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.

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