Who can drink red wine in this heat???

Flora Springs
2007 Napa Pinot Grigio - $14

Pinot Grigio differs from other white varietals in that its skin is dark (hence the name Gris in France). The grapes must be pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery - quickly and gently - to avoid extracting any color or bitterness. The juice is then cold fermented in stainless tanks and bottled shortly after fermentation is completed to preserve the freshness and unique character of the wine. The brightness of citrus is complemented by a dash of tropical fruit flavors to yield a wine of pure delight. Serve chilled and enjoy!



Lake Sonoma 2006 Dry Creek

Sauvignon Blanc - $12

Refreshing bright citrus fruit flavors of lime and grapefruit with forward herbal notes of pepper and lemongrass combined to distinguish its classic varietal character. This wine was made from some of the best Sauvignon Blanc Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. Harvested at the peak of flavor the grapes are gently pressed and then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the crisp, fruity flavor. No barrels or malolactic fermentation were used. This allowed the true character of the grape to express itself with a refreshing combination of lemongrass, herbal and citrus flavors.


Drink Up!

As always go to http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where to pick the up.

Value Wines of The Week

Peter Lehmann
2005 Barossa Shiraz - $15

This wine comes from 2006 International wine maker of the year, Peter Lehmann. Now let’s dispel the Shiraz/Syrah myth name myth. Many argue its origins are the Middle East in Persia near the city of “Shiraz” and was taken South to France by the Phoenicians or Romans. France, however claims it as its own, DNA recently shows that the French win and it is a cross of 2 French vines: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. The Aussies brought the grape from France and coined it Shiraz in honor of the city aforementioned that it was believed to have originated from. They are in fact the same grape, call it what you want.

This wine has aromas of chocolate on the nose, then spliced with the richness of Barossa Shiraz with a depth of fruit, cherry and tobacco on the palate complemented by fine chalky tannins on the finish.

Chateau La Paws
Cote Du Bone Blanc 2006 - $14

This wine is a Rhone inspired blend made by Rosenblum Cellars of Viognier (lending tropical fruit), Chardonnay (lending green apple), Sauvignon Blanc (grapefruit, lime, green melon, passion fruit and grass), Rousanne (ripe pear), and Marsanne (rich melon) coming from premium vineyards through out California. Each of these varietals were all fermented individually in their own unique way then blended together to give the wine a refreshing pear, melon, and mango bouquet, with flavors of apple, peach, and creamy vanilla.

Want more reason to buy this wine? A portion of all the sales go to benefit “Paws with a Cause”, a charitable leader in training assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

As always go to http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where to pick the up.

It's Getting Hot Out There...Let's Drink Some Rosé

With the weather heating up outside, its time to talk about some warm weather quaffing wines, specifically Rosé. What is Rosé? Rosé is traditionally a pink wine in color that should never be confused with the other pink stuff (White Zin). Rosé is made from a red skinned varietal that once crushed, allows the skins to remain in contact with the clear juice for a few days drawing out flavors, extract, and color (pink) from the skins, the wine then goes through the fermentation process leaving little to no residual sugars, this is where Rosé and White Zinfandel differ.

Domaine Carneros Brut
Rosé Sparkling Wine - $25

Made of Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay blended in, emphasizing the fruity and floral characteristics. This wine is meant to be consumed young, where it shows hints of strawberries, roses, jasmine, and peach with a crisp finish. Great alone, also a great compliment to deserts or afternoon brunch.

Frog’s Leap 2007 Pink -
La Grenouille Rougante - $14

Coming from Napa Valley made of a rarely known grape 92% Valdiguie (Napa Gamay) originating from France, began growing in the Napa Valley some 100 years ago. These particular Valdiguie vines are 80 years old. This wine is meant for fun. Aromas of watermelon and white flowers, with tastes of strawberry, sour cherry, and watermelon are abundant in the mouth. Sounds funny, well don’t laugh until you experience it firsthand.

Some of the best out there...

Livio Felluga 2007 Pinot Grigio - $20

Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris are one in the same, call it what you want, the grape is an offspring of Pinot Noir. The grapes at ripeness will appear gray-blue or gray-pink hence the name “gris”. At the point of winemaking the grapes are crushed and little to no contact with the skins is allowed, giving it a yellow straw color.

O7 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio has aromas that come through of wild rose and orange peels with hints of tropical fruit, apricot, honey, and white pepper

In the mouth, elegant and full, with spicy notes of peach, apricot & honey. It has a rich, creamy, and long finish. Drink now, its best when young.

Look at http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where you can pick these wines up locally.




Groth Winery 2005 Oakville
Cabernet Sauvignon - $55

This one is a real treat, might be the best Cab I have ever tasted, and well worth the cash.

The ’05 growing season was rare: a very wet spring gave the opportunity to develop very juicy fruit combined with an Indian Summer that gave long hand times allowing grapes to mature at a leisurely pace resulting in perfect sugar/acid ratios and an outstanding color.

Big and lush with huge gobs of fruit in the aroma and flavor. Deep purple in color with tastes of chocolate, ripe raspberries, and cloves. The texture of the wine is soft and supple. If you can be patient you will be rewarded if you can hold on to it for 10 years. Buy as much as you can, and drink it when ever you are ready, today or a decade later.

Look at http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where you can pick these wines up locally.

One to start with, and one to finish with...

2005 Markham

Sauvignon Blanc - $13

Markham’s SB is estate grown coming from their Oak Knoll Vineyards in the Napa Valley. The vineyard is located with in close proximity to the San Pablo Bay that brings in a cooling fog, that is ideal to create the tropical aromas and flavors.

This wine feels like a vacation! Let the tropical floral and fruit aromas take you away. The honeysuckle, white peach and citrus zest in the nose are mimicked in the mouth with crisp flavors that refresh. The rich, viscous mouth feel should make this Sauvignon Blanc great to pair with your favorite meal or lounging poolside.

2005 Eberle Estate

Cabernet Sauvignon - $33

The winery and vineyards are located in Paso Robles. The burning question is what’s up with the boar. The Eberle family name (German) translates into “small boar”. At the winery there is a bronze boar that greets every guest, which is a replica of the original created in 1620 that can still be found in the straw market in Florence, Italy. It is considered good luck to rub the boar and toss a coin in the water.

Eberle’s 2005 Estate Cab represented its 26th vintage, this exceptional vintage exhibits all the characteristics of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, including a flavorful deluge of rich black currant, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha rounded by velvety tannins. Not much of this made, so go find it now, and drink or cellar for many years to come. Great with a filet, lamb, or backyard ribs.

“The difference between wine and children is you can sit down and reason with a bottle of Cabernet.” - Gary Eberle

Two of my favorites that can always be found in the cellar

2005 Robert Mondavi

Fume Blanc - Napa Valley $15-$18

This wine is Composed of 91% Sauvignon Blanc, and 9% Semillon with the grapes all originating in Napa Valley part from the Stag's Leap District, and part from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville.

The aroma will hit you with ripe melon, followed by pear, and then a hint of flinty stone. Raise it to your lips and the melon and pear flavors show up first, then with a little bit of orange citrus and few mineral notes to make you wonder.

What is Fume Blanc? It is very similar to the classic Sauvignon Blanc, with a definitive twist. Sauvignon Blanc is typically made in stainless steel only, while Fume Blanc or at least a good portion of it is aged in oak barrels to bring out a totally different creamy flavor and subtle smokey notes.

Fleur de California 2006

Pinot Noir - Carneros - $12-$16

This is a bright fruit forward wine coming from the Carnros Region at the start of the Sonoma Valley. Made of 100% Pinot Noir that sees 8 months in French Oak.

Fleur smells of ripe cherries and cranberries with a bit of spice.

In the mouth the fruit flavors run strong similar to the aroma, with cherry dominanting followed by nuances of pepper and gingerbread.

Don't even think of putting this wine on the rack, as it is made in a fruit forward style for you to enjoy today.

Look at http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where you can pick these wines up localy.

Its all about sustainability...

2006 Honig Sauvignon Blanc –

Napa Valley - $15

Honig Winery practices sustainable farming method in all of their 70 acres of vineyards. Methods range from using bio-diesel in tractors to solar power and everything in between. To the Honig’s its all about protecting the environment for future generations. For more information on sustainability look to: http://www.nswg.org/

Honig’s Sauvignon Blanc is bright and lively, a Loire style Sauvignon Blanc with fresh aromas of ruby grapefruit, mango, papaya, and peach. The vibrant citrus and tropical flavors linger on the finish and the texture is crisp and minerally. Great for front porch sipping, or with chicken and seafood. Drink now!


2005 Zaca Mesa Cuvee “Z” -$18

Grown in the Santa Ynez Valley along the central coast in “Sideways” country. Located just 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean. At Zaca Mesa, they have applied sustainable winegrowing to their lives since 2002. “To create a healthier estate, we use organic products, conserve energy and efficiently use materials to reduce waste. We farm only one-third of our total acreage, leaving open space for wildlife, providing a buffer for our neighbors, and preserving the natural ground water. Our goal is to achieve balance in the vineyard by learning to work with nature and viewing our estate as one living, breathing system”.

Each grape adds its own nuance: Grenache adds rich raspberry flavors; Mourvèdre brings notes of blueberry; Syrah, flavors of blackberry and ripe tannins and a touch of Cinsaut’s dusty berry notes. These layers of flavor enable this wine to pair with a wide variety of foods from mushroom pizza to rosemary crusted leg of lamb to burgers or anything with a spicy rub. Enjoy now – 2010.

Two more great ones...

2006 Schug Chardonnay

Sonoma Coast - $20

Grown on estate vineyards in the Carneros region of the Sonoma valley. This region bosts two distinct microclimates: the first is very cool resulting in a spicey boquet, citus and tropical fruit flavors, the second grown in the warmer areas of Sonoma that gives the buttery textures and the pear & peach flavors. Once this is blended together you get a truely unforgettable Chardonnay.

Intense, vibrant and refreshing with vivid pear, melon, citrus and mineral notes that are clean and cleaning on the finish. Yet after all its liveliness, it turns smooth and creamy. 92 points from The Wine Spectator.
Eat with appetizer’s, soups, salads, seafood and pasta dishes.

2005 Rosenblum Cellars

Richard Sauret Vineyards Zinfandel - $20

Hailing from Paso Robles, this Zin is 86% Zinfandel, and 14% Petitie Sirah coming from the wines namesake, Richard Sauret Vineyards. This vineyard features extremley low yeilding fruit make for higher quality juice.

This is a rich and exotic fruit-packed Zinfandel. A bouquet of ripe black currant and blackberry with creamy ripe cherry essences is followed by flavors of currant and vanilla with hints of briary spice and cracked black pepper. 89 points from The Wine Spectator. Pair it with a good steak, pasta with red sauce, or even a pizza.

As always go to http://www.wine-searcher.com/ to find where to pick the up

Everyday drinking...

2005 Red Rover Cabernet Sauvignon - $8

Medium bodied with supple tannins, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a bright, fruity wine that is round and well structured. Aromas of cherry, berry, and cassis are layered with notes of dark chocolate and mint. The fruit is jammy and ripe, with dark, lush flavors that are vibrant and intense. Enjoy with prime cut of beef, lasagna, blackened Cajun chicken or chocolate cake

2005 Kenwood Sonoma Chardonnay - $11

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Sonoma County. Aromas of green apples and pears followed by notes of tropical fruit and French oak, lush and viscous mouth feel with a lingering and slightly crisp finish. Goes great with salads, chicken and seafood dishes.


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