$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.

$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

Join us this Saturday for yet another excursion through the Italian wine country. Truth is, Italian wines are arriving faster than I can get them to you to taste. Of course, taking a Saturday off for our daughter’s wedding slowed us down a bit, and in ways you cannot imagine. Look forward to more events featuring that amazing wine besotted country. All the wines below are easy to drink, reasonably priced, and simply delicious. Italy never disappoints.

2010 Rocca di Montemassi “Calasole” Vermentino, Tuscany

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This native grape of Italy is grown throughout the country including Sardinia. The Calasole comes to us from the south-western area of Tuscany called the Maremma. White flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit form the bouquet. In the mouth the wine is substantial yet fresh, with citrus hints and almond notes. Its pleasant freshness makes it an ideal accompaniment for crustaceans, shrimps and white fish.

2010 I Masoletti Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

List price 13.50; our price 11.50

This wine was crafted in the township of Lavis, where the vineyards stretch across Dell’Adige, up the hills of Sorni and Meano, and to the terraces of Valli di Cembra. How could you not want to be there to taste the wine at the source? Well, we can at least charm you with the wine, which is floral in aroma, fresh on the palate, fruitful in flavor and thirst-quenching in the finish. It is made in stainless steel tanks to capture the character of white flowers, roses, lemon, lime and apple. Try serving this one with prosciutto or seafood.

2009 Tenuta di Altavilla Greco di Tufo, Campania

List price 21.00; our price 18.99

Greco Bianco is a white grape variety of Greek origin which is grown in southern Italy. It is a sub-variety of Greco Nero. Campania’s secret treasures lie high up in the hills behind the towering volcano of Vesuvius. Cool climate growing conditions allow the Greco grape to develop an amazing array of aromas. Old vines provide the unique grapes for this wine which lends to aromas of apricots, peaches and a nutty character akin to almonds. This is an elegant, yet rich, wine offering a long complex finish with a surround of minerals.

2009 Castello d’Albola Chianti, Tuscany

List price 13.50; our price 10.99

This winery’s Chianti Classico placed #47 on Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 of 2010. It should come as no surprise that the plain Chianti is a delicious alternate though not so big as the Classico. From the fruity bouquet to the cherry-like flavors with cedary tones, the wine is a joy to drink. It goes well with grilled meats, cold cuts, burgers, cacciatore dishes and, of course, pizza.

2009 Masseria Altemura “Sasseo” Primitivo del Salento, Puglia

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

Primitivo is Italy’s way of saying “Zinfandel”, and yet the two are quite distinct from one another. This wine of Puglia shows smoky cola and plum flavors, some intriguingly briary notes, but also veers toward prune and cooked fruit. The wine has good body, yet is soft, while expressing a mature fruitiness, supported by a pleasant complex of sweet tannins. With its crisp acidity, expect it to pair well with tomato-based sauces, richly-flavored dishes, barbecued meats and fairly mature cheeses.

Cocchi Americano Bianco, Asti, Piedmont

List price 27.50; our price 24.50

The recipe for this apéritif wine of has not changed since it was introduced in 1891. It is a white wine blended with fruit, herbs and spices. What shows through the most is the citrus character along with gentian and cinchona (quinine). The mixture is allowed to steep for a year before filtering and bottling. In Piemonte it is served with ice, a slice of orange and a splash of soda to bring out all its fragrance and depth. Once opened, it keeps well in the refrigerator.

$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.

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against 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

Argentine wines continue to amaze as great buys abound. So many new bottlings have arrived recently that we are scheduling a second look in as many weeks. Unique packaging and a move to organic-designated grapes are becoming part of the norm. This is a great opportunity to sample and discuss the state of the industry as it pertains to Argentina and to your wallet as well.

2009 Matthew Cain Yellow + Blue Torrontés, Cafayate, Salta

List price 11.95; our price 9.99/Liter

Cafayate is the high, sunny valley in the Salta province of Northern Argentina where the Torrontés grape grows so very well. In this case you can taste it in a wine like Yellow + Blue, which Matthew Cain sources from organically farmed vineyards and vinifies it with natural yeasts. In keeping with its “green” pedigree, it’s packaged in Tetra Pak cartons, which are far lighter than glass bottles and take up less room. This is a big plus if wine bottles do not fit well in your fridge, or if you are to carry some wine in your back-pack. This is a dry Torrontés with spicy yellow fruit and floral blossom aromas leading to a dry, clean palate. It is a very well made, tasty wine with good bracing acid.

2009 Matthew Cain Yellow + Blue Malbec, San Juan

List price 11.95; our price 9.99/Liter

Argentina’s San Juan Province is the country’s second largest wine-producing region, located approximately 2,000 feet above sea level near the Chilean border. The Tetra Pak packaging is interesting in that a case of wine in glass weighs 40 pounds and holds 9 liters of wine, whereas a case of Yellow+Blue weighs 26 pounds and holds 12 liters of wine. This earth-friendly, un-oaked Malbec is made from organically grown grapes, as well, and is hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts. It is medium bodied and dry, with medium acidity, light tannins, moderate intensity, and showing blackberry, plum, and raspberry fruits.

2009 Bodega Elena de Mendoza Red Blend, Mendoza

List price 9.95; our price 8.50

Bodega Elena de Mendoza is named after the family matriarch Elena Napoli, whose parents emigrated from Italy to the heart of Argentina’s wine country in the nineteenth century. The rich, smooth flavors of this wine are an interesting combination of Malbec, Syrah and Bonarda. With dried cherry characteristics, this plush, dark blend is ideal when served alongside barbecued meats.

2008 Filus Malbec Reserve, Mendoza

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

Contrary to other Argentine wineries, Filus Wines was conceived as a New World wine exporter from the beginning in 1997 and its products are made to meet new generation drinker preferences. Both the wine and packaging designing processes relay on targeting Australian and Californian wine drinkers, who are willing to taste new wines from exotic origins. This elegant Malbec is deep ruby red with violet tones and has an intense and bright bouquet with ripe fruit flavors of plums, red currants and raspberries. Ageing in French oak for 12 months enhances and adds complexity to the deep fruit character. The wine received a GOLD MEDAL at the Argentina Wine Awards in 2010.

2009 Bodega Colomé Amalaya Malbec, Valle Calchaqui, Salta

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Bodega Colomé is owned by Donald Hess, the Swiss entrepreneur who founded Hess Collection wines. The wine is sourced from the highest known altitude Malbec vineyards, averaging 7,500 to 8,000 feet. Founded in 1831, Bodega Colomé is one of the oldest working wineries in Argentina. Amalaya is bright ruby colored and dense with a very fruity nose of red cherries, raspberries and spices. It has a fresh palate, and finishes with soft and round tannins. This vintage remains unrated, but the 2007 Amalaya received 91 points in the Wine Spectator.

FresitaSparkling Wine with Strawberry Infusion

List price 19.00; our price16.95

Well, the wine actually is made in Chile, but the strawberries, at least, are from Argentina. Fresita (“strawberries” in Spanish) is a unique product made from premium Chilean sparkling wine infused with hand picked strawberries from Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. Fresita is naturally produced and has no added sugar from 100% natural strawberry pulp. Enjoy it as an apéritif or dessert wine, for special occasions or to simply to unwind with friends.

Saturday, July 31, 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

Aside from rosés, I can think of no better category of wine that would serve the desert dweller more enjoyably. The Prosecco grape is grown primarily in the Veneto area of Italy that is northwest of Venice, near the Alps. Many good Pinot Grigios come from this area also. The wine produced from this grape is light, lightly sparkling, refreshing and versatile. It pairs well with many dishes such as seafood with light pasta sauces and is terrific by itself as an apéritif. It should be drunk quite chilled and, given the intense heat of our summers, served over ice poolside. Prosecco is made using the Charmat method rather than the Champagne method. The wine goes through secondary fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles. The shorter tank fermentation is preferable because it preserves the freshness and flavor of the grapes. The flavor profile is citrus, melon, lemon, honey and almonds (usually in the finish).

Zonin Prosecco

List price 10.00; our price 8.99

This is a very tasty sparkling wine, though without being overly carbonated. The fruit is soft and pear-like and there are just enough sweet elements to remove the acidic edge one gets from Champagne. Besides making an excellent Bellini cocktail, it mixes well with liqueurs such as cream de cassis to form a Kir.

Mionetto Prosecco “IL”

List price 12.99; our price 9.99

The aroma is fruity, reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. The wine is fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors and contains an alcohol level of only 10.5 percent. This gentle-sparkling wine has garnered a “Best of Tasting” award from the Wall Street Journal and a “Best Buy” recommendation from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Villa Sandi Prosecco

List price 14.00; our price 10.99

Villa Sandi is an exquisite Palladian-style villa dating back to 1622, located at the foot of the Marca Trevigiana hills, in the Veneto region and represents the combination of art and agriculture which has characterized the Venetian landscape for centuries. This Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses. Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal. This elegant sparkler achieves a nice balance between sweet, fruit flavors and lively crispness. Look for peach, pear, jasmine, grapefruit and stone that characterize the fruit with a bit of almond bitterness at the finish.

Lamarca Prosecco

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This sparkling wine is a pale, golden straw in color. Bubbles are full textured and persistent. On the nose the wine brings fresh citrus with hints of honey and white flowers. The flavor is fresh and clean, with ripe citrus, lemon, green apple, and touches of grapefruit, minerality, and some toast. The finish is light, refreshing, and crisp.

Mionetto Prosecco, Organically Grown Grapes

List price 18.00 our price 14.99

This Organic category Prosecco is made with certified organically-grown grapes. In the vineyard, the grapes are grown without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In the cellar, the wine is vinified separately to ensure purity. Reducing the carbon footprint of this wine even further, recycled materials were used for the bottle, label and shipping box. This delightful Prosecco is bright yellow in color. Its perfume of delicate elderflowers leads to an explosion of golden apples on the palate. It weighs in at a mere 11 % alcohol.

Mionetto Prosecco Sergio

List price 24.00; our price 17.99

The blend in this sparkling wine is 70% Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC and the other 30% is a blend of Verdiso, Bianchetta and Chardonnay. It honors the traditions of the Veneto winemaking region and the long history of the Mionetto family. Contemporary master vintner Sergio Mionetto produces this wine based on a formula handed down by Francesco Mionetto, who founded the winery. A touch of two old grape varieties, unique to the region, are blended with the area’s finest Prosecco grapes; along with a bit of Chardonnay to add body. The result is a superbly dry, slightly fruity wine with just a hint of acidic crispness. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a 92 point-rating.

Saturday, April 10, 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

Some of us have a deep and abiding love of sparkling wine but have to balk at the extravagant pricing of the Champagnes of France.  Of course, the quality of Champagne is virtually impossible to beat.  Even California can field some fine sparkling wine, yet the prices have continued to escalate over the years.  So we look to Spain for values in sparkling wine that allow us to fulfill our thirst for bubbly while preserving our retirement fund.  It is truly amazing that wineries there can produce sparklers in the labor intensive Methode Champenois or Champagne Method. Due to European regulations prohibiting use of that term, cava is now labeled as Methode Tradicional, which has the same requirements with an added stipulation that cava must age for a minimum of nine months on the lees before release. “Cava” is Spain’s word for sparkling wine and covers rosés as well.  We are opening a couple of these as well to round out the event.

Cristalino Brut

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

The winery behind Cristalino, Jaume Serra, was founded in 1943 some 50 kilometers south of Barcelona by distinguished enologist Jaume Serra Guell. The wine has fresh aromas, a fine and fruity palate, and a dry aftertaste. This blend of the grape varietals Macabeo 50%, Parellada 35% and Xarello (Chah-rayl-lo) 15% is clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors.  Wine Enthusiast gave it an 88 point rating: “Cristalino is always a solid go-to Cava. This brut is round, slightly yeasty and shows citrus aromas that veer toward lemon-lime. The palate is healthy and clean, with a narrow set of citrus and apple flavors. Fairly full and long on the finish, this whole package is more than worth-while given the cost.”

Paul Cheneau Brut “Lady of Spain”

List price 12.00; our price 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 blend of Macabeo 45%, Xarello 40% and Parellada 15% has a formation of small bubbles which generate a gentle crown.  It is fine, delicate and very clean, with lightly toasted pastry notes.  Fresh and fruity, it is well structured, crispy, and balanced with a long aftertaste.

Juvé y Camps Brut Vintage 2006

List price 15.00; our price 11.99

Juvé y Camps has been a family run company for three generations although Joan Juvé Mir began growing grapes over two hundred years ago.  Teresa Camps Farré, an exceptional woman and an enthusiastic lover of sparkling wines, inspired her husband to launch the first sparkling wine under the “Juvé” brand in 1921.  The blend is similar to that of the Reserva below although the exact percentages were not available.  If you like this wine, you will love the Reserva.

Juvé y Camps Reserva De La Familia Brut Vintage 2005

List price 17.00; our price 14.99

This cava is made from the free run juices Macabeo 40%, Parellada 40% and Xarello 20%.  It is delicate, fruity, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.  It shows the three indigenous classic grape varieties at their harmonious best: dry, soft and smooth on the palate, with a richness and finesse that come from the four years it has spent aging in bottle. This is a Gran Reserva cava with perfect structure and balance, and great length and complexity. The full nose is fruity and elegant, rich and complex from the long bottle ageing. On the palate it is quite dry, soft and round with a long, exquisite finish.

Cristalino Brut Rosé

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Trepat shows beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth and a consistent bead. The clean and crisp finish is an excellent match for fried appetizers such as calamari or light desserts such as crème brulee. It is excellent on its own or with fresh fruit.

Juvé Y Camps Brut Rosé

List price 19.00; our price 16.99

This cava is produced from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Penedés.   The free run juice is allowed a brief maceration on the skins to achieve a deep pink color.  On the nose there are both floral and berry fruit notes in perfect harmony.  Displaying a lovely nose of rose petals and strawberries, it is lively and fresh on the palate, with crisp acidity and a long finish.  Long bottle aging has brought balance, length and weight while retaining freshness and vivacity. Serve this excellent value with a variety of savory courses and as an apéritif.

Saturday, March 20, 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

With their roots in the wine industry dating back to the 1770s, it’s no surprise that the Mettler Family is still growing grapes today.  After migrating to the U.S. in the late 1800’s, the Mettler family eventually settled in Lodi which is similar to a Mediterranean climate.  Carl Mettler, 4th generation farmer, continued the family tradition and dedicated his life to farming his grandfather’s land. Carl and his wife raised their family among their Lodi vineyards. Carl worked closely with nearby Universities and delegated several vineyard sites to experimental varieties.  This experimentation helped to establish growing conditions for specific varieties in the Lodi region. Carl’s dedication in the vineyard awarded him a spot in the Agricultural Hall of Fame. His integrity and love of the land is still being carried out by one of his three sons, Larry Phillip, who is also the recipient of the Agricultural Hall of Fame award and still farms the original Mettler Vineyards, along with his wife Char and their three children, Kimberly, Kelli and Adam.  Kim is hopeful she can join us on Saturday, but in any case, her husband, Jason Eells, the vineyard manager will be on hand to pour the wines and to discuss the challenges of growing the grapes for these fine wines.Phil Molnar will also be on hand to represent the distributer of Mettler Wines and to pour an additional couple of wines from his catalogue that have found their way onto our shelves.  One will start the tasting and one will conclude the event.

2009 Gazela Vinho Verde,  Portugal

List price 9.50; our price 7.99

This is a fresh, uncomplicated wine that shows fruitiness, along with clean, easy lemon fruits and a touch of acidity. It is light with only 9% alcohol and shows itself as fresh, light and floral.  It received 84 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

2007 Mettler Family Vineyards Zinfandel, “Epicenter” Old Vine, Lodi

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

The Zinfandel is harvested from one of the oldest Mettler vineyards, where the vines are deeply rooted in sandy loam soils. This intense, rich and well balanced Zin explodes in the mouth showing first its fine balancing acid, then moves on to the oak elements of earth and spice with some bacon notes. It shows good structure with aromas of red berry fruit and espresso, giving way to dense tannins and a nice acidity in the finish.

2005 Mettler Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Lodi

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

This wine is a true crowd pleaser, rich and tantalizing. It is a lot more approachable on your palate than the usual Petite Sirah. It is fruit forward and luscious, yet has the backbone a Petite Sirah should demonstrate.  The grapes are grown organically, which Jason will further discuss.  It has a full and rich mouthfeel which is followed by an incredible burst of deep fruit and complex oak undertones.

2007 Mettler Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

The Cabernet is selected from very small blocks of vineyards, farmed organically as well, which are trained on special trellis systems, one of which was originally designed by Jason and Larry.  The trellis systems allow just the right amount of sunlight to work upon the fruit on the vine. The Cabernet is aged in French Oak barrels for over 13 months, giving it a rich toasty taste, with accents of vanilla.  It will engage you with a nice balance of bright fruit and structured tannins. This is a voluptuous wine that pairs nicely with rich sauces and earthy side dishes, and is delicious with dark chocolate.

2003 Mettler Family Vineyards Zinfandel Dessert Wine “Copasetic”, Lodi

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

Mettler no longer makes the Copasetic dessert wine, but we found one last case in the distributor’s warehouse.  Wines of this nature are difficult to make and do not readily reward the winery with profitability. Late harvest Zins used to be quite popular in the 1980’s but began to lose their popularity in the ‘90’s.  Even though they are still being produced, they are generally sold at or from the winery.  The grapes are late harvested from the same old vine vineyards as the “Epicenter” Zin. It is sweet and balanced, with lasting black fruit. It shows plumy character with spicy pepper notes in its concentrated structure.

Maison Prunier Pineau des Charentes Blanc, France

List price 29.00; our price 25.50

Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine is made from a blend of grape juice or lightly-fermented grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie. The mixture is aged for at least 18 months, including a minimum of 8 months in oak barrels.   It achieves a lovely fruitiness and sweetness, but is balanced by both acidity and the increased level of alcohol.  The grapes making up the blend are usually Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard, the same that make up fine Cognac and Armagnac.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

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 will be trying out some newly arrived white wines from France and some reds from California.  The three French whites are excellent examples from appellations along the long growing area of the Loire River.  The reds are a fine example of French varietals as grown in differing areas of California.  All are great value wines that compete against similar bottlings of higher price.  All are simply fun sipping wines to serve as an apéritif or with a meal.

2007 Chateau du Cleray Muscadet Sevre et Maine

List price 15.95; our price 11.99

Muscadet is also known as Melon de Bourgogne which is occasionally bottled by growers in California as Melon.  It is grown near the mouth of the Loire in the district of Nantes.  The short period of sur-lie aging results in a complex, soft and round wine that is bone-dry.  The flavors of citrus and melon rind are bright and lively, showing a taut freshness and clean, classically racy structure.  Wine and Spirits Magazine gave this wine a rating of 89/100.

2007 Sauvion Vouvray

List price 13.50; our price 9.99

Together with Muscadet, Vouvray is the most popular Loire wine in the USA. It is the perfect introduction to the Loire wines: easy to drink, fresh, soft, and “velvety”. It is grown in Touraine among the hundreds of romantic châteaux. Made from Chenin Blanc, this Vouvray is medium dry, complex, soft and round with honey and acacia on the nose.

2007 Sauvion Sancerre

List price 25.00; our price 19.95

This Sauvignon Blanc hails from the district of Centre, far inland where the Loire begins its southward journey.  Sancerre is situated on a hillside area across the Loire River from Pouilly-Fumé.  The wine is very aromatic with Jasmine and Acacia in evidence.  It is dry and full bodied with the usual herbaceous character one expects of the area.

2005 Pacific Oasis Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

This wine was made by fine winemaker, Daniel Gehrs, who aged the Pinot sur lies for eight months prior to finishing and bottling.  The aromas are of black raspberry, black cherry, Oriental spices and smoky French oak.  Very light for a Santa Barbara County Pinot, it is made in the true Burgundian style: This is what a Pinot is supposed to be!  The taste consists of both sour black cherry and strawberry which is pronounced on the front to the mid of the palate.  The mid palate shows a hint of earthiness and cloves which continues to a long nice finish.

2004 Murphy-Goode Merlot, Alexander Valley

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

This wine is a classic, approachable Merlot, soft and juicy with expressive fruit.  Winemaker David Ready Jr. notes: “We use the Goode-Ready designation when working with younger vines in the Alexander Valley that produce exuberant, forward fruit flavors of Bing cherry and blackberry.”  This wine is luscious on the palate, with bright acidity balancing the plentiful, jammy fruit flavors and making this Merlot highly food friendly.  Oak barrel aging (40% new, 90% air-dried American) contributed toasty aromas of sweet smoke, toffee and cedar. The wine is enjoyable now and has the structure to improve with time.

2008 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles, Paso Robles

List price 8.99; our price 6.99

Allure de Robles is an estate grown wine that is produced in Cotes du Rhone style.  The clones of the grapes are predominantly from Tablas Creek Winery and Vineyard Nursery, meaning they are cuttings from both the Château Beaucastel in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of France and French Entav bud wood.  This wine is medium bodied with strawberry and cherry overtones from the Grenache, body from the Syrah and earthiness from the Mourvèdre. ]]> http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2009/12/24/wine-partyyear-end-new-arrivals/feed/ 0 http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2009/12/17/wine-partyprosecco/ http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2009/12/17/wine-partyprosecco/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:33:17 +0000 costanichols http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2009/12/17/wine-partyprosecco/  

Saturday, December 19, 2009

 

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

Our annual Champagne event last week was a big hit and we are following it up with a Prosecco party.  This Saturday we will be visited by Kirsten York from Italy’s Mionetto Winery. The Mionetto family has been producing Prosecco wine in the very heart of Valdobbiadene since 1887.  The Prosecco zone, located in the Veneto, is comprised of an area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.  This is the only place in the world where the Prosecco grape grows.  Mionetto makes a range of Prosecco styles, which would well accommodate year-end party needs at easy to manage pricing.  The best part is they are very festive, are under 12% alcohol and they taste really good.  Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses.  Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal.  Join us this Saturday to learn all about the famous grape that produces this wonderful wine, while sipping the lovely elixir.

Mionetto IL Prosecco, Veneto

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This is a straw-colored wine with brilliant reflections. The aroma is fruity, reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. The wine is fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors. This lightly sparkling (frizzante) wine typifies the traditional wine-maker’s Prosecco.

Mionetto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

The Valdobbiadene winemaker’s art is full of long-standing traditions which the Mionetto Company has preserved, including the ancient custom of using string-tied corks, a rustic characteristic of the Valdobbiadene wines of the past lovingly maintained by Mionetto to this day.  The wine is slightly fruity and dry, with the perfume of golden apples.

Mionetto Prosecco Brut

List price 15.95; our price 11.99

This fully-sparkling wine is pale gold with greenish tints and a full and consistent perlage. Refined, light and delicate, it has a long-lasting aroma and fruity, crisp taste that recalls the freshness of golden apples.

Mionetto Sergio Spumante, Extra Dry

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

The blend in this sparkling wine is 70% Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC and the other 30% is a blend of Verdiso, Bianchetta and Chardonnay.  It honors the traditions of the Veneto winemaking region and the long history of the Mionetto family.  Contemporary master vintner Sergio Mionetto produces this wine based on a formula handed down by Francesco Mionetto, who founded the winery.  A touch of two old grape varieties, unique to the region, are blended with the area’s finest Prosecco grapes; the result is a superbly dry, slightly fruity wine with just a hint of acidic crispness.  Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a 92 point-rating.

Mionetto IL Rosato del Veneto

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This well-balanced and fruity wine has lively notes of cherries with a long and dry finish. Its pleasing aroma recalls the elegant mix of roses, raspberries and peaches.  This wine is lovely on its own, as an apèritif or paired with cured meats, mild cheeses or shellfish.  It particularly comes alive as a complement to fresh water fish such as rainbow trout and carp.

Mionetto Sergio Rosé

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

This is a brilliant, raspberry colored Italian sparkler with pretty and well-defined aromas of cranberry juice, almonds and roses.  Interesting mineral nuances that recall chalk or white stone add a patina of elegance and femininity to a fun and informal wine otherwise characterized by red berry fruit, white cherry and flower petal.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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

It wouldn’t be a proper December without our annual Champagne event.  Lisa Wherry will be back discussing and pouring a selection of Champagne and other sparkling wines that should cover most celebratory needs.  So, if you have not begun your year-end celebrations, let us help you kick off the December bacchanal.  The following week, December the 19th, we will be visited by Kirsten York from Italy’s Mionetto Winery.  Mionetto is all about Prosecco, which functions well for year-end partying without breaking the budget.

Villa Sandi Prosecco, Veneto, Italy

List Price 12.95; our price 9.99

Villa Sandi is an exquisite Palladian-style villa dating back to 1622, located at the foot of the Marca Trevigiana hills, in the Veneto region and represents the combination of art and agriculture which has characterized the Venetian landscape for centuries.  This Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses.  Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal.  This elegant sparkler achieves a nice balance between sweet, fruit flavors and lively crispness.  Look for peach, pear, jasmine, grapefruit and stone that characterize the fruit with a bit of almond bitterness at the finish.

Bouvet Brut, Saumur, Loire Valley, France

List price 14.00; our price 11.95

This is a well-rounded, Champagne-like bubbly that makes a superb apéritif on its own before a meal and complements most meals as well.  It is a delicately fruity sparkling wine showing crisp citrus and white fruit flavors with a hint of toast refined by notes of Chardonnay ending in a fresh, lively finish.  Mostly Chenin, with 10% Chardonnay, this delicious bubbly mixes spicy yeast with clove and herb scents, inviting repeated sips.  Full-bodied fruit flavors follow, with a slightly candied appeal, and the finish wraps you in hints of vanilla and light toast.  88 Points Wine Enthusiast.

2006 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa

List price 30.00; our price 26.95

Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America’s first commercially produced Chardonnay-based sparkling wine.  Small lots of malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are added for complexity.  The wine is aged on the yeast lees in the bottle for about two years prior to disgorgement.  It delivers aromas of key lime, freshly cut green apple and honeydew melon, followed by just a hint of pineapple upside-down cake. Upon entry, the palate is layered with flavors of citrus, ripe Anjou pear, dried pineapple and baked apple pie. With its vibrant, fruitful and crisp nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, following release.

Taittinger Brut, Cuvée Prestige

List price 39.00; our price 32.50

Pale almond gold in color, this Champagne is punctuated by delicate strands of fine, persistent bubbles.  The full, aromatic Pinot fragrance of berries, toast and earth is allied to subtle notes of white Chardonnay fruit, both of which are confirmed on the generously full bodied palate.  In the mouth, the wine is marked by a smooth, round, creamy texture and elegant, toasty nuances of black Pinot grapes. The ample fruit dimension is offset by a clean, delicate acidity which carries into a warm, yeasty finish of exceptional refinement and breed.

2004 Iron Horse Russian Cuvée, Sonoma

List price 30.00; our price 27.00

This wonderfully rich and creamy wine is a classy blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, aged an average of four years on the yeast in the bottle.  It is finished with a rich dosage, which makes it more opulent, and slightly sweeter, heightening the fruit. This vintage was awarded 90 points by Wine & Spirits magazine. It was originally designed for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War.

Juve & Camps Brut Rosé Pinot Noir, Spain

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

Positively delicious; this juicy little number has a bright beam of ripe raspberries, vanilla and yeasty brioche right down the mid-palate.  Definitely balanced & fine, it appears to have been designed for heavier fish dishes where a crisp acidity is needed for balance.  It is produced from Pinot Noir grapes wherein the free run juice is allowed a brief maceration on the skins.  Long bottle aging has brought balance, length and weight while retaining freshness and vivacity; it has good legs! ]]> http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2009/12/10/wine-partychampagne/feed/ 1