November Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

Pre-Thanksgiving Wine Tasting

Friday, 3:30-7:30

November 18^th, 2011

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

We usually have Ned Swain of Devenish Wines here for this tasting…..and we do again this year! 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.

The focus is on wines that will pair well with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We want balanced wines that will compliment the meal. 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. These wines will also work well with a host of other meals.

The Sparkling:

Alexandre Monmousseau Crémant de Loire (France) $16.99 – 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. This makes the bubbles finer and longer lasting than wines made in the Charmant method. 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. This is 50% Chenin Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and the rest is Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. It is a white wine, so it’s not left in skin contact with the red grapes. This is lively, fresh, refreshing with nice fruit. It’s dry. It has a nice weight. Another nice thing about Crémants is that they aren’t as expensive as Champagne!

The Whites:

Illahe Gruner Veltliner 2009 (Oregon) $15.99 –Why not an Oregon Gruner? Another grape that is not commonly grown in Oregon. This has nice minerality. Wonderful fruit – pineapple, melon and just a hint of grapefruit. Hints of black pepper. Stainless steel fermentation. 0.3% residual sugar – so it is bone dry. LIVE-certified Salmon Safe vineyard. Wine Enthusiast, “Best Buy,” 90 points

Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2010 (Alsace, France) $14.99 – Brand new to Maine. 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.

Carlotta Cellars AD Blanc 2010 (California) $29.99 – Brand new to Maine. Ned says this is really cool. I haven’t had it, but I know that when Ned is all jazzed about a wine, it’s unique, tasty and has soul! This is a blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne. It’s definitely a California take on a Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. 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.. Some of the lots go through malolactic fermentation. 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. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. This is a rich, hedonistic white wine. Aromas of honeysuckle, bacon, melons and minerals. Layers and layers of fruit and flavors. Mouthwatering. Long, lengthy, complex finish.

The Reds:

Domain Le Grand Rouvière Côtes de Provence Rouge 2009 (France) $13.99 - Great tasting, great value red! This is enjoyably earthy at the start and then it opens up into a very unpretentious table wine. The tannins aren’t aggressive, but it has a nice dry, earthy mid-palate and aromas of Provencal herbs behind its bright cherry fruit. Blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. Fifth generation winemaking family. Organic, sustainable farming. Food pairing – grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.

Domaine de Chevalerie Bourgueil Cuvée Venus (France) $16.99 – 100% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of the better known Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted and revered red grapes. The areas of Chinon and Saumur are certainly better known than Bourgueil – some of that is Bourgueil is just hard to pronounce. It’s close to “Ber-goy.” The Caslot family has only owned this estate since 1640. They are widely regarded as the best winemaking family in the Loire Valley, certainly the best Bourgueil producer. They are classic, traditional winemakers and this wine shows that. This is as pure an expression of the grape as you will find. Aromas and flavors of graphite, bell peppers, blackberries and minerals. This has vibrant acidity. Organic, sustainable farming. Food pairing – pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving Dinner, duck, poultry, salmon.

Domaine de Chevalerie Bourgueil Cuvée Venus (France) $16.99 – 100% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of the better known Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted and revered red grapes. The areas of Chinon and Saumur are certainly better known than Bourgueil – some of that is Bourgueil is just hard to pronounce. It’s close to “Ber-goy.” The Caslot family has only owned this estate since 1640. They are widely regarded as the best winemaking family in the Loire Valley, certainly the best Bourgueil producer. They are classic, traditional winemakers and this wine shows that. This is as pure an expression of the grape as you will find. Aromas and flavors of graphite, bell peppers, blackberries and minerals. This has vibrant acidity. Organic, sustainable farming. Food pairing – pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving Dinner, duck, poultry, salmon.

Atilio Avena Malbec Roble 2009 (Argentina) $15.99 – we just tasted this with our friend, Warren Frasor, the night of our recent Italian tasting. Warren is someone Ned and I have worked with for a number of years. He recently started his own importing company. It’s focused on wines from Italy. So, how did he end up with an Argentine Malbec? He worked with the owners in Italy. This is nice and juicy with great red fruit, a little spiciness and well-integrated tannins. It’s very balanced and just fun to drink!

These next two wines 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.

Dewey Kelly Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon) $38.99 – Dewey and Robin Kelly bought this property in 1978 and dreamed of building a winery. In 2001, they planted their first vines. This wine is made from the best barrels each year. Ribbon Ridge is Dewey Kelly’s estate vineyard. 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! Aromas of spicy red fruit. Flavors of ripe raspberries, cherries, earth and plums. It’s refreshing with nice zingy red fruit!. Brand new to Maine.

Angel Vine “The Hellion” Primitivo – Petite Sirah 2008 (Washington) $24.99 – 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 wine (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. Brand new to Maine.

Italian Wine Tasting, June 17th

Wine Tasting

Friday, June 17^th

3:30 – 7:30pm

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

We have a bunch of great new wines from Italy……wines with soul and heart and a place…….

These are wines from itty-bitty wineries from out-of-the-way places…….brought to us by a unique Frenchman who started importing wines to the US by buying a few bottles in France and Italy and bringing them to the States and showing them to people like me and Ned and others and asking, “What could you sell this for?” Then, he’d return to Italy and France and say, “I’m Laurent Michel and I want to sell your wines in the US and I can pay this based on what your wines will sell for in the US.” Do you know that many wines start at a price and then are imported? Without anyone tasting the wine?

We’ll have Ned Swain from Devenish wines here for the tasting! These are a bunch of great wines for this summer season!

The Whites:

Sydney Ann Pinot Grigio del Veneto 2010 (Veneto, Italy) $12.99 - Too often, Pinot Grigio is a thin, watery wine best drunk ice cold or it is too fruity and sweet….this one shows how Pinot Grigio should be! This is bright and refreshing. This has a great combination of fruit and minerality. It has this fresh, almost saline-like characteristic mixing in with the tropical fruit.

Erste & Neue Weissburgunder 2010 (Alte Adige, Italy) $14.99 – Okay.....just what is Weissburgunder? It’s Pinot Blanc. As you might guess, this is from the extreme northern part of Italy in the Südtirol/Alte Adige. This winery is in the Germanic part of Italy. The wine is a bright straw color. It has delicate aromas and a taste of crisp, rip apples. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine, with a variety of appetizers and fish.

Fratelli Pezzuto Roero Arneis 2009 (Piedmont, Italy) $16.99 – Arneis is a grape grown in northwestern Italy, in Piedmont. This has a yellow color that almost has an amber note to it. Aromas of white flowers, freshly mown grass, peaches and baking bread. The flavors have minerals, limes and white flowers to them. This is a really nice white and would go well with Maine seafood.

The Rosé:

Famille Laurent Saint Pourçain 2010 Gamay Rosé (France) $13.99 - This is a 100% Gamay rosé from the Auvergne region of France. Auvergne is nearish to Burgundy and is where the Loire River starts. It's up in what's called the Massif Central, a mountainous area of former volcanoes. As a result the winery is at higher elevation and the soil is rich in limestone and granite. Husband Jean-Pierre, wife Corinne and son Damien farm naturally and the family has owned this property since the early 20th century.

The wine is a wine is a very pretty salmon color and the aroma is pretty intense and definitely exciting. Aromas of raspberry, spring flowers, an aroma that's like wet rocks by a stream, and a ripe, vivid, perfectly ripe pink grapefruit.

This has extremely bright vivid fruit. It's not heavy at all, and not sweet; it's light on its feet, but so full of intensity! The granite and limestone in the soil really come through in the mid-palate and are a great engine to drive the wine. Up front is fresh raspberry/pink grapefruit, but it's the vibrant acidity and minerality behind the fruit that really make the wine special.

Food pairing - This is delicious and satisfying on it's own, but would be heavenly with fresh spring vegetables, quickly sautéed, or a nice delicate pork chop.

The Reds:

Mario Borghi Chianti 2009 (Tuscany, Italy) $11.99 – I remember tasting this at Ned’s trade show in the Spring and thinking, “Wow! This is really, really good! And, look, it’s cheap!” This has a rich, velvety feel to me. The tannins are there…..but, in a pleasing, nice to meet you way! This has those classic Tuscan Sangiovese aromas and flavors of red cherries and raspberries and a little earth. Just a rock solid wine! Food pairing – salami, cold cuts, aged cheese such as Pecorino Toscano.

Gattavecchi Rosso di Montepulciano 2009 (Tuscany, Italy) $14.99 – This has great fruit and is quite smooth……I don’t know much more about it. 95% Prugnolo Gentile (another name for a Sangiovese clone) and 5% Canaiolo. Aged 8-10 months in Slavonian oak casks. 4^th generation wine-making family. Food pairing – red meats, salami, aged cheese such as Piave Vecchio.

Malot Nebbiolo Roero Valmaggiore 2007 (Piedmont, Italy) $19.99 – Great news for Barolo and Barbaresco drinkers! A new wine from Piedmont that is similar to those 2 great (and expensive) wines!

First to translate this label for all of you who aren't big Italian wine label experts. Malot is the name of the winery. It's the name of the current producers’ grandfather, who founded the winery in the aftermath of World War II. Roero is the region. It’s a hilly area bordering the Langhe in Piedmont in northwestern Italy. Nebbiolo is the grape. Valmaggiore is the name of the wine.

Now that that's out of the way here's what the wine actually is:

This is really exciting wine for me because this DOCG of Roero was just created with the 2007 vintage! So this is the first vintage of this wine ever made. The Malot winery is a small, 7 hectare operation run by Fabio and his son, Italo. This DOCG Nebbiolo is the top red they produce. Nebbiolo has a pretty prestigious reputation for producing powerful, complex, yet still pretty red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Unfortunately they're generally extremely expensive, often $40 and up retail.

This isn't the same thing, obviously as it comes from a different place, but it is very similar, complex and very good.

Aroma: ripe cherries, wood shavings, black currant, some fresh rose floral notes. There's also this really enticing, delicious aroma of cooked steak; not burnt or seared but just the aroma of a freshly cooked steak when you first cut into it.

Taste: There's a brightness at first, maybe fresh cherry, but the mid-palate is full and mouth-filling. It's pretty lushly textured on the mid-palate, but has some very subtle spice and pepper and just a hint of vanilla that you have to work to pick up. The tannins aren't very aggressive at all and the finish is a bit refreshing. It's very nice and textbook Nebbiolo. This wine is very well-integrated and smooth, but there's a lot here and it's hard to tease out all the flavors; to me that's a good thing, it makes it easier to drink without having to devote your attention to it.

Here's an attempt to distill all the flavors in the wine into an experience: I think it tastes like sitting around a small camp fire with dried leaves in it because it's autumn. The air is crisp, you just ate some grilled beef short ribs, and now you're moving on to some dried cherries for dessert. Yeah, this wine is that good. It can actually make me think of a whole experience. You may not get the same things from it, wine is subjective and personal after all, but this really speaks to me.

AND THIS IS $19.99! HALF THE PRICE OF BAROLO OR BARBARESCO! It's finding wines like this that make me feel like I'm actually performing a valuable service for you

La Palazetta Rosso di Montalcino 2009 $26.99 - Wonderful wine from Tuscany! The intense cherry, fresh raspberry & violet aromas are your first impression of this very lively younger brother to the Brunello wines. With the fruit and floral aromas you get that beautiful dry lean earthy quality that identifies good Sangiovese. On the palate the wine is rich and ripe and very pretty all at the same time. The concentrated fruit is there the whole time but the mid-palate has more hints of dark earth and nice young tannins that draw out the finish of the wine and make this an excellent candidate for lamb. Food pairing - lamb, beef, roasted meats, mushroom dishes, etc.

We hope to see you Friday!

Wine Tasting, Friday, Feb. 18th

Wine Tasting

Friday, Feb. 18^th

3:30 – 7:30pm

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

We also have a donation jar on the table for the Freeport Community Services Food and Fuel Fund. You may opt to donate the tasting discount to Freeport Community Services. Our store will match all donations with a check to Freeport Community Services for the Food and Fuel Fund.

All NEW wines to Maine!

Ned Swain of Devenish Wines will be here! Ned took time to write a “manifesto” and mission statement for Devenish Wines and himself…..it sums up Ned’s thoughts regarding wine quite well – wines should be made in small amounts as naturally as possible and they should taste well and of a place. They should have soul and a heart. I agree with him.

Last year, Ned started working with a wonderful importer of wines from France, Maximilien Selections. This guy knows how to pick wines at great prices. We've sold a lot of his wines.

These are superb wines and killer values! The wines are organically farmed as a rule (or shifting to organic farming and production). These wines are all from small producers that are family-owned.

So, here are the wines:

The Sparkling:

Alexandre Monmousseau Cremant de Loire NV (France) $16.99 – This is a sparkling that is made in Vouvray in the Loire Valley. It’s 50/50 Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. This is very clean with a hint of fresh baked bread. It goes through the 2^nd fermentation in the bottle, but, it isn’t aged long (Champagne is). Therefore, it is different from Champagne (that, and the addition of Chenin Blanc). Food pairing – great with almost all seafood, especially shellfish. Great for a cocktail party.

The Whites:

Château Clare Graves 2009 (France) $12.99 - Beautiful wine and a great value from Bordeaux from a great vintage! This is rich and full (that’s the Semillon grapes) with great stony minerality. The soil is Graves is all about being rocky and that minerality comes through in the wine. Aromas and flavors of citrus, nuts and grass. Blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel aging and fermenting. Organic farming. Food pairing – seafood, poached fish, shellfish. Salads.

Domaine Grand Cotes de Jura Chardonnay 2008 (France) $16.99 – Intriguing Chardonnay from the Jura Mountains. This has bright fresh fruit and a zesty, refreshing mid-palate. It is aged in casks that formerly held “Vin Jaune,” which is a common practice in these parts. That gives the wine a completely other dimension – aromas and flavors of nuts and spice. Vin Jaune is a wine that is similar to a dry Fino Sherry. It ages in a barrel for 6 years and 3 months under a layer of yeast – this is similar to the “flor” that sits atop Sherry while it ages and is called “voile.” You don’t see a lot of Vin Jaune in the USA – a partial reason is that it is bottled in a 21-ounce bottle (62 centiliters) and the US government TIGHTLY regulates bottle sizes. The 62 centiliter size corresponds to the percentage (62%) of the wine that is left in the cask after the 6+ years are over. This winery was founded in 1976 in Jura’s Revermont region, one of France’s oldest appellations. Food pairing – scallops, roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, stuffed chicken breast.

The Reds:

Domaine Boudau Côtes du Roussillon 2009 (France) $11.99 – A naturally-farmed, single vineyard blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. This is a very drinkable, chewy, fruit-forward Mediterranean red. Hippolyte Boudau created this estate in the 1920’s. For over 70 years it focused on sweet wines. His grandchildren, Véronique and Pierre Boudau, run the estate today after taking over from their father. In 1993, they led the winery into making dry wines as well. Food pairing – salmon, duck, roasted chicken.

Michel Guignier Beaujolais 2009 (France) $14.99 – From the great, great 2009 vintage! Michel Guignier owns land across several Beaujolais crus and farms his land organically. This is vibrant, beautiful, “drink now Gamay” from a great producer. The owner of another store calls this “one of the two most perfect wines he has drunk in recent memory.” If you are thinking this is similar to Beaujolais Nouveau or Beaujolais-Villages, please think again. This is a great wine! Food pairing – roasted poultry, salmon, grilled chicken.

Château de Grandchamp Montagne-Saint Émilion 2007 (France) $16.99 – Gonzague Maurice acquired this domaine in 2005 and is transforming it to organic agriculture. This is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Classic Merlot-based Bordeaux with aromas and flavors of earth, black pepper, lush fruit and great structure. This has well-integrated tannins that are nicely there, but not obnoxiously there. This is a “drink now” Bordeaux from a really good producer from a good vintage. Food pairing – beef tenderloin, lamb chops, crown roast of pork, rich meals.

Chateau La Reyne Cahors “Le Prestige” 2007 (France) $16.99 - This is a big, dark, rich red! This is smooth, well-structured and has firm tannins. Red and dark berries and cherries are prominent in the flavors and aromas. It’s elegant! The tannins are smooth and big. Aged in French oak. 100% Malbec. From 35 year-old vines. Organic farming. Food pairing – aged cheeses, red meats and stews.

Cesca Vicent Priorat 2008 (Spain) $21.99 – Okay….yes….we are not in France! Still, this is a wonderful wine….and one just rarely finds a lot of wine from Priorat for this price! This is a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. This is a well-balanced, approachable Priorat. It’s concentrated and it has notes of iron and slate mixed in with the bright cherry fruit and it doesn’t weigh you down. It’s organically farmed (look at pictures of Priorat – they don’t have much worries about bugs or fungi – so, herbicides and fungicides are not needed….and the soil provides plenty of minerals….plus vines work best when stressed, so this soil certainly doesn’t need chemical fertilizers). Priorat, along with Rioja, is one of only 2 D.O.Ca.’s in Spain (Denominación de Origen Calificada) – these are the highest quality producing areas in Spain. Francesca Vincent Robert’s ancestors have made wine here since the 15^th century. She had a soil survey done many years ago. The vineyards are on 11 kinds of soil (gravel, slate, granite, lime, etc.) and are planted with grapes best suited to that soil and microclimate. The area sees temperature swings from XXF in the day to XXF at night and little rainfall during the summer months.

Wine Tasting, Friday, Nov. 19th

Wine Tasting

Friday
Nov. 19th
3:30-7:30pm

The Sparkling (Ned’s table):

Avinyo Cava Brut NV (Spain) $19.99 - Extended aging on the lees makes this reserve cava crisper, fuller, and creamier. It also has hints of toasted nuts under the aromas of citrus and pear. This is a complex intriguing sparkler that could pass as Champagne if you closed your eyes. The flavors are perfect to pair with Turkey and the effervescence will remove the fat and grease of gravy from your mouth. Aromas of green apples, citrus, fresh bread and minerals. Fresh and dry flavors of apples, fresh bread, pears and peaches. It’s been aged on its “lees” for 18-22 months, adding a yeasty quality to the wine similar to many Champagnes. Minerally-driven dry finish. This shows as much complexity as many Champagnes at a fraction of the cost! Blend of Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada. Aged on lees for 18-22 months. Non-vintage. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points

The Whites:

Ned’s Table:

Jelu Torrontés 2010 (Argentina) $12.99 - An earlier vintage was a Huge HIT at a tasting and we just tasted this and wanted to bring it back! 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! Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork. Drinks well with or without food!

Sybille Kuntz Trocken Riesling 2008 (Germany) $22.99 - This is an excellent DRY Riesling from one of Germany’s best new winemakers! Aromas & flavors of pineapples, apricots, minerals and a hint smoke. This is just fabulous! Finishes clean and crisp! Husband-and-wife team. Sybille Kuntz is a rarity in Germany – a woman winemaker. 40-80 year-old vines. Organic & Biodynamic Farming. Food pairing - Goes smoked fish, freshwater fish, seafood & ham, spicy Asian fare, such as Thai food. Great choice for a pork roast.

Tabitha’s Table:

Napa Station Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - The Sauvignon Blanc is lively, crisp, clean and bursting with citrus notes along with honeydew and nectarines. Sustainable farming. 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. 2,010 cases made. Stainless steel fermentation on the lees (not stirred). Food pairing - perfect as an aperitif, served with grilled seafood, Thanksgiving Dinner, chicken or light pasta, as well as spicy Asian and Latin dishes.

Viña Vistamar Chardonnay 2009 (Chile) $11.99 – This is a soft, smooth, easy-drinking Chard from Chile’s Central Valley. This sees a little oak during fermentation, but it sees no oak during aging, so this isn’t at all oaky. It’s clean and crisp. Aromas and flavors of apples, pears, melons, huts and more.

The Rosé (Ned’s table):

Trésors d’Antan Val de Loire Pineau d’Aunis Rosé 2009 (France) $13.99 – This is an unusual grape from the Coteaux de Vendomis in the Loire Valley. This rosé is unusual because it is made entirely from the rare Pineau d’Aunis grape. This grape is unique to the Loire Valley – even in the Loire it is rare as it has been pulled up for decades in favor of better-known grapes, such as Cabernet Franc. Pineau d’Aunis was born in the Middle Ages at the Priory of Aunis in Dampierre-sur-Loire. It’s also known as Chenin Noir and is one of the oldest grape varietals in the Loire. This has peppery aromas, which is typical of this grape. The flavors definitely include grapefruit, as well as strawberries and raspberries. This also has an interesting and pleasing note of pomegranates. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine or with most any fish, poultry, softer cheese and desserts with red fruits.

The Reds:

Ned’s Table:

Domaine de Grisy Bourgogne Côtes d’Auxerre 2008 (France) $18.99 - Perhaps you'd like something brighter, lively, and not too heavy? A red that keeps drawing you back for another sip, but doesn't tire your palate out? Look no further than the Domaine de Grisy. This is bright racy Pinot Noir at it's best.

Mas de Flauzieres Gigondas 2008 (France) - This Gigondas is a Grenache-based Rhône blend that's bigger and sees some oak aging. It's more powerful than the Burgundy and has more pepper, earth, and a touch of sweet vanilla from the oak on the finish. This is right about $20 and is a good choice for hams, pork roasts, and turkey if you simply prefer something bigger than Pinot Noir.

Château Haut-Bayard Montagne Saint-Émilion 2008 (France) $14.99 - Beautiful Bordeaux at a great price! This is rich and chewy. Wonderful aromas of black plums, black currants, leather and wet stones. Flavors of black plums, black cherries, mocha and leather. Long finish. Blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in neutral oak barrels for 6-8 months. Light filtration and fining. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing – beef stews, coq au vin, duck confit, lamb. Even cheddar cheese.

Lockhart Cabernet 2009 (California) $12.99 – This is a great drinking, soft, smooth Cabernet! Rich, lots of fruit….hints of vanilla.

Tabitha’s Table:

Vistamar Pinot Noir Reserva 2009 (Chilean) $12.99 – This is a lush, smooth Pinot that is a great combination of fruit with a touch of brambliness. Aromas of wild berry fruits and flowers. Light and refreshing flavors with lots of berry flavours like cherries and redcurrants. The finish is smooth and has nice toasty notes.

Cave Saint Desirat Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2007 (France) $12.99 – This is a really nice wine from a great vintage in the south of France! Full-bodied. Aromas of dark fruits, baking spices and pepper. Blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre. Hand-picked grapes. Grapes are 100% destemmed. Sustainable farming. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. Food pairing – roasted meats, game, Thanksgiving Dinner.

Atrea Old Soul Red 2006 (California) $24.99 – Called by many a close relative of “The Prisoner” from Orin Swift. California’s famed David Ramey is a consulting winemaker for this wine. Aromas and flavors of red berries, baking spices, white pepper, mocha and more. This has ripe, full flavors that are loaded with fruit. The tannins are soft and the wine is lush! This drinks well right now and can age. Blend of 39% Zinfandel, 36% Syrah, 15% Petite Sirah and 10% Malbec. 1,891 cases made. From vineyards that are organic and/or sustainably farmed in Mendocino County. Grapes are destemmed. Aged in Burgundian and Hungarian oak (25% new) for 17 months. Bottled unfiltered. 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer

Mooiplaas “The Bean” Pinotage 2009 (South Africa) $13.99 - Unusual, delicious wine! This is a deep, dark color. The aromas and flavors definitely show mocha and roasted coffee as well as dark berry fruit. Aged in French oak barrels whose toasting was done in a way to accent the coffee/mocha flavors. 100% Pinotage. This has good tannins that have softened in the oak. Food pairing - Drinks well on its own. Grilled or roasted meats.

The Dessert:

Neirano “Pitula” Moscato d’Asti 2010 (Italy) $12.99

December Wine Tasting #1

Wine Tasting!

Thursday, Dec. 10th

3:30-7:30pm

We are having 2 tastings in December - this Thursday (the 10th) and Friday, Dec. 18th. The descriptions of the wines are also here!

Dueling distributors again - Ned Swain from Devenish Wines (Ned always brings a delicious, esoteric mix of wines!) and Art Gonyea from National Distributors, along with Mary Bridge from Leonardo Locasio's Winebow Imports (one of my favorite people from one of my favorite importers).

We're tasting wines we feel are great for the holiday season - whether it's a gift or for a special meal or just unwinding at home! We hope to see you on Thursday!

The Wines:

Ned's Wines:

The Whites:

Castell Silvaner Trocken 2008 (Franconia, Germany) $16.99 - At first I looked at Ned and said, "Ned, a Sylvaner? Really?" And, he said, "YES!" Well, Ned is one guy I usually let have his way at the tastings and he's usually right! This family has been in the winemaking business since 1224 AD! Castell planted the first Sylvaner grapes in Germany in 1659! The vineyards here are loaded with minerals, gypsum and marl - which are ideal for growing Sylvaner. Consequently, this wine is loaded with minerals! It also has a little lime citrus to it! It's fresh and lively with well-balanced acidity. Medium-bodied with a rich texture. This is a lot like a dry Vouvray. This area is in the northern part of Bavaria at a higher elevation than the more temperate Rhineland. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - food-friendly wine! Really adaptable to a lot of different foods! Appetizers, quiche, onion tarts, grilled or smoked fish, creamy dishes, chicken, ham, sushi, scallops, shrimp (it's Maine shrimp season!).

Viñedo de los Vientos "Estival" 2007 (Uruguay) $16.99 - This is a fabulous blend - 60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Moscato Bianco. It's a unique combination - Uruguayan flair and style! And you can taste each grape variety working together! The Gewurz brings spice and rich body, the Chardonnay adds balancing acidity and the muscat adds an enticing tropical aroma. Viñedo de los Vientos is located in one of the most "bird dense" regions in South America and practices sustainable agriculture. Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapples, melons, lemons. This has soft, subtle "Gewurz" spice. It's real soft on the tongue at the start and then almost, but not quite, tingly on the tongue! Zingy minerals in the mid-palette really wake you up! White peaches in the flavors. Finishes clean and rich with hints of nuts, definitely almonds. Food pairing - Great wine with a tropical/Asian "fusion" dish, turkey, duck, pork tenderloin. The spice and hint of effervescence can cut through and compliment powerfully flavored foods. Drinks wonderfully well on its own!

The Reds:

Ala Nera Nero d'Avola 2008 (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $13.99, Sale $12.99 - Big, dark red wine loaded with dark fruit, minerals and oomph! Much more than a simple Sicilian table wine! This also has nice earthiness that is typical of Sicilian wines (volcanic soil and hot sun!), minerality and those dusty tannins I love in Italian reds! It finish with more bright fruit and isn't too drying. Named for the black-winged birds that fly over the vineyard in Sicily. Food pairing - pizza, pasta dishes with tomato sauces, mushrooms, grilled meats!

Château de Bonhoste Bordeaux Supérieur 2006 (France) $17.99 - Tasty, tasty, tasty! A great value in Bordeaux! Blackberry, dark berry, vanilla and baking spice aromas and flavors. Ripe, intense fruit in the nose. A quintessential Bordeaux "dustiness" in the nose - it's subtle, almost like dried Provencal herbs. Rich, ripe and juicy fruit flavors. Supple, long finish. Blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in neutral oak barrels. Château de Bonhoste is located in Saint Jean de Blaignac, 3 miles south of St. Emilion. Food pairing - This cries out for lamb, beef or any rich dish with rosemary.

Midslope Rasteau 2007 (France) $16.99 - Midslope is made by Maison Arnoux et Fils who have been making wine since 1717. The winery is located in Vacqueyras. The family owns 40 hectares, but has also been purchasing fruit from area growers since 1936 and has one of the best list of growers under long contract. Barrel aged for 6 months. Midslope is the sister project of the wildly successful Upslope Syrah from Thompson Vineyard in Santa Barbara. The wine is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from vineyards planted in the Rasteau AOC. Once known only for its sweet and fortified wines, Rasteau is rapidly becoming recognized for its outstanding Grenache. Many believe that the best wines from Rasteau resemble a well made Chateauneuf du Pape. We believe that Midslope represents terroir in a bottle, a very good terroir.

Three Saints Syrah 2007 (Santa Ynez, California) $21.99 - Big, delicious, bold California Syrah! Aromas and flavors of chocolate, smoked meat, mocha, dark berries and more! The wine is developing soft, integrated tannins. Three Saints is part of the Dierberg Winery. As they convert to organic viticulture, they are harvesting their grapes at a lower Brix level (amount of sugar in the grapes). This is resulting in lower alcohol wines and better, more balanced wines! This is good! 55% aged 15 months on its lees in 2nd-8th use barrels to round out the flavors, 15% aged in new French oak to bring out the chocolate flavors in Syrah and 30% in stainless steel to add fresher, bright fruit flavors to the wine. Food pairing - grilled meats, summer grilling (yeah, it's a long way off, but I NEVER shut down grilling!), hearty winter stews and more!

Ned says, "I make no secret of the fact that I've got a big crush on Santa Barbara Syrah. This comes from the Starlane ranch all the way in the east of Santa Barbara where the grapes get riper and more powerful. It's inky and dark with serious brooding blackberry fruit, lush ripe cherry, black pepper, and sleek mouth watering tannins. This is balanced, no component is over the top, but it's about as sexy and hedonistic as wine comes. I plan on drinking this on some of the long cold nights that are coming."

The Dessert and/or The Sparkling!

Bricco del Sole Moscato D'Asti 2008 (Piedmont, Italy) $22.99 - ooooohhh! Aaaahhhh! This is GOOD! Rich & lush. Beautiful nose of nectarines, white peaches & tangerines. Well-balanced acidity. Fresh, clean & crisp finish. A moderately sweet finish. Sparkly! This farm has been in the Morando family since the early 1800's. Organic. Food pairing - Drinks great on its own as a lighter cocktail wine. Try it with fruit tarts, dense, rich cheesecake, do as the Italians do and pour it over fresh peaches or pears for brunch. Wonderful with hot and spicy foods!

Art and Mary's Wines

The Sparkling:

Juvé y Camps Brut Reserva de la Familia Cava 2005 (Penedes, Spain) $15.99 - Pale gold in color, this Cava has aromas of pears, apples, white stone fruits (nectarines and peaches) and toasted bread with hints of citrus in the background. The bubbles, aromas and flavors are longlasting and pleasing. Blended from the traditional Cava grapes - Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada grapes, which are harvested on the estate's properties at Espiells, Can Massana and La Cuscona. The Juvé Family founded this winery in 1796 and it has been family-owned and operated ever since. Food pairing - Pair with paté, seafood, rice, and all kinds of fish, white meat and smoked. Wine Enthusiast, "Top 100 Best Buys"

The Whites:

Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Maule Valley, Chile) $8.99 - This Sauvignon Blanc, offers you a wine with an attractive yellow color with greenish tones. It has intense aromas of tropical fruits, especially pineapple. It is a very fresh wine, dry and equilibrated. It has a good structure and a nice natural acidity which has a long permanence in the mouth. Food pairing - perfect cocktail wine with or without food. Great with seafood and fish.

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2008 (Sudtirol, Italy) $13.99 - One of the most delicious and elegant white wines in the Winebow portfolio! Dry and full-bodied with crisp, bracing acidity. Aromas and flavors of pears and citrus. 100% Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermented. Aged in tank 6 months before bottling. Cork-free closure to ensure long-lasting freshness. The Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof Winery owes its name to the castle on the property. The family founded the winery in 1848. Food pairing - lots of appetizers, vegetable dishes, salads, seafood, poultry, pork and veal. Wine Spectator, 500 Great Buys, "A global surplus of delicious wines means it's prime time to drink well for less"

Mastroberardino Sannio Falanghina 2007 (Campania, Italy) $21.99 - Light straw-yellow in color with greenish reflections, this Falanghina displays fresh aromas of citrus, pineapple and white flowers. On the palate it confirms the freshness of the bouquet offering a good structure and acidity. A very well-balanced and versatile wine with a complex character. Mastroberardino is Campania's landmark winery and has been in this family since the 1750's! The origin of the grape's name is the Latin word "phalange" that means "supported by stakes." Food pairing - excellent with appetizers or to pair with seafood and fish.

The Reds:

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico DOC (Veneto, Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $16.99 - Vibrant ruby red in color with fresh cherry, red berry and Provencal aromas and flavors. This is bright, fresh and delicious! Valpolicella is the area and this is a blend of 65% Corvina Veronese, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Aged in stainless steel for 5 months before bottling. Food pairing - This is the perfect accompaniment to Italian antipasti, pasta dishes and other typical Mediterranean cuisine. Also pairs well with roasted and grilled white meats. All-in-all, this is one FOOD-FRIENDLY wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "One of Italy's Finest Values"

Falesco Sangiovese IGT (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - The soft and silky tannins pleasantly frame the plush texture of fruit and spice. Excellent balance between fruit and acidity, and slightly spicy notes on the finish are the unmistakable hallmarks of this wine. Food pairing - Whether paired with your favorite Italian dishes or enjoyed alone by the glass, this Sangiovese is a pure pleasure to drink. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "One of Italy's Finest Values"

Librandi Duca San Felice Cirò Rosso Riserva DOC 2005 (Italy) $19.99 - A GREAT wine of the South! Mature, full-bodied. Aromas of Mediterranean fruits (figs and dates), dark plums, with touches of chocolate, smoke, earth and tar. Flavors of cherries, herbs, vanilla, spice and citrus. Full, long finish. 100% Gaglioppo (a grape of ancient Greek origins), this is the most important red wine grape in Calabria. Aged 2 years before bottling. Food pairing - this will both age well and go well with rich meals, such as spicy Calabrian sausages, steak, duck and game. Gambero Rosso, "Tre Bicchieri" (Italy's highest award; it translates "3 Glasses")

Don Nicanor Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) $19.99 - A brilliant wine of deep red color with purple hues. The nose displays aromas of cherries, plums, cloves and vanilla, as well as a hint of smoke suggesting elegance and complexity. The mouth-feel is round and warm, balancing both fruit and spice. The finish is long and elegant. 100% Malbec. Aged in 2nd passage (the barrels have been used before and this "leeches" out about 80% of the "oakiness" of the barrel) French oak for 12 months. This helps the flavors soften and integrate while adding just a touch of oak. Food pairing - Pair with grilled or roasted beef or game meats, spicy sauces and mature cheeses.

The Dessert:

Coppo Passione Brachetto d' Acqui (Piedmont, Italy) $17.99 - Made from 100% Brachetto grapes from the area that surrounds the town of Acqui in Piedmont, this is one of the few Italian sweet wines to earn DOCG status. Bright red cherry in color, this Brachetto has a lively, zingy tease of bubbles, with fresh aromas of raspberries and strawberries. Food pairing - Brachetto d'Acqui can commence a great evening as an aperitif, or even better, it is one of the most romantic pairings with chocolate at the end of the meal. Serve lightly chilled.

November Wines & Cheeses We Love!

Freeport Cheese & Wine
27 Bow Street
Freeport, ME
(207) 865-3993

New Cheeses (I'm going to be doing this going forward each month - 2-3 new each month):

• Vermont Cloth Aged Cheddar - probably the best cheddar I've tasted in a few years!
• Great Hill Blue - a classic blue from Massachusetts
• Willow Hill Farm La Fleuire - a camembert style cheese from Vermont

Fra'Mani Salame Salametto - Another of the BEST Salami in the WORLD!!! All natural. Hand-made. Rich. Fatty! In a good way! Look, lean Salumi is just.....leanly lame! Fra'Mani is the best! Pork Salumi at its best....hand-made by a chef in San Francisco from naturally raised pigs.

The WINES......

Sparkling Wines

Familia Oliveda Cava Rosat NV (Spain) $15.99 - Familia Oliveda is a family owned company that has been making wine at this estate north of Barcelona since the mid 1700's. This rose Cava is a blend of Pinot Noir and Grenache grapes. As you'd expect from Pinot Noir it has very pretty delicate floral aromas and cherry fruit. The Grenache gives it a bit more body and a richer finish.

Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut (Italy) $14.99 - This is a tasty sparkling wine and a great value! Fine, soft bubbles. Starts soft and refreshing. With a touch of flowers and almonds as well as subtle acidity. Flavors of apples and pears. A nice, delicate, lingering finish. Food pairing - Great as an aperitivo or with antipasto, seafood or lighter white meat dishes. Goes great with smoked salmon or trout. This will go great with spicy food, especially Thai and Pacific cuisines. Excellent as a sparkling wine for a party!

Whites

Cascina Ca’ Rossa Roero DOCG Arneis “Merica” 2006 (Italy) Reg. $19.99 Sale $14.99 - This is a beautiful wine! Reminds me of a really good, refined, complex Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Medium-bodied & has a smooth, round feel in the mouth. Aromas & flavors of flowers, almonds, tart green apples, white peaches and pears. Much of the flavor is driven by this cool wet minerality halfway through. Well balanced acidity. Nice length on the finish - the finish is driven by acidity, a slightly bitter almond note and minerals. Food pairing - Great as an aperitif or cocktail wine. Perfect with cold salads, especially seafood or chicken salad. Has enough depth to hold up to salamis and other typical Italian antipasta foods.

Jelu Torrontés 2008 (Argentina) $12.99 – New vintage of a wine we just love! 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! Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork. Drinks well with or without food!

Alexander Valley Vineyards Mendocino County “New Gewurz” Gewurztraminer 2008 (CA) $9.99 - Made in celebration of the new harvest each year! Fresh. Delicious. Fruity. Off-dry. Touch of spice. Great floral aroma. Flavors of peaches and ripe pears. This is a crowd-pleaser. Food pairing - Goes well with hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit, roast pork, poultry, spicy Asian dishes and creamy cheese.

Celestin Blondeau Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (France) Reg. $10.99 Sale $9.99 – Completely different wine than the Kim Crawford! As Sancerre prices have shot through the roof, this winery has done something smart! They source grapes from Touraine and Anjou (both are good growing regions) and they make an excellent Sauvignon Blanc at a great price from the Loire Valley! Crisp with green apple fruit and notes of lemon grass. Food pairing – oysters, fish, pork or chicken.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) $19.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, lime green apple flavors & aromas in this classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Great depth of fruit. A subtle touch of pepper spice & lemon grass. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Enjoy with seafood, lobster, grilled tuna, spicy chicken or spicy Asian food. Wine Spectator, 91 points, #40 Top 100 Wines 2008

Reds

Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 (France) $10.99 - Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" It’s balanced, fruit forward and without a lot of tannins….flavors and aromas of raspberries, strawberries, black cherries and a hint of spice. Food pairing – A CLASSIC Thanksgiving Dinner Wine! Food pairing - Good with poultry dishes and lighter foods! Celebrate the season!

Château des Capitans Juliénas Cru Beaujolais 2006 (France) Reg. $15.99 Sale $14.99 – If we’re tasting a Beaujolais Nouveau, we have to taste the “big daddy” from the region – a Cru Beaujolais! This is AWESOME! Ripe, rich dark berries in the nose. Packed with aromas & flavors (cherry, blackberry, raspberry, pepper). Medium-bodied. Well-balanced acidity & tannins. Rich, LONG finish. 100% Gamay. Aged in 20% oak barrels. Joint project of Georges DuBoeuf and William Deutsch. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Great vintage! Food pairing – duck, turkey, pork, chicken, etc. Drinks well on its own.

Cantele Salice Salentino Puglia 2003 (Italy) Reg. $12.99 Sale $10.99 - Excellent wine from this family-owned winery in Southern Italy! Ripe and juicy – this drinks smoothly….lots of ripe, dark fruit. Soft tannins. No bitterness. 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera. Aged 3 years in stainless steel with selected lots in used oak barriques. Aged in bottles for 6 months. 2,500 cases made. Food pairing – pasta and meat dishes, goat cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 87 points

Vacceos Tempranillo Rueda 2005 (Spain) Reg. $13.99 Sale $12.99 - Rueda is more know fo rproducing white wines, but since 2001 some enterprising 100% Tempranillo made entirely in stainless steel. It has ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a hint of earth and briars followed by tannins that are soft and polished. but it also has peppery dusty qualities and a dry finish that give the wine more.

Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Chile) $12.99 - The Echeverria Family has been making wine in Chile since the 1600's and this excellent Cabernet demonstrates their expirience. Its cherry fruit is ripe and lush but it also has peppery dusty qualities and a dry finish that give the wine more depth.

Joan D’Anguera La Planella Montsant 2006 (Spain) $21.99 - Fabulous wine! Deep purple/ruby color. Rich aromas of dark fruits (black cherries, blackberries, dark plums), minerals & Provencal herbs. Medium-bodied. La Planella is a blend of 40% Mazuelo, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 20%. Montsant is near Priorat (it’s actually named after a mountain in Priorat) in northeasternmost Spain (southwest of Barcelona). Joan's father, Josep, started replanting his family’s vineyard back in the 70's so the vines are all older now and produce very concentrated fruit from their rocky hillside vineyards. Food pairing - Excellent with grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms dishes and more!

d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $17.99 Sale $15.99 - Outstanding wine! This is drinking great! A huge hit at a recent wine wine tasting! Bright and fresh. Plum, cherry, blackberry and currant aromas. Subtle hints of licorice, anise, sweet earth, cedar and pepper. Smoky. Nice, soft & long finish. Unfiltered and unfined…classic winemaking…just yummy and big and smooth! Food pairing - Great with hearty foods, roasts, grilled meat. Decant this wine – both to open it up and because it has sediment. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Myuge Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) $34.99 - Ned Swain of Devenish Wines came to me with this wine.....I love it when Ned comes to me with obscure wines he loves.......I taste A LOT of wine. Ned tastes a SCARY HUGE amount of wine. And, he calls a bad wine a bad wine and he RAVES about a really good wine....and he doesn't use geeky wine words (Ned and I have talked about wine for nearly 4 years and we've never gone "wine word geeky" - the big phrase is, "This is good - I like this!). Ned has an e-mail newsletter and he even recommends wines he doesn't sell (that's a BANKABLE recommendation, right there!).

Abe Schoener, a professor of Ancient Greek Philosophy, started making wine in 1998 by interning at the Stag's Leap Winery when he was on sabbatical. Then he became the winemaker at Luna for a few years before starting this very special and specialized project. Everything Abe makes is made in TINY quantities. Less than 100 cases per wine as a rule. He makes everything at his new winery in the Suison Valley just east of Napa. The Suison Valley is listed on the Myuge label. Now we know this wine is from Rutherford.....beyond that, we don't know much - we've asked the broker who sells it to Ned. They don't know. We've tried tracking down Abe....no luck, yet on that one. So, we don't know the particulars - aside from this is a side project of Abe's AND it tastes really good!

The wine is dark, dark ruby to nearly black in the center. It looks unfiltered - so DECANT this both for sediment reasons and to open up the wine's aromas and flavors!

This is powerful and full-bodied - it's really a mouthful of wine! It opens with black cherry fruit that blends into the mid-palate and picks up hints of juicy plums and cinnamon along the way. At the back are notes of cedar. The finish is long and smooth. There are definitely tannins in this wine - they are dry and dusty in the way Rutherford Cabs are supposed to be, but they are integrated into the wine. This is a young Napa Cabernet with a lot of structure and depth to it. The aromas are seductive and the complex flavors are well-integrated.

I am in love with this wine and think it's a steal at $35 or so. It drinks like a much better Napa Cabernet, in fact all the online websites I've found list it for over $40. Regardless, I'm excited to have found this because so many Napa Cabernets are either really expensive or just simple and don't have the structure Napa is famous for. This wine is really a gem! As another wine merchant said, "Wherever this comes from there is some serious wine making behind it!" Food pairing – steak, lamb, big foods. DECANT this wine when you drink it!

Dessert

El Maestro Sierra Pedro Ximenez Sherry (Spain) $19.99 - This sherry is made entirely from the Pedro Ximenez grape and has beautiful aromas of hazelnuts, caramel, and apricots. The wine is aged in the solera style for 15 years before release, giving the wine time to develop all of its rich depth.

June Wines We Love

June Wines We Love!!!

Whites

Pichon Viognier 2007 (France) $13.99 - Viognier has rocketed to popularity in recent years. This version from Southwest France manages to combine the aromatic apricot and honeysuckle qualities typical of the grape with a bright, fresh acidity and finish. Fermented in stainless steel with temperature control (keeping the temmps cooler) to preserve the fruit inherent to the grape. Food pairing - just drinking on a warm day! Poultry, seafood, grilled chicken, grilled pork, tuna, salmon, etc. Lighter pasta dishes. Veggie pasta dishes.

Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez 2006 (CA) $22.99 - This is one of the wines we are "jacked" about! Brand-new to Maine! crisp, bold.....bigger Sauv Blanc....The Star Lane Ranch in eastern Santa Barbara is a great mountaintop vineyard with lots of exposure to sun light. The wine maker, Nick de Lucca worked at Highfield in New Zealand and has a lot of experience with Sauvignon Blanc. This is a very balanced version. He works hard to keep the wine from being too aggressive. And it results in a more complex food friendly wine. The winery is completely gravity fed - this means the grapes are handled more gently - resulting in brighter, better flavors. They use yeasts that bring forth aromas and flavors reminiscent of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. A small portion of this wine sees time in neutral oak barrels (most ferments and ages in stainless steel vats). Aromas and flavors of flowers. gooseberries, citrus (orange, lemon and grapefruit). The barrel aging adds a richer, softer mouthfeel to the wine. Food pairing - seafood, lobster, poultry. Oysters, mussels.

Rose

La Ferme St. Pierre Rose 2007 (France) - $13.99 - Hooray! It's arrived! Again! For the last 4 summers, this has been our FAVORITE rose in this price range! We LOVE THIS! Ned received about 10-12 cases a month ago or so.....those are gone. He's received another 40 cases this year. 2 summers ago, he received 130-150 cases of this (so, we were able to get it all summer long). Last summer, Ned received about 50-60 cases. They were all gone by mid-July or so. He has less this year and demand for French roses keeps going up! This will be gone SOON! This rose from the Southern Rhone is made in very small quantities and is only available for a limited time in the summer. 50/50 Grenache and Syrah. Made from the exact same crush as they make their Cotes du Ventoux Rouge - this just sees a lot less skin contact (color for red wines is in the skin)! It's made from Grenache and Syrah in a very fresh grapefruit/watermelon kind of way. Dry, crisp and fruity (yes....a wine can be dry and fruity!). Food pairing - It's a great versatile wine that is a sublime match with roast chicken, chicken salad, and potato salad....anything poultry and/or grilled lighter meats - salmon, pork, chicken, tuna....stuffed mushrooms will work!

Reds

Erste & Neue Kalterer See Schiava Auslese D.O.C. "Leuchtenberg" 2006 (Italy) $19.99 - This is a UNIQUE lighter red wine from the Lake Kalterer (Kalterer See - think Zurich See) region up in the far north of Italy (the Sudtirol - we are in Southern Austria in terms of "Germanic" culture and influences). This is made from the Schiava grape and is kind of reminiscient of a Cabernet Franc. It has floral cherry fruit and a hint of black pepper and spice. The best Schiava grapes come from the Kalterer region. Food pairing - awesome with prosciutto and other cured meats. Smoked salmon. Drink this young. You're okay for the next 12-24 months, but they don't make this wine to age. Only three cases have ever, EVER entered Maine! What's left is here tonight! If Ned and I are good for only one thing.....together....we'll show you some unique wines!

Jelu Syrah 2005 (Argentina) $12.99 - GREAT VALUE and just awfully good at the price! Jelu is located in the dry, sun drenched Zonda valley of Argentina. The lack of rain, but abundance of meltwater from the mountains makes for a near perfect climate for growing wine grapes. This is a full bodied chewy wine packing a lot of dense berry fruit. Mouthfilling with a smooth easy drinking texture. A little pepper and spice in the nose.....lots of red and dark berry aromas. Excellent red and dark berry flavors.....plus a subtle hint of pepper, earth and minerals. Moderate, softer tannins in the middle and on the finish. Long, pleasing finish. Well-balanced. Aged 9 months in oak. Food pairing - Drinks well with rich grilled meats, aged cheeses such as Grana Padano, Parmesan or Piave Vecchio. Now, here's where Ned and I disagree.....he says, "This is great for Barbecued pork..." Well, I'm from North Carolina. It's barbecue.....now, you can abbreviate it to 'que or 'cue......regardless, it is ALWAYS pork. 'Cue is PORK. One doesn't barbecue.....one doesn't have friends over for a barbecue......'cue is the pork......you grill....you roast.....you fry.....you don't barbecue.....it's NOT a verb! Beef is not 'cue. Pork is 'cue! It's simple!

Domaine de L'Harmas Cotes du Rhone 2004 (France) $16.99 - Think of this as a baby Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine de L'Harmas is located in CNP and this is their second wine to their CNP. The wine is made in the same fashion as their CNP from old vine Grenache with a bit of Syrah and Mourvedre added to the blend. Aged in oak barrels for about a year....a little longer. It is a very concentrated dense red wine that is stuffed to bursting with dried cherry and raspberry fruit interwoven with white pepper. A little bit of smokiness to this wine. Give this a little more age and it will wow you even more! This benefits from decanting. Food pairing - Good with steak and other grilled meat, roast pork and lamb, other hearty meals.

Three Saints Syrah Santa Ynez 2005 (CA) $19.99 - big and bold....really good! Brand-new to Maine! This is one of the wines we are "jacked" about! Three Saints is the second label of the Star Lane Winery out in Santa Barbara. The grapes and wine receive all the same care and winemaking as their top of the line Syrah and the decision about which label to bottle it under isn't made until the wine is done. I am very impressed by the price of this wine. It has all the concentration and blueberry, pepper and refinement of much higher end Santa Barbara Syrah but for half the price. This is a steal. Only 3 cases into are in Maine and that is all we will see!

Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole 2005 (Italy) $36.99 - Super Tuscan. BAD, BAD wine.....we're talking "Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown" Bad! Wonderful wine! Andrea Franchetti tried all kinds of other professions before settling on winemaking, but when you're fabulously wealthy, you can afford a mistake or a dozen. He bought land in the middle of nowhere on the border with Umbria down in Southern Tuscany and started planting Bordeaux grapes. Not just any Bordeaux gapes....Cabernet Franc, mostly. That's going out on a limb right there! He patterned this wine on a St. Emilion Bordeaux and it really shows through that you are drinking a very well-made, polished Cab. Franc blended with Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. But it still has a hot, rich earthiness that is undeniably Tuscany. Franchetti is rightly regarded as one of the top five producers of Bordeaux blends in Tuscany. This is GROUNDZERO for Super Tuscans.....while we're at it....ask Ned and I about what's up with Brunello (big rumors - well, not really rumors, that some winemakers have been playing fast-and-loose with the grapes that are allowed!)......Given the prices of Super Tuscans....we're not sure why they played so loose and free with such a great brand as Brunello, but they did....a Super Tuscan is basically a red made from non-traditional grapes or methods.

Dessert

Samos Muscat "Vin Doux" 2004 (Greece) $21.99 - Samos is a tiny volcanic Isle off the coast of Greece in the Aegean Sea. The grapes are grown on mountain slopes that give the grapes more sunshine and better drainage. The influences of the ocean keep the vineyards from getting too warm (this is CRITICAL). A classic old world Muscat! This is a beautiful lighter dessert wine that is loaded with apricot and honeysuckle aromas and flavors.

March Wines We Love!!!

March Wines We Love!!!

The Wines!!!

Sparking

Finca La Linda Extra Brut $14.99 - Blend of Chardonnay and Semillon from one of our favorite Argentine wineries, Luigi Bosca! Aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, honey and apricots. Charmant method for creating the bubbles. Tropical fruit, honey, apricots. This is a tasty sparkling wine from the Southern Hemisphere - perfect for Easter!

White wines

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Noble House Riesling 2006 (Germany) $13.99 - New vintage of an old favorite! This is just delicious! Yes...it has a sweet side to it...but that is balanced by acidity...so this finishes clean and fresh! This has an unusual, almost pink flesh layer on the top of the wine & it smells buttery, which to me is unusual in a Riesling. Aromas of white rice, apricots, ripe peaches, honeysuckle & melons. Flavors of pineapple, peaches, apricots & minerals. Food pairing – Ham if you are having it for Easter Dinner! Rieslings are about the most food-friendly wines on the planet! Also goes well with smoked fish, spicy Asian fare, etc.

Jelu Torrontes 2007 (Argentina) $12.99 - BRAND-NEW to Maine! I'm pretty certain we've never done a Torrontes at a tasting.....that's the grape and it is the dominant white grape in Argentina! This is really floral, kind of muscat or viognier like aroma. Lots of apricot and some pineapple. That fruit is the first thing you taste, but then you get a hint of spice midway a la gewurztraminer and then the finish is very clean and dry. Totally not what you expect from that first smell. Really cool.

Ermita de Nieve Verdejo 2006 (Spain) $12.99 - Delicious! This is a perfectly bright, fresh and crisp wine. Great value! Aromas of grapefruit and herbs such as chives and freshly mown grass. Flavors of tangerines & tropical fruits. Well-balanced & integrated acidity. Finishes crisp, clean & dry. Rueda is best known for producing dry wines from the Verdejo grape. Food pairing – oysters, sharp goat cheeses, green olives, lighter poultry dishes, smoked fish, etc.

Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) $15.99 - BRAND-NEW to Maine! This is made by Jamie Whetstone who used to work with Helen Turley (one of the "CULT" winemakers in California!). Mid-thirties, good guy, talented wine maker. He's trying to make a great wine for the money that's easy to drink and good with food. Plus he's plowing some of the profits back into charities. It's bright, stainless steel and one of the best and freshest California Sauvignon Blancs I've had. Kind of grassy, but, not as tropical and grapefruity as a New Zealand one. More "Old World," strangely, given that it is from California!

Vincent Raimbault Vouvray Sec 2005 (France) $17.99 - New vintage of an old favorite! Great vintage. Intense acidity and minerality balanced by the rich Chenin Blanc mouth-feel. Really tastes like moist stones and limestone with intense aromas of green apple, white flowers & a touch of vanilla. First sensation is bright young peach & apple fruit followed by a citrusy mineral dominated mid-palate & a big limestone sort of finish. Some similarities to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. A faint hint of sweetness that softens the wine a bit & makes the mid-palate & finish a little bigger. Food pairing - A big mouthfull of Loire that screams for Maine shrimp. Just the perfect shellfish and seafood wine! Fun wine to drink. 100% Chenin Blanc.

Red Wines

Chateau la Baume Costieres de Nimes 2005 (France) $12.99 - A dense powerhouse of a Rhone blend (25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 50% Carignan). Fifth generation wine maker. Lots of concentrated dark fruit with some moist earth and wood. Also, this definitely has that Southern French garrigue thing going on on the mid-palette. This wine is just opening up because of the power of the vintage, but is a gem that was worth waiting for. Not at this price forever - what with the Euro. Moderate-priced wines like this will soon be a fond memory.

Echeverria Cabernet Family Reserve 2004 (Chile) $17.99 - BRAND-NEW to Maine! Really big and intense. Just a hint of Carmenere in the blend. Very juicy and polished lush wine. Drinks way better than the price. Hand harvested into small wooden crates to protect the fruit. Echeverria family's best parcels. Vinified in small batches and aged in oak. This is a SERIOUSLY big Cabernet at a modest price!

Bodegas Olarra* Cerro Anon Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) $15.99 - This is a delicious wine! We just tasted it recently…It’s Jessica’s favorite Rioja under $20. Great value! Aromatic. Notes of red and dark berries and spices. Soft. Smooth. Round. Long, pleasing finish. 80% old vine Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 10% Graciano. Aged for 14 months in American oak …the oak helps soften the wine, doesn’t dominate the flavors. Bottle aged for at least 8 months at the winery. Organic farming. Food pairing - Excellent sipping wine and with grilled meats, chorizo, roasted duck, chicken or pork.

Lange Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2005 (Oregon) $24.99 - A wonderful, lovely, pretty wine from a small family-owned winery! Organic, sustainable farming. Bright fruit & spice aromas & flavors – black cherries, raspberries and spice. A hit of loamy earth. Plus, an unusual & pleasant bacon fat note in the flavors. Well-integrated and balanced. Medium- bodied, this is a classic Oregon Pinot Noir! Lange makes rich and dark Pinot Noirs. This is a great example of their work! Food pairing – salmon, duck, roasted chicken, grilled pork, mushroom dishes, etc. Drinks well on its own!

San Savino Collemura Rosso Piceno D.O.C. 2005 (Italy) Reg. $12.99 Sale $10.99 - This is a wine that needs to open up and BREATH! Right out of the bottle, if you just open it, it'll be tart and inconsequential.....now....if you open it up and decant it and get it some air....well....this is an awfully good $10 bottle of wine! Red berry, red cherry to black cherry aromas.....with some notes of spice and pepper....rock-solid pizza or lasagna wine!

Tay's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Chile) $9.99 - BRAND-NEW to Maine! I really thought this was more expensive when I tasted it. I'm not sure how they packed this much flavor into a bottle at this price! Come try it! Dark fruit, plums, vanilla, spice, mocha, chocolate and a wonderful texture!

Pulmary* Donaria Malbec 2005 (Argentina) $22.99 - We love this wine! The winemaker was at our October ’06 tasting! She makes fantastic wines! Full-bodied. Loaded with flavors and aromas. Aromas of red fruit & herbs. Flavors of red and dark berries, black cherries, herbs and spice. Nice balance of tannins, acidity and fruit. 817 cases made. Organic. Food pairing – harder cheeses, beef, lamb, pork. Drinks well on its own, but a better food wine.

Belle Vallee Cellars Southern Oregon Red 2005 (Oregon) $14.99 - BRAND-NEW to Maine! We just tasted this a couple of weeks ago with the family that owns this winery! Blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. 2,950 cases made. Barrel aged in 60% new oak for 15 months. This has wonderful dark cherry and dark berry fruit with nice spice at the finish (that'd be the Cab. Franc). Food pairing – Drinks well on its own! Excellent with grilled meats and with harder cheeses and mushroom dishes.

Dessert

El Maestro Sierra Pedro Ximenez Sherry (Spain) $16.99 - Max Trietler says, "Wow, this is a Pedro Ximenez with cut!" Ned asked me to include that comment in this description because Max is actully a bigger wine geek than Ned! And, he's been in the business longer. It's a much deeper PX with better acicity and a beautiful complex hazelnut finish. Sweetness not the first thing you notice, not syrupy or cloying. Best I've tasted and at a great price.