Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, February 4, 2012
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 Zinfandel grape is planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards and was probably the first European grape to arrive here in the mid 19th century. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, which we will be attempting to pronounce on Saturday. It appears in Italy as the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia and Campania where it was introduced in the 18th century. Zinfandel produces a robust red wine with red berry flavors such as raspberry. The earlier ripening Primitivo clone shows flavors of blackberry, anise and pepper. Of course, there can always be variations to the rule. Would you believe White Zinfandel has six times the sales of red Zinfandel in the United States?

2009 Poggio Basso Primitivo, Puglia

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This rich yet elegant Primitivo has a fresh scent of blackberry with a hint of spicy currant. Flavors of blackberry, cherry and raspberry with a hint of spice play alongside an earthy core. Soft, sweet tannins and acidity with no oak influence make this an easy to like food friendly wine, or simply sip it on its own.

2009 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 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. This is your last opportunity to purchase this lovely Zin at the temporary low pricing.

2008 Feudi Primitivo di Manduria, Campania

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

Millennia worth of eruptions from Mount Vesuvius have left the sandstone soils rich with deposits of volcanic ash, a combination that seems to suit grapevines extremely well. The vineyards of Feudi, including a small portion which is pre-phylloxera, produce imposing and elegant wines. This one shows nice medium earthy notes intermixed with wild berries, blueberries and spice. In the mouth it is silky, with nice blueberry notes, a bit jammy, but not hot, not herbal or brambly. It is juicy with wild berries, nicely balanced with good acidity and a nice spicy finish. A perfect burger wine.

2008 Two Angels “Angel’s Secret” Zinfandel, Lake County

List price 17.95; our price 14.99

This Zin comes from a rocky hillside vineyard that sits at 1,500 feet above sea level near Clear Lake in Lake County. The juice ages in oak barrels for 10 months and comes from the bottle brambly and fresh, with black pepper and just a touch of cookie spice. It is a robust, spicy Zinfandel made for current drinking. It is dry and full-bodied, with blackberry, black currant, oatmeal raisin cookie and pepper flavors.

2009 Leone de Castris Primitivo di Manduria, ‘Villa Santera”

List price 19.95; our price 17.99

This is a rich red bursting with varietal character. Red fruit, licorice, spiced ginger, flowers and vanilla emerge with a lovely feel of sweetness, adding complexity to the dense, expressive fruit. It has a long silky finish. Wine Advocate liked it enough to give it a 90-point rating.

2008 Michael-David Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel, Lodi

List price 16.50; our price 14.99

Actually seven growers from Lodi provided the fine old vine fruit for this perennially wonderful Zinfandel. The layered complexity of this fanciful blend is immediately apparent from the entry of soft, supple pepper and licorice-clove notes to the merge of deep, brambly blackberries and cherries. The finish is clean on the palate with hints of rich vanilla, cocoa, and mild tannins.

Saturday, January 28, 2012
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 Central Coast is a vast wine grape growing area with a multitude of differentiated soils and weather patterns. It spans from Santa Barbara County in the south to the San Francisco Bay Area in the north, and includes portions of six counties. Each appellation within the area produces grapes unique to specific varietals, which in turn translates to the opportunity to make really good wine. Assuming the wine production is in the hands of a capable wine maker, some terrific stuff issues from the area. It wasn’t always that way. The planting of varietals wrong to an area was wide spread and the resulting wines were fiendishly bad. The worst had to be Cabernet that tasted like bell peppers. Some growers were fortunate, such as in the evolving Zin scene in Paso Robles. The discovery of Pinot Noir excellence in the right locales was pure serendipity. I cannot imagine a grape varietal that is not grown currently in the Central Coast and well grown at that. Let’s check it out:

2009 Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, “Paragon”, Edna Valley

List price 13.50; our price 11.99

This wine is appealing for its ripe, juicy pear, nectarine and tangerine flavors, with excellent balancing acidity, all pulled together on a crisp, clean frame. It is delightfully crisp with notes of citrus and grapefruit. This wine is perfect for most occasions and is especially refreshing to sip with oysters on the half shell.

2010 William Hill Chardonnay, Central Coast

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Of the 100,000 acres planted to wine grapes in the Central Coast, Chardonnay accounts for more than half of the total. This fresh and bright apple-like Chardonnay is wonderfully refreshing and is suited for use with lighter foods such as shellfish and sole, chicken and pork.

2009 Paraiso Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

This is a well-priced Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, with lots of bright red raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit, accented by cinnamon spice and refreshing acidity. According to Wine Spectator Magazine: “Appealing for its easy-drinking allure, with ripe plum, raspberry, wild berry and spice flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, showing off a racy earthiness on the finish, which gives this a nice touch. Drink now through 2016.”

2006 Kenneth Volk Tempranillo, John Smith Vineyard, San Benito

List price 24.00; our price 19.99

Tempranillo is the principal grape variety of Spain’s quintessential red wine, Rioja. The fruit from this bottling came from the John Smith Vineyard near the town of Hollister in San Benito County. Traditional wine-making techniques of open top fermentation and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine.

2007 Four Vines Zinfandel, Old Vine Cuvée, Paso Robles

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

The winery enjoys a great wealth of Zinfandel that has the ability to put together a fantastic multi-appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trail to a velvety toasted oak finish.

2007 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon, Soledad

List price 22.00; our price 18.99

Smith and Hook Winery released its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon to high acclaim in 1980. Notes of black cherry, cassis and raspberry are followed by nuances of pepper and cocoa. This wine is lush and textured, with gripping tannins, well-developed acidity and a lingering finish.

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 3, 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

Opolo is one of our favored wineries as you may have surmised by our throwing an Opolo wine party once every year. The wines are absolutely terrific; well made, fairly priced and they taste really good. Cary Thrasher, who traveled here like last year to preside over the event, will again officiate, as well as pour. Opolo is known for full bodied, lush red wines, yet is fully capable of doing the same for whites. We’ve included two of the whites here to prove the point. There is one problem that you should be aware of: this is the day of the Festival of Lights Parade, meaning the front entrance will be closed off. Access will be through the back of the Sun Center on Belardo. Sunny Dunes, one signal light to the south is the best approach. Just head west to Belardo from South Palm Canyon Drive. Parade stars at 5:45, so come early.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Roussanne, Central Coast

List price 21.95; our price 14.99

This white Rhone grape produces for Opolo a wine that has delicate honeysuckle floral aromas and fruit flavors of melon, apricot, and pear. It is balanced with some minerality and rounded by good acid with a creamy-rich mouthfeel. All-in-all, it is nicely balanced with a long and pleasing finish.

2010 Opolo Vineyards Viognier, Central Coast

List price 21.95; our price 14.99

A concentration of tropical fruit leads on the palate. The wine shows apricot, Crenshaw melon, pineapple, and papaya and a viscous mouth-feel that lingers for a rich long finish. All of this concentrated fruit is accented with a touch of exotic spiciness that highlights the richness of the wine and leaves a clean and refreshing impression on the palate. It works well with Indian and Thai foods and can be enjoyed with rich foods and ripe cheeses; it is also excellent as an apéritif.

2007 Opolo Vineyards Grand Rouge, Paso Robles

List price 19.00; our price 15.99

This is an unusual blend of 60% Counoise with 40% going to Grenache and Syrah. It is loaded with blueberry and blackberry with a counterweight of spice to balance the lovely wine. It is bright and aromatic, yet smooth and velvety.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Montagna Mare, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

The nose brings out a sense of ripened raspberries and currants, with a thouch of caramel and vanilla. It is medium-bodied but delivers an incredibly big mouthful and an extremely long layered finish. You may even experience caramelized raspberries with lightly toasted hazelnut and tart cherries. The blend is 50/50 Sangiovese and Barbera.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Summit Creek, Paso Robles

List price 19.99; our price 16.99

This is a full-bodied red wine showcasing overt raspberry and black cherry fruit aromatics and flavors framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. Subtle pepper and spice nuances further complement this wine which is ready to drink today, although the dark color and youthful fruitiness indicate that it will likely cellar well for a few years.

2009 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Mountain, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

This wine is from the “bigger-is-better” school of winemaking. Its bountiful bouquet of fruit captivates the nose with pomegranate, fig, and cranberry aromas. Raspberry jam dominates the mid-palate nuanced by savory butterscotch overtones. Vanilla, white and cayenne peppers, and cinnamon spice makes for a lively finish. Opolo likes to think of the Mountain Zinfandel as America’s most decadent red.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Petite Sirah, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

Impressively extracted, this inky, intense wine is sure to please the Opolo “Bigger is Better” crowd. Aromas of chocolate and blackberries continue into the flavor profile making this a great wine to pair with blackened or grilled meats.

Saturday, November 26, 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

This Saturday is our last opportunity to present to you some recent acquisitions that are geared to party use. If you plan to do some entertaining this December, these wines should prove budget worthy while being quite tasty as well. On the 3rd of December we will be hosting our always popular, annual Opolo event. The 10th of December will feature Lisa Wherry pouring the Champagnes of France and sparklers of California. Our last event of the year, the 17th, (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Saturdays) will be devoted to wines of J Lohr. We are ending the year on a high note.

2009 OneHope Chardonnay, California

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

One Hope is a line of wines produced by Robert Mondavi, Jr. to aid various charities. Fifty percent of the profits from Chardonnay sales will go to the fight against breast cancer. Grapes for the wine were sourced from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. The bouquet reminds one of fresh apple blossoms along with honeysuckle. The crisp pear and apple flavors keep the wine vibrant as they play alongside the balanced oak and bright acidity. Use with seafood and poultry.

2009 William Hill Chardonnay, Central Coast

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Winemaker, Ralf Holdenried studied winemaking and viticulture at Germany’s prestigious University of Geisenheim and worked at several wineries in the Reinhessen and Nahe, before studying fermentation science, viticulture and enology at the University of California at Davis. Ralf joined William Hill Estate in 2007, after working as the winemaking director for Louis M. Martini’s small lot wine program, Cellar 254. If you like this fresh and bright apple-like Chardonnay you might consider stepping up to its big brother, the Napa bottling ($18.99), and I do mean big!

2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

List price 10.99; our price 9.69

By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from the Gamay grape and bottled at the end of harvest. The first Nouveau vintage was released in 1951, making this the 60th anniversary edition. Beaujolais Nouveau was originally the wine of the vineyard workers, consumed to celebrate the end of harvest and giving them a first taste of the new vintage. The wines are vinified by carbonic maceration, which leaves them light in body and almost entirely free of tannins. The flavor profile is typically candied cherries, red plums, licorice and even bubblegum.

2009 MSH Cellars Merlot, Napa

List price 11.95; our price 9.99

MSH is the secondary label of Source Napa and Gamble Family Vineyards. This Rutherford Merlot is about as chocolaty as a wine can get, with rich red plum fruit and even, soft tannins. It is a big wine that delivers considerable value. This is a Napa red pricing with which you can live very well.

2009 Riebeek Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Riebeek Cellars was established in 1941 and is situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. The wine is made in a forward, non-complex style with a grapey core and a streak of roasted vanilla.

2009 OneHope Zinfandel

List price 12.95; our price 9.99

50% of the profits garnered from the sale of every bottle of the Robert Mondavi, Jr. made Zinfandel goes towards charities that support our Troops and their families. It is a juicy Zinfandel showing dark fruit flavors of plums and black cherries. There is the typical pepper and spice on the finish to add to the balance of the wine, and to our ultimate enjoyment.

Saturday, November 12, 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 wines of Kenneth Volk Vineyards will be showcased this Saturday as Mike Brown, the national sales manager, pours and discusses the winemaking philosophy of Mr. Volk. The selection of wines for the tasting is interesting, if not eclectic. Volk is quite passionate about Pinot Noir, but insists on growing and making wine from grapes that exist under most radar screens. Portugal’s Verdelho and France’s Negrette are an example of how esoteric he chooses to express his viticultural magic. He is very sound at making rich and full Zins, as well.

2010 Kenneth Volk Verdelho, El Pomar Vineyard, Paso Robles

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Verdelho is a semi-aromatic white grape that was traditionally used in the production of the revered wines of the Island of Madeira. Verdelho has found popularity with forward thinking vintners from around the world in the production of delicious table wines. This bottling is full bodied showing tropical and citrus fruit aromas with grapefruit, melon and apple flavors. This refreshing wine can be enjoyed as an apéritif or served with seafood and with Pacific Rim cuisine.

2007 Kenneth Volk Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Cuvée

List price 25.00; our price 22.00

This “flagship” wine of Volk’s is a blend of some of the finest vineyards of Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara’s Santa Maria Valley: Bien Nacido, Garey Ranch, Nielson, Sierra Madre and Solomon Hill. The aromas of Asian spice and ripe berry precede flavors of cherry, blueberry and strawberry. Bright acidity and fine grain tannins are complimented by a long creamy lactic finish.

2006 Kenneth Volk Tempranillo, John Smith Vineyard, San Benito

List price 24.00; our price 19.99

Tempranillo is the principal grape variety of Spain’s quintessential red wine, Rioja. The fruit from this bottling came from the John Smith Vineyard near the town of Hollister in San Benito County. Traditional wine-making techniques of open top fermentation and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine.

2009 Kenneth Volk Negrette, Calleri Vineyard, San Benito County

List price 20.00; our price 17.99

Negrette has its own distinct aroma and flavor profile. It shares some of the characteristics of both Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine has aromas and flavors of bramble fruit and cherry with spicy, old vine gaminess. It is a deeply pigmented wine with relatively low tannin and a silky smooth texture.

2006 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles

List price 35.00; our price 29.99

This wine displays aromas and flavors of mint, cocoa, anise, cranberry, raspberry, orange peel, red pimiento and culinary sage. The firm mid-palate tannins and clean lactic finish of this wine make it a great pairing with rich cuts of beef, rosemary-seasoned lamb, roast duck, spicy carnitas and chicken.

2007 Kenneth Volk Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

The Enz Vineyard Mourvèdre is one of the oldest plantings in California. In its 86th growing season, these ancient, head-trained vines produced a beautiful, well balanced crop of small-berried clusters. Traditional winemaking techniques and aging in French oak helped to craft this delicious wine. Ripe fruit aromas and exotic spice are followed by flavors of blueberry, cherry and licorice.

2008 Kenneth Volk Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley

List price 28.00; our price 24.99

This Zinfandel has aromas of boysenberry, ripe plum, and barrel spice. A claret-style Zinfandel, it presents ripe flavors and aromas without excessive ripeness and alcohol. Enjoy this delicious wine with grilled and barbequed meats, spicy Mexican cuisine, or hearty pastas.

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

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

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

2010 Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

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

List price 10.50; our price 9.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Sangiovese, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Merlot, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 12.99

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

2008 Pietra Santa “Sassolino” Red Blend, Cienega Valley

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

2007 Pietra Santa Zinfandel, Central Coast

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

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

Saturday, October 1, 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

Our trip to the Napa Valley this summer was intended to familiarize ourselves with wineries we had never visited. Our goal became futile in lieu of the very many wineries, old and new, that beckon the wine lover. Still, we sampled our way through a great many wines in few days at temples dedicated to the god, Bacchus, himself. Visiting these palatial estates is quite an experience, not to mention the fascinating people who built them, and who man them. We have dedicated ourselves to an annual pilgrimage to the Napa Valley as well as our usual sojourn to Sonoma to the west. None of the wines below were on our itinerary but are recommended to you while in Napa Valley, or, you could join us Saturday.

2009 Provenance Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford

List price 18.99; our price 16.50

This wine reveals pure aromas and flavors of ripe honeydew, white peach, citrus, apricot and tropical fruit. Hints of caramel, vanilla and nutmeg add layers of complexity. The beautifully balanced wine combines creaminess with a fresh acidity that dances on the palate. Sur lie barrel aging enhances the rich, silky texture and adds nuances of lemon custard to the fruity finish. Consider paring this with goat cheese bruschetta, seafood salads, grilled fish, and chicken pesto.
Wine Spectator gives the wine a 91-point rating.

2009 Caymus Conundrum White Wine, Rutherford

List price 22.00; our price 19.99

The grapes for this wine actually are sourced from Napa and beyond: Monterey, Santa Barbara and Tulare counties. The blend is unique and exotic and is the kind of wine one either loves or hates. At least it stirs passions. Some lots of the wine are kept in cool-temperature stainless steel to maintain fresh, crisp aromas and fruit flavors. Other lots are aged in a combination of French barrels. Upon blending the lots, the wine displays a floral bouquet nose with a dominance of honeysuckle. Muscat is the defining and alluring factor in the aroma of this wine. Sauvignon Blanc adds an herbal element while the Viognier adds a spicy character. The Chardonnay brings weight to the mid palate and Muscat adds an undeniable honey character to complete the palate’s palette.

2007 Flora Springs Chardonnay, St. Helena

List price 22.00; our price 18.99

The wine has a rich, buttery nose of pineapple, tropical fruits and lemon oil, with a dense palate of butterscotch, golden delicious apple and pear flavors. The wine is full-bodied with nice acidity and a long, nutty finish nicely accented by oak. This wine will pair well with chicken, fish and rich pasta dishes.

2008 Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

List price 18.00; our price 15.99

A blend of several outstanding Napa Valley terroirs, this medium-bodied earthy Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself in layers of cherry, plum, rose and chocolate balanced with toasty oak. With a fine balance between alcohol, fruit and supple tannins, this young wine already drinks well and will support 6-10 years aging. The wine was aged in small oak barrels (66% American oak, 34% French oak, 36% new) for 18 months. Food ideas: grilled and marinated lamb chops; stews and rich pasta dishes; fettuccine in mushroom sauce; veal with green peppercorn sauce; dry Jack cheese.

2005 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley

List price 39.95; our price 29.99

Our grape sources are from four vineyards with an average vine age close to 20 years in four Napa Valley sub-appellations that span the Napa Valley: Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros. The great diversity of these micro climates and soils has yielded a wine with concentrated blackberry, black cherry and currant aromas. In the mouth, the elegant yet powerful Cabernet is extremely well-balanced with well-integrated oak and tannins and generous, juicy, complex ripe cherry and berry fruit throughout.

2005 D Cubed Cellars Zinfandel, St Helena

List price 33.00; our price 29.50

This big Zin from Napa Valley is full of flavor and well balanced, spicy and full bodied. You will enjoy its good nose of chocolate, black fruits, black cherries, and spice tones that continue through to the palate. It has good balance and decent depth, and in general, is a very nice wine.

Saturday, September 24, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

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

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

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

2007 Benziger Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros

List price 19.95; our price 15.99

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

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

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

2007 Dancing Bull Merlot, Healdsburg

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

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

2009 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County (New Release)

List price 22.50; our price 20.99

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

2008 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London (New Release)

List price 25.00; our price 19.99

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

Saturday, August 20, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

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

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

List price 11.99; our price 9.99

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

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

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Terra d’Oro Rosé is made mostly of Nebbiolo, the native red grape of Italy’s Piedmont region with 10% Syrah, blended in to deepen the color and focus the strawberry character. The nose entices the senses with strawberry, pink grapefruit, and melon scents. In the mouth, strawberries dominate, leading to a refreshing, just off-dry finish. A joyous sipper that fares well tableside or poolside, this rosé is both a perfect companion to summer weather and to any other time of the year, for that matter.

Pedroncelli Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

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

Domaine Laurier Merlot Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

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

Domaine Laurier Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

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

Plungerhead Zinfandel, Old Vine, Lodi

List price 14.99; our price 9.99

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