Wine Sale - December 14th....'til???

Wine Sale

Limited Quantities of all

Sparkling:

Italy

Bortolomiol is a family-owned Prosecco producer in Italy’s famed Valdobbiadene, the best Prosecco producing area. Today, the founder’s four daughters run the winery under the watchful eye of their mother.

Bortolomiol Prosecco Prior Brut (Italy) Reg. $19.99, Sale $12.99 – Aromas and flavors of stone fruits and white flowers. This is pleasingly crisp with vibrant bubbles. It’s definitely refreshing and a great choice for serving at the start of a party. Why not? Who doesn’t want a glass of bubbly to kick things off?! A great choice for serving with lighter poultry dishes and seafood.

Bortolomiol Prosecco Bandarossa Extra Dry (Italy) Reg. $24.99, Sale $14.99 – This is a classic Prosecco from the Valdobbiadene. It’s named “Banda Rossa” because Giuliano would use a red mark to distinguish special bottles for his close friends. Today, “Bandarossa” is the Bortolmiol selection of the best Prosecco of the year. Fine and persistent bubbles. Smooth, silky finish. Pleasantly fruity and very aromatic. Aromas and flavors of stone fruits, a little smoke and tropical fruit.

The Whites:

France

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

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. Unfortunately, Paul Jaboulet had descended from its greatness after the death of Gerard Jaboulet. The Frey Family owns Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux and they are the majority stockholders of the superb Champagne producer, Billecart-Salmon. They have the resources and the skill to restore this famed estate and are doing so.

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. Jaboulet owns some of the best acreage in the Rhone, especially in the northern parts. The 2007 vintage is the first over which the Frey family has had complete control. 2007 is also a great vintage in southern France. 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. The property is farmed sustainably.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Le Chevalier de Stérimberg 2007 (France) Reg. $94.99, Sale $54.99 – This is a big, rich Rhone white! It has that weighty, honey-like texture that I associate with many Rhone whites. It’ll easily age another 3-5 years and maybe longer. Aromas and flavors of green apples, tropical fruit, something tart like citrus or quince, caramel, baked goods. Blend of 65% Marsanne and 35% Roussanne. The wine is aged on its lees for 10-12 months. The vineyard is named after the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, who established his hermitage on this hill after being wounded in a crusade. 6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Italy

San Quirico Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2010 (Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $11.99 - This is a tasty, crisp, dry white. It has a spicy, floral aroma. It’s smooth, medium-bodied & has almond notes in the finish – which is crisp and clean. Michelangelo once described Vernaccia as a wine that, “tickles, licks, bites and stings…” Stainless steel fermentation. Organically grown grapes & produced wine. Food pairing - Goes well with fish, shellfish, grilled and roasted poultry, veal dishes. and antipasti dishes. Drinks well on its own, but this is better as a food wine!

The Reds:

California

Eberle Zinfandel 2007 Reg. $29.99, Sale $16.99 – Delicious wines. 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. Food pairings - hamburgers, grilled meats, spare ribs, meats with rich sauces. 26 bottles.

PreVail “West Face” 2006 (California) Reg. $49.99, Sale $29.99 – We’ve done this at a couple of tastings and it’s been a big hit at each! This is one huge, mouthful of wine…..it’s a monster! It’s a deep, dark wine. Big flavors, big aromas and a long, long finish. Flavors and aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark cherries and more. This is a newer project for Dan Carano, who wanted to make special wines from mountain-grown grapes. The Cabernet and Syrah are grown on Look Out Mountain in Alexander Valley on a western-facing slope. Volcanic soils. The location and soil contribute to these grapes ripening slowly – this really intensifies the flavors and aromas! 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Syrah.

Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California) Reg. $39.99, Sale $23.99 – This is an inky, dark wine. This winery has its vineyards at 1,000 – 1,600 feet on the steep slopes of Mt. Veeder. This puts the grapes above the fogline. The grapes see a long growing season due to the cool nights. Grapes grown on the mountain slopes are quite different from the ones grown on the valley floor. This results in ripe, full grapes with balanced tannins and excellent fruit. They farm sustainably. The wine is rich with ripe, finer grained tannins. Aromas and flavors of black plum, dark cherries, baking spices, bay leaf, vanilla and more. Notes of dark chocolate. It’s big, but approachable with a long, soft finish. Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah. Aged 20 months in predominantly French oak (70% new). This will definitely aged well for anther 2-8 years. Decant when you open it to get the wine to “open up.”

Chile

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Reg. $79.99, Sale $49.99 – This is a deep, dark, extracted wine. Many consider this Chile’s iconic wine. If this was made in Napa Valley, the price would be much, much more. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 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. It has a long, full finish. It’s layered and complex. It should age well for another 20 years if you choose. You can also drink it now. 6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6). Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95 points; Wine Spectator, 94 points

France

Joseph Drouhin Pommard 2007 (France) Reg. $54.99, Sale $29.99 – This is just beginning to come into its peak years. The black cherry, spice and leather notes in the aromas and flavors have come to the fore. When I tasted this a couple of years ago, it was a bit tight. When I tasted it in the late spring of this year, it had started to open and evolve nicely. It’s developed a nice finish. The tannins are balancing out and getting finer and softer. This is a really nice Burgundy that will benefit from another 2-5 years in the bottle. Aged 14-18 months in 20% new French oak. 420 cases imported.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

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. Unfortunately, Paul Jaboulet had descended from its greatness after the death of Gerard Jaboulet. The Frey Family owns Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux and they are the majority stockholders of the superb Champagne producer, Billecart-Salmon. They have the resources and the skill to restore this famed estate and are doing so.

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. Jaboulet owns some of the best acreage in the Rhone, especially in the northern parts. The 2007 vintage is the first over which the Frey family has had complete control. 2007 is also a great vintage in southern France. 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. The property is farmed sustainably.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côte Rôtie Les Jumelles 2007 (France) Reg. $99.99, Sale $57.99 – This not only tastes great, it has a wonderful feel to it in the mouth. Aromas of raspberries, violets and smoky meats. Bright flavors of red cherries, minerals and spice.This is drinking well today and is well-balanced. It will also age nicely. Côte Rôtie is the most famed and northernmost of all the Rhone appellations. The reds are about the world’s most prized Syrahs. Les Jumilles is sourced from a 5 acre hillside set on a terraced, steep hillside. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 20% of which is new. 100% Syrah. 6-bottle wooden box (which is yours if you buy 6). Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91points; Wine Spectator, 91 points

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes Hermitage Les Jalets 2007 (France) Reg. $28.99, Sale $17.99 – Aromas of smoke, plums, black olives, black pepper and dark and red fruit. A touch of licorice to the aromas and flavors. Raspberry and dark cherry flavors with a nice touch of minerals. Dusty tannins on the long finish. Has a nice mouthwatering note to it. Drink now through 2017.

Italy

La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005 (Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $16.99 - This wine is drinking exceptionally well. Deep, violet color. Rich, pretty aromas – smoky, leather, vanilla, cherries, earth and currants and spice. Lots of flavor carrying over from the nose. This has a nice, soft texture. 90% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and 10% Merlot. Barrel aged for 12 months in oaks barrels of many different sizes; only a small amount is aged in barrique. The wine is then blended and bottle aged for 12 months.

Nino Negre “5 Stella Sfursat 2005 (Lombardy, Italy) Reg. $89.99, Sale $54.99 – We tasted this out at a wine tasting in April. It was a HUGE hit, even at $90. Think of this as an Amarone-style Barolo. Comes in a 6-bottle wooden case which is yours if you buy 6.

“Nino Negri has confirmed itself a star of first magnitude.” – Gambero Rosso (Italy’s highest wine authority).

This is Nino Negri’s flagship wine and it is only produced in the best years. It’s made from their finest parcels of Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo). This is from the best vineyards at the higher elevations sitting over 1,200 feet in height. The vineyards face south-east. The vines are densely planted to reduce yields. Only the best 25% of the grapes are harvested for this wine. After harvest, the grapes are sorted into wooden crates where they dry until December 12^th. The grapes are then crushed and the wine is aged in Allier oak for 16 months.

This is full-bodied with solid, fruit-coated tannins and a fresh, firm, fruity finish. Big, brooding. This has dried Nebbiolo character – so, it will remind you some ways of a Barolo or a Barbaresco, but, not completely. Leather, dark ripe fruit, tar, smoke, licorice, toasted oak and more round out the flavors and aromas. This has an impressive richness and vibrancy. Gambero Rosso, “Due Bicchieri,” 2 glasses; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points; Wine Spectator, 90 points

Oregon

We have 3 Pinot Noirs from a small, family-owned winery, Maysara, in McMinnville. The McMinnville AVA (American Viticultural Area) is one of the many AVA’s in the Willamette Valley. The winery is owned and operated by the Momtazi family, Mom and Dad and their 3 daughters. Since the winery’s foundation they have farmed organically and biodynamically. The Momtazi family immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1982. The father is a civil engineer. The mother is the accountant for the winery. The daughters run the winery. Their Pinot Noirs are made from Pommard and Dijon clones.

Maysara Pinot Noir “Asha” 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $39.99, Sale $19.99 – “Asha” is an ancient Persian word for one who has a clean conscience for good thoughts, deeds and words. It’s a pretty good word for a wine from an organic, biodynamic winery. This has nice aromas of raspberries, dark cherries and anise. Nice acidity and fine-grained tannins. Flavors of cranberries, pomegranate and dark chocolate. Aged in 45% new French oak. Grapes are de-stemmed before crushing. Wine Spectator, 89 points

Maysara Pinot Noir “Jamsheed” 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $24.99, Sale $16.99 – According to Persian legend, King Jamsheed could observe his entire realm by peering into a full wine goblet. Given that this wine is from all the parcels of Pinot Noir that Maysara grows, the name is fitting. The wine is a beautiful cherry color. It has soft, round tannins. Flavors and aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, blackberries, red licorice, white pepper and baking spices. Mouthwatering acidity and nice fruit combine to make a tasty wine! Aged 11 months in 14% new French oak. Filtered. Grapes are destemmed before crushing. Wine Spectator, 90 points

Maysara Pinot Noir “3º” 2008 (Oregon) Reg. $19.99, Sale $12.99 – “Three Degrees” is the wine project of the Momtazi daughters. The fruit is from the family-owned vineyards. This is a dark cherry color. It has soft, round tannins. Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, red licorice and baking spices. Flavors that show a little white pepper early and red cherries throughout. Grapes are destemmed before crushing. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak.

Washington

Cadaretta Syrah 2007 (Washington) Reg. $36.99, Sale $19.99 – This is a big, beautiful Syrah! Aromas and flavors of dark cherries, smoked meats and pleasing dark earth. Silky tannins and a long finish. Blend of 87% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 4.5% Sangiovese, 2.5% Counoise and 1% Grenache. Aged 19 months in 35% new oak (90% French, 8% American and 2% Slovenian).

Cadaretta Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Washington) Reg. $44.99, Sale $26.99 – Ruby, red color. This is soft and supple with a long, smooth finish. Dark plum, raspberries, currant, cherry, bay leaf and dark chocolate aromas. Flavors of currants, plums, cranberries and earth. Well-integrated oak. Blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged 19 months in 35% new French oak. Just under 1,000 cases made. Wine Spectator, 91 points; Seattle Times “Top 100 Wines,” 2010

Novelty Hill Syrah 2005 (Washington) Reg. $25.99, Sale $14.99 – This is a rich, ripe Syrah that is in its peak years. Black cherry, raspberry, mocha, a little smoke, herbs and baking spices in the aromas. Flavors of blackberries, black cherries, black olives, coffee and a touch of licorice. Nice length on the finish. This was fairly tannic in its youth and its come around nicely. Excellent New World Syrah!

October Wine Sale!

Sparkling

Domaine Collin Crémant de Limoux Brut (France) Reg. $16.99, Sale $9.99 – You’re likely buying sparkling wine over the next few months for the holidays. Why not make it this one? It’s delicious! It’s too cheap not to buy! This has a light, frothy mousse, wonderful fresh bread aromas and it is crisp and clean! Made from a “Champagne” blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay and bottle-fermented in the méthode traditionelle. Many people credit the area around Limoux with being the first place sparkling wine was made. Supposedly, the monks at Saint-Hilaire made the world’s first sparkling wine in 1531. Limoux is in the eastern foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France. Despite being at a southerly latitude, this is a cooler and wetter area than most of southern France since it at a higher altitude.

California

Red

Écluse Syrah Paso Robles 2005 (California) Reg. $35.99, Sale $19.99 – This is an approachable, smooth and balanced Syrah. This has aromas and flavors of dark fruit, peppery spice and chocolate. It is layered and complex. Smooth feel. From Lock Vineyards. In French, écluse means a lock on a canal. Family-owned and –operated. Sustainable agriculture. 212 cases made. 90 points, Affairs of the Vine

Écluse Ensemble 2006 (California) Reg. $39.99, Sale $21.99 – This is an inky, masculine wine – it’s deep, dark and dry. Satiny feel at the start and then the tannins join in for the finish. This is lush, supple and elegant. Aromas and flavors of black cherries and currants, spices and more fruit. Good balance of tannins and fruit. A Bordeaux-style blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 18% Merlot. From Lock Vineyards. In French, écluse means a lock on a canal. Family-owned and –operated. Sustainable agriculture. 392 cases made. 95 points, Affairs of the Vine; Gold Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2010

Kenwood “Jack London Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $32.99, Sale $22.99 – This is a big, bold Sonoma Cabernet! It’s ripe and elegant with intense fruit and spicy herbs. Aromas and flavors of mint, coffee, currants, black tea, olives and blackberries. The vineyard property was actually a winery and vineyard before Jack London moved to Sonoma. For many years, London himself owned this land. The wolf logo on the bottle is the label plate used on “Call of the Wild.” Decanter, 3 Stars

MacRostie Pinot Noir Carneros 2006 (California) Reg. $35.99, Sale $22.99 – This is a luscious, velvety full-bodied Pinot. The grapes come from both the Napa and the Sonoma sides of Carneros. This is a dark color. Aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, baking spices and toasty vanilla. This has a long, lush finish. Grapes are hand-picked and completely destemmed before crushing. Aged in 30% new French oak.

France

Whites

Okay, Chenin Blanc lovers – we have 3 outstanding ones here!

Chateau Soucherie Clos des Perrieres Savennières 2005 (France) Reg. $29.99, Sale $17.99 – This is a classic Savennières! If you aren’t familiar with Chenin Blanc from the Savennières appellation, you should check it out. These wines age well. This has wonderful aromas of smoke, orange zest, flowers, wet stones and quince. It’s a fabulous combination of freshness, cut and richness. Great flavors of citrus, quince and schist-licking minerality.

Chateau Soucherie Clos des Perrieres Savennières 2007 (France) Reg. $29.99, Sale $17.99 – This is from the same vineyard, but it is a different vintage and it is in a completely different bottle-style. I wonder if the Savennières AOC rules have changed? This shows the typical Loire Valley Chenin notes of a snuffed out candle, wet stone and saline. Along with those notes are fresh citrus, melons and quince. The wine has a very smooth, creamy texture.

Foreau “Domaine du Clos Naudin” Vouvray Sec 2006 (France) Reg. $38.99, Sale $19.99 – This is still drinking young and fresh. It has friendly tropical fruit, honeysuckle and nice minerals. It’s dry and powerful. A wonderful chalkiness in the aromas. At times, this aroma leads us to think that the wine will be lean. Instead, it is rich and has this wonderful honey-like weight to it. Hand-harvested. What makes great Vouvray is the tuffeau soil – a soft limestone-clay soil that is laced with minerals. Food pairing – all manner of shellfish, white meat poultry. You may cellar this for years.

Reds

Château Moine Blanc Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2005 (France) Reg. $38.99, Sale $24.99 - A superb wine and a great value from one of Bordeaux’s best vintages ever! Smooth, complex and full of rich, ripe blackberries, black currants, anise and baking spices with just a touch of vanilla. Rich, lush wine that drinks well now and will age well for a number of years! Moine Blanc was the first Saint-Emilion estate to adopt biodynamic agriculture in 1982. This property dates to the 14th century. The brilliant “garagiste” winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin made this wine! 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet France. Aged in 30% new oak barrels. Organic AND Biodynamic Farming.

Italy

Whites

La Bellanotte Armonico Bianco 2009 (Friuli, Italy) Reg. $16.99, Sale $9.99 – This is a fabulous white from northeastern Italy. It’s vibrant, zesty and has crisp acidity. Aromas and flavors of apples, yellow nectarines, tropical fruit, nuts and citrus. Blend of 40% Friuliana, 30% Malvasia Istriana and 30% Chardonnay. Stainless steel fermentation. This is a small winery. It only has 8 hectares (about 20 acres) of vineyards in the Collio hills near the border with Slovenia. The winery was refurbished in the early ‘80’s.

La Bellanotte Pinot Grigio Contelucio 2008 (Italy) Reg. $28.99, Sale $14.99 – This is NOT your normal Pinot Grigio. When Pinot Grigio (grey Pinot) is left on the vine until fully ripe the skin takes on a dark pinkish hue. 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. 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.

This is a GREAT bottle of Pinot Grigio, but almost no one spends $25-30 on Pinot Grigio. This has a beautiful coppery color. It has aromas of strawberries, hay, dried roses, almonds and more. The fruit and crisp acidity are well-balanced. 600 cases made.

Reds

Podere Ciona Sangiovese Montegrossoli 2008 (Italy) Reg. $24.99, Sale $14.99 – We’ve gotten to know winemaker Lorenzo Gatteschi over the years with his work with a fabulous importing company, Small Vineyards. This is his wine. I love his wines (we also carry his Chianti Classico Riserva – the family on makes 800 cases of wine total!). This has nice red fruit, soft tannins…soft, subtle dusty tannins…classic Sangiovese from the heart of the Chianti Classico area! We first tasted this at a small tasting with Lorenzo in September. This is a wonderful wine and a great value. Sustainable farming. Food pairing - meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta dishes.

Pietro Rinaldi Barbaresco Vigna San Cristoforo 2004 (Italy) Reg. $49.99, Sale $24.99 – Wonderful aromas of violets, roses, balsamic and minerals. Velvety tannins. This is from a specific vineyard site. 2004 is an outstanding vintage for Barbaresco. Aged 16-18 months in oak Tonneau barrels, which are 70% first use and 30% second use. Tonneaus are 4 times larger than barriques, so the oakiness of the wine is really subtle. Food pairing – robust meat dishes, meals with truffles or mushrooms.

Spain

Reds

Buil & Giné Priorat Joan Giné 2003 (Spain) Reg. $34.99, Sale $22.99 – This definitely shows the minerality for which Priorat is known. Priorat’s soil is as rocky as can be and this is evident in the wines. Aromas and flavors of dark fruits, figs, mint, mushrooms, vanilla and dried fruits. This is a powerful wine, but it isn’t overpowering. The tannins are well-integrated. Blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in French and American oak for 12 months. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points

Bodegas Ponce P.F. Bobal 2008 (Spain) Reg. $29.99, Sale $23.99 – This wine, this grape and this winemaking area are being put on the map by a young he winemaker!

He is Juan Antonio Ponce (Pon-THAY). He’s 29 now. At age 17 he became Spain’s youngest certified winemaker. At 23 he founded this winery, Bodegas Ponce. He makes wines as naturally as one can – no irrigation, hand-harvested, foot trodden. Organic, biodynamic farming. 60% less sulphur than conventional winemaking. Blessed with old vine grapes that his family has been farming for generations.

The wine is opaque, inky and dark purple. The aromas are blackberry, black plum, minerals, black pepper and flowers. The flavors are figs, black cherries and subtle touches of oak – vanilla and spice. It’s soft and supple with refined tannins. Elegant finish. Medium full wine.

100% Bobal. Bobal is known as Valenciano in much of Spain. This is an unknown, obscure grape from an equally unknown and obscure winemaking area. The grape is thick-sknned and inky dark. It needs the thick skin in this growing area to develop the phenols that make wine more than just fruity. The wine spends 11 months in French oak barrels. 3,500 cases made.

From the Manchuela area, which is between the Mediterranean seacoast of Valencia and the plateau of La Mancha.

August Wine Sale #2

Sale!

The one good aspect of the slow economy is the wine distributors keep offering deals! Quantities are limited.

If you want any of these, please e-mail your hopes, desires and requests to me at efullagar@gmail.com. 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). When these are gone, these wines go back to regular prices.

If you want a FULL case (12 bottles) of any of these wines, take 15% off the sale price.

If you want to put together a mixed case (12 bottles) combining any of these wines, take 10% off the sale price.

Thanks,

Eric

The Wines

White Wines

California

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (California) Reg. $17.99, Sale $11.99 - Summer is the PERFECT time for Sauvignon Blanc! Lobster. Oysters. Mussels. Warm decks and patios! Salads. This is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc! 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. Lone finish. Food pairing – Maine seafood, lobster, shellfish, sipping on a warm deck or patio with friends! Fresh goat cheese. 3 cases.

DeLoach Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2008 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $7.99 – Aromas of apple pie, citrus fruit and a touch of oak. This has bright acidity and flavors of cinnamon and baking spices, pears and a refreshing note of orange and tangerine. It’s medium-bodied. Food pairing – grilled or roasted chicken, grilled salmon. Lobster and artichokes with butter. 19 bottles.

France

Hugel Pinot Blanc “Cuvee Les Amours” 2007 (Alsace, France) Reg. $16.99, Sale $8.99 – This is a delicious Pinot Blanc from one of Alsace’s foremost producers. It has a slightly creamy feel to the wine with nice aromas of apples and orange. The wine has flavors of anise, lemons, orange, smoke and minerals. It has a nice acidity to it that lends a crispness to the finish. Pinot Blancs are quite food friendly. Food pairing – smoked fish, salads, asparagus, ham, pork dishes, seafood, roasted chicken. 36 bottles.

Germany

Clean Slate Mosel Riesling 2009 (Germany) Reg. $12.99, Sale $9.99 - Good tasting and a good value! A little sweet with a clean finish! Aromas of peaches, limes, minerals and a little peppery spice. The flavors are similar – zesty lemon/lime acidity, peaches and nice minerality. Starts a little sweet (not dessert sweet) and finishes fresh and clean because of its nice acidity. Food pairing – like most Rieslings, this is food friendly! Asian dishes, spicy foods such as Thai or curry, sushi, fish, poultry, pork and ham! Drinks well on its own! 3 cases.

Italy

Perazzeta Sara White DOC 2010 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $15.99, Sale $13.99 - 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. Less than 3 cases left.

New Zealand

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (New Zealand) Reg. $19.99, Sale $16.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, 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, 89 points. 3 cases.

Spain

Les Valles Viura - Chardonnay 2009 (Spain) Reg. $11.99, Sale $6.99 – This is a delicious white from Carinena in Spain. We tasted this and its red sibling on the same day and just loved both. We really loved the price. A couple of days later we learned the real price and decided to buy more. This has nice aromas of citrus fruit, tropical fruit such as pineapple and wild flowers. It’s dry and refreshing. Crisp. A steal at this price! Blend of 90% Viura and 10% Chardonnay. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. This area is just south and west of the Pyrenees before you reach the Ibericos Mountains. It’s in the Ebro River Valley. The vineyards are high-altitude (2,500 feet) which provides the vines with the needed temperature swings from day to night to help the grapes develop best. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine and with light dishes, particularly seafood and white meat poultry.

Red Wines

Argentina

Ruta 22 Patagonia Malbec 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 - This is wonderful! Aromas of dark fruit – plums, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, mint & black pepper. Smooth feeling in the mouth. Flavors similar to the aromas. Subtle hints of mocha & anise. Soft tannins. Nice, long velvety finish. Fermented in stainless steel. 30% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 1 year. Hand-harvested grapes. Patagonia is in southern Argentina. Ruta 22 is the major east-west highway in Argentina. Food pairing – roasts, steaks, grilled meats, stews, mushroom dishes, etc. Aged cheeses. Drinks well on its own! Wine & Spirits, 91 points, “Best Buy.” 10 cases.

France

Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais-Villages 2009 (France) Reg. $10.99 Sale $8.99 - This is a really good wine…easy-to-drink…food-friendly…fun quaffing! Aromas and flavors of fresh cherries, cranberries, black pepper and a touch of white pepper. Deeply colored. Soft mouth-feel. Soft tannins. Lots of fruit! 100% Gamay. Hand-harvested grapes. Food pairing - Goes well with lots of foods – roasted or grilled chicken or pork, salmon, pizza, lasagna, etc. 4 cases.

Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2009 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 - Think CHERRIES! 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! Food pairing - Light enough for the summer berry desserts or rich enough for a crispy Long Island duck breast. 5 cases.

Italy

Palamà "Arcangelo" Primitivo IGT 2009 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $14.99 - 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! Food pairing - crostini with olive tepenade, steak, venison. Less than 3 cases.

Piazzo Barbera 2009 (Italy) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 - The RUNAWAY hit at a recent tasting! A smash! This has aromas of roses, blackberries and a hint of oak. The flavors show baking spices and red and dark tannins. This has firm tannins that are not dominating. This Barbera is 50% from Alba and 50% from Asti – so, it is generally a greater value than most Barberas from either area! The winery only produces this wine in better years100% Barbera. Aged 6 months in small oak barrels with another 6 months of bottle aging. 1,500 cases made. Food pairing – hearty dishes, aged cheeses. 6 cases.

Spain

Les Valles Tempranillo – Garnacha - Syrah 2009 (Spain) Reg. $11.99, Sale $6.99 – Wonderful red from Carinena in Spain. We tasted this and its white sibling on the same day and just loved both. We really loved the price. A couple of days later we learned the real price and decided to buy more. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries and currants. This has a slightly peppery finish and really bright fresh fruit in the flavors. A steal at this price! Blend of 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha and 10% Syrah. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. This area is just south and west of the Pyrenees before you reach the Ibericos Mountains. It’s in the Ebro River Valley. The vineyards are high-altitude (2,500 feet) which provides the vines with the needed temperature swings from day to night to help the grapes develop best. Food pairing – milder cheeses, a simple pizza, pasta or red/white meat dish and more

That's the list.

Wine Sale

It’s time for a sale!

At the end of July, some great pricing on many wines was ending – so, I bought a bunch. Quantities are limited.

If you want any of these, please e-mail your hopes, desires and requests to me at efullagar@gmail.com. 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). When these are gone, these wines go back to regular prices.

· If you want a FULL case (12 bottles) of any of these wines, take 15% off the sale price.

· If you want to put together a mixed case (12 bottles) combining any of these wines, take 10% off the sale price.

Thanks,

Eric

The Wines

White Wines

California

Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2010 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $10.99 - YUM! This TASTES like summer! A PERFECT SUMMER WINE! That’s what we have to say about this wine! Aromas of lemon, orange, pear & pineapple that carry through to the flavors. Clean, crisp, well-balanced and easy-to-drink. This is soft and smooth! Great wine for warm days and a picnic/party! Food pairing - Great choice for shellfish, seafood, pasta salad, chicken and drinking! Perfect with curry dishes. Awesome with oysters! Food & Wine, “Great Bargain – Terrific Wine Under $15;” Wine & Spirits, “Best Buy.” 6 cases.

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (California) Reg. $17.99, Sale $11.99 - Summer is the PERFECT time for Sauvignon Blanc! Lobster. Oysters. Mussels. Warm decks and patios! Salads. This is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc! 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. Lone finish. Food pairing – Maine seafood, lobster, shellfish, sipping on a warm deck or patio with friends! Fresh goat cheese. 3 cases.

Germany

Clean Slate Mosel Riesling 2009 (Germany) Reg. $12.99, Sale $9.99 - Good tasting and a good value! A little sweet with a clean finish! Aromas of peaches, limes, minerals and a little peppery spice. The flavors are similar – zesty lemon/lime acidity, peaches and nice minerality. Starts a little sweet (not dessert sweet) and finishes fresh and clean because of its nice acidity. Food pairing – like most Rieslings, this is food friendly! Asian dishes, spicy foods such as Thai or curry, sushi, fish, poultry, pork and ham! Drinks well on its own! 3 cases.

New Zealand

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (New Zealand) Reg. $19.99, Sale $16.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, 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, 89 points. 3 cases.

Red Wines

Argentina

Ruta 22 Patagonia Malbec 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 - This is wonderful! Aromas of dark fruit – plums, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, mint & black pepper. Smooth feeling in the mouth. Flavors similar to the aromas. Subtle hints of mocha & anise. Soft tannins. Nice, long velvety finish. Fermented in stainless steel. 30% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 1 year. Hand-harvested grapes. Patagonia is in southern Argentina. Ruta 22 is the major east-west highway in Argentina. Food pairing – roasts, steaks, grilled meats, stews, mushroom dishes, etc. Aged cheeses. Drinks well on its own! Wine & Spirits, 91 points, “Best Buy.” 10 cases.

California

Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Pinot Noir 2008 (CA) Reg. $19.99, Sale $13.99 - This is a delicious, rich Pinot from the Central Coast area! Excellent aromas of ripe black cherries, roses, curing tobacco and a nice earthiness. Soft and silky texture. Juicy! Flavors of raspberries, black cherries and baking spices. Soft tannins. Pleasing finish. 100% Pinot Noir. Food pairing – salmon, chicken, duck, turkey, pork and lamb. Mushroom dishes.

Chile

Llai Llai Pinot Noir 2010 (Chile) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 - This is a delicious, juicy, ripe Pinot that we really like! This has aromas and flavors of earth, dark cherries, smoke and herbs. Moderate tannins. It’s really at the alcohol level that Pinot should be – 13%. This can easily pass for a good village wine from the Côte de Nuits. Hand-harvested, cold-fermented and partially aged in 1-year old French oak. Llai Llai (“Lie-Lie”) means wind in the indigenous Mapuche language. Food pairing – salmon, duck, roasted chicken. 1 case.

France

Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais-Villages 2009 (France) Reg. $10.99 Sale $8.99 - This is a really good wine…easy-to-drink…food-friendly…fun quaffing! Aromas and flavors of fresh cherries, cranberries, black pepper and a touch of white pepper. Deeply colored. Soft mouth-feel. Soft tannins. Lots of fruit! 100% Gamay. Hand-harvested grapes. Food pairing - Goes well with lots of foods – roasted or grilled chicken or pork, salmon, pizza, lasagna, etc. 4 cases.

Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2009 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 - Think CHERRIES! 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! Food pairing - Light enough for the summer berry desserts or rich enough for a crispy Long Island duck breast. 5 cases.

Italy

Piazzo Barbera 2009 (Italy) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 - The RUNAWAY hit at a recent tasting! A smash! This has aromas of roses, blackberries and a hint of oak. The flavors show baking spices and red and dark tannins. This has firm tannins that are not dominating. This Barbera is 50% from Alba and 50% from Asti – so, it is generally a greater value than most Barberas from either area! The winery only produces this wine in better years100% Barbera. Aged 6 months in small oak barrels with another 6 months of bottle aging. 1,500 cases made. Food pairing – hearty dishes, aged cheeses. 6 cases.

Spring Wine Sale!

Awesome Spring Deals

Pine State Distributors has some great sale prices going on many wines and we are passing along the prices to you!

Here is the entire list…..it is also on my website.

If you want any of these, please e-mail your hopes, desires, requests to me at efullagar@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Eric

The Wines

White Wines

California

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (CA) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - This is a tasty, smooth-drinking wine – has a touch of Semillon (5%) that adds a little body and softness to the wine’s texture. Light-to-medium-bodied. Aromas of lemon grass, melons, & minerals ….flavors of citrus and Sauvignon Blanc’s quintessential grassiness (think lemon grass). Sustainable Farming. Food pairing - An excellent Sauvignon Blanc – perfect with lobsters, many oysters, mussels & other seafood; spicy Asian food; rosemary & garlic dishes. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points; Wine Spectator, 88 points

Tortoise Creek Chardonnay 2008 (California) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 – The man who makes the Tortoise Creek wines was here on Tuesday and we tasted the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir with him and we really enjoyed the wines. He’s had Pine State put them on sale because he wants to move through the current inventory so that Pine State can bring in the bottles with the new label on them. This is a delicious Chardonnay – and at this price you can’t pass this up! It’s unoaked so it is really clean and fresh. Aromas and flavors of citrus, pears, apples and white flowers. It has a creamy texture (40% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation). Food pairing – softer cheeses, cream-based pastas, poultry and salads.

New Zealand

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand) Reg. $19.99, Sale $16.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, 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, 89 points

Red Wines

Argentina

Altos las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $13.99, Sale $10.99 - We just tasted this…it’s marvelous! I had it with 20 people with venison stew – huge hit! Dark, deep purple color. Great aromas of dark & black berries & cherries, a touch of earthiness and spice. Lots of depth in the flavors – dark & red berries, touch of peppery spice, mocha & vanilla. Well-balanced acidity. Nice tannins on the finish. Medium-to-full-bodied. Food pairing - Excellent choice with grilled meats, rich stews, and other flavorful food. Drinks well on its own! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points

Salentein Reserve Malbec 2009 (Argentina) Reg. $19.99, Sale $15.99 – Big, rich mouthful of wine! Aromas of plums, cherries and spices with just a touch of cured tobacco. Flavors of red berries, smoked meat, vanilla & licorice. The tannins are well-integrated. Long, smooth finish. 100% Malbec. Hand-harvested grapes. Aged 12-14 months in 1st use, 2nd use and 3rd use French oak barrels. Bottle aged for 6 months. Food pairing – great with steak, lamb, beef, stews.

California

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2007 (CA) Reg. $19.99, Sale $13.99 – We just tasted this again on Thursday and it reminded me just how well made this is! This is a wonderful wine and a GREAT value in a California Cabernet! Tasty. Well-balanced. Ripe, bright Cabernet fruit aromas and flavors (plums, currants and black cherries with notes of cedar, coffee and oak. This is a real pleasure to drink right now & will drink well through 2012. Blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Syrah, 1% Malbec and 1% Petite Verdot. Aged 15 ½ months in French and American oak (25% new). Food pairing - Great choice for a steak, lamb, stews & roasted meats. Drinks great by itself.

Joel Gott “815” Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California) Reg. $17.99, Sale $14.99 - This is a delicious, beautifully smooth Cab from California! Aromas pop with blueberries, cola, cherries, dark chocolate and vanilla. Flavors of violets, cherries, currants, baking spices, dark chocolate and cedar. Soft, ripe tannins with a long, velvety finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in American oak (25% new). “815” is the birthdate of Joel Gott’s daughter. Food pairing – Goes well with grilled meats, flavorful cheese, traditional Latin American dishes.

France

Chateau de Paraza Cuvée Spéciale Minervois 2008 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $10.99 - This is a good little red wine – drinks well! Aromatic, soft, touch of peppery spice. Aromas and flavors of blueberries, blacberries, cherries, spices and pepper. Soft tannins. Blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. 3,000 cases imported. Drink now – 2014. Food pairing - Goes well with roast duck, grilled or roast pork, and flavorful cheeses. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir 2008 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - The man who makes the Tortoise Creek wines was here on Tuesday and we tasted the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir with him and we really enjoyed the wines. He’s had Pine State put them on sale because he wants to move through the current inventory so that Pine State can bring in the bottles with the new label on them. The Pinot Noir is soft, has great cherry fruit and is a real gem! It’s rare to find Pinot that tastes like Pinot in this price range. This has nice earth and cherry fruit in the aromas and flavors. About 30% of the wine spends 3-4 months in oak barrels, so this just has subtle hints of oak. Nice wine!

Italy

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva 2006 (Sardinia, Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 - Huge hit at several recent tastings! One of our favorite red wines! Rich, complex, enjoyable. Beautiful, pale, translucent color. Rich aromas of violets, red berries and more. Good fruit (cherries, red berries). Good spice. Medium-bodied. Nice long finish. Can’t say enough about this wine! We had a great halibut dish & a rich seafood stew (spicy Italian version of bouillabaisse). Cannonau is Sardinia’s primary red grape – in France it is Grenache. Food pairing - Goes great with rich foods, red meats and flavorful cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Spain

Finca Luzon Mourvèdre/Syrah 2008 (Spain) Reg $9.99, Sale $8.99 - We first had this with family friends from North Carolina and a huge plate of baby-back ribs! Hmmmm....GOOD! This is awesome! It’s hard to imagine more bang for the buck. Deep ruby/purple color. Aromas of dark berries, black currants, spice, leather & earth. Big flavors of dark berries with hints of spice & earth. Well-balanced acidity. Blend of 70% Mourvèdre & 30% Syrah. While Jumilla is in a hot part of Spain, the vineyards are at 2,000+ feet - this climate adds to the wine's freshness. Food pairing - grilled pork, grilled chicken, grilled veggies and more. Drinks well on its own! Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points

Anciano Tempranillo Riserva 2004 (Spain) Reg $11.99, Sale $8.99 – This is a great, great value and it tastes awesome! Aromas of balsamic, mocha, wet earth, licorice with cooked dark fruit. Flavors that are easy-going and smooth. Lots of dark fruit that leads to a long, smooth finish. This is aged at least 5 years before it is released. 100% Tempranillo. Aged at least 1 year in French and American oak barriques (small barrels) and then aged at least 4 years in the bottle before the winery releases it. This will drink well through 2016. 30-year-old vines. Food pairing - grilled pork, grilled chicken, grilled veggies and more. Drinks well on its own! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Garnacha de Fuego 2009 (Spain) Reg. $9.99, Sale $7.99 - This is an unbelievably good wine and a GREAT value at this price! Aromas of raspberry, red cherry, baking spices and earth. Rich flavors of red berries and wild cherries. Soft tannins. Unoaked. 100% Grenache from 60-80 year-old high altitude vines. This will drink well for 2-3 years, but why wait!!! Food pairing - grilled meats, salmon, roasted meats, lasagna, etc. Drinks well on its own! Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 91 points