Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, February 28, 2009
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

This Saturday will be devoted to Steele Winery of Lake County, and the marvelous wines made by Jed Steele, Kendal-Jackson’s former winemaker.  Garvey Daniels of American Wines and Spirits will be here to pour and discuss the wine styling of this Lake County winery.  Last year, Jed completed his 40th year of winemaking in California and he is still going strong.  He was the starting winemaker for Edmeades in the Anderson Valley, and, after 10 years, started Kendal-Jackson where he remained for 9 years; he left the year K-J broke the million cases per year production mark.  The winery is located on Highway 29 between Lakeport and Kelseyville, close to Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California.

2005 Steele Chardonnay, DuPratt Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge
19.99
DuPratt is a small mountain vineyard in southwestern Mendocino County at 1200 feet of elevation.  This is part of the Mendocino Ridge Appellation where it is the elevation which marks the boundaries rather than other features.  Rainfall here can exceed 60 inches per year.  Most famous for its 80-year-old Zinfandel vines, DuPratt has five acres of Chardonnay planted in 1983.  This is a “mountain” wine in the sense that it has great backbone, acidity and structure.  It is always the last Chardonnay to be harvested in any vintage.  A mineral quality and long finish frame aromas of pear and citrus.

2006 Steele Chardonnay, Goodchild Vineyard, Santa Barbara Co.
19.99
Steele’s entire single vineyard designated Chardonnays are 100% barrel fermented in French Oak barrels.  Goodchild Vineyard sits across the Sisquoc River from Bien Nacido and is a few more miles inland.  It is a younger vineyard planted on the site of the old Goodchild land grant, which originally occupied thousands of acres on the south side of the river.  Being further from the ocean and tucked behind some low hills, it is warmer than Bien Nacido and is harvested a week or so earlier.  This wine shows the same tropical fruit aromas and flavors that are typical of Santa Barbara fruit.

2006 Steele Chardonnay, Durell Vineyard, Carneros
19.99
Durell Vineyard is in a warmer location as the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains surround it and just at the northern boundary of the Carneros Appellation.  This protection makes this vineyard less windy which also helps ripening.  The Durell Chardonnay is harvested 10-14 days prior to harvesting the grapes from the famous Sangiacomo Vineyard, though they are only two miles apart.  The Durell combines the citrus and pear aromas and is a reserved and austere wine.

2005 Steele Zinfandel “Writer’s Block”, Lake County
11.95
A medium to full bodied red wine showing its varietal characters of red fruit, spice, clove, herbal tea, and bramble with approachable aromatics that open quickly in the glass.  The aromatics are complex, and move from red fruit to green herb and some bramble.  Some toasted oak, to citrus transitions occur fairly quickly.  A supple mouth-feel shows bright fruit flavor transitioning into an accentuated finish with bright acidity and some spice.  Significant tannins on the finish are texturally good and young.  The prolonged after-taste increases as the wine continues to breathe.

2005 Steele Cabernet Franc, Clear Lake
12.50
While Steele is not known as a Bordeaux/Cabernet kind of winery (it tends to make more Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel) its location in Lake County allows for the production of several interesting varietals such as Cabernet Franc.  When Jed started buying grapes from the vineyard of Floyd Silva he found what he thought was some of the best Cabernet Franc that he had ever tasted.  The vineyard is on a gravelly bench, which overlooks the Big Valley area of Lake County.  The vines grow well but not too well and have a great balance of flavors, structure and tannins.

2006 Steele Zinfandel, Pacini Vineyard, Mendocino, Old Vine
16.99
The Pacini Family planted this vineyard in 1940 on the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Mendocino County.  This beautiful old vineyard is head-pruned as are most Zinfandel vineyards of the era.  Steele Wines purchased the vineyard in 1996 from the Pacini Family.  Since then they have been refurbishing the vineyard and replacing vines in the positions where the old vines have died back.  The limited water supply at this location prevents them from irrigating which, in turn, contributes to the intense flavors and aromas in this Zinfandel.

Saturday, February 21, 2009
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

Sparkling wines may have been more apropos for out tasting on Valentine’s Day, but some of our industry representatives have to travel some distance to get to the valley. Consequintly, we give them first choice for the dates they can be with us. This will most likely be our last bubbly affair until December during which month we have two such events. Join us for the tasting of a flight of sparklers that are priced from 5.99 to 19.99, surely within everyone’s budget. The high priced spread we will save for the holidays to enliven the festive atmosphere. Next Saturday will be devoted to Steele Winery of Lake County, and the marvelous wines made by Jed Steele, Kendal-Jackson’s former winemaker.

Yellow Tail Sparkling Wine, Australia

5.99

Sourced from some of Australia’s premiere sparkling wine growing regions, this sparkling wine is a blend of 72% Semillon blended with Traminer, Viognier and Trebbiano. It is pale straw in color with Muscat-like aromas. The taste is fresh with flavors of tropical fruits that combine for a medium sweetness and end with a crisp, refreshing finish. The only knock on this wine is the inconsistency of bubbles between bottles. Some simply do not have the charge equal to other bottles. Still this fresh, fruit driven wine does have its charm and certainly the price is right.

Gloria Ferrer Brut

14.99

The blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is round and full-bodied, with rich, ripe apple, pear and honeydew melon flavors. This complex sparkler has a nice touch of yeast and doughy aromas that give it added character, turning creamy with a touch of vanilla. It is smooth and rich in the mouth, showing layers of black cherry, vanilla and ginger, with a hint of lemon drop. It finishes with a long, refreshing aftertaste of mineral and fruit. It was awarded Gold and Best of Class at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Further, it picked up a 90 point rating from Wine Spectator along with a “Smart Buys” designation.

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir

14.99

The Blanc de Noirs is predominantly made from hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes, the hallmarks of which are a vibrant red fruit character. The creamy palate and rosy hue are a result of a small addition of Vin Gris, which was blended into the base cuvée. In the nose, there are bright strawberry and black cherry aromas with subtle vanilla highlights. Creamy cherry, lemon and cola flavors combine with a lush palate, with small, lively bubbles and a persistent finish. It received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition gave it a Platinum & Best of Class designation and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair awarded it Gold, and Best of Class.

Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée

19.99

The Royal Cuvée showcases the superb quality of the grapes grown on the 335-acre estate vineyard in Carneros. Made only from the first pressing of grapes hand-picked from this vineyard, this classic Brut blend of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay offers the delicacy and exuberance of perfectly ripe fruit well-integrated with mature complexities derived from over five years of aging on the yeast. A complex interplay of subtly nuanced berry and cherry aromas marries with mature yeast characters and a trace of graphite in the nose of this well-developed yet remarkably fresh sparkling wine. The wine holds in balance full, round, abundant flavors of citrus, ripe apple, spice and toast with vibrant acidity that refreshes the palate throughout the long finish. It received 93 points from Wine Spectator, and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair gave it a Gold Medal.

Cinzano Rosé Spumante. Italy

9.99

This dry sparkling rosé wine is the latest addition to the line of Cinzano wines. It is made from a blend of Durello, Garganega, Trebbiano and Pinot Nero grapes. It effervesces with aromas of delicate wild berries and rose flowers.

Cinzano Asti Spumante, Italy

9.99

The renowned Asti Cinzano is produced from the white Muscat grape in the DOCG area of Asti, at the heart of the Piedmont region. Its sweet and fruity aroma makes it the perfect choice for accompanying desserts or simply for adding a touch of sparkle to any occasion big or small. The wine shows pretty orange and spice aromas on the soft and foamy palate. Acidity balances the sweetness, making this a light, pleasant apéritif as well as a dessert sparkler.

Saturday, February 14, 2009
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

This Saturday we will be visited by Brandon Lee representing importer Quintessential Wines of Napa, California.  This very knowledgable young man will be discussing the wines being poured as well as the interesting mix his company represents.  Quintessential’s mission is to create a roster of small, family-owned wineries from around the world whose wines reflect the best expressions and highest quality of their particular appellations.  To date, some twenty wineries are nestled in their portfolio. Next Saturday will be devoted to sparkling wines and the following week we will have Steele Winery of Lake County.

2007 Elsa Bianchi Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina
8.99
Torrontés is a wine of pleasing fruit intensity both in the nose and on the palate.  Clean refreshing aromas with hints of spice, fruit, and honey lead to similar flavors on the palate, with good natural acidity and a clean refreshing finish.  This variety is blessed with the ability to develop these nice aromas and flavors at relatively low sugars which translates into better balance for a light to medium bodied white wine.

2008 Elsa Bianchi Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
8.99
The classic Malbec aromas of ripe plum and violets are evident in the nose, with hints of vanilla.  The beauty of the Malbec in Argentina is its ability to combine a rich, weighty mouth feel with a soft silkiness normally associated with lighter wines.  This one takes the promise of the nose through to the palate, with pleasing fruit that mimics the aroma.  The soft, supple palate leads to a lingering finish.

2006 Two Angels Petite Sirah, High Valley
19.99
The grapes for Two Angels come from the renowned Shannon Ridge Vineyards, an extremely volcanic, red pumice stone terroir.  Hugging the mountain rims along the east edge of the High Valley AVA at close to 2,200 feet (the highest vineyards in California), the area is reminiscent of the Rhone Valley’s Crozes-Hermitage vineyards.  The wine boasts savory aromas of dark berry, violets, pomegranate, tamarind and roasted game.  Abundant fruit flavors are nicely integrated with toasted oak and roasted coffee undertones.  What is especially alluring, given the dark color and ample, rich tannins, is the round, almost silky, mouthfeel and the pleasing, lingering finish.

2006 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
16.50
Valentin Bianchi’s Famiglia Bianchi Malbec has a luscious, intense fruit aroma, with hints of ripe plums, cherries and berries.  The flavors mimic the aromas, with a massive, yet soft and silky, mouthfeel and a lush, long finish. It is an excellent expression of the highly-praised Malbec grape, as it pertains to Argentina.

2005 Henry’s Drive Vignerons Padthaway Parson’s Flat, Australia
27.00
This is a finely-tuned blend of Shiraz (70%) and Cabernet (30%) that allows both varieties to express themselves.  The wine has a dense ripe cherry color, with a purple hue.  The nose displays a concentrated array of mixed berries, smoky cigar box, spicy pepper, clove, caramel and mocha.  An initial sweet, concentrated explosion of luscious blackberry on the palate leads to savory spice, coffee bean and licorice.  Cabernet Sauvignon is evident, contributing some attractive leafy and spearmint/peppermint flavors.  Firm and granular tannins leave the mouth with a persistent coating.

Nv Valentin Bianchi New Age White, Mendoza, Argentina
8.99
This blend of 50% Malvasia and 50% Sauvignon Blanc produces a vivacious and sensual wine, exhibiting aromas of fresh flowers and crisp fruit, yet remaining soft in the finish.  The fruit is hand picked followed by crushing, cooling of crushed grapes, and pressing.  Fermentation begins by inoculating with selected yeasts. Halfway through the fermentation process, the wine is centrifuged (spun) to halt fermentation, creating a slightly sweet, semi-sparkling wine.  It is a wine to drink anywhere and on any occasion, but best enjoyed very chilled and outdoors with good friends!

Saturday, February 7, 2009
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

It has been over a year since we last visited the wines of South Africa, so we invited Katie Finn of import company, Epic Wines, to rejoin us for an excursion through the Cape wineries area.  Her company imports wines from some very fine wineries that are gaining renown worldwide.�
The following Saturday, the 14th, we will celebrate Vanentine’s Day by hosting Brandon Lee, representing import company Quintessential Wines.  The opportunity to broaden your horizens expands…

2008 Man Vintners Chenin Blanc, Paarl
7.99
The name for this company was formed by the first letters of the wives of the 3 partners of Man Vintners.  Only free-run juice was used in producing this wine.  The must was fermented over 20 days in stainless steel tanks, and then left on its lees until bottling to create a richer mouth-feel.  The wine displays tropical fruit, guava and melon aromas.  It is crisp and bold with a sweet citrus component backed by refreshing acidity and minerality, characteristic of the coastal vineyards.  It is a versatile food wine to go with most poultry, fish and salad dishes, and rates high as an apéritif.

2008 Neil Ellis Chardonnay, Stellenbosch
17.95
Wine man of the year in 1992, Neil Ellis is one of the Capes finest winemakers. In 1994 he relocated his cellar to the Jonkershoek valley in Stellenbosch.  A third of this wine was fermented with native yeast in new French barrels.  Another third went into used French barrels, while the final third was fermented in stainless steel.  All of the wine remained on its lees for six months.  The wine shows lemony/lime aromas with green apple and a touch of vanilla.  The tight focused palate displays citrusy fruit and an elegant long finish.

2007 Neil Ellis The Left Bank, Stellenbosch
10.95
The blend here is Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Shiraz (33%) and Merlot (10%).  This is a full-bodied red wine with purple-red hues and good depth of color.  Concentrated red berry fruits of dark cherries, plums and spicy fruit cake flavors provide an uplifted intensity.  The nose is clean and pure with layers of rich dense fruits.  Oak provides a caramel/mocha complexity.  The long brooding palate has an abundance of soft, round, juicy red berry fruits.  The vibrant, sweet palate has aniseed spice and black pepper complexity with mineral-gravel texture providing some dryness.  Fine, soft, powdery tannins add structural focus and length.

2007 Neil Ellis Pinotage, Stellenbosch
15.95
Pinotage was produced by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and is grown primarily in South Africa.  Fermentation of this wine was initiated in stainless steel tanks, after which it underwent a series of pump-overs and punching of the cap.  This wine spent 15 months in French oak barrels of which 35% were new.  This deep red wine has plumy cherry fruit with subtle hints of tobacco that fill out the aroma of the wine.  It has well-balanced ripe tannins that give it a soft, elegant taste.

2007 Boekenhoutskloff “The Chocolate Block”, Franschhoek
34.00
Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah (55%); Grenache Noir (20%); Cabernet Sauvignon (16%); Cinsault (5%) and Viognier (4%).  Although the varieties have remained the same for this wine since the initial 2002 vintage, the percentages of grapes in the blend may vary.  An increase in Cabernet Sauvignon meant less Cinsault made the final assemblage for the 2007 vintage.  Fresh berry flavors and a fine white pepper add a spicy profile to the nose.  This is a wine of elegance and linearity.  The palate seems almost seamless with the soft approachable tannins rounding off the mouthfeel.

2005 Engelbrecht Els Vineyards Proprietor’s Blend, Stellenbosch
37.00
Engelbrecht Els was created to celebrate the partnership between wine visionary Jean Engelbrecht and golf legend Ernie Els.  This red wine combines Ernie’s preference for Bordeaux blends with Jean’s love for Shiraz.  The blend is Cabernet (59%), Shiraz (21%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cab Franc (6%), Merlot (4%) and Malbec (4%).  The complex nose opens with rich cedar and cherry aromas.  Subtle white pepper spice combines well with a delicate floral and toffee component.  There is an extremely elegant tannin structure with robust mid-palate intensity.  The wine also shows juicy characteristics brought about by the Shiraz component and employs a powerful finish.