Robert Kacher Wine Dinner

Robert Kacher Wine Dinner

Friday, Nov. 12, 2010
6:00PM

Havana South

50 Wharf Street

Portland

Reservations are required.
(207) 772-9988

No ifs, ands or buts.....a good, no a GREAT, importer is key to finding good and great wines you have never tried before.....especially wines at great prices! Bobby Kacher is one of the best importers in the business.

Bobby will be coming to Maine for one special evening at Havana South. Bobby is one of the foremost importers of wine in the United States. He's one of the best in the business. In the wine world, he's an icon.

The bulk of the wines in Bobby's portfolio are made from grapes that are farmed organically.

"The strip label indicating a bottle of wine is a Robert Kacher Selection has become as close to a guarantee of high quality as consumers are likely to find."

-Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

The Dinner
The Wines

6 wines - 5 Courses paired by Havana's chef

$69.00 per person plus tax and gratuity

An evening to remember and an opportunity to meet one of the top importers of French wine.

Wines listed below. We are missing one wine and I will up-date that as soon as I know the 6th wine.

The Sparkling:

• Betrand Ambrosie Crémant de Bourgogne NV (Burgundy) $27.99 - This wine estate dates to the late 1700's. It's just north of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Family-owned and family-worked. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay (it's a white wine). Hand-harvested grapes. Methode Champenoise. This is an elegant, tasty wine with citrus and floral aromas. It is round and smooth in the mouth with a long, clean, refreshing finish. Food pairing - great as a cocktail wine. This will also pair up nicely with a red berry dessert.

The Whites:

• Manciat Saint-Véran 2008 (Burgundy) $19.99 - Claude Manciat has long been recognized as one of the best winemakers in the Maconnais. Saint-Véran is in the heart of the Macon and is very close to the appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé. The vines for this wine average 47 years. Because of the age of the vines, the yield is about 35% lower than allowed in Saint-Véran, so Manciat gets great intensity of fruit (fewer grapes equals better grapes). Hand-harvested, which is rare in this region today. Aged in stainless steel and oak casks that range from new to 3rd usage. Aromas and flavors of pears and apples. Nice minerality. Spicy, creamy finish. Bobby Kacher has imported Claude and Simone's wines for over 25 years!

The Reds:

• André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (Rhône) $42.99 - Brunel is the renowned producer of the famed Les Cailloux wines. This is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. 75% of the fruit is destemmed. The Grenache is aged in large oak casks and stainless steel. The Mourvèdre and Syrah are aged in small 228-liter (300 bottle) barrels that are used once or twice.....so, this isn't oaky. This is ripe and loaded with cherry and blackberry fruit that is balanced with earth and baking spices. This is soft and supple and delicious.
• Château d'Or et de Gueules Cimel "Only Girls" Syrah 2008 (Costières-de-Nîmes) - Diane de Puymorin purchased the Domaine de la Petite Cassagne in 1998. She renamed the property after her family crest......d'Or (gold) et Gueules (red, in ancient French). This property is on the south/southeastern slopes of the Costières-de-Nîmes. The soil is rocky - the Rhône River deposited these rocks here centuries ago. "Only Girls" has the names of her daughters on the label - Chloé, Barbara, Charlotte, Clémence and Lucie. This is ripe and round and has rich tannins. A wine for meat!

The Dessert Wine:

• Mas Lavail "Maury" Grenache 2007 (Languedoc) - Nicolas Batlle (pronounced "buy") is a 5th generation winemaker and a young rockstar in Southern France! Along with his cousin, Lionel Lavail, he has created a fantastic new property. The vines are at least 80 years old. The soil is black schist (crappy soil for most things means good soil for great grapes!). Maury is a little town between the mountains of the Pyrenées and Corbières. This is a Catalan part of France. This wine oozes red fruit and cocoa and chocolate and more. This is akin to a Ruby Port. 100% Grenache Noir. Serve slightly chiiled....mid-50's. Food pairing - duck with cranberry sauce. Blue cheese. Chocolate desserts. Fruit desserts.

Spooky Wine Tasting, Sat., Oct. 30th

Spooky Wine Tasting

Saturday, 12-6pm

October 30^th, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

The Whites

Funhouse Pinot Grigio 2008 (Australia) $11.99 - This is a dry, crisp PG with some nice juicy fruit to it! Aromas of white and yellow flowers, green apples and pears. Flavors of ripe white peaches, melons and apples. Finishes clean and crisp. Food pairing - salads, lighter appetizers, shellfish, light, creamy cheeses, a "go-to" wine for a party!

Lo Brujo Calatayud D.O.C. Macabeo 2009 (Spain) $11.99 - Brujo means witch! Wonderful Spanish white! This is a light, bright yellow in color. Subtle citrus aromas with pear, peach and apples. It also has notes of minerals. Lighter wine in body and dry, with fresh lemon and crisp apple flavors. It's zesty with a little pepperiness. Finishes clean with nice length! 100% Macabeo (one of the grapes used to make Cava). Stainless steel fermentation. Organic farming. Food pairing - salads, lighter fare, seafood, sushi.

K Vintners Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2009 (Washington) $12.99 - Excellent!!! Beautiful aromas of minerals, pears, citrus. Crisp, bright & fresh drinking. Dry, but not tannic (that feeling of your mouth being coated). Huge, long finish of pears, apples & minerals. Charles Smith, winemaker, calls this "Kung Fu Girl" Riesling, because he says, "both girls & Riesling kick ***!" Food pairing - This will be awesome with shellfish, salmon - grilled, smoked or baked, Thai food, ham and more! Drinks great on its own! 2009, "Food & Wine," Winemaker of the Year

The Reds

Renegade Wine Co. Red 2008 (Washington) $12.99 - This is a delicious, medium-bodied red blend. Long finish. Lots of black and red berries in the aromas and flavors. Notes of earth and licorice in the wine as well as Provencal herbs. Fine, dusty tannins and nice minerals at the finish. It's a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 13% Grenache and 9% Syrah. The grapes are from the Horse Heaven Hill AVA; specifically, they come from the Canoe Ridge Vineyard, one of Washington's best vineyards. The wine sees about a year in oak barrels (20% are new). This is a "second" label for Sleight of Hand (Tier 2 wines). Food pairing - grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.

Lo Brujo Calatayud D.O.C. Garnacha 2008 (Spain) $11.99 - Brujo means witch! Great value in a Spanish red! Aromas of ripe red berries and cherries, with deeper notes of chocolate adding complexity. Red fruit flavors that are tight at first and then open up. Notes of minerals in the flavors. 100% Garnacha. Stainless steel fermentation. Organic farming. Food pairing - burgers, lamb, pork, chicken, pizza, tomato sauce dishes.

K Vintners Velvet Devil Merlot 2008 (Washington) $12.99 - Rich, lush smooth Merlot from the wild man of Washington wines, Charles Smith! Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, dark cherries and flowers. Satiny, velvety texture. 100% Merlot from Wahluke Slope, Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills. Aged in both stainless steel and French oak.

Misfit Wine Company By Some Young Punks Brujeria Shiraz/Cab/Grenache/Tempranillo 2007 (Australia) $15.99 - An Aussie take on a wine from Ribera del Duero (hence the Shiraz in the wine!). Aromas & flavors of baking spices & ripe red berries. SMOOTH! This is a big, bodacious wine! Not a wimpy wine! Blend of 66% Shiraz, 17% Cabernet, 11% Garnacha and 6% Tempranillo. Aged in older oak hogheads and stainless steel vats for 13 months. 1,400 cases made. Aromas and flavors of baking spices and ripe red berries. This is a big, bodacious wine! Not a wimpy wine! "Brujeria" is the Spanish word for witchcraft and it also refers to a mystical group of male witches in southernmost Argentina.

Sleight of Hand "Spellbinder" Red Blend 2008 (Washington) $19.99 - we showed an earlier vintage of this wine a couple of years ago at a tasting. It's now been in the bottle for a couple of years and, while it was good 2 years ago, it's SMOKIN' good now! This is packed with fruit (raspberry, blueberry and a little brambliness) and has great baking spices and peppery spice. The tannins are really soft and fine-grained. This is a blend....42% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 12% Merlot and 11% Sangiovese blend from one of Doug & Cat's current favorite winemakers, Trey Busch. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. Food pairing - grilled red meat, duck confit, beef stew and strong cheeses. Drinks well with or without food.

Orin Swift "The Prisoner" 2008 (California) $35.99 - This is a BIG, bodacious, smooth, rich, powerful, BIG red wine! This is a MOUTHFUL of wine! From one of the best "cult"wineries, Orin Swift, in California! Black, red, blue fruits......lots of pepper and spice.....a little earth and herbs. Soft tannins. This is a heady wine and at 15.2% alcohol, it packs a punch, but you don't notice the alcohol heat. Blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Food pairing - Big meals. Steak. Lamb. Wine Spectator, 92 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Organic and Biodynamic Wine Tasting

Organic and Biodynamic Wine Tasting
along with Peruvian Pepper Pate

Friday, Oct. 22nd
3:30-7:30pm

The Wines:

The Sparkling:

Perlage "Altana" Rosato del Veneto 2008 (Italy) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - This lightly sparkling frizzante style rosé is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the alluvial planes region in Veneto. It is vinified using the same Charmat method as Prosecco where it undergoes a second fermentation in stainless steel tanks (this is what makes it bubbly; Champagne and Cavas undergo the secondary fermentation in the bottle). The wine is a beautiful pink color, medium-bodied and dry, with delicate fruit flavors.

The Whites:

Badger Mountain Riesling “No Sulfites Added” 2009 (Washington) $11.99 - Delicate floral notes are woven through a framework of intense yellow peach, ripe nectarine and a touch of pineapple to make an enticing package. The flavors of freshly picked peaches are combined with a hint of honeyed sweetness. The balance is impressive, with the fruit flavors lingering through the crisp, clean finish. Organic.

Orleans Hill Alexandria White 2009 (California) $8.99 - Alluring aromas, juicy tropical notes, and a crisp, lightly floral blend of Muscat of Alexandria and French Columbard. Perfect on its own or paired with foods that appreciate a white with structure. Organic. Vegan.

Perlage Pinot Grigio 2009 (Italy) $11.99 - It has rich aromas and flavors that bring to mind citrus and exotic fruits. This one is made from organic grapes. Perlage This is dry, yet fruity to the taste, with a marked richness in flavor. Food pairing - This wine is best enjoyed as an aperitif, or with light pasta dishes, grilled fish, chicken and fresh seafood. Organic.

The Reds:

Orleans Hill Zinfandel 2009 “No Sulfites Added” (California) - $10.99 - Organic and No Sulfites Added. Not a high alcohol, jammy wine, but a drinkable Zinfandel with classic blackberry and blueberry aromas and notes with a soft, medium-bodied mouth feel. Try this with grilled meats or pasta. Organic. Vegan.

Buenas Ondas Malbec-Syrah 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $10.99, Sale $9.99 - A 50/50 blend of Malbec and Syrah that brings out the best qualities of each. Full-bodied, lush, fruity and balanced, with the characeristic dry Malbec finish. “Buenas Ondas” means “Good Vibes.” Organic. Vegan.

Mas Laval “les pampres” VDP de l’Herault 2009 (France) $16.99 - An elegant Rhône blend that’s a perfect food wine. Explosive black fruit with spice and an herbal touch. Smooth tannins and great structure make this a winner for meats and rustic foods. Blend of 56% Syrah, 21% Carignan, 14% Mourvèdre and 9% Grenache.

Nuova Cappelletta Barbera del Monferrato 2008 (Italy) $15.99 - Organic and biodynamic, Nuova Cappelletta is a small production winery in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Made from 100% Barbera grapes, this is a traditionally-made Italian red wine- full-bodied, but not too heavy or too dry - the perfect wine with almost all hearty pasta and meat dishes. Organic & biodynamic.

Navarrsotillo Rioja Crianza “Magister Bibendi” 2007 (Spain) $16.99 - At the Navarrsotillo Winery technology and innovation are suitably combined with tradition in the organic cultivation of 150 acres of vineyards. Made from the oldest vineyards, Magister Bibendi (“Master of the Party”) is a full-bodied Rioja wine aged for 12 months in oak barrels before bottling, displaying great complexity and richness. Flavors of sweet red cheery perked up by a crisp acidity. 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha. Organic.

The Dessert Sparkling:

Mario Torelli Moscato d’Asti 2008 (Italy) $17.99 - Muscat grapes have been cultivated in the Asti region of Northern Italy since ancient times. In producing Moscato, grapes are separated from the stems before pressing and juice obtained is vinified without the skins. Torelli Moscato is completely natural with about 5% alcohol and a very slight spritz from natural fermentation on the lees. It is pure pleasure, with the special sweetness of Moscato and exotic almond, peach and fruity aromas. Organic.

Stone Vertical Epic is here!

Stone's annual release of its Vertical Epic series, 10-10-10, arrived today.

Since 2002, Stone Brewing has made a different Belgian-style ale and released it on dates such as 02/02/02....and now 10/10/10.

Vertical Epic is Stone's tribute to Belgian yeast and to the benefits of aging beer! Yes, you can age beers.....not all beers, but many. The concept of the Vertical Epic is to create an EPIC vertical tasting on 12.12.12.

Cellaring beer is similar to cellaring wine....you want a cool, dark place (55 or less is preferable). After a few years, you will treat yourself to a rare experience - well-aged beer!

That said, Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale is mighty tasty right out of the gate. Fermented with the legendary Ardennes strain of Belgian yeast, 10.10.10 is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale brewed with pale malt and triticale (a cross of wheat and rye), hopped with German Perle hops, and steeped with chamomile during the whirlpool stage. In secondary fermentation, we added a juice blend of Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. The wine grapes came from Temecula's South Coast Winery, located about 30 miles north of our brewery.

October Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Friday, 3:30-7:30

October 15^th, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines! Remember, you get 10% off any sale prices….and A LOT of these wines are on sale!

New World

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Karia" Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $29.99 – This is a wonderful combination of aromas and flavors – white peaches, almonds, white flowers, apples, vanilla cream and honey. This has a nice toasty note to the finish. 100% Chardonnay. 35% goes through malolactic fermentation. 8.5 months “sur lies” aging in French oak barrels (23% new).

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Artemis" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $54.99, Sale $45.99 – This is a ripe, rich young wine with aromas and flavors of blackberries, toast, anise, leather, dark earth, vanilla and more. This is still young and will benefit from aging. The tannins are mouth-coating. Made from almost exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and a little Merlot (8%). Aged 18 months in French oak (33% new). Blend of grapes from the Arcadia, FAY and S.L.V. vineyards. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "FAY" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $94.99, Sale $79.99 – “An iron fist in a velvet glove.” This has the bright cherry aromas and flavors that are the signature of this vineyard. You’ll also notice red plums, forest floor, sandalwood and more in the aromas. Flavors of spices, caramel, red and black cherries, plums and more. This is where Stag’s Leap started! Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (80% new). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Food pairing – duck breast with a cherry sauce or dishes with black olives.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "S.L.V." Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $124.99, Sale $103.99 – This has dark fruit aromas and flavors (blackberries, dark plums). Also, cassis, earth, caramel and vanilla. The tannins can be described as being like raw silk – slightly nubby, yet still smooth. Long, long finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 24 months in French oak (88% new).

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Cask 23" Cabernet Sauvignon (California) Reg. $194.99, Sale $149.99 – we AREN’T tasting Cask 23. I wanted to let you know that both the 2006 and 2007 vintages are available and on sale. Take 10% off the sale price and it’s $134.99. That’s a savings of $60!

Old World

The Sparkling:

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne (France) Reg. $39.99, Sale $34.99 – This is a delicious Champagne and the best value at this price….less than $32 for Champagne is a steal! This has delicate bubbles (I like my bubbles small). Aromas and flavors of pears, apples, almonds and hazelnuts. Blend of 20% Chardonnay (elegance and delicacy), 40% Pinot Meunier (fruitiness) and 40% Pinot Noir (roundness and structure). 91 points, Roberet Parker, Wine Advocate

The Whites:

Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco 2009 (Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - Italian whites are so wonderful with food! It’s crisp, clean and a great price! Aromas of roses, grass and tropical fruit. Flavors of melons, tropical fruit, apples and pears. Crisp acidity at the finish. Blend of 70% Trebbiano and Malvasia and 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermentation. Antinori has been making wine since 1385. This is only 12% alcohol, so it is great for a party. Food pairing – grilled fish or chicken, lighter dishes, salads.

Santa Cristina Campogrande Orvieto 2009 (Italy) $13.99 – This is a classic Orvieto from the region’s best growing area for these grapes. This is tangy, zesty and fresh. Refreshing wine. Aromas and flavors of melons and lemon/lime citrus. Blend of 40% Procanico, 40% Grechetto, 15% Verdello and 5% Drupeggio & Malvasia.

The Reds:

Tormaresca Nèprica 2008 (Puglia, Italy) $12.99 -Great drinking wine for everyday! This is smooth, rich and loaded with flavor! This packs aromas and flavors of plums, raspberries, black cherries and cola. It has hints of licorice and pepper. Long finish! Puglia is the “heel” of the boot, so we are in the extreme southern part of Italy. Tormaresca means “tower by the sea.” 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Food pairing – spicy pasta dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, “Best Buy”

Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso IGT 2005 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $25.99, Sale $19.99 – This is a rich, soft, smooth red with wonderful red berry flavors and aromas. Aromas of vanilla, toast and more. For decades this was a Chianti Classico, but in 2001, the winery wanted to change the wine to a “Super Tuscan” so that the grapes could come from the best possible growing sources. Each varietal in the blend is grown in the terroir best suited to it: Sangiovese in Chianti Classico and Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bolgheri, and Syrah in Cortona. Blend of 55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Some of the wine is aged in French, American and Hungarian oak barriques for a year. The wine is then bottle aged for 8 months before release.

Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo $21.99 (Apuglia, Italy) $21.99 – This is a beautiful, full-bodied red from Southern Italy. This is bold and packed with fruit – blackberries, plums, black cherries. Great length at the finish! 100% Primitivo aged in French and Hungarian oak barriques for 12 months. Aged another 10 months in the bottle before release. 89 points, Roberet Parker, Wine Advocate

Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2007 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $29.99, Sale $26.99 – This is a wonderful, “modern style” Chianti Classico from a great vintage! Aromas of red berries, red cherries, vanilla and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with soft tannins. Lots of red berries and cherries in the flavors. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. 90% of the wine is aged in large Slovenian oak casks and 10% in American oak barrels for 9 months. This is a “drink now” Chianti Classico. Wine Spectator, 90 points

October Wines of the Month

October Wines of the Month

It’s October and what a gorgeous day today is!

It’s also nearly Halloween and I thought I’d have fun and try to find good wines with labels and/or names that fit the holiday……it took a little poking around and we found some true gems……you’ll love the wines AND the labels!

Tier One ($8-$15/bottle)

The White



The White Fun-house Pinot Grigio 2008 (Australia) $11.99 – This is a dry, crisp PG with some nice juicy fruit to it! Aromas of white and yellow flowers, green apples and pears. Flavors of ripe white peaches, melons and apples. Finishes clean and crisp. Food pairing – salads, lighter appetizers, shellfish, light, creamy cheeses, a “go-to” wine for a party!

The Red




Renegade Wine Co. Red 2008 (Washington) $12.99 – This is a delicious, medium-bodied red blend. Long finish. Lots of black and red berries in the aromas and flavors. Notes of earth and licorice in the wine as well as Provencal herbs. Fine, dusty tannins and nice minerals at the finish. It’s a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 13% Grenache and 9% Syrah. The grapes are from the Horse Heaven Hill AVA; specifically, they come from the Canoe Ridge Vineyard, one of Washington’s best vineyards. The wine sees about a year in oak barrels (20% are new). This is a “second” label for Sleight of Hand (Tier 2 wines). Food pairing – grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.

Tier Two
($15-$25/bottle)

Both of these wines are from a wonderful tiny winery in Walla Walla, WA, Sleight of Hand Wines.

Trey Busch, the winemaker, is a young guy with lots of passion and skill. He makes wine in small batches and he makes it well!

The original labels for The Spellbinder and The Magician were created by Mike Klay, rock poster artist extraordinaire.

The White

Sleight of Hand "The Magician" Gewurztraminer 2009 (Washington) $17.99 – Aromas and flavors of ripe pears, minerals and white flowers. This has just a hint of sweetness and great acidity tie it all together and keep the wine bright, fresh and crisp. Mostly Gewurz with a little Riesling from two vineyards, 60% Evergreen vineyard and 40% Pheasant Hill Vineyard. Food pairing - Great wine with a tropical/Asian "fusion" dish. Drinks wonderfully well on its own! Gewurz is a pairing with Thanksgiving Wines! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

The Red

Sleight of Hand "Spellbinder" Red Blend 2008 (Washington) $19.99 - we showed an earlier vintage of this wine a couple of years ago at a tasting. It's now been in the bottle for a couple of years and, while it was good 2 years ago, it's SMOKIN' good now! This is packed with fruit (raspberry, blueberry and a little brambliness) and has great baking spices and peppery spice. The tannins are really soft and fine-grained. This is a blend....42% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 12% Merlot and 11% Sangiovese blend from one of Doug & Cat's current favorite winemakers, Trey Busch. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. Food pairing – grilled red meat, duck confit, beef stew and strong cheeses. Drinks well with or without food.

Tier Three
($25-$50/bottle)

The White

Wakatake Onikoroshi “Demon Slayer” Junmai Sake (Japan) $28.99 – This is a rich, full-bodied Sake that may be served chilled or warm. The aromas include fresh bread, melons, flowers, alcohol (this is pleasant and doesn’t sting). Flavors of pears, minerals, melons and a pleasant earthiness. You taste the alcohol, but it’s nice. Food pairing – sushi.

The Red

Orin Swift “The Prisoner” 2008 (California) $35.99 – This is a BIG, bodacious, smooth, rich, powerful, BIG red wine! This is a MOUTHFUL of wine! Black, red, blue fruits……lots of pepper and spice…..a little earth and herbs. Soft tannins. This is a heady wine and at 15.2% alcohol, it packs a punch, but you don’t notice the alcohol heat. Blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Food pairing – Big meals. Steak. Lamb. Wine Spectator, 92 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Wilbur's Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Any of these wines that you purchase from Freeport Cheese & Wine will be 10% off!

The Wines:

The White Wines:

Ranga Ranga Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand) $11.99 - Delicious Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc that I just tasted this week! This has aromas and flavors of minerals, freshly mown grass, tropical fruit, lemons and limes. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - matches well to spicy food - Thai, Japanese, Indian, but works equally well with seafood and fat cheeses. Sustainable agriculture.

Domaine Lafage Côte Est 2009 (France) $11.99 - This is a tasty white – perfect for entertaining! Great pear, peach and apricot aromas and flavors. Notes of white pepper, fennel, mint, oranges and limes. Big flavors in a value-priced wine! Clean, crisp, refreshing! Racy acidity. Ripe & full without being heavy like many oaky Chardonnays. Competely unoaked. Blend of 60% Grenache Blanc & Grenache Gris, 20% Chardonnay and the rest Marsanne. The winemaker is Jean-Marc Lafage, who makes Las Rocas Garnacha as well. From the Côtes Catalanes in southwestern France – almost in Spain! Food pairing - Great wine with salads and appetizers and on its own! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

The Red Wines:

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2008 (Italy) $10.99 - Each time we taste this, it impresses us! Excellent wine & great value that drinks like a more expensive Chianti! Aromas and flavors of red and dark berries and mint. Smooth and refreshing in the mouth with tons of fresh fruit. Light, fresh finish. Food pairing - Great compliment to anitpasta & grilled meat. This handles most any food you throw at it. Great game wine. A pleasure to just drink by itself. Aged 6 months in large oak barrels and stainless steel. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points, “Italy’s Finest Values.” Organic Farming

Elicio Grenache & Merlot 2009 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - Just what we all need! A fabulous red from Southern France for less than $10! Aromas and flavors of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, black pepper and baking spices. Soft and round with a lot of smooth fruit throughout each taste. Clean and refreshing! 50% Grenache and 50% Merlot. Aged 8 months in concrete tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Food pairing - Great wine with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, etc. Decant to open up more rapidly. Sustainable Agriculture.

Working Girl Wines “Handyman Red” 2007 (Washington) $11.99 - This is a smooth, easy-drinking red! Aromas and flavors of dark berries, mocha, dark chocolate and toast. The tannins are soft and well-integrated into the wine….smooth, no bitterness. Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah. Food pairing - steak, pork tenderloin, big, robust tomato sauces, and it will also just sip in front of a fire.

The Dessert Wine:

Chocovine Raspberry Chocolate Liqueur $12.99 - If you like Neapolitan ice cream, give this a shot! Tastes like rich chocolate with raspberries! There’s a kick to this, but you won’t taste it! Rich dark chocolate from Holland blended with wine from France. Rich and chocolaty with definite raspberry flavors. Drink over ice or use it to make a slew of drinks! Or, come up with your own drink with it! Pretty darn near to New to Maine!