Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, November 26, 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

This Saturday is our last opportunity to present to you some recent acquisitions that are geared to party use. If you plan to do some entertaining this December, these wines should prove budget worthy while being quite tasty as well. On the 3rd of December we will be hosting our always popular, annual Opolo event. The 10th of December will feature Lisa Wherry pouring the Champagnes of France and sparklers of California. Our last event of the year, the 17th, (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Saturdays) will be devoted to wines of J Lohr. We are ending the year on a high note.

2009 OneHope Chardonnay, California

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

One Hope is a line of wines produced by Robert Mondavi, Jr. to aid various charities. Fifty percent of the profits from Chardonnay sales will go to the fight against breast cancer. Grapes for the wine were sourced from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. The bouquet reminds one of fresh apple blossoms along with honeysuckle. The crisp pear and apple flavors keep the wine vibrant as they play alongside the balanced oak and bright acidity. Use with seafood and poultry.

2009 William Hill Chardonnay, Central Coast

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Winemaker, Ralf Holdenried studied winemaking and viticulture at Germany’s prestigious University of Geisenheim and worked at several wineries in the Reinhessen and Nahe, before studying fermentation science, viticulture and enology at the University of California at Davis. Ralf joined William Hill Estate in 2007, after working as the winemaking director for Louis M. Martini’s small lot wine program, Cellar 254. If you like this fresh and bright apple-like Chardonnay you might consider stepping up to its big brother, the Napa bottling ($18.99), and I do mean big!

2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

List price 10.99; our price 9.69

By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from the Gamay grape and bottled at the end of harvest. The first Nouveau vintage was released in 1951, making this the 60th anniversary edition. Beaujolais Nouveau was originally the wine of the vineyard workers, consumed to celebrate the end of harvest and giving them a first taste of the new vintage. The wines are vinified by carbonic maceration, which leaves them light in body and almost entirely free of tannins. The flavor profile is typically candied cherries, red plums, licorice and even bubblegum.

2009 MSH Cellars Merlot, Napa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

MSH is the secondary label of Source Napa and Gamble Family Vineyards. This Rutherford Merlot is about as chocolaty as a wine can get, with rich red plum fruit and even, soft tannins. It is a big wine that delivers considerable value. This is a Napa red pricing with which you can live very well.

2009 Riebeek Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Riebeek Cellars was established in 1941 and is situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. The wine is made in a forward, non-complex style with a grapey core and a streak of roasted vanilla.

2009 OneHope Zinfandel

List price 12.95; our price 9.99

50% of the profits garnered from the sale of every bottle of the Robert Mondavi, Jr. made Zinfandel goes towards charities that support our Troops and their families. It is a juicy Zinfandel showing dark fruit flavors of plums and black cherries. There is the typical pepper and spice on the finish to add to the balance of the wine, and to our ultimate enjoyment.

Saturday, November 19, 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

The important thing to remember in pairing wines to a turkey dinner is that you are attempting to complement not just the meat of a turkey, but all the side dishes as well. Most any white wine would serve well with turkey, of itself. However, consider what is being added to the mix on the plate: stuffing, gravy and cranberry preparations are strong flavors that would overwhelm most whites. Marshmallow sweet potatoes would most likely undo your Chardonnay, unless the oak in the wine gave off splinters. Salads with a vinegar base would send your guests to the fridge for a beer. Anticipating the level of suffering you and your wine would endure with an unbalanced pairing, I offer the following possibilities as a starting point:

2009 Mill Creek Vineyards Gewurtztraminer, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Co.

List price 17.50; our price 15.95

The Kreck family released their first wines in 1974 and has since been producing this excellent varietal. Typically one will recognize lychee fruit, underscored by vanilla and an ever so slight hint of mango in the nose. Continued lychee as well as apricot, honeysuckle and hints of brioche are plentiful throughout the even keeled palate. The finish is lengthy and persistent with white pepper and cloves making up a final, pleasing bite of spice; they’re joined by some mineral notes as well. It brings to mind a subtle hint of sweetness but it’s really a dry wine, and quite a lovely one at that. The finish and the balance are both impressive elements. Besides turkey, try this wine with spicy stir fried dishes.

2009 Goulaine Vouvray, Loire Valley, France

List price 15.95; our price 14.99

Originally from France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has spread around the globe and is used for virtually all styles of white wine, from crisp and lean to rich, round full table wines, sparkling wines, and some of the most decadent dessert wines made. Classic descriptors for the flavors of Chenin Blanc include peach, honey, marzipan grapefruit, and quince, often exhibiting more tropical fruit notes that recall pineapple and guava. This one is forward and easygoing, showing delicate flavors of apple and orange peel, accented by a touch of chalky minerality and finishing with a light sweet floral fruit character.

2008 Maculan “Costadolio” Rosé, Veneto, Italy

List price 11.00; our price 7.99

The Veneto is smaller than Italy’s other main wine producing regions, Piedmont, Tuscany, Lombardy, Puglia and Sicily, yet it still manages to generate more wine than any of these big names. The area is particularly known for its Valpolicella, Amarone and Soave, but lovely wines such as this rosé are plentiful, as well. Light pink in color with bright violet notes, Costadolio offers a very fruity bouquet with notes of peach, plums, and nice hints of apple. It is medium bodied with crisp acidity; refreshing, delicate and full flavored. This pricing is a close-out of the vintage and is a great value buy.

2009 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages, France

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Beaujolais is a prosperous wine region cultivating almost 55,000 acres, more than the three departments of Burgundy combined, and produces an average of 13 million cases annually. It is comprised of 12 appellations and is divided into Haut- and Bas-Beaujolais. It is in Haut-Beaujolais that you will find the Beaujolais-Villages appellation and the 10 Beaujolais Crus. From a great year such as 2009, you should make every effort to try the major Crus which usually are priced in the 20-30 dollar range. The nose of this bottling is both refined and intense, with notes of violet, redcurrant and strawberry, combining with a floral nuance and a touch of herbs. This is a straightforward, lively wine that offers tangy red fruit flavors and a touch of bitterness to keep it interesting. It finishes soft and dry, with a slight hint of herbs.

2009 Roux Pere & Fils Moulin a Vent, Beaujolais, France

List price 15.00; our price 13.50

While most Beaujolais is consumed young, that from Moulin-a-Vent is oaked and aged for a couple years before being released. And it can be aged for 20+ years. Well-aged Moulin-a-Vent can be said to take on characteristics similar to aged Pinot Noir. The added wood aging lends more spice to the Gamay wine yet allows the lovely fruit to shine through and compliment your lovely turkey dinner.

2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly, Beaujolais, France

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Beaujolais Cru is the northern most appellation of Beaujolais, close to the Mâconnais border. This region constitutes ten separate areas, of which Brouilly is the largest, located at the foothills of the Beaujolais Mountains and produces some of the best quality wines from the Beaujolais region. Unlike the early drinking style found throughout most of Beaujolais, these wines are made to be cellared. Their ageing potential can be anywhere from three to fifteen years (or more) depending on the style and sub-region of the wine. The nose of this wine shows aromas of violet, lilac, sometimes blackberry and cranberry. It has supple tannins and lively acidity. On the palate, the wine leaves a pleasant note of blackberries and spice.

Europa ChocoVine Dutch Chocolate Red Wine, Holland

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

We have put in a new supply of this “Baileys”-like product which is really quite good. At 14% alcohol, it is not as strong as Baileys’ 17%, but it is close. One does not taste wine, rather a creamy chocolate that is so very, well, Dutch. It is a good follow-up to a rich meal and is especially good in coffee. Try it in cocktails where a Baileys-type ingredient is called for. ChocoVine was honored with a 90 Point, Exceptional Value rating from the Beverage Testing Institute and is the #1 selling Chocolate Wine in America (yes, there are others).

Saturday, November 12, 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

The wines of Kenneth Volk Vineyards will be showcased this Saturday as Mike Brown, the national sales manager, pours and discusses the winemaking philosophy of Mr. Volk. The selection of wines for the tasting is interesting, if not eclectic. Volk is quite passionate about Pinot Noir, but insists on growing and making wine from grapes that exist under most radar screens. Portugal’s Verdelho and France’s Negrette are an example of how esoteric he chooses to express his viticultural magic. He is very sound at making rich and full Zins, as well.

2010 Kenneth Volk Verdelho, El Pomar Vineyard, Paso Robles

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Verdelho is a semi-aromatic white grape that was traditionally used in the production of the revered wines of the Island of Madeira. Verdelho has found popularity with forward thinking vintners from around the world in the production of delicious table wines. This bottling is full bodied showing tropical and citrus fruit aromas with grapefruit, melon and apple flavors. This refreshing wine can be enjoyed as an apéritif or served with seafood and with Pacific Rim cuisine.

2007 Kenneth Volk Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Cuvée

List price 25.00; our price 22.00

This “flagship” wine of Volk’s is a blend of some of the finest vineyards of Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara’s Santa Maria Valley: Bien Nacido, Garey Ranch, Nielson, Sierra Madre and Solomon Hill. The aromas of Asian spice and ripe berry precede flavors of cherry, blueberry and strawberry. Bright acidity and fine grain tannins are complimented by a long creamy lactic finish.

2006 Kenneth Volk Tempranillo, John Smith Vineyard, San Benito

List price 24.00; our price 19.99

Tempranillo is the principal grape variety of Spain’s quintessential red wine, Rioja. The fruit from this bottling came from the John Smith Vineyard near the town of Hollister in San Benito County. Traditional wine-making techniques of open top fermentation and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine.

2009 Kenneth Volk Negrette, Calleri Vineyard, San Benito County

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Negrette has its own distinct aroma and flavor profile. It shares some of the characteristics of both Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine has aromas and flavors of bramble fruit and cherry with spicy, old vine gaminess. It is a deeply pigmented wine with relatively low tannin and a silky smooth texture.

2006 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

This wine displays aromas and flavors of mint, cocoa, anise, cranberry, raspberry, orange peel, red pimiento and culinary sage. The firm mid-palate tannins and clean lactic finish of this wine make it a great pairing with rich cuts of beef, rosemary-seasoned lamb, roast duck, spicy carnitas and chicken.

2007 Kenneth Volk Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

The Enz Vineyard Mourvèdre is one of the oldest plantings in California. In its 86th growing season, these ancient, head-trained vines produced a beautiful, well balanced crop of small-berried clusters. Traditional winemaking techniques and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine. Ripe fruit aromas and exotic spice are followed by flavors of blueberry, cherry and licorice.

2008 Kenneth Volk Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

This Zinfandel has aromas of boysenberry, ripe plum, and barrel spice. A claret-style Zinfandel, it presents ripe flavors and aromas without excessive ripeness and alcohol. Enjoy this delicious wine with grilled and barbequed meats, spicy Mexican cuisine, or hearty pastas.

Saturday, November 5, 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

Pietra Santa is a family-run estate producing artisanal wines and olive oils in California’s Central Coast. The site was planted to wine grapes in the 1850s by Frenchman Theophile Vache who chose the location because of the maritime climate and unique soils. It is located 25 miles from Monterey Bay in Hollister, in the Cienega Valley, and benefits from cool coastal breezes that allow for a long growing season. The estate is located on the San Andreas Fault which creates soils rich with granite and limestone that naturally lower yields and add distinctive flavors to the wines. The winery was named PIETRA SANTA, Italian for SACRED STONE, in honor of these exceptional soils. Joining us from the winery will be Kurt Kellner to pour the wines and to discuss them.

2010 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

The Pinot Grigio comes from grapes grown at the highest elevation of the estate. Morning fog followed by sun and afternoon shade make this an ideal location for growing this varietal. The grapes ripen slowly allowing them to develop balance between rich texture and heady aromas. The wine is stainless steel fermented and bottled young to preserve the crisp acidity and refreshing fruit flavors. It tastes of mangos and passion fruit with hints of citrus. It is crisp, refreshing and ideal for a picnic or as an apéritif. Consider pairing it with Oysters on the half-shell.

Pietra Santa “Sacred Stone”, Master’s Red Blend, Cask #06

List price 10.50; our price 9.99

This wine is ripe and juicy with expressive flavors of cherries and plums. It is dark and aromatic with crisp acidity, nice structure and a lush finish. The blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Dolcetto is made to pair with a wide variety of foods, especially your favorite grilled cuisine. It was aged for 24 months in French and American oak.

2007 Pietra Santa Sangiovese, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

Winemaker Alessio Carli grew up in Tuscany, watching his father make Chianti and later honed his skills at the renowned Badia a Coltibuono. He gives the grapes twenty days of extended maceration and over two years of aging in seasoned French oak barrels for added depth and roundness. The wine tastes of cranberry and Bing cherry with undertones of anise. The depth, complexity and supple finish of this wine have made it an annual best seller and the perfect companion to Italian cuisine. Always a consumer favorite, this wine has been honored with many awards including “Best of Class” from the San Francisco Chronicle.

2007 Pietra Santa Merlot, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

The grapes for this wine are grown in an area on the estate that is particularly rocky. Soil conditions combined with the old age of the vines produce extremely low yields; approximately 2.5 tons per acre. The resulting wine has concentrated flavors of plum and ripe berries with hints of licorice laced into the lingering finish. This wine is well balanced and makes an ideal partner with a wide variety of foods: try it with smoked pork ribs or any of your favorite grilled meats.

2008 Pietra Santa “Sassolino” Red Blend, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

This estate-produced “Super Tuscan” blend is made from 86% Sangiovese and 14% Merlot. The name Sassolino means “little stone” in honor of the terroir of the estate. The wine has robust fruit and tastes of black cherry with hints of chocolate and oak, finished with soft tannins. The balanced acidity of this wine makes it ideal for pairing with a wide variety of food. Try it with your favorite Italian dishes.

2007 Pietra Santa Zinfandel, Central Coast

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

The Zinfandel is produced from a selection of fruit including fifty-year old vines from a neighboring vineyard and a treasured block from the estate planted in 1905. The blend also includes grapes grown in the southern end of Paso Robles adding intense berry flavors to the finished wine. After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended maceration prior to aging for more than a year in American oak barrels. This bold and earthy Zinfandel tastes of ripe cherries and plums with complements of toasty oak. The wine is well balanced with a persistent finish of black pepper and sage. A small amount of Dolcetto, 7%, was blended in with the Zinfandel.