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 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, June 11, 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

Marin-based Cabernet Corporation is not your typical wine importer. The company has been privately owned by the Axelsen family since its inception in 1980. Among its ownership holdings are the LaPlaya Winery (in a joint venture partnership with two Chilean partners, the Sutil and Errazuriz families. of Chile) the Don Rodolfo Winery of Argentina, the Belasco de Baquedano Winery of Argentina and others. Soren Axelsen had lived in Chile in the ’50s and recalled the great wines he was drinking there even back then. In 1987, when the Chilean political climate opened up significantly, Soren went to Chile as one of its first foreign investors.

2010 Viña La Playa Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

Colchagua Valley is home to Viña La Playa Winery & Hotel. Besides visiting a world-class vineyard, one can enjoy the Four-Star accommodations, beautifully situated on the banks of the Tinguiririca River, near Lake Rapel. 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 age of the vines is 18 years, and the grape yield is 6.5 tons per acre. The wine was aged for 3 months in stainless steel.

2010 Viña La Playa Chardonnay, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

For lovers of “unoaked” Chardonnay this is a perfectly marvelous deal. A fresh, fruit-oriented nose suggests pears and peaches, while on the palate it is bright and full, boasting candied citrus and pears. The grapes are from the same 18 year old vineyard as the Sauvignon Blanc and the grape yield is held to 6 tons per acre. Stainless steel for 3 months.

2009 Viña La Playa Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

The grapes for this wine were planted 19 years ago and are allowed a yield of 5 tons an acre. The wine spends 8 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by 1 month with French and American oak. The aroma begins with briary black berry fruits, then introduces some meaty character and proceeds to dried citrus rind. In the mouth it is fruity and round, with soft tannins and a long, savory finish. The short period of oaking accentuates the fruity character of the wine.

2009 Viña La Playa Cabernet, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

The 18 year old vines yield 4.5 tons per acre. The Cab has an attractive, deep ruby red color. On the nose it is expressive and complex, displaying notes of candy, raisins, toast and tobacco. On the palate, it is round and robust, with an excellent structure, and hinting at mocha coffee in the flavorful, long finish. There is no wood ageing which goes to show how well a wine can display mature tannins that are the result of contact with seeds and skins, and not wood.

2010 Viña Cornejo Costas “Don Rodolfo” Malbec, Salta, Argentina

List price 12.00; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

This winery and vineyard in the Cafayate Valley is at 5900 feet which is a seriously high altitude. The winery is about 200 years old, making it the oldest winery in the valley, yet is endowed with state of the art facilities. The age of the vineyard is 20 years and the grapes are harvested by hand at 5 tons per acre. The wine is very fruity on the nose, with hints of plums, peppers and spices. It shows good volume in the mouth, is well structured and has a well-balanced finish. It was aged for 8 months in stainless steel.

2009 Belasco de Baquedano Malbec, “Llama”, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 12.95; our price 10.99; today only 9.89

This Mendoza vineyard goes back nearly 100 years and is a true expression of Andean old vine Malbec. The “Llama” explodes with flavors of black berries, ripe plums and robust spices. It is an elegant wine showing good balance and structure and a long rewarding finish. It was aged 6 months in French oak. Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 90-point rating: “Purple color; spicy black fruit and floral aromas, supple, easygoing, with incipient complexity.”

Saturday, May 21, 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,
while stock lasts.

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

Chile is well represented in the US with numerous brands offering several levels of mainstream varietals at good prices. The region has a long viticultural history dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis Vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-19th century, French wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak barrels for aging. Wine exports grew very quickly as quality wine production increased. The number of wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 90 in 2007. Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world, and the ninth largest producer. Cabernet Sauvignon leads with 39.1% of total production. Sauvignon Blanc is next with 14.3%. Merlot, Chardonnay, and Carmenère follow with 13.3, 11.2 and 8.7% of total production.

2008 Toro de Piedra Chardonnay, Curico Valley

List price 14.95; our price 11.99; today only 10.79

On the nose it is very intense with hints of pineapple, lemon, almond flowers and vanilla. Opening on the palate it shows a crisp acidity and is rich, round and creamy with flavors of baked apple, pear and spice. The wine has a long lingering finish while maintaining its freshness with notes of white fruits and vanilla.

2008 Puerto Viejo Cabernet Sauvignon, Curico Valley

List price 9.95; our price 7.99; today only 7.19

This Cab dwells at the lighter end of the spectrum showing hints of coffee, toasted almonds, licorice and cherries. On the palate this wine is upfront with mature tannins and a velvety texture. It has a persistent and harmonious finish and should prove a good everyday non-contemplative wine.

2010 Santa Carolina Pinot Noir, Maule Valley

List price 10.00; our price 8.99; today only 8.09

Red ruby in color, the Reserva Pinot Noir has aromas of raspberries and white pepper with a soft hint of oak. On the palate, this medium bodied wine shows ripe fruit characters that are well balanced with the harmonious acid.

2009 Terra Andina Carmenère, Central Valley

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Jammy red and dark berries show well on the nose, with gentle spiciness building in the glass. The wine is creamy and fruity, with vivid raspberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins are very mild and the acid balance keeps the wine lively. This is a pretty amazing bargain and extremely easy to drink.

2008 Root 1 Carmenère, Colchagua Valley

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The wine shows dark berries and mocha on the nose, augmented by a subtle smoky quality and a touch of cracked pepper. Round and fleshy, it displays slightly loose-knit dark fruit flavors but with no rough edges. It finishes smooth, with a modest persistence

2007 Casa Silva Petit Verdot, Colchagua Valley

List price 19.95; our price 16.75; today only 14.99

Wine Spectator Magazine gave this wine a 90+ rating: “The Silva family emigrated from France in the 1920’s bringing their winemaking expertise along. Deep ruby with blue hues. On the nose, fruity, fresh, with notes of black fruits and cinnamon. On the palate, very powerful, velvety, full, with firm tannins and an excellent balance between structure and acidity. Long finish.”

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

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

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

The state of Washington is producing some very nice wines and more importantly some fine values. It is a good idea to touch bases with Chateau Ste. Michelle to see where the levels of quality and value are currently. Besides Chardonnay and Cabernet, it is worth noting that some really good Merlot is coming out of that state. I’m talking about Merlot with structure as well as flavor. We will be offering, too, a blended red wine that arrived recently that some of you have already been enjoying.

2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This is a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. It is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright sweet apple/citrus fruit character and subtle spice and oak nuances. Chardonnay grapes are blended from vineyards all over Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex, interesting wine. The sur lie aging gives it an appealing softness.

2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle, Chardonnay, Indian Wells, Columbia Valley

List price 17.99; our price 13.95

The warmth of the Wahluke Slope produces Chardonnay with an appealing tropical fruit character and rich texture. The Indian Wells Chardonnay delivers ripe tropical pineapple flavors and showcases the luscious opulence of Washington fruit. I like this wine with scallops, scampi or pasta with slightly richer sauces. It is smooth and fragrant, with cedar and peach pit overtones to the apple and stone fruit flavors, finishing with polish.

2007 Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine, Walla, Walla, Columbia Valley

List price 10.00; our price 8.99

This is a nice hearty blend that enjoys an 89-point rating from The Wine Spectator: “On the lighter side, showing lovely red berry and sweet red pepper flavors that settle gently onto a bed of silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Syrah (31%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (3%), Zinfandel (2%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Drink now through 2014.” It comes off full, dense and chewy, all the while showing opulent, smooth, lavender flower and berry fruit.

2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot, Columbia Valley

List price 12.69; our price 10.99

This Merlot shows complexity while being approachable. It offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit and cola flavors. This is a great “everyday red” to be served with beef, lamb, grilled salmon, hearty pastas, etc. The blend is 89% Merlot, 8% Syrah and 3% Malbec. The wine was aged 15 months in French and American oak, of which 31% was new.

2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

List price 12.69; our price 10.99

This Columbia Valley Cabernet bottling serves to highlight concentrated Washington red fruit in an accessible style. It is an inviting Cab with plenty of complexity and structure yet with silky tannins. The blend is quite interesting, too: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 7% Merlot, 3% Mourvedre, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Grenache. It is a very versatile wine, especially with food. It was aged 16 months in American and French oak, 32% of which was new.

2006 Northstar Merlot, Walla Walla, Columbia Valley

List price 36.00; our price 29.99

This rich wine is concentrated and yet elegant, with aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, and blackberry, finishing off with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla, coconut, mint, and toffee. Wine Spectator gave it a 91-point rating: “The 2006 Merlot Columbia Valley is composed of 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It was aged in French and American oak, 65% new, for 18 months. The fruit was sourced from 14 different vineyards making the wine a testament to the art of blending. Dark crimson-colored, it displays an alluring bouquet of cigar box, sage, clove, cinnamon, black cherry, and a hint of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, round and elegant on the palate, it has solid depth and enough ripe tannin to support 2-3 years of additional cellaring. Drink this intensely flavored effort from 2011 to 2021″.

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

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

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

Throughout its golden age, Greek wine was widely known and exported throughout the Mediterranean basin in amphorae. The Greeks introduced the Vitis Vinifera vine to ancient Egypt and later made wine in their numerous colonies in what are now Italy, Sicily, southern France and Spain. Wine development was curtailed in Greece after seizure by the Ottoman Empire which lasted about 400 years. It is said that the Greek wine industry is about 10 years behind Spain. If that is the case then the growth curve in terms of quality and volume is on a rocket-like trajectory. Pricing will play a large part in the overall success of this growth pattern. Accordingly, we have selected some interesting new wines (to the US) that are quite affordable and delicious at that.

2009 Marras Assyrtiko, Peloponnesus

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

Assyrtiko is a white Greek wine grape indigenous to the island of Santorini. It is widely planted in the arid volcanic-ash-rich soil of Santorini and other Aegean islands, such as Paros, because, simply, it thrives there. It is planted as well on the Peloponnesus which is the source of this bottling. The flavor profile is floral with a fine mineral quality. The Peloponnesus produces a more robust version of the varietal, and just as flinty. It finishes bone dry. Serve this one with Taramosalata dip.

2009 Marras Chardonnay, Peloponnesus

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

The bouquet shows green apple, melon, citron and citrus blossoms. In the mouth it is fruity with apples at the fore. It is well balanced, fresh and crisp as you would expect of a wine from the dry semi-mountainous area of the Corinthian region. It finishes somewhat tart in the manner of a Chablis.

2009 Elios Mediterranean White, Peloponnesus

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

Elios White and its Red partner are innovative blends that capture the essence of freshness and purity at an affordable price. The White is a light, crisp and refreshing blend with complex citrus and floral aromas, which combines Chardonnay (30%) and the indigenous Mediterranean varietals of Moschofilero (50%), Roditis (10%) and Savatiano (10%). The wine opens with a fruity/floral character and proceeds through a mix of apples, citrus and melon notes.

2009 Boutari Moschofilero, Mantinía

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

The appellation of Mantinía is the site of the largest battle of the Peloponnesian War between the Spartans and the Athenians in 418 BC. This is now the site of the beautiful 15-35 year old vines producing the grapes for this wine. The old vines from this vineyard, located at 2,100 feet, have produced a crisp wine that erupts with aromas of honeydew, melon and a squirt of lemon juice followed by a very distinct floral aspect, like rose petals and lavender. Serve as an apéritif, or with Mediterranean, pan-Asian, or middle-eastern food. It is rated a “top value” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

2007 Elios Mediterranean Red, Peloponnesus

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

The Elios wines are produced by the Boutari Winery which is recognized as one of the Mediterranean’s top producers. Two familiar grapes contribute to this blend; Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, each at 30%. The remaining 40% is Agiorgitiko, which translates as St. George. The experience here is one of blackberries, spices and chocolate. Tannins in the finish tame the fruitiness.

2007 Marras Cabernet Sauvignon, Peloponnesus

List price 15.00; our price 13.50

This Cab comes from mountainous vineyards located in the Corinthian region. The bouquet is of berries and black fruit jam with spices, cedar and nuts. The flavor profile is reminiscent of ripe red fruit integrated with a pleasing nuance of chocolate and refined tannins. It has a long lasting velvety finish.

Saturday, April 9, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

STOP #1: RAYMOND BURR VINEYARDS. We have returned from Sonoma County where visits were made to friends at wineries and B&B’s. Our trunk was filled with wine from small producers that generally are not seen in Southern California. One of my favorites is Raymond Burr Vineyards on West Dry Creek Road, near Healdsburg. We owned a restaurant in Cloverdale during the eighties which was frequented by Raymond Burr and his good friend Robert Benevides. They loved our continental cuisine and extensive wine selection and spent many an evening with Zola, who hosted and was manager of our restaurant, Zola’s. Originally, their wines were produced at Pedroncelli Winery with1990 being their first vintage. After 18 months in French and American oak cooperage, the wine was bottled in November, 1992, and released in 1995. The vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. In addition, four Portuguese varietals are planted there because Bob and Raymond loved Port. The small rustic tasting room is a shrine to the Perry Mason character Raymond made famous and to the Ironsides role, as well. Raymond Burr didn’t want the vineyards named for him, but Bob felt this was a fitting memorial to his friend. The winemaker for these wines is the very talented Phyllis Zouzounis who spent years at Dry Creek Vineyards and Mazzocco Vineyards. She has her own brand, as well, and we will be pouring her Deux Amis Winery bottlings next week. Other Sonoma wines to be served, aptly supplement our selection.

2009 White Oak Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

List price 14.99; our price 9.99

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you should pay apt attention to this offering. Taste it and see if you agree that it is a fantastic buy at this price—not to be seen anywhere on the internet. Your experience begins with aromas of lichee, pear and orange zest with a hint of minerality. The flavors of this divine wine are lemon, Kiwi fruit, pear and Fuji apple. A hint of grapefruit and grassiness complete the wine. It finishes long with an enjoyable balance of acidity and fruit flavors.

2008 Raymond Burr Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley

List price 28.00; our price 22.00

The bouquet opens with a green apple scents along with a bright floral character. Add an attractive baked apple aroma with a note of toasted oak and before you even taste you sense why this wine won a GOLD MEDAL at the Orange County Wine Competition. The first tasting sensation is a full body with a creamy mouth feel. After the voluptuous entry, an easy dryness spreads across the palate, beginning at the rear and moving forward with a bright acidity and soft white spiced-minerals. Flowers, minerals and spice coat the mouth while holding flavors for a long time. It is well balanced, has a long finish and a pleasant after-taste. Only 416 cases were produced. It was totally barrel fermented, then put through ML.

2008 W. H. Smith Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

List price 26.00; our price 23.75

Friend and winemaker Helen Turley inspired in Bill & Joan Smith (owners of historic La Jota Vineyards) the desire to try his hand at Pinot Noir. In 1992, under a new W. H. Smith Wines label, the Smiths released their first vintage of Sonoma County Pinot Noir. The goal was to produce Pinot Noirs that are classically styled with intense flavors, supple texture, and moderate alcohol. The 2008 is comprised of Swan, Pommard and La Tâche clones from 4 Sonoma Coast vineyards. The nose is fragrant, delicate and spicy, and suggests rose petals and Bing cherries. The wine shows concentration, bright acidity and that heavenly Pinot Noir silkiness. The strawberry and delicate cherry fruit flavors are medium-bodied, ending with a subtle finesse.

2008 Raymond Burr Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

List price 38.00; our price 29.95

Like the gold medal winning 2007, the 2008 shows blackberry and chocolate in the nose with a hint of licorice. It is earthy and spicy in the mouth, has medium tannins and projects its lovely fruit to a dry, long finish. Phyllis Zouzounis does an amazing job with this varietal which simply does not get the recognition it deserves.

2008 Raymond Burr Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley

List price 38.00; our price 29.95

The bouquet is redolent with rich fruit scents expanding to a beautiful nose of blackberry and classic cassis. A touch of black cherry, with nuances of chocolate and blueberry rise above the concentrated fruit playing off of a hint of earthy overtones from the Dry Creek Valley terroir that Phyllis explores so well. It shows good structure, nice tannins, and a long finish encapsulated within a velvety texture.

2007 Kendall-Jackson Muscat Canelli, Santa Rosa

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

While in Santa Rosa we dropped in on the K-J tasting room at the former Chateau de Baun. This is a beautiful facility and an opportunity to try many amazing small-batch K-J wines that are not distributed. The Muscat Canelli displays a delightful mélange of citrus flavors such as tangerine and mandarin orange on the palate with notes of peach blossom, spices and pear. It is richly layered and balanced throughout. It has a pleasant off-dry and lingering finish.

Saturday, February 19, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person

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

Grgich Hills Estate (formerly Grgich Hills Cellar) is located in Rutherford, California in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery changed its name in 2006 when it first began producing only “estate grown” wines made from grapes grown exclusively in vineyards owned by the winery. The vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic and the winery converted to solar energy in 2006. Winemaker Mike Grgich first gained international recognition at the historic Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 when the Chardonnay he produced at Chateau Montelena won first prize among white wines, much to the chagrin of the French. We have been fortunate the last two years to have the opportunity to host this master wine maker at our Saturday wine event. Naturally, we will be pouring his exceptionally fine wines as well as offering hors d’oeuvres that compliment the varietals being offered. Half of the fee to attend ($5.00) will go toward each person’s purchase of the featured wines. Mike will be signing bottles during the event and you can have yours personalized. As usual, the wines are outstanding.

2008 Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley

List price 26.50; our price 23.99

80% of the grapes were fermented in previously used small French oak barrels with the rest in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, using only naturally occurring yeasts. Afterward the wine was aged six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. These techniques added body while showcasing the wonderful fruit; not masking it behind new oak. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar publication awarded this wine 91 points: “Pale silvery-yellow color. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit and spices. Juicy and brisk but ultimately supple, with intense, medium-bodied flavors of grapefruit and licorice lifted by minerals and flowers. Finishes brisk, firm-edged and long ($30)”

2008 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley

List price 37.50; our price 33.95

This biodynamic Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation, thereby reserving its wonderful acidity. The wine displays aromas of orange blossom honey and toasted almonds with a hint of tropical fruit and crushed stone on the finish. Match this Chardonnay’s elegant style with poached salmon, roasted chicken, grilled pork, or creamy cheeses.

2005 Grgich Hills Estate Merlot, Napa Valley

List price 33.00; our price 29.95

The great thing about estate grown grapes is that the winemaker has total control of the quality from the vine to the bottle. This is a full-bodied Merlot with rich aromas and flavors of ripe cherry and black berries with hints of cedar and spice. A Cabernet lovers’ Merlot, the wine’s solid structure promises it will gain in complexity and silkiness with age.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley

List price 33.95; our price 31.00

Grown at the estate vineyard in Calistoga, nestled in northern tip of Napa Valley, these Zinfandel grapes are certified organic and Biodynamic, as well. Classic Zinfandel flavors of strawberries, raspberries and plums make this wine the perfect match for grilled meats, thin crust pizza and pastas with tomato sauce; or just for sipping while the mind wanders and wonders.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

List price 53.00; our price 48.00

The varietal blend here is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. The result is an elegant wine with aromas of black cherries and licorice with a long finish focused on notes of chocolate and red and black currants. Full bodied with smooth tannins, it’s the perfect partner with filet mignon, grilled steak or lamb chops

Saturday, February 12, 2011
4 to 5:30 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 line of wine has been around only since 2004 and was originally part of Gallo’s Rancho Zabaco production. As Gallo was upgrading the Rancho Zabaco line (the Monte Rosso Vineyard Zin is around $35.00) it was decided to break away the low price level varietals and allow them to stand on their own. These are nicely made wines and constitute excellent value. Even the bottles are of heavier glass than many expensive wines and all but the Sauvignon Blanc are cork finished. Personally, I’d prefer all of these were screw capped, but I know how much “ceremony” is derived from the opening of a dinner wine. In any event, these are your quintessential barbeque or pizza wines.

Next week we will be joined by Mike Grgich for a tasting of his wines and for a bottle signing.

2009 Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The wine is crisp and clean with bright grapefruit tanginess balanced by tropical fruit and a hint of cut grass herbaceousness usually found in New Zealand wine. The nose is packed with aromas of green apple, lime, kiwi, with subtle notes of fresh cut grass. The mouth is very lively, with crisp acidity and focused grapefruit and lime freshness balanced by tropical flavors of guava and mango. Very nice.

2008 Dancing Bull Chardonnay

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The winemaking goal was to make a dry Chardonnay that was both refreshingly crisp and balanced. This was accomplished through the use of Monterey County fruit that provided the natural, cool climate fruit flavors and nice acidity. Partial malolactic fermentation was employed to soften a portion of the green fruit flavors and create a smooth creaminess. The addition of Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Viognier added some tropical flavors and a lovely fragrant nose. It displays primary flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and apple typical of medium bodied Monterey County Chardonnay but these characters are then complimented by secondary flavors of pear, peach, melon and floral notes. Very subtle barrel influences of creamy, toasty and vanilla oak characters are also present from the partial fermentation of a very small portion of the wine in oak.

2007 Dancing Bull Merlot

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Here’s more proof that you can have a big, lush, ripe wine without an over-the-top alcohol level. At 13.5% alcohol, this is a wine you can stick with during dinner. Merlot lovers will be right at home with the ripe flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and black cherry, with a bit of spice and a lush velvety finish. The ripe fruit is balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and milk chocolate.

2009 Dancing Bull Zinfandel

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

This wine showcases a soft mouthfeel, which makes this wine both approachable and versatile with plenty of ripe dark fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry, complemented by bright red fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Spicy notes of black pepper and vanilla add layers which allow the fruit to be the star. It pairs well with heavier sauced dishes such as braised pork ribs or pasta with a rich, tomato based sauce.

2008 Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Sourced primarily from the Central Coast and Sonoma County, the fruit for this Cab is sourced from both warm and cool climate regions to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon with layers of fruit flavors, primarily of black cherries, black currant and blackberry. The Central Coast fruit benefits from warm days and the marine layer fog that cools the grapes in the evenings to create ripe, forward fruit flavors and the distinctive, Cabernet dark red color. The cooler climate of Sonoma County and the coastal regions adds structure, firm tannins and a bit of spice. A very small percentage of the wine was barrel aged, contributing the chocolate and vanilla undertones with just a hint of herbal spice.

ChocoVine Dutch Chocolate Wine

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This chocolate cream wine product is actually quite good. Think Baileys, but with a 14% alcohol instead of 17%. It is made in Holland by Team Products, a division of Dekuyper, one of the oldest cordial manufacturers in the world. Try it.