Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, August 13, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Today only receive an extra 10% discount

$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

What could be more versatile than a wine that is perfectly charming to sip on its own, well chilled, or that will accompany a wide range of foods including fish, fowl, white meats and a plethora of veggie meals. Almost any red grape will produce a good rosé—as you will experience from the wines below. There are three methods for making a rosé: simply mixing red and white wines, stopping the fermentation of red grapes early and, my favorite, the saignée method whereby the rosé is “bled” from the red wine fermenter at exactly the perfect time. This latter method has an added benefit in allowing for a greater concentration in the make-up of the finished red wine. Ultimately though, who cares? What really matters is the wonderful dry fruity beverage that is easy to drink and makes you feel good.

Mionetto Rosato del Veneto, Valdobbiadene, Italy

List price 12.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

This lightly sparkling rosé is made from the rosado grapes of the Veneto: Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella, the three main red grapes of Valpolicella and Amarone. It is a soft sparkler produced in the Prosecco style with a low alcohol, in this case, 10.5%. It has been a while since we served up this wine and the time is right for a revisit.

Cordorniu Pinot Noir Cava, Brut, Spain

List price 14.99; our price 13.50; today only 11.99

This is a marvelous sparkling wine. It never ceases to satisfy. Cordorniu makes several sparklers, but the Reserve White (Raventos) and the Pinot Noir Brut are exceptional, and are a high value consideration. The pale pink colored wine is refreshingly crisp and elegant with plenty of fresh raspberries and black currants.

2009 Bodega Norton Rosado Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 9.95; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

This winery at the foothills of the Andes produces some of the best red wine of Argentina. Surely it follows that its rosés’ should be of the finest as well. We served this recently with other Argentine wines and wanted to see how well it holds up against other rosés. Besides, I wasn’t here for that event. There is ample red fruit within this dry delivery, but will it hold up to the California rosés to follow?

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

We don’t see a lot of Zinfandel rosé, and after tasting this value packed bottle, I can’t imagine why. Pedroncelli draws grapes from the Dry Creek area near Geyserville in Sonoma County; some of the best Zin grapes in California. The wine is refreshingly crisp and elegant with plenty of fresh raspberries and black currants to delight the palate.

2008 Terra d’Oro Rosé, Shenandoah Valley, Amador Co.

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Terra d’Oro Rosé is made mostly of Nebbiolo, the native red grape of Italy’s Piedmont region with 10% Syrah, blended in to deepen the color and focus the strawberry character. The nose entices the senses with strawberry, pink grapefruit, and melon scents. In the mouth, strawberries dominate, leading to a refreshing, just off-dry finish. A joyous sipper that fares well tableside or poolside, this rosé is both a perfect companion to summer weather and to any other time of the year, for that matter.

2010Toad Hollow Pinot Noir Rosé “Eye of the Toad”

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

The wine has good body and weight for a Rosé of Pinot Noir. It displays a nose of rose petals and violets. Whether in sun or no-sun, this is a truly dry, uncomplicated statement of Pinot Noir at its lightest and most delicate. Spice and pepper bring out the wonderful wild strawberry flavors. It goes great with sushi and wasabi or spicy Thai food.

Saturday, August 6, 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

No matter where you may be in the world today, your main vinous desire would be for something lighter, fresher and easier to drink. It is simply too hot for our favorite rich and heavy wines (except, of course, for the hard-core among us). With that in mind we are putting together some tasting events featuring wines from countries around the globe with the emphasis on summer use. The six countries we are visiting this week are:

Portugal: Aliança Vinho Verde

List price 8.95; our price 7.99

Vinho Verde is the name of the northern wine producing region of Portugal and is mostly synonymous with the fresh, crisp, slightly spritzy wine that accounts for 25% of all wine produced in Portugal. It is typically 8-10% alcohol and has a refreshing acidity. The grapes used in the blend include Trajadura, Pederña, Loureiro and Alvarinho. Aliança tends towards luscious flavors of lemon meringue pie. The granitic soil, the climactic conditions and the grape varieties of the region give this famous wine its special characteristics of crisp fruit, flinty minerality and delicate aroma. Lightness and freshness make this low alcohol crisp white wine ideal by itself and as a perfect complement to seafood, hors d’oeuvres, chicken and veal. Try it with stir fry’s, spicy dishes and oysters, or any other shell fish.

South Africa: 2009 Stellar Organics Chardonnay, Western Cape

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

Stellar Winery, South Africa’s largest producer of fine organic wines, processes organically-grown grapes for the South African and export markets. The grapes are drawn from farms from the Western Cape hamlet of Trawal. This is an area famous for its spring flowers and is also the only semi-arid biosphere hotspot in the world. The winery is privately owned, with the workers having a 26% shareholding in the cellar. This is a lightly-wooded wine with a complex spicy, fruity nose and a fresh, citrus-like acidity on the palate. The back label is marked “Vegan friendly” whatever that means.

California: 2009 Conundrum

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

From year to year this is a blend of popular and esoteric white grapes including in no special order: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and Muscat. The “puzzle” of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the range of grape varieties used, because the Caymus family never reveals the exact composition. It is a quintessential sipper offering copious amounts of ripe, silky fruit, tropical in nature, along with vanilla notes, honeysuckle and honeydew melon. The complexity of this wine is brought into balance with a rich, round, soft texture; and fresh, supportive acidity.

France: 2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly, Beaujolais

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.

Chile: 2009 Terra Andina Carmenère, Valle Central

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This bottling is100% Carmenère, the “lost” grape of Bordeaux. It is a tasty blend of black currant, blackberry, grilled red pepper and black pepper, in the nose and on the palate. The wine shows balance and softness with silky tannins and a pleasant finish. Black pepper, blackberries and oak round out the flavor profile. Grapes are sourced throughout the Central Valley.

Spain: 2006 Castillo Real Monastrell, Bullas

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

The Bullas appellation in the south-eastern part of Spain, south of Valencia, is known for its Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France or Mataro in Italy). The grapes are grown in limestone soil through long, hot summer days and cool nights, resulting in a ripe, fruit-forward, and concentrated wine with a subtle mineral character.

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

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

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

Having just returned from our trip to Napa Valley and, accordingly, having committed to purchases of many fine wines, we find it necessary to make room on our shelves prior to the shipments. We haven’t done an Australian tasting for a while, so this should be refreshing. These are big wines with an unabashedly ripe, juicy, rich profile. Probably not the best choices for summer days of incendiary heat, but our hard-core big-reds contingent will arrive salivating. The discounts are quite deep, so now would be the time to indulge yourselves from some of the Aussie largess.

2007 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Big Tail Blend, SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

Like many wineries, the Andrew Peace company began as a vineyard in 1980, then in 1995, the decision to commit to developing a winery was made. This wine has delicious blackberry and ripe plum fruit, and is smooth and savory on the palate. A medium to full bodied red that is soft, smooth and full of ripe forest fruit flavors, this wine will go with pretty much any savory dish and is great for drinking on its own. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot.

2009 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Red Blend,SE Australia

List price 6.95; our price 4.99

This wine is brimming with juicy black and red berry fruit flavors with a hint of warm spice and vanilla. The result is a wine perfect for full flavored dishes or for those who like a big, bold red to enjoy on its own. The blend is 30% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Grenache and 20% Mataro (Mourvedre).

2004 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, McLaren Vale

List price 19.99; our price 17.95

The nose shows concentrated blackberry, plum and chocolate aromas with a subtle touch of French oak. The palate displays masses of rich black fruits and dark chocolate that combine with the sweet velvety tannins. Ripe and full bodied this well rounded wine has good structure, intensity and concentration of fruit which lead into a long generous finish. Robert Parker gave it a 90-point rating.

2006 Yangarra Shiraz, Single Vineyard, McLaren Vale

List price 20.95; our price 17.99

This Shiraz walks the tightrope between finesse and concentration. It has a stylish perfume of raspberries and juniper. The vibrant aromas lead to a palate that is concentrated and seductively lush with black fruits, spicy dark chocolate, hints of vanilla bean and soft, grainy tannins.

2008 Molly Dooker, Two Left Feet, McLaren Vale

List price 24.95; our price 19.99

90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Two Left Feet is a blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon which also spent 11 months in 50% new French and American oak. A glass-staining opaque purple color, it emits an enticing aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry preserves. Dense, sweet, and layered on the palate, it is surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Concentrated, lengthy, and full-flavored, this wine is all about pleasure. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.”

2006 Flinders Run Shiraz, South Australia

List price 29.50; our price 19.99

92 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar: “Inky ruby. Powerfully scented bouquet of dark berries, smoky minerals and fresh flowers; this is really fragrant. Spicy black raspberry and cassis flavors stain the palate and are enlivened by zesty minerality. A strong iron note carries into the impressively broad, long finish.” 92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2005 was a big success and the 2006 Shiraz is almost as good. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a nose of toasty oak and blueberry compote that jumps from the glass. Full-bodied, corpulent, round, and layered, it delivers a big mouthful of blueberry fruit with notes of licorice and chocolate followed by a long, pure finish. Leave your thinking cap at home and enjoy this hedonistic effort for its fleshy, in your face style. Enjoy it over the next 6-8 years.” 91 points Wine Spectator: “Toasty, savory flavors dominate, offering charred meat, spice and bread crust aromas and flavors around a core of ripe blueberry, plum and cream, finishing with polish. Drink now through 2016.

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

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Argentine wines continue to lead the pack of value wines from around the world. Much of it has to do with the price of land and therefore the price of the grapes grown on that land. Argentine vineyards can cost around $2000. per acre, while a vineyard in Napa runs above $200,000. Obviously, this has a profound effect on the price of a bottle of Cabernet. There are other mitigation factors, as well, such as American oak (300. a barrel) versus French oak (1000. a barrel). This is why we are constantly amazed at the pricing on the low level wines given their quality. Titan Wines and Spirits has an import hold on some great properties, some of which we will pour on Saturday. Representing the company will be our good friend, Noel Font.

2009 Lo Tengo Torrontés, Mendoza

List price 10.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 Norton Rosado Malbec Mendoza

List price 9.95; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

This rosé from Bodega Norton is made entirely in stainless steel to capture the vibrant fresh fruit character. It has a lovely pale red color, and on opening delivers ample aromas of red fruit. Still, the wine remains dry which makes it a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of foods. Or, it is suitable for sitting around the pool and sipping at will.

2009 Kaiken Malbec, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75; today only 9.69

In the nose there are notes of ripe fruit with traces of cedar and butterscotch. In the mouth it displays intensity, with strong, fleshy tannins; while at the same time it is juicy and enveloping, leading to a long, persistent finish. A harmonious liaison with the wood makes of this wine a fine example of the Mendoza wine value.

2008 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza

List price 11.99; our price 10.75 today only 9.69

On the nose, it features good complexity where the Cabernet spiciness blends perfectly with mature fruit allowing plum
and cherry aromas to stand out. Its oak ageing contributes by adding complexity and sophistication to the wine. There is a small amount (7%) of Malbec added to the blend which increases the complexity. On the mouthfeel it’s a big wine, but with subtle tannins. To achieve this, 60% of the wine was aged for 8 months on American oak, while the other 40% was not exposed to wood at all. It has a long finish, where fruit flavors dominate and blend perfectly with the sweet notes provided by its oak ageing.

2009 Pascual Toso Malbec, Reserve, Mendoza

List price 19.95; our price 18.50; today only 16.65

On the nose, this Malbec is clean and fruitful. Its aromas are reminiscent of plums and quince with a little touch of elegant oak. The mouth has a mild bouquet of blackberry and licorice fruit that keeps a firm grip through the finish. This thick and burly Malbec has a rich and long finish with smoky accents of vanilla and lingering oak.

2007 Bodega Norton Privada, Mendoza

List price 22.00; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

The grapes for this wonderful wine come from vineyards between 50 and 80 years old, at altitudes above 3000 feet. The wine displays aromas of damp earth, spice box, violets, black cherry and a hint of balsamic. On the palate it is medium-bodied, savory, ripe, and concentrated, revealing good volume and balance with medium-length finish. This tasty effort can be approached now and will age well through 2018. Wine Spectator gave it a 91 points rating.

Saturday, July 16, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Wine sales in the desert are at their lowest in the summer and so, too, are purchases on our part. However, we do need to eliminate stock on hand in order to be prepared for the fall releases. The purchasing at that time can best be described as frenzied. At that time, all is being readied for the holiday period to follow. In other words, the significant process I am trying to convey begins now. Additional sell-offs will continue through the summer and at extra discounts. For those of you willing to brazen out the hyper-heat months here, there should be some small reward. Besides, wine tastings are fun.

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

This is not a bad “cheapie” wine. Although it is not a wine we typically carry, it was worth doing it once and taking advantage of a solid value low cost bottle. It is smooth, with a nice fruity bouquet and flavor, along with a bit of wood in the finish. Yes…not bad at all.

2008 Piola Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 8.95; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

This Cab and the one following are from Mankas Hills Vineyard, which we featured some months back. We have continued to purchase their Cabernets because they simply offer great value. The winery and vineyards are just over the hills from Napa Valley and the grapes are quite good. The round tannins, the elegant balance of flavors and aromas, and the mild exposure to oak makes this wine ideal for every day meals. Drink it slightly cool. The wine picked up two Silver Medals: LA County Fair and Pacific Rim Competition.

2006 Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon, Suisun Valley, CA

List price 13.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Here is a wide fruit profile harmonizing with smooth round tannins. Notes of raspberries, black cherries and blueberries blend well with soft vanilla, eucalyptus, and black pepper tones creating an enjoyable balance of aromas and flavors. This is an excellent food wine offered at a great price. It, like its sibling above, picked up a couple of medals but is a bigger wine with some added age to smooth out all the rough edges.

2009 Toro de Piedra Cabernet Sauv., Colchagua Val., Chile

List price 13.95; our price 11.50; today only 9.99

Besides the Cab, this winery makes an excellent Chardonnay for the same price. Unhappily, the vintage is a goner. Still the Cab remains and shines like a beacon to attract our attention to really good wine at a super price. The wine rated 88 points from stingy Steven Tanzer: “Opaque ruby. Deep, youthfully primary aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and wood smoke. Open-knit dark fruit flavors show good depth and are complemented by notes of tarragon and dark chocolate. Slow to open, but the fruit is well-concentrated; the finish clings with good, peppery bite and intensity.”

2008 Molly Dooker Cabernet, The Maitre D’, Australia

List price 24.95; our price 19.99; today only 17.99

I’ll let Robert Parker rhapsodize over this Cab being offered to you at a great price. 90 points from Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Maitre D’, was raised in 50% new French and American oak for 11 months. Opaque purple-colored with legs that ooze down the glass, it displays a reticent bouquet that with coaxing reveals wood smoke, violets, black currant and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with a glossy texture, succulent fruit, and excellent concentration. This pleasure bent effort can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years.”

2006 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, Celestus, Paso Robles

List price 39.95; our price 29.99; today only 26.99

Blended in with this wonderful Cab are Syrah (15%) and Petit Verdot (5%). IWC gives it 91pts: The wine opens with lush aromas of dark fruits, licorice and pencil that lead to an integrated and satiny mid-palate accentuated by the French oak. This wine is full bodied and the predominance of Syrah imparts it with hints of lavender, sage, wild thyme and dark cherry.

Saturday, June 25, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against purchase of the featured wines below
Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

Sauvignon Blanc may not be as well known as Chardonnay but it is certainly as versatile. The spectrum of aromas and tastes begins with grassiness, that is, herbaceousness. It is typically crisp showing good acidity with hints of stone fruit and melon. Some producers allow four to six months of wood contact to add complexity, and this can be interesting. The Sauternes area of Bordeaux makes the fabulous dessert wines from this grape, frequently blended with the companion grape, Semillon. This Saturday we will focus on the straight forward delivery of the grape to the fresh and easy styling of the wines selected from around the world.

2010 LaPlaya Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

In the nose the wine shows floral aromas with lime citrus and a hint of honeydew melon. The lemon-lime citrus is at the front of the flavor experience with the typical grassiness following. It is bright and crisp, exhibiting some minerality and a lively acidity. The wine was aged for 3 months in stainless steel.

2010 Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, S. Africa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers hints of green apples and tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acids, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days. It is very refreshing on its own and lovely with crisp salads, light seafood dishes and tapas. This is the wine to pair with steamed green asparagus.

2009 White Oak Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, CA

List price 14.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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. Stock this one.

2009 Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton, Australia

List price 15.00; our price 10.99; today only 9.89

The Pemberton wine region in Western Australia, almost 2,000 miles from Mudgee, provides the perfect growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. The elevated cool, maritime climate of this region maintains the core freshness and zesty aromatics of the variety. Separate parcels were harvested at various maturity stages to produce a mix of interesting flavors. The early harvest captures the crisp zesty core of the wine while a slightly later harvest builds an element of tropical fruit flavors. The use of selected aromatic yeasts and cool fermentation temperatures has produced a vibrant and refreshing wine. 90 point rating by Tasting Panel Magazine

2008 Domaine du Rochoy Sancerre, Loire Valley, France

List price 29.00; our price 25.50; today only 22.95

Domaine Rochoy sources the grapes from a single slope of flinty soils (called “Cailloux”) in the commune of Bannay. It is a finely textured wine, showing some gooseberry and tropical fruits and a sense of coolness also with savory spice and mouthwatering acidity. It has lovely purity, with vibrant, racy citrus peel, gooseberry and straw notes that stay persistent through the very long finish.

2010 Kim Crawford Sauv. Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 17.99; our price 15.99; today only 14.39

This is a crisp and powerful, well balanced wine with intense aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and citrus flavors. Look for upfront herbaceous aromas, backed by ripe fruit flavors of melon, passion fruit and crisp acidity. This light to medium bodied aromatic wine is a great match with salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes and perfectly acceptable to be enjoyed on its own! 89 points Wine Spectator: “Fragrant and tropical, displaying pineapple, grapefruit, dragon fruit and melon flavors. There’s a juicy acidity, with great persistence on the finish.”

Saturday, June 18, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

There are so many good values to be had from the Spanish wine import market that we will do one event this Saturday and another selection next month on July 9th. I used to think of Spanish wines as being earthy and oaky in the old world sort of way. This simply isn’t so any more. While it is still possible to find wines vinified in the manner of bygone decades, the current style is focused on the so-called international style (read California). Even more amazing is the low cost of wines from old vine vineyards. Production from these vines is progressively lessened as the vineyard ages, which normally sends the price skywards. All across Northern Spain the various wine regions are producing some of their best wines ever and given the prices, we are the beneficiaries.

2005 Juvé y Camps Brut Nature Grand Reserva Cava

List price 16.00; our price 13.99; today only 12.59

Four varietals make up the blend in this excellent sparkler: Macabeo 30%, Parellada 30%, chardonnay 25%, Xarello 15%. It received a 90 point rating from Peñín Guide: Color: bright golden. Nose: fine lees, dry nuts, fragrant herbs, complex, spicy. The palate is flavorful, showing good acidity, a fine bead and fine bitter notes. Wine Spectator likes it too: “Firm acidity provides structure, fleshed out by flavors of apricot, lemon peel, pine and anise, with a crisp finish.”

2010 Artazuri Garnacha, Navarra

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Garnacha is the power grape in Navarra. Whether it be deep red wines or pink ones, none are any more appealing than this one. The aroma of berries jumps from the glass with the attendant spice and just a hint of minerality. The flavors are bright and juicy, and the snappy acidity and unabashed fresh red fruit make this an easy quaffing rosé. It is hard not to like a wine that delivers this much character at such a very low fare.

2009 Granrojo Garnacha, Castilla

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 7.19

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.

2007 Hoya de Cadenas Tempranillo, Valencia

List price 9.99; our price 8.50; today only 7.65

The Hoya de Cadenas Estate is situated on the slopes of the Sierra de la Bicuerca, just 100 Km inland from the city of Valencia. The estate cultivates close to 500 acres of the finest local and international vine varieties. The particular micro-climate with temperature variations from day to night gives growth to some pretty special Tempranillo grapes. The Reserva is a rich, rustic, old world style wine; loaded with plenty of fruit and power on the palate; at a fantastic price.

2008 Vega Murillo Tinto de Toro, Toro

List price 17.50; our price 14.99; today only 13.49

The wine exhibits very fruity and floral aromas, principally red fresh fruit, all on a mineral background. There is persistent fruit, minerals and a licorice edge to the flavors as well as displaying a subtle hint of vanilla. The long finish shows good balance and reflects the 3 months spent on new French Allier oak.

2006 Vall Llach Embruix, Priorat

List price 27.00; our price 23.99; today only 21.59

Singer/songwriter Lluís Llach was one of Spain’s key musical figures in the late 1960s, but by the 1990s he had turned his focus to wine, starting this estate in Porrera, one of the nine villages that together constitute Priorat. The estate enjoys old Garnacha and Cariñena plots, with vines 60-90 years of age. Since the estate was founded, they’ve been supplemented with new Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah plantings. Ultimately, these are Garnacha and Cariñena velvety-rich wines that are strikingly concentrated and loaded with sweet, spicy berry fruit, braced by smooth tannins. This wine shows blackberry and candied cherry on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice and dried violets. It is supple, forward and fruity, with gentle acidity adding lift and focus. The wine finishes with lingering dark berry flavors and a kiss of herbs. Wine Spectator gave it a 94-point rating.

Saturday, June 11, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

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

2010 Viña La Playa Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

Colchagua Valley is home to Viña La Playa Winery & Hotel. Besides visiting a world-class vineyard, one can enjoy the Four-Star accommodations, beautifully situated on the banks of the Tinguiririca River, near Lake Rapel. In the nose the wine shows floral aromas with lime citrus and a hint of honeydew melon. The lemon-lime citrus is at the front of the flavor experience with the typical grassiness following. It is bright and crisp, exhibiting some minerality and a lively acidity. The age of the vines is 18 years, and the grape yield is 6.5 tons per acre. The wine was aged for 3 months in stainless steel.

2010 Viña La Playa Chardonnay, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

2009 Viña La Playa Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

2009 Viña La Playa Cabernet, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

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

List price 12.00; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

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

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

List price 12.95; our price 10.99; today only 9.89

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

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

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

This Saturday’s event is a virtual wine tasting tour of France with a different varietal for every stop along the way. We keep coming back to France because the country is endowed with many growing areas and an enormous selection of varietals. Studying French wine requires much in-depth inquiry and considerable wine tasting. It is our challenge to inform and to teach appreciation of the fine wines from this country while having a good time along the way.

2009 Mission St. Vincent Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux

List price 16.00; our price 13.50; today only 12.15

This château-bottled white is from an estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers area just east of Bordeaux. The estate has installed modern technology to assume a better advantage in this area that produces many inexpensive whites. Typically, this grape is blended with Semillon to produce a richer and more complex wine. This bottling is a blend of 70% Sauvignon and 30% Semillon. The floral Sauvignon character marries beautifully with the later picked, weightier Semillon. The citrus flower fragrance and the soft peachy flavors are precisely what we look for in Bordeaux whites. It has a crisp, smooth and fresh finish. This wine can be enjoyed on its own or is ideal as an accompaniment to fish and chicken dishes.

2009 Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy

List price 14.00; our price 11.99; today only 10.79

Burgundy is an engrossing subject on its own, with so many producing areas from Chablis to Beaujolais. Everything in between is all about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This is a clean, fresh Chardonnay with typical varietal fragrance and elegant, citrus and white fruit flavors on the palate. Vinified without oak contact, the delicate acid balance carries into a refreshing, crisp finish.

2008 Marquis de Goulaine Vouvray, Loire

List price 15.95; our price 14.99; today only 13.49

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.

2010 Domaine de Nizas, Rosé, Coteaux du Languedoc

List price 15.50; our price 13.99; today only 12.59

This is a lush and lively wine with an appealing soft rose color and violet hints. Its bouquet develops intense aromas of delicate peony, raspberry, mandarin orange and violet candy notes. The palate is smooth, round and well balanced with a lingering finish. Vibrant, crisp and dry, this rosé embodies the finesse style and spirit of the Domaine. It’s a taste of Mediterranean sunshine if it were possible to distill such a thing.

2009 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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.

2007 Domaine d’Andezon Côtes-du-Rhône, Red

List price 14.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Robert Parker rated this lovely wine 89-points: A blend of 90% Syrah (40-year old vines) and 10% Grenache (60-year old vines), the tank-fermented and aged 2007 Cotes du Rhone exhibits sweet blackberry and cassis fruit interwoven with notions of spring flowers, licorice, and road tar. It possesses a lovely texture, crisp acids (a characteristic of this vintage), medium to full body, and a long, smooth finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.

Saturday, May 28, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

The Eastern Alps include parts of Switzerland, most of Austria and Liechtenstein, as well as parts of extreme southern Germany, far northern Italy and a good portion of northern Slovenia. The eastern border is formed by the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) and the Viennese basin, including Lake Como. The white wines of both countries are amazing: light and crisp, fragrant with some perfume, and always showing a refreshing minerality. The red wines, mostly Pinot Noir in Austria are very light and totally different from the California style which is weighty by comparison. The reds of Northern Italy are richer in body and flavor and capable of delivering much charm and elegance.

2009 Huber Grüner Veltliner, Austria

List price 15.00; our price 13.99; today only 12.59

Markus Huber is the 10th generation of Hubers that have run the winery and vineyards for centuries. The wine’s bouquet suggests delicate fresh green apple fruity aromas. In the mouth, flavors of lemon-lime and peaches as well as honeysuckle are displayed on the solid fruit core. It is rich in finesse; with light acidity, taut in character with a beautiful length laced with mineral tones leading to the mouth-filling finish.

2009 Huber Grüner Veltliner, Traisental, Austria

List price 19.95; our price 17.99; today only 16.19

The wine has a medium green yellow, showing some pepper on the nose; hinting at typical Grüner spiciness, aromatic herbs, minerality and grapefruit. It is dense and complex on the palate showing great promise for the future. This is pure, crisp Grüner, with a lovely acidity and citrus fruit along with green apple skins. It goes best with fish like trout or salmon, and serves also very well with spicy food, especially Asian cuisine.

2009 Huber Riesling, Engelreich, Traisental, Austria

List price 25.00; our price 22.99; today only 20.69

The wine opens with an inviting nose with white flower, tropical fruits, peach and apricot. The palate is clean and fresh, neither oily nor oaky, good acidity especially towards finish, with a touch of sweetness at the end. The lemony nuances in the finish combine with the mineral flavors to evoke a true expression of elegance.

2008 Maculan Cosstadolio Rosato, Veneto, Italy

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

For three generations the Maculan family has been selecting and vinifying the best grapes in Breganze, an enchanting village set like a small jewel at the foot of the Alps in Italy’s Veneto region. This is an intriguing rosé made from 100% Merlot grapes directly pressed without de-stemming or crushing. Only the first part of the pressed juice is settled for 24 hours at low temperatures, and then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is refined on the lees for three months to preserve its fruitiness, and then racked and bottled in spring following the harvest. The Costadolio offers a very fruity bouquet with notes of peach, plums, and nice hints of apple. It is medium bodied with crisp acidity, and very refreshing. Serve chilled, but not too cold, alongside pasta with shellfish, or grilled white meat.

2007 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre, Veronese, Italy

List price 20.00; our price 17.99; today only 16.19

Palazzo della Torre is made from 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese, all traditional Veneto grapes. Approximately 30% of the fruit is air-dried, Amarone-style. The fermenting juice from those grapes is added to the rest of the juice to give the wine an extra dimension of richness and body. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 90-point rating: “Enticing scents of chocolate, espresso, dark fruit, licorice and new leather emerge from the boisterous 2007 Palazzo della Torre. The fruit is sumptuous as always. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017”.

2006 Tommasi Viticoltori Crearo, Veronese, Italy

List price 28.00; our price 24.99; today only 22.49

The blend in this wine is Corvina Veronese 50%, Oseleta 15% and Cabernet Franc 35%. The grapes are hand-picked in late September, fermented in steel vats for about nine days, then re-fermented with the skins of Amarone for about 12 days, with continuous pumping over each day. The blend spent 6 months in French oak, another 18 months in Slavonian oak casks, then rested 6 months in bottle. It is full-bodied and intense, spicy, velvety and rich with complex flavors.