Spotlight

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

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December 01, 2009 5:09