Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 10, 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

It is definitely that time of year and what better selection could we offer than sparkling wines from California and from the Champagne district of France. Once again, Lisa Wherry will present an excellent array of wines from the Young’s portfolio to examine not only the stylistic differences between French and California sparklers, but between the grape blends that make up these bottlings, as well. Moreover, this is a fun event and a great way to orient oneself towards the festive days ahead.

2007 Domaine Carneros Brut, Carneros

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

This is a great property to visit if you are in the Napa/Sonoma area. The aroma of Meyer lemon and apple leads to supple flavors of lime and nectarine, layered with crème brûlée and cinnamon. It received a 90 point rating from Wine Enthusiast: “This is a glamorous, fashionable wine that gives the pleasure you want in a bubbly. It’s dryish and crisp, with doughy yeast, raspberry and lime flavors. A good price for a California sparkling wine of this quality.”

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, Napa

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

The aromas are sweet and inviting with fresh lemon and lime, followed by pineapple and green apple. The generous nose is accentuated by a salty minerality that leads to the yeastiness of fresh-from-the-oven bread. It delivers delicious flavors of green apple, fresh honeydew melon and lemon custard. The palate finishes with a pleasant acidity that is crisp, long and lingering. It received 89 points from Wine Spectator

Taittinger Cuvée Prestige, Reims

List price 39.00; our price 33.99

Taittinger is the third oldest Champagne house, and the origins of the house can be traced back to 1734. The Taittinger headquarters are in Reims, situated above 4th century Roman cellars with miles of tunnels and cellars used in the aging process in making Champagne. The House style is elegance with creamy richness. Cuvee Prestige is made of 40% Chardonnay/60% Pinot Noir grapes, and is a delicate wine with flavors of fresh fruit and honey. It is firm and on the dry side, with light oak, citrus and candied berry notes. Elegant yet well-toned, it shows intensity and character from beginning to end and stays persistent through the long, lovely finish.

2006 Iron Horse Brut, Green Valley, Sonoma County

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

This is the most traditional of the Iron Horse sparklers. It is a classy blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, aged an average of four years on the yeast in the bottle. Rich and creamy, it says “Champagne”, though the fruit is unmistakably Sonoma County-Green Valley. The nose shows Hazel nut and ripe red apple. In the mouth: there is red apple, yeast and a touch of lime. It pairs well with food, especially anything spicy, salted or fried. Actually, it works extremely well with anything from mac and cheese to grilled steak.

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

The long growing season of 2006 produced a fruit forward Blanc de Noirs, delivering generous aromas of strawberry, apple, and lime, followed with hints of spiced orange, cinnamon, and toasted hazelnut. Red apple and baked pineapple flavors give way to mid-palate notes of strawberry yogurt and brown sugar, leading to a zesty, crisp finish. This lively sparkling wine will retain its fruitful character and mature gracefully for many years to come.

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne, Reims

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

This is the best bargain in Champagne and is perennially rated 90+. In fact, Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave it a 92-point rating and made it an “Editor’s Choice”: “Toasty aromas leap from the glass in this deliciously mature wine. It is soft but still very dry, with acidity tamed by both fine, mature fruit and a creamy texture that sits well in the mouth. This is a very fine, tasty wine.”

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

This creamy cherry/berry sparkler with tropical fruit highlights has scored big with the critics: 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, 92 points form Parker’s Wine Advocate and 94 Points from Connoisseurs’ Guide:” A sensational effort, the 2007 Brut Rosé (60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay) offers a beautiful light salmon/pink color as well as a terrific nose of Framboise/Kirsch and strawberries. The wine hits the palate with freshness, lots of tiny, well-defined bubbles, medium body and a fresh, long finish. This beauty is a top-notch dry rose sparkling wine.”

Saturday, December 3, 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

Opolo is one of our favored wineries as you may have surmised by our throwing an Opolo wine party once every year. The wines are absolutely terrific; well made, fairly priced and they taste really good. Cary Thrasher, who traveled here like last year to preside over the event, will again officiate, as well as pour. Opolo is known for full bodied, lush red wines, yet is fully capable of doing the same for whites. We’ve included two of the whites here to prove the point. There is one problem that you should be aware of: this is the day of the Festival of Lights Parade, meaning the front entrance will be closed off. Access will be through the back of the Sun Center on Belardo. Sunny Dunes, one signal light to the south is the best approach. Just head west to Belardo from South Palm Canyon Drive. Parade stars at 5:45, so come early.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Roussanne, Central Coast

List price 21.95; our price 14.99

This white Rhone grape produces for Opolo a wine that has delicate honeysuckle floral aromas and fruit flavors of melon, apricot, and pear. It is balanced with some minerality and rounded by good acid with a creamy-rich mouthfeel. All-in-all, it is nicely balanced with a long and pleasing finish.

2010 Opolo Vineyards Viognier, Central Coast

List price 21.95; our price 14.99

A concentration of tropical fruit leads on the palate. The wine shows apricot, Crenshaw melon, pineapple, and papaya and a viscous mouth-feel that lingers for a rich long finish. All of this concentrated fruit is accented with a touch of exotic spiciness that highlights the richness of the wine and leaves a clean and refreshing impression on the palate. It works well with Indian and Thai foods and can be enjoyed with rich foods and ripe cheeses; it is also excellent as an apéritif.

2007 Opolo Vineyards Grand Rouge, Paso Robles

List price 19.00; our price 15.99

This is an unusual blend of 60% Counoise with 40% going to Grenache and Syrah. It is loaded with blueberry and blackberry with a counterweight of spice to balance the lovely wine. It is bright and aromatic, yet smooth and velvety.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Montagna Mare, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

The nose brings out a sense of ripened raspberries and currants, with a thouch of caramel and vanilla. It is medium-bodied but delivers an incredibly big mouthful and an extremely long layered finish. You may even experience caramelized raspberries with lightly toasted hazelnut and tart cherries. The blend is 50/50 Sangiovese and Barbera.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Summit Creek, Paso Robles

List price 19.99; our price 16.99

This is a full-bodied red wine showcasing overt raspberry and black cherry fruit aromatics and flavors framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. Subtle pepper and spice nuances further complement this wine which is ready to drink today, although the dark color and youthful fruitiness indicate that it will likely cellar well for a few years.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Mountain, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

This wine is from the “bigger-is-better” school of winemaking. Its bountiful bouquet of fruit captivates the nose with pomegranate, fig, and cranberry aromas. Raspberry jam dominates the mid-palate nuanced by savory butterscotch overtones. Vanilla, white and cayenne peppers, and cinnamon spice makes for a lively finish. Opolo likes to think of the Mountain Zinfandel as America’s most decadent red.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Petite Sirah, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

Impressively extracted, this inky, intense wine is sure to please the Opolo “Bigger is Better” crowd. Aromas of chocolate and blackberries continue into the flavor profile making this a great wine to pair with blackened or grilled meats.

Saturday, November 26, 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

This Saturday is our last opportunity to present to you some recent acquisitions that are geared to party use. If you plan to do some entertaining this December, these wines should prove budget worthy while being quite tasty as well. On the 3rd of December we will be hosting our always popular, annual Opolo event. The 10th of December will feature Lisa Wherry pouring the Champagnes of France and sparklers of California. Our last event of the year, the 17th, (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Saturdays) will be devoted to wines of J Lohr. We are ending the year on a high note.

2009 OneHope Chardonnay, California

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

One Hope is a line of wines produced by Robert Mondavi, Jr. to aid various charities. Fifty percent of the profits from Chardonnay sales will go to the fight against breast cancer. Grapes for the wine were sourced from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. The bouquet reminds one of fresh apple blossoms along with honeysuckle. The crisp pear and apple flavors keep the wine vibrant as they play alongside the balanced oak and bright acidity. Use with seafood and poultry.

2009 William Hill Chardonnay, Central Coast

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Winemaker, Ralf Holdenried studied winemaking and viticulture at Germany’s prestigious University of Geisenheim and worked at several wineries in the Reinhessen and Nahe, before studying fermentation science, viticulture and enology at the University of California at Davis. Ralf joined William Hill Estate in 2007, after working as the winemaking director for Louis M. Martini’s small lot wine program, Cellar 254. If you like this fresh and bright apple-like Chardonnay you might consider stepping up to its big brother, the Napa bottling ($18.99), and I do mean big!

2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

List price 10.99; our price 9.69

By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from the Gamay grape and bottled at the end of harvest. The first Nouveau vintage was released in 1951, making this the 60th anniversary edition. Beaujolais Nouveau was originally the wine of the vineyard workers, consumed to celebrate the end of harvest and giving them a first taste of the new vintage. The wines are vinified by carbonic maceration, which leaves them light in body and almost entirely free of tannins. The flavor profile is typically candied cherries, red plums, licorice and even bubblegum.

2009 MSH Cellars Merlot, Napa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

MSH is the secondary label of Source Napa and Gamble Family Vineyards. This Rutherford Merlot is about as chocolaty as a wine can get, with rich red plum fruit and even, soft tannins. It is a big wine that delivers considerable value. This is a Napa red pricing with which you can live very well.

2009 Riebeek Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Riebeek Cellars was established in 1941 and is situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. The wine is made in a forward, non-complex style with a grapey core and a streak of roasted vanilla.

2009 OneHope Zinfandel

List price 12.95; our price 9.99

50% of the profits garnered from the sale of every bottle of the Robert Mondavi, Jr. made Zinfandel goes towards charities that support our Troops and their families. It is a juicy Zinfandel showing dark fruit flavors of plums and black cherries. There is the typical pepper and spice on the finish to add to the balance of the wine, and to our ultimate enjoyment.

Saturday, November 19, 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

The important thing to remember in pairing wines to a turkey dinner is that you are attempting to complement not just the meat of a turkey, but all the side dishes as well. Most any white wine would serve well with turkey, of itself. However, consider what is being added to the mix on the plate: stuffing, gravy and cranberry preparations are strong flavors that would overwhelm most whites. Marshmallow sweet potatoes would most likely undo your Chardonnay, unless the oak in the wine gave off splinters. Salads with a vinegar base would send your guests to the fridge for a beer. Anticipating the level of suffering you and your wine would endure with an unbalanced pairing, I offer the following possibilities as a starting point:

2009 Mill Creek Vineyards Gewurtztraminer, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Co.

List price 17.50; our price 15.95

The Kreck family released their first wines in 1974 and has since been producing this excellent varietal. Typically one will recognize lychee fruit, underscored by vanilla and an ever so slight hint of mango in the nose. Continued lychee as well as apricot, honeysuckle and hints of brioche are plentiful throughout the even keeled palate. The finish is lengthy and persistent with white pepper and cloves making up a final, pleasing bite of spice; they’re joined by some mineral notes as well. It brings to mind a subtle hint of sweetness but it’s really a dry wine, and quite a lovely one at that. The finish and the balance are both impressive elements. Besides turkey, try this wine with spicy stir fried dishes.

2009 Goulaine Vouvray, Loire Valley, France

List price 15.95; our price 14.99

Originally from France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has spread around the globe and is used for virtually all styles of white wine, from crisp and lean to rich, round full table wines, sparkling wines, and some of the most decadent dessert wines made. Classic descriptors for the flavors of Chenin Blanc include peach, honey, marzipan grapefruit, and quince, often exhibiting more tropical fruit notes that recall pineapple and guava. This one is forward and easygoing, showing delicate flavors of apple and orange peel, accented by a touch of chalky minerality and finishing with a light sweet floral fruit character.

2008 Maculan “Costadolio” Rosé, Veneto, Italy

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 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages, France

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Beaujolais is a prosperous wine region cultivating almost 55,000 acres, more than the three departments of Burgundy combined, and produces an average of 13 million cases annually. It is comprised of 12 appellations and is divided into Haut- and Bas-Beaujolais. It is in Haut-Beaujolais that you will find the Beaujolais-Villages appellation and the 10 Beaujolais Crus. From a great year such as 2009, you should make every effort to try the major Crus which usually are priced in the 20-30 dollar range. The nose of this bottling is both refined and intense, with notes of violet, redcurrant and strawberry, combining with a floral nuance and a touch of herbs. This is a straightforward, lively wine that offers tangy red fruit flavors and a touch of bitterness to keep it interesting. It finishes soft and dry, with a slight hint of herbs.

2009 Roux Pere & Fils Moulin a Vent, Beaujolais, France

List price 15.00; our price 13.50

While most Beaujolais is consumed young, that from Moulin-a-Vent is oaked and aged for a couple years before being released. And it can be aged for 20+ years. Well-aged Moulin-a-Vent can be said to take on characteristics similar to aged Pinot Noir. The added wood aging lends more spice to the Gamay wine yet allows the lovely fruit to shine through and compliment your lovely turkey dinner.

2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly, Beaujolais, France

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Beaujolais Cru is the northern most appellation of Beaujolais, close to the Mâconnais border. This region constitutes ten separate areas, of which Brouilly is the largest, located at the foothills of the Beaujolais Mountains and produces some of the best quality wines from the Beaujolais region. Unlike the early drinking style found throughout most of Beaujolais, these wines are made to be cellared. Their ageing potential can be anywhere from three to fifteen years (or more) depending on the style and sub-region of the wine. The nose of this wine shows aromas of violet, lilac, sometimes blackberry and cranberry. It has supple tannins and lively acidity. On the palate, the wine leaves a pleasant note of blackberries and spice.

Europa ChocoVine Dutch Chocolate Red Wine, Holland

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

We have put in a new supply of this “Baileys”-like product which is really quite good. At 14% alcohol, it is not as strong as Baileys’ 17%, but it is close. One does not taste wine, rather a creamy chocolate that is so very, well, Dutch. It is a good follow-up to a rich meal and is especially good in coffee. Try it in cocktails where a Baileys-type ingredient is called for. ChocoVine was honored with a 90 Point, Exceptional Value rating from the Beverage Testing Institute and is the #1 selling Chocolate Wine in America (yes, there are others).

Saturday, October 22, 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

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.

Saturday, December 11, 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

It is definitely that time of year and what better selection could we offer than sparkling wines from California and from the Champagne district of France. Once again, Lisa Wherry will present an excellent array of wines from the Young’s portfolio to examine not only the stylistic differences between French and California sparklers, but between the grape blends that make up these bottlings, as well. Moreover, this is, simply put, a fun event and a great way to orient oneself towards the festive days ahead.

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, Napa

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

The aromas are sweet and inviting with fresh lemon and lime, followed by pineapple and green apple. The generous nose is accentuated by a salty minerality that leads way to the yeastiness of fresh-from-the-oven bread. It delivers delicious flavors of green apple, fresh honeydew melon and lemon custard. The palate finishes with a pleasant acidity that is crisp, long and lingering. It received 89 points from Wine Spectator

Taittinger Cuvée Prestige, Reims

List price 43.00; our price 39.99

Taittinger is the third oldest Champagne house, and the origins of the house can be traced back to 1734. The Taittinger headquarters are in Reims, situated above 4th century Roman cellars with miles of tunnels and cellars used in the aging process in making Champagne. The House style is elegance with creamy richness. Cuvee Prestige is made of 40% Chardonnay grapes, and is a delicate wine with flavors of fresh fruit and honey. It is firm and on the dry side, with light oak, citrus and candied berry notes. Elegant yet well-toned, it shows intensity and character from beginning to end and stays persistent through the long, lovely finish.

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

The long growing season of 2006 produced a fruit forward Blanc de Noirs, delivering generous aromas of strawberry, apple, and lime, followed with hints of spiced orange, cinnamon, and toasted hazelnut. Red apple and baked pineapple flavors give way to mid-palate notes of strawberry yogurt and brown sugar, leading to a zesty, crisp finish. This lively sparkling wine will retain its fruitful character and mature gracefully for many years to come.

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne, Reims

List price 29.99; our price 26.99

Gift packing with bottle in bucket:

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

This is the best bargain in Champagne and is perennially rated 90+. In fact, Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave it a 92-point rating and made it an “Editor’s Choice”: “Toasty aromas leap from the glass in this deliciously mature wine. It is soft but still very dry, with acidity tamed by both fine, mature fruit and a creamy texture that sits well in the mouth. This is a very fine, tasty wine.”

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, Reims

List price 45.00; our price 39.99

This is a fully developed wine, with a radiant bouquet that is captivating yet subtle. Although notes of fully ripe fruit, such as nectarines and cherry plums, are apparent initially, the finish hints at nougat, honey and cereal grains. This wine is smooth and generous on the palate. Three years of maturation have given it body and substance. As the wine opens up, it is full and intense with notes of warm bread blending harmoniously with some ginger and coriander. The grapes used to produce this blend are selected from the top Crus in the Champagne region (34% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 33% Pinot Meunier). It has received high ratings: 94 from Wine Enthusiast and 93 from Wine Spectator.

2004 Iron Horse Russian Cuvée

List price 32.00; our price 27.00

This is the same base wine as their Classic Vintage Brut, but with a richer dosage, which makes it more opulent, slightly sweeter and heightens the fruit. It was originally designed for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings ending the Cold War. Here we have a blend of 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay aged 3 years on its yeast. It reveals lots of persistent effervescence, tiny, well-formed bubbles, a light straw color, and a distinctive perfume of orange rind and honeyed citrus. In the mouth, it shows a full-bodied mouthfeel and displays good intensity. Even though it is made from the same blend as the Classic Vintage Brut, the Russian Cuvee is much longer, richer, and more intense.

Saturday, December 4, 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

The Folio Fine Wine Partners selection of Italian wines is a spectacular offering compiled by Michael Mondavi. Representing the company this Saturday will be Patti Lee who will expertly and charmingly provide us with all we need to know about these wines and about the Italian wine scene. The wines we will be sampling are from Tuscany, from the Veneto and from the Friuli-Venezie Giulia.

2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezie Giulia

List price 9.95; our price 7.99A 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.

Villa Sandi Prosecco, Valdobbiadene, Veneto

List price 14.50; our price 10.99

Fresh with nice complexity, the bright and zippy Villa Sandi has a nice undercoating of ripe core fruit flavors. It appears a very pale straw yellow and shows a fine, persistent perlage. The aroma is fruity and flowery with hints of ripe golden apple and wild flowers. The dry, fresh and flavorsome sensation on the palate is followed by a fruity and harmonious finish with zippy, crisp citrus notes.

2007 Masi Campofiorin, Valpolicella Veneto

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

Ripasso (ree-PAH-soh) is a process used in producing some Valpolicella wines to give them richness and body. After the wine is fermented in the usual way, it’s placed in casks containing the lees from a prior batch of recioto or recioto Amarone a concentrated wine made from slightly raisined (passito) grapes. This process, which lasts from 2 to 3 weeks, adds color, tannins and complex flavors. This is the new vintage release from Masi and it is delicious. It has a deep ruby red color. On the nose are cherries and intriguing aromas of mild spices. It is bright and well rounded at the same time on the palate; focusing on baked cherry and plum flavors with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. There is an excellent balance between the supporting acidity and soft tannins. The full bodied finish delights with hints of cocoa.

2006 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany

List price 24.00; our price 19.95

This Chianti Riserva from the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi leads off the with a suite of fragrances exhibiting considerable complexity, opening to dark fruit such as plum and blackcurrant, then enriched by a pungent spiciness that infers cinnamon and clove. In the mouth the wine offers dense, impressive body, and fine-grained tannins that marry beautifully with its alcohol. The result is a solidly-built, but not heavy or extractive, wine, with a seamless, long-lingering finish.
Wine Spectator Score: 91 points.

2006 Masi Amarone, Costasera, Valpolicella, Veneto

List price 57.95; our price 49.99

The passito grapes offer a strong bouquet of baked fruit, plums and cherries, which provide the fruit flavors on the palate and are accompanied with attractive hints of coffee and cocoa. There is excellent balance between supporting acidity and soft tannins that melt into an intriguing softness. Imposing structure and a good alcoholic level gives this Amarone an attractively long finish. It is full-bodied, round and juicy, with loads of fruit and a soft, caressing palate. High ratings!

2004 Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

List price 59.95; our price 54.99

Grown in Tuscany’s most exceptional growing areas, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi wines boast more than 700 years of family history. This powerful Brunello was #15 on Wine Spectator’s 2009 Wines of the Year: “Shows a complex nose of blackberry, tanned leather, sandalwood and cedar. Fascinating, full-bodied, with super-silky tannins and a long, long finish. Concentrated yet balanced. Beautiful and complete. Best after 2011”. This incredible ’04 Sangiovese spent three years in oak and is definitely built for the long run.

Saturday, November 27, 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

You may have noted that we return to the subject of Zinfandel with some degree of frequency. It’s probably because the value index is extraordinarily high, plus we really like the stuff. Zin is truly versatile; it can be made in a light, fruity rosé style, in the style of a claret, or in a ripe-to-overripe rendering, and finally as a late harvest or port wine. If you have any misunderstanding of these styles, you’re in luck: we’re trying all of these this Saturday.

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 9.00; our price 7.99

In the early 1950s, John Pedroncelli created a rosé originally from a blend of grapes and called it Vin Rosé. In 1954, he created the Zinfandel Rosé and the winery has made one every year since. The grapes for this rosé were harvested from the Pedroncelli estate vineyards along with fruit from one other grower. The strawberry bouquet gives way to red raspberry, currant and plum flavors that are the highlights of this crisp, enjoyable wine. This potpourri of fruit, with time, will take on a jammy element but it is doubtful there will be any unopened bottles by then.

2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

This blend from Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley fruit, displays all that is appealing about Zinfandel. The warm 2008 vintage produced beautifully ripe grapes. This very well balanced wine shows aromas of raspberries, cherries and spicy oak, followed by flavors of blueberry pie and dark chocolate. Wine Spectator Magazine gives it an 88-point rating: “The ’08 is zesty and full of deep plum and blackberry fruit, finishing with notes of cedar, dill and lively tannins. Very drinkable with 13.5% alcohol.”

2007 Gnaughty Vines Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley,

List price 17.00; our price 14.99

Concentrating their flavors to produce wines of astonishing depth and complexity, the knotty grape vines surrender their tender fruit to yield ripe raspberry flavors to the max. The wine is well balanced and displays an accent of creamy oak.

2007 Murphy-Goode Zinfandel “Liar’s Dice”, Sonoma County

List price 19.95; our price 15.99

The late Tim Murphy was the architect of the Zinfandel program in a plan conceived over 20 years of breakfasts and “liar’s dice” games at Mickey’s Café in Geyserville. Tim’s circle of friends at these early morning meetings are some of the finest Zin growers in Sonoma County and now are the fruit source for Liar’s Dice Zinfandel. Dense black cherry, raspberry jam, and currant notes are brought together in layers with sweet vanilla oak. The Dry Creek grapes contribute black raspberry and currants and are blended with the Alexander Valley fruit imparting rich, fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry jam. Soft tannins perfectly balance the sweetness of the fruit. Here is a big, rich, impressively stuffed Zinfandel that keys keenly on juicy, blackberry-like fruit, and, if hinting at chocolate, it does so without crossing the line into late-harvest ripeness. It is full, fleshy and just a touch firm in structure, and, while tasty now, it has room for improvement with age. It picked up a Gold Medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair

2009 Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise Zinfandel, Paso Robles

List price 19.95; our price 17.95

The blend in this wine is 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. It is bursting with raspberries and strawberries and is complemented by white pepper, vanilla, and sage. It is smooth on the palate, with light tannins and a hint of fruity sweetness. Delicious!

2006 Hawley Zinfandel, Late Harvest, Dry Creek Valley

List price 22.00; our price 17.99

John Hawley has a great wine-making history, including stops at Kendall-Jackson and Clos Du Bois. John now makes small lot, hands on wines, with the help of his two sons at a brand new winery near the Sonoma town of Healdsburg. The grapes were hand picked so that the selected clusters were not too raisined and had some acidity to balance out the sweetness. This small lot was fermented in one-ton open top fermenters and the skins were punched down every few hours. The wine was drained when it fermented to about 5% sugar and the skins were pressed off in an old manual basket press. The wine was aged for seven months in French and American oak barrels and is slightly sweet at about 5% residual sugar. Selective hand picking helped achieve a balanced acidity to offset the sweetness. The profile focuses on ripe raspberry and blackberry jam with hints of raisins and chocolate.

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.

Saturday, November 6, 2010
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

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

The wine is flowing. New arrivals are streaming in every week and require your immediate attention. Thus, the need for our tasting events becomes necessary all the more so. All the wines this Saturday are from California; three are exceptional Chardonnays at their price points and three are reds that are bound to please. These are a step above the “party-wine” price level, but a not unpleasant step at that, given the quality level. Enjoy!

2008 Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay, Monterey County

List price 13.00; our price 10.99

The wine has the classic citrus-pineapple tropical fruit aromas of our region, combined with luscious pear flavors, crisp acidity and bright floral aromas. The oak (a combination of French and older American barrels) is beautifully integrated with the fruit. Impressive up front, the wine shows a very long, elegant finish.

2008 A by Acacia Chardonnay California

List price 13.50; our price 11.50

This wine offers aromas of apple, mango, fig and guava. The medium to full-bodied palate maintains impressive balance and flavor concentration, so it will hold its own with rich foods. The flavors of tropical and ripe stone fruits complement its acidity, and the finish is rich and long. This bright and crisp Chardonnay is perfect for sipping or for enjoying with flavorful dishes like seafood salads, tarragon chicken and coconut shrimp.

2009 Foley Chardonnay, “Steel”, Santa Rita Hills

List price 29.50; our price 24.95

Fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks, this Chardonnay demonstrates the pristine character of Foley’s estate Santa Rita Hills vineyards. This wine has signature mineral aromatics, with fruit notes of lime zest and lemon curd. Having not been put through malolactic fermentation or aging in oak barrels, the wine has a lively acidity and great structure. This wine is a perfect pairing with any light & fresh cuisine. It is always interesting to taste Chardonnay unadulterated by the presence of wood.

2008 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Monterey County

List price 19.99; our price 17.50

The wine is full-bodied with rich aromas of tart black cherries, roses and hints of both clove and nutmeg followed by a finish that is clean and elegant. The red fruit brightens across the palate, picking up raspberry and spice. Soft and silky through the middle, the wine crescendos on the finish, leaving a vibrant, juicy memory in the mouth.

2009 Chronic Cellars Zinfandel, “Purple Paradise”, Paso Robles

List price 18.00; today only 15.99

The blend in this bottle is 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. It is bursting with raspberries and strawberries complemented by white pepper, vanilla, and sage. The deep, dark purple wine expresses itself smoothly on the palate, with light tannins and a hint of fruity sweetness to round it out. Delicious!

2006 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London, Sonoma V.

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

The wolf head was Jack London’s bookplate logo for many of his novels and is now used to embellish Kenwood’s unique labels of the Jack London series wines. This is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Syrah. It has a rich and complex aroma with notes of boysenberries, mint, and chocolate covered cherries. It is a full-bodied wine with well structured tannins and an excellent finish.