Saturday, October 29, 2011

Orin Swift 2010 The Prisoner


Just released the 2010 here at the store, the rest of the market will get this wine sometime next week. The wine is very young, but showing structure at this early stage. Fruit flavors of ripe berries, plums and blueberries, hints of oak and spice come in on the back side, but bright forward fruitiness of this wine is the real star of the show. Wine should develope and become more complex with a little time. All and all, this is classic Orin Swift Prisoner! 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend 2009

This wine explodes with flavors and aromas of black cherry, blueberry, oak and spice. Vanilla and a trace of truffle oil round out this powerful Syrah blend. Always a favorite around this store, only 1,000 cases were made, and it will sellout quickly.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Ehrhart Cremant D'Alsace Chardonnay Cuvee Prestige Brut

A wonderful sparkling wine from Alsace, made 100% from Chardonnay. Much like a Blanc de Blanc Champagne, but softer, less of that toastiness, and more minerality. Flavors of apples, pears, citrus and pine nuts are fresh and lively. At less than half the price of the mass marketed Champagnes, this wine offers quality and value.

2008 Pingus Flor de Pingus

"The 2008 Flor de Pingus had been in bottle for 2 weeks when I tasted it. It offers up an enticing nose of smoke, Asian spices, incense, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it displays outstanding volume, intensity, and balance. Rich, dense, and succulent, it has enough structure to evolve for 4-5 years and will offer prime drinking from 2015 to 2028." 96 pts. Robert Parker, Jr.
In my opinion this one of the best values in a higher quality wine. JTF

Ninety Plus 2010 Shiraz McLaren Vale

Fleshy and flashy. This little gem shows off flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum, with under tones of vanilla, cedar, and coffee. Spicy notes come in on the finish rounding out this very drinkable Aussie red. A good drink on it's own, but would do well with a hearty stew. Compare to $20

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Coquerel 2010 Verdelho

This is the first vintage for the Verdelho by Coquerel, and it is very pleasant and drinkable. Flavors of fresh white peaches, apricots and orange peel are balanced nicely with a pine nut notes and bright acidity on the finish. The lightness of this wine lends ifself to being enjoyed sitting on the patio, and fresh fruit and cheese.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Neyers 2010 Vista Luna Zinfandel Borden Ranch

The fifty plus year old vines, the clay soils, and a talented winemaker, equals a zinfandel that has depth, intensity, and character. Packed with black fruits, leather, plums and freshly cracked black pepper. A classy zinfandel, that is young right now, but will drink well for 4 to 5 years.

Andre Brunel 2008 Cotes du Rhone

Andre Brunel, the famed producer of Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape, brings us this enjoyable Grenache based Rhone. The wine offers flavors of cherry, currant and spicy tones, with a smooth finish. A perfect match with grilled meats and game fowl. This wine is year in year out a very good value. SOLD OUT

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Domaine Cantarelles 2009 Viognier

This delightful French white delivers flavors and aromas of white peaches, apricots, almond and minerals. The wine is almost oily, rich and medium bodied, with a hint of citrus on the finish. I enjoyed this one with shellfish.