Join us Saturday, 8/25/2018, from 4 to 5:30 pm for our wine tasting event featuring Summer Wines from Iberia.

​If it is a good value we are seeking for summer fare, one should always consider Portugal and Spain. We frequently visit the wines of the Iberian wine producing region simply because the wines are really good, and readily affordable.  Not a bottle we are opening this Saturday is over $15.00, which is the go-to price range for everyday imbibing of seriously good wine.  Of course, Iberia has its blockbuster wines at rarefied prices, but we’ll save those for a different event.  For now, we’ll engage our sense of reality and enjoy the fruit of Iberia.

Featured Wines:

2016 Kentia Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain                                                 
List price 17.00; Our price 14.99
The wine is fresh, crisp and fragrant with a plethora of flavors and aromas: melon, pear, peach, tropical fruit and subtle herbaceous element elements combining magnificently to produce this enticing silky white with pleasing minerality and refreshing acidity. It is balanced, distinctive and elegant; a good match to delicate fish and shellfish.
 
2016 Peninsula de Setúbal Mariella Rosé, Setúbal, Portugal              
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
This fresh and lively wine is produced from 50% Syrah and 50% Aragonês grapes (or Tinto Roriz in the north; or Tempranillo in Spain). It’s made in a dry style, with crisp, elegant, aromas bursting with bright cherry and ripe plum fragrances.  It is a perfect accompaniment to all seafood, appetizers, and summertime cuisine.  With only 11.5% alcohol, it won’t take you down in the desert heat. 
 
2016 Real Compañia de Vinos Rosado, Meseta Central, Spain                      
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
This rosado has a very bright and vivid light cherry color, presupposing the fresh strawberry and cherry aromas. The mouth-feel is fresh, with good balance between acidity and alcohol. The nose follows through to the palate, making this an easy-drinking wine with a long and persistently fruity finish.
 
2015 São Miguel do Sul Red Blend, Alentejano, Portugal                  
 List price 14.00; Our price 10.99
The wine is ruby in color, with an intense aroma of red and black fruits plus toasted notes. With smooth tannins and a nice acidity, this is a very easy drinking wine.  The blend is: 50 % Aragonês, 30% Alicante Bouschet, 15% Trincadeira and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 
 
2014 Bodegas Baden Numen Aderezo, Ribera del Duero, Spain        
List price 15.00; Our price 13.99
This unfiltered, 100% Tempranillo beauty is produced from 50+year-old vines. It is concentrated and youthful, brimming flavors of fresh raspberries and dried red fruits. There is a sense of elegance as it finishes with sweet round tannins as a result of the 4 months it spends in French oak.
 
2015 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain                                
List price 17.00; Our price 14.99 
The grapes for this wine are from 45 year old vines which contributes to rich concentration and complexity.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates this wine at 91 points: “The 2015 Juan Gil (silver label) is their pure Monastrell aged in French oak for 12 months. The profile of this wine has changed, and there is now no trace of oak; it feels a lot more focused, fresh and approachable, with berries, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, quite intense. The palate is very tasty, not terribly complex, with fine tannins, good balance and freshness. Approachable and easy to drink. Bravo for the change!"

$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, 6/16/2018, from 4 to 5:50 pm for our wine tasting event featuring Summer Sparklers for $9.99.

There are some very nice sparkling wines to be acquired in the $10.00 range that would serve to enliven a meal, an event or simply your disposition.  These wines are perfect for warm summer days as cool, effervescent, refreshing beverages.  This Saturday we are serving up 3 brut bottlings and 3 rosés; all dry.  All are enjoyable on their own but can add considerably to a cocktail, such as the French 75, the Kir Royale, and the many new concoctions that mixologists are straining their minds to concoct.  Modifying the drink with one or two other ingredients, like a fruity liqueur, an amaro or aromatic bitters can do wonders with a sparkler.

Featured Wines:

J.P. Chenet Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Bordeaux, France                             
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
This is a crisp sparkler with a floral nose and flavors of lime and green apples, followed by a hint of honey.  The wine has good acidity, excellent for mixing, and in the finish shows some tartness and slight bitterness. We should try this with our Gabriel Boudier Crème de Framboises.  Mimosas would work well, too.
 
Veuve du Vernay Brut, Loire, France                                                         
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
It's bright and zesty with hints of apple and pear on the nose and a juicy yet dry finish. The Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy” is a big seller: “Pale and crisp, this has yeast and herb flavors, with a creamy character from the mousse. Light and just off-dry, this would make for a fine apéritif, especially with bitters or amaros.
 
Paul Cheneau Cava, Methode Traditionnelle, Spain                                
List price 15.00; Our price 9.99
This cava issues a steady effervescence. The wine is subtle and delicate, as well as floral, with light toasty notes and hints of dry fruits. Aside from a touch of dried herbs the wine is fruity, well structured, rich and mature in the mouth.  Fruit juice such as orange for a mimosa or peach for a Bellini, works well here.
 
J.P. Chenet Rosé, Bordeaux, France                                                         
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
Though a dry sparkler, this is quite a flavorsome rosé, with the juicy summer fruit notes giving an almost sweet impression. The deep rose color gives a good introduction to the style, with ripe strawberry and ripe cherry flavors and a soft, gentle mousse. The bubbles are very fine and persistent.  Rosés tend to work better with herbaceous elements such as gin or brandy, alongside lime or lemon.  Some tequila and triple sec would be interesting.  One could push the rosé towards a Sangria experience and brandy would be the enhancement.
 
Veuve du Vernay Rosé, France                                                                  
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
Nice rose color with a persistent mousse followed by numerous fine bubbles. On the nose, this wine sports forward red fruit scents combined with citrus fruit aromas. Well-balanced and fleshy, this beautiful rose shows on the palate the same fruity flavors as the nose. Some acidulous notes on the finish give it a pleasant freshness. Consider a crisp rosé spritzer, with muddled strawberries and lemon and a touch of mint.
 
Domaine Laurier Brut Rosé, Methode Champenoise, California
List price 14.00; Our price 9.99
Using the traditional methode champenoise process to make champagne, results in a sparkling wine that has that wonderful, toasty aroma and fine bead. Domaine Laurier also preserves the nuances provided by the Chardonnay grape so that the champagne has the added fruit, depth, and complexity that are hallmarks of Chardonnay wines.  Sparkling rosé because of its bubbles and crisp acidity, lends itself to pairing with a large variety of foods, at brunch, lunch or diner.

$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, 4/21/2018, from 4 to 5:30 pm for our wine tasting event featuring Newly Arrived Wines From Around the World.

Ever on the lookout for interesting wines from around the world? We have received a number of fine wines into inventory that you should be given the opportunity to try.  Join us this Saturday to experience a wide variety of styles in winemaking and possibly a new favorite.  

Featured Wines:

2014 Pacific Oasis Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington             
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
Washington State has been producing wines for 40+ years and making great strides with Cab and Merlot.  Surprisingly, the Chardonnays are coming on strong, as well.  Harvests here run a week or two behind California, which means the grapes are on the vine longer and that makes for more flavorful grapes.  Power Chardonnays are being produced, but here we have a soft wine beginning with engaging green and red apple in the nose and palate, and developing into soft spices and a touch of grapefruit.  Also there are hints of apricot, nectarine and honey in the soft, dry body and a medium-length kiwi and pineapple finish.

2016 Bogle Phantom Chardonnay, Clarksburg, California                      
List price 18.00; Our price 15.99
The Phantom entices with its rich layers. Green apple and pear transform into spicy flavors of freshly baked apple pie, while barrel fermentation imparts a creamy, luscious mouthfeel. French oak imparts sweet notes of vanilla and melted caramel. There is a full concentration and intensity of ripe berry and relentless spice.

2016 Bodegas Borsao Rosé, Campo de Boria, Spain                              
List price 11.00; Our price 9.99
This Garnacha rosé has a strong aroma of berries and sweets with a bit of white pepper. It is very young and fresh in the mouth, well balanced with its acidity, rich in floral nuances and spices.  Don’t be fooled; some serious effort goes into the growing of the grapes and into the vinification process.

2013 Don Valentin Bianchi Lacrado Vino Tinto, Mendoza, Argentina    
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
The Bianchi Lacrado is the most popular traditional Argentine wine in the Valentin Bianchi portfolio. This wine exhibits robust intensity and a good, perfume-like nose; black fruit, licorice and violet aromas stand out.  The palate is velvety-smooth, with a complex display of flavors. It has a medium-long, pleasing finish featuring a sense of smoke.

2015 Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy                        
List price 20.00; Our price 17.99
The nose is very fruity, showing ripe red fruits along with black cherry and a hint of chocolate with minerals. It has a good acidity and smooth texture, well balanced between tannin and alcohol. The after taste is fruity with minerals, proceeding to a long finish.  James Suckling gives it a 91-point rating:  “This is an excellent Rosso with lots of hazelnut, dried-cherry and berry character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A baby Brunello indeed. Drink or hold.”

2014 Ring-Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia             
List price 20.00; Our price 16.99
There is a lively blend of cherries, musk and nuances of fine oak on the nose. The palate is complex and textured, opening with bramble fruit yielding to a rich palate reminiscent of chocolate, vanilla, blackberry, and cherry flavors. The finish is long and fine grained.  Wine Spectator awarded the Cab a 92-point rating:  “Robust and concentrated, with vanilla and sarsaparilla accents to the blackberry and cherry flavors. Dried herb notes linger on the velvety finish. Drink now through 2030”

$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, 3/31/2018, from 4 to 5:30 pm for our wine tasting event featuring Gil Family Estates Wines of Spain.

There is no denying that Spanish wines represent fantastic value, you simply get much more for your money than from any other wine producing country. Besides value, the wines of Spain offer quality steeped in tradition yet with up-to-date, technology to please the international palate. Spain’s wine producing capacity puts it in 3rd place, worldwide.  U.S. imports of Spanish wines have seen a 75% increase in the last five years and doubtless will keep growing over the next five years.  For over 100 years the wines from Juan Gil have come to illustrate all this as you can attest for yourselves.  Joining us Saturday will be Lisa Esteban, wine ambassador.  

Featured Wines:

2016 Kentia Albariño, Rías Baixas                                                             
List price 16.00; Our price 13.99
Kentia is made from high elevation vineyards in the Rías Baixas region, which is famous for Albariño wines. The palm on the label is named Kentia which is planted around this region on the coast of northern Spain.  The wine shows aromas and flavors of sea air, minerals, apricots, peaches and tropical fruit with a hint of herbaceousness.  This classic, authentic style is fresh and clean, with ripe, fruit-driven character, balanced with refreshing acidity.  Use with shellfish and other delicate fish preparations.

2017 Honoro Vera Rosé, Jumilla                                                                
List price 10.00; Our price 8.99
This Rosé is made with a blend of Tempranillo and Syrah. On the palate it is fruity, crisp and refreshing with hints of strawberry, bright cherry and luscious watermelon on the finish. This delightful wine is your go-to barbecue wine or for whenever uncritical quaffing is required.

2016 Blau Red Blend, Montsant                                                                 
List price 15.00; Our price 12.99
The full-bodied wine Blau has complex layers of dark berries, black cherry, plum, lavender, spice box, wood smoke, minerals, and black pepper. Well-balanced and easily approachable, it over-delivers as a mouth-filling, round and dense wine with good grip and length.  The blend is Cariñena, Syrah and Garnacha.  Here is a wine to go with rice or pasta dishes, vegetables, mushrooms, stewed meat, sausage, pork, roast meat, red and/or white meat with sauces, grilled meat, short or medium cheeses; one could go on and on.

2015 Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label, Jumilla                                         
List price 17.00; Our price 14.99
Grapes used to produce this wine come from old vineyards. Chalky and stony soils, poor in nutrients, prove to be ideal for the growing of the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) varietal. Aged in French oak barrels, this very dark wine offers explosive aromas of ripe currant, red berries and smoked notes. It is rich and voluminous on entry with a huge mouthful of crème-de-cassis concentration.  The mid-palate is silken and juicy with excellent length and persistence.  The fine, ripe tannins are sufficiently supple to enjoy alongside meat with rice dishes, stewed meat, stewed vegetables, mushrooms, poultry, smoked seafood, blue and cured cheese, red meat and roasts.

2015 BlueGrey Red Blend, Priorat                                                              
List price 18.00; Our price 16.99
The blend in this wonderful wine is Garnacha (45%), Mazuelo (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%).  The Priorat is one of Spain’s preeminent growing regions and this wine is one of its amazing values: Black cherry and blackberry flavors are ripe and focused, accented by licorice, mineral and spicy notes.  It is balanced and elegant with well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.  James Suckling rates it 93 Points: "A modern and densely-fruited expression that has a wealth of concentrated dark chocolate, plum and black licorice as well as strong toasty oak emanating through the finish. Drinking well, but best from 2020."

2015 Tridente Tempranillo, Castilla y Leon                                               
List price 18.00; Our price 16.99
The dense fruit flavors of this old vine Tempranillo hint at crème de cassis, ripe red fruit, delicate spice and dark chocolate persisting through the long lingering finish.  Pair with rice or pasta dishes, vegetables, stewed meat, sausage, pork, red meat roasted or with sauces, grilled meat, and cured cheeses. Delicious.

$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, 8/12/2017, from 4 to 5:30 pm, for our wine tasting event featuring European Blended Wines.

This Saturday we are sampling six European wines raging from Portugal on the Atlantic to Croatia in Eastern Europe. Included are Spain, France, Italy and Greece.  None of these wines are alike and nor are the varietals, for the most part.  This experience is not unlike travelling through Europe grabbing a bottle here and there.  The wines are as lovely as they are different, sort of like the countries of Europe.  

Featured Wines:

2014 Spiropoulos Orino, Greece                                                                
List price 15.00; Our price 12.95
This is a blend of Moschofilero and Roditis grapes from upland vineyards in the Peloponnese region.  It is quite aromatic, with characteristic notes of rose on the palate and the subtle fruitiness of green apple, peach and banana flavors.  The Spiropoulos family has actively followed biodynamic farming procedures.
 
2014 Chapelle-St-Arnoux Côtes-du-Rhone, France                                  
List price 12.00; Our price 9.99
The 2014 Chapelle-St-Arnoux is made from a blend of 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, 10% Grenache and 75% Syrah.  It is a dark ruby red blend with dark berry aromas and flavors. It is very smooth and clean with a medium finish.
 
2013 Borsao Berola, Spain                                                                          
List price 16.00; Our price 13.99
The Wine Advocate gave this wine a 90-point rating: “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, the Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted in 1990, and the Syrah from the youngest vines planted 15 years ago. …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 Herdade de Sao Miguel Colheita Seleccionada, Portugal               
List price 18.00; Our price 14.99
This wine suggests a complex aroma of red fruits and spices integrated with vanilla and a toasted taste as a result of resting in a barrel during 6 months. On the palate it presents a well balanced and full rounded flavor.  The blend is Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês (Tempranillo in Spain), Cabernet Sauvignon and Trincadeira.
 
2013 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre, Italy                                                    
List price 22.00; Our price 18.99
90 points from Robert Parker: “A food-friendly blend of mostly Corvina Veronese (70%) with smaller parts Rondinella (25%) and Sangiovese (5%), the 2013 Palazzo Della Torre exhibits the brightness and inner harmony of this slightly cooler vintage. It is one of the break-out successes of Allegrini's new lineup. The low price makes it interesting. The wine is dark and thick in appearance, and the bouquet is shaped by strength and power. Blackberry preserves, cherry confit, barbecue spice and cedar form a thick and tightly knit bouquet.
 
2014 Coronica Crno Red Blend, Croatia                                                    
​List price 22.50; Our price 19.99
The Coronica family has been tending their vineyard for more than a hundred years.  Tradition is respected by cultivating indigenous varieties, as well as international varieties. The blend is Teran, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is bright and spicy with notes of thyme, orange, clove and the region's characteristic briny iron note.  A great wine to enjoy on its own or with pizza. 90 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine (Best Buy): “Bright and tangy, this blend of Teran with 10 percent each merlot and cabernet sauvignon impresses with all the details carried on its juicy fruit—the rose scents and hibiscus tea flavors, the spices like star anise and cloves. It's fresh and thirst quenching, ready for cookouts this summer.”

$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, 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
facebook.com/DesertWinesAndSpirits

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.