Desert Wines and Spirits

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, August 27, 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

Again, this summer I will have to placate myself with an excursion of European wines in place of actually being there. Discovering fine wines while travelling the Continent is infinitely preferable to being at one of our humble attempts to uncover European jewels. Still, we must press on. Some interesting new arrivals and new vintages are on our shelves and perhaps you would like to have a sampling. We’ll keep you current in your quest for knowledge and entertain you at the same time.

Gocce di Luna Prosecco, “Moondrops”, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This is a naturally fermented spumante from Prosecco grapes using the Charmat method of production. It shows fine and persistent bubbles, and is fruity with hints of apple, grapefruit, peach and flowers of acacia tree. The elegant, soft round fruit flavors on the front of the palate give way to an almost dry finish.

2010 Burgáns Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain

List price 14.99; our price 13.50

The new vintage has been released and has just arrived. Unfortunately, it is a dollar higher than in the past, yet still worthwhile. Robert Parker writes in The Wine Advocate: “The Burgáns Albariño is a perennial Best Buy in these pages. The 2010 Burgáns Albariño delivers notes of lemon, peach, mineral, and a hint of tropical fruit aromas. Round, ripe, and savory with a slightly exotic personality, it is a nicely textured effort that over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 2-3 years…90 Points”.

2006 Domaine de la Saint Jeante Corbières, France

List price 9.50; our price 7.99

Corbières is an appellation in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees and produces rich powerful reds. This deep ruby wine has a nose that is expressive, with smells of black fruits and spices. The mouth is powerful, much of spices with a good structure. The blend is: 50 % Carignane, 30 % Grenache and 20 % Mourvèdre. It is Ideal for serving with a good southwestern cassoulet.

2007 Bodegas Castano Monastrell, “Hécula”, Yecla, Spain

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

Hécula is the name that the province of Yecla received under the Roman Empire occupation. This is a Mediterranean wine that is fruity and spicy which will pair well with lamb, game dishes and fusion cookery without excessive spices. The wine is 100% Monastrell grapes grown by integrated organic and sustainable farming.

2009 Château Haut-Bray, Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, France

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

Côtes de Castillon is the region of Bordeaux just east of the Saint Émilion appellations. Château Haut-Bray lies in the village of Saint-Genes de Castillon, which is very hilly, and has a clay-limestone soil. The blend in this bottling is Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). It has a lovely red fruit nose with a deep color and good fruit on the palate. It delivers an excellent complexity with earthy flavors intermingling with the smooth tannins, all of which lead to a very nice finish.

2008 Château Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur, France

List price 15.50; our price 13.99

Between Bordeaux and St Emilion, stands the magnificent land of the Entre-Deux-Mers. There on a promontory sits the castle known as one of the “castles of the Black Prince” built in the 12th century, then rebuilt and added to in the centuries since. This wine shows a sleek, stylish palate of dark berries and leather with mild dusty tannins. It culminates as a wine that is well balanced, rich in texture, with ripe tannins with a smooth finish.

Saturday, August 6, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per person

$5.00 is credited toward purchase of the featured wines below

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

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

Portugal: Aliança Vinho Verde

List price 8.95; our price 7.99

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

South Africa: 2009 Stellar Organics Chardonnay, Western Cape

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

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

California: 2009 Conundrum

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

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

France: 2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly, Beaujolais

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

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

Chile: 2009 Terra Andina Carmenère, Valle Central

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

Spain: 2006 Castillo Real Monastrell, Bullas

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

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

Saturday, 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, August 14, 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

Your reward for remaining in the desert through the month of August is an opportunity to taste and buy some outstanding wines at an additional 25% discount from already discounted prices. In September, we begin the purchasing of wines and accessories that will be our offering throughout the holidays. Needless to say, some product clearance has to take place to accommodate additional inventory. Lucky you! These sale prices will be available only on the Saturday on which they are offered, along with some sampling of the wines for your enjoyment. Last week our sale began with California wines which gratifyingly sold out much of the stock offered that day. Do, by all means, join us as this Saturday we feature imported wines.

Kangarilla Road Viognier, Australia

Our price 9.99; Saturday only 7.50

This Viognier from McLaren Vale is true to the variety while remaining dry. It displays an aromatic citrus blossom with hints of light orange peel, together with nuances of light citrus and apricot. The palate is mouth filling with lively zesty citrus flavors combined with subtle honeysuckle. This is a dry style displaying tight acidity, great length of flavor together with integrated mid palate texture coming from the light use of oak.

Sauvion Vouvray, Loire, France

Our price 9.99; Saturday only 7.50

Together with Muscadet, Vouvray is the most popular Loire wine in the USA. It is the perfect introduction to the Loire wines: easy to drink, fresh, soft, and “velvety”. It is grown in Touraine among the hundreds of romantic châteaux. Made from Chenin Blanc, this Vouvray is medium dry, complex, soft and round with honey and acacia on the nose.

Ca’ Del Doge Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy

Our price 7.99; Saturday only 5.99

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a type of red wine made from the Montepulciano wine grape in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. This is a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young.

The Goats Do Roam Wine Co. “The Goatfather”, South Africa

Our price 7.99; Saturday only 5.99

Fairview Winery of Paarl makes a series of similar playful wines that primarily are blends. This one is a blend of Barbara, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo and Nebbiolo. It is medium-bodied with bright, red fruit tones that feature hints of violets, earth and plum with just a whisper of tannin.

La Carraia Fobiano, Umbria, Italy

Our price 15.99; Saturday only 11.99

This dark, intense and powerful wine should be decanted for about an hour before drinking (or use your Vinturi). It is ripe with nice secondary aromas and flavors of cherry, blackberry and currant fruit on the nose and palate, and with notes of herbs on the nose. It is somewhat dry on the palate, with juicy acidity and fine dry tannins. Overall, it is a full bodied lovely wine that drinks well with food but is a little austere without.

Domecq Viña 25 Cream Sherry, Jerez, Spain

Our price 9.99; Saturday only 7.50

Most Sherries are made from the Palomino Fino grape; that is, until you get to the Cream Sherries. Here, the Pedro Ximénez Grape reigns supreme. It is a rich, aromatic wine, dark mahogany in color with a beautiful amber rim. Made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, its voluptuous nose strikes an aromatic balance between raisins and nutty tones. On the palate, Viña 25 is dense, mellow, velvety and generous with a lingering finish. Solera aging softens the sweetness of this Sherry, making it a perfect match for creamy blue cheeses. It is also delicious with coffee, or ice cream, or both.

Saturday, July 10, 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

We were in Spain four years ago at the time of the world cup and are pleased to see the Spanish team in the finals.  This Saturday we will be pouring the types of wines that Spaniards drink at this time of year as we follow Spain to their destiny.  If you were there you would be drinking Cava, or Albariño, or rosés or medium bodied reds.  We just happen to have such a selection:

n.v. Paul Cheneau Brut Cava

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Cava was first introduced in 1872 and, by the turn of the century, cava was the wine of choice among the chic patrons of Barcelona’s elegant art nouveau cafes and cava bars.  As a tribute to the fashionable ladies who made cava so popular, Paul Cheneau introduced the “Lady of Spain”.  This blend of Macabeo 45%, Xarello 40% and Parellada 15% has a formation of small bubbles which generate a gentle crown.  It is fine, delicate and very clean, with lightly toasted pastry notes.  Fresh and fruity, it is well structured, crispy, and balanced with a long aftertaste.

2008 Bodegas Martín Códax Burgáns Albariño, Rias Baixas

List price 13.95; our price 12.50

We stock this favorite Spanish white wine year round and vintage after vintage.  Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar rated this wine 89-points: “Light, bright yellow. Lively lemon and lime aromas are complemented by melon, pear and salty minerals. Juicy and focused, offering brisk citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of smoky herbs. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with an appealing note of fresh pineapple.”

2008 El Coto de Rioja Rosé, Rioja

List price 12.95; our price 11.50

El Coto is one of the leading ‘bodegas’ in Spain.  It presently has some 6 million bottles of oak aged red wines enjoying additional aging in its cellars.   The blend in this rosé is Tempranillo 50% and Garnacha 50%.  The wine spent 48 hours macerating in contact with the skins, after which clarification and fermentation took place at a controlled temperature for 15 days in stainless steel vats.  The wine shows a full aroma of strawberry and raspberry flavors with hints of violet petals.  It is full, refreshing, quite dry and…tasty.

2008 ZaZa Rosé, Campo de Borja

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

The grapes for ZaZa were harvested by hand during the second week of October from selected old bush vine fruit.  The fruit was then crushed and destemmed.  Must remained in contact with skins for 24-48 hrs then free run juice was bled to stainless steel fermenters.  Once inoculated, the fermenting juice was transferred to new French and American barrels to complete fermentation.  After fermenting, the wine was transferred “sur lie” back to tank to be stirred with the lees for another 4-6 weeks to integrate flavors and build up mouthfeel, length and complexity.  86 points from Robert Parker:“Sexy dry Rosado from Spain with classic strawberry’s and cream aromas.  Crisp and fruity as an aperitif yet with enough acid and structure to pair with turkey dinner or the weekend picnic.

2005 Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

Solanera is a blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tintorera from the warm climate region of Yecla. The bold rich flavors remind one of Cotes-du-Rhone or even Chateauneuf-du-Pape, as there is that same sort of deep tar like concentration, all counter-balanced by a fine, fresh, herbal character.  Fine cracked white pepper and meaty aromatics vie with smoky raspberry and cherry fruit.  It is bone dry, with a glycerin-like boysenberry fruit feel to it.  Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit.  91 points and listed as a “Spanish Wine Bargain Under $20″ by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate; 90 points from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.

2007 Las Rocas de San Alejandro, Calatayud

List price 13.00; our price 10.99

This wine is sourced from vineyards ranging in age from 70 to 100 years.  It delivers alluring aromas of spices, minerals, cherry, and black raspberry.  Layered on the palate, it has superb depth, succulent flavors, and a pure, lengthy finish.  It is consistently one of the most pleasurable wines produced in Spain.  90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Saturday, April 10, 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

Some of us have a deep and abiding love of sparkling wine but have to balk at the extravagant pricing of the Champagnes of France.  Of course, the quality of Champagne is virtually impossible to beat.  Even California can field some fine sparkling wine, yet the prices have continued to escalate over the years.  So we look to Spain for values in sparkling wine that allow us to fulfill our thirst for bubbly while preserving our retirement fund.  It is truly amazing that wineries there can produce sparklers in the labor intensive Methode Champenois or Champagne Method. Due to European regulations prohibiting use of that term, cava is now labeled as Methode Tradicional, which has the same requirements with an added stipulation that cava must age for a minimum of nine months on the lees before release. “Cava” is Spain’s word for sparkling wine and covers rosés as well.  We are opening a couple of these as well to round out the event.

Cristalino Brut

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

The winery behind Cristalino, Jaume Serra, was founded in 1943 some 50 kilometers south of Barcelona by distinguished enologist Jaume Serra Guell. The wine has fresh aromas, a fine and fruity palate, and a dry aftertaste. This blend of the grape varietals Macabeo 50%, Parellada 35% and Xarello (Chah-rayl-lo) 15% is clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors.  Wine Enthusiast gave it an 88 point rating: “Cristalino is always a solid go-to Cava. This brut is round, slightly yeasty and shows citrus aromas that veer toward lemon-lime. The palate is healthy and clean, with a narrow set of citrus and apple flavors. Fairly full and long on the finish, this whole package is more than worth-while given the cost.”

Paul Cheneau Brut “Lady of Spain”

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Cava was first introduced in 1872 and, by the turn of the century, cava was the wine of choice among the chic patrons of Barcelona’s elegant art nouveau cafes and cava bars.  As a tribute to the fashionable ladies who made cava so popular, Paul Cheneau introduced the “Lady of Spain”.  This blend of Macabeo 45%, Xarello 40% and Parellada 15% has a formation of small bubbles which generate a gentle crown.  It is fine, delicate and very clean, with lightly toasted pastry notes.  Fresh and fruity, it is well structured, crispy, and balanced with a long aftertaste.

Juvé y Camps Brut Vintage 2006

List price 15.00; our price 11.99

Juvé y Camps has been a family run company for three generations although Joan Juvé Mir began growing grapes over two hundred years ago.  Teresa Camps Farré, an exceptional woman and an enthusiastic lover of sparkling wines, inspired her husband to launch the first sparkling wine under the “Juvé” brand in 1921.  The blend is similar to that of the Reserva below although the exact percentages were not available.  If you like this wine, you will love the Reserva.

Juvé y Camps Reserva De La Familia Brut Vintage 2005

List price 17.00; our price 14.99

This cava is made from the free run juices Macabeo 40%, Parellada 40% and Xarello 20%.  It is delicate, fruity, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.  It shows the three indigenous classic grape varieties at their harmonious best: dry, soft and smooth on the palate, with a richness and finesse that come from the four years it has spent aging in bottle. This is a Gran Reserva cava with perfect structure and balance, and great length and complexity. The full nose is fruity and elegant, rich and complex from the long bottle ageing. On the palate it is quite dry, soft and round with a long, exquisite finish.

Cristalino Brut Rosé

List price 9.95; our price 7.99

This blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Trepat shows beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth and a consistent bead. The clean and crisp finish is an excellent match for fried appetizers such as calamari or light desserts such as crème brulee. It is excellent on its own or with fresh fruit.

Juvé Y Camps Brut Rosé

List price 19.00; our price 16.99

This cava is produced from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Penedés.   The free run juice is allowed a brief maceration on the skins to achieve a deep pink color.  On the nose there are both floral and berry fruit notes in perfect harmony.  Displaying a lovely nose of rose petals and strawberries, it is lively and fresh on the palate, with crisp acidity and a long finish.  Long bottle aging has brought balance, length and weight while retaining freshness and vivacity. Serve this excellent value with a variety of savory courses and as an apéritif.

Saturday, February 20, 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

Thanks to all who attended the event last Saturday featuring Mike Grgich and his fine wines.  Mike was gratified by the number of fans who crowded in to meet with him and taste the wines currently in release.  Melanie did amazingly well keeping up with the pouring duties and discussing the provenance of the varietals.  Our apologies to you who got to the counter after we ran out of Fumé Blanc and Zinfandel; the matter is rectified with the arrival of both now in the store.In the meantime, new arrivals are available on our shelves and really ought to be part of our sampling schedule.  This Saturday’s event will feature imports from Argentina, Germany Italy and Spain.Next Saturday, the 27th we will concentrate on Zinfandels and the following Saturday, the 6th of March, we will present Argentine Malbecs for your discerning pleasure.

2008 Banfi Principessa Perlante Gavi, Piemonte, Italy

List price 17.50; our price 13.99

Principessa Perlante captures the fresh, fruit-forward bouquet and elegant structure of Gavi with a delicate natural effervescence.  As well as an elegant apéritif, it is also an ideal accompaniment to all shellfish, and marries well with fish, veal and grilled chicken.  Its combination of delicacy and flavor makes it a most appropriate accompaniment to the nuances of Asian cuisine in general and Japanese dishes in particular.  Also, you might try it with Italian food.

2008 Alamos Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina

List price 10.00; our price 8.99

Built up by the Catena family in Argentina, Alamos produces terrific value wines year in and year out.  The wine is full-bodied, with red apple and pear fruit filling the mouth.  Some bright yellow stone fruit and just a hint of toffee from brief oak aging add some richness and texture.  The wine has a truly fresh flavor profile, and would work well as a bridge wine for those who prefer crisper, brighter, Chardonnay while their companions perhaps favor richer, oakier flavors.  Delicious and versatile, this is a “smoking” good deal on Chardonnay!

2000 Bert Simon Serrig Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese, Mosel, Germany

List price 24.90; our price 19.99

In 1968, as a young enologist, Bert Simon acquired the Baron von Schorlemer vineyards Serriger Herrenberg and Serriger Würtzberg.  Both vineyard sites of about 40 acres are monopole sites of the estate and almost all the vines are planted on steeply sloping hillsides.  This is a cool climate Riesling with aromas of minerals and bright citrusy fruit, with floral nuances in the background.  I love the citrus and honeysuckle fruit flavors playing off of the minerals, with a bright, tingly acidity to support it all.

2003 Conde de Valdemar, Reserva, Rioja, Spain

List price 16.50; our price 12.95

The Martinez Bujanda family, producers of Valdemar wines, founded their original winery in 1889.  They own 820 acres of vineyards, which makes Valdemar one of the largest estates in the Rioja.  A new winery was built in 1984 to take advantage of modern technologies, integrating both new and time-honored traditions of winemaking.  A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo, the wine is clean and bright with complex aromas of stewed black berries and spicy touches of black pepper and mineral notes.  It has a fleshy ripe berry character with fine tannins extending throughout the long and very persistent finish.

2006 Monte Antico, Toscana, Italy

List price 14.00; our price 10.99

The wine is 75 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is made from 25-year-old vines, mostly from Pisa, Maremma and Chianti Classico areas.  The quality of the 2006 vintage in Tuscany shines brilliantly through this wine.  The superb 2006 Sangiovese year has produced an aromatic wine with beautiful plums, berries and fresh acidity; #61 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009.

2006 Masi Valpolicella “Campofiorin” Ripasso, Veneto, Italy

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

Masi’s 2006 Campofiorin reveals a soft, floral expression of red fruits framed by silky tannins.  This medium-bodied, restrained wine shows a lovely balance.  Campofiorin is essentially a Valpolicella made in the ripasso style which involves a secondary fermentation on the skins and stems of the estate’s Amarone.

<h2>Saturday, August 22, 2009

4 to 6 pm</h2>

$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 may not be able to get ourselves to Spain this summer, but surely we can bring a taste of Spain into our wine party this Saturday.  Great wines abound in Spain and the prices tend to reflect that level of greatness.  Still, there are values galore from this vast wine producing country.  Today we will focus on the nine to twelve dollar range where quality meets cost for a most harmonious ratio.

2007 Burgans Albariño, Rias Baixas | List price 14.95; our price 12.50

This wine scored 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “Burgans is a custom cuvée made for importer Eric Solomon and in terms of bang for the buck, it has no challenger.  The 2007 is light gold-colored with a sprightly nose of mineral, spring flowers, and lemon peel.  Ripe, balanced, and concentrated, this is an ideal match for flaky fish courses.”  Also: look for the flavor of white peaches balancing nicely off of the wet stone character.  Excellent with oysters, lightly fried white fish or even roast chicken.

2007 Zaza Garnacha Rosé, Campo de Borja | List price 10.99; our price 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.  The Italianized version of the name is “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.

2006 Valcantara Garnacha, Old Vine, Cariñena, Aragón | List price 11.50; our price 8.99

The Valcantara is made of Grenache from vineyards of more than 40 years old.  Flavors of berries, cherries and leather carry from the nose to the palate.  The wine is medium bodied, lush, full, spicy and fruity, with rounded tannins.  It is ideal with any roasted or highly flavored meat dish, as well as a variety of tapas.

2007 Las Rocas Garnacha, Calatayud, Aragón | List price 13.95; our price 10.99

This wine is produced from old vine fruit, providing considerable ripe cherry fruit, a mélange of spice and a long finish reflecting a hint of tobacco leaf.  Consistently good each year, it received a 90-point rating from Robert Parker: “There are 18,000 cases of the delightful 2007 Las Rocas Garnacha, a wine sourced from Calatayud vineyards ranging in age from 70 to 100 years.  Dark ruby in color, it delivers alluring aromas of spice box, mineral, cherry, and black raspberry.  Layered on the palate, it has superb depth, succulent flavors, and a pure, lengthy finish.  It will provide pleasure over the next three years.” (02/09)

2006 Martin Codax Tempranillo, Rioja | List price 12.99; our price 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.  Flavor-wise, we’re talking about plum, blackberry and a little vanilla.  Complete on the finish, with all angles covered.  Not complicated or complex; good value.”

Osborne Amontillado Sherry, Jerez | List price 14.00; our price 10.95

This may not be the most complex Sherry, but it is definitely easy to drink.  Its crisp caramel, toffee and hazelnut aromas lead to an equally nutty palate that features more maple and more toffee.  One should enjoy the sweet and salty mix of this medium dry sherry which, due to its extended aging, is smooth and sensuous to the palate.  It may be served chilled or at room temperature and is an excellent accompaniment to many soups, or consommés, and semi-soft cheeses, as well as smoked salmon, caviar or pâté.

Saturday, June 20, 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

Spain is the third largest wine producing nation in the world, and within Spain there are currently 62 demarcated wine regions.  We fondly remember our trip to Spain 3 years ago and the many wines that eased our way across the countryside.  One of our favorite stops was at the Sandeman Bodega, a great Sherry house, in Jerez.  Perhaps one day this fall we will have a Sherry tasting event exploring all vinification styles from fino to cream Sherry, including Amontillado Palo Cortado and Olorosso.  This being summer, we will pursue a lighter fare with sparklers, roses and easy drinking reds.  To heighten the sense of enlightenment, we’ll finish with an Amontilado.

Codorníu Cava, Sparkling Wine
Regular price 9.99; our price 8.99
Cava is the Spanish designation for the traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) of producing sparkling using the French techniques of Champagne.  Cavas employ the same method by allowing the second fermentation to take place in the bottle.  In addition, this wine was aged an additional 9 months or more to round out the wine before release.  This is hands-on work and the remarkable thing about these wines is the low price, given the quality level.  The blend in this bottling is of varietals Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada.  The wine is fresh and fruity and proceeds to a dry finish.

Codorníu Cave Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling Wine
Regular price 18.00; our price 14.99
With a history stretching back to 1872, Codorníu is one of the world’s oldest and most successful brands of Cava. It shows excellent color in its beautiful bottle and is 100% Pinot Noir.  Lots of tight bubbles come of the glass enhancing its appeal.  The wine is not sweet, just juicy, with raspberry and cherry flavors on the nose and mouth.  It is not a complex wine but has nice balance and flavor with a crisp finish.

2007 Gran Feudo Rosé
Regular price 9.99; our price 7.99
This rosé is an outstanding example of the “fruity” style, made solely from Garnacha grapes, the ideal variety for rosé wines.  Picking takes place when the grapes have the ideal balance between acidity and ripeness.  This wine is made by the saignée method.  After the skins have been left in contact with the must for a short time, the juice is drawn off by gravity, without any pressing taking place.  It shows excellent balance between fruit and acidity.  It is fresh, soft and long on the palate, fruity and clean, with floral reminiscences.

2004 Portico del Castillo Monastrell, Yecla
Regular price 7.50; our price 5.99
This Monastrell (Mourvedre) hails from Yecla, a small and rather obscure wine region in Southeastern Spain, near Jumilla.  The aromas are all earthy Mourvedre: ripe black fruit accented by characteristic varietal accents of leather.  The wine is big and full on the palate, with juicy black fruit gaining structure from crisp acidity and gentle warmth from substantial 14 percent alcohol.

2006 Valcantara Garnacha, Old Vine, Cariñena Aragón
Regular price 11.50; our price 8.99
The Valcantara is made of Grenache from vineyards of more than 40 years old.  Flavors of berries, cherries and leather carry from the nose to the palate.  The wine is medium bodied, lush, full, spicy and fruity, with rounded tannins.  It is ideal with any roasted or highly flavored meat dish, as well as a variety of tapas.

Domecq Viña 25 Cream Sherry, Jerez
Regular price 11.99; our price 9.99
Most Sherries are made from the Palomino Fino grape; that is, until you get to the Cream Sherries.  Here, the Pedro Ximénez Grape reigns supreme.  It is a rich, aromatic wine, dark mahogany in color with a beautiful amber rim.  Made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, its voluptuous nose strikes an aromatic balance between raisins and nutty tones.  On the palate, Viña 25 is dense, mellow, velvety and generous with a lingering finish.  Solera aging softens the sweetness of this sherry, making it a perfect match for creamy blue cheeses. It is also delicious with coffee, or ice cream, or both.