Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, July 2, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

Today only receive an extra 10% discount!

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

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

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel Sonoma

List price 9.99; our price 7.99; today only 6.99

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

Rex-Goliath Zinfandel, California

List price 7.99; our price 5.99; today only 5.39

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

2005 Mazzocco Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 18.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2008 Leese-Fitch Zinfandel California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2008 Four Vines Zinfandel, Old Vine Cuvée, California

List price 12.00; our price 9.99; today only 8.99

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

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, California

List price 14.95; our price 12.99; today only 11.69

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

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

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

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

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

2010 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

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

2009 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.95

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

2009 Ferrari-Carano Siena, Red Wine, Sonoma County

List price 20.00; our price 17.69

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

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 22.00; our price 19.95

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

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

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

2007 Deux Amis Zinfandel, Halling Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

List price 30.00; our price 28.00

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

Saturday, April 16, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

It is once again time for our annual Opolo Vineyards wine tasting event. We will be highlighting some of the current wines in release including the newly released blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec called Serenade. As with last year, Cary Thrasher will be coming to the desert to re-acquaint us with this winery’s dazzling display of fine wines. For those of you that are to-date uninitiated, this tasting event will prove an eye-popping, mouth-watering encounter with richly flavored, high alcohol, sometimes bombastic varietals. This is truly one of our fun events of the year.

2009 Opolo Roussanne, Paso Robles

List price 21.00; 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, nicely balanced with a long and pleasing finish.

2008 Opolo Sangiovese, Paso Robles

List price 19.95; our price 17.99

This Tuscan varietal has an interesting expression here in Paso Robles. It is a medium-bodied wine featuring a bright, fruity nose with hints of spice which follow through to the finish. This versatile wine is easy to pair with nearly anything because its acidity is lively enough to stand up to some rather acidic food choices such as tomato-based sauces. It is ready to drink now, so extended cellaring isn’t recommended.

2008 Opolo Serenade, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 22.50

This delightful blend of big, beautiful and intense Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of rich and creamy Malbec makes an absolutely elegant wine that is sure to deliver now and for years to come. Soft tannins and a bountiful bouquet of fruit, complemented by aging in both French and American oak barrels, have created an interesting marriage of the two great varietals.

2009 Opolo 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 Mountain Zinfandel, 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. Yes, there are degrees of decadence.

2006 Opolo Petite Sirah, Paso Robles

List price 22.50; our price 18.99

Impressively extracted, this inky, intense wine shows aromas of chocolate, blackberries, graham crackers with a touch of cinnamon. The palate explodes with gobs of dark, jammy fruit unfolding in waves of chocolate, spice, toasty oak and vanilla. The long lingering finish is soft and round with plenty of dry tannins to satisfy the big red wine drinker and collector. It pairs well with grilled meats and with cheeses; maybe even a chocolate bar.

2008 Opolo Muscat Canelli, Paso Robles

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

This wine gives off a bouquet of peach and honeysuckle with hints of citrus. It’s crisp and light on the palate with nice acidity making it an excellent sipping wine. It is off-dry so it’s not over powering on the sweet side. The concentration of citrus honey blossoms with accents of apricot is amazing. Enjoy it pool side, as an apéritif or with a lighter dessert at the end of a good meal. As the days get warmer, be an iconoclast and pour it over rocks.

Saturday, March 26, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

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

We have made a big buy of Joel Gott wines and figured this was a great time to reintroduce the line-up from this fine wine maker. His wines are remarkable values, offering gobs of classic California fruit, good structure and excellent balance. Joel Gott Wines was established in 1996 with the production of Amador County Zinfandel. Joel had purchased five tons of fruit from boyhood neighbor Tom Dillian and made the wine with then-girlfriend Sarah, a winemaker in Napa Valley. The subsequent 1997 vintage of Dillian Ranch Zinfandel marked not only Sarah and Joel’s marriage, but also the first significant reviews of the wine in respected publications. The success of the 1997 vintage allowed Joel to purchase fruit from twelve different vineyards throughout Northern California in 1999. Joel and Sarah originally intended to produce single-vineyard Zinfandels with these grapes but found during tastings that the wine was much more balanced when blended. They adjusted their plans and released their first California Zinfandel, which sold out in one week. Two products we will be pouring are not Joel’s but should prove enjoyable.

Buble Brut Sparkling Wine, Mendocino

List price 27.00; our price 23.95

For more than two decades the Elke Family has grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay first for Mumm Napa, and later for Roederer Estates. This is a special bottling that has received very good press. It is a dry brut made from grapes grown in select Mendocino vineyards. The blend is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir.

2009 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, California

List price 12.95; our price 9.99

The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc bursts with tropical notes of mango, lemon, lime, citrus, lychee, pineapple, and guava. The wine has good minerality and balanced acidity and ends with a long finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 88 points: “Lots going on for the price on this dry clean Sauvignon Blanc. It has rich flavors of tart citrus fruits, minerals and white flowers. A very pleasant and versatile white wine.”

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, California

List price 14.95; our price 12.99

The 2008 Joel Gott California Zinfandel boasts aromas of cocoa, raspberries, and ripe strawberries. On the palate the wine is round and juicy with flavors of pepper, anise, dark cherry and spice, ending with a lingering finish. Wine Enthusiast gave it 88 points: “A great Zinfandel for the price. It’s dry and elegant, with a mouthfeel somewhere between Pinot Noir and Merlot. Really balanced, with soft tannins and acids framing oak-tinged berry and spice flavors”

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, Mohr-Fry Ranches, Lodi

List price 19.95; our price 17.50

Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Foothills, the sandy soil of the Lodi Delta enjoys a consistent Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights. Generations of grape growers settled here including the Mohrs in the 1850s. At that time the farm was dedicated to row crops and breeding iris. It is now planted to cherry trees, heirloom bean plants and the vineyards. The 2008 shows intense, structured fruit from very old (some 100 years) vines giving great depth and complexity. There is a small amount of old vine Alicante Bouchet in the blend. Look for flavors of anise, plums, cherries and blackberries. Truly a “classic” old style Zin at a very value-oriented price.

2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, Dillian Ranch, Amador County

List price 25.00; our price 22.99

The grapes come from Tom Dillian’s 20-acre ranch in Plymouth, California, where the mineral-rich red soils and longer growing season create a unique expression of the varietal. The wine has aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry and pepper spice complimented by sweet tannins, elegant minerality and flavors of ripe fruit, mocha, vanilla and spice.

Dooley’s Toffee Cream Liqueur, Germany

List price 26.00; our price 23.99

Dooley’s, it is very smooth with no bite and offers light alcohol warmth in the back of your throat. Bailey’s, by comparison, has more whisky burn, when you drink it neat. The flavor is pleasantly bold and is comprised of caramel toffee, chocolate, and cream with vanilla coming through. The finish is smooth and buttery; sweet like a dessert.

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

$10.00 per person

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

Grgich Hills Estate (formerly Grgich Hills Cellar) is located in Rutherford, California in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery changed its name in 2006 when it first began producing only “estate grown” wines made from grapes grown exclusively in vineyards owned by the winery. The vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic and the winery converted to solar energy in 2006. Winemaker Mike Grgich first gained international recognition at the historic Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 when the Chardonnay he produced at Chateau Montelena won first prize among white wines, much to the chagrin of the French. We have been fortunate the last two years to have the opportunity to host this master wine maker at our Saturday wine event. Naturally, we will be pouring his exceptionally fine wines as well as offering hors d’oeuvres that compliment the varietals being offered. Half of the fee to attend ($5.00) will go toward each person’s purchase of the featured wines. Mike will be signing bottles during the event and you can have yours personalized. As usual, the wines are outstanding.

2008 Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley

List price 26.50; our price 23.99

80% of the grapes were fermented in previously used small French oak barrels with the rest in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, using only naturally occurring yeasts. Afterward the wine was aged six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. These techniques added body while showcasing the wonderful fruit; not masking it behind new oak. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar publication awarded this wine 91 points: “Pale silvery-yellow color. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit and spices. Juicy and brisk but ultimately supple, with intense, medium-bodied flavors of grapefruit and licorice lifted by minerals and flowers. Finishes brisk, firm-edged and long ($30)”

2008 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley

List price 37.50; our price 33.95

This biodynamic Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation, thereby reserving its wonderful acidity. The wine displays aromas of orange blossom honey and toasted almonds with a hint of tropical fruit and crushed stone on the finish. Match this Chardonnay’s elegant style with poached salmon, roasted chicken, grilled pork, or creamy cheeses.

2005 Grgich Hills Estate Merlot, Napa Valley

List price 33.00; our price 29.95

The great thing about estate grown grapes is that the winemaker has total control of the quality from the vine to the bottle. This is a full-bodied Merlot with rich aromas and flavors of ripe cherry and black berries with hints of cedar and spice. A Cabernet lovers’ Merlot, the wine’s solid structure promises it will gain in complexity and silkiness with age.

2007 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley

List price 33.95; our price 31.00

Grown at the estate vineyard in Calistoga, nestled in northern tip of Napa Valley, these Zinfandel grapes are certified organic and Biodynamic, as well. Classic Zinfandel flavors of strawberries, raspberries and plums make this wine the perfect match for grilled meats, thin crust pizza and pastas with tomato sauce; or just for sipping while the mind wanders and wonders.

2006 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

List price 53.00; our price 48.00

The varietal blend here is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. The result is an elegant wine with aromas of black cherries and licorice with a long finish focused on notes of chocolate and red and black currants. Full bodied with smooth tannins, it’s the perfect partner with filet mignon, grilled steak or lamb chops

Saturday, February 12, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

This line of wine has been around only since 2004 and was originally part of Gallo’s Rancho Zabaco production. As Gallo was upgrading the Rancho Zabaco line (the Monte Rosso Vineyard Zin is around $35.00) it was decided to break away the low price level varietals and allow them to stand on their own. These are nicely made wines and constitute excellent value. Even the bottles are of heavier glass than many expensive wines and all but the Sauvignon Blanc are cork finished. Personally, I’d prefer all of these were screw capped, but I know how much “ceremony” is derived from the opening of a dinner wine. In any event, these are your quintessential barbeque or pizza wines.

Next week we will be joined by Mike Grgich for a tasting of his wines and for a bottle signing.

2009 Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The wine is crisp and clean with bright grapefruit tanginess balanced by tropical fruit and a hint of cut grass herbaceousness usually found in New Zealand wine. The nose is packed with aromas of green apple, lime, kiwi, with subtle notes of fresh cut grass. The mouth is very lively, with crisp acidity and focused grapefruit and lime freshness balanced by tropical flavors of guava and mango. Very nice.

2008 Dancing Bull Chardonnay

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

The winemaking goal was to make a dry Chardonnay that was both refreshingly crisp and balanced. This was accomplished through the use of Monterey County fruit that provided the natural, cool climate fruit flavors and nice acidity. Partial malolactic fermentation was employed to soften a portion of the green fruit flavors and create a smooth creaminess. The addition of Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Viognier added some tropical flavors and a lovely fragrant nose. It displays primary flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and apple typical of medium bodied Monterey County Chardonnay but these characters are then complimented by secondary flavors of pear, peach, melon and floral notes. Very subtle barrel influences of creamy, toasty and vanilla oak characters are also present from the partial fermentation of a very small portion of the wine in oak.

2007 Dancing Bull Merlot

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Here’s more proof that you can have a big, lush, ripe wine without an over-the-top alcohol level. At 13.5% alcohol, this is a wine you can stick with during dinner. Merlot lovers will be right at home with the ripe flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and black cherry, with a bit of spice and a lush velvety finish. The ripe fruit is balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and milk chocolate.

2009 Dancing Bull Zinfandel

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

This wine showcases a soft mouthfeel, which makes this wine both approachable and versatile with plenty of ripe dark fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry, complemented by bright red fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Spicy notes of black pepper and vanilla add layers which allow the fruit to be the star. It pairs well with heavier sauced dishes such as braised pork ribs or pasta with a rich, tomato based sauce.

2008 Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 9.99; our price 7.99

Sourced primarily from the Central Coast and Sonoma County, the fruit for this Cab is sourced from both warm and cool climate regions to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon with layers of fruit flavors, primarily of black cherries, black currant and blackberry. The Central Coast fruit benefits from warm days and the marine layer fog that cools the grapes in the evenings to create ripe, forward fruit flavors and the distinctive, Cabernet dark red color. The cooler climate of Sonoma County and the coastal regions adds structure, firm tannins and a bit of spice. A very small percentage of the wine was barrel aged, contributing the chocolate and vanilla undertones with just a hint of herbal spice.

ChocoVine Dutch Chocolate Wine

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This chocolate cream wine product is actually quite good. Think Baileys, but with a 14% alcohol instead of 17%. It is made in Holland by Team Products, a division of Dekuyper, one of the oldest cordial manufacturers in the world. Try it.

Saturday, January 29, 2011
4 to 5:30 pm

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

The Leese-Fitch Adobe is a historical landmark built in 1836 in the town of Sonoma’s Plaza. It was named after Jacob Leese and Henry Fitch who were brothers-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo, the founder of the town of Sonoma. This label is from the Other Guys portfolio of Don Sebastiani and Sons which in 2005 was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Don and the boys have built up this operation to a total case production of over 2 million cases a year. We selected this line because it represents excellent value at the price.

2008 Leese-Fitch Chardonnay

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This bleached straw colored wine has aromas of fresh squeezed Meyer lemons, lime zest, and minerals. The palate exudes mouthwatering crisp green apple, grapefruit, and lemongrass, finishing with rich acidity, integrated French oak, and a touch of spearmint. The 2008 harvest in Clarksburg produced great acid driven Chardonnays. The Chardonnay was assembled from three vineyard blocks; one in Northern Clarksburg for intense apple nuances, and two vineyards right off the delta. One of the vineyards on the delta using a trellis system called sprawl, grows an old Wente Chardonnay clone. This clone develops great lemon nuances with a creamy mid-palate. Part of the allure of this wine comes from blending in some Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg to preserve a mineral nature and rich acidity. Some Chardonnay from Paso Robles, and Monterey, along with a dab of Viognier from Paso, created a lovely bistro-style Chardonnay with good character and brilliant acidity.

2008 Leese-Fitch Pinot Noir

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

The wine displays ripe cherry and strawberry notes overlaying a complex mix of jasmine, clove, cinnamon and earthy spice notes. On the palate, the wine expresses fleshy Bing cherry flavors and textures framed by rich toffee and cola flavors, backed by sweet vanilla and toasted oak. The wine finishes with rose petal and candied violets with the sweet finish of dried cranberries, cherry vanilla and wild strawberry. This wine is 100% Monterey County Pinot Noir which was aged on oak for 9 months before gentle racking and fining. It presents nice oak flavors without being overly oaked, allowing the true Pinot Noir flavors to stand forward. This is a wine that pairs well with grilled flank steak or sautéed Salmon.

2009 Leese-Fitch Merlot

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

This crimson colored Merlot is offers dark chocolate aromas which are underscored by ripe huckleberry with a hint of cassis. On the palate the wine is concentrated with deep, dark fruit such as black cherry, boysenberry and blackberry pie notes. It finishes with white pepper spice and French oak vanilla notes.

2008 Leese-Fitch Zinfandel

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

With a brilliant ruby color, this Zinfandel blend has intriguing aromas of wild raspberry, smoky cedar, strawberry jam, clove spice, and white pepper. You can tell there is input from an old vineyard in the Amador Foothills. There is a noticeable brambly spice with dark currants, candied cranberry, wild strawberry, dark caramel, cinnamon roll, and savory rhubarb. The finish lingers with toasted marshmallow, plum sauce, tamarind, and black cherry. This is great grilling wine. The smoky oak notes of this Zin would pair wonderfully with the caramelized flavors in glazed ribs, chicken, or pork.

2009 Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Deep ruby in color, this cab has aromas of roasted peppers, black cherries, savory dill, and toasted cedar. The palate is full of blackberry fruit, cherry reduction, orange marmalade, marjoram, and dark brown sugar. This blend has very good weight with layers of fruit balanced with mid-palate structure. The wine finishes with nuances of dark chocolate, dried cranberry, vanilla bean, and molasses with toasty French and American oak nuances.

Saturday, November 27, 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

You may have noted that we return to the subject of Zinfandel with some degree of frequency. It’s probably because the value index is extraordinarily high, plus we really like the stuff. Zin is truly versatile; it can be made in a light, fruity rosé style, in the style of a claret, or in a ripe-to-overripe rendering, and finally as a late harvest or port wine. If you have any misunderstanding of these styles, you’re in luck: we’re trying all of these this Saturday.

2009 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

List price 9.00; our price 7.99

In the early 1950s, John Pedroncelli created a rosé originally from a blend of grapes and called it Vin Rosé. In 1954, he created the Zinfandel Rosé and the winery has made one every year since. The grapes for this rosé were harvested from the Pedroncelli estate vineyards along with fruit from one other grower. The strawberry bouquet gives way to red raspberry, currant and plum flavors that are the highlights of this crisp, enjoyable wine. This potpourri of fruit, with time, will take on a jammy element but it is doubtful there will be any unopened bottles by then.

2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel, Sonoma County

List price 16.00; our price 13.99

This blend from Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley fruit, displays all that is appealing about Zinfandel. The warm 2008 vintage produced beautifully ripe grapes. This very well balanced wine shows aromas of raspberries, cherries and spicy oak, followed by flavors of blueberry pie and dark chocolate. Wine Spectator Magazine gives it an 88-point rating: “The ’08 is zesty and full of deep plum and blackberry fruit, finishing with notes of cedar, dill and lively tannins. Very drinkable with 13.5% alcohol.”

2007 Gnaughty Vines Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley,

List price 17.00; our price 14.99

Concentrating their flavors to produce wines of astonishing depth and complexity, the knotty grape vines surrender their tender fruit to yield ripe raspberry flavors to the max. The wine is well balanced and displays an accent of creamy oak.

2007 Murphy-Goode Zinfandel “Liar’s Dice”, Sonoma County

List price 19.95; our price 15.99

The late Tim Murphy was the architect of the Zinfandel program in a plan conceived over 20 years of breakfasts and “liar’s dice” games at Mickey’s Café in Geyserville. Tim’s circle of friends at these early morning meetings are some of the finest Zin growers in Sonoma County and now are the fruit source for Liar’s Dice Zinfandel. Dense black cherry, raspberry jam, and currant notes are brought together in layers with sweet vanilla oak. The Dry Creek grapes contribute black raspberry and currants and are blended with the Alexander Valley fruit imparting rich, fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry jam. Soft tannins perfectly balance the sweetness of the fruit. Here is a big, rich, impressively stuffed Zinfandel that keys keenly on juicy, blackberry-like fruit, and, if hinting at chocolate, it does so without crossing the line into late-harvest ripeness. It is full, fleshy and just a touch firm in structure, and, while tasty now, it has room for improvement with age. It picked up a Gold Medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair

2009 Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise Zinfandel, Paso Robles

List price 19.95; our price 17.95

The blend in this wine is 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. It is bursting with raspberries and strawberries and is complemented by white pepper, vanilla, and sage. It is smooth on the palate, with light tannins and a hint of fruity sweetness. Delicious!

2006 Hawley Zinfandel, Late Harvest, Dry Creek Valley

List price 22.00; our price 17.99

John Hawley has a great wine-making history, including stops at Kendall-Jackson and Clos Du Bois. John now makes small lot, hands on wines, with the help of his two sons at a brand new winery near the Sonoma town of Healdsburg. The grapes were hand picked so that the selected clusters were not too raisined and had some acidity to balance out the sweetness. This small lot was fermented in one-ton open top fermenters and the skins were punched down every few hours. The wine was drained when it fermented to about 5% sugar and the skins were pressed off in an old manual basket press. The wine was aged for seven months in French and American oak barrels and is slightly sweet at about 5% residual sugar. Selective hand picking helped achieve a balanced acidity to offset the sweetness. The profile focuses on ripe raspberry and blackberry jam with hints of raisins and chocolate.

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, September 18, 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

Opolo owners Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols have been vineyard neighbors in Paso Robles since 1997 and enjoyed their first commercial crush in 1999 upon forging their new partnership. The first crush produced Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Muscat Canelli. The other varietals followed and now serve to prove Paso Robles to be a fine production area for most of California’s wine grapes. In turn they serve to prove that Opolo shares command of the potential high quality level of the wines made in this area. So, what does the name Opolo mean? It comes from Quinn’s Yugoslavian heritage, and refers to the name of a blended rosé-style wine found on the Dalmatian Coast. Oddly, that is the one type of wine not produced at Opolo. Joining us for this event will be Cary Thrasher of Opolo Vineyards.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Viognier, Central Coast

List price 23.50; Our price 20.99

Great concentration of tropical fruit leads on the palate. The wine shows apricot, Crenshaw melon, pineapple, papaya, and a viscous intensity 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. A very big-bodied wine with loads of forward fruit makes this Viognier particularly good with smoked and grilled items. Its tropical tones are also an excellent accompaniment to Indian and Thai Curry and most Asian foods and spices. Try it with full flavored foods and ripe cheeses, or serve it as an apéritif.

2006 Opolo Vineyards Grand Rouge, Paso Robles

List price 19.00; Our price 15.99

This blend of Counoise (60%), Grenache (20%), and Petite Sirah (20%) displays hints of strawberry and mocha on the nose. It turns increasingly complex in the mouth showing layers of blueberry, plum and blackberry with hints of nutmeg and spice on the finish. Its lighter style makes it a perfect summer red.

2006 Opolo Vineyards Sangiovese, Paso Robles

List price 22.50; Our price 15.99

Sangiovese, the noble grape of Tuscany, has found a new home at Opolo vineyards. This is a full-bodied wine featuring forward fruit characteristics of raspberry and black cherry. Barrel aging on 100% American oak lend this wine soft tannins and subtle oak nuances.

2007 Opolo Vineyards Zinfandel, Summit Creek, Paso Robles

List price 18.00; Our price 16.99

Named for the creek that runs through Opolo’s west-side vineyard in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Summit Creek Zin offers intense fruit, including ripe black cherry, raspberry and a touch of pepper and spice. In the mouth, this well-balanced wine offers a delightful aftertaste that keeps on giving. It is medium bodied, framed with soft tannins and modest acidity. This approachable wine is ready to enjoy today, yet will likely improve with an additional year or two of cellaring.

2006 Opolo Vineyards Petit Sirah, Paso Robles

List price 22.50; Our price 19.99

Impressively extracted, this inky, intense wine is sure to please the Opolo “bigger is better” crowd. Aromas of chocolate, blackberries, graham crackers with a touch of cinnamon inspire visions of what’s to follow. The palate is greeted by gobs and gobs of dark, jammy fruit unfolding in waves of chocolate, spice, toasty oak and vanilla. The long lingering finish is soft and round but don’t let this gargantuan wine fool you, it has plenty of dry tannins to satisfy the big red wine drinker and collector in you. Pair with blackened grilled meats, or triple cream cheeses.

2008 Opolo Vineyards Muscat Canelli, Paso Robles

List price 14.00; Our price 11.99

Always seductive, this Muscat Canelli treats the taster with aromas and flavors of melons and peaches, and offers a floral, perfume-like bouquet. You may even pick out the lychee nut and accompanying minerality in the wine. Generally served chilled, this delightful wine is slightly sweet.