Spotlight

Pride Mountain Vineyards Tasting

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
at our store on Grove Ave.
Here are wines we’ll be tasting:
2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Viognier Sonoma, North Coast, California
With beguiling aromas of ripe nectarine, lychee, lemon curd and narcissus, our straw-colored 2007 Viognier is a playful and enticing beauty. Cane pruned vines line our rocky Mountain Top and Lower Mountain Top vineyard blocks, creating an environment of dappled sun exposure for their grapes as they develop their exquisite perfume. To maintain the purity of fruit, one-third of the cuvée is chilled and fermented in stainless steel, while two-thirds is fermented in neutral eight to ten year old barrels and aged sur-lies to build weight on the palate without adding any oak impact. Bright acidity unifies the components into a wine with layers of fresh fruit, a soft and generous mouth, and texture without tediousness. As its beauty lies in its exotic aromatics, this is a wine that is best drunk young, preferably on a lazy summer afternoon.
Review from The Wine Advocate - “The outstanding 2007 Viognier is aged in neutral wood (two-thirds) and stainless steel (one-third), and is not put through malolactic, thus preserving its crisp acids. Aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, apricot liqueur, and a cocktail of assorted floral notes are found in this medium-bodied, refreshing Viognier. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.” (WA # 180)
2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley
Our Napa Valley Chardonnay, the only Pride wine produced from non-estate grapes, is sourced from two excellent vineyards in Napa Valley’s Carneros appellation.  Cooling morning fog, temperate days and brisk winds from the San Pablo Bay create the perfect environment to fully ripen Chardonnay grapes while maintaining a crisp acidity.  This year’s offering expresses melon, green apple, star fruit and hazelnut aromas balanced with just a hint of crème fraiche produced by a 30% malolactic fermentation.  Fermenting in 30% new French oak and aging sur lies for nine months adds a roundness and depth to the palate, providing the weight to balance its bright acidity.  With its elegant flavors and refreshing finish, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to rich, savory dishes such as grilled halibut, mushroom risotto or an after dinner cheese course.
Review from International Wine Celler - ‘Bright medium yellow. Aromatic nose combines lemon drop, nectarine, honey and flowers. Dense, juicy and quite dry, with a slight hard edge to the stone fruit flavors. Not a particularly fleshy or sweet style; in fact this is a bit austere today. Just 30% of this wine went through malolactic fermentation. Winemaker Sally Johnson vinified with Burgundy yeasts in 2007, which she says “brought out the estery aromas.” (IWC May/June ’09)
2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot Spring Mountain District, Napa, North Coast, California
Our 2007 Merlot is a multi-layered, expressive wine. The base blend is composed of wines from 11 distinctive vineyard blocks across our mountaintop estate. Texture has been polished by blending with 6% Cabernet Sauvignon from our intensely structured Rock Arch vineyard block. The wine opens with a big, perfumey nose featuring red raspberry, plum preserves, black and maraschino cherries and brown sugar. The palate is soft, luscious and silky, with intense flavors that coat the mouth. With sustained presence, fruit and spice flavors are revealed in bursts and waves. The structure is typical of our mountaintop Merlot – tannins are firm, but have been ripened to the point of being round rather than aggressive, a wine that leaves the taste buds longing for a second sip.
Review from the Wine Advocate -  “The 2007 Merlot, which comes from both Napa and Sonoma fruit (the Pride Mountain vineyards are split by the county line), exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant chocolate and berry fruit notes, medium to full body, and great freshness, length, and depth. It is a heady, succulent style of Merlot to drink over the next 7-10 years.” (WA # 186)
2006 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, North Coast, California
The 2006 vintage produced some of the most expressive, unctuous wines ever from our Spring Mountain estate, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception.  Grapes from individual vineyard blocks ranging from 0.25 to three acres in size were meticulously hand picked, and were then fermented in stainless steel vats and aged separately for 18 months in French oak.  The final blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot conveys delectable flavors of cassis, dark cherry, coffee and black tea layered upon a textural palate.  After a barrage of up-front fruit, the inky liquid lolls on the mid-palate before finally exploding into a hefty, minutes-long finish.  Pushing the limits of concentration as far as possible without sacrificing balance, this is the pure expression of mountain fruit – a wine that needs no justification.
Review from The Wine Advocate - “The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 exhibits notes of cassis, tar, crushed rocks, chocolate, and berry fruit in a full-bodied, fleshy format. It should drink nicely for a decade. “ (WA 186)

February 03, 2010 6:12

SPECIAL 2009 Holiday Newsletter

HOLIDAY THOUGHTS
We’ve been busy receiving and stocking up on some spectacular wines for the Christmas and Holiday season. (2007 Rhones, highly allocated California Cabernets and Chardonnays, Burgundies, Bordeaux and Malbec . The Regular December newsletter will highlight some of these new arrivals.) But we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to thank all of our customers who have helped make us successful and, as we enter our 25th year, we wish you peace and good tidings for this Holiday season. Merry Christmas!

A CASE IN WOOD – A UNIQUE GIFT
We have saved our wood cases all year and have filled them with selected wines to make a truly unique gift choice. The twelve-bottle cases are already made up and sealed so we are not able to make substitutions. Because of the limited quantities it would be a good idea to call ahead. Here are the 5 whites and 7 reds and sealed in each case, The normal retail price is listed after the wine:
Whites: 
2009 Carta Vieja, Sauvignon Blanc, (Chile) $6.95
2006 Solena, Pinot Gris (Oregon) $18.95
2007 De Martino, Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) $14.95
2005 Bouzereau, Bourgogne Blanc (Fr.) $19.95
2007 El Cipres, Torrontes, (Argentina) $6.95
Reds:
2007 Font des Prieurs, Coteaux du Languedoc (Fr.) $18.95
2006 Chateau d’Oupia, Minervois, (Fr.) $14.95
2007 Vina Robles, Red4, Paso Robles, (Cal.) $13.95
2007 Dom. De La Bergerie “La Cerisaie” Anjou, (Fr.) $11.95
2005 Benotto Nebbiolo, Monferrato Rosso, (Italy) $12.95
2007 Notro, Sngiovese-Bonarda, (Agentina)  $10.95
2004 Dom. Sainte Croix, Corbieres, (Fr.) $11.95

The total retail value of the wine is over $160.00. We will offer the sealed wood case for $129.95.

GIFT PACKAGING
We have a wide variety of gift bags, boxes and baskets from $.85 to $8.95. We would be pleased to package and deliver your gifts to business associates and friends.
And don’t forget to include:
OUR OWN EMERSON LATE BOTTLE VINTAGE PORT TRUFFLES – $4.95 and $5.49

HOLIDAY GIFT SETS -
Each of these two-bottle gift sets comes with you choice of gift bag/box.
Please note that there are limited quantities of wine.

The last several days have certainly been “Port weather” and we’re sure this is only a harbinger of things to come. Here are two exquisite vintage ports, ready to drink, and a great gift:
1997 Dow’s Vintage Port – “Blackberry and plum character. Full-bodied, velvety and balanced. Lovely velvety tannins, sweet and long. Soft-textured yet fresh and racy. A beauty. This is would be better with a little more age, but already pretty.  Best after 2009. 94pts.” (WS – Web Only) $69.95
1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port – “Saturated black/purple-colored, with stunning aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and iron, this spectacular vintage port is one of the stars of the vintage. Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin, spectacular concentration and purity, multiple flavor levels, and an evolved, forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port. Maturity: 2004-2030. 96pts.”(WA #126) $89.95
If purchased separately: $159.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $134.95

“Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir is not America’s richest rendition. Nor is it the flashiest. But for sustained merit, it ranks near the very top.”- Paul Lucas, The Great Wines of America
2006 Saintsbury Stanley Ranch – $34.95        
2006 Saintsbury Brown Ranch –  $34.95
If purchased separately: $69.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $55.95

The ultimate gift of mature Northern Rhone syrah from one of its greatest producers-
2001 Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle – “Some lovely fruit, polished and clean, with all the attributes of a fine terroir—mineral and above all a lot of sweet, ultraripe fruit. Full-bodied, long, with plenty of toasted, smoked bacon and blackberry notes. Easier to appreciate young than many La Chapelles, but what hedonistic pleasure. Best from 2007 through 2015. 4,425 cases made. 97 pts.” (WS 8/31/03) $119.95
2000 Paul Jaboulet Hermitage “La Chappelle”- “Very aromatic, refined and intriguing. A medium-bodied wine that opens up with crisp, citrusy notes that are a bit sour, then delivers freshly crushed red berries, dried herbs and cassis in a rather narrow range. Not much seduction here, but there is a mineral, iron, wet earth and terroir quality that is unmistakably unique and keeps you coming back for more. Best from 2005 - 2015. 93pts.” (WS 12/15/02). $89.95
If purchased separately: $209.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $169.95

Here are two wines from the vintage Robert Parker called “the greatest vintage Bordeaux has ever produced”. Both are at or approaching maturity and will make a great gift for any wine drinker.
2000 Cap de Faugeres, Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France - “A winner, the dark plum/ruby/purple-colored 2000 exhibits aromas of smoke, herbs, black fruits, licorice, and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied, expansive, and layered, it is a candidate for 10-12 years of evolution 89pts.” (WA #146) $29.95
2000 Chateau Lanessan – “It is one of the finest Lanessans I have tasted over the least 20 years. A generous Lanessan, with a deep ruby/purple color and a classic nose of cedar, spice box, black currant, plum, and earth, the wine has sweet tannin, medium to full body, loads of concentration, and a long, layered finish, with light to moderate tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.” 89pts. (WA #146) $32.95.
If purchased separately: $62.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $53.95

(Dessert wine 500ml) “Leave it to Eric Solomon to discover this remarkable estate (Chateau Tirecul La Gravieres). The vineyard is planted with a high percentage of Muscadelle (50%), along with Semillon (45%), and Sauvignon (5%). ... Additionally, these grapes are picked grape by grape (as they develop the noble rot), not by bunch. Fasten your seat belts, as these wines are remarkable.” –Robert Parker
1995 Chateau Tirecul La Gravieres  -  $39.95        
1996 Chateau Tirecul La Gravieres  -  $39.95
If purchased separately: $79.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $67.95

2007 Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay la Carriere Sonoma, North Coast, California – “One of my favorite cuvees is always La Carriere. The 2007 La Carriere shows all the same characteristics, but with more honeysuckle and a subtle hint of hazelnuts in its fill-bodied, zesty, vivid, vibrant style, a characteristic of this vintage. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. 93-95pts.” (WA # 180) $89.95
2006 Bonaccorsi Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Nielson Vineyard - “Delivers a tight beam of peach, nectarine and green apple. Delicate, vibrant and spicy, this is still a bit coarse, but with depth and complexity. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases made. 88pts.” (WS 4/30/08) $59.95
If purchased separately: $149.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $126.95

One Grand Cru and one Village level Pinot Noir, approaching their mature sweet spot, from a producer Allen Meadows of Burghound calls “…one of the most under rated wine makers in Burgundy (whose) wines consistently rate at the top of their respective classes.”
2002 Domaine Daniel Bocquenet Echezeaux , Flagey Echezeaux, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France – “The superb 2002 Echezeaux bursts forth with scents of red fruits, cinnamon, and loads of spices. This big, oaky, black fruit dominated wine is lush, chunky, and chewy. Hugely powerful, medium to full-bodied, and brawny, it slathers the palate with copious quantities of cassis, blackberries, brambleberries, and spices. This admirably extracted and concentrated effort should be consumed between 2008 and 2016. 92-94pts.” (WA # 153) $99.95
2002 Domaine Daniel Bocquenet Vosne Romanee, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France -The dark ruby-colored 2002 Vosne-Romanee explodes from the glass with massive black fruit and oak aromas. This dark, tannic, rustic wine is deep, concentrated, and backward, and will require some time to round out its somewhat uncivilized edges. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. 87-88pts.” (WA # 153)  $59.95
If purchased separately: $159.90, as a gift set, with box/bag: $129.95

THE PERFECT WINE
Looking for the perfect wine gift? You may want to consider the following “perfect” wines. Each received a score of 100 points from Robert Parker and while we cringe a bit when we talk in superlatives like perfect, these wines do make extraordinary gifts. Buy any two and receive a 10% discount. Buy all four and get a 15% Holiday discount.
2001 Domaine de la Mordoree Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois – “An inky/purple color is followed by a heady perfume of graphite, blackberries, kirsch, licorice, truffles, and charcoal. This full-bodied effort displays endless concentration in its pure, dense, generous flavors. It is broadly flavored, with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol. A modern day legend, it is an example of what progressive winemaking can achieve without abandoning the traditions of the appellation. 100pts.”  (WA # 151)  $295.95
NV R L Buller Calliope Rare Tokay Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia -The prodigious, dark amber-colored Calliope Rare Tokay boasts colossal aromatics and flavors of melted caramels, coffee, toffee, candied fruits marinated in cognac, magnificent richness, and a huge finish that lasts over 70 seconds. …these fortifieds must be tasted to be believed as they are among the world’s most profound after-dinner fortified wines. 100pts.” (WA # 161) $89.95
NV Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Rare Muscat Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia –“This non-vintage offering is off any earthly chart in terms of richness and intensity. (It) may be even better, but the system stops at 100 points. It is rich, profound, concentrated, and unctuous, with explosive aromatic fireworks. This singular treasure from Australia should not be missed! 100pts.” (WA # 148) $199.95
2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon ,Washington - “Opaque purple-colored, it has a splendid perfume of violets, wood smoke, truffle, Asian spices, black cherry, and black currant preserves. Opulent and mouth-coating, the layers of complex flavors nearly hide enough tannin to support 8-10 years of additional cellaring. The oak, tannin, and acidity are beautifully integrated and the lengthy finish lasts for well over a minute.  Quilceda Creek Vintners remains
a model of consistency. In the outstanding 2005 vintage, Quilceda Creek’s Cabernet Sauvignon remains the benchmark for what can be achieved in Washington and the United States. 100pts.” (WA # 177) $249.95

DEC._09_holiday_newsletter_.pdf

December 01, 2009 5:09

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.
Thanksgiving, with it’s sweet and savory foods, is a challenging meal for wine pairing; so this is a perfect opportunity to “test drive” a variety of wines with the foods of the season and see what style and type best suits your palette.
Here is a list of the wines we will open:
1981 Max Ferd. Richter Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany)
2008 Domaine Des Roy Sauvignon Blanc (Touraine, Loire Valley France)
2008 Horton Viognier (Orange County, Virginia)
2008 Domaine De La Mordoree Cotes-Du-Rhone Rose (France)
2007 Domaine Dupre Beaujolais “Terre Noir” (France)
2005 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
2007 G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso Italy

November 11, 2009 3:50

It’s Time to Order Beaujolais Nouveau

This year we are again offering a Village Level of Nouveau from
Domanine Manoir Du Carra
The price, with discounts, is $14.95 per bottle and $149.95 per case.
The wine, as always, will be available on November 19th (third Thursday in November)
If you call, e-mail or come in and reserve your bottles/cases before 11/15/09 you will recieve an addtional discount of 5% on bottles and cases, $14.20 and 142.95 respectively.

Domaine Manoir Du Carra as consistently been one of the best Beaujolais Nouveau and last year won the
GOLD MEDAL - Trophée Lyon-Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 (the only official competition devoted to Beaujolais Nouveau)

Here is a vintage report for 2009 - good start, warm summer, below average rainfall. The yield in 2009 is likely to be well below average due to dry conditions.
The harvest will start early, during the last week in August in the south
of the region, later further north. Producers are making comparisons
with the 2005 vintage, which was probably the best in the last 5 years.

October 20, 2009 1:37