Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, January 7, 2012
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

Our wine tasting events in January will be limited to the first Saturday and the last Saturday, as in between, we will be on vacation. This Saturday we will be pouring some interesting wines that have arrived here recently from south of the equator. I enjoy the crisp whites from South Africa and for reds Argentina and Chile cannot be beat. Join us for a great way to kick off the New Year or, at least, a great way to kick off Saturday night.

2010 Fleur du Cap Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The wine is brilliantly clear and lime green in color with golden highlights. On the nose it teems with herbaceousness and ample green pepper ending with whiffs of rich melon and guava. This medium bodied wine has a crisp acidity which complements the tropical fruit flavors perfectly on the palate. It is the ideal accompaniment to seafood, steamed vegetables and poultry dishes.

2010 Fleur du Cap Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, S. Africa

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

This wine was aged in wood on the lees for only 4 months in order to maintain its fresh crispness. On the nose it displays citrus fruit and melon with a hint of vanilla oak in the background. On the palate it is dry but rounded and packed with apricot and citrus fruit, supported by lovely nut and vanilla oak. It works well with seafood and poultry whether grilled or served in a white creamy sauce.

2010 Apaltagua Pinot Noir Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

The grapes come from Apaltagua’s own vineyard in Tricao in the Curico Valley. This Pinot emphasizes aromas of cherries and raspberries well combined with soft notes of oak. In the mouth it has smooth and elegant tannins that finish soft and delicate for a sophisticated finish. It serves well with Salmon and white meats, especially in red sauces.

2009 Apaltagua Malbec Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

Grown on low ridges at the foot of the coastal mountain range in Maule Valley, this well structured Malbec stands out as a robust and velvety wine with red fruit flavors, such as cherries mingled with plums, truffles and a touch of pepper. It is perfect for grilled red meats and roasts.

2010 Apaltagua Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

This Cabernet Sauvignon, from an excellent vintage, and has a nose of berries with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate. The bouquet is a precursor of what is to be experienced in the mouth, coupled with a ripe stone fruit character. This wine received minimal handling before bottling to preserve its unique body and flavors. This is a nice wine for prime rib with a sane amount of horseradish.

2007 Kaiken “Ultra” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 18.95; our price 14.99

After coating your glass with an opaque purple color, the wine displays an expressive nose of cedar, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Full-bodied on the palate, it has spicy flavors along with good structure, and depth. Eighty percent of this wine was aged in French oak for 12 months which gives it a sophisticated character and a delightfully long after-taste. It received a 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This is your wine for a steak dinner.

Saturday, September 17, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Enjoy these prices by attending today. Limited stock.

$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

It is most satisfying when one finds solid value wines one can use for everyday drinking purposes, or for entertaining as well. There is a great number of under $10.00 Cabs, Merlots, Pinot Noirs and blends, but the vast majority is enough to make a connoisseur cry. So we cheer the occasional solidly made wine that represents good value and satisfies our higher instincts. Check out these fine choices on Saturday and pick out your favorite for discriminate sipping without the negative impact on your finances.

2007 BearBoat Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

List price 9.99; today’s price 8.99

Russian River’s cool climate produces Pinot Noirs that show Bing cherry and strawberry fruit buttressed by solid acidity. BearBoat adds a splash of Gamay into the barrels to add an aromatic lift to what is already a lovely scented wine. The fine tannins add great texture and length to the lithe and fresh wine. There are hints of warm toast and cassis in the nose while the mouth experiences fresh strawberries and raspberries with delicate suggestions of black licorice enhancing the lingering finish.

2007 Domaine Laurier Merlot, Sonoma County

List price 11.00; today’s price 8.99

The wine shows an attractive nose of cherry fruit, along with floral and slightly smoky notes. The palate enjoys strong fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry with lingering hints of vanilla and mocha in the smooth finish.
2010 California State Fair Wine Competition – GOLD MEDAL – 95 Points Best of Class Sonoma Appellations
2010 Los Angeles International Wine Competition – GOLD MEDAL

2007 Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine, Columbia Valley

List price 10.00; today’s price 8.99

The blend in this interesting wine is Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Syrah (31%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (3%), Zinfandel (2%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%). It received an 89-point rating from Wine Spectator: “On the lighter side, showing lovely red berry and sweet red pepper flavors that settle gently onto a bed of silky tannins. Drink now through 2014.”

Fess Parker Winery Frontier Red, Lot 102, Los Olivos

List price 11.99; today’s price 8.99

According to Robert Parker: “One of California’s finest values is Fess Parker’s non-vintage Frontier Red. A kitchen sink blend of mostly Rhone Ranger varietals, it is a dead-ringer for a California-styled Cotes du Rhone. Notes of pepper, black cherries, spice box, roasted herbs, and smoke are present in this lush, medium-bodied, richly fruity offering. Meant to be drunk upon release, it is an ideal choice for shrewd consumers looking for a delicious red that works with an assortment of culinary dishes.” The grapes used are Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignane.

2006 Mankas Hills Vineyard, Suisun Valley

List price 13.00; today’s price 8.99

The 2006 Mankas displays unique character and balance. A wide fruit profile harmonizes with elegantly 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. It won a Silver Medal at the 2009 Pacific Rim Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

2007 Mankas Hills Vineyard, Suisun Valley

List price 13.00; today’s price 8.99

This newly released wine displays a deep ruby red color with well developed fragrance and a very elegant balance of aromas and flavors. Aromas of cherry and plums harmonize with caramel, green olive and vanilla scents. A broad profile of black and red fruit flavors blends well with elegantly smooth yet lively tannins. Black pepper tones lead to an enjoyable, gently astringent finish. The distinct texture and finish partner remarkably well with food without overpowering its taste.
It has won a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Saturday, September 10, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Enjoy an additional 10% discount by attending today.

$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

Show up this Saturday to sample the new vintages from Root: 1 Winery of Chile and enjoy an additional10% discount on all the wines being poured for your tasting enjoyment. Saturday’s selection of reds including the Montes Winery and the Casa Silva are from the warmer Colchagua Valley, the whites are from the cooler Casablanca Valley (think Carneros in California). Chilean and Argentinean wines continue to pave the way for good value wines, that is, low priced wines that are a pleasure to drink. In other words, quality need not be sacrificed in the protection of your expendable income. All this has mad Chile the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world and the ninth largest producer. Hopefully, our summer heat spell will have broken by Saturday, so there will be no excuses for not attending.

2010 Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The aromas are a concentration of tropical fruit and lemon-lime notes. The wine has good acidity with fresh lime and grapefruit, balanced by a soft minerality on the palate. Look for green apple freshness and some grassy herbaceousness. It is bright and crisp with rich fruit expression, and an elegant finish. Works well with a range of lighter styled dishes.

2008 Root: 1 Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The cool coastal vineyards of the Casablanca Valley deliver bright, citrus flavors and characteristic Casablanca acidity while the granite soil imparts hints of minerality and complexity to the final blend. This is an expressive and balanced Chardonnay with melon, honey and toasted hazelnut flavors. Use as an apéritif or with light pasta, grilled seafood, chicken or salad dishes.

2009 Root: 1 Carmenère, Colchagua Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The Root:1 wines are made from grapes grown on their original, ungrafted rootstock, which is pretty normal in Chile but quite rare elsewhere, especially in Europe, which was devastated in the late 1800’s by the root louse, phylloxera. Chile and Argentina do not suffer from this nasty critter. The wine shows dark berries and mocha on the nose, augmented by a subtle smoky quality and a touch of cracked pepper. It is round and fleshy, displaying some dark fruit flavors though no rough edges; in fact it finishes smooth.

2009 Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

This rich blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah shows intense aromas of red fruits and cassis. Soft notes of plum and blackberry are followed by a hint of vanilla. Abundant flavors of ripe cherries and plums up front are supported by balanced acidity, soft tannins and good structure. It is full-bodied with a long and concentrated finish accented by fruit and vanilla notes. Perfect with grilled steak, spicy pork or chicken dishes, and savory garlic or pepper flavors. Pair this wine with ripe cheeses, or even with dark chocolate or rich, creamy desserts.

2009 Montes Cabernet/Carmenère, Colchagua Valley

List price 15.99; our price 13.50; today only 11.99

This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carménerè opens with butterscotch, subtle spice, and integrated vanilla notes. It is an opaque, glass-coating wine exhibiting black fruits, spice and leather. Parker gives it 90 points.

2007 Casa Silva Petit Verdot, Gran Reserva, Colchagua Val.

List price 19.95; our price 16.75; today only 14.99

At the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London in 2000 the Silva family was voted “Best South American Producer”. The family, now in its 4th and 5th generations, picked up a 90 point rating from Parker’s Wine Advocate for this wine. The grape comes from Bordeaux where it is used to add structure to the great Chateau wines. It tastes of blackberry and currant with cinnamon overtones. The balance of tannins and acidity in its structure rises to a long finish

Saturday, September 3, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Enjoy an additional 10% discount by attending today.
Limited stock, come early.

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

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

This is our last month to eliminate stock on hand and to prepare for the purchases next month that will carry us into the holidays. The quality of the selection below is every bit as high as when tasted earlier in the year, yet the price is even sexier. So allow yourselves to be seduced by our tasty all-enveloping wines that will leave you wanting more. It doesn’t get any better than this, and you can compliment yourselves on saving money while on your hedonist pursuit.

2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy

List price 9.95; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

A crisp lemon-blossom bouquet leads into vibrant flavors of citrus, melon and peach and a clean, well-balanced finish. Pinot Grigio is considered a natural mutation of the noble Pinot Noir grape, with berries often tinged cinnamon brown or even slightly grayish purple. It originated in Burgundy where it is called Pinot Gris (gray) and has been planted in Italy since the last century. Now Pinot Grigio is planted widely throughout northeastern Italy, especially Friuli, Trentino and Alto Adige, where it produces superior wines in the cool alpine climate.

2009 LoTengo Torrontés Mendoza, Argentina

List price 999; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

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

2009 Bodega Elena de Mendoza Red Blend, Argentina

List price 9.95; our price 8.50; today only 7.65

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.

2009 GranRojo Garnacha, Castilla, Spain

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

The Rojo Garnacha has pleasant aromas of licorice along with red and black berries filling the nose. Well-rounded and balanced on the palate, it is elegant and fresh. Red fruit, minerals and a hint of fresh thyme linger on the finish. It is surprisingly silky and full-bodied, with a rich varietal expression that glorifies the Grenache grape.

2009 Mirabile Nero D’Avola, Sicilia, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

This Nero d’Avola (literally “the black grape of Avola”) has an intense ruby red color with violet highlights. The scent is elegant, with hints of ripe fruit and spices. It is complex on the palate thanks to polyphenols, (the chemical class of tannins is a subset of polyphenols) sustained by the right degree of tanginess. This is an everyday kind of wine showing good balance, persistence on the finish and representing excellent value.

2008 Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Arg.

List price 20.00; our price 17.99; today only 15.99

Mendoza is by far the largest of Argentina’s wine regions, producing around 70% of the country’s wine. Check out some ratings: 90 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: Medium purple, lots of spice, expressive black fruits, touch of balsamic, underlying structure. 90 points, Wine Spectator: This wine is solid, with dense but polished structure holding the weighty core of plum, fig paste and black currant preserves together. The dark, lengthy finish lets a nice Kenya AA coffee note chime in. Drink now through 2013.

Saturday, August 20, 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

There truly are some very nice wines available in the $10.00 range and even under that price. There is, as well, an inordinate amount of awful offal. Fortunately, we do manage to steer clear of the bottlings that are an insult to the palate. That is not to say that you may find a wine you don’t like at one of our events, but typically that becomes a matter of taste. Some people do not drink white wines and others cannot abide reds. The same with sweet versus dry or with White Zinfandel opposed to the real thing, etc. The purpose of tasting events, where-ever, is to acquaint oneself with a new release or to compare it to yet another. It really is a challenge to learn something about the vast array of wines ever awaiting our pleasure, especially in the affordable range.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

The Marlborough wine growing region, located off the Northern tip of the Southern island, first planted grapevines in 1973 and now more than two thirds of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc vines are grown here. This bottling displays citrus and ripe tropical fruit with some herbal notes. The wine shows flavors of passion fruit, guava and kiwi over a citrus background, the emphasis being toward grapefruit.

Terra d’Oro Rosé, Shenandoah Valley, Amador Co.

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Terra d’Oro Rosé is made mostly of Nebbiolo, the native red grape of Italy’s Piedmont region with 10% Syrah, blended in to deepen the color and focus the strawberry character. The nose entices the senses with strawberry, pink grapefruit, and melon scents. In the mouth, strawberries dominate, leading to a refreshing, just off-dry finish. A joyous sipper that fares well tableside or poolside, this rosé is both a perfect companion to summer weather and to any other time of the year, for that matter.

Pedroncelli Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

It is no secret that this family winery is a favorite of ours. Their wines are fairly priced, usually a bargain, and should you drop in to visit, there is no fee for the pours; reminds me of the good old days. We here are never too far away, time-wise, from a Pedroncelli pour (last week it was the Rosé). This wine shows ripe berry, black plum, and warm spice aromas. It is full flavored and balanced, with cherry, berry, and black pepper spice on the palate. It picked up a Gold Medal at the Indy International Wine Competition.

Domaine Laurier Merlot Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

This Merlot delivers complexity and pleasure on many levels. The aroma of black cherries and chocolate is very prevalent and the taste continues with a refreshing hint of chocolate mint. The finish is sturdy with rich, pleasing tannins and a spicy, vanilla note. Beef Wellington, rack of lamb, and stuffed pork loin are just a few of the many dishes that are worthy of such a refined and delicious wine. LA Int’l Wine Competition 94 rating with a GOLD MEDAL and BEST OF CLASS.

Domaine Laurier Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

This Cab opens with berry aromas and subtle hints of toast crescendo into a palate of fresh strawberries, boysenberries, and mocha, gracefully ending with a light, balanced astringency. The blend is: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest being mostly Petite Sirah and Tannat, with a splash of Malbec. At the Los Angeles International Wine Competition the wine scored a 93 rating and won a GOLD MEDAL and the BEST OF CLASS.

Plungerhead Zinfandel, Old Vine, Lodi

List price 14.99; our price 9.99

This lovely Lodi Zinfandel is sealed with the inventive new Zork enclosure (a cork that needs no corkscrew: just pull at the z, unwind, and pop the top). The Sebastiani Family, given their somewhat silly sense of humor, noticed that the Zork looked rather like, well, a plunger. So they simply couldn’t resist naming it after their loyal winery employee Eddie Plongerheid and coming up with the silly little graphic on the front label. OK…I’m buying it. The warm, often hot, climate of Lodi is particularly suited for producing good Zinfandel, a hearty grape that loves the sun and needs plenty of it to ripen to full-bodied, spiced plum perfection. DEEP DISCOUNTED PRICE, so don’t prevaricate on this one.

Saturday, August 13, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Today only receive an extra 10% discount

$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

What could be more versatile than a wine that is perfectly charming to sip on its own, well chilled, or that will accompany a wide range of foods including fish, fowl, white meats and a plethora of veggie meals. Almost any red grape will produce a good rosé—as you will experience from the wines below. There are three methods for making a rosé: simply mixing red and white wines, stopping the fermentation of red grapes early and, my favorite, the saignée method whereby the rosé is “bled” from the red wine fermenter at exactly the perfect time. This latter method has an added benefit in allowing for a greater concentration in the make-up of the finished red wine. Ultimately though, who cares? What really matters is the wonderful dry fruity beverage that is easy to drink and makes you feel good.

Mionetto Rosato del Veneto, Valdobbiadene, Italy

List price 12.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

This lightly sparkling rosé is made from the rosado grapes of the Veneto: Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella, the three main red grapes of Valpolicella and Amarone. It is a soft sparkler produced in the Prosecco style with a low alcohol, in this case, 10.5%. It has been a while since we served up this wine and the time is right for a revisit.

Cordorniu Pinot Noir Cava, Brut, Spain

List price 14.99; our price 13.50; today only 11.99

This is a marvelous sparkling wine. It never ceases to satisfy. Cordorniu makes several sparklers, but the Reserve White (Raventos) and the Pinot Noir Brut are exceptional, and are a high value consideration. The pale pink colored wine is refreshingly crisp and elegant with plenty of fresh raspberries and black currants.

2009 Bodega Norton Rosado Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 9.95; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

This winery at the foothills of the Andes produces some of the best red wine of Argentina. Surely it follows that its rosés’ should be of the finest as well. We served this recently with other Argentine wines and wanted to see how well it holds up against other rosés. Besides, I wasn’t here for that event. There is ample red fruit within this dry delivery, but will it hold up to the California rosés to follow?

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

We don’t see a lot of Zinfandel rosé, and after tasting this value packed bottle, I can’t imagine why. Pedroncelli draws grapes from the Dry Creek area near Geyserville in Sonoma County; some of the best Zin grapes in California. The wine is refreshingly crisp and elegant with plenty of fresh raspberries and black currants to delight the palate.

2008 Terra d’Oro Rosé, Shenandoah Valley, Amador Co.

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Terra d’Oro Rosé is made mostly of Nebbiolo, the native red grape of Italy’s Piedmont region with 10% Syrah, blended in to deepen the color and focus the strawberry character. The nose entices the senses with strawberry, pink grapefruit, and melon scents. In the mouth, strawberries dominate, leading to a refreshing, just off-dry finish. A joyous sipper that fares well tableside or poolside, this rosé is both a perfect companion to summer weather and to any other time of the year, for that matter.

2010Toad Hollow Pinot Noir Rosé “Eye of the Toad”

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The wine has good body and weight for a Rosé of Pinot Noir. It displays a nose of rose petals and violets. Whether in sun or no-sun, this is a truly dry, uncomplicated statement of Pinot Noir at its lightest and most delicate. Spice and pepper bring out the wonderful wild strawberry flavors. It goes great with sushi and wasabi or spicy Thai food.

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

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

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

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

2007 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Big Tail Blend, SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

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

2009 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Red Blend,SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

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

2004 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, McLaren Vale

List price 19.99; our price 17.95

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

2006 Yangarra Shiraz, Single Vineyard, McLaren Vale

List price 20.95; our price 17.99

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

2008 Molly Dooker, Two Left Feet, McLaren Vale

List price 24.95; our price 19.99

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

2006 Flinders Run Shiraz, South Australia

List price 29.50; our price 19.99

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

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

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

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

2009 Lo Tengo Torrontés, Mendoza

List price 10.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 Norton Rosado Malbec Mendoza

List price 9.95; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

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

2009 Kaiken Malbec, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75; today only 9.69

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

2008 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75 today only 9.69

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

2009 Pascual Toso Malbec, Reserve, Mendoza

List price 19.95; our price 18.50; today only 16.65

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

2007 Bodega Norton Privada, Mendoza

List price 22.00; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

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

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

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

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

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

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

2008 Piola Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 8.95; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

2006 Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 13.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

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

List price 13.95; our price 11.50; today only 9.99

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

2008 Molly Dooker Cabernet, The Maitre D’, Australia

List price 24.95; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

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

2006 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, Celestus, Paso Robles

List price 39.95; our price 29.99; today only 26.99

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

Saturday, July 2, 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

Excluding the horrific white Zinfandel, this wonderful grape can produce a wide range of expression that no other varietal can match. Beginning with rosé, Zinfandel can be vinified through light to medium types and on to the deep highly extracted ripe wines that Zin aficionados crave, ending with the late harvest and port version. These being hot summer days, we will concentrate on the lighter end of the spectrum and enjoy tasting Zins that are appropriate for the barbeque or simply sipping on their own. We are not above putting a light chill on some of these wines.

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel Sonoma

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

This bottle opens with aromas of just-picked strawberries. In the mouth, red raspberry, currant and plum flavors are highlighted in this crisp enjoyable wine. The potpourri of fruit will, with time, take on a jammy element, but who’s going to wait that long? This is a highly versatile wine that serves up well with many kinds of food and stands very well on its own. If you are outside on a hot day, pour it over the rocks.

Rex-Goliath Zinfandel, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

Fruit was sourced from throughout the state of California to make this wine. Each viticultural area brings something unique to the blend: the old-vine fruit from Lodi provides an abundance of ripe blackberry and cherry flavors, the Central Coast provides earthy, spice, coffee/mocha notes and the “dry farmed” fruit from the Sierra Foothills provides the depth and complexity which really rounds out the flavor profile. This wine drinks well all by itself, but really opens up when complemented by beef stew, barbecued ribs or slow roasted pork tenderloin.

2005 Mazzocco Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 18.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Mazzocco is a small family winery located in the Russian River area of Sonoma County. The fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards within the Sonoma County appellation. This is the lightest Zin in their Zin arsenal, some of which are mighty big wines. It has nice plumy notes and comes across as a good pizza wine, or perhaps to have with burgers.

2008 Leese-Fitch Zinfandel California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

This Zinfandel blend has intriguing aromas of wild raspberry, smoky cedar, strawberry jam, clove spice, and white pepper. Much of the fruit comes from an old vineyard in the Amador Foothills. There is a noticeable brambly spice with dark currants, candied cranberry, wild strawberry, dark caramel, cinnamon roll, and savory rhubarb. The finish lingers with plums and black cherries. This is great grilling wine. The smoky oak notes of this Zin would pair wonderfully with the caramelized flavors in glazed ribs, chicken, or pork. Another fun pairing for this wine would be with Mexican dishes.

2008 Four Vines Zinfandel, Old Vine Cuvée, California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Combining old vine fruit from across the state, this Cuvée has a plump nose of briar fruit and licorice with a hint of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. In the mouth, there’s a nice black pepper spice to complement the blackberry and plum fruit, with more baking spice and vanilla notes. This has long been a store favorite seller alongside the powerhouse specialty bottlings: Biker, Maverick, Sophisticate and Dusi.

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, California

List price 14.95; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

Dry-farmed, old-head-trained vines in Lodi and Amador produce intense, structured fruit while the Napa Valley harvest adds power, depth and complexity. Fruit from the cooler climate of Sonoma County offers classic Zinfandel aromatics of pepper and anise. Together, these diverse regions produce a Zinfandel packed with flavors of licorice, plums, Bing cherries and blackberries with a deep, long finish. This received an Editors’ Choice rating from Wine Enthusiast: “A great Zinfandel for the price. It’s dry and elegant, with a mouthfeel somewhere between Pinot Noir and Merlot. Really balanced with soft tannins and acids framing oak-tinged berry and spice flavors.”