Desert Wines and Spirits

A few wineries practice to produce low sulfite or no-sulfite wines by not adding sulfur dioxide at any time during the wine-making process.Frey Vineyards of Mendocino County has been quite successful in maintaining its niche position. However, these wines are fragile and susceptible to oxidation. Sulfites are used in wineries at various stages of production, including the moment the grapes are delivered so as to hinder wild yeasts from prematurely starting the fermentation. Further, barrels are cleansed with a sulfite solution to eliminate contamination before receiving the wine. People who suffer a reaction to sulfites should remember that a dried apricot can have more sulfite than a bottle of wine.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person

ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,

760-327-7701

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This Saturday we will be visited by Katie Finn of Epic Wines who will lead us in a discussion of Spanish wines from C.V.N.E., which stands for Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company), one of the best-known producers in the Rioja. Cvné, is situated in Haro where the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves, for the main reason of transporting their goods to the port of Bilbao. In 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. La Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling.

nv Paul Cheneau Brut, “Lady of Spain”

$9.99
Cava was first introduced in 1872 and, by the turn of the century, cava was the wine of choice among the chic patrons of Barcelona’s elegant art nouveau cafes and cava bars. As a tribute to the fashionable ladies who made cava so popular, Paul Cheneau introduced the “Lady of Spain”. This Penedés sparkler is straw colored with greenish tints, shows steady effervescence, small bubbles and a gentle crown. The bouquet has a clean and elegant fruity aroma with hints of toast and yeast in the background. On the palate it is appetizing, fruity, well structured, rich and mature with a touch of honey, almond and a trace of dried herbs. The long finish includes a slightly toasted background flavor with pleasant traces of lees. The grape varieties in the blend are Macabeo (47%), Xarello (33%) and Parellada (20%).

2006 Monopole Blanco Seco

$17.50
Monopole was created in 1915 to change the style of rustic and oxidized wines formerly produced in Rioja from the Viura grape variety. Cold skin maceration produces excellent aromatic extraction and after pressing, fermentation is carried out at cold, controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, to retain aromatic freshness. There are citrus and floral aromas, along with some grapefruit and orange blossom. The wine is fine and elegant on the palate with ripe citrus and mango and a balanced acidity, creating a long fresh, appealing finish.

2006 Cune Rosado

$9.99
The grapes are held in stainless steel tanks at low temperature to prevent the start of fermentation. The juice is removed (saignée or bleeding) from the solids after around 24 to 48 hours, once the proper color is determined. The fermentation is then carried out without the presence of seeds or skins at a controlled temperature for around 8 days to obtain the required fruit levels in the wine. The wine displays ripe summer fruit & herbaceous notes on the nose continuing onto the palate and a long complex finish. The varietal blend is Tempranillo (80%) and Garnacha (20%).

2004 Cune Crianza

$17.50
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at approximately 80oF to retain varietal aromas. After fermentation the wine was transferred to American oak casks where it remained for at least 12 months, with regular rackings to develop its finesse. It has a nice elegant mouth feel, yet is very lively, with some spice notes and a very balanced acidity. The grape varieties are Tempranillo (80%) and the rest a blend of Garnacha Tinta & Mazuelo.

2000 Viña Real Reserva

$35.00
After stainless steel fermentation, the wine is transferred to a mix of American and French oak casks to mature, for up to 2 years, before being bottled. Once bottled, it remains in cellar to continue its maturation prior to release to the market. There is good intensity on the nose, with ripe fruits, warm spices and elegant toasty oak. The palate is rich and velvety, with good acidity and tannin. The vanilla from the oak is beautifully married with the raspberry fruit of the Tempranillo producing a fine, rich, complex palate and long finish. The wine is balanced now, but has potential to improve.

2000 Contino Reserva

$48.00
After stainless steel fermentation, the wine was given maceration time of 15-20 days prior to entering into the malolactic fermentation, and then transferred into a mixture of French and American oak barrels, for a nice 2 year rest. Once the wine is bottled, it is aged a further year in bottle prior to being released. You will experience an explosion of ripe berry fruits with hints of licorice and balsamic notes countered by an elegant touch of oak.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

 4 to 6 pm

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in the Napa Valley, yet other counties produce some fine examples of the varietal.  In the Napa Valley there are distinct variations, but throughout the rest of California, the variations become more apparent.  This is a good opportunity to explore the varietal as it is expressed in the several major Cab producing areas, along side that of Napa.  As a change of pace, we will conclude the event with a honey wine from Ireland: Bunratty Mead.

2004 Sly Dog Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
$14.99
The Red Hills District of Lake County is noted for red gravely loam soils which allow deep root penetration to help produce small flavorful berries with succinct fruit flavors. Hot summer days and cool nights constitute a perfect weather climate that contribute to fruit forward, well balanced and flavorful wines.  The bouquet of this wine suggests raspberries and dried rose petals.  The flavor profile includes red raspberries, currants and anise with oak flavors of vanilla and white pepper.

2005 Galante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley
$19.95
The Galante Family has a long history in the Monterey area.  Owner Jack Galante’s great grandfather, J.F. Devendorf, was the founder of the town of Carmel. In 1969, Jack’s parents purchased a 700-acre cattle ranch in rustic Carmel Valley. While still maintaining a working cattle ranch, the Galantes, in 1983, began growing premium grapes on their property, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon.  In 1994, Jack Galante decided to build a winery which now produces three separate bottlings of Cab.  This, the Rancho Galante, recently won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2002 Kunde Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley
$19.99
First planted in 1879 by viticultural pioneers James Shaw and Captain John Drummond, with imported cuttings from Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild, the Kunde estate is comprised of 800 acres planted with vineyards stretching for two miles along scenic Sonoma Highway in the Valley of the Moon.  This wine shows aromas and flavors of fresh black cherries with added nuances on the palate of rich chocolate, mushrooms, coffee, and velvety tannins.

2003 Eden Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
$29.95
The Villamin family vineyard consists of dry, steep hills at 1,800’ elevation.  The vines are warmed by sandstone, granite, and Franciscan rock and by the sun’s heat averaging 90+ degrees in the summer.  The cool nights balance out the hot days and produce wines that show a sweet plum nose.  The flavors begin with strawberries, nutmeg, blueberries,
black currant, caramel, and a sandstone minerality. The wine ends with smooth tannins, bittersweet chocolate, and butterscotch.

2002 Schweiger Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$35.00
Fred Schweiger’s property on Spring Mountain consists of 61 acres at an elevation of 2,000 feet (above the fog line).  It features rich volcanic soils and unique microclimates particularly favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon.  The nose of the wine is lively with essences of berries, plum, and toasty oak.  The sweet, supple entry builds into a deeply intense middle, followed by a pleasant, velvety, lingering finish.

Bunratty Meade
$24.50
Mead can be traced back to many centuries before Christ. It became the chief drink of the Irish and was often referred to in Gaelic poetry.  Bunratty Meade is a traditional wine, produced from an ancient Irish recipe of pure honey, fruit of the vine and natural herbs.  It’s a medium sweet wine, with a wide taste appeal.  As the drink of the ancient Celts, Mead derives much of its appeal through Irish Folklore.  It was believed that mead was essential for sending off the bride and groom after wedding.  The couple was provided with enough Mead to toast each other for a month after their wedding, hence the term “honeymoon”.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

As new releases keep streaming in to our store, the challenge becomes one of keeping up with the sampling of these wines. Joining us on Saturday will be Garvey Daniels of American Wines and Spirits, the importer and distributor of many of our offerings. Garvey kindly substituted for me two weeks ago while I was on vacation, but wanted to return and acquaint our customers with some of the many new arrivals on which we’ve taken delivery since then. He is a charming young man and very knowledgeable on the wines in his portfolio. Those of you who have finished your peddling about town in the Tour de Palm Springs, and are still capable of standing, are invited to join the party.

2006 Torrediluna Pinot Grigio Venezie, Italy
$9.99
The wine is straw colored with green highlights. The bouquet is floral with hints of pear. Befitting a proper Pinot Grigio, the wine is dry and of good body. The aroma is replicated in the flavor profile and finishes most pleasantly. This is a perfect choice for clams, mussels, squid, octopus and grilled fish.

2005 Premius Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux
$9.99
Some of the most world’s most expensive Sauvignon Blancs come from the Bordeaux region of France where bottlings can fetch over $100.00 a bottle. This one may be plebian by comparison, but nevertheless a fine value, providing a soft landing in the pocket book. The flavors are exotic with orange citrus elements adding to the fresh crispness of the experience.

2005 Jean-Luc Colombo Viognier, La Violette, Pays d’Oc
$9.99
This wine from the South of France gets its name from the floral bouquet not unlike violets. In the mouth the wine is rich and rather complex, showing elements of stone fruits, litchi nuts and a hint of anise. It is quite impressive in its well structured presentation.

2005 Arnold Palmer Chardonnay, Santa Barbara
$9.99
Let’s touch down on California soil for at least one wine in the line-up with Palmer’s Chardonnay which is produced at the Luna Winery of Napa Valley at their Graton, Sonoma County facility. In years past we tasted the first two vintages which proved to be adequate wines for the price. Here, however, the Luna Winery has leapt forward with considerable improvement in the overall quality. The wine shows exotic fruit and a viscous quality that coats the mouth thoroughly, offering a long finish balanced with crisp acidity. Very nice.

2004 Castello di Monastero Sangiovese, Toscana
$9.99
This is a wine of Tuscany though outside of the delimited area of Chianti. Although is comprised of 100% Sangiovese grapes, the primary grape of Chianti, it must defer to the Toscana appellation. It is a pleasant and fruity red, characteristic of the varietal and focuses on ripe cherry fruit. Treat it as you would regular Chianti and pair it with pastas and pizzas and such.

2004 Trapiche Shiraz, Oak Cask, Mendoza, Argentina
$7.99
From the foothills of the Andes comes this benchmark producer of Malbec. Today, however, we will be pouring Trapiche’s Shiraz which is an excellent value at this price. The wine is of medium color with assertive, bright aromas of red fruits and licorice. On the palate it is peppery and lively, with spicy fruit flavors and a well-balanced, food-friendly mouthfeel. Try it with pizza, grilled meats, beef and BBQ.

Saturday, January 5,12,19 & 26, 2008

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person 

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

The holidays may be over but the parties never end.  Drop in any Saturday afternoon from 4 to 6pm and you will find some of Palm Springs’ finest enjoying fine wines while visiting and gossiping.  It is always a fine way to launch a Saturday night.  As Zola and I will be away the next four Saturdays, the following is a schedule of hosts and their wines. 

PLEASE KEEP THIS SCHEDULE FOR IT IS THE ONLY ONE TO BE SENT OUT UNTIL OUR RETURN.

If you are enamored of the cruise scene (boating, that is) check out the attachment for the 10 day sail down the Mexican Riviera and into the sea of Cortez, exploring the wines and Tequilas of Mexico along the way.  Fellow wine taster and party person, Mike Brill, has set up an interesting excursion departing San Diego on October 12 aboard Holland America.

 

Saturday, the 5^th:  Our host is Eric Nokes from Youngs Market Company

Jekel Chardonnay, Gravelstone, Monterey                        9.99

Valley of the Moon Chardonnay, Sonoma                         9.99

Eos Chardonnay, Paso Robles                                        9.99

Irony Pinot Noir, Monterey                                               11.95

Montevina Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills                                9.99

Alamos Malbec, Argentina                                              9.99

 

 

Saturday the 12^th.  Our host is Paul Chatterton from Ware Warehouse

Aquinas Chardonnay, Napa                                             9.99

Norma Jeane Merlot, Tenth Vintage                                 9.99

Marilyn Merlot, Merlot, Napa                                          24.25

Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa                                 9.99

Thornton Cuvée Rouge Sparkling Wine, Temecula          25.00

Neige Ice Cider Wine, Canada                                        26.95

 

 

Saturday the 19^th.  The host will be Zachary Nichols from Youngs Market Company

On this occasion my son Zachary will be given an open hand at selecting the wines to be sampled. He is very knowledgble and should come up with a very interesting selection for your enjoyment.

 

 

Saturday the 26^th, will be hosted by Garvey Daniels from American Wines & Spirits

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, California                               9.99

Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Silver, Napa                               38.50

Argyle Pinot Noir, Oregon                                              25.00

Rosenblum Syrah, Vintner’s Cuvée                                  9.99

Steele Zinfandel, Shooting Star, Mendocino                     10.99

Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon                                38.75

Saturday, December 29, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

 

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

 

Party holidays like New Years require good tasting wines that can be bought in volume at reasonable prices. Among the new arrivals to our store are a few that deserve our attention. The quality level is up and the pricing level is down…and there will be funds left over in the budget to buy food.

We will be closed only on New Year’s Day and will revert to our usual schedule in January, closing each Sunday and holidays. During the period in January that Zola and I are on vacation, Richard Duran will attend to your needs. The Saturday wine events will continue with a different wine industry representative performing the duties as host, each week.

If you cannot make it in this Saturday, let me wish you here a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

n.v. Grandial Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine,
$7.99

We have established relationships with some small importers that search out good wines of exceptional value. Sparklers like this are a good case in point. It comes from Landiras, a commune south of the Gironde (which contains Bordeaux) and just south of Bergerac. A wonderful little sparkling wine is produced here from 100% Ugni Blanc that is surprisingly clean, refreshing and totally dry.

n.v. Taltarni Brut Taché Sparkling Wine, Australia
$14.95

Clos du Val Winery of Napa Valley imports this sparkling rosé that is a blend of Chardonnay (52%), Pinot Noir (41%) and Pinot Meunier (7%). “Taché” is the French word for stained and refers to the red wine that is added to the dosage after disgorgement, thereby staining the resulting sparkler a light pink. This is a traditional “Méthode Champenoise” wine fermented in the bottle and matured for a minimum of 18 months. It shows refinement and personality in its lovely color, abundant fruit and mouth filling flavor.

2006 Four Vines Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara
$9.99

This wine was entirely fermented in stainless steel and has not seen any oak. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid, for it was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine exhibits flavors of apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and minerals.

2005 Epiphany Grenache Rosé, Santa Barbara
$10.95

The grapes for this rosé come from Fess Parker Estates in Santa Ynez Valley. 30% of the wine was produced in stainless steel tanks and the other 70% was barrel fermented. The beautiful aromatics segue to crisp fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry and watermelon.

2005 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma
$9.99

Grapes from several Sonoma County vineyards contributed to the final blend of this well balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t let the low price fool you into thinking of this as low quality Cabernet. It is a fine bargain, projecting fresh ripe flavors of cassis, black cherry and oaky spice.

2005 Klinker Brick Zinfandel, Old Vine, Lodi
$17.95

As vineyards age, they tend to have fewer clusters of grapes which are of smaller berry size, yielding more intense sugars, color and concentration of flavors, and producing wines that are generally better balanced with more body and structure. The grapes came from eleven different vineyard blocks, ranging in age from 35 to 110 years old, the latter yielding less than one ton per acre. The resulting wine explodes with full, juicy flavors of cherries and plums coupled with the perfect balance of oak and spice. There is a nuance of mint and clove on the nose and a lingering, elegant finish.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

 

When the needs of party provision or gift giving begin to outstrip the budget, it becomes imperative to find well-priced premium wines in attractive bottles and labels.  Here are a few suggestions from the many new arrivals at our store.

We will be closed only on Christmas day and on New Year’s Day and will revert to our usual schedule in January, closing each Sunday and holidays.  If you are unable to attend this wine party or next Saturday’s (and shame on you if you miss) then please accept our heartfelt thanks for your support of all we are trying to do here.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

n.v. Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
$9.99               

It is getting increasingly difficult to find good Prosecco for 10.00 and under, given the free-fall of the dollar against the Euro.  We did, however, manage to force the price downward on this one after agreeing to a sizeable purchase.  Prosecco is a late-ripening, delicate white wine grape grown extensively in the region north of Venice.  This frizzante style wine (slightly sparkling) is light and dry, with a hint of pear in the taste.  It is quite delicious.

n.v. South Coast Winery Ruby Cuvée
$9.99

Are you ready for a sparkling Syrah?  This Temecula winery does a nice job with this bottling.  The “ruby” refers to the color of the wine.  The bouquet is fruit oriented showing red berries with a chocolate edge.  Likewise in the mouth the wine is fruity and lush and exhibits a lively acidity.

2003 Santino Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills, Amador
$9.99               

This Zin is sturdy and full of rich raspberries and blackberries, plums, and spice aromas.  The mouth is flush with berry fruit that connects with almonds, cinnamon and pepper.  The finish shows a slight tartness but seems to come together nicely.  It is a good wine for the price and it matches well with spicy and hearty foods.

2005 Jessie’s Grove Winery Zinfandel “EARTH, ZIN & FIRE”
$10.99

This winery sources fruit from the Lodi area and produced this bottling from vines 64 years old.  The wine has a rich bouquet with forward fruit, primarily strawberry and blackberry.  There is a dense jammy quality to the berry flavors that round out with exotic spice, soft tannins and a smooth finish.

2006 Puerto Viejo Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
$8.99

Argentina does an amazing thing with Malbec and this effort produced from 50 year old vines is no exception.  What’s amazing is the value.  This delicious wine is done in the plumy style and has a richness which belies its price.  The minerals and spice in the finish add a harmonious quality that impresses.

2005 Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
$9.99

I am severely challenged to find wines of California that can match this one for value.  There are intense notes of blueberries and plums reinforced by vanilla and a touch of white chocolate contributed by French oak.  This is a very well-structured wine full of sweet tannins with good concentration and a long finish.  You can pair it with red meat, pasta dishes and fine or fermented cheese, such as blue cheese.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1,
Palm Springs, 92264, 327-7701

 

 

Saturday’s tasting event will be hosted by Madeleine de Jean representing an east coast importer of wines from Greece. She will be discussing the technological advances in winemaking that have occurred in the last couple of decades as well as the wines themselves. There are many new wineries and newly trained winemakers in Greece that are changing the perception of wines from that country. Most are using the indigenous grapes as well as the international varietals such as Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay. They remain proud of their heritage and insist on making the best possible bottle of wine each varietal will yield. The proof is in the tasting and the opportunity awaits you this Saturday.

2005 Haggipavlu Moschofilero, Mantinía, Peloponnesus
$15.85
This is perhaps the most popular of the white wines from Greece. Citrus remains the center of the flavor profile and some exotic fruits come into play, as well. It functions well as a food wine to accompany Greek spiced meat dishes as well as those of fish and poultry.

2005 Megapanos Savatiano, Sparta, Attica
$15.95
This is a dry wine of low vineyard yield, with good bouquet and soft viscous flavors and some stoniness; an excellent accompaniment to the fresh ingredient cuisine of Greece. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with no carbonic maceration, nor malolactic fermentation. It sees no barrel aging and enjoys a fresh fruitiness with less than 12% alcohol. The winemaker is well-known as a leader in the advancement of Greek viticulture and oenology.

2006 Vatistas Asproudi/Assyrtiko, Lakonia, Peloponnesus
$19.95
Both of these white wine grapes are ancient varietals and are quite popular in Greece. The blend is 60% Asproudi and 40% Assyrtiko and produces a lovely crisp, softly perfumed food wine. This vineyard lies in the same region where the grape, Malvasia, originated.

2005 Pavlou Xinomavro “Klima”, Macedonia
$19.99
Pavlou farms his grapes organically which we are seeing more of in Greece. Klima is a single vineyard designation and the grape Xinomavro is more closely related to the Pinot Noir grape. It sees six months of oak aging and emerges smooth and velvety.

2003 Vatistas Aghiorgitiko, Neméa, Lakonia, Peloponnesus
$29.95
This is one of the most important red wine producing regions of Greece and the star varietal is Aghiorgitiko, which probably explains why it is referred to by its Anglicized meaning: St. George. The grape is indigenous to this area with a recorded history extending back to 2000 BC. The wine is deep and complex with lovely elements of red fruits, and spices including vanilla, probably the result of spending a year in French oak.

nv Etko Commandaria St. Nicholas, Limassol, Cyprus
$19.95
Commandaria is made exclusively from two types of indigenous Cyprus grapes: Xynisteri and Mavro. The grapes are left to overripe on the vine and when sugar content reaches acceptable levels they are harvested. The grapes are then laid out in the sun to further increase the sugar density through evaporation. Fermentation takes place in vats and will arrest naturally due to the high levels of alcohol achieved at around 15%. The process has to take place within the confines of 14 designated villages that lie in the Commandaria Region, and, by law, the wine must be aged for at least four years in Oak Barrels. The flavors begin with black cherry on the palate, showing honeyed elements, and proceed to a strong yet pleasant raisin finish that lingers on and on. The Commandaria Centurion from Etko is a world class wine that sells in the $100.00 range.

Generally, the purchase of an “everyday” wine for an “everyday” meal is a straightforward affair. You uncork or unscrew, pour and enjoy the elixir of the grape. Whether consumed by itself or with a meal presents no big decision making process.

That changes when you step up to an oaky Chardonnay or a fine red wine that is still in its youth. These wines have rough edges that often benefit from aeration. Opening the bottle well in advance of using, say an hour, will serve to smooth out some of its youthful roughness by allowing oxygen to speed up the aging process. This can be done, as well, by pouring the wine into a decanter about half an hour before serving. There are gadgets, by way of technology, that attempt to shortcut the decanting process such as the BevWizard wine smoother and the new “breathable glasses” made my Eisch of Germany. The BevWizard works well on young, tannic wines when passed through a high-intensity magnetic field in the pouring spout. The structure of the tannins is rapidly altered, yielding a softer, silkier mouthfeel. Eisch’s technology involves an oxygenizing treatment of the glass which assists in the aeration of the wine; yielding a more open and generous aroma and palate impression. You would swear there was voodoo at work here.

For red wines that have reached their maturity, decanting becomes a must, especially if the wine was neither fined nor filtered. This bottle will surely be throwing sediment; a layer of fine particles that originally were in suspension and that have now settled to form a carpet at the bottom. Disturbing this layer of muck is not something you want to do, by pouring glass after glass. For this ritual, a decanter, a candle and a match are a must.
First, allow the bottle to rest standing up for several hours before uncorking. The older the bottle, the more fragile the cork, so caution must be exercised while meticulously extracting the cork. Pour slowly and carefully over the lighted candle into the decanter while looking for the sediment to begin its movement towards the neck. If you have performed your act of surgery correctly, you will have trapped all of the sediment in the last ounce of wine in the shoulder of the bottle. Avoid this last ounce. Mixing in any of the sediment will embitter the wine.

Aged wines are not for everyone, but for the true aficionado aging is the final act in the wine maker’s drama. For here is where all of the disparate elements have resolved themselves to become an eloquent work of winemaking art.
To the fortunate consumers of these wines: Enjoy!

COSTA NICHOLS 7/30/2007

Saturday, December 8, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$10.00 per person

The first 36 guests will receive a souvenir champagne glass

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 327-7701

The holiday season looms before us and what better way to beckon the season than to pop open a few bottles of Champagne. Lisa Wherry will join us on Saturday to discuss and to pour the fine sparklers from her portfolio. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Arrive late for this event and you will be sorry; miss this one and you will be even sorrier.

2004 Domaine Carneros Brut, Napa
$18.99

This winery blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at a two to one ratio and tosses in a splash of Pinot Blanc for good measure. Typical of each vintage are lovely flavors of lemon blossom, honeydew melon, ripe peaches and pears. Toasted nuts, caramel and hints of baking spice add to the complexity. The creamy mousse is very special.

2003 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa
$27.75

Inviting toasty lemon-lime and tropical aromas combine with hints of vanilla spice. On the palate, it has zesty citrus and baked pineapple flavors that lead to a long, seamless finish. It is crisp and refreshing, showcasing sparkling Chardonnay at it best. Blanc de Blancs was the first wine they produced in 1965 and was America’s first commercially produced Chardonnay-based sparkling wine. Good stuff!

2004 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, Napa
$29.95

The Blanc de Noirs bursts with a lively bright mixture of peach, strawberry, and candied orange aromas. Honeyed and caramelized characters have developed over the course of bottle-aging in their mountain caves. The palate shows off vibrant stone fruit flavors with a silky mix of vanilla crème and zesty acidity.

2002 Iron Horse Russian Cuvée, Green Valley, Sonoma
$25.00

The same base wine as Classic Vintage Brut, but with a richer dosage, which makes it more opulent, slightly sweeter and heightens the fruit . Originally designed for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War.

2003 Iron Horse Brut Rose, Green Valley, Sonoma
$44.00

The wildest of the Iron Horse sparkling wines and surprisingly the driest. Bold and vibrant in both color and taste, it is pure exuberance. The color and richness come from cold soaking the Pinot Noir on the skins. Brut Rosés are the most versatile of food wines, functioning perfectly as an apéritif or with a very wide variety of foods. This one is fantastic!

Delamotte Brut Champagne
$29.95

The Delamotte brut is 50 percent chardonnay, 30 percent Pinot Noir and 20 percent Pinot Meunier. The focus is on a very fresh style, and the result is a crisp, toasty, white peach-pear nose that opens, upon sipping, to a toasty creamy texture, with fine bubbles.

Taittinger Brut Champagne, La Francaise
$15.50/375ml

The color is a brilliant, golden straw yellow and the bubbles are fine. The mousse is both discreet and persistent. The nose, very expressive and open, is both fruity and bread-like, exuding aromas of peach, flowers, and vanilla. On the palate, this lively fresh wine is harmonious and delicate with flavors of fresh fruit and honey.

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne
$25.99; $14.50/375ml; $9.95/187ml

The majority of the blend is Pinot Noir with small amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier balancing out the blend. Selected reserve wines from preceding years are incorporated into the blend to insure consistency of style from year to year. The blend is aged on the lees for a minimum of two years before release. Always excellent and a great buy!

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne
$29.75

From the bread-like, floral and citrus notes in the bouquet to the apricot, melon and rum pastry flavors, this well balanced wine performs well as an apéritif as well as a versatile accompaniment to food.

Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge Champagne
$29.95

Cordon Rouge has always been a distinctly fresh, full bodied Champagne with impeccable consistency of taste. Its richness and elegance have been symbolically represented by the diagonal red ribbon across the label since 1876.