tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57494187682176793902024-03-18T22:58:14.626-04:00Freeport Cheese and Wine178 Lower Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 869-4048
Monday-Saturday, 10-7; Sunday, 12-5Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-40347157196388844712012-05-17T12:33:00.000-04:002012-05-17T12:33:24.810-04:00Wine Tasting - May 18th<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 28pt;">Wine Tasting</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Friday,
May 18th</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">3:30-7:30</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Featuring
Wines SOPO </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">(South
Portland Wine Company)</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">That Are
Great For This Time of Year!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">10% off the price of all tasting wines!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;">The Wines:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Whites:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eola Hills Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - An American CLASSIC – perfect for picnics, parties
and a host of meals! This is a wonderful
Oregon Pinot Gris! Crisp. Dry.
Lovely Granny Smith apple, pear, peach and pineapple fruit aromas and
flavors. A little white pepper and
lemon/lime citrus on the finish! 100%
estate grown fruit (unusual at this price). Stainless steel fermentation. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food
pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner! Great
with salmon, Winterpoint Oysters, or grilled or roasted poultry. Prosciutto.
Scallops. Both together!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Arial;">Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2010 (Rueda,
Spain) $15.99</span></b><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Arial;"> - Delicious! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a perfectly bright, fresh and crisp
wine. Great value! Think of this as a Spanish Sauvignon
Blanc! Aromas of nectarines, limes and
dried herbs. Flavors of lemons, limes
and green apples. Subtle smokiness. Well-balanced & integrated acidity. Finishes crisp, clean & dry with nice
mineral notes. Rueda is best known for
producing dry wines from the Verdejo grape.
This is a great example! Single
vineyard with vines that average 40 years.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – AS FOOD
FRIENDLY as PINOT BLANC! Oysters, goat
cheeses, poultry dishes, smoked fish, etc.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Stephen
Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">International Wine Cellar</i>, 91</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Rosé:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rosé Corbières 2011 (France)
$11.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – this winery is located just
west of the historic wall city of Carcassone
in Corbières in the Pyrenées foothills near the Mediterranean coast. It’s a blend of 80% Cinsault, 10% Grenache
and 10% Syrah. This is classic Southern
French rosé – notes of red raspberries, herbs and minerals. It’s soft, fresh, vibrant and tastes like
summer! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – lamb, beef, fish.
. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Reds:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 (Italy) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Delicious red from Abruzzo in Italy! Aromas of dark berries, leather, dark earth,
baking spices and Provencal herbs.
Medium-bodied. Smooth. Flavors of dark cherries, a little smoke and
coriander. 100% Montepulciano. Hand-harvested and destemmed. Aged in large, neutral Slavonian oak
barrels. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – Traditional Italian fare, especially anything with
red sauce. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green;">Sustainable Agriculture</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Monte Volpe Primo Rosso 2007 (Mendocino County, California)
$11.99 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">– This is a soft, smooth
easy-drinking blend from Graziano, a fabulous Zinfandel producer. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Mendocino County winemaking started with Italian
immigrants, who brought vines with them from the old country. This wine pays homage to those
immigrants. It’s a blend of Sangiovese,
Nebbiolo, Negroamaro, Zinfandel and Carignane.
It’s aged 18 months in American, French and Eastern European oak
barrels. This has great aromas and
flavors of ripe blackberries, raspberries and plums. Very smooth and soft.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alberti 154 Malbec 2010 (Argentina) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - This is a rock-solid, tasty Malbec at a great
price! Wonderful aromas and flavors of
earth, figs, licorice, dark plums, dark berries and more. Long, smooth finish and a lush texture. The tannins are soft and well-integrated. 100% Malbec from a small vineyard. Aged 6 months in oak. Gravity-fed winery to more delicately handle
the fruit. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – steak, grilled meats, lamb. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Wine Spectator</span></i><span style="color: red;">, “Top Value”</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Prima Toro 2009 (Spain) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Delicious, rich, full, smooth wine! Aromas
of black cherries, blackberries, graphite, smoke and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied. Lots of depth and length to this wine! Flavors of dark, dark fruit, dark chocolate,
smoke, minerals & more. Soft
tannins. This is big and lush! Toro is a wine region comparable to
Rioja. Blend of 90% Tempranillo (called
Tinta de Toro in this area) and 10% Garnacha.
Aged 12 months in French and American oak. You can cellar this through 2016. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food
pairing</b> – steak, lamb, roasts, grilled meats, etc. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">International
Wine Cellar</i>, 90 points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Arial;">Bodega Beronia Rioja Gran
Reserva 2004 (Spain) $28.99</span></b><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Arial;"> - Delicious wine!
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bright red. Attractive aromas of
candied cherry, plum and cedar, with vanilla and clove notes coming up with
air. Sweet, open-knit and nicely focused, offering palate-staining red and dark
berry flavors and mounting vanilla and cocoa qualities. A musky herbal quality
lingers on the long, sweet, sappy finish.
Blend: 88% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 4% Mazuelo. French & American oak barriques. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food
pairing</b> – There's a decadent quality
to this wine that calls for lamb or a piece of dry-aged steak.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> Stephen
Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points</span></b></div>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-72870031786475292772012-05-17T12:28:00.004-04:002012-05-17T12:28:58.563-04:00New Beers - Dogfish, Green Flash and Sixpoint<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Beers </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dogfish Head Chicory Stout (Delaware) $7.99/4-pack</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Dogfish 1<sup>st</sup> brewed this in 1995.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s their seasonal stout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just landed in Maine about a month ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definite aromas and flavors of dark stuff –
chocolate, coffee, chicory and subtle licorice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a really good stout!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
made from roasted malt, oatmeal, chicory, coffee, St. John’s Wort and licorice root.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.2% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – grilled
chicken, barbecue, shellfish, sushi, smoked fish and chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 96 points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dogfish Head Saison du Buff (Delaware) $9.59/4-pack, $3.49/bottle</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This is a collaboration beer brewed at Dogfish by
Dogfish, Stone and Victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea has
been to brew it 3 times – once at each brewery – following the exact same
recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was first done in 2010 and
has been repeated in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 3
breweries formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an ale brewed with parsley, sage,
rosemary and thyme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has very herbal
aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms of flavors, the herbs
are much more subtle, led mostly by the rosemary and parsley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some lemon in the aromas and flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pours with a nice white head atop a
golden, clear ale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.8% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 95 points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA (Delaware) $8.29/bottle</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This comes in a 750ml bottle – same size and heft
as a sparkling wine bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a
blend of Dogfish’s two favorite beers – the 60 and 90 minute IPA’s……plus some
maple syrup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It naturally carbonates in
the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has a soft, velvety
mouth feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s dry-hopped with
whole-leaf Cascade hops – this gives the beer a pronounced hoppy aroma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has a nice richness to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite complex and unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bottle conditioning leaves it with great
bubbles and it pours nice leaving a great head in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas of herbs, fresh bread, lemony citrus,
hops, peppery spice……it’s dry…..with some notes of citrus, fresh bread, honey
and good hoppiness without going over the top on the hops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.5% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – burgers,
grilled meat, guacamole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 99
points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hop-heads – you’ll love these next beers!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Green Flash Brewing West Coast IPA (San Diego) $10.99/4-pack</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This is a HOPPY beer, but it’s still balanced and
delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simcoe hops for fruitiness
and grapefruit zest, Columbus
for hoppy aromas, Centennial for pine and citrus character and cascade for
floral aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a big,
full-of-flavor beer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The maltiness is
there, but it is more than balanced out by the big hop aromas and flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As big as it is, it’s smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas of pine needles, lemon and grapefruit
citrus, hops, freshly mown grass, 7.3% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IBU’s: 95.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 99 points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Green Flash Brewing Imperial IPA (San Diego) $6.49/bottle
(22 oz bottle) </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quintessential San Diego-style IPA – high
in alcohol and high in hops, but still quaffable…..goes down dangerously smooth
for a 9.4% alcohol beer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has nice
hoppy, pine needle, lemongrass and fresh bread aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has great malty, hoppy, grapefruit/lemon
zest flavors throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blend of Summit and Nugget
hops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9.4% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IBU’s: 101.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 99 points</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sixpoint Brewery Bengali Tiger IPA (Brooklyn)
$8.99/4-pack</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This is definitely
more of an old school English IPA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
hoppy, but the big malt foundation is right their as well giving it a real
full-bodied and rich flavor and feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This comes in a can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sixpoint only puts their beers in cans and
kegs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Beer has 2 big enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Air and light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cans eliminate both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The modern can is a better way to
package beer than a bottle,</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cans are lighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">More beer fits on a truck in cans than does in
bottles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Less cardboard used in packaging.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">They
use three different hop strains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
also use a massive amount of East Kent Goldings hops to dry hop the IPA in the
conditioning tanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result is you
get some BOUNTIFUL hop aromas in the ol’ nose
with each sip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.4% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas of pine needles, lemon citrus,
grapefruit zest, fresh bread and earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nice hoppy, malty flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
sweet malty, but toasted caramel malt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IBU’s: 62.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">RateBeer.com, 94 points</span></b></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-80571527468169949422012-04-28T21:23:00.004-04:002012-04-28T21:29:33.009-04:00Pacific Northwest Wine Tasting with Wayne Clark and Devenish's Ned Swain<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 28pt;">Wayne &
Ned’s </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 28pt;">Way Cool</span></b><br />
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 28pt;"> Wine Tasting II</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 14pt;">On</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Saturday,
May 5th</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">2:00-7:00</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Featuring
Wines </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">from Oregon & Washington</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">From SMALL
family-owned wineries</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Brought to Us
By a Mainer, Wayne Clark,</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 20pt;">Who moved
to Oregon</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">10% off the price of all tasting wines!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A Wine tasting featuring
small Pacific Northwest wineries you likely have never seen before – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">and some wines that
have never been sold in Maine before.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wayne Clark has been a
customer and became a friend over the years.
He moved to Oregon a couple of years
ago and on his return trips he’d bring these treasures from unknown wineries in
Oregon. I loved the wines. He started asking me how to get them in Maine. So, I put Wayne and Ned Swain of Devenish
Wines together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let’s just say Wayne knows his way
around a good bottle of wine AND he knows how to avoid a poor bottle as
well. Life is too short to drink bad
wine is a motto that Wayne
and I share along with Ned from Devenish Wines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wayne</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a former full-time Maine resident. He now lives in Oregon,
but he still has a home here and he returns often……and he wanted some of his
favorite unknown Oregon gems to be available
in Maine. His ORWA (Oregon
and Washington abbreviated and merged) wine
brokerage is bringing wines from small family wineries in Oregon
and Washington to Maine, with distribution handled through
Devenish Wines. For more information,
visit the ORWA website at <a href="http://orwawine.com/" target="_blank">orwawine.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is what Wayne does in his own
words:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“First, what is this all
about? When I moved to Oregon, I knew very
little about Oregon
wines. I remember sitting in a place called Oregon Wines on Broadway, which had
about 16 wines on “tap.” I was blown away by the depth and breadth of them, and
how very good they were. Then I discovered that I was only about 35 minutes
from wine country. I spent many weekends exploring. Imagine Napa at a kinder, gentler time in its
history. You’re on a country road, and then there are several blue signs at an
intersection. Along with easel signs: “Tasting Today”. Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pinot Noir is the signature
grape in Oregon,
and what it is NOT is California Pinot. The highest expression of Pinot Noir in
Oregon is an
elegant, silky wine with a balanced alcohol content. The wine may be bigger or
smaller, lean to black fruits or red berries, be lighter or heavier, but the
best ones are silky and elegant. Burgundian, if you will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I came to have a real yen
for the smaller, family-owned wineries. In fact for our business model, if we
visit a tasting room a couple of times and haven’t met the owner or the
winemaker, we’re not likely to include it in our portfolio.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;">The Wines:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Whites:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Illahe Vineyards is a small
producer in Upper
Willamette Valley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wayne and Kim found Illahe
at the end of a long weekend of tasting over Thanksgiving 2010 (one of the two
major tasting weekends in the Willamette
Valley). It is at the far
southern end of the upper Willamette
Valley, and the approach
is spectacular, through seeming miles of vineyards, then up a long, curvy road
through the vines to arrive at the hilltop winery. Not usually open, a
makeshift tasting room had been set up in the building. Our palates were fried,
but we liked what we tasted. We were met in the driveway by Logan the black lab, and at the door of
winery by Lowell Ford, the long-time farmer for the family property. He
explained that “Illahe” is a Chinook word describing “place”. His son Brad is
the winemaker, and the National Sales Manager is Bethany, Brad’s wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We wanted to taste the wines
again with fresh palates before including them in our portfolio, so we called Bethany. She agreed to
meet us on a Sunday afternoon and pour them all for us. At 8 months pregnant,
no small feat!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Illahe Gruner Veltliner 2010 (Oregon) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> –Why not an Oregon Gruner? A grape that is not commonly
grown in Oregon, but that is well-suited to Oregon’s climate and
Illahe’s soil. This has nice
minerality. Wonderful fruit – pineapple,
melon and just a hint of grapefruit.
Hints of black pepper.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Stainless steel fermentation. 0.3%
residual sugar – so it is bone dry. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green;">LIVE-certified
Salmon Safe vineyard.</span></b> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Illahe Riesling 2009 (Oregon) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> –This is a bone-dry Riesling (it’s only 0.5%
residual sugar). This might be Illahe’s
driest white. Aromas and flavors of
honey and apples. 90 cases made. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Made from 2 clones of Riesling, one of which
entered Oregon
in the ‘70’s. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green;">LIVE-certified Salmon Safe vineyard.</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">ArborBrook Pinot Gris Croft Vineyard 2010 (Oregon) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">
– This is a beautiful example of a hand-crafted wine from a small producer in
the coastal range of Oregon. The grapes are from the Croft Vineyard. This has bright, fresh aromas of pears,
tropical fruit, subtle lemon, honeysuckle and minerals. This has flavors of pears, white peaches and
apricots, minerals and vibrant acidity.
100% Pinot Gris. Stainless steel
fermentation and aging. 450 cases
made. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green;">All organic farming, “Salmon Safe.”</span></b> 20 year-old vines. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food
pairing</b> – fish with a white wine sauce, mussels, albacore salad, ham,
quiche.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Reds:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Red Hawk “Grateful Red” Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon) $17.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Red Hawk Red 2009 (Oregon) $17.99 - Blend</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dewey Kelly Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon)
</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">– These are Wayne’s notes about the winery and wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“The Dewey Kelley label is
actually Dewey’s second label. He makes Ribbon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir that
is premium priced and quite nice, but honestly I like the Dewey Kelly better at
the price point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I discovered this small
(~1,100 cases) operation by accident. I was out solo on a Memorial Day weekend,
which in the Willamette Valley is when many places are open for tasting that
aren’t usually open. It wasn’t on my itinerary, but I was intrigued and turned
in by the easel sign. I bumped half a mile up a wet dirt road, so rough that my
GPS bounced off the dash and hit the floor and broke. My reward was a pole
building with an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven and Dewey himself. The makeshift
tasting room was pure Willamette
Valley: unpretensious and
fun. Dewey also makes a dessert wine that is killer, but we’re not going there
yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This vineyard has been
producing fruit for a long time. Dewey is both farmer and winemaker, and he
still holds onto his day job as well. He holds his wine a bit longer than most.
While many vineyards are sold out of their 2008s and are pouring 2009s, he
won’t release his 2008 until Thanksgiving 2011. Given the stellar year that
2008 was, I can’t wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ribbon Ridge is one of my
favorite AVAs. It’s the smallest in Oregon,
and it differs significantly from Chehalem
Mountains, which it
borders. The marine sedimentary soil is younger, and less disturbed by faults
and floods. The Chehalem Mountains block severe weather from the Columbia
Gorge, and the Eola Hills to the south block the cold winter marine winds of
the Van Duzer Corridor – a pass through the Coast Range
to the Pacific.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2007 Pinot Noir</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a light, bright
wine, with pleasant red fruit and an elegant finish. 2007 was to put it mildly
a challenging year. Some have called it a winemaker’s year, because it
separated the men from the boys, so to speak. Late season rain had people
guessing when to harvest. Those who waited were rewarded with riper fruit. Even
the best 2007s didn’t really come into their own until they’d been in bottle
about 6 months. With much longer than that, Dewey’s are very nice.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Angel Vine Zinfandel 2008 (Washington) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – These are Wayne’s
notes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I met Ed Fus and two of his
angels at Carlton Wine Cellars, a winemaking co-op where he turns Washington grapes into Oregon wine. I had tried one of his
Zinfandels at a restaurant some months earlier, so when I saw the name I had to
check it out. A side note: Ed’s label was originally Three Angels (his wife and
two daughters), but a trademark challenge from a much bigger California winery caused him to change it to
Angel Vine. Ed is a director of LIVE (Low Input Viniculture & Enology),
which certifies sustainable practices.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2008 Columbia
Valley Zinfandel</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Columbia</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Valley is
the largest AVA in Washington.
These grapes were from the sub-AVAs of Walla Walla Valley,
Horse Heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope. It was barrelled in a mixture of mostly
second-use French and Hungarian oak for 18 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is everything you want
in a Zinfandel. The secret is a bit of Primitivo and Petit Syrah to balance it
out and add some oomph. It’s fruit forward, and has noticeable but not
overwhelming tannins, nice raspberry and blackberry notes, and spice. An
approachable everyday wine.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Angel Vine “The Hellion” Primitivo – Petite Sirah
2008 (Washington) $24.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – We tasted
a wonderful Zinfandel from this winery in April when Wayne was here. It was a HUGE hit at the tasting. Ed Fus made a very limited amount of this
blend (9 barrels). Ed is devoted to
making great Zinfandel and its cousin, Primitivo. This is a delicious tribute to the Italian
field blends that have been popular in California
since immigrants brought vines with them.
It’s full, ripe and drinkable with spice and smoke under its dense
fruit. Everything is balanced.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">The Dessert:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">ArborBrook “Sydney” Semillon 2008 (Washington)
$22.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> – This is golden and honeycomb in color. This is a Sauternes-style wine with ripe
honeysuckle and pineapple aromas. This
has flavors of pineapple, candied orange peel, starfruit and more tropical
fruit flavors. It has a silky, soft
mouthfeel with a long finish. The grapes
are picked in late November. From the
Klipsun Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA in Washington.
Fermented for 60 days in oak barrels.
Barrel-aged for 18 months in 50% new and 50% 2<sup>nd</sup> use French
oak barrels. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green;">All organic farming, “Salmon Safe.”</span></b> . <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> – foie gras, blue cheese,
nuts, dried fruit, pear or apple tart, grilled pineapple with white pepper
caramel sauce, poaching Asian pears in and serving over vanilla ice cream. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">94 points, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wine
Enthusiast</i></span></b></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-13503011487178378902012-04-25T16:45:00.002-04:002012-04-25T16:45:32.506-04:00April 2012 Wine Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 48.0pt;">Wine Tasting</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24.0pt;">Friday</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24.0pt;">April 27<sup>th</sup></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 24.0pt;">4:30 – 7:30</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">10% off the price of all tasting wines!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">The Sparkling:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Belle De Nuit Cremant de Loire 2009 (France) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Without a doubt, the sparkling wines from the
Loire Valley that are made in a similar way to Champagne are among the best
sparkling wine values in the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
has nice aromas and flavors of white stone fruits and pears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus some vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blend of 15% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 35%
Chenin Blanc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hand-harvested grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aged 15
months sur lie in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Undergoes
a disgorgement as does Champagne
and is then vinified dry in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">The Whites:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lanzos Blanco Castillo y Leon 2010 (Spain) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - This delicious wine is a great example of the incredible value coming
from the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc
and Viura, it has crisp ripe fruit and a touch of floral aromas. On the palate,
it is crisp and full of fruit with a hint of minerality. A very refreshing wine
that pairs well with a wide variety of seafood, fowl, and full-flavorful cheeses.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Château Tuilerie Pagès Entre Deux Mers Blanc 2011 (France)
$14.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This is a deliciously
unoaked Bordeaux Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas and
flavors of citrus and tropical fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything is nicely balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blend
of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This comes in a beautiful blue bottle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0066; font-family: Arial;">The Rosé:</span></b>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Vieux Clocher Rosé Cotes
Du Rhone 2011 (France) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - This
is a delicious rosé!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas and flavors
of strawberries and red berries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
light and refreshing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect for
sitting and sipping on a warm day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
the oldest continuously-owned family winery in France, 1717 - the Count
François de Castellanne, de Lauris, de Vassadel, de Gérard, Chevalier Marquis
d’Ampuis, de Lagnetoux, universal landlord of the place called Vacqueyras,
donated a parcel of vines to an acestor of the Arnoux family. To this day, the
Arnoux family farms this land and makes wonderful wines. <b>Food pairing</b> –
sipping on a warm day. Grilled chicken or pork. Spicy dishes. Perfect for a
picnic. Great with ham for Easter Dinner. Great with turkey and all the
trimmings for Thanksgiving Dinner.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial;">The Reds:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cave Anne de Joyeause Camas Syrah 2009 (Languedoc, France) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Cave Anne de Joyeuse is a high quality cooperative
in Limoux, which was founded in 1929.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today it has 650 members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the
individual growers must adhere to rigorous procedures that are defined and
monitored by the winery’s oenologists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cooperative is also committed to preserving the environment and to sustainable
agriculture – the result of this commitment is best shown by the fact that over
80 varieties of orchid which are native to the region have spontaneously
regenerated in their vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
1994 they have been recognized by the label “Protect The Planet” for work
methods which are compatible with sustainable agriculture and the promotion of
bio-diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Syrah is ripe and
smooth, showing nice dark and red berry fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Excellent wine at a great price!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bliss Pinot Noir 2009 (Mendocino County, California)
$17.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – The cooling influences for
growing wines in this area are ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and the result
is a moderately-priced California Pinot that tastes like Pinot and is only
13.5% alcohol. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is NOT Syrah-like,
which Pinot never should be, but too often is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aromas and flavors of violets, raspberries and
cherry cola.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long, elegant finish with a
little earthy spice on it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food pairing</b> - Versatile enough to pair
with everything from seasonal salads to your favorite poultry dish. Perfect
with roasted veggies, chicken kebabs or partnering with your favorite fare.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Carol Shelton “Wild Things” Zinfandel
2008 (Mendocino County, California) $21.99</b> - From the award-winning
winemaker Carol Shelton. Aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit
combine with a beautiful hint of vanilla-oak loveliness, smoothly textured
in mouth, very creamy and round, the finish is long and has lush jammy fruit —
this wine is dangerously good! Remember – you are what you drink ….</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bank Note "The Vault" Red Blend 2009 (Napa Valley, California)
$36.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Bill Knuttel consults with
winemaker Pete Nixon to create the Banknote Wine Company, specializing in
limited-production hand-crafted Napa Valley Wines. This Zinfandel based blend
(45% Zinfandel, 30% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) selected from only the
finest Napa Valley Vineyards showcases ripe, concentrated dark fruit flavors
that finish with a touch of spice and sweet tannins. The sheer boldness of this
beauty makes it a great match with grilled steaks and chutney-accompanied
dishes. Why so many labels? According to the winery, they couldn't decide on
one banknote to represent the wine, so each case of Banknote wine has twelve
different banknote labels.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">The Cider:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Eden</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Ice Cider Caville Blanc
Blend (Vermont)
$29.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> – Think beyond dessert with this cider!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes well with sharp cheddars, game, patés
and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Made from MacIntosh, Empire
and Russet apples to provide sweetness and full body, Calville Blanc to add
acidity and citrus notes and Ashmead’s Kernel that adds tannins for
structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ice Cider brings the essence
of pure apple to a sophisticated wine. Vermont’s natural
winter cold is used to concentrate cider to the optimum balance of sweetness
and acidity. The unique blend of traditional and heirloom apples produces a
complex, delicious flavor that complements food yet may be savored on its own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Featured in Food and Wine Magazine!</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-5059911725994133502012-03-16T13:41:00.000-04:002012-03-16T13:42:31.527-04:00April Wine Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif][if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;font-family:Arial">Wine Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial">Friday, March 16th</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial">3:30 – 7:30</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Featuring Wines from Small Vineyards, our beloved Italian importer……Small Vineyards…….small wineries…..family-owned…..organic, sustainable farming…..more grown than grapes……they live there……they aren’t polluting .</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">10% savings on all wine tasting wines (yes….take 10% off the sale price).</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:green">The Whites:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Giocato Pinot Grigio 2010 (Primorska, Slovenia) Reg. $12.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $11.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - We love this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve brought in and sold about 3-4 vintages of this wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each year we love it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each year, the complexity grows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fresh, bright, lively and fun to drink!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is crisp and fresh with beautiful tropical fruit and a light kiss of lime/lemon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great for seafood!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made by CULT Winemaker Aleks Simcic, perhaps Eastern Europe’s best!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Italian – “Giocare” – to play; gamble; deceive; trick.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic farming</span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – lobster, seafood, lighter chicken dishes, salads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2010 (Marche, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$14.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color: red"> $13.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is one of the best Mediterranean whites under $15 I've ever tasted!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve sold 5 vintages of this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each one gets better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Served at a wedding at an UP-SCALE Hudson River estate and loved!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I recommended it….best value on the list!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful citrus & mineral flavors & aromas. This also has notes of green apples & tropical fruits. Vibrant acidity and loads of minerality throughout the wine. Has a little nuttiness (almonds?) on the finish. Long, crisp finish!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maurizio Marchetti, the winemaker, only uses the best grapes (most years he gets no more than 1/2 a bottle from a single vine).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>900 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic farming</span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - seafood, shellfish, swordfish, etc. Great with poultry.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:maroon;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language: IT" lang="IT"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Arcangelo Negroamaro Salento IGT 2010 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$13.99, <span style="color:red">Sale $11.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– We are in the heel of the boot......Old World, Old School Italy......no....wait.....Old World Apuglia.....these people are Apuglians first.....not Italians first.....This family is Greek….the Palamas….they settled here about 2,000 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ve been making wine ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Recent immigrants.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few years ago, the only people drinking these wines were the Palamas and their neighbors……then Small Vineyards found them and their wines found an international market.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines are of the soil and place!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented in concrete vats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This sees no oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fresh and vibrant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of Mediterranean herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Given this winery’s proximity to the sea, it’s a red that is good with much seafood.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3,500 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled or seared tuna.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pasta with Puttanesca sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grilled polenta with sun-dried tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Okay….I’m hungry now.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Sikelia Nero d’Avola (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $13.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $11.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This wine is smoking good at this price!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s also smokin’ dangerous……Julius Caesar was leery of all things Sicilian his last days….Ides of March was Thursday…..how trusting are you?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sikelia is name ancient Greek sailors gave to this island. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nero D’avola is the classic grape of Sicily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It really is the backbone grape for most red wines from Sicily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of blackberries, mulberries and spices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-balanced with nice fruit and spices.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">La Quercia Aglianico 2010 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$17.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $15.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Aglianico is one of Italy’s noble grapes. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Greek settlers brought it to southern Italy thousands of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The name might be a corruption of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vitis Hellenica</i>, Latin for Greek wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pliny the Elder wrote of this grape and made wine from it (he’s regarded as one of Rome’s outstanding winemakers).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It thrives in warm, dry areas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine comes from a single a single vineyard in Puglia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has those classic plum and white pepper notes that typify Aglianico.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is made in a style to drink young.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">No barrel aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled or seared tuna, a fish stew such as Cioppino, grilled polenta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Tre Donne Barbari Nebbiolo Langhe DOC 2008 (Piedmont, Italy) Reg. $24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale $21.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language: IT" lang="IT"> - Antonella, Rosanna </span><span style="font-family:Arial">and Daniela Lequio are 3 sisters who run this wonderful Piedmontese winery. They took over the running of the winery from their somewhat chauvinistic father who wasn't that sure about women as winemakers and he had no son! Turns out the 3 sisters are great at this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barbera amd Barbaresco, 2 famed wines of the Piedmont, take their names from Barbarian.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hence the name and label of this wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nebbiolo is the grape used to make Barbaresco and Barolo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nebbiolo Langhe s the grape from the Langhe region, which encompasses Barolo and Barbaresco.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Organic<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>& Sustainable Farming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This nicely blends power and elegance, which is a hallmark of this winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 12 months in 1<sup>st</sup> use French Allier oak barriques (300 bottle barrel).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,250 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark berries, cedar and smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – pork tenderloin, pasta carbonara, porcini mushroom risotto.</span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: IT;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA" lang="IT">Podere Ciona Le Diacce Merlot 2006 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">$37.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color: red"> $34.99</span></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This wine is made by our friend, Lorenzo Gatteschi, at his family’s estate in the Chianti Classico part of Tuscany. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a Super Tuscan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grown at a high altitude in Chianti Classico (1,800 feet).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has that lushness accompanied with a firm feel that is a hallmark of outstanding Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That smooth, velvety, coat and massage your mouth feel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has bright red fruit with a nice smoky note to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>92% Merlot and 8% Alicante Bouchet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barrel aged for 18 months and bottle aged for at least a year before release.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – pork tenderloin, wild game, Fontina, bruschetta.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-23602278908828221332011-12-14T15:04:00.000-05:002011-12-14T15:05:11.428-05:00December Wine Tasting - 3rd Friday<p _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 20pt;"><strong>Wine Tasting Wines</strong></span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;" _mce_style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;"><strong>The Sparkling:</strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #000000;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #000000;"><strong> arosecco (Italy) $12.99 </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;" _mce_style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #008000;"><strong>The Whites:</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><strong>Sivas-Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (California) $13.99</strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"> </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Argyros Atlantis White 2010 (Greece) $16.99</strong> - This is a great-tasting, beautiful wine! Wonderful aromas and flavors of honeysuckle and lemon/lime citrus and minerals. The relatively high acidity of the Assyrtiko grape gives this its crisp freshness. Long finish. 90% Assyrtiko, 5% Athiri and 5% Aidani. Santorini is a volcanic island with incredibly minerally soil and it is very dry. Yiannis Argyros is widely considered Greece’s best white wine vintner. Stainless steel fermentation & aging. 3,300 cases made. <strong>Food pairing</strong> - seafood, grilled fish, lighter poultry dishes, Thai food. <span style="color: #ff0000;" _mce_style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><em>Wine & Spirits</em>, World’s Top 100 Wineries, 2005 & 2006</strong></span></span><br /></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #800000;" _mce_style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva; color: #800000;"><strong>The Reds:</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Poggio Anima Belial Sangiovese 2008 (Italy) $13.99 </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Bodega Beronia Rioja Reserva 2006 (Spain) $19.99 </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><span><strong>Graziano Mendocino Zinfandel 2007 (California)<span> </span>$15.99 -</strong></span> We tasted this in mid- May at a wine tasting - we had this with beef, chicken, roasted beets and more. It was great! Dark purple color. Aromas of raspberries, dark berries, a hint of peppery spice & toast. Flavors of dark berries, ripe raspberries & white pepper. Full-bodied. Wonderful feel in the mouth. Not too tannic, but enough to stand up to rare beef. Long finish with hints of chocolate near the end. <strong>Food pairing</strong> - Great wine with a grilled burger, especially one with blue cheese on top. Grilled & roasted meats & spicy tomato sauces<strong>. </strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;"><strong>Hartwell "H" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California) $39.99 </strong>- <span style="color: #ff0000;" _mce_style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Brand-new to Maine!</strong></span> </span></p><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva;">That's the list. If you're free or in the area, stop by! </span></div><br /><div><span _mce_style="font-size: 20pt; color: rgb(0, 128, 0);" style="font-size: 20pt; color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva;">The Sparkling Finale</span></strong></span><br /></div><div><br /></div> <div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Scagliola“Primo Bacio”Moscato D’Asti 2010 (Italy) $16.99</strong> -</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"> I loved tasting these wines with Mario Scagliola, the winemaker and owner.</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"> This is just so nice! It's soft, rich and lush with nice bubbles....it just feels elegant! The aromas just leap from the bottle! It tastes great! The label on this pictures the Mario's brother’s first girlfriend....and Primo Bacio means "First Kiss." This winery farms organically & biodynamically. </span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Food Pairing</strong>- Pair this with desserts (fruit desserts, not chocolate), lighter pasta dishes or aged cheeses....this is a wonderful wine for a romantic evening!</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva; font-size: 12pt;"> Makes a great starting drink for a party!</span></div>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-47392199862456398792011-12-14T14:57:00.002-05:002011-12-14T15:01:57.861-05:00Wine Sale - December 14th....'til???<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 28pt; font-family: Arial;">Wine Sale</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 28pt; font-family: Arial;">Limited Quantities of all</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green">Sparkling:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Italy</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Bortolomiol is a family-owned Prosecco producer in Italy’s famed Valdobbiadene, the best Prosecco producing area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, the founder’s four daughters run the winery under the watchful eye of their mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Bortolomiol Prosecco Prior Brut (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$19.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $12.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Aromas and flavors of stone fruits and white flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is pleasingly crisp with vibrant bubbles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s definitely refreshing and a great choice for serving at the start of a party.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who doesn’t want a glass of bubbly to kick things off?!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A great choice for serving with lighter poultry dishes and seafood.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Bortolomiol Prosecco Bandarossa Extra Dry (Italy) Reg. $24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a classic Prosecco from the Valdobbiadene. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s named “Banda Rossa” because Giuliano would use a red mark to distinguish special bottles for his close friends.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, “Bandarossa” is the Bortolmiol selection of the best Prosecco of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a name="description">Fine and persistent bubbles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth, silky finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pleasantly fruity and very aromatic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of stone fruits, a little smoke and tropical fruit.</a></span><span style="mso-bookmark:description"></span></p> <span style="mso-bookmark:description"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green">The Whites:</span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">France</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Paul Jaboulet Aîné</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">First, if you are not up-to-date on Paul Jaboulet, the Frey Family bought this property a few years ago (January 2006) and started the process of returning it to greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, Paul Jaboulet had descended from its greatness after the death of Gerard Jaboulet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Frey Family owns Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux and they are the majority stockholders of the superb Champagne producer, Billecart-Salmon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have the resources and the skill to restore this famed estate and are doing so.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Part of what they’ve done is sell off or close the negociant part of the Jaboulet portfolio and focus purely on estate-grown wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jaboulet owns some of the best acreage in the Rhone, especially in the northern parts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 2007 vintage is the first over which the Frey family has had complete control.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2007 is also a great vintage in southern France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you bought some Jaboulet wines from previous vintages and weren’t as thrilled with them as you were many years ago, now is a great time to revisit this estate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The property is farmed sustainably.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Le Chevalier de Stérimberg 2007 (France) Reg. $94.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color: red"> $54.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This is a big, rich Rhone white!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has that weighty, honey-like texture that I associate with many Rhone whites.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’ll easily age another 3-5 years and maybe longer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of green apples, tropical fruit, something tart like citrus or quince, caramel, baked goods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 65% Marsanne and 35% Roussanne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is aged on its lees for 10-12 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyard is named after the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, who established his hermitage on this hill after being wounded in a crusade.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:blue">6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Italy</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">San Quirico Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2010 (Italy) Reg. $17.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $11.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a tasty, crisp, dry white.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a spicy, floral aroma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s smooth, medium-bodied & has almond notes in the finish – which is crisp and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Michelangelo once described Vernaccia as a wine that, “tickles, licks, bites and stings…”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organically grown grapes & produced wine</span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - Goes well with fish, shellfish, grilled and roasted poultry, veal dishes. and antipasti dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own, but this is better as a food wine!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:maroon">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">California</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Eberle Zinfandel 2007 Reg. $29.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $16.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Delicious wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This Zin is from two of Paso Robles finest Zinfandel vineyards, the reputable Steinbeck Vineyard and the Wine-Bush Vineyard. The Steinbeck Vineyard contributes layers of sweet briar fruit with hints of earth and minerality, while the Wine-Bush Vineyard contributes depth of color and jammy flavors of ripe blackberry, red raspberry with a peppery finish. The grapes are hand-picked and destemmed. The wine goes through full malolactic fermentation and is then transferred to American oak barrels (20% new) for 16 months. 2,881 cases made. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairings</b> - hamburgers, grilled meats, spare ribs, meats with rich sauces.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:blue">26 bottles.</span></b> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">PreVail “West Face” 2006 (California) Reg. $49.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $29.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – We’ve done this at a couple of tastings and it’s been a big hit at each!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is one huge, mouthful of wine…..it’s a monster!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a deep, dark wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Big flavors, big aromas and a long, long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors and aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark cherries and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a newer project for Dan Carano, who wanted to make special wines from mountain-grown grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Cabernet and Syrah are grown on Look Out Mountain in Alexander Valley on a western-facing slope.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Volcanic soils.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The location and soil contribute to these grapes ripening slowly – this really intensifies the flavors and aromas!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California) Reg. $39.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $23.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is an inky, dark wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This winery has its vineyards at 1,000 – 1,600 feet on the steep slopes of Mt. Veeder.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This puts the grapes above the fogline.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes see a long growing season due to the cool nights.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grapes grown on the mountain slopes are quite different from the ones grown on the valley floor. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This results in ripe, full grapes with balanced tannins and excellent fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They farm sustainably.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is rich with ripe, finer grained tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of black plum, dark cherries, baking spices, bay leaf, vanilla and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Notes of dark chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s big, but approachable with a long, soft finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 20 months in predominantly French oak (70% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This will definitely aged well for anther 2-8 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Decant when you open it to get the wine to “open up.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Chile</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Reg. $79.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $49.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a deep, dark, extracted wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many consider this Chile’s iconic wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If this was made in Napa Valley, the price would be much, much more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a muscular, masculine wine with aromas and flavors of dark berries, black currants, figs, dark chocolate, dark ,dry earth, curing tobacco and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a long, full finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s layered and complex.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It should age well for another 20 years if you choose.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can also drink it now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:blue">6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 95 points; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Spectator</i>, 94 points</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">France</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Joseph Drouhin Pommard 2007 (France) Reg. $54.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $29.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is just beginning to come into its peak years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The black cherry, spice and leather notes in the aromas and flavors have come to the fore.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I tasted this a couple of years ago, it was a bit tight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I tasted it in the late spring of this year, it had started to open and evolve nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s developed a nice finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are balancing out and getting finer and softer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a really nice Burgundy that will benefit from another 2-5 years in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 14-18 months in 20% new French oak. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>420 cases imported. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:blue"></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Paul Jaboulet Aîné</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">First, if you are not up-to-date on Paul Jaboulet, the Frey Family bought this property a few years ago (January 2006) and started the process of returning it to greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, Paul Jaboulet had descended from its greatness after the death of Gerard Jaboulet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Frey Family owns Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux and they are the majority stockholders of the superb Champagne producer, Billecart-Salmon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have the resources and the skill to restore this famed estate and are doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Part of what they’ve done is sell off or close the negociant part of the Jaboulet portfolio and focus purely on estate-grown wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jaboulet owns some of the best acreage in the Rhone, especially in the northern parts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 2007 vintage is the first over which the Frey family has had complete control.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2007 is also a great vintage in southern France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you bought some Jaboulet wines from previous vintages and weren’t as thrilled with them as you were many years ago, now is a great time to revisit this estate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The property is farmed sustainably.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côte Rôtie Les Jumelles 2007 (France) Reg. $99.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $57.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This not only tastes great, it has a wonderful feel to it in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of raspberries, violets and smoky meats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bright flavors of red cherries, minerals and spice.This is drinking well today and is well-balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It will also age nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Côte Rôtie is the most famed and northernmost of all the Rhone appellations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The reds are about the world’s most prized Syrahs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Les Jumilles is sourced from a 5 acre hillside set on a terraced, steep hillside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 20% of which is new.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:blue">6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6).</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 91points; Wine Spectator, 91 points</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes Hermitage Les Jalets 2007 (France) Reg. $28.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $17.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– Aromas of smoke, plums, black olives, black pepper and dark and red fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A touch of licorice to the aromas and flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Raspberry and dark cherry flavors with a nice touch of minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dusty tannins on the long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Has a nice mouthwatering note to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2017.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Italy</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005 (Italy) Reg. $23.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $16.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This wine is drinking exceptionally well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Deep, violet color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, pretty aromas – smoky, leather, vanilla, cherries, earth and currants and spice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of flavor carrying over from the nose.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a nice, soft texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>90% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and 10% Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barrel aged for 12 months in oaks barrels of many different sizes; only a small amount is aged in barrique.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is then blended and bottle aged for 12 months.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Nino Negre “5 Stella Sfursat 2005 (Lombardy, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">$89.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $54.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana">– We tasted this out at a wine tasting in April.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a HUGE hit, even at $90.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Think of this as an Amarone-style Barolo. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Comes in a 6-bottle wooden case which is yours if you buy 6</span>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red"></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Nino Negri has confirmed itself a star of first magnitude.” – Gambero Rosso (Italy’s highest wine authority).</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">This is Nino Negri’s flagship wine and it is only produced in the best years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s made from their finest parcels of Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is from the best vineyards at the higher elevations sitting over 1,200 feet in height.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyards face south-east.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vines are densely planted to reduce yields.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only the best 25% of the grapes are harvested for this wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After harvest, the grapes are sorted into wooden crates where they dry until December 12<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are then crushed and the wine is aged in Allier oak for 16 months.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">This is full-bodied with solid, fruit-coated tannins and a fresh, firm, fruity finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Big, brooding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has dried Nebbiolo character – so, it will remind you some ways of a Barolo or a Barbaresco, but, not completely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Leather, dark ripe fruit, tar, smoke, licorice, toasted oak and more round out the flavors and aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has an impressive richness and vibrancy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Gambero Rosso</span></i><span style="color:red">, “Due Bicchieri,” 2 glasses; Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 91 points; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Spectator</i>, 90 points</span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Oregon</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">We have 3 Pinot Noirs from a small, family-owned winery, Maysara, in McMinnville.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>The McMinnville AVA (American Viticultural Area) is one of the many AVA’s in the Willamette Valley.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>The winery is owned and operated by the Momtazi family, Mom and Dad and their 3 daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:green">Since the winery’s foundation they have farmed organically and biodynamically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b>The Momtazi family immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1982.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The father is a civil engineer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The mother is the accountant for the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The daughters run the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their Pinot Noirs are made from Pommard and Dijon clones.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Maysara Pinot Noir “Asha” 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $39.99, <span style="color:red">Sale $19.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – “Asha” is an ancient Persian word for one who has a clean conscience for good thoughts, deeds and words.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a pretty good word for a wine from an organic, biodynamic winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice aromas of raspberries, dark cherries and anise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice acidity and fine-grained tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of cranberries, pomegranate and dark chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 45% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grapes are de-stemmed before crushing. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">, 89 points</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Maysara Pinot Noir “Jamsheed” 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $16.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – According to Persian legend, King Jamsheed could observe his entire realm by peering into a full wine goblet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Given that this wine is from all the parcels of Pinot Noir that Maysara grows, the name is fitting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is a beautiful cherry color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has soft, round tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors and aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, blackberries, red licorice, white pepper and baking spices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mouthwatering acidity and nice fruit combine to make a tasty wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 11 months in 14% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Filtered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grapes are destemmed before crushing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">, 90 points</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Maysara Pinot Noir “3º” 2008 (Oregon) Reg. $19.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $12.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – “Three Degrees” is the wine project of the Momtazi daughters. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fruit is from the family-owned vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a dark cherry color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has soft, round tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, red licorice and baking spices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors that show a little white pepper early and red cherries throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grapes are destemmed before crushing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 11 months in neutral French oak.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Arial">Washington</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Cadaretta Syrah 2007 (Washington) Reg. $36.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $19.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a big, beautiful Syrah!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, smoked meats and pleasing dark earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Silky tannins and a long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 87% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 4.5% Sangiovese, 2.5% Counoise and 1% Grenache. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 19 months in 35% new oak (90% French, 8% American and 2% Slovenian).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Cadaretta Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Washington) Reg. $44.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $26.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Ruby, red color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is soft and supple with a long, smooth finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark plum, raspberries, currant, cherry, bay leaf and dark chocolate aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of currants, plums, cranberries and earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-integrated oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 19 months in 35% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just under 1,000 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:red">, 91 points; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Seattle Times</i> “Top 100 Wines,” 2010</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"><br /></span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Novelty Hill Syrah 2005 (Washington) Reg. $25.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This is a rich, ripe Syrah that is in its peak years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Black cherry, raspberry, mocha, a little smoke, herbs and baking spices in the aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of blackberries, black cherries, black olives, coffee and a touch of licorice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice length on the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was fairly tannic in its youth and its come around nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent New World Syrah! </span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-88550736457575979122011-11-22T15:00:00.000-05:002011-11-22T15:01:36.275-05:00Thanksgiving 2011<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Wines for Thanksgiving</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(& cheese)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(& beer)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">We all know how hectic Thanksgiving can be – AND how CROWDED and TIME-CONSUMING it can be in the stores.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">We want to help you with your Thanksgiving Dinner preparations.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">So, we’ve put together a list of wines that will go well with the meal!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have a lot of other options – we do love these wines for a Thanksgiving meal and we are trying to simplify things for you!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">A few things that are important to consider for Thanksgiving Dinner – (1) it’s a long day – drink wines that are lower in alcohol; (2) a big blockbuster California Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, while it takes great, might clobber the turkey, especially the white meat; (3) you have a lot of things going on in terms of foods – white meat, dark meat, stuffing, gravy, root veggies, sweet potatoes, greens, etc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Or, if you want to give us a guideline in terms of number of bottles and average price per bottle, we can put together an assortment for you and have them waiting for you to pick up.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red">Put together any combination of these wines that is 3 or more bottles, and take 15% off the price!</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><span style="font-family:Verdana">Feel free to pick-and-choose from this list as you want.</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">All-Oregon</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(under $15)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green">White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> Vineyards Rogue Valley Gewürztraminer 2008 (Oregon) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Big hit at a recent tasting!</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We love this Alsatian-style Gewürz from this small winery in Oregon’s southwestern corner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful aromas of pears, apples and stone fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of bright, fresh, crisp citrus fruits (lemons, limes), plus tropical fruit, Asian pears, minerals and that quintessential Gewürz peppery spice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, clean, crisp finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Whole cluster pressed and cold-fermented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,229 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – ham, Thanksgiving-style meal, smoked fish, spicy Asian fare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Eola Hills Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - This is a good-drinking, real Oregon Pinot!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-structured and balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-balanced acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark cherry and dark berry flavors and aromas…with a touch of cranberry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A little spice and a hint of earth and toast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Velvety feel in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft tannins at the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Great on its own or drinking with grilled or roasted meats & veggies!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent with salmon!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wine & Spirits</span></i><span style="color:red">, “Top 20 Value Brands”</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana">Northern Europe</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(under $15)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Wines from Northern Europe, in this case, from Alsace and the upper reaches of the Loire Valley in the Massif Centrale, are generally lower in alcohol and well-balanced in terms of acidity and flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This means the wines work well with food.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green">White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2010 (Alsace, France) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b>Thanksgiving Dinner is a meal with a lot going on on the table and in the room. There's a bit of chaos on the table and in the air. We have dark meat, white meat, stuffing, gravy, root veggies, cranberry sauce, green beans, maybe asparagus and more. Each family has its own traditions. Each person has their own combination of food on the plate. It can all get confusing when it comes to the wine. Pinot Blanc is food-friendly. It's "only" 12% alcohol, so it won't go to your head quickly. This has vibrant fruit, crisp acidity. It's simply delicious and great with a broad variety of foods.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Famille Laurent Saint Pourcain Tradition Gamay – Pinot Noir 2009 (France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - A big hit at our March tasting…..a perfect red that you may even chill a little if you want!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is bright & fresh and has beautiful berry qualities with a slightly darker undertone from the Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This unusual blend comes from the St. Pourcain area just southwest of Beaujolais and Burgundy. The grapes are farmed and fermented by the Laurent family which has worked this land for nearly 100 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12.5% alcohol. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, roasted root vegetables.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">All-Italian</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(under $15)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Similar to wines from Northern Europe and Oregon, Italian wines are made to go with food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balanced and lower in alcohol.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green">White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2010 (Italy) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - We flat out LOVE this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has crisp acidity and a soft, supple feel to its texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of peach, citrus, bananas and herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is soft and round and has a wonderfully long, savory finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made from an indigenous grape, Trebbiano di Lugana, a unique clone of Trebbiano that is highly regarded for its distinctly flavorful characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented in stainless steel and aged in stainless steel for 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottle-aged in the bottle for 2 months before.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner, roasted chicken, scallops, lobster, duck breast, etc.!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:maroon;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language: IT" lang="IT"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Lucchine 2010 (Italy) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - This is delicious, well-balanced and nuanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has vibrant, lively acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of cherries and red currants.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice finish that carries through the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lucchine is the vineyard that produces the grapes; it’s in Valpolicella’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>25% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara & 10% Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara & Dindarella.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s a mouthful and a truckload of grape varietals!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner, pasta, white meat dishes and lighter meals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Serve at 57 degrees.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">A little bit nicer</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(under $25)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green">White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Chateau de Chamboureau Savennières Cuvée d’Avant 2004 (France) $23.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - Delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is just a flat out wonderful wine –A UNIQUE wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the best white wines, or any wine, under $25!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth & mouth-filling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not a sweet wine nor is it extremely dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A rare white wine that really evolves after being opened for a day or so.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of honeysuckle, green apple & crème brulée.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Richly flavored with a stony mineral quality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-balanced acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Chenin Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From a tiny Loire Valley area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing - Great wine w/ shellfish in cream sauces.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,200 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Will age well through 2014.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">A to Z Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - Wonderful Pinot!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a great vintage from Oregon!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clear and vibrant with a beautiful dark color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty aromas and flavors of raspberries and cherries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A lush texture & good acidity. Long finish that shows this wine’s beautifully balance between richness & power, the wine possesses amazing depth & purity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Restrained use of oak – this wine sees 9-10 months of aging before bottling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - Great on its own or with lobster, grilled chicken & pork, chicken salad, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, sushi, gazpacho and more!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now-2016.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i><span style="color:red">, 90 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Going Whole Turkey</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">(priceless)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green">White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (France) $34.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - Blockbuster of a wine and a GREAT value from Châteauneuf-du-Pape!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is GOOD STUFF!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s weighty and minerally and complex!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of limes, almonds, honey, honeysuckle and peaches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great weight and body to this wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp finish with vibrant acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The finish is long and complex.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 20% Bourbelanc, 30% Clairette and 5% Roussanne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – fish, white meat and creamy cheeses.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic Farming</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">A to Z Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - Wonderful Pinot!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a great vintage from Oregon!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clear and vibrant with a beautiful dark color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty aromas and flavors of raspberries and cherries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A lush texture & good acidity. Long finish that shows this wine’s beautifully balance between richness & power, the wine possesses amazing depth & purity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Restrained use of oak – this wine sees 9-10 months of aging before bottling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> - Great on its own or with lobster, grilled chicken & pork, chicken salad, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, sushi, gazpacho and more!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now-2016.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i><span style="color:red">, 90 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Cheese</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Cheese is priced per pound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You may buy it in any weight (1/4 pound or more).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We cut it to order.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Old Quebec Cheddar (Canada) $14.99/lb</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – easily our best-selling cheese and a crowd-favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a sharp cheddar that is aged over 5 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its texture has this nice crunchy aspect to it because calcium crystals have formed during its lengthy aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just a fabulous cheese.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Manchego (Spain) $16.99/lb</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – the classic sheep’s milk cheese from Spain!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a nice sharpness to it and a creamy texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Try it with fig cake or quince paste.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Pierre Robert Triple Creme (France) $19.99/lb</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – one of the world’s great soft-ripening cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is buttery, creamy, rich and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are familiar with Brillat-Savarin, you know this cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the best producer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Humboldt Fog (California) $21.99/lb</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – one of the most distinctive cheeses from anywhere in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% goat’s milk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cheese ripens from the outside in…..as it ripens, it turns gooey.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The outer part tastes different than the inner part, which is akin to a crumbly chevre.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The rind has a subtle blue characteristic to it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">St.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> Agur Blue (France) $18.99/lb</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – this is creamy, lush, rich and delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s buttery with a nice saltiness to it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Beer & Cider</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">We are going to go local with our beer recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cider is from all over!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cider is the CLASSIC AMERICAN beverage from colonial days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Beer</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Portland</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> Lager $4.79/big bottle</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> - Maine’s newest brewery and its only true lager brewery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A weighty, rich lager that has nice hoppiness to it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Maine Beer Co. “Mean Old Tom” Stout</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – this is the 2<sup>nd</sup> year for Dave and Dan’s seasonal winter brew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It just arrived TODAY!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a rich stout brewed with vanilla beans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s fantastic!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Rising Tide Polaris Wheat Stout $14.99/big bottle</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – This is a limited edition beer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They made 336 bottles and all are hand-numbered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s made in bourbon barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, lush and big.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.15in;text-indent:.1in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .05in"><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Rising Tide Daymark Pale Ale $5.99/big bottle </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana">– this has a wonderfully creamy feel to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-balanced between the hops and the malt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Cider</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">One of the beauties of cider is that it is LOW in alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is the drink that Americans loved from colonial days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Johnny Appleseed was not planting apple trees for eating purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Before Prohibition, 80% of all apples were used to make hard cider.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, cider apples differ from the ones we eat.</span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana"></span><span style="font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Original Sin Cherry Tree Cider (New York) $11.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – this is delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s dry and tart with great fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is made from heirloom apples and cherries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine!</span></b></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Christian Drouin Cidre Pays d’Auge (Normandy, France) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – Wonderfully sparkling cider.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of fine, soft bubbles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of pears, peaches, caramel, apples and baking spices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4.5% alcohol.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-38645114778166442412011-11-17T15:15:00.002-05:002011-11-17T15:17:16.879-05:00November Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Pre-Thanksgiving Wine Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Friday, 3:30-7:30</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">November 18<sup>th</sup>, 2011</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:red">10% off on all wine tasting wines!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:green"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We usually have Ned Swain of Devenish Wines here for this tasting…..and we do again this year!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ned’s always fun and always brings us wines we just don’t see many other places……wines with heart and soul and a sense of place.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The focus is on wines that will pair well with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We want balanced wines that will compliment the meal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We don’t want high alcohol blockbusters because those would do two things (at least) – (1) clobber the white meat and several other dishes; (2) bring on a nap way too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines will also work well with a host of other meals.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:green">The Sparkling:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Alexandre Monmousseau Crémant de Loire (France) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – one of the beauties of Crémants is that they are made in the “méthode traditionnelle,” which used to called “methode champenoise,” but that term is now reserved for true Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This makes the bubbles finer and longer lasting than wines made in the Charmant method.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The difference is that the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle with “méthode traditionnelle” versus in a stainless steel tank with the Charmant method.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is 50% Chenin Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and the rest is Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is a white wine, so it’s not left in skin contact with the red grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is lively, fresh, refreshing with nice fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a nice weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Another nice thing about Crémants is that they aren’t as expensive as Champagne!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:green">The Whites:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Illahe Gruner Veltliner 2009 (Oregon) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> –Why not an Oregon Gruner? Another grape that is not commonly grown in Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful fruit – pineapple, melon and just a hint of grapefruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hints of black pepper.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>Stainless steel fermentation. 0.3% residual sugar – so it is bone dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">LIVE-certified Salmon Safe vineyard.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wine Enthusiast</span></i><span style="color:red">, “Best Buy,” 90 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2010 (Alsace, France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b>Thanksgiving Dinner is a meal with a lot going on on the table and in the room. There's a bit of chaos on the table and in the air. We have dark meat, white meat, stuffing, gravy, root veggies, cranberry sauce, green beans, maybe asparagus and more. Each family has its own traditions. Each person has their own combination of food on the plate. It can all get confusing when it comes to the wine. Pinot Blanc is food-friendly. It's "only" 12% alcohol, so it won't go to your head quickly. This has vibrant fruit, crisp acidity. It's simply delicious and great with a broad variety of foods.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Carlotta Cellars AD Blanc 2010 (California) $29.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b>Ned says this is really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I haven’t had it, but I know that when Ned is all jazzed about a wine, it’s unique, tasty and has soul!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s definitely a California take on a Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All of the wine is fermented in neutral oak barrels where lots of lees contact occurs to promote a richer mouth feel and increased aromatics..<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of the lots go through malolactic fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10% of their 2010 Reserve wine is added to the blend – this adds a touch of oak, as the Reserve wine is aged in 100% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottled unfiltered and unfined.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a rich, hedonistic white wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of honeysuckle, bacon, melons and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Layers and layers of fruit and flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mouthwatering.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, lengthy, complex finish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:maroon">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Domain Le Grand Rouvière Côtes de Provence Rouge 2009 (France) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> - Great tasting, great value red!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is enjoyably earthy at the start and then it opens up into a very unpretentious table wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins aren’t aggressive, but it has a nice dry, earthy mid-palate and aromas of Provencal herbs behind its bright cherry fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fifth generation winemaking family. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic, sustainable farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing</b> – grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Domaine de Chevalerie Bourgueil Cuvée Venus (France) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – 100% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of the better known Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted and revered red grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The areas of Chinon and Saumur are certainly better known than Bourgueil – some of that is Bourgueil is just hard to pronounce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s close to “Ber-goy.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Caslot family has only owned this estate since 1640.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are widely regarded as the best winemaking family in the Loire Valley, certainly the best Bourgueil producer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are classic, traditional winemakers and this wine shows that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is as pure an expression of the grape as you will find.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of graphite, bell peppers, blackberries and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has vibrant acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic, sustainable farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing</b> – pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving Dinner, duck, poultry, salmon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Domaine de Chevalerie Bourgueil Cuvée Venus (France) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – 100% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of the better known Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted and revered red grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The areas of Chinon and Saumur are certainly better known than Bourgueil – some of that is Bourgueil is just hard to pronounce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s close to “Ber-goy.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Caslot family has only owned this estate since 1640.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are widely regarded as the best winemaking family in the Loire Valley, certainly the best Bourgueil producer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are classic, traditional winemakers and this wine shows that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is as pure an expression of the grape as you will find.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of graphite, bell peppers, blackberries and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has vibrant acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic, sustainable farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing</b> – pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving Dinner, duck, poultry, salmon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Atilio Avena Malbec Roble 2009 (Argentina) $15.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – we just tasted this with our friend, Warren Frasor, the night of our recent Italian tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warren is someone Ned and I have worked with for a number of years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He recently started his own importing company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s focused on wines from Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, how did he end up with an Argentine Malbec?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He worked with the owners in Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is nice and juicy with great red fruit, a little spiciness and well-integrated tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s very balanced and just fun to drink!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><span style="font-weight: bold;">These next two wines</span> are brought to us by our friend Wayne Clark, who moved from Maine to Oregon a couple of years ago and fell in love with many of the tiny, family-owned wineries in the area and wanted his Maine friends to enjoy wines such as these.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Dewey Kelly Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon) $38.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – Dewey and Robin Kelly bought this property in 1978 and dreamed of building a winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 2001, they planted their first vines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine is made from the best barrels each year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ribbon Ridge is Dewey Kelly’s estate vineyard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2007 was to put it mildly a challenging year. Some have called it a winemaker’s year, because it separated the men from the boys, so to speak. Late season rain had people guessing when to harvest. Those who waited were rewarded with riper fruit. Even the best 2007s didn’t really come into their own until they’d been in bottle about 6 months. With much longer than that, Dewey’s Pinot Noir is really good!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of spicy red fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of ripe raspberries, cherries, earth and plums.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s refreshing with nice zingy red fruit!.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.</span></b></span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Angel Vine “The Hellion” Primitivo – Petite Sirah 2008 (Washington) $24.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – We tasted a wonderful Zinfandel from this winery in April when Wayne was here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a HUGE hit at the tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ed Fus made a very limited amount of this wine (9 barrels).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ed is devoted to making great Zinfandel and its cousin, Primitivo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a delicious tribute to the Italian field blends that have been popular in California since immigrants brought vines with them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>full, ripe and drinkable with spice and smoke under its dense fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everything is balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.</span></b></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-35531004810186947412011-11-10T04:20:00.001-05:002011-11-10T04:22:37.273-05:00Beer & Cider Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;text-align:center" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:48.0pt;font-family:Garamond;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Beer & Cider Tasting! </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:48.0pt; font-family:Garamond"></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Garamond;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Saturday</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Garamond;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">November 12 </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Garamond;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">3 – 6 PM</span></b><span style="font-size:24.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial"><br /></span><u><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:red">The Beers:</span></u><span style="font-family:Arial; color:red"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meantime India Pale Ale (England) $10.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a nice, creamy, amber-colored IPA.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s very classically made – meaning, this resembles the original IPA’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice aromas of hops and orange peel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of spicy hops, caramel, a little earth, fresh hops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a nice long finish that has a pleasing bitter note to it that IPA’s should have.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottle-conditioned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not pasteurized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Uses Fuggles & Goldings hops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7.5% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – hot foods and spicy friends.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>RateBeer.com, 93 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen Triple IPA (Belgium) $8.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - These little gnomes on the Chouffe bottles aren't playing around - they are helping make some of the world's best beer!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of clean fruit, yeast, fresh bread, jalapeño, hops, citrus and malt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of grapefruit citrus, plus lemon. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, toast, minerals and baked apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice balance to the bitterness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9% alcohol gives this some warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp, dry, fruity finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfiltered, non-pasteurized, bottle-conditioned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Beer Advocate, A- points; RateBeer.com, 99 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">St. Bernardus ABT 12 Strong Brown Ale (Belgium) $9.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - One of the WORLD'S GREAT beers!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Traditional Trappist Monk-style Belgium ale.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark in color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is smooth, creamy and big - it's a full-bodied beer with a great feel, aroma and taste!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of caramel, figs, raisins, bananas, toasted bread - it's a warming aroma!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of figs, malt, baking spices, raisins, poached pears, a banana dessert torched in rum.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is so complex it is hard to figure out!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Alexis and Prisma malts, roasted malts and Target and Styrian Goldings hops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10% alcohol. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Awards - Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Championships; Beer Advocate, A; RateBeer.com, 100 points.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Bosteels Brewery Kwak Special Amber Ale (Belgium) $9.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a beautiful Belgian ale that is rich and has a slight sweetness to the malty characteristics in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It pours with a beautifully rich, fluffy head in the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of plums, caramel, fresh bread, bananas, cherries and dried fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full-bodied, rich and almost lush.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of caramel, honey, ripe cherries and fresh bread.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>RateBeer.com, 94 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Orkney Brewery Skull Splitter Ale (Scotland) $12.99/4-pack</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a dark amber ale, but it is not a stout or a porter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of chocolate, caramel, molasses and maybe cherries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of brown sugar, chocolate, caramel and molasses.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a pleasing mouthfeel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s creamy and smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8.5% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>RateBeer.com, 95 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Porterhouse Oyster Stout (Ireland)</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">$4.99</b> – This is called oyster stout for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s actually brewed with fresh oysters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was first done in 1929 in New Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At this time, “nourishing” stouts and “milk” stouts were quite popular.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, in pubs in the 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> centuries, fresh oysters were a common food and stouts were much more popular than pale ales.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The pairing is a natural one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Not suitable for vegetarians” is the motto for this beer!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is smooth drinking and has a definite sea air aroma to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a deep, dark brown with a nice white head on it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of coffee, chocolate and salt water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice complexity and layers to this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good long finish that continues to subtle salinity trip. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5.2% alcohol.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Georgia;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:red">The Ciders:</span></u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Apple cider was the most popular alcoholic drink in the American Colonies and it continued to be so in the USA through at least the 1840’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Prohibition just about killed off hard cider production in America.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It remains a popular beverage in France, England and elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is slowly re-emerging in the US.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">One of the great things about cider is that it is tasty and LOW in alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great to drink on a warm day – cider is not just a Fall beverage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, hard cider was a means to preserve the calories in apples for the year AND to provide a save beverage to consume – think about how nasty and polluted so many populous areas in the US and Europe were in much of the 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> centuries and into the 20<sup>th</sup>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Interestlingly, it was beer’s increasing popularity that started cider’s demise in the US in the 1800’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a bit ironic that the emergence of the US microbrew industry has sparked a resurgence in cider’s popularity.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouche Brut 2009 (Normandy, France) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This has a carbonation that is much akin to Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of fine, soft bubbles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a golden color and aromas of sweet apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It should have that…..it’s made with 6 varietals of “cider” apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The apples traditionally used to make cider are not the ones we typically eat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Cider” apples are less sweet and more tart than eating apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cider has a light dryness to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a soft feel to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When you first open the cider, it has a mustiness to the aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This passes soon as the cider starts to react to being let out of the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s crisp and refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Has a subtle smokiness to it, as well as hints of fresh bread.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5.5% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>RateBeer.com, 96 points</span></b></span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">J. K. Scrumpy’s Solstice Cider (Michigan) $7.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This is a LIGHTLY spiced cider that Scrumpy only makes in a small amount to enjoy in the Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a little cinnamon, vanilla and a tiny drop (a speck) of maple syrup.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Enjoy this chilled or warm it for a festive drink.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This definitely smells like apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors show more of the spice aromatics and vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6.9% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="color:red">Awards -<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>RateBeer.com, 97 points</span></b></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-20108782642285334402011-11-04T14:15:00.002-04:002011-11-04T14:36:18.485-04:00October Wines of the Month<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">October Wines of the Month</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We’ve been tasting wines this fall with the focus really being on food-friendly wines, particularly with the heartier foods we are eating as the weather cools and the days shorten.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier One</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($8-$15/bottle)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We wanted to go to Italy for Tier One because the Italians truly do think about food when they are making their wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are having an Italian wine and it just isn’t working for you, find some food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Salami works great with Italian reds.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2010 (Italy) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – We flat out LOVE this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has crisp acidity and a soft, supple feel to its texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of peach, citrus, bananas and herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is soft and round and has a wonderfully long, savory finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made from an indigenous grape, Trebbiano di Lugana.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a unique clone of Trebbiano that is highly regarded for its distinctly flavorful characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are from estate vineyards in San Benedetto, a village just south of Lake Garda.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented in stainless steel and aged in stainless steel for 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in the bottle for 2 months before release.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner, roasted chicken, scallops, lobster, duck breast, etc.!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Lucchine 2010 (Italy) $14.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– LThis is well-balanced and nuanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has vibrant, lively acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of cherries and red currants.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice finish that carries through the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lucchine is the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana">vineyard that produces the grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyard is in the heart of the Valipolicella.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Blend of 25% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara, and 10% Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara & Dindarella.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana">That’s a mouthful and a truckload of grape varietals!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Food pairing</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – Thanksgiving Dinner, pasta, white meat dishes and lighter meals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Serve at 57 degrees.</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier Two</span></b> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($15-$25/bottle)</span></b></p><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span> <span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green"></span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For this tier, we’ve turned to a friend of ours, Warren Frasor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warren managed the Italian portfolio for an importer, T. Edward, in Manhattan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve enjoyed and sold a ton of the wines from T. Edward over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We buy those wines from the inimitable Ned Swain of Devenish Wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Warren</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> started a new wine importing company this year, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://pwselections.com/contact">Peter Warren Selections</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ned and I are really excited about these wines and Warren’s new venture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Warren</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> was also the sommelier at Mario Batali’s famed New York restaurant, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.mariobatali.com/restaurants_babbo.cfm">Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warren’s a fantastic guy with a great nose for fine wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red">These wines are brand new to Maine!</span></b></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.comelli.it">Comelli</a> is a small winery in the northeastern part of Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Daniela and Pierluigi Comelli had a home and vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Originally, they sold all the grapes they grew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Looking to make something interesting and great for their two sons, they decided to build a winery and increase some vineyard holdings. They are in northern part of the Collio Orientali DOC, which is hillier than the southern part.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This helps give the wines a little more brightness in the fruit department. They produce about 6,000 cases per vintages. Very sweet folks; all the family is involved in the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They make very focused and delicious wines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The location is protected by the Alps to the north and is open to sea breezes from the south.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This area is an ancient sea floor, so the soil is laced with limestone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This adds great minerality to the wines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Colli Orientali del Friuli is a wine area that is unfamiliar to most Americans. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is near Slovenia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana">Friuli</span><span style="font-family: Verdana"> is primarily known for their lovely aromatic white wines, but they produce some exciting high elevation reds as well. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Comelli Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli 2009 (Italy) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is a delicious wine that typifies white wine styles from Friuli. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Dry, nicely balanced, it has a pleasing yellow-straw colour with golden reflections. It has well-balanced, fruity bouquet with notes of almond, wildflower and white peach. The aromas carry through to a taste that is fresh, fruity and inviting.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Fruilano is the relatively new name for the grape.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It used to be called Tocai or Tocai Friulano in Friuli and Slovenia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hungarians successfully lobbied the European Union to only permit the name Tokay, and its derivatives, to be used with the famous golden dessert wine of northeast Hungary.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">So, Tocai Friulano is now abbreviated to Friulano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grape is a close relative of Sauvignon Blanc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Food pairing</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – prosciutto, soup, fish appetizers, white meat terrines, Thanksgiving Dinner.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Comelli Soffumbergo Rosso delle Venezie 2008 (Italy) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This has a brooding, dark, elegant aroma that is very warming. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has aromas of cedar, bacon fat, black cherry, cigar box and freshly ground coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a sleek and refined texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s really hard to not just chug this one down it is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine has bright, fresh acidity and the fruit is alive!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lush and layered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark cherries with baking spices and cassis.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s velvety and smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied and an excellent autumn wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This combines the power and intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon with the earthy smokiness of Refosco and the soft, supple lushness of Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Refosco, Pignolo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing </b>– grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms, truffle dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier Three </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($25-$50/bottle)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Champagne NV (France) $59.99 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– This winery was established in 1818 with a marriage uniting 2 Champagne producers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The blend for this cuvée has not changed much for almost 50 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is medium-bodied and has beautiful, fine bubbles and plenty of length.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It finishes crisp and refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Straw-colored.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of ripe pears, peaches and freshly mown hay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Podere San Cristoforo “Carandelle” Sangiovese Super Tuscan (Italy) $28.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lorenzo Zonin comes from a wine making family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They produce excellent Prosecco.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He decided to branch out and chart his own course.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, he established a winery in the wild west of Tuscany, in southerm Maremma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He purchased an old winery/vineyard with spectacular terroir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He farms biodynamically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines are beautiful and intense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Warren was discussing these wines with him at VinItaly last year, Lorenzo said, Wait until I get my dirt healthy.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s serious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much of the farm is fallow, planted with various grasses and herbs to correct deficiencies in the soil.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Lorenzo is focused on making elegant, rich wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Carandelle is made from grapes grown in cuttings of Sangiovese Grosso that Lorenze obtained from a friend in Montalcino.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He grafted these cuttings onto old-vine rootstock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He makes about 3,500<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>cases of wine total each vintage and plans to grow slowly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">The wine</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is smooth, rich and elegant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, flowers, spices and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine truly showcases the nuances that are Maremma – fresh raspberries, macerated strawberries, mint, lightly dusty, violet-like, with minerals and baking spices….even rhubarb.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has an opulence and fullness in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are well balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 12 months in French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 91 points</span></b></span></p>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-10654231504817170702011-11-04T14:02:00.003-04:002011-11-04T14:36:46.116-04:00November Wines of the Month<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:24.0pt;" >November Wines of the Month</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >The focus this month is on wines for Thanksgiving, as well as for the Fall. Consequently, this is an "All-American" line-up.....but, not from places you'd expect!</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:24.0pt;" >Tier One</span></b> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:14.0pt;" >($8-$15/bottle)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;" ></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><br /></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ></span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:green;" >The White</span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Urbanite Cellars Caliberico 2010 (California) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – This is VERY aromatic and has a lovely nose!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a pretty wine. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the mouth it has rich fruit and pops with nice acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a pleasing note of honey to the flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because the wine is from California and the grape varietals are from Spain/Portugal, the wine is named for California and the Iberian Peninsula!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >The grapes are from the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lodi is about 60 miles east of Napa and ENE of San Francisco and about 45 miles south of Sacramento.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of us probably heard of Lodi when listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >It’s an early center of grape-growing and cattle ranching in California.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many early immigrants brought grape vine cuttings with them, so the grapes in and around Lodi are a diverse lot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lodi is the “Zinfandel capital of the world.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Urbanite’s grapes are all from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green;">certified sustainable vineyards</span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They pick the grapes early to ensure alcohol and acidity levels similar to those found in wines from Galicia and Vinho Verde.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s only 12.6% alcohol, making this perfect for a long day of eating and drinking such as Thanksgiving Day!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 47% Verdelho, 35% Albarinho and 18% Torrontes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The varietals are fermented separately in stainless steel (80%) and neutral French oak (20%).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is then blended and aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% neutral French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Drinks well with or without food!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:maroon;" >The Red </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Urbanite Cellars Redart 2010 (California) $14.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >– While Urbanite mostly specializes in grape varietals that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, they do make wines from varietals we more closely associate with California.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is juicy with nice red and dark fruit and a pleasing mocha note to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s not hugely tannic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s wll-balanced and easy-drinking!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel & 10% other reds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each varietal is aged 4-9 months in neutral French oak before blending.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Food pairing</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > - poultry, grilled meats, duck.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;" >Tier Two</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:14.0pt;" >($15-$25/bottle)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >We recently tasted several wines from Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes, Virginia, wines from Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As many know, Thomas Jefferson was passionate about wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He even tried to start a winery near Charlottesville.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wasn’t successful, but, one needs to remember that while Jefferson was a brilliant man, he wasn’t as good of a businessman or farmer as George Washington was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, in the 20<sup>th</sup> century, many people have proven that Virginia can produce good, even great, wines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >These are some of them!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are from an estate called Barboursville Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No less an authority than the esteemed Michael Broadbent of Decanter Magazine glows about Barboursville Vineyards.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >http://barboursvillewine.net/pdf/Decanter.pdf</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Jefferson himself designed the grand home at Barboursville for his good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, that home burned in the 1880’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Gianni Zonin, a member of a 6-generation wine family from the Veneto in Italy (they make great Prosecco, among other things), bought the estate in 1976.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Against the advice of bankers, locals, farmers and governmental officials, he planted grapes rather than tobacco.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, the region is home to more than 100 wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barboursville Vineyards makes OUTSTANDING wine!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:green;" >The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Barboursville Vineyards Viognier Reserve 2009 (Virginia) $24.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – Delicious, rich white wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy pears, tropical fruit and citrus with a suggestive herbal note.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ripe and luscious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2009 was a cool growing season and this helped lengthen the growing season, concentrating and heightening the aromatics even beyond the landmark 2008 vintage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Viognier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged and fermented in stainless steel for 12-14 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sees no malolactic fermentation (so, it is not buttery/creamy).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is rich and weighty because it is aged on its lees.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13.7% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is drinking well now and will age well for another 4-5 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – crab cakes, veal or venison scaloppini, scallops au gratin, rich seafood, duck, heftier chicken dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:maroon;" >The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Barboursville Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2008 (Virginia) $24.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – This is a beautiful, layered, complex and elegant Cab. Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a dark garnet color in the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of figs, cherries, plums and ripe red berries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has soft, lasting tannins and is beautifully soft feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Cabernet Franc from 4 Bordeaux clones and 1 Loire Valley clone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 14 months in new and French oak barriques.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The oak staves are air-dried at least 3 years before coopering.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s the House Red at The Inn at Little Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing </b>– </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Braised veal roast served with baby vegetables, pasta with breast of duck ragù, roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic over soft polenta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;" >Tier Three </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:14.0pt;" >($25-$50/bottle)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:green;" >The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR Sparkling Wine (Massachusetts) $25.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> - Excellent Champagne-style sparkling wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were at a wine tasting that SOPO hosted at a wonderful restaurant on Portland's Munjoy Hill, BarLola (great food)....the first wine we had at this tasting was this sparkling wine! We both loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From Massachusetts - who would have thunk!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aromas of apples, pears, minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just a subtle hint of toast. Feels nice and soft & rich in the mouth. Nice bubbles!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finishes soft & creamy with a hint of citrus!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tasty wine! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:maroon;" >The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Barboursville Vineyards “Octagon” 2006 (Virginia) $42.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >– This has classic Boreaux characteristics – and it should given that it consists of Bordeaux’s 3 primary grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of mocha, mint, cassis, roasted coffee, cocoa powder, plums and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is full-bodied and silky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s just coming into its prime.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dusty tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 12-14 months in new French oak barriques.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wood was air-dried for at least 3 years before coopering.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>- </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Osso buco, chicken braised in good red wine and black olives, sage and walnut-crusted lamb chop in rosemary jus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >The wine is named for the Octagon that was part of Jefferson’s design for the Barbours home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The design for the 1<sup>st</sup> floor of the home is on the front label of the wine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Read an interesting <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/08/18/ST2009081802401.html">article</a> about a blind tasting showcasing French, Napa and Virginia wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The sommeliers and retailers at the tasting ranked the Octagon right up with an esteemed Napa Cab and an excellent Bordeaux.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red;" >Beverage Tasting Institute</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red;" >,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i>“Exceptional,” Gold Medal, “Best Red Wine 2009”</span></b></p>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-34774105619967293922011-11-03T16:28:00.001-04:002011-11-04T14:37:10.342-04:00Italian Wine Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:28.0pt;color:black;" >Wine Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:28.0pt;color:black;" >A Taste of Italy</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;color:black;" >Friday, Nov. 4<sup>th</sup> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;color:black;" >4:00 – 7:30pm</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:20.0pt;color:red;" >10% off on all wine tasting wines!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:fuchsia;" ></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:8.0pt;color:fuchsia;" > </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Tomorrow we will have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Ned Swain of Devenish Wines</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Warren Frasor of Peter Warren Selections</b> here for a tasting of Italian wines that are brand new to Maine!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Warren</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > started a new wine importing company this year, Peter Warren Selections.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ned and I are really excited about these wines and Warren’s new venture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warren KNOWS the people making these wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s not buying them from a broker.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s on the ground in Italy at times finding great little wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Ned just recently added these wines to his portfolio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I remember first tasting many of these last Spring at Ned’s trade show.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They really captured our attention with their authenticity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Something about them; they just taste very honest, very Italian, very authentic. And they're from a lot of very small producers in off the beaten path places: lots of central Italy. This will be good fun and very educational.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Warren</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > is a guy I’ve known for about 6 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great guy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great knowledge about wine, especially from Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plus, Warren, Ned and my daughter, Kelley, all share Feb. 24<sup>th</sup> as a birthday.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Warren</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > managed the Italian portfolio for an importer, T. Edward, in Manhattan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve enjoyed and sold a ton of the wines from T. Edward over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We buy those wines from the inimitable Ned Swain of Devenish Wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>http://pwselections.com/contact</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Warren</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > was also the sommelier at Mario Batali’s famed New York restaurant, Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warren’s a fantastic guy with a great nose for fine wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.mariobatali.com/restaurants_babbo.cfm">http://www.mariobatali.com/restaurants_babbo.cfm</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red;" >These wines are brand new to Maine!</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red;" > </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:green;" >The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >http://www.comelli.it/?lang=en</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Comelli is a small winery in the northeastern part of Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Daniela and Pierluigi Comelli had a home and vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Originally, they sold all the grapes they grew.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Looking to make something interesting and great for their two sons, they decided to build a winery and increase some vineyard holdings. They are in northern part of the Collio Orientali DOC, which is hillier than the southern part.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This helps give the wines a little more brightness in the fruit department. They produce about 6,000 cases per vintages. Very sweet folks; all the family is involved in the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They make very focused and delicious wines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >The location is protected by the Alps to the north and is open to sea breezes from the south.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This area is an ancient sea floor, so the soil is laced with limestone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This adds great minerality to the wines.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Colli Orientali del Friuli is a wine area that is unfamiliar to most Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is near Slovenia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Friuli</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is primarily known for their lovely aromatic white wines, but they produce some exciting high elevation reds as well. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Comelli Sauvignon Blanc Colli Orientali del Friuli 2010 (Friuli, Italy) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – This is a delicious wine that typifies white wine styles from Friuli.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Absolutely beautiful wine with great aromatics and fruit flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromatics of sage, green pepper, hazelnuts and white peaches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of tropical fruit, mint and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Destemmed before crushing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner, vegetarian soups, lighter seafood soups, seafood and fish, omelettes, asparagus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:maroon;" > </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;font-size:18.0pt;color:maroon;" >The Reds</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Comelli Soffumbergo Rosso delle Venezie 2008 (Friuli, Italy) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – This has a brooding, dark, elegant aroma that is very warming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has aromas of cedar, bacon fat, black cherry, cigar box and freshly ground coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a sleek and refined texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s really hard to not just chug this one down it is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine has bright, fresh acidity and the fruit is alive!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lush and layered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark cherries with baking spices and cassis.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s velvety and smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied and an excellent autumn wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This combines the power and intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon with the earthy smokiness of Refosco and the soft, supple lushness of Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Refosco, Pignolo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing </b>– grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms, truffle dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Fiarano Sangiovese “Fiarano” 2009 (Marche, Italy) $18.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > –<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paolo Beretta is an intense fellow, very passionate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He ahd his wife retired to her home area in the Marche from Milano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They decided to create a winery based on organic principles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Consulting with oenological experts from several University wine programs, they strove to find the perfect selection of clones for the ecosystems in their vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have a complete farm with gardens, vineyards, orchards and animals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is certified organic and is almost self-sustaining.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyards are grass covered all year and fertilized by leguminous cover crops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They make about 3,000 cases per vintage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-picked grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aged in steel for 7 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottle aged for 4 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Low sulfites.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paolo makes intense, flavorful wines with great character.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >This wine is a beautiful ruby red color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has ripe red berry (raspberry and strawberry) aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are red berries and a touch of caramel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a nice touch of acidity that makes the wine very pleasing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This might be my choice for Thanksgiving Dinner.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Podere San Cristoforo “Carandelle” Sangiovese Super Tuscan (Tuscany, Italy) $28.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > –<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lorenzo Zonin comes from a wine making family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They produce excellent Prosecco.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He decided to branch out and chart his own course.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, he established a winery in the wild west of Tuscany, in southerm Maremma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He purchased an old winery/vineyard with spectacular terroir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He farms biodynamically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines are beautiful and intense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Warren was discussing these wines with him at VinItaly last year, Lorenzo said, Wait until I get my dirt healthy.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s serious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much of the farm is fallow, planted with various grasses and herbs to correct deficiencies in the soil.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Lorenzo is focused on making elegant, rich wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Carandelle is made from grapes grown in cuttings of Sangiovese Grosso that Lorenze obtained from a friend in Montalcino.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He grafted these cuttings onto old-vine rootstock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He makes about 3,500<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>cases of wine total each vintage and plans to grow slowly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >The wine</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > – This is smooth, rich and elegant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, flowers, spices and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine truly showcases the nuances that are Maremma – fresh raspberries, macerated strawberries, mint, lightly dusty, violet-like, with minerals and baking spices….even rhubarb.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has an opulence and fullness in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are well balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 12 months in French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red;">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 91 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red;" > </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Piantate Lunghe Rosso Conero D.O.C. 2007 (Marche, Italy) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> - Three friends living near the Monte Conero/Ancona area with small plots of vineyards decided to pool all their resources/vineyards and created Piantate Lunghe. They produce only Montepulciano as they feel that it is the superior grape in that area. I think that they are just great gents, making tasty little wines, about 2,000 cases each vintage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their Montepulciano wowed me because while big they shows very elegantly, gentle giants!<br /><br />These are Ned’s notes about the wine:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">“I don't really know how to introduce this wine. It's currently one of my favorites and I think I've opened at least four bottles in the two weeks that I've had it. Rosso Conero is a small, little-known, but very respected (in Italy) DOC in the Marche region of central Italy. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aroma: Intense. It smells like what I want my kitchen to smell like on a Sunday afternoon in January; namely, baking spices, cinnamon, raspberry, blueberry (both fresh and cooked), hints of smoke, charred meat, and hints of baking chocolate. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Palate: Richly textured and with dark fruit, this is a lush and very authentically Italian tasting wine. The mouthfeel is smooth and refined while the flavors are dense blueberry, pepper, and hints of smoke. It's not a super complex wine, but very well balanced, approachable, and utterly delicious. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Food pairing - I've had this wine with all manner of food, including Indian creamed spinach and a tomato chickpea dish. I have yet to find a food that this wine can't handle, but it is ideal with stewed meats or pasta in a meat sauce. Sometimes you don't want a wine that totally grabs and dominates your attention; sometimes you just want one that's honestly delicious and that's what this wine is to me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It's also the best wine made from Montepulciano I've ever had.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I Balzini Red Label Super Tuscan 2005 (Tuscany, Italy) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – These are Warren’s notes:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Located just north of Poggibonsi in the heart of Toscana, right in the middle of Chianti making area. Antonella d’Isanto is an imposing and almost frightening woman…until she smiles at you and offers you a seat at the table. Then the most amazingly gracious woman is sitting across from you sharing an unbelievable passion for her wines. They are graceful and elegant just as she is. And I have not met anyone with the humble pride and love for their wines as she has. Making four wines all based around the Sangiovese grape but eschewing the easier name recognition of Chianti, Antonella works meticulously in the vineyards on the “balze” (the local word for the terraces from which the name I Balzini is derived) ensuring that the quality of each bunch is spectacular. The vines and wines are treated organically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each wine sees a different assemblage and molding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Red Label 60/40 Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 4 years in 4th use barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A stunning and elegant number!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I owe my good friend Erika Ribaldi for this introduction!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The wine is a deep, ruby red color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has loads of berries and black cherries with spicy notes in the aromas along with baking spices, mint and anise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-structured wine with a lot of depth and complex tannins and an elegance to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long finish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Giacomo Vico Roero 2007 (Piedmont, Italy) $34.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – If Barolo and Barbaresco prices are driving you nuts, you need to look at this wine! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s 100% Nebbiolo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s aged 12 months in oak barrels – 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup> and 35r use.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s bottle-aged for 2 years before release.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s delicious!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Warren</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> can’t remember who told him to look up these 2 brothers, telling him that he would loved their Roero-based wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wishes he could so that he could thank them!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery is named for the brothers’ great-grandfather.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The brothers re-started the winery in 1992.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The brothers are simply fun and talented! Making delicious and very pleasing wines of clean and pure varietal character from the Roero. They produce around 10,000 cases of wine total, with most of it being Arneis and Barbera d’Alba.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Farming as naturally as possible all their wines have a very attractive savory character to them, an herbal note that differs wine to wine. And they are damn fun to hang out with.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >The wine is a ruby red with a bit of garnet to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a spicy, fragrant nose with notes of strawberries, cherries, chocolate and licorice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-structured and balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dry with just the right amount of tannins that have been softened by the aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, full finish.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-49939959030401245162011-10-20T12:10:00.001-04:002011-10-20T12:12:04.037-04:00Wine Tasting, Friday, Oct. 21st<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Arial">Wine Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red">Friday, October 21<sup>st</sup> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue">3:30 – 7:30pm</span></b></p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial">The Wines</span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">The Whites:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Giocato Pinot Grigio 2009 (Primorska, Slovenia) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT"> - </span><span style="font-family:Arial">We love this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fresh, bright, lively and fun to drink!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is crisp and fresh with beautiful tropical fruit and a light kiss of lime/lemon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great for just sipping!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>PERFECT label for Halloween!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made by CULT Winemaker Aleks Simcic, perhaps Eastern Europe’s best!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Italian – “Giocare” – to play; gamble; deceive; trick.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing – lobster, seafood, lighter chicken dishes, salads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Organic Farming.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:green"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2009 (Marche, Italy) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is one of the best Mediterranean whites under $15 I've ever tasted!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful citrus & mineral flavors & aromas. This also has notes of green apples & tropical fruits. Vibrant acidity and loads of minerality throughout the wine. Has a little nuttiness (almonds?) on the finish. Long, crisp finish!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maurizio Marchetti, the winemaker, only uses the best grapes (most years he gets no more than 1/2 a bottle from a single vine).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>900 cases made. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic Farming. </span>Food pairing</b> - seafood, shellfish, swordfish, etc. Great with poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Betts and Scholl Chardonnay 2009 (California) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Richard Betts is a master sommelier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He believes that “wine should be a grocery, not a luxury.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, he created a set of wines that are high quality, but priced well below $20.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is a négociant – buying wines from outstanding wineries and blending it to create his wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 2009 Chardonnay is sourced from the cool and crisp Monterey area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine has a nice balance between the over-oaked style and the austere stainless steel style.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is intense, with nice notes of nectarines and peaches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clean, rich finish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:maroon">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Pietra Santa Winery Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend Cask #6 (California) $10.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Juicy!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Loads of ripe plums and cherries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark and lush!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp acidity and a rich, soft finish!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Dolcetto.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>18,088 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24 months in French and American oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – great wine for a party – your guests will thank you for serving this!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well with or without food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grilled foods!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barbecue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pizza.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pasta.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mushrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Etc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Palamà "Arcangelo" Primitivo IGT 2009 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$17.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a delicious, smooth, rich red!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery's goal is to make great everyday wines.....bright, fresh fruit.....power....fun....taste! They are succeeding! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Named for the winemaker's father, Arcangelo. The grape is Primitivo. In the USA, we know the grape as Zinfandel. Primitivo and Zinfandel are NOT the same style of wine. This estate is on a tiny speck of land in Puglia. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> - crostini with olive tapenade, steak, venison.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>& Sustainable Farming</span></b>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Tre Donne Joan d’Arc 2008 (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $21.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - Antonella, Rosanna and Daniela Lequio are 3 sisters who run this wonderful Piedmontese winery. They took over the running of the winery from their somewhat chauvinistic father who wasn't that sure about women as winemakers and he had no son! Turns out the 3 sisters are great at this! This is a great blend from Piedmont that definitely expresses the phrase, "the sum is greater than the parts," and the parts are pretty darn good! It's a blend of mostly Barbera and Pinot Noir with 20% Dolcetto with 10% Friesa, a native Langhe white wine. The Friesa adds freshness and a zippy acidity as well as nice floral aromas (frequently, Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers add white wine to the red blends). The tannins are soft and the blend adds a lot of complexity to the wine! Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, baking spices, roses, peaches, almonds and more. It has a really smooth and soft texture. Notes of mocha on the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic & Sustainable Farming</span></b>. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Podere Ciona Sangiovese Montegrossoli 2008 (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – We’ve gotten to know winemaker Lorenzo Gatteschi over the years with his work with a fabulous importing company, Small Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is his wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love his wines (we also carry his Chianti Classico Riserva – the family on makes 800 cases of wine total!).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice red fruit, soft tannins…soft, subtle dusty tannins…classic Sangiovese from the heart of the Chianti Classico area!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We first tasted this at a small tasting with Lorenzo in September. This is a wonderful wine and a great value.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Sustainable farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing</b> - meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Summers Charbono 2007 (California) Reg. $25.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $19.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Only 85 acres of Charbono are planted in California.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Summers has most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Charbono is a rare grape.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is believed that it comes from the southeastern France or Piedmont in Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an estate-grown wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful aromas of dusty flowers, raspberries and blueberries<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is ripe and full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 11 months in 80% American and 20% French oak (50% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – rack of lamb, grilled steak.</span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Truchard Zinfandel 2008 (California) $27.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This is the only Napa Valley Zin to come from only Carneros fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a ripe, jammy Zin with aromas of cherries, cranberries, cassis, cedar and mint.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are rich and full – plums, wild berries and vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good acidty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only 4 acres of vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vines are 11-18 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>60% French and 40% American oak (35% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>735 cases made.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-72710326653805047802011-10-07T15:11:00.002-04:002011-10-07T15:12:10.133-04:00October's Fancy Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Arial">Wine Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red">Thursday, October 13th</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue">6:00 – 8:00pm</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial">We are asking that you RSVP if you want to attend this tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be limiting the number of attendees to make this a more intimate tasting – one in which you can truly enjoy the wines and learn about them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be closing the store during the tasting so that we are not interrupted.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial">We are also going to ask you to pick a time to come.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The times are 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will have a finite number of people at each time slot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will also have 2 tables for the wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That way, if you are starting at 6:30, the people that started at 6:00 will either be done or they will be at the 2<sup>nd</sup> table and you will be at the 1<sup>st</sup> table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red">10% discount on any of the tasting wines you purchase.</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: Arial"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial">If we run out of any wines (we have a lot of wine for the tasting – don’t worry about that), we will have them in the store on Friday, Oct. 14<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">If we’ve run out of wines, and you want a case (mixed or full), I’ll deliver it to your home or office.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial">Without further ado – the tasting wines in the order WE THINK we will be tasting them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We might make adjustments during the tasting as the wines open and develop.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Arial">The Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green">The Whites:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007 (France) $78.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This offers<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>floral aromas that are similar to Viognier – which is a bit odd because it doesn’t have any Viognier in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of flowers, honey, limes and white fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s medium- to full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This just feels beautiful and refined.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vibrant acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Vieux Telégraphe Blanc represents 7% of this estate’s CNP production.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a relatively unusual blend of 40% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc and the rest is evenly divided between Roussanne and Bourboulenc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>40% sees oak barrels, but the wine isn’t “oaky.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 9 months before bottling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>35 year-old vines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sustainable agriculture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2000 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wine Spectator</span></i><span style="color:red">, 93 points; Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet 2009 (France) $56.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a golden color that is typical for this appellation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of pears, vanilla and almonds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s long and complex with flavors of yellow stone fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich and voluptuous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-picked grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Naturall yeast fermentation – no yeast is added to the barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented in oak barrels and aged sur-lie for 9-10 months in small oak barriques (no more than 40% are new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sustainable farming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – poultry dishes, particularly white meat, veal, fish with delicate sauces.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill 2007 (California) $89.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This vineyard Is immediately in front of the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a big, powerful, masculine Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s dense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of peaches and spice, tropical fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The texture is also smooth and silky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2007 was a relatively cool growing season – this helped produce crisp acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yields were low in 2007, but the grapes were excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 93-95 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 92 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:maroon">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $44.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– After a couple of Oregon Pinot Noirs showed well in wine competitions, the Drouhin family went to Oregon to see what was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They liked the area so much; they bought land and created Domaine Drouhin in the Dundee Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 1988, they produced their first wine from its vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a beautiful Pinot with aromas of baking spices, black cherry, cedar, dark berries and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s ripe, spicy, well-balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elegant with a long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2008 was a great vintage in Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 20% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Sustainable agriculture.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This will age well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink from 2012 through 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 91 points; Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 91 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Prunotto Barbaresco 2006 (Italy) $49.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– The 2006 Barbaresco is a pretty wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a floral aroma that I love in Nebbiolo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The aromas move on to include smoke, mocha, red fruits and garrigue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has strong acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are still lively.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has plenty of fruit in its youthful innocence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fruit will come more to the fore as it ages.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points; Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 90+ points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Marina Cvetic Merlot 2007 (Abruzzo, Italy) Reg. $42.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $32.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – The 2006 was THE HIT at our high-end Italian tasting in April!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The new vintage is rich & elegant, with both power and finesse!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This smells like Abruzzo (according to the winemaker who was here a several months back).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fine tannins and a velvety feel (which, Merlot should have.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has aromas & flavors of dark chocolate, dark berries & a peppery spiciness midway.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a deep dark color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged one year in French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink 2013-2019.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> – lamb, grilled meat, aged cheeses, game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Licinia Vina de Madrid 2008 (Spain) $57.99 – <span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">I first tasted in September at a tasting with the owners of Olé Importers, a fabulous importer of Spanish wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a beautiful wine that impressed everyone at the tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Located in the Vinos de Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery is in the town of Morata, called “Licinia” during Roman times.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In a blind tasting of 200 wines held in early 2009 by a panel of 50 distinguished winemakers, Licinia was named the best red wine in Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 3 proprietors focus on one wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is no grand winery with fancy gardens, buildings or tasting rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They farm biodynamically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,000 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>150 cases imported.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have 2 of them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">This has a wonderful red fruit, black cherry and herbal combination with notes of graphite, smoke, exotic spices and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s juicy, almost chewy, and is easy to drink.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s well-balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some nice spiciness in the flavors to go with savory fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This should drink well through 2020 after maturing for another 2-3 years. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Tempranillo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Biodynamic farming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are hand-harvested and transported in small boxes by refrigerated vans to avoid oxidation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are kept refrigerated for 48 hours to increase their fresh aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then the best clusters and berries are selected.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermentation is done at cool temperatures in stainless steel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then the wine goes into 225-liter barrels where it undergoes malolactic fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged for 12 months in 50% new and 50% one-use oak barrels (95% French and 5% American).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Batonnage, or stirring of the lees, occurs every<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>during aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is racked every 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled beef, steak, burgers, Indian curry, Tex-Mex.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points; Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 92 points; “Best Red Wine of Spain,” Twice, by Enoforum.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Altesino Brunello 2006 (Italy) $76.99 – </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">One of the first winemakers I met after opening the store was Guido from Altesino.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful guy and great wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have standing invite to visit – gotta take him up on that!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an impressive wine – fresh, balanced and nuanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, flowers, graphite, mocha and dark chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of red raspberry, leather, minerals and black cherries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is aged for 36-42 months in large Slovenian oak barrels before bottling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged another 6 months in the bottle before release.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Sangiovese Grosso.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This will drink well through 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It might need another year or so of aging. <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 94 points; Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 90 points; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Spectator</i>, 91 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Treana Red Blend 2008 (Paso Robles, California) Reg.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$49.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $42.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This is a full-throated red with finesse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hope Family has been growing grapes in the Paso area since 1978.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This Cabernet-based red is their flagship.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 2008 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s aged 10-14 months in French oak (50% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has aromas of red cherries, pomegranates and plums.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors cover the gamut from figs, chocolate, baking spices, pepper, licorice and black fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s smooth and long.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Galardi Terra di Lavoro 2008 (Campania, Italy) $89.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This is beautiful, big, dark wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s rich and ripe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, luxurious leather, minerals, spice, licorice and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine is still quite young.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you age this, you will be rewarded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terra di Lavoro, first made in 1994, quickly established itself as one of Italy’s cult wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Celantano family owns and runs this winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Famed oenologist Riccardo Cotarella planted the vines for their vineyards ion 1991.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are strictly harvested by ripeness rather than by varietal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This means that sometimes the Aglianico and the Piedirosso are picked and vinified together.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anticipated maturity:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is aged on lees for several months in French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cotarella says that Aglianico is a hard grape to take through malolactic fermentation, so the final blend is made before malo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then the wine goes through a very slow malo, with 80-90% of the wine in stainless steel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After malo, the wine returns to French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Without a doubt, the malolactic fermentation in stainless steel contributes to this wines significant freshness and aging potential.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2018-2038<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 97+ points</span></b></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-65003157123856982212011-10-06T15:07:00.001-04:002011-10-06T15:08:43.784-04:00Wilbur's Chocolate, Etc. Tasting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Wilbur’s Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">October 6<sup>th</sup>, 2011</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red">Any of these wines that you purchase from Freeport Cheese & Wine will be 10% off! </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:green">The White Wines:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Chateau Cabezac Cuvée Alice 2010 (France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - Fabulous, crisp, clean white!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has great aromas of peaches, pears, tropical fruit and limes!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of white peaches and green apples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice minerals and hints of sea salt on the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Maccabeu.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging 600 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – seafood, lobster, grilled scallops, mussels and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well without food.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:red"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Casa de Campo Chardonnay 2009 (Argentina) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$10.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $8.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - Delicious little white wine from Argentina!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a bright yellow color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of tropical fruit such as pineapple and banana.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is smooth and well-balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a full, soft texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just a soft, soft hint of oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This only sees a touch of oak aging – most of it is fermented and aged in stainless steel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – poultry, pasta and fish.</span><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">The Red Wines:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais-Villages 2009 (France) Reg. $10.99,</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Sale</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red"> $8.99 </span></b>- This is a really good wine…easy-to-drink…food-friendly…fun quaffing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of fresh cherries, cranberries, blackpepper and a touch of whitepepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Deeply colored.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft mouth-feel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Gamay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - Goes well with lots of foods – roasted or grilled chicken or pork, salmon, pizza, lasagna, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Le Vin de l’Uncle Charles<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot Nonvintage (France) $11.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - From one of our favorite wineries, Chateau de Flaugergues!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a nice blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of ripe red and dark fruit and some notes of chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a tasty, solid red that’s perfect for a party or just cracking open with a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled meats, pasta dishes, stews and more.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:maroon">The Dessert Wine: </span></b></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Chocovine Espresso Chocolate Liqueur $12.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> - If you like Kahlua, give this a shot!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tastes like a White Russian!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, mocha and chocolaty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink over ice or use it to make mixed drinks!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or, come up with your own drink with it!</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-39858869011117282562011-10-05T06:42:00.002-04:002011-10-05T06:45:33.877-04:00Merriam Vineyards Wine Tasting, Friday, Oct. 7th<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Wine Tasting</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Verdana;">Featuring Peter Merriam, Owner and Proprietor, Merriam Vineyards</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">4:00 – 7:00 PM</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Friday</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Oct. 7th</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Peter and his wife are both native New Englanders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Peter is actually from Livermore, right here in Maine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of their sons is at Bates College.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For 18 years they owned a wine store in the Boston area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 1995, they started looking for a winery and vineyards in Sonoma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 2000, they bought Windacre Vineyard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Windacre has been a vineyard since 1890.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 1980 it was replanted with Bordeaux varietals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These grapes are happier here than most others because this is a warmer part of the Russian River Valley, so it is not as conducive to producing Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They practice sustainable agriculture, including minimizing water usage and recycling what water they do use back into the land.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They built an innovative pond system with aquatic plants to help do this.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:red">The Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards Chardonnay Alexander Valley 2010 (California) $17.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This has a nice weighty feel to it because it was aged on its lees; at the same time it retains a nice crispness because it doesn’t see any new oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Definitely tropical fruit – peaches, nectarines, pears, melons, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>250 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged sur-lie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 20% stainless steel and 80% neutral oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From a vineyard near Mayacamas Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – scallops, lobster, mussels, light meat poultry dishes..</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards Chardonnay Simoneau Ranch 2009 (California) $23.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This has that characteristic Alexander Valley tropical fruit in the flavors and aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a lush and viscous mouthfeel after nearly a year of aging sur-lie with weekly stirrings while in the barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of kiwi, honeysuckle, mango, pears and peaches with subtle hints of baking spices and toasty oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Single vineyard Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20-25 year-old vines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Planted to a bunch of clones – Wente #4, #5, Robert Young #15 and Musquet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Malolactic fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged sur-lie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 10 months in 33% new oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>225 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – salmon, roasted or grilled poultry.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards SNED Red 2008 (California) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is inky dark.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of black currants, dark chocolate, toast and mint.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s mouth-filling and full.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of dark chocolate, black fruit and a hint of pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-integrated tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This Sonoma County red is named for the Merriam children – Stefan, Nicholas, Evan & Danielle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petite Verdot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>462 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> –.grilled ribs, duck, lamb, meats with hearty glazes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards Merlot Windacre 2005 (California) $26.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is a fabulously smooth and delicious Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a wonderful balance of fruit and earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of cherry cola and leather give way to flavors of blueberries and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is velvety with soft tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Windacre is in the Russion River Valley where the grapes benefit from the cool fog-driven micro-climate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the same time this is the warmest part of the Russian River Valley, so it is planted to Bordeaux varietals rather than Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 15 months in 40% French oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,100 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – lamb or duck dishes would work great.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Gold Medal <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">– Merlot over $20,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">International Eastern Winemaking Competition 2010</i></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Dunnsden 2006 (California) $36.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> – This is supple and rich.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The aromas show a lot of dark fruit, dark cherries, dark berries and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors add dark chocolate, raspberries, baking spices and vanilla to the mix.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long finish with soft tannings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Single vineyard wine from a gravelly hillside near Healdsburg.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottle unfiltered and unfined.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>150 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – grilled and roasted meats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sitting in front of a fire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style=""><span style="color: red;">Gold Medal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">,</i> San Francisco <i style="">International Wine Competition 2011</i></span></b></span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Merriam Vineyards Cabernet Franc Jones Vineyard 2007 (California) $42.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is only bottled in the best years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of plums, pepper, a touch of vanilla and some exotic fruit I can’t place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of blueberries, dark berries and white pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Single vineyard from the upper reaches of the Dry Creek Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is just about the warmest vineyard in the area – which is critical for getting Cabernet Franc to fully ripen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Verdot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 24 months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>400 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> – A dark chocolate dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Gold Medal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Grand Harvest Awards 2011; </i>Gold Medal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Tasters Guild International Wine Judging 2011; Wine Enthusiast, </i>90 points</span></b></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Merriam Vineyards Miktos 2007 (California) $49.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – Diana Merriam is Greek; so this wine pays homage to her heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miktos – Greek, meaning to blend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the Merriams take on a Bordeaux red.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This picks up currents, power and more from the Cab. Sauv., a softness from the Merlot and a little pepper from the Cab. Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s smooth and well-integrated. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 24 months in French oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>150 cases made.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-77440849516824695322011-10-04T14:48:00.001-04:002011-10-04T14:50:29.631-04:00October Wine Sale!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial">Sparkling</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Domaine Collin Crémant de Limoux Brut (France) Reg. $16.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $9.99 </span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– You’re likely buying sparkling wine over the next few months for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why not make it this one?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s too cheap not to buy!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a light, frothy mousse, wonderful fresh bread aromas and it is crisp and clean!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Made from a “Champagne” blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay and bottle-fermented in the méthode traditionelle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many people credit the area around Limoux with being the first place sparkling wine was made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Supposedly, the monks at Saint-Hilaire made the world’s first sparkling wine in 1531.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Limoux is in the eastern foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite being at a southerly latitude, this is a cooler and wetter area than most of southern France since it at a higher altitude.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">California</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:maroon;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Écluse Syrah Paso Robles 2005 (California) Reg. $35.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $19.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is an approachable, smooth and balanced Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has aromas and flavors of dark fruit, peppery spice and chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is layered and complex.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth feel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From Lock Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In French, écluse means a lock on a canal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Family-owned and –operated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:green">Sustainable agriculture.</span></b> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>212 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">90 points, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Affairs of the Vine</i></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Écluse <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ensemble 2006 (California) Reg. $39.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $21.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is an inky, masculine wine – it’s deep, dark and dry. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Satiny feel at the start and then the tannins join in for the finish. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is lush, supple and elegant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of black cherries and currants, spices and more fruit. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good balance of tannins and fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Bordeaux-style blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 18% Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From Lock Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In French, écluse means a lock on a canal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Family-owned and –operated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:green">Sustainable agriculture.</span></b> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>392 cases made. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">95 points, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Affairs of the Vine</i>; Gold Medal, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2010</i></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Kenwood “Jack London Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $32.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $22.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a big, bold Sonoma Cabernet!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s ripe and elegant with intense fruit and spicy herbs. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of mint, coffee, currants, black tea, olives and blackberries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyard property was actually a winery and vineyard before Jack London moved to Sonoma. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For many years, London himself owned this land.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wolf logo on the bottle is the label plate used on “Call of the Wild.” <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Decanter</span></i><span style="color:red">, 3 Stars </span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">MacRostie Pinot Noir Carneros 2006 (California) Reg. $35.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $22.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a luscious, velvety full-bodied Pinot. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes come from both the Napa and the Sonoma sides of Carneros. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a dark color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, baking spices and toasty vanilla. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a long, lush finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grapes are hand-picked and completely destemmed before crushing. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 30% new French oak.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Arial">France</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:green">Whites</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Okay, Chenin Blanc lovers – we have 3 outstanding ones here!</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Chateau Soucherie Clos des Perrieres Savennières 2005 (France) Reg. $29.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $17.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is a classic Savennières!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you aren’t familiar with Chenin Blanc from the Savennières appellation, you should check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines age well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has wonderful aromas of smoke, orange zest, flowers, wet stones and quince.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a fabulous combination of freshness, cut and richness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great flavors of citrus, quince and schist-licking minerality.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Chateau Soucherie Clos des Perrieres Savennières 2007 (France) Reg. $29.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $17.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is from the same vineyard, but it is a different vintage and it is in a completely different bottle-style.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wonder if the Savennières AOC rules have changed?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This shows the typical Loire Valley Chenin notes of a snuffed out candle, wet stone and saline.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Along with those notes are fresh citrus, melons and quince.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine has a very smooth, creamy texture.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foreau “Domaine du Clos Naudin” Vouvray Sec 2006 (France) Reg. $38.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $19.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – This is still drinking young and fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has friendly tropical fruit, honeysuckle and nice minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s dry and powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A wonderful chalkiness in the aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At times, this aroma leads us to think that the wine will be lean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead, it is rich and has this wonderful honey-like weight to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What makes great Vouvray is the tuffeau soil – a soft limestone-clay soil that is laced with minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – all manner of shellfish, white meat poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You may cellar this for years.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:maroon">Reds</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Château Moine Blanc Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2005 (France) Reg. $38.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $24.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - A superb wine and a great value from one of Bordeaux’s best vintages ever!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth, complex and full of rich, ripe blackberries, black currants, anise and baking spices with just a touch of vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, lush wine that drinks well now and will age well for a number of years!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Moine Blanc was the first Saint-Emilion estate to adopt biodynamic agriculture in 1982.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This property dates to the 14th century.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The brilliant “garagiste” winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin made this wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 30% new oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic AND Biodynamic Farming.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Italy</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:green;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Whites</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">La Bellanotte Armonico Bianco 2009 (Friuli, Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$16.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $9.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This is a fabulous white from northeastern Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s vibrant, zesty and has crisp acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of apples, yellow nectarines, tropical fruit, nuts and citrus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 40% Friuliana, 30% Malvasia Istriana and 30% Chardonnay. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a small winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It only has 8 hectares (about 20 acres) of vineyards in the Collio hills near the border with Slovenia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery was refurbished in the early ‘80’s.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">La Bellanotte Pinot Grigio Contelucio 2008 (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$28.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This is NOT your normal Pinot Grigio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Pinot Grigio (grey Pinot) is left on the vine until fully ripe the skin takes on a dark pinkish hue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maceration with the skins results in a copper colored wine, which is traditionally called 'Ramato.' Ramato (rama means copper in Italian) is the traditional style of production for Pinot Grigio in Friuli. In fact, before 1970 all Pinot Grigio produced in Friuli was made in the ramato style.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After de-stemming, the juice is left on the skins in steel tanks for three days. After fermentation, the wine is matured 50% in stainless steel and 50% in 500 liter barrels, 1/3 new, 1/3, one year old and 1/3 two year old, for four months and then held in bottle.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">This is a GREAT bottle of Pinot Grigio, but almost no one spends $25-30 on Pinot Grigio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a beautiful coppery color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has aromas of strawberries, hay, dried roses, almonds and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fruit and crisp acidity are well-balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>600 cases made.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:maroon;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Reds</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Podere Ciona Sangiovese Montegrossoli 2008 (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$24.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $14.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – We’ve gotten to know winemaker Lorenzo Gatteschi over the years with his work with a fabulous importing company, Small Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is his wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love his wines (we also carry his Chianti Classico Riserva – the family on makes 800 cases of wine total!).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice red fruit, soft tannins…soft, subtle dusty tannins…classic Sangiovese from the heart of the Chianti Classico area!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We first tasted this at a small tasting with Lorenzo in September. This is a wonderful wine and a great value.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Sustainable farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing</b> - meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Pietro Rinaldi Barbaresco Vigna San Cristoforo 2004 (Italy) Reg. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">$49.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $24.99</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Wonderful aromas of violets, roses, balsamic and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Velvety tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is from a specific vineyard site.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2004 is an outstanding vintage for Barbaresco. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 16-18 months in oak Tonneau barrels, which are 70% first use and 30% second use.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tonneaus are 4 times larger than barriques, so the oakiness of the wine is really subtle. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – robust meat dishes, meals with truffles or mushrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Spain</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:maroon;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Reds</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Buil & Giné Priorat Joan Giné 2003 (Spain) Reg. $34.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $22.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This definitely shows the minerality for which Priorat is known.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Priorat’s soil is as rocky as can be and this is evident in the wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark fruits, figs, mint, mushrooms, vanilla and dried fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a powerful wine, but it isn’t overpowering.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are well-integrated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in French and American oak for 12 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:red">Stephen Tanzer, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">International Wine Cellar</i>, 91 points</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Bodegas Ponce P.F. Bobal 2008 (Spain) Reg. $29.99, <span style="color:red">Sale</span><span style="color:red"> $23.99</span> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– This wine, this grape and this winemaking area are being put on the map by a young he winemaker!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">He is Juan Antonio Ponce (Pon-THAY).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s 29 now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At age 17 he became Spain’s youngest certified winemaker. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At 23 he founded this winery, Bodegas Ponce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He makes wines as naturally as one can – no irrigation, hand-harvested, foot trodden.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Organic, biodynamic farming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>60% less sulphur than conventional winemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blessed with old vine grapes that his family has been farming for generations.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">The wine is opaque, inky and dark purple.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The aromas are blackberry, black plum, minerals, black pepper and flowers. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are figs, black cherries and subtle touches of oak – vanilla and spice. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s soft and supple with refined tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elegant finish. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium full wine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">100% Bobal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bobal is known as Valenciano in much of Spain. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an unknown, obscure grape from an equally unknown and obscure winemaking area. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grape is thick-sknned and inky dark.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It needs the thick skin in this growing area to develop the phenols that make wine more than just fruity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine spends 11 months in French oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3,500 cases made. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">From the Manchuela area, which is between the Mediterranean seacoast of Valencia and the plateau of La Mancha. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-21076749001447207802011-09-08T20:25:00.005-04:002011-09-19T15:57:42.400-04:00Foris Vineyards from Oregon Wine Tasting<span style=" ;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;color:#68a7bb;" _mce_ ><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial">Foris Winery and Vineyards</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">“Showcase the purity of fruit, underscore the rich textures and vibrant flavors that are derived from well farmed fruit, and don’t mess it up in the winery.”</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">That’s their motto and goal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial">########</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">On Tuesday, we will be fortunate enough to have Steven Canter here from Foris.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Steven is the cellarmaster at Foris.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He and his wife and children actually live on Maple Ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Foris truly is a family endeavour!</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Steven has been the winemaker at Quivira, Torbreck and Davis Bynum, among other places.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Before joining the wine world, Steven made his living in music.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">We’re thrilled to have him visit our store!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris Winery and Vineyards is family-owned and family-managed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ted and Meri Gerber first bought land in the remote Illinois Valley in 1971 with the intention of growing grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 1974, they planted their first vines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For a number of years they supplied fruit to various vintners throughout southern Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 1986, they began making wines under their own Foris label.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meri massed away in 2000 after a lengthy illness, and in 2003, Ted married his present wife, Terri.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terri runs the administrative side of the business.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Alicia Gerber, Ted’s daughter grew up in and around the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She studied childhood development in college and went out into the “real” world for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>During her mother’s illness, she returned to the winery to help out and has never looked back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She loves gardening, so she’s right alongside her father in the vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She lives on Maple Ranch in the foothills of the Siskiyous Mountains with her son and daughter.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Terri’s daughter, Heidi and her husband, Brian and their daughter are also part of the family, living at Cedar Ranch Vineyards.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">The entire family is involved in the day-to-day operation of the vineyards and winery.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial">The Vineyards</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Over 35 years ago, the Gerber family began planting their first vineyard in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only 7 miles from the California border, Foris is the southernmost vineyard in the Pacific Northwest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are one of Oregon’s pioneering winemaking/grape-growing families.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, they have over 178 acres of estate vineyards located just 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Oregon’s Rogue Valley Appellation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">All of the estate vineyards are within 3 miles of each other and the winery.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Gerber</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> “Home”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Vineyard</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – the original vineyard for the family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Eighty acres with 25 acres planted to grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is their best Gewürztraminer vineyard.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Maple Ranch Vineyard</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – 112 acres, 43 planted to grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is their best vineyard, especially for Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great drainage that never puddles water.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Cedar Ranch Vineyard</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – 74 acres, 47 planted to grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Planted to Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is their newest vineyard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They originally farmed it 20 years ago for the US Marshall service after it was seized as part of a drug bust.<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Holland</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Vineyard</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – this small vineyard is adjacent to the Gerber Vineyard, but has distinctly different soil.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Riesling is thriving here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12 acres, 8 planted to grapes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Three Creeks Vineyard</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – adjacent to Maple Ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>250 acres with 55 planted to grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A young planting of Riesling is promising.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red">The Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Arial">The White Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Rogue Valley Pinot Gris 2009 (Oregon) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - A fabulous Alsatian-style Pinot Gris from this small winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of pears, apples and stone fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-to-full-bodied with a rich texture. Crisp acidity with fresh fruit flavors of minerals, spices, Asian pears, quince, lime and honey. The flavors hint at sweetness (that’s the fruit talking), but the wine is definitely dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Zippy acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, pleasing, spicy finish. Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged sur lie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - seafood, shellfish, poultry…drinks well on its own.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Rogue Valley Pinot Blanc 2009 (Oregon) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - Wonderful Alsatian-style Pinot Blanc from this small winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elegant & excellent wine from this lesser known variety. Full feel in the mouth. Medium-to-full-bodied. Well-balanced acidity. Rich aromas of stone fruits (peaches), minerals and honeysuckle. Spicy flavors with notes of minerals, peaches, pears. Long, lingering tasty finish. Pinot Blanc loves cool climates & poor, thin soil - Foris has both in this tiny corner of the Rogue Valley in Oregon. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - seafood, shellfish, smoked fish, ham, turkey. 764 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged sur lees for 5 months.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Rogue Valley Gewürztraminer 2008 (Oregon) $13.99 - </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">We love this Alsatian-style Gewürz from this small winery in Oregon’s southwestern corner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful aromas of pears, apples and stone fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of bright, fresh, crisp citrus fruits (lemons, limes), plus tropical fruit, Asian pears, minerals and that quintessential Gewürz peppery spice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, clean, crisp finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Whole cluster pressed and cold-fermented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,229 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – ham, Thanksgiving-style meal, smoked fish, spicy Asian fare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris Fly-Over White 2008 (Oregon) $11.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a delicious, easy-drinking wine that will pair well with Thanksgiving Dinner and many other foods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of pears, apples, figs and baking spices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied with a nice softness from aging on lees.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp, clean finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 61% Pinot Blanc, 22% Pinot Gris and 17% Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented and aged on their lees in stainless steel for 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The lees are stirred bi-weekly to add richness and enhance the fruit flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>832 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Thanksgiving Dinner, smoked salmon, shellfish, roasted chicken or duck.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks nicely without food.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:maroon">The Red Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Rogue Valley Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This still earns a “WOO-HOO, 4 STAR!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent Pinot from a great vintage!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of perfectly ripe cherries, strawberries & raspberries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Subtle red & dark berry flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Woodiness” that resembles a rosemary bush.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Spicy notes on the mid-palate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Silky, soft & smooth in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, lingering finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in new and once-used French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottled unfiltered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>566 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing – Drinks well on its own!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pair with grilled or roasted meats and veggies!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent with salmon!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Wall Street Journal</span></i><span style="color:red">, “Best Buy”</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris Maple Ranch Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon) $28.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a classic expression of Maple Ranch Pinot Noir and the Foris “house style” from a landmark vintage!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of red berries, black cherries and distinctive spices, including anise, cinnamon and clove.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>501 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Maple Ranch fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12 different clones of Pinot Noir used.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balanced use of French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – beef tenderloin, Cornish game hens, ripened cheese, salmon, etc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris Fly-Over Red 2008 (Oregon) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a delicious red at a great price!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fruit is from Washington (60%) and Oregon (40%).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The idea is to get great grapes at a lower price from Washington and make a wonderful wine from them!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark berries, cherries, mocha and cocoa.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has chewy tannins and some weight to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4,583 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> – hearty meals, stews, roasts, etc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Arial">The Dessert Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Foris</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> Rogue Valley Late Harvest Muscat 2007 (Oregon) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> - This is a delicious, sweet wine that is still light and lithe on its feet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of pears, honey, orange zest, jasmine and citrus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice acidity to balance the fruit and sweetness – this helps keep the wine lighter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mouthwatering finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Muscat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The hungry bears sometimes determine when these grapes must be picked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Whole cluster pressed and cold-fermented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fermentation is stopped by dropping the temperature to keep the wine sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>327 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Drinks well on its own!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Any fruit dessert, from sorbet to tarts to apple pie!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Foris Rogue Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Port 2006 (Oregon) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> - We really love this dessert wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of sweet currants and raisins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors of currants, raisins, brown sugar, black cherries….nice acidity on the long, lingering finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Del Rio Vineyard in eastern part of the Rogue Valley AVA.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barrel aged in neutral oak barrels for 19 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a “ruby” port that will age well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> – chocolate desserts, pumpkin pie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-61277371311589888642011-09-08T20:25:00.004-04:002011-09-15T19:49:53.544-04:00September Wine Tasting with Tabitha from Crush<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st2\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Wine & Donut Tasting</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:red">Friday, September 16th</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:red">3:30-7:30</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Wines from around the world!</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Tabitha Blake of Crush Wines</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> will be here with a selection of whites and reds that are great for this time of year with cooler evenings and still warm days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wines great for some heartier meals and for those casual cook-outs since we are still taking advantage of the beautiful days we frequently have this time of year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana">The Holy Donut</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">We’re going to have donuts to sample and buy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Leigh Kellis, founder and owner and donutmaker of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Holy Donut</b>, will be here with her delicious “Classic Maine Potato Donut.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Leigh has been making her donuts and selling them with great success in Portland stores.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are thrilled to have her at Freeport Cheese & Wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She’ll have 5 dozen donuts to sell – they’ll go fast.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:Verdana">The Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:green">The Whites:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Cave la Comtadine Passion Blanc Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc 2010 (France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – A wine with a big smiley face in our tasting books!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a classic Rhône blend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has vibrant aromas of white pears and lemony citrus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are much like mineral water in which you put a lot of lemons and let them sit on ice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nervy acidity that gives it a juicy, thirst-quenching finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 90% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne and 5% Viognier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grenache Blanc originated in Spain, where it is used today to make wines in Rioja and Navarre.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It spread to France, where it is vitally important to the making of Côtes-du-Rhône and Châteaunneuf-du-Pape.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is the 4<sup>th</sup> most commonly planted varietal in France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Roussillon alone 37,000 acres are planted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The crisp acidity of Grenache Blanc balances the honeyed richness of Roussanne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For instance, Chateau Beaucastel’s Châteaunneuf-du-Pape Blanc is 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – fish, seafood, white meats, cheeses and salads.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Anne Amie Vineyards Amrita 2010 (Oregon) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – Each vintage, the blend changes – making it an irresistible, refreshing, fruit-driven wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has great tropical fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s zesty and tangy in a refreshing way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The name “Amrita” comes from the Buddhist equivalent of ambrosia, or wine of the gods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 38% Viognier, 32% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Blanc and 1% Riesling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Located in the Yamhill=Carlton part of the Chahalem Mountains in the Willamette Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Salmon-safe and LIVE certified – this means they farm sustainably. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span>Food pairing</b> – great as a cocktail wine and with Pan-Asian and other “fusion” style foods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red">Oregon</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:red"> Wine Press</span></i><span style="color:red">, “Sensational Summer Sippers 2011”</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Chateau Larmevaille Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc 2009 (Bordeaux, France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – This is crisp, balanced and it has nice minerality and a richer, weightier style than just Sauvignon Blanc would have.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of citrus, minerals and white flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very reminiscent of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon and 30% Muscadelle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – Shellfish, fish and poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is also a perfect match for pan-seared fish dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:maroon">The Reds:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Chateau Fleur de Rigaud Bordeaux Supérieur 2008 (France) $14.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – This is definitely earned a big smiley face when we first tasted it!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s ready-to-drink, easy to grasp and understand, well-integrated and soft and open.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice red and dark fruit and that dusty character that Cab Franc often adds, plus the softness that is so characteristic of Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vines are 25 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery is across the Dordogne River from St. Émilion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – roasted and grilled meats, stews, and casseroles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Brand new to Maine.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Big Vine Wines</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">The story is that the founders have been involved in making really high-end California wines for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, the economy isn’t exactly setting records and high-end wines are not selling fast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, they are using contacts and contracts to procure and buy excellent grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They then make outstanding wine at a price that is a fraction of what it would cost if sold by a famous winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines offer great value and “bang for the buck.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We carried the 2007 Cabernet for a good long while.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are now on the 2009 Cab and have added the 2009 Pinot Noir.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Big Vine Pinot Noir 2009 (Central Coast, California) $16.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – From the Arroyo Grande Valley in the Central Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2009 is a rock star vintage for much of California Pinot Noir, especially the Central Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This blends nicely the fruit that is typical from Arroyo Grande and the finesse and elegance of Santa Rita Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of red fruits, cola and damp, dark earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has great acidity and nice fruit throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2,300 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – roasted pork tenderloin, lamb chops, salmon. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Big Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Napa Valley, California) $19.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana"> – This is a SPECTACULAR wine and a GREAT value!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All the components of a $40 Napa Cabernet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a big, rich, full-bodied Cabernet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has all of those characteristics people love in a Napa Cab – aromas and flavors of black cherries, black currants, cedar, cassis, vanilla, baking spices, a wet forest floor, tobacco, blueberries and blackberries, plus that classic Rutherford “dust.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Excellent acidity and well-integrated, soft tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s nicely ripe, but not jammy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Napa Valley grapes from Rutherford (50%), Atlas Peak (30%) and Coombsville (20%).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2,000 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food pairing</b> - a nice roast, coq au vin, pork tenderloin, steak, lamb, stews, ripe, harder cheeses such as Piave Vecchio.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Woodward Graff Wine Foundation Grenache 2007 (California) $25.99</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana"> – This is soft, fruit and easy-to-drink.The grapes are from the Chalone Appellation in Monterey County.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Chalone Appellation was first planted in 1919 and resurrected in 1965 when Dick Graff and his mother purchased the estate and nursed the vines back to health.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They first made wine in 1966.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Together with Phil Woodward, Dick created a winery dedicating to showcasing the attributes of Monterey’s oldest and first appellation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, 10 wineries make Chalone Appellation wines. A portion of the sales from this wine benefit the Richard H. Graff Scholarship Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="www.woodward-graffwinefoundation.org">www.woodward-graffwinefoundation.org</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – turkey, ham and most all pork dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT">Le Preare Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008 (Veneto, Italy) $24.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:IT" lang="IT"> – It’s a Baby Amarone!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana">In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso resurrected an ancient winemaking style.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ripasso means “repassed.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The pomace of leftover grapeskins and seeds from the fermentation of recioto and Amarone are added to the Valpolicella wine for a period of extended maceration.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This extracts a lot of richness and flavors from the skins, especially since Amarone is made from grapes that have been dried like raisins, concentrating the flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has aromas and flavors of raisins, cinnamon, cloves, herbs and berries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dark chocolaty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s intense and ripe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft and round.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dusty tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:green">The Sparkling Finale:</span></b> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Neirano “Pitula” Moscato d’Asti 2010 (Italy) $13.99</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – <span style="color:black">The perfect holiday dessert wine - see why below.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the end of a long, filling Thanksgiving meal, steer clear of high alcohol, heavy dessert wines. Instead, pick up an always-affordable, slightly fizzy Moscato d’Asti. The light effervescence will balance the fried crust while significant fruit and floral flavors enhance the delicious filling. This wine is all about the honeysuckle and peach nectar. YUM.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Think donuts, apple pie and other Fall desserts</span></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-34230281243485917982011-09-08T20:23:00.001-04:002011-09-08T20:24:58.096-04:00New Cheeses & Iberico Ham<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Iberico Ham</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We’ve always wanted to carry more meats such as Prosciutto, Serrano and Iberico hams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve struggled selling through these meats quickly enough.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We just found a source for delicious, fabulous Iberico ham that is pre-sliced and packaged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The meat is incredibly good!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, delicious with a melt-in-your-mouth feel!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Fermin Jamon Iberico</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – Prior to 2005, it was impossible to import Iberico ham to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Popularly known as Pata Negra or black hoof pig, Fermin Iberico ham is made from the Iberico pig, a special breed native to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This breed is considered the best for producing high quality, dry-cured hams with unsurpassed taste and aroma. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Immediately after weaning, the piglets are fattened on barley and maize for several weeks and then allowed to roam in pastures and oak groves to feed naturally on grass, herbs, acorns and roots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The hams are first salted and left to begin drying for 2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After that they are rinsed and left to dry for another 4-6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermin Iberico hams are air-cured for a minimum of 28 months using artisanal methods in the mountains near Salamanca, Spain in western Spain near the Portuguese border. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Fermin is the first Spanish Iberico ham producer to be able to import Iberico to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Enjoy!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$12.99 each.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">New Cheeses</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We just brought in three new cheeses from Italy and a new one from Spain.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The cheeses made in Tuscany are produced at Caseificio Bertagni by a father-and-son team, Bruno and Verano Bertagni in the town of Pieve Fosciana.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This small town is about 50 miles northwest of Florence.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Mention Tuscany and even the most jaded among us envision romantic village, gorgeous vistas, ancient buildings and sipping wine at a table in the local village.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best food and wine, including the local cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ideally, you would be in Tuscany nibbling at a plate of cheese and sipping the local wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With that being difficult for most of us, we are bringing a bit of Tuscany to you with these 3 cheeses!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Rogers Collection, a superb Portland-based importer of the best cheese, meats and more from Italy, Spain, France, Greece and South Africa, brings these rich, delicious cheeses to America.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They ONLY work with small, family-owned and operated producers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are hand-crafted works of deliciousness.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Formaggio al Tartufo Caciotta (Tuscany)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is a true Caciotta, or cheese with black truffles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is studded with shavings of real black truffles in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most truffle cheeses are made with truffle aroma and not with real truffles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can see real truffles throughout this cheese!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The richness of the sheep’s milk enhances the flavors of the truffles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a small wheel (a little more than a pound).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The rind that is edible. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of earth, hay and truffle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It ages for only 30 days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cow’s and sheep’s milk cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pasteurized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The sheep are from the rare breeds of Massese and Garfagnina and they live on 17 small farms in the mountains between northern Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food and wine ideas</b> - This would be GREAT shaved or grated over pasta or polenta.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$22.99/pound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pair this up with Perazzeta Sangiovese Toscana<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Sara” ($12.99) or Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva “Rancia” ($42.99).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Marzolino al Pomodor (Tuscany)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This is made in a traditional Tuscan method that involves rubbing the rind repeatedly with olive oil and a dried Pomodoro tomato paste.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a delicious, sweet earthy taste and<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a crumbly texture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s not “aggressive” in its flavor, but it is rich!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great with quince paste or fig cake or spread.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It ages for only 30 days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cow’s and sheep’s milk cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pasteurized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$22.99/pound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food and wine ideas</b> – I love just eating this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Putting slices of it on a simple pizza with slices of tomato and green olives would be great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pair this with Le Gallozolle Chianti ($11.99).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tuada Pecorino Sheep’s Milk Cheese (Tuscany) </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– 100% Sheep’s Milk Cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-made in Tuscany.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 5 months in cellars with a coating of ash and olive oil.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cheese is kept on beech wood boards while it ages.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cheese is hand-turned regularly so that it develops a consistent texture and density throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tuada means cellar in Tuscany.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The milk comes from Garfanina sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The taste is wonderfully sweet with an earthy flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The texture is much like Parmigiano-Reggiano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the milk arrives at the creamery, it is pasteurized and the starter cultures are added.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After the curds form, they are cut with a special tool called a chitarra and then are further broken down into smaller pieces with the same tool that is used in the making of Parmigiano-Reggiano.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It looks like a giant balloon whisk<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>on a pole.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$24.99/pound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food and wine ideas</b> – substitute this for Parmigiano or Piave Vecchio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grate or shave it over many foods, including salads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This eats beautifully by itself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pair this with Tre Donne Joan d’Arc ($21.99) or Elio Perrone Barbera d’Asti ($18.99).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Winner, Gold Medal at the European Mountain Cheese Olympics, Sheep Cheese Category</span></b></span></p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Veigadarte Goat Cheese (Spain)</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> – This is a semi-aged goat cheese that is in a 2-3 pound log.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are familiar with Bucheron, you have a good idea how this cheese looks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s aged 1 month.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cheese is made by an artisanal cheesemaker, Mr. Joaquim Villanueva Casado, using milk from 2 breeds of goats, Verata and Avila.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is high in butterfat and has that characteristic “tangy” citrus flavors of goat cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a pleasant “funky” sweetness around the riper outer edge.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A cheese such as this ripens from the outside in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This cheese has an ash rind that develops a bloomy white mold.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The black ash actually attracts the white mold and the color contrast is beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s snowy white in the center and a creamier beige around the outer part.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pronounced “vayj-uh-dart-ay.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$22.99/pound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Food and wine ideas</b> – spread on crackers or fresh bread.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pair with a vibrant white such as Avinyo Vi d’Agullo ($14.99) or a Verdejo.</span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-11452164506274334042011-09-08T20:21:00.001-04:002011-09-08T20:23:17.892-04:00September Wines of the Month<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">September Wines of the Month</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier One</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($8-$15/bottle)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The focus this month is on wines for the end of summer and the early part of fall!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Jelu Torrontés San Juan 2011 (Argentina) $12.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> - Year-after-year we love this wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 2011 is AWESOME!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Torrontés is the grape and it is the dominant white grape in Argentina! This is really floral, kind of Muscat or Viognier like aroma. Lots of orange, apricot and some pineapple. That fruit is the first thing you taste, but then you get a hint of spice midway à la Gewürztraminer and then the finish is very clean and dry. Totally not what you expect from that first smell. Really cool wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well with or without food!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hippodrome Côtes du Ventoux Rouge 2009 (France) $14.99 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– One of the importers that Ned Swain of Devenish uses the most brought this delicious red in from Southern France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2009 is an incredibly good, GREAT vintage from the South of France.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has aromas and flavors that are spicy, with rosemary and thyme.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ripe cherries, cooked cherries, roses, flowers and more!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bright fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a pretty wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s smooth, bright and almost lush.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Slight pepperiness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft, slightly dry tannins on the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine is a “one-off” made by Marc Pichon for the importer in Manhattan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Marc bought a vineyard in the Ventoux region and has been reinvigorating it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The importer asked him to make a wine for them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, they bought 1,000 cases of wine…..then they realized they were carrying it as inventory and they decided to make a move on it and mark it down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, Ned made a deal for a bunch of it and we picked some up!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t know for sure, but I’d bet it is mostly Grenache with some Syrah blended in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s only 12% alcohol, so it is not too heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a PERFECT fall wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:green">Organic<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>& Sustainable Farming.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> - poultry, grilled meats, duck.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier Two</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($15-$25/bottle)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This last winter/spring, Ned Swain of Devenish Wines, went to Galicia (Guh-lee-thia) in Spain courtesy of the local wine promotional board.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At first, he wasn’t sure whether or not to go…..he made the trip and came back fired up about Galician wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wines are just beginning to come into Maine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One of the many cool things about Galician wines is that they are made using grapes that are only grown in that part of Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The phylloxera pest hasn’t crossed the mountains into this part of Spain, so the “international” grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are not grown in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead the grapes are Mencia and Godello and Albarinho and others.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The part of Galicia that is home to these particular wines is Monterrei.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an area in Galicia that borders Portugal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a bit of a no man’s land because of its remoteness and recent lack of sophistication surrounding wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>During the 20<sup>th</sup> century, much of the winemaking in the area disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The winery is Amizade.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a new project created by the region’s leading light, Gerardo Mendez of Do Ferreiro in the Rias Baixas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mendez is one of the best Albarinho producers, if not the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He farms organically and is borderline fanatical about using indigenous yeasts to really showcase the terroir (terruño) of his wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His grapes are all hand-harvested.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Amizade is a collaborative effort of Mendez and the importer, De Maison Selection of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The word, amizade, means “friendship” in Galician.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mendez and a few others have helped restore outstanding winemaking to the area.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">These wines come from a single vineyard called Quinturus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The soil is sandy with a lot of slate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s in a valley where the cool nights extend the growing season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyard is planted to the white grape, Godello, and the red grape, Mencia, with a little Caiño and Arauxa (a clone of Tempranillo).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Almost all of the wine produced in this area is white, so the Mencia is even more unusual than the Godello.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Godello is the dominant white grape in the area.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Mencia (Men-thia) is the dominant red grape.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is quite similar to good Cabernet Franc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Amizade Godello 2010 (Spain) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> - This is a rich, ripe, lush, creamy wine froma grape you likely don’t know….but, will!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has ripe oranges, pineapple and a bit of yeasty fresh bread in the aromas. Really bright acidity with a zesty citrus peel kind of thing right up front.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s almost chewy and meaty in its texture at times.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Slight green apple notes to the flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hint of pine in a nice way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full, long round finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Godello.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged on the lees for 6 months – thus the creaminess.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing</b> – rich seafood, duck, heftier chicken dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Amizade Mencia 2010 (Spain) $21.99</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> – This smells like Mencia – which means it smells a lot like Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s also similar in many ways to a Morgon or Moulin-a-Vent Cru Beaujolais, but more intense (if you are unfamiliar with Cru Beaujolais, don’t even compare this to Beaujolais Nouveau or Villages – think a fuller, more complex wine).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a very complex wine that wants your attention!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It lingers and engages.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the same time, it’s playful and fun!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bright, vibrant cherry and raspberry aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hint of pepper and freshly mown grass.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Subtle smoke and fresh anise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very smooth in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bright, fresh black raspberry and black cherry fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Really nice. Very fresh. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finish has a flavor that is reminiscent of a blueberry finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Almost all Mencia, with a little Caiño and Arauxa (a clone of Tempranillo).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged on the lees for 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented with indigenous yeasts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Food pairing </b>– grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms, truffle dishes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tier Three </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:243.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">($25-$50/bottle)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:green">The White</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Baudouin Brut Prestige Champagne NV (France) $43.99 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– Over the last few years, we’ve been seeing and tasting more and more “grower” Champagnes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is “grower” Champagne?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The person making the wine grows the grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Veuve Cliquot and Moet et Chandon, etc. all make good Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bear this thought in mind, though, much of what you are buying is marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are well-advertised and promoted brands.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With a “grower” Champagne, you are buying a wine made from grapes grown in a specific place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One unfortunate aspect of “grower” Champagnes is that they tend to be expensive, even for Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, we’ve found a delicious one that isn’t expensive!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has wonderful lemon citrus, a hint of fresh bread and coconuts and pineapples in the aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It shows rich, creamy, powerful fruit that leans a bit to strawberry-like.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Pinot Noir. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:maroon">The Red</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Dominio do Bibei “Lalama” Ribeira Sacra (Spain) $39.99 </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">– This wine is a RARITY.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One, not much of it is made; two, little of it is exported; three, almost none of it makes its way to Maine; FOUR, and MOST rare, it is incredibly rich, ripe, full and bold and ONLY 12.5% alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is from Ribeira Sacra (Sacred Riverbank) in Galicia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the river that forms the east-west border between Portugal and Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a TINY winemaking area (2,500 acres and only 10% of its wine is exported).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of cedar, toast, mocha, graphite, black cherry and black raspberry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are powerful, structured and balanced.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:243.0pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s 85% Mencia with the rest being 7% Garnacha, and Brancellao and Mouraton, local varietals that we rarely ever see.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is fermented in 500-liter barrels and it is aged on the lees for 21 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vines produce barely 1-2 pounds of grapes per vine and are 15-to-100 years-old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The old-vine Mencia and the slate in the soil combine to influence the aromas and flavors<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottle-aged for 18 months before release.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:red">Robert Parker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wine Advocate</i>, 94 points</span></b></span></p>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-32166635467958464092011-08-24T21:05:00.003-04:002011-08-24T21:17:31.826-04:00Wine Tasting, High-end Wines, August 25th - changes to some wines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Wine Tasting</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Thursday, August 25th</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6:00 – 8:00pm</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We are asking that you RSVP if you want to attend this tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be limiting the number of attendees to make this a more intimate tasting – one in which you can truly enjoy the wines and learn about them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be closing the store during the tasting so that we are not interrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana;" >10% discount on any of the tasting wines you purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If we run out of any wines (we have a lot of wine for the tasting – don’t worry about that), we will have them in the store on Friday, August 26th.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If we’ve run out of wines, and you want a case (mixed or full), I’ll deliver it to your home or office.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We’ve had to make some changes in the wines because of stock issues or vintage changes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I just learned of these changes late Tuesday and have been rewriting this ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I apologize for the changes at the last minute.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Regardless, these are still GREAT wines that most of us rarely get to taste.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The changes are noted below.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The changes:</span></p><ol><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay</span> is now the 2009 vintage and not the 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You will likely be the first in Maine to try the new vintage as it arrives on Thursday the 25th.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007</span> is replacing the Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2009</span> is replacing the Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Mollydooker wines have been in Maine for about a month.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Montepeloso “Eneo” Super Tuscan 2008</span> is replacing the Tomasso Bussola Amarone Classico.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On paper this appears to be the biggest change – a Super Tuscan for an Amarone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The reason we’d picked the Tomasso Bussola Amarone is that it is quite balanced and nuanced; the “Eneo” is as well.</span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Without further ado – the tasting wines in the order WE THINK we will be tasting them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We might make adjustments during the tasting as the wines open and develop.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Wines</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Sparkling:</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">L. Aubry Fils Champagne Brut Rosé (France) $56.99</span> – This is a “grower Champagne” brought to the USA by the best Champagne importer going, Terry Theise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terry is the man who introduced Americans to “grower Champagnes.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is a “grower Champagne?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The grapes are grown by the people making the wine.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This is a serious wine with tremendous focus and power and structure and charm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This wine has minerality running throughout it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of wild strawberries, apples, limes and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a wine well-suited to the dinner table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a blend of roughly 60% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Aubry Rose Brut is always from a single vintage, although that is not shown on the label.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Aubry family has been growing grapes in this part of Champagne for over 200 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 91 points</span> </span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Whites:</span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">VINTAGE CHANGE from previous e-mail!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2009 (California) $47.99</span> – We thought we were doing the 2008; from the time we made the list to now, the 2008 sold out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are tasting the 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of pears, tropical fruit, melons, apricots, pineapple, minerals and honeysuckle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still that rich, bright, fresh Shafer-style for Chardonnay!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This vineyard in Carneros is named for the red-shouldered hawks that patrol the vineyard and contain the gopher population (gophers and other rodents damage the roots of the vines).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Chardonnay from this vineyard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>75% barrel-fermented & aged and 25% stainless steel fermented and aged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14 months in new French oak barrels (Allier and Vosage).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged on lees (with weekly stirring) for 14 months to add a creamy richness to the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Sustainable agriculture.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shafer has been one of the Pioneers for sustainable agriculture in Napa Valley and California viticulture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, “An argument could be made that Shafer is turning out the finest non-malolactic Chardonnay in California.”</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michel & Stéphane Ogier Condrieu 2009 (France) $93.99</span> – Condreiu is one of the smallest appellations in France and all the producers in Condreiu make just a few thousand cases of wine combined.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The entire area is just about 350 acres of vineyard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is exclusively Viognier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, the Viognier grape may have originated from here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Viticulture in this part of the Rhone Valley dates to at least the Romans and maybe earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Avignonese Papacy (1305-1377) brought fame to the wines of this area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Michel is the father and Stéphane is the son.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They began as growers and became winemakers in the late 1980’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their entire estate is less than 15 acres of vineyards and 6 of those acres are in the Côte Rôtie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine is classic Condrieu – it has a grippy, full texture that is more robust than most white wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s explosively rich and lush.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of ripe tropical fruits, spicy herbs, minerals and more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s round and silky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lively and fresh!</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Reds:</span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cristom Jessie’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon) $47.99</span> – What makes Cristom so great is a combination of location and talent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The talent is consistent – the same winemaking team with Steve Doerner has been at the helm forever!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jessie’s Vineyard shows darker fruit than some of the Cristom Pinots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has classic Oregon Pinot aromas and flavors of dark cherries, baking spices, black earth, minerals and black raspberries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has the structure and ripe tannins to continue to evolve well through 2019.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 90 points</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Felsina Chianti Classico Rancia Reserva 2006 (Italy) $42.99</span> - This is SUPERB Chianti that will just get better and better over the next decade and more!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not only that, but the price/value that the Felsina wines have is rare for wines these good!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is fresh, vibrant, assertive and great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great length and balance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, minerals and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 16 months in French oak (60% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>De-stemmed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Sustainable agriculture.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2026.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 95 points</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shafer Merlot 2007 (California) $47.99</span> – Without a doubt, one of California’s best Merlots!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And, before you say, “I don’t drink Merlot anymore,” you should try this one!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is lush, smooth, full and delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of rich, ripe berries and dark chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2007 is a GREAT vintage!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 20 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels (75% new).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fruit is from the Stags Leap District and Yountville.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2018.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Sustainable agriculture.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shafer has been one of the Pioneers for sustainable agriculture in Napa Valley and California viticulture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – poultry, pork and beef dishes with a fruit- or wine-reduction sauce go great with this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, a dish of carmelized onions, garlic and mushrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 90 points</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">WINE CHANGE below from previous e-mail!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a substitute for the Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007 (California) $41.99</span> – A GREAT wine from a leading & MOST INNOVATIVE winemaker. Anthony Bell restored Cabernet Sauvignon Clone #6 - one of the world’s legendary grapes – to prominence in California. 2007 is a GREAT Napa Valley vintage and this wine is made by a GREAT winemaker!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bell is located near Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In many ways, Bell Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is like a good St. Julien.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The wine is a deep, ruby red color.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has ripe cherry, black currant, brambly dark berry, dusty earth (that Rutherford fruit), green olive and more to the flavors and aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tannins are soft and there are notes of oak in the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Has pepper and spice in the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>GREAT WINE!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This is a Bordeaux-blend style Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Cabernet Sauvignon is 28% Clone 4, 23% Clone 337, 21% Clone 6 and 10% Clone 7).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vineyards in Carneros (Truchard Vineyard), Atlas Peak, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford (Beckstoffer Georges II Vineyard) and Diamond Mountain.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Not all Cabernet Sauvignon is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony Bell is one of the world’s leading experts on Cabernet Sauvignon Clones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He helped restore Clone 6 while he was at Beaulieu Vineyards (BV), working with Napa legend André Tchelistcheff.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony Bell is a native South African and has worked at vineyards in South Africa (Stellenbosch), Spain, France (Haut-Médoc) and California (15 years at BV).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In many ways, Anthony Bell helped DEFINE Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because of Bell, it’s a layered, complex wine with assertive tannins that don’t bite.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony Bell is obviously a winemaker who demonstrates that great wine is made in the vineyard moreso than in the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aged 22 months in 56% new oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The barrels are 84% French and 16% American.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,715 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Food pairing – steak, lamb, rich stews, venison, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Decanter Magazine</span>, 4 Stars; <span style="font-style: italic;">Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wines</span>, 90 points</span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">WINE CHANGE below from previous e-mail!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a substitute for the Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz.</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2009 (Australia) $49.99</span> – Mollydooker Wines are in Maine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sparky and Sarah Marquis have a mission statement that says, “We make wines that make people go WOW!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">They were the founders of the famed Marquis Phillips wines from Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The importer did something rude, wrong and immoral and appropriated the name several years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sparky and Sarah had the vineyards, the contracts for “sourced” grapes and the winemaking know-how and expertise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, they started making wines under a new name – Mollydooker.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines are superb!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">People have been asking me for these for a long while and they are now in Maine!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This is a deep, dark purple.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Glass-coating.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Big, rich, ripe aromas of blueberries, black cherries with hints of dark chocolate, eucalyptus, mint and dark earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ripe, RIPE fruit flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Firm tannins and good acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, lingering finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 80% McLaren Vale and 20% Langhorne Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 71% new and 29% used American oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2017+.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 92 points</span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">WINE CHANGE below from previous e-mail!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a substitute for the Amarone.</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Montepeloso “Eneo” Super Tuscan 2008 (Italy) $44.99</span> – Montepeloso is one of the emerging stars of the Tuscan coast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is one of Tuscany’s best wineries and it’s one of the gems that The Rare Wine Company ferrets out – one of the great things about this importer is they discover wineries before most of the world has – before the prices go nuts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has deep, dark berry flavors and aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s quite concentrated and intense, but the vibrant acidity helps add elegance to the power and fullness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bright, refreshing acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best from 2012-2020.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2,000 cases imported. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Spectator</span>, 92 points</span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Descendientes de José Palacios Corullón 2007 (Spain) $43.99</span> – Alvaro Palacios is one of the famed Spanish winemakers who put Priorat on the map in terms of world-class, outstanding wines.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He’s doing it as well with Bierzo and its indigenous grape, Mencia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This area, Bierzo, is relatively new to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve seen some wines from it over the last 3-4 years, but it is still gaining steam and public awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has great aromas of minerals, smoke, black fruits and lavender.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s full-bodied, lush, rich and complex.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Mencia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vineyards are 60-100 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 80% new French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bottled unfiltered and unfined.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2019.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Organic, biodynamic farming.</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 92 points</span></span></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-77666827243625002592011-08-17T14:34:00.003-04:002011-08-17T15:01:25.139-04:00August Wine Sale #2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Sale!</span></span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The one good aspect of the slow economy is the wine distributors keep offering deals! Quantities are limited.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If you want any of these, please e-mail your hopes, desires and requests to me at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.blogger.com/efullagar@gmail.com">efullagar@gmail.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In-stock quantities are limited (we pay COD for wine and beer per Maine law, so on any given day we have to keep inventory tight).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When these are gone, these wines go back to regular prices.</span></p><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana;" >If you want a FULL case (12 bottles) of any of these wines, take 15% off the sale price.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If you want to put together a mixed case (12 bottles) combining any of these wines, take 10% off the sale price.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Thanks,</span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Eric
<br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">
<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;" >The Wines</span>
<br /></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">White Wines</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;" >
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<br />California</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (California) Reg. $17.99, Sale $11.99</span> - Summer is the PERFECT time for Sauvignon Blanc!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lobster.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oysters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mussels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Warm decks and patios!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Salads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas just busting with tropical fruit….lime, lemons, mango, pineapple and more……bright, fresh flavors that are balanced with good acidity to tone down the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lone finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – Maine seafood, lobster, shellfish, sipping on a warm deck or patio with friends!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fresh goat cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DeLoach Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2008 (California) Reg. $14.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $7.99</span></span> – Aromas of apple pie, citrus fruit and a touch of oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has bright acidity and flavors of cinnamon and baking spices, pears and a refreshing note of orange and tangerine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – grilled or roasted chicken, grilled salmon. Lobster and artichokes with butter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">19 bottles. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">France</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hugel Pinot Blanc “Cuvee Les Amours” 2007 (Alsace, France) Reg. $16.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $8.99</span></span> – This is a delicious Pinot Blanc from one of Alsace’s foremost producers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a slightly creamy feel to the wine with nice aromas of apples and orange.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wine has flavors of anise, lemons, orange, smoke and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has a nice acidity to it that lends a crispness to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pinot Blancs are quite food friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – smoked fish, salads, asparagus, ham, pork dishes, seafood, roasted chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">36 bottles.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Germany</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clean Slate Mosel Riesling 2009 (Germany) Reg. $12.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $9.99</span></span> - Good tasting and a good value!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A little sweet with a clean finish!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of peaches, limes, minerals and a little peppery spice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors are similar – zesty lemon/lime acidity, peaches and nice minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Starts a little sweet (not dessert sweet) and finishes fresh and clean because of its nice acidity. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – like most Rieslings, this is food friendly! Asian dishes, spicy foods such as Thai or curry, sushi, fish, poultry, pork and ham!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Italy</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Perazzeta Sara White DOC 2010 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $15.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $13.99</span></span> - This is a delicious, crisp white from Central Italy. It has aromas of freshy mown grass, Tuscan herbs and lemons. Clean flavors of lemons and limes with a little spice. Blend of 85% Trebbiano and 15% Grechetto. This winery is in Torgiano, a small hill town in the heart of Umbria, which is to the south of Tuscany. Food pairing - poultry, soups, lighter pastas, creamy pasta dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Less than 3 cases left.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">New Zealand</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (New Zealand) Reg. $19.99, </span>Sale $16.99</span> - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, green apple flavors & aromas in this classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great depth of fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A subtle touch of pepper spice & lemon grass.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> - Enjoy with seafood, lobster, grilled tuna, spicy chicken or spicy Asian food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Spectator</span>, 89 points.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Spain</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Les Valles Viura -</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chardonnay 2009 (Spain) Reg. $11.99, </span>Sale $6.99</span> – This is a delicious white from Carinena in Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We tasted this and its red sibling on the same day and just loved both.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We really loved the price.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A couple of days later we learned the real price and decided to buy more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has nice aromas of citrus fruit, tropical fruit such as pineapple and wild flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s dry and refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crisp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A steal at this price!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 90% Viura and 10% Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This area is just south and west of the Pyrenees before you reach the Ibericos Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s in the Ebro River Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyards are high-altitude (2,500 feet)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>which provides the vines with the needed temperature swings from day to night to help the grapes develop best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – great as a cocktail wine and with light dishes, particularly seafood and white meat poultry.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;">Red Wines</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Argentina</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ruta 22 Patagonia Malbec 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $14.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $11.99</span></span> - This is wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of dark fruit – plums, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, mint & black pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smooth feeling in the mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Flavors similar to the aromas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Subtle hints of mocha & anise. Soft tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice, long velvety finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fermented in stainless steel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>30% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 1 year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Patagonia is in southern Argentina.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ruta 22 is the major east-west highway in Argentina.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – roasts, steaks, grilled meats, stews, mushroom dishes, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged cheeses.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drinks well on its own!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wine & Spirits</span>, 91 points, “Best Buy.”</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">10 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">France</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais-Villages 2009 (France) Reg. $10.99</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sale $8.99</span> - This is a really good wine…easy-to-drink…food-friendly…fun quaffing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of fresh cherries, cranberries, black pepper and a touch of white pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Deeply colored.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft mouth-feel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soft tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>100% Gamay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hand-harvested grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> - Goes well with lots of foods – roasted or grilled chicken or pork, salmon, pizza, lasagna, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2009 (France) Reg. $11.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">S</span></span>ale $8.99</span> - Think CHERRIES!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice, medium-bodied fruity Pinot with a little hint of baking spices, soft and smooth and a hint of oak. Fruity, bright, lingering finish… classic European-style. Excellent to sip on its own, or with friends! This is a great ready-to-drink Pinot Noir that won’t kill your budget either!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> - Light enough for the summer berry desserts or rich enough for a crispy Long Island duck breast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">5 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Italy</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Palamà "Arcangelo" Primitivo IGT 2009 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $17.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $14.99</span></span> - Named for the winemaker's father, Arcangelo. The grape is Primitivo. In the USA, we know the grape as Zinfandel. Primitivo and Zinfandel are NOT the same style of wine. This estate is on a tiny speck of land in Puglia. The winery's goal is to make great everyday wines.....bright, fresh fruit.....power....fun....taste! They are succeeding! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> - crostini with olive tepenade, steak, venison.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Less than 3 cases.</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Piazzo Barbera 2009 (Italy) Reg. $11.99,</span> Sale $8.99</span> - The RUNAWAY hit at a recent tasting!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A smash!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has aromas of roses, blackberries and a hint of oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flavors show baking spices and red and dark tannins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has firm tannins that are not dominating.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This Barbera is 50% from Alba and 50% from Asti – so, it is generally a greater value than most Barberas from either area!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The winery only produces this wine in better years100% Barbera.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged 6 months in small oak barrels with another 6 months of bottle aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1,500 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – hearty dishes, aged cheeses.<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">6 cases.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Spain</span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Les Valles Tempranillo – Garnacha - Syrah 2009 (Spain) Reg. $11.99, Sale <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">$6.99 </span></span>– Wonderful red from Carinena in Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We tasted this and its white sibling on the same day and just loved both.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We really loved the price.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A couple of days later we learned the real price and decided to buy more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries and currants.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has a slightly peppery finish and really bright fresh fruit in the flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A steal at this price!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha and 10% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This area is just south and west of the Pyrenees before you reach the Ibericos Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s in the Ebro River Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The vineyards are high-altitude (2,500 feet)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>which provides the vines with the needed temperature swings from day to night to help the grapes develop best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – milder cheeses, a simple pizza, pasta or red/white meat dish and more</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">That's the list.
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<br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ></span>Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749418768217679390.post-8122360193301859462011-08-17T14:28:00.002-04:002011-08-17T14:34:27.028-04:00August Wines of the Month<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">August Wines of the Month</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The focus this month is on wines that are perfect for the summer!
<br /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tier One</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">($8-$15/bottle)</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">The White</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Salette Côtes de Gascogne 2010 (France) $11.99</span> – A perfect summertime white from Gascony!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The aromas and flavors are lemon zest, grapefruit and herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s crisp and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well-balanced acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Medium-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are in Gascony, so the grape varietals are going to be ones that are not grown in many other places.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>80% Colombard, 10% Ugni Blanc and 10% Gros Manseng.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – seafood, salads, shellfish, goat cheese, grilled fish.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language: IT" lang="IT">The Red </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;" lang="IT">Perazzeta Sangiovese Sara 2009 (Italy) Reg. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$15.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $12.99</span></span> - This just pops with aromas and flavors of macerated strawberries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Big hit at a recent tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Ciliegiolo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ciliegiolo is a close relative of Sangiovese.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It means “cherry.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation. This winery is in Maremma in southwestern Tuscany.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Alessandro Bocci is the winemaker.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Recently, his daughter joined him in working at the winery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Organic & Sustainable Farming.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> - poultry, grilled meats, duck.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Tier Two</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">($15-$25/bottle)</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">The White</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Argyros Atlantis White 2010 (Greece) $16.99</span> - This is a great-tasting, beautiful wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wonderful aromas and flavors <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>of honeysuckle and lemon/lime citrus and minerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The relatively high acidity of the Assyrtiko grape gives this its crisp freshness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>90% Assyrtiko, 5% Athiri and 5% Aidani.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Santorini is a volcanic island with incredibly minerally soil and it is very dry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Assyrtiko is a grape that has the ability to age well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To see how the vines are cultivated on the island of Santorini, please click here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Third generation winemaker.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yiannis Argyros is widely considered Greece’s best white wine vintner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stainless steel fermentation and aging. 3,300 cases made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>F<span style="font-weight: bold;">ood pairing</span> – seafood, grilled fish, lighter poultry dishes, Thai food.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wine & Spirits</span>, World’s Top 100 Wineries, 2005 & 2006</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language: IT" lang="IT">The Red</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;" lang="IT">Tre Donne "d'Arc Rosso" 2008 (Piedmont, Italy) Reg. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$24.99, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sale $21.99</span></span> – Truly one of the best wines I’ve had at this price!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Antonella, Rosanna and Daniela Lequio are 3 sisters who run this wonderful Piedmontese winery. They took over the running of the winery from their somewhat chauvinistic father who wasn't that sure about women as winemakers and he had no son! Turns out the 3 sisters are great at this! This is a great blend from Piedmont that definitely expresses the phrase, "the sum is greater than the parts," and the parts are pretty darn good! It's a blend of mostly Barbera and Pinot Noir with 20% Dolcetto with 10% Friesa, a native Langhe white wine. The Friesa adds freshness and a zippy acidity as well as nice floral aromas (frequently, Chateauneuf-du-Pape producers add white wine to the red blends). The tannins are soft and the blend adds a lot of complexity to the wine! Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, baking spices, roses, peaches, almonds and more. It has a really smooth and soft texture. Notes of mocha on the finish. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Food pairing</span> – grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms, truffle dishes.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Tier Three </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">($25-$50/bottle)</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.mollydookerwines.com/web/index.cfm">Mollydooker</a> Wines are in Maine!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Sparky and Sarah Marquis have a mission statement that says, “We make wines that make people go WOW!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">They were the founders of the famed Marquis Phillips wines from Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The importer did something rude and wrong and appropriated the name several years ago.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Sparky and Sarah had the vineyards, the contracts for “sourced” grapes and the winemaking know-how and expertise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, they started making wines under a new name – Mollydooker.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These wines are superb!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">People have been asking me for these for a long while and they are now in Maine!</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">The White</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mollydooker “The Violinist” Verdelho 2010 (Australia) $25.99</span> – This is a BIG white wine!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rich, ripe and full!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aromas of lemons, white pepper, cilantro and white grapefruit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Spicy citrus flavors with apples and pears showing on the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of grapes from McClaren Vale (2/3) and Adelaide Hills (1/3).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>About 1/3 of this wine ages in oak barrels, but it isn’t oaky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The aging on lees in the barrels adds a creaminess to the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 90 points</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">The Red</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2009 (Australia) $49.99</span> – This is a deep, dark purple.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Glass-coating.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Big, rich, ripe aromas of blueberries, black cherries with hints of dark chocolate, eucalyptus, mint and dark earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Full-bodied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ripe, RIPE fruit flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Firm tannins and good acidity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Long, lingering finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blend of 80% McLaren Vale and 20% Langhorne Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aged in 71% new and 29% used American oak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drink now through 2017+.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Robert Parker, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wine Advocate</span>, 92 points</span></span></p> Eric Fullagarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027118942255135855noreply@blogger.com0