Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, May 29, 2010

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

Zinfandel flows from all over California and truly excels in Sonoma County.  This Saturday we will sample examples from the Dry Creek Valley, the Alexander Valley and the Sonoma Valley.  The climate across Sonoma County is fairly cool and mild due to the coastal influences, morning fog, and breezy conditions that last throughout the summer.  Zinfandel thrives in this climate and produces wines that range from the claret style to fruit bombs and even desert wines such as in the Late Harvest and the Port styles.

2005 Lake Sonoma Winery Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 15.00; our price 11.99

Ripe fruit flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry mingle with an elegant mid palate of creamy vanilla.  The lightly toasted oak profile, along with a medley of spices, lengthens the finish and adds complexity.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave this wine a 90-point rating: “Lake Sonoma produces varietally pure wines at fair prices. This is a solid Zin, rich and spicy, with cherry-berry and cocoa fruit flavors framed in brisk, fine tannins. Will hold for up to six years”.

2006 Sausal Winery Zinfandel, Alexander Valley

List price 19.00; our price 15.99

This is a medium bodied Zinfandel, bright with cherry and plum aromas, and a long mouth watering finish.  It is produced from estate grown grape vines averaging 50 years of age.  Following fermentation, the wine was aged twenty-one months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, adding complexity.

2006 Sausal Winery Zinfandel, Private Reserve, Alexander Valley

List price 24.00; our price 20.99

This dark garnet colored Zin has black pepper and blackberry jam on the nose.  It is made in the Claret style; showing juicy black fruit and intricate tannins with a great mouthfeel.  This estate Zinfandel is produced from dry farmed 90-year-old vines.  It was aged for seventeen months in French oak barrels, yielding a fairly dense Zinfandel.  The balanced, but abundant fruit in this wine make it a delicious complement to roasted and grilled meats, rich pastas, and hearty stews.  The Private Reserve will cellar well for at least ten years.

2005 Haywood Winery Zinfandel, Los Chamizal Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.00

In 1973, Peter Haywood purchased 280 acres of rugged hillside land a stone’s throw from the town of Sonoma in Sonoma Valley. Three years later, he planted 75 (of an eventual 90) acres to wine grapes and named the vineyard Los Chamizal, which in Spanish means “a thicket of hardwoods.” In 1980, Haywood purchased a small nearby winery, crushed his first grapes and began selling a selection of wines under the eponymous Haywood label.  Aromas of spicy black pepper, cassis and mocha perfectly complement the bold fruit essences of cherry and baked plum apparent in this wine.  Lush, concentrated flavors of sun-ripened berries and chocolate-covered cherry are softened by a touch of creamy oak on the mid-palate.  The mouth-filling texture and velvety tannins lead to a long, smooth finish.

2005 Hawley Winery Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, Russian River Valley

List price 24.00; our price 17.99

Located in the Russian River Valley, near Healdsburg, at the mouth of Dry Creek, Ponzo Vineyard grows Zinfandel from vines planted around 1920, near the onset of Prohibition.  This fruit bomb is bold and juicy with aromas and flavors of white pepper, raspberries, strawberries and vanillin oak notes.  Here are some of the awards this wine has garnered:

Best of Class, Gold Medal, West Coast Wine Competition

Gold Medal, Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Gold Medal, Sweepstakes, Monterey Wine Competition

Gold Medal, San Diego Wine Competition

Gold Medal, Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Gold Medal- Riverside International Wine Competition

2006 Hawley Winery Zinfandel, Late Harvest, Dry Creek Valley

List price 22.00; our price 17.99

This Late Harvest Zinfandel is slightly sweet but retains some natural acidity which helps balance the sweetness. Blackberry and Raspberry fruit leap from the glass along with pepper and chocolate notes.  This was a popular style in the Eighties but is hard to find anymore.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

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

Like the Bordeaux region of France, the Rhone Valley has provided us, and the rest of the world, the finest wine varietals ever to produce wine.  Granted, some varietals were transplanted to the Rhone from other parts of Europe in past millennia, but it is the early French settlers that first brought these cuttings with them to California.  The Garnacha grape is central to many a Spanish red and rosé, yet in the Rhone it is paramount in the production of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Syrah and Mourvèdre complete the trinity for the great red blends in the Rhone Valley to include Cotes-du-Rhone.  In Australia, this blend is referred as a GSM, but the Aussies contrarily use the designation “Shiraz”.  Other red grapes are the Cinsault and Counoise.  The important white grapes are Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.

2007 Michael-David Incognito Viognier, Lodi

List price 13.50; our price 9.99

This varietal won the Rhone Wine of the World award in the 2000 L.A. County Fair. Originally thought to be Roussanne, D.N.A. testing found it to be a rare clone of Viognier. Somehow in the past decade the clone mysteriously made its way into the vineyards of California where it has since flourished in conditions that are reminiscent of its home – the Rhone Valley in France.  The vineyard can now be found on a Lodi Delta island located 25 feet below sea level!  Bright honeysuckle and jasmine jump out of the glass into a rich, fleshy mouth-feel.  Flavors of pineapple and ripe apricot create a fruit medley, tropical in essence. It won a gold medal at the 2009 Orange County Wine Competition.

2007 Kiamie Wine Cellars White Kuvée, Paso Robles

List price 23.00; our price 19.50

The winery name is pronounced (key AH’ mee).  This blend of 65% Viognier and 35% Roussanne comes from the Derby Estates Vineyard in Paso.  It has a luscious mouth feel not unlike a Napa oaked Chard.  It is bright and floral in character showing pear tones, crisp tart-sweet apple, minerals, light spice and mouthwatering acidity.

2007 Treana Winery White Wine, Paso Robles

List price 22.50; our price 18.99

This blend displays elegant varietal characteristics of Viognier (53%) and Marsanne (47%).  Vibrant floral aromas of citrus blossom and jasmine are followed by ripe stone fruit flavors, hints of pear, pineapple and honey overtones.  Solid minerality lends complexity and structure. The mouth feel is full, while bright acidity cleans the palate and offers ease and versatility to food-pairing.  The wine should age beautifully over a decade.

2005 Michael~David Incognito Red Wine, Lodi

List price 14.99; our price 13.50

Admittedly, this blend moves beyond the Rhone influence in an exotic dance of Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cinsault, Carignane, Tannat, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Grenache.  A mystery of elegant, smoky clove unveils layers of marmalade and toast that gently coat the mouth.  The blend bursts with fresh blueberry and dried cranberry notes, finishing with a smooth swirl of tannins and spice.

2006 Kiamie Wine Cellars R’Own Style Blend, Paso Robles

List price 24.00; our price 19.99

This is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 8% Zinfandel and 2% Viognier.  Scents of dark cherry, cranberry, pomegranate as well as hints of cardamom flirt with the nose.  Tightly-knit, it can use some aeration in its youth to allow the flavors to unfold.  Bright strawberry and rhubarb flavors are highlighted by candied red licorice and hot cinnamon spice.  Medium in weight with fine-grained tannins, this wine will benefit from some cellaring.

2005 Treana Winery Red Wine, Paso Robles

List price 45.00; our price 39.95

Winemaker Austin Hope produced this wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 70% and Syrah (30%).  It displays up-front aromas of ripe, dark fruit and exotic spice. Rich, explosive flavors of mulberry and plum are complemented by enticing mocha, tobacco and toasted oak notes.  Depth and power come from the Cabernet, while a Syrah component lends inviting fleshiness.  The wine’s full mouthfeel leads to a silky, lasting finish.  Luxurious and well balanced now, the 2005 Treana Red will continue to increase in nuance and elegance over the next 10-12 years.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

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

The Central Coast area of California has come a long way in improving the quality of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Originally, many errors were made in the places the grape was planted.  Along the way improvements had to be made in how to treat the vine to produce the best possible grapes.  No area in California is going to surpass Napa Valley for producing the best possible Cabernets, though the potential for very fine examples is revealing itself as we shall see:

2007 Rancho Sisquoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Barbara County

List price 20.00; our price 14.99

Rich and firm, this mature Cabernet expresses aromas of licorice, vanilla, fresh thyme and cocoa.  The oak core is nicely framed by blackberry, brambleberry and bold tannin.  The jam filled middle strikes a pleasant balance for such a big wine.  The wine was aged in a combination of Hungarian, French and American oak for 19 months.

2006 Clos LaChance Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast

List price 19.95; our price 14.99

This is a “Bordeaux” blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petite Verdot.  The nose on this wine opens up with bright berry fruits, as well as plums, tobacco and a subtle floral note.  Full and rich on the palate, blueberries, blackberries and dried cherries are the major fruit flavors in this wine.  Dried plums and a little anise spice round off the wonderfully smooth finish. Moderate tannins make this a wonderful wine to drink with and compliment many foods.  It received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator Magazine: “This modern red shows toasty oak flavors of mocha and smoke, with luscious blackberry and black cherry fruit supported by ripe tannins.  Balanced and lively. Drink now through 2014.”

2007 Smith and Hook Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast

List price 19.95; our price 14.99

The Smith Ranch had been a horse ranch, while the Hook Ranch had raised cattle for generations.  Their prime location provided a perfect setting for growing premium varietal fruit. Smith and Hook Winery released its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon to high acclaim in 1980.  Notes of black cherry, cassis and raspberry are followed by nuances of bell pepper and cocoa.  This wine is lush and textured, with gripping tannins, well-developed acidity and a lingering finish.

2005 Galante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley

List price 23.50; our price 19.95

Jack Galante’s philosophy is simple: grow the finest grapes possible and let the fruit express itself in the wine.  Since all of his grapes are estate grown, each bottle of wine produced embodies the characteristics of the unique region, exhibiting the natural flavors that are born from the land.  The result of combined grapes from several of the parcels, this wine offers a burst of distinctive fruit flavors with a hint of oak and soft tannins on the finish.

2004 Bear Cave Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

List price 28.00; our price 25.00

Bear Cave Cellars is the creation of Barry Kinman and Marilyn Curry who, in their other lives, are husband and wife as well as partners in the law firm, Kinman & Curry.  In a unique melding of two distinctly different businesses, the law office is also a legal tasting room of Bear Cave Cellars. Whether you want legal advice or to try their wine, call their offices.  This wine is made in the full fruit forward style displaying a big bouquet, full mouth feel and moving on to a lovely lengthy finish.  The wine won a gold medal at the Mid-State fair.

2005 Kiamie Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

List price 29.50; our price 25.00

This wine has a rich, approachable nature, and a ripe varietal character for which Paso Robles Cabernets are well-known.  Cabernet Franc (25%) was blended into the wine to further enhance its complexity and structure.  This wine is at its best now and offers full enjoyment of the savory aromas and flavors the wine has to offer.  It won a gold medal at the L.A. International Wine & Spirits Competition.  If given the opportunity, you should also try the R’Own Style Blend and the White Kuvée; both are delicious.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

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

The proliferation of wine labels with cute little animal names and pictures has grown into a billion dollar business world-wide.  Here are a few you are likely to have seen: Yellow Tail, 3 Blind Moose, Covey Run, Dog Tail, Fat Cat, Flying Fish, Hawk Crest, Leaping Horse, Stags’ Leap, Wild Horse, Bearboat, Dog House, Duck Pond, French Rabbit, Infamous Goose, Iron Horse, King Fish, Peace Frog, Rock Rabbit, Shoofly, Smoking Loon, Toad Hollow, and Wild Geese.  This is only a beginning for there are many more and surely you can think of a few.  Besides the Bad Dog Ranch Vineyards of Sonoma, we are including an old friend: Naughty Boy from Mendocino.

2009 Bad Dog Ranch Pinot Grigio

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

This wine is light in color, but delivers delicious hints of apricot, pear, and melon—all leading to a soft finish.  It is great to sip it all by itself or enjoy it with a variety of foods, such as a turkey sandwich or a chicken quesadilla.  It is awesome with seafood pasta, fresh cracked crab, or grilled salmon, and just as perfect with a Caesar salad.  A previous vintage of this wine won a gold medal at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition and this new release follows the same path.

2007 Bad Dog Ranch Chardonnay

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Gold in color, this Chardonnay has enticing aromas of apple, tropical fruit and vanilla.  Flavors include pear and melon, leading to a soft finish.  It is enjoyable by itself or pairs up nicely with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or seafood salad.  It goes especially well with foods like tacos, tostadas, Thai and Chinese foods.  Wine and Spirits Magazine gave it an 88 point rating as well as a BEST BUY.

2008 Bad Dog Ranch Pinot Noir

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

There are hints of raspberry, vanilla, cherry, and plum in this wine.  You’ll enjoy the soft and velvety finish of this quite versatile wine.  Drink it with anything grilled, such as chicken wings, Polish dogs, or with a hunk of cheddar and some sourdough…or just by itself.  Wine and Spirits Magazine awarded the wine an 88 point rating and one of the TOP VALUES of the year.

2006 Naughty Boy Pinot Noir, Potter Valley, Mendocino

List price 23.50; our price 19.99

Made with Organically Grown Grapes, this wine was aged in French Oak for 18 months.  You’ll find a hint of herbaceousness, along with notes of cherry and a bare whiff of wood in this wine.  It’s got remarkably nice acidity and is a wine which really blossoms in the company of good food.  It has a lovely velvety character that is ideal when paired with a rosemary lamb, or duck, or a well-seasoned grilled salmon.  Spicy food is made more savory when combined with a fine Pinot Noir like this.  The San Francisco Chronicle 2009 Wine Competition awarded this Pinot a GOLD MEDAL.

2008 Bad Dog Ranch Petite Sirah

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

You’ll get hints of blackberry, plum, and pepper in this wine along with a delicious, long, soft finish.  It will prove an able companion to a variety of foods such as spaghetti and meatballs, barbequed chicken or ribs, pork chops, and T-bone steaks.  Or for that matter try it with pepperoni pizza, some nachos, or a juicy burger.  Jerry Mead’s New World Competition awarded this wine a GOLD MEDAL and BEST of CLASS rating.

2007 Bad Dog Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Scents of blackberry and pepper mingle with flavors of plum and raspberry in this nice little Cab.  The fruit and tannins are well balanced and come together in a long soft finish.  Try this tasty wine with a juicy roast beef, rack of lamb, beefy short ribs or pasta in a rich marinara sauce.  BEST of the BEST rating in Quarterly Review of Wines Magazine for Calif. values.