What's new this week? Well, quite a few new items to report, and at least two new samplers (including Tess's debut sampler) to share with you. Good tasting coming up tomorrow: good friend Peter Ross from VOS with wines from everywhere, so join us from 4:00 to 7:00. Wine tastings continue on Thursdays and Saturdays, with spirits tastings on Fridays (the estimable John Sheldon, aka my husband, is slotted in for next Saturday, so mark your calendars accordingly).
NEW WHITES:
Jelu 2008 Torrontes @ $10.99
(new vintage) Vevi 2007 Rueda @ $11.99
Bera Vittoria 2007 Arcese @ $12/99
Taburno 2007 Falanghina @ $14.99
A to Z 2006 Chardonnay @ $15.99
(back) Lost Angel 2006 Chardonnay @ $16.99
Chehalem 2007 Inox (Unoaked) Chardonnay @ $20.99
Au Bon Climat 2007 Chardonnay @ $21.99
Botani 2007 Moscatel Seco @ $22.99
La Soufrandiere 2006 Pouilly-Vinzelles @ $47.99
Jelu 2008 Torrontes @ $10.99
(new vintage) Vevi 2007 Rueda @ $11.99
Bera Vittoria 2007 Arcese @ $12/99
Taburno 2007 Falanghina @ $14.99
A to Z 2006 Chardonnay @ $15.99
(back) Lost Angel 2006 Chardonnay @ $16.99
Chehalem 2007 Inox (Unoaked) Chardonnay @ $20.99
Au Bon Climat 2007 Chardonnay @ $21.99
Botani 2007 Moscatel Seco @ $22.99
La Soufrandiere 2006 Pouilly-Vinzelles @ $47.99
NEW REDS:
Dominio de Fontana 2006 Tempranillo @ $5.99
Battlefield Station 2006 Cabernet @ $8.99
Rock River 2006 Cabernet @ $8.99
Fabregues 2006 L'Oree Rouge @ $9.99
(new vintage) Woop Woop 2007 Shiraz @ $10.99
Septima 2007 Malbec @ $10.99
(new vintage) D'Arenberg 2006 The Stump Jump @ $11.99 (had it the other night, good as ever)
Chateau de la Rouliere 2007 Cabernet Franc @ $12.99
Domaine de la Pepiere 2007 Granit Vin du Pays de la Loire @ $13.99
(new vintage) Mas de Gourgonnier 2006 Les Baux de Provence @ $15.99
Atalaya 2007 Almansa @ $15.99
Finca Abril 2006 Malbec @ $16.99
Rodano 2004 Chianti Classico @ $17.99
Midslope 2007 Rasteau @ $17.99
Le Jardin de Charlotte 2007 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
Educated Guess 2006 Cabernet @ $20.99
Pascal Granger 2006 Julienas @ $20.99
Mosse 2007 Anjou Rouge @ $20.99
(new vintage) Babcock 2007 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
Slingshot 2005 Cabernet @ $24.99
Atticus John 2006 Cabernet @ $29.99
Muxagat 2004 Douro @ $29.99
Dominio de Fontana 2006 Tempranillo @ $5.99
Battlefield Station 2006 Cabernet @ $8.99
Rock River 2006 Cabernet @ $8.99
Fabregues 2006 L'Oree Rouge @ $9.99
(new vintage) Woop Woop 2007 Shiraz @ $10.99
Septima 2007 Malbec @ $10.99
(new vintage) D'Arenberg 2006 The Stump Jump @ $11.99 (had it the other night, good as ever)
Chateau de la Rouliere 2007 Cabernet Franc @ $12.99
Domaine de la Pepiere 2007 Granit Vin du Pays de la Loire @ $13.99
(new vintage) Mas de Gourgonnier 2006 Les Baux de Provence @ $15.99
Atalaya 2007 Almansa @ $15.99
Finca Abril 2006 Malbec @ $16.99
Rodano 2004 Chianti Classico @ $17.99
Midslope 2007 Rasteau @ $17.99
Le Jardin de Charlotte 2007 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
Educated Guess 2006 Cabernet @ $20.99
Pascal Granger 2006 Julienas @ $20.99
Mosse 2007 Anjou Rouge @ $20.99
(new vintage) Babcock 2007 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
Slingshot 2005 Cabernet @ $24.99
Atticus John 2006 Cabernet @ $29.99
Muxagat 2004 Douro @ $29.99
NEW ROSES (yes, they're starting in)
Mas Carlot 2007 Rose @ $8.99
Chateau de la Rouliere 2008 Rose d'Anjou @ $9.99
Mas Carlot 2007 Rose @ $8.99
Chateau de la Rouliere 2008 Rose d'Anjou @ $9.99
Samplers from Tess and myself below; Ariel has another Rhone sampler, higher-end stuff so 1 bottle of each wine (a Crozes, a Chateauneuf, and a St. Joseph, for $66.99, I think), and I will have samplers from Matthew and Tara next week.
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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