Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, July 30, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited toward purchase of the featured wines below

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

Having just returned from our trip to Napa Valley and, accordingly, having committed to purchases of many fine wines, we find it necessary to make room on our shelves prior to the shipments. We haven’t done an Australian tasting for a while, so this should be refreshing. These are big wines with an unabashedly ripe, juicy, rich profile. Probably not the best choices for summer days of incendiary heat, but our hard-core big-reds contingent will arrive salivating. The discounts are quite deep, so now would be the time to indulge yourselves from some of the Aussie largess.

2007 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Big Tail Blend, SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

Like many wineries, the Andrew Peace company began as a vineyard in 1980, then in 1995, the decision to commit to developing a winery was made. This wine has delicious blackberry and ripe plum fruit, and is smooth and savory on the palate. A medium to full bodied red that is soft, smooth and full of ripe forest fruit flavors, this wine will go with pretty much any savory dish and is great for drinking on its own. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot.

2009 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Red Blend,SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

This wine is brimming with juicy black and red berry fruit flavors with a hint of warm spice and vanilla. The result is a wine perfect for full flavored dishes or for those who like a big, bold red to enjoy on its own. The blend is 30% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Grenache and 20% Mataro (Mourvedre).

2004 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, McLaren Vale

List price 19.99; our price 17.95

The nose shows concentrated blackberry, plum and chocolate aromas with a subtle touch of French oak. The palate displays masses of rich black fruits and dark chocolate that combine with the sweet velvety tannins. Ripe and full bodied this well rounded wine has good structure, intensity and concentration of fruit which lead into a long generous finish. Robert Parker gave it a 90-point rating.

2006 Yangarra Shiraz, Single Vineyard, McLaren Vale

List price 20.95; our price 17.99

This Shiraz walks the tightrope between finesse and concentration. It has a stylish perfume of raspberries and juniper. The vibrant aromas lead to a palate that is concentrated and seductively lush with black fruits, spicy dark chocolate, hints of vanilla bean and soft, grainy tannins.

2008 Molly Dooker, Two Left Feet, McLaren Vale

List price 24.95; our price 19.99

90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Two Left Feet is a blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon which also spent 11 months in 50% new French and American oak. A glass-staining opaque purple color, it emits an enticing aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry preserves. Dense, sweet, and layered on the palate, it is surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Concentrated, lengthy, and full-flavored, this wine is all about pleasure. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.”

2006 Flinders Run Shiraz, South Australia

List price 29.50; our price 19.99

92 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar: “Inky ruby. Powerfully scented bouquet of dark berries, smoky minerals and fresh flowers; this is really fragrant. Spicy black raspberry and cassis flavors stain the palate and are enlivened by zesty minerality. A strong iron note carries into the impressively broad, long finish.” 92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2005 was a big success and the 2006 Shiraz is almost as good. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a nose of toasty oak and blueberry compote that jumps from the glass. Full-bodied, corpulent, round, and layered, it delivers a big mouthful of blueberry fruit with notes of licorice and chocolate followed by a long, pure finish. Leave your thinking cap at home and enjoy this hedonistic effort for its fleshy, in your face style. Enjoy it over the next 6-8 years.” 91 points Wine Spectator: “Toasty, savory flavors dominate, offering charred meat, spice and bread crust aromas and flavors around a core of ripe blueberry, plum and cream, finishing with polish. Drink now through 2016.

Saturday, July 23, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited toward purchase of the featured wines below

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Argentine wines continue to lead the pack of value wines from around the world. Much of it has to do with the price of land and therefore the price of the grapes grown on that land. Argentine vineyards can cost around $2000. per acre, while a vineyard in Napa runs above $200,000. Obviously, this has a profound effect on the price of a bottle of Cabernet. There are other mitigation factors, as well, such as American oak (300. a barrel) versus French oak (1000. a barrel). This is why we are constantly amazed at the pricing on the low level wines given their quality. Titan Wines and Spirits has an import hold on some great properties, some of which we will pour on Saturday. Representing the company will be our good friend, Noel Font.

2009 Lo Tengo Torrontés, Mendoza

List price 10.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Argentina’s largest production white wine is the Torrontés. The nose is floral, mainly rose and jasmine with lime fruit as well. Its flavor is very expressive: tart lime, floral, tart peach and tangerine with a clean spicy finish. The well-balanced acidity makes it a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood. It goes well with spicy food including Thai, as well.

2009 Norton Rosado Malbec Mendoza

List price 9.95; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

This rosé from Bodega Norton is made entirely in stainless steel to capture the vibrant fresh fruit character. It has a lovely pale red color, and on opening delivers ample aromas of red fruit. Still, the wine remains dry which makes it a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of foods. Or, it is suitable for sitting around the pool and sipping at will.

2009 Kaiken Malbec, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75; today only 9.69

In the nose there are notes of ripe fruit with traces of cedar and butterscotch. In the mouth it displays intensity, with strong, fleshy tannins; while at the same time it is juicy and enveloping, leading to a long, persistent finish. A harmonious liaison with the wood makes of this wine a fine example of the Mendoza wine value.

2008 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75 today only 9.69

On the nose, it features good complexity where the Cabernet spiciness blends perfectly with mature fruit allowing plum
and cherry aromas to stand out. Its oak ageing contributes by adding complexity and sophistication to the wine. There is a small amount (7%) of Malbec added to the blend which increases the complexity. On the mouthfeel it’s a big wine, but with subtle tannins. To achieve this, 60% of the wine was aged for 8 months on American oak, while the other 40% was not exposed to wood at all. It has a long finish, where fruit flavors dominate and blend perfectly with the sweet notes provided by its oak ageing.

2009 Pascual Toso Malbec, Reserve, Mendoza

List price 19.95; our price 18.50; today only 16.65

On the nose, this Malbec is clean and fruitful. Its aromas are reminiscent of plums and quince with a little touch of elegant oak. The mouth has a mild bouquet of blackberry and licorice fruit that keeps a firm grip through the finish. This thick and burly Malbec has a rich and long finish with smoky accents of vanilla and lingering oak.

2007 Bodega Norton Privada, Mendoza

List price 22.00; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

The grapes for this wonderful wine come from vineyards between 50 and 80 years old, at altitudes above 3000 feet. The wine displays aromas of damp earth, spice box, violets, black cherry and a hint of balsamic. On the palate it is medium-bodied, savory, ripe, and concentrated, revealing good volume and balance with medium-length finish. This tasty effort can be approached now and will age well through 2018. Wine Spectator gave it a 91 points rating.

Saturday, July 16, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against purchase of the featured wines below

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Wine sales in the desert are at their lowest in the summer and so, too, are purchases on our part. However, we do need to eliminate stock on hand in order to be prepared for the fall releases. The purchasing at that time can best be described as frenzied. At that time, all is being readied for the holiday period to follow. In other words, the significant process I am trying to convey begins now. Additional sell-offs will continue through the summer and at extra discounts. For those of you willing to brazen out the hyper-heat months here, there should be some small reward. Besides, wine tastings are fun.

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

This is not a bad “cheapie” wine. Although it is not a wine we typically carry, it was worth doing it once and taking advantage of a solid value low cost bottle. It is smooth, with a nice fruity bouquet and flavor, along with a bit of wood in the finish. Yes…not bad at all.

2008 Piola Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 8.95; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

This Cab and the one following are from Mankas Hills Vineyard, which we featured some months back. We have continued to purchase their Cabernets because they simply offer great value. The winery and vineyards are just over the hills from Napa Valley and the grapes are quite good. The round tannins, the elegant balance of flavors and aromas, and the mild exposure to oak makes this wine ideal for every day meals. Drink it slightly cool. The wine picked up two Silver Medals: LA County Fair and Pacific Rim Competition.

2006 Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 13.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Here is a wide fruit profile harmonizing with smooth 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. This is an excellent food wine offered at a great price. It, like its sibling above, picked up a couple of medals but is a bigger wine with some added age to smooth out all the rough edges.

2009 Toro de Piedra Cabernet Sauv., Colchagua Val., Chile

List price 13.95; our price 11.50; today only 9.99

Besides the Cab, this winery makes an excellent Chardonnay for the same price. Unhappily, the vintage is a goner. Still the Cab remains and shines like a beacon to attract our attention to really good wine at a super price. The wine rated 88 points from stingy Steven Tanzer: “Opaque ruby. Deep, youthfully primary aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and wood smoke. Open-knit dark fruit flavors show good depth and are complemented by notes of tarragon and dark chocolate. Slow to open, but the fruit is well-concentrated; the finish clings with good, peppery bite and intensity.”

2008 Molly Dooker Cabernet, The Maitre D’, Australia

List price 24.95; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

I’ll let Robert Parker rhapsodize over this Cab being offered to you at a great price. 90 points from Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Maitre D’, was raised in 50% new French and American oak for 11 months. Opaque purple-colored with legs that ooze down the glass, it displays a reticent bouquet that with coaxing reveals wood smoke, violets, black currant and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with a glossy texture, succulent fruit, and excellent concentration. This pleasure bent effort can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years.”

2006 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, Celestus, Paso Robles

List price 39.95; our price 29.99; today only 26.99

Blended in with this wonderful Cab are Syrah (15%) and Petit Verdot (5%). IWC gives it 91pts: The wine opens with lush aromas of dark fruits, licorice and pencil that lead to an integrated and satiny mid-palate accentuated by the French oak. This wine is full bodied and the predominance of Syrah imparts it with hints of lavender, sage, wild thyme and dark cherry.

Saturday, July 9, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against purchase of the featured wines below

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

A cold bottle of something that sparkles with bubbles is often the perfect summer enhancement. Especially those lighter in alcohol, which is always a good idea if you are out in the hot sun and by the pool. We have chosen seven products that are fresh and crisp, and dry to slightly sweetened, with lovely fruity quality. The two at the end perform more as cocktails and are quite lovely. These are perfect summer libations and certainly within everyone’s budget.

Canella Prosecco Brut

List price 14.95; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

This wine’s ripe pear and peach notes are marked by a nutty richness. Most Proseccos do exhibit an almond nuttiness that helps the wine finish with a light almond bitterness. This is a great seafood wine up to and including fried calamari.

Verdi Sparkletini Italian Spumante

List price6.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

Sparkletini is an elegant, all-natural malt beverage made in Italy by the renowned Bosca family. Sparkletini is a delightfully sparkling Spumante with a light, refreshing taste that’s perfect whenever you feel like enjoying a fun, sophisticated drink. Serve chilled to enjoy its balanced, clean taste. The bottle is sealed with a re-sealable cork closure that preserves all the sparkle. There are subtle strawberry/pear hints in the mouth and a touch of sweetness, checked by an effervescence that is quite refreshing.

Verdi Sparkletini Italian Spumante Apple

List price 6.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

This version is an excellent beverage to be served on the rocks while lounging by the pool. One is mindful of biting into a crisp Granny Smith apple when sipping this delightful sparkler.

Verdi Sparkletini Italian Spumante Raspberry

List price 6.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

This one shows a very bright essence of raspberry in the nose. If you like Chambord liqueur, you are going to love this quaffing light-weight. Every sip begins with a heady raspberry perfume that carries through to the lovely long finish. A touch of citrus acidity balances nicely the fruity sweetness of the raspberry.

Verdi Sparkletini Italian Spumante Peach

List price 6.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

The white peach bouquet is aromatic and inviting. The fruit is very forward, yet reserved in its sweetness. This, it turns out, is the perfect antecedent to the Bellini Cocktail that follows.

Canella Bellini Cocktail di Venezia

List price 13.99; our price 12.95; today only 11.69

The story of Bellini begins in Venice, in the legendary setting of a world-famous artists’ café. One warm summer evening in 1948, its owner decided to mix the fruity white peaches, the grapy sparkle of Prosecco spumante, and a whisper of wild raspberries. He called it Bellini as a tribute to the arts and specifically the Venice-born Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini. The original formula became two-thirds Prosecco sparkling wine from the hills north of Venice, one third white peach juice with fresh fruit pulp and a few drops of raspberry juice. Forty years after it was invented, Italy’s award-winning Prosecco grower, Canella, took up the difficult challenge of producing the famous Venetian cocktail to satisfy its numerous worldwide fans, yet maintain the freshness and delicacy of the original recipe.

Canella Mimosa Blood Orange

List price 13.99; our price 12.95; today only 11.69

Blood Orange Mimosa is a wine cocktail made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of the celebrated, crimson-fleshed Sicilian blood oranges. The finest cultivars are orchestrated to achieve the best combination of flavors, fragrance and color: the darkest-hued, Moro; Tarocco, the tastiest and sweetest; and the tender Sanguinello. The ensemble is light, fruity, refreshing and flavorsome.