Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, October 30, 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

We are entering that period of the year wherein entertaining and partying will be shifting into high gear. Most functions are supplied with wines under the ten dollar mark which is a price barrier we maintain in our focus. Repeatedly we return to this level of economy in search of the value products that return more than the price would indicate. To make it interesting, we have chosen one wine from each of six different countries. Drop in this Saturday, taste some nice inexpensive wines and take mental notes on where best to spend your valuable assets.

2008 Matetic Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

List price 10.95; our price 8.99

Chile produces some excellent Sauvignon Blancs and this one from Matetic is a full bodied wine with fine character. The new Matetic Vineyards winery is a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, constructed so as to compliment organic agricultural practices and the natural landscape of the Rosario Valley. This winery, which has a 300-thousand liter capacity, relies on a gravitational-flow design that optimizes management of the grapes brought in from the nearby vineyards. The wine is lively, with clean, zesty flavors of tropical fruit and minerals.

2009 Chateau de Campuget Rosé, Rhone, France

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache Noir. It comes from the Costières di Nimes, near the awesome French Riviera town (and close to Monaco) boasting not only one of the most well preserved Roman coliseums, but also lots of world class beaches on the beautiful French coast. It used to be considered part of the Languedoc region, but now is part of the Rhone. The wine shows lots of strawberries and stone quality, with intriguing grapefruit notes. It is juicy, yet dry.

2008 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese, Molise, Italy

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This Sangiovese exhibits a fresh bouquet of violets, berries, spices and leather. It is deliciously smooth, plush and juicy on the palate with loads of ripe fruit. This tremendous value was given a 90-point rating by The Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Sangiovese Terre degli Osci is an incredibly delicious, full-bodied wine with gorgeous clarity and definition. Made in a bold, fruit-driven style, the wine offers terrific depth and a long, polished finish. This harmonious red is a knockout!”

2005 Castaño Solanera, Yecla, Spain

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

The name comes from “Finca La Solana” – sun-washed property in Spanish. This is a blend from 40+ year old vines of the varieties: Monastrell (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Garnacha Tintorera (15%). It enjoys a 90 point-rating from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar: “Saturated purple. Smoky raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a sexy mocha quality adding complexity. Fleshy, round dark fruit liqueur flavors caress rather than pummel the palate. Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit.” Robert Parker chimed in with a 91-point rating.

2007 Vino Valpredo “Squeezebox Red”, Sonoma County

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

This is a blend of Zinfandel (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Syrah (16%). Fruit for this selection was sourced at several vineyards sites throughout Sonoma County. Vino Valpredo Wine Company who produced and bottled this offering is an offshoot of Dry Creek Valley’s Fritz Winery who has long been a producer of fine Zinfandels. Aromas of dark berry fruit with spice notes fill out the expressive and vibrant nose of this blend. Some fig notes lead the palate along with a combination of fresh and dried fruit character. Cranberry, cherry and plum are prominent. Sour cherry, blackberry and black pepper emerge in the finish, balanced by excellent acidity. The lasting flavors linger well after the last sip.

Achaia Clauss Muscat de Patras, Greece

List price 12.00; today only 9.99

We will try whenever possible to introduce you to some of the world’s finest dessert wines as we advance towards the winter months. This sweet white dessert wine is produced in the Patras Appellation of Controlled Origin on the Peloponnesus. It is vinified from the White Muscat grapes grown in the Patras defined zone. Its rich amber color, full-body and well-balanced soft flavor make it one of the best deals in dessert wines to be found anywhere.

Saturday, October 23, 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

Mankas Hills Vineyards is located in the upper Suisun Valley, just a few miles east of the southern slopes of Napa Valley. In 1982 it obtained appellation status as an American Viticultural Area, just after Napa Valley. The area enjoys a unique blend of generous daytime sun and cool afternoon breezes out of the nearby San Pablo and Grizzly Bays. Fog hardly ever penetrates into Suisun Valley due to the protection from the Pacific Ocean by the George Range. Representing the winery will be Annette Weis who will happily answer your questions while pouring her delicious wines.

2007 Mankas Crest Dry Rosé, Suisun Valley

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

Barrel fermented with very short oak exposure this crisp, fruity and invigorating wine is made to be enjoyed on its own by the pool or with a light lunch. It has a silky and refreshing texture, and displays scents of melon, berry, vanilla and eucalyptus. Flavors of watermelon, blueberries and cassis linger in the mouth for a long fruity finish.

2007 Mankas Hills Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 14.50; our price 9.99

This newly released wine displays a deep ruby red color with well developed fragrance and a very elegant balance of aromas and flavors. Aromas of cherry and plums harmonize with caramel, green olive and vanilla scents. A broad profile of black and red fruit flavors blends well with elegantly smooth yet lively tannins. Black pepper tones lead to an enjoyable, gently astringent finish. The distinct texture and finish partner remarkably well with food without overpowering its taste.
It has won a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2006 Mankas Hills Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 14.50; our price 9.99

The 2006 Mankas displays unique character and balance. A wide fruit profile harmonizes with elegantly round tannins. Notes of raspberries, black cherries and blueberries blend well with soft vanilla, eucalyptus, and black pepper tones creating an enjoyable balance of aromas and flavors. It won a Silver Medal at the 2009 Pacific Rim Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

2004 Contado Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 18.00; our price 13.99

Aromas of vanilla and oak, along with black cherry, wild berries and eucalyptus, rise from the glass as this wine is poured. Flavors of black cherry continue in the mouth along with cassis, plum, and a subtle smoky note. As the wine opens up the black cherry notes build over time. The soft, yet complex texture and long fruit finish show the grace and power of the fruit from the Mankas vineyard. This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2006 L.A. County Fair Wine Competition; a Bronze Medal at the 2006 San Francisco Wine Competition, and, interestingly, the next year it climbed up to a Silver Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition indicating improvement with the extra year of age.

2005 Contado Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 18.00; our price 13.99

Pronounced flavors of blackberry tannins and spicy aromas of bell peppers, eucalyptus and cinnamon combine with accents of plum, cassis and wild berries for a long lingering finish. The silky, yet complex texture and long fruit finish exemplify the grace and the power of the grapes from the vineyards. It received a Silver Medal at the 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2006 Contado Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 18.00; our price 13.99

A deep ruby color accompanies rich aromas of vanilla, eucalyptus and oak with notes of caramel, nougat, and mocha. Rich flavors of black cherry, wild berry and fig characterize the enjoyable and smooth mouth-feel of this wine. The mid-palate offers spicy notes of clove with sweet peppers and cassis leading to a robust and long finish. This wine is a luscious, full bodied, well balanced accommodation to many dishes. It picked up a Bronze Medal at the 2009 L.A. County Fair Wine Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition and, similarly to the case of the 2004, climbed to a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Saturday, October 16, 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 array of wines being poured this Saturday should cover any social situation imaginable. The selection from Napa and Sonoma Counties covers the gamut from whites, through reds and includes a desert wine. All are absolutely delicious. These newly arrived wines were acquired by us by reason of their inherent value. (We continue to protect your purchase dollars.) Please note that the event ends at 6pm and it is quite impossible to accommodate arrivals in the few minutes prior to 6pm. Further, we cannot justify opening fresh bottles in these last few minutes. It is best to arrive no later than 5:30 to enjoy a leisurely tasting experience, and to socialize as well.

2008 Raymond Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley

List price 14.50; our price 11.99

Raymond’s winemakers used a long, cool fermentation process followed by cellaring completely in stainless steel prior to bottling. This produces a wine with crisp acidity and captures the flinty, citrus aroma and flavor characteristics of this versatile variety. A small amount of Semillon was added to the final blend as a compliment to the citrus of the Sauvignon Blanc and to provide added richness to the wine.

2006 Iron Horse Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

This wine is made from all Russian River estate fruit, specifically from the Green Valley. It has a pretty light golden color, and shows aromas of pear and banana. There is a rich luscious mouth feel with some minerality and exotic fruit flavors. It is rich and creamy while being balanced with minerality and acid. Look for a hint of lychee. The finish shows great balance of oak and fruit. Both Wine Enthusiast Magazine and Wine and Spirits Magazine awarded this wine a 91-point rating.

2007 Laurier Merlot, Alexander Valley, Sonoma

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

With its deep ruby color, tannins that complete a nice lasting finish to the palate, and hints of herbs, plums, vanilla, and raspberry, this Merlot is certainly not lacking complexity and could be mistaken for a Cabernet. The nice aroma of cherries is definitely not forgotten either. With that said, it is certainly permissible to consume it now; however, given a couple more years, this Merlot may approach its full potential. This wine has already picked up three Gold Medals at wine competitions.

2008 Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah, Sonoma

List price 11.00; our price 8.99

Thirty-two years after it was first produced by the Bogle family in 1978, Petite Sirah is today considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. Full-bodied on the entry, aromas of black plum jam and toasty oak set the stage for what is to come. Vibrant boysenberries and luscious fruit are framed by serious tannins, while wisps of leather and vanilla add complexity. A final touch of acidity finishes the wine with a precisely balanced mouthfeel.

2005 Luke Donald Collection Meritage, Napa Valley

List price 36.00; our price 25.00

Handcrafted in a traditional European style, the Luke Donald marries a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (43%), Cabernet Franc (12%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The wine has its origins in a longstanding friendship between top-ranked pro golfer, Luke Donald, and fine wine professional, Bill Terlato, of the family-owned Terlato Wine Group. Luke Donald Claret displays structured tannins, intertwined with vibrant flavors of black berries and subtle spice notes, producing a wine ripe with flavor and supple in mouthfeel.

2007 Kendall-Jackson Muscat Canelli, Sonoma

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

The grapes for this wine actually were grown in Lake County which tends to produce a mandarin orange/kumquat flavor profile. This wine, too, displays a delightful mélange of citrus flavors such as tangerine and mandarin orange that combine on the palate with notes of peach blossom, spices and pear. It is richly layered and balanced throughout. This wine has a delightful off-dry, long and lingering finish. Try this one on the rocks.

Saturday, October 9, 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

This Saturday we embark upon one of my favorite subjects, Cabernet Sauvignon. Two of the wines are from Napa Valley, two are from Sonoma County and two are from Paso Robles. There is no rhyme nor is there reason for the assortment other than the fact the sealed cases have been sitting in my back room for half a year and now is the perfect time to break them open and enjoy the treasure within. All are similar in structure and the alcohol range is from 14 to 15 %. Yet all do differ from one another and only by tasting them side by side can one fully appreciate the subtleties in variation.

2006 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauv., Napa

List price 25.00; our price 19.99
Tannins are chewy and mouth-coating, merging with engaging flavors of blackberry, black plum and cassis and just a hint of black olive. All this power is knit together into a harmonious whole to create a well-structured wine that makes a bold statement and culminates in a very long, satisfying finish. Robert Parker Wine Advocate gave the wine a 90 Points Rating: “Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years.”

2006 Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

This fine Cab is filled with mountain character and is big, bold and brambly. Fruit is blended from the Mount Veeder ranches with other small lots of rich, intense Napa Valley grapes to create a powerful and complex wine with fine tannins and the potential to age. The blend is 83% Cab, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah and 2% Malbec and Petite Verdot. There are vibrant layers consisting of brambly dark berry, cassis, bay and mocha. The wine is rich and concentrated with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, chocolate and cassis. It shows good structure and is well-balanced, with fine-grained tannins and a long finish of cassis and sweet vanilla notes.

2006 Simi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon,
Landslide Vineyard, Sonoma

List price 33.00; our price 28.99

The Landslide Vineyard is comprised of numerous soil types and microclimates created by an ancient volcanic landslide from nearby Mount St. Helena. These soil variations, combined with diverse topography, result in varied bud break, flowering, veraison and harvest times in the vineyard blocks. Along with the complexity created by the different soil types and topography, Simi has planted an assortment of varieties and clones. Nine different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec give winemaker Steve Reeder the tools needed to create spectacular blends of the Bordeaux varietals. The wine has intense plum, black cherry and cassis aromas that are spiced with caramel and toast. In the mouth, blackberry and plum flavors are accented with cocoa and spice giving layers of complexity and depth. It is full on the palate with ripe tannins which lead to lasting flavor and intensity.

2005 Arrowood Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma

List price 29.50; our price 25.00

This wine is deep, dense and highly aromatic. The nose is saturated with plums, cassis, currants, vanilla, earth and toast. The palate is intense and well supported by finely integrated tannins and balanced acidity. It will drink beautifully in its youth and should continue to improve over the next decade. The blend is 95% Cab, 3% Malbec and 2.0% Petit Verdot.

2006 Écluse Cabernet Sauvignon, Lock Vineyard,
Paso Robles

List price 29.95; our price 23.50

Écluse Wines is a tiny family owned vineyard and winery tucked away in the prized rolling hills in the Westside of the Paso Robles AVA. The wine shows big, rich meaty notes on the nose while delivering tons of dry blackberry and bramble flavors. The tannins are soft and serve to balance the blackberry and plum fruit. Only 259 cases were produces.

006 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauv., “Celestus”,
Paso Robles

List price 39.95; our price 29.99

The Celestus is a blend of Cab (80%), Syrah (15%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The nose exudes raspberry, red plums, dark cherry, sandlewood, anise, lavender and roses. This wine is dry with a strong tannin backbone and hints of plum, anise, rose petal and is multi layered with a long finish that is very complex. From The Tasting Panel, May 2009: “Rating – 92. Supple and nervy with juicy plum and cassis fruit with sweet oak and racy acidity; long and balanced with smooth finesse. – Anthony Dias Blue”