Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 22, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

When the needs of party provision or gift giving begin to outstrip the budget, it becomes imperative to find well-priced premium wines in attractive bottles and labels.  Here are a few suggestions from the many new arrivals at our store.

We will be closed only on Christmas day and on New Year’s Day and will revert to our usual schedule in January, closing each Sunday and holidays.  If you are unable to attend this wine party or next Saturday’s (and shame on you if you miss) then please accept our heartfelt thanks for your support of all we are trying to do here.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

n.v. Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
$9.99               

It is getting increasingly difficult to find good Prosecco for 10.00 and under, given the free-fall of the dollar against the Euro.  We did, however, manage to force the price downward on this one after agreeing to a sizeable purchase.  Prosecco is a late-ripening, delicate white wine grape grown extensively in the region north of Venice.  This frizzante style wine (slightly sparkling) is light and dry, with a hint of pear in the taste.  It is quite delicious.

n.v. South Coast Winery Ruby Cuvée
$9.99

Are you ready for a sparkling Syrah?  This Temecula winery does a nice job with this bottling.  The “ruby” refers to the color of the wine.  The bouquet is fruit oriented showing red berries with a chocolate edge.  Likewise in the mouth the wine is fruity and lush and exhibits a lively acidity.

2003 Santino Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills, Amador
$9.99               

This Zin is sturdy and full of rich raspberries and blackberries, plums, and spice aromas.  The mouth is flush with berry fruit that connects with almonds, cinnamon and pepper.  The finish shows a slight tartness but seems to come together nicely.  It is a good wine for the price and it matches well with spicy and hearty foods.

2005 Jessie’s Grove Winery Zinfandel “EARTH, ZIN & FIRE”
$10.99

This winery sources fruit from the Lodi area and produced this bottling from vines 64 years old.  The wine has a rich bouquet with forward fruit, primarily strawberry and blackberry.  There is a dense jammy quality to the berry flavors that round out with exotic spice, soft tannins and a smooth finish.

2006 Puerto Viejo Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
$8.99

Argentina does an amazing thing with Malbec and this effort produced from 50 year old vines is no exception.  What’s amazing is the value.  This delicious wine is done in the plumy style and has a richness which belies its price.  The minerals and spice in the finish add a harmonious quality that impresses.

2005 Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
$9.99

I am severely challenged to find wines of California that can match this one for value.  There are intense notes of blueberries and plums reinforced by vanilla and a touch of white chocolate contributed by French oak.  This is a very well-structured wine full of sweet tannins with good concentration and a long finish.  You can pair it with red meat, pasta dishes and fine or fermented cheese, such as blue cheese.

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