November 2009 Newsletter

Our NOVEMBER Tasting

3rd Annual "WINES OF THANKSGIVING"

Join us for Turkey, Stuffing, seasonal vegetables and a staff selection of wines for the Thanksgiving Table
                            Wednesday, November 18th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
                                            at our Store on Grove Ave.
A list of wines will be available in the store and special pricing will be available for purchases made during the tasting.

“THE PRISONER” 2008

The 2008 vintage of David Phinney’s Orin Swift Cellars mostly Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon blend has just arrived. The price is $35.95. Nothing more needs to be said.

2007 RHONE WINES

Robert Parker, only prone to hyperbole on days not ending in Y, last year declared 2007 “the vintage of a lifetime”. Now that the wines are bottled and shipping he believes 2007 is “…a truly historic and profoundly great vintage”. His comments not withstanding we have tasted and are also impressed with both the depth and accessibility of these wines. They will surely be in short supply and if you love Rhone wines you should purchase quickly. We have a few on hand and will be receiving the rest of our allocations over the next month. With this vintage you will be hard pressed to find any “deals” but here are two wines, in stock, that over deliver for the price:
2007 Domaine Le Couroulu Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique - “Kirsch liqueur, roasted Provencal herbs, spice box, licorice, and lavender soar from the glass of this full-bodied, richly fruity wine, which has superb depth, density, and a 30+-second finish. This is an impressively endowed, round, voluptuous style of Vacqueyras, but don’t make the mistake of drinking it all in its exuberant youthfulness, as it will keep for 6-7 years. It is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre. 90+pts. (WA #185) $22.95
2007 Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Villages Cuvee Sabrine  -“ The outstanding CDR-Villages Sabrine exhibits just what heights this vintage can reach, even in humble appellations. Its deep ruby hue is followed by sumptuous aromas of black raspberries, truffles, and spring flowers. Dense, long, full-bodied, and super-serious, with no hard edges, it should drink beautifully for 3-4 years. 90pts.”(WA# 179) $16.95

NEW ARRIVALS

First – Two wines from Beaujolais (perfect reds for Thanksgiving):
2006 Lucien Lardy Fleurie “les Roches” Vieilles Vignes Burgundy, France – “…offers superb value and should be tasted as soon as possible, even though it could well evolve fascinatingly for another half dozen years. Cassis, blueberry, plum, sage, and smoked meats fill the nose. Orange zest, black pepper, and crushed stone add further complexity on a palate that displays admirable density, yet no lack of the lift and luscious refreshment for which most wine lovers seek out Beaujolais. This will act like a tonic to the jaded and correct the misconceptions of those who use the “B-word” only in belittlement. 91pts.”(WA # 184) $16.95
2007 Corinne & Jean-Michel Dupre Beaujolais “Terre Noire” Vieilles Vignes - “a terrific value. Lightly-bitter, palate-staining black raspberry and cherry (with the pit) are highlighted in this lithe ball of Gamay energy (tasted in July, 2009, bear in mind, and thus after at least 15 months in bottle). The label indicates “12% alcohol,” and I have no reason to believe from tasting it that this isn’t the case, yet there is not the least deficiency of ripeness. Hints of mint, licorice, salted almond, and smoked meat add interest. Enjoy this over the next 9-12 months, but don’t miss it! 89pts.” (WA # 184) $11.95
2007 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany, Italy- “The 2007 Rosso di Montalcino is a super-ripe, open wine bursting with the essence of kirsch, red cherries and flowers. This intensely ripe Rosso offers terrific balance in a flamboyant, extroverted style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. 90pts.” (WA # 183) $33.95

VALUE WINES

1981 Max Ferd. Richter Erdener Treppchen Kabinett – The little stair case of Erden in Mosel with its red slate soil produces complexity, minerality and age worthiness. After 28 years this wine retains the Riesling characteristics of stone fruit aromas and medium weight but has developed a bracing mineral finish. Stored in Dr. Richter’s cellars and recently re-corked/labeled. What a perfect wine for Thanksgiving.  $19.95 
2004 Kenwood Merlot Reserve – This is the smaller offering from Kenwood (only 813 cases) “selected from choice barrel lots produced from our best vineyards located in Sonoma County’s finest appellations. Multi-layered aromas of raspberries, red currents and mint are followed by a touch of vanilla oak and a rich smooth finish.” (Winery Notes).  $13.95 (regular retail is between $20-$24)

LARGE FORMAT BOTTLES FOR THANKSGIVING

Wine ages and develops more gracefully in larger bottles and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to present a magnum or 3 liter bottle at the family table. Here are suggestions that will work well with Turkey day foods:
2008 La Cappucina Soave 3Liter (4 regular bottles) – From the Garganega grape, this soave has citrus notes, a creamy mouth feel and good acidity. This is a beautiful presentation in a wood box with wax capsule and the wine should go well with turkey and stuffing. $59.95
2007 Catherine & Pierre Breton “Nuits d’Ivresse” Bourgeuil Magnum – Here is Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley vinified with out the use of any sulfur. Notes of tobacco and olives; this is a fresh tasting wine with great acidity and a great wine for Thanksgiving. $49.95

MONTHLY SPECIALS