Join us tomorrow, usual time (4-7) for a tasting of wines from South Africa and California; for a complete schedule of upcoming tastings (Wednesdays through Saturdays) please check the calendar on the store web site @ www.heightschateau.com. New wines follow, along with the samplers for which I have write-ups (be advised both the reds in my sampler are temporarily out, but we are able to make comparable substitutions).
NEW WHITES:
Lisabella 2007 Pinot Grigio @ $7.99
(new vintage) Cartlidge & Browne 2007 Chardonnay @ $11.99
(new vintage) Marquis Philips 2008 Roogle Riesling @ $11.99
(new vintage) Charles Smith's Kung Fu Girl 2008 Riesling @ $13.99
Charles Smith's Eve 2007 Chardonnay @ $14.99
(back) Gran Sasso 2007 Pecorino @ $15.99
Laroche-Manciat 2007 Macon Les Morizottes @ $15.99
Domaine Alfred 2007 Goss Creek Chardonnay @ $16.99
Kalmuck 2007 Gruner Veltliner @ $18.99
St. Pauls 2007 Pinot Bianco @ $22.99
Lisabella 2007 Pinot Grigio @ $7.99
(new vintage) Cartlidge & Browne 2007 Chardonnay @ $11.99
(new vintage) Marquis Philips 2008 Roogle Riesling @ $11.99
(new vintage) Charles Smith's Kung Fu Girl 2008 Riesling @ $13.99
Charles Smith's Eve 2007 Chardonnay @ $14.99
(back) Gran Sasso 2007 Pecorino @ $15.99
Laroche-Manciat 2007 Macon Les Morizottes @ $15.99
Domaine Alfred 2007 Goss Creek Chardonnay @ $16.99
Kalmuck 2007 Gruner Veltliner @ $18.99
St. Pauls 2007 Pinot Bianco @ $22.99
NEW REDS:
Monte degli Angeli 2007 Sangiovese @ $7.99
Simonetti 2007 Chianti @ $9.99
Caleo 2007 Primitivo Salento @ $9.99
Rapitala 2007 Nero D'Avola @ $11.99
CariVin 2007 Carinena @ $11.99
(new vintage) Castel di Salvo 2007 Santimedici @ $13.99
Layer Cake 2008 Shiraz @ $16.99
Alexander Vineyards 2005 Syrah @ $18.99
Valle dell' Acate 2007 Il Frappato @ $18.99
Alexander Vineyards 2006 Merlot @ $18.99
(back) Tahuan 2005 Syrah @ $19.99
(back) Nita 2006 Priorat @ $23.99
Archery Summit 2006 Pinot Noir @ $44.99
Monte degli Angeli 2007 Sangiovese @ $7.99
Simonetti 2007 Chianti @ $9.99
Caleo 2007 Primitivo Salento @ $9.99
Rapitala 2007 Nero D'Avola @ $11.99
CariVin 2007 Carinena @ $11.99
(new vintage) Castel di Salvo 2007 Santimedici @ $13.99
Layer Cake 2008 Shiraz @ $16.99
Alexander Vineyards 2005 Syrah @ $18.99
Valle dell' Acate 2007 Il Frappato @ $18.99
Alexander Vineyards 2006 Merlot @ $18.99
(back) Tahuan 2005 Syrah @ $19.99
(back) Nita 2006 Priorat @ $23.99
Archery Summit 2006 Pinot Noir @ $44.99
NEW ROSE:
L'Esterelle 2008 Cotes de Provence @ $12.99
L'Esterelle 2008 Cotes de Provence @ $12.99
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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