Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 1, 2007
4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 327-7701

Yes, we’re talking December here with the holidays looming and the year 2007 coming to an end. Is your clock ticking as fast as mine? Unfortunately for us, the Festival of Lights parade means that once again this year the front entrance to our shopping center will be closed off to allow for the formation of the parade. Please remember to use Sunny Dunes for crossing over Palm Canyon Drive to Belardo, the street behind us, and enter from the rear driveway. Our pouring host for this event is Garvey Daniels from American Wines who will be discussing some of his favorites from Northern California.

2005 Luna Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Napa
$14.99

Luna is known primarily for its Sangiovese and its Pinot Grigio, and they produce a very nice Merlot as well. The Pinot Grigio has a wonderfully expressive nose of lemon, fig, and apricot. Delicate layers of citrus, almonds, and toasted bread unfold on the pallet. Barrel fermentation adds a layer of viscosity to the entire mid-palate. The mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine together as it unfolds seamlessly on the finish.

2005 Bouchaine Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa
$17.95

Bouchaine Vineyards inhabits the oldest continually operated winery in the Carneros wine region. The site was first planted to vines and orchards in the mid-1800s by a farmer with the improbable name of Boon Fly. Beringer owned the property from 1951 to 1981 when it was sold to the present owners, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland. A massive renovation completed in 1995 catapulted the winery into the 21st century. This is a true expression of Chardonnay: bright, citrusy flavors graced with only the merest hint of oak. Its fruit flavors, bright acidity, notable texture (a hallmark characteristic of Carneros Chardonnay), and long finish culminate in an elegant, stylish wine.

2005 Bouchaine Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa
$19.95

The 2005 season was classic Carneros: cool, fog-covered evenings and comfortably warm days that allowed Pinot grapes to develop fully, while maintaining bright acidity. The long harvest served to enhance the character of the wine, adding richness and layers of flavor. The resulting flavors are redolent of cherries and berries with a touch of earthiness and orange peel.

2004 Jacuzzi Vineyards Merlot, Sonoma
$13.99

This wine comes to you from the same family company, Jacuzzi Brothers, Inc. located in Berkeley, CA, that is the manufacturer of water well pumps and the Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. The grapes are grown in the Sonoma Carneros and the Petaluma Gap areas where cool growing conditions enhance classic herbal and berry characteristics. 18 months of barrrel aging allows the wine’s complex layers of herbs, blackberry, and spice flavors to unfold through a veil of silky tannins.

2005 Cosentino Zinfandel, “The Zin”, Lodi
$21.50

This wine came from a vineyard over 80 years old and was aged for 9 months primarily in American and European oak with a little French oak for good measure. The wine is unfined, showing lots of extraction. It is black fruit oriented with aromas of black cherry and currants. In the mouth it is rich and jammy, with a very intense blackberry and black pepper, exotic spice.

2005 Bouchaine Chardonnay, Bouche d’Or, Carneros, Napa
$19.95

Bouche d’Or translates into “Taste of Gold” and refers to the amber color and luscious, sweet essence of this wine. The harvesting of one acre of grapes was delayed until December anticipating that the botrytis cinerea or “noble rot” would further concentrate the grape sugars. The resulting wine brings to mind honeyed apricots and ripe figs, yet is delicate in weight and smooth in texture. Excellent as an apéritif or with liver pâté, smoked hors d’oeuvres or even lemon tarts.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

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

With Thanksgiving virtually a done deal there remains ample opportunities to party our brains out throughout the month ahead. Accordingly, scan the offering of new arrivals for value wines that actually taste good. The line-up below represents wines of merit that fall readily into the budget softening category. All are priced for today only at $9.99.

South Coast Winery Brut Sparkling Wine, Temecula
$9.99
This Brut is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that was grown in the Temecula Valley. It is made in the crisp style and exhibits an interesting hint of yeast. It won a Bronze medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, tying with Mumm Napa Brut. List Price $18.00.

2005 Anselmi San Vincenzo Bianco, Veneto
$9.99
Roberto Anselmi chooses to label his wines as Veneto IGT rather than working within the boundaries of the Soave DOC. This meant parting ways with many of the traditional viticultural and winemaking practices that have historically defined the Soave district. The blend in the Bianco is 80% Garganega, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Trebbiano di Soave. In the nose, the wine is crisp, with scents of minerals, apple, banana and lemon blossoms. In the mouth the wine is medium-bodied, dry and fresh, with notes of citrus fruit, pear, grapefruit and hints of hazelnut.

2007 Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau
$9.99
As I am not a fan of Nouveau styled wines, this bottling was something of an eye-opener for me. Its fruit is berry oriented with none of the grapiness one associates with a Nouveau. One of the better quaffing wines around.

2006 Mark West Pinot Noir
$9.99
This winery has always specialized in Pinot Noir with an occasional good bottle of Chardonnay made as well. This is good wine for the price and starts you off with aromas of strawberries and raspberries. In the mouth, the flavor shifts to red cherries and plums within a silky smooth texture.

2004 Gravity Hills Syrah, Paso Robles
$9.99

This second line of wines from Chateau Potelle of Napa starts with a clone from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The grapes are handpicked to get the ripest clusters, and given 14 months of aging in French oak barrels. The result is a juicy, fruit-driven wine with charm to spare. Look for strawberries, black cherries, plums, blueberries, licorice, white pepper and leather.

2005 Louis Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma
$9.99

Louis Martini started this winery in 1933, and today his grandson, Michael is the winemaker. Although the winery and the vineyards have been sold to Gallo, the Martini family continues to have a hand in the production of wines. This Cab expresses itself with lovely black cherry fruit, adding some cassis and spice for complexity.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

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

Most people think of Beaujolais Nouveaux for an accompaniment to that Thanksgiving meal less than a week away. Take that thought one step further and consider Zinfandel. I do serve at least one Zin with that annual full-blown meal, but have hesitated in recommending it to my customers. No more; the November issue of Bon Appetit included an article supporting this view: “this bright, juicy wine, laden with berry flavors and enhanced with a smidgen of sweetness, is the correct wine for Thanksgiving fare.” While not in total agreement with all that was said in the article, I do believe the message is timely and, therefore, so is our tasting event.

2003 Napa Cellars Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$17.95

This is the perfect middle ground between the spicy Zinfandels of the Sierra Foothills and the fruity jammy Zinfandels of Sonoma. Both characteristics can be found in moderation with this wine. You can expect a swirl of the glass to reveal sweet ripe berries and black pepper spice with elements of sun-baked earth. The entry is sweet, displaying hints of raspberry and chocolate, but well balanced with sufficient acid and a little pepper at the front. It is full bodied with complex flavors and a smooth finish. This winery was originally owned by Rombauer and Frank Family but was recently sold to the Trinchero family of Napa Valley. Alcohol 14.5%

2005 Jake-Ryan Cellars Zinfandel, Mt. Veeder, Napa
$25.00

This Bald Mountain Vineyard Zin from Mt. Veeder is bursting with aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackberry, with some integrated caramel and vanilla notes. In the mouth, the flavors are ripe cherry, rhubarb, and blackberry preserves. Cedar and spice characteristics add a punch of complexity and personality. Alcohol 14.5%

2004 Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel, Dry Creek, Sonoma
$25.00

This wine comes to us from a negociant who over the years has espyed the best vineyard sources in Sonoma County and made deals to secure fruit from these growers to vinify and blend the small batches he produces. Though mostly Zin, there are small amounts of Petite Sirah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Barbera and Touriga in the succulent blend. Produced at the David Coffaro Winery in Geyserville. Alcohol 14.8%

2004 Tin Barn Vineyards Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
$17.95

The grapes for this bottling are sourced from the Gilsson Vineyard, a 35 year old vineyard near Windsor, in Sonoma County. Tin Barn Vineyards is a collaborative effort of winemaker Michael Lancaster and his two partners, Gray Fowler and Carl Stewart. This deep dark red colored wine shows forward raspberry and cherry fruit and a long, seductive finish topped off with a hint of vanilla and toast from the new American oak barrels used for aging. Alcohol 15.2%

2005 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Summit Creek, Paso Robles
$17.95

Opolo Vineyards comprises 270 acres of vineyards in both the Westside and Eastside areas of Paso Robles. Owners Rick Quinn and David Nichols have chosen to produce opulent wines that are rich and highly extracted. That goes for all the varietals they produce which seem to come from the bigger-is-better school of thought. Not for everybody, this big Zin has a sweet entry that will stand up to any cranberry preparation on your plate. It is resplendent in ripe black cherry, raspberry and spice and is framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. Alcohol 16.5%

n.v. Chateau Potelle “Zinie de Potelle” Desert Zinfandel
$12.99

This late harvest Zinfandel is sweet, at 6.5% residual sugar, but with a lot of vigor, strength and character. It is a delicious Port-style wine made from dry-farmed, old vine grapes, fermented and aged 18 months in French oak. It has sweet cherry and wild berry fruit with chocolate undertones. It displays deep aromas and is very smooth and elegant in the mouth with underlying hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. The name Zinie comes from the Potelle’s dog, and here I thought it was a diminutive for Zinfandel.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

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

When I first tasted the sparkling wines made by Gruet I was amazed that anything that good could come from New Mexico. Perhaps you are more adept at hiding your Chauvinism, but I remain something of a snob, except in the case of Oregon and Washington wines. The good people at Gruet are doing an excellent job of providing affordable sparklers of good quality, and in an arid climate. At 4300 ft. the vineyards are some of the highest in the United States. Regardless of how hot the days might be the temperature at night can drop as much as thirty degrees, cooling the fruit and slowing down the maturation process. Sandy and loamy soil, and a lack of humidity that might contribute to rot, allow for consistency of fruit from year to year, and allow for the production of award winning wines without the use of pesticides. Now for the shocker: in 2005 Gruet produced 80,000 cases of wine and distributed them to 47 states! We are not alone.

Gruet non-vintage Brut
$13.99
Half bottle $8.50

All of Gruet’s sparklers are made in the bottle using the laborious Champagne method (methode champenoise) The Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage complements the lovely apple and citrus flavor. The wine is brilliant with ultra fine bubbles, and in the bouquet you will experience wonderful green apple and grapefruit flavors. “Best buy” rating from Wine Spectator and “highly recommended” rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute.

Gruet non-vintage Blanc de Noirs
$13.99
Half bottle $8.50

The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for at least two-years, the palate is developed and shows rich complex flavors. Visually the wine is a fine salmon color, and sports an aggressive mousse. It is a lovely fruity wine focused on the juicy flavor of raspberry with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. The creamy texture shows finesse. Awarded 3 silver medals so far this year.

Gruet 2002 Blanc de Blancs
$19.95

The Blanc de Blancs offers abundant aromas and flavors recalling sweet apples, pears and citrus. The four years of aging has contributed a pronounced classic toastiness with accents of roasted almonds and minerals. The palate is creamy and long, and the style is elegant, dry and crisp, with a nice complexity. Only 1,000 cases were produced, selected from the best chardonnay of the harvest. It tastes like French champagne from the Cote des Blancs; very elegant with a long finish and nice acidity. Gold medal at the San Diego Int’l Wine Competition and gold medal with “best of show” at the New World Int’l Wine Competition.

Gruet non-vintage Rosé
$13.99

This nearly garnet Rosé, like all of Gruet’s non-vintage sparkling wines, is aged 24 months en tirage. It has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate, revealing more strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. This sparkler is lots of fun and very festive, perfect for a turkey dinner. Awarded bronze and silver medals in 2007.

Gruet non-vintage Demi-Sec
$13.99

The subtle fruity aromas and the freshness of the Demi-Sec drive the character of this light bodied, semi-dry sparkling wine. The toasty bouquet is light and elegant with good acidity and exotic fruit. The palate carries through with a creamy sensation and vivid flavor of green apples, ripe pears, pineapple and a hint of mineral. A dessert wine for those with a sweet taste! Awarded a silver medal and a bronze medal in 2007.