Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 13, 2008
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

       Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Here are a few wines that should prove adequate, if not perfect, for your holiday entertainment.  Surely, they should prove perfect for our party purposes on Saturday.  Next Thursday I will remind you of the annual Champagne bash to occur on the following Saturday, the 20th; always a high time.  As with last year, Lisa Wherry will do the honors, pouring forth that of which dreams are made.

2005 Barnard Griffin Fumé Blanc, Columbia Valley
8.99
We have made an excellent buy of this fine Sauvignon Blanc, taking advantage of the change of distributors to secure a great deal.  Producing Award Winning wines for over 30 years, Barnard Griffin Winery is situated in south-central Washington at the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia, and Snake rivers, in the heart of Washington State’s wine country.  The wine has aromas of citrus and herbs. Its acidity and crispness gives it a wonderful palate impression.  It is bright on the palate for greater length and finish.  Enjoy it with shellfish or as an apéritif. 

Viognier Special of the day
9.99
This just released Viognier was produced entirely in French Oak, with 50% of the barrels being new.  It shows good character with layers of honey, cantaloupe, lychee and white flower blossoms on the nose and mouth.  It shows itself best when served with only a slight chill.
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2004 Barnard Griffin Merlot, Columbia Valley
9.99
The aromas of black cherries and red currants dominate the nose. There is a good dose of medium toasted European oak barrels. You see a great vintage in the 2004 with moderate tannins and good acid.  Black cherry, currant nose with smoky pipe tobacco, caramel notes. Very fruity lively attack boasts ripe plum and cherry fruit accented by licorice and earthy qualities in the background. This wine delivers excellent fruit concentration, depth and density.  Think barbequed meats with rich sauces and marinades.  It received a 91-point rating from Wine & Spirits Magazine.

2004 Brassfield Merlot, Lake County
11.95
Here’s another great deal while it lasts.  The winery sits at an elevation of 1800 feet overlooking Clear Lake and the grapes are grown in well drained volcanic soil.  The blend is 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.  The wine has a deep, rich garnet hue, with aromas of black cherry, cola nut and cocoa.  The rustic flavors of cinnamon spice, plum and bay laurel are enhanced with subtle nuances of vanilla, oak, and soy.  The complexity of flavors is further enhanced by the soft middle and silky tannins that lead to a lengthy soft finish.

2005 Trentadue Old Patch Red, Sonoma County
11.95
Named for the original 1896 plantings, Trentadue’s Old Patch Red has remained the all time favorite among legions of Trentadue fans for over three decades.  The blend is comprised of 70% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 5.5% Carignane and 4.5% Syrah.  The predominance of Zin in the blend brings in jammy, peppery, black cherry and strawberry aromas with spicy herbal nuances.  Further aeration reveals deeper and more complex layers of plums, brown sugar, graphite and earthy, dusty undertones.  The mouth feel reveals no hard edges, with a juicy middle but shows a solid tannin core suggesting a good aging potential.  This release has picked up 5 Gold Medals so far from prestigious California competitions including a “Best of Class” award at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

2006 Robert Hall Orange Muscat, Paso Robles
9.99
Not all good dessert wines need to be expensive.  This high value Muscat (enjoying a 95 point rating) is effusive with fresh citrus & orange blossom aromas that entertain your senses with sweet spice and tropical fruit flavors.  It is crisp, with a bright finish; a delight by itself, or paired with Thai cuisine or as an accompaniment to crème brûlée.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
4 to 6 pm

       Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

We consider ourselves fortunate to be visited by the grand master vintner of Napa Valley, Mike Grgich.  Today he will discuss his wines and any other subject you care to bring up, including the famous taste-off between the best wines of California versus the best of France which took place in 1976.  The winemaker for the number 1 Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena was Mike, himself.  Try the current releases and perhaps even have Mike sign a bottle for you.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Fume Blanc, Napa
26.75
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was made from grapes that were certified organic and Biodynamic® at the cool American Canyon and Carneros vineyards, not far from the San Francisco Bay.  Complex and rich, this wine is packed with layers of tropical aromas including white peaches, grapefruit and lemon oil.  With its crisp, refreshing texture, hint of mineral and long finish, this versatile, flavorful white wine is a great companion to grilled shrimp, lemon risotto or a refreshing salad.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa
37.50
This is the first vintage that Mike’s Chardonnay vineyards were certified organic and Biodynamic.  Beautifully balanced between acid, flavors and body, this Chardonnay displays notes of lemon zest, flowers and honey with a hint of crushed stones.  The wine’s elegance will shine by matching it with simple preparations of baked halibut, roasted chicken, grilled shrimp or pork, or pasta with a light cream sauce.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa
31.50
Grown at the estate vineyard in Calistoga, nestled in northern tip of Napa Valley, Mike’s Zinfandel grapes are certified organic and Biodynamic®.  The wine’s classic Zinfandel aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries are backed by hints of allspice and black pepper.  The appealing fruit, soft tannins and medium body make it a perfect partner with grilled meats, thin crust pizza and pastas with tomato sauce.

2004 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
53.50
The Yountville vineyard, which began farming biodynamically in 2003, supplies the main body of this Napa Valley blend.  Nicely balanced between fruit and tannin, this elegant wine is rich with aromas of black cherry, crushed rose petals and cocoa powder.  This full bodied wine goes well with roasted meats, grilled Portobello mushrooms or a firm cow’s milk cheese such as Edam or Gouda.