Rioja Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Monday, Sept. 21st

5:30-7:00 PM

with

Nacho Hererra

From

Rioja's Bodegas Bretón

Location:

Hilton Garden Inn

5 Park Street

Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-1433

$10/person
Please e-mail (efullagar@gmail.com) or call (207) 869-4048 to reserve a space(s).

The Wines

Sparkling

Mont-Marcal Cava Brut Rosado 2005 (Penedès, Spain) $19.99 - This has great bubbles! The texture and fineness of them is AWESOME! It's a light ruby color. This has definite notes of strawberries, raspberries, minerals and oranges. 100% Trepat, a Catalan black varietal that makes spectacular rosés! This kicks the butt of many expensive Champagnes at a fraction of the cost! Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 91 points

Whites

Can Feixes Bianco Selecció (Penedès, Spain) $16.99 - Fresh and refreshing white made from Cava grapes. Light yellow color. Aromas and flavors of apples, pears and melons with a lot of minerals and lemon zest. This is stony and aromatic - reminiscent of Chablis or wines from Rheingau. Made from the same grapes as Cavas - Macabeo (35%), Parellada, (37%), Chardonnay (18%) and also a touch of Malvasía de Sitges (10%). Parallada grows best in high altitude, gravelly mountain soils and is known locally as "Montonec," grape of the mountain. This wine definitely shows that its grapes are grown in gravelly soils! Stainless steel fermentation. This estate is the northernmost in the Penedès D.O., near the Montserrat pinnacle, which forms Penedès northern border.

Loriñón Rioja Blanco 2006 (Spain) $18.99 - Bodegas Bretón was a pioneer in the production of barrel-fermented, dry whites from 100% Viura. This has a rich texture and it and is quite aromatic! Aromas of flowers, pear, anise and peach. Creamy and lush! Not oaky at all. 100% Viura. Half the wine aged on lees. The barrels were left outside in cold winter temperatures to naturally fine and stabilize the wine. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "Best Buy Spanish White Wines $20 and Under"

Reds

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is in northwestern Spain near the Portugal border. The Duero River is the same river that is home to Port in Portugal. It is one of Spain's most esteemed winemaking area.

Dehesa La Granja 2003 (Spain) $26.99 - This is merely a GREAT wine! This has aromas that just WOW you! WOW! Surprisingly "fresh" wine from such a hot vintage ('03 was the heatwave year in Europe). Deep, complex, rich, ever-evolving. Black cherries, blackberries, mocha and chocolate are just the start! I sat around & smelled this for a couple of hours - it just kept coming & coming! Long & rich flavors! Decadent! Supple, integrated tannins. Medium-to-full bodied. Awesome! 100% Tempranillo grapes from the Pesquera clones. Aged 2 years in new American oak barrels & 2 years in the bottle before release. Unfiltered. This has sediment. Food pairing - Meats, a tapas meal, rich mushroom dishes, etc. Drinks well on its own. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 91 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Alejandro Fernández and his wife Esperanza Rivera, having created Tinto Pesquera and Condado de Haza in their native Ribera del Duero, looked farther afield in the Spring of 1998. Offered the opportunity to acquire one of Spain's grandest agricultural estates, they purchased the rundown estate bordering the Guareña River in the province of Zamora, in the heart of one of Spain's earliest recognized wine regions. Known during the entire 20th-century as "La GranjaValdeguareña de los Moleros" the 1800-acre ranch had been devoted to the breeding of highly regarded fighting bulls, still in operation at the time of purchase. From the 18th through 19th centuries the estate had been a regionally-dominant producer of wine, evidenced by 40,000 square feet of cellars hand-carved by 125 laborers over 17 years. During that time the local wine producing area was known throughout Spain and Europe as Tierra del Vino (Land of Wine). This is the first vintage of this highly acclaimed wine produced entirely from estate-grown fruit!

Jumilla

Jumilla is near the Mediterranean coast well south of Barcelona, between the coastal plain and La Mancha. It's hotter than Hades here and the soil is mostly sand. This is key - the phylloxera pest won't live in sandy soil. So this area is home to incredibly old vines! This is Spain's most arid wine region (less than 8 inches of rain per year).

Carchelo Monastrell 2008 (Jumilla, Spain) $15.99 - Monastrell is known in France as Mourvèdre and is the dominant grape in Bandol wines (which are produced near the Mediterranean in Provence). This is organically grown Monastrell with a little Syrah. Aromas of black cherries, herbs, smoke, curing tobacco. It's dark, deep and rich with a lot of dark fruit and a spicy finish. Drink now through 2012.

Rioja

Winemaking in Rioja dates to at least 1063. The King of Navarra and Aragon gave the area official recognition in 1102. Rioja is located south of the Cantabrian Mountains along the Ebro River. The mountains help protect the vineyards from the fierce winds that are typical of northern Spain. Rioja is on a plateau, a little more than 1500 feet above sea level. The area is subdivided into three regions - Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. La Rioja Alavesa and la Rioja Alta, located closer to the mountains, are at slightly higher elevations and have a cooler climate. La Rioja Baja to the southeast is drier and warmer.

This winery is in Rioja Alta.

Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. What do these words mean?

Crianza - wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak.

Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak.

Gran Reserva - wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle.

Bodegas Bretón

Bodegas Bretón was founded in 1983. Although of relatively recent origin, Bretón takes a decidedly traditional approach. The Bretón partnership includes a 100-acre estate called Viña Loriñón on the outskirts of Logroño along the south bank of the Ebro River. Also included is the fabulous Dominio de Conté, a textbook 55-acre vineyard on a protected bend of the Ebro near Briones, in the very heart of Rioja Alta. Average vineyard age approaches 40 years - the highest of any major Rioja producer. Crowning Bretón's arrival among Rioja's elite group of estate producers was the first release of Dominio de Conté, from the 1989 vintage, receiving a Gold Medal at Vinexpo 1995.

Loriñón Rioja Crianza 2005 (Spain) $18.99 - Deep, dark red. Aromas of cherries, plums and tobacco (this is a GOOD smell!). Flavors of cherries and plums, plum jam. Juicy texture. Finishes clean with good length. 2005 is an exceptional vintage that has been called, "unprecedented." A classic Rioja Alta blend: 85% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha; aged 14 months in American oak.

Loriñón Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain) $23.99 - This has that silkiness that comes with bottle age! Aromas of ripe red berries, toast, dark chocolate, and balsamic. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins. Almost juicy! Light and surprisingly crisp for the 2003 vintage (heatwave year in Europe). Aged 19 months in oak.

Loriñón Rioja Gran Reserva Rioja Gran Reserva 2001 (Spain) $39.99 - aromas of spicy cherries, smoke, baking spices, vanilla and balsamic. This is both soft and firm in terms of texture and has a long, long finish. Flavors of ripe berry and cherry fruit, spices, truffles and black pepper. Good acidity. Fine-grained tannins. 85% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha. 225 cases made. Aged 28 months in 225 liter American oak casks and 40 months in the bottle before release. 2001 was an outstanding vintage in Rioja. This will drink well through 2015. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 90 points

Dominio de Conté Reserva 2004 (Spain) $39.99 - Aromas of plums, cedar, vanilla and balsamic. The fruit is soft with notes of tea. Soft, dusty tannins and a long finish! From a single vineyard on a unique spot near Briones on a bend of the Ebro - this area is a perfect microclimate for ripening Tempranillo. 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Aged 18 months in new American oak barriques. This will age well for another 10-15 years. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 90 points

Bourgeois Family Selections Tasting

Wine Tasting

Monday, Sept. 14th

5:30-7:00pm

$10/person

with

South Portland Wine Company (SOPO)

&

Jean-Philippe Bourgeois

Owner and founder of

Bourgeois Family Selections

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport, (207) 865-1433.

The Hilton is located just off Bow Street on Park Street. Bow Street intersects Main Street (Rte. 1) right at L.L. Bean. Park Street will be your 2nd left turn as you are driving away from L.L. Bean. The event is in their dining room.

This is a tasting, not a seminar, so if you can't be there right at 5:30, no worries.

PLEASE CALL (207) 730-0886 for reservations.

Jean-Philippe Bourgeois

Jean-Philippe was the General Manager for 6 years for one of the top importers in the country and one of the most respected men in the industry, Eric Solomon of European Cellars.

French-born, he's fluent in English, French and Spanish. He has an MBA and 2 BA's. Combining his love for wine and his language and business skills, he is able to find small producers in France and Spain who make great wines and just need his help bringing them to the United States.

Bourgeois focuses on small producers who farm organically and/or biodynamically.

These are superb wines and great values!

Please join Jean-Philippe Monday at the Hilton!

The Wines:

Whites:

1 - Le Drunk Rooster Chardonnay 2007 (France) $12.99 - Unoaked Chardonnay. The rooster is the "state bird" of France. The rooster is a national emblem of France and the Coq Gaulois (Gallic Rooster) decorated French flags during the Revolution. The rooster symbolizes vigilance. The wine is a custom project with Thierry Rodriguez of Mas Gabinele, which is in the Faugeres AOC in the Languedoc in Southwestern France. They farm organically. The grapes are from older Chardonnay vines and are completely destemmed before crushing. This is loaded with fruit, but still has a nice touch of minerals. It starts zippy and zingy with nice acidity. Flavors and aromas of melons, peaches, grapefruit and mango. Food & Wine: "While this earthy, flavorful white may have a silly name, it’s a serious Chardonnay for the money."

2 - In Fine Blanc 2007 (Rhone, France) $11.99 - I LOVE SOUTHERN French whites! Smooth wine! Lots of flavor! Bright and fresh aromas and flavors of peaches, white flowers and a little lemon/lime with some minerally hints. 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc (who cares about the grapes – it tastes good!). Crisp finish! Aged 8 months in stainless steel before bottling. Sustainable agriculture. "In Fine" is a new project of Raphael Troullier, a rising star of the Cotes-du-Ventoux at Domaine de Cascavel, his biodynamic estate. Food pairing - shellfish, fish and lighter poultry dishes. Great for just drinking! Wine & Spirits, Critics' Pick, "Extreme Value"

Reds:

1 - Le Drunk Rooster Grenache 2006 (France) $12.99 - This is a custom project with Nicolas Baptiste of Domaine de la Serre in Maury, another winery practicing sustainable agriculture. This domaine lies at the foot of the Corbieres Mountains (this is where the Cathars holed up when the Pope in the 13th century wiped them out). It is a very fruit forward wine with aromas of fresh red fruit, a jammy, lush mouth feel with a nice smooth finish. From vines that are at least 25 years old. Food pairing - white and red grilled meats.

2 - Le Drunk Rooster Pinot Noir 2008 (France) $14.99 - The Pinot Noir is a custom project with Thierry Rodriguez of Mas Gabinele, which is in the Faugeres AOC in the Languedoc in Southwestern France. They farm organically. This is a very aromatic wine with a beautiful nose of berries, and a touch of pepper. It is very crisp and has a jammy mouth feel with a nice smooth spicy finish. Food pairing - best served slightly chilled (in the fridge for 15-20 minutes) with grilled meats, Indian or Cajun foods.

3 - Clos Cristal Samur-Chapigny Cabernet Franc 2005 (Loire, France) $21.99 - Since 1928, the “Hospices de Saumur” has managed Clos Cristal, a property of 25 acres donated by Antoine Cristal, the first to plant Cabernet Franc there. This 100% Cabernet Franc is a fine wine with elegant fruit and a nice structure, which compliments many styles of cooking.
Since 1928, Saumur Hospital has owned the 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyard growing Cabernet Franc grapes bequeathed by Antoine Cristal. The Clos Cristal is historically symbolic for Saumur wine growers, not only because its creator was the first to develop red wines in Saumur, but also because in about 1900, he conceived of an ingenious project. He built three kilometers (2 miles) of walls along which, and through which, the vines grow. Close to he walls, the vine takes advantage of the heat accumulated by the stone, which enables a greater level of ripeness in the fruit. Natural yeast, completely natural wine. 100% Cabernet Franc from 40 year-old vines. Biodynamic estate.

4 - Domaine de Chateaumar "Cuvée Bastien" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $14.99 - Domaine de Chateaumar "Cuvée Bastien" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $14.99 - 100% single vineyard old-vine Grenache. This wine is a deep, nearly opaque purple. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry to the nose, with eucalyptus, black pepper, licorice, and floral notes. Touches of cinnamon and spice follow onto the medium to full bodied juicy palate. The tannins are firm, ripe, and well integrated. It all makes for delicious fun. Sustainable farming. No chemicals. Aged 8 months in concrete tanks before bottling.

5 - Domaine de la Berthete "Cuvée Sensation" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $13.99 - This wine is a custom cuvée made for Bourgeois Family; a blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (20%), and Cinsault (5%) with 15% of the cuvée aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Highly aromatic and fruity with a strong, tannic backbone. Drink within 3 to 5 years. Sustainable agriculture. Hand-harvested grapes. Food pairing - roasted duck, hand cut potato chips fried in duck fat, and wild mushrooms cooked in their own juices.

6 - Domaine des Florets Gigondas Tradition 2006 (France) $26.99 - This is an "in your face" red - it's not meant to be smooth or easy to drink. It's big and has soul! Aromas of red berries, flowers, spices, minerals (wine critic Stpehen Tanzer says it smells just like a Chambolle-Musigny for you Burgundy lovers!). 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre from old vines. Dark red. Extremely seductive nose offers a kaleidoscopic bouquet of fresh red berries, flowers, Asian spices, and minerals, smells like a topnotch Chambolle-Musigny! Sweet and impressively energetic with precise strawberry and raspberry flavors, medium body, and fine, silky tanninms. An utterly effortless, graceful example of Gigondas.
Gigondas is a tiny area, a tiny AOC, tucked away in the Southern Rhône Valley. The AOC takes its name from the village of Gigondas. Gigondas is situated right under the rugged, rocky range of the Dentelles de Montmirail and creates top quality reds rivaling its southwest neighbor, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Biodynamic farming. Jerome Boudier's philosophy is to respect his environment, his vines and his culture, to work them by hand as much as possible, vine by vine, and to make high quality wine with a great expression of its terroir. Grenache brings the strength, fat and softness, the Syrah brings elegance and fruit, the Mourvèdre brings the backbone and the Cinsault the sweetness. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 93 points

7 - In Fine Rouge 2007 (France) $11.99 - Runaway, huge hit at our May tasting! Aromas & flavors of cherries, plums, chocolate & baking spices. Lots of dark fruit & a little pepper spice! Rich, smooth texture. Soft & light tannins. Nice acidity. Pretty finish. 90% Grenache & 10% Syrah. 100% concrete vat fermentation. Aged in concrete tanks for 8 months before bottling. Sustainable agriculture. "In Fine" is a new project of Raphael Troullier, a rising star of the Côtes-du-Ventoux at Domaine de Cascavel, his biodynamic estate. Food pairing - Serve at 61-64°F or slightly cold (57°F) in the summer. Drink now with red meat, game, and fresh cheeses. Drinks well on its own!

8 - Domaine du Crampilh Cuvée L'Origine Madiran 2006 (France) $17.99 - Madirans can be big and rough when young, so this will be interesting to try! This blend is mostly Tannat, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Madiran area Is southwest of Bordeaux in the heart of the Armagnac-producing region, an area that mostly produces white wines, except the Madiran is home to mostly reds, and the grape Tannat dominates the area.
According to Bourgeois Family Selections website, "Its beautiful purple red color is indicative of the intense and savory nose which expresses a great maturity. The concentrated, rich, palate has an appealing black ripe fruit character that results in delicious aromas and round tannins with evocative spicy notes, of an excellent intensity. Wines from the Southwest of France contain the highest levels of polyphenols in the WORLD and are known to help fight cancer and bad cholesterol.....The Crampilh sticks to tradition with wild aromas of herb, smoke, and a meaty, chewy quality on the palate. The fullness on the nose and the palate is not at the expense of the beauty, balance, and grace of the wine. It just goes to show that the French can give you power and elegance at the same time." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

9 - Tikalo Alba Liza 2006 (La Mancha, Spain) $9.99 - Enjoy it as part of a meal or with a few friends if you feel like sharing after a sip of this great Spanish red! Aromas of cherries, anise, herbs and dark chocolate. Flavors of black fruit, cherries and jam. Blend: 65% Tempranillo - 35% Garnacha. Hand-harvested grapes - which Is rare for a 990 acre winery! The grapes are then sorted through a rigorous "table triage" to only use the most ripe bunches. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points, "Much more serious than one would expect at this price."

10 - Tikalo Rubens 2006 (La Mancha, Spain) $11.99 - Deep cherry-red colored wine. Very intense with red fruit aromas and licorice. The wine is fresh in the mouth with bright fruit and silky tannins. Aromas of licorice and wild berries. Jammy fruit in the flavors. 100% Tempranillo. Hand-harvested grapes - which Is rare for a 990 acre winery! The grapes are then sorted through a rigorous "table triage" to only use the most ripe bunches.

September Wine Tasting

September Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine
Friday, Sept. 11th

3:30-7:30

178 Lower Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 869-4048

10% discount on all tasting wines bought at the tasting! Or, within the week.

The Wines:

We have 2 distributors dueling it out!

Art Gonyea of National Distributors VS. David Joseph of Davine Wines

Art's Wines:

The Whites:

Vitano Falesco 2008 (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - This is just a wonderful wine from Italy & a GREAT value! Well-balanced, fresh, medium-bodied wine. Aromas of peaches, honeysuckle, pears, melon & a pine forest. Loads of fruit flavors – pears and limes, plus a touch of fresh grassiness like a Sauvignon Blanc. Dry, crisp finish. Blend of Verdicchio and Vermentino. Stainless-steel fermentation and aging. Riccardo Cotarella is one of the true rock stars of Italian winemaking and his wines at Falesco continue to deliver incredible value! Food pairing - pasta with shellfish, risotto, white meat casseroles, salads, and vegetables.

Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $16.99, Sale $14.99 - Adelsheim Vineyard is the 3rd oldest producer of Pinot Gris in the New World. This is their 24th vintage. It features grapes from 10 vineyards in the Willamette Valley (about 61% is from old vines in the Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard. The Adelsheims enhance the texture a little by allowing partial malolactic fermentation in a few of the lots, and by fermenting (not aging) a small portion of the wine in older neutral barrels. Wonderful floral aromas with bright fresh flavors of pears, peaches and apples. There is a little spiciness to the wine. The label features Giny Adelsheim's portrait of her older sister, Susanna Kuo. Sustainable farming practices. Food pairing - poached salmon, shellfish, bisques, oven-roasted chicken or poultry & spicy foods.

Manu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Lots of fresh, bright fruit in this easy drinking wine! Loads of flavor! 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Sustainable Agriculture. Food pairing – almost any shellfish or seafood. Has sufficient acidity to serve with light cream sauces – you need that acidity to “cut” the cream.

The Reds:

Château de Campuget Costières de Nîmes 2005 (France) $11.99 - Like a beautiful woman, the juice in this wine doesn't need a lot of "make-up" (oak barrels), so this is fermented and aged in stainless steel, which is a little unusual for the area. Garnet color with a hint of blue. Aromas of black currants, spices and pepper. Smooth tannins that linger nicely. Blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir and 5% Mourvèdre. This drinks well young and will drink well over 5-6 years. Food pairing - Serve slightly chilled (about 64 degrees) Grilled or roasted meat. Leg of lamb.

Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2007 (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - Year-after-year this is a red wine that just provides great bang for the buck! Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich texture with lots of great red fruit, plums, raisins and chocolate. Nice acidity to balance the fruit. Blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 3 months in French (Nevers) oak. This will age well through 2012. Food pairing - grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Celler, 91 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Montaria Reserva Vinho Tinto 2006 (Portugal) $10.99 - we just tasted this Thursday and decided to add it to the line-up! Trincadeira & Aragones (Tempranillo) Beautiful ruby color with hints of tobacco and black cherry. Ripe berry flavors abound balanced with round tannins and a velvety finish. Food pairing - A natural for grilled foods: chicken, dark fish and beef.

Ferrari-Carano Merlot 2005 (California) Reg. $23.99, Sale $19.99 - This is easy to drink! It's full-bodied and has ripe tannins and notes of dark chocolate. Dark in color, the nose is complex with very ripe cherries, blackberries and baking spices. Blend of 90% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is blended and barrel aged for 18 months in 70% older French oak, 25% new French oak, 5% American oak. Food pairing - any red meat course, Italian entrée and roasted or grilled poultry dishes."

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2005 (Verona, Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $21.99 - What a rich, soft, elegant, great-tasting wine! A SPECIAL wine! For Amarone lovers, w/o the Amarone price tag! Velvet in a glass. Rich, complex nose – ripe fruit and spicy oak. Mouth-filling wine, but soft feel. Smooth tannins balance the dark berry and cherry flavors. Powerful. Long finish. Single vineyard blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese. Food pairing - Great food wine! Rich meals – game, mushroom risotto, lamb & more. For a special treat – try with GOOD bittersweet chocolate! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Larry Cherubino "Middle of Everywhere" Shiraz 2007 (Australia) $16.99 - Larry Cherubino is one of the most acclaimed and skilled winemakers in the world, not just in Western Australia. He was the winemaker for New Zealand's Craggy Range Gimblett reds in 2005 (94 points from Parker) and California's Staglin Family Vineyards (93 points from Parker). This Shiraz is full of fruit and spice! Medium-bodied. Soft berry fruit with hints of baking spices and a little brambliness. Nice length on the finish. Grapes are from the Frankland River area in Western Australia. The grapes are destemmed. Aged 8 months in 30% new and 2-year old French oak barrels. Food pairing - grilled meats, lasagna, stews.

David's Wines

The Whites:

Domaine de Régusse Vin de Pays de Mediterranée Aligoté 2008 (France) $13.99 -This BLEW us away! Excellent wine from an obscure grape from Burgundy! This is refreshing and crisp! It has great acidity (typical for this grape). Flavors and aromas of green apples, lemons and minerals. Aged in stainless steel on its lees for 6 months. The lees are the residue in the vat or barrel – leaving the wine in contact with the lees adds richness to the wine. Organic farming. Food pairing – lobster! Shellfish. Grilled chicken. Salads. Kirs (add cassis).

Cave de Pomerol Picpoul de Pinet 2008 (Languedoc, France) $12.99 - Just a tremendous wine! Picpoul is often called "the Muscadet of the South" in France. Wonderful on warmer days as we hade for summer! Aromas of fresh bread, yeast, nuts, red berries and minerals. Flavors of tropical fruit, pear, apple and lime. Crisp acidity. Hints of spice on the clean, crisp finish. Food pairing - Drinks well on its own! Perfect with shellfish, lobster & seafood. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points, Wine Review Online, 89 points

The Rosé:

Maipe Rosé of Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 (buy a case of the Maipes, mixed or full, $9.99 a bottle; that's 17% off!) - Delicious rosé from South America! Aromas and flavors of violets, raspberries, strawberries and red cherries! Nice acidity to balance the fruit in the wine. Dry finish that lasts! One day on the skins adds this rich dark color to the rosé! Stainless steel fermentation. 30 days “sur lees.” 100% Malbec. 35 year-old vines. Organic farming. Food pairing - drinks well on its own. Great with tuna, grilled chicken, green salads, pasta and spicy Asian dishes.

The Reds:

Hugl Zweigelt 2007 (Ketzelsdorf-Poysdorf, Austria) $15.99 - A 1 liter bottle! 33% more wine! Zweigelt is an Austrian grape, developed in 1922 when Dr. Fritz Zweigelt crossed two grapes - St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Today, Zweigelt is the most widely planted red variety in Austria, growing in nearly 9% of this country's vineyards. The wine boasts a concentrated color, fruity and spicy aromas, cherry flavors. Full-bodied, smooth and round, the wine is an ideal food companion. "A nice Zweigelt that makes a good match for casual grilled fare. Sneak this along on your next cookout." - Washington Post (July 09), VERY GOOD

Apaltagua Pinot Noir 2008 (Chile) $12.99 - Apaltagua’s Pinot Noir has a brilliant ruby color and emphasizes aromas of cherries, raspberries, and soft notes of oak. It boasts smooth and elegant tannins and a sophisticated finish. The grapes come from Apaltagua’s own vineyard in Tricao in the Curico Valley. Food pairing - roasted or grilled meats, mushroom risotto, earthy dishes. Wine writer Gil Lempert-Schwarz describes Apaltagua's Pinot Noir 2008 as a “ nice juicy wine that envelopes the palate with mixed red and black cherries. The tannins are ripe and harmonious ... It beats pricier California counterparts by leaps and bounds.”

Maipe Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 (buy a case of the Maipes, mixed or full, $9.99 a bottle; that's 17% off!) - Excellent wine & a great value! Aromas and flavors of flowers, ripe figs, dark berry fruit & more! Wonderful floral aromas at the start. Soft, integrated tannins. Finish has nice length! I’ve tasted this immediately after opening & a day later; it’s good both ways! Decant to enhance the flavors & aromas! 10% aged 3 months in oak. Organic farming. Food pairing - drinks well on its own. Great with roasted & grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, etc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2008 (Australia) $21.99 - Each vintage, this is a big, rich and smooth Shiraz. Lots of dark chocolate, dark berries and spice in the aromas and flavors. This wine also has tons of complexity. It shows earth and spice and graphite as well as plums and blackberries.....and that great dark chocolate! The tannins are soft and integrated. Aged in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads for 14-16 months (40% new; the rest are 2nd and 3rd fill barrels). Food pairing - drinks GREAT without food. Steak, lamb, beef, Wolf Neck Farm burgers.

New Age (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 - blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia, this has a little effervescense to it! We'll serve this as a cocktail - over ice with a little slice of lime! It's a hugely popular drink in Argentina and is making a big splash in Maine this year! The drink is called "Tincho," after the cocktail's creator, who happens to be the 3rd generation of this family-owned winery in Mendoza. Bodega Valentin Bianchi is one of Argentina's oldest wineries, dating to 1928 and founded by Italian immigrant, Valentin Bianchi. It's delicious and refreshing!

September Beers - 6-pack/12-pack

September Beer Collection

This is a new one for us.

Each month, I'm going to put together a 6-pack and a 12-pack of different beers.

If you want either, just call or e-mail. If you want to cherry pick some of the beers, please do!

The 6-pack: Reg. $35.10, Sale $32.99

Brouwerij Bosteels Kwak (Belgium) $9.99 - This was a huge hit at a tasting about a year ago. This brewery dates to 1791. Pauwel Kwak first brewed beer in 1791. Family-owned. This is a Flanders style beer - producing a dry, assertively tart beer. Kwak has a slighlty sweet flavour, a fruity aftertaste, and a hint of bitterness. Top-fermented, it has a rich, copper colour with a creamy head. Traditionally served in a distinctive glass originated from coachmen needing a way to enjoy beer since Napoleonic Code forbade them sharing a drink with the passengers. Kwak developed this glass so the coachmen could remain seated yet hang the glass on the coach and enjoy the rich beer too. 750ml bottle. 8.4% alcohol.

Heavy Seas "the Big DIPA" Double India Pale Ale (Baltimore, MD) $5.99 - Big DIPA is a hoppy, big beer! Hopped 3 times in the brewing process. Copper-orange color with a great head. Earthy hoppy aromas. Aromas of caramel, fresh bread and citrus. Flavors of citrus, hops and malt. Sit and sip and savor this! 22 oz bottle. 10.6% alcohol.

Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchbier Urbock (Germany) $4.49 - Wonderfully rich. Deep mahogany color. Aromas of summer grilling, smoked meats and peat. Fuller and richer bodied than the Märzen because it uses more malt. Well-balanced flavors - starts sweetly malty...finishes with a nice hoppy, clean note. Brewed once per year for the Urbock celebration at the Schlenkeria tavern in early October. Food pairings - German food, grilled meats, salmon, smoked meat, Cheddar, Comte, Stilton. Unfiltered, unpasteurized and bottle-conditioned. 16.9 ounce bottle. 6.6% alcohol. "...not only among beers but among all alcoholic drinks a classic....the world's most famous smoked beer.," Michael Jackson, Pocket Guide to Beer. RateBeer, 98 points

Ceylon Brewery Lion Stout (Sri Lanka) $2.39 - This is an outstanding beer from one of Asia's best breweries! Deep, dark, almost black color. Beautiful tan colored head that lasts. A traditional, hearty, tasty stout. Aromatic - roasted malt, a pleasing Guinness-like sourness in the nose. Lots of roasted malt, chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors. Subtle smokiness in the aromas and flavors. Hints of dark fruit and coffee on the finish. Feels rich and soft and lush in the mouth. Almost chewy, yet smooth. Bottle-conditioned. Awards - not exactly an award, but internationally-known beer critic Michael Jackson went to Sri Lanka to hunt down this beer; his effort helped bring it the international fame and repute it deserves! Food Pairings - Smoked or Grilled meats, chocolate or with a rich creamy dessert, especially one with coconut. 330 ml bottle. 8% alcohol.

Maine Beer Company Spring Peeper Ale (Maine) $4.25 - MBC was started by two brothers originally from Michigan who are keeping their days jobs for now while moonlighting as brewers. The brewery is brewing 2-barrel (or is it 1-barrel) batches and are not focusing on any styles in particular. Spring Peeper Ale, a nice floral American Pale Ale, is their first (and only) release thus far. It is a clean, dry, bottle-conditioned ale. Very fragrant - it's dry hopped (that means they add hops in the fermenter when the wort has cooled - heat kills the aromas in hops). It has excellent head retention and a nice fruity hop aroma. 500ml bottle. 5.5% alcohol. Beer Advocate, B+

Weyerbacher Simcoe Double IPA (Pennsylvania) $7.99 - INTENSE hop flavors! It is brewed untilizing only the Simcoe hop variety, which is a hybrid hop, developed and trademarked by Select Botanicals Group, LLC in the year 2000. It was created for its high alpha acid content, maximum aromatic oils, and low cohumulone (harshness) levels so that brewers can really put a lot of 'em in a beer and not create an overly harsh taste. Double Simcoe IPA is a full-flavored ale with hints of pineapple and citrus upfront, a good malt backbone in the middle, and a clean finish that doesn't linger too long. Check it out, and you'll soon see why everyone's talking about it. 22 ounce bottle. 9.0% alcohol. Named 2006 "PA Beer of the Year" by Beer Author Lew Bryson. Rate Beer, 99 points, Beer Advocate, A-

The 12-pack (the 6-pack plus these 6 beers): Reg. $75.04, Sale $66.99

Arcadia Ales Cocoa Loco (Michigan) $7.99 - A truly one-of-a-kind brew, a Triple Chocolate Milk Stout. A combination of three different chocolate malts, cocoa nibs and 63% cacao bittersweet chocolate make this a sinfully delicious brew. The addition of lactose lends the beer a creamy quality- not unlike a milkshake- while the Blackstrap Molasses adds rich, burnt, syrupy flavors. Flavors of baker’s chocolate and espresso dominate, while rich malty flavors and a subtle kiss of hops add nice balance. This is a BIG beer. Delicious on its own, Cocoa Loco is also brilliant with many foods, or as a digestif. Recommended Foods: Brie, Cherry Cheesecake, Seared Ahi Tuna, Vanilla Ice Cream, Berry Pies. 22 ounce bottle. 7.0% alcohol. 2008 Winner, Best in Show, World Expo of Beer

Penobscot Bay Brewery Whig Street Blonde Ale (Maine) $6.99 - It's name is derived from the street the brewery is on in Winterport. The label is artwork done by a member of the brewing family. The taste is uncomplicated and clean, It is made from pale malt, a handful of malted wheat and finished with Perle hops for bittering and Cascade for aroma. It's an easy drinking, comfortable ale for those lazy days and laid-back nights. Bright, Golden, Easy to Enjoy! 22 ounce bottle. 4.2% alcohol. Beer Advocate, A-

Bar Harbor Brewing Thunder Hole Ale (Maine) $5.99 - Delicious. Full-bodied. Complex. Sure, you can say all those things. Wouldn't it be a lot more fun to take a sip of this handcrafted brown ale and come up with your own superlatives? This is the brown ale that beat Newcastle, Sam Adams and more, at the World Beer Championships in Chicago. Deep amber hue. Rich roasted, toffee-like aromas follow through on medium-bodied palate with spicy hops upfront and toasted caramel malt flavors that finish in a mildly fruity manner. An elegant and complex Brown Ale. "An American classic brewed perfectly." – Charlie Papazian

Uerige Sticke Dusseldorf Altstadt Altbier (Germany) $4.99 - A GREAT Beer! Just a beautiful dark copper/amber color. Aromas of malt, nuts, caramel,, floral and grassy hops. Big flavors - caramel, nuts, slightly dry and malty. Clean and crisp. Reminiscent of a lager. Only brewed twice per year - the 3rd Thursday in January and November. Food pairings - German food, smoked meats, fresh game, grilled meats, earthy cheese such as Chimay, Munster, Camembert, etc. Brewed from Pilsner, caramel and roasted malts and Spalt Spalter, Hallertauer and Spalt Hallertauer hops. 11.2 ounce bottle. 6% alcohol. "...the finest example of the style , and one of Germany's truly great beers," Michael Jackson, Pocket Guide to Beer

Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted Ale (Scotland) $5.99 - The Harviestoun Brewery helped launch the reemergence of high-quality microbreweries in Scotland - which in the 1980's had little in the way of well-crafted, well-made, tasty beers produced locally (a declining economy & competition from big breweries in Britain and from abroad had combined to sink Scotland's domestic breweries). The brewery is in the oddly named Scottish village of "Dollar," coming from the Latin dolor, meaning sadness. Nothing at all sad that this beermaker made a career change at age 40 and started producing world-class beers!

This is just a wonderful beer. On the pale side of a bitter....Golden in color. Sharp, beautiful blond beer with great, distinctive hop flavors -honey & grapefruit tang (from the Hersbrucker), a "twist" of lemon (Challenger hops), and subtle spiciness (Styrian). Crisp with a good head. 16.9 ounce bottle. 4.2% alcohol. Awards - Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2003; Supreme Beer Champion of Scotland 2002; Champion Beer of Scotland (Bitter) 2001, 2003; Gold Medal & Champion, 2004 Brewing Industry International Awards, Champion Beer of Britain 2001.

J.K's Scrumpy Farmhouse Hard Cider (Michigan) $6.99 - you're right...this is not a beer! Hard ciders are delicious! This is light and fresh and refreshing! Before Prohibition, cider was probably the biggest selling adult beverage in the USA! Johnny Appleseed wasn't planting apple seeds for eating - he was planting them for cider!

"Scrumpy" is an English-style of farmhouse cider that has always been popular on the farms of southern England. This, though, is not an English style of cider, it is definitely a Farmhouse Cider. It's a cross between an English Scrumpy and a Normandy Cidre.

This is crisp, dry with a ripe apple flavors, baking spices, honey and a touch of pepper. This is the real deal - one of the best, if not the best, American cider! This is rich and full. The carbonation is mild.

Organic farming. Sulfite free. Two ingredients - apples and yeast!

Labor Day Weekend Wine 6-pack/12-pack

Labor Day Weekend

6-pack/12-pack

Wine Selections

We've put together a great group of wines for you!

If you want to substitute a wine or remove it from the group, feel free to do so!

The 12-pack consists of the 6-pack PLUS the 6 wines listed in the 12-pack. The 6-pack is 5% off the sale prices. The 12-pack is 10% off the sale prices.

The 6-pack:

Reg. $95.94, Sale $78.94, Final Price (5% off) $74.99

You are saving 22%!

The Whites:

Masseria Frattasi Falanghina 2007 (Taburno, Italy) Reg. $21.99, Sale $17.99 -
Big, rich white that is similar to many white Burgundies! Flavors of pears, green apples, white peaches, minerals, lemon and more. Great acidity and a nice “bite” that helps this match up to richer foods such as lobster, scallops or smoked salmon! The rocky soil near Mount Vesuvius shows in the minerals in this wine! This family winery dates to the 1700’s and the Greeks brought Falanghina to Italy! 100% Falanghina. Organic farming. Food pairing – duck, lobster, scallops or smoked salmon!

Pietra Santa Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $16.99, Sale $11.99 - Excellent Chardonnay and a great buy at this price! Made from grapes grown in the cool Central Coast area, this has great aromas and flavors of ripe pears, green apples, citrus and melon. Soft and creamy mouthfeel with just hints of vanilla. While this has been aged in oak barrels, it isn’t too “oaky.” It’s crisp and refreshing with nice acidity. Food pairing – fish and chicken. Asian dishes. Drinks well without food.

The Reds:

Spann Vineyards "Recovery Red" (California) Reg. $18.99, Sale $16.99 - Wonderful blend made from grapes from different vintages & vineyards. Each year the blend is different & it is fantastic!

This is big and ripe and softly textured. The color is deep and dark. The aromas are filled with red cherries, black cherries, plums, a little dark chocolate, a little black licorice and more. The flavors pop with red cherries, dark berries, spice, licorice, plums and more. Nicely balanced tannins and acidity.

37% Syrah (2004), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon (2001), 14% Cabernet Franc (2003), 12% Merlot (2003) & 12% Grenache (2004). Only 380 cases made. Aged in a mix of two-to-six year-old French oak barrels. Organic.
Food pairing – drinks well with or without food! Pair this up with any grilled or roasted meats, a great pizza, etc. Food pairing - steak, lamb, burgers, big foods!

Poggio Amorelli Gode' II Rosso di Toscana IGT 2007 (Italy) $12.99 - This is the same wine as their Chianti Classico. Given the slower economy, the more expensive Chianti Classico is selling more slowly. So, you get to enjoy the same wine for less money! Classic Italian red - a little earth and dusty tannins and it has that red cherry, raspberry fruit profile that signifies Sangiovese. Blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo (20%). Aged in oak barriques. Food pairing - Hearty pasta dishes; pork sausages and grilled meats.

Domaine André Brunel Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Grenache 2006 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - Just what we all need! A fabulous red from Southern France for less than $10! YEAR-AFTER-YEAR, this wine just rocks! This is an awesome wine from a winemaker whose Châteauneuf-de-Pape commands big dollars. André Brunel is a truly great, legendary winemaker! Aromas of herbs (rosemary, sage, Provence), peppery spice, black cherries, plums, blackberries. Deep, dark clear color. Juicy, big, spicy mid-palate. Soft, chewy tannins at finish. Unfiltered. Hand-picked & destemmed. 90% Grenache & 10% Carignan. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing - Great wine with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, etc. Decant to open up more rapidly.

Tyrell’s Wines Lost Block Pinot Noir 2005 (Australia) Reg. $12.99, Sale $8.99 -
Delicious Pinot Noir! Great for a party at this price! Smooth and easy sipper! Nice soft cherry fruit! Bright, fresh flavors and aromas. Clean tasting! Not tannic! Smooth! Food Pairing – grilled chicken! Salmon! Sipping in the garden!

The 12-pack:

Reg. $203.88, Sale $162.88, Final Price (10% off) $146.59

You save 33%!

The Whites:

Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2008 (Marche, Italy) Reg. $20.99, Sale $16.99 - Full-bodied, rich and lush! This “late harvest” Verdicchio is NOT sweet. The grapes are left on the vine an additional month to develop greater body, structure and flavor. Aromas and flavors of pears, melons and honey with crisp acidity that makes the finish bright, clean and refreshing! This reminds me of a really good Viognier – you peel back layers and layers . Organic farming. Food pairing – lobster, mussels, oysters, duck, swordfish, salmon!

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Zind 2006 (Alsace, France) Reg. $35.99, Sale $17.99 – A wine that has a lot going on and it goes down easy! Complex and fun! This is a bit lighter than the 2003/2005 versions of the wine – but, that’s due to the weather in those years. 65% Chardonnay and 35% Auxerrois. All are from Clos Windsbuhl – which has a definitive calcareous make-up to its soil. The aromas show the minerality of the soil. The aromas are more about minerals than fruit. The wine is aged on lees (the residue in the barrel). The vines were planted in 1988. Auxerrois is a grape native to Lorraine and it is a close sibling to Chardonnay.

The Rosé:

Jean-Luc Colombo Rosé de Côte Bleue Côteaux d’Aix en Provence 2008 (France) $13.99 - Hard to beat a dry Provencal rosé on a warm day! Beautiful wine. We just love it! Tasty…easy-drinking. Clean, dry, refreshing. Aromas of peachhes, roses and pepper. Flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Crisp & vibrant acidity. Soft in the mouth. Nice weight to the wine. 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre & 20% Counoise. Food pairing - The perfect wine with grilled chicken or chilled grilled chicken salad. Great with roasted poultry, salad nicoise, light seafood dishes & spicy Asian food Put it this way, a dry rosé is about the most food friendly wine made!

The Reds:

Aresti Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2008 (Chile) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Aresti has been growing grapes since 1951. In the '90's they started making wine.....and they've been making excellent wines with great values! The Aresti Pinot Noir has vibrant strawberry jam aromas with anise and cinnamon. The aromas carrying over to the flavors, easy-drinking and yet complex, with a nice, long finish. Food pairing - grilled meats, mushroom risotto.

Corrientes Malbec Reserva 2007 (Mendoza, Argentina) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99 - This is a smooth and easy-drinking Malbec! Medium-bodied with nice dark fruit. Not overly tannic – by that, I mean that drying sensation in your mouth. It doesn’t do that. This is smooth and velvety. Just a great value in an every day red! Food Pairing – grilled pork or chicken. Pizza. Red sauce pasta dishes.

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2007 (Lake County, CA) $12.99 - Aromas of boysenberries, cherries & vanilla. Flavors of boysenberries, red berries, baking spices and vanilla. The tannins are really soft. Nice smooth finish that lingers. Aged 8 months in French and American oak. Blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, 27% Petite Sirah, 6% Zinfandel & 4% Barbera. Sustainable farming practices. Food pairing - almost anything you want to grill!

September Wines of the Month

Wines of the Month

Hello, It's September and time for the wines of the month! We're headed to France and the Cotes-du-Rhone, Cotes-du-Luberon and the Languedoc.

Remember, if you are a member of the wines of the month (click the link for details), you get 10% off your wine purchases ALL THE TIME! The wines are all in the store today!

Tier 1

The white:

Domaine de Coussergues Chardonnay Viognier 2008 (Languedoc) $11.99 - This property has been in the same family for 13 generations (since 1485)! This is ripe and fresh and has incredible aromas of flowers, peaches and apricots! It has a great texture - it's both crisp and fresh and also has a nice softness. Excellent acidity. Flavors of pears, tropical fruit and honeysuckle. Blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Viognier. Food pairing - salads, chicken, lighter meals. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points.

The Red:

Chateau du Trignon Cotes-du-Rhone (2007) Reg. $16.99, Sale $14.99 - Chateau We tasted this with Randy from Wicked Wines in August - "WOW!" This is brand-new to Maine! It's also from a GREAT, GREAT vintage in the Cotes-du-Rhone. Nice and juicy with red berry fruits! This is smooth and soft and drinks oh so nicely! It's not tannic. Mouth-watering. It has some nice pepper that lingers on the finish. It has a lot of earth in the aromas. Blend of roughly 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. Organic Farming. Food pairing - grilled or roasted meats, mushroom dishes. Great for Fall!

Tiers 2 & 3

For Tiers 2 & 3, we are headed to a special winery in the Cotes-du-Luberon, Domaine de la Citadelle.

The Cotes-du-Luberon is in the southeastern corner of the Rhone Valley, to the east of Avignon and north of Marseilles. This winery is in Menerbes, at the heart of the Luberon. The domaine is at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance Rivers.

In 1989, Yves Riusset-Rouard purchased an ancient farmhouse with 8 hectares of vines and created Domaine de la Citadelle. They farm organically and today, the estate comprises 45 hectares (about 110 acres).

Three of these wines are extremely limited in supply and we kinda lucked into them when we helped the importer, Didier Boutet, get some wine to a customer. The Cabernet is in good supply - we can get more of that.

Tier 2

The White:

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Blanc 2007 (France) $23.99 - Delicate, elegant rich blend! This is a GREAT vintage in the south of France! This is both lushly rich and delicate! Aromas of flowers, herbal tea, almonds, green apples & peaches. Flavors of green apples, honey, almonds and peaches. Bracing acidity. Medium bodied. Blend of 30% Roussane, 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 10% Marsanne. Hand-harvested. Fermented in stainless steel. Matured in tank on the lees. The Marsanne is new to the blend this year. 667 cases made. Organic Farming. Food pairing - seafood, salty dishes.

The Red:

Domaine de la Citadelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (France) $17.99 - I've had customers go GA-GA over this wine because they've been to the winery and are shocked I could get this! They should be GA-GA - it's delicious! The wine sees no oak, so it is bright and fresh. Drink it now! Cabernet is an unusual grape from this area; so this is not an AOC wine....it can't be! The growing area is cool at night and hot during the day. Yves Rousset-Rouard resurrected this estate and turned it into one of the best in the Côtes du Luberon! Organic Farming. Food pairing - steak, lamb, stews, mushroom dishes. Deux Etoiles dans le Guide Hachette 2007 (2 Stars)

Tier 3

The White: Domaine de la Citadelle Gouverneur Saint Auban 2006 (France) $39.99 - Similar to an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape! Aromas and flavors of stone fruits, green apples, fresh bread, baking spices, hazelnuts and citrus. The Viognier adds floral aromas. Well-integrated wine with lots of layers and complexity. Nice acidity. Blend of 40% Roussane, 20% Chardonnay and 40% Viognier. Fermented and aged in barrels (25% new) on the lees with regular stirring for 9 months. Hand-harvested. 167 cases made. Organic farming. Food pairing - duck, chicken, salmon.

The Red:

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Rouge 2004 (France) $26.99 - This is smooth and has lots of layers! Big, rich aromas. Rich, ripe fruit with a core of raspberries and black cherries and Provencal herbs. Lots of dark fruit in the flavors and notes of anise. Medium bodied. Smooth finish with ripe tannins. Blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and Mourvedre and Carignan compose the other 20%. Hand-harvested. Aged in stainless steel and 20% in oak barrels that are 4th and 5th use. 3,300 cases made. Organic farming. Food pairing - meats, game. You can age this for 8-10 years.

3 More Great Deals!

We have 3 wines (2 from Australia and 1 from Italy) that we gobbled up when the distributor lowered the price.

We liked these wines a lot when they were more expensive. We LOVE them at a lower price (wouldn't you?!).

All 3 wines are organically farmed.

Remember, you get 10% off on case purchases - and, you may mix-and-match wines to make a case (i.e.; any 12 of these or any 12 of any wines - I hope that makes sense).

Also, if you want any of these, please call or respond via e-mail ASAP....these will go fast.

The Wines:

Fans of really big Australian Shiraz - these 1st 2 are for you!

The names of the wines will look similar....they aren't!

The Battle of Bosworth Wines

The Battle of Bosworth was the last battle in the War of the Roses (several wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster over the throne of England). Fought on August 22, 1485, the Lancastrians won and Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, became the first Tudor monarch when his forces killed Richard III in the battle.

Edgehill Vineyards's founders, Peter and Anthea Bosworth, chose the name for their wines. The family has grown grapes in the McLaren Vale since the 1840's. Edgehill has 50 acres of vineyards, all of which are certified organic by "Australian Certified Organic" (a 4-year process).

Joch Bosworth is the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association's "Grower of the Year" for his commitment to organic farming and environmental sustainability.

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $29.99, Sale $21.99 - massive, powerful wine! Deep, dark color. Flavors of blackberries, dark chocolate, plums and Provencal herbs. Notes of mint and/or eucalyptus on the finish. Rich, rich wine! A small amount of the grapes are dried on the vine and added to the wine - this adds a ton of depth and complexity.

Aged in a mix of new and older French and American oak barriques. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 93 points; Decanter, "Wine of the Month; Wine Spectator, 89 points

I have 11 bottles of this and then it is gone.

The 2nd wine from Battle of Bosworth....

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz Viognier 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $21.99, Sale $14.99 - Another big mouthful of wine! One cool thing about this wine is when you open it, you get that musty, wet smell of the woods after a rain when the leaves are rotting....a GREAT aroma! Rich, concentrated flavors of blackberries, cherries and toasted oak. Definitely some pepperiness to the wine. Aromas of flowers, licorice (I hate licorice candy and like it here!) and blackberries. Drink now through 2013.

Made in a mixture of old and new French and American oak. Blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier. The grapes are blended and co-fermented right after harvest. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

I bought the last 6 cases in Maine (72 bottles).

Wine Spectator, 90 points; James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 89 points

Forte Canto Primitivo 2004 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $15.99, Sale $7.99 - Excellent wine from Southern Italy and a great deal! Aromas and flavors of dark, ripe cherries and berries, baking spices and herbs. Great long finish that lingers and is "just" dry......not too dry and certainly not sweet! 100% Primitivo. Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel, but the wine is different! 3 months bottle aging and 12 months barrel aging in 5-to-10 year-old oak barrels. 3,200 cases made. Food pairing - meats, roasts and pasta dishes. Organic Farming.

That's the 3 wines....please let us know what you want....ASAP!