Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 10, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

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

2007 Domaine Carneros Brut, Carneros

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

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

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, Napa

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

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

Taittinger Cuvée Prestige, Reims

List price 39.00; our price 33.99

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

2006 Iron Horse Brut, Green Valley, Sonoma County

List price 29.95; our price 26.99

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

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

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

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne, Reims

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

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

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé, Napa

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

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

Saturday, November 19, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

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

List price 17.50; our price 15.95

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

2009 Goulaine Vouvray, Loire Valley, France

List price 15.95; our price 14.99

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

2008 Maculan “Costadolio” Rosé, Veneto, Italy

List price 11.00; our price 7.99

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

2009 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages, France

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

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

List price 15.00; our price 13.50

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

2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly, Beaujolais, France

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

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

Europa ChocoVine Dutch Chocolate Red Wine, Holland

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

Saturday, October 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 24, 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 haven’t toured the Sonoma County wine trail for some months now, so the least we can do is taste our way in abstentia throughout the county. From the beginning of the Alexander Valley in the north end of the county to the Carneros District at the very south end, the grapes of Sonoma produce bright, fruity, well balanced wines of power. The myriad microclimates existing in this county allow growers to produce the best possible grapes for the finest wines. This is why Sonoma County has proven a haven for wineries. In the 1920’s there were 256 wineries in the county, but after Prohibition fewer than 50 had survived. We have returned to about the same number as nearly a hundred years ago.

2009 Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc, “The Fumé”, Healdsburg

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This vintage was predominately fermented in stainless steel to retain the citrus and tropical fruit aromatics while the balance was barrel fermented in French and American oak to increase the mouthfeel and develop flavors of white peach and honeydew melon. Part of the blend is a clone of Sauvignon Blanc called Sauvignon Musque to add a hint of orange blossom and tangerine and, for the first time, some estate Semillon was added. The Semillon adds wonderful floral notes and nice texture. The wine was given a 90-point rating by Parker.

2007 Benziger Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros

List price 19.95; our price 15.99

The Sangiacomo Vineyard produces Chardonnays that are rich and luscious with a lovely mouth feel. In this vintage, there are bright tropical flavors of pineapple, pear, and peach with a slight hint of vanilla from oak barrel aging. This vineyard is certified sustainable by Stellar Certification Services. The Wine Spectator writes: “Intense and vibrant, with spicy citrus, mineral and flinty green apple flavors that are pure, focused and juicy, ending with a cleansing finish. The wine received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

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

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

The wine show good body and weight for a Rosé of Pinot Noir. The beautiful pink wine has a nose of rose petals and violets. There is nothing quite like a fully vinified Pinot Noir at its lightest and most delicate character to sip on a warm sunny day (in which we abound). Spice and pepper bring out the wonderful wild strawberry flavors. This wine would be great with sushi and wasabi or spicy Thai food; or with most anything else for that matter.

2007 Dancing Bull Merlot, Healdsburg

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The straightforward 2007 Merlot exhibits some herbaceous notes. Nevertheless, it is a classic Merlot revealing hints of cocoa, ripe berry fruit and a green olive/herbal character. As the wine opens it shows ripe flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and black cherry, with a bit of spice and a velvety finish that really soothes one’s savage nature.

2009 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County (New Release)

List price 22.50; our price 20.99

I really like this winery’s ability to consistently produce high quality Zinfandel, and so many versions of it, too. Hopefully, over the next few months we can schedule a tasting event devoted to the winery’s entire line-up. This wine combines sites that have produced Zinfandel for over a century with newer sites that utilize proprietary clones and the most advanced viticultural practices. Wild berry patch aromas and scents of freshly baked bread mix with raspberries, blackberries and Zin’s briary spiciness, while the grape’s ever-present acidity enhances the finish and fine, dusty tannins add complexity, mouthfeel and structure. Layered nuances of flavor with cracked pepper, tilled soil and a hint of creamy oak round up the finish. Divine! 90 points from Wine Spectator. 90 points and a Top Value from Robert Parker.

2008 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London (New Release)

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

Complex aromas of cassis, black tea, mint and olive combine with well-structured tannins that provide an excellent mouthfeel and a lingering finish. The intense and elegant flavors of the 2008 Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon complement a variety of hearty entrees, including steak, lamb and roasted meats.

Saturday, August 20, 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

There truly are some very nice wines available in the $10.00 range and even under that price. There is, as well, an inordinate amount of awful offal. Fortunately, we do manage to steer clear of the bottlings that are an insult to the palate. That is not to say that you may find a wine you don’t like at one of our events, but typically that becomes a matter of taste. Some people do not drink white wines and others cannot abide reds. The same with sweet versus dry or with White Zinfandel opposed to the real thing, etc. The purpose of tasting events, where-ever, is to acquaint oneself with a new release or to compare it to yet another. It really is a challenge to learn something about the vast array of wines ever awaiting our pleasure, especially in the affordable range.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

The Marlborough wine growing region, located off the Northern tip of the Southern island, first planted grapevines in 1973 and now more than two thirds of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc vines are grown here. This bottling displays citrus and ripe tropical fruit with some herbal notes. The wine shows flavors of passion fruit, guava and kiwi over a citrus background, the emphasis being toward grapefruit.

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

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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.

Pedroncelli Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

It is no secret that this family winery is a favorite of ours. Their wines are fairly priced, usually a bargain, and should you drop in to visit, there is no fee for the pours; reminds me of the good old days. We here are never too far away, time-wise, from a Pedroncelli pour (last week it was the Rosé). This wine shows ripe berry, black plum, and warm spice aromas. It is full flavored and balanced, with cherry, berry, and black pepper spice on the palate. It picked up a Gold Medal at the Indy International Wine Competition.

Domaine Laurier Merlot Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

This Merlot delivers complexity and pleasure on many levels. The aroma of black cherries and chocolate is very prevalent and the taste continues with a refreshing hint of chocolate mint. The finish is sturdy with rich, pleasing tannins and a spicy, vanilla note. Beef Wellington, rack of lamb, and stuffed pork loin are just a few of the many dishes that are worthy of such a refined and delicious wine. LA Int’l Wine Competition 94 rating with a GOLD MEDAL and BEST OF CLASS.

Domaine Laurier Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

This Cab opens with berry aromas and subtle hints of toast crescendo into a palate of fresh strawberries, boysenberries, and mocha, gracefully ending with a light, balanced astringency. The blend is: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest being mostly Petite Sirah and Tannat, with a splash of Malbec. At the Los Angeles International Wine Competition the wine scored a 93 rating and won a GOLD MEDAL and the BEST OF CLASS.

Plungerhead Zinfandel, Old Vine, Lodi

List price 14.99; our price 9.99

This lovely Lodi Zinfandel is sealed with the inventive new Zork enclosure (a cork that needs no corkscrew: just pull at the z, unwind, and pop the top). The Sebastiani Family, given their somewhat silly sense of humor, noticed that the Zork looked rather like, well, a plunger. So they simply couldn’t resist naming it after their loyal winery employee Eddie Plongerheid and coming up with the silly little graphic on the front label. OK…I’m buying it. The warm, often hot, climate of Lodi is particularly suited for producing good Zinfandel, a hearty grape that loves the sun and needs plenty of it to ripen to full-bodied, spiced plum perfection. DEEP DISCOUNTED PRICE, so don’t prevaricate on this one.

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, 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 2, 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

Excluding the horrific white Zinfandel, this wonderful grape can produce a wide range of expression that no other varietal can match. Beginning with rosé, Zinfandel can be vinified through light to medium types and on to the deep highly extracted ripe wines that Zin aficionados crave, ending with the late harvest and port version. These being hot summer days, we will concentrate on the lighter end of the spectrum and enjoy tasting Zins that are appropriate for the barbeque or simply sipping on their own. We are not above putting a light chill on some of these wines.

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel Sonoma

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

This bottle opens with aromas of just-picked strawberries. In the mouth, red raspberry, currant and plum flavors are highlighted in this crisp enjoyable wine. The potpourri of fruit will, with time, take on a jammy element, but who’s going to wait that long? This is a highly versatile wine that serves up well with many kinds of food and stands very well on its own. If you are outside on a hot day, pour it over the rocks.

Rex-Goliath Zinfandel, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

Fruit was sourced from throughout the state of California to make this wine. Each viticultural area brings something unique to the blend: the old-vine fruit from Lodi provides an abundance of ripe blackberry and cherry flavors, the Central Coast provides earthy, spice, coffee/mocha notes and the “dry farmed” fruit from the Sierra Foothills provides the depth and complexity which really rounds out the flavor profile. This wine drinks well all by itself, but really opens up when complemented by beef stew, barbecued ribs or slow roasted pork tenderloin.

2005 Mazzocco Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 18.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Mazzocco is a small family winery located in the Russian River area of Sonoma County. The fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards within the Sonoma County appellation. This is the lightest Zin in their Zin arsenal, some of which are mighty big wines. It has nice plumy notes and comes across as a good pizza wine, or perhaps to have with burgers.

2008 Leese-Fitch Zinfandel California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

This Zinfandel blend has intriguing aromas of wild raspberry, smoky cedar, strawberry jam, clove spice, and white pepper. Much of the fruit comes from an old vineyard in the Amador Foothills. There is a noticeable brambly spice with dark currants, candied cranberry, wild strawberry, dark caramel, cinnamon roll, and savory rhubarb. The finish lingers with plums and black cherries. This is great grilling wine. The smoky oak notes of this Zin would pair wonderfully with the caramelized flavors in glazed ribs, chicken, or pork. Another fun pairing for this wine would be with Mexican dishes.

2008 Four Vines Zinfandel, Old Vine Cuvée, California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Combining old vine fruit from across the state, this Cuvée has a plump nose of briar fruit and licorice with a hint of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. In the mouth, there’s a nice black pepper spice to complement the blackberry and plum fruit, with more baking spice and vanilla notes. This has long been a store favorite seller alongside the powerhouse specialty bottlings: Biker, Maverick, Sophisticate and Dusi.

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, California

List price 14.95; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

Dry-farmed, old-head-trained vines in Lodi and Amador produce intense, structured fruit while the Napa Valley harvest adds power, depth and complexity. Fruit from the cooler climate of Sonoma County offers classic Zinfandel aromatics of pepper and anise. Together, these diverse regions produce a Zinfandel packed with flavors of licorice, plums, Bing cherries and blackberries with a deep, long finish. This received an Editors’ Choice rating from Wine Enthusiast: “A great Zinfandel for the price. It’s dry and elegant, with a mouthfeel somewhere between Pinot Noir and Merlot. Really balanced with soft tannins and acids framing oak-tinged berry and spice flavors.”

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 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.