Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, June 28, 2008
4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
327-7701

Under the new USDA National Organic Program, Frey wines are Organic Wines because they are made from certified organic grapes and contain no additives, such as sulfites or tartaric acid.  Wineries that use organic grapes, but add sulfites or other additives can only be labeled “Made with organically grown grapes.”  Many foods, including wine, may contain small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites.  For example, an egg tested at an independent wine laboratory showed 6 ppm total sulfites.  Testing has shown that naturally occurring sulfites are present in some of Frey’s wines in small amounts, but in some cases no sulfites were detected.  Red wines and older white wines contain the lowest levels of naturally occurring sulfites (that is, none detected or under 5 ppm), while young white wines may occasionally show levels from 5 to 15 ppm.  Although the legal limit in wine is 350 ppm, most wines with added sulfites contain less, generally 25-150 ppm.  According to federal law, if a wine contains 10 ppm or more of total sulfites, the label must state “contains sulfites”.  Also, no animal products are used in the making of Frey Wines, such as egg whites, gelatin, or dairy-derived substances, which is good news for vegans.  So, are these wines worthy?  Come in and judge for yourself.

n.v. Frey Natural White Table Wine
8.75
This blend of Butte County Chenin Blanc and Mendocino Chardonnay results in a medium-bodied wine with crisp acid and melon and pear fruit.  A nice everyday food wine, it is perfect for a picnic or a soup and salad dinner.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 1 ppm.  Silver medal, & rated “Highly Recommended,” at the BTI Eco Wine Challenge.

2006 Frey Sauvignon Blanc
8.95
This wine is a pleasing blend of fruit from Lake and Mendocino counties.  Tropical flavors of pineapple and passion fruit are married with delicate French oak components.  Try it with goat cheese and minced herbs or with spicy ethnic cuisine.
Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 3 ppm.  Bronze medal, & rated “Recommended,” BTI Eco Wine Challenge

n.v. Frey Natural Red Table Wine
8.75
Frey’s best-selling wine is a blend of Carignane, Zinfandel, and Syrah.  It has an expansive bouquet that is light, young, and fruity.  It is well-balanced with a very attractive finish.  An excellent everyday red, carefully crafted with organic techniques.  Try it with pizza or pasta.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Bronze medal: L.A. County Fair Wines of the World Competition; Bronze medal: Florida State Fair International Wine Competition; Bronze medal, & rated “Best Buy,” Beverage Testing Inst.

2006 Frey Zinfandel
12.95
The bench land soils of Redwood Valley in Mendocino Co. produce magnificent Zinfandels.  This is a blend from five organic vineyards.  It is filled with tight blackberry and raspberry fruit, and displays its elegance after being aged on French oak.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Gold medal Riverside International Wine Competition.  Gold medal: International Eastern Wine Competition.  Silver medal Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.  Silver medal, & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.

2006 Frey Cabernet Sauvignon
13.75
This wine is a blend of Cabernet grapes from Redwood Valley and nearby Ukiah.   Black cherry aromas open up to plum fruit with a hint of mint on the finish.  It is aged on French oak which gives it a lovely spice mantel. Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” BTI Eco Wine Challenge. 

2006 Frey Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley
13.75
These grapes were harvested from Frey’s estate vineyards in Redwood Valley and aged on French oak.  The bouquet is rich and expansive, with lots of black cherry, spices, cocoa and sage.  Enjoy this lush well-structured and full-bodied wine with Mediterranean cuisine or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and parmesan.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.

$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
327-7701

As we struggle through above average June heat levels, the need for light refreshing wines becomes paramount. Sparklers are always appropriate, especially in such weather, and fresh medium bodied Chardonnays work well, too. Just because it is arrestingly warm does not mean that red wine is unservable. Lightness of being is the key phrase in determining one’s choice for aperitif service and for meal accompaniment. Of course, the whites should be served well chilled, but remember to keep the red wine temperatures below 70 degrees. Room temperature at this time of year is one step below sauna level. Even red wine should refresh, while we effervesce.

n.v. Chandon Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine, California
29.50 Magnum
Chandon’s Blanc de Noirs is characteristically a delicate salmon color. Dark cherry, currant and strawberry dominate both aroma and flavor with hints of cassis and blackberry. These red fruit flavors build in the mid-palate and finish with a soft, lingering, creamy texture. The blend is 87% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meunier and 6% Chardonnay.

n.v. Castellblanch Brut Zero, Sparkling Wine Cava of Spain
9.99
Three different indigenous white grapes make up this blend which is one-third each: Macabeo (mak-a-BAY-o), a delicate grape which adds elegance and finesse, Parellada (Par-e-YAH-dah), which provides a delightful floral aroma, fresh clean flavors and balanced acidity; and Xarello (Sha-REL-lo), the aromatic, earthy grape which gives the wines their strength and color. The winery produces more than 1.5 million cases sold throughout the world annually. This blend has a fine sparkle with a good release, forming a nice mousse. In the nose the aromas of the varietals predominate over the yeast, toast and earth aromas of ageing. In the mouth it is fresh, clean and well balanced.

2005 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, California
5.99
We have only a few cases of this wine with damaged labels and while they last will be sold at the ridiculously low price of 5.99 (half the normal price). Most people are acquainted with this brand and know it to be tropical in character, featuring such fruit associations as mango, pineapple and papaya. The oak is of medium intensity and calibrated to appeal to the greatest number of people.

2006 Edna Valley Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo Co.
10.95
The Nivens family planted Paragon, their estate vineyard, in the early 1970s and the Chalone Wine Group joined with the family to establish a partnership as Edna Valley Vineyard in 1980. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines purchased the Chalone Wine Group in 2005. With its proximity to the ocean this vineyard allows for extended hang time developing rich, complex flavors while the ancient ocean subsoils impart a subtle mineral component This wine offers flavors of rich peach with sweet oak spice balanced by a crisp acid finish.

2002 Sagelands Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley
5.99
Sagelands sources its fruit from the four corners area of Washington. The wine displays aromas and flavors of red raspberry, plum, and Bing cherry with notes of blueberry, vanilla, and some hints of chocolate. This delicate and medium bodied wine shows a nice touch of liquorices and spices coming from the oak.

2006 Esser Merlot, Califonrnia
7.99
This wine has a large proportion of Monterey County fruit that is blended with lots from Lake County, Mendocino County, Solano County, the Carneros District of Sonoma, and an addition of 6.6% Syrah from Paso Robles, for extra weight and density. The aromatic profile of the wine reveals a combination of ripe plum and black cherry fruit, along with savory complements of cola, sweet tobacco, anise, and some vanilla and toffee notes of oak. The flavors are of baked stone fruits, spice cake, and espresso.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
327-7701

Following is the list of the Cabernet Sauvignons numbered 1 through 6 in the order in which they were tasted.  Each bottling reflects its own price bracket: under five, five to ten, ten to fifteen, fifteen to twenty, twenty to twenty-five and twenty-five to thirty.  Prices and notes on the wines are as follows.

#1 South Coast Winery 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon,
Wild Horse Peak
24.99
This block of plantings receives more sunlight than the other blocks of this Temecula vineyard and the wine is very ripe and big, a convincing argument for the whole South Coast region.  It displays classic Cab aromas and flavors in a wine of style and substance, at a great price.  Owing to its age, the fruit is shifting to the dried fruit end of the spectrum.  From one of owner Jim Carter’s prize vineyard blocks.

#2 Copperidge Vineyards n.v. Cabernet Sauvignon
4.50
This product by Gallo is oriented towards the restaurant trade and frequently is better than some of the higher level lines such as Turning Leaf.  The wine is medium-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plums, grapes and cherry fruit; a hint of spice.  Soft and supple tannins make for an easy drinking, everyday wine.

#3 Peju Province 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
29.95
This wine has notes of deep, dark blackberry and plum with hints of vanilla, tobacco and spice. It has a smooth supple entry with a rich, round mid-palate that is elegant in style, finishing with soft lingering tannins.

#4 Murphy-Goode 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon,
Alexander Valley
18.99
This wine has a soft texture and rich flavors of sweet black fruit and spice.  Its soft, rich tannins make it a very approachable wine that is ready to drink now but equally suitable for hanging onto for years.

#5 Castoro 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
12.99
The grapes had great intensity and color.  This wine is packed with rich berry and full fruit capped with a toasty oak note. The finish fills your mouth with lush flavors that are not blown away with excessive tannins.  Gold Medal at the Editors Choice Wine Competition. 

#6 Aquinas 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
9.99
This Cabernet has a bouquet filled with aromas of blackberries, fresh figs, cedar oak, and hints of minerals and earthy notes.  From the first sip, this wine reveals enveloping flavors of currant, blackberries, black olives, tobacco, and toasted walnuts, finishing with rich French oak and subtle cloves.

Saturday, June 7, 2008
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
327-7701

We placed an order several months ago for French wines on a pre-arrival pricing basis. Summer is not necessarily a great time for the wines to arrive as many of our customers have left or are leaving the desert. Well, they arrived. Rather than wait for the fall to show them off, let’s pop a few corks this Saturday and celebrate their arrival.

2006 Domaine de Sérame Viognier, Reserve
14.99
Viognier is typically an aromatic wine with good bracing acidity focusing on wonderful stone fruit and citrus blossoms. So it goes with this Vin de Pays d’Oc bottling which displays a delicate nose of peach and orange blossom continuing to a delicious, rich, mouthfeel with notes of apricot and on to a long, aromatic finish.

2006 Paul Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône, Parallele 45
9.99
In the village of Pont de l’Isère, a monument symbolizes this parallel line with the inscription: “the South begins here”. The grapes from these 25-years old vines (60% Grenache and 40% Syrah) are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. The resultant wine is aromatic, hinting at red fruits blended with spices. On the palate, the wine is well-structured on rounded tannins, with a final spicy note.

2005 Chateau Lagupeau, Graves
14.95
Given the style of the vintage, most of the 2005 wines should be accessible young, yet evolve for a decade or more because of their concentration and tannic structure. This Bordeaux is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is smooth with a lovely fruitiness focused on cherries, berries and blackcurrants. There is good complexity enhanced with easy going tannins. Great Value!

2006 Chateau Pey La Tour, Bordeaux
14.95
The blend here is 77% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aromatics of sweet cherries, black currants, subtle herbs, cedar, and spice combine with a long, rich entry and mid-palate of similar flavors. The result is an impressive, supple-textured Bordeaux to drink over the next 2-3 years.

2005 Chateau Grimont, Bordeaux
15.50
This is a blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wine has a lovely dark, ruby red color. The aromas are fruity and elegant. It is full-bodied and delicately balanced leading to a delightfully long finish. It is drinking well now, but will improve over the next 3 to 4 years.

2002 Chateau d’Armajan des Ormes, Sauternes
19.95
Sauternes is right up there with the best dessert wines of the world. Lemon lime aromas give way to a rich, elegant honey, butter, apricot and pear flavor. It is showing great complexity with lovely balance. There are notes of spice and anise on the long, long finish. The land for this 35 acres estate was established as a Lordship in 1565 following a visit by King Charles IX and his mother Catherine de Medici.