Desert Wines and Spirits

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, November 5, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

2010 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

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

List price 10.50; our price 9.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Sangiovese, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Merlot, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

2008 Pietra Santa “Sassolino” Red Blend, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Zinfandel, Central Coast

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

Saturday, November 20, 2010
4 to 5:30 pm

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

This Saturday we are treating ourselves to the excellent wines of La Crema Winery. To set the palate, we will begin with the new Monterey series of Chardonnay, to be followed by the Pinot Noir, Monterey. At that point, we will launch into the Appellation series of Pinot Noirs that have helped establish La Crema as a “player” in the Pinot Noir sweepstakes, thanks to the winemaking skills of Melissa Stackhouse. Joining us will be Mark Sullivan of Regal Wines, distributor of the La Crema line of wines. For those of you looking for a most elegant wine to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner consider the following:

2009 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey

List price 18.00; our price 15.99

The inaugural vintage of La Crema’s Monterey Chardonnay shows exotic floral and tropical fruit on the nose, punctuated by appealing butterscotch, lemon peel and spice notes. The palate expands into bright peach, grilled pineapple and honeysuckle with subtle toast and caramel adding richness and beautiful texture on the finish.

2009 La Crema Pinot Noir, Monterey

List price 22.00; our price 18.99

The Pinot Noir harvest in Monterey lasted a full 8 weeks, beginning in September and lasting all the way into October. Happily, by all accounts, 2009 appears to be an outstanding vintage. In the glass, brooding, earthy aromas meld with juicy ripe plum, punctuated by lovely notes of black tea. The palate echoes the plum-filled nose, joined by black licorice and cocoa powder. A subtle earthiness leads to a generous, fleshy mid-palate and a smooth, mineral-laced finish. This wine reveals the berry fruit side of Pinot Noir, with additional texture and depth. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years.

2007 La Crema Pinot Noir, Los Carneros

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

Los Carneros is the most southern of the Appellation Series Pinot regions. Straddling the Napa-Sonoma County line, the Los Carneros hills roll up from the San Pablo Bay. The unique factor here is wind–a relentless cooling force that charges up the rolling hillsides. The vineyards for this wine are just three miles from the bay, so the constant cooling influence of wind and fog allow the fruit ample time on the vine to develop full, concentrated flavors and velvety texture. The 2007 offers brooding, earthy aromas of dark cherry with a touch of spice. Flavors continue with ripe, black plum, hints of coffee and cocoa surrounded by a soft, velvety texture that ends in a fleshy, long finish.
The wine won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2008 La Crema Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

List price 33.00; our price 29.99

Pinot Noir has a temperamental and fragile nature making it a challenge to produce from vine to bottle. A notorious failure in many places, Pinot only reveals its brilliance in tiny, specific cool-climate pockets of the world. The Russian River Valley is one of them. Cool coastal fog rolls over the vineyards each day and the Pinot Noir ripens at a leisurely pace in the moderate climate. Concentrated, small berries literally burst with flavor, wrapped up in heady spice and plush, round texture. The aromas and flavors of this bottling are textbook Russian River Valley: the nose of rich black cherry and subtle rose petal is highlighted by hints of sassafras and orange peel. The palate is rich and round, with brooding black cherry, cocoa and spice over a noticeably plush texture of broad tannins on a lingering, juicy fruit finish.

2007 La Crema Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

List price 43.00; today only 39.99

Located in Mendocino County, north of Sonoma County, Anderson Valley is known for distinctive Pinot Noir and considered one of the coolest wine regions in the state. Vineyards lie 10-15 miles from the rugged Mendocino coast, and vines struggle on steep slopes, developing complex, small berries. This fruit is unusually graceful, developing elegant blueberry and bright red cherry flavors overlaid with delicate tea and layered floral notes. Marine breezes and fog funnel down from the Navarro River, encouraging late ripening and promoting concentrated flavors and firm structure. Anderson Valley Pinot is hugely expressive. The 2007 offers delicate aromas of blueberry and cocoa, with underlying notes of tea leaves and flowers. Juicy flavors of dark bramble and plum, with a hint of spice and coffee, lead to a broad, sturdy finish.
Ratings for this wine are: 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and 90 points from Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine.

Saturday, November 6, 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

The wine is flowing. New arrivals are streaming in every week and require your immediate attention. Thus, the need for our tasting events becomes necessary all the more so. All the wines this Saturday are from California; three are exceptional Chardonnays at their price points and three are reds that are bound to please. These are a step above the “party-wine” price level, but a not unpleasant step at that, given the quality level. Enjoy!

2008 Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay, Monterey County

List price 13.00; our price 10.99

The wine has the classic citrus-pineapple tropical fruit aromas of our region, combined with luscious pear flavors, crisp acidity and bright floral aromas. The oak (a combination of French and older American barrels) is beautifully integrated with the fruit. Impressive up front, the wine shows a very long, elegant finish.

2008 A by Acacia Chardonnay California

List price 13.50; our price 11.50

This wine offers aromas of apple, mango, fig and guava. The medium to full-bodied palate maintains impressive balance and flavor concentration, so it will hold its own with rich foods. The flavors of tropical and ripe stone fruits complement its acidity, and the finish is rich and long. This bright and crisp Chardonnay is perfect for sipping or for enjoying with flavorful dishes like seafood salads, tarragon chicken and coconut shrimp.

2009 Foley Chardonnay, “Steel”, Santa Rita Hills

List price 29.50; our price 24.95

Fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks, this Chardonnay demonstrates the pristine character of Foley’s estate Santa Rita Hills vineyards. This wine has signature mineral aromatics, with fruit notes of lime zest and lemon curd. Having not been put through malolactic fermentation or aging in oak barrels, the wine has a lively acidity and great structure. This wine is a perfect pairing with any light & fresh cuisine. It is always interesting to taste Chardonnay unadulterated by the presence of wood.

2008 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Monterey County

List price 19.99; our price 17.50

The wine is full-bodied with rich aromas of tart black cherries, roses and hints of both clove and nutmeg followed by a finish that is clean and elegant. The red fruit brightens across the palate, picking up raspberry and spice. Soft and silky through the middle, the wine crescendos on the finish, leaving a vibrant, juicy memory in the mouth.

2009 Chronic Cellars Zinfandel, “Purple Paradise”, Paso Robles

List price 18.00; today only 15.99

The blend in this bottle is 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. It is bursting with raspberries and strawberries complemented by white pepper, vanilla, and sage. The deep, dark purple wine expresses itself smoothly on the palate, with light tannins and a hint of fruity sweetness to round it out. Delicious!

2006 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London, Sonoma V.

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

The wolf head was Jack London’s bookplate logo for many of his novels and is now used to embellish Kenwood’s unique labels of the Jack London series wines. This is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Syrah. It has a rich and complex aroma with notes of boysenberries, mint, and chocolate covered cherries. It is a full-bodied wine with well structured tannins and an excellent finish.

Saturday, December 19, 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

Our annual Champagne event last week was a big hit and we are following it up with a Prosecco party.  This Saturday we will be visited by Kirsten York from Italy’s Mionetto Winery. The Mionetto family has been producing Prosecco wine in the very heart of Valdobbiadene since 1887.  The Prosecco zone, located in the Veneto, is comprised of an area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.  This is the only place in the world where the Prosecco grape grows.  Mionetto makes a range of Prosecco styles, which would well accommodate year-end party needs at easy to manage pricing.  The best part is they are very festive, are under 12% alcohol and they taste really good.  Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses.  Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal.  Join us this Saturday to learn all about the famous grape that produces this wonderful wine, while sipping the lovely elixir.

Mionetto IL Prosecco, Veneto

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This is a straw-colored wine with brilliant reflections. The aroma is fruity, reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. The wine is fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors. This lightly sparkling (frizzante) wine typifies the traditional wine-maker’s Prosecco.

Mionetto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

List price 18.00; our price 14.99

The Valdobbiadene winemaker’s art is full of long-standing traditions which the Mionetto Company has preserved, including the ancient custom of using string-tied corks, a rustic characteristic of the Valdobbiadene wines of the past lovingly maintained by Mionetto to this day.  The wine is slightly fruity and dry, with the perfume of golden apples.

Mionetto Prosecco Brut

List price 15.95; our price 11.99

This fully-sparkling wine is pale gold with greenish tints and a full and consistent perlage. Refined, light and delicate, it has a long-lasting aroma and fruity, crisp taste that recalls the freshness of golden apples.

Mionetto Sergio Spumante, Extra Dry

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

The blend in this sparkling wine is 70% Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC and the other 30% is a blend of Verdiso, Bianchetta and Chardonnay.  It honors the traditions of the Veneto winemaking region and the long history of the Mionetto family.  Contemporary master vintner Sergio Mionetto produces this wine based on a formula handed down by Francesco Mionetto, who founded the winery.  A touch of two old grape varieties, unique to the region, are blended with the area’s finest Prosecco grapes; the result is a superbly dry, slightly fruity wine with just a hint of acidic crispness.  Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a 92 point-rating.

Mionetto IL Rosato del Veneto

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

This well-balanced and fruity wine has lively notes of cherries with a long and dry finish. Its pleasing aroma recalls the elegant mix of roses, raspberries and peaches.  This wine is lovely on its own, as an apèritif or paired with cured meats, mild cheeses or shellfish.  It particularly comes alive as a complement to fresh water fish such as rainbow trout and carp.

Mionetto Sergio Rosé

List price 24.00; our price 21.95

This is a brilliant, raspberry colored Italian sparkler with pretty and well-defined aromas of cranberry juice, almonds and roses.  Interesting mineral nuances that recall chalk or white stone add a patina of elegance and femininity to a fun and informal wine otherwise characterized by red berry fruit, white cherry and flower petal.

Saturday, November 21, 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

With Thanksgiving Day less than a week away, we invited Ian Dealhey of Robert Oatley Vineyards to join us for a pouring of fine wines that will pair well with a turkey dinner, or for entertaining over the holiday weekend, or, for that matter, enjoying at home with a meal at any time. All are under $20.00 and represent a great price to quality value ratio. Bob Oatley is a proud and passionate Australian who is credited with pioneering Australian wine to the rest of the world. He owned Rosemount Estate, for several decades the most recognized and successful family-owned Australian winery. After selling off the Rosemount Estate, Bob looked around for something new to do and guess what? He started a new winery. In 2006, the family purchased the historic Craigmoor property on the outskirts of the Mudgee township in New South Wales. The old winery, now a tasting room and visitor center, was established in 1858. The surrounding vineyards grow some of the finest grapes in the region, all of which are in the capable hands of Sandy, his eldest son.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

List price 14.95; our price 10.99

This delightfully zesty, tropical flavored white wine is devoid of any oak influence. The development of tropical fruit flavors rather than Sauvignon’s often dominant grassy notes imply cool-fermentation in stainless steel. Most of the wine was racked leaving some portions on the lees to add structure, texture and additional palate weight. The wine is lean and fresh, enlivened by crisp acidity, and offering notes of peach, kiwi and mango with highlights of lime and grapefruit.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Pinot Grigio

List price 14.95; our price 10.99

This wine is medium bodied and crisp, somewhere between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, without a trace of oak to interfere with the spicy aromas and ripe apple and pear flavors. There’s plenty of acidity here for pairing with saltier foods and enough body and fruit to stand up to richer light meat dishes.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Chardonnay

List price 15.95; our price 11.99

A variety of winemaking regimes were employed to produce a complex, yet fruit driven style. The fruit was grown on Oatley family vineyards and harvested at optimum ripeness. Half of the blend was cold fermented in stainless steel, and the remainder barrel fermented then aged in one-third brand new French oak. Much of the blend underwent a secondary fermentation that softened the wine’s acidity, leaving us to enjoy a delicious creamy texture.

2008 Robert Oatley Vineyards Rosé of Sangiovese

List price 13.50; our price 9.99

The blend for this rosé is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was produced in the ‘saignée’ method of making rosé, where the wine is drained off the skins after only a short period of contact, producing a pink rather than red wine. It was deliberately made at the drier end of the spectrum for rosé, but with fresh wild strawberry aromas and a hint of leafy greenness. The flavors are cherry and stone fruit with big chewy berry fruit. It is an excellent value, in an excellent style that will please red wine drinkers.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Shiraz

List price 19.99; our price 17.99

This is a fine display of the dense flavors of the varietal, offering candied cherry and blackberry on the nose with complex earth and spice notes. The deep dark fruit flavors are brightened by a zesty mineral note. It shows a wonderful balance and complexity with relatively low alcohol and good balancing acidity. There is a subtle smokiness but the wine finishes with inviting sweetness and straightforward, slightly jammy, dark berry flavors.

2007 Robert Oatley Vineyards Cabernet Merlot

List price 19.99; our price 17.99

This blend of 51% Cabernet and 49% Merlot is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels. The nose of this wine is filled with bright red cherry notes and a hint of vanilla. In the mouth it shows earthy herbal accents combined with ripe blackberry and toasted oak, some black pepper and hints of sour cherry. The tannins are nicely integrated and there is sufficient fruit to carry the wine through to a long, lush, mouth-filling finish. Delicious now, it will reward additional aging.

Saturday, November 14, 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

Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away, so it behooves us to be sampling wines that will partner well with a turkey dinner. This Saturday we will be pouring imported wines that are newly arrived or resupplied this past week. They are very forward and drinking well now. All are under $10.00 and would function well as party service. It’s nice to have alternate choices from the mainstream wines and still enjoy a great price-to-quality value ratio. There are richer and more complex wines available here to go with a turkey dinner, but for larger groups price becomes a consideration.Next week we will sample the wines of Robert Oatley Winery of Australia.

Villa Sandi Prosecco, Veneto, Italy

List price 12.95; our price 9.99

Villa Sandi is an exquisite Palladian-style villa dating back to 1622, located at the foot of the Marca Trevigiana hills, in the Veneto region and represents the combination of art and agriculture which has characterized the Venetian landscape for centuries. This Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses. Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal. This elegant sparkler achieves a nice balance between sweet, fruit flavors and lively crispness. Look for peach, pear, jasmine, grapefruit and stone that characterize the fruit with a bit of almond bitterness at the finish.

2008 Indaba Chardonnay, South Africa

List price 9.95; our price 8.99

Indaba refers to the traditional Zulu forum for sharing ideas and, frankly, this Chard is a good idea. It is a medium-bodied wine with pear and pineapple aromas, yielding to hints of butterscotch, honey, orange peel and lemons. Its good acidity (no malolactic secondary fermentation took place) marries well with the oak component culminating in a long, clean finish.

2007 Chateau Saint-Florin Rosé, Bordeaux, France

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

The blend for this rosé is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were crushed and left in stainless steel tanks for 24 hours allowing the juice to continue to “steep” with the grapes before fermentation. This wonderful extract is given a slow fermentation of up to 3 weeks at cool temperatures to enhance flavor and aromatic qualities. After another 3 weeks of sitting on the lees with occasional stirring the wine transcends to strawberry and raspberry fruit that remains dry.

2006 Chateau Trocard Bordeaux Superieur, France

List price 14.00; our price 9.99

This winery near Lalande-de-Pomerol has been owned by the Trocard family since the 16th century. Jean- Louis Trocard took over from his father, Jean in 1991. The family’s holdings have gradually expanded to 220 acres which Jean-Louis runs with the help of his wife, Elisabeth. The blend is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, comprising a wine that is produced in the traditional method that remains so very French. The wine is soft and displays an excellent balance.

2008 Bodega Norton Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina

List price 11.00; our price 8.99

This Mendoza area wine is produced in the traditional, 8-day fermentation period with native yeast, maceration for 20 days, and natural malolactic fermentation. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels to produce a round, concentrated wine with a sweet tannin texture and a long harmonious finish in the mouth. Look for red and black fruit, cherries, and spicy notes.

2005 Bodegas Aresan Librato, La Mancha Spain

List price 14.00; our price 9.99

In the 1980s, Don Aurelio Arenas and his wife, Maria Dolores Sanchez, bought 125 acres of vineyards in the La Mancha region. After some success with their first bottlings, they were encouraged in their efforts and began to buy more property which has grown today to 425 acres of vineyards, with 16 different varieties of grapes planted. Their son, Aurelio Arenas Sanchez, Jr., is the chief winemaker and his success is in the bottle. This wine has a vivid, cherry red color and a complex, aromatic nose full of ripe fruit compote, with hints of spice and minerals. Light notes of dark-roasted coffee appear that balance well with the fruit on the palate. Round tannins and toasted oak notes follow through to the lingering finish. It is a well-balanced, fresh and tasty Spanish blend.

Saturday, November 7, 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

Thanksgiving Day is three weeks away, believe it or not, and we should start now sampling wines that will partner well with a turkey dinner. This Saturday we will be pouring California wines that have arrived this past week. They are very forward and drinking well now. All are under $10.00 and would function well as party service. Of course, there are more complex, even voluptuous, wines available here to go with a turkey dinner, but price becomes a consideration. Next week we will look at imports in the same price range and the following week we will sample the wines of Robert Oatley Winery of Australia.

2008 Valley of the Moon Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

The fruit for this wine comes from select vineyards within the Sonoma Coast region, including the Russian River Valley, Carneros and the southern Sonoma Valley. These cool-climate appellations are characterized by foggy mornings and cool breezes that keep the fruit at an optimum temperature: perfect conditions for growing premium Chardonnay grapes. The fruit for this wine was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The wine was allowed to age “sur lies” for seven months with a portion of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation. Aromas of pear, citrus and vanilla are followed by flavors of green apple, lime and clove spice. The rich and creamy texture is accented by hints of honey and toasty oak, and balanced with a bright finish of zesty citrus and nectarine.

2008 Alexander Valley Vineyards New Gewurz, Mendocino Co.

List price 9.99; our price 5.99

The wonderful crispness and bright fruit make this Gewurtztraminer a versatile wine. Not only is it a great sipper, but it is perfect as an aperitif. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from spicy Asian fare to Dungeness crab to Thanksgiving turkey. It won a Gold Medal at the 2009 Orange County Fair Wine Competition. The price makes it exceptional.

2005 Mazzocco Winery Merlot, Sonoma County

List price 18.00; our price 9.99

This is a small family-owned artisan winery situated in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, nestled between the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. This Merlot blend of 76% Merlot & 24% Cabernet Sauvignon does not disappoint. Sweet cassis, violets and cherry jam lead to licorice and mocha flavors over a rich, extracted palate. The big tannins are integrated with a fruit forward core, containing roasted oak with hints of cacao, and camphor in the finish.

2006 Red Rock Winery Merlot, California

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The aroma of this merlot is fruity raspberry and cherry. The taste is dark cherry, plum and raspberry. The tannins are actually toned down by the fruit, so the wine is actually well-balanced. It is wonderful for casual drinking or to accompany a variety of food items such as pasta, pizza, and grilled chicken. A nice beef stew would probably go really well, too. This wine is not about complexity, it’s about quality: quality fruit & quality winemaking.

2005 Mazzocco Winery Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 18.00; our price 9.99

Mazzocco is especially known for its vineyard-designate Zinfandels—each robust and sumptuous yet individual in nature. Today we are trying the Sonoma blend which is fruit-forward with a splash of spice. Black cherry jam, raspberry and plums permeate the nose while the palate reveals allspice and cayenne pepper with dabs of blackberry. This 100% Zinfandel’s core is framed with supple tannins, and is accented with nougat and vanilla.

2007 Apothic Red, Winemaker’s Blend, California

List price 14.00; our price 9.99

This is a blend of three grapes, combining the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and smooth elegance of Merlot. The wine reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of blackberry and dark cherry layered with hints of mocha, chocolate and brown spice. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend. At this price it delivers considerable value.

Saturday, November 22, 2008
4 to 6 pm

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

This Saturday we will be visited by Corina Vandever from importer Southern Starz from whom we buy quite a lot of wine.  The reason is quite simple: they bring in lots of good stuff.  With her will be George Gee of TGIC Imports who represents the Southern Starz portfolio in California.  Our southern hemisphere tour will take us to New Zealand, Chile, Australia and South Africa.  All of these wines are truly exceptional.

2008 Sherwood Estate Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
13.99
The fruit was harvested in the cool of the night and transported to the winery where only the free run and light pressed juice was used.  It was cool fermented for an average of 19 days, then left for an extended three month period of contact with the yeast lees.  The wine is fresh, offering up lively gooseberry and passion fruit aromas with a touch of cut grass.  The palate is rich and concentrated with a beautiful long finish.

2008 Montes Syrah Rosé “Cherub” Chile
9.99 (Sat. only: Buy 6 get 1 FREE)
After several years of experimentation, Aurelio Montes settled on producing a rosé from Syrah, a grape he made famous in Chile with the country’s first-ever Ultra Premium 100% Syrah called Montes’ Folly in 2002.  The wine follows a process of cold maceration where the must is left in contact with the skins overnight (for approximately eight hours) to fully extract color and aromas and infuse the wine with flavor.  Once the juice was racked until totally clear, it underwent alcoholic fermentation using selected yeast at 50º F for 20 days.  On the nose and the palate, it demonstrates a distinctive Syrah character with spiciness and hints of strawberries, rose and orange peel.  With good fruit concentration, it shows richness in texture across the palate that leads to a delightfully long finish.  It has a strong backbone of acidity and a slight amount of tannin that gives the wine a defined structure.

2005 Flinders Run Shiraz, Australia
29.50
This wine has received some serious accolades (albeit somewhat obscure):
95 pts Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate #173
Purple/black in color, the wine exhibits a big, brooding bouquet of pain grillé, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, blackberry, and licorice. This leads to a full-bodied (15.2% alcohol), super-rich, plush wine with layers of spicy black fruit flavors, excellent balance, and a long, pure finish. For a wine of this size, it is remarkably light on its feet.
92 pts Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar 2007
Glass-staining ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers a surreal array of dark fruits, oak spices, flowers and minerals. Fat but focused, with intense, spicy blackberry, cassis and floral pastille flavors. Gentle tannins add structure but can’t contain the wine’s expansive, sweet personality. Gains strength on the long, sappy finish. This has enormous immediate appeal.
91 pts Wine Spectator Web 12/21/07
Dense and peppery. A lively mouthful of dark-hued fruit and spice, lingering on the clear, focused, juicy finish. Fine tannins frame this nicely. Best from 2009 through 2015. 2,000 cases made.

2005 Black Pearl Vineyards, Oro, Paarl, South Africa
17.50
The name of the blend “Oro” comes from the God Oro, King of the Firmament, who gave the black pearl as a gift to the ocean. The vineyard is situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, and, after it has rained, Paarl Rock resembles a black pearl.  The blend is Shiraz (57%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (43%).  This is a rich wine with hints of clove and spices; plum, dark berries and licorice flavors. 

2007 Tait Winery “The Ball Buster”, Australia
17.50
The age of the vineyards that make up the 2007 Ball Buster Blend vary between 7 and 40 years.  Deep Black Purple. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, stewed plums, cherry, and chocolate. Full bodied berry palate with a sweet long lasting finish.  It received a 90-point rating from Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar just arriving on Wednesday at TGIF.

NV R.L. Buller & Son Muscat, Australia
14.75/375 ml
You can’t get too much better than a 97-point rating from Robert Parker, of The Wine Advocate: “This wine is nearly flawless. Fabulously perfumed as well as unctuously textured, it offers incredible notes of prunes, raisins, honey, molasses, roasted nuts, etc., etc. Australia continues to be a treasure trove for fortified, after-dinner wines. Once bottled, they do not change, and often age up to a decade where well stored. After opening, most will last for a week. This is one of the top wine discoveries of this year’s tastings. Many consumers are going to be overjoyed with this offering.”

Saturday, November 17, 2007

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 327-7701

Most people think of Beaujolais Nouveaux for an accompaniment to that Thanksgiving meal less than a week away. Take that thought one step further and consider Zinfandel. I do serve at least one Zin with that annual full-blown meal, but have hesitated in recommending it to my customers. No more; the November issue of Bon Appetit included an article supporting this view: “this bright, juicy wine, laden with berry flavors and enhanced with a smidgen of sweetness, is the correct wine for Thanksgiving fare.” While not in total agreement with all that was said in the article, I do believe the message is timely and, therefore, so is our tasting event.

2003 Napa Cellars Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$17.95

This is the perfect middle ground between the spicy Zinfandels of the Sierra Foothills and the fruity jammy Zinfandels of Sonoma. Both characteristics can be found in moderation with this wine. You can expect a swirl of the glass to reveal sweet ripe berries and black pepper spice with elements of sun-baked earth. The entry is sweet, displaying hints of raspberry and chocolate, but well balanced with sufficient acid and a little pepper at the front. It is full bodied with complex flavors and a smooth finish. This winery was originally owned by Rombauer and Frank Family but was recently sold to the Trinchero family of Napa Valley. Alcohol 14.5%

2005 Jake-Ryan Cellars Zinfandel, Mt. Veeder, Napa
$25.00

This Bald Mountain Vineyard Zin from Mt. Veeder is bursting with aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackberry, with some integrated caramel and vanilla notes. In the mouth, the flavors are ripe cherry, rhubarb, and blackberry preserves. Cedar and spice characteristics add a punch of complexity and personality. Alcohol 14.5%

2004 Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel, Dry Creek, Sonoma
$25.00

This wine comes to us from a negociant who over the years has espyed the best vineyard sources in Sonoma County and made deals to secure fruit from these growers to vinify and blend the small batches he produces. Though mostly Zin, there are small amounts of Petite Sirah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Barbera and Touriga in the succulent blend. Produced at the David Coffaro Winery in Geyserville. Alcohol 14.8%

2004 Tin Barn Vineyards Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
$17.95

The grapes for this bottling are sourced from the Gilsson Vineyard, a 35 year old vineyard near Windsor, in Sonoma County. Tin Barn Vineyards is a collaborative effort of winemaker Michael Lancaster and his two partners, Gray Fowler and Carl Stewart. This deep dark red colored wine shows forward raspberry and cherry fruit and a long, seductive finish topped off with a hint of vanilla and toast from the new American oak barrels used for aging. Alcohol 15.2%

2005 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Summit Creek, Paso Robles
$17.95

Opolo Vineyards comprises 270 acres of vineyards in both the Westside and Eastside areas of Paso Robles. Owners Rick Quinn and David Nichols have chosen to produce opulent wines that are rich and highly extracted. That goes for all the varietals they produce which seem to come from the bigger-is-better school of thought. Not for everybody, this big Zin has a sweet entry that will stand up to any cranberry preparation on your plate. It is resplendent in ripe black cherry, raspberry and spice and is framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. Alcohol 16.5%

n.v. Chateau Potelle “Zinie de Potelle” Desert Zinfandel
$12.99

This late harvest Zinfandel is sweet, at 6.5% residual sugar, but with a lot of vigor, strength and character. It is a delicious Port-style wine made from dry-farmed, old vine grapes, fermented and aged 18 months in French oak. It has sweet cherry and wild berry fruit with chocolate undertones. It displays deep aromas and is very smooth and elegant in the mouth with underlying hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. The name Zinie comes from the Potelle’s dog, and here I thought it was a diminutive for Zinfandel.