May 27, 2010

Memorial Day 6-pack/12-pack

Memorial Day Weekend
6-pack/12-pack

The 6-pack: Reg. $98.94, Sale $72.94....take another 5% off for the 6-pack and it's $69.29....save 30%!

The Whites:

Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $16.99, Sale $12.99 – Classic style of California Sauvignon Blanc – this is zesty, juicy, bright and fresh. It has those lemon-lime and tropical fruit aromas and flavors that are so typical of CA Sauv. Blanc! As the wine opens up you get a bit of grapefruit and white peaches. This is crisp and clean. Food pairing – grilled shrimp, fish and chips, pasta primavera.

Legitimo Joven Cariñena 2009 (Spain) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99
– this is a great warm weather white – it’s zippy, crisp, clean and has a long, crisp finish! 100% Macabeo (one of the grapes used to make Spanish Cavas, the Spanish version of Champagne). Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing – salads, light dishes, shellfish. Joven means young (as in this is a drink young wine). Brand-new to Maine! We just tasted this on Thursday and loved it!

The Reds:

Milbrandt Vineyards “Legacy” Merlot 2005 (Washington) Reg. $26.99, Sale $14.99
– This is Merlot as it should be – rich, big and velvety! Aromas and flavors of dark berries, black currants, cedar and leather. Great red berry fruit on the finish. This is smooth and tasty! Blend of Merlot (77.5%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19.5%) and Petite Verdot (3%). The Petit Verdot and Cabernet add weight and body to the wine. Food pairing – roasted chicken or duck, steak, chicken marsala, mushroom dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 89 points

Legitimo Joven Cariñena Grenache Blend 2009 (Spain) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99
This is a juicy, soft red with lots of red fruit in the aromas and flavors! The tannins are soft and don’t dry out your mouth, but they do add depth to the wine. Blend of Grenache (60%), Tempranillo (30% and Carignan (10%). Food pairing – anytime you are grilling or baking a pizza! Joven means young (as in this is a drink young wine). Brand-new to Maine! We just tasted this today and loved it!

Domaine Paul Ponnelle Pinot Noir 2008 (France) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99
- Nice combination of “Old World” earth and a little funk and “New World” cherry fruit! This is smooth and tastes great! Aromas and flavors of cherries, raspberries and a little earth. The finish is clean and has nice length. 100% Pinot Noir from the Languedoc in southern France. Food Pairing – poultry, meat and pasta dishes. Mushroom dishes. Harder cheeses such as Piave Vecchio.

Fattoria Capannacce Rosso della Maremma Toscana Super Tuscan 2005 (Italy) Reg. $21.99, Sale $14.99
- Fabulous, big & bold Super Tuscan! Aromas and flavors of cherries, blackberries, cedar, toasted baking spices, mocha and licorice. This is rich and lush. Long finish. This area of Tuscany is considered its "Wild West." It is rugged, arid, lightly populated and its people have an independent spirit. The winemaker, Alberto Porta, is called the “happiest man alive.” 80% Sangiovese, 10% Syrah, 5% Canaiolo & 5% Grenache. The entire estate only makes 4,000 cases. Organic farming. Food pairing - grilled meats of any kind, roasted lamb or beef, rich mushroom dishes. I like this by itself, but I like really big wines without food!


The 12-pack: Reg. $167.88, Sale $137.88....take off another 10% for the 12-pack and it's $127.74....save 24%!!!

The Whites:

Broadbent Vinho Verde 2009 (Portugal) $10.99 - Wonderful wine for the hot days of summer! Delicious, easy to drink, fresh, crisp, light! Slightly spritzy – you really won't notice bubbles in the glass, but you will notice it in the mouth. Clean, good citrus (lime) aromas and flavors. Well-balanced. Many in Portugal refer to Vinho Verde as "mother's milk" - traditionally low in alcohol & meant to be consumed young & fresh....This wine is 9% alcohol - most whites & reds are 12-13.5% alcohol. Food pairing - Great with shellfish, fish and lighter poultry dishes. Great for just drinking!

Vientos del Sur Viognier 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - Delicious summertime wine! Aromas and flavors of flowers, orange blossoms, peaches, apricots, tropical fruits and minerals. Crisp lively texture! Medium-bodied. Nice acidity that makes the wine crisp at the finish. 100% Viognier. Aged in stainless steel. Food pairing – Viognier is perfect when your food-worlds collide! Curry basil, lobster with a mango sauce! Most any spicy food. Great with seafood and salads. Drinks well without food.

The Rosé:

Legitimo Joven Cariñena Grenache Rosé 2009 (Spain) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99
– Generally, I’m really biased towards French rosés, so why am I hot for this Spanish one? It reminds me of a Provencal rosé and it’s at such a great price! Food pairing – grilled chicken, salmon, salad nicoise! Sitting on the deck in the sun! Joven means young (as in, this is a drink young wine). Brand-new to Maine! We just tried this today and loved it!

The Reds:

Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California) $10.99
– This is a big, rich, smooth Cabernet! It’s also closed with the ZORK! No tools needed to open this – so, it’s perfect for a picnic, boat, outdoor concert or whenever! This is deep and dark in color. Aromas of dark cherries, cedar, vanilla and earth. This has flavors of figs, black currants, dark chocolate, mocha and blueberries. Food pairing – burgers, mushroom risotto, grilled steak. Drinks great with or without food.

Enrique Foster “IQUE” Malbec 2008 (Argentina) $12.99 – This is fresh, vibrant and loaded with fruit! Aromas and flavors of fresh red berries and white pepper. This has soft tannins and a smooth finish. 100% estate-grown Malbec from 30 year-old vines in Mendoza. Hand-harvested. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairings - meat, pasta and cheese.

Petraio Primitivo 2008 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $10.99, Reg. $8.99 - Great tasting wine at a song of a price! Aromas and flavors of raspberries, chalk, blackberries, a little spice and earth. This has soft tannins. This grape is grown in Puglia & is a close relative of Zinfandel. Both Primitivo & 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! Food pairing - pasta with red sauce or pizza.

North Carolina Barbecue - East vs. West

Being from North Carolina, I'm a big fan of barbecue.

Barbecue is a noun. It's not a verb. One doesn't "barbecue" meat.....one eats barbecue.

Barbecue is also not chicken or beef or lamb or goat. Barbecue is pork. And, barbecue is cooked over wood......slowly.

If you have any questions, please ask for my copy of "Holy Smoke," it's the bible of North Carolina Barbecue. Or, consult with the North Carolina Barbecue Society.

Now, in North Carolina we have our adherents to Eastern 'Cue and believers in Western 'Cue.

What's the difference?

In Eastern North Carolina, barbecue is a whole pig cooked over wood. The sauce is vinegar-based. No tomatoes!

In Western North Carolina, they tend to cook pork shoulders. They also tend to use gas fires. And, the sauce (those heathens), is tomato-based. Really, it's ketchup-based.

Eastern Sauce
  • 1 gallon cider vinegar
  • 1 1/3 cups crushed red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar (optional, but common today)
  • Combine, heat and simmer for a few minutes. Then let it sit for at least 4 hours. No need to put this in the fridge.

Western Sauce

  • 3 quarts white vinegar
  • 1 quart water
  • 5 1/3 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cayenne
  • 4 teaspoons black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons
  • Combine and simmer for 15 minutes and bring it to a boil. Then cool.

Wine Spectator #5 Wine in 2009! 96 points!

Wine Spectator #5 Wine in 2009!

96 points!

Castello di Brolio Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico 2006 (Italy) $59.99
– only 15 cases came into the state and they are going fast! When they are gone, the wine is gone for this vintage.

This is both a big wine and an elegant one. Aromas and flavors of chocolate, baking spices, coffee, earth, blackberries, crushed red berries, vanilla and black licorice. Full-bodied wine with fine, fine tannins. Long, lingering finish that keeps delivering more and more flavors!

The Ricasoli family has been making wine in Chianti Classico for centuries. In 1872, Baron Bettino Ricasoli penned the original formula for making the delicate reds of this Tuscan wine area.

Barone Ricasoli is one of the largest producers of Chianti Classico and the family has a long history of making wine in Tuscany (back to the 13th century). In the early ‘70’s the family sold the winery to Seagram’s…..who then sold it to Hardy’s of Australia. Production sky-rocketed and quality dropped.

In 1993, the Ricasolis were able to repurchase the family property and Francesco Ricasoli set about restoring a famed winery (when the family sold it, the winery was regarded as the Lafite of Tuscany). He reduced production from a staggering 9 million bottles to 2 million bottes. Instead of making 30 wines, they make 6. They’ve improved how the grapes are grown. They’ve improved the winemaking and today, the estate is again one of Tuscany’s best.

Aged 18 months in oak barriques, 2/3’s of which are new. Aged a year in the bottle before the wine release. Overwhelmingly Sangiovese with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot added to the wine. 2006 was a GREAT vintage in Chianti Classico – producing great, long-lived wines! 6,170 cases made. 15 cases came to Maine.

Wine Spectator, 96 points, #5, Top 100 Wines in 2009

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Great prices on some famed wines from California!

This is one of California’s “first-growth” wineries. Like many elite producers around the world, sales are slower and have been for a while….so, the winery has lowered its prices.

Stock is really limited on these 3 - These wines are available in limited quantities…..as in tiny amounts. I’ll try and get them for you, but I can’t promise.

Stag’s Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $192.99, Sale $127.99 – their flagship Cabernet. It’s 100% Cabernet from the FAY and S.L.V. vineyards.

Stag’s Leap FAY Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $91.99, Sale $60.99 – single vineyard Cabernet from the FAY Vineyard.

Stag’s Leap S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $106.99, Sale $67.99 – from their original vineyard, Stag’s Leap Vineyard.

Stock is better on these wines:

Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $51.99, Sale $39.99 – 92% Cabernet, 8% Merlot. Aged 18 months in French oak, 33% new barrels.

Stag’s Leap Merlot 2006 (California) Reg. $42.99, Sale $32.99 – 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 15 months in French oak, 25% new barrels.

Stag’s Leap Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $26.99 – Aged 8 ½ months “sur lies” in French oak, 25% new. 35% goes through malolactic fermentation, so this has a bit of that buttery creamy feel.

Stag’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $24.99, Sale $20.99 – Blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Sauvignon Musque and 5% Semillon. 69% is aged in barrels. This is a weightier Sauvignon Blanc than most.

If you want any of these wines, please let me know.

May 26, 2010

2 Great Deals on Washington State Wines

Great Deal on 2 Washington State Wines!

Reg. $26.99, Sale $14.99

We tasted these wines in 2008 when the wines first arrived in Maine and loved them! We just tried them again and they are still great!

The wines were first at Pine State Distributors and are now with SOPO (South Portland Wine Co.). Those 2 companies traded brands and SOPO has the Milbrandt Wines. Doug and Cat wanted to move these 2 wines out to make room for the newer vintages. So, they gave me a great deal and I’m passing the deal onto you!

Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted their first vineyard in 1997. In the ensuing decade, Milbrandt Vineyards earned a reputation for growing some of Washington State's finest grapes. These grapes have found their way into many of Washington's most sought-after wines and the Milbrandt name and vineyards are featured on many prestigious labels. In 2005, the Milbrandt brothers decided it was time to make wine from their own vineyards. So, they hired away the winemaker, Gordon Hill, from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Gordon also helped legendary winemaker Jed Steele create and establish Northstar Wines. Northstar makes incredibly good Bordeaux-style wines from Washington.

Wine #1

Milbrandt Vineyards “The Estates” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Washington) Reg. $26.99, Sale $14.99
– The wine is a dark, rich color. It has aromas and flavors of blackberries, black currants, plums, vanilla and smoke. It has a nice spiciness. The tannins are soft and fine-grained. Smooth, rich wine that has a lush, full texture.

All the grapes for this wine come from the Wahluke Slope AVA (American Viticultural Region) in Eastern Washington, specifically from the Northridge and Clifton Hill Vineyards. Located midway between Seattle and Spokane it is bordered by the Columbia River to the southwest and Hanford Reach National Monument to the east. With its dry, temperate climate and porous, low-nutrient soils, the Wahluke Slope is gaining recognition as one of the finest AVAs in the state.

Blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec. The Petit Verdot and Malbec add color and body to the wine. 1,284 cases made.

Food pairing – steak, beef, lamb, etc. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points

Wine #2


Milbrandt Vineyards “Legacy” Merlot 2005 (Washington) Reg. $26.99, Sale $14.99
– This is Merlot as it should be – rich, big and velvety! Aromas and flavors of dark berries, black currants, cedar and leather. Great red berry fruit on the finish. This is smooth and tasty!

Blend of Merlot (77.5%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19.5%) and Petite Verdot (3%). The Petit Verdot and Cabernet add weight and body to the wine.

Food pairing – roasted chicken or duck, steak, chicken marsala, mushroom dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 89 points

If you want any of these wines, let me know soon. I only have 84 bottles of the Cab and 91 bottles of the Merlot.

May 20, 2010

May Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine
Wine & Cheese Tasting!
Friday, May 21st
3:30-7:30pm


We'll feature wines from a specialty importer of Italian wines - these guys are Italian and they know wine! The importer is Angelini Wines.

The Angelini brothers spent their childhood years in the farming village of San Lorenzo in Campo, within the Marche region of Italy (we will be tasting a Sangiovese from their family's winery). The family farm encompasses 200 acres of land with 5 specialized acres devoted to vineyards of Sangiovese, Vernaccia (Pergola Rosso) & Merlot.

The brothers moved to Connecticut in 1972; in 1986, they quit their engineering careers and created Angelini Wines with their longtime friend, Ron Plebiscito. They focus on authentic, good quality Italian wine from a range of very small to midsize wineries. They make frequent trips to Italy where they meet with each producer and visit the vineyards and wine cellars. This personal relationship with each producer helps them uncover and deliver excellent wines at great price!

All wine tastings in the store are FREE!

10% savings on all the tasting wines during the tasting! Or the week after! We'll also taste out a couple of cheeses. We hope to see you on Friday!

The Wines

Sparkling Wine

Carpene Malvolti Kerner Brut (Italy) $23.99- Delicious wine from a grape not that well-known in the US! Aromas of flowers, peaches and citrus. Flavors that show great minerality, acidity and tropical fruit. This has notes of almonds, as well. Long finish. This has Winery founded by Antonio Carpene in 1868 and run today by his great-grandson. Antonio corresponded frequently with great scientists, such as Pasteur, and he published many texts on the subject of winemaking. In 1873, at Conegliano, he created the first Oenology school in Italy. Carpene Malvolti helped pioneer the production of "method charmat," or sparkling wine, in large vats. 100% Kerner (a hybrid cross of Riesling and Schiava (a grape native to NE Italy). Food pairing - shellfish, vegetable dishes and aged cheeses. White Wines MontAsolo Pinot Grigio 2008 (Veneto, Italy) $8.99 - Great value in a good-tasting Pinot Grigio! Great choice for summer! Light, clean with refreshing citrus flavors and aromas. A hint of fresh bread in the aromas. The MontAsolo wines are produced by Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani, which was established in 1965. Montelliana is a cooperative of which the 1,100 members are the owners and supplier of the grapes. Food pairing - seafood, poultry, salads and lighter soups.

Rosé Wine

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2009 (France) $12.99 - Delicious! It's strawberry-peach in color, dry, crisp and clean, offering aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, peach and citrus. Light/medium in body, it is a nicely balanced, versatile food wine, great for summer! Refreshing! Food pairing - fish chowder, turkey sandwiches, steamers and fruit salads.

White Wine

MontAsolo Pinot Grigio 2008 (Veneto, Italy) $8.99 – Great value in a good-tasting Pinot Grigio! Great choice for summer! Light, clean with refreshing citrus flavors and aromas. A hint of fresh bread in the aromas. The MontAsolo wines are produced by Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani, which was established in 1965. Montelliana is a cooperative of which the 1,100 members are the owners and supplier of the grapes. Food pairing – seafood, poultry, salads and lighter soups.

Palagetto Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008 (Tuscany, Italy) $14.99- This is a tasty, crisp, dry white. It has a spicy, floral aroma. It's smooth, medium-bodied & has almond notes in the finish - which is crisp and clean. This is earthy, has hints of freshly mown hay and lime citrus. Michelangelo once described Vernaccia as a wine that, "tickles, licks, bites and stings..." Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Goes well with fish, shellfish, white meats and antipasti dishes. Drinks well on its own, but this is better as a food wine!

Livon Braide Grande Vineyard Pinot Grigio Südtirol - Alto Adige 2006 (Italy) $25.99 - Great wine! Weightier than most Pinot Grigios. Velvety soft in the mouth. Aromas and flavors of baking spices, almonds and flowers! This is elegant with great structure and complexity. 100% Pinot Grigio. 30% is aged in French oak (Alliers) for 8 months and then aged 4 months in the bottle. Single vineyard. Sustainable agriculture. This will age well for 6-10 years. 1,800 cases made. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish and grilled white meats. Red Wines Laimburg Province Winery Lago di Caldaro Scelto Classico Superiore "Olleiten" 2007 - This is a bright, fresh red wine. It's delicate and elegant. Aromas of cherries and almonds. Flavors of lighter red fruit (cherries, raspberries, etc.). 100% Schiava. Aged 4 months in stainless steel. In 1975, the province of South Tyrol (a.k.a.; Alto Adige) created the Laimburg Research Center and this winery. Its purpose is to experiment with different grapes and wine making styles throughout the province, especially native varietals such as Schiava. Unfortunately, production of Schiava is shrinking as the wine world chases big, darker, heavier wines with high Parker scores. Food pairing - lighter dishes; chicken, mushroom risotto; Speck - the Tyrolean ham/bacon. Drink lightly chilled - about 57 degrees.

Red Wines

Laimburg Province Winery Lago di Caldaro Scelto Classico Superiore "Olleiten" 2007 - This is a bright, fresh red wine. It’s delicate and elegant. Aromas of cherries and almonds. Flavors of lighter red fruit (cherries, raspberries, etc.). 100% Schiava. Aged 4 months in stainless steel. In 1975, the province of South Tyrol (a.k.a.; Alto Adige) created the Laimburg Research Center and this winery. Its purpose is to experiment with different grapes and wine making styles throughout the province, especially native varietals such as Schiava. Unfortunately, production of Schiava is shrinking as the wine world chases big, darker, heavier wines with high Parker scores. Food pairing – lighter dishes; chicken, mushroom risotto; Speck – the Tyrolean ham/bacon. Drink lightly chilled – about 57 degrees.

Piazzo Barbera 2007 (Piedmont) $10.99 - This Barbera is 50% from Alba and 50% from Asti - so, it is generally a greater value than most Barbera's from either area! The winery only produces this wine in better years. This has aromas of roses, blackberries and a hint of oak. The flavors show baking spices and red and dark tannins. This has firm tannins that are not dominating. 100% Barbera. Aged 6 months in small oak barrels with another 6 months of bottle aging. 1,500 cases made. Food pairing - hearty dishes, aged cheeses. The "Azienda Agricola Piazzo" has been a supplier of grapes for some of the greatest wine makers of Piedmont. Today the estate has more than 70 hectares (172 acres) of vineyard, some surrounding the winery located on the border between Alba and the village of Treiso, and others in Novello in the Barolo growing area, and Mango on the hills of Moscato. The Barbera grape probably originated in the hills of Monferato, and is a local favorite of the people of Piedmont.

Il Palagetto Chianti Colli Senesi 2007 (Tuscany) $14.99 - Chianti is divided into 7 growing regions; Classico is one, Colli Senesi is another. Senesi is near Siena. This is a rich Chianti - it's spicy with intense aromas and flavors of earth, cherries and raspberries, cocoa and coffee. Long finish with good acidity. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Colorino (the Colorino adds color and the Merlot softens the wine). Aged in French oak for 12 months and aged another 3 months in the bottle. The Niccolai family founded this farm and winery in 1991. Today it encompasses 200 acres in Tuscany. Aside from growing grapes and making wine, they produce olive oil, honey and saffron. Food pairing - Pasta with red meat sauces, red meat dishes and wild game; also good with less mature cheeses.

Angelini Estate Sangiovese Colli Pesaresi 2006 (Marche) $17.99 - Delicious, smooth, rich wine! This is spicy with hints of cherries and cedar. The fruit is more of a "stewed" styple with black currants and other dark fruit dominating. This is a 3rd generation family winery in Marche, which is on the Adriatic side of Italy, about level with Tuscany. They grow 7.5 acres of vines on their 200 acre farm - they primarily grow Sangiovese, Pergola Rosso and Merlot. They use larger barrels rather than barriques to reduce the impact the oak has on the wine. They farm sustainably. 100% Sangiovese. Aged 12 months in large oak barrels (new). 600 cases made. This will age for another 10 years. Food pairing - pasta with tomato and meat sauces, roasts and cheeses.

Il Palagetto Sottobosco "Super Tuscan" 2005 (Tuscany) Reg. $31.99, Sale $27.99- This has aromas of spice, smoke, blackcurrants.....Flavors of ripe dark fruits (blackberries), vanilla and toasted oak. This is rich and mouth-filling. Blend of 80% Sangiovese (from Montalcino, as in Brunello), 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. Aged 16 months in French oak barriques and another 12 months in the bottle. This will age well for at least another 5 years or so. 575 cases made. Food pairing - beef, polenta, rich stews, lamb and mature Pecorino cheeses.

That's the line-up.

We hope to see you Friday!

May 7, 2010

Mother's Day 6-pack/12-pack

Here’s how the 6-pack/12-pack works…..we put together a grouping of wines…..and drop the prices a little…

Send an e-mail back (or call – 869-4048) and we’ll put these in a box for you!

If you want to substitute any wine (i.e.; get 2 or more of any wine, just let us know).

One of the wines in the 6-pack, the Mas Carlot “Les Enfants Terribles” translates, “The terrible children,” which is a comment about the troublesome vines in one of the vineyards.

The 6-pack: Reg. Price $84.94, take 5% off the lowest price and it’s $77.84!

The White Wines:

Le Brujo Macabeo Calatayud 2009 (Spain) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99
- Bewitchingly good! If you have guests, buy 2 bottles….they’ll disappear like magic! Just a wonderful wine to drink! Medium-bodied, crisp, zesty, clean and fresh! Great aromas of citrus and tropical fruit and a little minerals. Unoaked…well-balanced fruit and acidity. Long, pleasing, juicy finish. 100% Macabeo – this is one of the grapes used to make Spanish Cava. The grapes are grown high in the mountains. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing - Great with grilled or broiled fish, chicken, cheese and as a party wine! Drinks great with or without food!

Oveja Negra Chardonnay Viognier 2008 (Chile) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99 - This is YUMMY!!! Huge hit at a wine tasting! Bright, fresh yellow stone (peach & apricot) fruit aromas. Just a subtle hint of oak. Rich, soft & mouthfilling. Crisp, well-balanced acidity that brings this alive! Flavors of tropical fruits (melon & pineapple), peaches, Granny Smith apples. 70% Chardonnay & 30% Viognier. The Viognier & Chardonnay are fermented separately, the Viognier on lees & in oak - adding richness to the wine. Food pairing - fresh scallops, shrimp, lighter fish, mussels in Thai coconut curry sauce, ham, roasted chicken, cream soups such as potato-and-leek, crab cakes.

The Red Wines:

Le Brujo Garnacha Calatayud D.O. 2008 (Spain) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99
- Smooth, spicy and easy! This will cast a spell on you! Wonderful berry fruit flavors and aromas with a nice hit of peppery spice. Soft tannins. Nice fruit. Clean and smooth finish! 100% Grenache. Old vine grapes (50 years). Stainless steel fermentation and aging. 7,500 cases made. Organic farming. Food pairing – Grilled chicken or pork. Pizza. Tomato sauce dishes! Drinks great with or without food!

Mas Carlot “Les Enfants Terribles” Costières de Nimes Syrah & Mourvèdre 2008 (France) $15.99 - I LOVE this! Complex, robust, tasty! Aromas & flavors of rocky, mineral soil, leather, dark berries, dark plums, black cherries, anise, earth, smoke. Layers & layers - that's probably why it speaks to me so! Everything is well-put-together. Well-balanced. Medium-to-full-bodied. This screams & defines "terroir" - that sense of place that we think wine should have! Half is aged in new oak. Will drink well thru 2012. Food pairing - lamb with rosemary, beef, rich mushroom dishes, etc.

d’Arenberg “d’Arry’s” Original Grenache Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $19.99, Sale $17.99 - This is a wonderful Aussie blend…Great wine! A tremendous hit at a tasting! The original d’Arenberg wine! This is a tasty, big, chewy Côtes-du-Rhone style blend. Dark red. Aromas of red berries, cherries, spices, pepper and mint. Notes of earth & smoke. Blend of equal parts Grenache and Shiraz. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. Family-owned winery since 1912. Food pairing - Serve with grilled or roasted meats, rich mushroom dishes, and mature cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva 2005 (Sardinia, Italy) $14.99
- We had this wine with dinner & loved it! I took it to a private wine tasting and it was the hit of the night! Rich, complex, enjoyable. Beautiful, pale, translucent color. Rich aromas of violets, red berries and more. Good fruit (cherries, red berries). Good spice. Medium-bodied. Nice long finish. Can’t say enough about this wine! We had a great halibut dish & a rich seafood stew (spicy Italian version of bouillabaisse). Cannonau is Sardinia’s primary red grape – in France it is Grenache. Food pairing - Goes great with rich foods, red meats and flavorful cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

The 12-pack (this includes all the wines from the 6-pack):

The White Wines:

Terredora Dipaolo Falanghina Irpina 2009 (Italy) $14.99
- This is a tasty, great-valued wine! Medium-to-full body. Aromas of peaches and apples and minerals. Flavors of honey, minerals, lemon and apples. Wonderful, pleasing crisp finish. This is from the Vesuvius area – and the volcanic soil really shows in the minerality of this wine. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. This is aged on lees to add body. Food pairing - Great with soups, seafood, lighter poultry dishes, etc. Fresh goat cheese. Mozzarella.

Domaine Henri Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc “Petit Bourgeois” 2008 (Loire, France) $14.99 - Beautiful, beautiful TASTY wine! This winery makes superb Sancerre – this is not from their Sancerre vineyards. Think of this as a “baby” Sancerre & with Sancerre prices sky-rocketing, you must try this! It's a touch softer & lighter than Sancerre, but, it is oh-so-close! Dry, crisp, good citrus nose & fruit. Nice finish. Nice minerality. Just a well-balanced, enjoyable wine to drink. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from old vines & fermented in stainless steel. Food pairing - Perfect with lobster, as well as most seafood and lighter dishes. Great with fresh goat cheese!

The Red Wines:

Thunder Stone Zinfandel 2005 (California) $14.99
– Made in California by and for a Mainer! This is a ripe and spicy Zinfandel! Lots of dark fruit and peppery spice. Shows some vanilla and toast from the oak aging. Food pairing – when you’re grilling, this should be your wine!

Michele Satta “Bolgheri Rosso” Super Tuscan 2007 (Italy) Reg. $26.99, Sale $19.99 - This is a fresh, bright and delicious red! This has those classic Tuscan flavors of ripe cherries and raspberries with Provencal/Tuscan herbs and spices. The tannins are well-integrated & have softened with the barrel & bottle aging. Blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 10% Teroldego (this last one is a grape that originally was grown in NE Italy). Aged in oak barriques for 12 months and then in the bottle for 6 months before release. This will drink well through 2012. 5,500 cases made. Food pairing - lamb, steak, mushroom risotto and more. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Wall Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) $14.99 – If you’ve thought really good Napa Cabernet prices have gone crazy, you are mostly right! Try this – it’s a steal! This has all of the classic Napa Cab aromas and flavors! Black cherry, blackberries, vanilla, smoke, herbs and more! The tannins are smooth and the finish is peppery. This is more restrained and nuanced than many Napa Cabs – and that is a good thing! Food pairing – steak, lamb, grilled meats, etc. Drinks great without food as well!

Écluse Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee (Paso Rables, California) $18.99 – Steve and Pam Lock founded this winery in 1997. The name, Écluse, is French for lock, the locks that are in canals. An eclectic blend of some of the best Paso Robles reds, Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvée is delicious, approachable and affordable! This is a big, robust wine. Lots of wild berries, brambly fruit, mocha and pepper. Not for the faint of heart. Barrel aged from 14 to 30 months, this complex wine is a perfect "companion" with meals. Blend of Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. A portion of the sales of this wine go to support “Dogs for the Deaf.”