Desert Wines and Spirits

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

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

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

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

2007 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Big Tail Blend, SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

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

2009 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Red Blend,SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

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

2004 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, McLaren Vale

List price 19.99; our price 17.95

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

2006 Yangarra Shiraz, Single Vineyard, McLaren Vale

List price 20.95; our price 17.99

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

2008 Molly Dooker, Two Left Feet, McLaren Vale

List price 24.95; our price 19.99

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

2006 Flinders Run Shiraz, South Australia

List price 29.50; our price 19.99

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

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

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

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

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

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

2008 Piola Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 8.95; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

2006 Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 13.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Here is a wide fruit profile harmonizing with smooth round tannins. Notes of raspberries, black cherries and blueberries blend well with soft vanilla, eucalyptus, and black pepper tones creating an enjoyable balance of aromas and flavors. This is an excellent food wine offered at a great price. It, like its sibling above, picked up a couple of medals but is a bigger wine with some added age to smooth out all the rough edges.

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

List price 13.95; our price 11.50; today only 9.99

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

2008 Molly Dooker Cabernet, The Maitre D’, Australia

List price 24.95; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

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

2006 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, Celestus, Paso Robles

List price 39.95; our price 29.99; today only 26.99

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

Saturday, June 25, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against purchase of the featured wines below
Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Sauvignon Blanc may not be as well known as Chardonnay but it is certainly as versatile. The spectrum of aromas and tastes begins with grassiness, that is, herbaceousness. It is typically crisp showing good acidity with hints of stone fruit and melon. Some producers allow four to six months of wood contact to add complexity, and this can be interesting. The Sauternes area of Bordeaux makes the fabulous dessert wines from this grape, frequently blended with the companion grape, Semillon. This Saturday we will focus on the straight forward delivery of the grape to the fresh and easy styling of the wines selected from around the world.

2010 LaPlaya Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

In the nose the wine shows floral aromas with lime citrus and a hint of honeydew melon. The lemon-lime citrus is at the front of the flavor experience with the typical grassiness following. It is bright and crisp, exhibiting some minerality and a lively acidity. The wine was aged for 3 months in stainless steel.

2010 Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, S. Africa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers hints of green apples and tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acids, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days. It is very refreshing on its own and lovely with crisp salads, light seafood dishes and tapas. This is the wine to pair with steamed green asparagus.

2009 White Oak Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, CA

List price 14.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Bill Myers moved from Los Angeles to the Alexander Valley in the 1970s and began making wine; he quickly became recognized for producing wonderful Chardonnay, Zinfandel and what was to become White Oak’s flagship wine: Sauvignon Blanc. It has typical grassy herbaceousness but performs more in the grapefruit genre. Even in the finish there is a slight expression of grapefruit bitterness. This is a very good food wine with a fresh, crisp finish. Stock this one.

2009 Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton, Australia

List price 15.00; our price 10.99; today only 9.89

The Pemberton wine region in Western Australia, almost 2,000 miles from Mudgee, provides the perfect growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. The elevated cool, maritime climate of this region maintains the core freshness and zesty aromatics of the variety. Separate parcels were harvested at various maturity stages to produce a mix of interesting flavors. The early harvest captures the crisp zesty core of the wine while a slightly later harvest builds an element of tropical fruit flavors. The use of selected aromatic yeasts and cool fermentation temperatures has produced a vibrant and refreshing wine. 90 point rating by Tasting Panel Magazine

2008 Domaine du Rochoy Sancerre, Loire Valley, France

List price 29.00; our price 25.50; today only 22.95

Domaine Rochoy sources the grapes from a single slope of flinty soils (called “Cailloux”) in the commune of Bannay. It is a finely textured wine, showing some gooseberry and tropical fruits and a sense of coolness also with savory spice and mouthwatering acidity. It has lovely purity, with vibrant, racy citrus peel, gooseberry and straw notes that stay persistent through the very long finish.

2010 Kim Crawford Sauv. Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 17.99; our price 15.99; today only 14.39

This is a crisp and powerful, well balanced wine with intense aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and citrus flavors. Look for upfront herbaceous aromas, backed by ripe fruit flavors of melon, passion fruit and crisp acidity. This light to medium bodied aromatic wine is a great match with salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes and perfectly acceptable to be enjoyed on its own! 89 points Wine Spectator: “Fragrant and tropical, displaying pineapple, grapefruit, dragon fruit and melon flavors. There’s a juicy acidity, with great persistence on the finish.”

Saturday, November 13, 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

At the turn of the 20th century, Rosemount, based in Hunter Valley and South Australia, was the second best selling Australian wine brand in the US. It was established in 1969 by Bob Oatley and was Australia’s largest family owned winery until its March 2001 merger with Southcorp Wines. After four decades of making Rosemount Winery the huge success it now enjoys, Bob Oatley and his family are again playing a key role in setting a new direction for Australian wine. Never one to rest on his laurels, in 2006 and at the age of nearly 80, Bob decided it was time to redefine perceptions about the essence of Australian wine. The hallmarks are appealing texture, moderate alcohol, bright natural acidity and purity of varietal flavor. But one thing never changes, i.e. Bob Oatley’s requirement that the wine always tastes “like you want some more.”

Today, Bob’s winemaking home is Mudgee, 261 km north-west of Sydney, a region of sunshine, ancient red-brown earth and a rich winemaking history. His wines are produced from a diverse set of family-owned vineyards spread throughout the Mudgee region as well as grapes grown for the family from vineyards as far away as Margaret River and Pemberton, Western Australia. Joining us this Saturday is Ian Dealhoy, the Southern California sales manager for the winery.

2009 Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio, South Australia

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

The Adelaide Hills, in South Australia, is the ideal region in which to grow the Pinot Grigio grape. The vineyard looks out on steep slopes that promote free air movement, encouraging cool breezes during the growing season. The aim is to capture the delicate pear, apple and spice notes of the variety. Some parcels are fermented with the clusters to promote palate weight. The wine’s natural partridge-eye hue has been retained in a wine that is crisp and fresh with the pure flavor and minerality of Pinot Grigio. 90 point rating by Wine and spirits Magazine

2009 Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

The Pemberton wine region in Western Australia, almost 2,000 miles from Mudgee, provides the perfect growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. The elevated cool, maritime climate of this region maintains the core freshness and zesty aromatics of the variety. Separate parcels were harvested at various maturity stages to produce a mix of interesting flavors. The early harvest captures the crisp zesty core of the wine while a slightly later harvest builds an element of tropical fruit flavors. The use of selected aromatic yeasts and cool fermentation temperatures has produced a vibrant and refreshing wine. 90 point rating by Tasting Panel Magazine

2008 Robert Oatley Chardonnay, Mudgee

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

Mudgee is located 162 miles northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, a region that was planted to some of Australia’s earliest Chardonnay vines and which has a long history with this versatile variety. It is situated at over 1,500 feet with ancient red clay loam soils of volcanic origin. The aim here was to capture the lemon-lime citrus flavors and subtly support this with thoughtful use of high quality, tight grain French oak barrels for fermentation and maturation.

2009 Robert Oatley Rosé of Sangiovese, Mudgee

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

The Oatley family estates are home to the first plantings of Sangiovese and Barbera in Australia. The wine is produced by the ‘saignée’ method of making rosé, where the wine is drained off the skins after only a short period of contact. This creates a very pink rather than red wine. It has been deliberately made at the drier end of the rosé spectrum.

2009 Robert Oatley Tempranillo, Victoria

List price 16.00; today only 11.99

The King Valley, situated in North East Victoria has a long tradition of growing Mediterranean grape varieties and is home to Australia’s first plantings of Tempranillo. The region sits in the foothills of the Alpine National Park and as such enjoys cold winters and warm summers moderated by the nearby mountains. The grapes were harvested in the cool of the morning and fermented at moderate temperatures in order to retain the distinctive cherry and spice aromas. The fermenting must was gently and routinely pumped over with particular attention to maintaining a soft tannin profile. The wine was then pressed and run into selected tight grain French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation prior to blending and bottling.

2007 Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee.

List price 16.00; our price 11.99

Individual parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were harvested and fermented cool and gently extracted to retain fruit expression and soft tannins. The wines were then pressed off skins and run into French oak to undergo malolactic fermentation and maturation for 12 months. Individual barrel selections were then blended together.

Saturday, November 21, 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

With Thanksgiving Day less than a week away, we invited Ian Dealhey of Robert Oatley Vineyards to join us for a pouring of fine wines that will pair well with a turkey dinner, or for entertaining over the holiday weekend, or, for that matter, enjoying at home with a meal at any time. All are under $20.00 and represent a great price to quality value ratio. Bob Oatley is a proud and passionate Australian who is credited with pioneering Australian wine to the rest of the world. He owned Rosemount Estate, for several decades the most recognized and successful family-owned Australian winery. After selling off the Rosemount Estate, Bob looked around for something new to do and guess what? He started a new winery. In 2006, the family purchased the historic Craigmoor property on the outskirts of the Mudgee township in New South Wales. The old winery, now a tasting room and visitor center, was established in 1858. The surrounding vineyards grow some of the finest grapes in the region, all of which are in the capable hands of Sandy, his eldest son.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

List price 14.95; our price 10.99

This delightfully zesty, tropical flavored white wine is devoid of any oak influence. The development of tropical fruit flavors rather than Sauvignon’s often dominant grassy notes imply cool-fermentation in stainless steel. Most of the wine was racked leaving some portions on the lees to add structure, texture and additional palate weight. The wine is lean and fresh, enlivened by crisp acidity, and offering notes of peach, kiwi and mango with highlights of lime and grapefruit.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Pinot Grigio

List price 14.95; our price 10.99

This wine is medium bodied and crisp, somewhere between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, without a trace of oak to interfere with the spicy aromas and ripe apple and pear flavors. There’s plenty of acidity here for pairing with saltier foods and enough body and fruit to stand up to richer light meat dishes.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Chardonnay

List price 15.95; our price 11.99

A variety of winemaking regimes were employed to produce a complex, yet fruit driven style. The fruit was grown on Oatley family vineyards and harvested at optimum ripeness. Half of the blend was cold fermented in stainless steel, and the remainder barrel fermented then aged in one-third brand new French oak. Much of the blend underwent a secondary fermentation that softened the wine’s acidity, leaving us to enjoy a delicious creamy texture.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Rosé of Sangiovese

List price 13.50; our price 9.99

The blend for this rosé is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was produced in the ‘saignée’ method of making rosé, where the wine is drained off the skins after only a short period of contact, producing a pink rather than red wine. It was deliberately made at the drier end of the spectrum for rosé, but with fresh wild strawberry aromas and a hint of leafy greenness. The flavors are cherry and stone fruit with big chewy berry fruit. It is an excellent value, in an excellent style that will please red wine drinkers.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Shiraz

List price 19.99; our price 17.99

This is a fine display of the dense flavors of the varietal, offering candied cherry and blackberry on the nose with complex earth and spice notes. The deep dark fruit flavors are brightened by a zesty mineral note. It shows a wonderful balance and complexity with relatively low alcohol and good balancing acidity. There is a subtle smokiness but the wine finishes with inviting sweetness and straightforward, slightly jammy, dark berry flavors.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Cabernet Merlot

List price 19.99; our price 17.99

This blend of 51% Cabernet and 49% Merlot is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels. The nose of this wine is filled with bright red cherry notes and a hint of vanilla. In the mouth it shows earthy herbal accents combined with ripe blackberry and toasted oak, some black pepper and hints of sour cherry. The tannins are nicely integrated and there is sufficient fruit to carry the wine through to a long, lush, mouth-filling finish. Delicious now, it will reward additional aging.

Saturday, June 6, 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

Those of you who were not able to attend last Saturday’s event missed out on an impromptu attempt to pair cupcakes with the wines being poured.  The delicious pastries are made by Sisters Cupcakes by Design from Cathedral City (www.sisterscupcakes.com), 760-328-5620.  Josie and Sandy, who are indeed sisters, provided us an array of cupcakes from lemon-coconut to chocolate-raspberry.  I was quite skeptical when the idea was first suggested, but was amazed at the good reception we received, not to mention the sheer fun of it all.  We decided to repeat the event this weekend, but announce it in advance.  These baked jewels will go well with the wines we have selected, but you do have to like cupcakes.

Zonin Prosecco Sparkling Wine, Italy
Regular price 11.00; 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, this Prosecco should pair well with the cupcakes.

2006 Annie’s Lane Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia
Regular price 13.50; our price 7.99
This Riesling is pale straw in color with green hues.  The nose shows the classic, elegant characters of Clare Valley Riesling: dried Lime rind, citrus and stone fruit.  The palate is tight and elegant, with lime flavors dominating throughout.  It can be enjoyed as an apèritif or as the perfect accompaniment to fruits de mer.  Its impressive length and natural acidity will allow for graceful aging over the next 5 years.

Grandial Muscat Rosé Sparkling Wine, France
Regular price 12.00; our price 9.99
This is a fruity elegant sparkling wine with fine bubbles and a fresh palate.  It is slightly sweet and should pair well with our cupcake selection.  This is a great price for this fruit-forward sparkling wine with fine bubbles and fresh palate.

2005 PKNT Carmenère Reserve, Rapel Valley, Chile
Regular price 9.00; our price 6.99
The wine is smooth and full bodied with a dark red color.   In the nose it has red cherries and plums with a touch of toasty oak.  There are hints of chocolate and berries in a setting of round tannins; soft but well structured. 

2006 Yangarra Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia
Regular price 20.95; our price 17.99
Rich spice, blackberry fruit, and hints of sweet vanilla are the hallmarks of this remarkable Shiraz.  On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with intense blackberry and dark cherry flavors, although soft tannins.  It was aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels to encourage the smoky, toasty oak flavors which, in turn, frame the rich, plush dark berry and plum flavors giving way to a balanced black pepper finish.

2006 Yangarra Cadenzia, McLaren Vale, Australia
Regular price 23.00; our price 19.99
This is a blend supposedly inspired by the opera term for an improvised personal expression at the end of an Aria (usually seen as “Cadenza”).  This blend of Grenache (68%), Shiraz (27%) and Mourvèdre (5%) blends together the array of flavors and terroirs of the estate, and is very representative of the McLaren Vale appellation in general.  The full flavor experience evokes blackberry, Bing cherry, mulberry, plums, nuts and subdued oak flavors slowly tapering off to a lingering finish.

Saturday, May 16, 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

Since our last event featuring wines from the southern hemisphere, more wines have arrived from Australia, Argentina and Chile.  The prices for these finds run from under 10.00 to under 20.00, however it is the quality level that makes them excellent values.  There is definitely something here to satisfy everyone.

2008 Viña Calina Alcance Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca, Chile
Regular price 17.00, today only 14.99
Alcance means “to reach for” in Spanish, and this Sauvignon Blanc shows just how far Chili’s outreach has succeed.  The wine is light straw in color with expressive tropical fruit aromas of guavas, gooseberries, passion fruit, peaches and a hint of green grassiness.  The acid is firm, but not overpowering.  The palate is lush, long and weighty. This is a bold, overt, block-selected Sauvignon Blanc.

2005 Kangarilla Road Viognier, McLaren Vale, Australia
Regular price 18.00, today only 14.99
This South Australian Viognier displays an aromatic citrus blossom with hints of light orange peel, together with nuances of light citrus and apricot.  The palate is mouth filling with lively zesty citrus flavors combined with subtle honeysuckle.  This is an elegant style displaying tight acidity, great length of flavor together with integrated mid palate texture coming from the light use of oak.

2007 Marraso Vineyards Cabernet, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 9.99, today only 7.99
Complex and spicy, this Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby color; plum and roasted pepper aromas; and well-rounded cherry and strawberry flavors with of smoky oak on the finish.  The tannins are soft and the finish is long.

2007 Doña Paula Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Cardos, Mendoza
Regular price 9.99, today only 7.99
Named Los Cardos for the thistle plant, which apparently thrives in the vineyards at Doña Paula, this cabernet sauvignon shows the classical aromas and flavors of black currant.  The focus of the winemaking regimen is the juicy black fruit with only a small portion of the wine having spent a couple of months in oak. The result is an easy-drinking wine that’s priced to enjoy with a burger.

2007 Root: 1 Carmenère, Colchagua Valley Chile
Regular price 11.99, today only 9.99
The name comes from the fact that these grapes were grown on ungrafted, original root stock.  The nose is rich with blueberry, raspberry and spice notes coming through.  In the mouth the wine is spicy and fruity with plum and blackberry flavors, notes of clove and a really interesting sweet cigar flavor.  It is a little tannic at the start, but opens nicely in the glass with a little swirling.  Excellent!

2006 Kilikanoon Shiraz, Killerman’s Run, South Australia
Regular price 22.00, today only 18.50
The 2006 Killerman’s Run Shiraz exhibits a brick red color with crimson tints.  Lifted Shiraz characters dominate the nose with rich plum, mocha and blackberry notes supported by the French and American oak.  Made to showcase the unique flavors of Shiraz, the palate is fruit driven and balanced.  A sweet mid palate and soft tannins have created a wine with both power and finesse.

Saturday, May 2, 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 is officially a buyers market in wine, and we are pleased to be presenting excellent values to you.  This Friday we will focus on imports from lands south of the equator.  Argentina continues for a second year as the leader in growth of exports, with Chile some distance behind.  But Chile has already achieved big numbers in the export game and growth had to slow down.  Australia’s position in exports is already impressive, as well, and we are seeing more and more South African wines in our marketplace, too.  The slowing world-wide economy is having its effect on prices and you are to be the beneficiaries, but only if you come see what it is all about.

Toso Brut Chardonnay Sparkling Wine, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 10.95 Today only 8.99
Toso has been producing sparkling wine for 85 years, and is the second-biggest sparkling exporter in Argentina.  The sparkler is produced in the Charmat method with the Chardonnay wine in contact with its lees for 5 months.  It shows nice small bubbles and a bit of buttery, toasty quality which is a pleasure to discover.  The flavors are of apple and lemon fruit.  It is very pleasant on the palate, with a delightful crispness making it deliciously easy to drink.

2007 St. Lucas Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 11.95 Today only 8.95
Exotic and unique, Torrontés is the white grape to watch in Argentina.  Showing superstar potential in this climate, it delights with a myriad of floral aromatics and enticing flavors of white peaches, apricots, honey, and lemon meringue.  The intense, sensually stimulating wines it produces are great foils for tough to- match foods like ginger chicken or spicy Thai dishes, yet they also shine when enjoyed on their own.  This bottling focuses on rose petals, tropical fruit and candied peach with a touch of spice, yet balanced with good acid and a crisp character.

2006 Au Chardonnay, Limestone Coast, Australia
Regular price 9.99 Today only 6.99
Produced by Aussie Vineyards Ltd of Queensland, this bottling is the Chardonnay in a line of “Au” wines developed with the North American market in mind.  Fruit was sourced from the cool maritime climate of South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and fermentation and maturation took place in a mix of new and used French Oak, as well as some stainless steel tanks.  On the nose are aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, minerals and nuances of oak.  The wine is crisp and smooth in the mouth, with a nice balance between fruit-and-oak richness and lean acidity and minerality.  Flavors of pear, melon, grapefruit, and pineapple mingle on the palate, brightened by acidity and framed by buttery and toasty hints of oak.  The finish is a decent swell of tropical and citrus fruit notes, tailing off on an enjoyable mix of fruit and creamy oak.

2007 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Regular price 13.00 Today only 9.99
This wine gem is a beautiful rosé made of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from a winery that dates back to 1692.  It shows fragrant earthy aromas of cherry and strawberry and a creamy, flavor-packed palate with fresh acidity and a lingering finish.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine: 86 points “Bright, vibrant aromas of red berry and flowers open to an easygoing, fresh and fruity character that pairs well with almost any food; good minerality ensures an absence of sweetness.”

2006 Marraso Malbec, El Caballo Antiguo, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 9.99 Today only 7.99
This winery took the name of an ancient city named Marraso, which was protected by the spirit of an ancient horse, whose image was painted on the wall of a cave high in the Andes.  Unhappily, the cave was never found but the wine is a solid, reality Malbec, suitably dry and fruity.  It is full bodied with deep and forward berry and cherry fruit flavors.  It has mellow tannins, good acid and hints of dark cocoa, vanilla, and a note of tar for added complexity.

2007 Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Regular price 11.99 Today only 9.99
Chile’s distinctive geography makes it one of very few grape growing regions in the world where original European rootstock has been unaffected by phylloxera. While most vineyards around the world are planted on grafted rootstock, Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on original, ungrafted roots, producing wines with intense fruit flavor and authentic varietal character.  This wine is a rich ruby in color with cherry, black currant, toffee and mocha notes.  Silky tannins and good structure lead to a long and complex finish accented with vanilla notes.

Saturday, March 7, 2009
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person
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We have happened upon some most excellent bargains from our Australian wine importers and will be showing them off this Saturday.  The offering centers on the wines of South Australia and Victoria, the major wine producing regions in the country.  Australia’s first vineyards were planted in 1788 in a small area near the Sydney Harbour Bridge in New South Wales.  Today you will find vineyards throughout all 62 designated wine regions totalling 420,000 acres.  Current export figures place Australia as the fourth largest exporter of wine, selling to more than 100 countries around the world and contributing $5.5 billion to the nation’s economy.

2006 Shoofly White Wine, Victoria
Regular price 13.50; Our price 9.99
Juicy, tropical Verdelho and exotically perfumed Viognier combine with dashes of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to provide a refreshing, succulent blend.  Crafted by leading Australian winemaker, Ben Riggs, the 2006 Buzz Cut exhibits aromas of tropical fruit, apricot, and grapefruit.  It is drinking well now and should last another year or so.  It pairs well with flavorful seafood such as coconut shrimp, and with pork dishes with sautéed pears or chili spices.

2006 Annie’s Lane Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia
Regular price 12.50; Our price 7.99
This Riesling is pale straw in color with green hues.  The nose shows the classic, elegant characters of Clare Valley Riesling: dried lime rind, citrus and stone fruit.  The palate is tight and elegant, with lime flavors dominating throughout. It can be enjoyed as an apéritif or as the perfect accompaniment to fruits de mer.  Its impressive length and natural acidity will allow for graceful aging over the next 5 years.

2005 Andrew Peace Rosé, Murray River, South Australia
Regular price 5.99; Our price 1.99
The blend in this very dry rosé is Shiraz (55%) and Sangiovese (45%).  It delivers lovely flavors of berries backed by hints of crisp green apples.  It is an excellent accompaniment to shellfish dishes and other light meat fish, but rather dry to serve as an apéritif.  It also serves well as a cooking wine for fish, poultry and pork.

2003 Ross Estate Grenache, Old Vine, Barossa Valley
Regular price 19.50; Our price 9.99
Ross Estate is one of my favorite Aussie wineries and wine-maker Rod Chapman does an excellent job here with grapes from vines up to 90 years of age.  These low-yielding gnarled vines produce very high quality Grenache grapes which, with Rod’s help, become a rich succulent wine with concentrated flavors.  The soft tannins frame the lovely ripe and spicy cherry fruit for a most pleasant sipping experience.

2005 St. Marys Red Wine, “Bells & Whistles”, Limestone Coast, SA
Regular price 15.95; Our price 9.99
The blend in this fun bottling is Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Shiraz (20%), Cabernet Franc (11%) and Merlot (4%).  Dark ruby colored, it delivers a nose of spice box, clove, cassis, and black currants.  It is full and quite rich on the palate.  Black cherry flavors emerge to add a bit of complexity.  Meant for near-term consumption, this attractive, forward wine should provide pleasure over the next 4-6 years.

2003 Koonowla Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia
Regular price 26.50; Our price 15.95
Koonowla is one of the six original wineries of Clare Valley, and only the best vineyard parcels were used for the grapes that made this wine.  The bouquet is redolent with blackberry fruit, and hints of cedar spice.  The palate has great depth balanced with ripe acidity and fine tannins. Robert Parker, Jr., of The Wine Advocate, gave this wine a 92-point rating: “The 2003 Shiraz, aged in equal parts American and French oak, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, blockbuster-like force and richness, and noteworthy blackberry liqueur-like notes intermixed with white flowers, smoke, and asphalt.  Chewy, heady, and rich, it is best drunk over the next 7-10 years.  This is a seriously, impressive Shiraz.”