We will be tasting Austrian and German wines tomorrow, 4-7 (that's if you believe spring is possible, in spite of snowflakes this morning). New wines and current samplers follow (had hoped to be able to share the new Rhone sampler with you tonight but computer gremlins intervened)! Best to all, Judy
NEW WHITES:
(new vintage, and I know many will be happy at this piece of news) La Chamade 2008 Les Rials @ $8/99
Ligneres 2006 La Baronne Blanc @ $8.99
Rose3nblum 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
Del Desierto 2006 25/5 Chardonnay @ $11.99
Triennes 2007 Viognier @ $15.99 (always a favorite with me, and perhaps the best vintage yet)
Chateau Graville-Lacoste 2007 Graves @ $16.99
Guidibono 2007 Arneis @ $17.99
Villa Maria 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
Macrostie 2006 Chardonnay @ $19.99
Zind-Humbrecht 2006 Pinot d'Alsace @ $24.99
Bisson 2006 Marra @ $28.99 (unusual, not sure of the grape, from Italy's Cinque Terre)
Macrostie 2005 Chardonnay Wildcat Mountain @ $29.99
(new vintage, and I know many will be happy at this piece of news) La Chamade 2008 Les Rials @ $8/99
Ligneres 2006 La Baronne Blanc @ $8.99
Rose3nblum 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
Del Desierto 2006 25/5 Chardonnay @ $11.99
Triennes 2007 Viognier @ $15.99 (always a favorite with me, and perhaps the best vintage yet)
Chateau Graville-Lacoste 2007 Graves @ $16.99
Guidibono 2007 Arneis @ $17.99
Villa Maria 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
Macrostie 2006 Chardonnay @ $19.99
Zind-Humbrecht 2006 Pinot d'Alsace @ $24.99
Bisson 2006 Marra @ $28.99 (unusual, not sure of the grape, from Italy's Cinque Terre)
Macrostie 2005 Chardonnay Wildcat Mountain @ $29.99
NEW REDS:
Redtree 2007 Cabernet @ $8.99
Redtree 2007 Pinot Noir @ $8.99
Fessy 2007 Regnie @ $11.99
Rojo 2007 Garnacha @ $11.99
Lapostelle 2006 Casa Cabernet @ $12.99
Vinum 2006 PETS Petite Sirah @ $12.99
Stephen Vincent 2006 Merlot @ $12/99
X Winery 2006 Red X @ $12.99 (a great blend of 6 different grapes, superbly done)
Xavier Flouret 2006 Malbec @ $13.99
La Puerta 2005 Bonarda @ $13.99
Roddalo 2006 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $18.99
Ligneres 2003 Piece de Roche @ $18.99
Plageales 2005 Gaillac @ $19.99
Thurnhof 2007 Merlau Lagrein @ $21.99 (Matthew said best Lagrein he had ever tasted)
Derieu 2006 Cannonau @ $22.99
Setriolo 2006 Chianti Classico @ $22.99
Morini 2006 Valpolicella Latium @ $22.99
Benton Lane 2007 Pinot Noir @ $24.99
Patrice Rion 2005 Bourgogne @ $27.99
Macrostie 2006 Pinot Noir @ $27.99
Muxagat 2004 Douro @ $29.99
(new vintage) Mas de Daumas Gassac 2006 Rouge @ $32.99
Arbor Brook 2006 Pinot Noir @ $32.99
Redtree 2007 Cabernet @ $8.99
Redtree 2007 Pinot Noir @ $8.99
Fessy 2007 Regnie @ $11.99
Rojo 2007 Garnacha @ $11.99
Lapostelle 2006 Casa Cabernet @ $12.99
Vinum 2006 PETS Petite Sirah @ $12.99
Stephen Vincent 2006 Merlot @ $12/99
X Winery 2006 Red X @ $12.99 (a great blend of 6 different grapes, superbly done)
Xavier Flouret 2006 Malbec @ $13.99
La Puerta 2005 Bonarda @ $13.99
Roddalo 2006 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $18.99
Ligneres 2003 Piece de Roche @ $18.99
Plageales 2005 Gaillac @ $19.99
Thurnhof 2007 Merlau Lagrein @ $21.99 (Matthew said best Lagrein he had ever tasted)
Derieu 2006 Cannonau @ $22.99
Setriolo 2006 Chianti Classico @ $22.99
Morini 2006 Valpolicella Latium @ $22.99
Benton Lane 2007 Pinot Noir @ $24.99
Patrice Rion 2005 Bourgogne @ $27.99
Macrostie 2006 Pinot Noir @ $27.99
Muxagat 2004 Douro @ $29.99
(new vintage) Mas de Daumas Gassac 2006 Rouge @ $32.99
Arbor Brook 2006 Pinot Noir @ $32.99
NEW ROSE:
Condesa de Leganza 2006 Tempranillo Rosado @ $5.99 (this baby has lost nothing over the last couple of years and will drink beautifully for you throughout the hot weather to come)
Condesa de Leganza 2006 Tempranillo Rosado @ $5.99 (this baby has lost nothing over the last couple of years and will drink beautifully for you throughout the hot weather to come)
Judy's Choices for Recession Busters
We are living in a difficult economic climate right now, and we (along with you) are trying to bring our budget bottom line down a bit. That's why we've redoubled our efforts to find as many "great value" wines as we can to offer you. So I'm extremely pleased to have on hand for this sampler three absolutely amazing $8.99 great values, two reds from Spain and a white from Portugal, all proof positive that you don't have to sacrifice quality in these difficult times.
We are living in a difficult economic climate right now, and we (along with you) are trying to bring our budget bottom line down a bit. That's why we've redoubled our efforts to find as many "great value" wines as we can to offer you. So I'm extremely pleased to have on hand for this sampler three absolutely amazing $8.99 great values, two reds from Spain and a white from Portugal, all proof positive that you don't have to sacrifice quality in these difficult times.
Bacalhoa Vinhos 2007 Serras de Azeitao White
Bacalhoa Wines of Portugal, nearly a century old and now partnered financially with Lafite Rothschild, is one of the country's leading producers, and this little white is a wine that has pleased and excited us, vintage in and vintage out. Made from grapes grown in the plains and hills of the Setúbal Peninsula just south of Lisbon, it is a judicious blend of four grapes; native varietal Fernão Pires, which gives roundness and fruit aromas; another native varietal, Arinto, for minerality and freshness; Moscatel for an exotic aromatic note; and Chardonnay for structure.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Bacalhoa Wines of Portugal, nearly a century old and now partnered financially with Lafite Rothschild, is one of the country's leading producers, and this little white is a wine that has pleased and excited us, vintage in and vintage out. Made from grapes grown in the plains and hills of the Setúbal Peninsula just south of Lisbon, it is a judicious blend of four grapes; native varietal Fernão Pires, which gives roundness and fruit aromas; another native varietal, Arinto, for minerality and freshness; Moscatel for an exotic aromatic note; and Chardonnay for structure.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Bodegas Borsao 2007 Monte Oton Garnacha
From the sub-region of Aragon called Campo de Borja, this wine is 100%Garnacha (Grenache), made from grapes grown high on the windswept slopes of the extinct volcano, Moncayo. The location is arid and sun-drenched, ideal for producing perfectly ripened, fully matured grapes. And the wine? Dark ruby in color, it has aromas of berries and cherries, almost Pinot-like; it is ripe, medium-bodied, elegantly textured, with a long complex finish.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
From the sub-region of Aragon called Campo de Borja, this wine is 100%Garnacha (Grenache), made from grapes grown high on the windswept slopes of the extinct volcano, Moncayo. The location is arid and sun-drenched, ideal for producing perfectly ripened, fully matured grapes. And the wine? Dark ruby in color, it has aromas of berries and cherries, almost Pinot-like; it is ripe, medium-bodied, elegantly textured, with a long complex finish.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Almira 2007 Los Dos
Our second red comes from the same sub-region of Aragon, Campo de Borja; but while Monte Oton is 100% Grenache, Los Dos (as the name implies) blends Syrah (in this vintage only 7%) with rich Grenache from vines of 35 to 50 years of age. Matured entirely in stainless steel, the wine is immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate, a willing partner for a wide range of foods. I loved the comment I cam across made by one very perceptive blogger: "I've seen some user notes on this wine labeling it 'good but simple.' I say the only thing 'simple' about this wine is the price."
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Our second red comes from the same sub-region of Aragon, Campo de Borja; but while Monte Oton is 100% Grenache, Los Dos (as the name implies) blends Syrah (in this vintage only 7%) with rich Grenache from vines of 35 to 50 years of age. Matured entirely in stainless steel, the wine is immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate, a willing partner for a wide range of foods. I loved the comment I cam across made by one very perceptive blogger: "I've seen some user notes on this wine labeling it 'good but simple.' I say the only thing 'simple' about this wine is the price."
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Sampler B, with 2 bottles of each wine: $44.99
Taste the Value of Spain
More and more people have recognized Spain as one of the major producers of quality wines, and with good reason. Many Spanish wines are impressive and offer great value. These three wines offer you a taste of some of Spain's most thriving regions, grapes, and styles of wine.
More and more people have recognized Spain as one of the major producers of quality wines, and with good reason. Many Spanish wines are impressive and offer great value. These three wines offer you a taste of some of Spain's most thriving regions, grapes, and styles of wine.
Vega 2005 Rioja Crianza
The '05 Rioja Vega, made from mostly Tempranillo grapes with Mazuelo and Garnacha, is a wonderful crianza example. It reflects nicely how the wine is softened, complemented, and enhanced by its time in oak. It is medium-bodied, aromatic with cedar and berry flavors. Notes of vanillin oak and fresh red fruit gently accentuate the mid-palate. The soft tannins and perfectly balanced acid keep it fresh and smooth in the mouth. This wine is very satisfying to drink on its own, but would also be a great choice for cheeses, or to enjoy with light appetizers or party fare.
$13.99/btl; $139.35/cs
The '05 Rioja Vega, made from mostly Tempranillo grapes with Mazuelo and Garnacha, is a wonderful crianza example. It reflects nicely how the wine is softened, complemented, and enhanced by its time in oak. It is medium-bodied, aromatic with cedar and berry flavors. Notes of vanillin oak and fresh red fruit gently accentuate the mid-palate. The soft tannins and perfectly balanced acid keep it fresh and smooth in the mouth. This wine is very satisfying to drink on its own, but would also be a great choice for cheeses, or to enjoy with light appetizers or party fare.
$13.99/btl; $139.35/cs
Capcanes 2005 Mas Donis
Compared to the previous wine and coming from a warmer area in Catalonia, the '05 Mas Donis, a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah from Montsant, is considerably denser, not having gone through any filtration or fining. The Garnacha is nicely balanced by the Syrah, resulting in a slightly spicy, juicy wine that is not overwhelming. The ripe cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit is luscious with present yet integrated tannins. With a light decantation, this wine will open up a bit and really comes to life when paired with food. Complex enough to stand up to spicy meat dishes, the fruit and structure make it full yet balanced.
$14.99/btl; $149.30/cs
Compared to the previous wine and coming from a warmer area in Catalonia, the '05 Mas Donis, a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah from Montsant, is considerably denser, not having gone through any filtration or fining. The Garnacha is nicely balanced by the Syrah, resulting in a slightly spicy, juicy wine that is not overwhelming. The ripe cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit is luscious with present yet integrated tannins. With a light decantation, this wine will open up a bit and really comes to life when paired with food. Complex enough to stand up to spicy meat dishes, the fruit and structure make it full yet balanced.
$14.99/btl; $149.30/cs
Vega Barcelona NV Brut Reserva
Vega Barcelona Cava, made of 30% Macabeo, 35% Xarello, 35% Parellada, truly embodies the value of Spanish wines. Along with small crisp bubbles, it features tart citrus fruit right up front, crisp and fresh. There are subtle fruit notes that gently recede on the finish. In short, this bubbly is light and refreshing, perfect for any occasion or whenever the mood strikes!
$14.99/btl; $170.89/cs
Sampler E, with 2 bottles of each wine: $76.58
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