Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, May 7, 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

This is the second part of reporting on visitations we made in Sonoma County last month. We will focus on two wineries: Ferrari-Carano and Deux Amis, both from the Healdsburg area. North of the town, Ferrari-Carano is a beautiful facility highly polished and geared to tourism. Don and Rhonda Carano built the spectacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, on a 70-acre Dry Creek Valley estate vineyard. Besides tasting the wines, one can stroll through five acres of exquisite gardens, view the magnificent underground barrel cellar, and perhaps taste the limited and reserve wines in the Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar and Lounge. Patrick Mukaida is a most hospitable Director of Hospitality and the man to contact for additional information. Deux Amis on the other hand, is a small winery on Limerick Lane south of Healdsburg. French for “two friends”, it is a partnership between Phyllis Zouzounis (Mazzocco wine maker for years) and Jim Penpraze. In 1987, Deux Amis produced one hundred cases of Zinfandel from one vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley. Today, Jim and Phyllis produce over 1500 cases of wine from grapes grown in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Tasting accommodations are extremely rustic compared to F/C but put in a phone call to Phyllis and she will happily taste you on the latest wines produced.

2010 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

Aromas of lime, kiwi, citrus, melon and a touch of grass are complemented by flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mango, and guava in the 2010 Fumé Blanc. Cool, stainless steel tank fermentation gives this wine a crisp freshness while the subtle oak character from barrel aging adds complexity and depth.

2009 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.95

This blend includes wine from F/C vineyards in Russian River Valley and Carneros, combined with Alexander Valley fruit. The full-bodied Chardonnay delights with aromas of apple, a hint of graham cracker, floral notes, and honey, perfectly balanced by flavors of lemon and pear on the entry and lingering, creamy marshmallow, toasted oak notes.

2009 Ferrari-Carano Siena, Red Wine, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.69

Select lots of grapes in this Sangiovese-based blend were chosen from F/C vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. The wine has delicious aromas of cherry pie, raspberry jam and spice with lingering flavors of ripe wild berries, pomegranate, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. Elevated tones of dried cherries, cranberries come out along with deeper, darker nuances of blueberry preserves, cherry cola and cinnamon.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 22.00; our price 19.95

This Zin is a harmonious blend (88% Zin and 12% Petite Sirah) of fruit from Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. The deep rich aromas of spicy fruit, white pepper, vanilla and toasty oak create an enticement that leads to a bounty of luscious fruit flavors: blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and plum, mixed with baking spices, black pepper, dark roasted coffee and toasty vanillin oak. The silky tannins, lush flavors laced with nice acidity and a creamy texture provide a well-balanced, hard-to-put-down Zinfandel. Wine and Spirits rates it a 90, “Best Buy” and “One of the year’s best Zinfandels”.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

This is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zin with seductive aromas of creamy oak and bright raspberry swirled with white and black pepper. Toasty oak layers over ripe blackberry, raspberry, dark plum and spicy pepper with a hint of cocoa to create deep, rich flavors that linger on the palate. It is nicely balanced with silky tannins and a structure for aging. The wine won a Gold Medal at the West Coast Wine Competition.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Halling Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

This is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel with seductive aromas of rich berry and black pepper melding with toasty oak. Bright flavors of briary black and red raspberry mingle with subtle pepper, oak and just a hint of anise. The smooth entry couples with a richly textured mouthfeel and nicely balanced tannins and oak to create an elegant, delicious wine.

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 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.

Saturday, January 29, 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

The Leese-Fitch Adobe is a historical landmark built in 1836 in the town of Sonoma’s Plaza. It was named after Jacob Leese and Henry Fitch who were brothers-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo, the founder of the town of Sonoma. This label is from the Other Guys portfolio of Don Sebastiani and Sons which in 2005 was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Don and the boys have built up this operation to a total case production of over 2 million cases a year. We selected this line because it represents excellent value at the price.

2008 Leese-Fitch Chardonnay

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This bleached straw colored wine has aromas of fresh squeezed Meyer lemons, lime zest, and minerals. The palate exudes mouthwatering crisp green apple, grapefruit, and lemongrass, finishing with rich acidity, integrated French oak, and a touch of spearmint. The 2008 harvest in Clarksburg produced great acid driven Chardonnays. The Chardonnay was assembled from three vineyard blocks; one in Northern Clarksburg for intense apple nuances, and two vineyards right off the delta. One of the vineyards on the delta using a trellis system called sprawl, grows an old Wente Chardonnay clone. This clone develops great lemon nuances with a creamy mid-palate. Part of the allure of this wine comes from blending in some Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg to preserve a mineral nature and rich acidity. Some Chardonnay from Paso Robles, and Monterey, along with a dab of Viognier from Paso, created a lovely bistro-style Chardonnay with good character and brilliant acidity.

2008 Leese-Fitch Pinot Noir

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

The wine displays ripe cherry and strawberry notes overlaying a complex mix of jasmine, clove, cinnamon and earthy spice notes. On the palate, the wine expresses fleshy Bing cherry flavors and textures framed by rich toffee and cola flavors, backed by sweet vanilla and toasted oak. The wine finishes with rose petal and candied violets with the sweet finish of dried cranberries, cherry vanilla and wild strawberry. This wine is 100% Monterey County Pinot Noir which was aged on oak for 9 months before gentle racking and fining. It presents nice oak flavors without being overly oaked, allowing the true Pinot Noir flavors to stand forward. This is a wine that pairs well with grilled flank steak or sautéed Salmon.

2009 Leese-Fitch Merlot

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This crimson colored Merlot is offers dark chocolate aromas which are underscored by ripe huckleberry with a hint of cassis. On the palate the wine is concentrated with deep, dark fruit such as black cherry, boysenberry and blackberry pie notes. It finishes with white pepper spice and French oak vanilla notes.

2008 Leese-Fitch Zinfandel

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

With a brilliant ruby color, this Zinfandel blend has intriguing aromas of wild raspberry, smoky cedar, strawberry jam, clove spice, and white pepper. You can tell there is input 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 toasted marshmallow, plum sauce, tamarind, and black cherry. 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.

2009 Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Deep ruby in color, this cab has aromas of roasted peppers, black cherries, savory dill, and toasted cedar. The palate is full of blackberry fruit, cherry reduction, orange marmalade, marjoram, and dark brown sugar. This blend has very good weight with layers of fruit balanced with mid-palate structure. The wine finishes with nuances of dark chocolate, dried cranberry, vanilla bean, and molasses with toasty French and American oak nuances.

Saturday, January 22, 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

The estate vineyard surrounding the winery, Rodney’s Vineyard, is named in honor of Fess’s late son-in-law, and was the first vineyard developed. With a total of 118 acres planted, this vineyard provides the foundation of the Rhone wine program and has already produced several award winning Syrah and Viognier bottlings. The newest acquisition known as Fess Parker Ranch, Camp Four, is a 1,400 acre parcel of land purchased in the spring of 1999. The initial 250 acre planting was completed and produced its first crop in harvest 2003. It is located slightly southwest from the winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. The warmer climates and loam soils of this site show great potential for producing fully ripened, mature fruit. You have only to taste these wines to experience what I’m talking about. Joining us this Saturday is Deborah Ellis, western regional sales director for Fess Parker.

2009 Fess Parker Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

List price 18.00; our price 15.95

Crisp, clean aromas of apple, pear and pineapple combine with yellow melon, white flowers and a touch of oak to create this refreshing Chardonnay. On the palate lush citrus flavors followed by distinct layers of apple, honey, pear and a hint of light cream & lemon couple with great texture and balance making it a wonderfully food friendly wine. This is a fine Santa Barbara Chardonnay, with a wonderful amount of tropical fruit, little evidence of wood, with crisp acids, and a nice, medium-body.

2009 Parker Station Pinot Noir

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

This second label from Fess Parker is produced from a mix of purchased fruit and selected lots from the estate. Geared for early drinking, it is fruit forward, with cherry, plum and strawberry flavors, overlain with clove and other spices, and just a hint of toasty oak. This medium bodied Pinot Noir is round, balanced and eminently drinkable.

2008 Fess Parker Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara

List price 19.00; our price 15.99

Captivating scents of black cherry, strawberry and raspberry mingle with a touch of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, the flavors of cranberry, dried sage, vanilla, clove and raspberry combine elegantly with a touch of oak. Here is your perfect red wine for salmon, duck or lamb seasoned with Mediterranean spices.

Fess Parker Frontier Red, Lot 102

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

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.”

2007 Fess Parker Big Easy

List price 29.95; our price 25.50

With The Big Easy the winery is paying homage to one of its favorite cities; the culinary mecca is a great supporter of Fess Parker wines. It is made from Camp Four fruit incorporating other varietals along with Syrah. The blend is 92% Syrah and 8% Grenache. Notes of blueberry, blackberry, smoked meat, and vanilla are found on the nose along with flavors of black cherry, blackberry compote, cinnamon, black pepper and vanilla on the palate. This is a meaty, well structured blend leading to a long lengthy finish with its dense chocolaty tannins. The finish is dry and its tannins are subtle.

Saturday, January 15, 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

Proprietor Ken Volk has been making Santa Barbara and Central Coast wines for more than a quarter century. Perhaps best known as the founder of Wild Horse Winery, Ken has earned a reputation for crafting world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley. The vineyard and winery property was formerly the “original” Byron Winery (the present Byron Winery is located next door), established by Ken Byron Brown in 1981. In 1994 the winery was acquired by the Robert Mondavi Winery Corporation. Ken Volk purchased the building and land at the end of 2004, after over a year of negotiations. The sale included the winery and vineyard only – no brands, no wine, and no on-going business venture. The emerging success of this winery “fixer-upper” is all Ken Volk. On hand to pour the wines and discuss his product line will be Mike Brown, national sales manager for the winery.

2007 Kenneth Volk Chardonnay, Santa Maria

List price 19.95; our price 14.99

Whole cluster pressing and barrel fermentation helped to create this distinctive and rich Chardonnay. It has aromas of toasted oak, wet slate, along with fruit aromas of apple, pear, and mandarin. Fruit flavors continue on the palate with a rich mouth feel and balanced acidity. This wine won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2007 Kenneth Volk Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara Co.

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

Although known for his Pinot Noirs primarily from the Santa Maria Valley, Volk sources the grapes for this wine from adjoining areas as well as from the Santa Maria Valley. Hopefully one day we can concentrate on his Pinot Noir line-up from this valley that is home to some of the best Pinot producing vineyards in the state: the defining Bien Nacido Vineyards, as well as the Santa Rita Hills to the south. The leafy aromatics and red fruit flavors of this wine are followed by firm tannins. This is the perfect wine to enjoy with duck comfit and with mushroom dishes. The ageing in French oak further adds to its complexity.

2008 Kenneth Volk Negrette, Caleri Vineyard, San Benito County

List price 19.00; our price 15.99

Negrette has its own distinct aroma and flavor profile. It shares some of the characteristics of both Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine has aromas and flavors of bramble fruit and cherry with spicy, old vine gaminess. It is a deeply pigmented wine with relatively low tannin and a silky smooth texture.

2007 Kenneth Volk Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

The Enz Vineyard Mourvèdre is one of the oldest planting of that varietal in California. In its 86th growing season, these ancient head-trained vines produced a beautiful well balanced crop of small-berried clusters. Traditional winemaking techniques and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine. Ripe fruit aromas and exotic spice are followed by flavors of blueberry, cherry and licorice.

2006 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

Paso Robles has a rich history of winemaking and grape growing beginning in 1797 when the first wine grapes were introduced to Paso Robles by the Franciscan missionaries at the historic Mission San Miguel Arcangel, where Father Junipero Serra planted more than a thousand vines. Though known primarily for its Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon remains the leading variety for the Paso Robles appellation, accounting for 38 percent of the region’s wine grape acreage. This brilliant, deep ruby red wine shows aromas of crushed cherries and a hint of chocolate playing against flavors of ripe fruit. It is balanced and restrained.

Saturday, January 8, 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

Congratulations to all who have survived the past year as well as the holidays and are now emerging from the aftermath. It is time to get back on track with our weekly wine regimen as the bottles keep arriving and the wine keeps flowing. Fortunately, ours is an intellectual pursuit in an effort to better understand grape growing, wine making and sensory perception; and not just be looking for a buzz. The next Saturday, the 15th, we will host the Kenneth Volk Vineyards and winery representative, Mike Brown. The following Saturday, the 22nd, we will be joined by Deborah Ellis of Fess Parker Winery. Please engrave these dates into your memory or at least scratch them onto your calendar. These are great wineries deserving of our rapt attention.

2007 Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Blanc, Alcace, France

List price 14.95; our price 12.99

Schlumberger makes this wine with equal proportions of two grape varieties : Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois. It is a dry wine combining the freshness of one with the aromatic qualities of the other. It is quite close to Chardonnay and is well-balanced, dry and fresh on the palate, with very attractive, fine fruit. This Alsatian wine is known for its suppleness, its emphatic fruitiness and its ability to easily go with a large range of dishes.

2008 White Oak Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

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

2009 Pedroncelli Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

When we hosted the Pedroncelli Winery a few months back, we did not include the Chardonnay, a shameful omission we will correct here and now. While the refreshing citrus, melon and tropical fruit aromas and flavors predominate, the blend of the stainless steel fermented and barrel fermented cuveees adds both fruit-forward qualities and complexity. The wine finishes clean, crisp and light.

2008 Puerto Viejo Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

List price 9.00; our price 7.99

This wine remained on its lees for six months in stainless steel vats with micro-oxygenation and with French oak staves; 15 percent of the wine was aged eight months in French and American oak barrels. It is a well-done, affordable Cabernet with all the qualities with a black-fruit bouquet, and showing ripeness, depth and solid tannins in the mouth. The flavor profile of cola, blackberry and chocolate works just fine, and the finish is long and hints at bitter chocolate and cedar.

2007 Boutari Xinomavro, Naoussa Greece

List price 18.00; our price 15.99

Boutari Naoussa was the first Grecian bottled wine available in Greece (1879) and is the benchmark among Greece’s premium red wines. It has won many awards over the last 50 years both in Greece and internationally. It is also the #1 selling premium red wine from Greece worldwide. It has typically a rich bouquet of ripe red fruit, blackberry and plum, together with sun-dried tomato and the aromas derived from ageing: cinnamon and wood. It has a rich body, good balance and structure, with soft tannins in its finish.

2007 Estancia Meritage Reserve, Paso Robles

List price 20.00; our price 16.99

he blend in this Meritage is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot. It is a deep violet wine with crimson edges. The bouquet shows ripe black cherries, licorice, mountain herbs, mocha and fine integrated oak. It is thick, deep and explosive. Chocolate dipped black fruit is enveloped in rich sweet oak. The firm, structured, ripe tannins accompany a long, fruit driven finish.

Saturday, November 20, 2010
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 Saturday we are treating ourselves to the excellent wines of La Crema Winery. To set the palate, we will begin with the new Monterey series of Chardonnay, to be followed by the Pinot Noir, Monterey. At that point, we will launch into the Appellation series of Pinot Noirs that have helped establish La Crema as a “player” in the Pinot Noir sweepstakes, thanks to the winemaking skills of Melissa Stackhouse. Joining us will be Mark Sullivan of Regal Wines, distributor of the La Crema line of wines. For those of you looking for a most elegant wine to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner consider the following:

2009 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey

List price 18.00; our price 15.99

The inaugural vintage of La Crema’s Monterey Chardonnay shows exotic floral and tropical fruit on the nose, punctuated by appealing butterscotch, lemon peel and spice notes. The palate expands into bright peach, grilled pineapple and honeysuckle with subtle toast and caramel adding richness and beautiful texture on the finish.

2009 La Crema Pinot Noir, Monterey

List price 22.00; our price 18.99

The Pinot Noir harvest in Monterey lasted a full 8 weeks, beginning in September and lasting all the way into October. Happily, by all accounts, 2009 appears to be an outstanding vintage. In the glass, brooding, earthy aromas meld with juicy ripe plum, punctuated by lovely notes of black tea. The palate echoes the plum-filled nose, joined by black licorice and cocoa powder. A subtle earthiness leads to a generous, fleshy mid-palate and a smooth, mineral-laced finish. This wine reveals the berry fruit side of Pinot Noir, with additional texture and depth. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years.

2007 La Crema Pinot Noir, Los Carneros

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

Los Carneros is the most southern of the Appellation Series Pinot regions. Straddling the Napa-Sonoma County line, the Los Carneros hills roll up from the San Pablo Bay. The unique factor here is wind–a relentless cooling force that charges up the rolling hillsides. The vineyards for this wine are just three miles from the bay, so the constant cooling influence of wind and fog allow the fruit ample time on the vine to develop full, concentrated flavors and velvety texture. The 2007 offers brooding, earthy aromas of dark cherry with a touch of spice. Flavors continue with ripe, black plum, hints of coffee and cocoa surrounded by a soft, velvety texture that ends in a fleshy, long finish.
The wine won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2008 La Crema Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

Pinot Noir has a temperamental and fragile nature making it a challenge to produce from vine to bottle. A notorious failure in many places, Pinot only reveals its brilliance in tiny, specific cool-climate pockets of the world. The Russian River Valley is one of them. Cool coastal fog rolls over the vineyards each day and the Pinot Noir ripens at a leisurely pace in the moderate climate. Concentrated, small berries literally burst with flavor, wrapped up in heady spice and plush, round texture. The aromas and flavors of this bottling are textbook Russian River Valley: the nose of rich black cherry and subtle rose petal is highlighted by hints of sassafras and orange peel. The palate is rich and round, with brooding black cherry, cocoa and spice over a noticeably plush texture of broad tannins on a lingering, juicy fruit finish.

2007 La Crema Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

List price 43.00; today only 39.99

Located in Mendocino County, north of Sonoma County, Anderson Valley is known for distinctive Pinot Noir and considered one of the coolest wine regions in the state. Vineyards lie 10-15 miles from the rugged Mendocino coast, and vines struggle on steep slopes, developing complex, small berries. This fruit is unusually graceful, developing elegant blueberry and bright red cherry flavors overlaid with delicate tea and layered floral notes. Marine breezes and fog funnel down from the Navarro River, encouraging late ripening and promoting concentrated flavors and firm structure. Anderson Valley Pinot is hugely expressive. The 2007 offers delicate aromas of blueberry and cocoa, with underlying notes of tea leaves and flowers. Juicy flavors of dark bramble and plum, with a hint of spice and coffee, lead to a broad, sturdy finish.
Ratings for this wine are: 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and 90 points from Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine.