Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, December 17, 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

Founded in 2002, Ramazzotti Winery is a small family owned and operated winery located in beautiful Sonoma County’s hidden gem, Geyserville. Joe and Norma Ramazzotti’s experience growing grapes and managing vineyards in Dry Creek and Alexander Valley has resulted in a winery of handcrafted, small lot artisan wines which include their signature blends comprised of Sangiovese from Tuscany, along with the grapes of Bordeaux and, of course, the famous “field blends” from grapes planted by Italian immigrants over a century ago. The Ramazzotti family has recently purchased the small Bandiera Winery of Cloverdale in the northern part of Sonoma. The Merlot is a good way to begin our tasting event.

2009 Bandiera Winery Merlot, Cloverdale, CA

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This wonderful blend of North Coast Merlot grapes has a warm, earthy aroma, with hints of vanilla. Ramazzotti Wines’ second label of Bandiera is offering the first vintage of this wine with its’ 2009 vintage. This Merlot is a dark, rich wine that can be enjoyed now, but will only get better with age, up to 10 years.

2008 Ramazzotti Sangiovese, Estate, Dry Creek Valley

List price 19.00; our price 16.50

This 100% Sangiovese was planted in 1985 and added to in 1996 on a steep hillside on the Ramazzotti Home Ranch, which is located on Walling Road in the Dry Creek Appellation. This wonderful grape offers a smooth, velvety taste that complements any meal, but is particularly tasty with hearty meat and soup dishes.

2008 Ramazzotti “Raffinto” Red Wine, Sonoma County

List price 30.00; our price 27.99

The Raffinto, which means “refined” in Italian, is a Super Tuscan blend of 60% Sangiovese, together with 16% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 7% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc. This blend was fermented in French and American Oak for a period of 24 months. It has a wonderfully complex taste with hints of black cherries. This consistent award winner is a wine that will definitely withstand the test of time.

2007 Ramazzotti “Regale” Red Wine, Alexander Valley

List price 30.00; our price 27.99

The Regale, which means “gift” or “regal” in Italian, is a blend of 40% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 18% Syrah, and 12% Cabernet Franc, all grown in the Alexander Valley. These were fermented separately and then blended after 14 months in half American and half French Oak. This wine is a wonderfully complex blend with a hint of violets. It is a beautiful wine, ready to drink immediately, but will improve and develop with age.

2007 Ramazzotti “Ricordo” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 27.99

The Ricordo, which means “remembrance” in Italian, is 75% Zinfandel, 15% Petit Sirah, 5%Alicante, 2% Syrah, 2% Carignane and 1% Chasselas Dore. This wonderful blend from Dry Creek was fermented all together in stainless steel, and then was transferred to French & American Oak barrels, 10% new and 90% used, for 14 months. It is reminiscent of the hearty, “old-fashioned” Italian-style red table wine, with a smooth blend of many complimentary flavors.

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, 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, September 17, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

Enjoy these prices by attending today. Limited stock.

$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

It is most satisfying when one finds solid value wines one can use for everyday drinking purposes, or for entertaining as well. There is a great number of under $10.00 Cabs, Merlots, Pinot Noirs and blends, but the vast majority is enough to make a connoisseur cry. So we cheer the occasional solidly made wine that represents good value and satisfies our higher instincts. Check out these fine choices on Saturday and pick out your favorite for discriminate sipping without the negative impact on your finances.

2007 BearBoat Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

List price 9.99; today’s price 8.99

Russian River’s cool climate produces Pinot Noirs that show Bing cherry and strawberry fruit buttressed by solid acidity. BearBoat adds a splash of Gamay into the barrels to add an aromatic lift to what is already a lovely scented wine. The fine tannins add great texture and length to the lithe and fresh wine. There are hints of warm toast and cassis in the nose while the mouth experiences fresh strawberries and raspberries with delicate suggestions of black licorice enhancing the lingering finish.

2007 Domaine Laurier Merlot, Sonoma County

List price 11.00; today’s price 8.99

The wine shows an attractive nose of cherry fruit, along with floral and slightly smoky notes. The palate enjoys strong fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry with lingering hints of vanilla and mocha in the smooth finish.
2010 California State Fair Wine Competition – GOLD MEDAL – 95 Points Best of Class Sonoma Appellations
2010 Los Angeles International Wine Competition – GOLD MEDAL

2007 Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine, Columbia Valley

List price 10.00; today’s price 8.99

The blend in this interesting wine is Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Syrah (31%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (3%), Zinfandel (2%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%). It received an 89-point rating from Wine Spectator: “On the lighter side, showing lovely red berry and sweet red pepper flavors that settle gently onto a bed of silky tannins. Drink now through 2014.”

Fess Parker Winery Frontier Red, Lot 102, Los Olivos

List price 11.99; today’s price 8.99

According to Robert Parker: “One of California’s finest values is Fess Parker’s non-vintage Frontier Red. A kitchen sink blend of mostly Rhone Ranger varietals, it is a dead-ringer for a California-styled Cotes du Rhone. Notes of pepper, black cherries, spice box, roasted herbs, and smoke are present in this lush, medium-bodied, richly fruity offering. Meant to be drunk upon release, it is an ideal choice for shrewd consumers looking for a delicious red that works with an assortment of culinary dishes.” The grapes used are Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignane.

2006 Mankas Hills Vineyard, Suisun Valley

List price 13.00; today’s price 8.99

The 2006 Mankas displays unique character and balance. A wide fruit profile harmonizes with elegantly round tannins. Notes of raspberries, black cherries and blueberries blend well with soft vanilla, eucalyptus, and black pepper tones creating an enjoyable balance of aromas and flavors. It won a Silver Medal at the 2009 Pacific Rim Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

2007 Mankas Hills Vineyard, Suisun Valley

List price 13.00; today’s price 8.99

This newly released wine displays a deep ruby red color with well developed fragrance and a very elegant balance of aromas and flavors. Aromas of cherry and plums harmonize with caramel, green olive and vanilla scents. A broad profile of black and red fruit flavors blends well with elegantly smooth yet lively tannins. Black pepper tones lead to an enjoyable, gently astringent finish. The distinct texture and finish partner remarkably well with food without overpowering its taste.
It has won a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

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 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 25, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

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

2010 LaPlaya Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley, Chile

List price 7.99; our price 6.99; today only 6.29

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

2010 Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, S. Africa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2009 White Oak Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, CA

List price 14.99; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

Bill Myers moved from Los Angeles to the Alexander Valley in the 1970s and began making wine; he quickly became recognized for producing wonderful Chardonnay, Zinfandel and what was to become White Oak’s flagship wine: Sauvignon Blanc. It has typical grassy herbaceousness but performs more in the grapefruit genre. Even in the finish there is a slight expression of grapefruit bitterness. This is a very good food wine with a fresh, crisp finish. Stock this one.

2009 Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton, Australia

List price 15.00; our price 10.99; today only 9.89

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

2008 Domaine du Rochoy Sancerre, Loire Valley, France

List price 29.00; our price 25.50; today only 22.95

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

2010 Kim Crawford Sauv. Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 17.99; our price 15.99; today only 14.39

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

Saturday, May 7, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited against 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 the second part of reporting on visitations we made in Sonoma County last month. We will focus on two wineries: Ferrari-Carano and Deux Amis, both from the Healdsburg area. North of the town, Ferrari-Carano is a beautiful facility highly polished and geared to tourism. Don and Rhonda Carano built the spectacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, on a 70-acre Dry Creek Valley estate vineyard. Besides tasting the wines, one can stroll through five acres of exquisite gardens, view the magnificent underground barrel cellar, and perhaps taste the limited and reserve wines in the Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar and Lounge. Patrick Mukaida is a most hospitable Director of Hospitality and the man to contact for additional information. Deux Amis on the other hand, is a small winery on Limerick Lane south of Healdsburg. French for “two friends”, it is a partnership between Phyllis Zouzounis (Mazzocco wine maker for years) and Jim Penpraze. In 1987, Deux Amis produced one hundred cases of Zinfandel from one vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley. Today, Jim and Phyllis produce over 1500 cases of wine from grapes grown in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Tasting accommodations are extremely rustic compared to F/C but put in a phone call to Phyllis and she will happily taste you on the latest wines produced.

2010 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

Aromas of lime, kiwi, citrus, melon and a touch of grass are complemented by flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mango, and guava in the 2010 Fumé Blanc. Cool, stainless steel tank fermentation gives this wine a crisp freshness while the subtle oak character from barrel aging adds complexity and depth.

2009 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.95

This blend includes wine from F/C vineyards in Russian River Valley and Carneros, combined with Alexander Valley fruit. The full-bodied Chardonnay delights with aromas of apple, a hint of graham cracker, floral notes, and honey, perfectly balanced by flavors of lemon and pear on the entry and lingering, creamy marshmallow, toasted oak notes.

2009 Ferrari-Carano Siena, Red Wine, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.69

Select lots of grapes in this Sangiovese-based blend were chosen from F/C vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. The wine has delicious aromas of cherry pie, raspberry jam and spice with lingering flavors of ripe wild berries, pomegranate, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. Elevated tones of dried cherries, cranberries come out along with deeper, darker nuances of blueberry preserves, cherry cola and cinnamon.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 22.00; our price 19.95

This Zin is a harmonious blend (88% Zin and 12% Petite Sirah) of fruit from Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. The deep rich aromas of spicy fruit, white pepper, vanilla and toasty oak create an enticement that leads to a bounty of luscious fruit flavors: blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and plum, mixed with baking spices, black pepper, dark roasted coffee and toasty vanillin oak. The silky tannins, lush flavors laced with nice acidity and a creamy texture provide a well-balanced, hard-to-put-down Zinfandel. Wine and Spirits rates it a 90, “Best Buy” and “One of the year’s best Zinfandels”.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

This is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zin with seductive aromas of creamy oak and bright raspberry swirled with white and black pepper. Toasty oak layers over ripe blackberry, raspberry, dark plum and spicy pepper with a hint of cocoa to create deep, rich flavors that linger on the palate. It is nicely balanced with silky tannins and a structure for aging. The wine won a Gold Medal at the West Coast Wine Competition.

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Halling Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

This is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel with seductive aromas of rich berry and black pepper melding with toasty oak. Bright flavors of briary black and red raspberry mingle with subtle pepper, oak and just a hint of anise. The smooth entry couples with a richly textured mouthfeel and nicely balanced tannins and oak to create an elegant, delicious wine.