Desert Wines and Spirits

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

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited toward purchase of the featured wines below
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

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

2010 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

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

List price 10.50; our price 9.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Sangiovese, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Merlot, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

2008 Pietra Santa “Sassolino” Red Blend, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Zinfandel, Central Coast

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

Saturday, October 29, 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

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

2010 Vampire Vineyards Pinot Grigio, California

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

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

2007 Vampire Vineyards Chardonnay, California

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

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

2010 Vampire Vineyards Pinot Noir, California

List price 10.50 our price 9.50

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

2009 Vampire Vineyards Merlot, North Coast

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

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

2010 Vampire Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast

List price 10.50; our price 9.50

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

Also for sale are two vodkas from the same company:

Vampyre Red Vodka, England

List price 23.00; our price 19.95

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

Blavod Black Vodka, England

List price 27.00; our price 24.00

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

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, October 8, 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 an excursion through the Italian wine country as experienced in bottles of the country’s fine wines. All the wines below are easy to drink, inexpensive on the whole, and simply delicious. Italy never disappoints.

La Fornarina Prosecco, Extra Dry, Veneto

List price 14.00; our price 9.99

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

2010 Ruffino “Lumina” Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

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

2008 Maculan “Costadolio” Rosé, Veneto

List price 11.00; our price 7.99

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

2009 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese, Molise

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

2009 Poggio Basso Chianti, Tuscany

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

2007 Ruffino Chianti Classico, Riserva Ducale, Tuscany

List price 27.50; our price 24.95

In the nose, this wine shows an outstanding elegance, characterized by particularly fragrant flowery and fruity notes. Violet, cherries, wild berries and plums meet with delicately spicy hints of tobacco and white pepper, followed by elegant scents of red roses and flint. In the mouth, there is fragrant, fresh fruit, laced with gentle tannins and accompanied by spicy hints. The finish is persistent, with fresh mineral character and a hint of rosemary.

Saturday, September 3, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

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

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

2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy

List price 9.95; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

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

2009 LoTengo Torrontés Mendoza, Argentina

List price 999; our price 8.99; today only 7.99

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

2009 Bodega Elena de Mendoza Red Blend, Argentina

List price 9.95; our price 8.50; today only 7.65

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

2009 GranRojo Garnacha, Castilla, Spain

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

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

2009 Mirabile Nero D’Avola, Sicilia, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

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

2008 Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Arg.

List price 20.00; our price 17.99; today only 15.99

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

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 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

At the turn of the 20th century, Rosemount, based in Hunter Valley and South Australia, was the second best selling Australian wine brand in the US. It was established in 1969 by Bob Oatley and was Australia’s largest family owned winery until its March 2001 merger with Southcorp Wines. After four decades of making Rosemount Winery the huge success it now enjoys, Bob Oatley and his family are again playing a key role in setting a new direction for Australian wine. Never one to rest on his laurels, in 2006 and at the age of nearly 80, Bob decided it was time to redefine perceptions about the essence of Australian wine. The hallmarks are appealing texture, moderate alcohol, bright natural acidity and purity of varietal flavor. But one thing never changes, i.e. Bob Oatley’s requirement that the wine always tastes “like you want some more.”

Today, Bob’s winemaking home is Mudgee, 261 km north-west of Sydney, a region of sunshine, ancient red-brown earth and a rich winemaking history. His wines are produced from a diverse set of family-owned vineyards spread throughout the Mudgee region as well as grapes grown for the family from vineyards as far away as Margaret River and Pemberton, Western Australia. Joining us this Saturday is Ian Dealhoy, the Southern California sales manager for the winery.

2009 Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio, South Australia

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

The Adelaide Hills, in South Australia, is the ideal region in which to grow the Pinot Grigio grape. The vineyard looks out on steep slopes that promote free air movement, encouraging cool breezes during the growing season. The aim is to capture the delicate pear, apple and spice notes of the variety. Some parcels are fermented with the clusters to promote palate weight. The wine’s natural partridge-eye hue has been retained in a wine that is crisp and fresh with the pure flavor and minerality of Pinot Grigio. 90 point rating by Wine and spirits Magazine

2009 Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

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 Robert Oatley Chardonnay, Mudgee

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

Mudgee is located 162 miles northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, a region that was planted to some of Australia’s earliest Chardonnay vines and which has a long history with this versatile variety. It is situated at over 1,500 feet with ancient red clay loam soils of volcanic origin. The aim here was to capture the lemon-lime citrus flavors and subtly support this with thoughtful use of high quality, tight grain French oak barrels for fermentation and maturation.

2009 Robert Oatley Rosé of Sangiovese, Mudgee

List price 15.00; our price 10.99

The Oatley family estates are home to the first plantings of Sangiovese and Barbera in Australia. The wine is produced by the ‘saignée’ method of making rosé, where the wine is drained off the skins after only a short period of contact. This creates a very pink rather than red wine. It has been deliberately made at the drier end of the rosé spectrum.

2009 Robert Oatley Tempranillo, Victoria

List price 16.00; today only 11.99

The King Valley, situated in North East Victoria has a long tradition of growing Mediterranean grape varieties and is home to Australia’s first plantings of Tempranillo. The region sits in the foothills of the Alpine National Park and as such enjoys cold winters and warm summers moderated by the nearby mountains. The grapes were harvested in the cool of the morning and fermented at moderate temperatures in order to retain the distinctive cherry and spice aromas. The fermenting must was gently and routinely pumped over with particular attention to maintaining a soft tannin profile. The wine was then pressed and run into selected tight grain French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation prior to blending and bottling.

2007 Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee.

List price 16.00; our price 11.99

Individual parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were harvested and fermented cool and gently extracted to retain fruit expression and soft tannins. The wines were then pressed off skins and run into French oak to undergo malolactic fermentation and maturation for 12 months. Individual barrel selections were then blended together.

Saturday, October 2, 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

Classic Wines Company of California is an import and distribution arm owned by the Franzia family. It has a very large array of wines fitting into every price point from the very low to medium high. The idea is to provide retailers and restaurateurs a large mix of choices to fit most needs on a wine list or on a store shelf. Within these pricing brackets is quite an interesting mix of wines, reflecting the price with concomitant value. Usually, the more one spends, the higher the quality. This Saturday, Johanne Lefebvre will represent the company at our event to pour and discuss some of the wines from the inexpensive end of the spectrum. Party planners should find this event worth while.

2009 Motos Liberty Pinot Grigio, California

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This is definitely a pear toned wine with some apple flavor and there is present a hint of honeysuckle. As the wine flows into the palate, pear and pineapple are predominant and it ends with a smooth refreshing finish. Enjoy with seafood (light & heavy), shellfish, pork, cheese and poultry.

2008 Mont Pellier Viognier, California

List price 6.00; our price 4.99

The Viognier grape comes from Condrieu in the Rhone Valley of France. It is a finicky grape that wants the right amount of heat and coolness to produce at its best. This high value bottling seems to have met the criteria. The lovely fruit and floral characteristics have helped this wine garner a Gold Medal at the Riverside International Wine Competition 2010.

2008 Congress Springs Chardonnay, Lodi

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This lovely wine shows ripe tropical fruit, fine acidity, pineapple golden apple aromas and flavors are matched by light mineral notes together giving complexity and a delightfully refreshing quality. The citrus blossom and lemon drop character helped it win a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2010.

2006 Crane Lake Malbec, California

List price 3.50; our price 2.99

This is a fun easy-drinking wine with plenty of plum, black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors. It is a good choice for large events or holiday parties. The soft tannins provide a smooth finish. Try it with a leg of lamb, sausage, duck, pasta in a red sauce, or grilled steak. It should hold for another year or so.

2009 Forest Glen Pinot Noir, California

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This wine offers captivating black cherry and blackberry flavors enhanced by vanilla-spice. This elegant, silky-textured wine is remarkably versatile at the dining table. Its balanced acidity and bright fruit pair as successfully with rich fish such as salmon as with red meats, duck, or grilled vegetables. The flavors are deep enough to indicate blending with another varietal of the fruity type such as Syrah.

2008 Mont Pellier Syrah, California

List price 6.00; our price 4.99

Syrah combines a meaty core of ripe berry fruit with tones that range from herbal to peppery in a package that tends to be medium bodied with good acidity and softer tannins. It is smooth and tender, yet fine and serious. This easy-drinking wine is a real winner.

Saturday, May 9, 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

We are continuing our search for bargains among wines and liquors that suit your needs for the coming summer months.  This Saturday we are showcasing some new arrivals that fit nicely into that category.  It is our job to introduce you to the myriad possibilities to satisfy personal enjoyment as well as your entertainment needs.  We do this a few bottles at a time so that the focus is not lost.  As each week goes by your knowledge of beverage products increases and, chances are, you are enjoying the party.

Grandial Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, Brut, France
Regular price 8.99, Today only 6.99
This is a wonderfully light sparkling wine produced from 100% Ugni Blanc that is surprisingly clean, refreshing and totally dry.  It is medium bodied, displaying ripe fruit and smooth textures.  It has lightly creamy flavors that end with a crisp finish.  This is a great price for this fruity, elegant sparkling wine with fine bubbles and fresh palate.

2008 Benvolio Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy
Regular price 13.50, Today only 9.99
The Friuli–Venezia Giulia area of Italy is in the northeast next to Slovenia.  This wine comes from the Grave section of the Friuli where well drained soils produce the quintessential Pinot Grigio.  The wine is fresh and delicate, with clean pear and apple flavors set in a crisp balanced acidic structure.  Look for subtle hints of rosewater and lychee in the long flavorful finish. 

2007 Zaza Garnacha Rosé, Campo de Borja, Spain
Regular price 10.99, Today only 9.99
Campo de Borja is part of the region of Aragon, the home of Henry VIII of England’s first wife, Catherine, and her mother, Spain’s famous Queen Isabella.  Campo de Borja once belonged to the Borja family, one of Spain’s most famous noble clans.  You’ll recognize the name when you read the Italianized version – Borgia.  This is a medium bodied, dry rosé with aromas of strawberry and a palate of ripe berry fruit.  Also discernable are melons, watermelon and rose petals.

2004 Bolla Nero d’Avola, Sicily
Magnum Regular price 14.95, Today only 9.99
Nero d’Avola is the major red grape grown in Sicily and in the southern part of Italy, as well.  Up front the wine shows cherry and raspberry fruit, some peppery spice and black licorice.  With time in the bottle, the wine has fleshed out a little from its original release and is now drinking rather smoothly.

2006 Martin Codax Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
Regular price 12.99, Today only 9.99
This fine Tempranillo shows aromas of ripe fruit and a floral bouquet that is integrated with nuances of cedar and toasty oak.  The palate is elegant and complex; the wine is vibrant and expressive with medium body and hints of vanilla from the oak aging.  Flavors of cherries, currants, coconut and fresh raspberries capture the palate leading to a long, lingering finish.  Wine Enthusiast gave it a score of 87: “Good and meaty stuff, with bold aromas that feature leather, berry and char.  Seems saturated and ripe, and gets better the more air it sees.  Flavorwise, we’re talking about plum, blackberry and a little vanilla.  Complete on the finish, with all angles covered. Not complicated or complex; good value.”

Krohn White Port, “Lagrima”, Portugal
Regular price 15.00, Today only 12.99
White Port is made from, guess what?, white grapes, whereas tawny and ruby Port can be made from roughly 80 different grape varieties, most of them red. This one has been aged for 8 years.  Look for flavors of burnt caramel, plums, raisins, hazelnuts and baking spices.  Since the wine has had extended barrel aging and is fortified, it is no problem to keep it in the fridge for a month after opening it.  Serve it chilled, on the rocks with a slice of lemon or add a splash of club soda.

Starbucks Coffee Liqueur
Liter Regular price 25.00, Today only 14.99
Partnered in production with Jim Beam, Starbucks liqueur is very rich and thick, with a rich dark coffee aroma, and functions better when it is mixed.  It does go well with coffee and with lattes and is perfect for vodka, milk or cream mixing.  It is made from Latin American arabica coffee beans and actually tastes a lot like coffee ice cream.  It is neither subtle nor complex, but it is supremely smooth at 20 percent alcohol (40 proof).

Saturday, April 18, 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

This Saturday we are featuring an assortment of very fine Northern California wines at substantial discount; reflecting at the least a savings of 25%.  Three whites and three reds, all different varietals, will make up the tasting event.�
Next week we will once again be visited by a representative of importer Quintessential Wines.  There will be wines from France and Argentina, and, as the company represents some California wineries as well, we’ve chosen a big red from Sonoma County and another from Napa.

2008 Chateau Julien Pinot Grigio, Carmel
Special price 11.95
The winery began producing Pinot Grigio with the first Estate Vineyard harvest in 1998. It has been growing in popularity ever since.  Cold fermented using Pris de Mousse yeast and bottled directly from stainless steel tanks six months after harvest, this wine is consistently clean and straightforward upon release.  It is a pleasant fruit-forward wine with fresh melon and lively peach aromas to complement crisp citrus flavors.  Its full texture is ripe through the finish with good acidity and balance.

2007 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc, Sonoma
Special price 9.99
At first swirl, the 2007 vintage presents intense aromas of lemon-lime, ruby grapefruit and fresh cut grass.  After a couple of minutes in the glass, more subtle hints of kiwi and guava begin to reveal a complex wine.  On the palate, this wine is truly delicious with excellent viscosity and length showing more fresh fruit flavors and a very balanced acidity.  This amazing wine won the Sweepstakes Award for white wines at the prestigious Sonoma County Harvest Fair.  Imagine this ten dollar wine outclassing all the great Northern California Chardonnays.

2005 Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay, Vineburg, Carneros
Special price 19.99
This is the second vintage for Silverado from this wonderful vineyard.  The winemaker created a food friendly Chardonnay by fermenting in stainless steel barrels and stirring the lees weekly, to retain freshness and build mid-palate texture.  Up front the wine shows apple and orange blossom aromas proceeding to vanilla and oak in the background.  Stone and mineral aromas echo on the palate.  The balanced acidity and a silky mid-palate lead to a zesty finish that leaves you wanting more.

2007 Ramsay Winery Pinot Noir, North Coast
Special price 14.99
The very excellent winemaker for this wine is Kent Rasmussen of Napa.  The Ramsay label is actually his second label but the wine in the bottle is a good indicator of what he can do with this grape.  The nose shows classic Pinot Noir notes of raspberry and cherry, with lots of earthiness and lovely toasty oak.  The mouth explodes with blueberry, Bing cherry, anise and toast.  Even more striking is the depth and richness of the mouth-feel. The wine is very fruity, with blackberry characters and a big, rich, tarry and solid balance. The warm mantle of oak is refined and quite opulent.

2001 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Special price 24.99
The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California.  The historic site where Josephine’s winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. The 2001 Cabernet displays nuances of dark cherry and nicely-integrated oak with a background of black currant and cassis.  It has a very fruitful entry, is crisp, with a long finish, and promises a long life of enjoyment.

2006 August Briggs Zinfandel, Old Vine, Napa
Special price 27.00
Owner August “Joe” Briggs started out as a Pinot Noir specialist first at Alpine Vineyards in Oregon and then at La Crema in Sonoma County.  In 2002 Joe located a small parcel of land on the southern edge of Calistoga, and built a simple but state-of-the-art winery there that is his home today. This Zin is very fragrant with rose, perfume, and black cherry as well as hints of leather and cedar. On the palate it is flashy and expressive with flavors of wild berries, currant, and mocha. The finish is long and chocolaty.  This is classic California Zin from two old and venerable vineyards in Napa Valley.