Disappearing California Deals!

Hello,

These great values are about to disappear.

Fosters, which owns these wineries today, is ending the case price discounts it has on these wines.

I’ve started buying more and more good wines by the case to take advantage of better prices and pass the savings on to you…….unfortunately, as of Feb. 1st, the case discounts on these wines are over!

Now, you don’t have to buy these by the case to get this price, but, I do!

If you want any of this, let me know ASAP. I’ve put the quantity I have in

Souverain Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $12.99, Sale $10.99 – This is a classic California Sauvignon Blanc! Crisp and medium-bodied. Aromas of lemons and oranges. Flavors of tropical fruit, melon, figs and peaches. Fermented and aged in once-used and 3-year-old French oak barrels for five months on the lees. Whole cluster pressing. Food pairing – mussels and other shellfish, lobster, poultry. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points; 12 bottles

Souverain Chardonnay 2008 (California) Reg. $15.99, Sale $13.99 – Classic Alexander Valley Chardonnay. Aromas of lemons, apples and white peaches. Creamy, viscous texture with flavors of lemons, white stone fruit, baking spices and a touch of minerals. Toasty. Long finish with bright acidity. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels for 9 months. 100% malolactic fermentation and aged “sur lie,” so this is rich, velvety and buttery/creamy. Food pairing – creamy pasta dishes, soups, roasted chicken, duck. Wine Spectator, 88 points, “Top Value California Chardonnay Values;” 12 bottles

Souverain Alexander Valley Merlot 2006 (California) Reg. $15.99, Sale $13.99 – Aromas of dark plums, currants, violets and cloves. Flavors of dark berries and baking spices. The tannins are fine-grained and soft. Juicy mouthfeel. Long, smooth finish. A little Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are blended with the Merlot to add weight and dark fruit. Aged 12 months in European and American oak, 39% of which was new oak. Food pairing – ribs, steak, lamb stew, hearty meals. Wine Spectator, 88 points; 12 bottles

Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $21.99, Sale $19.99 – Aromas of mocha, dark and red berries with flavors of black cherries, dark plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, vanilla and baking spices. Blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 1.5% Petite Sirah and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. Aged in 73% French oak barrels with the rest in Hungarian and American oak. Food pairing – beef, steak with blue cheese, mushroom dishes. 12 bottles

Chateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc 2008 (California) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.98 - Nice wine! Aromas and flavors of ripe melons, figs, lemon grass, Provencal herbs. Notes of pink grapefruit and lemon zest. Clean finish with good length. A little Viognier and Semillon are blended with the Sauvignon Blanc. 68% fermented in stainless steel 32% fermented in oak barrels and aged “sur lie.” Wine Spectator, 88 points, “Top California Values Under $20;” 24 bottles

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2008 (California) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.98 - Big, rich Chardonnay! Aromas of pears, mangos, cloves and vanilla. Flavors of tropical fruit, pineapple, lemon and melon. Medium-bodied. Creamy texture. Crisp finish. Aged 5 months “sur lie” in small oak barrels. 60% went through malolactic fermentation, so this is creamy and buttery, but not as much as the Souverain is. 24 bottles

Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2006 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.98 – Smooth Merlot!!! Rich! A crowd pleaser! Aromas of blackberries and lavender! Flavors of dark chocolate, plums and baking spices. Blended with a little Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aged 12 months in French (63%), American (34%) and Hungarian (3%) oak. About 50% of the oak was new. Food pairing – stews, beef, pasta dishes. 24 bottles

Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.98 - Great value Cabernet!!! Smooth and rich! Raspberries, currants, plums, black cherries, vanilla and toast in the glass! Soft texture. Not tannic. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Barrel aged for 15 months in French and American oak. Food pairing – beef, lamb, pork, mushrooms. Drinks well on its own. 24 bottles

Coolest Wine in a LONG time!

I taste a lot of wine.

Let me say that again....A LOT of wine!

This is cool! This is unique!

Pfeffingen Scheurebe Spätlese Ungsteiner Herrenberg 2006 (Germany) Reg. $29.99, Sale $15.99

Deep yellow color. Rich texture. At the same time, it has this zesty, spritzy feel on the tongue......it kinda pops and zigs and zags!

Plus, just try pronouncing this! That's a riot!

How do you read this name?

Pfeffingen - the winery
Scheurebe - the grape
Spatlese - quality of the grape (really high)
Ungsteiner - name of the village (Ungstein; the "er" means of Ungstein)
Herrenberg - the vineyard

The color and richness come from, I think, the botrytis on the grapes.

What is botrytis? Well....it's a fungus....that sounds gross.....but, it is what makes so many wines in the world GREAT, rather than merely good!

This is rich and smooth and just wraps itself around your mouth and tongue. The aromas are intense and I just loved sitting and smelling this for a couple of hours. Mint, sage, black currants, white stone fruits (nectarines and peaches), grapefruit, tropical fruits such as green bananas. Scheurebe often has pink grapefruit and currant aromas and flavors and this does. It has a little bitter tartness in a good way - and this helps balance the wine's sweeter characteristics! This is lush and rich.

It's age for at least another 10-12 years!

I'm setting aside a few for myself!

Eric

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Wintertime Wine Deals

GREAT DEALS!

Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir 2004 (California) Reg. $35.99, Sale $19.99 - This Pinot has bright raspberry and cherry aromas, which are complimented by aromas and hints of vanilla, cinnamon, roasting coffee, chocolate and cedar. Good mid-palate weight and a silky finish make this wine a tactile joy as it melts away like chocolate in your mouth. While this wine has the suppleness to enjoy by itself, it excels when paired with food.

Gunderloch Rothenberg Nackenheim Riseling Spätlese 2005 (Germany) Reg. $40, Sale $19.99 - An intense Spätlese, exhibiting a piercing smoke and herb scent backed by apricot and pineapple flavors. Rich yet elegant, with well-integrated acidity and a mouth-watering finish. Drink now through 2018. 400 cases imported. Wine Spectator, 93 points

Hope Estate Hunter Valley Chardonnay (Australia) Reg. $12.99, Sale $7.99 –Ripe nectarine, melon,peach and pineapple fruit characters with nutty, creamy butterscotch characters. The buttery, oaky complexity is balanced by the flinty, citrus finish. Rich depth of stonefruit flavours are balanced by the fresh citrus and melon. The fruit integrates with the creamy oak to achieve a complex and full mouthfeel with persistent flavours and a very long, crisp, refreshing finish.

Leeuwine Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Australia) Reg. $45.99, Sale $24.99 – The outstanding 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series boasts spicy, subtle French oak, cedar, spice box, black currant aromas and flavors gently touched by licorice and herbs. This attractive, medium-bodied Cabernet exhibits layers of richness, a graceful, restrained personality, decent acidity, noticeable but sweet tannin, and a long finish. Enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2005-2015. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91+ points

Leeuwine Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005 (Australia) Reg. $89.99, Sale $19.99 - A little mute to begin of the nose but soon opens out to some very pretty floral and tropical fruit aromas: jasmine, pineapple, guava and some spicy oak plus faint hints of chalk dust and white pepper, with some coaxing. The palate is rich and ripe with a full body of concentrated fruit, and a decent backbone of medium to high acidity to balance. Long tropical finish. Drink now to 2015. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Leeuwine Estate Art Series Riesling 2006 (Australia) Reg. $21.99, Sale $13.99 - The light straw-colored 2006 Riesling “Art Series” exhibits a bouquet of mineral, spring flowers, and lemon-lime. This leads to a dry, crisp wine with plenty of citrus fruit, ripe flavors, excellent concentration, and a lengthy finish. Although it can be enjoyed now, particularly with raw bar, it will evolve for up to a decade in the manner of a top Mosel Riesling. Drink through 2017. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Leeuwine Estate Prelude Cabernet Merlot 2003 (Australia) Reg. $33.99, Sale $12.99 - Bright red. Peppery, herb-accented cherry and redcurrant aromas strongly suggest Bordeaux; this doesn't smell like it's from a superripe vintage. Taut, light red berry and plum flavors are nicely focused and zesty, with fine-grained tannins adding structure. Finishes bright and crisp, with very good persistence and a lingering note of cherry pit. Nice balance here. Stephan Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points

Leeuwine Estate Prelude Chardonnay 2006 (Australia) Reg. $33.99, Sale $12.99 - The 2006 Chardonnay Prelude Vineyard was barrel-fermented and aged in one-third new French oak. Medium straw-colored, it offers up an alluring bouquet of buttered toast, spiced apple, and tropical notes. Crisp and refreshing on the palate, it has superior depth, ripe flavors of pineapple and mango, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next four years (2009-2013). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Milz 180° Riesling (Germany) Reg. $17.99, Sale $8.99 – The Mosel River makes one of its famed 180° turns around the pretty village of Trittenheim, where the Milz family has been making wine since 1520. With only 18 grams of sugar, this Riesling is neither dry nor sweet. It has racy acidity and nice minerality. Aromas and flavors of pears and citrus balance the minerals.

Patz & Hall Durrell Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $44.99, Sale $24.99 - Good medium yellow. Lemon drop, orange, clove and minerals on the nose, complicated by a musky flinty, smoky character. Glyceral in the mouth, with fruit-driven flavors of pineapple, lemon custard and stone fruits. A bit more complex and deep than the Napa Valley bottling. Stephan Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points

Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $24.99, Sale $9.99 - Deep ruby. Sexy, expressive red and dark berry aromas are brightened by floral and mineral nuances. Very sweet on entry but the raspberry and cassis flavors are nicely enlivened by zesty acidity and a hint of orange peel. Crisp berry skin tones define the long, juicy finish, which leaves a lingering note of fresh raspberry. This boasts impressive depth and purity, especially at this price. Drink now-2015. Stephan Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points; Wine Spectator, 90 points.

Pfeffingen Scheurebe Spätlese Ungsteiner Herrenberg 2006 (Germany) Reg. $29.99, Sale $15.99 - Harvested only three days later than the feinherb rendition, the Pfeffingen 2006 Ungsteiner Herrenberg Scheurebe Spatlese reflects a very different state of ripeness as well as the rapid onset of botrytis. Redolent of mint candy, sage flower, black currant, nectarine, pink grapefruit and banana, its veritable bowl full of fruits on the palate prominently features those classic Scheurebe markers pink grapefruit and cassis. Suggestions of grapefruit rind and berry skin invigorate, while lending counterpoint to the wine’s sweetness. This gaudy, lush and luscious Scheurebe should be capable of entertaining you over the coming 12-15 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Renwood Fiddletown Zinfandel 2005 (California) Reg. $26.99, Sale $16.99 - A genuine Zinfandel, intense and appealingly rustic. Wild berry, dusty clay and fresh licorice aromas, with tart, minerally boysenberry and smoky pepper flavors. The tannins suggest there's no hurry. Best from 2009 through 2012. 2,573 cases made. Wine Spectator, 90 points

Salentein Pinot Noir 2003 (Argentina) Reg. $22.99, Sale $9.99 - The medium ruby-colored 2003 Pinot Noir Reserva offers an alluring nose of raspberry, cherry, and rose petal. This leads to a velvety-textured wine with ripe flavors, good depth, and enough structure to last for several more years. Excellent; supple, rich and full bodied; a wine with intense fruitiness (plum, cherry), and layers of oak character (toast, smoke, cedar). Very long finish.

Sileni Pinot Noir 2006 (New Zealand) Reg. $21.99, Sale $9.99 - This ripe, deeply coloured food wine has concentrated black cherry aromas which follow through to the palate where dark berry flavours are supported by soft tannins. Perfect for early drinking but capable of cellaring for up to 6 years.

Tintara Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $21.99, Sale $9.99 - Smooth and velvety, with an attractive range of plum, red berry and mint flavors mingling well and lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 12,000 cases imported. Wine Spectator, 89 points

Trefethen Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $17.99, Sale $9.99 - Liquid sunlight” in the glass, this Chardonnay has aromas of poached pear, lemon cream, toasted brioche, and bright white honeysuckle. A full, viscous mouth is balanced by classic Trefethen fruit – bright and crisp pear and lemon. A little vanilla, butterscotch, and cooking herbs linger in the background and tickle the tongue during a nice, long finish. In 1979, Trefethen 1976 Chardonnay was named “Best Chardonnay in the World” at the Gault Millau World Wine Olympics in France. This is a half-bottle!

January Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Wine Tasting!

Friday, Jan. 15th 3:30-7:30pm

Yes, the 3rd Friday of the month is this week!

All wine tastings in the store are FREE!

10% savings on all the tasting wines during the tasting! Or the week after!

The descriptions of the wines are below!

Dueling distributors - I like this theme! Also, having 2 tables seems to get people moving around the room so that each table is less crowded! The distributors - Mariner Beverages and Wicked Wines! We wish we could do wine AND beer at this tasting (both of these distributors have stellar beer line-ups), but that isn't allowed! Please write your legislator(s)!

We hope to see you Friday!

The Wines:

Mariner's Wines

The Whites:

Ochoa Blanco 2008 (Spain) $11.99 - Clean, pretty wine! This has nice floral and citrus aromas and flavors. Nice acidity and a clean finish. 70% Viura and 30% Chardonnay. Unoaked. From Navarra in Northern Spain. Family-owned. 100% estate-grown fruit. Food pairing - chicken, fish and lighter pasta dishes, spicy Asian food and salads.

Twisted Oak Viognier 2007 (California) $19.99 - This is a big, fuller-bodied Viognier from Calaveras County (yes, that Calaveras County, Jumping Frog, Mark Twain). Like Viognier should, this has floral aromas and then the apricot and lemon citrus take over. In flavors, the lemon and apricots are there with a bit of spice and minerals. Blend of Viognier from 4 vineyards. Grapes are destemmed. 35% fermented in older French oak, 10% in newer French oak and 55% in stainless steel. Fermented on the lees. Then the entire wine is blended and aged 6 months in neutral French oak. Food pairing - grilled chicken, Asian dishes, soft creamy cheese.

The Reds:

Petraio Primitivo di Puglia 2008 (Italy) $9.99 - The Primitivo grape is grown in Puglia and is a close relative of Zinfandel. Both Primitivo and Zinfandel are related to the Croatian grape Crljenak. Zinfandel is identical to Crljenak, while Primitivo is a clone of Crljenak. Primitivos are generally lighter than Zinfandels and lower in alcohol, which, in my opinion is a good thing and helps the wine better pair with food! Aromas and flavors of raspberries, chalk, blackberries, a little spice and earth. This has soft tannins. Food pairing - pasta with red sauce or pizza.

Bodegas Ochoa Graciano Garnacha 2006 (Spain) $14.99 - The 2006 Ochoa Graciano-Garnacha (a 50-50 blend) spent four months in seasoned French oak. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with enticing aromas damp earth, black cherry, and black raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with a touch of silky tannin, good depth, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next four years. From Navarra in Northern Spain. Family-owned. 100% estate-grown fruit. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Trentadue Old Patch Red 2005 (California) $14.99 - We were among the 1st in Maine to sell this wine when it first arrived 3-4 years ago. Then it changed hands from one distributor to another and we dropped it b/c the price went way up! Now, it's at a 3rd distributor and the price is back to what it was and should be! This is a big, flavorful wine, but it is still soft and easy-to-drink! Loads of raspberry, blackberry, plum, blueberry, mint, chocolate and vanilla aromas. Flavors of cherries and plums and a touch of spice. Well-balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins. Yummy, smooth finish. Blend of mostly Zinfandel, with some Petite Sirah & Carignane. Less than 10,000 cases made. Paul Draper, of fame Ridge Winery, thinks so highly of this winery and its vineyards that since 1967, ALL of the grapes for its reknowned Geyserville wine has come from Trentadue's vineyards. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - Great for quaffing...and with food off the grill!

Herman Story "On the Road" Grenache 2007 (California) $39.99 - This is a hedonistic, massive wine! Did I say this is HUGE? Aromas and flavors of white pepper, licorice, baking spices, chocolate, and cherries. Big, full-flavored finish. 398 cases made. 30% whole cluster fermentation. 30% new French oak for 16 months. Vineyards are 50% Santa Barbara Highlands, 36% Larner Vineyard and 14% West Paso Robles. This will easily age through 2015. Russell From is a one-man operation. Herman Story is his grandfather. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93 points

The Dessert:

Quinta Santa Eufemia Tawny Port (Portugal) $18.99 - nutty, toasty and caramelly. Smooth. Perfect for a cold winter's night!

Wicked's Wines

The Whites:

Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (California) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Outstanding Sauvignon Blanc! Aromas of minerals, smoke, orange citrus, flowers, anise and white flowers. Flavors that are similar to the aromas with the addition of stone fruits (peaches and apricots) and more citrus (lemon and lime). This has a nice round feel in the mouth and finishes clean and crisp. Aged 4-6 months in stainless steel. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 7, 600 cases made. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - seafood, lighter chicken dishes, lobster, shellfish, drinks well on its own. California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, Silver Medal

Grayson Cellars Chardonnay 2008 (California) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - This is a really good, "California" style Chardonnay. It has a soft, round feeling. Nice weight in the mouth. Really good aromas & flavors of apples, pears, vanilla & spice. Crisp fruit up front & a really creamy, clean finish. Restrained use of oak, so while this is "oaky," it's not overdone. Food pairing - chicken, duck, lobster (if you want to compliment the butter and richness, rather than "cut" through it), pasta dishes, etc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points, "Top Value" (5th year in a row!)

The Reds:

Luigi Bosca Reserva Pinot Noir 2007 (Argentina) $16.99 - Luigi Bosca is one of our favorite Argentine wineries - each of their wines is superb AND are great values. Aromas of raspberries, strawberries and chocolate. Velvety-textured. Bright, fresh fruit flavors and soft tannins. Delicious! Drink now through 2012. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak for 8 months. Food pairing - poultry, salmon, mushroom dishes, soft cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2007 (California) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Excellent "field" blend from California! 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 agriculture. Food pairing - almost anything you want to grill! Pizza. Lasagna. Stews. Chili. California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, Silver Medal

90+ Cellars "Lot #9" Australian Fusion 2007 (Australia) Reg. $19.99, Sale $13.99 - another winner from the 90+ Cellars line-up. If you aren't familiar with this "brand," they buy wines rated 90+ points from wineries around the world at a discount and sell them under their own label. You ask, "Why couldn't a winery sell ALL of a 90+ rated wine?" We have a global recession - that's why. So....the wine: from McClaren Vale....this is a Bordeaux blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, mint and savory herbs. Long finish. Firm tannins. Aged in French oak for 14 months. Food pairing - steak, lamb, stews.

Indomita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Chile) $14.99 - Big, rich, smooth Cabernet! Great tasting and a great value! This is full-bodied with aromas and flavors of red berries, currants and butterscotch. Well-balanced. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in new (1st use) French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels for 13 months. Food pairing - lamb, beef, chocolate.

The Dessert:

Chocovine $13.99 - Dutch Chocolate with Cabernet Sauvignon! If you like Bailey's Irish Cream, give this a shot! Tastes like rich chocolate with a kick! Rich, dark chocolate from Holland blended with good Cabernet Sauvignon from France. Rich and chocolaty with subtle red wine flavors. Drink over ice or use it to make a chocolate martini! Or, come up with your own drink! That's the line-up. We hope to see you Friday! If you want any of these wines and won't be here Friday, just let us know via phone or e-mail!