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

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

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

2010 Fleur du Cap Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

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

2010 Fleur du Cap Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, S. Africa

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

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

2010 Apaltagua Pinot Noir Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

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

2009 Apaltagua Malbec Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

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

2010 Apaltagua Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Curico, Chile

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

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

2007 Kaiken “Ultra” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 18.95; our price 14.99

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

$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

The wines of Kenneth Volk Vineyards will be showcased this Saturday as Mike Brown, the national sales manager, pours and discusses the winemaking philosophy of Mr. Volk. The selection of wines for the tasting is interesting, if not eclectic. Volk is quite passionate about Pinot Noir, but insists on growing and making wine from grapes that exist under most radar screens. Portugal’s Verdelho and France’s Negrette are an example of how esoteric he chooses to express his viticultural magic. He is very sound at making rich and full Zins, as well.

2010 Kenneth Volk Verdelho, El Pomar Vineyard, Paso Robles

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Verdelho is a semi-aromatic white grape that was traditionally used in the production of the revered wines of the Island of Madeira. Verdelho has found popularity with forward thinking vintners from around the world in the production of delicious table wines. This bottling is full bodied showing tropical and citrus fruit aromas with grapefruit, melon and apple flavors. This refreshing wine can be enjoyed as an apéritif or served with seafood and with Pacific Rim cuisine.

2007 Kenneth Volk Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Cuvée

List price 25.00; our price 22.00

This “flagship” wine of Volk’s is a blend of some of the finest vineyards of Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara’s Santa Maria Valley: Bien Nacido, Garey Ranch, Nielson, Sierra Madre and Solomon Hill. The aromas of Asian spice and ripe berry precede flavors of cherry, blueberry and strawberry. Bright acidity and fine grain tannins are complimented by a long creamy lactic finish.

2006 Kenneth Volk Tempranillo, John Smith Vineyard, San Benito

List price 24.00; our price 19.99

Tempranillo is the principal grape variety of Spain’s quintessential red wine, Rioja. The fruit from this bottling came from the John Smith Vineyard near the town of Hollister in San Benito County. Traditional wine-making techniques of open top fermentation and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine.

2009 Kenneth Volk Negrette, Calleri Vineyard, San Benito County

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

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.

2006 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

This wine displays aromas and flavors of mint, cocoa, anise, cranberry, raspberry, orange peel, red pimiento and culinary sage. The firm mid-palate tannins and clean lactic finish of this wine make it a great pairing with rich cuts of beef, rosemary-seasoned lamb, roast duck, spicy carnitas and chicken.

2007 Kenneth Volk Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

The Enz Vineyard Mourvèdre is one of the oldest plantings 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.

2008 Kenneth Volk Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

This Zinfandel has aromas of boysenberry, ripe plum, and barrel spice. A claret-style Zinfandel, it presents ripe flavors and aromas without excessive ripeness and alcohol. Enjoy this delicious wine with grilled and barbequed meats, spicy Mexican cuisine, or hearty pastas. ]]> http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/11/10/kenneth-volk-vineyards/feed/ 0 http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/11/03/pietra-santa-winery/ http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/11/03/pietra-santa-winery/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:59:18 +0000 costanichols http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/?p=375 Saturday, November 5, 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

Pietra Santa is a family-run estate producing artisanal wines and olive oils in California’s Central Coast. The site was planted to wine grapes in the 1850s by Frenchman Theophile Vache who chose the location because of the maritime climate and unique soils. It is located 25 miles from Monterey Bay in Hollister, in the Cienega Valley, and benefits from cool coastal breezes that allow for a long growing season. The estate is located on the San Andreas Fault which creates soils rich with granite and limestone that naturally lower yields and add distinctive flavors to the wines. The winery was named PIETRA SANTA, Italian for SACRED STONE, in honor of these exceptional soils. Joining us from the winery will be Kurt Kellner to pour the wines and to discuss them.

2010 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

The Pinot Grigio comes from grapes grown at the highest elevation of the estate. Morning fog followed by sun and afternoon shade make this an ideal location for growing this varietal. The grapes ripen slowly allowing them to develop balance between rich texture and heady aromas. The wine is stainless steel fermented and bottled young to preserve the crisp acidity and refreshing fruit flavors. It tastes of mangos and passion fruit with hints of citrus. It is crisp, refreshing and ideal for a picnic or as an apéritif. Consider pairing it with Oysters on the half-shell.

Pietra Santa “Sacred Stone”, Master’s Red Blend, Cask #06

List price 10.50; our price 9.99

This wine is ripe and juicy with expressive flavors of cherries and plums. It is dark and aromatic with crisp acidity, nice structure and a lush finish. The blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Dolcetto is made to pair with a wide variety of foods, especially your favorite grilled cuisine. It was aged for 24 months in French and American oak.

2007 Pietra Santa Sangiovese, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

Winemaker Alessio Carli grew up in Tuscany, watching his father make Chianti and later honed his skills at the renowned Badia a Coltibuono. He gives the grapes twenty days of extended maceration and over two years of aging in seasoned French oak barrels for added depth and roundness. The wine tastes of cranberry and Bing cherry with undertones of anise. The depth, complexity and supple finish of this wine have made it an annual best seller and the perfect companion to Italian cuisine. Always a consumer favorite, this wine has been honored with many awards including “Best of Class” from the San Francisco Chronicle.

2007 Pietra Santa Merlot, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

The grapes for this wine are grown in an area on the estate that is particularly rocky. Soil conditions combined with the old age of the vines produce extremely low yields; approximately 2.5 tons per acre. The resulting wine has concentrated flavors of plum and ripe berries with hints of licorice laced into the lingering finish. This wine is well balanced and makes an ideal partner with a wide variety of foods: try it with smoked pork ribs or any of your favorite grilled meats.

2008 Pietra Santa “Sassolino” Red Blend, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

This estate-produced “Super Tuscan” blend is made from 86% Sangiovese and 14% Merlot. The name Sassolino means “little stone” in honor of the terroir of the estate. The wine has robust fruit and tastes of black cherry with hints of chocolate and oak, finished with soft tannins. The balanced acidity of this wine makes it ideal for pairing with a wide variety of food. Try it with your favorite Italian dishes.

2007 Pietra Santa Zinfandel, Central Coast

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

The Zinfandel is produced from a selection of fruit including fifty-year old vines from a neighboring vineyard and a treasured block from the estate planted in 1905. The blend also includes grapes grown in the southern end of Paso Robles adding intense berry flavors to the finished wine. After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended maceration prior to aging for more than a year in American oak barrels. This bold and earthy Zinfandel tastes of ripe cherries and plums with complements of toasty oak. The wine is well balanced with a persistent finish of black pepper and sage. A small amount of Dolcetto, 7%, was blended in with the Zinfandel.

$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

We enjoy before each Halloween bringing out the wines from Vampire Vineyards simply because they are fun wines and appropriate to dinners and parties at this time of the year. Vampire Vineyards started up over 20 years ago when Michael Machat, a Los Angeles attorney started the company and sold his first 500 bottles to rock star, Alice Cooper. In the early 1990’s after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Machat decided to get the blood of the vine straight from its native soil in Transylvania. Romania is currently the eleventh largest wine producing nation in the world, and during the cold war, provided wine to the entire Soviet Bloc. The winery planted its own rootstock at the beginning of this century in the mountainous region of Paso Robles, California, where the ocean fog frequently rolls in off the coast providing the perfect cover to the hidden vineyards. After eight years, Vampires’ rootstock has yielded wonderful clusters of grapes that produce very nice wines, smooth and well rounded, with forward fresh fruit, then aged in both French and American oak barrels. Sip the Blood of the Vine along with us and enjoy!

2010 Vampire Vineyards Pinot Grigio, California

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

Fresh lime fruit notes dominate the nose, leading into an easy-drinking lively wine full of youthful, refreshing acidity typical for this variety as well as exhibiting some mineral notes. It is definitely made in the California style and is well suited to a wide range of food styles, especially light pasta dishes with white sauces and for shellfish or fresh seafood recipes.

2007 Vampire Vineyards Chardonnay, California

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

In the Central Coast cool coastal breezes allow fresh acidity to remain intact in the fruit, and the long, extended growing season provides full flavor development in the grapes. Hand-picked at peak ripeness, this Chardonnay was barrel fermented in French oak, aged on the yeast lees for one year, and then bottled with minimal handling to ensure that subtle flavors remain intact. Crisp and refreshing, this is an ideal accompaniment to grilled seafood or poultry, and also complements mildly flavored cheeses. The wine’s rich texture, the result of regular stirring of the lees, further provides a big mouthfeel.

2010 Vampire Vineyards Pinot Noir, California

List price 10.50 our price 9.50

Some forest notes and wild strawberry aromas persist on the nose. Elegant soft fruit flavors are finely integrated into the structure of the wine, as is the oak, adding a subtle complexity to the flavor and providing a nice mid-palate and soft finish. This is a light smooth wine, easy to drink at any time of the year and exhibiting typical character of a young Pinot Noir. This is one to try with Venison and game dishes, and is equally well adapted to pasta dishes featuring basil and tomato sauces. It can be enjoyed as an apéritif or as an after dinner wine with chocolate or blue cheeses.

2009 Vampire Vineyards Merlot, North Coast

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

This wine is smooth and medium-bodied with a fresh, black cherry aroma, and hints of herbal spices. The oak aging has created subtle shadings of vanilla and toast. It is approachable now and has a long, finish. It pairs well with a wide range of foods, especially chicken, beef, lamb, game, and pasta with tomato-based sauces.

2010 Vampire Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

The Cab is sourced from several small-berry clones of this traditional Bordeaux varietal, grown in the North Coast. Classic, small-lot fermentations, followed by aging with oak, gives expression to the nice varietal flavors in this wine. It displays ripe flavor character and a lovely aroma. Try with grilled steaks and chops, or with rich red pasta dishes.

Also for sale are two vodkas from the same company:

Vampyre Red Vodka, England

List price 23.00; our price 19.95

This wickedly smooth elixir is the first red vodka in the United States. Triple distilled in England by one of the world’s leading distillers of vodka and gin.

Blavod Black Vodka, England

List price 27.00; our price 24.00

Blavod Black Vodka gets its unique color from Black Catechu – the resin of the heartwood of the Acacia catechu, a tree indigenous to India and Burma. For centuries, Black Catechu has been used for a natural dye as well as an ingredient in herbal medicines. The amount used to give Blavod its trademark color remains true to vodka’s foundation of being both odorless and tasteless and clean on the palate. Once opened, it keeps well in the refrigerator.

$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

Join us this Saturday for yet another excursion through the Italian wine country. Truth is, Italian wines are arriving faster than I can get them to you to taste. Of course, taking a Saturday off for our daughter’s wedding slowed us down a bit, and in ways you cannot imagine. Look forward to more events featuring that amazing wine besotted country. All the wines below are easy to drink, reasonably priced, and simply delicious. Italy never disappoints.

2010 Rocca di Montemassi “Calasole” Vermentino, Tuscany

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This native grape of Italy is grown throughout the country including Sardinia. The Calasole comes to us from the south-western area of Tuscany called the Maremma. White flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit form the bouquet. In the mouth the wine is substantial yet fresh, with citrus hints and almond notes. Its pleasant freshness makes it an ideal accompaniment for crustaceans, shrimps and white fish.

2010 I Masoletti Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

List price 13.50; our price 11.50

This wine was crafted in the township of Lavis, where the vineyards stretch across Dell’Adige, up the hills of Sorni and Meano, and to the terraces of Valli di Cembra. How could you not want to be there to taste the wine at the source? Well, we can at least charm you with the wine, which is floral in aroma, fresh on the palate, fruitful in flavor and thirst-quenching in the finish. It is made in stainless steel tanks to capture the character of white flowers, roses, lemon, lime and apple. Try serving this one with prosciutto or seafood.

2009 Tenuta di Altavilla Greco di Tufo, Campania

List price 21.00; our price 18.99

Greco Bianco is a white grape variety of Greek origin which is grown in southern Italy. It is a sub-variety of Greco Nero. Campania’s secret treasures lie high up in the hills behind the towering volcano of Vesuvius. Cool climate growing conditions allow the Greco grape to develop an amazing array of aromas. Old vines provide the unique grapes for this wine which lends to aromas of apricots, peaches and a nutty character akin to almonds. This is an elegant, yet rich, wine offering a long complex finish with a surround of minerals.

2009 Castello d’Albola Chianti, Tuscany

List price 13.50; our price 10.99

This winery’s Chianti Classico placed #47 on Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 of 2010. It should come as no surprise that the plain Chianti is a delicious alternate though not so big as the Classico. From the fruity bouquet to the cherry-like flavors with cedary tones, the wine is a joy to drink. It goes well with grilled meats, cold cuts, burgers, cacciatore dishes and, of course, pizza.

2009 Masseria Altemura “Sasseo” Primitivo del Salento, Puglia

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

Primitivo is Italy’s way of saying “Zinfandel”, and yet the two are quite distinct from one another. This wine of Puglia shows smoky cola and plum flavors, some intriguingly briary notes, but also veers toward prune and cooked fruit. The wine has good body, yet is soft, while expressing a mature fruitiness, supported by a pleasant complex of sweet tannins. With its crisp acidity, expect it to pair well with tomato-based sauces, richly-flavored dishes, barbecued meats and fairly mature cheeses.

Cocchi Americano Bianco, Asti, Piedmont

List price 27.50; our price 24.50

The recipe for this apéritif wine of has not changed since it was introduced in 1891. It is a white wine blended with fruit, herbs and spices. What shows through the most is the citrus character along with gentian and cinchona (quinine). The mixture is allowed to steep for a year before filtering and bottling. In Piemonte it is served with ice, a slice of orange and a splash of soda to bring out all its fragrance and depth. Once opened, it keeps well in the refrigerator.

$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

Join us this Saturday for an excursion through the Italian wine country as experienced in bottles of the country’s fine wines. All the wines below are easy to drink, inexpensive on the whole, and simply delicious. Italy never disappoints.

La Fornarina Prosecco, Extra Dry, Veneto

List price 14.00; our price 9.99

This wine has an abundant froth and a fine and persistent perlage. It is very fine, bringing to the mind wisteria and acacia blossoms. It is delicate, fresh, and pleasantly fruity, finishing with the characteristic almond notes. Crisp and fruity, its taste is reminiscent of a light apple cocktail. It is ideal as an apéritif or with shell fish and light fish preparations.

2010 Ruffino “Lumina” Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

On the nose this wine exhibits floral notes followed by aromas of citrus and pear. Refined notes of minerality are balanced with hints of pineapple and sage, making Lumina a medium-bodied wine with a lean and lasting finish. This crisp wine is a versatile match with food. Serve as an apéritif or with dishes such as soft shell crabs, grilled fish, pasta primavera, and roasted chicken. Lumina also pairs well with ethnic dishes such as Mexican enchiladas, Greek dolmas; and Thai green curries.

2008 Maculan “Costadolio” Rosé, Veneto

List price 11.00; our price 7.99

The Veneto is smaller than Italy’s other main wine producing regions, Piedmont, Tuscany, Lombardy, Puglia and Sicily, yet it still manages to generate more wine than any of these big names. The area is particularly known for its Valpolicella, Amarone and Soave, but lovely wines such as this rosé are plentiful, as well. Light pink in color with bright violet notes, Costadolio offers a very fruity bouquet with notes of peach, plums, and nice hints of apple. It is medium bodied with crisp acidity; refreshing, delicate and full flavored. This pricing is a close-out of the vintage and is a great value buy.

2009 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese, Molise

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Wines have been made in Molise as far back as 500 B.C with influences coming from the Samnites, Etruscans and Romans. Molise is situated in central-southern Italy, west of Rome, and lies between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea. This latest edition from the area is a dry and mellow wine, with a bright red color. It has a fresh and fruity bouquet with a hint of violet and red berries. The fruit carries through to the palate and finishes with a trace of leather. It serves up ideally with hors d’oeuvres, game, meats and cheeses.

2009 Poggio Basso Chianti, Tuscany

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Chianti has only been recognized by its geographical area since the Middle Ages, when the zone was demarcated by Cosimo Medici III in the early 18th Century. This well made Chianti has a fine perfume with the characteristic scent of violets. It is fruity, harmonious, smooth and full flavored.

2007 Ruffino Chianti Classico, Riserva Ducale, Tuscany

List price 27.50; our price 24.95

In the nose, this wine shows an outstanding elegance, characterized by particularly fragrant flowery and fruity notes. Violet, cherries, wild berries and plums meet with delicately spicy hints of tobacco and white pepper, followed by elegant scents of red roses and flint. In the mouth, there is fragrant, fresh fruit, laced with gentle tannins and accompanied by spicy hints. The finish is persistent, with fresh mineral character and a hint of rosemary. ]]> http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/10/06/italian-wines-new-arrivals/feed/ 0 http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/09/29/napa-wine-tour/ http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/index.php/2011/09/29/napa-wine-tour/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:01:14 +0000 costanichols http://www.desertwinesandspirits.com/?p=364 Saturday, October 1, 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

Our trip to the Napa Valley this summer was intended to familiarize ourselves with wineries we had never visited. Our goal became futile in lieu of the very many wineries, old and new, that beckon the wine lover. Still, we sampled our way through a great many wines in few days at temples dedicated to the god, Bacchus, himself. Visiting these palatial estates is quite an experience, not to mention the fascinating people who built them, and who man them. We have dedicated ourselves to an annual pilgrimage to the Napa Valley as well as our usual sojourn to Sonoma to the west. None of the wines below were on our itinerary but are recommended to you while in Napa Valley, or, you could join us Saturday.

2009 Provenance Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford

List price 18.99; our price 16.50

This wine reveals pure aromas and flavors of ripe honeydew, white peach, citrus, apricot and tropical fruit. Hints of caramel, vanilla and nutmeg add layers of complexity. The beautifully balanced wine combines creaminess with a fresh acidity that dances on the palate. Sur lie barrel aging enhances the rich, silky texture and adds nuances of lemon custard to the fruity finish. Consider paring this with goat cheese bruschetta, seafood salads, grilled fish, and chicken pesto.
Wine Spectator gives the wine a 91-point rating.

2009 Caymus Conundrum White Wine, Rutherford

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

The grapes for this wine actually are sourced from Napa and beyond: Monterey, Santa Barbara and Tulare counties. The blend is unique and exotic and is the kind of wine one either loves or hates. At least it stirs passions. Some lots of the wine are kept in cool-temperature stainless steel to maintain fresh, crisp aromas and fruit flavors. Other lots are aged in a combination of French barrels. Upon blending the lots, the wine displays a floral bouquet nose with a dominance of honeysuckle. Muscat is the defining and alluring factor in the aroma of this wine. Sauvignon Blanc adds an herbal element while the Viognier adds a spicy character. The Chardonnay brings weight to the mid palate and Muscat adds an undeniable honey character to complete the palate’s palette.

2007 Flora Springs Chardonnay, St. Helena

List price 22.00; our price 18.99

The wine has a rich, buttery nose of pineapple, tropical fruits and lemon oil, with a dense palate of butterscotch, golden delicious apple and pear flavors. The wine is full-bodied with nice acidity and a long, nutty finish nicely accented by oak. This wine will pair well with chicken, fish and rich pasta dishes.

2008 Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

List price 18.00; our price 15.99

A blend of several outstanding Napa Valley terroirs, this medium-bodied earthy Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself in layers of cherry, plum, rose and chocolate balanced with toasty oak. With a fine balance between alcohol, fruit and supple tannins, this young wine already drinks well and will support 6-10 years aging. The wine was aged in small oak barrels (66% American oak, 34% French oak, 36% new) for 18 months. Food ideas: grilled and marinated lamb chops; stews and rich pasta dishes; fettuccine in mushroom sauce; veal with green peppercorn sauce; dry Jack cheese.

2005 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley

List price 39.95; our price 29.99

Our grape sources are from four vineyards with an average vine age close to 20 years in four Napa Valley sub-appellations that span the Napa Valley: Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros. The great diversity of these micro climates and soils has yielded a wine with concentrated blackberry, black cherry and currant aromas. In the mouth, the elegant yet powerful Cabernet is extremely well-balanced with well-integrated oak and tannins and generous, juicy, complex ripe cherry and berry fruit throughout.

2005 D Cubed Cellars Zinfandel, St Helena

List price 33.00; our price 29.50

This big Zin from Napa Valley is full of flavor and well balanced, spicy and full bodied. You will enjoy its good nose of chocolate, black fruits, black cherries, and spice tones that continue through to the palate. It has good balance and decent depth, and in general, is a very nice wine.

Enjoy an additional 10% discount by attending today.

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

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

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

2010 Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2008 Root: 1 Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 Root: 1 Carmenère, Colchagua Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley

List price 10.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 Montes Cabernet/Carmenère, Colchagua Valley

List price 15.99; our price 13.50; today only 11.99

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

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

List price 19.95; our price 16.75; today only 14.99

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

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

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

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

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

2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy

List price 9.95; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

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

2009 LoTengo Torrontés Mendoza, Argentina

List price 999; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

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

2009 Bodega Elena de Mendoza Red Blend, Argentina

List price 9.95; our price 8.50; today only 7.65

Bodega Elena de Mendoza is named after the family matriarch Elena Napoli, whose parents emigrated from Italy to the heart of Argentina’s wine country in the nineteenth century. The rich, smooth flavors of this wine are an interesting combination of Malbec, Syrah and Bonarda. With dried cherry characteristics, this plush, dark blend is ideal when served alongside barbecued meats.

2009 GranRojo Garnacha, Castilla, Spain

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

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

2009 Mirabile Nero D’Avola, Sicilia, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

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

2008 Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Arg.

List price 20.00; our price 17.99; today only 15.99

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

$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

Again, this summer I will have to placate myself with an excursion of European wines in place of actually being there. Discovering fine wines while travelling the Continent is infinitely preferable to being at one of our humble attempts to uncover European jewels. Still, we must press on. Some interesting new arrivals and new vintages are on our shelves and perhaps you would like to have a sampling. We’ll keep you current in your quest for knowledge and entertain you at the same time.

Gocce di Luna Prosecco, “Moondrops”, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This is a naturally fermented spumante from Prosecco grapes using the Charmat method of production. It shows fine and persistent bubbles, and is fruity with hints of apple, grapefruit, peach and flowers of acacia tree. The elegant, soft round fruit flavors on the front of the palate give way to an almost dry finish.

2010 Burgáns Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain

List price 14.99; our price 13.50

The new vintage has been released and has just arrived. Unfortunately, it is a dollar higher than in the past, yet still worthwhile. Robert Parker writes in The Wine Advocate: “The Burgáns Albariño is a perennial Best Buy in these pages. The 2010 Burgáns Albariño delivers notes of lemon, peach, mineral, and a hint of tropical fruit aromas. Round, ripe, and savory with a slightly exotic personality, it is a nicely textured effort that over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 2-3 years…90 Points”.

2006 Domaine de la Saint Jeante Corbières, France

List price 9.50; our price 7.99

Corbières is an appellation in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees and produces rich powerful reds. This deep ruby wine has a nose that is expressive, with smells of black fruits and spices. The mouth is powerful, much of spices with a good structure. The blend is: 50 % Carignane, 30 % Grenache and 20 % Mourvèdre. It is Ideal for serving with a good southwestern cassoulet.

2007 Bodegas Castano Monastrell, “Hécula”, Yecla, Spain

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

Hécula is the name that the province of Yecla received under the Roman Empire occupation. This is a Mediterranean wine that is fruity and spicy which will pair well with lamb, game dishes and fusion cookery without excessive spices. The wine is 100% Monastrell grapes grown by integrated organic and sustainable farming.

2009 Château Haut-Bray, Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, France

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

Côtes de Castillon is the region of Bordeaux just east of the Saint Émilion appellations. Château Haut-Bray lies in the village of Saint-Genes de Castillon, which is very hilly, and has a clay-limestone soil. The blend in this bottling is Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). It has a lovely red fruit nose with a deep color and good fruit on the palate. It delivers an excellent complexity with earthy flavors intermingling with the smooth tannins, all of which lead to a very nice finish.

2008 Château Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur, France

List price 15.50; our price 13.99

Between Bordeaux and St Emilion, stands the magnificent land of the Entre-Deux-Mers. There on a promontory sits the castle known as one of the “castles of the Black Prince” built in the 12th century, then rebuilt and added to in the centuries since. This wine shows a sleek, stylish palate of dark berries and leather with mild dusty tannins. It culminates as a wine that is well balanced, rich in texture, with ripe tannins with a smooth finish.