Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, October 27, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 327-7701

Today’s selection emphasizes the availability of bargain wines among imports. We’ll have a glance at Spain, Chile, Australia, Italy and France for the appropriate selection of “party” wines that will satisfy your guests as well as your budget.

The following Saturday will be hosted by Randy Hazzard, who will be presenting to us the entire line of B Cellars wines from Napa Valley. On Saturday the 10^th of November we will have our first sparkling wine event of the season.

2005 Gran Feudo Rosé Navarra, Spain

List price: $12.50; OUR PRICE $9.75

This cool fragrant Rosé was made from the Garnacha Tinta grape (Grenache). The bouquet is reminiscent of rosehip tea and the flavors focus on strawberry and spicy raspberry fruit. The wine is fresh and lively with a clean finish.

Wine & Spirits Magazine gave this bottling a 90 point rating.

2005 Da Vinci Chianti, Tuscany

List price: $12.00; OUR PRICE $9.99

This is a Chianti in the lighter style making it perfect for a turkey dinner. It has a lovely crimson color and a bouquet of red fruits. The strawberry-like fruit is balanced by plumy and earthy notes. In all, it is a very versital wine that drinks well with a wide array of dishes.

2002 Ross Estate Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, North Ridge, Australia

List price: $14.00; OUR PRICE $9.99

The North Ridge designation on the label refers to the slope of the vineyard facing to the north, which, down-under, means facing the sun. The blend is 60% Cab and 40% Shiraz and is aged in a combination of French and American oak. The wine shows a rich, fruit-laden bouquet of black fruits and cherries, but is medium bodied and easy to drink. The plumy red fruit would go well with turkey and gravy with cranberry sauce.

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate gave this wine an 89-point rating

2003 Nugan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia

List price: $ 12.75; OUR PRICE $9.99

The wine is deep crimson in appearance with a youthful purplish hue. The bouquet displays sweet aromas of red berry fruit melded with licorice and delicate allspice nuances. .The palate exhibits blackcurrant and spicy plum flavors with hints of leather and tobacco.

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate gave this wine an 87-point rating.

2003 Santa Ema Syrah, Barrel Select, Chile

List price: $10.00; OUR PRICE $8.99

The wine is a deep red mahogany in color. The bouquet displays floral characteristics with a hint of smoke. The palate is full and round with blueberry and blackberry fruit and a hint of vanilla and chocolate. Nice looking bottle for the price!

2002 Delas Muscat de Beaume de Venise

List price: $32.00; OUR PRICE $25.00

The village of Beaumes de Venise in the Rhone Valley once belonged to the papacy in Avignon. In the 14th Century, Beaumes cultivated a designated area of Muscat vines for the production of a naturally sweet wine that was often referred to as “Nectar des Dieux” (Nectar of the Gods). The wine has a pale golden hue and the bouquet shows intense fruity and floral aromas. On the palate, this wine has an elegant freshness. It is full-bodied and has lingering fruity aromas with a lemon-tinged finish. This is the perfect follow-up to a turkey dinner if you don’t want to bother making a dessert.