Join us Saturday, May 27th, 2017, from 4 to 5:30 pm for our wine tasting event featuring: The Wines of Northeastern Spain

Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world and has the most land dedicated to vineyards–over a million acres. Spanish wines range from great values which we dogmatically explore to highly prestigious wines, such as Vega Silicia’s Unico Reserva from the Ribera del Duero region.  This Saturday, we are concentrating on the northeastern corner of Spain for some exciting wines newly arrived this week.  Joining us will be Joe Craighead from importer, Henry Wine Group, to pour and discuss Spanish wines.

Featured Wines:

2014 Kila Cava Brut, Penedès, Catalonia                                                  
List price 15.00; Our price 12.99
This Cava from Spain’s Penedès area boasts impressive balance between its flavors of pear, white flowers, and zesty citrus and its firm, crisp finish. The wine is dry and delicate, and is a delicious sparkling wine.
 
2016 Bodegas Muga Rosé, Rioja                                                                
List price 18.00; Our price 14.99
Muga makes one of the most distinctively delicious rosados in Rioja, indeed in all of Spain. It is a style referred to locally as "clarete," which is a lighter type of rosé made by combining white wine with direct press rosé, as opposed to the Saignée method where color is derived from a pre-fermentation maceration on the skins of the grapes. Unlike 99.9% of other rosé wines, this one also sees a brief period of time in used oak barrels. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura, and shows very precise, tangy small red berry fruits, as well as some citric and apricot notes from the white wine component. This is a crisp, bracing, and unbeatable rosé for anyone who appreciates a dry style.
 
2015 Rio Madre Graciano, Rioja                                                                 
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
Graciano is a Spanish red wine grape that is grown primarily in Rioja. The vine produces a low yield that is normally harvested in late October. The wine produced is characterized by its deep red color, strong aroma and ability to age well.  Graciano thrives in warm, arid climates. Wild fruit flavors abound from this deep ruby colored wine.  It is intense and concentrated with plenty of tannins. It is silky in the mouth, showing excellent balance and a long finish. The bouquet and taste project a pleasant elegance.
 
2013 Bodegas Borsao Berola, Borja                                                          
List price 16.00; Our price 13.99
Borja is a town and municipality in the province of Zaragoza, community of Aragon, north-eastern Spain.  The wine received 90 Points from The Wine Advocate: "The outstanding 2013 Berola is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon with the Grenache from a vineyard planted in 1956. This is a seriously endowed, full-bodied wine from Borsao with plenty of blackcurrant fruit, a touch of graphite and camphor, a luscious, nicely textured mid-palate and finish. The wine is pure, rich and impressive.”
 
2015 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha, Tres Picos, Borja                                
List price 20.00; Our price 16.99
This Garnacha comes from the appellation of Campo de Borja in the province of Zaragoza.  The wine shows loads of classic Grenache characteristics, such as pepper, licorice and herbs with black cherries and raspberries. The wine is rich, medium to full-bodied, pure and luscious and hedonistic.
 
2013 Bodegas Breca, Garnacha, Breca, Calatayud                                  
List price 20.00; Our price 16.99
Dark ruby in color, this 100% Garnacha reveals black raspberry, anise and black cherry on the nose. The mouth feel is full bodied with defined vanilla from the obvious new oak influences. The finish is medium in length with more black fruits and sweet tannins.

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines being tasted
 
Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264, 760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Join us Saturday, 2/11/2017, from 4 to 5:30 pm for our wine tasting event featuring Rioja Wines of Spain.

The Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España will be represented here by marketing manager, Lucia Ramos for a tasting event featuring 3 pairs of Rioja reds made from Tempranillo grapes.  You may recognize the company name better by the initials, Cune.  The acronym is actually CVNE using the Roman “V” for the letter “u” and the labels were printed thusly. However, everyone pronounced it “koo-knee” and so the company tossed in the towel and changed the name on the label. Our selection for Saturday has been highly rated. 

Featured Wines:

2013 Cune Crianza                                                                           
List price 15.00; Our price 12.95
In the nose, red berries aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes from its aging in wood. It shows some elegance in the mouth, yet very lively, with some spice notes and a very balanced acidity. The blend is 85% Tempranillo with the remainder 15% Garnacha Tinta and Mazuelo"  91 Points James Suckling: "A discrete nose of fresh black-cherry and blackberry character. It has full body, excellent balance and lovely freshness. Tannins are medium and soft, following through to a refreshing, red-fruit finish.”

2011 Viña Real Crianza, Rioja                                                         
List price 17.00; Our price 14.99
The bouquet shows aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants complemented with subtle hints of oak. The palate shows a structured and round mouth feel with a good integration of fruitiness and oakiness. The aftertaste is marked by very well balanced tannins as well as by persistent spicy, toasty and balsamic aromas.

​90 Points The Wine Advocate: "Viña Real has now a separate winery, but it's still the CVNE brand from Rioja Alavesa. The 2011 Viña Real Crianza, is mostly Tempranillo with 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented in stainless steel, matured in barrel for a little more than one year before bottling. It has a very ripe nose with hints of raisins, plenty of plums and black cherries, a little decadent and baroque.”

2012 Cune Reserva                                                                          
List price 30.00; Our price 24.99
93 points and ‘Highly Recommended’, Wine Spectator: "This sleek red offers cherry, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors that mingle harmoniously over light, firm tannins, driven by lively acidity through the savory finish. Discreet, but shows depth and intensity. Drink now through 2025. 600 cases imported. (7/31/16)"

2011 Viña Real Reserva                                                                    
List price 35.00; Our price 29.99
This wine shows a deep cherry red color. Very elegant to the nose, with outstanding spicy and fine wood notes and a very expressive touch of very mature and stewed fruits. To the palate, it is a full-bodied wine with a solid structure, very complex, refined, with a long aftertaste and very round tannins that allow for ageing.

2010 Cune Gran Reserva                                                                 
List price 37.00; Our price 32.00
#22 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2016; Wine Spectator rating of 94 points: “This generous red shows a traditional character, with leafy, dried herb, tea and spice notes framing dried cherry, licorice and leather flavors. Firm tannins and balsamic acidity impart structure, showing plenty of depth, with a juicy, spicy finish. Drink now through 2025”  Also, 92 points from Wine Enthusiast: “complex wine very attractive on the palate”.

2010 Viña Real Gran Reserva                                                         
List price 44.00; Our price 39.50
The Wine Advocate’s 93-point rating: "This wine has all the classical aromas of an old time Rioja, cherries, vanilla, some coconut, dill and leather. The palate is medium-bodied and very balanced with great acidity and fine tannins that make it easy to drink. It has good freshness, and with time in the glass it develops beautiful aromas of orange peel that transmit very good freshness.”

​$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines being tasted at event
 
Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264, 760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

​Join us Saturday, September 24th, from 4 to 5:30pm for our wine tasting event featuring newly arrived wines from Europe.

As with most retailers in the state we are primarily California focused, but increasingly as travelers return from Europe they are looking to recreate the wine experience enjoyed there.  One does not mistake European wines for those of California, so there is a great opportunity here for us to explore other vinous vicissitudes.  This week we are sampling wines of France, Italy, Germany and Spain that offer a slight reinterpretation of familiar varietals.  Once you think you have a grasp of what’s what in the wine world, parallax shifts occur.

2015 Bel Vento Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie                                   
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
The wine has very nice fruity flavors featuring berry notes, melon and pear tones.  It is medium bodied and subtle with a pleasant minerality.  Of course, this wine is way above average in popularity for Friuli-Venezia Giulia wines and is one of the least expensive wines of the region. It goes well with seafood, poultry, salads, antipasti and nuts.
 
2014 Clean Slate Riesling, Mosel                                                   
List price 14.00; Our price 9.99
The Mosel River twists and turns through the German wine region formerly known as Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, now simply the Mosel. The Saar and the Ruwer are considered small tributaries.  The slate stones in the vineyard no doubt contribute to the minerality found in the wine but there are lovely elements of lime and peach present.
 
2015 Scarlet of Paris Rosé, Pays d’Oc                                           
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
This is a ripe and fruity rosé, with forward notes of lychee, rose water, ripe peach and tropical fruits. The palate is round and plump in similarly rich fruit flavors, with just enough acidity to keep it from feeling completely flat.
 
2014  Scarlet of Paris Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc                                 
List price 13.00; Our price 9.99
The profile of this wine is a rich, fruit bouquet of raspberry and cherry with interesting plum undertones that carry through. On the palate, the wine is smooth and silky, with just the right hint of “jammy” sweetness. Serve with deli meats, burgers, brats, sausages, pasta, poultry or pork chops.
 
2014 Vino San Estaben Malbec, Côtes du Lot                              
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
Cotes du Lot is the wine making area named for the Lot River which flows through it. The Lot department is located in southwest France, southeast of Bordeaux.  It is here that the black-skinned Malbec grapes are grown to make this intensely red wine. Aromas of violets, blackberries, blueberries and just a touch of vanilla greet the nose. A bit rustic, this 100% Malbec nectar has round flavors and soft tannins.  Here is your enjoyable BBQ wine to have with sausages, burgers, rotisserie chicken or pork ribs.
 
2012 La Atalaya Garnacha/Monastrell, Almansa                          
List price 18.00; Our price 15.99
The Wine Advocate gave this wine a 90-point rating: "The 2012 Laya, a blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Monastrell, has a superb bouquet of pure dark cherries, blackberry and incense that would normally grace a wine far more expensive. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of succulent black fruit that is neatly entwined with the subtle French oak. It is not a complex wine, but it is supremely well-crafted for the unbeatable price. Excellent."

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines poured today
Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com

​Saturday, June 18, 2016
4:00 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines below

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
facebook.com/DesertWinesAndSpirits

Vara Wines is providing us with a selection of fine Spanish table wines from the prestigious vineyards of Rioja; and a festive Cava from the Alt Penedès. In addition to wines of Spanish heritage, we will be tasting two of Vara’s red blends fashioned from grapes of the central coast. Lisa Wherry, representing the winery, will host the event.

Vara Silverhead Brut Cava, Catalonia, Spain

LIST PRICE 16.00; OUR PRICE 13.99
This Cava has a brilliant light-yellow color with fine bubbles forming a continuous bead and a nice crown. The nose is youthful and fresh with pleasant fruity and floral aromas. This bubbly is very pleasant on the palate with a mildly dry fruitiness and a nice persistence of liveliness. The finish is clean and very well balanced. The varietal blend is Macabeo, Xarel.lo, and Parellada which is typical of most Cavas.

2013 Vara Viura, Rioja, Spain

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99
The Viura grape is the main white wine grape of Rioja. Its fine aromas, fresh flavors, and fruity acidity are achieved through initial low temperature maceration and soak followed by its fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a cool controlled temperature. It has a refreshing floral bouquet with aromas of white peaches, citrus, and a tropical touch. The wine is quite refreshing on the palate with well balanced fruit and acidity. It is elegantly smooth and easy drinking with a clean finish. This Viura is very pleasant on its own as an aperitif, or with all types of seafood, rice, and pasta dishes.

2013 Vara Garnacha Rosé, Rioja, Spain

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99
After a 6 hour low temperature maceration to extract all the aromas and fruity characteristics from the 100% Garnacha grapes, the stainless steel tank is bled to produce this fresh Rosé. The juice then goes through fermentation at 18° C until dry. This beautiful Rosé has a delicate nose of strawberries and cherries, with light citrus and floral tones. In the mouth it is intense yet refreshing and elegant. It is very attractive and well balanced with firm body and typical Garnacha varietal character. It is a perfect companion for paella, poultry, fish, light barbecue, rice and pasta dishes.

2013 Vara Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99
The wine was fermented in controlled temperature tanks and underwent a 14 day carbonic maceration to reveal its best aromas and flavors while softening its texture. This is followed by 3 months in American oak barrels to achieve it’s elegant balance. The wine shows red fruit in the nose, raspberry and cherry, with notes of licorice and a little spicy black pepper. The wine is silky yet full-bodied on the palate, replicating the nose with well structured fruity, spicy flavors and proceeding to a very pleasant finish. Serve with a wide variety of dishes including poultry, lamb chops, or pork loin, casseroles, pizza and lightly aged cheeses.

Lot 12 Vara Tinto Especial, Central Coast, CA

LIST PRICE24.00; OUR PRICE 19.99
The aroma of Tempranillo is prominent with a bouquet of ripe berries, rose petals, herbs de Provence and black pepper. This is a full-bodied red wine with lively dark berry flavors layered with light wood spices, smoke, and hints of pepper. The blend is 60% Tempranillo, 28% Garnacha, 7% Syrah and 5% Monastrell. It is very well balanced on the palate with rounded flavors and well integrated fruit and spice. The texture is lush with plenty of velvety tannins leading to a long finish. This versatile wine compliments a variety of preparations of red meat, pork or poultry dishes and works well with a broad spectrum of cuisines.

Lot 13 Vara Tinto Especial, Central Coast, CA

LIST PRICE 27.00; OUR PRICE 23.99
​This blend of Tempranillo (75%), Garnacha (13%), Syrah (9%) and Graciano (3%) is similar to the Lot 12 but displays bigger roundness. Try with roasts, mixed grills, and barbecues to Asian inspired clay pot dishes, moles, and Southwestern cuisine.

​Saturday, April 2, 2016
4:00 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines below

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
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It is always instructive to experience wines produced of universal grapes vinified in other countries. The variables can be astounding, rarely similar to the comfortable California style. In any event, here is your opportunity to approach wines from an intellectual prospective and learn something while satisfying thirst.

2014 Champalou Vouvray, Loire, France

LIST PRICE 22.00; OUR PRICE 19.95
Harvest for these Chenin Blanc grapes occurs early in the morning and the fruit is then immediately pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel. A low temperature is kept while the wine rests on its lees in the cuvée for eleven months and then is bottled in September. This is very elegant styling of this grape.

2015 MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc, South Africa

LIST PRICE 10.00; OUR PRICE 8.99
The Agter-Paarl area is the ideal region for growing Chenin Blanc a grape that continues to impress wine drinkers not mired in the Cab/Chard/Merlot mold. MAN uses only free-run juice; the grape skins are not pressed and the Chenin Blanc is left on its lees for three to four months before bottling. This results in a richer, fuller mouth feel. The acidity and sweetness are perfectly balanced. Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated this wine among its “Top 100 best buys” in November 2015. Use with spicy curry dishes and rich seafood dishes.

2014 Chateau Bonnet Rosé, Bordeaux

LIST PRICE 10.00; OUR PRICE 7.99
This rosé displays clear rose color with bright strawberry highlights. Careful vineyard management in 1914 rewarded the winery with excellent quality. The wine smells and tastes of vibrant strawberry and cherry. It is light bodied with crispy acidity and a long finish. The blend is 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2013 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon, Loire, France

LIST PRICE 28.00; OUR PRICE 24.95
The grapes for this wine come from a 30 year old vineyard of 10 acres a short distance from the Loire River. It has an interesting aroma of dark bread, violets, black pepper and cherry. In the mouth, the wine shows aromatic fruit, well balanced with its acid and laced with appropriate tannins. A wine has expressive character, most befitting its Cabernet Franc lineage.

2010 Siropoulos Porfyros Red Blend, Mantinia, Greece

LIST PRICE 23.00; OUR PRICE 19.99
Since 1993, cultivation in Domaine Spiropoulos vineyards has met the “Organic Farming” requirements of EU farming. It was our pleasure to have the wine maker here recently to pour and discuss his wines in the framework of what is going on in Greece. This young man is talented. This week he dropped off two newly imported wines, his rosé and this red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Agiorgitico.

2012 Numanthia Termes, Toro, Spain

LIST PRICE 30.00; OUR PRICE 24.95
​The wine is vibrant and fruity, perfectly expressing the Toro region. Extended maceration of the grape skins and reqular racking during 16 months’ ageing in French oak barrels give the wine a lively combination of fruit and structure. Toasted notes with cedar and spice frame a richly layered, juicy texture on the palate. The Wine Advocate rated it 90 points.

Saturday, December 12, 2015
4:00 to 5:30

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines below

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
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It is that time of the year when we focus on Champagne and other sparkling wines. Once again, our host will be Lisa Wherry, representing Youngs Market Company. She will be pouring and discussing some of the many sparklers in her expansive catalogue. This is a great opportunity to get clued into the rarified atmosphere of bubbly beauty in a bottle. The wines selected will represent France, California and Spain.

2010 Juve y Camps, Cava, Spain

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 14.99
91-point rating from Wine & Spirits: “First produced in 1921, the Gran Reserva de la Familia is a traditional Cava. It has always been aged long on its lees, sometimes up to four years. In this blend of Xarel.lo, Parellada and Macabeo, with 10% chardonnay, that long aging comes through in the deep flavors of spice and brioche.

2012 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa

LIST PRICE 33.00; OUR PRICE 29.99
This wine has fresh aromas of green apple, pear, grapefruit and lime zest. The fruitful nose is complemented by developed nuances of fresh baked bread and candied citrus. Generous flavors of grapefruit, lime and pineapple are present in this wine. The palate is crisp on entry with a long, tangy and refreshing acidity.

2011 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, Napa

LIST PRICE 37.00; OUR PRICE 33.50
The Noirs offers bright aromas of red cherry, peach, apricot, Mandarin orange and mango. The fruitful nose finishes with nuances of lemon-raspberry tart and marzipan. The palate is full on entry with flavors of raspberry, candied pineapple, guava and ginger, complemented by notes of hazelnut and warm pastry crust. Crisp on entry with a balanced acidity, the palate is refined and lingering.

Taittinger Champagne Brut, La Francaise, France

LIST PRICE 39.00; OUR PRICE 34.50
Traditionally elegant and floral, La Francaise is made with a higher proportion of Chardonnay, giving it crisp citrus and white flower notes. The brioche notes carry from the nose into the mouth. Classic.

Bollinger Champagne Special Cuvée, Brut, France

LIST PRICE 68.00; OUR PRICE 64.99
93 points from Wine Spectator and Wine & Spirits: “One of Bollinger’s great assets is a massive stock of reserve wine, including 600,000 magnums held under cork. Gilles Descôtes tends those reserves, working with the blending team to subsume the variations of the current vintage into this Cuvée by using a majority of reserve wines in the blend. The result is a rich and harmonious Champagne with deep reserves of flavor”

2009 Reserve de Sours Brut Rosé, France

LIST PRICE 20.00; OUR PRICE 14.99
The color is bright salmon pink with a nose of vivacious, ripe red summer berry fruits and crushed raspberries. It is beautifully balanced with fine, persistent bubbles and a delicate mousse. On the palate it shows a good length with a refreshing and mouthwatering acidity.

Juve y Camps Brut Rosé Cava of Pinot Noir, Spain

LIST PRICE 19.00; OUR PRICE 16.99
91 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The Non-Vintage Pinot Noir Rose Brut is salmon pink in color with alluring cherry blossom and strawberry aromas and flavors. Broad on the palate with savory, spicy fruit, it will make a superb match for jamon Iberico and other charcuterie.”

2012 Schramsberg Brut Rosé, Napa

LIST PRICE 38.00; OUR PRICE 33.99
​This blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay has generous aromas of mixed red berries, orange blossom, and white peach. Its fruitful nose is complemented by notes of shortcake and cream. The palate bursts with flavors of raspberry sorbet, lemon custard and apricot. The wine has a fresh and juicy acidity which drives to a supple, round finish. It received 92 points from Wine Spectator.

​Saturday, October 31, 2015
4:00 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines below

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
facebook.com/DesertWinesAndSpirits
​
While at one of several wine industry events this month I tasted my way through many wines from Spain that indicated wine production has reached impressive quality levels. Wine producers in Spain have called upon talented wine makers, have planted the correct grapes for their vineyards and have upgraded the technology and equipment to make the best wines possible. We have become the beneficiaries in having shipped to our shores many outstanding bottlings at great prices, thereby ensuring great value.

2014 Kentia Albariño, Rias Baixas

LIST PRICE 17.00 OUR PRICE 14.99
This Albariño comes from vineyards planted on sandy granite-based soils. Kentia is very aromatic on the nose, typical of the variety, with scents of aromatic herbs and fresh white fruits such as pears and peaches. The stainless steel fermentation serves to accentuate the stone-like minerality. On the palate it is unctuous, powerful, and fresh, with good acidity, balance, and complexity.

2014 Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha, Calatayud

LIST PRICE 9.00; OUR PRICE 7.99
This is an incredible value from Bodegas Ateca! With gorgeous red fruits and spice on the nose and palate, this medium-bodied wine is incredibly easy drinking. It exudes intense aromas of sweet cherries and dark plums with an exotic spicy finish, reminiscent of white pepper. It is a perfect companion to a wide variety of dishes, or just as enjoyable on its own. It is worth considering stocking up on for everyday drinking.

2014 Bodegas Atalaya Red Blend “Laya”, Almansa

LIST PRICE 9.00; OUR PRICE 7.99
The wine is deep cherry in color. The elegant, fresh and complex nose highlights ripe fruit and floral notes. While nicely fresh on the palate, it is well balanced with sweet young tannins, a delicious mouth-filling sensation that lingers on the very long and smooth finish. 70% Garnacha Tintorera & 30% Monastrell.

2012 Bodegas Atalaya Red Blend “La Atalaya”, Almansa

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 15.99
This wine coats the glass and exudes a super-fragrant nose of exotic spices, lavender, incense, and black raspberry. Succulent, layered, and totally focused on your drinking pleasure, this plush offering has a smooth-as-silk finish totally unexpected from a wine at this price. The blend in this hedonistic wine is 85% Garnacha Tintorera and 15% Monastrell.

2013 Bodegas Juan Gil Red Blend, Jumilla

LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 15.99
The wine has a very dark cherry color with purple tones, and powerful aromas of red berries with toasted and smoked notes from a year of aging in French oak barrels. It shows good structure with ripe and sweet tannins. There is great depth in the mouth with a perfect balance between fruit, alcohol and the oak tones which make it very pleasurable. This family flagship wine is 100% Monastrell from vines 35 to 75 years old.

2013 Bodegas Juan Gil Red Blend “Bluegray” Priorat

LIST PRICE 22.00; OUR PRICE 18.99
​This amazing Priorat wine is lush and powerful, yet artfully balanced with pure fruit flavors augmented by minerality imparted by the soils. It is made in a ripe, fruit-forward style (no doubt for us Americans) with a nose showing focused ripe black fruit and cherry flavors accented by fresh autumn spices, mineral and spicy notes. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with very smooth tannins. The fresh fruit flavors on display include blackberry, cherry, currant and blue plums. It shows good balance and drinkability with a long, lingering finish. Enjoy on its own or with grilled and roasted beef, aged cheeses and hearty dishes. The blend is 45% Grenache, 30% Mazuelo (Carignan) and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. 91-point rating from Wine Spectator.

​Saturday, February 28, 2015
4:00 to 5:30 pm

$10.00 per customer
$5.00 will be credited towards purchase of wines below

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #22, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
facebook.com/DesertWinesAndSpirits

Spanish reds, and whites for that matter, represent great value considering the degree of quality at what one has to say are amazing prices. Just to set the palate, we will start with a soft and gentle sparkling wine from the Southeast of Spain (near Valencia). The reds represent 3 great wine producing regions of Spain.

Bodegas Iranzo Tarantas Sparkling White, Urtiel-Requena

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99
The great merits of sparkling wines are the ability to cleanse the palate and to match up against a wide variety of foods. In this version there is a citric tartness that proves to be a great foil for seafood and even fried foods. Since 1994, Bodegas Iranzo has produced wine exclusively from organically grown grapes; it is one of the first bodegas in Spain to be certified organic by the EU and to receive USDA National Organic Program certification. Our supply on hand is limited.

2008 Bodegas Ladrero Senorio Di Valdesneros Roble,
Castile and León

LIST PRICE 14.00; OUR PRICE 10.99
This 100% Tempranillo was aged for 6 months in American and French oak, then bottled and allowed to rest. The short time spent in wood, which makes the wine a “roble”, allows for red and black fruit to dominate the nose. Carrying through to the palate, the wine shows a long, round and velvety character.

2012 Las Rocas Red Blend, “El Renegado”, Calatayud

LIST PRICE 13.00; OUR PRICE 10.99
Founded in 1962 as a growers’ co-operative, Bodegas San Alejandro (BSA) is located in the tiny town of Miedes, about 55 miles north of Madrid in the province of Zaragoza. This Las Rocas expression is primarily Garnacha, with Tempranillo and Syrah. The nose is rich and multilayered, with lots of dark fruit scents, blackberries, dark plums, meshed with a hint of licorice, earth, some floral character, and a bit of peppercorn. Black fruits dominate on the palate but are balanced with good acidity.

2012 Las Rocas Garnacha, Calatayud

LIST PRICE 13.00; OUR PRICE 10.99
Yet another lovely wine from the co-operative, this Grenache has a spicy and rich cranberry bouquet. Dark cherry flavors are highlighted by excellent structure and depth; all supported by elegant oak. The wine is round and full in the mouth, with supple tannins and a fruit-filled finish.

2010 Marqués de Cáceres Crianza, Rioja

LIST PRICE15.00; OUR PRICE 12.99
Fresh notes of red berries on the nose are enriched by an addition of vanilla and sweet spice. The wine is clean and lively in the mouth with ripe tannins that add to the balanced structure. It is fleshy in the mouth with delicious flavors: a perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean cuisine. The blend is 85% Tempranillo and15% between Garnacha and Graciano.

2009 Marqués de Cáceres Reserva, Rioja

LIST PRICE 24.00; OUR PRICE 19.99
​The dark colored 2009 Reserva reveals slightly more depth and richness along with sweet red and black currant, herb, licorice and toast notes in the nose. Already drinking well, this fully mature 2009 is best consumed over the next 2–3 years.

Saturday, October 5, 2013
4:00 to 5:30 pm

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

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
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As more of our customers, as well as visitors, are returning to the desert it seems appropriate to resume our tasting events, which will begin on Saturday. Our guest host will be Annie Arnold from organic wine company Mountain Peoples Wine & Beer Distribution. For 18 years this company has been working with small family wineries, breweries, importers and farmers who are committed to producing the highest quality organic wine and beer while caring for the planet and the palate. Besides being really good wines, these organic bottlings offer excellent value, as well.

2012 Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Blanc, France

LIST PRICE 15.00; OUR PRICE 13.75
This vineyard in Saint Laurent du Bois produces an excellent wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (60%) and Sémillon (40%). The dominance of Sauvignon Blanc reveals flavors of white flowers, citrus and white fruits. While in the mouth the Sémillon brings roundness, volume and richness with pleasant notes of citrus fruits. A fine liveliness leads to a great finale. Consider trying this with vegetable platters, oysters, seafood, appetizers, and it stands up to Salmon, as well.

2011 Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Rouge, France

LIST PRICE 15.00; OUR PRICE 13.75
The sibling wine to the Blanc reveals great aromas of fresh fruits (blackcurrant, blackberries) and spices. The fruitiness, roundness and tannic mouth give it a lovely balance. The blend is Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). This harmonious wine is ideal with pork roasts and can be pared with most red meats, poultry, pasta dishes and your favorite cheese.

2012 Pircas Negras Malbec, Argentina

LIST PRICE 11.95; OUR PRICE 9.99
This red wine from Argentina is made from 100% Malbec grapes. It has scents of plum, blackberry and spice on the nose while following through with velvety, soft and juicy cherry and blackberry flavors interwoven with vanilla, allspice and fresh herbs on the palate. A vegan delight! Pair this wine with any heavy, peppery meal from tofu to beef, but consider as well pork and pasta dishes.

2012 Buenas Ondas Malbec/Syrah, Argentina

LIST PRICE 12.99; OUR PRICE 10.95
The blend here is Malbec (50%) and Syrah (50%). It has a wonderful nose of red fruits, especially raspberry which is typical of Syrah. On the palate it exhibits a floral character mindful of violets, with some vanilla notes and chocolate. It is quite complex with a very round mouth-feel and with round tannins. It is Organic Vegan and happily displays a long retro-taste of vanilla, chocolate and red fruits on the finish. I have no idea what the Vegan will do with this wine which cries out for a steak.

2009 Bodegas Iranzo VERTVS Tempranillo, Crianza, Spain

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99
Only free run juice is use in the production of this wine, along with indigenous yeasts, for total suitability to vegans. This wine has a layered and vibrant nose of red cranberry, red raspberry, cooked cherries and raisins. In the mouth many of the same flavors are present: raisin pie, cooked cranberries and blueberry hints. The finish seems rather soft, but then Tempranillo’s typical tannins get a little grippy. It’s ready now but wants savory and even rich foods.

2010 Chacewater Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills, California

LIST PRICE 17.99; OUR PRICE 14.99
​This big jammy Zin is packed with strawberry, red cherry, white pepper and laced with smoky vanilla oak. The lush mid-palate is fat with berry characters, finishing with expansive fruit, lingering sweet oak and complex ripeness.

Saturday, May 18, 2013
4:00 to 5:30 pm

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

Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
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I am gratified to see more people exploring rosés as an alternative to white wines here in the desert where rosés are the perfect wine for most situations. The versatility of this category as an apéritif or food wine makes it most desirable in entertaining and simply pairing with lighter foods year round. Rosés are made in three different methods: wines intended to be rosés from red grapes from the start to end of fermentation, the blending of red and white wines, and the Saignée method where the rosé is taken early from vats destined to become red wines. Moreover, rosé can be made from any red grape or combinations of grape varietals.

2011 Marquis de Goulaine Rosé d’Anjou

LIST PRICE 9.99; OUR PRICE 8.99
In the 12th century, when the Duchy of Brittany was independent, the first Goulaine, Jean de Goulaine, then leader of the city of Nantes, fortified the estate to defend against attacks from Normans. The Goulaine family ownership of the estate continued uninterrupted until 1788 when it was sold to a Dutch banker. This circumstance helped save the château from destruction during the French Revolution. In 1858, a member of the Goulaine family reacquired the estate, and it remains in the family today. The rosés from this property are charming, light, delicate, floral and fruity. The 2011 is well-balanced and has an expressive nose with white peach and hints of dried cherry and floral notes. It has round and lively fresh fruit flavors and a pleasing combination of acidity with a touch of sweetness and a surprisingly long finish.

2011 Torres Sangre de Toro Rosé, Cataluña

LIST PRICE 10.00; OUR PRICE 8.99
This wine is characterized by its freshness and notes of red berries (redcurrant) accompanied by notes of apple and banana. On the palate it’s very balanced and lush, with a long, persistent aftertaste. The blend is 65% Garnacha Tinta and 35% Cariñena.

2012 Domaine de Triennes Rosé, Provence

LIST PRICE 17.50; OUR PRICE 15.95
This wine is made from grapes destined exclusively to the production of rosé wine. They are picked at a level of
ripeness that is perfectly suited to making a wine that combines freshness, elegance and exuberant aromatics. If this wine doesn’t make you a fan of rosé, nothing will. The blend is primarily Cinsault, with Syrah, Grenache and Merlot included.

2012 Cave d’Esclan “Whispering Angel”, Cotes de Provence

LIST PRICE 22.00; OUR PRICE 19.99
Whispering Angel is a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. Strikingly pale pink in color, the aromas are fresh and fruity. On the palate, it is bone dry through the finish. The name really suits the delicate nature of this wine. This is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Vermentino, Tibouren, Syrah, Carignane and Mourvèdre grapes.

2012 Reichsrat von Buhl Rosé, Pfalz

LIST PRICE 19.95; OUR PRICE 17.50
Known as the Rhine Palatinate (or in German, Rheinpfalz) until 1992, “Pfalz” has 58,000 acres of land planted to grapevines, making it the second largest wine region in Germany. (Rheinhessen is the largest.) This wine made from Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) grapes is a pale salmon pink, and is crisp and dry, with soft, beautiful fruit and a silken texture. It is a perfect apéritif, or serves well a light first course of marinated vegetables, a salad, or poached salmon.

2012 Hans Wirshing Rosé, Franken
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LIST PRICE 19.50; OUR PRICE 16.99
Franken or Franconia is furthest east of the wine growing regions in western Germany, which makes its climate the least Atlantic and the most Continental. This Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Blauer Portugieser. It is ideal for dishes such as poultry or for socializing on beautiful summer day.