What's New @ Heights Chateau (718-330-0963)

News from Heights Chateau

2012-02-07T14:37:00.001-08:00

Some new wines to report, and we're back on a regular schedule with our in-store tastings, so check the calendar on our website, www.heightschateau.com, to see who's joining us when.

NEW WHITES:
Bacalhoa Catarina 2010 Branco @ $10.99
a Portuguese blend of Fernao Pires and Chardonnay, medium- to full-bodied, complex, with a lingering finish
(new vintage) Bonterra 2010 Chardonnay @ $13.99
made from 100% organic grapes, notes of pear, apple, tangerine and minerals on the nose, smooth and creamy in the mouth
(new vintage) Paumanok 2011 Festival Chardonnay @ $16.99
a blend of three separate blocks of Chardonnay, fermented entirely in stainless steel to preserve the character of the grape, crisp and lively, with apple, melon and lime flavors
Wind Gap 2010 Trousseau Gris @ $19.99
from a relatively new Sonoma Coast winery, the only (so far) American version of an Alpine French variety, with a strong citrus character and hints of flowers and spices
(new vintage) Pernot 2010 Bourgogne @ $21.99
bright and elegant, with characteristic Puligny minerality and citrus notes at the finish, a classic white Burgundy
(new vintage) Jolivet 2010 Sancerre @$22.99
fresh, clean, with racy acidity and lots of flint framing the lime, chive, and saline notes
Dauvissat 2008 Chablis St. Pierre @ $25.99
a pristine Chablis scented with fresh lime and white peach, with an engaging and refreshing palate

NEW REDS:
Los Nevados 2010 Malbec @ $9.99
a deep, dark, Malbec, peppery and earthy, rich dark fruit with some hints of chocolate
Chais Saint-Laurent 2010 Chinon @ $10.99
from Foucher-Lebrun, a small French negociant specializing in wines from the Loire valley, old-vines Cabernet Franc that is bright, fresh, and aromatic
Bracamonte 2010 Ribera del Duero @ $11.99
a Ribera del Duero from Grupo Yllera, clean, relatively unoaked, rich, fruity, and ready to please
Belingard 2010 Bergerac @ $11.99
a Bordeaux-style blend from right next door to Bordeaux, medium-bodied with notes of dark fruit and sweet spice
Spellbound 2009 Petite Syrah @ $12.99
made from grapes sourced from Lodi and Central Coast vineyards, opulent and juicy yet easy-drinking, with intense berry character and great texture
Castellinuzza e Piuca 2010 Toscana @ $13.99
an old-style Chianti blend (meaning some white grapes included), light and zesty on the palate, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by tannins that have a warm savory bite
Michel Torino 2011 Malbec @ $14.99
showcases a nose of fresh raspberry and blackberry followed by a juicy palate of dark fruit, spice, ripe acidity and a soft finish
(new vintage) Sebastiani 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
a Sonoma Coast Pinot, less extractive and more elegant than many, emphasizing perfume, balance and complexity
(new vintage) St. Amant 2009 Zinfandel @ $18.99

a big, brawny, full-of-blackberries single-vineyard Zin from Zinfandel specialists in California's Central valley

(new vintage) A to Z 2010 Pinot Noir @ $20.99
spicy on the nose with aromas of apricots, blueberries, and Bing cherries, refreshing acidity on the palate with silky tannins and rich flavors mirroring the aromatics
Domaine Barnier 2009 Vacqueyras @ $21.99
a Grenache/Syrah blend made in cement, with rich pure fruit and firm structure, refreshingly racy
(new vintage) Paumanok 2010 Cabernet Franc @ $26.99
aromatic, with flavors of ripe cherries and spices, a medium-bodied red with soft, fleshy tannins
Prevostini 2007 Inferno @ $27.99
100% Nebbiolo from the Valtellina region of Lombardy, with aromas of ripe raspberries and a palate of candied fruit and hazelnuts
Chateau de Trignon 2007 Gigondas @ $28.99
from an excellent southern Rhone vintage, a Grenache-driven blend, nicely rounded, with a solid core of plum and dark currant flavors kept lively by nicely integrated acidity and a long, mineral-filled finish
(new vintage) Ayres 2010 Pinot Noir @ $28.99
a blend of estate-grown fruit with grapes from the Eola Hills district; with spice and violets on the nose and high tones of Bing cherries, roasted plums, and raspberries on the palate
(new vintage) Porter Creek 2008 Pinot Noir @ $35.99
from the Russian River valley, classic Pinot Noir with bright red fruit on the nose, a rich palate, and nice mineral notes on the finish

News from Heights Chateau

2012-01-23T12:29:00.001-08:00

Sorry to have been MIA for a bit, but between the holiday season and the doldrums of midwinter and our taking inventory, there has been relatively little to report here; even our in-store tastings are out of play this month, but they will resume the first week of February (and I may well be MIA for another couple of weeks upcoming). Meanwhile, here's the bit that's snuck in the door over the last three weeks.

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Momo 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $14.99
produced by Seresin Estates, a light, bright Sauvignon Blanc with tropical flavors and a long, crisp finish
Babich 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Black Label @ $14.99
a special label originally developed for restaurants, a seamless and delicate Sauvignon Blanc with low-key passion fruit and lemongrass flavors
(new vintage) St. Michael-Eppan 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $16.99
one of the most flavorful of Pinot Grigios, rich in aroma and texture, with subtle and elegant pear fruit that mingles with perfectly balanced acidity

NEW REDS:
Cerro 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano @ $14.99
intensely fragrant, smooth and supple, with flavor notes of black cherry, violets and vanilla
Rocca di Fabbri 2008 Montefalco Rosso @ $15.99
a blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino from Umbria, structured and balanced with soft black fruit
Cousino-Macul 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $17.99
clean and bright, with ripe black fruits accompanied by rich acidity and firm tannins
(new vintage) Collazi 2009 Liberta @ $17.99
made from estate-grown grapes, a soft, spicy and elegant blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese
Sandoval 2008 Signo @ $19.99
from Manchuela in east-central Spain, made almost entirely from a native varietal called Bobal, a meaty red with plenty of ripe fruit on the palate and a fresh, savory finish
Sentius 2005 Priorat @ $24.99
a blend of Frenache, Carignane, Cab, Merlot and Syrah aged 15 months in French oak, balanced and harmonious, only 400 cases made
COS 2009 Nero di Lupo @ $31.99
100% unfilterd Nero d'Avola, made in stainless steel, vibrantly fruity, showing remarkable finesse with rich fruit flavours balanced by flinty notes
Ferraton 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $39.99
made in a fresh, pure, nicely rounded style, with delicious red cherry, plum and blackberry notes laced with red licorice, pepper and leaf notes, followed by an open, inviting finish
Domaine de la Solitude 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $44.99
mostly Grenache and Syrah from 30-50-year-old vines, aged primarily in tank, sumptuous, round and generous on the palate

New from Heights Chateau

2011-12-28T09:57:00.001-08:00

A handful of new items snuck in over the last couple of weeks, holiday season or no. Hope you all had a good Christmas, and herewith all our best wishes for the new year!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Tablelands 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
bright and refreshing, with citrus, ripe pear and yellow apple flavors that are round and detailed, with spice and apple blossom notes
Thomas Coyne 2009 Viognier @ $18.99
a new release for the winery, aged five months on the lees in French oak, essence of peach and honeysuckle
Alpha Box & Dice 2009 Golden Mullet Fury @ $26.99
a 50/50 blend of Muscadelle and Chardonnay from former Red Heads Studios (McLaren Vale, South Australia) winemaker Justin Lane, with an exotically perfumed bouquet of dried pear, yellow plum, anise and musky herbs, broad and fleshy but surprisingly dry, with chewy orchard and pit fruit flavors and a bracing note of lemon pith
Melville 2009 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills @ $28.99
100% from the winery's Santa Rita Hills estate, vibrant, minerally, with the concentrated flavors that are the hallmark of the appellation
Drouhin 2009 Puligny-Montrachet "Les Folatieres" @ $89.99
a premier cru Burgundy from a highly rated vintage, made in a style that marries balance, harmony, finesse and character

NEW REDS:
Lamberti 2009 Valpolicella Ripasso @ $10.99
a great old-school style of ripasso, soft-textured but full of flavor with juicy black plum, dried red cherry and raisin
(new vintage) McManis 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
mirroring flavors, aromas and a bouquet of blueberry, blackberry, mocha, milk chocolate and toffee
Michel Torino 2010 Don David Malbec @ $14.99
displaying expressive plum jam, raisin and pipe tobacco aromas, with toasty vanilla notes, balanced, spicy dark fruits and cassis, almond and nutty notes on the long finish
Dynamite 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $17.99
sourced primarily from the Red Hills Lake County appellation, a Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black fruit, cassis, and chocolate followed by flavors of luscious blackberry cobbler and toffee
(new vintage) Forefront 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
aromas of blackberry, red cherry and raspberry enlivened by intriguing notes of spice, cedar and toffee, with a palate that echoes the nose with a juicy swirl of dark and red berries
Mas des Collines 2009 Gigondas @ $19.99
from a highly rated Rhône producer, a Gigondas with flavors and aromas of earthy plum, prune, leather, and smoke. an earthy red, slightly rustic, with good acidity and tannic structure, built to last
Thomas Coyne 2004 Petite Sirah @ $19.99
a full-bodied red with berry and plum flavors and a rich oak finish
Thomas Coyne 2007 Petite Verdot @ $19.99
a Bordeaux varietal usually used for blending to enhance color and body, here made in a full-bodied style with intense herbal flavors and a rich oak finish
(new vintage) Palmina 2010 Dolcetto @ $20.99
black cherry fruit flavors that are full and round on the palate, supported by lovely acid and soft tannins into a deep, full finish
(new vintage) Ramspeck 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $21.99
primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Cabernet Franc and Merlot added, fruit-forward, well balanced, with a long velvety finish
Coppola 2008 Pinot Noir "Director's Cut" @ $22.99
a Pinot with a vibrant personality and silky texture, highly aromatic, with scents of cloves, tea leaves, and roses, followed by bright flavors of red cherries, cranberries, and plums
(new vintage) Molly Dooker 2010 Two Left Feet @ $26.99
a powerful blend of Shiraz, Cab and Merlot, big and bold with great depth and complexity, could easily go another five years
Melville 2009 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills @ $26.99
100% from the winery's Santa Rita Hills estate, with fresh fruit aromatics and nuances of sandalwood, spices and dried herbs, a dense mouthfeel, and a savory finish
(new vintage) Molly Dooker 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon "The Maitre 'D"@ $26.99
an incredibly aromatic Cabernet of great intensity with bright berry fruits and mashed raspberry, together with licorice spice and espresso coffee, a vibrant and fresh palate, building with layers of fruit, toasty oak and fine Cabernet tannins
(new vintage) Molly Dooker 2010 "The Boxer" Shiraz @ $26.99
no holds barred, straight up and intense, with a luscious palate offering creamy mocha and vanilla up front and bright acidity on the finish
Berliquet 2003 St. Emilion @ $29.99
from one of the oldest vineyards in St. Emilion, a smooth and supple wine with aromas of fresh fruit and supple tannins, a medium body, and a fleshy, low-acid finish
J Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir @ $30.99
a lush, full wine exhibiting the expressive character of the Russian River Valley, a wine of great depth, with elegantly composed layers, the traditional Pinot Noir flavors of cherry and strawberry fully integrated with the subtle oak tannins
Some Young Punks 2010 Naked on Roller Skates @ $29.99
a blend of Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvedre) from McLaren Vale, South Australia, with a heady hit of cherries, pepper and cloves , youthful and vibrant, needs some time to soften
Frog's Leap 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $39.99
a smooth, supple Cab with the classic Rutherford characters of earth and dust, elegant and soft, with a plush texture balanced by firm yet yielding tannins and a bright acidity
Domaine Drouhin 2009 Pinot Noir @ $39.99
deep and vibrant, with good color and excellent clarity, lush and mouth-coating, but well-balanced, with refined, silky tannins and a long finish
Sasa 2006 Brunello "Marlia" @ $42.99
from the vintage that is the new benchmark for Brunello, a version with all the hallmarks of a classic bold Brunello, including strawberry jam, vanilla, tobacco, cherry, and rose petals
La Couspaude 2003 St. Emilion @ $52.99
primarily Merlot with some Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon blended in, with aromas of blackberry, chocolate and toasted oak on a medium-bodied palate, fine tannins, and a long, caressing finish, refined and silky for the vintage

News from Heights Chateau

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

Quite a bit new (I went MIA last week because there was so little; trust you will find something here to interest you!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Alto Tierruca 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $8.99
fresh, juicy and balanced, clean, crisp and bright on the palate
(new vintage) Steenberg 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $9.99
made from a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc clone, dry and crisp with loads of minerality and a long finish
Le Poisson 2009 Blanc @ $9.99
a Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend from Tunisia, clean, dry and crisp with a pleasant citrus finish
San Felice 2010 Vermentino @ $10.99
from the hills of the Maremma region of Tuscany, an appealing, easy drinking wine with aromatic complexity and a sturdy structure
Quinta de Azevedo 2010 Vinho Verde @ $10.99
a fresh and elegant vinho verde with floral and mineral notes, a lively attack, and well balanced acidity
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Riesling @ $10.99
a refreshing off-dry Riesling made from a blend of grapes sourced from throughout Washington's Columbia Valley
Petit Bourgeois 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
fresh and light, with a zesty citrus bouquet and clean mineral notes
Poiron-Dabin 2010 Pinot Gris @ $11.99
from the far western edge of the Loire Valley, a rich, ripe Pinot Gris, somewhat sweet but with firm acidity
La Croix Belle 2010 Champ des Lys @ $11.99
a blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier from the Languedoc, bright, crisp and fresh-tasting, with a firm structure and plush texture
(new vintage) Cinquante-Cinq 2010 Viognier @ $12.99
crisp and clean, with flavors of citrus oil, white flower and minerals, and that seductive tropical nose that you can only get from Viognier
Zandotti San Paolo 2010 Frascati @ $13.99
fresh and light, with balanced peach, pear and tropical fruit flavors complemented by notes of rosemary
Castel Sallegg 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $14.99
sourced from choice vineyard sites in the Alto Adige region of Italy, a Pinot Grigio with a crisp, tangy, zesty palate
Bouchard 2009 Bourgogne Blanc @ $16.99
a smooth, refreshing Chardonnay, well balanced, with just a touch of oak
Enodelta 2010 Greco di Tufo @ $17.99
crisp and mouth-watering, high acidity but with a balancing creaminess and a clean, chalky finish
Rives-Blanques 2010 Mauzac Blanc @ $18.99
100% Mauzac, a historic varietal today grown only in Gaillac and Limoux, a wine of real depth and complexity, with lime, apple, peach and apricot flavors, soft spices and a touch of herbiness thrown in for good measure
(new vintage) Mahoney Estate 2010 Vermentino @ $18.99
white peaches and citrus flavors with lovely floral notes and a refreshing and crisp finish
Ehrhard 2008 Riesling Spatlese @ $21.99
a classic Riesling from the Rheingau region of Germany, aromatic, full of spice and stone fruits
Clos Gaensbroennel Willm 2008 Gewurztraminer @ $24.99
from a famed walled vineyard in Alsace renowned for the quality of its Gewurztraminer vines, very floral, with underlying notes of honey and a grapefruit finish
Lopez de Heredia 2001 Vina Garonia @ $27.99
100% Viura from the winery's own vineyards, an "old-school" white aged four years in American oak, a great white of power and poise from an outstanding vintage
Livio Felluga 2010 Friulano @ $29.99
Friuli's traditional wine with lots of personality and typicity, well structured, with harmonious, fruit-led complexity and a characteristic finish of bitter almonds
Prudhon 2006 St. Aubin @ $31.99
a fresh, balanced white Burgundy from a vineyard immediately adjacent to Puligny
LaDoucette 2008 Pouilly Fume @ $41.99
always a stellar representation of Sauvignon Blanc, with a full range of floral and citrus fruit aromas, a fruity roundness on the palate, and a fresh lemony finish

NEW REDS:
Dominio de A'dira 2010 Tempranillo @ $6.99
a bright young Tempranillo from Ronda, Malaga, great quality at an unbeatable price
Ala Nera 2010 Nero d'Avola @ $9.99
a brooding, dark, full-bodied red, polished, refined, and food-friendly
Volpaia 2009 Citto Toscana @ $9.99
a Sangiovese/Cabernet blend from a great Tuscan producer, generous and silky, with ripe fruit aromas and intense cherry and red berry flavors
Pietramora 2008 Morellino di Scansano @ $10.99
a blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, well balanced, with a long peppery finish
Monte La Sarda 2010 Garnacha @ $11.99
unoaked, from 50-year-old vines, medium-bodied with modest tannin and notes of blackberries, earthiness, dried spices and minerality
La Croix Belle 2010 Merlot @ $11.99
a Merlot from the Languedoc with an intense nose of black fruits, full in the mouth but well structured, a very concentrated wine with pleasant aromas of ripe fruits
Chateau Tassin 2009 Bordeaux @ $13.99
a Merlot/Cab blend from Bordfeaux's right bank, dry and medium-bodied, with tannins and acidity that are surprisingly balanced, showcasing the wine's juicy red fruits
Mencos 2009 Rioja @ $13.99
aromas of spice box, violets, cherry blossom, and blackberry, a ripe, firm, savory red with good balance and length
PennyFarthing 2007 Barbera @ $13.99
from global wine consultant Clark Smith, a California Barbera packed with blackberries, exotic spices, and racy acidity
Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie 2009 Escapade @ $13.99
100% Cinsault from the Languedoc, dark and fruity, aromatic, and easy on the palate
Il Palagio 2010 Morellino di Scansano @ $14.99
100% Sangiovese, with scents of cherries, wild berry fruits, and violets, dry and fresh, with good body and agreeable tannins
Domaine de la Solitude 2010 Cotes du Rhone @ $14.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, soft and round, an attractive, elegant, ripe, berry fruit-filled Cotes du Rhone with a velvety texture as well as wonderful length
Amici di Endrizzi 2010 Teroldego @ $14.99
100% Teroldego from the valley of Vallagarina south of Trento, medium-bodied with brisk acidity, mild tannins and fresh berry and herbal aromas
Burgaud 2010 Beaujolais-Villages @ $16.99
sappy yet tart-edged, a textbook example of Beaujolais from a great producer in a great vintage, "ripe and charming Beaujolais with a smile"
Pittnauer 2008 Blaufrankisch @ $16.99
a classic version of Austria's second most important red grape, supple and aromatic, with vibrant black cherry character offset by well-judged oak
Causse Marine 2010 Les Peyrouzelles @ $16.99
made from two grapes indigenous to the Gaillac region, Duras and Fer Savadou, with a touch of Syrah blended in, a light, spicy, aromatic and easy-drinking red
Lafond 2009 Canon Fronsac @ $17.99
an 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cab Franc, well balanced, soft and complex, with hints of vanilla, licorice,and eucalyptus
Castiadas 2008 Cannonau @ $17.99
Cannonau (aka, Grenache) from the island of Sardinia, a medium-bodied red, aromatic and spicy
Wilfrid Rousse 2009 Chinon @ $17.99
a fresh and fruity young-vines Cab Franc, light-bodied, zippy and energetic, supple on the palate, with great elegance and harmony
Luis Canas 2004 Rioja Reserva @ $19.99
ripe red fruits combined with interwoven oak, touches of spice, cherries and a hint of licorice, with a beautifully elegant, lasting finish
Aimee 2009 Medoc @ $19.99
a 60/40 blend of Merlot and Cab from Bordeaux's left bank (where Cabernet usually dominates), juicy, fragrant and well structured
Clos du Serres 2010 La Blaca @ $19.99
from the Languedoc, mostly Syrah with a touch of Grenache blended in, with hints of chocolate, balsamic, and spice on a fresh fruit palate
Beckmen 2009 Cuvee Le Bec @ $20.99
a Rhone blend from California's Santa Ynez Valley,medium to full-bodied and pure with supple tannins and a fleshy, lush personality
San Felice 2007 Chianti @ $20.99
purely classical in style, relaxed and easy-going; elegant and rounded; medium-bodied, youthful, and fruity: a wonderful expression of the distinctive character of Sangiovese
L'Anglore 2010 Vejade @ $25.99
a natural wine from near Tavel in the Rhone, a blend of Mourvedre and Grenache, sweetly spiced, an exotic nose with a savory edge
Frank Cornelissen Rosso Contadino #8 @ $25.99
made by a wonderfully idiosyncratic winegrower on the slopes of Sicily's Mount Etna, a wine that is well beyond organic, a pale red, slightly fizzy, a field blend that is mostly Nerello Mascalese, also Alicante Bouschet, Uva Francesa, and a small percent of white grapes, a huge dry presence on the palate with some chicory and liquorice, and a fine, dry medium body
Condado de Haza 2007 Ribera del Duero @ $26.99
intense Tempranillo character in an elegant and pure wine only lightly influenced by the oak, medium weight on the palate with a lingering, slightly dusty finish that promises excellent development in the bottle
Doisy-Vedrines 2006 Barsac @ $27.99
elegant, fresh citrusy fruit on the nose, a stylish and and fresh palate with lots of sweet substance and lift, and fresh and vibrant acidity
Calera 2009 Pinot Noir @ $27.99
energetic and flavorful, sourced from seven different vineyards to create lively flavors of cranberry, briar and expressive red plum with a soft underpinning of oak, with firm tannins, wonderful fruit and a nice tartness making for a rich, lingering finish
Cabasse 2009 Gigondas @ $28.99
spicy and minerally, with an abundance of dark fruits on the palate
Luis Canas 2001 Rioja Reserva @ $32.99
mostly Tempranillo with some Mazuela, Garnacha and Graciano blended in, very smooth, with the traditional dusty, leathery edge to its raspberry and blackberry fruit tones
Marquis de Calon 2008 Saint-Estephe @ $33.99
the second wine of Chateau Calon-Segur, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, a great value from a top chateau
Sineann 2009 Pinot Noir @ $36.99
sourced from some of the best vineyards in Oregon's Yamhill County, a Pinot that is rich and round, an intense beauty with a strong cool-climate Oregon character
Deydier 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $37.99
an intense mix of Turkish coffee, spice cake, brown bread, graphite and blueberry preserve flavors, all backed by briar and licorice root notes on the perfume-tinged finish, captures the vintage's edgy feel nicely
Romeo del Castello 2008 Etna Rosso @ $39.99
an expressive wine with strawberry-scented aroma and long-lasting flavor, drawing finesse from 70-year-old vines that were miraculously spared when lava flow from Etna's 1981 eruption changed direction just before it reached the house and vines
Kesseler 2001 Spatburgunder Rudesheim @ $40.99
a light, elegant Pinot from one of the top producers in Germany's Rheingau
Domaine de la Solitude 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $44.99
a modern-style Chateauneuf made from hand-selected grapes, full-bodied and richly textured, eminently ageworthy for up to fifteen years
Larrivet Haut-Brion 2004 Pessac-Leognan @ $44.99
classic claret from a vintage that is both underrated and very good value, a full nose of plums and spice, then soft berry fruits and supple tannins on the palate
Connetable Talbot 2004 St. Julien @ $44.99
the second label of Chateau Talbot, florally scented with silky tannins, medium-bodied with flavors of raspberry, and red currant, a soft palate and a long aftertaste
Frank Cornelissen Rosso Contadino #7 @ $49.99
made by a wonderfully idiosyncratic winegrower on the slopes of Sicily's Mount Etna, a wine that is well beyond organic, a pale red, slightly fizzy, with the persistent flavors of rose and spice that are the hallmark of the delicate Nerello Mascalese grape
Viviani 2007 Amarone @ $52.99
classic Amarone, darkly concentrated, with a solid fruit core, firm tannins, and a soft, sweet endnote of mature fruit and cinnamon spice
Flowers 2009 Pinot Noir @ $54.99
a stunning Sonoma Coast Pinot, with with flavors of dried black cherries and savory herbs that complement the bright acidity and supple tannins that frame a lingering and silky finish
San Felice 2006 Campogiovanni Brunello @ $54.99
ranked #4 in Wine Spectator's list of the best of 2011, lean and finely structured, complex and focused with an expansive finish, best from 2014 to 2027
Ricasoli 2007 Casalferro @ $65.99
a single-vineyard Merlot from a top Tuscan estate, warm and complex, vigorous and powerful, with distinct mineral and spicy notes
Anglore 2010 Comeyre @ $67.99
an old vines blend of 90% Carignan (planted in 1926) and 10 % Grenache and Clairette, with notes of herbs de Provence, black olive tapenade, a dusting of lavender, smoked meats, saddle leather and a soft inflection of sandy soil
Pousse d'Or 2007 Volnay Premier Cru Clos d'Audignac @ $74.99
from a famous old domaine in Volnay recently revitalized, a Burgundy with soft approachable tannins and lifted pure cherry aromas with hints of fennel and spice
Shafer 2007 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon @ $247.99
100% Cabernet fruit sourced from rugged hillside vineyard blocks, agrf three years in French oak and one year in bottle, displaying classic Stags Leap District style, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, warm plum pie, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla and tannins that are ripe and refined, holding out great promise for decades of cellar age

News from Heights Chateau

2011-11-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

Trust you all had a very happy Thanksgiving! Last week having been a holiday week, not many new items to report . . . so here they are.

NEW WHITES:
Geografico 2010 Vernaccia @ $11.99
crisp and smooth, with a nose of lemons and almonds, dry with medium body and no oak, flavors of citrus, apple, almonds and mineral notes
(new vintage) Babich 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
aromas of grapefruit, honey, lemon and hints of grass and lively acidity that frames a fresh palate with notes of apple, citrus and minerals
(new vintage) Barking Hedge 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, vibrant and aromatic, with flavors of ripe tropical fruits with intense citrus and herbal notes
(new vintage) Thierry-Weber 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $13.99
dry, crisp, fresh and expressive with bright acidity and aromas and flavors of white pepper and herbs
(new vintage) Lincourt 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay @ $16.99
bright, overt and surprisingly bold, offering up a complex mix of apples, pears, lemons and guavas, crisp and lively thanks to the great natural acidity

NEW REDS:
Val Bruyere 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $10.99
a blend of Grenache, Carignane and Cinsault, deep, rich and spicy
Fabre Montmayou 2010 Malbec @ $12.99
a Malbec with fragrant aromatics, ripe flavors, outstanding intensity and impeccable balance
(new vintage) Urbanite Cellars 2010 "Amplio" Cabernet Sauvignon @ $13.99
from Luis Moya of Vinos Unico, a medium-bodied, approachable Cab with fruit, acidity and oak in perfect harmony
Kunin 2009 Pape Star @ $26.99
a Rhone-style blend from California's central coast, with a racy spicy quality, good acidity, and moderate tannins
Davis Family 2008 Zinfandel Russian River Valley @ $31.99
from vines planted in 1896, a Zin that is full-bodied but not heavy, showing bright, juicy red raspberry mixed with a smoky plum and that great, old vine spice, roughly 75 cases made

News from Heights Chateau

2011-11-22T15:10:00.001-08:00

Some new wines (including Beaujolais Nouveau) herewith, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

NEW WHITES:
Ninety + Cellars 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
exuberant citrus fruits with ripe melon and guava with some underlying herbal and classic gooseberry notes
Rapitala 2010 Grillo @ $11.99
fresh and snappy, with flavors of ripe melon, star fruit and Golden Delicious apple and hints of spice accenting the waxy finish
(new vintage) Whyte Estate 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
crisp and lean, with floral and citrus aromas and bright, penetrating acidity
Rodet 2009 Bourgogne Aligote @ $12.99
fresh, crunchy-crisp and clean, the perfect aperitif
(new vintage) Glazebrook 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $14.99
classic Sauvignon Blanc, with a vibrant nose of Honeydew melon, white peach and mango
Hugel 2010 Gentil @ $15.99
a classic Alsace blend that combines the suave, spicy flavor of Gewürztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat, and the refreshing character of Sylvaner
Hugel 2009 Riesling @ $20.99
classic Riesling, with an agreeable fruit character of green apple, white peach, citrus, grapefruit and spring blossom
Willm 2008 Riesling Kirchberg deBarr @ $21.99
from a Grand Cru Alsace vineyard, with complex aromas of citrus and mineral notes, a structured palate, and a long, fresh finish

NEW REDS:
Tiburzi 2010 Collescancellato @ $10.99
a fresh new take on Italian table wine, a blend of Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo from Umbria, bright and fruit-forward with modest acidity and soft tannins
Terra Noble 2010 Carmenere @ $11.99
smooth, harmonious and silky, with strong fig and ripe fruit aromas mixed with coffee, toasty and spicy notes, full-bodied, with structure
Spiropoulos 2009 Red Stag @ $14.99
made from 100% Agiorgitiko, medium to full in body, with blackberry and baking spice aromatics, balanced acidity, and moderate tannins
Fertuna 2009 Il Pactio @ $15.99
a Sangiovese/Cab/Merlot blend from the Maremma in southern Tuscany, elegant and full, rich in sweet smooth tannins, eminently ageworthy
(new vintage) Can Blau 2009 Montsant @ $17.99
a blend of old vine Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache with a classic raspberry and black cherry bouquet, medium body, wonderful minerality and definition, and surprising freshness as well as intensity
Renwood 2008 Zinfandel @ $17.99
rich flavors of dried currants, pomegranate and chocolate and a hint of caramel provided by the use of new American oak barrels
Ninety + Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
cherry fruit, earth and floral aromas combined with a firm but well balanced texture, lush tannins and lively acidity
Guigal 2007 Crozes-Hermitage @ $22.99
classic notes of tapenade/black olive intermixed with red and black currant fruit, decent acidity and a medium-bodied texture
David Bruce 2008 Pinot Noir @ $25.99
aromas of red raspberries, black pepper, dark cherries, jasmine and a hint of litchi fruit, with lush blackberries and extracted red cherry fruit on the palate
Terra Noble 2008 Carmenere CA1 @ $27.99
ripe, with intense red fruit aromas, well balanced, with round sweet tannins
Soter 2009 North Valley Pinot Noir @ $32.99
Tony Soter's entry-level bottling from the Willamette Valley, savory, round, and nicely balanced
Storybook Mountain 2008 Zinfandel @ $34.99
the primary estate wine from Storybook, Zinfandel specialists since 1976, a savory Napa Valley red with great richness and depth of flavor
Turnbull Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $42.99
a big, bold Cab from a veteran producer, elegant and stylish, with a long, spicy finish
Liparita 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $49.99
100% Cab from 40-year-old vines, highly concentrated, with ripe black fruit on the nose, bright fruit flavors, integrated tannins and fine acidity
Ken Wright Cellars 2010 Pinot Noir "Shea" @ $59.99
from an Oregon winery specializing in vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, a young and taut wine with primary fruit of red and black cherry encased in a seamless, mineral-driven acidity
Ken Wright Cellars 2010 Pinot Noir "Nysa" @ $59.99
from an Oregon winery specializing in vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, a forward, textured and elegant wine with a mix of red and black fruits on the nose, roughly 350 cases produced
Ken Wright Cellars 2010 Pinot Noir "Canary Hill" @ $59.99
from an Oregon winery specializing in vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, a fruit-forward Pinot with aromas of black cherry and cola, roughly 625 cases produced
Ken Wright Cellars 2010 Pinot Noir "Freedom Hill" @ $59.99
from an Oregon winery specializing in vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, the firmest and most structured of the winery's offerings suggesting great longevity
Vieux Telegraphe 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $109.99
dense and rustic with a wild animal side, yet with lots of charm, a firm backbone, and a tannic presence that is sumptuous and majestic

News from Heights Chateau

2011-11-15T09:45:00.001-08:00

Lots of goodies this week . . . surely something here to catch your interest! Do check the calendar on our web site for news of in-store tastings.

NEW WHITES:
Casas del Bosque 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
a classic nose of lemon peel, citrus juice and passion fruit that leads to a bracing jolt of acid that tingles the tongue, with lemon, a little grapefruit and gooseberry cleansing the palate, leading to a clean, bright finish
Notios 2010 White @ $13.99
a blend of Moschofilero from Tripoli and Roditis from nearby Aigialia, light, lively and citrusy, a blend that displays the best characteristics of each grape
Nuraghe Crabioni 2010 Vermentino @ $14.99
from a new state-of-the-art winery in Sardinia, a full, rich Vermentino with hints of apricot and honey, crisp and refreshing with a long almondy aftertaste characteristic of the grape
Ca Adua 2010 Gavi @ $14.99
a textbook example of the Cortese grape, mouth-filling on the palate with notes of citrus, green melon, and a touch of baking spice and a long finish with touches of lemon and herb
Muga 2010 Rioja @ $14.99
a blend of Malvasia and Viura, barrel-fermented, fresh and lively but with great intensity and persistence
Casalfarneto 2009 Verdicchio "Fontevecchia" @ $15.99
a single-vineyard Verdicchio, dry, minerally, creamy, with a touch of tropical fruit and a hint of the saline of the sea on the finish
Mittnacht 2010 Cuvee Gyotaku @ $16.99
from a relatively new family-run estate in Alsace, a white blend (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat) made specifically for sushi and sashimi, aromatic, dry and fresh to complement fish, with enough character to stand up to soy and wasabi
Sipp 2010 Pinot Gris @ $19.99
from an Alsace producer organic since 2005, a complex and smoky Pinot Gris with hints of tropical fruits, wide on the palate and and balanced by a nice acidity typical of the 2010 vintage
Sipp 2007 Riesling Osterberg" @ $21.99
fruity, rich, and racy, a very expressive Riesling from a "grand cru" vineyard in Alsace
(new vintage) Fefinanes 2010 Albarino @ $21.99
consistently rated one of the best Albarinos produced, round, clean and pleasant on the palate with notes of honey and lemon
Ferraton 2009 Condrieu @ $69.99
an outstanding example of Viognier, with intense and complex aromas and a palate that shows ripe apricot, peach and honey characters, intensely rich, giving a light sensation of sweetness, but finishing dry with mineral and savory notes
Dagueneau 2009 Pur Sang Fume de Pouilly @ $114.99
vividly peachy and with great minerality, evocative more of a great Riesling than of Sauvignon Blanc, with a long, luscious, vibrant finish
Dagueneau 2009 Silex Fume de Pouilly @ $154.99
Daguenau's "grand cru," if you will, in this vintage tightly wound, with a piercing minerality that leads to floral, lemon verbena, lime, and thyme notes, very long on the finish and very precise

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Coltibuono 2010 Canceli @ $9.99
a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Syrah from Tuscany yet outside the classic DOC appellations, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, offering nice, ripe fruit and a straightforward mouthfeel with a gentle finish
Universo de los Andes 2010 Malbec @ $11.99
from Patagonia, way south in Argentina, a Malbec that is aromatic, delicate and elegant
(new vintage) Cataregia 2004 Terra Alta @ $11.99
a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet, from the under-appreciated region of Terra Alta, aged to perfection
St. Martin de la Garrigue 2008 Tradition @ $11.99
a tank-raised blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah from the Languedoc, bright and juicy, showing crisp red berry and cherry flavors that feature mineral and saline notes, with peppery hints on the finish
Castillo de Molina 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
an expressive and complex nose, fruity and well-integrated palate with good volume and soft, ripe tannins that lead to a long finish
(back) Messenger NV Merlot @ $12.99
a rich and smooth Merlot made from equal parts Napa and Sonoma fruit, soft and inviting on the palate
Thomas Henry 2009 Zinfandel @ $13.99
produced by Tom Meadowcroft of Meadowdroft Family Wines, a Zin with dark berry flavors, with smooth tannin structure, and fresh berry and briary aromatics
Damilano 2009 Barbera @ $14.99
a full, rich, complex Barbarea with excellent balance and length
Argiolas 2009 Costera @ $14.99
a blend of 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo, with layers of exquisitely perfumed fruit buttressed by fine, silky tannins
Crabioni 2010 Cannonau @ $14.99
from a new state-of-the-art winery in Sardinia, a warm red with an intense nose with spices and red fruit, smooth, with a touch of acidity, fruity, structured with a long finish
Schreiner 2009 Blaufrankisch @ $14.99
from Austria's Burgenland, a Blaufrankisch with typical notes of black pepper and cherry with a hint of herbaceousness
(new vintage) Zaccagnini 2008 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo @ $14.99
aromas of blackberries and plums and, on the palate, ripe berries, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla leading to a long, supple finish
(back) Almancay 2007 Malbec @ $15.99
wonderful layers of ripe black cherry, plums, spice and tobacco. well structured, with ripe tannins and moderate acidity balancing the juicy fruit flavors
Bonnat 2008 Graves @ $16.99
a full-bodied blend of Cab and Merlot, with an intense nose of red and black berries, woody with toasted notes, an elegant, fruity and spicy mouth feel, with a finish presenting delicate wooded tannins
Cros de la Mure 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $17.99
a blend of Grenache and Syrah from biodynamically farmed vineyards, deeply colored and richly flavored with blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and spice
Tablas Creek 2010 Patelin de Tablas @ $17.99
a blend of four red Rhône varietals, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise, all sourced from seven top Rhone vineyards in Paso Robles, plump and mouth-filling, loaded with fruit and sheer character
Pian delle Querci 2009 Ross di Montalcino @ $17.99
a stunning example of Brunello's little brother, with a round, full mouth feel and soft, elegant tannins
Thymiopoulos 2009 Naoussa "Young Vine" @ $17.99
a single-vineyard Xinomavro from Naoussa, with upfront fresh and fruity charm, smooth texture, and a persistent finish
Train Wreck 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $18.99
an Alexander Valley Cab with aromas of fresh blackberries, ripe plum compote and toasty vanilla/cedar and flavors of ripe black and red fruits, supple tannins and a rich and lingering finish
Praxis 2007 Merlot @ $19.99
also from Alexander Valley, a sleek, elegant Merlot with good acidity and a full mouth feel
Chateau Penin 2008 Grande Selection @ $19.99
a harmonious, fleshy Bordeaux with vanilla aromas coming from the oak mingling well with jammy red berry fruit notes
Tour Bayard 2007 Montagne-St. Emilion @ $20.99
a Merlot-based Bordeaux, flavorsome and elegant, with delightful aromas of plums leading to warm, ripe fruit on the palate, with good structure attributable to barrel aging
Gruet 2008 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
ripe and complete with focused black cherry, plum, anise and floral notes framed by light oak
Mercouri 2007 Red @ $22.99
a blend of Refosco and Mavrodaphne from the western Peloponnesos, deep and complex, with black fruit, layers of spice, and herbal notes
Petitot 2009 Cotes de Nuits Villages @ $24.99
Pinot Noir from a 45-year-old vineyard, fairly full-bodied, spicy on the palate with a slight touch of oak
Chofflet-Valdenaire 2009 Givry @ $26.99
a fruity, accessible Pinot, seamlessly elegant with aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, morello cherry and floral nuances
Saint-Martin 2008 Marsannay @ $30.99
a solid, structured Burgundy with impressive minerality, an earthy sweetness, super balance, ripe tannins, and great freshness
Fleur de Jaugue 2008 Bordeaux @ $32.99
primarily Merlot with a bit of Cabernet Franc, medium- to full-bodied, with refined tannins and a silky texture
Domaine de Nalys 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $34.99
a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache (unusual for Chateauneuf), meaty and savory on the nose, blending those notes with cherries, leather, allspice and earth on the palate, full but fresh, with a long finish
CUNE 2004 Rioja Reserva @ $39.99
rich and raisiny, with lots of dark spice, vanilla sweetness, licorice, dried cherries, and a leafy finish
Ferraton 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $39.99
from a great vintage in the southern Rhone, a Chateauneuf with complex and subtle aromas of sour cherries, plum, roasted coffee and cinnamon with hints of leather, spices and garrigue
Ceretto 2007 Barolo Zonchere @ $43.99
a blend from several vineyards, ripe and juicy, unmistakably serious yet quite racy
Pian delle Querci 2004 Brunello @ $44.99
a rich bouquet of cut flowers mingled with red berry fruit and some pungent notes, ample on the palate and fairly soft, with bright cherry fruit supported by moderately intense cherry acidity, and by tannins that are already quite smooth
Potensac 1996 Medoc @ $44.99
a dense and dark Bordeaux with a classic left-bank Cabernet nose, refined and structured but not austere, with firm tannins countered by a trace of extract
Groth 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $49.99
from estate-controlled vineyards in Oakville, a big, lush Cab, clean and fruity with bright acidity and a soft and supple texture
Fenocchio 2006 Barolo @ $52.99
a complex nose with an intense ethereal aromas mixed with warm spice and rose notes, hugely structured on the palate with excellent balance between tannins and the spicy fruit
Musella 2006 Amarone @ $53.99
a traditionally-styled Amarone with raisin and spices on the nose and light prune notes, full-bodied and chewy, with lots of fruit and a long finish
Sigaut 2007 Chambolle-Musigny @ $59.99
a premier cru Burgundy with a fruit-driven nose of very high-toned Pinot and detailed, intense, precise and minerally flavors that culminate in a finish of real verve
Cliff Lede 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $61.99
classic, elegant Stag's Leap Cabernet, with black currant and citrus blossom aromas, fine-grained tannins, and a full, rich mid-palate expand through the finish with semi-sweet chocolate, balanced by fresh minerality

News from Heights Chateau

2011-11-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

Quite a bit new this week, as you will see below. Watch for our November newsletter, to arrive in your mail boxes shortly, with plentiful suggestions for Thanksgiving dinner, and be sure to check the calendar on our web site (www.heightschateau.com) for listings of our in-store tastings.

NEW WHITES:
Raimat 2010 Chardonnay @ $9.99
100% Chardonnay, stainless steel-fermented, with intense notes of white, tropical and stone fruit along with refreshing citrus, very fresh on the palate with marked acidity
Lockhart 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
made at Napa's Delicato Family Vineyards from grapes sourced from throughout the state, bright, crisp and lively
Santa Tresa 2009 Rinca Ianca @ $11.99
an unusual blend of Grillo and Viognier from Sicily, with a bouquet of tropical fruit and vanilla aromas, with a perfect balance of fruit flavors and citrus acidity on the palate
Carraro 2010 Chardonnay Da'divas @ $13.99
a bright new Chardonnay from Brazil, with intense and elegant flavors of white flowers and tropical fruits, robust, with a great balance in acidity and a long and persistent aftertaste
Boniface 2010 Apremont @ $14.99
dry but extremely fruit-forward, made in France's Savoy region from an indigenous grape called Jacquere, crisp, fresh and delicate
Cantele 2009 Fiano @ $14.99
an aromatic white from southern Italy, fresh, complex, substantial enough that it can be paired with a variety of dishes
Wiemer 2010 Chardonnay @ $16.99
a light, approachable Chardonnay from the Finger Lakes, with a clean nose of orange and peach leads into an invigorating palate with a fresh finish
Del Rio 2009 Pinot Gris @ $16.99
from the largest vineyard/winery in southern Oregon, a full and viscous Pinot Gris with refreshing acidity and lingering minerality
King Estate 2010 Pinot Gris @ $17.99
pear, melon, lemon and lime, wet stone, kiwi, and honey on the palate and a mouth feel that has soft rich entry, nice texture, good weight, and a long lively crisp finish
(new vintage) Graville-Lacoste 2010 Graves @ $18.99
mostly Semillon with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle blended in, a subtle, complex white with citrus and melon aromas and flavors
Dezat 2010 Sancerre @ $20.99
from a highly respected Loire estate, a ripe yet understated Sancerre that is a highly expressive version of Sauvignon Blanc
Venica 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $20.99
from one of Friuli's best-known estate, a distinctive Pinot Grigio made in a cool, reserved style with a long finish
Oddero 2009 Langhe Collaretto @ $21.99
a white from an historic Piedmont producer, an unusual blend of Chardonnay and Riesling, full and invigorating with notes of citrus and hints of tropical fruits
Mer Soleil 2010 Silver Chardonnay @ $25.99
unoaked, from the Santa Lucia highlands, a white that captures the crisp, pure, mineral essence of the classic Chablis style with the tropical elements found in Chardonnays of the Pacific coastline
Bruno Clair 2008 Marsannay @ $29.99
a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc from a great Burgundy producer, lively yet supple, a wine of great balance and elegance

NEW REDS:
Casa Julia 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $8.99
a Chilean Cab with flavors of leather and dried fruits with a medium body and a tasty finish

Paraza 2009 Minervois @ $9.99
a meaty blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan, fruit=forward with a lush texture and a spicy garrigue aroma of rosemary that keeps it from being a fruit bomb
Casillero del Diablo 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $9.99
produced by Chilean behemoth Concha y Toro, a smooth, supple Cab with aromas of bright cherry, blackcurrant and dark plum and an impressive balance between fruit and silky tannins
Raimat 2006 Tempranillo @ $9.99
aromas and flavors of black plum and spices velvety tannins, and a powerful yet harmonious finish
Le Fraghe 2006 Quaiare @ $10.99
a 70/30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Veneto, structured and rich with dense-woven tannins well balanced by a measured acidity and an appealing mineral edge
(new vintaage) Vina Gormaz 2010 Ribera del Duero @ $10.99
unoaked, from carefully chosen lots suitable for drinking young, with deep wild berry aromas and mouth filling flavor and length provided by old Tempranillo vines

Atalaya 2008 Almansa @ $11.99
only the second release of this wine from La Mancha, a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha, Tintorera, and other varieties, fruit-forward, with spicy oak on a moderate finish
Terra Rosa 2009 Malbec @ $11.99
a rich purple Malbec with an exotically perfumed nose, an elegant mouth feel, smokiness and ripe blueberry flavors with inviting, complex textures
Carraro 2009 Agnus Merlot @ $11.99
a smooth new Merlot from Brazil, with a distinctive bouquet of red fruits, full-bodied and supple, with excellent length
(new vintage) Kanonkop 2009 Kadette @ $12.99
a "Cape Blend" (South Africa) of Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, easy-drinking and youthful with fresh but rich fruit flavors of red plum and cherry backed by floral accents
James Mitchell 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $12.99
a huge Cabernet that is robust and flavorful, all about black cherry, black currant and warm spice flavors, bold, ripe and approachable with lush fruit and a touch of oak
Capezzana 2007 Barco Reale @ $12.99
the winery's second label sourced from their younger vines, with a flavor profile on the palate of red fruits and plum, with slight floral and leather notes, great acidity, with big tannins and a long finish
Torino 2009 Tannat @ $14.99
a full-blooded, ageworthy red from the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina, made from hand-picked grapes, and is aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months
Manarine 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $14.99
an extraordinarily elegant and balanced Cotes-du-Rhone, light and soft on the palate, with a pure nose of spicy blackberry, lightly roasted dried herbs, stony minerals, and a wisp of fragrant smoke
Simonsig 2008 Pinotage @ $15.99
a bold wine, unoaked for early accessibility, with well rounded, ripe tannins that keep the natural sweet flavors of Pinotage beautifully balanced, leaving a gentle dry finish in the mouth
(new vintage) Rimbert 2009 St. Chinian @ $15.99
a blend of Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre showing crushed red berry, plum, blueberry and notes of saddle leather on the nose, with a supple palate that delivers red and black fruit flavors backed by silken minerality and a deft touch of acidity
Bettini 2007 Sassella @ $17.99
from Italy's Valtellina region in northern Lombardy, 100% Nebbiolo light, refined and delicate
Sobreno 2007 Toro @ $19.99
100% Tinto de Toro, ripe and full-flavored, dense and structured on the palate, with loads of flavor, plenty of structure, and four to five years of aging potential
Dezat 2010 Sancerre Rouge @ $20.99
from a highly respected Loire estate, a fairly full-bodied Pinot Noir with nice structure, subtle tannins and a luxurious mineral-edged finish
L. A. Cetto 2003 Nebbiolo @ $20.99
from the Baja Calidornia region of Mexico, a smoky, full-bodied red with deep licorice and dark fruit flavors that combine seamlessly to create a very successful take on the classic Italian grape
Chave 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone Mon Coeur @ $21.99
made by the Chaves but not from their own vineyards, full of luscious berry fruit and earth with that distinctive 'garrigue' flavor that is only found in the Rhône, a serious Côtes du Rhône that could age for another decade
Colombier 2009 Crozes-Hermitage @ $25.99
from a top-rated northern Rhone vintage, a succulent, juicy and crunchy Syrah with lovely smoky, brambly fruit, a fleshy and ripe palate with silky tannins and excellent freshness and purity
Cantele 2008 Amativo @ $31.99
a blend of Primtivo and Negroamaro from Puglia with good body, intense flavors, a pleasing roundness, and a persistent finish with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum
Cascina Adelaide 2004 Barolo @ $34.99
100% Nebbiolo, fresh, full, elegant and youthful with an intense bouquet of violets harmoniously blended with red plumy fruits, a Barolo that successfully walks the tightrope stylistically between modernism and the traditional
Muzard 2009 Santenay @ $42.99
a biodynsmic single-vineyard Burgundy from brothers Claude and Herve Muzard, rated among the top ten "best value" producers in Burgundy, with a profound nose of ripe red fruits and a supple structure on the palate
Font de Michelle 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $48.99
a wine of great concentration and power, a blend primarily of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, showing perfectly ripe fruit and rich spice on both the nose and the palate
Amapola Creek 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $59.99
bearing the new label of California icon Richard Arrowood, a concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon displaying a harmonious medley of intense fruit aromas, including ripe blackberry, black cherry, boysenberry, plum and currant with hints of mocha and spice
Oddero 2007 Barbaresco @ $62.99
from a famed producer in the Langhe hills that dates back to 1878, a Nebbiolo with great finesse, complexity and balance, mouth-filling tannins, and great length
Oddero 2006 Barolo "Villero" @ $71.99
from a famed producer in the Langhe hills that dates back to 1878, a single-vineyard Barolo with intriguing and dense impressions of violets, red fruits, cocoa and licorice on the nose, a complex tannic texture, and a delicate soft finish
Sandrone 2007 Barolo "Le Vigne" @ $149.99
from a stellar producer making wine in the region since 1978, a big, bold, velvety wine that wraps ripe fruit and deftly applied oak around a luxurious structure
Sandrone 2007 Barolo "Canubi Boschi" @ $169.99
from a stellar producer making wine in the region since 1978, a single-vineyard wine that is dense and concentrated, showing delightful and seductive notes of berries and cherries with floral and mineral notes, a wine of great harmony and balance
Opus One 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $213.99
recognized as one of the benchmark Bordeaux-styled blends from Napa, in this vintage textured and polished but showing some oak and will definitely benefit from further cellaring

News from Heights Chateau

2011-11-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

After a brief untoward skirmish (way too early) with winter, wee can ease into Autumn proper; herewith some new wines to try!

NEW WHITES:
North Fork Project 2010 Chardonnay @ $10.99 (Liter)
a collaboration between importer/distributor Martin Scott Wines and Pellegrini Vineyards, produced in a sustainable manner and made from estate-grown fruit, aged in stainless steel, with crisp aromas of apple, pears and lemon followed by notes of citrus on the palate
Simonsig 2011 Chenin Blanc @ $11.99
a vibrant South African white with aromatics of ripe tropical fruits like pineapple, ripe pear, guavas and a hint of floral notes
(new vintage) Carrel 2010 Jongieux @ $11.99
made from Jacquere, a grape native to the Savoie region of France, delicate and fresh with a lovely mineral touch and great acidity
L. A. Cetto 2009 Chenin Blanc @ $13.99
from Baja California (Mexico), off-dry with good acidity, ripe tropical fruits and a hint of honey
(new vintage) Brun Terres Dorees 2010 Beaujolais Blanc @ $17.99
from a family-owned-and-run forty-acre estate in the Beaujolais, 100% Chardonnay with aromas of pear, and apple flavor balanced with minerality and a long clean finish
La Crema 2010 Monterey Chardonnay @ $18.99
layered tones of tropical fruit and exotic floral notes mixed with lush butterscotch and spice
(new vintage) Philippe Goulley 2010 Petit Chablis @ $19/99
Chablis at its freshest and most vibrant, 100% Chardonnay produced in a style which is elegant and crisp with plenty of orange and lemon fruit and mineral hints
Macrostie 2008 Chardonnay @ $20.99
from the Sonoma Coast, a rich, round Chardonnay with tropical fruit tones and a finish that is both creamy and crisp
La Renardiere 2009 Chardonnay @ $21.99
a full-bodied, even muscular Chardonnay from the Jura with lots of acid, lemon, apple cider, mineral, almond and orange flavors leading to a substantial finish
Cheveau 2010 Saint-Veran @ $23.99
an exceptionally well balanced, nuanced Chardonnay, a classic example of fine white Burgundy, on the fuller side of medium-bodied, mineral driven, with a nice zing of lemon zest
Monte di Grazia 2010 Bianco @ $28.99
from an organic winery in Campania, a blend of three local grapes (Pepella, Ginestra, and Bianca Tenera), with hints of citrus and undertones of pear and almond a very nice mineral character and good acidity

NEW REDS:
Boissan 2009 Cotes du Ventoux @ $10.99
100% Grenache, showing ripe black fruits, bursting with black peppers and spices, fleshy wild berries and red currants, classic southern Rhone
North Fork Project 2010 Merlot @ $10.99
a collaboration between Martin Scott Wines and Pellegrini Vineyards, produced in a sustainable manner and made from estate-grown fruit, with flavors of dark chocolate, cherry and slight hints of oak well integrated with structured tannins
(new vintage) Tenuta Rapitala 2010 Campo Reale @ $11.99
Nero d'Avola from Sicily, with an aroma of ripe fruit, a firm and powerful structure, a distinct but not intrusive amount of tannin, and a delicate acidity
St. Jean de la Gineste 2009 au Gres du Vent @ $11.99
a Cab/Merlot blend from the Languedoc, with aromas of cherries, cocoa, and coffee with lots of dark red fruits on the palate
L. A. Cetto 2008 Petite Syrah @ $13.99
from Baja California (Mexico), offering a medley of fruit character from red currants to blueberries, silky, velvety tannins, nice concentration and weight
Vercesi del Castellazzo 2010 Pezzalunga @ $14.99
equal parts Barbera and Bonarda, with Uve Rara, Pinot Nero and Cabernet Sauvingnon blended in, with smoky, plummy fruit on the nose and sensations of lush texture balanced with bright berry notes
Taluau 2009 St. Nicolas-de-Bourgueil @ $14.99
an elegant, bright Loire red with vibrant berry fruit accented by violet and pepper
Taupenot-Merme 2009 Passetoutgrain @ $15.99
70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay from parcels just below Morey-St. Denis, a superb example of Passetoutgrain, rich, aromatic and full of fruit
Misfit 2008 Brujeria @ $15.99
from southeastern Australia, a "withes' brew" of mostly Shiraz with some Cab, Grenache and Tempranillo blended in, lusciously drinkable, rich and spicy
(new vintage) Cambon 2010 Beaujolais @ $15.99
from vineyards located between Morgon and Fleurie, an unfiltered, unchaptalized, unfined, unsulphured Beaujolais that is a pure expression of Gamay fruit
Borghese NV Petit Chateau Giardino @ $15.99
from the pioneering winery on Long Island's north fork, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with a soft nose with hints of plum and cherry and a palate dominated by red plum and cherry wih hints of raspberry, well balanced, with a good amount of tannins
Stickybeak 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $18.99
a smooth, supple Napa Cab with a long, rich palate that is finely structured and expresses brambly dark fruit characters and high toned cherry notes alongside hints of dark cocoa and licorice
Fausse Piste 2009 Syrah @$20.99
from an up-and-coming new winery, a great value Syrah sourced from some of the best vineyard sites in Washington's Columbia Valley
A to Z 2009 Pinot Noir @ $21.99
a light and lively Willamette Valley Pinot, with refreshing acidity with silky tannins and rich flavors mirroring its fruity, spicy aromatics
Bouland 2010 Chiroubles @ $22.99
delightfully scented with orange blossom and fresh red raspberry, luscious yet bright, finishing with lift and length
Zumbaum Tomasi 2008 Pic St. Loup @ $21.99
a Syrah/Grenache blend from organically farmed vineyards, very plush, with an array of crushed red fruit flavors, including raspberry, dark cherry and boysenberry and a finely honed finish of dark chocolate, peat and spice that is long and powerful
Beckmen 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $23.99
a Santa Ynez Valley Cab from estate-grown fruit, subtle in oak aroma and flavor; restrained in alcohol; elegant and layered, brimming with sunny California red-fruit flavors riding a wave of mouthwatering acidity
Porter Creek 2008 Pinot Noir @ $25.99
a classic Russian River Pinot Noir with bright red fruits on the nose, a rich pallet and nice mineral notes on the finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-10-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

Back on the weekly schedule but a few days late, having given ourselves a few days of r&r up in the Poconos (where it was mighty chilly); have a great weekend!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Lisabella 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $7.99
aromas of fresh fruit and flowers lead to a delicate taste, crisp and pleasant, nice texture and a fresh elegant finish
(new vintage) Ravines 2010 Keuka Village @ $11.99
a French-American hybrid blend (Cayuga White and Vignoles) with aromas of melon, peach and mango, lively, fresh, fruity with just enough sweetness to balance the acidity
(new vintage) Maculan 2010 Pinot & Toi @ $11.99
made from 60% Friulano, 25% Pinot Bianco and 15% Pinot Grigio from various vineyards in and around the town of Breganze, fermented and matured entirely in stainless steel to preserve its crispness
Jolivet 2010 Attitude @ $14.99
the second label of a great Sancerre producer, fresh, clean and youthful with delicate nuances of lime, grapefruit, green apple and kiwi
Pionero Mundi 2010 Albarino @ $14.99
medium-bodied, vibrant, and well balanced, with plenty of lemon, lime, and floral aromas and an underlying vein of minerality
(new vintage) Morgan 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
a proprietary blending of the Sauvignon Musqué and classic Sauvignon Blanc clones with a little Semillon blended in for richness and depth, featuring aromas of pink grapefruit, lemon-lime, sweet grass, ginger and limestone
(new vintage) St. Michael-Eppan 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $16.99
one of the most flavorful of Pinot Grigios, round and rich in aroma and texture
(new vintage) Wiemer 2010 Dry Riesling @ $16.99
from a landmark producer in the Finger Lakes, the winery's signature wine, with hints of lime and orange blossom on the nose, a succulent palate of apricot and grapefruit, and trademark minerality
(new vintage) St. Paul's 2010 Pinot Bianco @ $19.99
a clean, fresh Pinot Bianco from the Alto Adige region, offering aromas of apple, honey, minerals and earth
Riffault 2009 Sancerre @ $19.99
concentrated fruit flavors and a powerful bouquet from a producer that has been making Sancerre for generations
(new vintage) Fouassier 2010 Sancerre "Grand Groux" @ $20.99
offers aromas of citrus, grass and distinctive minerals with balanced citrus flavors that are sustained into a dry, lingering finish
(new vintage) Pernot 2010 Bourgogne @ $21.99
classic white Burgundy at a bargain price, from a producer that crafts highly individual, rich, powerful and expressive wines that still retain a silkiness and elegance
Hanzell 2009 Chardonnaay "Sebella" @ $29.99
fresh and youthful aromas of white flower, citrus blossom and chamomile wrapped in lovely Hanzell minerality, with fresh Chardonnay fruit and wet stone that are reminiscent of great Chablis grown in warmer vintage years

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Monte Oton 2010 Borsao @ $8.99
100% Garnacha (Grenache) made from grapes grown on the wind-swept slopes of an extinct volcano, hearty, ripe, yet softly textured
(new vintage) D'Aigueville 2010 Cotes du Rhone @ $9.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre with fruity black cherry aromas, black pepper and earthy notes opening to ripe black cherry flavors with earthy accents
Tour Caillet 2009 Bordeaux @ $9.99
a meaty, substantial Bordeaux at a truly bargain price
McManis 2010 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
fermented in stainless steel, aged six months in French oak, abundantly fruity, big yet soft, with creamy mocha notes that linger in the finish
(new vintage) Gouguenheim 2010 Malbec @ $10.99
a dark red Malbec from Mendoza with aromas of dark fruit, chocolate and pepper, medium-bodied in the mouth with a round finish
Ravines 2010 Keuka Village @ $11.99
from a husband-and-wife boutique winery in the Finger Lakes, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Noiret, bright and fruit-forward with peppery hints and soft tannins
St. Eugenie 2010 Le Clos @ $11.99
a spicy blend from the Languedoc with a hefty addition of Merlot that adds a subtle herbal note
(new vintage) Laurent 2009 Saint Pourcain @ $12.99
from the Allier region in Auvergne, central France, an easy drinking, juicy, earthy wine made of Gamay and Pinot Noir
Puy Bardens 2007 Bordeaux @ $12.99
a classic old-school type of Bordeaux, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with flavors of earth, tobacco, dust, and cedar and firm gripping tannins adding the backbone to make it a great food wine
Fausto 2008 Rosso Piceno @ $12.99
from the Marche on Italy's Adriatic coast, a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, clean and crisp with wild cherry flavors with hints of oak and a lasting finish
Decenio 2009 Rioja @ $13.99
light in style with great freshness, a very drinkable Rioja from a small family-run winery
Amador Foothill 2009 Zinfandel @ $13.99
made from grapes from a 40-year-old organically farmed vineyard, with intense cherry aromas and mouth-filling lingering flavors of raspberries, black cherries and pepper
Dauvergne Ranvier 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $14.99
a collaboration between two friends who own neither vineyard nor winery but have persuaded several successful producers to let them manage their vineyards, a Côtes-du-Rhône with bright red berry notes, baking spices, roasted herbs, white pepper and sassafrass.
Beauregard Ducasse 2006 Graves @ $14.99
a classy Cabernet Sauvignon /Merlot/ Cabernet Franc blend showing blackberry, raspberry, cinnamon with tannins softened by 12 months in oak
(new vintage) Scheu 2010 Spatburgunder @ $15.99
a German Pinot Noir packed with strawberry and cherry flavors that ride excellent acidity into an earthy finish
(new vintage) St. Michael Eppan 2009 Lagrein @ $15.99
a fresh, clean nose with vivid aromas of freshly crushed ripe red cherry and other red berries with earthy and mineral notes, medium bodied and well-rounded with delightful red fruit flavors intermingled with refreshing acidity
Wiemer 2008 Field Cuvee @ $15.99
a unique blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Lemberger, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, medium-bodied with an exceptionally drinkable balance, well suited to many different tastes
Pittnauer 2008 Blaufrankisxch @ $16.99
a fresh and classy red, medium-bodied, supple and aromatic, with vibrant black cherry character offset by well-judged oak
Arnad-Montjovet 2009 La Kiuva @ $17.99
made by a tiny co-op in the Valle d'Aoste, primarily Picatendro (the local clone of Nebbiolo) with a range of other local varietals blended in, with dark cherry fruit, an alluring spiciness, and refreshing acidity
Ravines 2008 Cabernet Franc @ $17.99
made in a classic fruit-forward style with ripe red fruit, notes of earth and spice with soft tannins and perfect balance
Westry 2009 Pinot Noir @ $26.99
a Willamette Valley Pinot with a broad flavor spectrum of raspberry, blueberry and sweet spice and fruit aromas that are complemented by notes of sweet clove spice and a hint of toasty vanilla oak
(new vintage) Amapola Creek 2008 Zinfandel @ $32.99
a truly distinctive Zin from very old vines, with concentrated flavors that are rich and textured with hints of sweet spices
Potensac 2008 Medoc @ $39.99
profoundly aromatic, with dark cherry and plum notes, good substance, and a nicely balanced tannin core
Peter Franus 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $39.99
a firm red with ample tannin and acidity leading to cherry flavors with warm sweet oak notes that extend the finish
Stevenson Barrie 2007 Pinot Noir @ $44.99
the personal label for the winemaker at Panther Creek Cellars, rarely found outside of Oregon, an elegant and subtle Pinot with a beautiful array of mineral, fruit and floral aromatics encased by a soft, elegant texture and weight
Lewelling 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $49.99
a Bordeauc look-alike, harmonious and seamless with great concentration and a long finish, eminently ageworthy
Lewelling Wight 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $69.99
a single-vineyard barrel selection Cab cuvée from the same producer, deep, rich and reserved, with plenty of tannin
Sea Smoke 2009 Pinot Noir "Southing" @ $69.99
complex and elegant with a seductive nose of rosewater, violets and cherries. fine tannins and minerality enhanced by the vineyard's cool-climate acidity
Blason d'Issan 2004 Margaux @ $74.99
the second label of Chateau d'Issan, a 60/40 blend of Cabernet and Merlot, spicy and meaty on the nose, round, polished and creamy on the palate with gentle acidity
Beau-Sejour Becot 2009 St. Emilion @ $74.99
rich and broad, with great structure and substance, but with a bright layer of fruit above
Sea Smoke 2009 Pinot Noir "Ten" @ $99.99
a brooding and intense Pinot with aromas of dried blueberries and lavender and firm tannins followed by a long velvety finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-10-21T08:55:00.001-07:00

Back on a weekly schedule but a few days late, due to my computer acting up . . . looks like I'm in for a new one shortly. But on to what's new!

NEW WHITES:
Boxhead 2010 Chardonnay @ $10.99
sourced from some of the best vineyard sites across South Australia, a fairly steely Chardonnay with notes of citrus and apple, good grip and a restrained palate
Grinalda 2010 Vinho Verde @ $11.99
a blend of three grapes native to the region, Trjadura for elegance and softness, Loureiro for intense aroma, and Alvarinho for a long persistent finish
Jacky Renard 2009 Bourgogne Aligote @ $13.99
crisp citrus aromas with underlying mineral notes, medium-bodied and fresh on the palate, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple that are balanced by bright acidity
Airfield 2010 Chardonnay @ $13.99
a Washington state Chardonnay with a delicate, creamy mouthfeel with aromas of pear, melon, a hint of butterscotch, and subtle notes of coconut
Red Newt Cellars 2010 Riesling @ $13.99
slightly sweet yet crisp, with forward fruit flavors of angerine and apricot, overtones of citrus and honeysuckle
(new vintage) Joel Gott 2010 Chardonnay @ $15.99
a clean, crisp, delicious Chardonnay unfettered by toasty oak or buttery lactic acid flavors
Chateau Marjosse 2009 Bordeaux @ $17.99
a textbook apéritif wine, with tasty thyme, lemon peel and fleur de sel notes and a bright, breezy finish
Barth 2007 Pinot Gris @ $17.99
big and rich, with great fruity pear and fig flavors and a long dry finish
(new vintage) Batasiolo 2009 Gavi di Gavi @ $17.99
a subtle, fruity white, with apple, lemon and melon character, medium-bodied and fresh
(new vintage) Ponzi 2010 Pinot Gris @ $17.99
vanilla, mango and papaya notes offset by strong green pear and floral aromatics, full and broad on the palate with a refreshing hit of lemon custard
Atwater 2010 Gewurztraminer @ $18.99
a dry Gewurz from the Finger Lakes, distinctively aromatic, with notes of rose petal, honeysuckle and spice
Keller 2010 Riesling @ $19.99
made by one of the most respected winemakers in Germany, Klaus-Peter Keller, who almost single-handedly put the Rheishessen region on the map, a very dry wine with notes of apple, pink grapefruit, chalky minerality and orange peel, medium- to full-bodied with bracing acidity
Roth 2010 Chardonnay @ $20.99
from cool-climate sites in the Sonoma Coast appellation, a rich ripe Chardonnay with some French oak influence
(new vintage) Cloudy Bay 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $29.99
substantial, citrusy and refreshingly clean, with fruit flavors that are tart and complex, aromas of grapefruit pith

NEW REDS:
Bucatini 2007 Red @ $10.99
a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, with rich fruit, complex flavors, and peppery spice notes
Alpha Box & Dice 2008 Tarot Grenache @ $12.99
made from fruit sourced from some of the oldest and best vineyard sites in South Australia, New World Grenache at its best, with great purity of fruit balanced with plenty of acidity
Bera 2006 Dolcetto Bricco della Sera @ $13.99
from a great Piedmont vintage, a single-vineyard wine, organically farmed, with uncommon finesse and depth for a Dolcetto
Passedouro 2008 Tinto @ $13.99
powerful yet elegant, with great ripe fruit packed into a firm structure, and a delicious juicy character that balances acidity and tannins
Decero 2009 Malbec @ $14.99
opaque and dense with aromas and flavor, with pronounced aromas, solid but affable tannins, fragrant fruit and supple spice
Schiavenza 2010 Dolcetto @ $14.99
a pure, vibrant, elegant expression of the grape from a producer using traditional methods and organic viticulture
Helfenbein 2010 Syrah @ $14.99
a pure expression of Syrah from a very impressive newcomer in the Rhone
Casematte 2009 Figliodiennenne @ $15.99
a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera from Sicily, rich, ripe and robust
Clos de Noi 2009 Montsant @ $15.99
100% Carignan from 50-60-year-old vines, a lightly oaked blend of the three different soil types in the vineyard, each terroir lending its own expression to the wine, giving it balance, structure and elegance
(new vintage) Walden 2008 Cotes du Rousillon @ $15.99
a blend of Carignane, Grenache, and Syrah, bright and zesty with a core of vibrant fruit; rich and complex yet surprisingly easy to drink
Wilson Daniels 2010 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
from California's Santa Maria Valley, a Pinot with berry and Asian spice flavors, a silky body and a smooth finish
Airfield Estates 2009 Bombshell Red @ $17.99
mostly Syrah and Merlot with splashes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Cab Franc from Washington State, round and full-bodied, with lingering flavors of dark fruit and toasted oak on the palate
Gonzalez-Suner 2009 Mantonegro @ $17.99
a soft, fruity blend from Mallorca made primarily from the indigenous Mantonegro grape with some Collat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blended in, with plenty of earth and berry flavors, crisp acidity, well balanced
Filliatreau 2009 La Grande Vignole @ $19.99
a Loire red that is elegant and deeply fruited with excellent focus and structure
Roth 2009 Merlot @ $20.99
from Sonoma's Alexander Valley, a rich ripe Merlot, densely structured. with generous fruit flavors, chewy tannins, a smooth mouthfeel, and a long gracious finish
(new vintage) Cousin-LeDuc 2010 Le Cousin @ $20.99
100% Grolleau, an ancient red grape variety indigenous to the Loire, rich and complex yet soft and gentle
Alessandria 2010 Verduna Pelaverga @ $20.99
a light, bright, peppery Piedmontese red made from the Pelaverga grape found only in the town of Verduno, fresh and pure in the mouth, with attractive sweetness and plenty of character to the red berry, herbal and mineral flavors, only 750 cases made
Tavijn 2010 Grignolino @ $21.99
a local specialty of the Monferrato hills in Piedmont, made by Nadia Verrua, the "padronina" of Cascina Tavijn, a light red with the bitter cherry flavor characteristic of the grape
Pombal do Vesuvio 2007 Douro @ $21.99
a smooth, supple red from a great Port house, displaying black plum and fresh raspberry fruit flavors on the palate, with silky and refined tannins carrying through to a long stylish finish
Querce 2007 Il Guado Bolgheri @ $22.99
a Cab/Merlot/Syrah blend from southern Tuscany, big and broad with ripe tannins and tons of fruit
Henry's Drive 2008 Dead Letter Office Shiraz @ $22.99
a blend of Padthaway Shiraz and McLaren Vale Shiraz from the Henry's Drive vineyards in both regions, ripe, round and mouth-filling, with fine soft tannins and fresh acidity
Le Gode 2008 Rosso di Montalcino @ $22.99
from the same vineyards that yield the winery's Brunello but aged a shorter period of time, full-bodied, fruitforward, with sublte mineral undertones
Alpha Box & Dice 2008 Dolcetto @ $24.99
an early-drinking style red that has the fresh acidity one would expect from a white wine but with soft, round fruit flavors that are vibrant and full of life
Ponzi 2009 Tavola @ $24.99
a Pinot from one of Willamette Valley's pioneering wineries, with a perfumed nose of spiced cherry, red raspberry, clove, licorice and sandalwood, and a bright mouth of red currant and plum that leads to a soft, lingering finish
Chapelle de Calon 2006 Saint-Estephe @ $26.99
the second wine of Chateau Calon Segur, full-bodied but well balanced, with a pleasantly herbal finish
Mount Eden 2007 "Domaine Eden" Cabernet Sauvignon @ $29.99
from the old Cinnabar winery, renamed Domaine Mount Eden this year by new owner Mount Eden Vineyards, a true Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot with small additions of Petit Verdot and Malbec, with complex aromas and muted tannins and acidity
Grassi 2007 Valpolicella @ $31.99
made in a style that favors elegance and detail over sheer power, a voluptuous Valpolicella that flows with layers of dark cherries, herbs and smoke
Silverado 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $39.99
a classic Bordeaux-style blend, well structured, with intense aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries that follow to a full body, with lots of fruit and a velvety tannin structure
Sister Moon 2007 Toscana Rosso @ $64.99
the top of the line from Sting's Tuscan winery, an elegant, harmonious blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, with beautiful aromatics, deep and intense fruit and spice, and a gorgeous, elegant structure
Cosimi 2006 Terra Rossa Brunello @ $69.99
handcrafted Brunello from a small single vineyard, a classic wine with great structure, ample red fruit and sweet tannins, soft and succulent

News from Heights Chateau

2011-10-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

Big mistake lumping two weeks together again; two weeks ago was fairly slight input but last week was an onslaught! Anyway, here it all is (and definitely back to a weekly schedule from here on in).

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Cupcake 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $9.99
a zesty, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the cool Marlborough Valley, with fully integrated flavors with layer upon layer of Meyer lemons and key limes
Marques de Gelida 2010 Xarello @ $10.99
made from one of the traditional grapes for cava, and from 70-year-old vines, stainless steel fermented, bone dry and zingy with a creamy texture
Domaine d'Antugnac 2010 Chardonnay @ $10.99
produced by Burgundians Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray but in the foothills of the Pyrenees, an unoaked Chardonnay with great freshness and finesse
Pizy 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
from the Touraine region of France, an easy-to-drink white with a good balance of fruit and minerality
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2011 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
bright and a bit racy, with added complexity from classic gooseberry, lime juice and lemongrass aromas with tropical nuances
(new vintage) Ravines 2010 Keuka Village White @ $11.99
a fruity and fresh blend of 80% Cayuga White and 20% Vignoles with nice floral and mineral overtones
Scherer 2009 Pinot Blanc @ $12.99
a refreshingly dry, medium-bodied Pinot Blanc with tangy, ripe pear aromas land an easy-going, crisp and fresh character underpinned nicely by a stony minerality
(new vintage) Millbrook 2010 Chardonnay @ $13.99
a classic Chardonnay, with delightful aromas of tangerine, orange and mango with lemon curd and persimmon flavors
(new vintage) BOE 2010 Shindig @ $13.99
a delightful blend of Vidal Blanc and Riesling, perfect for every casual "shindig"
Blue Quail 2010 Chardonnay @ $13.99
from the Potter Valley in Mendocino County, a fruit-forward stainless-steel Chardonnay made from organically grown grapes
(new vintage) Fontezoppa 2010 Verdicchio di Matelica @ $14.99
a smooth, delicious white with a hints of apricot, mango and a subtle bit of licorice
(new vintage) Inama 2009 Soave @ $14.99
100% Garganega from old vines, with rich, deep aromas of peach and flowers on the nose
(new vintage) Emmolo 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
crisp, clean and elegant, with excellent balance between fruit-driven flavors, juicy acidity and just the right touch of mineral
(new vintage) Pra 2010 Soave @ $15.99
a deliciously balanced white with ripe citrus fruit, balanced acidity, and some nice earthy weight
Muxagat 2009 Branco @ $17.99
a delicious white blend from Portugal's Douro Valley with citrus and floral aromas supported by a delicate almond character on the palate
Sablonettes 2010 P'tit Blanc @ $17.99
from a certified organic/biodynamic producer in the Loire, a Chenin Blanc with notes of white flowers, almonds, and pear and hints of honey on the finish
(new vintage) Agape 2009 Riesling @ $17.99
vibrant, elegant and pure, a stunning expression of the Riesling grape
Picariello 2009 Fiano di Avellino @ $21.99
brilliantly made, minerally but densely flavored (apple, white peach, hazelnut), a great introduction to the variety
Domaine Leflaive 2009 Puligny-Montrachet "Claivoillon" @ $139.99
classic white Burgundy from a legendary domain has consistently been among the two or three best in the village of Puligny-Montrachet
Olivier Leflaive 2008 Meursault @ $151.99
a lean, taut style yet intense, with a stony undercurrent to its lime blossom, hazelnut and apple flavors, silky and harmonious, with a lingering mineral aftertaste
Domaine Leflaive 2009 Meursault @ $151.99
a blend of different parcels located in various parts of the village, relatively restrained, with notes of peach, pear and acacia blossom that are trimmed in discreet wood and a dry, clean, and persistent finish

NEW REDS:
Les Deux Rives 2009 Corbieres @ $9.99
from the banks of the Canal du Midi, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, with an intense nose of fresh red fruits, silky tannins, and a long cassis-and-cherry finish
Ken Forrester 2009 Petit Pinotage @ $9.99
in the food-friendly, valuecentric "Petit" line from Ken Forrester, a smooth, soft, supple Pinotage with good length and immediate appeal
Dievole 2008 Chianti @ $9.99
from the heart of Tuscany, very near Siena, a medium-bodied Chiani with fruity notes of cherry and plum, fresh and dry with good acidity and persistence
Lyeth 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $10.99
rich and concentrated with layers of juicy plum, black currant and coffee nuances, a medium-bodied wine that finishes with polished tannins allowing the ripe fruit flavors to show through
Edgebaston 2010 The Pepper Pot @ $10.99
a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Tannat from South Africa's Stellenbosch region, created to show the fresh, fruity and spice-driven flavors of these Rhone varietals
Gretzy Estate 2005 #99 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
classic Napa character with dark fruit aromas of sweet black cherry, blackberry, cassis and a light touch of toasty oak
Vega Sindoa 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
a velvety Can from Navarre with just a little Tempranillo blended in, well structured, balanced, highly polished, a great value
Ferraton 2009 Cotes du Rhone "Samorens" @ $11.99
a benchmark Cotes-du-Rhone from a superb vintage, soft, round, and full of warm brambly fruit
Franschhoek Cellar 2009 Pinotage @ $11.99
from a private winery originally founded as a coop in 1945, a softly-styled Pinotage, medium to full in body, with an approachable earthy and berry-fruit character
Enodelta 2010 Lacryma Christi @ $11.99
from the lava-caked foothills of Mount Vesuvius, just east of Naples, and from a great vintage for southern Italy, a blend of Piediross and Aglianico, rustic yet smooth and well-balanced, medium-bodied, with bright acidity
Chateau La Bastide 2009 Pinot Noir @ $12.99
made by a quality-oriented producer in Corbières, an expressive and warm Pinot with soft fruits and spicy notes
Casa Marguery 2010 Malbec @ $12.99
a smooth, supple Malbec with classic blackberry notes on the nose and a striking rustic character that is more European than Argentine
Latour 2009 Pinot Noir Valmoissine @ $13.99
a Pinot Noir from Provence with bold, lively fruit aromas, medium acidity, supple tannins, and round structure
Gout 2007 Pechigo "La Saulsaire" @ $14.99
from two organic producers deep in the heart of the Pyrenees, a field blend containing mostly old-vine Carignan, Alicante, Syrah, Pinot Noir and even a dab of Merlot, bright, fresh and lively
(new vintage) Juan Gil 2009 Jumilla @ $14.99
100% Mourvèdre, with powerful aromas of red berries, with toasty and smoky notes from aging in oak barriques
Earthworks 2008 Shiraz @ $14.99
from Australia's Barossa Valley, a Shiraz with lifted bright blue fruit on a medium to full palate, wonderfully balanced with briar and peppery spice which continues through the long finish

Viberti 2010 Dolba @ $14.99
a blend of Dolcetto and Barbera, fresh and approachable, medium-bodied, well balanced, with a smooth finish
(new vintage) Bonterra 2008 Zinfandel @ $15.99
made from 100% organic grapes grown in a biodynamic vineyard, a dark cherry-colored Zin with aromas of mixed berries and raspberry liqueur
Paradiso 2009 Sangiovese @ $15.99
from Emilia-Romagna, a silky 100% Sangiovese with just the right amount of spice and complexity, enchanting and invigorating
Taupenot-Merme 2008 Passetoutgrain @ $15.99
from a classic Burgundy estate now in its seventh generation of family winemakers, a blend of Pinot and Gamay, fruity and approachable, with bright notes of cranberry, raspberry and blackberry on a soft, round palate
Mormoraia 2008 Chianti Colli Senesi @ $15.99
aromas of ripe fruit, spices, plum and tobacco, ample Sangiovese flavors with soft tannins and a persistent and satisfying finish
Caruso & Minini 2009 Nero d'Avola @ $15.99
a Nero d'Avola with an elegant fruit-driven style with sweet forest fruits aromas and a hint of minty freshness on the palate
Wilson Daniels 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $15.99
a Paso Robles Cab with cassis, chocolate and cedar notes, concentrated blue fruit flavors, and a hint of oak on the finish
Veedercrest 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $16.99
a Napa Cab from a great Napa vintage, with enticing, complex aromas of bramble fruit, sour cherry and spice, dark berry on the palate with smoky, vanilla- edged oak and velvety tannins
Ramirez de la Piscina 2007 Rioja Reserva @ $16.99
classic Tempranillo aromas and flavors, aged more than 18 months in American oak, balanced and round with elegant and well integrated tannins
Wine by Joe 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
from stellar winemaker Joe Dobbes in Oregon's Willamette Valley, an excitingly complex and well-balanced Pinot Noir with gorgeous mouthwatering aromas of blackberry and a touch of leather
Les Sablonettes 2010 Le Petit Diable @ $17.99
from a certified organic/biodynamic producer in the Loire, a lighter and brighter-styled Cabernet Franc filled with raspberry and strawberry aromas. round, fresh, with a balance between the nice ripeness of the grapes and a pretty acidity
(new vintage) Les Sablonettes 2010 Les Copines Aussi @ $17.99
a bright, buoyant and delightfully fruity expression of Loire Valley Gamay made from 10-50 year old vines according to biodynamic practices
Renard 2009 Irancy @ $18.99
a vibrant, fruity Burgundy with a slight earthiness and minerality
Mortier 2008 Graviers @ $19.99
made by a biodynamic producer in the Loire town of St. Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, a deep, rich red redolent of violets and blue berries, the essence of Cabernet Franc
La Croix Gachet 2006 Lalande de Pomerol @ $19.99
a rich and powerful Bordeaux, with intense aromas of red fruit and cacao
Evening Land 2008 Sorcerer @ $21.99
primarily Cabernet with some Syrah, Grenache and Petit Verdot blended in, sourced from several differnet regions in California, big, bold, heady and spicy
(new vintage) Valle dell' Acate 2010 Il Frappato @ $21.99
100% Frappato, aged in stainless steel tank prior to bottling to retain this varietal's lively red-fruited, highly aromatic and floral profile
Coto de Imaz 2008 Rioja Reserva @ $22.99
a Rioja of great class and complexity, full-bodied, round, and very appealing on the palate
Abbona 2008 Nebbiolo @ $23.99
delivers all the hallmark characters and flavors of a Barolo at a fraction of the price, ripe but beautifully dry and long on flavor
Haut de Poujeaux 2006 Haut-Medoc @ $23.99
an elegant, cedary Claret, with freshness and finesse, made from vines neighboring the famous Moulis estate, Poujeaux
Gachot-Monot 2009 Cotes-de-Nuits Villages @ $26.99
a rich, well structured Burgundy that offers a striking balance between power and pleasure, smoky, with lovely dark spicy fruit
Calabretta 2002 Etna Rosso @ $26.99
aromas of dried cherries, tar, licorice, and hints of ashy/volcanic soil tones, with a freshness and delineation that recalls a mature Barolo, northern Rhône or even a sturdier, earthier red Burgundy
Desertaux-Ferrand 2009 Cotes-de-Nuits Villages @ $33.99
classic red Burgundy from a family that has been doing it for generations, with ripe red and black fruit flavors with nuances of licorice
Sigaut 2007 Chambolle-Musigny @ $59.99
from Anne and Hervé Sigaud, an elegant Burgundy with ripe, succulent fruit and plenty of intriguing spice notes
Pisoni 2009 Estate Pinot Noir @ $79.99
made from four separate blocks and vinified with 20% whole clusters, a big wine with powerful tannins that frame a core of dark, black fruit
Laurent 2007 Echezaux @ $136.99
a Burgundy with tremendous complexity and an elegant, supple texture, purity of aroma and fruit flavor, and considerable length
Dugat-Py 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin @ $195.99
scents of red berry fruit and roses give way to a ripe palate with tart flavors and mineral nuances, and a persistent and lively finish with balanced acidity that suggests this wine will last for nearly a decade, only 200 cases made

News from Heights Chateau

2011-09-29T15:45:00.001-07:00

Yet another lumping together of two weeks' worth of arrivals; I should return to a weekly schedule next week!

NEW WHITES:
Bogle 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $9.99
bright and lively, with aromas of lemon zest and fresh-cut grass, clean and refreshingly crisp on the palate
Toad Hollow 2009 Chardonnay @ $12.99
unoaked from Mendocino County, crisp, clean and steely with flavor notes of peach and citrus
(new vintage) Dr. Loosen 2010 Riesling @ $12.99
lemon tinted and golden hued, a semi-sweet Riesling with young fruit aromas of melon, lemon, and lime
(new vintage) Mulderbosch 2010 Chenin Blanc @ $13.99
clean and lively, with nuances of nutmeg and cloves, well-balanced and elegant but with weight and a powerful follow-through on the palate
(new vintage) Rocken 2010 Riesling @ $13.99
a crisp, dry Riesling from Weingut Ehrhard featuring a sweet, ripe nose and zingy citrus and minerals on the palate
(back) Kim Crawford 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
arguably the benchmark for this varietal, crisp and powerful, with intense aromas of gooseberry and citrus
Mancinelli 2010 Verdicchio @ $17.99
a fresh, fragrant white with the classic bitter almond aroma, soft and floral with a slightly bitter aftertaste
Ponzi 2010 Pinot Gris @ $17.99
from one of Oregon's most consistent Pinot Gris producers, with tropical fruit and floral aromatics and a refreshing hit of citrus on the palate
Deux Roches 2008 Saint-Veran @ $19.99
a real charmer with flavors of citrus, floral notes and a wonderful minerality, ample, with a beautiful richness and a finish that is delicate and refreshing
(new vintage) Freemark Abbey 2010 Chardonnay @ $19.99
a classic California Chardonnay made with fruit from four vineyard sites across the Napa Valley, showing concentrated aromas and flavors of ripe, lush stone fruits supported by a lovely, subtle toasty oak complexity
(new vintage) La Crema 2009 Chardonnay @ $20.99
from the cool-climate Monterey appellation, a fruit-driven tropical-flavored Chardonnay with complex and intense flavors without overwhelming ripeness
(back) DeVillaine 2008 Bourgogne "Les Clous" @ $20.99
an ageworthy old-vines Chardonnay from the Côtes Chalonnaises, crisp and elegant with pure mineral character
Cliff Lede 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $24.99
intense floral and tropical flavors, with subtle notes of marzipan, ginger, and tarragon that add complexity to the finish and complement the lemon/strawberry base and a crisp minerality that lifts the flavors on the palate
Bichot 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet @ $39.99
classic white Burgundy from one of the region's most prominent and long-established negociants

NEW REDS:
Esteban Martin 2010 Tinto @ $8.99
from the Carinena region of Spain, an easy-drinking stainless-steel blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, spicy with good body and ripe berry flavors
Alto Tierruca 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $8.99
a great-value Cab from Chile, bright and medium-bodied with flavors of cherries, berries and plums
(new vintage) Nieto Senetiner 2010 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
a value-priced Pinot from Argentina with a medium body and smooth texture, very food friendly
(new vintage) Dupeuble 2010 Beaujolais @ $13.99
village Beaujolais at its finest, lively and fun without any overripe excess
Eberle NV Full Boar Red @ $13.99
predominantly Cabernet with splashes of Sangiovese, Barbera and Tempranillo, a non-vintage blend from one of the pioneers of Paso Robles, rich and complex, great value for $$
La Natura 2008 Primitivo @ $13.99
made from certified organic grapes from the Salento peninsula of Italy, full-bodied, deeply colored, and aromatic
San Fabiano 2009 Chianti @ $13.99
bright, satisfying, lovely fruit flavors with cherries predominating and a touch of leather
Sorelle Palazzi 2009 Rosso Toscana @ $13.99
organic, pure Sangiovese without any oak influence, lots of red fruit with hints of leather and chestnuts
(new vintage) De Forville 2010 Dolcetto @ $14.99
a traditional, understated, and masterful Dolcetto, the type of wine the Piemontese themselves prefer
(new vintage) Quietud 2008 Corral de Campanas @ $15.99
100% Tempranillo from the Toro region of Spain, produced from the young vines of Quinta de la Quietud, balanced and structured with profound aromas of wild red fruits
Tommasi 2006 Alicante @ $15.99
from a Tuscan estate belonging to one of the top producers of the Veneto region of Italy, a single-vineyard Alicante Bouchet nutty and peppery with a lush texture and fine tannins
Scala 2008 Ciro Rosso Classico @ $17.99
100% estate-grown Gaglioppo, harmonious and well balanced, with a powerful and persistent aroma
(new vintage) Mas d'Agalis 2009 Yo No Puede Mas @ $17.99
a deep, complex blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from the Languedoc with dark red fruit that resonates on the palate, joined by notes of garrigue and earth
(new vintage) Qupe 2009 Syrah Central Coast @ $17.99
medium-bodied in the mouth, a fruit-forward Syrah that offers red cherry, currant and oak flavors before leading into a spicy finish
(new vintage) Wyatt 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
aromas of wild strawberry, red plum and rhubarb, with a lovely savory earthy quality intermingled with the fruit
Don & Sons B Side 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $18.99
from the next generation of Sebastianis, a Cab made with excellent fruit and balance without sacrificing tannin, backbone, and potential for aging
(new vintage) Cuvelier Los Andes 2008 Coleccion @ $19.99
a big, brash blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot with concentrated dark fruit aromas joined by layers of chocolate, spice and toasty oak and. on the palate, deep fruit-driven flavors that are balanced by structured tannins and excellent acidity
Monsanto 2007 Chianti Classico @ $19.99
ripe, juicy, big and bold, tannins well coated with fleshy fruit, and a long spicy aftertaste
Grand Enclos du Chateau de Cerons 2005 Graves @ $21.99
classic Bordeaux, intense, powerful and earthy with good breed, depth and complexity, excellent balance among all components
Tassi 2006 Rosso di Montalcino @ $26.99
100% Sangiovese Grosso, with an ethereal bouquet, well structured, with perfectly balanced tannins
Argiano 2008 Rosso di Montalcino @ $26.99
refined and elegant, medium-bodied with good concentration, with captivating flavors of red fruits, violets, menthol, and earth
Monte di Grazia 2007 Rosso @ $31.99
from Italy's Amalfi coast, a blend of two obscure local grapes, Tintore and Moscio, unoaked, a full-bodied red with ripe dark fruit
Bichot 2009 Cotes-de-Nuits Villages @ $32.99
a fruity Pinot with a light smoky background, well structured and supple with aromas and flavors of red currants and raspberries and a hint of licorice
(new vintage) Tenuta di Trinoro 2008 Le Cupole @ $33.99
an organic blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot showing dark fruit overlaid with spices and licorice
Mathieu 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $39.99
highly concentrated, with aromas of cherry and cinnamon, cherries on the palate, silky. with well integrated tannins
Poggio di Sotto 2006 Rosso di Montalcino @ $59.99
suave and sweet on the palate, with ripe red fruit flavors complicated by woodsy notes of truffles and mushrooms, and a long creamy finish
Guigal 2007 Cote Rotie La Landonne @ $469.99
100% Syrah from the illustrious single vineyard of the same name, aged for 42 months in new oak, showing small black fruits, licorice, roasted notes and Oriental spices on the nose, ageworthy for up to 35 years
Guigal 2007 Cote Rotie La Mouline @ $469.99
a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier from the illustrious single vineyard of the same name, aged for 42 months in new oak, showing small red fruits and blackberry and floral violet aromas on the nose with an expressive palate balanced between the finesse of the aromas and an explosive richness due to the concentration of the wine, ageworthy for up to twenty years
Guigal 2007 Cote Rotie La Turque @ $469.99
a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier from the illustrious single vineyard of the same name, aged for 42 months in new oak, showing powerful yet elegant small red fruit, blackberry, and Morello cherry aromas with an expressive palate that has a supple attack with a balanced structure, very good concentration and elegant tannins, ageworthy for 25+ years

News from Heights Chateau

2011-09-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

The end of August continued rather quiet, but with the advent of September the pace has picked up a bit. The listing below consolidates new arrivals of the last three weeks. September is national Bourbon Heritage month, so all our tastings this month feature America's very own; check the calendar on our web site for news of which distillery is featured when!

NEW WHITES:
Falesco 2010 Est! Est! Est! @ $9.99
a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Roscetto from selected vineyards in Lazio, fresh and structured with good acidity, floral and fruity notes
(new vintage) Hugues Beaulieu 2010 Picpoul de Pinet @ $9.99
a refreshing white from the Languedoc that offers a palate that comprises the citrus of a Sauvignon Blanc, the minerality of a Muscadet and the roundness of a Viognier
(new vintage) Grooner 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $10.99
a crisp, clean, dry version of GV made by one of Austria's top winemakers, Meinhard Forstreiter, accessible, refreshing, and easy-drinking, with hints of apple and citrus
(new vintage) Thiery-Weber 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $11.99
a bright, balanced Gruner Veltliner from the Kremstal region of Austria, with light floral aromas that are complemented by crisp white fruit on the palate before ending in a fresh, peppery finish
Ksara 2009 Blanc de Blancs @ $11.99
an elegant, subtle blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon from Lebanon
(new vintage) Massaya 2010 Blanc @ $13.99
a blend of Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and a native Lebanese grape called Obeidi, round and silky with a hint of anise that keeps the palate fresh
(new vintage) Elk Cove 2010 Pinot Gris @ $18.99
from one of Oregon's oldest and most respected wineries, a Pinot Gris that is elegant and fresh,; made very much in the Alsatian style, zippy but elegant, with a kick of lemon zest at the end
(new vintage) Freemark Abbey 2010 Chardonnay @ $19.99
a classic Chardonnay made with fruit from four vineyard sites across the Napa Valley showing concentrated aromas and flavors of ripe, lush stone fruits supported by a lovely, subtle toasty oak complexity
(new vintage) Hippolyte Reverdy 2010 Sancerre @ $25.99
from one of Sancerre's top producers, a textbook Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, with bright acidity, smoke, grassiness, and citrus, crisp and lively with good concentration and enough substance to stand up to fairly rich dishes
(new vintage) Sonoma-Cutrer 2009 Chardonnay @ $26.99
a medium-bodied, balanced, California Chardonnay with a finish that is dry and lingers nicely

NEW REDS:
Pierola 2010 Labraz Rioja @ $11.99
a fresh, vibrant young Tempranillo, light to medium-bodied, dry yet fruit-forward, with aromas and flavors of black cherries and raspberries
Cuvee des Galets 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $11.99
a baby Rhone blending Grenache, Syrah and Carignane, smoky,with dark fruits with a hint of chocolate and plum alongside a leafy herbaceous character and lots of minerality
(new vintage) Mas des Collines 2009 @ $11.99
almost entirely Grenache with classic old-vine Grenache flavors, bright berry fruit with good avidity, great balance and length
(new vintage) La Linda 2009 Malbec @ $11.99
a full and fruity Malbec featuring fresh plum and black berry aromas with additional smooth spice on the palate and ample acidity that supports the dark fruit into a long, spicy finish
Via Nova 2010 Mencia @ $12.99
a medium-bodied polished red with flavors of black cherry, cranberry and licorice, light tannins with firm acidity
Montecastillo 2006 Priorat @ $13.99
full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, cocoa and ripe cherries, well balanced with soft tannins and a slight presence of mature oak in the finish
(new vintage) Crios 2010 Malbec @ $13.99
smooth, full and fruity, with aromas of crushed cherries and flavors of cherries and spice
(new vintage) La Cartuja 2009 Priorat @ $15.99
a blend of Grenache and Mazuelo with a little Cabernet and Syrah from an organically farmed estate, plush and concentrated with great structure and balance and bright berry flavors
(new vintage) Guillot-Broux 2009 Macon-Cruzille @ $16.99
from a certified organic vineyard in the Macon, a fruity Gamay with scents of young red berries and plums and a palate that is buoyant with fresh red fruit backed by vibrant acidity
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
a light bodied Pinot Noir with a nose and palate that express red and dark cherry flavors, balanced by focused acidity and enjoyable oak notes
(new vintage) Luigi Bosca 2008 Malbec @ $17.99
a big bold Malbec, full-bodied and well structured, fine tannins, and a lingering herbal complexity
Pierola 2007 Rioja @ $18.99
from a small, relatively new estate, an elegant Rioja with intense aromas of red fruit and wild berries. meaty and well balanced on the palate, with a long finish and a memorable personality
Chateau Saint Ange 2009 Saint Emilion @ $22.99
from a new property of Doublet Family Vineyards, a classic right-bank blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, extremely limited production
Fenocchio 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo @ $22.99
from a fifth-generation producer in the Barolo region of Piedmont, classic Nebbiolo, unfined and unfiltered, produced from declassified single-vineyard Barolo grapes, with great floral complexity and spiciness
Dobbes Family Estate 2009 Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir @ $30.99
an Oregon Pinot with an excellent balance of fruit and acidity, all dark cherries and just-ripened blackberries, bright and sensuous, with flavors of tart cherries and a hint of red licorice
Chandon de Briailles 2008 Pernand-Vergelesse "Les Vergelesses" @ $38.99
from an estate in the same family since 1834, a refined, graceful Burgundy with sweet red fruit up front, the aroma of charred cherry wood, and the haunting flavors of Eastern spices

News from Heights Chateau

2011-08-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Two weeks lumped together again as we hit another quiet stretch mid-August; things should pick up soon!

NEW WHITES:
(back) The Royal 2009 Chenin Blanc @ $8.99
made from grapes from 50-year-old vines, with a stunning balance of tropical and fresh fruit flavors with acidity that is reminiscent of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Gran Familia 2010 Rueda @ $11.99
old-vines Verdejo, bursting with tropical fruit flavors
(new vintage) Sepp 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $11.99
fresh and fruit-driven, with aromas and flavors of green apples, grapefruit and white pepper
Nasiakos 2009 Mantinia @ $15.99
light, bright and well balanced, with strong aromas and an underlying nectarine fruit character and a delightful citric aftertaste
(new vintage) Conundrum 2009 White @ $26.99
a unique non-traditional California blend that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Semillon and Viognier, with fresh, crisp aromas and fruit flavors

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Sean Minor 2008 Merlot @ $17.99
sourced entirely from Napa Valley grapes, with aromas of black cherry and cocoa and dark berry flavors along with black cherry and plum
Wallace Brook 2009 Pinot Noir @ $18.99
the second label of Adelsheim, a light and fragrant Pinot with a delicate finish
(new vintage) Ex Libris 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
a classically-styled Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec, full and concentrated on the palate with fruit-forward flavors
(new vintage) Smith & Hook 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
lush and textured, with gripping tannins, well-developed acidity and a lingering finish
Olivier Rion 2009 Savigny-les-Beaune @ $23.99
old vines Pinot Noir from a small vineyard owned and farmed by Daniel Rion's youngest son and his wife, a fresh and vibrant Burgundy with primary fruit aromas and flavors
(new vintage) Ponzi 2008 Pinot Noir @ $30.99
a full mouth of sweet black cherries balanced with high notes of blueberry and pomegranate, finishing with soft and silky tannins

News from Heights Chateau

2011-08-08T13:24:00.001-07:00

For those of you not sticking it out in the neighborhood during the summer months, a week ago Saturday was Dominique's last day with Heights Chateau; he has taken his family on a cross-country trip to the wet coast and from there goes on to a very different new life as a sommelier in Hong Kong. He made many friends with us, and I know all wish him well. Still not many new wines to report, so I took last week off and have lumped two weeks together . . . here goes.

NEW WHITES:
(back) Frenzy 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
zesty, aromatic and fresh with delicious flavors of peach, grapefruit, lime, melon and fresh-cut grass
(back) Tablelands 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
from the southern end of New Zealand's North Island, a Sauvignon Blanc with moderate intensity, mineral, grapefruit, herbaceous, with a medium finish
(new vintage) Cinquante-Cinq 2010 Viognier @ $12.99
from the south of France, light, crisp and floral, with aromas of peaches and pears
Basa 2010 Rueda @ $13.99
a Rueda from Telmo Rodriguez, Spain's up-and-coming enologist, a refreshing summer white made mostly of Verdejo with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc and Viura blended in
Setzer 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $14.99 (L)
light, clean, honest and a little grassy, with a few gooseberry notes from a cold September
Benito Santos 2010 Albarino @ $15.99
an organic wine from one of the original growers in the region, ripe and balanced, with notes of peaches, green apples, white flowers, and tropical fruit
Castello di Neive 2010 Arneis @ $15.99
from a beautiful estate in the Barbaresco zone of the Piedmont, a single-vineyard Arneis with an intense fruity nose of lemons and apples and a distinctive taste of almonds
(back) Collovray and Terrier 2009 St. Veran @ $17.99
an elegant French Chardonnay, intense, round, softly structured and lightly perfumed, with pronounced mineral notes

NEW REDS:
(back) Li Veli 2008 Primonero @ $10.99
a fresh, intense blend of Primitivo and Negroamaro, with lovely fruit, lively acidity and sweet tannins
(back) Mahe 2008 Gourmandise @ $15.99
from an organic producer in the Loire, and one of the region's rising stars, a lush, ripe Cabernet Franc, snappy and fragrant yet open and soft, with spicy bell pepper aromas and bold ripe fruit on the palate
Castellodi di Neive 2009 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $18.99
from a beautiful estate in the Barbaresco zone of the Piedmont, a single-vineyard Dolcetto that is delicately perfumed, round with a pleasant bitterness, harmonious and well balanced with good body
(back) Layer Cake 2009 Shiraz @ $18.99
and creamy red that exmade from grapes sourced primarily from South Australia's McLaren Vale, a dark, dense Shirazthat explodes with flavors of ripe blackberry with a touch of cigar box
Amapola Creek 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $59.99
a stellar Cab from California pioneer Richard Arrowood, concentrated and harmonious, with intense fruit aromas and weight, firm structure, and layers of flavors on the palate

NEW ROSES:
Chateau de Presle 2010 Rose @ $11.99
100% Pineau d'Aunis from a family-owned and -run estate in the Loire valley, with light pepper and spice overtones
Antichi Vigneti di Cantelupo 2010 Il Mimo @ $15.99
a fine, smooth wine from 100% Nebbiolo, with a delicate color and a captivating fragrance, fresh and fruity on the palate
Gobelsburger 2010 Rose @ $16.99
a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent from the estate's cooler sites, lean and structured with fresh pungent acidity
Miraval 2010 Rose @ $21.99
from the Cotes de Provence, a blend of old-vines Cinsault and Grenache, light and dry with a rose-like bouquet
Unti 2010 Rose @ $25.99
a Dry Creek Valley blend of Grenache Noir and Mourvedre, rich and full-bodied with a completely dry finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-07-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

Stay calm, stay cool, don't let the heat get you down! To further that cause, here are a few new wines to consider.

NEW WHITES:
Winzer Krems 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $9.99
produced by Austria's major coop, a fresh white, lightly peppery, with a crisp apple texture
Fausti 2010 Passerina @ $11.99
from the Marche region of Italy, just a mile in from the Adriatic, an estate-grown Passerina that is fresh and inviting with citrus and apple notes, nice acidity and a persistent finish
(new vintage) Viore 2010 Rueda @ $11.99
100% Verdejo, of which, more than 80% comes from 100-year-old vines, well structured, with tropical and citrus fruit aromas and a long finish with fruit and balsamic notes
Wolffer Estate 2010 Classic White @ $11.99
summer in the Hamptons in a glass, a blend of Wolffer's own Chardonnay with Riesling and Gewurztraminer from the Finger Lakes, with zesty fruit up front, creaminess, fine acidity and minerality
(new vintage) Segrel 2010 Albarino Blue Label @ $12.99
fine and elegant on the palate with the perfect amount of acidity and a crisp, clean finish
Guigal 2010 Cotes du Rhone Blanc @ $14.99
from one of the world's best sources for excellent wine values, a Viognier-based blend, rich and unctuous on the palate
J. Lohr 2009 Sauvignon Blanc "Carol's Vineyard" @ $15.99
an elegant style of a delicately herbal and citrus-flavored Sauvignon Blanc from a vineyard named for Lohr's late wife, $2 for every bottle sold donated to breast cancer-related causes
Mathur 2008 Montlouis Les Dionys @ $21.99
classic Chenin Blanc, with lush orchard fruit and plenty of bright acidity and minerality
Bagnol 2009 Cassis Blanc @ $23.99
from a stunning estate on the French Riviera, a bold white that blends Marsanne, Clairette and Ugni Blanc, unoaked but very full on the palate
Rijckaert 2009 Chardonnay @ $24.99
from the Arbois, a richly fruited Chardonnay with notes of honey and fresh flowers, lightly oaked, with a long finish
Billaud-Simon 2009 Chablis @ $25.99
a light, airy version of Chablis, with a palate that is a pleasant compromise between richness, freshness and elegance
(back) Alta Maria 2009 Chardonnay @ $27.99
a custardy, rich California Chardonnay with plenty of food-friendly acidity, sleek, clean and vibrant with mouth-watering vitality
Guigal 2009 Condrieu @ $53.99
from the original home of the Viognier vine and the source of one of the world's most exotic white wines, a totally dry white with exotic litchi, pineapple, peach and honeysuckle characteristics along with full-bodied fruit, good acidity and minerality, a luscious mouthfeel and heady alcohol

NEW REDS
Root 1 2009 Cabernet @ $10.99
a new Chilean wine from some of the oldest rootstock in the world, rich with black currant, mocha and chocolate notes, full-bodied, with balanced acidity, soft tannins, and good structure
Guigal 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $13.99
from one of the world's best sources for excellent wine values, a Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre blend aged in tank, silky smooth, a great buy
La Grange Tiphaine 2010 Ad Libitum @ $15.99
from a small, certified-organic producer in the Loire, a blend of Malbec, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, a fresh and lively red for summer drinking
Marcarini 2009 Nebbiolo Lasarin @ $17.99
an intensely flavored Nebbiolo with floral aromatics of faded rose petals, wild raspberries and ripe blackberries that flow into a firm but well balanced palate spiced with fresh aniseed
(new vintage) Au Bon Climat 2009 Pinot Noir @ $21.99
the new vintage from one of our favorite West Coast Pinot producers, with high-toned cherry and strawberry fruit and a clean, tight finish
Les Chais du Vieux Bourg 2009 Poulsard @ $29.99
from a tiny organic vineyard in Arlay in the Jura, naturally crisp with a delicate earthiness, another perfect summer red

News from Heights Chateau

2011-07-18T11:11:00.001-07:00

Another rather sparse wee, albeit with some stuff of great interest (notably, those Qupe wines). Stay cool!

NEW WHITES:
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Dry Riesling @ $10.99
from the winery that is arguably North America's leading producer of this grape, a dry, crisp, refreshing style of Riesling with beautiful fruit flavors, crisp acidity and an elegant finish
Shinn Estate 2010 Coalescence @ $12.99
a stainless-steel-fermented winemaker's blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot Blanc showing a refreshing style with a splash of fruit followed by a zing of acidity
Shinn Estate 2010 First Fruit Sauvignon Blanc @ $17.99
from Long Island's North Fork, a brightly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc delivering bright citrus and spring flower aromas with layers of pear, pear skin and green melon
Qupe 2009 Bien Nacido Cuvee @ $18.99
a blend of Viognier and Chardonnay from the Bien Nacido vineyard, blending exotic floral and peach aromatics from ripe Viognier enhanced with the tart green apple and lively acidity of early picked Chardonnay
(new vintage) Qupe 2010 Marsanne @ $18.99
flinty, mineral flavors with peach pit, citrus and hazelnuts followed by a honeyed finish
Acacia 2009 Chardonnay @ $20.99
from a pioneer in the Carneros appellation, a clean, crisp Chardonnay with a creamy edge, with layers of flavor and bright balanced acidity
Crochet 2009 Sancerre La Croix du Roy @ $29.99
classic Sancerre, with inviting citrus and fruit aromas, leading to hints of herb, sweet floral notes and more ripe fruit on the palate
(back) Cloudy Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $29.99
from the leader in forging New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's international reputation and defining the distinct Marlborough style, a Sauvignon Blanc of vibrant intensity withn elegant line and length
Qupe 2007 Roussanne @ $35.99
100% Roussanne from the Bien Nacido vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, lean and focused with aromas of hazelnut and peach pit and great minerality

NEW REDS:
El Porvenir de los Andes 2006 Amauta II @ $20.99
from a small family-owned winery in Cafayate in the north of Argentina, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cab and Merlot with big fruit flavors, full in the mouth with an almost velvety mouth feel and a really long finish
Dal Forno 2004 Amarone @ $499.99 (not a typo!)
a monumental wine, silky and elegant, full and opulent on the palate with fabulously polished tannins and a long, long finish, considered his best ever by winemaker Romano Dal Forno

NEW ROSES:
Calatroni 2010 Pinot Grigio @ $11.99
from the Oltreo' Pavese, a "vivace" (sparkling) wine with a delicate flavor and an elegant palate, only 1500 cases made
Shinn Estate 2010 Rose @ $13.99
a 75/25 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, intensely flavored with ripe red fruit, nice freshness and understated herbal edges
Chateau Roubine 2009 Cotes de Provence @ $15.99
from one of the five leading domaines in Provence (and one of the oldest in France), brilliantly fresh, bone dry, well balanced, surprisingly gripping and textured for a rosé

News from Heights Chateau

2011-07-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

Not a great deal to report this week, but then we are heading toward the height of summer so I guess that's to be expected. Still, a few new goodies to tease your palate. Stay cool!

NEW WHITES:
Brancott 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
from the winery that pioneered Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough (and still considered a benchmark of New Zealand winemaking), a fruit-driven wine crafted in a style that epitomizes the character and flavor of the Marlborough region
(back) Otto's Constant Dream 2009 Riesling @ $11.99
a dry, crisp New Zealand Riesling with bright acidity and great concentration
La Crotta de Vegneron 2010 Pinot Noir Bianco @ $15.99
produced by a small coop in the Valle d'Aosta in northwestern Italy, a Pinot Noir vinified off the skins, lightly colored yet extraordinarily mouth-filling
(new vintage) Freemark Abbey 2009 Chardonnay @ $19.99
a classic Chardonnay with fruit from four vineyard sites across the Napa Valley showing concentrated aromas and flavors of ripe, lush stone fruits supported by a lovely, subtle toasty oak complexity
de Villaine 2008 Bourgogne "Les Clous" @ $25.99
an ageworthy old-vines Chardonnay from the Cotes Chalonnaises, crisp and elegant with pure mineral character

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Arrogant Frog 2010 Lily Pad Red @ $9.99
in a line of estate-bottled wines from the Languedoc, a Cab/Merlot blend with dark ripe fruit flavors and a lush mouth feel
Mariotto 2006 Barbera del Monferrato "Vho" @ $24.99
made by one of the leading producers in the Colli Tortonesi area of eastern Piedmont, a velvety and elegant Barbera with aromas and flavors of deep dark cherries and hints of plum
Gachot-Monot 2009 Cotes-de-Nuits Villages @ $26.99
made by a fifth-generation producer in the heart of Burgundy, a Pinot Noir that is supple and approachable , deeply colored and highly aromatic, full and complex

NEW ROSES:
Le Fraghe 2010 Bardolino Chiaretto "Rodon" @ $15.99
a blend of Corvina and Rondinella with an elegant, seductive bouquet, crisp yet full-bodied on the palate
Minuty 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $19.99
from one of the leading estates in Provence and the best-selling rose on the French Riviera, a blend of Grenache, Tibouren, Cinsault and Syrah, bright and lively with purity and finesse on the palate
Fournier 2010 Sancerre @ $21.99
from a Loire producer dedicated to making wines of great elegance and finesse, a rosé from Pinot Noir that is fresh and crisp with an aftertaste of citrus and minerals

News from Heights Chateau

2011-07-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

Back in harness again after several enjoyable days on Fire Island and a splendid 4th shared with friends and neighbors. Hope you all had a good one!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) d'Arton 2010 Cotes de Gascogne @ $9.99
a blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc, from southwestern France, delicate, floral, fruity and fresh
Cedre 2010 Cedrus Le Blanc @ $10.99
a Colombard and Ugni Blanc blend from Armagnac country, crisp, zippy and refreshing, with high acidity
(new vintage) Santa Maria 2010 Aragosta @ $11.99
a Vermentino from Sardinia, fresh and lively, well balanced, with a toasted almond backdrop
(new vintage) Zandotti 2010 Frascati @ $13.99
fresh and light, with balanced peach, pear and tropical fruit flavors complemented by notes of rosemary, sage and almond
Puzelat-Bonhomme 2010 Touraine @ $13.99
Sauvignon Blanc from Thierry Puzelat and Pierrot Bonhomme, makers of natural wine in the Loire, with notes of citrus and green apple and a subtle nuttiness
Picollo 2010 Gavi di Gavi @ $13.99
an appealing Gavi, fresh and fruity with a balanced finish
Chateau d'Angles 2009n La Clape @ $14.99
from the La Clape region of Languedoc, virtually on the shores of the Mediterranean, an unoaked blend of Bourbelemc and Grenache Blanc with a bit of Roussanne and Marsanne blended in for additional complexity, fresh and fruity with an amazingly long finish
(new vintage) Barbanot 2010 Cotes du Ventoux @ $16.99
a pretty blend of 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Roussane, with a nose of apricots, white flower and a touch of anise and plump fruit is supported by nice acidity into a smooth finish
(new vintage) Cederburg 2010 Bukettraube @ $17.99
a grape native to South Africa producing a wine that is redolent of peaches and honeysuckle, slightly sweet but not cloying, juicy with fruit flavors
Gumphof 2010 Weissburgunder @ $19.99
from Italy's Alto Adige, a Pinot Bianco from one of the top young producers in the Sudtyrol, a wine of great power, elegance, and minerality
Perrot-Minot 2009 Chardonnay @ $19.99
from a Burgundy producer known for his intense, full and lush wines, a Chardonnay that is concentrated, complex, yet elegant and terroir-focused
Camillo 2009 Trebbiano @ $20.99
a "frizzante" white from a biodynamic Lambrusco producer in Emilia-Romagna, unfiltered and bottle-fermented, with an array of fruit flavors and vibrant acidity

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Cortijo III 2010 Rioja @ $10.99
one of the best values from Rioja, a simple "easy drinking" wine for "everyday" consumption with intense fruit-driven character, supple tannins and a well-balanced structure
The Stump Jump 2008 Shiraz @ $11.99
a value Shiraz from Australia's McLaren Vale, fresh and fruity, with ripe red fruits mixrf with plums, black currants, flowers, and a twist of pepper
Chabbert 2008 Minervois @ $17.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, smooth, full-bodied and structured with ripe black fruit and Provencal flavors
Barbanot 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $17.99
a classic, medium-bodied blend featuring spicy red berries and herbs balanced by bright acidity and dry but fruity tannins
Peillot 2009 Bugey @ $17.99
a Pinot from a fifth-generation producer in Bugey, not far from Lyons, with elegant berry fruit and a chalky finish
Beronia 2001 Rioja Gran Reserva @ $24.99
smoky cherry and red berry dusted with cocoa, touches of earth, spice and vanilla, firm tannins and impressive length
Molnar Family 2008 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
a single-vineyard Pinot from Napa's Carneros district from a producer specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, soft and gentle on the palate, with the delicate flavor of raspberries and cherries edged with earthiness and toasty oak

NEW ROSES:
Enanzo 2010 Rosado @ $8.99
classic Garnacha-based Spanish rose, a raspberry-pink wine with aromas of ripe fruit, smooth and tasty on the palate
El Coto 2010 Rioja @ $9.99
a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache, highly refreshing, with tart acidity, bright candied strawberry and raspberry with a slightly earthy finish
Chateau Penin 2010 Clairet @ $12.99
a supple wine, very fruity on the nose and palate, with more body and more of a savory quality than most roses
BOE 2010 Cabernet Franc Rose @ $13.99
a new offering from Brooklyn Oenology, spicy and moderately fruity with good acidity
Domaine de Mauvan 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $13.99
a Grenache-driven blend, light and elegant, the Mediterranean in a glass
Clos des Augustins 2010 Pic St. Loup @ $14.99
from one of the greatest domaines in Pic St. Loup (and now biodynamic) , a fresh and aromatic blend of Grenache and Cinsault
Chateau d'Angles 2010 La Clape @ $14.99
from the La Clape region of Languedoc, virtually on the shores of the Mediterranean, mostly Mourvedre with a little Syrah and Grenache blended in, fully aromatic, intense, structured and refreshing
(new vintage) Mas de Gourgonnier 2010 Les Baux de Provence @ $15.99
a blend of about 60% Grenache spiced with Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon. with an inviting cherry-pink color and a nose of strawberry and raspberry, refreshingly clean and dry
Domaine de Moulin 2009 Bulle @ $22.99
a very pale sparkling rose from the Loire, a blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Pineau d'Aunis

News from Heights Chateau

2011-06-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

I will be MIA again next week, off to Fire Island for a bit of R&R; catch up with you all in two weeks time. Meanwhile, be sure to check our web site for news of upcoming events and click on "the Focused Palate" for some interesting comments/reflections from our staff.

NEW WHITES:
Las Lilas 2010 Vinho Verde @ $7.99
well defined apple and peach flavors joined by rich, smoky notes, elegant and fresh with a creamy finish
(new vintage) Zaleo 2009 Pardina @ $8.99
made from a grape native to Spain's Extremadura region, with nuanced fruit balanced with excellent acidity
Tablelands 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
from Martinborough, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, bright and refreshing with moderate intensity, balancing fleshy ripeness and refreshing acidity
(new vintage) Marques de Alella 2010 Alella @ $12.99
100% Pansa Blanca, a grape native to the Penedes, with intense fresh and fruity aromas and a long, distinctive, slightly bitter finish
Louvetrie 2010 Muscadet @ $13.99
100% Melon de Bourgogne, farmed organically, dry, clean, fresh and minerally
(new vintage) Schreyer 2009 Edelzwicker @ $13.99
a fun, easy-drinking blend from Alsace, with bright fruit and intense aromatics
(new vintage) Zenato 2010 Lugana @ $14.99
single-vineyard Trebbiano from the southern shores of Lake Garda, with notes of peach, citrus, banana and herbs, accompanied by a crisp acidity and supple body on the palate
Telmo Rodriguez 2010 Gabo di Xil Valdeorras @ $14.99
100% Godello, a dry white with hints of peaches, apricots, and honeysuckle, no obvious oak, a terrific texture, medium to full body, and wonderful purity as well as length
Fess Parker 2009 Chardonnay @ $15.99
classic Santa Barbara Chardonnay, partially barrel-fermented, approachable but with an excellent body
(new vintage) Cloudy Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $29.99
the new vintage from the winery that put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the world wine map, a Sauvignon Blanc of vibrant intensity with floral and tropical fruit aromas and a weighty texture balanced by an acidic backbone

NEW REDS:
Castano 2009 Monastrell @ $8.99
from the leading producer in Yeclas, Spain, 100% old-vines Monastrell (Mourvèdre) with a nose of blueberries, raspberries, and chocolate, loads of fruit, sweet tannins, and a long, ripe finish
Zaleo 2008 Tempranillo @ $9.99
a perfect balance between fruit and oak, all with the delicate overlay of licorice that characterizes top oak-aged Extremaduran wines
(new vintage) D'Arenberg 2009 The Stump Jump @ $11.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from Australia's McLaren Vale, with delicate fruit, a touch of dried herbs, and fine lifted tannins that provide a long finish
Alamos 2010 Malbec @ $11.99
a soft and supple Malbec, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather and a long persistent finish with soft, sweet tannins
(new vintage) Station 2009 Cabernet @ $13.99
a great value Cabernet with a heavy fruit presence, spicy aromatics, and firm tannins
(new vintage) Steltzner 2008 Claret @ $14.99
a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, medium-bodied, velvety and elegant, with aromas of black cherries, black currants and licorice
D'Arenberg 2004 d'Arry's Original @ $20.99
a classic 50/50 blend of Grenache and Shiraz from McLaren Vale, soft, generous and full-flavored with great fruit character and a long, spicy finish
L'Octavin 2009 Arbois @ $23.99
made 100% from Poulsard, a versatile grape native to the Arbois, by a practicing biodynamic producer, light and delicate yet with intense aromas and flavors and a firm tannic structure
Sinskey 2008 Pinot Noir @ $43.99
classic Carneros Pinot Noir, with ripe tannins, an elegant texture, soft and velvety, with a great balance between flavors, tannins, and acidity

NEW ROSES:
Sincerite 2010 Pinot Noir @ $9.99
from the eastern Loire Valley, 100% Pinot Noir, lush and full on the palate with scents of vanilla and orange peel
La Selve 2010 Maguelonne @ $10.99
from an organic producer in the Ardeche, a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, with red and white fruit aromas, elegant and delicate with great freshness
Houchart 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $11.99
a crowd-pleaser year in and year out, a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, fresh and light with crisp red fruits on the palate with a hint of citrus and floral notes
Clos Beylesse 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $29.99
fresh and juicy offers light strawberry and watermelon flavors with lemon acidity
(back) Sinskey 2010 Vin Gris @ $31.99
100% Napa Valley Pinot Noir, savory as much as fruity, rich and weighty on the palate, with abundant flavor notes of strawberry and watermelon

News from Heights Chateau

2011-06-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Back this week, and with a little catching up to do! Remember to check the calendar on our web site (www.heightschateau.com) for word about in-store tastings and other special events. Now for what's new!

NEW WHITES
Flavium 2010 Godello @ $8.99
from the Bierzo region of Spain, hand-harvested, with fresh floral, herbal, and apple aromas
Maine-Gazin 2009 Cotes de Bordeaux @ $10.99
a classic Sauvignon/Semillon blend, fresh, bright and lively
Bourdiniere 2010 Muscadet @ $10.99\
made from grapes from 60-year-old vines, is classic Muscadet, full of finesse, fresh, and fruity
Huntington 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
in a line produced by Hahn Family Wines, a Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant flavors of pineapple, white peach and pear combine with crisp acidity before leading to a pure, clean finish
(back) Jean Rosen 2009 Pinot Blanc @ $10.99
from a practicing organic estate in Alsace, a Pinot Blanc that is crisp, correct, and fruit-forward
Terredora di Paolo 2010 Coda di Volpe @ $13.99
from a producer that has been on the forefront of the wine renaissance in Campania since 1978, a stunning take on an indigenous grape, with layers of subtle, mineral-infused fruit in a medium-bodied style that captures the generosity of the vintage
Gautier 2009 Vouvray @ $13.99
from an estate in the same family for seven generations, a ripe, concentrated Chenin Blanc with gentle acidity that is balanced with apricot, pear and honey notes and a just off-dry finish
Mouret 2009 Graves @ $11.99
a 80/40 Sauvignon Semillon blend, clean, bright and lively
Salvard 2010 Cheverny @ $14.99
from a small village in the Loire valley, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that is packed with vibrant lemon zest and refreshing acidity
(new vintage) Spy Valley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $14.99
classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, all passion fruit and gooseberry, with intense flavors and crisp acidity
Gobelsburger 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $14.99
Austria's classic white grape, with flavors of ripe citrus fruits, green tea, and a bit of minerality
Spy Valley 2009 Riesling @ $15.99
a fruit-driven Marlborough Riesling, elegant and delicate, with a bouquet of lime, flowers, and green apple
(new vintage) La Zerba 2010 Gavi @ $16.99
from a small family-run winery in the southern Piedmont, round on the palate, with a nice body and a good balance between acidity and ripe fruit
Glenelly 2010 Chardonnay @ $16.99
from a South African winery now owned by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, former owner of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, an unoaked Chardonnay with heady aromas of melon, citrus and ginger, citrus on the palate supported by a fresh acidity
Darting 2010 Riesling @ $17.99
a Pfalz Riesling from an outstanding producer, savory, with lots of snap and great balance
Gagliardo 2010 Fallegro @ $17.99
made from the Favorita grape (aka, Vermentino), halfway between still and sparkling, bursting with fresh aromas and lively flavors of pear and yellow apples with a delightful citrus-floral finish
Luneau Papin 2009 Muscadet @ $17.99
100% Melon de Bourgogne made from 45+ year old vines, organic and hand-picked, clean and intense with pronounced mineral flavors and a touch of salinity
(new vintage) Voltonnerie 2010 Sancerre @ $17.99
a clean, elegant Sauvignon Blanc showing fruity aromas of apple, pear and citrus with notes of mineral and grass and assertive flavors that are balanced by nice acidity into a crisp, lingering finish
Darting 2009 Muskateller @ $17.99
a dry Muscat from the Pfalz, juicy and sappy with a completely addictive palate
Perrusset 2009 Macon-Villages @ $17.99
classy Chardonnay, unoaked, effusively perfumed, with a round, ripe, mouth-filling palate
Medusa 2008 Vermentino @ $18.99
a stunning Vermentino from Sardinia, rich, intense and serious with everything in perfect balance, including a long finish
Newton 2009 Chardonnay Red Label @ $20.99
a Chardonnay with lively character and purity of fruit, a blend of estate-grown fruit and fruit from other Napa, Sonoma, and coastal vineyards
Stephen Ross 2008 Chardonnay @ $25.99
a blend of grapes from two site in Edna Valley, full and rich, with buttery notes, firm acidity and lingering tropical flavors
Selbach-Oster 2010 Riesling Kabinett @ $28.99
a classic German Riesling from a producer who favors maximum flavor, freshness, and delicacy

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Excelsior 2009 Cabernet @ $9.99
a full-bodied Cab from South Africa with aromas of black currants, chocolate, and cedar, rich, but soft tannins and a long finish
Flaco 2010 Tempranillo @ $9.99
from the Arganda district southeast of Madrid, unoaked, with luscious fruit and a soft texture
(new vintage) Cycles Gladiator 2009 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
in a line produced by Hahn Family Wines, a Pinot with silky notes of wild berries, soft, velvety tannins and balanced acidity
Huntington 2009 Petite Syrah @ $10.99
in a line produced by Hahn Family Wines, full-bodied and robust, with intense tannins and a flavor profile that includes blueberry, pepper, blackberry and black cherries
Navarro Correas 2009 Malbec @ $11.99
from one of Argentina's top estates, an aromatic Malbec with hints of earthiness, mild tannins, and a long finish
Santa Ema 2008 Merlot @ $12.99
a very fruity wine with aromas of plums, blackberries, and black currant accompanied by intense notes of caramel, chocolate, and vanilla, with soft, ripe tannins that lend good structure and balance on the palate
Faltognano 2008 Chianti @ $13.99
an aromatic Chianti with aromas of baked red fruits and vanilla, soft tannins and a long finish
St. Jean de Gineste 2009 Corbieres @ $13.99
unoaked old-vines Carignane with a bit of Grenache blended in, with somewhat rustic tannins and good acidity
(new vintage) Terredora di Paolo 2009 Aglianico @ $14.99
from a producer that has been on the forefront of the wine renaissance in Campania since 1978, an Aglianico that is soft and elegant, with notes of mature red fruits, solid structure, and a long finish
Hahn 2008 Meritage @ $15.99
a classic Bordeaux-style blend from California's central coast region, complex yet approachable, with pronounced blackberry and blueberry on the nose mingling with cedar spice and a hint of wood, and notes of bramble fruit, cherry, vanilla and dried herbs on the palate
Collazzi 2008 Liberta @ $17.99
a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese from just south of Florence, a full wine with nice structure, firm tannins, and good length, a Super-Tuscan at a non-Super-Tuscan price
Causse Marines 2009 Marcillac @ $17.99
made entirely from the Fer Servadou grape indigenous to Marcillac, spicy, fresh, an example of virtuousic winemaking
Chapelle des Bois 2009 Fleurie Grand Pre @ $19.99
from a single parcel of vines, a charming Beaujolais with an approachable palate of cherries and berries and plenty of substance and acidity as well
Chapelle des Bois 2009 Fleurie VV Cadole @ $21.99
from a single parcel of old vines, a charming Beaujolais with an approachable palate of cherries and berries and plenty of substance and acidity as well
(new vintage) Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
a Pinot made from seven different blocks of vines on the estate vineyards; showing sweet cherry and red fruits that are underlined by fragrant notes of incense, mocha and lavender
Stephen Ross 2008 Pinot Noir Central Coast @ $23.99
a light-styled Pinot with nice fruit aromas and soft tannins, rich and creamy with fine tannins and balanced acidity, meant for early consumption
Cheveau 2009 Saint Amour @ $24.99
classic cru Beaujolais from an organic producer working a very small plot of land, quintessential Gamay where bright strawberry meets dusty minerality
Betts & Scholl 2008 CC: Cabernet @ $24.99
something of a second label for Betts & Scholl, a Cab sourced from some of Napa's best hillside vineyards showing great fruit, well balanced, with a soft yet complex finish
Bacio Divino 2007 Pazzo @ $29.99
an unpretentious, easy-drinking blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet with some Merlot, Zinfandel and Viognier blended in, with a nose of red berries and sweet spirited fruit flavors
Stephen Ross 2008 Pinot Noir Edna Valley @ $32.99
a solid, polished Pinot for current drinking, showing the bright acidity, dryness and pure fruit associated with the Edna Valley
San Felice 2003 Campogiovanni Barolo @ $42.99
an aromatic Brunello from a difficult vintage, with aromas of ripe fruit, leather and spices, supple, accessible, best enjoyed over the next few years
Caymus 2008 Cabernet @ $79.99
highly rated as always, classic Napa Cab, perfumed and subtle with great depth and concentration

NEW ROSES:
Charles & Charles 2010 Rose of Syrah @ $10.99
the joint venture of Charles Smith and Charles Biehler, dry, crisp and vibrant, with pomegranate and raspberry fruit that's nicely balanced with lively acidity and a welcome hint of minerality
Flos de Pinoso 2010 Rosado @ $11.99
from the most important producer of wines from organic farming in the Valencia region, 100% Monastrell, elegant, clean, with tons of fruit and a pleasing finish
Chemin de Bassac 2010 Isa @ $13.99
berry and cherry flavors with a medium body, impressive balance, a smooth mouth feel, and a persistent crisp and dry finish
Terredora di Paolo 2010 Rosaenovae @ $13.99
from a producer that has been on the forefront of the wine renaissance in Campania since 1978, a rosé made from Aglianico, silky smooth with notes of wild berries, concentrated flowers, and exotic spices and fruit
Raffault 2010 Chinon @ $17.99
100% Cabernet Franc, with bright and lively strawberry fruit and a long, succulent finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-05-31T10:49:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a pleasant Memorial Day weekend. Rather a short list this week, and be advised I will be MIA next week as it is college reunion week for me. Check back here in two weeks' time!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Can Feixes 2010 Blanco @ $14.99
from family-owned winery Huguet de Can Feixes in the extreme northwest of the Penedes region of Spain, a bright and lively blend of Parellada, Macabeo, Chardonnay and Malvasia, a perennial house favorite
Valentina 2010 Pecorino @ $16.99
100% Pecorino from Abruzzo, fermented in steel and barrel and aged in stainless steel, with a refreshing, tangy, dry palate with the fruit in perfect harmony with the acidity and structure

NEW REDS:
Ironstone 2009 Zinfandel @ $8.99
a Zinfandel from the Sierra foothills, produced from vineyards more than 45 years old, with exceptionally concentrated fruit flavors and great depth yet smooth and unpretentious
Cheveau 2008 Beaujolais @ $14.99
a juicy Gamay with a dense structure, red fruit, spice notes, and a medium-bodied frame Cabeca de Toiro 2007 Reserva @ $14.99
a fruity, velvety version of Touriga Nacional with silky tannins that give the wine persistence and longevity
Poliziano 2008 Rosso di Montalcino @ $14.99
80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, a smooth, supple, medium-bodied red, round and fruit-forward, with soft tannins
(new vintage) L'Ecume 2009 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
sourced from declassified Oregon Domaine Drouhin fruit, a light-bodied Pinot, soft and round, with a core of cherries and red fruits
(back) Cuvee du Vatican 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $15.99
a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah from a top Chateauneuf producer, dark, ripe, and focused with a fleshy finish
Cascina Adelaide 2007/2008 Barbera Mie Donne @ $20.99/$22.99
a single-vineyard stainless-steel Barbera, fruity, fresh, full-bodied, with a lengthy finish
McKenzie-Mueller 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $44.99
from a small family-owned winery in Los Carneros in southern Napa, a classic Bordeaux-style blend, earthy, with blackberry and vanillin from the oak, hints of tobacco and a slightly herbaceous quality

NEW ROSES:
Mulderbosch 2010 Rose @ $10.99
from one of South Africa's top producers, a sophisticated dry Cabernet-based rose that combines mouthwatering flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate with graceful notes of lavender and herbes de Provence
Domaine Trienne 2009 Rose @ $14.99
a Provencale blend dominated by Cinsault, aromatic and crisp with refreshing herbal notes
Domaine du Tempier 2010 Bandol @ $38.99
from one of the leading estates of Bandol, an iconic rose that blends Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan for a rich, full-bodied rose with flavors of peach, pomegranate and seashells, and a delicate spiciness on the finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-05-24T10:47:00.001-07:00

Have a great holiday weekend!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Rapitala 2010 Piano Maltese @ $9.99
a 50/50 blend of Grillo and Cataratto, rich with melon, almond, and fresh basil, richly textured while maintaining a refreshing acidity
The Messenger NV Sauvignon Blanc @ $12.99
a single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County, stainless-steel fermented, crisp and bright
Collin Bourisset 2009 Pouilly Fuisse @ $16.99
from a Burgundian negociant doing business since 1821, a lighter style of Burgundy; round on the palate, with light floral and mineral flavors and some toasted almond notes on the finish
Botani 2009 Moscatel Secco @ $18.99
100% Moscatel de Alejandria, ripe, dry, smooth-textured, with an abundance of mouth-filling flavors
(new vintage) Fournier 2009 Sancerre @ $20.99
racy, minerally, with bright acidity and great freshness and finesse and a finish that lasts for several minutes
Melville 2009 Chardonnay @ $20.99
a Chardonnay with real depth of flavor, consistently one of the best from California, toasty and round, but with vibrant acidity that keeps it bright and fresh
(new vintage) Vio 2010 Pigato di Albenga @ $22.99
an intensely aromatic white from Liguria, with intense, persistent flavors and an aftertaste of almonds

NEW REDS:
The Messenger NV Merlot @ $12.99
a 50/50 blend of Napa and Sonoma fruit, rich and opulent, full of bright fruit and layered with French oak
Marques de Caceres 2007 Rioja @ $13.99
full-bodied, with a lush bouquet of black fruits, a fleshy structure, and a balance of full fruit and tannins
(new vintage) Casnati 2008 Malbec @ $13.99
a medium-bodied Malbec with aromas and flavors of berries and plums, lush tannins, and a round and lively finish
(back) Rentas de Fincas 2005 Rioja Riserva @ $16.99
lots of ripe fruit, with mineral notes, leather, and vanilla, concentrated, well balanced and flavorful
42 Degrees South 2008 Pinot Noir @ $19.99
a Pinot Noir from the island of Tasmania, clean and soft, with fresh ripe berry flavors, fresh acidity, and soft fruit tannins
(new vintage) Chamonard 2009 Morgon @ $23.99
another great example of the '09 vintage, bursting with bright red fruits and layers of earth and minerality
Virna 2006 Barolo Settevie @ $24.99
a "bargain" Barolo full of truffles, spices, violets, forest floor, masculine in structure with great depth and intensity

NEW ROSES:
L'Escarelle 2010 Ma Campagne @ $8.99
a Grenache/Cinsault/Carignan blend from the Var, pale pink with floral notes on the nose and a persistent finish
Grand Rouviere 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $11.99
Grenache and Cinsault from old vines, light and dry with flavors of soft red fruits
La Selve 2010 L'Audacieuse @ $17.99
primarily Syrah and Grenache from the Ardeche with aromas of white peach and citrus, velvety, fresh and long lasting on the palate
Vio 2010 Rossese di Albenga @ $20.99
from Liguria, more a light red than a rosé, aromati8c, with bright floral red fruit, soft with earth and minerals

News from Heights Chateau

2011-05-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

Sorry to be a bit late with my posting this week, but as you might surmise, our communal energies over the last few days have been devoted to bringing off a successful anniversary bash last night. Our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us (more than 300 of you) and made the evening such a great success; all of us, most especially Matthew, were extremely proud and pleased.

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Chateau de la Presle 2010 Sauvignon @ $11.99
New-World-styled Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, with a zippy acidic structure and bright flavors
Tour des Gendres 2010 Bergerac @ $11.99
from an estate in southwestern France turning out characterful wines, a Sauvignon/Semillon blend with fresh aromas of peach and pink grapefruit, a lively mouth feel, and a long finish
House Wine 2008 White @ $11.99
full of beautiful, floral flavors, mouth-filling and fresh, a Chardonnay-based blend, with some Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris mixed in
Anni 2009 Riesling @ $11.99 (liter)
a Riesling from the Pfalz region, elegant, silky, medium-dry
Kuentz-Bas 2009 Alsace White @ $12.99
a fruity yet delicate blend with aromas of fresh lemons and a crisp, clean palate
Peyral 2009 Bergerac @ $12.99
from a small, family-run winery at the edges of the Dordogne, a Sauvignon Blanc-based white with fresh aromas and light acidity
Regaleali 2010 Bianco @ $13.99
a blend of three indigenous Sicilian grapes, Inzolia, Grecanico, and Catarrato, fresh, clean and ripe with a surprisingly long and balanced finish
Argyros 2010 Atlantis White @ $13.99
mostly Assyrtilo with a small amount of two other native Santorini grapes blended in, distinctly flavored with citrus overtones and a crisp freshness from Assyrtilo's high acidity
Belle Vue 2009 Muscadet @ $13.99
classic Muscadet from a new young organic producer in the Loire, crisp yet with a soft texture, medium texture, and understated aromatics
Clayhouse 2008 Adobe White @ $14.99
from an award-winning Paso Robles winery, a blend of Viognier, Princess, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne, with flavors of apple and stone fruit and a crisp, balanced finish
Kuentz-Bas 2008 Pinot Blanc @ $16.99
very bright and fresh on the nose with a bit of a peach aroma, light but silky on the palate with a lift of citrus on the aftertaste
Castello di Spessa 2006 Ribolla Gialla @ $17.99
a rich, ripe white that shows the extraction and balance that old vines in the Collio are known for
Reuilly 2008 White @ $18.99
from a tiny appellation southwest of Sancerre, a grassy, limey Sauvignon Blanc, elegant, racy and vibrant
Domaine de Montcy 2007 Cour-Chevery @ $18.99
made 100% from the native grape called Romarantin, unoaked, with rich apple, honeydew, and quince notes
Joseph Drouhin 2009 Chablis Vaudon @ $21.99
very mineral in character, almost briny, with great purity of taste and a pleasant floral style
Gaunoux 2007 Bourgogne @ $21.99
crisp and fresh with a balance of mineral and fruit, everything you want in a basic white Burgundy
High Flyer 2009 Grenache Blanc @ $21.99
from the Somerston Wine Company, located in the hills high above Napa Valley, a Grenache Blanc redolent of melon and citrus, layered with mineral and spice with a clean, refreshing finish
Haut Peyrous 2009 Graves @ $25.99
a classic white Graves from the stable of Marc Darroze, 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon, superbly balanced with clean acidity balancing the white and tropical fruit flavors
Long-Depaquit 2008 Chablis Les Vaucopins @ $34.99
from a vintage true to type for Chablis, with a balanced center, discrete fruit, smoky rock, and spine-tingling acidity
Peter Michael 2009 Chardonnay Belle Cote @ $92.99
fresh and lively with complex aromatics showing abundant tropical fruit blossom notes, a medium body, and a sound underlying structure
Peter Michael 2009 Chardonnay La Carriere @ $92.99
from the steepest and rockiest of the estate vineyards, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay that is rich with oak spice and texture, destined for a long life

NEW REDS:
Boissan NV Cuvee du Sommelier @ $9.99
from fifth-generation growers in the Rhone (originally from Burgundy), 100% Grenache, beautifully balanced, with dry tannins and fresh acidity, a hint of limestone, mint, thyme, and lavender
Santa Sofia 2007 Valpolicella @ $12.99
a good clean, plummy wine with a hint of spice with whiff of raisins and modest finish, a wine with virtually universal appeal
Hito 2008 Ribera del Duero @ $14.99
from Emilio Moro's Bodegas Cepa 21a dynamic, modern young wine, 100% Tinto Fino with an intense, complex nose of red fruits, a wine of elegance and balance
Argiolas 2009 Perdera @ $14.99
a classic expression of Sardinia's Monica grape, medium to full-bodied with hints of smoke and tar, with layers of dark fruit, herbs, spices and minerals
Chateau Massiac 2008 Minervois @ $14.99
a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Carignan from vines grown in rocky clay-limestone soil, rich with dominant flavors of black currant, earthy, spicy and intense
(back) Avignonese 2007 Rosso @ $14.99
a rich, approachable Tuscan blend of equal parts Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, round and lively in the mouth with ripe cassis and cherry flavors that resonate on the palate before fading into a finish that ends with a touch of earth and black fruit
Source de Vignelaure 2007 Red @ $15.99
a blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Grenache, with aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry and spice, soft tannins, and a long finish
Reuilly 2008 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
from a tiny appellation southwest of Sancerre, a fresh, lively Pinot with intense juicy red fruit with distinct minerality and herbal notes backed by a touch of tannin
(back) Corte alla Flora 2007 Rosso di Montepulciano @ $18.99
a powerful Tuscan red rich with earthy red fruit and a velvety palate with the intense flavors balanced by firm tannins and good acid
Cal Demoura 2006 L'Infidele @ $18.99
a blend of all the regional grapes of the Languedoc — Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan — that emphasizes finesse, freshness, and full expression of the fruit
Chateau de Gueyze 2008 Buzet @ $18.99
the leading brand of the cooperative La Cave des Vignerons de Buzet, a blend of 40% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon with a soft, harmonious finish, a touch earthy, with an elegant tannic structure
Podere la Cappella 2007 Chianti Classico @ $20.99
certified organic from the heart of the Chianti Classico region, a juicy and bright Chianti with lovely red fruit and firm, ripe tannins
Pillot 2008 Bourgogne Rouges Grandes Terres @ $21.99
a value Pinot Noir, bright on the palate with lots of citrusy freshness, zippy, racy, and eminently food-friendly
High Flyer 2007 Centerline Red @ $29.99
from the Somerston Wine Company, located in the hills high above Napa Valley, a dark, juicy, spicy, modern blend with fruit, cinnamon, licorice, moderate acidity, and good tannins on the finish
Chateau Vignelaure 2005 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence @ $31.99
a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet, Grenache and Syrah, with spice, structure, elegance and roundness
Fleur Haut Bages Liberal 2007 Pauillac @ $34.99
the second label of Haut Bages Liberal, a fifth-growth Bordeaux, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the estates younger vines, with rich, round tannins and a long finish
Pipeau 2007 St. Emilion @ $36.99
known for consistency of style from one vintage to the next, a wine with expressive fruit, an opulent nose of red berries, roundness on the palate, with good length and a harmonious and elegant finish
Drouhin 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin @ $49.99
an organic Burgundy with an earthy nose with bright red fruit aromas, flavors of medium weight, sophisticated, nuanced, and elegant

NEW ROSES:
Borsao 2010 Rose @ $7.99
Garnacha from the Campo de Borja, light to medium bodied with pleasant red berry flavors, bright, crisp, acidity, and a medium-long finish
Pannier 2009 Rose d'Anjou @ $10.99
Cabernet Franc from the Loire, soft-textured, with nicely defined fruit and crisp freshness
Pinord NV La Nansa @ $10.99
a "needle wine" (slightly fizzy) from the Penedes, a blend of Grenache and Merlot, medium-bodied with a rich, full palate
Carrel 2010 Rose de Savoie @ $11.99
a blend of Gamay and Mondeuse, with round strawberry and raspberry flavors balanced by fresh, zippy acidity
Librandi Ciro 2010 Rosato @ $11.99
100% Gaglioppo from vineyards overlooking the Ionian Sea, slightly effervescent, with spicy notes and mineral aromas accompanied by a palate of flowers and a slight tartness
Gaia 2010 14-18h @ $13.99
made from the native Agiorgitiko grape, macerated 14-18 hours on the skins, extremely refreshing with juicy acidity
Source de Vignelaure 2010 Rose @ $13.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Cabernet, crisp, clean, and slightly floral, a classic example of Provencale rose
Chateau d'Oupia 2010 Minervois @ $13.99
from a high-quality producer of classically styled, berry-flavored Minervois from old hillside vines, a heady blend of Carignan, Grenache, and a bit of Syrah, dry and muscular with impressive length
Feudi di San Gregorio 2010 Ros'Aura @ $13.99
from Italy's Campania region, made 100% from Aglianico, bright and lively with a balance of strawberry and cherry notes and clean, crisp minerality
Brun 2010 Rose d'Folie @ $15.99
100% Gamay from a producer specializing in naturally made wines with low alcohol and great purity of fruit, creamy, fresh and lively, and extremely quaffable
Domaine Pelaquie 2010 Tavel @ $15.99
classic Tavel, a blend of Grenache and Cinsault that is smooth, generous and fruity
Reuilly 2009 Pinot Gris @ $15.99
from a tiny appellation southwest of Sancerre, a racy wine with a bouquet of apricot, peach, and litchi, brisk acidity and a persistent finish
(new vintage) Torre dei Beati 2010 Cerasuolo @ $16.99
made by a husband-wife team, both former sommeliers, as dark a rose as you'll ever encounter, a juicy, fun wine with surprisingly good acidity
Lauverjat 2010 Sancerre @ $18.99
100% Pinot Noir from the Loire, crisp, vigorous, bright, with subtle fruit and a touch of minerality
Vignelaure 2010 Coteaux d'Aix @ $20.99
from the most famous wine-producing estate of Provence, a Grenache-Syrah blend that is elegant, complex and perfectly balanced

News from Heights Chateau

2011-05-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to seeing many of you at our big anniversary celebration next Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Historical Society; if you haven't registered yet for this great event, please do so ASAP by going to BHS's web site, www.brooklynhistory.org, and following the appropriate link. Check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, for information on tastings and other upcoming events. And now for what's new!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Chanade 2010 Les Rials @ $8.99
made from an obscure grape named Len de L'el, fruity with orange and lemon aromas, a perennial favorite with us
(new vintage) Pilastri 2010 Falerio @ $9.99
from an organic producer in the Marche region of Italy, a blend of Trebbiano, Passerina and Pecorino, crisp, dry, and compelling with aromas of fennel and lemon oil
(new vintage) Schloss Muhlenhof 2009 Muller-Thurgau @ $10.99
from a sustainable producer in the Rheinhessen, crisp, bright and aromatic, with good acidity and flavor notes of green apple and lime
La Linda 2010 Chardonnay @ $10.99
unoaked, crisp and lively, showing off the pleasant natural flavors of the grape variety
Cartier 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $12.99
round edges of fresh, ripe grapefruit complemented by green grass and a hint of minerality
(back) Sawtooth 2008 Chardonnay @ $12.99
filled with aromas of green apple, pineapple and a hint of vanilla, with distinct flavors, crisp acidity and lingering fruit
Vignol 2009 Entre-Deux-Mers @ $12.99
a structured and fleshy wine, fruity and tasty, with fresh aromas of Sauvignon Blanc
Crios 2010 Torrontes @ $13.99
highly aromatic, fruity and spicy, with hints of peach, pear, flowers and citrus fruit and fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip
(new vintage) Gini 2010 Soave @ $14.99
golden-hued and medium-bodied, a superlative expression of Garganega, with white blossoms and delicate fruit on the nose, stony minerality, bright, refreshing acidity and lingering notes of honey
Feudi San Gregorio 2009 Falanghina @ $15.99
bright flavors of flowers, green apple and peaches, with a dry citrus finish
(new vintage) Pra 2010 Soave @ $15.99
a house favorite, with ripe citrus fruit, balanced acidity, and some nice earthy weight
Eyrie 2008 Pinot Gris @ $15.99
from a pioneering Willamette Valley estate, an aromatic wine with bright fruit and good acidity
Tissot 2007 Roussette de Bugey @ $17.99
subtle flavors and suppleness, a golden color with a fresh nose of hazelnuts and dried fruits
(new vintage) Peju 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
fresh and lively on the palate with balanced acidity and a fabulous combination of tropical fruit, grapefruit and lime zest with whispers of mango, guava and fresh pineapple
(new vintage) Long-Depaquit 2009 Chablis @ $21.99
a wine of great subtlety and finesse married with a modern, fruity and approachable character; fresh, yet full and round, with citrus notes and great balance.
Bosca 2007 Gala @ $30.99

a blend of Viognier, oaked Chardonnay, and Riesling, rich, fat, melony and a bit oily, sweetly fruited on the palate
Lafouge 2008 Auxey-Duresses @ $32.99
a great success from a difficult vintage, clean and bright with a bold streak of minerality

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) JP Azeitao 2010 Tinto @ $7.99
a blend of six different grape varieties (but dominated by the native Castelao), smooth, with a touch of earthiness and a long fruity finish
MandraRossa 2009 Nero d'Avola @ $8.99
a fine, penetrating bouquet, smooth and supple with layers of damson, black cherry and licorice
Domaines Auriol 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $10.99
a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, wonderfully balanced in the mouth with rich red fruit and spices, soft and mature, silky smooth on the finish
(new vintage) Line 39 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $10.99
aromas of bright red fruits, tobacco and cedar, medium-bodied, with spicy fruit flavors that are supported by supple tannins
(back) Kermit Lynch 2008 Cotes-d-Rhone @ $13.99
made by Louis Barroul, winemaker at Château St. Cosme; with earthy, dark fruit on the palate and penetrating aromas of violets and spice
Gabriolo 2007 Barbera @ $14.99
estate-bottled for New York importer Testa Wines of the World, a bright Barbera with aromas and flavors of red cherries and apple-pie spices
(new vintage) Chateau Kefraya 2008 Les Breteches @ $14.99
a Rhone-style blend from Lebanon, velvety smooth in the mouth, with flavors of plums and cherries that are supported by silky tannins and good acidity
(new vintage) Bonterra 2008 Zinfandel @ $15.99
made from 100% organic grapes on a biodynamic vineyard, with aromas of mixed berries and raspberry liqueur and loaded with the flavors of blackberry, plum and black pepper
Quietud 2008 Cattal de Campanas @ $15.99
dark purple, packed with ripe purple and red fruit, laced with wonderful aromatics of Toro, pine needles, forest floor, and violets
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
a light-bodied Pinot with a nose and palate that express red and dark cherry flavors, balanced by focused acidity and enjoyable oak notes
Beauregard Ducasse 2006 Graves @ $16.99
abundance of fruit on the nose, sweet citrus flavors, slightly creamy, with decent acidity leaving a refreshing finish
(back) Pichon 2008 Peripherique @ $16.99
a blend of 55% Syrah, 40% old vine Grenache and 5% old vine Carignan, soft and elegant with lush fruit on the palate
(back) Klee 2009 Pinot Noir @ $19.99
from the Willamette Valley, elegant and sophisticated, full of bright, pure cherry high-toned fruit with stony minerality and a deft touch of earth adding surprising complexity
Hauner 2009 Hiera @ $19.99
a wonderful blend of Calabrese, Alicante and Nocera from top Sicilian producer Carlo Hauner, aromatic and generous, with smooth, sweet tannins and a long finish, a great expression of the characteristics of Vulcano Island, from which these grapes are sourced
Bosca 2008 de Sangre @ $27.99
a Cab/Merlot/Syrah blend from Mendoza, with a great balance of fruit, ripe and sour, with smoke and chocolate in a beautiful structure of delicate but solid backbone

NEW ROSES:
Chateau Calissanne 2010 Coteaux d'Aix @ $8.99
from an organically-farmed estate in Provence, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault with a splash of Cabernet, with a strawberry infused bouquet, crisply dry palate and clean, lingering finish
Casal Garcia NV Vinho Verde @ $8.99
Made from Azal Tinto, Barraçal, and Vinhao grapes, slightly effervescent, fresh, invigorating, with just a hint of residual sugar
Le Roc 2010 Fronton @ $11.99
from southwestern France, just north of Toulouse, a rosé bursting with raspberry and strawberry fruit, with plenty of weight on the palate and a crisp, dry finish
Bonny Doon 2010 Vin Gris de Cigare @ $13.99
mostly Grenache with some Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Mourvedre blended in, fresh and bright with hints of wild strawberry, white cherry, apple blossom, and the barest whiff of spearmint, dry and zesty with pale red fruits, blood orange, citrus, and a lean yet supple finish
La Croix du Prieur 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $15.99
a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, and a little Syrah that bundles mineral, citrus, and berry flavors into one fun wine
Revelette 2010 Coteaux d'Aix @ $15.99
based heavily on Syrah and Cabernet, supple, pure and round, with harmonious acidity giving this classic dry southern French rosé a light touch
Real Martin Perle de Rose 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $16.99
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, with a floral nose and fresh fruit, delicate and balanced, a delicious mouth-filling rose
Mordoree 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $16.99
classic Tavel, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, and Mourvedre, rounded and fresh with a long finish
Roquefort 2010 Corail @ $16.99
made from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Vermentino and Clairette, with the classic Provencal characteristics of bright strawberry/raspberry fruit with a lively palate and a clean finish
Domaine du Carrou 2010 Sancerre @ $22.99
100% Pinot Noir, made only in very small quantities, rich, multi-layered, very smooth and silky on the palate, with very enticing scents and a long aftertaste

News from Heights Chateau

2011-04-26T08:59:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had happy and festive holidays. Remember to check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, for new of upcoming in-store tastings and other special events.

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Kim Crawford 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
light and crisp, with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits backed by the herbaceous notes typical of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
(new vintage) Summerer 2010 Gruner Veltliner @ $15.99
lots of mineral intensity, along with the white pepper notes characteristic of this grape
(new vintage) Ceretto 2010 Arneis @ $18.99
fresh and youthful but already rich in fruit sensations with a pleasant acidity from a relatively cool and rainy vintage
Devevey 2008 Bourgogne @ $22.99
a delicious white Burgundy with some weight to it but with plenty of minerality
(new vintage) Paumanok 2010 Chenin Blanc @ $22.99
from an especially ripe Long Island vintage, a Loire-styled wine repeatedly cited by the national wine media as one of North America's best Chenin Blancs
Domaine St. Jacques 2007 Rully Premier Cru Marissou @ $32.99
an elegant, acidic, and pure Chardonnay from the northern part of the Cote Chalonnaise

NEW REDS:
Bitch 2009 Aragon Grenache @ $11.99
from noted Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, a Spanish Grenache with dark cherry and raspberry aromas underpinned with spicy, peppery notes with hints of anise
(new vintage) Agua de Piedra 2010 Malbec @ $14.99
a Malbec with tons of flavor with dark plum, black cherry, black licorice and hints of spicy oak, incredibly rich yet remarkably silky
(new vintage) Paumanok 2008 Festival Red @ $16.99
a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, medium-bodied with fresh, ripe flavors of black cherry, plum and spice
Fougeray de Beauclair 2008 Bourgogne @ $18.99
a fresh and earthy nose of mildly rustic red berry fruit and supple, round and delicious flavors that culminate in a firm and slightly dry finish
Pittnauer 2009 St.Laurent @ $21.99
a fruit-forward red from an Austrian couple considered specialists in this grape variety, all dark cherries and blackberries on the palate
(new vintage) Paumanok 2008 Cabernet Franc @ $$21.99
a Cab Franc with 22% Merlot blended in, medium-bodied, with firm tannins, dark fruit, and cherry flavors
Gauby 2006 Cote du Roussillon Villages Vielles Vignes @ $43.99
from the acknowledged standard-bearer of this appellation, a biodynamically produced red, a blend of Carignane, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, dense and rich with great depth and character
La Nerthe 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $46.99
a complex and concentrated blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and other Rhone varietals, true to La Nerthe's reputation for intense, long-lived wines
Casanova di Neri 2006 Brunello Tenuta Nuova @ $79.99
fresh and very clean with lots of ripe fruit and great Sangiovese character, full-bodied and ultra-velvety, lasts for minutes on the palate

NEW ROSE:
Paumanok 2010 Dry Rose @ $16.99
a fun, fresh rose with bright, clean aromas and flavors of cranberry and apple, medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a dry finish

News from Heights Chateau

2011-04-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

Remember to mark your calendars for our big anniversary celebration on May 18, and check the calendar on our web site for info on other tastings and store-related events. And of course, Happy Passover, Happy Easter to all!

NEW WHITES:
(back) Maculan 1009 Pinot & Toi @ 11.99
intensely perfumed, with refreshing notes of citrus and apples
Glazebrook 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
a beautifully expressive version of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with passion fruit and mango aromas backed by classic herbal notes
Domaine du Moulin 2009 Cheverny @ $14.99
70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay from the Loire, 100% natural, made in small quantities, fresh, balanced and lively
Les Jamelles 2010 Chardonnay @ $15.99
from the Pays d'Oc, aromatic, nutty, and rich with well integrated notes of vanilla oak and a lemony finish, Kosher for Passover
(new vintage) Gran Sasso 2010 Pecorino @ $16.99
a varietal indigenous to the Abruzzo enjoying a significant revival, with inviting almond aromas giving way to crisp and refreshing fruit on the palate
Elena Walch 2009 Muller-Thurgau @ $17.99
from high-altitude vineyards in the Alto Adige, a crisp, intensely spicy white, aromatic, elegant, well defined
Rodet 2009 Pouilly-Fuisse @ $17.99
a classic white Burgundy from a long-time negociant/producer, with good fruit and an impressively structured finish
Sardi Giustiniani 2010 Quinis Vermentino @ $19.99
from the Colline Lucchesi in southern Tuscany, a Vermentino with the full fragrance of flowers and herbs and with clean, fresh fruit on the palate
Bichot 2009 Chardonnay Secret de la Famille @ $19.99
the first vintage for this Burgundy cuvee, bright, with precise, high-toned aromas, rounded flavors and elegance

NEW REDS:
Chateau Bouissel 2007 Fronton @ $10.99
an unusual blend of Negrette, Syrah and Malbec from a small family estate just to the north of Toulouse, deliciously soft and smooth, fruity, floral and spicy
Project Paso 2009 Red @ $10.99
the latest project from Dom Sebastiani and Sons, a very unlikely blend of eight different grape varieties (Grenache, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, Barbera, Lagrein, Tempranillo and Sangiovese), silky and medium-bodied, complex and easy-drinking
Grifalco 2008 Gricos @ $12.99
100% Aglianico from Basilicata, done half in oak and half in stainless steel, with black and blue fruits and hints of tobacco and cocoa
Coume du Roy 2004 Le Desir @ $12.99
from the oldest winery in Maury, in the Roussillon region of southwestern France, a blend of Grenache and Carignan, straightforward and well balanced with a luscious texture, very easy to drink
Matignon 2009 Anjou Villages @ $14.99
classic Cabernet Franc from the Loire, robust, structured, and harmonious with great acidity and texture
Luzzano 2009 Bonarda @ $15.99
from a property right on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia, a Bonarda (aka, Croatina) with an intense, penetrating, youthful nose with aromas of violet; dry with excellent length
Domaine des Lys Sacres 2009 Brouilly @ $15.99
from a great Beaujolais vintage with an outstanding price/quality ratio, the perfect wine for a plate of charcuterie shared among friends, says Gault-Millau
Les Jamelles 2010 Cabernet @ $15.99
from hillside vineyards in the Pays d'Oc, an elegant and complex Cab, long and velvety on the palate with well-balanced tannins, Kosher for Passover
Feraud 2009 Plan Pegau @ $16.99
crafted by Laurence Féraud of Domaine du Pegau, a red with loads of character and personality, offering a true and loud echo of the flavor and style of Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape
(back) Can Blau 2008 Montsant @ $17.99
a blend of Carignane, Syrah and Garnacha from just outside Priorat, an earthy, spicy red bursting with bright fruit with a vanilla and coconut finish and some minerality at the end
Domaine La Grange Tiphaine 2009 Clef do Sol @ $18.99
an organic blend of Cabernet Franc and Cot (Malbec), an elegant yet energetic red, in no way overdone
Montesecondo 2007 Chianti Classico @ $22.99
a traditional blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino, rich and complex, displaying the classic sour cherry flavors with enough acidity for balance
Kelley Fox 2007 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard @ $38.99
from a single biodynamically-farmed vineyard, a Pinot from one of Oregon's top young women winemakers that shows cherry aromas and flavors supported by a tightly woven frame of fine tannins, only 133 cases produced

NEW ROSES:
Sincerite 2010 Pinot Noir Rose @ $9.99
Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, with scents of vanilla and a perfect balance of tangerine citrus
(new vintage) Cantele 2010 Negroamaro @ $10.99
100% Negroamaro from Puglia, fresh and bright, with juicy red fruit flavors, bright acidity, and just enough tannic structure to make it extremely food-friendly
Pourcieux 2010 Provence @ $12.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, with a nose of red berries and citrus and an elegant kick of minerality
(new vintage) Sainte Lucie 2010 MIP @ $14.99
a playful blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah typical of Provence, with expressive aromatics, light bodied nature and fresh clean finish
(new vintage) Flouret 2010 Nationale 7 @ $14.99
an unusual blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Tibouren, with fresh minerality, good berry fruit, and bright acidity
Saint Aix 2010 Aix-en-Provence @ $15.99
a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, fresh and aromatic, with a light citrus touch on the palate
Sardi Giustiniani 2010 Felice @ $19.99
from Lucca in southern Tuscany, a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese with a delicate floral bouquet and fresh fruit on the palate
Vina Tondonia 2000 Rosado @ $22.99
the current vintage from a winery that believes in releasing wines when they most ready to drink, a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura from estate vineyards, smooth and fresh on the palate with amazing complexity due to extended barrel ageing

News from Heights Chateau

2011-04-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Trust you all got the e-mail invitation to our 25th anniversary celebration and have duly marked your calendars; we look forward to seeing all our good friends and neighbors there! New wines, quite a few, so here goes.

NEW WHITES:
Lanzur 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $7.99
a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's Lontue Valley, Kosher for Passover
Juana de Sol 2010 Chardonnay @ $9.99
understated elegance with stone fruit flavors and a light oak nose
Chateau La Moriniere 2009 Muscadet @ $11.99
very clean with citrus undertones to the pure fruit and mineral bouquet, persistent and fruity on the palate with a refreshing acidity to balance
Vineyard 48 2008 Chardonnay @ $12.99
a food-friendly white from Long Island's North Fork, light, fruity, and easy to drink
Vallevo 2009 Terre di Chiete @ $12.99
made from the Cococciola grape, a grape indigenous to Abruzzo, medium-bodied, light and lively, concentrated fruit flavors with muscular acidity
(new vintage) Kung Fu Girl 2010 Riesling @ $13.99
aromatic, smooth, vibrant, and tasty . . . Charles Smith does it again!
Anselmann 2009 Riesling @ $14.99
an elegant, classic version of Riesling with aromas of citrus and stone fruits, a refreshing wine with impressive fullness and harmony
Morgan 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
a blend of the Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Musque clones from Monterey, with lively, refreshing flavors, bright acidity, and an elegant texture
Domaine Maby 2008 Lirac Blanc @ $16.99
a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Picpoul, fresh, characterful, and fruit-forward
Apicella 2009 Bianco @ $16.99
a blend of Falanghina and Biancolella from the Amalfi coast, with an intense yet delicate flavor reminiscent of green apples and wildflower honey, noble acidity and a solid structure
Vineyard 48 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $16.99
from Long Island's North Fork, a zesty Kiwi-styled Sauvignon Blanc with a fruity-sweet core of grapefruit and pear and a healthy dose of grassy herbaceousness and just a hint of minerality
Berres 1997 Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese @ $17.99
from a Mosel vineyard famous for its red slate soil, a classic Riesling, mellow and round in the mouth, lightly sweet, with balancing acidity and tangerine fruit
Morgan 2009 Chardonnay @ $17.99
fresh, intense and vibrant, a stainless-steel Chardonnay with seductive honeysuckle aromas
Meerlust 2008 Chardonnay @ $19.99
a full-bodied, generous Chardonnay from one of South Africa's iconic producers, with ripe tropical fruit and creaminess balanced by a pure minerality typical of the variety
Naudin-Ferrand 2007 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune @ $21.99
white peaches and almonds on the nose, subtle yet lively, with hints of acacia flowers and toasted bread
Langguth 2007 Riesling @ $25.99
bright, fresh, floral, elegant . . . spring in a glass

NEW REDS:
Juana de Sol 2010 Bonarda @ $9.99
medium-bodied with light tannins and medium intensity, flavors of plum, licorice, and toffee
Les Carregudes 2009 Medoc @ $9.99
red berry, cassis and spice with well integrated tannins, a great value Bordeaux from a great vintage
Lanzur 2010 Pinot Noir @ $9.99
a medium-bodied Pinot from Chile's Lontue Valley, all cherries and berries on the palate, Kosher for Passover
(back) Marco Real 2009 Garnacha @ $10.99
100% Grenache from Navarre, with dark fruit and amazing balance with soft tannins
(new vintage) Joseph River 2009 Red @ $11.99
a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz from western Australia, complex and rich with soft lingering flavors, Kosher for Passover
Domaine le Grand Rouviere 2009 Cotes de Provence @ $11.99
a Syrah/Grenache blend produced using sustainable farming practices, with aromas of Provencal herbs and bright cherry fruit
Chateau la Reyne 2007 Cahors @ $11.99
a rich, concentrated Malbec with intense notes of blackberry, cherry and red currants on the nose and palate, dense tannins and balanced acidity on a long, spicy finish
Vineyard 48 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $13.99
from Long Island's North Fork, a Cabernet spicy with tomato flavors mingling with sweet red cherry and raspberry flavors
Apicella 2009 Piedirosso @ $13.99
made from Campania's indigenous varietal Piediross, a red with a bright red berry nose and a palate of sour cherry, raspberry and a touch of red currant
Cedrus 2008 Cahors @ $13.99
mostly Malbec with a little Merlot blended in, a powerful, rich, and concentrated red with intense black cherry and black raspberry fruit
Borgo Reale 2007 Chianti @ $15.99
intensely fruity and velvety, round with soft tannins and a complex finish, Kosher for Passover
Luna Beberede 2009 Bierzo @ $16.99
made by noted consultant Mariano Garcia, a medium-bodied but full flavored red with crunchy minerals, raspberry, cherry and blueberry fruit mixed up with some earthy herbs and spices
Teperberg 2009 Meritage @ $16.99
from Israel's Judean Hills, a classic Bordeaux blend full of dark fruits, like black cherry, blackberry and currant, Kosher for Passover
Gumphof 2009 Sudtiroler Vernatsch @ $17.99
a Schiava (aka, Vernatsch) from a father-son producing team in the Alto Adige, an uncomplicated, delicious red, low in tannin and eminently quaffable, mild and fruity with a delicious almondy aftertaste
Girard 2009 Sancerre Rouge @ $19.99
an elegant, subtle, restrained Pinot Noir from the Loire, crisp, with aromatics of red berry fruit
Gonin 2009 VdP des Balmes Dauphinoise @ $20.99
from a region just to the west of the Savoie, an intriguing blend of Mondeuse and Persan, two grapes native to the area, a wine of great balance and enhancing acidity nicely carrying the fruit toward a dark, earthy, structured and somewhat rustic finish
Cascina Adelaide 2007 Barbera d'Alba @ $20.99
100% Barbera from a single vineyard, intense, fruity and fresh, full-bodied and logn in the finish
Nodin-Ferrand 2007 Hautes-Cotes de Nuits @ $21.99
an evocative, ethereally-scented Pinot, subtle, elegant, well-structured
Fenocchio 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo @ $22.99
from Claudio and Alberto Fenocchio, fifth-generation winemakers in Piedmont, a Nebbiolo with outstanding aromas and flavors and generous structure
Douves de la Tour Carnet 2000 Haut-Medoc @ $22.99
a smooth, supple Bordeaux, bright and balanced, arguably the best wine produced by this chateau in decades
Hans Lang 2006 Spatburgunder @ $23.99
from a German producer making exceptional Pinot Noirs for more than thirty years, a soft-as-velvet red with intense berry aromas
Closerie de Fourtet 2002 St. Emilion @ $24.99
the second label of highly respected Clos Fourtet, made from the estate's younger vines, with a full, ripe palate and a long persistent finish
Morgan 2008 Pinot Noir "Twelve Clones" @ $30.99
drawn from the finest vineyards of the Santa Lucia highlands, incuding Morgan's own organically farmed "Double L" estate, a Pinot with spicy earth tones and a perfectly poised fruit/acid balance
Albini 2007 Zinfandel @ $31.99
from a small family operation producing roughly 500 cases a year, a Zin with aromas of spicy black cherry, black raspberry, and licorice and robust, bold flavors with hints of candied cherries and mocha
Monte di Grazia 2007 Rosso @ $31.99
from organic vineyards high above the Amalfi coast, a red made predominantly from an indigenous grape called Tintore di Tramonti, with red fruit and hints of black pepper and spice
Vineyard 48 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve @ $33.99
from Long Island's North Fork, a fruit-driven wine with flavors of cherry and spice, nicely balanced with soft tannins and a youthful freshness
San Felice Campogiovanni 2005 Brunello @ $41.99
with balance and elegance, a traditional Brunello with great length and staying power
San Felice Campogiovanni 2006 Brunello @ $48.99
lean and finely structured, assertive and expansive, a Brunello known for its fine balance, solid structure, and remarkable capacity for lengthy ageing
Borgo Reale 2005 Brunello @ $52.99
arguably the best ever wine from this producer, full-bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins, Kosher for Passover
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2006 Brunello @ $54.99
among the suavest and most velvety Brunellos out there, with vibrant fruit character, enticing perfume and very supple tannins
Poggio Antico 2006 Brunello @ $76.99
fascinating aromas of blackberries, flowers, dark chocolate and nuts follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, intense aftertaste and bright acidity
Capanna 2006 Brunello magnum @ $114.99
tannic, powerful, a Brunello to stash away and forget about for several years (especially in the magnum format)
Poggio Antico 2006 Brunello magnum @ $176.99
fascinating aromas of blackberries, flowers, dark chocolate and nuts follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, intense aftertaste and bright acidity

NEW ROSES:
Valdelosfrailes 2010 Rosado @ $10.99
from the Cigales region of Spain, adjacent to the Ribera del Duero, a Tempranillo-based rose with lots of earth and spice
La Selve 2010 Maguelonne @ $10.99
from an organic producer in the Ardeche, a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, delicate, aromatic and floral
Mas de Gourgonnier 2010 Rose @ $15.99
a consistently tasty rose made primarily from Grenache and completed with a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Cabernet, with flavors of strawberry, pear, pink grapefruit and watermelon
Elk Cove 2010 Pinot Noir Rose @ $16.99
fragrant with white flowers and showing freshness with aromas of watermelon and sweet, red strawberry fruit
Hitching Post 2010 Pinks @ $16.99
from iconic Pinot Noir producer Hartley and Ostini, a Pinot rose with a little Valdiguie blend in, with beautiful aromas of strawberries and cherries and fresh crisp flavors
Wrath 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
from a limited-production winery in the Santa Lucia highlands, a saignee Pinot Noir rose with hints of caramel, a real crowd-pleaser

News from Heights Chateau

2011-04-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

A reminder to save the date, May 18th, for Heights Chateau's big 25th anniversary celebration at the Brooklyn Historical Society, and be sure to check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, for information about our upcoming in-store tastings. Now for what's new this week!

NEW WHITES:
Casal Garcia NV Vinho Verde @ $8.99
refreshing and light, a sure sign of spring and summer to come
Marcillet 2009 Bourgogne Aligote @ $13.99
bright and lively on the palate, a sprightly alternative to Burgundian Chardonnay
Jolivet 2009 Attitude @ $14.99
from a great Sancerre producer, a Sauvignon Blanc sourced from elsewhere in the Loire Valley but with the classic Jolivet notes of elegance, freshness and balance
(new vintage) Cusumano 2010 Anjimbe @ $14.99
from a noted Sicilian producer, a blend of Chardonnay and Insolia with peaches and apricots on the nose and a brisk lemony acidity
(back) Carrel 2009 Altesse @ $14.99
a Roussette from a great Savoie producer, supple, rounded, and refined with great minerality
Summerer 2009 Gruner Veltliner @ $15.99
one of the best Gruners in this market, energetic, snappy and ripe with a medium body, clean flavors, and more minerality
Spy Valley 2009 Riesling @ $15.99
from Marlborough, New Zealand, a fruit-driven Riesling that is elegant and delicate, with a bouquet of fresh lime and green apple
(new vintage) Agape 2009 Pinot Blanc @ $15.99
a pure expression of Alsatian Pinot Blanc with delicate aromas of white flowers and flavors of fresh fruit
Barboursville 2009 Pinot Grigio @ $16.99
from Virginia's first wine estate in modern times, a dry, well balanced white that captures the essence of Italian winemaking style
(back) Elk Cove 2009 Pinot Gris @ $16.99
crisp on the palate with citrus and grapefruit, a rich mouthfeel, and a satisfying balanced finish
Teperberg 2010 Terra Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
from the oldest modern winery in Israel (founded in 1870), a crisply dry and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with citrus, citrus peel, and light grassy notes, Kosher
(new vintage) Groth 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $19.99
produced from grapes grown in various microclimates of the Napa Valley, a Sauvignon Blanc with lush, full melon/citrus flavors and a solid crisp backbone
Goulley 2008 Petit Chablis @ $19.99
from one of the few certified organic producers in the appellation, a Chablis with good balance and the typical bone-dry, minerally flavor of the region
Barboursville 2009 Viognier @ $22.99
from Virginia's first wine estate in modern times, a smooth-textured, elegant white with tropical and floral tones, a light acidity and a long generous finish
Occhipinti 2009 SP68 Bianco @ $25.99
a blend of two native Sicilian varietals, Albanello and Moscato di Alessandria (regionally known as Zibibbo), an exotic white from noted young biodynamic producer Arianna Occhipinti

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Cortijo 2009 Tinto @ $10.99
a young Rioja, a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache, with black cherry and chocolate elements along with a fiery finish with a hint of licorice
Broadbent 2009 Malbec @ $11.99
the result of a partnership between importer Bartholomew Broadbent and a family-owned winery in Mendoza, a fresh Malbec with delicious fruit character, spicy plum notes and a silky and seductive finish
Kinneret 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
made from grapes grown in Israel's Ella Valley, a Cabernet with excellent fruit flavors balanced with a well-integrated oak character, Kosher
Pittnauer 2007 Velvet @ $13.99
from a biodynamic producer in Austria's Burgenland, a blend of Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, and a little Cabernet with dark bramble fruit, blackberry and cassis and great tannic structure.
(new vintage) Bishop's Peak 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $16.99
under the second label of Talley Vineyards, in Paso Robles, a Cab with classic aromas of cassis, mixed red fruit, black olives, and hints of dusty chocolate, extremely well balanced and harmonious with good length and structure
Norton Ridge 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
a Pinot Noir highly expressive of the Russian River Valley, with excellent fruit balance and elegance at a great price
Ijalba 2005 Rioja Reserva @ $21.99
a Graciano/Tempranillo blend that impresses with its style and sense of balance, fleshy tannins, and nice length
(new vintage) Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
from Marlborough, New Zealand, a fruit-driven Pinot with aromas of ripe cherries and a crisp texture
Barboursville 2008 Cabernet Franc @ $22.99
from Virginia's first wine estate in modern times, a red with layers upon layers of fruit flavors, and vivid tannins yet a remarkably soft palate
Chamonard 2009 Morgon @ $23.99
from a small organic producer in the Beaujolais, a classic Morgon with complex aromas of red and black fruits with hints of licorice and graphite and a palate that is balanced with good acidity
Dalton 2007 Shiraz Reserve @ $32.99
produced from grapes grown in the Galilee region of Israel, an intense Shiraz with soft integrated tannins and a long finish, is a very concentrated wine with a long aging potential, Kosher
Murrietta 2001 Castillo Ygay @ $49.99
from one of the leading bodegas in Rioja, a traditional Tempranillo-dominated blend from an exceptional vintage, a wine of great finesse and complexity, on the palate a Bordeaux lookalike

NEW ROSES:
Saintsbury 2010 Vincent Vin Gris @ $15.99
100% Pinot Noir, bright, refreshing and invigorating, complex and flavorful with strawberry and raspberry flavors and crisp acidity
Castello di Ama 2010 Rosato @ $16.99
90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, a crisp wine with rich nuances of tropical fruit, excellent structure, and fresh approachability
Rocca di Montegrossi 2010 Rosato @ $19.99
mostly Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot blended in, a Rosato with an excellent structure, acidity, balance and with a delicate aroma

News from Heights Chateau

2011-03-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

Rather slim pickings again this week, but here's a distant early warning for you: Save the date, May 18, when we'll be celebrating Heights Chateau's 25th anniversary with a gala tasting at the Brooklyn Historical Society. More details soon!

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Joseph Drouhin 2009 Macon-Villages @ $10.99
floral and fruity on the nose, straightforward and direct on the palate, fresh and light with a very pleasant aftertaste
La Soraia 2009 Gavi di Gavi @ $14.99
from one of the oldest producers of Gavi di Gavi from estate-grown Cortese grapes, a medium bodied white with vibrant citrus aromas and flavors of fresh lemon, straw and mint
Barbanot 2009 Cotes de Ventoux @ $16.99
plump fruit supported by nice acidity into a smooth finish that ends with lingering traces of mineral
Atwater 2010 Riesling @ $17.99
an herbal, aromatic wine from Seneca Lake, with a palate driven by intense lime flavors and good length on the finish
Collovray and Terrier 2009 St. Veran @ $17.99
from two of the elite producers of the Maconnais, an elegant Chardonnay with a softly structured palate lightly perfumed with mineral and citrus notes
Santo NV Ageri @ $23.99
from a cooperative that is the biggest producer on the island of Santorini, an off-dry white with a bouquet of wild strawberries and a lingering fruity palate
Santo 2009 Nykteri Santorini @ $25.99
mostly Assyrtiko, with two other native grapes blended in, a concentrated, focused wine with flavors of baked apple, pear and citrus and a long finish

NEW REDS:
Candor NV Merlot @ $14.99
made by noted winemaker Austin Hope, a blend of fruit from several different coastal vineyards showing classic plummy fruit, spice, and a hint of smoke, complex and subtle
Sweetwater Land 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $15.99
made from sustainably grown, hand-harvested grapes, a spicy Cab with aromas and flavors of black raspberries and a lightly toasted oak finish
Oddero 2008 Barbera d'Alba @ $16.99
a bouquet of fully ripe fruit, with an excellent dash of freshness and the classic Barbera backbone
Barbanot 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $17.99
80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, medium bodied, soft and juicy, with a slight peppery bite at the end

News from Heights Chateau

2011-03-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fairly slim pickings this week; be sure to check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, for info about in-store tastings and other upcoming events.

NEW WHITES:
Blanc de Coupe Roses 2008 Champ du Roy @ $10.99
roughly equal parts Muscat and Viognier, with around 5% of Marsanne and 5% Grenache Blanc from the Minervois, a hugely aromatic, dry white
Guillot-Broux 2008 Macon-Villages Selection @ $16.99
from an estate in the Macon that has been farmed organically since 1954, a full-bodied, rich Chardonnay with the perfect balance of minerality and fruit

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) KWV 2008 Roodeberg @ $11.99
produced in Paarl, in the heart of the Cape winelands, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot with ripe berries on the nose and hints of cinnamon spice and green pepper
(new vintage) Grant Burge 2009 Benchmark Shiraz @ $12.99
a fruity Shiraz from the Barossa Valley with bright aromas of fresh red berries, cloves and pepper and fruit flavors that unfold with notes of anise and flowers into a lingering finish
Casnati 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $13.99
from Argentina's Uco Valley, a medium-bodied Cab with inviting aromas of raspberry jam, leather and spice and flavors of quince and dark chocolate
(new vintage) Oberto 2009 Barbera @ $14.99
a polished, elegant Barbera with lots of berry flavors and a hint of tobacco
(back) DeForville 2009 Dolcetto @ $14.99
a traditional, understated, and masterful Dolcetto, the type of wine the Piemontese themselves prefer
Ramspeck 2006 Merlot @ $16.99
made by Gerry Rowland of Rowland Cellars, a Merlot with aromas of a bright red berry medley with bittersweet chocolate and flavors of ripe currents, wild plum, blueberries and spices
Muxagat 2005 Douro @ $26.99
a distinctive blend of three indigenous Douro varietals, dominated by notes of chocolate and spice

NEW ROSE:
Diables 2009 Cotes de Provence @ $12.99
a classic light and crisp Provencal rose, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault

News from Heights Chateau

2011-03-16T15:28:00.001-07:00

From last week to this looks like from famine to feast! Hope you find something here to please your palate.

NEW WHITES:
(back) Lisabella 2009 Pinot Grigio @ $7.99
deliciously balanced, with good levels of fruit (not too fruity) and a nice crisp and refreshing finish
Cantarranas 2009 Rueda @ $8.99
a Verdejo/Viura blend, crisp and fresh on the palate, balanced and rounded with a long and soft aftertaste
(new vintage) Mezzacorona 2009 Pinot Grigio @ $8.99
a fuller, rounder, more satisfying Pinot Grigio with ripe aromas of peach, pear and honey and a smooth, creamy feel in the mouth
Arton 2009 Cotes de Gascogne @ $9.99
explosive on the nose with bright floral aromatics, fresh. with a palate that explodes with grapefruit and succulent white pepper flavors
(back) Jean Rosen 2009 Pinot Blanc @ $10.99
from a practicing organic estate in Alsace that traces its history back to the 17th century, a crisp, fruit-forward, and terroir-expressive white that is an unbeatable value
Santa Helena 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
from a Chilean winery that dates from the 1940s, an herbal Sauvignon Blanc with crisp apple and citrus notes
Beviam 2009 Tocai @ $10.99
produced by Bodegas Cava del 23 in Mendoza, an intensely aromatic white with tropical citrus notes and a long finish
(new vintage) Healdsburg Ranches 2009 Chardonnay @ $11.99
unoaked, from the Russian River Valley, clean and focused, a great wine at an exceptional price
Bonhoste 2010 Bordeaux Blanc @ $11.99
a Semillon/Sauvignon/Muscadelle blend with a fresh, youthful pear drop and lemon nose that leads into a punchy, full-flavored palate
Lagar da Xestosa 2009 Godello @ $13.99
light and silky with excellent harmony and acidity and an elegant finish
Mara 2009 White Grass Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
a four-vineyard, four-appellation blend, crisp and clean with bright fruit and penetrating minerality
Kendall-Jackson 2009 Chardonnay "Avant" @ $14.99
not the standard K-J Chardonnay but a new, more modern expression of the grape, with refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes that are balanced by a rounded mid-palate with a long, pure fruit finish
Teperberg 2009 White @ $15.99
a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Chardonnay, light gold in color, with pineapple, citrus and tropical fruits on the nose and palate, Kosher
Bonny Doon 2009 Albarino @ $16.99
certified biodynamic, made by the one and only Randall Grahm, an Albarino from Monterey that is redolent of citrus rind and herbs with a crisp, briny finish
Paco & Lola 2009 Albarino @ $18.99
crisp and aromatic with floral and tropical fruit aromas, bone dry with nice minerality and a silky, refreshing finish
Frecciarossa 2008 Riesling "Gli Orti" @ $18.99
from an estate in Lombardy's Oltrepo Pavese region, a dry, elegant Riesling with spicy white pepper flavors
Freemark Abbey 2009 Chardonnay @ $19.99
a Chardonnay with concentrated ripe stone fruit aromas and flavors and an underlying subtle toasty oak complexity
Peter Schandl 2008 Pinot Blanc @ $20.99
delicate and spicy, with fully ripe fruit and chilly minerality, full bodied on the palate, balanced to a long finish
Kynsi 2008 Chardonnay @ $21.99
a full, rich Chardonnay from Edna Valley with a textured , round mouth feel, finishing clean with layers of pineapple guava, citrus and honey
Vigneti Massa 2009 Timorasso "Derthona" @ $25.99
a Piedmont white made from an obscure, indigenous varietal, Timorasso, fresh and clean, rich and complex, well balanced and lush with great acidity and a long, spicy-peppery finish
(back) Latour 2008 Meursault @ $32.99
focused and fruity with nice complexity and minerality, a subtle wine with real interest
Talbott 2008 Chardonnay "Sleepy Hollow" @ $42.99
the winery's flagship Chardonnay from the famed Sleepy Hollow vineyard, full bodied, smooth, balanced, with delicious notes of tangerine, grapefruit, white peach, and toasted almond

NEW REDS:
(back) Lisabella 2008 Nero d'Avola @ $7.99
ripe, berrylike fruit aromas complemented by hints of leather and smoke, warm and plummy with a touch of raisins and a hint of almonds in the flavor and with sufficient acidity to give it structure
Calina 2009 Carmenere @ $8.99
an earthy, spicy red packed with powerful aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, fresh berries, spice, fresh herbs, smoked bacon and a hint of vanilla
Santa Helena 2009 Merlot @ $10.99
from a Chilean winery that dates from the 1940s, a Merlot with well defined varietal aromas with plenty of plum and black currant fruit creating a medium weighted, easy drinking wine
Santa Helena 2009 Carmenere @ $10.99
from a Chilean winery that dates from the 1940s, a Carmenere with a plush palate, with lots of dark, sinewy, spice-edged black fruits, fine tannins and a lovely dry finish
(back) First Drop 2009 The Red One @ $10.99
a fruit-driven Barossa blend, mostly of Cabernet and Shiraz with splashes of Barbera, Trincadeira, Tempranillo and Nebbiolo, featuring spicy dark fruit aromas, bright acidity, structured tannins, and a big berry finish
Peachy Canyon 2008 Incredible Red Zin @ $11.99
a Paso Robles Zin with bright fruit, mild acidity, and an elegant finish
Bogle 2008 Merlot @ $11.99
a full-bodied Merlot with deep cherry fruit, soft hints of summer anise, and touches of pipe tobacco and spicy oak that lend weight to the finish, trailed by firm, assertive tannins
Tour d'Auron 2005 Bordeaux @ $11.99
pure Merlot from a small-production estate producing sought after wines with excellent aging potential, a wine with good intensity and a complex bouquet of truffles, violets and rich fruits, well balanced, elegant, complex and long
Barberani 2009 Polago @ $11.99
a blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano from Umbria, smoky, meaty, and brimming with plum fruit
Matignon 2008 Anjou Rouge @ $11.99
a stainless-steel Cabernet Franc, soft, elegant, with great acidity and lovely texture and balance
Bonny Doon 2009 Contra @ $13.99
a new field blend from Randall Grahm — Carignane, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Syrah — rustic yet refined, lots of ripe Bing cherries grounded in an earthy backbone
Lagar da Xestosa 2009 Mencia @ $13.99
a clean and bright red with fresh, intense aromas of red fruits and a fresh, elegant finish
Medoro 2007 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo @ $15.99
a stunning red with intense varietal fruit and an assertive palate, a big wine at a small price
Rentas de Fincas 2005 Rioja @ $16.99
an 80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 10% Graciano blend, with a nose of raisins and plums, smooth, polished tannins, and a long finish
Abbona 2008 Dolcetto "San Luigi" @ $16.99
a single-vineyard wine, ripe and rich, with plum, red fruit and pepper flavors that have a full, mouth-filling character before a persistent, tangy finish
Chionetti 2006 Dolcetto "San Luigi" @ $16.99
from a producer who makes only Dolcetto, a beautifully balanced red with soft supple tannins, elegant, and the exception to the rule that Dolcettos can't age
Teperberg 2009 Meritage @ $16.99
a Bordeaux-style blend from Israel's Judean Hills, full-bodied with some hints of cassis and dark berries, smooth and easy-drinking, Kosher
Xavier Flouret 2007 uQamata Red @ $17.99
a Bordeaux-style blend from Amani Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa, made by South Africa's first black female winemaker, a smooth, ripe red with good balance between fruit flavors, alcohol, and refreshing acidity
Doolhof 2009 Pinotage "Dark Lady of the Labyrinth" @ $17.99
a real quaffer, with hedonistic flavors of tart, fresh-crushed cherries and mocha with smooth, almost velvety tannins
Rickshaw 2009 Pinot Noir @ $17.99
a blend made from a couple of sources scattered throughout Sonoma County, with hallmark Pinot spice on the nose and juicy red and blue fruits on the palate
Santa Helena 2009 Vernus Pinot Noir @ $17.99
from a Chilean winery that dates from the 1940s, a Pinot with a complex aromatic profile and a nice silky texture
Santa Helena 2009 Vernus Cabernet Sauvignon @ $17.99
a Cabernet with great intensity, highlighting fresh, ripe fruit and well-structured tannins, with good concentration and balance
Jim Barry 2008 Shiraz @ $17.99
a single-vineyard Shiraz from Australia's Clare Valley, with abundant bramble, chocolate and menthol flavors structured on ripe tannins
Domaine de Montrieux 2008 Verre des Poetes @ $18.99
made from very old vines Pineau d'Aunis by one of the great iconoclasts of the Loire, Emile Heredia, a completely natural wine of great purity and flavor
Sardus Pater 2007 Issolus Carignano @ $19.99
from Sardus Pater, a coop on the historic island of St. Antioco on the west side of the island of Sardenga, a wine made exclusively from the indigenous Carignano and Bovace Sardo grapes with a smooth, almost full body that finishes with long, warm earthy notes, balanced by deeper fruit flavors
Matignon 2004 Anjou Villages @ $19.99
100% Cabernet Franc from older vines, fuller and more complex than this producer's basic wine, with lovely texture and structure and a long finish
Cuvelier Los Andes 2007 Red @ $19.99
from the Cuvelier family (proprietors of Chateau Leoville Poyferre in Bordeaux), a blend of 60% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot, full-bodied, smooth-textured, and plush on the palate, with layers of savory fruit, some underlying tannin, and excellent balance
Routestock Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
captures the essence of the Napa Valley with beautiful aromas of blackberry and plum enveloped in medium, approachable tannins
Pech Abuse 2005 Buzet @ $20.99
a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, of medium weight, food friendly, with striking aromas of leather and prune
Dalton 2009 Zinfandel @ $22.99
blended with 13% Petite Sirah, medium- to full-bodied (leaning to the full), deeply aromatic, with fine deep tannins parting to reveal generous black fruits, sweet tobacco and notes of spicy oak, Kosher
Le Gode 2008 Rosso di Montepulciano @ $22.99
an intensely colored red with great body and strcture, made in a slightly more modern style than their Brunello
Lyonnat 2006 Lussac-St. Emilion @ $22.99
100% Merlot, full-bodied, with plummy flavors, a chewy texture and a medium finish.
Paolo Scavino 2007 Nebbiolo @ $24.99
the poor man's Barolo, bright with soft cherry flavors, anise, and good tannic structure
Cave de Tain 2007 Crozes-Hermitages "Les Hauts de Fief" @ $24.99
from a 370-member coop at the foot of the Hermitage hillside, 100% Sryah, deep and dense, with a palate that is powerful, smooth and elegant
Penin 2008 Les Cailloux Bordeaux @ $24.99
100% Merlot, well structured, a wine of elegance, harmony and finesse
Gibourg 2009 Chorey-Les-Beaune @ $31.99
a light, supple red Burgundy, moderately tannic but rich and characterful
Icario 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vitarocchia @ $31.99
Icario's flagship wine, produced in limited quantities and only in the best years, in this vintage with alluring scents of ripe cherries, Tuscan herbs, and anise, sublime dark cherry and plum tastes embellished with hints of smoke and vanilla spice
Righetti 2007 Amarone @ $34.99
a full-bodied red with a very complex nose that emphasizes dried fruit and almonds with a hint of anise, extremely rich flavors, a long, smooth finish and a lingering aftertaste
Belle Pente 2008 Pinot Noir "Murto" @ $40.99
a classic Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, complex, spicy, and earthy with red fruit flavors over polished tannins, only 528 cases made in this vintage
Belle Pente 2008 Pinot Noir "Belle Pente" @ $40.99
an expressive young Pinot with heady aromas of dark red and blue fruits accented by herbs and wood smoke, a long and focused palate, with good underlying structure and perfect acid/tannin balance, only 725 cases made in this vintage
Nada 2006 Barbaresco @ $42.99
from a small family winery in Piedmont, a Barbaresco that is neither fully modern nor completely traditional but elegant and ageworthy

NEW ROSES:
Anne Pichon 2009 Gris Montagne @ $10.99
a Syrah/Grenache/old-vines Carignane blend from the Ventoux, dry and crisp
Jelu 2010 Malbec @ $10.99
100% organic Malbec from Argentina's Zonda Valley, with lifted aromas of red cherries and a light, perfectly balanced palate
Ermita San Felices 2009 Rioja @ $10.99
100% Tempranillo from Rioja Alta, nervy and spicy
La Croix du Prieur 2010 Cotes de Provence @ $15.99
from Chateau Coussin, a Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault/Carignane blend, crisp and tangy with berry and citrus flavors
Raimbault 2010 Sancerre Apud Sariacum @ $22.99
from Philippe Raimbault, a ninth-generation Loire producer with a relatively small production, fragrant, elegant, floral and packed with subtle flavors of ripe summer fruits
Raimbault 2010 Sancerre @ $23.99
from Domaine Roger & Didier Raimbault, a light, delicate, and very subtle rose made from 100% Pinot Noir

news from Heights Chateau

2011-03-09T11:40:00.001-08:00

Having taken off last week because there was so little to report from the week before (a holiday week), I now have quite a bit to offer from the two weeks combined . . . so here goes!

NEW WHITES:
Oxford Landing 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $7.99
zesty notes of freshly cut grass and kiwifruit, with lively varietal flavors of gooseberry and hints of tropical fruit punch and passionfruit
(back) Perelada NV Blanc Pescador @ $8.99
a tremendously popular wine when we first discovered it last spring, a vino de aguja (needle wine) from Catalonia that is clean, fresh, crisp, dry, and slightly sparkling wine with a pleasant fruity aroma
Marques de Montemor 2009 White @ $9.99
from Portugal's Alentejo province, a blend of native varietals that is fresh and intense, made in a modern fruity style
Bourdiniere 2009 Muscadet @ $10.99
lively, fresh, and very dry, with a little sparkle on the tongue from natural carbon dioxide
(new vintage) Grant Burge 2008 Benchmark Chardonnay @ $11.99
a fruit-driven Chardonnay with excellent balance, a rich and generous palate with good acid balance
Lafayette-Reneau NV Seyval-Chardonnay @ $11.99

a flowery nose with subtle apple aromas, smooth and crisp with ample fruit and a lush texture
Estezargues Les Grandes Vignes 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $12.99
from a southern Rhone cooperative, the only coop in France to make and promote "natural" wines, a sunny white blend with low acidity and muted aromatics
Del Rio 2009 Pinot Gris @ $16.99
a luscious white from Oregon's Rogue Valley, with aromas and flavors are of pear, apple, guava, apricot and fresh fig
(new vintage) Norton Ridge 2009 Chardonnay @ $17.99
lots of big, crisp fruit flavors with just a hint of creamy, buttery oak
Migration 2008 Chardonnay @ $30.99
a classic Chardonnay from Duckhorn's Anderson Valley outpost, a bright and elegantly balanced wine with enticing white flower, Meyer lemon, white fig and almond blossom aromatics, alongside a subtle oak-inspired note
Clos des Fees 2009 Blanc @ $34.99
100% old-vine Grenache Blanc, a full-bodied wine with amazing layers of apricot, peach, honey, grapefruit, cut hay and a beautiful freshness
Leroux 2008 Auxey-Duresses @ $42.99
only the second vintage under Benjamin Leroux's own label, an elegant white Burgundy with rich, round middle-weight flavors that are supple and forward, all wrapped in a tangy, dry, clean finish

NEW REDS:
DeLoach 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $9.99
an easy-to-drink Cabernet, classic in style, with aromas of black currant intermingling with fresh herbs de Provence
D'Arenberg 2009 Stump Jump @ $11.99
a perennial house favorite, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, aromatic, fresh and lively with an abundance of ripe fruit
LAN 2006 Rioja @ $12.99
100% Tempranillo, fresh and balanced with a generous yet delicate texture
Estezargues 2008 Domaine Gres St. Vincent @ $13.99
from a southern Rhone cooperative, the only coop in France to make and promote "natural" wines, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan with a deep and luxurious palate expressive of ripe black and red fruit flavors
Estezargue 2009 Grandes Vignes Cotes du Rhone @ $13.99
from a southern Rhone cooperative, the only coop in France to make and promote "natural" wines, an unusual Cotes du Rhone made 100% from Cinsault, rich with ripe cherry and berry flavors and a mineral note that is followed by supple acidity and velvety tannins
(back) La Vinsobraise 2006 Vinsobre @ $14.99
from a 60-year-old coop in the Rhone that comprises 250 growers, a Grenache-Syrah blend, rich and chewy with good balance and acidity
Tabali 2008 Syrah @ $14.99
a Syrah from Chile's northern desert region, juicy, silky and smoky with a long finish
Norton Ridge 2009 Merlot @ $15.99
a California Merlot with flavors of dark berries, plum, and hints of mocha and coffee that finishes nicely with soft tannins
(back) Old Parcel 2008 Zinfandel @ $15.99
an old-vines Zinfandel from California's Central Valley with flavors of dark plum and blueberry with a touch of earthiness, and dark chocolate
(new vintage) Buscareto 2008 Lacrima di Morro d'Asti @ $15.99
100% Lacrima Nero, ruby red in color, with the nose dominated by faded rose petals and small savory bush fruit with a light spicy and woody fragrance
Domaine du Tracot 2009 Beaujolais Villages @ $15.99
made naturally and without sulfites, and from THE Beaujolais vintage of recent history, a crisp, light red bursting with fruit
Ruchel 2009 Mencia Valdeorras @ $17.99
made from the Mencia grape, native to western Spain, a richly-colored red with a concentrated fruit nose and flavors of bright red fruit and allspice
Zerbetta 2009 Barbera del Monferrato @ $17.99
a Barbera from biodynamic producers in Piedmont, rich in fruit and with medium tannins
Clos des Fees 2008 Les Sorcieres @ $17.99
from former resterauteur and journalist Herve Bizeul, now making wine in the Cotes du Roussillon, a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah from 40-80-year-old vines, a soft, round, highly fruited wine with wide appeal
Cousin-Leduc 2009 Rouge @ $19.99
made by Loire Valley organic producer Olivier Cousin, a wine that is 100% old-vines Grolleau, gentle on the palate yet tart and edgy
Johnson Family 2009 Pinot Noir @ $19.99
a cool-climate Pinot Noir from Carneros, a finished wine that offers pure Pinot aromatics, deep red and black fruit flavors, plus plenty of acidity and tannin for structure
Bogle 2007 Phantom Red @ $19.99
a blend of Petite Syrah and Zinfandel with a little Mourvedre thrown in, with robust flavors, driven by fruit and tannins in a big, bold style
Champ des Treilles 2003 Bordeaux @ $22.99
a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, a mature wine with a garnet red color, aromas of berries, licorice and spice
Paige 23 2007 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
a distinct, delicious Pinot Noir from a relative newcomer in Santa Barbara County, with rose petal, tea leaf and raspberry and cassis tones combined with bright acidity and terrific minerality
Collemattoni 2007 Rosso di Montalcino @ $22.99
100% Sangiovese from the Brunello clone, juicy and bright on the palate, yielding red fruits and lively acidity but with an earthy undercurrent
Erbaluna 2008 Barbera @ $23.99
an organic Barbera from the Oberto brothers, super concentrated yet vivacious, with an abundance of ripe, succulent fruits
Rollan de By 2008 Medoc @ $24.99
a Bordeaux of great structure and complexity, ripe but restrained, with nicely sinewy embedded, structure carrying solid black currant, black cherry and fig fruit
Bergevin Lane 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $27.99
a Columbia Valley Cabernet made in a deep, dense style, intense yet elegant, with aromas of blackberry, smoke, and black pepper and a velvety-smooth palate
Les Vins de Viennes Terres de Viennae 2008 Sotanum @ $29.99
from the Villard/Cuilleron/Gaillard team committed to the renaissance of the ancient vineyard of Seyssuel in the northern Rhone, a 100% Syrah that is rich and supple, fruit-forward and easy drinking
Lignier 2008 Bourgogne @ $29.99
a fresh, fruity young Burgundy with good structure and balance
Les Vins de Viennes Terres de Viennae 2008 Heluicum @ $33.99
from the Villard/Cuilleron/Gaillard team committed to the renaissance of the ancient vineyard of Seyssuel in the northern Rhone, a bright, fresh Syrah with a brisk core of kirsch and blackberry fruit backed by snappy tobacco and mouthwatering mineral notes
Neyers 2008 Merlot @ $34.99
a rich, concentrated wine with textbook Merlot flavors like wild cherry, tobacco leaf, and cinnamon
Chandon de Briailles 2008 Pernand-Vergelesses @ $38.99
elegant, refined, pure and intense, great Burgundy from a consistently reliable producer
Smith Madrone 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $43.99
soft, silky, and elegant, classic Napa Cabernet with a sturdy structure and long finish on the palate
Spring Mountain 2007 Syrah @ $49.99
from an outstanding vintage for California Syrah, a balanced and well structured wine with an elegant finish
Neyers 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $56.99
ripe and robust, intense and concentrated, with a full-bodied mix of black cherry, plum, berry, mineral, anise and sage
Clos des Fees 2006 Clos des Fees @ $86.99
from former resterauteur and journalist Herve Bizeul, now making wine in the Cotes du Roussillon, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan, a wine of great concentration and power with a touch of residual sugar and well integrated oak

NEW ROSE:
Bonhoste 2009 Bordeaux @ $13.99
a bright, crisp blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with aromas of strawberries and rose petals and lots of ripe red fruit on the palate

news from Heights Chateau

2011-02-21T12:11:00.001-08:00

Check out the new slide show on our web site, and also check the calendar for info on upcoming in-store tastings, at www.heightschateau.com

NEW WHITES:
J. Drouhin 2009 Macon-Villages @ $10.99
bright, limpid, floral and fruity, very straightforward and direct on the palate
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
zesty and aromatic with lots of lively fruit character and a finish that is crisp, elegant and refreshing
Auvigne 2009 Macon-Solutre @ $13.99
fresh and crisp with lots of character and beautiful balance
(new vintage) Edna Valley 2009 Chardonnay @ $13.99
from San Luis Obispo county, a well structured Chardonnay with a hint of oak
Argiolas 2000 Costamolina @ $14.99
Vermentino from Sardinia with a subtle yet intense bouquet and a fresh, well-defined palate
Leitz 2009 Rudesheimer Riesling Trocken @ $35.99
broad-shouldered and full-bodied, a wine of great length with the potential to be one of the greatest dry Rieslings of the vintage
(back) Latour 2008 Puligny-Montrachet @ $38.99
straightforward and pure, with complex aromas balanced by liveliness and freshness on the palate

NEW REDS:
Domaine de l'Estagnol 2008 Minervois @ $8.99
a blend of Syrah and Grenache with red fruit aromas, a velvety mouth feel, and a spicy finish
Malma 2010 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
the star wine of Bodega NqN in Patagonia, Argentina, with aromas of strawberries and ripe plums, soft and elegant, touched with vanilla and spice in the finish
Chateau Riviere 2009 Minervois @ $10.99
fleshy and fruity, with blackberry and black currant aromas
Roques de Jeanlice 2007 Plaisir @ $10.99
a soft, supple, fresh Bordeaux filled with fresh herbs and ripe dark fruit
Croix du Duc 2009 Bordeaux @ $10.99
a bright, refreshing Bordeaux blend with notes of ripe blackberry, plum and a light minerality and hints of cedar and smoke on the finish
Marchigue 2008 Carmenere @ $11.99
from Errazuriz Ovalle, the second-largest pricate producer in Chile, a ripe Carmenere with deep black fruit and considerable tannic depth
The People's 2009 Zinfandel @ $11.99
lots of fruit, a decent body, with overtones of vanilla and spice, an amazingly good wine for the money
Sainte Colombe 2004 Cotes de Castillon @ $13.99
a right-bank Bordeaux showing lots of rich blackberry fruit, lean, crisp and well defined on the palate
Notre Dame d'Aubune 2009 Beaumes de Venise @ $13.99
made as the traditional Rhone mix of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% each Mourvedre and Cinsault, a wine with very ripe red fruits and hints of spice, meant to be drunk young
(new vintage) Geografico 2008 Chianti @ $14.99
Chianti Classico quality at the price of an entry-level Sangiovese-based red from Tuscany, with layer upon layers of ripe fruit, bright acidity and a slightly earthy, spicy quality
L'Ecume 2009 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
a new value-priced Pinot from Oregon, soft, round, and definitively fruit-forward
(back) Mas des Flauzieres 2009 Gigondas @ $16.99
a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, with a big, dense, rich palate and sweet vanilla on the finish
(new vintage) Palagetto 2007 Chianti Colli Senesi @ $16.99
a well balanced wine with abundant flavors of cherries and raspberries, with hints of wood and tobacco a vibrant acidity, and fresh, crisp tannins
Casanova di Neri 2005 Brunello Tenuta Nuova @ $75.99
a Brunello in a polished modern style, rich, dark, and dense, with roses and spice on the finish

OTHER ASSORTED NEW STUFF (SPIRITS AND OTHERWISE)
Bonal Gentiane-Quina Aperitif @ $17.99
Cardamaro Vino Amaro Aperitif @ $18.99
St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram @ $20.99
Nux Alpina Walnut Liqueur @ $26.99
Bardoui Pastis @ $28.99
Zucca Rabarbaro Amaro @ $28.99
Averell Damson Gin @ $31.99
Purkhart Pear William Brandy @ $34.99
Nonino Amaro Quintessentia @ $35.99

news from Heights Chateau

2011-02-15T10:07:00.001-08:00

Quite a bit new this week (including, yes, a few roses to help you think about the coming of spring), so without further ado . . .

NEW WHITES:
Rapitala 2009 Piano Maltese @ $9.99
a 50/50 blend of Grillo and Cataratto from Sicily, rich with melon, almond, and fresh basil
Evel 2009 Douro White @ $10.99
a blend of the Douro's native white varietals, elegant, bright and refreshing with hints of apple and citrus
(back) Otto's Constant Dream 2009 Riesling @ $10.99
a dry, crisp Riesling from Marlborough, with vibrant aromatics and pleasant minerality
Tabali 2010 Viognier @ $12.99
a dynamic new entry from Chile, with flavors of fresh herbs and ripe peaches
(new vintage) Palagetto 2009 Vernaccia @ $12.99
our benchmark for Vernaccia, soft and subtle, with fresh, clean floral aromas
(back) Laurenz und Sophie 2009 Gruner Veltliner @ $12.99
lively and vibrant, with floral aromas and flavors of white core fruit and citrus mingled with minerality and refreshing acidity
Zenato 2009 Lugana San Benedetto @ $12.99
100% Trebbiano from the Veneto, with notes of peach, citrus, banana and herbs accompanied by a crisp acidity and supple body on the palate
Ponga 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $14.99
light and juicy with just enough grapefruit flavor to let you know it's a Sauvignon Blanc without overwhelming you with citrus flavors
Urbanite 2009 Verdelho @ $15.99
from Lodi, California, a Verdelho with melon/citrus fruit character and a round mouth-filling texture
(new vintage) Hirsch 2009 Veltliner #1 @ $16.99
creamy yet light and elegant, full of sweet grain and roasted corn, a classy Gruner for everyday drinking
Lincourt 2009 Chardonnay "Steel" @ $19.99
a first for this winery, a stainless-steel Chardonnay, crisp and racy, with firm acidity and underlying minerality
La Crema 2009 Chardonnay @ $20.99
intensely flavored, with an exotic nose of honeysuckle and pear with delicate hints of hazelnut and butterscotch
Deschamps 2009 Poully-Fume @ $21.99
a Sauvignon Blanc of great structure, elegance, and balance, aromatic, with a firm texture and a long finish

NEW REDS:
Colonia 2009 Bonarda "Las Liebres" @ $8.99
dense, dark, and ripe, an excellent example of Bonarda from Argentina, produced by Altos Las Hormigas
Loios 2009 Tinto @ $9.99
from Portugal's Alentejo region, a blend of several indigenous varietals, soft and easy-drinking with an intensely fruity aroma
Joostenberg 2009 Little J @ $9.99
from a South African winery family-owned since the 1870s, a Shiraz/Cinsault blend with a little splash of Viognier, fresh and flavorful with a soft, lush mouthfeel
Clos de Torribas 2006 Crianza @ $9.99
mostly Tempranillo with a little Cabernet blended in, light on the palate with well integrated tannins
(back) Ferreirinha 2008 Douro Esteva @ $9.99
a blend made from traditional Douro varietals, complex and well balanced with lively red fruit on the nose
Purato 2009 Nero d'Avola @ $10.99
certified organic from a family-owner winery in Sicily, sumptuous and rounded on the palate with succulent mouthfeel and modest acidity leading to a nicely dry finish
Domaine Font Sainte 2008 Corbieres @ $10.99
a blend of Carignane, Grenache, and Syrah, round and concentrated, with delicate tannins and vivid acidity
Deloach 2009 Pinot Noir @ $11.99
light in body, almost Beaujolais in style, with bright fruit flavors and a medium finish
Ventisquero 2008 Pinot Noir @ $13.99
a Pinot from Chile's Casablanca valley with a delicate body, fresh with a balanced acidity and soft tannins that deliver greater complexity to its structure
Querceto 2008 Chianti Classico @ $13.99
subtle yet bright, slightly tannic and food-friendly, easily a benchmark for young Chianti Classico Riserva
(back) Cooperativa di Cupertino 2003 Cupertino @ $13.99
95% Negroamaro and 5% Malvasia Nera, a rustic yet charming red with generous notes of black cherries, plums, spice and violets, all set against underlying earthy depth
Dupeuble 2009 Beaujolais @ $13.99
from a quality-conscious organic producer of Gamay, and from a terrific Beuajolais vintage as well, a stunning effort that is bright yet deep and attractively fruit-forward
(new vintage) Domaine La Croix Belle 2008 Grenache/Syrah @ $13.99
a wine classically expressive of its origins, brilliant ruby in color with a nose of blackberry and spices, ample and full-bodied with a complex finish
Tabali 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $14.99
a dynamic new entry from Chile, an elegant, well balanced Cab with a sturdy core of fruit and medium tannins
(back) Corvidae 2008 Rook @ $14.99
in the new line from stellar winemaker David O'Reilly, a blend of Cab, Merlot, and Syrah with lots of ripe fruit flavors, ample acidity, and chewy tannins
Cuvee du Vatican 2009 Cotes du Rhone Villages @ $15.99
the baby brother to what many consider to be the "king" of Chateauneuf-du-Papes, ripe and smooth, with juicy acidity and light tannins
Chateau Moulin de la Roquille 2006 Cotes du Franc @ $15.99
a top-grade right-bank red Bordeaux made of 70% Merlot and 15% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with aromas of berries, plums, vanilla and spice
Bonnet 2008 Graves @ $16.99
from the Andre Lurton stable, an equal blend of Merlot and Cabernet, well layered with vanilla and micha, a modern-style Bordeaux with lots of appeal
Heredad Solitierra 2006 Priorat @ $16.99
a value-priced Priorat, round and toasty with a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel
Beck 2009 Zweigelt @ $17.99
made by biodynamic producer Judith Beck, a medium to full bodied Zweigelt with ripe cherry fruit balanced with unripe plum freshness, no tannins and a hint of acidity
Rocher-Calon 2008 Montagne-St. Emilion @ $17.99
95% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, with blackberry and plum notes on the nose and classic cedar and black pepper tones with a soft lingering finish
Klee 2009 Pinot Noir @ $19.99
from Chris Berg's Racine Wine Company, a Pinot with sweet red fruit, great flavor concentration, and a red fruit, nutmeg, and clove finish
Clos des Cazaux 2007 Vacqueyras @ $19.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre from 40-50-year-old vines, with a fragrant floral bouquet and an underpinning of zesty minerality
Firestone 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
a deep, rich full-flavored Cab with chewy yet supple tannins and a finish that is long, smooth and strong
Cipriani 2009 Teroldego @ $20.99
Alto Adige's esoteric red grape, made here in a ripe, plush style
Pataille 2007 Passetoutgrain @ $21.99
two-thirds Gamay and one-third Pinot Noir fermented together, a red with an easy charm overlaying a voluptuous and vibrant core of rich, mineral-drenched fruit
Noussan 2009 Cuvee de la Cote @ $22.99
a field blend from a parcel of particularly old vines, made by a garagiste in the Aosta valley, earthy and dry with floral aromas and long-lasting berry, herbal, and mineral flavors
Dominio IV 2009 Pinot Noir "Love Lies Bleeding" @$23.99
a stunning Pinot Noir from a small-production family-run Oregon winery, soft and sweetly elegant but with a firm backbone
Beckmen 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $23.99
from a family-run estate in the Santa Ynez valley, an approachable, medium-bodied Cab with a good balance of tannins and fruit
Echeverria 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $23.99
a rich, full-bodied Cabernet with intense notes of strawberry, blackberry and cherry complemented by hints of coffee and tobacco, balanced and smooth with a lingering finish
Adelsheim 2009 Pinot Noir @ $23.99
from an Oregon pioneer in its third decade, producing elegant, vibrant, understated versions of the grape
Oddero 2007 Langhe Nebbiolo @ $24.99
100% Nebbiolo from an historic estate in the Piedmont noted for producing wines that are not just technically correct but brimming with personality
Calera 2008 Pinot Noir @ $27.99
soft and luscious, classic California Pinot Noir with a medium body, mineral notes, and a long finish
Rollin 2006 Pernand-Vergelesses @ $28.99
a tight, pure Burgundy with firm acidity and subtle, delicate flavors
Anaba 2007 Pinot Noir @ $29.99
a dense, richly textured Sonoma Pinot with dark berry fruits balanced by fine tannins
Jean-Marc Morey 2004 Chassagne Rouge "Champs Gains" @ $29.99
a Burgundy with finesse, well balanced fruit aromas and flavors, and beautiful acidity
Costa de Oro 2007 Pinot Noir "Gold Coast" @ $31.99
from an estate winery in the Santa Maria valley, a blend of ten different lots of Pinot Noir, spicy, floral, and layered with a smooth finish
Cantina del Pino 2007 Barbaresco @ $38.99
a stunning expression of Nebbiolo, with aromas and flavors of red cherries, flowers, mint, and licorice, rendered in a restrained, highly polished style
Le Salette 2006 Amarone @ $46.99
a stylish Amarone with layers of dark fruit, spices, mineral, and menthol
Pride Mountain 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $75.99
a Cabernet that is all about balance, with supple ripe tannins providing a foundation for dark fruit and with nuanced acidity giving structure and lift without bite

NEW ROSES:
Domaine des Diables 2009 Cotes de Provence @ $12.99
a Syrah-based rosé with lots of spice, steely minerals, and deep fruit
Domaine de Font Sainte 2009 Gris de Gris @ $12.99
mostly Grenache with a little Mourvèdre, Carignane, and Cinsault blended in, fresh, dense and rich with a remarkable persistence on the palate
La Source de Vignelaure 2009 Coteaux d'Aix @ $14.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Cabernet, floral and light with notes of summer fruits

news from Heights Chateau

2011-02-07T12:49:00.001-08:00

Remember to check the calendar on our web site for listings of upcoming in-store tastings! New wines herewith:

NEW WHITES:
Oxford Landing 2009 Chardonnay @ $7.99
bright and crisp, with layers of complexity and texture
Royal 2009 Chenin Blanc @ $8.99
from the Riebeek Cellars on South Africa's western coast, fresh and lively, packed with melon fruit balanced with crisp acidity
Lagoalva 2009 Espirito @ $9.99
aromatic yet dry and citrusy, with zippy acidity and a clean and mouth-watering finish
Les Jamelles 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $9.99
vivid, fresh, with refreshing citrus notes and a rich and moderate finish
Jacky Renard 2008 Bourgogne Aligote @ $13.99
light and fresh, crisp and vivid, with abundant minerality
Buil & Gine 2009 Rueda "Nosis" @ $14.99
sharply etched citrus flavors enlivened by youthful spritz and white pepper
(back) Pichon 2009 Viognier @ $14.99
from two small plots in the Vaucluse, a Viognier with ripe fruit aromas and complexity balanced by acidity
Peju 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
bone dry and elegantly crisp in acidity, a clean, vibrant, food-friendly wine with just a hint of oak and rich flavors of Meyer lemons and lime
Newton 2009 Chardonnay Red Label @ $20.99
a blend of estate and bought-in fruit with rich fruit flavors, bright acidity, and just a hint of oak
Monticello 2006 Chardonnay @ $24.99
a soft Chardonnay, aged in new oak, with pears and peaches on the nose and a lingering finish
(new vintage) Neyers 2009 Chardonnay @ $27.99
fresh floral scents, with notes of apple, pear, spice and light oak that lead to a full-bodied palate

NEW REDS:
Oxford Landing 2009 Merlot @ $7.99
velvety tannins, generous plums and raspberries on the palate and a lingering fruit finish
Les Jamelles 2009 Syrah @ $9.99
aromas of wild berries, rich and fat on the palate with a long, silky finish
Les Jamelles 2009 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
full of deep fruity flavors, with subtle spice and a touch of anise
Rapitala 2008 Nero d'Avola @ $11.99
fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, supple tannins, medium body and enough acidity to pair with roasted meats
McManis 2009 Barbera @ $11.99
an award-winning single-vineyard limited-production Barbera from California's Central Valley, bursting with bright cherry fruit
(back) Steak House 2008 Red @ $12.99
from iconoclastic Washington producer Charles Smith, a solid, robust Cabernet with dark fruit and tangible minerality
(new vintage) St. Cosme 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $14.99
from the oldest estate in the southern Rhone, 100% Syrah made in a precise, scented modern style
Danjean Berthoux 2008 Bourgogne @ $14.99
an up-and-coming Givry producer making elegant Burgundies, unfiltered and softly oaked
Jip Jip Rocks 2007 Shiraz @ $14.99
a family-run vineyard in South Australia's Limestone Coast region making a full-bodied yet supple Shiraz, with gorgeous fruit and well integrated oak tannins
Du Cedre 2009 Cahors @ $14.99
one of the leading estates in Cahor, pushing the boundaries to match the Malbecs of the New World, producing deep, dark, elegant reds of great finesse and length
(back) Sablonettes 2009 "Les Copains Aussi" @ $15.99
a buoyant and delightfully fruity expression of Loire Valley Gamay with zesty minerality and vibrant acidity
Buil & Gine 2008 Priorat @ $17.99
textbook Priorat, with black fruits, sweet flavors, mineral and spicy notes
Heitz 2009 Grignolino @ $17.99
the "little strawberry" of Italy but grown in Napa, exuberant and aromatic, versatile and zesty
Feraud-Brunel 2007 Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages @ $17.99
a joint venture between the suthern Rhone's two most celebrated vignerons, Laurence Feraud of Domaine du Pegau and André Brunel of Les Cailloux, a tank-aged blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah, round and fleshy with a big core of ripe fruit
Bichot 2007 Pinot Noir "Secret de la Famille" @ $18.99
a new Bichot cuvee as of this vintage, with punchy fruit and lots of intensity
Sobreno 2007 Toro @ $19.99
one of the best new estates in Toro, producing a dense and structured wine with loads of flavor and 4-5 years of ageing potential
Station 2009 Pinot Noir @ $20.99
sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Los Carneros district, a cool-climate Pinot with ripe berry flavors
(new vintage) Pena de Lobo 2009 Ribeira Sacra @ $21.99
a Mencia-based wine from 80-year-old vines, superbly balanced, perfectly ripe red currant and pomegranate flavors with a compelling minerality reminiscent of Graves or Chinon
Clos du Val 2007 Pinot Noir @ $22.99
from an ideal growing season for Pinot Noir in Napa, a beautifully balanced red with spicy fruit flavors joined by hints of cloves and cinnamon. rich and full bodied, with soft tannins and good acidity
Lopez de Heredia 2005 Vina Cubillo Crianza @ $24.99
a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano, smooth, fresh and persistent on the palate
Bonny Doon 2006 Le Cigare Volant @ $28.99
a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault with just a soupçon of Mourvèdre and Carignane, making for a bright and wonderfully gamey wine, very youthful with toasty notes of cherry, birch, sassafras and pomegranate
Gagnard 2008 Chassagne Rouge "L'Estimee" @ $29.99
beautiful brambly fruit with a lightning rod of minerality carrying all the way from nose to finish
(new vintage) Ponzi 2009 Pinot Noir @ $34.99
made in the trademark Ponzi style, with a full mouth of sweet black cherries balanced with high notes of blueberry and pomegranate finishing with soft and silky tannins
Lopez de Heredia 2001 Vina Tondonia Reserva @ $39.99
a polished red, fresh and lively, that delivers mature flavors of dried cherry, forest floor, tobacco and vanilla on a graceful frame
Rizzardi 2004 Amarone @ $72.99
an Amarone showing a complex nose with elegant touches of raisined grape and an intense, balanced palate with unobtrusive tannins and a long, savory finish

news from Heights Chateau

2011-02-01T09:47:00.001-08:00

Our wine and spirits in-store tastings have resumed; please check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, and join us when you can!

NEW WHITES:
(back) Presle 2009 Touraine @ $10.99
New-World-styled Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, with a zippy acidic structure and bright flavors
(new vintage) Babich 2009 Chardonnay @ $11.99
flavors of peach, melon, apple and citrus with a creamy, rich finish
Viore 2009 Rueda @ $11.99
100% Verdejo from 100-year-old vines, crisp, elegant, and well structured
(back) Duret 2009 Quincy @ $12.99
the "poor man's Sancerre" (from the town just across the river from Sancerre), with notes of flowers and citrus on the nose
Amethystos 2009 Drama White @ $13.99
a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Assyrtiko, with fruity aromas of peaches and exotic fruits over a flowery background

NEW REDS:
Marques de Zenete 2009 Tempranillo @ $8.99
100% Tempranillo from Valencia, youthful, with classic varietal aromas and just a hint of oak
Gnarly Head 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $9.99
in a California line meant to be easy to drink and food-friendly, a dark, bold Cab with solid tannins and lingering flavors
Valdrinal 2009 Ribera del Duero @ $11.99
from Bodegas Surco in Aranda del Duero, a Tempranillo with layers of flavor and excellent weight
(new vintage) DeForville 2009 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $14.99
the grape the Piedmontese drink at practically every meal, made in a masterful and understated fashion by a traditional producer, with ripe fruit and a soft round texture
Pago del Vicario 2006 Penta @ $16.99
a blend of mostly Tempranillo and Cabernet with a little Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, full-bodied with lots of ripe fruit
Antis 2007 Malbec @ $18.99
from a relatively new winery in Mendoza, a full-bodied Malbec with a supple tannin balance and an enduring finish
Chateau Julia 2008 Merlot @ $21.99
from stellar Greek producer Costa Lazaridi, a classic Merlot bursting with ripe berryish fruit and aromas of wild cherries and mulberries
Chateau Julia 2006 Refosco/Agiorgitiko @ $24.99
from the same producer, an unusual red blend that is full and rich with harmonious acidity and firm tannins that will allow for long ageing
Amethystos 2004 Cava Cabernet Sauvignon @ $39.99
also from the same producer, a spicy Cab with flavor notes of coffee and chocolate and strong tannins evoking a long finish

news from Heights Chateau

2011-01-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

In-store tastings recommence again this week; check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, and join us when you can. Things are still a bit slow in terms of new product, but following is a list of what came in last week and the week before.

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Bauer 2009 Grun @ $11.99
a 75/25% blend of Grüner Veltliner and Malvasia, light and crisp with fresh minerality and a clean, dry finish
Pala 2009 Vermentino @ $13.99
a stainless-steel Vermentino from Sardinia, with floral and herbaceous aromas, good balance, and a long finish
Leitz 2009 Einz Zwei Dry Riesling @ $13.99
made by one of the three rising stars of the new generation of Rheingauers, Josef Leitz, a classic bone-dry Riesling with a savory, high-toned palate
(new vintage) Luli 2009 Chardonnay @ $22.99
a unique expression of California Chardonnay that showcases the fruit while remaining crisp and balanced through the finish
Spring Mountain 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $29.99
citrus and floral notes mixed with stony minerality, a complex marriage of varietal and specific terroir
(new vintage) Keenan 2008 Chardonnay @ $29.99
a crisp, zesty wine with underlying richness and complexity, a touch of oak on the finish, and a hint of minerality

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Ja Ja de Jau 2009 Syrah @ $8.99
from the French Mediterranean coast near the Spanish border, a Syrah full of ripe, fruity blackberry, cherry, and spice notes
Cantina Sociale Cooperativa 2003 Copertino Rosso Reserva @ $13.99
a blend of 95% Negroamaro and 5% Malvasia Nera, meaty, with a tannic backbone and a spicy middle core
(new vintage) St. Francis 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel @ $15.99
(back) made from 50-100-year-old vines, an "old style" Zin with deep aromas of ripe black fruit laced with licorice
(new vintage) Girard 2007 Artistry @ $39.99
a full-bodied, concentrated Meritage-style blend that offers ample dark fruit with pronounced notes of vanilla and toast
Ruffino 2005 Riserva Ducale "Oro" @ $42.99
full-bodied, with a generous, fruity core, where the notes of cherries and small berry fruits intertwine with sensations of Mediterranean herbs and hints of oak

news from Heights Chateau

2011-01-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Belated wishes for a Happy New Year from all of us at Heights Chateau! As things have already settled down into the dull quietude of January, I have only a few new items to report, as follows:

NEW WHITES:
Jordan 2008 Chardonnay @ $35.99
crisp fruit and minerality from the cool climate and gravelly soils of Russian River Valley

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Borsao 2009 Garnacha @ $8.99
a bright, highly fruity wine, one of the best examples of the region known as "The Garnacha land of Spain," the lower part of the Ebro River
(new vintage) Nieto Sentenir 2010 Pinot Noir @ $10.99
a medium-bodied, well balanced Pinot with bright red fruit and a lot of style for the $$
(back) Padrillos 2008 Malbec @ $11.99
a classic Malbec with ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with hints of chocolate and black cherry
( new vintage) Crios 2009 Malbec @ $14.99
from stellar winemaker Susana Balbo, a Malbec with bold fruit, good structure, and plenty of acidity
Pala 2008 Cannonau @ $16.99
subtle spice and mature red-fruit aromas, a medium-bodied red with good structure and a lingering finish
Chateau de la Font du Loup 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $29.99
from a family estate that dates from the Napoleonic era, a Grenache-driven Chateauneuf, full-bodied and well-structured, a steal at this price
Loring 2008 Pinot Noir "Aubaine" @ $29.99
a rich, ripe Pinot from Brian Loring, a confessed Pinot fanatic who makes small lots of wines from carefully chosen single vineyards
Eyrie 2008 Pinot Noir @ $35.99
from Oregon's pioneering Pinot Noir producer, rich, lively, and elegant with plenty of spicy red fruit
Uccelliera 2006 Rapace @ $39.99
a tiny-production super-Tuscan (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet) from one of the top producers in Montalcino
Zenato 2006 Amarone @ $70.99
a blend of handpicked Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina and Oseleta grapes, which are left to raisin for several months, luscious and decadent, "the real deal" for Amarone

new at Heights Chateau

2010-12-20T11:17:00.001-08:00

The likelihood is pretty slim that there will be anything new to report next week, it being the week between Christmas and New Year's, so I'll take this opportunity to wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and all good things to come in 2011. And speaking of New Year's, be assured that we have an ample stock of all your favorite brands of bubbly from all over the world for your midnight "pop the cork" pleasure. Looking forward to seeing one and all in the year to come! Best, Judy

NEW WHITES
Frey NV Natural White @ $10.99
from America's pioneering organic winery in Mendocino county, a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, delicate, soft and flowery with a smooth finish
(back) Presle 2009 Touraine @ $10.99
a New World-styled Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire valley, with a zippy acidic structure and bright flavors of grapefruit, tropical fruit, green pepper, and fresh grass
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
always a benchmark for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, bright and a bit racy, with added complexity from classic gooseberry, lime juice and lemongrass aromas with tropical nuances
(back) Kumeu River Village 2007 Chardonnay @ $15.99
a lush, medium-bodied Chardonnay with elegant flavors of lemon, passion fruit and grass balanced by bright acidity and underlying minerality
Seghesio 2009 Fiano @ $16.99
from an award-winning producer of Italian wines in Sonoma, a rich, ripe version of a southern Italian varietal with delicate flavors of pear skins and spices on the finish
La Crema 2007 Chardonnay @ $20.99
a rich, creamy Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast region, smoky and spicy with richness and texture on the finish
(new vintage) Guado al Tasso 2009 Vermentino @ $23.99
produced at Antinori's estate in the Bolgheri, 100% Vermentino with a very intense fruity fragrance characteristic of this varietal and a palate that it is sapid, harmonious, and very persistent, with a delightful minerality
Drouhin 2008 Puligny-Montrachet @ $51.99
from a great Burgundy vintage, a silky-smooth Chardonnay, distinguished and elegant, long and persistent in the aftertaste, ending on an exceptional wealth of flavors, both floral and fruity
Kistler 2008 Chardonnay "Les Noisetiers" @ $65.99
a barrel-fermented Chardonnay made using traditional French techniques, driven by mineral characteristics as opposed to fruit, with a balanced presence on the palate, tightly wound around a resounding acid core, that carries through and beyond the crisp yet lengthy and lasting finish

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Ijalba 2009 Livor Rioja @ $9.99
a Rioja meant to be enjoyed young, bright and smooth with happy red fruit flavors
(new vintage) Releaf 2009 Cab/Merlot/Shiraz @ $10.99
made with organically grown grapes in South Africa's Western Cape region, a blend that perfectly balances fruit flavors, structure, and acidity, yielding a wine with concentrated flavors and complexity

Frey NV Natural Red @ $10.99

from America's pioneering organic winery in Mendocino county, a blend of Carignane, Zinfandel, and Syrah with an expansive bouquet, light, young, and fruity, well balanced with a very attractive finish
(new batch) D'Agalis NV Yo No Puede Mas @ $17.99
an organic wine produced by a young man destined to be one of the stars of the Languedoc, a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, medium-bodied, light in tannin and quite elegant, very earthy, with red fruit notes
Frey 2007 Petite Sirah @ $17.99
from America's pioneering organic winery in Mendocino county, a lush, full-bodied red with a rich and expansive bouquet, well-structured with lots of black cherry, spices, cocoa and sage
(new vintage) Catena 2008 Malbec @ $19.99
from one of Argentina's standard-bearers, rich and concetrated, a true gem showing off the beauty and complexity of the Malbec grape
Volpaia 2007 Chianti Classico @ $19.99
from a Chianti vintage of great quality and concentration, a well-structured wine with strong aromas of fresh red fruit and hints of cherry and a juicy finish
Forefront 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $20.99
the second label of Pine Ridge, producing a Bordeaux-style red that blends multiple varieties and appellations to give a modern profile in its fruit-forward character as well as tremendous complexity
Tardieu Laurent 2008 Les Becs Fins @ $22.99
from one of the most highly acclaimed negociants in the Rhone, a blend of Grenache and Syrah, elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins and good acidity
Turley 2009 Zinfandel Juvenile @ $25.99
rich, powerful, exotic, made from vines 25 years of age or younger
WillaKenzie 2007 Pinot Meunier @ $27.99
a grape usually used as a component in Champagne but here made as a still wine on its own, fresh, vibrant and fun, showing finesse, concentration, and great balance
L'Anglore 2009 Les Traverses @ $28.99
a red Rhone blend from a producer in Tavel, with a billowing aroma of licorice, blueberry and cherry with a fine spice laden palate that has much in common with Burgundy
Gelin 2007 Fixin Clos Napoleon @ $37.99
a single-vineyard Burgundy from a small family estate, a mix of red and dark fruit with fine tannins and great structure
Miner 2008 Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard @ $59.99
a spectacular single-vineyard Pinot, dark and brooding with hints of oak overshadowed by black cherry and exotic spices
Zenato 2006 Amarone @ $70.99
luscious and decadent, with wonderful aromas of black licorice and blueberry follow through to a full body, with juicy, round tannins, best after 2011
Antinori 2007 Tignanello @ $99.99
wonderfully ripe and seductive, a wine of unquestionable personality, rich and warm with dense muscular fruit and an impeccable finish with no harsh edges
Fontodi 2007 Flaccianello Della Pieve @ $173.99
one of the greatest vintages ever for one of the greatest of the super-Tuscans, bold, extroverted, with sensual layers of candied cherries, violets, spices and minerals, with weight, complexity, and a round, elegant finish, 96 points from Mr. Parker

news of the week

2010-12-15T12:46:00.001-08:00

Sorry to be a day late this week; rather a lot new to cope with, and I was feeling a bit under the weather as well. Trust you will find something of interest on the extensive list that follows!

NEW WHITES:
Maculan 2009 Pino & Toi @ $11.99
from the Veneto, a blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Friulano that is intensely perfumed, offering refreshing notes of citrus and apples
Barking Hedge 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
a single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough's Crichton Estate, vibrant and aromatic with flavors of ripe tropical fruits
(new vintage) Joel Gott 2009 Chardonnay @ $15.99
only the fourth release of Monterey Chardonnay from this stellar winemaker, clean and crisp, stainless-steel fermented to allow for the fruit to display its inherent characteristics
Qupe 2009 Marsanne @ $16.99
mostly Marsanne with 15% Roussanne blended in, a medium- to full-bodied white with aromas of honey, citrus, flowers, and stone minerality
Verdad 2009 Albarino @ $17.99
delicately floral, crisp and minerally, this California version has more body than some Spanish Albariños, plus a lovely finish
Clinton Vineyards 2009 Tribute @ $18.99
named in honor of founder Ben Feder who passed away last year, the winery's signature version of Seyval Blanc, crisp, light and balanced with purity of fruit and underlying accents of citrus and apple
Montchovet 2009 Bourgogne Aligote @ $19.99
from an outstanding young biodynamic producer in Burgundy, an Aligote that is light and fresh with aromas and flavors of green apple and citrus
(new vintage) J. J. Vincent 2009 Pouilly-Fuisse @ $22.99
from the Maconnais in southern Burgundy, a creamy Chardonnay with flint and mineral undertones and lots of body and acidity
Pine Ridge 2007 Chardonnay @ $23.99
from Napa's Stags Leap District, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay that combines delicacy and complexity, with bright acidity that lifts the vibrant fruit flavors
Cakebread 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $27.99
a classic expression of the varietal, with aromas and flavors of fresh pink grapefruit, minerals, and stone fruit
(new vintage) Jordan 2008 Chardonnay @ $35.99
from the cool climate and gravelly soils of the Russian River valley, an understated Chardonnay with bright fruit, crisp acidity, and a lingering minerality

NEW REDS:
Vin Ordinaire NV Cheap Red Wine @ $7.99
a blend of Charbono, Carignan, Cab, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, medium-bodied with fruity flavors, a fine everyday red
La Goutere 2009 Bordeaux @ $9.99
from a property near St. Emilion, a blend of 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc with an intense ruby in color and a fruit-driven bouquet and round, soft tannins on the finish
Martinez 2009 Tempranillo @ $9.99
a totally affordable, easy-drinking Tempranillo from La Mancha
Coltibuono 2009 Chianti Cetamura @ $10.99
a full and well-balanced Chianti from a prestigious estate, soft but tasty, with good structure
Riello delle Balze 2008 Chianti Colli Senesi @ $11.99
ripe red berry and cherry fruit flavors offset by classic Sangiovese notes of earth, mushrooms, and leather
Chateau Julien 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $11.99
from Monterey County, soft and well-rounded with notes of violets, cherry, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla and cedar
Zin 91 2009 Zinfandel @ $12.99
classic old vines Zinfandel, with spicy notes, as well as black cherry and cassis flavors
(back) Barroubio 2007 Minervois @ $12.99
dark and concentrated yet elegant, with black pepper and violet aromas and flavor notes of black cherry and black raspberry and lingering notes of spice in the finish
Clos Siguiers 2007 Cahors @ $12.99
very light, almost delicate, with raspberries, flowers, and good acidity
Latitude 50 2007 Pinot Noir @ $12.99
a Pinot Noir from the Rheingau, purple and nearly opaque, somewhat dense with chewy sweet tannins
Kermit Lynch 2008 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $13.99
a delicious, natural tasting blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre, with just the right amount of cracked black pepper and other spices to make it very interesting on the palate
(new vintage) Herzog 2008 Jeunesse @ $14.99
a stainless steel-fermented Cabernet with a soft texture and fresh berry and cherry aromas, Kosher
De Forville 2009 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $14.99
a traditional Dolcetto with a palate of chocolate, spices, herbs and medium tannins
Schreiner 2008 Blaufrankish @ $15.99
from Austria's Burgenland, a juicy, spicy red that is exceptionally food friendly
Cardova 2007 Rioja @ $15.99
1000% old-vines Tempranillo, with a nose of ripe wild berries and balsamic, Kosher
La Cardonne 2003 Medoc @ $15.99
aromas of crushed berries, chocolate and smoke on a medium-bodied palate
Marques de Montemor 2008 @ $15.99
from a small producer in the Alentejo region of Portugal, a rich, earthy blend of Aragonez and Alicante Boschet
Domaine Rimbert 2009 Saint Chinian @ $15.99
a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignan from one of the rising stars of the Languedoc, with smooth black cherry and blackberry flavors with notes of raspberry, red cherry, pepper and spice
Chateau Virgile 2007 Cuvee l'Eneiade @ $15.99
a Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre bland from the Costieres de Nimes, juicy and polished on the palate with a long, subtle finish, made more memorable by stony underlying notes and hints of floral perfume
Chateau Beauregard Ducasse 2006 Graves @ $16.99
from a property in the north of the Graves family-owned and -run since 1850, a deeply-colored Bordeaux with roasted tobacco and cassis and great length
Apollonio 2004 Salice Salentino @ $16.99
a concentrated Negroamaro with intense blackberry and licorice aromas, a full-bodied palate, rich fine tannins and a medium finish
Domaine de l'Echevin 2007 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages @ $16.99
a 50/50 Grenache/Syrah blend from a biodynamic producer in the Rhone, complex and concentrated with great fruitiness, fleshiness and texture
Terra Andina 2007 Altos @ $17.99
a blend of Carmenere and Carignane from a top Chilean producer, dense and complex with an expressive range of blackberries, blueberries, cherries and pomegranate flavors with hints of sweet spices and cedar
Pittnauer 2008 Zweigelt @ $17.99
from a biodynamic Austrian winemaker specializing in red varietals, a light, bright wine that is a great alternative to Pinot Noir
(back) Corte alla Flora 2007 Rosso di Montalcino @ $18.99
essence of Tuscany, well-balanced and complex with striking freshness, with perfumes of ripe fruit, particularly blackberries and raspberries
Craggy Range 2008 Te Kahu @ $19.99
a Bordeaux-style blend from New Zealand, with a dark, gravelly, sweetly fruited, minerally nose that's brooding and rich
Girard Vollot & Fils 2008 Bourgogne @ $19.99
from one of the oldest domaines in the Cote d'Or, an elegant, supple Pinot Noir made for early drinking
Rollin 2008 Bourgogne Hautes-Cote-de-Beaune @ $19.99
an intense and captivating Pinot, perfumed with raspberry and summer fruits yet with a weighty palate backed by soft and supple tannins
Au Bon Cllimat 2008 Pinot Noir @ $21.99
quintessential Santa Barbara Pinot, with aromas and flavors of plum, strawberry and cranberry burnished by brown baking spices
GrosJean 2009 Gamay @ $21.99
from Italy's Valle d'Aosta, light, bright, and focused, with a well-integrated tannic structure and a racy, lifting acidity nicely carrying the fruit
GrosJean 2008 Torrette @ $21.99
from the sanme producer, a harmonious, soft, easy drinking red with crisp, dry, red fruit flavors
Apollonio 2004 Valle Cupa @ $22.99
a blend of 50% Negroamaro and 50% Primitivo, a rich, layered, full-bodied red bursting with black fruit
Gilbert 2008 Menetou-Salon @ $24.99
Pinot Noir from the Loire, elegant and fresh with aromas of bright red fruits, spice and floral hints, suave with wonderful balance and a silky mineral infused finish
Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme 2006 Haut-Medoc @ $25.99
dark and glossy, with a nose of dark, sweet, slightly high-toned and perfumed fruit and lots of flesh on the palate, covering a ripe but very firm and upright structure
Rombauer 2008 Zinfandel @ $30.99
rich, juicy fruit loaded with ripe wild berries, plum, fig and black cherry flavors, with supple tannins and smooth oak notes in a lush, mouth-filling finish
J Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir @ $30.99
floral, cherry fruit aromaa with a hint of milk chocolate; medium-full body; elegant, crisp, tightly wound, red berry and cherry fruit flavors; medium tannins, and a lingering aftertaste
Senard 2005 Chorey-Les-Beaune @ $31.99
from a producer known for Pinots of color, individuality, and excellence, a light, bright, soft fruity Burgundy to drink and enjoy now
Zeni 2007 Amarone @ $32.99
an Amarone with great intensity and persistency of flavors, chewy and slightly sweet with velvety fruit, called "a value hunter's dream"
Convento San Francisco 2005 Ribera del Duero @ $32.99
from an outstanding vintage in the region, a wine of substantial body featuring ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors with supporting and integrated tannins
Ken Wright 2009 Pinot Noir @ $32.99
Wright's first "Willamette Valley" designated Pinot Noir in more than fifteen years, a gift of the high-quality high-quantity 2009 vintage, fresh, juicy, vibrant, balanced to perfection
Occhipinti 2008 Il Frappato @ $34.99
from an organic producer in southern Sicily, fragrant and aromatic with pretty floral and red fruit notes
Freemark Abbey 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $34.99
a classic Bordeaux blend from Napa with a dense fruit core supported by bright acidity and fine tannins
Planeta 2005 Merlot @ $39.99
from Sicily, a limited-production Merlot, intense ruby red with refined scents of black currant, ripe prune and violet, with a whisper of mint chocolate
Corte Rugolin 2005 Amarone @ $48.99
impeccably balanced and rich, with layers of coffee, toffee, nuts, berries and earth, from a raising star of the region
Ken Wright 2009 Pinot Noir "Shea" @ $55.99
a single-vineyard wine from Oregon's preeminent Pinot Noir specialist with a unique profile that rides the fence between black and red fruit characteristics, textured without being heavy
Ken Wright 2009 Pinot Noir "McCrone" @ $55.99
another single-vineyard wine from Oregon's preeminent Pinot Noir specialist, this one elegant and vibrant on the palate with plenty of racy fruit
Ragnaie 2004 Brunello di Montalcino @ $60.99
complex spice aromas, ripe red fruit, structured and balanced,a compelling bottle of Barolo and an excellent value
Caymus 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $74.99
beautifully perfumed and subtle with great depth and concentration, with a long persistent finish that keeps repeating the core themes
Tua Rita 2007 Giusto di Notri @ $75.99
a super-Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, full-bodied, with rich, sweet tannins and a jammy texture, a stunning wine with great aging potential
Williams Selyem 2007 Pinot Noir @ $75.99
100% from the Vista Verde vineyard in San Benito county, with a highly perfumed nose and flavors of concentrated ripe fruits, and rich and slightly aggressive tannins that help to carry the balanced acidity that follows long into the finish
Opus One 2007 Red @ $199.99
from one of Napa's finest vintages ever, opulent with impressive precision and depth, 95 points from Mr. Parker who says it could be cellared for 25 years

news of the week

2010-12-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry to be a day late this week; rather a lot new to cope with, and I was feeling a bit under the weather as well. Trust you will find something of interest on the extensive list that follows!

HC news of the week

2010-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Wines new this week are listed below; be sure to check the calendar on our web site, www.heightschateau.com, for information about upcoming in-store tastings.

NEW WHITES:
Clos del Pinell 2009 Garnatxa Blanca @ $9.99
100% White Garnacha, displays intense aromas of citrus fruit and fresh herb, backed by a light floral note
(back) Frenzy 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $10.99
the second label of Mount Nelson, zesty, aromatic and fresh with delicious flavors of peach, grapefruit, lime, melon and fresh-cut grass
(back) Schmitges 2008 Rivaner @ $15.99
100% Müller-Thurgau, with a clean, refreshing white fruit, peach, white blossom, and lemony character
(back) Albrecht 2009 Gewurztraminer @ $20.99
off-dry, with a classic floral nose, with peach, melon, and litchi flavors on the palate
Ehrhard 2008 Riesling Spatlese @ $21.99
rich and cull-flavored, with floral and citrus aromas and mineral and melon flavors on a long finish
St. Urbans Hof 2009 Riesling Spatlese @ $22.99
from the Mosel, an eminently ageworthy Riesling with floral notes and a smoky, stony minerality
Domaine de l'Ausseil 2008 Papillon @ $24.99
mostly Grenache Gris from an organic producer in the Cotes Catalanes, spicy and honeyed with lots of character and style
Mollydooker 2010 Verdelho @ $26.99
a white wine for red wine drinkers, with lifted aromas of tropical fruits, spice and citrus and great depth of flavor
St. Supery 2007 Vertu @ $30.99
a classic Sauvignon/Semillon blend from Napa, refined, rich and luscious in style with aromas of nectarines, peach and ripe cantaloupe and mouthwatering flavors of peaches and melon

NEW REDS:
Aragus 2009 Grenache/Syrah @ $7.99
juicy and spicy up front with a good grip at the finish, a great everyday red
Argentum 2008 Malbec @ $7.99
instantly friendly, incredibly lush on the palate, with rich, ripe fruit and supple tannins
Fox Brook 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $8.99
a stainless steel-fermented Cab filled with aromas of ripe plums, spice and herbs, a fruity mouth feel, and a smooth pleasing finish
Clos del Pinell 2009 Negre @ $9.99
from the mountains of Terra Alta, a blend of Garnacha Negre, Mazuela and Syrah, full-bodied, with aromas of cassis and blueberries.
Paso a Paso 2008 Tempranillo @ $9.99
from La Mancha, a full-bodied Tempranillo that is full-bodied, supple and chewy with rich jammy black fruits
(back) Bordon 2006 Rioja @ $10.99
from a winery with a history going back 100 years, a modern-style Rioja with rich flavors and a compelling spiciness
Rabbit Ridge 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $12.99
a rich, complex, meaty Cab with lush flavors of black currant, cedar, and herbs
Clos de Cal 2008 Zinfandel @ $12.99
a spicy, brambly Zin made by Urbanite Cellars, an operation committed to dealing exclusively with small family growers who employ responsible farming practices and winemakers who utilize a vineyard-first approach to winemaking
Les Castines 2009 St. Nicolas de Bourgueil @ $12.99
fresh and earthy with hints of violets, roasted cherries and a hint of baking spice and a very focused palate
(new vintage) Grisy 2008 Bourgogne @ $13.99
a bargain Burgundy Pinot Noir from just outside of Chablis, with elegant dark cherry and earthy spice flavors
Scheu 2007 Spatburgunder @ $15.99
a Pinot Noir packed with strawberry and cherry flavors that ride excellent acidity into an earthy finish
(new vintage) Chateau Virgilie 2008 Costieres de Nimes @ $15.99
a classic Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, with intense dark fruit with hints of black pepper
(new vintage) Atteca 2008 Old Vines Garnacha @ $15.99
from 80-120-year-old vines, a deep, velvety textured wine with lingering tastes of rich blackberry, blueberry and licorice and a subtle spiciness
(new vintage) Flauziere 2009 Gigondas @ $16.99
an accessible Gigondas that is clean and light in the mouth with notes of plum, spice, earth and smoke
Rocher-Calon 2008 Montaigne-St. Emilion @ $17.99
a rich Claret with soft plum and brambly fruit and subtle tannins
Neuquen 2006 Coleccion Red @ $18.99
a Malbec-Cab blend, complex, elegant and savory, from a new winery in Patagonia with some of the southernmost vineyards in the world
(back) Layer Cake 2009 Shiraz @ $18.99
dark, dense and creamy, with complex aromas of black plum, Bing cherry, blackberry and pepper that merge with licorice, tobacco, mocha and dark chocolate
Marques de Vitoria 2004 Rioja Reserva @ $23.99
from an underrated, traditional Rioja producer, 100% Tempranillo from thirty-year-old vines, a meaty and flavorful red with clean, delicate fruit

what's new at Heights Chateau

2010-12-01T08:00:00.001-08:00

Last week having been a holiday week, we had very few new items come into the store (a grand total of three, in fact). Here they are, and remember to check our calendar at www.heightschateau.com for information on upcoming in-store tastings.

NEW WHITE:
St. Michael-Eppan 2009 Gewurztraminer @ $17.99
from the preeminent cooperative in the Alto Adige, an impressive white with aromatic richness and strength, aromas of cloves and roses and overall elegance

NEW REDS:
Otto's Constant Dream 2009 Syrah @ $16.99
the production of Brooklynites Melissa Saunders and Chris Antista (and New Zealand winemaker Fiona Turner), a Syrah that is a complex combination of dark fruit, sweet spice, toasty oak, pepper and smoke
Sean Thackrey NV Pleiades @ $31.99
named for the Pleiades star cluster (also called the Seven Sisters), a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, Barbera, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Viognier (among others) with juicy fruit, earth and Thackrey's signature eucalyptus note

news from Heights Chateau

2010-11-23T09:57:00.001-08:00

New wines below; Happy Thanksgiving to all!

NEW WHITES:
Clotilde 2008 Bourgogne Aligote @ $13.99
from 60-year-old vines, a well-balanced Aligote with great acidity
Fortress Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $14.99
crisp, clean and luscious with fresh ripe fruit, complex aromas and flavors of vibrant citrus, key lime, kiwi, and melon
Talbott 2009 Chardonnay @ $17.99
a single-vineyard Chardonnay with notes of poached pear, pineapple and honey
(new vintage) Mount Nelson 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
produced by Tuscany's Ludovico Antinori, a Sauvignon Blanc that captures the crisp, natural exuberance of the grape while displaying restraint, elegance and structure
Alta Maria Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay @ $24.99
a spectacular Chardonnay with deep, luscious flavors of stone fruits, fruit skins, wild honey, and minerals
Duckhorn 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $28.99
complex and focused, a seamless combination of mouth-filling fruit with refreshing acidity

NEW REDS:
Antano 2008 Tempranillo @ $7.99
fresh and fruity wine with soft tannins and black cherry and licorice flavors
(new vintage) Pueblo del Sol 2008 Tannat @ $8.99
bright red and blue fruit flavors of pomegranate and dried blueberries with a touch of lavender
Laurel Glen 2008 Reds for the People @ $9.99
a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Syrah, with fruuity exuberance, spiciness, and serious depth and backbone
Rosenblum Zinfandel Vintner's Cuvee XXXII @ $11.99
features aromas of black cherry, blackberry and raspberry, as well as spice and vanilla overtones
Redart NV Red @ $11.99
from Urbanite Cellars, a blend of Cab, Syrah, and Zinfandel, smooth and complex yet velvety and easy-drinking
Pertinace 2008 Barbera @ $12.99
from a small coop in Barbaresco, a medium-bodied Barbera with bright, elegant fruit
Herricks Lane 2007 Cabernet Franc @ $13.99
classic Cabernet Franc, with bright and juicy flavors of blueberry and blackberry with notes of fresh herbs
Amplio 2009 Cabernet @ $13.99
from Urbanite Cellars, a classic Cabernet with blackberry, currant and some balanced oak spice
Suru 2007 Red @ $18.99
part of a new line from Long Island's North Fork, an intensely aromatic blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz almost all estate-grown, big and expressive with hints of tobacco, spice and licorice
(new vintage) Grifalco 2007 Aglianico @ $18.99
from the volcanic soils of Mount Vulture, with ripe and rich plum and dark berry fruits braced by a fresh acidity and smoky mineral aspect
Raffault 2005 Chinon Picasses @ $20.99
a single-vineyard Cab Franc from one of the most legendary producers in Chinon, lively, with good acidity and bright cherry flavors
Amavi 2007 Cabernet @ #22.99
from Washington's Walla Walla Valley, an elegant, approachable Cab with layers of dark fruits, mixed wild berries and dark chocolate married with vibrant hints of herbs and spices
(new vintage) Ridge 2009 Zinfandel Three Valleys @ $23.99
mostly Zinfandel with some Carignane, Grenache, and Petite Sirah blended in, pure and complex with an elegant, silky terxture
Oddero 2007 Nebbiolo @ $24.99
a classic Nebbiolo from a traditionalist Piedmontese producer, with a ruby-red color, a beautiful bouquet of violets and red fruits, and pleasant tannins that recall the earth of the Langhe
Ponzi 2009 Tavola Pinot Noir @ $24.99
light in texture, displaying a gravelly edge to the raspberry and floral flavors, with fine tannins and a minerally lift to the finish
Roth 2007 Cabernet @ $25.99
from a family winery in the Alexander Valley, a true-to-type Cab that serves up nicely focused flavors of ripe berries and dusty notes; long and tasteful in the finish
Le Haut-Medoc de Giscours 2006 Haut-Medoc @ $28.99
the third wine of Chateau de Giscours made from a plot of vines adjacent to the chateau but outside the Margaux boundary, with aromas of flowers, currants, blackberries, and minerals, a solid core of fruit, and incredibly finely knit tannins
Paolo Conterno 2007 Bric Genestra @ $33.99
from the fourth generation of this family of wine-producers in the Piedmont, a sleek, stylish Nebbiolo with ripe aromas of strawberries, flowers, and tobacco
Cantina del Pino 2007 Barbaresco @ $38.99
from one of the most important producers in the region, 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the hills above Barbaresco, elegant and fully ripe with intense fruit and great structure and balance
La Ca' Nova 2007 La Ca Bric Mentina Barbaresco @ $38.99
a concentrated, intense version of Nebbiolo from a small family estate run by the three Rocca brothers
Treana 2005 Paso Robles Red @ $38.99
in the group of Hope Family Wines from Paso Robles, a Cabernet/Syrah blend that is deeply extracted, with aromas of ripe, dark fruit and exotic spice and rich flavors of mulberry and plum complemented by mocha, tobacco and toasted oak notes
Sasa 2005 Brunello @ $42.99
a Brunello with well rounded tannins, good fruit, and great balance
Fratelli Alessandria 2006 Barolo @ $45.99
an elegant, Burgundian-styled Barolo from a super vintage, with a hint of power added to the wine's natural finesse
Cantina del Pino 2007 Barbaresco Ovello @ $48.99
from one of the most important producers in the region, 100% Nebbiolo grapes from the prestigious Ovello vineyard, elegant, intense, and eminently ageworthy
Domaine d'Ardhuy 2005 Aloxe Corton @ $48.99
a Burgundy with earthy violet aromas that complement the rich, sweet and beautifully detailed flavors that are complex, powerful and tightly knit on an impressively long finish
Oddero 2004 Barolo Brunate @ $60.99
a single-vineyard Barolo from a traditionalist producer, full of licorice and mint with a touch of black pepper, only 1500 bottles made
Cliff Lede 2007 Cabernet @ $61.99
from a notable new (2002) addition to the Stag/s Leap District, a Bordeaux-style blend with balanced fine-grained tannins, great concentration, and refreshing minerality
Oddero 2005 Barolo Villero @ $67.99
a single-vineyard Barolo from a traditionalist producer, a wine with lots of flavor and texture and a long finish
Cliff Lede 2007 Poetry Cabernet @ $175.99
from a notable new (2002) addition to the Stag/s Leap District, a single-vineyard Bordeaux blend with a unique combination of sweet fatness and elegant softness with a silky lingering finish

what's new at HC

2010-11-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Quite a bit new, as you will see below; we're stocking up for the holiday season! Be sure to check the calendar on our web site (www.heightschateau.com) for word on upcoming in-store tastings.

NEW WHITES:
(new vintage) Carta Vieja 2010 Sauvignon Blanc @ $6.99
a bright and vibrant wine that leaves your palate tingling and invigorated
Laurenz 2009 Singing Gruner Veltliner @ $12.99
apple, peach and citrus aromas along with a typical Veltliner spiciness and a touch of white pepper
(new vintage) Oyster Bay 2009 Chardonnay @ $12.99
a beautifully crafted wine with flavors of lemon, pineapple and honeysuckle and just a hint of oak
Anne Pichon 2009 Trotinette @ $12.99
a 50/50 blend of Grenache Blanc and old vine Clairette with a rich texture and fresh acidity
Fat Barrel 2009 Chenin Blanc @ $13.99
flavors of honeydew and honeysuckle, with a mineral core that provides great length and structure
Barons de Lafite Rothschild 2009 Bordeaux Blanc @ $13.99
primarily Senillon with some Sauvignon and Muscadelle, intensely fresh and lively with good character and depth
Anne Pichon 2009 Viognier @ $14.99
complexity and ripe fruit aromas with underlying acidity
(new vintage) Dalton 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
light and crisp combining the fruity aromas of citrus and guava together with a subtle toasty oak, Kosher
(new vintage) Reynoso 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
clean and fruity, with tropical notes of pineapple and fig and fresh acidity throughout
(new vintage) Emmolo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
crisp, clean and elegant, with excellent balance between fruit-driven flavors, juicy acidity and just the right touch of mineral
Qupe 2009 Chardonnay @ $18.99
a single-vineyard Chardonnay with great purity and full depth of fruit
Barrel 27 2008 High on the Hog @ $18.99
a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne with all the fruit coming from the Paso Robles appellation, weighty yet silky with a long finish
(new vintage) Hall 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $19.99
a rich, complex version of the grape that combines well-ripened fruit with the purity and vibrancy of stainless steel fermentation
Elena Walch NV Pinot Grigio @ $19.99
from the 2009 vintage but not labeled as such, a rich, full-bodied Pinot Grigio with great depth and character
(new vintage) Frog's Leap 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $23.99
a crisp, elegant Sauvignon Blanc sourced from organic grapes grown in the Rutherford area of the Napa Valley
(new vintage) Boillot 2008 Montagny @ $24.99
an opulent white Burgundy with good Chardonnay flavors and texture, fresh cleansing acidity and good overall balance
Ottin 2008 Petite Arvine @ $27.99
from Italy's Valle d'Aosta, a white from an heirloom varietal, fresh, clean and persistent, with aromas of apple, pear, grapefruit, and a hint of jasmine
Domaine Huet 2007 Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Demi-Sec @ 36.99
from the estate that arguably defines the Vouvray appellation, an off-dry Chenin Blanc with an elegant and gently floral nose and spicy minerality
Raveneau 2008 Chablis @ $57.99
from one of the true stars of Chablis, a pungent, citric Chardonnay with great energy, persistence, and balance

NEW REDS:
Ferreirinha 2008 Douro @ $9.99
a stunning blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz with medium tannins and very ripe red fruit
La Tour Travers 2008 Bordeaux @ $10.99
a soft, light, easy-drinking Bordeaux perfect for everyday consumption
(back) L'Espigouette 2007 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $12.99
a balanced, full flavored, rich yet traditionally made Côtes du Rhône from a first-class property, a benchmark for price and quality in the region
Irony 2008 Cabernet @ $13.99
a balanced, well-structured Napa Valley Cab with layers of fruit flavors, medium tannins, and a supple finish
Oberto 2008 Barbera @ $14.99
a polished, elegant Barbera with lots of berry flavors and a hint of tobacco
(new vintage) Guenoc 2007 Petite Syrah @ $14.99
a fruit forward style of Petite Sirah, showing aromas of cherries, blueberries, and boysenberries
Fat Barrel 2007 Pinot Noir @ $15.99
light cranberry, raspberry, toast, light oak, a great expression of Oregon's Willamette at a great price
Anne Pichon 2007 Peripherique @ $16.99
a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, soft and elegant with lush fruit
Fontezoppa 2007 Vardo @ $17.99
a medium-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Italy' Marche region, with intense fruit and herbaceous qualities balanced by soft and supple tannins and a lengthy finish
Sean Minor 2008 Merlot @ $17.99
a Napa Valley Merlot with dark berry flavors, a full palate, and a lingering finish
Anzivino 2005 Gattinara @ $18.99
100% Nebbiolo from the Novara hills, dry and harmonious yet complex and balanced
(new vintage) Ex Libris 2007 Cabernet @ $19.99
a classically-styled Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec
Barrel 27 2006 Syrah Right-Hand Man @ $19.99
a complex and well built red with a long, pure finish of pepper-spiced raspberry, lifted with great acidity and firmed with excellent tannins
(new vintage) Clos de la Roilette 2009 Fleurie @ $19.99
from one of the best slopes in the Beaujolais Crus, a rich, full Fleurie that shows just how good Beaujolais can be
Domaine de Mourchon 2007 Tradition @ $22.99
from a benchmark estate in the Cotes-du-Rhone, a densely colored wine, medium-bodied, with great elegance and purity
Mollydooker 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $26.99
full-bodied and generous, displaying very ripe flavors of black plum, dark chocolate and cassis with a spicy back palate
Ottin 2007 Pinot Noir @ $27.99
a velvety, well-balanced Pinot from Italy's Valle d'Aosta
Chateau Lalande-Borie 2006 St. Julien @ $27.99
a fruit-driven, Merlot-dominated 2006 displaying notes of sweet cherries, tobacco leaf, and roasted herbs offered in a medium-bodied, evolved, straightforward style
Domaine de Mourchon 2007 Grande Reserve @ $27.99
a beautifully complex wine with tremendously expressive aromatics,a broad, full-bodied mouthfeel, and plenty of structure and tannin
Pichon 2007 Saint-Joseph @ $27.99
a medium-bodied Syrah from 70-year-old vines, classic St Joseph with a fresh linear acidity and lovely pure red berried fruit on the attack
Ayres 2009 Pinot Noir @ $28.99
from the heart of the northern Willamette Valley, a luminous, silky Pinot, beautifully proportioned, with harmony and depth to spare
Font du Loup 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $29.99
from a small family property, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault, balanced, elegant and lovely, perfectly drinkable now
COS 2008 Cerasuolo @ $31.99
from Sicily, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, dry but with a balanced acidity, medium weight, and aromas of licorice and cherry pie
Barrel 27 2006 Head Honcho Syrah @ $31.99
a blend of Syrahs from five different vineyards, deep, full-bodied, and broadly flavored
COS 2008 Pithos @ $32.99
Cerasuolo di Vittoria with a difference, made from biodynamically-grown Nero d'Avola and Frappato grapes, fermented and matured in terracotta amphorae
Chateau Charmant 2004 Margaux @ $32.99
an aromatic wine with good color, very complex and elegant, perfectly balanced, well-structured and supple at the same time
Gros 2006 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits @ $32.99
a ripe, structured Pinot Noir with great concentration and finesse
Kynsi 2006 Pinot Noir @ $34.99
from California's Edna Valley, a Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir with a nose of fresh red berries, spice and a touch of spearmint, beautifully balanced acidity and a silky texture
Cortese 2003 Barbaresco @ $34.99
unfiltered to preserve its richness, an elegant Barbaresco with concentrated aromas of raspberries, roses, violets, leather and spice
Adelaide 2004 Barolo @ $34.99
a five-vineyard blend, very linear and precise with fine balance between the polished tannins and cleansing acidity
Tikal 2008 Malbec @ $36.99
rich and velvety on the palate, finishes with just enough grip to make it a real winner with food
(new vintage) Miner 2006 Merlot "Stagecoach Vineyard" @ $36.99
a full-throttle, age-worthy Merlot with loads of rich blackberry and earth and tobacco notes backed by sound acidity and well-distributed tannins
Corte Pavone 2004 Brunello @ $42.99
fresh and vibrant, bursting with dark cherries, violets, underbrush, minerals and sweet toasted oak on a medium-bodied frame
Senechaux 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $48.99
from one of the oldest domaines in Chateauneuf, classically a wine of great delicacy and finesse, approachable in youth but best with 7-10 years of bottle ageing
Conterno 2008 Barbera Cascina Francia @ $49.99
a single-vineyard Barbera from one of the greatest names in Piedmont, cask-aged, long-lived, a Barbera in a league of its own
Banneret 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape @ $51.99
from a tiny, ancient property in the heart of Chateauneuf, an ultra-traditional, concentrated, flavorful blend of great finesse, power, and complexity

New (As Far As I Can Tell) Spirits

Signatory The Glenrothes 1994/5 @ $65.99

The Macallan Hogshead @ $172.99

Tullibardine 14 Yr @ $68.99

Signatory Edradour 1999 Unchillfiltered @ $66.99

Edradour 10 Yr Distillery Edition @ $53.99

Glenmorangie Nectar d"Or @ $62.99

Signatory Ben Nevis 1992 Cask Strength @ $116.99

Signatory Bunnahabin 1997 @ $60.99

Tullibardine 10 Yr Sherry Cask @ $85.99

Tullibardine 15 Yr Sherry Cask @ $85.99

Tullibardine 15 Yr @ $53.99

McKenzie Rye Whiskey @ $39.99

Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey @ $22.99

Seneca Drums Gin @ $29.99

Vintner's Vodka @ $29.99

Blackwood's Gin @ 49.99

Berkshire Bourbon @ $41.99

new this week

2010-11-10T13:13:00.001-08:00

Again, many new items to report, so without further ado:

NEW WHITES:
Terra Vega 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $8.99
mineral and citrus notes, crispy acidity with a refreshing finish, Kosher/Mevushal
(new vintage) Palacio de Vivero 2009 Rueda @ $8.99
a bright, clean, citrus blend of Verdejo and Viura
(new vintage) Finca La Linda 2009 Viognier @ $10.99
full-bodied, with floral and apricot notes, a great Viognier at a great price
(new vintage) Sepp 2009 Gruner Veltliner @ $11.99
fresh and fruit-driven, with aromas and flavors of green apples, grapefruit and white pepper
Valli Unite 2008 Bianchino @ $12.99
from a thirty-year-old Piedmont co-op devoted to sustainable farming, a delicate yet creamy version of the Cortese grape
(new vintage) Bonfils 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $12.99
lively and fresh, with concentrated tropical flavors, Kosher/Mevushal
(new vintage) Licia 2009 Albarino @ $13.99
a single tank cuvee that showcases yellow and green apple fruit characteristics as well as a pleasing minerality and a fresh lemon finish
(new vintage) Amethystos 2009 Drama White @ $13.99
a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Assyrtiko, with fruity aromas of peaches and exotic fruits over a flowery background
(new vintage) Station 2009 Chardonnay @ $13.99
a big-flavored Napa Chardonnay with a generous kiss of oak
Brander 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
from one of the original vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, a stainless-steel wine with just a splash of barrel fermentation, good acidity with plenty of grass and citrus
Long Meadow Ranch 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
from a true ranch in Napa's Mayacamas Mountains, a fresh, vibrant, aromatic white with layers of flavor
(new vintage) Battistina 2009 Gavi @ $17.99
100% Cortese from Piedmont, with aromas and flavors of ripe peaches and pears
Channing Daughters 2008 Vino Bianco @ $18.99
from Long Island's East End, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigion, and Tocai Friulano, alive with aromas and flavors of white flowers and apples, pears, spice and the sea
Chatelain 2008 Pouilly-Fume @ $19.99
elegant yet also intense and aromatically complex, with a structure and richness capable of considerable aging
Domaine Thomas 2009 St. Veran @ $19.99
from one of the finest estates in St.-Veran, a Chardonnay from 40-50-year-old vines with ripe pear and citrusy flavors and a long minerally finish
(new vintage) Sonoma Cutrer 2008 Chardonnay @ $26.99
bright, fresh and lively, with a pleasing interplay of ripe pear, citrus, melon and spice notes

NEW REDS:
(new vintage) Montpellier 2009 Pinot Noir @ $8.99
a casual, light-bodied red with bright cherry fruit, tangy berry flavors, lively acidity and moderate tannins
Terra Vega 2009 Shiraz @ $8.99
soft, medium-bodied, with generous flavors and rounded tannins, Kosher/Mevushal
Chateau d'Aigueville 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone @ $9.99
a classic Cotes-du-Rhone, deep red in color with an elegant, fruity and powerful bouquet
(new vintage) Conquista 2010 Malbec @ $9.99
a bright, fruity Malbec with spicy aromas, good acidity, and layers of blackberries and blueberries with hints of mocha
Baron de Escal 2009 Rioja @ $9.99
100% Tempranillo with a nice light oak finish
Domaine de Fenouillet 2008 Ventoux @ $10.99
from the heart of the finest vineyard sites in the southern Cotes-du-Rhone, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault made fresh and fruity for current consumption
(new vintage) Domaine de Fenouillet 2008 VdP de Vaucluse @ $10.99
from the heart of the finest vineyard sites in the southern Cotes-du-Rhone, another blend of Rhone varietals, light- to medium-bodied with aromas of black fruit, spice and pepper
Finca La Linda 2008 Tempranillo @ $10.99
from the Luigi Bosca estates, 100% Tempranillo, with bold aromas and a very ripe plum taste
(back) Strong Arms 2008 Shiraz @ 11.99
fruit-driven, rich, and easy-going, one of the best values in Australian Shiraz in the market today
(new vintage) Aldegheri 2008 Valpolicella @ $11.99
tart cherry aromas and flavors with fresh tannins and acidity
(new vintage) Vale do Bonfim 2008 Douro @ $11.99
a blend of classic Portuguese varietals, balanced and soft with appealing cherry vanilla flavors
(new vintage) Parker Station 2009 Pinot Noir @ $12.99
medium-bodied with a spicy, round finish, a varietally true Pinot at a reasonable price
Chateau Claud La Chapelle 2007 Cotes de Castillon @ $12.99
mostly Merlot with a small shot of Cabernet, with an explosive bouquet of ripe cherries, long-lasting flavors, and soft acidity
(new vintage) Stephen Vincent 2008 Crimson @ $12.99
a dark, deep blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Central Coast grapes with a subtle smokiness, nice acidity and a peppery finish
Cardeal 2007 Dao @ $13.99
100% Touriga Nacional fermented in stainless steel, soft and smooth with persistent earthiness, a versatile everyday wine
Steltzner 2007 Claret @ $14.99
a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from a great Napa vintage, with its seamless tannins and supple mix of dark fruit and vanilla oak
Oberto 2008 Dolcetto @ $14.99
a firm, structured wine packed with dark fruit and made in a rich, concentrated style
(new vintage) Tres Picos 2008 Garnacha @ $15.99
a long-time house favorite, with a compelling nose of black cherry fruit and an incredible plushness on the palate
(back) Simon Hackett 2006 Old Vine Grenache @ $15.99
a concentrated, very old vine Grenache full of jammy black and red berries with a rich low-acid frame
(new vintage) Can Blau 2008 Montsant @ $17.99
a blend of Carignane, Syrah, and Grenache, smooth-textured on the palate, with excellent depth, concentration, and length
Luigi Bosca 2007 Malbec Reserva @ $17.99
explosive dark fruit, balanced by smooth elegance imparted from twelve months' ageing in French oak
Laurel Glen Za Zin 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel @ $18.99
from a single 108-year-old Zinfandel vineyard in the sandy southern region of Lodi, with 15% Petite Syrah added for color and heft
Decoy 2008 Cabernet @ $19.99
Crafted in the longstanding tradition and style of Duckhorn Vineyards winemaking, with a soft and inviting palate and a the finish that offers lingering notes of fruit, caramel and almond
Corte Pavone 2005 Rosso di Montalcino @ $19.99
100% Sangiovese Grosso, fruity, with a complex bouquet with nuances of mountain berries, a dry, rich taste and a lingering finish
Domaine du Deffends 2004 Clos de la Truffiere @ $19.99
from a small family-run operation in Provence, a blend of Syrah and Cabernet with a fruity, complex bouquet with nuances of mountain berries, a dry, rich taste and a lingering finish
(new vintage) Amethystos 2007 Drama Red @ $19.99
velvety in the mouth, with flavors of cassis, blood orange and minerals that mingle on the tongue before yielding to a spicy finish
(new vintage) Bosca 2007 Single Vineyard Malbec @ $20.99
made grapes from eighty-year-old vines, a wine with a rich, lush texture full of cherries, plums, figs and spice
Laetitia 2008 Pinot Noir @ $21.99
from San Luis Obispo County, a rich medium-bodied Pinot with dark mulberry tones and aromas of cranberry and spiced plum
Hofstatter 2009 Lagrein @ $22.99
from an Alto Adige producer that places prime importance on the cultivation of local grapes, a deep rich red with inviting scents of blackberries and blueberries and a distinct minerality
Long Meadow Ranch 2007 Ranch House Red @ $22.99
from a true ranch in Napa's Mayacamas Mountains, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Syrah with great depth and concentration
Warwick 2007 Three Cape Ladies @ $23.99
a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, full on the palate with richness and ripeness on the finish
Chofflet-Valdenaird 2009 Givry @ $26.99
from a producer of richly fruited, stylish wines that are meant to be consumed upon release, a Burgundy that represents excellent value and is a fine introduction to Pinot Noir
Jeanniard 2007 Morey St. Denis @ $37.99
a lovely organic Burgundy from a carefully focused, sensitive winemaker, with good earth notes, bright fruit, and firm acidity
Snowden 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $45.99
a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, rich, complex, full-bodied without any hard edges
Sea Smoke 2008 Pinot Noir "Southing" @ $79.99
a single-vineyard estate-grown Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills, a marriage of complexity and elegance with a luxurious mouthfeel
Snowden 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve @ $89.99
waves of currant, dark fruits and spices with a palate that is rich, dense, smooth and focused, tannins that are sweet, seamless and accompanied by opulent, fresh black fruit
Sea Smoke 2008 Pinot Noir "Ten" @ 114.99
a single-vineyard estate-grown Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills, that represents a blend of ten different clones, brooding and intense with a long velvety finish

As Far as I Can Tell . . . New Spirits and Other

L'Chaim Vodka (Kosher) @ $21.99

The Bitter Truth Lemon @ $16.99

The Bitter Truth Orange @ $16.99

The Bitter Truth Chocolate Mole @ $16.99

Dorado Dark Tequila @ $10.99

Kraken Spiced Rum @ $19.99

Denizen Rum @ $15.99
Broker's London Dry Gin @ $19.99

Henri Bardouin Pastis @ $28.99

Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash @ $15.99

Slane Castle Irish @ $29.99

Klipfel Pear in a Bottle @ $54.99

Siete Leguas Reposado @ $41.99

Black Bottle Whiskey @ $21.99

Argiolas Tremontis Limone @ $29.99

news of the week

2010-11-03T08:18:00.001-07:00

Sorry to be a day late; a few urgent chores took precedence this week. I need to make one price correction from last week's listing: The Flos de Pinoso white is $11.99, not $9.99. Now on to this week's new wines!

NEW WHITES:
LiBella 2009 Pinot Grigio @ $12.99
from Shaw Vineyard in New York's Finger Lakes, a light, fruit-forward white with a crisp lemony finish
(new vintage) Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier @ $13.99
a distinctive blend with a fragrant bouquet of fresh fruit notes and a slightly off-dry harmony of fruit flavors
Bichot 2008 Macon-Villages @ $13.99
a classic white Burgundy with flavors of apple, quince, and lemon, all wrapped in a round frame
(new vintage) Carras 2009 Assyrtiko @ $13.99
from central Macedonia, an intensely aromatic white with great acidity
Guigal 2009 Cotes du Rhone @ $14.99
primarily Viognier, with some Roussane, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, made entirely in stainless steel, fresh, fruity and well-rounded with plenty of richness and body
(new vintage) Brun 2009 Beaujolais Blanc @ $15.99
a clean, crisp, fresh Chardonnay from an organic producer in the Beaujolais
(back) Cloudline 2008 Pinot Gris @ $15.99
tank-fermented to emphasize the varietal's freshness, with floral aromatics and good acidity
La Crema 2007 Chardonnay @ $16.99
from the cool-climate Monterey appellation, a fruit-driven tropical-flavored Chardonnay
Shaw 2007 Riesling @ $17.99
from the Finger Lakes, tangy and fresh with a bracing edge and a nice tang on the finish
Ca Rugate 2008 Soave @ $18.99
a delicate, elegant Soave with hints of wildflowers, great minerality and depth
Mann 2009 Auxerrois Vielles Vignes @ $18.99
from a biodynamic producer in Alsace, a fresh, juicy, moderately dense white with a peppery finish
Kim Crawford 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $18.99
arguably the benchmark for this varietal, crisp and powerful, with intense aromas of gooseberry and citrus
(new vintage) Bichot 2008 Long-Depaquit Chablis @ $21.99
a white Burgundy with a fresh palate, floral overtones, and tingling acidity
(new vintage) Neyers 2009 Chardonnay @ $29.99
complex and layered, full-bodied, mixing toasty vanilla oak with ripe pear and fig
(new vintage) ZD 2008 Chardonnay @ $39.99
a ripe-fruited Chardonnay made in the classic full-throated California style

NEW REDS:
Tarima 2008 Monastrell @ $8.99
100% Monastrell sourced from 25-35 year old vines and matured in stainless steel
(new vintage) Parraza 2008 Minervois @ $9.99
a mix of Carignane, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, juicy and full-bodied with blueberry and blackberry flavors
Schloss Muhlenhof 2009 Dornfelder @ $10.99
easy-drinking but savory, filled with notes of orange zest and cassis fruit
Finca el Reposo 2009 Malbec @ $11.99
in the "value" line produced by Campo Negro, a Malbec with great concentration and a lot of character for the price
Castelo di Nieve 2009 Grignolino @ $12.99
from a family-owned estate in the Piedmont, a light-ish red with fresh fruit flavors, bold acidity, and a cloak of smooth tannins
(new vintage) Jelu 2008 Pinot Noir @ $12.99
a juicy Pinot with sweet blueberry and plum aromas and a hint of wild thyme
Tour des Gendres 2009 Bergerac @ $12.99
from the flagship of the Bergerac appellation, a blend of Malbec and Merlot, well structured, enjoyable, and highly versatile
(back) Sebastiani 2007 Zinfandel @ $13.99
a great example of the lower-alcohol "claret style" that Sebastiani Zinfandels are known for, a wine that is all about drinkability
Croisille 2007 Cahors @ $13.99
a rich, ripe and well structured Cahors, with ample black fruit that shines through the minerality and firm tannins
La Dournie 2009 St. Chinian @ $13.99
from a sixth-generation family-owned estate in the south of France, an expressive blend of Syrah, Carignane and Grenache, full and fresh with persistent dark berry flavors
(new vintage) Station 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $13.99
a value Cabernet sourced from a variety of top Napa vineyards, with aromas of juicy red fruit complemented by notes of sweet oak and spice
Prieure Borde Rouge 2008 Rubellis @ $13.99
Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from Corbieres vines ranging in age from 15 to 60 years, rich and complex yet fresh and softly structured
Vega Murillo 2008 Tinto de Toro @ $14.99
100% Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo), pleasant, zingy, and fresh, with adequate levels of tannin and acidity to give the wine elegance, roundness and balance
Duorum 2008 Douro @ $17.99
a joint project of two of Portugal's best-known oenologists, a blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca from two different parts of the Douro, light and fruity and made for easy drinking
Bichot 2008 Bourgogne @ $17.99
a lean, firm, structured Pinot Noir with bright cherry fruit
(new vintage) Qupe 2008 Central Coast Syrah @ $17.99
a blend of cool-climate Santa Barbara grapes and warm-climate Paso Robles grapes, with the cool-climate fruit giving spice, acidity and balanced alcohol and the warm-climate fruit providing softness, roundness, ripeness and more up-front fruit flavors and aromas
Clos Julien 2008 Pinot Noir Reserve @ $18.99
a blend from three of the top vineyard sites in the Willamette valley, deeply aromatic with good minerality and length
Educated Guess 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $19.99
made from grapes grown in several of Napa's most prestigious grape-growing districts, a rich, ripe, amazingly complex Cab for the money
David Bruce 2008 Pinot Noir @ $23.99
from Pinot Noir specialist David Bruce, a Russian River-styled version with lush berries on the palate and extracted red cherry fruit
Marques de Murrietta 2005 Rioja @ $23.99
mostly Tempranillo with a bit of Garnacha and Mazuelo, with ripe fruit on the palate, good acidity, a supple roundness, and just a hint of new oak
Hedges 2007 Red Mountain @ $23.99
a Washington state Bordeaux-style blend, made from three estate vineyards, fragrant and supple yet with substance and grip
(new vintage) Evening Land 2009 Pinot Noir @ $28.99
delicious blackberry, black cherry, red plum and wild strawberry flavors that are kept tight and focused in a well balanced and nicely textured package
Pietradolce 2008 Etna Rosso @ $31.99
from the northeastern slopes of Mount Etna, 100% Nerello Mascalese, a wine with luxuriant tannins, expressive notes of wild blackberry, smoked spices, chocolate, and mushrooms culminating in a very long finish

new this week at Heights Chateau

2010-10-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

A good number of new wines, as you will see; no new spirits (as far as I can tell). Keep up to date on our in-store tastings by checking the calendar at www.heightschateau.com.

NEW WHITES:
Grand Antoine 2009 Bordeaux @ $9.99
a classic white Bordeaux at a bargain basement price
(back) Hugues Beaulieu 2009 Picpoul de Pinet @ $9.99
a refreshing Languedoc white, with the citric quality of Sauvignon Blanc and the minerality of a Muscadet
Pilastri 2009 Falerio @ $9.99
from the Marche region of Italy, a blend of Trebbiano, Verdicchio, White Pinot and Passerina, full-bodied and elegant
Flos de Pinoso 2009 Blanco @ $9.99
an aromatic blend of Macabeo and Airen from Spain, lively and crisp, made from organic grapes
(new vintage) Four Vines 2009 Naked Chardonnay @ $11.99
crisp, fruity, and unoaked, with a medium body and a long lemony finish
(new vintage) Pomelo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $11.99
a zippy Sauvignon, with subtle hints of grapefruit rind and floral aromas
(new vintage) Bonterra 2009 Sauvignon Blanc @ $13.99
100% organic, with bright aromas of citrus and green apple with hints of grass and spice
Pannier 2008 Vouvray @ $14.99
Chenin Blanc from the Loire, richly fragrant, with hints of honey, ripe pear, and brioche
Chemins de Bssac 2009 Isa Blanc @ $14.99
a blend of Roussanne and Viognier from the south of France, fresh, elegant, and harmonious
(new vintage) Mackenzie 2009 Chardonnay @ $14.99
a clean, crisp refreshing Sonoma Chardonnay, barrel-aged but with no noticeable oak overtones
(new vintage) Matchbook 2009 Old Head Chardonnay @ $15.99
a European-styled Chardonnay, fruit-driven with soft creamy and honey notes
Fertuna 2009 Toscana Bianco @ $15.99
from the Maremma in southern Tuscany, a rich yet bright and vivacious blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Grechetto
Channing Daughters 2009 Scuttlehole Chardonnay @ $15.99
from Long Island's East End, an unoaked Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of citrus, green melon, and Granny Smiths
Venier 2007 Sauvignon Blanc @ $17.99
a light, blossomy, citrus-driven Sauvignon Blanc from a biodynamic producer in the Touraine
Chateau Graville-Lacoste 2009 Graves @ $18.99
mostly Semillon with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle blended in, a subtle, complex white with citrus and melon aromas and flavors
(new vintage) Bardin 2009 Pouilly-Fume @ $18.99
a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, redolent of soft citrus aromas with clean, earthy undertones
Jolivet 2009 Sancerre @ $22.99
a fresh, clean Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, dry, elegant, and well balanced
Guillot-Broux 2008 Macon Chardonnay @ $23.99
a single-vineyard wine from a small Burgundy producer, rich and full-bodied
Domaine du Gue d'Orger 2008 Savannieres @ $26.99
made by rising star of the Loire Loic Mahe, a chalky-textured Chenin Blanc with great minerality and acid balance

NEW REDS:
Solnia 2008 Rioja @ $10.99
produced by noted importer Jorge Ordonez, a straightforward red with a medium body and good flavors and structure
Flos de Pinoso 2008 Monastrell @ $11.99
made from organic grapes, full-bodied, smooth, and well structured
Chemins de Bassac 2007 Isa @ $12.99
an unusual blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir from the south of France, with great concentration and structure
The Pinot Project 2009 Pinot Noir @ $13.99
all the aromas and flavors of a true California Pinot Noir, with ripe black cherry and raspberry complemented by hints of oak, earth and spice
(new vintage) Stephen Vincent 2008 Pinot Noir @ $14.99
a medium-bodied, very approachable Sonoma Pinot with strawberry, raspberry, and currant notes
Badenhorst 2009 Secateurs @ $15.99
a dynamite blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache from South Africa's Swartland appellation, peppery, spicy and smoky with ripe red fruit notes
Sablonettes 2009 Les Copines Aussi @ $15.99
a bright red from the Anjou region of the Loire, full of wild red berries with good acidity and a crisp finish
(back) Chad 2009 Pinot Noir @ $16.99
from the Sonoma Coast region, bold and smoky, with great intensity and power
Masaya 2006 Silver Selection @ $16.99
from the producer that virtually triggered the Lebanese wine renaissance, a Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet, and Mourvedre, serious and concentrated, spicy, with a subtle oak presence
Venier 2009 Gamay @ $17.99
from the Touraine's genius natural winemaker Christian Venier, light, bright, and fresh
Guillot-Broux 2008 Macon Cruzille @ $17.99
100% Gamay from several different vineyards, all bright red fruit with hints of spice
Chateau Musar 2008 Jeune @ $18.99
the second wine of Musar, formerly known as Cuvee Rouge, a blend of Cabernet, Cinsault and Carignan with fresh berry flavors and spice, unoaked and meant to be drunk now
Trig Point 2007 Cabernet @ $18.99
a single-vineyard, hand-crafted Cab from California's Alexander Valley, concentrated, balanced, poised . . . and a great value
(new vintage) St. Amant 2008 Zinfandel @ $18.99
from 60-year-old Lodi vines, deep and complex, with smooth tannins and bright acidity
Red Bone 2007 Zinfandel @ $18.99
from the scrabble-poor soils of Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, a Zinfandel with layers and layers of flavor
Chateau Ramafort 2005 Medoc @ $22.99
a 50-50 blend of Cabernet and Merlot from the Medoc, a complex, elegant palate with fine tannins supporting good fruit
Chateau Haura 2005 Graves @ $26.99
a classic Bordeaux from the left bank in which the fresh tannins and smokiness of Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel combined with the silkiness of Merlot are expressed
Villa Novare 2006 Ognisanti Valpolicella @ $32.99
from the house of Bertani, an innovative, contemporary-styled Valpolicella that is dense, concentrated, and velvety smooth
(back) Orin Swift 2008 The Prisoner @ $37.99
an eccentric blend of Zinfandel, Cab, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, and Charbono, with lush ripe fruit and good acidity