Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, February 13, 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

Since the mid-1970s the Grgich name has been associated with some the best wines coming from California’s Napa Valley.  In March 2008, founder Mike Grgich was inducted into the Vintner Hall of Fame to honor his many contributions to the American wine business.  If you haven’t met Mike Grgich, the opportunity awaits you this Saturday.  Drop by and sample the winery’s offering while chatting with Mike and his area sales rep, Melanie Kemp Lewis.  In addition to the many years of excellence in winemaking at his Napa Valley property Mike will forever be immortalized as the man who made the 1973 Chardonnay for Chateau Montelena that shook up the wine world, and especially France, by taking first place in a California vs. France taste-off in 1976.  The French are still seething over that fiasco.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc, Napa

List price 29.95; our price 26.75

Pure aromas of tropical fruit, melon grapefruit and lemon grass are supported by a hint of minerality.  The full mouthfeel and concentrated flavors make it the ideal wine with a goat cheese salad, smoked salmon, sautéed mussels or by itself as an apéritif.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa

List price 42.00; our price 37.50

Following the classic style that Mike Grgich established when he began in 1977, the Chardonnay was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, thereby creating a wine that is alive with balanced acidity.  This Biodynamically farmed Chardonnay is rich with aromas of ripe peach, mango and tropical flowers, plus a note of minerality.  Its elegance will show well with fresh seafood, roasted chicken, grilled pork, or creamy cheeses.

2005 Grgich Hills Estate Merlot, Napa

List price 42.00; our price 37.50

Estate grown means the grapes came entirely from the winery’s own vineyards, so that the winemaker can exercise total control of the quality from the vine to the bottle.  This is a full-bodied Merlot with rich aromas and flavors of ripe cherry and black berries with hints of cedar and spice.  A Cabernet lovers’ Merlot, the wine’s solid structure promises it will gain in complexity and silkiness with age.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 31.50

The 2006 Zinfandel comes from the winery’s biodynamically farmed vineyards and is co-fermented with 5% Petite Sirah for added depth of flavor and structure.  Aged in large oak casks, this Zin has well-integrated oak nuance that doesn’t overpower the classic zinfandel aromas and flavors of red and black fruit and black pepper.  A great food wine, it would be the perfect accompaniment to pizza, or hamburgers, or hot dogs…or picnic fare of any kind.

2005 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

List price 59.95; our price 53.50

The 2005 Grgich Cab comes from Mike’s carefully tended vines, predominantly from Yountville, though some Rutherford and Calistoga fruit balances out the blend.  The bottle packs a lot of class, with anise, black plum and currant fruit and a spike of peppery spice on the finish.  Acid, fruit and tannin are all in harmony here.  Wine Spectator gave the wine a 92-point rating: “Savory herb and ripe currant, berry and plum aromas are firm and intense.  Full-bodied and well-structured, with the tannins gaining traction on the finish.  Rustic but balanced. Best from 2010 through 2016.”

Saturday, January 31, 2009
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

On Saturday I will be introducing to you Alison Sokol Blosser, the co-president of Sokol Blosser Winery in Oregon.  This charming lady is a font of information on the subject of the wine grapes of Oregon and specifically the Dundee area.  She will be happy to discuss recent scientific reports confirming the health benefits of resveratrol, a powerful antioxident present in red wine and especially the red wines of Oregon (due to its more humid environment).  There is an added benefit here: the wines are delicious.
When Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in 1971 there was no wine industry in Oregon.  Today there are over 300 wineries and more than 13,000 acres of vineyards.  This remains a family owned and operated business with Alison and her brother, Alex, functioning as co-presidents.  The estate vineyards are farmed organically under full USDA organic certification.  The family is impressive in that it pursues environmentally friendly practices in all phases of the business.  In 2006 a 25kW photovoltaic solar panel system was installed furnishing the winery with 33% of its total energy needs.  What I want to know is why does Oregon see the benefits of solar panels while we in the desert employ pitifully few?

2006 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hill, Oregon
34.50
The 2006 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is extremely concentrated yet delicate and elegant.  It is soft, supple, harmonious, and packed with intense black cherry and berry fruit, mocha, and their distinctive Jory soil forest-floor earthiness.  (You will have to ask Alison about soils that are of a “Jory” nature.)

Nv Sokol Blosser Meditrina
14.95
Meditrina is a fine blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel that’s juicy, rich and full of fruit.  The aromas of red fruit and berries are followed by a taste that is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry.  It is an unusual blend but one that truly works beautifully.

Evolution #9, Oregon
13.50
Every new bottling of 9 grapes has its own subtle and fresh personality. The blend consists of Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, White Riesling, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sylvaner.  The 9 varietals blend together perfectly, creating a smooth, off-dry white wine with tropical fruit and a crisp finish.  It is extraordinarily food friendly, from light salads to the hottest fusion-style cuisine.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

4 to 6 pm

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

On Saturday I will be introducing to you Alison Sokol Blosser, the co-president of Sokol Blosser Winery in Oregon.  This charming lady is a font of information on the subject of the wine grapes of Oregon and specifically the Dundee area of the Willamette Valley.  She will be happy to discuss recent scientific reports confirming the health benefits of resveratrol, a powerful antioxident present in red wine and especially the red wines of Oregon (due to its more humid environment).  There is an added benefit here: the wines are delicious.
When Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in 1971 there was no wine industry in Oregon.  Today there are over 300 wineries and more than 13,000 acres of vineyards.  This remains a family owned and operated business with Alison and her brother, Alex, functioning as co-presidents.  The estate vineyards are farmed organically under full USDA organic certification.  The family is impressive in that it pursues environmentally friendly practices in all phases of the business.  In 2006 a 25kW photovoltaic solar panel system was installed furnishing the winery with 33% of its total energy needs.  What I want to know is why does Oregon see the benefits of solar panels while we in the desert employ pitifully few?

2006 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hill, Oregon
34.50
The 2006 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is extremely concentrated yet delicate and elegant.  It is soft, supple, harmonious, and packed with intense black cherry and berry fruit, mocha, and their distinctive Jory soil forest-floor earthiness.  (You will have to ask Alison about soils that are of a “Jory” nature.)

Nv Sokol Blosser Meditrina
14.95
Meditrina is a fine blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel that’s juicy, rich and full of fruit.  The aromas of red fruit and berries are followed by a taste that is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry.  It is an unusual blend but one that truly works beautifully.

Evolution #9, Oregon
13.50
Every new bottling of 9 grapes has its own subtle and fresh personality. The blend consists of Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, White Riesling, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sylvaner.  The 9 varietals blend together perfectly, creating a smooth, off-dry white wine with tropical fruit and a crisp finish.  It is extraordinarily food friendly, from light salads to the hottest fusion-style cuisine.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
4 to 6 pm

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

We consider ourselves fortunate to be visited by the grand master vintner of Napa Valley, Mike Grgich.  Today he will discuss his wines and any other subject you care to bring up, including the famous taste-off between the best wines of California versus the best of France which took place in 1976.  The winemaker for the number 1 Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena was Mike, himself.  Try the current releases and perhaps even have Mike sign a bottle for you.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Fume Blanc, Napa
26.75
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was made from grapes that were certified organic and Biodynamic® at the cool American Canyon and Carneros vineyards, not far from the San Francisco Bay.  Complex and rich, this wine is packed with layers of tropical aromas including white peaches, grapefruit and lemon oil.  With its crisp, refreshing texture, hint of mineral and long finish, this versatile, flavorful white wine is a great companion to grilled shrimp, lemon risotto or a refreshing salad.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa
37.50
This is the first vintage that Mike’s Chardonnay vineyards were certified organic and Biodynamic.  Beautifully balanced between acid, flavors and body, this Chardonnay displays notes of lemon zest, flowers and honey with a hint of crushed stones.  The wine’s elegance will shine by matching it with simple preparations of baked halibut, roasted chicken, grilled shrimp or pork, or pasta with a light cream sauce.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa
31.50
Grown at the estate vineyard in Calistoga, nestled in northern tip of Napa Valley, Mike’s Zinfandel grapes are certified organic and Biodynamic®.  The wine’s classic Zinfandel aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries are backed by hints of allspice and black pepper.  The appealing fruit, soft tannins and medium body make it a perfect partner with grilled meats, thin crust pizza and pastas with tomato sauce.

2004 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
53.50
The Yountville vineyard, which began farming biodynamically in 2003, supplies the main body of this Napa Valley blend.  Nicely balanced between fruit and tannin, this elegant wine is rich with aromas of black cherry, crushed rose petals and cocoa powder.  This full bodied wine goes well with roasted meats, grilled Portobello mushrooms or a firm cow’s milk cheese such as Edam or Gouda.

Saturday, November 29, 2008
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

We have yet to focus our attention on Mendocino County exclusively but Saturday we will remedy our oversight.  Specifically, we will visit two wineries; one in the Potter Valley that goes by the unlikely name of Naughty Boy and the other from the Ridgewood Ranch, former home of Seabiscuit.  No surprise, the latter winery is named Seabiscuit Ranch.�
In the late 90’s Jim and Emjay Scott planted the Naughty Boy Vineyards to Pinot Noir grapes and are currently producing nearly 500 cases a year.  The winery was featured in an article in Savor Wine Country magazine to introduce the Potter Valley appellation through which flow the East Fork headwaters of the Russian River.  Seabiscuit Ranch vineyards are located on a southern portion of the original Ridgewood Ranch located just 20 miles from the Mendocino coastline.  It was here that the legendary Seabiscuit was retired in 1940 shortly after climaxing his career by setting the track record at Santa Anita.

2006 Naughty Boy Chardonnay, Potter Valley
11.99
The source of Naughty Boy Chardonnay comes from a small vineyard owned and farmed by Larry and Danny Thornton in the Potter Valley appellation.  Here at the Russian River’s headwaters are excellent growing conditions of ancient mineral-rich soils coupled with warm days and extremely cold nights that ultimately instill in the wine complex flavors of fruit and spice.  Winemaker Greg Graziano uses the traditional Burgundian method of barrel fermenting in French oak to handcraft this lush Chardonnay

2006 Seabiscuit Ranch Chardonnay, Mendocino
18.49
The grapes for this wine came exclusively from a terraced hillside vineyard along Reeves Canyon, part of the original Ridgewood Ranch, Seabiscuit’s retirement home.  Its gravelly soils and proximity to cooling influence of winds and fog that intrude off the Pacific Ocean make a distinctive style of fruit that defines the Chardonnay.  Delightfully crisp, and rich, this wine was fermented in small American oak barrels for ten months, following malolactic fermentation.  The secondary fermentation provided a buttery elegance to complement the clean ripe fruit flavors of green apples and pears.

2006 Naughty Boy Dolcetto, Potter Valley
17.95
The Dolcetto grape of Piedmont, Italy is translated as the “little sweet one” which may be a euphemism for its more commonly acidic and austere imported bottlings.  Seldom seen in Calif., a 5 year old, 3 acre planting in Talmage yielded this 1st bottling by Greg Graziano, also well versed in Italian varietals  It is medium bodied with a spicy, lush perfume and features red plum and cherry intermingled with sweet herbal and Zinfandel-like pepper notes.  Dolcetto is an excellent wine for Italian food pairings.  Only 178 cases were produced.

2005 Naughty Boy Pinot Noir, Potter Valley
22.50
Although the attempt is made by wine maker Greg Graziano to recreate the Burgundian style, this Pinot simply can’t help reflecting the lush fruit for which California is famous.  This wine received a 4-star rating from the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa: “Spicy and vibrant, Earthy with aromas and flavors of rose petal, dry cherry, strawberry and herbs. Fresh acidity.”

2005 Seabiscuit Ranch Merlot, Mendocino
18.49
The wine is smooth and inviting in the fruit-forward style showing plums, cherries and blackberries.  Red fruit flavors predominate, balanced with good acidity and a soft mouth-filling silky finish.  It was aged for sixteen months in small oak barrels after a small amount of Cabernet (16%) was blended-in to provide ripe fruit flavor complexity.

2004 Seabiscuit Ranch Trifecta, Mendocino
21.95
This “meritage” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc shows soft tannins in a rich, fruit forward style with a gentile cloaking of spicy oak.  The wine has a deep purple color, concentrated ripe fruit aromas and flavors, and a medium to robust body.  It has soft tannins and is ideal for drinking now, yet will benefit from further bottle aging.

Saturday, August 23, 2008
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

Let’s sample some of the more popular white wine varietals this Saturday and reacquaint ourselves with the differing elements of each.  No doubt you have had all these flavors, but can you describe that which makes them unique from each another?  Our tasting parties provide that opportunity to inform while in the act of indulging.  Not a bad thing, and an excellent way to kick off Saturday evening.

2007 Forest Glen Pinot Grigio, California
5.99
This wine is pleasingly crisp, fresh and delicately fruity with aromas of apricots and peaches, and with good body, crisp acidity, and a delicate wave of fruit flavors through to the finish.  It represents great value for a wine that suggests aperitif service and partners well with seafood, chicken and veal dishes.

2006 Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast
8.99
This Sauvignon Blanc receives no oak contact and reflects the fresh, crisp, ripe flavors of pure fruit.  It is rather on a par with the previous wine in that it highlights the apricot and peach part of the bouquet and flavor spectrum.  The citrus component veers toward lemon and supports the “crisp” characterization of the wine.

2007 Badger Mountain Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington
9.99
Badger Mountain’s vineyard is certified organic; no chemical herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers are used in their vineyard.  This works well for those wine lovers who get a nasty reaction to sulfites.  Absolutely none is allowed on the property, so the only sulfites in the wine are naturally occurring—hardly measurable.  Pretty pear and Granny Smith apple fruit aromas and a hint of mineral compliment an intriguing floral character.  The crisp, balanced mouth feel is filled with flavors of Granny Smith apple, green pear, baking spices, and a hint of minerals.  The surprisingly long finish of apple, pears, and sweet oak is enhanced by the typical crisp acidity found in Washington State Chardonnay.

2005 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc, Sonoma County
9.99
Pinot Blanc is a genetic mutation of Pinot Grigio, which in turn is a mutation of Pinot Noir.  Even Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier are members of this family.  Pinot Blanc is similar to Chardonnay, but is more delicate in its flavor and bouquet profile and moves away from apples towards pears.  This wine was fermented in stainless, but then received a few months of French oak.  The fruit was sourced from Russian River Valley and southern Sonoma Valley.  It has an aroma of juicy melon, banana, and limey citrus.  It is light-bodied, and the tart citrus and fruit flavors are crisp and palate cleansing.

2006 Orchid Hill Viognier, Paso Robles
17.95
Orchid Hill is a 51 acre vineyard located on sloping limestone hills in the Templeton Gap area of the west side of Paso Robles Wine Country.  The wine has a rich aromatic perfume of exotic scents.  It is rich, but well balanced with acid, and offers up fresh flavors of peach, mango and fruit cocktail.

2006 Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer, Reserve, Alsace, France
14.99
The vineyards of Alsace date back to the Roman Empire.  During the middle age, the wines from this area were highly regarded and shipped all over Europe.  Most of the vineyards stretch over the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains which rise out of the broad plain of the Rhine to form a natural barrier between Alsace and the rest of France.  In recent centuries the area has ping-ponged back and forth between France and Germany, depending upon who won the last war.  Inhaling this wine is like smelling a bouquet of roses along with exotic fruits.  It is rich, fleshy and semi-dry and displays depth and persistence and a lasting finish.  The grapes come from 28 year old vines and produce a wine that fares well with rich spicy dishes, duck & turkey, Asian food, strong cheeses and fruit tarts.

Saturday, June 28, 2008
4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,
327-7701

Under the new USDA National Organic Program, Frey wines are Organic Wines because they are made from certified organic grapes and contain no additives, such as sulfites or tartaric acid.  Wineries that use organic grapes, but add sulfites or other additives can only be labeled “Made with organically grown grapes.”  Many foods, including wine, may contain small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites.  For example, an egg tested at an independent wine laboratory showed 6 ppm total sulfites.  Testing has shown that naturally occurring sulfites are present in some of Frey’s wines in small amounts, but in some cases no sulfites were detected.  Red wines and older white wines contain the lowest levels of naturally occurring sulfites (that is, none detected or under 5 ppm), while young white wines may occasionally show levels from 5 to 15 ppm.  Although the legal limit in wine is 350 ppm, most wines with added sulfites contain less, generally 25-150 ppm.  According to federal law, if a wine contains 10 ppm or more of total sulfites, the label must state “contains sulfites”.  Also, no animal products are used in the making of Frey Wines, such as egg whites, gelatin, or dairy-derived substances, which is good news for vegans.  So, are these wines worthy?  Come in and judge for yourself.

n.v. Frey Natural White Table Wine
8.75
This blend of Butte County Chenin Blanc and Mendocino Chardonnay results in a medium-bodied wine with crisp acid and melon and pear fruit.  A nice everyday food wine, it is perfect for a picnic or a soup and salad dinner.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 1 ppm.  Silver medal, & rated “Highly Recommended,” at the BTI Eco Wine Challenge.

2006 Frey Sauvignon Blanc
8.95
This wine is a pleasing blend of fruit from Lake and Mendocino counties.  Tropical flavors of pineapple and passion fruit are married with delicate French oak components.  Try it with goat cheese and minced herbs or with spicy ethnic cuisine.
Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 3 ppm.  Bronze medal, & rated “Recommended,” BTI Eco Wine Challenge

n.v. Frey Natural Red Table Wine
8.75
Frey’s best-selling wine is a blend of Carignane, Zinfandel, and Syrah.  It has an expansive bouquet that is light, young, and fruity.  It is well-balanced with a very attractive finish.  An excellent everyday red, carefully crafted with organic techniques.  Try it with pizza or pasta.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Bronze medal: L.A. County Fair Wines of the World Competition; Bronze medal: Florida State Fair International Wine Competition; Bronze medal, & rated “Best Buy,” Beverage Testing Inst.

2006 Frey Zinfandel
12.95
The bench land soils of Redwood Valley in Mendocino Co. produce magnificent Zinfandels.  This is a blend from five organic vineyards.  It is filled with tight blackberry and raspberry fruit, and displays its elegance after being aged on French oak.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Gold medal Riverside International Wine Competition.  Gold medal: International Eastern Wine Competition.  Silver medal Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.  Silver medal, & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.

2006 Frey Cabernet Sauvignon
13.75
This wine is a blend of Cabernet grapes from Redwood Valley and nearby Ukiah.   Black cherry aromas open up to plum fruit with a hint of mint on the finish.  It is aged on French oak which gives it a lovely spice mantel. Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” BTI Eco Wine Challenge. 

2006 Frey Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley
13.75
These grapes were harvested from Frey’s estate vineyards in Redwood Valley and aged on French oak.  The bouquet is rich and expansive, with lots of black cherry, spices, cocoa and sage.  Enjoy this lush well-structured and full-bodied wine with Mediterranean cuisine or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and parmesan.  Total sulfite, naturally occurring: 0 ppm.  Silver medal & rated “Highly Recommended,” Beverage Testing Inst.