May Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Wine & Cheese Tasting!

Friday, May 21st

3:30-7:30pm

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

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

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

All wine tastings in the store are FREE!

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

The Wines

Sparkling Wine

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

Rosé Wine

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

White Wine

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

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

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

Red Wines

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

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

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

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

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

That's the line-up.

We hope to see you Friday!

Mother's Day 6-pack/12-pack

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

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

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

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

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

The White Wines:

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

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

The Red Wines:

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

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

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

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

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

The White Wines:

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

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

The Red Wines:

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

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

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

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

May Wines of the Month

May Wines of the Month

We’re headed to Italy!

If you are wondering about the Wines of the Month Club, please click here!

Tier One

The White

Villa Antinori Toscano Bianco 2008 (Italy) $14.99 – Antinori has been making wine since 1385.

This is a PERFECT summer wine! It’s crisp, clean and a great price! Aromas of roses, grass and tropical fruit. Flavors of melons, tropical fruit, apples and pears. Crisp acidity at the finish. Blend of 70% Trebbiano and Malvasia and 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermentation.

Food pairing – grilled fish or chicken, lighter dishes, salads.

The Red

Tormaresca Nèprica 2008 (Puglia, Italy) $12.99 – Puglia is the “heel” of the boot, so we are in the extreme southern part of Italy. Tormaresca means “tower by the sea.” 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. http://www.tormaresca.it/

Great drinking wine for everyday! This is smooth, rich and loaded with flavor! This packs aromas and flavors of plums, raspberries, black cherries and cola. It has hints of licorice and pepper. Long finish!

Food pairing – spicy pasta dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, “Best Buy”

Tier Two

The White

Castello della Sala Bramìto Chardonnay 2008 (Umbria, Italy) $21.99 – This is a pale golden color. Aromas of apples, pears, vanilla and toast. This is spicy at the front of your mouth. The flavors are apricots, peaches with a little toasty vanilla. The wine is a soft texture.

Castello della Sala is a 14th century castle. It sits on a hilltop in the Umbrian Apennines near the Tuscan border. It’s a beautiful example of medieval military architecture. The micro-climate in this part of Umbria makes it an ideal location for growing cooler-weather grapes, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The grapes are destemmed. The wine is aged in French oak (Alliers and Troncais) barriques for 5 months, but these are 2nd and 3rd use barrels so the wine is not “oaky.” Some of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, so this has some buttery/creamy characteristics.

The Red

La Braccesca Achelo Syrah 2006 (Tuscany, Italy) $19.99 – on the label is the bull-like face of Achelous, who fought with Hercules. Hercules pulled off one of Achelous’s horns and it was named Cornucopia and it became a symbol of wealth, prosperity and honor.

The wine is a purple color that is typical of Syrah. This has aromas of red berries, white plums, flowers, tar and black pepper. The flavors are dominated with concentrated black fruit. The texture is soft and smooth.

Antinori planted “international” grape varietals such as Syrah and Merlot in the Cortona D.O.C. in the area. Previously, growers produced a lot of mediocre white wine from the local vineyards. Antinori and others saw the opportunity to grow excellent red grapes here and in 1999 their hard work was rewarded when Cortona achieved D.O.C. status. Italian Wine Report, 91 points

Food pairing – steak, beef, lamb.

Tier Three

The White

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2007 (Piedmont, Italy) $38.99 – We are in Piedmont, in Northwestern Italy. Bruno Giacosa is a 3rd generation winemaker in the Langhe part of Piedmont. He is widely respected as both a grape grower and a winemaker.

This is a refreshing wine that is rich, lush and full-bodied. Aromas and flavors of almonds, apricots, peaches, apples and flowers. Roero is a subregion within the Langhe. Arneis is the grape and it is the noble white grape from this area. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lobster. Lighter pasta dishes. Decanter, 3 Stars; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

The Red

La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005 (Tuscany, Italy) $26.99 – this is from Southern Tuscany. The Antinori family began investing in this area in the early ‘90’s and helped Vino Nobile di Montepulciano start its "Second Renaissance". However Montepulciano wines were famous long before then: the first historical document to mention Montepulciano wines dates back to 789 and they were much appreciated in Medici times, when Montepulciano was an ally of Florence against Siena.

This is a medium-bodied, soft, ripe wine with lots of dark cherries, earthiness, tobacco and chocolate/mocha notes. Hints of flowers and minerals in the aromas. It has a long finish. Dusty tannins.

Aged in oak barrels of many sizes for 12 months. Bottle aged for 12 months before the winery released the wine. Blend of 90% Prugnolo Gentile and 10% Merlot. Prugnolo Gentile is the local name for Sangiovese Grosso. Sangiovese translates “blood of Jove” (Jupiter).

Domaine de la Citadelle Wines

Domaine de la Citadelle Wines

• Family-owned winery in the Côtes du Luberon in Southern France
• The village of Ménerbes is one of the most beautiful in all of France
• Sustainable agriculture
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Rhône-style wines at great prices!
• Domaine de la Citadelle is the winery. Great website!

The Wines

Whites

Domaine de la Citadelle Le Chataignier "Blanc" Côtes du Luberon 2008 (France) $15.99 - Wonderful white from Southern France! Light-to-medium bodied. This has a soft, lush texture that's almost creamy. Flavors of pears and tropical fruit. Clean finish. 80% Clairette, 10% Grenache, 5% Ugni Blanc and 5% Rolle (Vermentino). Hand-harvested and sorted grapes. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Aged "sur lee" with regular stirring - this adds weight and softens the texture. 1,000 cases made. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - Perfect with lighter meals or as a cocktail! Drinks well without food!

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Blanc 2008 (France) $26.99 - Delicate, elegant rich blend! This is a GREAT vintage in the south of France! This is both lushly rich and delicate! Aromas of flowers, herbal tea, almonds, green apples & peaches. Flavors of green apples, honey, almonds and peaches. Bracing acidity. Medium bodied. Blend of 20% Roussane, 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 10% Rolle (Vermentino) and 10% Marsanne. Hand-harvested. Fermented in stainless steel. Matured in tank on the lees. The Marsanne is new to the blend this year. 833 cases made. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - seafood, salty dishes, white meats.

Rosé

Domaine de la Citadelle Le Chataignier Rosé Côtes du Lubéron 2009 (France) $15.99 - This is a light, fruity, tasty rosé! Great aromas and flavors of peaches, raspberries and strawberries. Fruity and dry! Blend of 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault and 5% Bourboulenc. Stainless steel fermentation. 1,667 cases. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - grilled chicken, salmon, Thai food, etc.

Reds

Domaine de la Citadelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (France) $17.99 - I've had customers go GA-GA over this wine because they've been to the winery and are shocked I could get this! They should be GA-GA - it's delicious! The wine sees no oak, so it is bright and fresh. Drink it now! Cabernet is an unusual grape from this area; so this is not an AOC wine....it can't be! The growing area is cool at night and hot during the day. Yves Rousset-Rouard resurrected this estate and turned it into one of the best in the Côtes du Luberon! 3,000 cases made per year. Sustainable agriculture. Deux Etoiles dans le Guide Hachette 2007 (2 Stars)

Domaine de la Citadelle Le Chataignier "Rouge" Côtes du Lubéron 2007 (France) $15.99 - Great tasting and a huge value! Medium-to-full bodied. Crisp with lots of berry fruit! This has a little "drying" minerality midway. Finishes clean and crisp. 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 10% Mourvedre. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. The Carignan undergoes carbonic maceration (the grapes are thrown into the vat in whole clusters and the fermentation starts inside each individual grape) - this adds more fruit flavor to the Carignan. 4,583 cases made. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - spicy dishes, grilled chicken or vegetables, lasagna, pasta! Drinks well without food!

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Rouge 2005 (France) $26.99 - This is smooth and has lots of layers! Big, rich aromas. Rich, ripe fruit with a core of raspberries and black cherries and Provencal herbs. Lots of dark fruit in the flavors and notes of anise. Medium bodied. Smooth finish with ripe tannins. Blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan. Hand-harvested. Aged in stainless steel and 20% in oak barrels that are 4th and 5th use. 3,333 cases made. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - meats, game. You can age this for 8-10 years.

Domaine de la Citadelle Gouverneur Saint Auban 2005 (France) $39.99 - Similar to an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a fraction of the price! Big, rich wine! Flavors and aromas of dark berries and black plums. Baking spices. Some peppery spice. Tannins are now well-integrated with the wine! Grapes are manually harvested. From the oldest vines on the property. 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. 100% destemmed. Barrel aged for 12 months, 15% new oak barrels...so this isn't "oaky." Sustainable agriculture. 1,250 cases made. Food pairing - grilled lamb, leg of lamb, meats with rosemary. Game such as venison or birds.

That's the line-up. We hope to see you Wednesday!

If you want any of these wines and won't be here Wednesday, just let us know via phone or e-mail!

April Wine Tasting

April Wine Tasting

Friday, April 16th

3:30-7:30

10% off on all tasting wines!

Art’s table (National Distributors)

Whites

Hedges CMS White Blend 2007 (Washington) Reg. $13.99, Sale $12.99 – This is wonderfully crisp, bright & fresh. Each year, this is just a great value! Aromas of pears, freshly mown grass, apples, citrus, honey, figs, minerals, hints of green bananas. Flavors of ripe pears, green apples, lemon grass, minerals, white pepper & white peaches. This has a really nice texture and feel - it starts soft & round, then finishes crisp & clean. Long pleasant finish. 64% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Chardonnay & 1% Marsanne. Stainless steel fermentation. Biodynamic agriculture (think sustainable, organic holistic farming). Food pairing - great with seafood and shellfish. Drinks well without food, but this really shines with food.

Yes, you are reading this next part correctly. We have 3 Chardonnays in a row. This is a great opportunity to taste 3 distinctly different wines made from the same grape!

Joseph Drouhin Saint-Véran 2008 (France) $17.99 – A wine lover traveling through Burgundy would expect, after Pouilly-Fuissé, to be in the Beaujolais area. Not so fast! The lovely village of Saint-Vérand (note the different spelling), wedged between these two areas, is half hidden among the hills. Established by decree on January 6, 1971, it is the latest appellation in the Mâconnais region. Its Jurassic chalky soil, a continuation of the limestone strata found in the Côte d'Or, is ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes. Saint-Véran is very close stylistically to Pouilly-Fuissé, with its golden-green hue, its intense fruity, flowery nose and its refreshing flavors. It can be enjoyed very young, two-to-three months after bottling. Yet, give it one or two more years to fully appreciate its complexity. Hand-harvested. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and is bottled before summer to capture the freshness and fruitiness of the wine. Food pairing - hors d'oeuvres, delicately flavored charcuterie, oysters, mussels and any other shellfish.

Liberty School Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 – This has classic green apple aromas with citrus and a little toast. Flavors of citrus, pineapple, pears and subtle oak. The Viognier adds a little floral note to the wine. Clean, crisp finish. 95% Chardonnay and 5% Viognier. 75% of the wine is barrel aged in French and American oak, but only 10% of the barrels are new, so the “oak” is subtle. This sees no malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruit characteristics of the wine.

Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $22.99 - Made exclusively from Russian River grapes! Delicious, lush, smooth Chardonnay that show little oak. Aromas of green apples, pears, apples, figs & baking spices. The aromas carry through to the flavors. The wine is aged “sur lies” for about 15 months in mostly older oak barrels and it goes through malolactic fermentation, so it is lush and creamy. 6,742 cases made. Food pairing – seafood, poultry, dishes with Provencal herbs. Creamy pasta dishes.

Reds

Joseph Drouhin La Foret Rouge Pinot Noir 2006 (Burgundy, France) $16.99 – Excellent bottle and a great value! Aromas of crushed red berries. Flavors of fresh red berries and a touch of earth. Light and elegant tannins. Fermented in a mix of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Destemmed grapes. Sustainable Farming. Food pairings – poultry, au gratin dishes, soft cheeses.

Cloudline Cellars Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon) $21.99 – This is a new venture for Dreyfus, Ashby – after being an importer for decades and helping Domaine Drouhin build its Oregon property, Dreyfus, Ashby is making wine. Véronique Drouhin-Boss is the consulting winemaker. Cloudline is deep ruby red, a sign of its classic Pinot Noir character. On the palate, the wine is soft and round, with a delightful core of cherries and red fruits. The structure is perhaps even a bit better than the much-admired 2005 Cloudline, and the overall fruit-forwardness makes for a wine that is thoroughly enjoyable now and for the next several years to come.

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Carmenère 2008 (Chile) $12.99 – This has a beautiful cherry color and aromas of blackberries & cassis with balsamic & eucalyptus notes. This is an elegant wine with flavors of dark fruit, leather, licorice, black pepper and baking spices. The oak aging adds vanilla and a pleasing toasty characteristic to it. This winery is owned by the Torres Winery from Spain, whose wines we are tasting tonight. Food pairing - Perfect with beef and veal, as well as with spicy chicken stew. It rises well to every challenge, from fish (tasty chowder) to spicy sauces.

Hedges CMS Red Blend 2008 (Columbia Valley, Washington) Reg. $13.99, Sale $12.99 - We love this blend – it’s a great value from Washington State. Rich black raspberry & currant aromas and flavors. Tasty. Notes of vanilla, hazelnuts, baking spices & a hint of licorice…medium-bodied….firm, chewy tannins, yet this is soft, fruit-forward & easy-to-drink. Nice, long finish. Blend - 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot & 6% Syrah. Aged 12 months in French & American oak. This can age for 5-7 years, but it is drinking nicely right now! Biodynamic agriculture (think sustainable, organic holistic farming). Wine Enthusiast, 89 points, “Best Buy” (12-time “Best Buy”)

Bruce’s table
Bruce Cole works for the importer, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.

Whites

Torres Sangre de Toro White 2008 (Catalonia, Spain) $9.99 – This is fresh and fruity! Fruity aroma with hints of apple and pineapple. Smooth, balanced palate with a fine acidic edge. 100% Parellada, one of the grapes used to make Cava. Food pairings - Excellent as a cocktail wine and with rice dishes, seafood and fish.

3 Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $16.99 – This Sauvignon Blanc is a zesty and delicious wine from Marlborough, the famed growing region located on New Zealand’s South Island. Flavors of passion fruit and gooseberry combine with mouth-watering acidity, creating a truly refreshing wine. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairings - Fish, goat cheese, white meat, oysters, and shellfish.

Rosé

Château de Campuget Costières de Nîmes Rosé 2008 (France) $12.99 - Delicious rosé from France! Flavors and aromas of raspberries and red currants. Long finish that is crisp, dry AND fruity. 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. Stainless steel fermentation. Bottled young and fresh and meant to be drunk that way! Food pairing – salads, grilled chicken, Thanksgiving Dinner, roast pork. Great with roasted red peppers which are drizzled with good olive oil.

Reds

Torres Sangre de Toro Tempranillo 2007 (Catalonia, Spain) $9.99 – This wine delivers a lot of bang for the buck! Delicate floral aromas over a background of very ripe fruit, oak and truffles. Its tannins have a fruity, meaty structure that evolves into velvety touches of smoke and spices acquired during aging. 100% Tempranillo. Food pairing - Ideal with meat, stews, paella, and perfect with creamy cheeses. Stephen Tanzer, Int’l Wine Cellar, 87 points

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

Château Campuget 1753 Syrah Costières de Nîmes 2006 (France) $14.99 – This Syrah is done completely in stainless steel - it sees no oak, but it has layers and layers of complexity. This has a soft, smooth mouthfeel. The wine is both elegant and powerful. Aromas and flavors of dark berries, blackcurrants, pepper, baking spices, chocolate and anise. The tannins are fine-grained. Good length on the finish. This is a wine that will evolve for the better over 2 hours of drinking! The winery dates to 1640. The vineyards at Campuget are covered with large round stones that were rolled onto the land when the Rhone River floods. These stones help moderate the temperatures in the vineyards as they do in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Torres Ibericos 2006 (Spain) $XX.99 – . Food pairing - .

Torres Celeste Ribera del Duero 2006 (Spain) $24.99 - Textbook style from Ribera del Duero. Smooth and big! Intense blackberry color. Spicy and intense nose, with licorice and black pepper hints on a base of well ripened fruits (blackberry and cherry). On the palate, very fruity at first with ripened tannins, also persistent and full bodied. 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) from the Ribera del Duero, known in the region as Tinto Fino. Food pairings - owing to its fruity and tannic characteristics, this wine pairs well with a great variety of meat dishes, including roasts and small game. Wine Enthusiast, 91 points

DEALS! More DEALS!

White Wines

Anderson’s Conn Valley Estate Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $49.99, Sale $27.99 – Great bottle of Chardonnay! Beautiful aromas of pear, toasted bread, pineapple, honeysuckle and a hint of buttered corn. Medium rich fruit with good texture. This has not gone through malolactic fermentation, so it is not buttery/creamy….it has lots of texture, great balance between fruit, acid and oak. Some peach and caramel with mineral complexity. Long finish and lingering aftertaste. Should age well for another 4-6 years. 6 bottles

Bergström “Dr. Bergström” Riesling 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $25.99, Sale $15.99 – Wonderful aromas - limes, flowers, minerals, quince and citrus. The mouth feel is rich and concentrated but balanced with great energy and a fine balance between the sweetness and the juicy citrus. Excellent acidity to balance the fruit. This wine is big and juicy and very enticing now but will be at its best between 2012 and 2019. 8 bottles

Taburni Domus Falanghina 2007 (Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $9.99 - This Falanghina comes from DOC Falanghina Sannio, where the grapes are grown at some 1700 feet above sea level. Falanghina is a very old grape variety, and is thought to have been one of the components of the legendary Roman drink, Falernum. It shows beautiful and expansive fruit aromas, with a nice floral spice overlay and a wonderful mineral finish. Organic farming. Food pairing - Enjoy with white fish, pasta, tomato salad and cheese. 12 bottles

Red Wines

Chateau de Montpezat Coteaux du Languedoc “Les Palombieres” 2005 (France) Reg. $15.99, Sale $12.99 - This is a knock-dead, wonderful blend of 80% Grenache & 20% Mourvèdre from old vines. This really tastes like it is from somewhere! It flat out ROCKS! Notes of bacon fat & smoke in the nose, as well as herbs cooking in a pan. Touch of anise/licorice & big, dark berries. Medium-to-full-bodied. Loads of big jammy fruit in the mouth, along with acidity & earth. Finishes big, long & powerful. Rich & tasty! Food pairing - Great w/ grilled or roasted meats, stews, mushroom or robust vegetarian dishes & more! 48 bottles

Domaine de la Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône 2008 (France) Reg. $16.99, Sale $12.99 - I love this Côtes du Rhône! Aromas and flavors of strawberry, black cherries, dried cherries, minerals and spices. We like this A LOT! This is a nice cross between an "Old World" (earthy and funky) CdR and a "New World-style" (lots of fruit and no earthiness) one! One of the best Côtes-du-Rhônes from the '08 vintage! Year-after-year this winery makes superb wines! You should drink this over the next 2-3 years ('08 is making good wines for NOW; '07 is the year you buy Rhônes to age). Blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 15% Carignan and 5% Cinsault. Grapes are destemmed before the crush. Stainless steel fermentation and aging (6-9 months). The Sabon Family founded this estate in 1976 and have become a landmark estate in that time! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Kangarilla Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Australia) Reg. $24.99, Sale $16.99 - Aromas of dark berries with peppery spices and a little earth. Flavors of dark, cooked fruit (i.e.; before you add the sugar to jam), with dark chocolate and fine-grained tannins. Aged in French and American oak - the barrels are an even mix of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th use barrels - so, the oak influence is subtle. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Faustino Bodegas Portia 2006 (Spain) Reg. $36.99, Sale $24.99 - Portia Prima is a relatively new endeavor from one of Rioja’s leading producers – they branched out of Rioja 15 years ago and founded a new winery in Ribera del Duero. This has aromas of raspberries and blackberries with hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The flavors are smooth and mirror the aromas. Long, smooth finish. 100% Tempranillo (Tinta Fina as it is known locally) aged in oak barrels for 10 months and in the bottle for 8 months. The name of the new property has a dual origin, both as a reference to the seventh satellite of the planet Uranus (representing the pioneer, inventor, creator and artist according to astrology), and the Latin word for a token offering made in ancient times as a symbol of gratitude toward the elements in return for a healthy and abundant harvest. Food pairing - An ideal match with grilled meats, roasted vegetables and hard cheeses. 21 bottles

Graziano Kazmet Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 (California) Reg. $19.99, Sale $13.99 – Great Zinfandel! Dark purple color. Aromas of raspberries, dark berries, a hint of peppery spice & toast. Flavors of dark berries, ripe raspberries & white pepper. Full-bodied. Wonderful feel in the mouth. Not too tannic, but enough to stand up to rare beef. Long finish with hints of chocolate near the end. Food pairing - Great wine with a grilled burger, especially one with blue cheese on top. Grilled & roasted meats & spicy tomato sauces. 7 bottles

K Vintners Steak House Red 2008 (Washington) Reg. $11.99, Sale $8.99 – this is the twin to their “House Wine” with a different label and rather than being a blend, it’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a killer wine...a STEAL at this price! If cab is king, this one should wear a crown. Big, fleshy black cherries followed by toasty oak-BOLD! One sip of this Cabernet will have you out in the back 40 shooting yourself a steak. Food pairing - steak, pork tenderloin, big, robust tomato sauces, and it will also just sip in front of a fire. 41 bottles

Kilikanoon “Killermans Run” Shiraz 2007 (Australia) Reg. $19.99, Sale $12.99 – The 2006 Shiraz “Killerman’s Run” was also aged for 16 months in French and American hogsheads. It offers aromas of smoke, bacon, licorice, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied yet elegant Shiraz with ample fruit, soft tannins, and 2-3 years of aging potential. Drink it through 2016. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points; 13 bottles

Palacios Herencia Remondo Rioja Crianza “La Montessa” 2005 (Spain) Reg. $19.99, Sale $14.99 – Wonderful Rioja! Aromas of baking spices and earthy forest. Flavors of dark and red fruits with nice acidity! This is delicious. Blend of about 45% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha and 15% Graciano and Mazuelo from a 90 hectare plot in the Rioja Baja. Aged in French barriques, 50% new, for 10-14 months. 24 bottles

Robert Hall Meritage 2005 (California( Reg. $49.99, Sale $26.99 – A delicious California take on a Bordeaux blend. Aromas and flavors of black currant, cassis and ripe plum, with earth, cedar anddark chocolate. Firm, but velvety tannins. This classic blend of four noble grapes produces a wine of finesse and character featuring estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Aged 20 months in oak barrels. 13 bottles

Sterling Vineyards SVR Reserve 2006 (California) Reg. $49.99, Sale $34.99 - This is one of California's classic Cabernet-based blends - and it is on a great deal! Tight, structured and full-bodied, with firm, ripe dried currant, blackberry, mineral, anise and sage flavors that have a touch of black licorice before ending with mocha, spices and fine-grained tannins. The wine is soft in texture. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged 18 months in oak (45% French, 40% American & 15% European). Decant this to taste it as its best. Best from 2011 through 2017. 5,770 cases made. Food pairing - beef, grilled steak, lamb chops. Wine Enthusiast, 94 points

Taburni Aglianico 2005 (Italy) Reg. $16.99, Sale $9.99 – Full-bodied wine with bright and robust red fruits, ripe tannins and a silky texture. Aglianico has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman wines. It thrives in Southern Italy's heat and produces a robust, tannic wine that ages well. This one is very ripe, with deep plum and raisin notes, firm tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Food pairing - A great match for robust Italian flavors like eggplant parmesan, pizza or foods glazed with balsamic vinegar. Great with red meat, game and matured cheese. 12 bottles

Flavors of Freeport Tasting

Food and Wine Tasting

Friday, April 9th

6:00-9:00pm

Hilton Garden Inn

Chef's Signature Series and Libations Gala

• 6 P.M. to 9 P.M., Friday, April 9th
• 20 of Freeport's finest restaurants, offering tastes to showcase their culinary skill and style, plus wine, beer and spirits tasting from local purveyors.
• Hilton Garden Inn Ballroom
• Gala tickets: $25 each or 2 for $40 ($25 per person at the door - cash only)
• For tickets: http://www.flavorsoffreeport.com/purchase-tickets

Three distributors (SOPO, DaVine Wines and National) will be here pouring samples of some great wines! Gritty's will have a big bar with beers! And, Cold River Vodka will be sampling their vodka. Plus, a ton of food from many Freeport restaurants, including Azure, the Harraseeket Inn and more.

The wines are described below.

I'll be there sampling out some cheeses and maybe some other stuff! The cheeses I'll have:

• Langa La Tur (Italy) - goat, cow and sheep. Soft and creamy. One of the great cheeses in the world!
• Brillat Savarin (France) - a triple crème! Decadent!
• Kilchurn Cave-Aged Cheddar (England) - crumbly, sharp with wonderful crunchy crystals in the texture
• Piave Vecchio (Italy) - one of the great hard cheeses!

If you are interested, go on line to get tickets - they are going fast!

The Wines:

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

South Portland Wine Company (a.k.a.; SOPO)

White Wines (and Sparkling):

1. 1+1 Cava (Spain) $14.99 - This is as good of a Spanish cava as we've ever tasted! It's flat-out tasty! Aromas of apples, baking spices, honey, hazelnuts and minerals. Dry, fresh and crisp in the mouth....with fine, tiny bubbles. Notes of apples. Limes, lemon and minerals in the flavors. Long, clean, pleasing finish. Finishes soft, dry and crisp. Well-balanced acidity. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points AND named importer, Aurelio Cabestrero, one of his "Wine Personalities of the Year;" Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points
2. Huber "Hugo" Gruner Veltliner 2008 (Austria) $11.99 - THE "noble" white grape of Austria! This is a wonderful, dry crisp wine from Austria! Beautiful color. Aromas of white pepper, spices, Provencal herbs, yellow peaches, pears and tropical fruit. Flavors of tropical fruit, notes of spicy pepper. Rich, mouth feel. Wonderful wine. Crisp, clean finish. Wonderful vineyard with sandy loamy soil. Fermented in cool temperatures and in stainless steel. Three months of lees contact in stainless steel. Food pairing - seafood, chicken, turkey, smoked fish, etc. Drinks well on its own...but this is a food wine.
3. Josef Leitz Eins Zwei Dry "123" Riesling 2008 (Germany) $14.99 - This winery keeps delivering outstanding Riesling at great prices (that isn't easy!). This is the "dry" version of the wonderful Leitz Rüdesheimer Drachenstein (Dragonstone) wine. This bottling comes from the Rosenberg vineyard in neighboring Geisenheim, long famed for its rose scented Rieslings but lately hasn't had a great grower working it. Johannes has leased a winery just below the vineyard to give him more space to work and with it came old vines on the steepest section of the vineyard. In years to come we may once again hail the Rosenberg for the great site it is. The wine is bright and dry with a nose that just sings, mingling citrus, apricot and the telltale flowery aroma typical of the vineyard.

Rosé Wine

1. Domaine de Gournier Vin de Pays des Cévennes Rosé 2009 (France) $9.99 - Just a wonderful summer wine from southern France - refreshing, tasty. Nice red berry (strawberry, raspberry) aromas & flavors with distinctive peachy notes. A soft & elegant wine. Dry. Crisp. Fresh. Drinks easy & smooth. Well-balanced acidity. From Provence, this is handmade, hand-harvested wines. Traditionally made...small-production. This area of Provence smells of rosemary & lavender. Organically farmed & made. Food pairing - Great on its own. Try with lobster, grilled chicken & pork, chicken salad, roasted ham.

Red Wines

1. André Brunel Grenache Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2008 (France) $9.99 - Just what we all need! A fabulous red from Southern France for less than $10! This is an awesome wine from a winemaker whose Châteauneuf-de-Pape commands big dollars. André Brunel is a truly great, legendary winemaker! Aromas of herbs (rosemary, sage, Provence), peppery spice, black cherries, plums, blackberries. Deep, dark clear color. Juicy, big, spicy mid-palate. Soft, chewy tannins at finish. Unfiltered. Hand-picked & destemmed. 90% Grenache & 10% Carignan. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing - Great wine with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, etc. Decant to open up more rapidly.
2. J.M. da Fonseca Domini Douro 2005 (Portugal) $15.99 - Made from traditional "Port" grapes, this is what the Portuguese call a "still" wine (I don't know why - Port isn't bubbly). Fonseca is one of Portugal's leading wineries (7th generation, family-owned). "Domini" is a joint venture of J.M. da Fonseca and winemaker Cristiano van Zeller, one of Portugal's famed "Douro Boys." The "Douro Boys" are revolutionizing winemaking in the Douro Valley - producing world-class red wines! Since 1999, they have acquired 77 acres of prime vineyards, the source for the Domini wines. The vineyards are planted in traditional Douro Valley grapes, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. While these are traditional grapes, the winemaking is vastly improved from previous generations (Portugal has long made good wine, but a lot of the reds from the Douro Valley were a bit "rustic," in a coarse, harsh way). Wine Enthusiast, 89 points.

DaVine Wines

White Wines

1. New Age (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 - blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia, this has a little effervescence to it! We'll serve this as a cocktail - over ice with a little slice of lime! It's a hugely popular drink in Argentina and is making a big splash in Maine this year! The drink is called "Tincho," after the cocktail's creator, who happens to be the 3rd generation of this family-owned winery in Mendoza. Bodega Valentin Bianchi is one of Argentina's oldest wineries, dating to 1928 and founded by Italian immigrant, Valentin Bianchi. It's delicious and refreshing!
2. La Tunella Pinot Grigio 2007 (Italy) $21.99 - This is not your Mom's Pinot Grigio! A $20 Pinot Grigio? What? ARE YOU CRAZY? Nope. This is real, serious wine.... Rich....loaded with minerals and many layers of complex fruit.....this is NOT the watered down, thin Pinot Grigio you find on many wine lists at restaurants as a "glass pour" - hint, hint....the restaurant is going to make a ton of money on you for ordering most non-descript glass-pours.......this is SERIOUS wine that is also easy to drink.
3. Poppy Chardonnay 2008 (California) $13.99 - This is a beautiful Chardonnay! Like most of the best California Chardonnay, this comes from cool-climate vineyards. Aromas of green apples, pears, minerals, pineapple....Flavors of green apples, minerals, lemon zest, peachs, pears & a touch of vanilla. Crisp wine that feels soft halfway in the mouth! Aged in neutral oak barrels...just a hint of oak in this wine...some malolactic fermentation...so, while it is crisp, it picks up some buttery, creamy notes. Food pairing - poultry, salmon, tuna, lobster, shellfish...drinks nicely on its own!

Red Wines

1. Poppy Pinot Noir 2008 (Monterey County, California) $16.99 - This is a wonderful Pinot Noir and a great value! Aromas of raspberries, plums, baking spices and minerally soil. Light-to-medium weight. Nicely tart flavors of cherries, plums, earth, baking spices and pepper. Dry finish with a nice clean finish....just a good wine! Also contains grapes from Santa Barbara County and a touch from the Russian River Valley. Aged 5 months with oak, 15% new. 10% Pinot Gris. 7,000 cases made. Food pairing - salmon, pork, tuna, duck, poultry...drinks well on its own!
2. Waterbrook Melange Noir 2007 (Washington) 14.99 - Likely you've heard the word "Meritage" about some California red wines. Well....Meritage means NOTHING aside from being a red blend......now this is a DELICIOUS red blend from Washington! Aromas and flavors of ripe dark and red berries....a little oak and cedar and baking spices and soft tannins....Blend of 40% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Franc, 1% other. Food pairing - this drinks great without food and pairs up with lamb chops and grilled chicken.
3. Stanley Lambert "Thoroughbred" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Australia) $27.99 - A wine Lindsay loves to make is Cabernet Sauvignon - his is about elegance rather than power! Aromas and flavors of blackcurrants and plums & vanilla. Fine-grained tannins and a rich finish. This will age well for a number of years. Aged in French and American oak casks for 30 months! This was the first wine Lindsay Stanley made under his own label in 1991 & walked away with the "Top Prize" at the Barossa Wine Show. Food pairing - steak, lamb, grilled meats.....drinks well without food. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, "Best Buy"

National Distributors

White Wines

1. Kris Pinot Grigio 2008 (Italy) $11.99 - This is a zesty, wine from NE Italy. Crisp, fruity style! Aromas and flavors of citrus, tangerine, apricots and almonds. Clean and refreshing. 100% Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - quiche, omelettes, risotto, lighter pasta dishes.
2. Manu Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - Lots of fresh, bright fruit in this easy drinking wine! Loads of flavor! Tropical fruit, gooseberry and a hint of herbal grassiness that ARE New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Sustainable Agriculture. Food pairing - almost any shellfish or seafood. Has sufficient acidity to serve with light cream sauces - you need that acidity to "cut" the cream.
3. Bearboat Chardonnay 2007 (Russian River, CA) $17.99 - Aromas and flavors of ripe apples, vanilla, toast and baking spices. This has a buttery texture. 30% fermented in stainless steel and 70% in new French oak for 8 months. Food pairing - shellfish, chicken dishes, creamy pasta dishes.
4. Peter Lehmann Layers 2008 (Adelaide, Australia) Reg. $15.99, Sale $14.99 - It's delicious! A most unusual blend of 5 grapes - Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Muscat & Sauvignon Blanc. The sum is greater than the parts - which is usual for blends! Stainless steel fermentation. Easy drinking and lots of flavor! "Layers" is the name because each sip gives you a new flavor! Lemon-lime, peach, melon and citrus! Nice acidity at the finish. Food pairing - spicy foods! Drinks great without food, as well!

Red Wines

1. Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve 2008 (Sonoma/Mendocino, CA) $14.99 - This has big, rich fruit aromas and flavors. Strawberry, raspberry, smoke and baking spices all come out in this wine! Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Food pairing - salmon, mushroom dishes.
2. Hawk Crest Merlot 2007 (Napa, CA) $13.99 - Stags Leap Wine Cellars 2nd label. Lively aromas of Italian plum, ripe berries and hints of cardamom introduce this full-bodied merlot. In the mouth, flavors of plum, black cherry, and vanilla fuse together with cedary spice. Supple and rich on the palate, the tannins are seamless and the oak profile is well integrated with the wine's fruit. Food pairing - wild mushroom risotto or a pan sautéed halibut topped with a puttanesca sauce.
3. Punto Final Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 - This is a deep, dark wine. Aromas of cherries, wild berries, licorice and minerals. Flavors of cherries, plums, licorice, raspberries, earth and minerals. This has a long finish with some weight to it. Food pairing - steak, grilled meats.
4. Hedges CMS Red Blend 2008 (Columbia Valley, Washington) $12.99 - We love this blend - it's a great value from Washington State. Rich black raspberry & currant aromas and flavors. Tasty. Notes of vanilla, hazelnuts, baking spices & a hint of licorice...medium-bodied....firm, chewy tannins, yet this is soft, fruit-forward & easy-to-drink. Nice, long finish. Blend - 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 3% Syrah & 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged 12 months in French & American oak. This can age for 5-7 years, but it is drinking nicely right now! Wine Enthusiast, 89 points, "Best Buy" (12-time "Best Buy")