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.