956 one
step ahead of the Communists) Today, Peter Molnar manages the
cooperage and vineyards while Arpad Molnar keeps track of the day to
day here in California. Hungarian oak, (while being extremely similar
to top-quality French examples) imparts a unique, sweet spice element
all its own. There is a distinct sense of cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint
of sweet fennel in the barrels which, once experienced can be detected
by even the least sensitive palate.

There's a certain "tossing of the dice" in planting at these high
elevations. It's harder to get the fruit ripe (it gets damn cold up
there at night!) and water is always a problem with the shallow soils.
The fact that the property is literally covered with shiny obsidian
(lava which has cooled quickly from exposure to water at some point in
the distant past) reflecting sunlight and enhancing heat retention
which radiates into the vines adds to the equation. In addition, the
rocky soils mean additional struggling for the vines as well as rapid
drainage; the better the drainage and the less vigor the better the
wine. In a perfect world, all vines would be stressed to a certain
pre-determined calibration depending on the variety. The Romans had a
saying, "Vitis amat colles"... roughly translated "The vines love the
hills" (or "the platypus barks at midnight"...one of the two).

The Molnar's are supplying me with enough Obsidian (apparently they
have a lot of it lying around) to include a chunk within each case.
You can pour yourself a glass of this delectable Cabernet while
pondering the very existence of this remarkable material right there
in your hand!

All of these factors really do come into play in the production of
Obsidian Ridge High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a Butt
Kicker red loaded with kegs of fruit which suggests early drinking yet
the wine possesses the tannins, muscle and depth to age up to TEN
YEARS! Simply put, You've GOT to taste this wine.

The Obsidian Ridge looks like your average $100.00 Napa
Cabernet...packaged in the wide, deeply punted, low shoulder Bordeaux
style bottle common to many super-premium cult wines that fetch silly
prices yet taste remarkably similar.

There isn't much O-R Cabernet produced hence it does not get a lot of
attention from the wine press. Once the word gets out regarding this
new AVA (and the fact that Beckstoffer among other high-profile
growers are buying up acreage like mad) and the quality of the wines
produced from its mountain vineyards, the prices will certainly
escalate. For the time being, this one's a rare bargain.

*The Connoisseur's Guide chimes in with..."Revved up in ripeness to be
sure, a surprisingly well mannered wine loaded with fine currant fruit
with all its spaces filled with very nice oak flavors. Its
appropriate tannins lend structure and spine without becoming abrasive
and it will provide equal if different pleasures both in the short
term as well as up to one-half a dozen years."

*"92-93"/RC...What more can I say? Tasted "blind" I could have easily
been convinced that this Cab sold for $50 or more. A competitor in
the Bay Area was blown away by the quality of the wine and, after
hearing the wholesale cost expected it to ship in units of 6. The guy
was flabbergasted when told that the price was for a full case of 12.
This wine is getting the same kind of response wherever it's poured.

*Gold Medal, San Francisco National Wine Competition

*2005 Obsidian Ridge "High Elevation" Cabernet Sauvignon $297/Case

Neyers Chardonnays Rival California's Finest

2008-01-11T11:24:00.005-08:00

Neyers Chardonnays Rival California's Finest

A mixed box of the deliciously succulent 2006 Neyers Chardonnays which
(yesterday) received the blessings of The "Emperor of wine" his bad
self Robert Parker with an average score of 91.5 points - $425.00
After Discounts

Case includes the 4-Napa Valley, 4-Carneros, and 2-Thieriot
And 2-El Novillero. With an average price of $35.42/Bottle, these are
some of the highest rated/least expensive SUPER PREMIUM Chardonnays on
today's market.

"This (the 2006 Chardonnays) was the strongest line-up of wines Neyers
has yet produced" -Robert Parker

"Neyers Vineyards" is owned by Bruce and Barbara Neyers and their
winemaking partner, Ehren Jordan (winemaker at Turley as well as his
own "Failla" brand) thus answering the inevitable question as to what
Chardonnay would taste like if produced under the legendary Turley
label (Cult Zinfandels famous for their massively extracted, character
laden and hugely dimensional personalities). Ehren earned his stripes
working in the vineyards and wineries of some of France's greatest
regions. Bruce has spent decades working with legendary importer
Kermit Lynch as his national sales rep...together they make quite a
pair of Cal-Franco super-heroes.

Considering the inefficient and costly (yet undeniably gratifying)
techniques which Bruce and Ehren employ in producing these wines, I
believe their average bottle cost is severely under priced.
Submitted, for your perusal...

1) The Barrels which Ehren employs to produce these luscious wines are
made in France to his specifications from wood he and Bruce purchase
at auction. These vessels are air-dried for three years (one year
longer hence more costly than "normal"). All of the fruit is
hand-picked into half-ton bins and then laboriously hand sorted at the
winery. Any grapes which require more than a 30 minute commute from
their day-jobs in the vineyard to the facility are transported in
refrigerated trucks before punching the clock at Neyers for their
ultimate sacrifice, yet even then they are humanely treated...for
example;

2) The Neyers Chardonnay grapes are never crushed...instead, they are
slowly and gently whole-cluster pressed. The resulting juice is
racked directly into barrel and then fermented with indigenous wild
yeasts. This process is time consuming and expensive, but it produces
a level of richness and complexity not found in Chardonnay produced
otherwise.

I ask the Jury to consider the following;

3) Think of California's most sought after and lauded
multiple-vineyard Chardonnay producers...names like Kistler, Ramey,
Paul Hobbs and Patz & Hall immediately come to mind. (Throw out Helen
Turley's Marcassin wines because her scores AND prices are in the
stratosphere) I did a quick, 3 vintage survey comparing ratings (from
Parker, the WS, Connoisseur's Guide and CA Grapevine) versus pricing
for the above wines. The average numerical score awarded? 93.15; the
average bottle price? $59.38 my closing argument: The Average
numerical score given these four Neyers Chardonnays? 91.5; the average
bottle price? $35.41...Lettuce and Geraniums, I rest my case.

There is no (zero, nada, nyet) reason NOT to expect the Neyers
Chardonnays to rise into the rarified and exclusive air which is
otherwise reserved for California's most restricted and cherished
producers SUCH AS Kistler, Hobbs and Ramey. Your purchase of the
collection described below will insure your continued access to these
wines.

*4-2006 Neyers Carneros Chardonnay "90" Parker..."The '06 Carneros has
a nice, smoky nose of hazelnuts, honeyed citrus and a touch of
tropical fruits in a medium to full-bodied wine with great fruit
purity, richness and zesty underlying acidity...Neyers has an
impressive portfolio of wines, some of which come from his own estate
vineyards tucked away in the Conn Valley. His winemaker is none other
than Turley Cellars' highly respected Ehren Jordan. I thought this
was the strongest line-up of wines Neyers has yet produced...so it
seems he's on a roll...these are all pure, clean examples of
Chardonnay".

The fruit for the 2006 Neyers Chardonnays was harvested over the last
week of September through the third week of October. Neither fining
agents nor yeast foods or other additives were used throughout the
process. The length of the 2006 season was exaggerated (almost a
month longer than 2005). This increases the richness and flavor of
the wines and insures that the grapes fully ripen. The downside is
the ever-present risk of botrytis, a mildew that can result in
off-flavors if the grapes are not carefully sorted both in the
vineyard and at the winery...an expensive but necessary undertaking.
History has taught Bruce and Ehren that they make their best wines in
years like 2006, and this is ONE HUGE SUCCESS.

*2-2006 Neyers Thieriot Chardonnay "93" Parker..."Hints of lime oil,
white currant, peach and honeysuckle, all buttressed by terrific
acidity comprise the full bodied '06 Thieriot Vineyard. A cool
climate wine with some stunning acidity and nicely integrated wood,
this is a beauty that should drink nicely for another 3-4 years."

*"The Thieriot sports a rich, buttery style. Shows ripe, deep
tropical fruit framed by smoky, cedary oak, finishing with a long
persistent aftertaste". - Wine Spectator

* 4-2006 Neyers "Napa Valley Chardonnay"..."The '06 Napa reveals the
most tropical fruits, plenty of orange and nectarine notes, medium to
full-body and loads of pure fruit in a sexy, sensual style to drink
over the next 1-2 years"

*2-2006 Neyers El Novillero Chardonnay..."92" Parker..."Leesy
complexity is noticeable in the '06 El Novillero. This wine exhibits
good acidity and much more minerality, with hints or pineapple,
buttered citrus, brioche and waxy notes. The wine is a superb
Chardonnay, pure, medium to full-bodied, and I suspect capable of
lasting 3-4 years."

If you purchase only one producer's collection of 2006
single-vineyard/appellation Chardonnays, this box would HAVE to be on
your list. Considering price, quality, winemaking, winemaker,
age-ability and lineage ...$425.00 is a solid bargain.

"190 Points" (Parker) Cabernet for $375/CS

2008-01-11T11:24:00.003-08:00

"*190 Points" (Parker) Cabernet for $375/Cs

A (6 btl) Case (3 bottles of each) of "95" Point *(2X95=190)
Anderson's Conn Valley Proprietary "Eloge" and "Right Bank" Cabernets
from the superb 2004 & 2005 Vintages. Robert Parker calls these wines
"Hedonistic Turn Ons'"

$375.00...Save over $40.00 off wineries Suggested Retail Prices.

Fear and Loathing from High-Stress Wine Sales

Robert Parker pulled his now famous end-around sneak play earlier this
week by issuing the annual "Northern California" issue of the Wine
Advocate (one gazillion pages) between Christmas Day and New Years
Eve. Trusting that this brief period between two of the biggest
holidays of the year will offer a respite from the constant deluge of
information (and the related need to pursue and acquire the highly
rated wines before inventory dries up), many retailers were caught off
guard (DOH!) in their ill-advised belief that they deserve to indulge
in a couple more spiked eggnogs while playing with their kids
Christmas toys before returning to the dreaded reality of retail sales
come January 2nd. Ain't gonna happen, Bub...time is of the
essence...the early Goose gets the Juice!

Which leads me to this E-alert. While there were a number of very
expensive Napa Cabernets which received scores over "90" points (the
sweet spot when it comes to the public's perception of quality) I, in
my usual frugal fashion searched for the ever-popular "highest
score/least expensive" ratio items (and the category which I will be
offering you guys for the next few months as many of the rated wines
have not yet been released).

Two "95" point wines (Both Napa Cabernet-based Bordeaux/Meritage
style) reds jumped off the page, Anderson's Conn Valley "Eloge" and
"Right Bank", both vintage 2006. I punched the buttons and made the
call to their supplier. His response..."The '06s' haven't even been
released and we suspect that now that they've been Parkerized their
prices are going to be adjusted accordingly...but wait, I still have a
small inventory of the '04 Eloge and '05 Right Bank and they BOTH
scored "95" in last year's Northern California edition ...you should
jump on em' before my boss puts them on restriction and raises the
price!

And that, mi amigos, is what I did.

Hence your opportunity to buy a mixed, 6 bottle case of these
delicious wines for only $375.00; compare to similar, famous, top
rated Napa Cabernets from these two excellent vintages and it becomes
immediately clear what an excellent deal this is...

2008 marks Anderson's 25th Anniversary in the Napa Valley

In 1983 the Anderson Family (after a lengthy process of negotiation)
founded Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards at the confluence of Conn
Creek and the foothills of Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley. U.C.
Davis graduate Mac Sawyer (the second American to participate in
"ENSAM" (France's viticulture and enology graduate program) was
installed as winemaker in 2000 after gigs at Groth and Clos Pegase.
From the very first vintage (I remember Gus Anderson came into our
shop to introduce himself and personally request that we consider
taking on the wines...somewhat rare for Napa Valley winery owners) the
Anderson Cabs have impressed me by their incredibly rich, fruit
forward style...more black cherry and cassis than blackberry and
tar...more milk chocolate than dark chocolate...more fun loving and
giving than many of their serious Napa neighbors yet still possessing
plenty of depth, dimension and staying power.

3-2004 "Eloge"...A Bordeaux styled blend of 100% Napa Valley fruit
composed of 65% Cabernet, 25% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit
Verdot. Harvested September 22nd - October 1st, 2004. The fruit came
in at 26.2 Brix (near perfect ripening #s). The '04 spent 22 months
in 90% new French Oak barrels.

You may remember that 2004 was one of the quickest and earliest
vintages in recorded Napa history. Although yields were down due to
mild summer temperatures that year, an intense heat spike in August
caused the fruit to ripen rapidly with intense colors and flavors.

Sawyer describes the '04 Eloge as "Nose of mocha, blackberries, Bing
cherries some black pepper and cassis; the wine is full-bodied and
glycerol with a rich, full mid palate followed by layers of dark
cherry, cassis, vanilla, blueberry jam and a perfect balance of fruit,
oak and acid. The finish is opulent, intense and nearly time-able.

"95" Parker..."The 2004 Eloge is a beauty. Notes of cedar, spice box,
black currant, leather, truffle and earth jump from the glass of this
elegant yet authoritatively flavored wine that shows terrific fruit
intensity, full body and silky tannins. This is a complex, beautiful
wine that should drink splendidly for 15 years or more".

*3-2005 "Right Bank"...Conn Valley's version of a classic, right bank
Bordeaux blended with 100% Napa Valley grapes composed of 60% Merlot
and 40% Cab Franc, the wine was harvested slightly earlier than the
Eloge and spent nearly 2 years in predominantly new French Oak. The
Right Bank is a full bodied wine which mirrors its French counterpart
possessing opulent ripe blackberries, cedar and licorice flavors
followed by a weighty mouth feel and a long finish; the wine should
peak in 6-11 years.

Parker equates the Right Bank to Cheval Blanc!

Remember the scene in "Sideways" when, after (scumbag) Jack's wedding,
Miles steals off to a fast-food place to suck down his treasured
bottle of Cheval Blanc (White Hoarse) with a Burger? And earlier he
threatens to walk out if anyone orders f---ing Merlot at the Buellton
restaurant? And, of course everyone knows by now that Cheval Blanc is
(often) composed of a majority Merlot...Your bottle of Right Bank is a
CA-Parallel of that famous label. Parker says it's a Hedonistic Turn
on...

*"95"..."Their Napa Valley Cheval Blanc look-alike is called Right
Bank, usually a blend of 2/3 Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc,
although it can change somewhat depending on the vintage. This is a
thrilling wine that comes as close as just about any wine in Napa of
mimicking a great Right Bank Bordeaux. The 2005 is sensational as
well. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color and notes of blueberry,
blackberry, smoked game, cedar, licorice and some camphor and leather,
the wine is complex, fleshy, full-bodied and a total hedonistic turn
on. Drink it over the next 15 years or more."

"Well, There it is then"... (Emperor Joseph II in "Amadeus")...A mixed
6-Bottle case of two of the highest rated/least expensive
Super-Premium Napa Valley Cabernets for the relatively modest price of
$375.00.

Silver Oak Napa/America's Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-01-11T11:24:00.001-08:00

Silver Oak Napa/America's Cabernet Sauvignon

A 6-Bottle case of 2003 Silver Oak "Napa" Cabernet $590.00

The 2003 Silver Oak "Napa Valley" Cabernet will be released the first
week of February. On that frosty morning, scores of S-O fans will
line up at the gates of both the Napa and Sonoma facilities for their
opportunity to purchase their restricted allocation of six bottles of
this extremely collectable wine. (See photos of previous release days
at www.silveroak.com; I must admit that the participant's DO seem a
bit giddy as they huddle together to keep warm)

You on the other hand, being a comfort-conscious and erudite
individual, can accomplish the same thing simply by responding to this
E-alert!

One of America's most collectable Cabernets...

2003 marks the 32nd vintage of Silver Oak Cabernet (the 1972 Alexander
Valley was released in August of 1976 and made at Christian Brothers).
I have been both fortunate and humbled (within 4 locations) to have
been a reseller of the wines since the 1980 vintage, I believe this
allows me to attest that S-O is one of California's most consistent
producer of world-class Cabernet, in league with Beaulieu Georges de
Latour, Caymus, Beringer Reserve, Mondavi Reserve, Joe Phelps and
Stag's Leap. As a matter of fact, the Wine Spectator ranks Silver Oak
as #32 of the "Top 50 Napa Cabernets".

Oh Brother! (Where art thou?)

Silver Oak was established in 1972 by (then) Christian Brother Justin
Meyer (the order's winemaker at that time) and Ray Duncan (interesting
side note, actor Peter Boyle was also a Christian Brother during a
portion of Justin's 15 year service to his calling. Meyer agreed to
co-found S-O providing he be allowed to create a facility which would
elevate the quality of California winemaking to unprecedented levels.
Sadly, Justin passed away in August of 2002 while vacationing with his
wife near Lake Tahoe. Today, Silver Oak maintains Justin's vision and
dedication in producing delicious approachable AND age-able wines
which epitomize rich, supple fruit, fine balance and silky tannins
framed by signature coconut-infused oak.

Robert Parker rates Year 2003 "92" or "The Finest"...

*2003 was a challenging yet ultimately rewarding vintage for
California Cabernet producers who exercised patience and waited out a
September week of consecutive 100-plus degree temperatures. A second,
brief heat wave came in late September followed by a bolt of heat in
October. This schizophrenic behavior in the vineyards kept successful
Napa grape farmers on alert in their quest to achieve consistent
ripeness levels prior to harvest. Alison Doran (winemaker at John
Anthony Vineyards) noted that there were "lots of opportunities for
high-risk winemaking". (I snaked that quote from Jim Laube's 11/15/06
article on the 2003 vintage in the WS)

*Robert Parker rated the 2003 Silver Oak "Napa" on two occasions
(February and December of 2005, Advocates' #157 and #162), awarding
the wine "89-93" Points (or an average of "91"). I put both reviews
in the old "Vino-Prose Blendomatic" and turned the knob to "whirl".
Here is the homogenized result of my effort:

*2003 Silver Oak "Napa" Cabernet..."89, 90-93"..."The Napa Cabernet is
more limited in availability than the Alexander Valley. Production is
the largest yet for this wine which is a blend of 78% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot which
possesses a sweet, jammy bouquet of black currants intermixed with
barbecue smoke, tobacco, espresso and herbs. It offers a sexy, fleshy
entry (and is) full-bodied, chewy and muscular with an inky dark
ruby/plum color and hints of wood smoke, tobacco, cinnamon, espresso
roast and herbs; this chewy, lavishly oaked wine should drink well for
10-12 years. (Release date, 2/2008)

Battle Stations! We are about to be Attacked (by wine)

*Silver Oak's Winemaker Daniel Baron describes his 2003 Napa in the
following paragraph: The wine displays a dark garnet color with a
deep purple edge and has aromas of blackberry jam, dark chocolate,
rose petal, black pepper and cedar. On the palate it offers a rich
attack of brown sugar and nutmeg, proceeding seamlessly to a long
finish of fruit and ripe tannins. Properly cellared, this wine should
give drinking pleasure until 2027.

We'll drive up to Silver Oak in a week or two (when they open the
doors to the trade during an evening tasting) and taste the 2003.
I'll be glad to provide my tasting notes afterwards.

*6-Bottle Case of 2003 Silver Oak "Napa" (the one with the painted
label) $590.00 Half case (3) $295.00

All Silver Oak ships after the first week in February.

Cartlidge & Browne *Drive Strong To the Hoop!

2008-01-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

Cartlidge & Browne *Drive Strong to the Hoop!

A Full (12) case of the new Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir and
Single-Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc...$165.00

These wines are FLYING out of the suppliers warehouse and will likely
be completely sold out by March 1st primarily because Robert Parker
(Issue #174, January, 2008) says "Cartlidge and Browne's 2006 Pinot
Noir is better than many that sell for FIVE TIMES its price" and "The
2006 Dancing Crow Sauvignon is loaded with melon fruit, freshness and
Sauvignon character...both are EXCELLENT VALUES".

The C&B packaging (bottle/label/capsule) has been seriously upgraded
and now matches the table presentation of wines many times their
frugal tare...Their new slogan? "Put your nose in our business"!

The new "Dancing Crow" single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and California
Pinot Noir from Cartlidge and Browne have recently been released.
Winemaker (for 25 years) Paul Moser has consistently crafted
varietelly correct, super-clean and delicious products at unbelievably
reasonable prices. Today, with their new 100,000 square-foot,
state-of-the-art facility in Napa, Paul has been able to take the C&B
varietals to a level of quality which borders that of their pricy Napa
neighbors. Moser earned his stripes working with some of the finest
vineyards in the Loire Valley. Quoting Robert Parker: "the question
is why so many producers ignore what C&B does better than just about
anybody else in the state...produce fruit forward, pure, varietelly
correct, delicious wines".

Faithful to their loyal customer base, Tony Cartlidge and Glenn Browne
continue to adhere to their famously "tweaked" quality/value ratio
which is the cornerstone of the C&B philosophy.

*6-2006 Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir was produced from grapes grown
in four counties: Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Solano. This careful
blend and excellent quality of the 2006 vintage provides the wine with
classic Pinot Noir character. The Napa component (from the southeast
portion of the valley) contributes spectacular power, depth and rich
stone fruit flavors; the Sonoma (from the Carneros) benefited from a
warm late season which produced a deep-colored, complex, mulberry-like
fraction adding some elegant tone and spice-cake notes while the
Mendocino (Redwood Valley) created a cherries-to-plums fruit character
and a plush texture; the Solano addition gave its usual up-front fruit
with ripeness that broadens the palate impression and gives the wine a
pleasing and generous lift on which to build the entire blend.

"Better than many (Pinot Noirs) that sell for five times the
price"...Parker

*Parker again..."It is surprising that such a good yet fairly priced
Pinot can be made in the New World, where consumers tend to lose any
common sense and purchase mediocre but extravagantly priced Pinots
thanks to "Sideways". (As Tom Waits would say, "this guys been
readin' my mail") C&B's 2006 Pinot is better than many that sell for
FIVE TIMES THE price. Its medium ruby color is followed by a soft
perfume of sweet cherry fruit and a touch of cinnamon. With good
size, medium body, excellent purity and a generous, savory texture.
It can be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years and is an excellent value.
Cartlidge & Browne continues to provide rewarding and surprisingly
tasty drinking".

"89-91"/RC..."I tasted a "just opened" jar of this wine with the C&B
Rep yesterday afternoon and we both (at first) questioned what Parker
had been smoking when he wrote the above review. A very nice, well
made red wine with lovely fruit flavors and a fairly rich texture but
equal to $65-$75 Pinots? Guess What: After sitting in the glass for
20-30 minutes this wine went through a metamorphosis from being a
tight, varietelly ambiguous little red wine into being unquestionably
Pinot Noir in character with adequate weight, a silky texture, soft
tannins and rich flavors of baked cherries, summer blackberry, tea,
anise, mulling spice and a hint of dusty cocoa in the finish. It
seems that only Pinot Noir will so radically change in a relatively
brief exposure to oxygen...it is magic wine. Years ago I was blessed
with the opportunity to taste Domaine de La Romanee-Conti from a great
vintage. The wine started out as a Rose' and ended up being this
rich, full-bodied, gorgeously textured, liquid sex bomb. Magic

*2006 Cartlidge & Browne "Dancing Crow" Sauvignon Blanc...This
Organically farmed, 28 acre property is located just north of
Kelseyville near California's Clear Lake (the largest Loch in the
state as Tahoe's partially in Nevada...I'm thinking there might be
Monsters in Loch Clear but that's for another movie). This vineyards
rich clay soil and lake-moderated climate express themselves in a wine
with aromas and flavors of melon, guava and stone fruit. The lush
texture is a product of ideal ripening and extended lees contact. The
grapes were picked in a staggered fashion in order to achieve an ideal
balance of acidity and sugars. They were fermented cold to dryness in
22 days. To preserve this beautiful 100% Sauvignon flavors the wine
never went into oak.

Now THIS is what I call a Ringing Endorsement!

*The Washington Post chimes in: "Although we agree with Stevenson
that "wine is bottled poetry" (and Jell-O is excited Kool-Aid), on a
typical weeknight most of us are not expecting a revelation...hence we
were happy to discover (and recommend) the gently spiced, plum and
cherry noted 2006 Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir. Match it with
mushroom lasagna, salmon, tuna, lamb" or baked aardvark.

None other than the world-famous Orange County Register (where
apparently all the women are fair, blonde, full figured and a bit
ditzy if you were to believe that T.V. show I catch Linda watching now
and then) said of this wine "Coming from a single, organically farmed
vineyard in Lake County, the wine immediately struck me (bam!) As the
best Sauvignon I've tasted n some time and a worthy rival for my
favorite Casa Lapostelle...the quality is compounded by the
ridiculously low price."

"89 Points" -Robert Parker..."The brilliant Dancing Crow Sauvignon
Blanc is a medium-bodied white loaded with melon fruit notes, crisp
acidity, freshness and a true SB character. Believe me, there are not
many that offer high quality at such low prices. Drink it over the
next year".

"88-90"/RC..."Beautiful new, tall, deep-punt bottle and upgraded label
treatment, the wine is light straw/yellow in color, nose of lemon
mousse, spring flowers and sweet summer melon; flavors mirror the nose
adding a fairly weighty texture, bright citrus notes and a touch of RS
in the finish. Delicious wine, one of the finest SB values on the
market; rivals many South American and NZ wines in quality and
(gladly) matches or beats their price."

Cartlidge and Browne wines have always been terrific values. Few will
disagree that these new releases represent a dramatic leap in what was
already a quality line of reasonably priced varietal wines. $165.00
Sampler case of 6 each (or 12 of either wine; same price)

*Line lifted from Seinfeld episode "Serenity Now" when Elaine says to
the Rabbi: "Well, something's going on because every able-bodied
Israelite in the County is driving strong to the hoop!" Still one of
my favorite all time lines from the show...and there were thousands of
great lines.

Marietta's Famed "Old Vine Red" Back In Stock

2007-12-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

Marietta's Famed "Old Vine Red" Back In Stock

While a pallet lasts...Marietta's OVR #45 - $145.00/Case!

This is the perfect, post-holidays "stock the cellar" red. Long-time
aficionado's of this delicious and fruit-packed gurgle-bomb know that
the stuff comes and goes in a heartbeat and its best to grab
as-much-as-you-can, as soon-as-you-can when the word (of availability)
gets out.

For a short period of time, we are able to offer case lots of the wine
Robert Parker has described as; "California's" Answer to a top notch
Chateauneuf du Pape", a "Must Purchase which disappears quickly from
the shelves of retailers" and "If readers have not yet learned the
formula, here it is: Marietta Cellars = high quality, modest prices
and considerable pleasure!" The winery took a modest price increase
for the current lot...yet the wine still represents ridiculous "bang
for the buck" value at $145.00/Box

*The Marietta OVR is a "field blend" of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignane harvested from ancient and
semi-ancient vineyards around the Sonoma, Mendocino, and North-coast
regions. Winemakers Chris and Jake Bilbro (Father & Son Tag Team) are
wizards at crafting a consistently delicious, medium-bodied, ICBFR
(Intercontinental Ballistic Fruit Rocket) which lends itself
beautifully to literally ALL types of savory dishes and cheeses. An
intentional pinch of sweetness in the finish makes this quaffer a
delicious "a'la carte" glass of red to enjoy all by its lonesome or
with a wedge of sharp Cheddar in front of a crackling fire on a cold
winter's night.

I distinctly remember the evening that (must have been in the late
'70s) we sampled one of the earliest lots of OVR at a tasting up at
the old Madrona Manor here in Healdsburg. Chris Bilbro was positioned
behind a table pouring lot #1 (or 2?). Although there were a number
of excellent reds on the docket that evening, the taste and texture of
the Marietta was something of an epiphany to our amateur palates. The
consistent flavor profile found in this non-vintage bottling has
evolved in a parallel fashion to our preferences, and I am proud to
say that there have been few if any subsequent releases which have
since failed to grace the sales floor of one or more of our stores.

Chris and Jake say: "Our Old vine red is a proprietary red wine that
is round, smooth, Zin-like and noted for its balance, approachability
and consistency. It is primarily comprised of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah
and Carignane as well as smaller amounts of Cabernet and Syrah.
Various Italian varietals round out the blend...our entire production
of the OVR has been completely allocated since 1978."

"Year after year one of the best wine bargains from California is
Marietta's NV concoction called Old Vine Red. This is one of those
blends made from everything but the kitchen sink, including Carignane,
Zin, Petite, Alicante and numerous mixed black varietals. Satisfying
as well as a vine value; possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as
a sweet nose of black fruits, underbrush and pepper... (The wine) will
offer tasty drinking over the next year". -RP

A famous Brit wine-writer (I think it was that guy with the exploding
eyebrows) was once asked if he'd ever confused Bordeaux with
Burgundy...he replied, "Not since lunch". (The guy's stock went up a
couple points with me after I read that, but I still think he should
do something about those eyebrows).

Although a Non-Vintage bottling, Lot #44 was crafted using the fruit
from two spectacular recent vintages, giving this bottling superb
body, depth and dimension.

This opaque, purple colored wine offers up huge quantities of sweet
black cherries and cassis intermixed with scents of pepper, truffles
and spices. Full-bodied, with a Kirsch-like flavor, this dense,
chewy, fleshy wine remains an INCREDIBLE VALUE. Slap a pricy Rhone
producer's label on a jar of OVR and sneak it into a San Francisco
tasting of moderate-to-expensive French reds. I'd bet dollars to
doughnuts that more than one fancy-schmancy Sommelier would score it
in the top five.

Get it while it's Hot...Marietta OVR $145.00/Case...More and more
people have "discovered" this wine hence it sells out quicker than
ever these days. Long-time devotees should consider multiple case
purchases. -PR

All of us at Root's Cellar sincerely wish that 2008 brings health,
peace and prosperity to you, your family, and all the inhabitants of
our little planet. (One can always hope)

The Green Lion & Chris Ringland Flee to Napa

2007-12-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Green Lion & Chris Ringland Flee to Napa

All I can say is "Get it while it's hot" because this one will go VERY
quickly. Why? This is Chris Ringland's first winemaking foray north
of the Equator and is an INSTANT collectable...a Napa Valley Cabernet
and Merlot called "Green Lion" for only $215.00/Case (6 bottles of
each)

Guys, wait till you see the label on this one...Remarkable!!!

South Australia's Wizard Winemaker Chris Ringland flew the big Silver
Bird all the way to North America's Napa Valley to grace us with his
mystical knack of turning wine into Gold. May I present his first two
offerings; 2005 "Green Lion" 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and
Napa Merlot...case of 12 (6 of each) $215.00...Over 10% Discount off
S.R.P.

It's hard to ignore averages like these...regardless of your opinion
of wine critics...

Check out Robert Parker's initial reviews of Chris Ringland's "R"
Winery Reds...it's pretty impressive. One "93", one "95", one "96",
one "98", two "99"s and FOUR "100"S. If you're keeping score, that's
an average of "98" points in TEN vintages. Even more impressive is
the average "93" point rating of the following FIFTY "R" wines which
he reviewed.

The magical Green Lion is Chris's first Napa offering

Chris teamed up with American Dan Philips (a well respected Aussie
wine authority, marketing genius and importer) to form "R Winery".
The company encompasses four familiar (to our readers anyway) labels,
Marquis Philips, 3 Rings, Roogle and Bitch along with 13 others
created especially for R wines. The packaging for these wines is
amazingly creative and you owe it to yourself to read the witty back
labels but more importantly, it's what's IN the bottle that counts and
these wines consistently OVER deliver from the low end to the
stratosphere (his "Longitude" Shiraz retails at $1,000/Btl).

Ringland and his minions kept their eyes peeled on the Napa Valley
from day one...this is not a wine which was "Phoned in" at any point.
(Maybe we should call this "NapOz"?)

2005 ranks as the largest grape harvest in Napa since 1997. Above
average cluster weight at harvest was the primary reason for the large
crop. Late in many north coast vintages, hot weather may quickly
reduce crop size by 20% simply through dehydration. In 2005 however,
moderate cool weather following veraison (the point at which grapes
turn from green to red) kept clusters fully hydrated. One key to
success in larger harvests is to insure the grapevine canopy is in
balance with the crop to insure even ripening. This requires a pricy
and labor-intensive oversight of the vineyards. Where crop levels
were not abused, the '05 reds show the same ripe, expressive fruit as
the famed vintage of 1997. The best wines are delicious from the
outset and will be delightful to drink at several points in the wine's
evolution of roughly 7-8 years before peaking.

"Food & Wine" compares the $19 Green Lion to the $70 Ladera...

The October 2007 issue of "Food & Wine" (the big wine issue...check it
out, it's well worth your time) printed a "Super Star vs. Super Steal"
feature. The copy begins with "The great wines of the world are
expensive and often hard to find, and (they should be) instantly
recognizable in the glass...at the same time, part of what makes a
great wine great is how well it expresses something larger than
itself...that is why it is possible to find-if you look hard,
enough-affordable wines that echo the characteristics of the truly
extraordinary." A terrific $20 Cabernet from an unknown property may
never achieve the complexity, depth and nuance of a top-level Napa
Cabernet but at the same time it can offer a hint, or MORE than a
hint, of what that much more expensive wine from the same general
region is like..."one trick for finding these bargains is to hunt for
famous grapes in unsung bottles." They then go on to compare the
Green Lion Napa Valley to the stunning Ladera Howell Mountain...

"This new Cabernet from Dan Philips (and Chris Ringland) is their
first foray into California-and a remarkable deal. Though not as
complex as the Ladera, It's juicy and bright, with similar black
currant notes" (They include photos' of both the Green Lion and
Ladera...you can't miss that label!)

Both the Cabernet and the Merlot are made from upper Napa Valley
vineyards mostly from the stretch of bale clay loam soils that extend
from Saint Helena to Calistoga. This region's fruit character shows
sweet raspberry and cassis fruit with moderate tannins. Ringland drew
structural elements from mountain sources, primarily Pritchard Hill
and Diamond Mountain. The wines are terrific representations of the
sub appellations of Napa valley and the ripe, harmonious fruit that
characterizes the 2005 vintage. Enjoy them now as they are classic
Napa Valley reds.

I think ya'll know by now that Chris can't make "thin" reds...every
wine he puts his signature on is BIG, complex, richly extracted and
powerful; a bang-for-your-buck beauty.

The Cabernet is full-bodied and sports that identifiable balance
inherent to the '05 vintage in Napa...that is, gorgeous blackberry,
ripe cherry and cassis fruit along with a hint of tar and licorice all
paired with integrated tannins and a rich, textured finish. The
Merlot is (typically of the Ringland style) hardly a wimp; ripe, rich,
deep and complex with black cherry and cocoa flavors followed by a
moderate zest of oak. They match well with red meats, stews,
roasts, full-bodied cheeses and Choucroute.

The FAX...100% Napa fruit from several old-vine properties in the
northern portion of the valley. Both the Cabernet and the Merlot were
aged in a mixture of French and American oak barrels for 16 months.

It would be a shame not to (at least try) describe this label because
it's a doozey. Here I go... A huge Green lion with yellow eyes and
red mouth holding (in his left paw) a golden trophy with a red-winged
warrior inside holding what appears to be a soccer ball. In his right
paw he grips a golden chalice with an Eagle tucked inside its wings
flapping about while it holds in its beak a gold medal. In the lower
left corner there is an owl in a purple dress (or chain mail) holding
a cricket bat and a red fish...in the lower right there is a monk
holding what appears to be a scale; there is an American Eagle in the
center below the Green Lion and a red heart with an eye in the middle
kind of like the one on a dollar bill. Fancy script on top reads
"Green Lion" in yellow, on the bottom "Cabernet Sauvignon" in red with
a tiny 2005 "Napa" in the center. Like I said...it's a doozey.

Due to our long-time support of the R Winery products I was able to
get the price down to $215/Case (average price of $17.92/Bottle).
(The SRPs' on the wines - $22.50 and $18.00)

A Chance To Own A Piece of U.S. Wine History

2007-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

A Chance To Own a piece of U.S. Wine History

A mixed (6 bottle) case of Winery of the Year "Long Shadows
Distinguished Wineries and Vineyards". $305.00 (Full Case of 12
assorted - $600.00)

Food & Wine Magazine recently announced the winners of their annual
"American Wine Awards" program. 2007 marked the 10th anniversary of
this eagerly awaited judging. Allen Shoup's "Long Shadows
distinguished Wineries and Vineyards" was the deserving recipient of
the "Winery of the Year" category of the contest.

It is flat-out AMAZING that you can still obtain a sampler case of
these wines given their national demand and limited production,
especially when taking into account the unanimous and glowing reviews
which every wine in the portfolio has received in the last year.

The wines of Long Shadows are each individually hand crafted by some
of the wine world's most famed and talented enologists. This group
consists of Randy Dunn (Dunn Vineyards), Philippe Melka (Lail,
Vineyard 29, and 100 Acre), Michel Rolland ("The world's most
influential winemaker/Chateau Fontenil and Bertineau St. Vincent),
John Duval (Penfold's Grange), Armand Diel (Schlossgut Diel in the
Nahe River Valley of Deutschland) and Gilles Nicault (winemaker at
Long Shadows).

To say that Long Shadows hit the ground running with their first
releases would be a ridiculous understatement. Under long-time wine
industry insider Allen Shoup, this group of distinguished winemakers
(armed with some of the finest vineyards on the West coast) produced a
portfolio of Bordeaux, Rhone and Rhine Valley variety wines which
received unprecedented acclaim ("90" or above ratings) from literally
every recognized wine medium. That list includes Robert Parker's
Wine Advocate, the Wine Spectator, Connoisseur's Guide, Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, The Quarterly Review of Wine,
Decanter, the San Francisco Chronicle, Wine & Spirits and Seattle
Magazine (just to name a few!)

We offered a mixed box of these wines early last summer (before many
of the reviews and awards had been published) and received a very
positive yet modest response. I felt confident that once the wine
buying public became more aware of the value and quality of "Long
Shadows Wineries" the demand would increase dramatically, therefore I
set aside a selection of each with the intention of re-acquainting our
clientele with them prior to the holidays.

That time has come. A 6-bottle case of the Long Shadows wines
assorted in the following manner - $305.00 (There is a small amount
of inventory remaining on these wines for any re-orders of your
favorites)

These jewels have received SO many rave reviews there just isn't
enough room to provide you with all the accompanying text. I will
include the numerical scores with the descriptions. Complete reviews
of the wines can be obtained by going to the Long Shadows web site.
We'll start with the only white wine in the group, a scrumptious
Germanic-styled Columbia Valley Riesling made by Armin Diel

*1-2005 Long Shadows Poet's Leap Riesling..."91" Parker...The only
white wine in the portfolio is the Poet's Leap made by Armin Diel of
the renowned Schlossgut Diel in the Nahe River Valley of Germany.
This splendid Riesling is light straw-colored with green highlights.
It delivers a complex perfume of slate, mineral, a hint of petrol,
spring flowers, honey and green apple. Made in a Spatlese style, with
just a touch of sweetness, the wine offers moth-filling fruit, crisp
acidity, and a long, pure finish. Drink it over the next several
years with Asian cuisine or as an aperitif. This wine could well
evolve in the manner of its German role model for those willing to set
aside a bottle".

*2-2004 Long Shadows Chester Kidder Red Wine..."91" Parker..."A blend
of 6 varieties, Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit
Verdot. The wine is made by Gilles Nicault who is also the winemaker
in residence at Long Shadows. The wine was aged for 27 months in 95%
new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the wine exhibits a fragrant
perfume of pain grille (toast!), pencil lead, black currant and
blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a layered, spicy wine with
gobs of complex blue and black fruit flavors, soft tannins and plenty
of depth in its lush personality. The well-concealed structure should
allow for 3-5 years of further development and the wine should drink
well through 2030.

*1-2004 Long Shadows "Feather" Cabernet Sauvignon..."92" Wine
Spectator, "91" Wine Enthusiast, "91" Stephen Tanzer, "94"/RC and "91"
Parker..."The Feather Cabernet is made by Randy Dunn of Napa Valley
fame. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon selected from five vineyard
sources and aged for 23 months in French oak. This opaque purple
wine delivers classic Cabernet aromas of toast, lead pencil, black
currant and blackberry. It has excellent flavors and balance... it is
an outstanding effort.

*1-2004 Sequel..."92" Wine Spectator, "92" Wine Enthusiast, "5 Star
Rating" Decanter, "93"/RC, "93" Connoisseur's Guide and "93"
Parker..."The Sequel is made by John Duval, for 15 years the winemaker
of Penfold's Grange, Australia's most famous red Shiraz. The fruit
was sourced from five vineyards encompassing several AVAs' and
includes 3% Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. Ninety percent of
the wine was aged for 18 months in small French oak barrels.
Purple-black in color, this superb Syrah offers grilled meat, bacon
fat, game and wild blueberry aromas and flavors. On the palate the
wine is spicy, layered and plush with soft tannins and enough acidity
to hold things together. This hedonistic effort can be enjoyed now
but will easily last for 20 years or more".

*"93" Connoisseur's Guide...Polish and precision are the hallmarks of
this extremely engaging effort, and, in both nose and mouth, its
slightly juicy, youthfully bright, blackberryish fruit sets the pace
and is matched step for step by hints of rich earth and spice...it is
long and complete from front to back and sports a spice of supportive
tannins that will make it a stunning mate to beef roasts."

*1-Pirouette "90" Wine Spectator, "93" Wine & Spirits, "90" Wine
Enthusiast, "94"/RC and "93" Parker..."The last of the blends is the
Pirouette. The featured winemakers are Augustin Huneeus Sr. and
Philippe Melka. The wine is composed of 49% Cabernet, 27% Merlot, 13%
Petit Verdot and 11% Syrah. The fruit was selected from vineyards
encompassing five different AVAs' with yields in the range of 1-2
tons/acre. The wine was aged for 21 months in French oak of which 75%
was new. The expressive nose offers up toast, scorched earth,
blueberry and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a thick wine
with silky tannins, superb depth and richness and layers of flavor.
It merits several years cellaring and should drink well through 2037.
In the context of what $55 will get you from Napa Valley or Bordeaux,
THIS IS A TERRIFIC VALUE.

*"91" Connoisseur's Guide...A wine of many parts and many facets, its
aromas start with ripe black cherries and hints of wild berries and
proceed to caramel, currants and toast combined in the most mannerly
and never flamboyant way. The wine's early suppleness on the palate
will remind of Merlot, but its depth and range speak to cabernet first
and then to the spice of Syrah. It is appropriately tannic for a
young wine, yet here again it is solid and polished in a style that
might seem to invite itself to the table today. Still, it will be
better in a decade, and it deserves the chance to grow into its full
majesty".

I think it would be a shame not to mention the incredibly beautiful
and unique way in which the Long Shadows wines are shipped and
presented. Each 6-bottle compartment-case is an individual and vivid
work of art which folds into itself creating a cube which is printed
with the vibrant colors of the enclosed bottles. Each wine name is
printed on the vessel in gold leaf or rich colorful pigments and all
are different, reflecting the type of wine within.

We can't (by law) ship the wines to you in these boxes, but I'll be
glad to UPS one to you should you like to use it to store the wines or
to enhance the presentation as a gift. Please ask when responding to
this offer.

What a GREAT Christmas gift this case would make for any wine lover,
veteran or novice. $305.00 after discounts

Text Format:Theme Thursday:Which $15 Pinot is the Best?

2007-11-29T10:42:00.001-08:00

Theme Thursday: which $15 Pinot is the Best?

A Tasting Case of two cheap (no sense mincing words here) Pinot Noirs
- $175 after discount

Theme Thursday...we respectfully request your input on a new
"everyday" Pinot Noir. We've asked our wholesale winery reps to come
up with wines which fit the following requirements: Medium to-full
bodied, fruit-driven, clean and (most importantly) varietelly correct
yet retail for $15 or under. The wine's point of origin does not
matter providing they fit these criteria. Most of them rolled their
eyes, a few took us seriously. Here are the first two candidates for
your (and our) consideration.

Pinot Noir is still the most acclaimed variety in our country; problem
is, the prices of both domestic and imported examples keep rising like
pizza dough under flood lights. Finding quality wines which actually
"taste" like Pinot for under $30 are becoming rare. Many of the wines
which we've always depended on for their varietal integrity and modest
tare have become downright arrogant, allowing pretentiousness to flood
their previous lack of conceit in the wave of Pinot
popularity.(Sheesh! I sound like Spiro Agnew).

Obviously, we needed a new Pinot Pony to ride down the path toward are
daily vinous sunset. A wine which looked, smelled and tasted like the
pricy stuff yet defied the common perception that a good jar of PN had
to equal the price of the entrée', side dish, veggies and dessert.
(Am I the only one who thinks its nuts when your wine tab's greater
than the food?) Friends, we have only just begun our search yet have
already been heartened by our findings. Here then are our first
entrants in the quest to find the best "Cheap and Cheerful" everyday
Pinot Noir. We honestly want your feedback on this one because in the
best democratic tradition, the wine which receives the most votes
wins.

***Our first entrant is the Santa Barbara Winery 2006 Monterey County
Pinot Noir made by Bruce McGuire. This is a juicy, ripe, raspberry
and blackberry infused perfectly balanced little fruit bomb. Ultra
clean odors of blueberry compote, vanilla and cherry jam waft from the
glass. The color is a transparent garnet with blue/purple around the
perimeter. Flavors of sweet raspberry pancake syrup, cinnamon and
other baking spices wrapped up in a velvety, medium-bodied texture.
The finish is exactly what you'd expect of a sub $20 PN, short and
sweet.
The Santa Barbara over-delivers and is surprisingly complex given its
VERY reasonable price. Stick a French label on this sucker, double
its price and they'll line up to buy it in just about any 80-watt
restaurant in Northern California (you know, places with $18-$22
entrees and $5 desserts... my kind of "semi-special occasion" kind of
joint).

***We drive up the coast to Firesteed Vineyards in Rickreall Oregon, a
small town roughly 12 miles west of Salem on Pacific Highway. The
Firesteed is a true "Oregon" designate made from a blend of grapes
grown in the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla regions of the
state. The sum is greater than its parts in this one. A couple
shades darker than the Santa Barbara with a bit more stuffing in the
middle and a couple notches up the scale in body. Slightly crisper,
with a bit more food-friendly acid to give it balance and weight.
Flavors of warm berry preserves and strawberry shortcake are followed
by layers of vanilla, blackberries and chocolate covered espresso
beans; the tannins are soft and the texture is crisp...the finish is a
bit longer than the Santa Barbara. This one also impresses by its
complexity vs. price.

Both of these wines cannot fail to please given their price and true
Pinot flavors. They'll serve you beautifully with everything from a
grilled hanger steak to ripe Brie and a baguette. Their
fruit-forward, food friendly personalities make them superbly
adaptable and they're $175/Case ($14.58/Jar)

The Eric Kent Fall Release Reds Have Arrived

2007-11-27T10:40:00.002-08:00

The Eric Kent Fall Release Reds have arrived

A mixed (6) case of the 2005 Eric Kent "Dry Stack" and "Kalen's Big
Boy" Syrah blends. If you only buy a handful of Syrah-based
California wines this year, the E-Ks' should be near or at the top of
your list. $235/6 (Three of each)

We have a number of customers who have a standing order for as many
bottles of Eric Kent wines we're willing to sell em' upon each
release, Price is not an issue.

Three years ago we introduced our clientele to Eric Kent Wine Cellars,
a new, small, Sonoma County producer of hand-crafted,
vineyard-designate Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. Based on the
stunning quality of those first wines, the enthusiasm and energy
generated by the man who made them (Kent Humphrey) and his wife's
(Colleen Teitgen) eye for picking out the work of local artists to
grace the labels of each vintage, I felt it was no stretch to predict
a very successful future for their new venture.

Occasionally I get it right...

THIS is AMAZING...within those three short years the Eric Kent wines
have been picked by the Wine Spectator as one of the "Hot New Dozen"
producers with (Laube) scores of "94", "92" and "92" as well as the
COVER wine for the July '07 issue of the prestigious Connoisseur's
Guide ("94" points), FIRST in a flight of 12 ("91" points) in the
California Grapevine, a 4-Star rating in England's Decanter magazine
and a "90" point rating in BURGHOUND (and that dude's kind of brutal
to CA wines).

News of Syrah's death has been exaggerated...

There is no denying that Syrah sales have slowed in the last year. I
think there are several reasons for this which I would be glad to
discuss with you either in e-mail form or over the phone (I will not
bore you with my ideas in this pitch). Fortunately, many of the
states finest, small artisan producers have not been severely impacted
by the Syrah down-turn because of their inherent, pent up annual
demand and limited production. As Charles Olken stated so eloquently
in the November issue of the Connoisseur's Guide, "the days when Syrah
could skate by on its own standing as the new kid on the block are
gone...its time to explore what is really going on with Syrah, to tote
up its strengths and its weakness and to think about its future." To
back up his point, Olken put the Eric Kent Syrah on the cover of a
recent Syrah-focused issue of his respected periodical, rating it "94"
Points.

*2005 Eric Kent "Dry Stack" and "Big Boy Blend"

Kent dropped by this morning with his two fall releases from Bennett
Valley's Dry Stack Vineyards and his already famous "Big Boy Blend".
Both wines fare from the excellent 2005 vintage and both are ideal
representations of that excellent, cooler growing season. Humphrey
makes (relatively) tiny amounts of wine and essentially pre-sells
every case prior to release. We are fortunate to receive a relatively
generous allocation of the "Dry Stack" and "Big Boy" reds especially
considering their micro-production numbers (175 & 200 cases
respectively) and national demand which has been generated by the
crazy favorable press over the last 36 months. Because of the huge
demand and limited availability I decided to offer the fall 2005 Eric
Kent wines in a 6-bottle case form, 3 bottles of each.

*This is the third vintage of the Dry Stack. The warm '03 and '04
vintages were big, ripe, full bodied and powerful wines with tons of
forward fruit flavors and superb length. If one were to examine the
wines with a white glove, I suppose it could be said that they were a
bit gangly in their extroverted personality and hungry puppy
character. (This is of course, the natural result of making wine with
very ripe, intensely flavored fruit). The 2005s' are more composed,
still VERY fruit-driven and extremely rich in character but a little
more "grown up" than their earlier counterparts. If the 2004s' wore
Jeans, T-shirts, Denim jackets and leather boots than the 2005s' are
dressed in blazers with starched shirts, pressed slacks and shined
shoes.

*Kent says "Aromas of cherries, dark plum and tobacco invite you in,
followed by a palate of lively cherry infused with darker fruit
undertones, a touch of smoky cedar and a silky, elegant mouth-feel.
Delicious now, (with 1-2 hours of decanting) the balance of fruit and
acidity is delightful, making this a wine that should age wonderfully
for years to come".

*"91"/RC..."Bottled in January of 2007, released last month, this wine
is a composed glass of bright black cherry, blueberry, apricot and
licorice root framed by sweet oak and a fistful of sweet baking spice
and vanilla. There is a touch of the classic Syrah gaminess in the
back of the palate along with integrated oak and cedar flavors however
the fruit plays a leading role in this wine. A champion in the
middleweight class. The finish is sweet and beautifully balanced.

*The Connoisseur's Guide said of the Dry Stack..."Exhibits the mass
and full-scale fruit that we look for in a fine Syrah, it does so with
an uncanny sense of polish and impression of palatal plush-ness that
makes it doubly appealing. Its themes of sweet blackberries are
enriched with creamy oak and accented with nice touches of violets and
black pepper, and it shows a keen sense of overall balance...big, but
so graceful that it can be enjoyed now yet has the stuff to grow for
four or five years".

*2005 Sonoma county Kalen's Big Boy Blend...True to the spirit of its
name, the 2005 must have a big personality. That said, the cooler '05
vintage added a splash of refinement to this high-spirited bottling as
well. Poured side-by-side with the Dry Stack the two wines look like
a small portion of the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum going from
red/purple-blue to deep purple/blue-black. Only 2,100 bottles made
for the entire world.

Kent says "Inky dark in the glass, the nose offers up a rich, black
fruit, black and white pepper, a faint tease of eucalyptus and fertile
earth tones. Then a sip unleashes dark cherry, pomegranate, black
licorice and cola all lovingly embraced by fine, sweet tannins. While
a tad of patience will handsomely be rewarded, if you decide to open
one sooner rather than later, a brisk decanting and a couple hours on
the table will enhance its youthful charms.

Connoisseur's Guide says "This dramatic, mouth-filling wine with its
well-chosen moniker makes no pretense to grace or finesse. It is very
rich and long on ripeness but manages to be fruity and has the right
kind of extract to buffer its heat. Its sensations of peppery spice,
smoke and sweet oak serve as attractive seasonings to its central
themes of very ripe berries, and it stays the course to the finish
despite ample tannins". The Big Boy is a brute, a contender for the
heavyweight crown.

The Artists featured on the 2005 Dry Stack and Big Boy are Neil Seth
Levine and Roy Tomlinson. The Dry Stack label sports a magnificent
"scanned" image (no traditional photographic equipment was used in
making the final print) of a deep, red rose with intricate, natural
petal cluster patterns exploding from the center of the bud out to the
perimeter of the flower. (Hey! don't laugh, it's tough to describe)
The Big Boy is made from an old film print which has been weathered.
It kind of looks like what you see at the end of a film feel when the
last frame passes across the lens of the projector just before the
screen goes to white light. (Ditto)

*2005 Eric Kent Reds/Fall Release-$235. /Case of 6 (3 each)

Laurel Glen & The Genius of Patrick Campbell

2007-11-27T10:40:00.001-08:00

Laurel Glen & the Genius of Patrick Campbell

An assorted sampler (12) of the character-infused "Laurel Glen" wines
made by the eclectic Patrick Campbell at his Sonoma Mountain winery;
$235.00.

Laurel Glen wines are difficult to find but well worth the effort...

Your case includes the famous and inherently age-able "Laurel Glen"
estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the "Counterpoint" Cabernet (drink this one
while you age the L-G), the famous "REDS" (wine of the people!), the
delicious and appellation-specific "Terra Rossa" Malbec and his
precocious "ZaZin".

Big Bob Parker weighs in...

"Proprietor Patrick Campbell's superb Cabernet Vineyard on the slopes
overlooking the Sonoma Valley has proven to be one of the finest
sources for Cabernet in California" Employing traditional winemaking
techniques specifically designed not to "strip" the wine results in a
final product that is full of character. Laurel Glen has been
producing one dazzling effort after another...the wines are
agonizingly difficult to find in the marketplace" -R. Parker

In 1983 Linda and I attended one of those co-operative wine tastings
which take place in a huge rented facility. The winery
representatives are stationed alphabetically on folding tables
(usually) circuitously arranged around the perimeter of the building.
I realize that this is probably the most economical and practical
format for the various producers to present their wines to the largest
possible trade and consumer audience.

Speaking strictly for myself, I've always found this type of event to
be kind of intimidating and not very useful, plus there are always a
certain percentage of participants who see these vinous pow-wows' as
little more than a free wine bar, behaving as such and getting louder
and more boorishly conspicuous as the evening wears on. (Yikes, I
sound old).

One of the best ways to maximize your take when attending large
tastings is to approach the event with a theme in mind (i.e. "I'm only
tasting 5 whites and 5 reds" or "Only Pinot Noirs" or "only wines
which we DON'T carry").

On the evening in question, (and since we'd arrived kind of late), I
decided to expedite my attendance by asking various retailers and
wine-scribes I knew which wines had most impressed them up to that
point.

I distinctly remember that EVERY one of those people told me that I
HAD to meet Patrick Campbell and taste his new Laurel Glen Cabernet.
The unanimous opinion was that this new label was one of the finest
Sonoma County Cabernets they had EVER tasted, rivaling the best of
Napa in every way.

I wandered over to the Laurel Glen table, tasted the wine, said
something stupid like "wow, that's real good wine" and ordered three
cases. I've discussed that evening with Patrick a few times over the
last quarter century and while he is reluctant to commit to my
selective memory (nor is he willing to dismiss it) I remember him
saying something like "Thank you...you are my first retail account to
place an order."

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Patrick Campbell is a remarkable man...one of my heroes (there aren't
many) in this goofy gig. Born in Baltimore in 1947 (he never mentions
it and you'll never know it unless you meet him in person, but he had
polio as a kid and lost the use of both legs...he gets around with the
energy of a man half his age using twin aluminum and steel crutches.
When Rebecca was 3 years old, she and I went up to visit Patrick...he
suggested we go up to his little hilltop winery after meeting him at
the house and I decided to drive Becky up the dirt road. Patrick
declined a ride, and just ran up.)

Pat discovered his little vineyard in 1973 while a member of a Zen
Buddhist community which was located near the property. He is also a
concert Violist (he has played with several Bay Area symphony
orchestras over the last 30 years), races ocean Kayaks and has studied
Philosophy of Religion at Harvard. It was during his time at the
Buddhist colony that he became interested in Viticulture as one of his
tasks was taking care of the small vineyard on the property. In 1977
Pat and his wife, Faith purchased the neighboring Laurel Glen
vineyard; since 1977, the vineyard holdings have expanded to the
present 35 contiguous acres.
Anyone even peripherally involved in the Sonoma Wine scene is aware of
Pat's passionate interest and presence in the local
political/environmental community. A champion of our little
enterprise, after a decade of leadership in industry trade
associations, he has focused on the direct shipping issue which is now
wending its way through the court system (keep an eye on Texas).
Concurrently, he was voted the first recipient of the Wine Industry
Integrity Award. I think it's fair to say that you can always depend
on Pat to give you his straight and honest opinion on just about any
subject.

*1-2003 "93"/RC... Laurel Glen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon...100%
Cabernet Sauvignon. "This spectacular and long-lived wine (we hosted
a vertical tasting of all vintages of the LG Cabernet a few years
ago...the initial vintage and all early bottlings were still very
youthful and fruit-driven) has an elegant style even in its early
stages which sets it apart from many overly-oaked and tannic
California wines. In a word, balance is the hallmark of the Laurel
Glen Sonoma Mountain. The 2003 vintage was severely impacted by
limited yields in the estate property yet the wine is typically dark,
with a dense core. It is perfumed with lovely briar, dark berry and
sandalwood aromas. The palate is rich and voluptuous without being
cloning or obvious, and reveals itself slowly".

*2-2003 "91"/RC... "Counterpoint...The second tier of the estate
Cabernets; Counterpoint gets the same meticulous treatment as the LG
estate in the vineyard, winemaking and barrel aging. While Laurel
Glen is the age worthy wine, Counterpoint stakes its claim in its
immediate drink-ability. Very rich and fruit-forward with perfect
texture, luscious dark cherry, sweet oak, blackberry, tar, and baking
spice flavors all framed by perfect acid balance. The finish is long
and nearly cloying in its viscosity."

*3-2005 "Reds"..."88-90"/RC "This wine displays a deep ruby core.
Fresh, bright scents of blackberry, cassis, cherry and violet. It's
very pure and graceful, with mineral-driven dark berry and cherry
flavors and an elegant, velvety texture. Finishes fresh and long,
with an echoing note of cherry. A blend of 40% Zinfandel, 25%
Carignane with the balance being equal amounts of Syrah and Petite
Sirah. The wine was matured in French oak for nine months".

*3-Laurel Glen "Terra Rosa" Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)...Pat heads
down to Argentina five times/year to oversee vineyard management and
to control harvest and fermentation activities. After fermentation is
completed the wine is brought up to the California winery by ship in
temperature controlled 24,000 liter containers to age in French oak
barrels for 15 months. A classic example of the practically
indigenous grape of the country, this is a BIG, juicy mouthful of wine
with a lashing of very sexy oak. Pat didn't set out to make this
vintage such a crowd pleasing style; the vintage dictated the result
and it REALLY is delicious...at once rich and powerful and with the
delicate, long finish which the best Malbec displays. 2005 was a
warm; trouble free vintage in Mendoza and this wine is a
quintessential example of that spectacular growing season.

*3-Laurel Glen 2006 "ZaZin"...Beginning with the first vintage in
2002, ZaZin has alternated between over-the-top and somewhat more
classic in style. Now, of course, "classic" is a term to be taken in
context. Everything from this central-state Lodi vineyard is BIG as
the property sits at the head of the Sacramento River delta.
"90"/RC... "While more refined in style, the 2006 is hardly
restrained. Black is the operative descriptor; black in color, juicy
black fruit in the nose plus black tar and wild summer blackberries in
flavor framed by a bright, racy and bold finish with just a hint of
cracked white pepper adding an exotic touch".

A Case of the hand-crafted wines made by Patrick Campbell from his
Sonoma Mountain estate. The grapes come from such diverse regions as
Sonoma Mountain, the Sacramento Delta and Argentina yet every bottle
bears the unmistakable touch of genius which only Pat can offer.
$235.00 After Discounts

Seghesio Sonoma Zin in the top "100" Again

2007-11-20T12:20:00.001-08:00

Seghesio Sonoma Zin in the "Top 100" Again!

2006 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel $243.00/Case...Friends, this stuff is
FLYING!!!

It's difficult to believe that I'm saying this, but...Our last half
pallet of the incredible 2006 Seghesio Sonoma "Blue Cap" Zinfandel is
sitting in our store room. The national (and international, its
available in central and eastern Europe) demand for this remarkable
red depletes the annual production in a ridiculously short period of
time, and once it nails the "Big List" it dries up faster than a dew
drop on a red-hot skillet. I guess it's true, everybody loves a
winner.

Made the "Top 100" 3 out of the last 5 years!

The Wine Spectator's "Top 100 wines of 2007" has been posted "on line"
(11/19) and true to form the Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel made the cut at
# 91 out of 100. The Spectator editorial staff tastes over 12,000
wines on an annual basis giving (roughly) one-fifth of the entrants a
score of "90" or above. Only 20% of the 100 winners have a suggested
retail price of $20 or under, making the inclusion of the blue cap
even more significant. In addition, only two (count em', T-W-O, 2)
Zins made the list (the other being the 2004 Navarro Anderson Valley
which you can't buy unless you're on their mailing list (i.e.
"fogeddaboudit").

There are dozens of California Zinfandels sporting higher prices than
the Blue Cap yet many of them don't possess the chutzpah required to
occupy the same shelf space of this delicious quaffer which
consistently out-performs its modest tare.

How do they do it with such consistency?

Let's call it "The Seghesio Recipe". First, get to California in
1886, (The year Eduardo Seghesio set foot in Sonoma County... THAT'S
the Tough one) then take superb estate-owned vineyards in Dry Creek
and Alexander Valleys, a day-to-day "hands on" Matriarch (Rachel) add
flawless farming practices and a pinch of ridiculous attention to
detail (Pete), throw in "Familia" inspired operating practices which
instill pride in every employee from the vineyard workers to the lab
technician and tasting room, add a state-of-the-art winemaking
facility, a fourth generation winemaker (Ted) a dedicated and
energetic sales team (Ed) and (most importantly) an inherent and
absolutely unrivaled understanding of the peculiarities and components
of the Zinfandel grape. Put all the above in a blender set on
"perfection", whip until all the ingredients unite in a single-minded
consistency and bake for around 120 years at the same temperature
required for producing fully ripened Zinfandel grapes. That aughta'
do it.

Better yet, just buy a case of the drop-dead-delicious 2006 Sonoma
Zinfandel.

During every harvest approximately 35 individual lots of
single-vineyard Zinfandel grapes are brought into the winery (all of
which have been constantly tended and watched over by Ted
Seghesio...that's no lie). Each lot is tested for sugar content,
weight and other factors before the final selection is determined.
Only the finest of these are chosen for the Sonoma County bottling. A
small percentage of Petit Sirah is added to the final blend to add
color and depth.

"91"/RC...Strict adherence to these practices insure the consumer will
experience that unique Seghesio Dry Creek/AV taste profile of wild
blackberry, briary wild berry, cracked pepper and creamy
cassis/blueberry (which are) unique to the warm DC/AV appellations.
A tempered use of quality oak and aging time gives the Blue Cap its
sexy, silky and refined texture which (I think) is reminiscent of a
lighter bodied Crème de Cassis.

When the 2003 Blue Cap Sonoma was awarded its position in the "Top
100" listing ("90" points) there were only a few cases left in
inventory hence we suggested that those wanting to experience this
wine purchase the 2004 (which had just been released, "88" Wine
Spectator, "90" Connoisseur's Guide). When we offered the 2005 (May,
2007) the title of the alert was "Last call on Seghesio Blue Cap
Zin"...I wasn't kidding...although the wine had only been "out" for 5
months we were told by the winery to give the famed "last call"
announcement as the entire production was slip-sliding away.

Yikes! The 2006 has only recently been made available yet we have
ALREADY been told to shout the dreaded "Last call" on this delicious
vintage. It seems that my take ("best yet") has been the unanimous
decision of the retail wine world. Apparently the winery can't keep
the shipments going out in time to meet the demand and there are only
so many cases made...hence,

"LAST CALL FOR THE SEGHESIO 2006 BLUE CAP ZIN"-$243.00/CASE

An Affordable Box of Superb '05 Burgundies!

2007-11-15T11:36:00.001-08:00

An Affordable Box of Superb 2005 Burgundies!

A mixed case (6 each) of the two great wines of Burgundy from a
historical vintage. Chassagne Montrachet (Chardonnay) and Bourgogne
(Pinot Noir) both from "98" Rated 2005...$510.00

The '05 Vintage in Burgundy has been unanimously hailed as the finest
in 30 years. The great wines of the region have always been
expensive...prices for the 2005s' are through the roof.

Those of us with limited financial depth need not write off this
vintage as one which is solely reserved for the high-end income
bracket. A responsible retailer will go the extra mile by finding
wines which exemplify the year while not setting their customer's
check-book on fire.

These are some of the most sought after wines on earth

Chateau de la Maltroye is considered something of a superstar in the
Cote de Beaune yet is not well known on this side of the pond. The
winery has always produced wines of great depth and muscular
structure. Owned by the Cournut family, the estate was purchased in
1940 (not the greatest time to start a new winery in central Europe)
when the small vineyard behind the "Chateau" had been converted to a
French version of a Victory Garden. Through hard work and a timely
growing appreciation of the wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
in the U.K. and America the Cournuts' turned their property into what
is today considered a quintessential example of a small Burgundian
Vineyard/Winery jewel.

Growers in Burgundy slyly call the summer of '05 as one of
"misfortune"...limited tonnage, maximum flavors.

The families winemaker, Jean-Pierre Cournut (an ex-aeronautical
engineer) began the harvest of 2005 by first thinning the bunches in
his vineyards in order to concentrate the nutrients and intensity of
the fruit remaining on the vine. Had he owned a crystal ball, he
would have been able to predict a hail storm near the end of the
growing season which further eliminated a significant portion of his
surviving grape clusters (in some portions of the property by as much
as 50%) thus producing final yields of only 2 tons/acre. The
remaining fruit benefited by receiving disproportionate amounts of
nutrients and sugars. The limited amount of wines produced from these
incredible grapes are massively extracted, thick and weighty...some of
the finest Chardonnays and Pinots to ever come from the property.

I had the privilege of tasting some of the Maltroye 2005's last week
and selected two which I felt represented the quality and depth of the
vintage.

*6-2005 Chateau de la Maltroye Chassagne Montrachet..."94"/RC
Gorgeous transparent yellow/gold color; nose of ripe apple and other
orchard fruits, caramel, sweet woods and a touch of coffee; the
texture is unbelievably sexy and silky with flavors of ripe golden
delicious apple, peach, sweet caramel, wild flowers, tangy citrus and
a touch of mineral. The finish goes on and on...the acids are
perfectly matched to the rich and dimensional texture...wow! What a
Chardonnay!"

*"91" Burghound..."Moderate wood influence frames floral and
relatively high toned and ripe orchard fruit aromas that dissolve into
rich but refined and detailed medium full flavors that are textured,
intense and tangy on the impressively long finish. This is not as
powerful as the Morgeot but there is real verve and personality here"

*6-2005 Chateau de la Maltroye Bourgogne..."92"/RC "A classic French
Pinot Noir; very ripe and fruit driven yet with that unique Burgundian
character which includes a touch of earthiness and tar. There are
subtle, integrated tannins and a touch of licorice in the round, rich
finish. While the fruit is the dominant factor, this wine has so many
competing elements its difficult to put your finger on the one
over-riding flavor...a very complex and intriguing Burgundy that will
only get better with a few years under its grapey little belt".

Here is a chance to buy, taste and cellar the two treat varieties of
Burgundy from the greatest vintage in decades at a very reasonable
price. (By Burgundy standards, these are bargains!) These wines are
selling out all over the world and our allocation will not last long.

$510.00/Case of 12...6 Bottles of each