Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, October 10, 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

Join us Saturday when Stacy Manley of Anders-Lane Artisan Wines introduces some of the fine wineries she represents.  The four wineries we will be discussing we have carried on and off in the past and revisiting the brands now is simply a continuation of a respectful love affair.  All the wines are exceptional and priced in range from 10.00 to 25.00.

2008 Mahoney Vineyards Vermentino, Las Brisas V., Carneros

List price 16.00; our price 12.95

Vermentino, also known as Rolle in France, commonly comes from the island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy, where it produces light white wines redolent of lemon and lime leaves with an almost salty mineral twang.  Francis Mahoney formerly the owner of Carneros Creek Winery, appointed Ken Foster, veteran Pinot Noir winemaker, to oversee production at Mahoney Vineyards in June, 2002.  Foster, the winemaker/production manager from David Bruce winery in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains had been making wine there for 15 years.  This California version from Las Brisas Vineyard exhibits white peaches and citrus flavors with lovely floral notes and a refreshingly crisp finish.

2006 Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir, Carneros

List price 24.00; our price 18.99

The best of 40 lots of Pinot Noir from Mahoney Ranch and Las Brisas Vineyard are blended into this complex wine, showcasing seven distinct clones grown in diverse microclimates and soils.  The wine displays wonderfully structured mouthfeel accompanied by layer upon layer of abundant red fruit flavors and varietal spice.  It won a double gold medal (Best of Class) at the 2009 West Coast Wine Competition.

2007 Waterstone Vintners Pinot Noir, Carneros

List price 25.00; our price 21.00

Waterstone Vintners is a collaboration formed in 2000 between veteran winemaker Philip Zorn and longtime wine executive Brent Shortridge.  The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine were grown on hillside vineyards in the cool Carneros region.  Dark plums, cherry, cola and leather are present in this wine’s aroma.  The soft vanilla tones from the oak blend perfectly with the intense fruit core and soft tannins, providing complexity and balance, leading to a lingering finish.  This wine was awarded the Chairman’s Award, Unanimous Gold at the 2009 Riverside International Wine Competition.

2006 Mandolin Merlot, Central Coast

List price 12.00; our price 9.95

The vineyards for this wine were selected to give the wine a desired complexity and flavor.  20% of the merlot was sourced from the Carneros region, contributing intensity and richness to the balance, which was sourced from Lodi.  It is a fruit-forward wine softened by aging in small oak barrels.  Ripe cherry, currant, and black berry fruit lead to a lingering finish in this rich wine.

2005 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

List price 27.00; our price 23.00

While a majority of grapes were sourced from Oakville and Rutherford, vineyards from Coombsville to Diamond Mountain contributed to the final blend (88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot).  The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 18 months (80% new barrels).  Aromas of cedary oak, currants, black cherries and ripe plums are rich and concentrated on the palate.  The firm tannins underlying the wine’s core provide balance, leading to a long, lingering finish.

2005 Haywood Estate Zinfandel, Los Chamizal Vineyard, Sonoma

List price 28.00; our price 24.00

The grapes of Los Chamizal are grown on rock terraces in the Mayacamas Mountains high above the town of Sonoma.  In 1991, during a shaky period in the industry, Peter Haywood chose to sell his wine brand to an international corporation.  In early 2008, Peter Haywood reacquired the brand, this time from Beam Wine Estates.  Spectator writers Jim Laube and Tim Fish awarded the 2005 Los Chamizal 93 points and selected it among their 13 favorite zinfandels of the vintage. Laube had previously described Los Chamizal as “Great Zinfandel from a special site.”

Saturday, May 30, 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

We may specialize in California wines but it is always instructive to experience what Oregon and Washington are doing.  So, this Saturday we are pulling from recent arrivals and providing a thumb-nail sketch of varietals and styles along the Pacific coast.  All are different varietals with one exception: a red blend of five grapes from the state of Washington.

2007 King Estate Pinot Gris, Oregon
Regular price 17.95; our price 12.99
My favorite Pinot Gris from King Estate is the Domaine bottling which sells for over $20.00 and is spectacular.  However, the Signature Collection being poured today is no slouch.  Enjoying an 89-point rating, the wine offers a bouquet of ripe peach, sweet grapefruit, orange blossom and tropical fruit.  In the mouth, the wine is lively and tasting of citrus/tropical fruit, kiwi and pear.  The long, cool growing season allowed for balanced acid with a nice mouth-coating texture.

2007 Columbia Winery Cellarmaster’s Riesling, Washington
Regular price 11.95; our price 9.99
This wine is almost clear in color as Rieslings have very little pigment and are generally tank fermented.  The grapes for this wine were selected because of their higher acidity, which emphasizes the apricot, peachy flavors and creates a good match for strong cheeses, desserts or extremely spicy/Asian foods.  The aroma is floral with hints of peach, quince, lime and clove.  It has rich and full-flavored fruit on the palate and is balanced by refreshing, crisp acidity.

2006 Montevina Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Regular price 9.99; our price 7.99
This wine offers ripe cherry aromas, complex flavors, silky tannins and some age potential.  It is forward with wild currant and plum flavors as well as hints of allspice and dark chocolate on the palate.  Nice for the price.

2006 Napa Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley
Regular price 18.95; our price 14.99
Move south a little in the valley where the San Pablo Bay cools the vineyards in the afternoon and you have perfect Merlot weather.  The majority of this blend hails from these cooler regions in Napa Valley, such as Oak Knoll and Carneros.  This wine is classic Napa Valley Merlot with a deep ruby-red color; aromas of tart red cherry with hints of black tea and cinnamon-vanilla spice joining the supple tannins on the palate.

2006 Three Rivers Winery River’s Red, Washington
Regular price 15.00; our price 12.99
Five grapes formed this Columbia Valley blend: Syrah 48%, Cabernet Sauvignon 23%, Cabernet Franc 18%, Malbec 9% and Petit Verdot 2%.  It earned 89-points in Wine Spectator: “On the lighter side, but shows nicely focused blueberry and plum fruit, typical of Syrah with a bit more restraint, and firm tannins to lift the finish. Drink now through 2011.”

2007 Frei Brothers Zinfandel, Reserve, Dry Creek Valley
Regular price 19.95; our price 15.99
By 1895, Andrew Frei was producing 20,000 cases of high quality wine stored in huge redwood casks.  In 1903, Frei turned the business over to his two sons, Walter and Louis and the winery was officially named Frei Bros.  In the 1930’s, Julio Gallo entered a deal with the Frei brothers to buy all the wine they could produce.  Knowing the fine potential of the property, E. & J. Gallo Winery bought the winery in 1978.  The quality level has never wavered since.  Robert Parker rated the wine at 90 points: “A super bargain, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Zinfandel exhibits a spicy, flowery bouquet of blue and red fruits, gritty/robust flavors, abundant fruit, and an exuberant, lively finish with no hard edges. The alcohol is relatively restrained for a Zinfandel, and the wine is seamlessly constructed. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. One of the best value producers in the Gallo empire is the Frei Brothers Reserve.” (12/08)

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, April 25, 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 once again be visited by a representative of importer Quintessential Wines.  Our host on this occasion will be Michael Vlasquez.  He will be pouring and discussing wines from France and Argentina, and, as the company represents some California wineries as well, we’ve chosen a big red from Sonoma County and another from Napa.  This event displays little rhyme or reason, just an appreciation of some fine wines and excellent values. 

2007 Les Jamelles Cinsault Rosé, Vin de Pay d’Oc, France
Regular price 11.95 Our price 8.99
Les Jamelles has been producing handcrafted varietal wines in the Pays d’Oc, in the South of France, since 1991.  The Pays d’Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon), the biggest vineyard region in the world, boasts a wide range of geographic features, from the sunny beaches on the Mediterranean Sea to the plains of Béziers, to the banks of the Rhône to the Pyrenees Mountains. As in Burgundy, the region offers numerous terroirs and microclimates, allowing for a wide range of wines to be produced.  This rosé is made in the saignée method from the Cinsault grape and features cherries, raspberries and orange blossoms yet remains fresh, tart and dry.

2007 Les Jamelles Pinot Noir, Vin de Pay de l’Aude, France
Regular price 11.95 Our price 8.99
From the cool slopes of the Aude Valley comes this well made Pinot reminiscent of raspberries and prunes.  It has a lush roundness moving towards cherry notes and features a lingering finish of jam with a hint of anise.  It is a versatile wine for service with chicken, game, duck and pork.

2008 Elsa Bianchi Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 11.95 Our price 8.99
The classic Malbec aromas of ripe plum and violets are evident in the nose, along with hints of vanilla. The beauty of the Malbec in Argentina is its ability to combine a rich, weighty mouth feel with a soft silkiness normally associated with lighter wines. Elsa Malbec takes the promise of the nose through to the palate, with pleasing fruit that mimics the aroma. The soft, supple palate leads to a lingering finish that cries out for more.

2003 Source-Napa Meritage, “Heritage Sites”, Napa V.
Regular price 38.00 Our price 29.50
Partners Bill Davies and Tom Gamble met on the first day of nursery school in the Napa Valley in 1965.  On the label is a picture of the two boys at play at that nursery school.  Forty years later the two find themselves partners in a winery that produces Bordeaux styled wines.  The Davies family owns Schramsberg Vineyards and Tom Gamble’s family has farmed in Napa Valley since 1916.  The blend in this bottling is Merlot 74%, Cabernet Sauvignon 24% and Cabernet Franc 2%.  There is a sweet spiciness in the nose, and in the mouth there is lots of leather, cedar and oak to go with the red fruit.

2006 Eponymous Red Wine, Macallister Vineyard, Sonoma V.
Regular price 45.00 Our price 29.95
Eponymous means “one for whom something is named”.  When the Robert Pepi family sold their winery in Napa, the exclusive use of the name went with the winery; thus the name on this label.  The grapes come from a single vineyard, MacAllister Vineyard, near the ridge of the Mayacamas Range on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder.  The wine displays cassis, spicy oak notes, orange peel, slight camphor, raspberries and hints of vanilla and cloves as it opens.  It has excellent body and structure with the flavors following the aromas and added nuances of chocolate and allspice.  The mouthfeel has the elegance and balance that is the hallmark of a fine red Bordeaux blend with a lush entry and continuing through the mid-palate and on to a long, pleasing finish.

Valentine Bianchi White Wine, “New Age”, Mendoza, Argentina
Regular price 11.95 Our price 8.99
We asked Michael to repeat a pouring of this wine because it is quite charming.  It is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Malvasia (50%). The fruit is hand picked followed by crushing, cooling of crushed grapes, and pressing. Fermentation begins by inoculating with selected yeasts.  Halfway through the fermentation process, the wine is centrifuged (spun) to halt fermentation, creating a slightly sweet, semi-sparkling wine. It exhibits aromas of fresh flowers and fruit, crisp, yet soft in the finish.  Try serving on the rocks with a slice of lime.

Saturday, April 18, 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 are featuring an assortment of very fine Northern California wines at substantial discount; reflecting at the least a savings of 25%.  Three whites and three reds, all different varietals, will make up the tasting event.�
Next week we will once again be visited by a representative of importer Quintessential Wines.  There will be wines from France and Argentina, and, as the company represents some California wineries as well, we’ve chosen a big red from Sonoma County and another from Napa.

2008 Chateau Julien Pinot Grigio, Carmel
Special price 11.95
The winery began producing Pinot Grigio with the first Estate Vineyard harvest in 1998. It has been growing in popularity ever since.  Cold fermented using Pris de Mousse yeast and bottled directly from stainless steel tanks six months after harvest, this wine is consistently clean and straightforward upon release.  It is a pleasant fruit-forward wine with fresh melon and lively peach aromas to complement crisp citrus flavors.  Its full texture is ripe through the finish with good acidity and balance.

2007 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc, Sonoma
Special price 9.99
At first swirl, the 2007 vintage presents intense aromas of lemon-lime, ruby grapefruit and fresh cut grass.  After a couple of minutes in the glass, more subtle hints of kiwi and guava begin to reveal a complex wine.  On the palate, this wine is truly delicious with excellent viscosity and length showing more fresh fruit flavors and a very balanced acidity.  This amazing wine won the Sweepstakes Award for white wines at the prestigious Sonoma County Harvest Fair.  Imagine this ten dollar wine outclassing all the great Northern California Chardonnays.

2005 Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay, Vineburg, Carneros
Special price 19.99
This is the second vintage for Silverado from this wonderful vineyard.  The winemaker created a food friendly Chardonnay by fermenting in stainless steel barrels and stirring the lees weekly, to retain freshness and build mid-palate texture.  Up front the wine shows apple and orange blossom aromas proceeding to vanilla and oak in the background.  Stone and mineral aromas echo on the palate.  The balanced acidity and a silky mid-palate lead to a zesty finish that leaves you wanting more.

2007 Ramsay Winery Pinot Noir, North Coast
Special price 14.99
The very excellent winemaker for this wine is Kent Rasmussen of Napa.  The Ramsay label is actually his second label but the wine in the bottle is a good indicator of what he can do with this grape.  The nose shows classic Pinot Noir notes of raspberry and cherry, with lots of earthiness and lovely toasty oak.  The mouth explodes with blueberry, Bing cherry, anise and toast.  Even more striking is the depth and richness of the mouth-feel. The wine is very fruity, with blackberry characters and a big, rich, tarry and solid balance. The warm mantle of oak is refined and quite opulent.

2001 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Special price 24.99
The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California.  The historic site where Josephine’s winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. The 2001 Cabernet displays nuances of dark cherry and nicely-integrated oak with a background of black currant and cassis.  It has a very fruitful entry, is crisp, with a long finish, and promises a long life of enjoyment.

2006 August Briggs Zinfandel, Old Vine, Napa
Special price 27.00
Owner August “Joe” Briggs started out as a Pinot Noir specialist first at Alpine Vineyards in Oregon and then at La Crema in Sonoma County.  In 2002 Joe located a small parcel of land on the southern edge of Calistoga, and built a simple but state-of-the-art winery there that is his home today. This Zin is very fragrant with rose, perfume, and black cherry as well as hints of leather and cedar. On the palate it is flashy and expressive with flavors of wild berries, currant, and mocha. The finish is long and chocolaty.  This is classic California Zin from two old and venerable vineyards in Napa Valley.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

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

Following is the list of the Cabernet Sauvignons numbered 1 through 6 in the order in which they were tasted.  Each bottling reflects its own price bracket: under five, five to ten, ten to fifteen, fifteen to twenty, twenty to twenty-five and twenty-five to thirty.  Prices and notes on the wines are as follows.

#1 South Coast Winery 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon,
Wild Horse Peak
24.99
This block of plantings receives more sunlight than the other blocks of this Temecula vineyard and the wine is very ripe and big, a convincing argument for the whole South Coast region.  It displays classic Cab aromas and flavors in a wine of style and substance, at a great price.  Owing to its age, the fruit is shifting to the dried fruit end of the spectrum.  From one of owner Jim Carter’s prize vineyard blocks.

#2 Copperidge Vineyards n.v. Cabernet Sauvignon
4.50
This product by Gallo is oriented towards the restaurant trade and frequently is better than some of the higher level lines such as Turning Leaf.  The wine is medium-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plums, grapes and cherry fruit; a hint of spice.  Soft and supple tannins make for an easy drinking, everyday wine.

#3 Peju Province 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
29.95
This wine has notes of deep, dark blackberry and plum with hints of vanilla, tobacco and spice. It has a smooth supple entry with a rich, round mid-palate that is elegant in style, finishing with soft lingering tannins.

#4 Murphy-Goode 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon,
Alexander Valley
18.99
This wine has a soft texture and rich flavors of sweet black fruit and spice.  Its soft, rich tannins make it a very approachable wine that is ready to drink now but equally suitable for hanging onto for years.

#5 Castoro 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
12.99
The grapes had great intensity and color.  This wine is packed with rich berry and full fruit capped with a toasty oak note. The finish fills your mouth with lush flavors that are not blown away with excessive tannins.  Gold Medal at the Editors Choice Wine Competition. 

#6 Aquinas 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
9.99
This Cabernet has a bouquet filled with aromas of blackberries, fresh figs, cedar oak, and hints of minerals and earthy notes.  From the first sip, this wine reveals enveloping flavors of currant, blackberries, black olives, tobacco, and toasted walnuts, finishing with rich French oak and subtle cloves.

Saturday, May 3, 2008
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

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

This Saturday we are pouring wines that should find some appeal with everyone. The white, the rosé and the sparkling wine are perfect for warm weather use as are the reds which are rich but not heavy. Some are new releases and all are new arrivals worthy of our scrutiny. Otherwise, it is a good excuse to gather and drink some good wine. Do join us.

2006 Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc, Napa
11.99
Owned and operated by Irit and Ernie Weir, this winery, founded in 1979, is adjacent to the Oak Knoll district and south of Stag’s Leap. On the nose, this aromatic Sauvignon Blanc shows pineapple, key lime, and mandarin orange. It fills the palate with a well integrated and creamy mix of apricot, citrus, grapefruit, and tangelo.
This wine scored 95 Points and was awarded a gold medal at the California State Fair Wine Competition.

2007 Francis Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs
14.99
Coppola’s Sofia Blanc de Blancs, a blend of Pinot Blanc (82%), Sauvignon Blanc (10%) and Muscat (8%), is a delicate sparkling wine whose fruit is grown in the cool vineyards of the Arroyo Seco in northern Monterey County. Known for its Burgundian-like climate, Monterey offers ideal conditions for Pinot Blanc, including a long growing season and soils that accentuate the alluring floral characteristics inherent in this varietal. The wine shows fresh aromas of peaches, apricots, and tropical fruit, as well as a light perfume of lemon cream. It is vibrant and crisp, displaying bright flavors on the palate and notes of honeysuckle on the finish.

2006 Iron Horse Rosato di Sangiovese, Alexander Valley
9.99
This is an exciting, vibrant rosé made from Sangiovese bled off the fermentation tanks. It has an intense strawberry bouquet, followed by rich, fruity, dry, fresh flavors. Wine Enthusiast magazine awarded the wine 89 points and “Best Buy.” It has been recommended in Gourmet Magazine, Wine Spectator, and the San Diego Tribune. Unfortunately, this is the last vintage of this bottling owing to a divorce in the family. There were only a few cases left which are all here.

2005 Crescendo Hills Vineyard “Bangin Red”, Napa
9.99
This wine offers explosive ripe, rich fruit from the Napa Valley and the North Coast of California’s wine growing region at a price that defines “value”. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Cabernet Franc (19%), Merlot (19%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (5%) and Zinfandel (7%), seamlessly put together by importer TGIC at a custom crush facility in Napa.

2006 Red Rock Winery Merlot, Reserve, Sonoma
9.99
The blend here is Merlot (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2.5%), Petit Syrah (2%) and Syrah (.5%) and at this price it is a “steal”. Lush concentrations of black cherry, plum and boysenberry are complemented by soft, rounded tannins. Body and flavor are perfectly matched and balanced, achieving a delicate harmony, not only in your mouth but in your wallet.

2004 Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
17.95
Hillside and bench-land vineyards on the eastern slope of the Alexander Valley were used to create this wine of soft texture and rich flavors. Small lots of Merlot and Petit Verdot were blended-in for added complexity. Layers of sweet black fruit and spice are the distinguishing features of this Cab. Its soft, rich tannins make it a very approachable wine that is ready to drink now but equally suitable for hanging onto for years.

Saturday, April 5, 2008
4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person

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

Join us this Saturday to meet with John Arnold, one of the owners of J. Lohr Winery, to discuss the history of the winery and its progenitor, Jerry Lohr. In 1972 and 1973, Jerry planted 280 acres of wine grapes in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, and in 1974 completed his winery in San Jose. In 1988, property near Paso Robles was purchased, now encompassing 2,000 acres of vineyards, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals, and an adjacent winery and barrel facility was built. Also in 1988, Jerry began expansion of his vineyards in the Arroyo Seco, which now includes 900 acres. There are two tasting rooms; one in San Jose and one in Paso Robles.

2005 J. Lohr Chardonnay, Rivesrstone, Arroyo Seco
$9.99
This marks the twentieth year of production of the Riverstone Chardonnay from the vineyards in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County. The result is a complex and nuanced Chardonnay with an abundance of Arroyo Seco fruit, with subtle barrel fermentation and malolactic character. All the wine was barrel fermented in a combination of French and American oak at 55 to 65°F. 60% of Chardonnay went through malolactic fermentation in barrel. After blending, the wine was aged 9 months in combined French and American oak. This is a great price!

2005 J. Lohr Chardonnay, October Night, Arroyo Seco
$23.50
The vineyard producing the grapes for this wine is comprised largely of Dijon Clone, known also as the Musqué Clone, which produces a very distinctive and attractive, sometimes powerful floral character. The grapes are harvested and pressed at night then fermented in new and second year French oak barrels. Another 6 months of aging in neutral French oak barrels and the wine is bottled. It is lush, aromatic and full bodied and reluctant to leave after a long finish.

2007 J. Lohr Valdiquie, Arroyo Seco
$7.99
Originally thought to be the Gamay Noir grape of France’s Beaujolais winegrowing region, U.C. Davis has since identified this grape to be Valdiguié from an area in the southwest of France. Regardless of its origin and identity, Valdiguié grown in the windy, cold Arroyo Seco produces a wine reminiscent of the ‘Crus’ of Beaujolais: Morgon, Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent. The wine displays enticing berry fruit flavors with a vibrant acidity and soft tannins.

2005 J. Lohr Zinfandel, Old Vines, Paso Robles
$14.95
The twisted and gnarled 30-year old Zinfandel vines of the Pleasant Valley ranch, located east of Paso Robles in the Estrella Hills, are characterized by more of the jammy fruit spectrum of berry flavors and aromas. The wine’s aroma is characterized by Zinfandel’s spicy red fruits with blackberry and raspberry complimented by licorice and black tea spice. The palate has a soft, plump texture with mid-palate weight.

2006 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Oaks, Paso Robles
$13.50
An abundance of dark cherry, black currant and berry fruit greets the nose, enhanced by spicy cedar, vanilla and toasty notes. On the palate, the fruit follows through with full weight and a lingering intensity and balance from the tannins. This wine is ready to be enjoyed now, or be cellared for 5 years.

2003 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Carol’s Vineyard, Napa
$35.00
This Cab has dark red color with excellent depth. The aroma is dominated by cherry and currant fruit with hints of vanilla and spice coming from the well-seasoned oak. On the palate, the fruit is again dominant from the front to rear palate. The tannins are soft, but complement the full palate and add substance to the finish and length of the wine. The high ratio of Petit Verdot fruit (15%) enhances the wine’s breadth but also ensures that it ages well for the next 15 years.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person

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

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

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

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

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

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

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