2.08.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 


 

WaitMalbec
Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza region of Argentina.

Wait Malbec

Malbec

Our 100% Malbec red wine has beautiful crimson color with seductive aromas & flavors of ripe berries, mature plums, hints of violet, spice and soft oak undertones in the lingering finish. While enjoyable by itself, it pairs well with punget cheeses, beef, chicken.


2.08.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 


 

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MwiTu Pinotage Shiraz
South Africa

The hands that work the soil feed the soul.

The Fairvalley Workers Association, founded in 1997, was set up by the employees of Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate in order to develop and manage their own property

A huge hit our Wine Trade Show.  

A lightly oaked wine, vibrant purple/red in color, layered with sweet plum and berry notes.  Spicy black fruit and ripe soft tannins play out on the finish.  Made in a bright, modern style.


2.03.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 



8200 Market Street,  Wilmington, NC  (910) 686-9343

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 8:30pm

Our Award Winning Cafe features creative salads, sandwiches, quiche, panini, desserts and more. Our talented Chef's create new and exciting dinner selections every week.

In addition, we offer over 300 selections of wine all served without a restaurant markup.

Whether you are looking for the perfect gourmet food gift, a bottle of wine for that special evening or just a small indulgence to reward yourself; we are here to help! We offer a selection of deli case specialties, gourmet gift baskets, local gourmet products, as well as premium wine and beer.

2.03.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 





viewwebsite      Wilson Creek Almond Champagne
                                                                                     Temecula Valley, California

Got Almond? - Wilson Creek Winery Almond Champagne

This gold-medal winning champagne is also referred to as the "OH MY GOSH" champagne, because that is typically people's reaction when they try it at Wilson Creek Winery for their very first time. This white sparkling wine is naturally fermented, with just a hint of pure almond added so it's guaranteed to dazzle your guests. A must-have champagne to make any occasion extra special. Great with desserts,  cuddling, hot tubs, picnics, fireplaces, brunches, and parties. Very popular at all the weddings here.

1.23.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 



MwiTu Pinotage Shiraz
South Africa


MWITU WINES Just  HIT SHELVES!
 Mwitu, a new South African wine brand, is releasing its line of wines across the U.S. “Mwitu,” which means “wild” in Swahili, comes from the 
Western Cape—one of South Africa’s most popular growing regions. The range includes Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage Shirzaz.
1.23.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 



 Carmenere - Reserva Especial    2006
    Rancagua, Chile

Elevage: Matured 4-6 months in French Oak
Winemaker: Emilio de Solminihac
Ratings: 85 - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Well developed and complex bouquet, marked with notes of blackberry, sour cherry, spices and herbs, with vanilla and toasty hints. 
On the palate it is balanced and full-bodied, with mature tannins and a harmonious and persistent finish. Matured for 4-6 months in French oak barrels.
1.16.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 


 

    Fairvalley Chardonnay
   Coastal Region, South Africa

Fair Valley, The hands that work the soil feed the soul.

Fairvalley Chardonnay
 Coastal Region, South Africa

Pale golden color. The wine shows quite full, opulent fruit on the nose, with fresh red apple aromas and subtle oak influence. The mouth feel is generous, with lovely rounded mid palate and full finish, tempered by clean acidity.
Fairvalley Cabernet Sauvignon

1.16.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 


 

     Fair Valley Cabernet
   Coastal Region, South Africa

Fairvalley Cabernet Sauvignon

 Coastal Region, South Africa

A multi-layered, eminently approachable yet structured wine offering succulent black berry fruit enveloped in silky-smooth tannins. Careful use of wood has allowed the wine to be suitable for earlier drinking and enjoyment. A kiss of sweetness makes this wine a real crowd-pleaser!


 

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El Supremo Malbec 
 Mendoza, Argentina

El Supremo Malbec is an exceptional value when looking for an everyday wine with weight and substance!
Aromas of earth with the taste of black currants, hint of cacao, with a long and intense finish. This wine is perfect for the wine drinker that likes wine on the "surly-side!"
Ideal with:  carne asada tacos / cheddar bacon burgers / simple grilled lamb chops /

Chimichurri sauce friendly with steak and burgers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

*  1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
*  2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
* 2 Tbsps apple cider vinegar, red wine or sherry vinegar
* 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, washed and dried
* 1 cup cilantro leaves, washed and dried
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
* 1/4 cup oregano leaves, washed and dried
* 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
* 1/2 shallot, roughly chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper!

1.09.2012   Weekly Wine Feature 


 

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Hermines D'Argent Muscadet Sevre et Mains
   Loire, France

2010 Hermines d'Argent Muscadet Sevre et Mains
Loire, France

Tired of middle of the road Muscadet? Looking for a version that will knock your socks off with oysters yet provide enough texture and interest to accompany a wider variety of food? Look no further than this stunner.

Perfectly paired with Oysters, white meat fish, hard cheeses, fusion cuisine and curried dishes.

1.5.20112   Weekly Wine Feature 



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Balcony on Dock Farm Dinner

Saturday, January 28, 2012

                                           Time6:30pm until 10:00pm


The Balcony on Dock Farm Dinner - Saturday January 28th, 2012 at 6:30pm.

 Featuring local products from Federal Point Farm, Greenlands Farms, and Heritage Produce. 


Each course will be served with a specially paired wine from local distributor Choice Specialty Wines.


Amuse Bouche - Chef's Choice . First Course / Smoked Duck and Lemon Confit Salad with Nature's Way Goat Cheese and Aged Sherry

Second Course /Seared Scallops with Roasted Fennel, Thyme, and Orange

Third Course/ Braised Beef Short Ribs with Fresh Rosemary and Butternut Squash Ravioli Finished with Port Wine, Hazelnuts, and Lemon

Dessert/ Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan and Bourbon Anglaise


$80 per person including tax and gratuity. Reserve now - seating is limited! 910-342-0273 /Contact choicespecialtywines.com


12.27.2011   Weekly Wine Feature 



Marina Espumante
   Alicante, Spain

It is a sparkling new trend, different, modern, exclusive and without comparison!

From  the Alicante coast, near the sea, very pale, clear and bright. Having very small bubbles, detachment fast, delicate crown with a continuous string.

Big, balanced, fruity tones, with a very fine bubble that makes it refreshing and smooth.

12.27.2011   Weekly Wine Feature 

 

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NV Luna Argenta Prosecco

Veneto, Italy

NV Luna Argenta Prosecco, Veneto, Italy

Prosecco Light and elegant, this is a perfect aperitif or match for south east Asian cuisine. Crack open a bottle morning, noon or night and you're guaranteed to be impressed!

Prosecco is the grape variety behind the eponymous sparkling wine of the Veneto region in north-eastern Italy. It is used in both still and sparkling wines.


12.20.2011   Weekly Wine Feature 



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Santa Barbara Chardonnay

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara Winery

 Santa BarbaraCHARDONNAY

 This refreshing style Chardonnay showcases citrus and lemon zest aromas, followed by a polished mouthful of stone fruit and a lively acidity. Our Chardonnay is ideal for poultry, seafood or simply dining al fresco.

The Cat Canyon vineyard provides the backbone for the Santa Barbara Collection Chardonnay. Cat Canyon is located in the Los Alamos subregion of Santa Barbara County, where temperatures are cooler than Santa Ynez, which lies to the south.

12.20.2011   Weekly Wine Feature 

 

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Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2009

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara Winery

 Santa Barbara PINOT NOIR

 This bright, versatile Pinot Noir delivers a fresh, berry nose of strawberry and cherry with a zippy, mouth-watering texture and long finish. Our Pinot Noir pairs nicely with poultry, a cheese aperitif or an outdoor BBQs Santa Maria style.

The Cat Canyon vineyard provides the backbone for the Santa Barbara Collection Chardonnay. Cat Canyon is located in the Los Alamos subregion of Santa Barbara County, where temperatures are cooler than Santa Ynez, which lies to the south.


12.12.2011   Weekly Wine Feature


The Galley Store!

New Bern, North Carolina

Galley Stores and Marina at SkipJack Landing

The Galley Store is located in historic downtown New Bern, NC on the waterfront.  It is convenient whether you're traveling by land or by river.

They are a gourmet market offering all you need from steaks and seafood to fine wine. Choice Specialty Wines recently added "The Galley's Choice Wines" to their wine department.  Priscilla Livingston, the wine representative for the area, has information about all the wines in a book for your convenience.  Remember that the wines from Choice are not available in Grocery Stores.  We have picked out a very interesting inventory of wines from around the world that are reasonably priced for your drinking pleasure.  We foresee this section growing as the word gets out about this little treasure in New Bern.  We have a monthly Tasting on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM.  We'd love for you to join us for the Tasting.  Just call Mark, the owner, to make your reservation.  The Tastings are just $5.00 per person and you get your money back if you buy a bottle of wine!  You can't beat that deal anywhere!

Galley Stores/  200 E. Front St,  New Bern, NC   28560 / 1-252-633-4648

www.galleystores.com

12.12.2011 Weekly Wine Feature



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Starry Night Lodi Zinfandel

Sonoma, California


Starry Night Lodi Zinfandel

The Starry Night Lodi Zinfandel is made using traditional winemaking methods and is representative of the fine Zinfandels that have been grown in this appellation for over 100 years.  This wine is well structured with fresh flavors of blackberries, cherries with hints of pepper, spice and eucalyptus.  It can be paired with many dishes, but is especially good with pasta, steak, lamb, burgers, and chocolate desserts!

Bruce Walker, co-founder of Starry Night is a rock star in my book.  Every wine that we have from his winery is "memorable".  Talk about a great gift to yourself or to someone else, you cannot go wrong.  We have gone through these wines so fast, it just astounds us!  The wines are new to our portfolio and we have already had to order them again just after a few weeks!!  If you can't find it for the Holidays, get your name on a waiting list at your local Retailer!!!

12.12.2011 Weekly Wine Feature



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Terrazzo Prosecco

Soligetto), Italy


This Prosecco is produced by the Cantina Colli del Soligo Winery, in Soligetto, Italy, in the Veneto region.  According to information available, the Cantina is a cooperative of about 70 growers, who produce the grapes to make the wine.  The aroma is light with some mineral and floral notes with citrus.  It is dry with the balance tending towards the acidic with a light lemon, citrus peel.  The finish is long and juicy, very refreshing and pleasant. This wine is a perfect bubbly wine for the Holidays!


12.5.2011
 Weekly Wine Feature



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Just Chardonnay,Unoaked 

Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France


Bright pale yellow colour; aromas of tropical fruit, oak and vanilla, with floral/candied notes; dry, medium bodied, soft and rounded on the palate with flavours of citrus, apple and notes of melon/fruit salad and spice on the finish.

Serving Suggestion : Perfect with sandwiches, salmon or simple seafood dishes and grilled white meats such as chicken or pork.

JUST brings wine to life and creates an environment that entertains for every occasion. Experience Just whenever, wherever and however you feel!


11.8.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Hieronymus Seafood

Voted Best Seafood in Wilmington 2011

by Encore Magazine


Hieronymus Seafood Voted Best Seafood in Wilmington 2011by Encore Magazine is now serving Choice Specialty Wines! Stop by  and try some great seafood.

 5035 Market Street

Wilmington, NC

910-392-6313

Opens 11am for lunch

Monday-Friday

4pm for dinner

Monday-Sunday


12.5.2011 Weekly Wine Feature



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Reserve De La Dame a l'Oiseau CdR 

France

There are some great values coming out of the Southern Rhone these days, and this is one of them.  Just what a wine of this class should be - juicy, fresh, and very easy to drink.  A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tank.  It's crimson red with a generous nose of cassis, blackberry, garrigues, leather and smoke. Medium-full in body with moderate acidity and soft tannins, the wine offers flavors of black currant, blackberry, white pepper and anise. Warm and rich with intense fruit, it is beautifully balanced to enjoy now and over the next 5-6 years. The finish is long, rich and aromatic. This is very flexible with food, but will shine with roasted chicken, grilled meats, mushrooms, pastas and cheeses.  Or pizza.  Or burgers.  Oh, just drink it!


 11.28.2011
Weekly Wine Feature    



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Meeker Vineyard Pink Elephant 2009 Dry Rose
Sonoma County, California 

Meeker's handprint bottle is the paint equivalent to the Melka child-designed hand and heart label, but this isn't a label, its on the whole bottle. It takes you back to the days when Kenwood really brought art to the label (of course, until the naked lady label pulled the bottles off the shelves in many states). The wine is available retail, even in the distributor-give-it-to-restaurant state of Ohio. This wine had a deep and rick color and was full of dark fruit and coffee in its nose. The wine was far less cherry filled than the usual Merlot, instead balancing the tannins, acid and fruit to create a nicely integrated wine. The vanilla from the oak was also well represented and a bit toasted (but not too heavily toasted). The interesting bottle had heavy paint from hand painting (heavy like deep oil painting brush strokes). The finish was smooth and pleasant, lasting a good 30 second with a hint of cinnamon. This is a great wine for the money, and the bottle is unique.

 11.28.2011
Weekly Wine Feature



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Meeker Vineyard Pink Elephant 2009 Dry Rose
Sonoma County, California 
Imagine lunch by the swimming pool, a picnic at the beach, or dinner outside on the deck.  Add a chilled glass of Meeker’s 2009 dry rosé -- light bodied
and crisp like white wine, but with more character, and bursting with a broad range of cherry, berry, watermelon, fruit-punch and spice aromas and flavors, all followed by a refreshing finish.  Or maybe
something just plain cool and relaxing after a hard day’s work, before you turn to your more serious, classic Meeker red.  That’s it!  You’ve got it!  Our famous PINK ELEPHANT


11.22.11 Weekly Wine Feature

 

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Red X  
Napa Valley, California 

Red X 2009       

Napa Valley, California

"...think of it as a Côtes-du-Rhône with the addition of some bold and spicy California zinfandel..." X Winery’s Reed Renaudin creates innovative blends you won’t find in any rulebook - because people don’t drink rules. They drink wines.


11.22.11 Weekly Wine Feature 

 

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White X
Napa Valley, California

 

White X 2010   

Napa Valley, California

You’ve never had a white wine like this. And don’t worry, trust us, that’s a good thing. Because when you try the White X blend you’re in for a treat. A surprisingly sassy blend of exotic flavors and aromas of white peach, honey, and apricot coupled with bright acidity makes this way too easy to drink. You’ll probably have to open another bottle of White X, just so that your friends can take part in your secret obsession.

11.14.11Weekly Wine Feature



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Hyatt Merlot  
Yakima Valley, Washington State

Dark, nearly black in color; hints of black fruits, spices and oak vanillins. Sweet Merlot flavors mid-palate, classic Black Cherry fruit flavors finishing with strong varietal fruit. Great acid balance with lingering flavors. This rich, delicious wine pairs nicely with grilled and roasted meats, and especially tomato based sauces. The primary elements on the palate are in fact sweet, rich and velvet black fruit in the mid-palate, gently perfumed.  

11.14.11Weekly Wine Feature



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Domaine Ostertag 2008 Riesling 
Vin D'Alsace, France

 Epfig was the fourth fort built by Julius Caesar in defense of the Roman army, and because of its location on a hill. This assumes that the Romans, by moving there, are the cause of the Vineyard Epfig. Ostertag The estate vineyard is run biodynamically. Gewurztraminer This pretty dress features a brilliant gold, shimmering greenish. The nose, nice, looks great intensity yellow fruit, exotic aroma of lychee, rose and peony. On the palate, the wine shows a very smooth, the texture is very nice and pure.  A touch of residual sugar is a perfect harmonious balance already dominated by a powerful aroma incredible. The finish is long, spicy and flavorful. A wine with a real balance, where elegance and smooth take on their full size. Ideal with foie gras. Superb

11.07.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

  

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Wilson Creek Winery of Temecula Valley is in the heart of Southern California Wine country!

2011 Almond Champagne

This white sparkling wine is naturally fermented, with just a hint of pure almond added so it's guaranteed to dazzle your guests. A must-have champagne to make any occasion extra special. Great with desserts, cuddling, hot tubs, picnics, fireplaces, brunches, and parties. Share with friends!

11.07.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

  

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Wines from Heritage Vineyards in Lodi, Argentina and Chilie 2010


2010 REDS

A Celebration of the People
Zinfandel, carignane, and petite sirah from pioneer vineyards in the heartland of California. Dark, sexy, exotic, opulent, and delicious. Perfect with bistro, burgers, hearty pastas, and pizza. The People have spoken! 


The 2010 REDS is deeply colored, aromatic, and deep, but with a llift to the finish. 


This is a prettier wine than those of the past couple of years, and accordingly matches with a wider range of foods.  While it will drink nicely 

with traditional REDS fare like pizza and burgers, the 2010 also goes great with milder cheeses and medium bodies pasta dishes.

11.07.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

  

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Joseph Drouhin Winery 2011

Appellation D'Origine Controlee

November 17th we proudly unveil the Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau!

During July and mid August the vineyards have enjoyed a fair weather with a mix of very nice sunny periods and light rain.

The grapes are healthy with thick skins and dark berries. They have a good balance sugar-acidity, similar to the 2009 which is quite good.

We expect a very nice crop with a yield also similar to the 2010 vintage.

The harvest will begin this coming Wednesday making 2011 an other early crop.

We will give you our first impressions on the quality of the wines after tasting the first vinifications which should be nice and easy.

We expect wines to show dark colours and powerful fruit.

Frédéric J. DROUHIN

August 22nd  2011

11.01.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

  

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Santa Barbara Winery 2010

Santa Barbra County, California

2010 Chardonnay

Winemaker Bruce McGuire was able to travel throughout western Santa Barbara County choosing several vineyards (including Scheid Vineyard up in Monterey County) for this multi-vineyard blend.

These vineyards meet Bruce's standards for viticultural practices and growing conditions suitable to make this full-bodied yet eminently approachable Chardonnay.

All the grapes for this wine were pressed as whole clusters and 30% of the wine fermented in stainless steel without undergoing malolactic fermentation. These two steps lend brightness to the fruit intensity that then integrates with the mouth pleasing weight and supple flavors enhanced by barrel fermentation.

11.01.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

  

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Scott Harvey Wine 2005

Amador County, California 
Produced in the traditional Late Bottled Vintage Port Style from 100% Portuguese varieties

Starts out with cherry licorice and cinnamon spice flowing into vanilla and tobacco with a mild palate of English hard candies and fresh straw. It carries soft tannin flow into a long sweet plum finish. A perfect companion to nuts and salty blue cheese.

10.24.11 Weekly Wine Feature  

   

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Our Pick of the week


Divine Wines has in stock over 1200 different labels representing over 12 countries from around the world.

We currently have the largest Spanish wine section in lower New Hanover county. Additionally our U.S. Cabernet Sauvignon section

 is as good as you will find anywhere in Wilmington!


10.17.11 Weekly Wine Feature 

  

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La Sagrestana Sangiovese di Romagna 2008

Italy


Aromas of bright berry fruits and violets merge with zesty spices and intense juicy flavors of ripe raspberry,

 plum and black cherry in this medium- bodied, food friendly wine.

 You can really enjoy this fantastic wine with a variety of comfort food, as well as aged cheese!


10.17.11 Weekly Wine Feature 

  

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2009 Nelson Bay RIESLING
Nelson, New Zealand 

 This dry and clean wine goes well with spicy food such as, Thai. A very pleasant twist on what is a traditionally sweet wine. A delicate fine floral blossom nose with a crisp cut white peach whiffs sneaking in.


10.11.11Weekly Wine Feature

 

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Santa Barbara Winery
Santa Barbara, California

If you are looking for a bargain everyday red, consider this one from Santa Barbara Winery. It is dark ruby colored and opens with a fragrant black cherry bouquet with a hint of craisin and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is light to medium bodied, balanced, and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a blend of light black currant with a hint of cranberry and gentle oak. The finish is dry and its mild tannins are friendly. This enjoyable red blend would pair perfectly with a pulled pork sandwich.


10.11.11 Weekly Wine Feature 

  

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El Suprema Chardonnay
Mendoza, Argentina 

A Fresh and bright white. This crisp white can be drunk on its own or enjoyed with most seafood.

Argentina has been making wine since the 1500s, tracing its wine heritage back to Spain, France and, perhaps surprisingly, Italy. Italian immigration is second only to Spanish in Argentine culture, and the flavors of Italy show up strongly in the nation’s wine, food and cultural tradition
1.17.11Weekly Wine Feature

 

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Praxis Cellars Merlot 
Alexander Valley, California
Praxis is from the Greek for practice and was an early 19th Century philosophy relating to the unattainable search for perfection. Like Arbios, all of the Praxis wines are 100% of their varietal from a single, sustainably farmed vineyard. The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard on a rise in the heart of Alexander Valley.  The color is a deep red with purple highlights.  The nose offers vanilla, black cherry and plum, with warm spices and dry herbs.  The wine is sleek and elegant with good acidity and full mouthfeel.  Flavors of strawberry, blackberry, pomegranate, and cassis are complemented by vanilla and spice.  The wine has a long finish with soft tannins and toasty oak.

1.10.11Weekly Wine Feature



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Arbios Cabernet 
Alexander Valley, California
Arbios Cellars produces only one wine - made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on a mountain top vineyard in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County.  Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted in classic Bordeaux style to have moderate alcohol and good fruit character – a balance between Old World and New World wines.  Although Bill has a successful track record crafting blended wines, he now prefers the additional challenges and artistry that go into making our wine from a single vineyard.  The 2005 Arbios Cabernet is deep garnet in color with rich purple overtones.  Aromas of violets, raspberry and plum are accented by vanilla, cedar, spice and hazelnuts.  Generous blackberry and sour cherry flavors fill the mouth, followed by hints of clove and vanilla.  The wine is supple with a nice medium bodied structure, moderate tannins, balanced acidity and long finish.

11.29.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Willamette Valley, Oregon 
Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Auxerrois
Established in 1986, Airlie Winery is dedicated to vintage dated premium Oregon wines.  The winery overlooks Dunn Forest Vineyard producing estate varieties well suited to the coastal edge of Willamette Valley.  This wine evolved by blending seven delicious Willamette Valley varietals; showing off their vibrancy, appreciating their approachability and experiencing their complexity.  A touch of sweetness with great structure creates this standout gem.  Lively and crisp with flavors of grapefruit, green apple, cream and a light floral note. 

11.15.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Le Lapin Wines
Paso Robles, California

Le Lapin is the French word for rabbit, it is also the name of a brand new line of wine produced from grapes grown exclusively in Paso Robles.  All of the Le Lapin wines are non-vintage, which means two or more vintages can be used to make wine.  This allows the winemaker to blend a newer vintage wine for freshness with an older vintage for complexity.
Chardonnay - fermented in stainless steel with partial malolactic fermentation.  Lively tropical fruit aromas of pineapple and mango with hints of Gala apple, pear, and lemon zest.  Aging in French oak adds layers of vanilla and light honey.
Speedbump Red- Tempranillo and Alicante - ruby red in color with aromas and flavors of ripe plum, berry, tobacco, vanilla and herb leading to a slightly smoky finishThis rich red blend spent 15 months on predominantly American Oak prior to bottling.  The result is a smooth and easy drinking wine with vibrant red berry aromas that complement spicy notes.  Complex and elegant toastiness with tons of juicy fruit and a lingering finish

11.8.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing Red
Langhorne Creek, Australia

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
This rich red blend spent 15 months on predominantly American Oak prior to bottling.  The result is a smooth and easy drinking wine with vibrant red berry aromas that complement spicy notes.  Complex and elegant toastiness with tons of juicy fruit and a lingering finish
Bleasdale's vineyards were founded in 1850 by Frank Potts, making them one of Australia's oldest family owned wineries.  It is the second oldest continuously operated family owned winery besides Yalumba located in Barossa Valley.
"Bleasdale produces some of the most reliable as well as fairly priced wines" - Robert Parker Jr
87 Points Wine Spectator / 87 Points Wine Enthusiast / 88 Points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

11.1.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Cantina Sant Evasio Barbera d'Asti
Piedmont, Italy

Cantina Sant' Evasio represents modern winemaking from long standing traditions.  The name comes from the chapel on the hill built in the 18th century for the bishop of Casale, Sant Evasio (later destroyed in World War II).  Barbera is their trademark grape and continues to represent outstanding value in today's times.  This version from the town of Asti is a deeply colored, bright red wine showing classic berry fruit with light smoke, a touch of spice and dark cherry and plum flavors.  The fruit is bright and lush with no oak to cloud the vibrancy of this wine.  Excellent for fall weather and food, and a surprising alternative for Pinot Noir lovers!

10.25.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Two Angels Petite Sirah
High Valley, California

The grapes for Two Angels come from the renowned Shannon Ridge Vineyards, extremely volcanic, red pumice stone terroir.  Hugging the mountain rims along the east edge of the High Valley AVA, the area is reminiscent of the Rhone Valley's Crozes-Hermitage.  The wine ages for ten months in a combination of 30% new French barrels and 70% one to three year old French and American oak.  This petite sirah is "dark as night" and boasts savory aromas of dark berry, violets,  pomegranate, tamarind and roasted game.  Abundant fruit flavors are nicely integrated with toasted oak and roasted coffee undertones.  What is especially alluring, given the dark color and ample, rich tannins, is the round - almost silky - mouthfeel and pleasing, lingering finish. 

10.18.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone
Domaine de la Janasse was created in 1973 by Aime Sabon and is now run by the exceptionally talented Christophe Sabon and his oenologist sister, Isabelle.  Christophe has introduced organic farming to the domaine and concentrated on the old vines of the property in a way that has made this estate one of the highly sought after domaines in the regions.  The wines are luscious, concentrated examples of what this area can produce.  A great value Cotes du Rhone from 50 to 60 year old vines.  Sourced from various parcels with different soils ranging from sandy to pebbly to red clay.  It was aged for about 8 months in newer French oak and small barriques.  It has vibrant flavors of black cherry, raspberry, Provencal herbs, and white pepper.  This wine can be held up to 20 years!
87 pts Wine Advocate

10.11.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Bourgeois Family Cuvee Stephi Grenache/Syrah
Roussillon, France
The Cuvee Stephi reflects the purity and delicacy of the grapes from the Languedoc and Roussillon and is aged in stainless steel tanks only.  A custom project made in partnership with Nicolas Baptiste from Domaine de la Serre in Maury.  This Grenache (65%) Syrah (35%) gem hails from the sunny vineyards of the Roussillon region in French Catalonia.  A rich, intense wine with an opulent nose of ripe red berries, a smooth and full mouthfeel with a soft, spicy and lingering finish.  It will marry perfectly with your grilled meats and more hearty foods.
89 pts Wine Advocate


10.4.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Fitz-Ritter Gewurztraminer Spatlese
Pfalz, Germany
The Fitz-Ritter family estate dates back to 1785 and is today owned and managed by the 8th generation in succession. Fitz-Ritter is located a mere 1/2 hour drive from the Alsatian border and Gewurztraminer growing on their estate is a tradition which matches the Alsatian one, dating back hundreds of years.  Yields are kept moderately low to produce aromatic, full bodied and well-structured rich wines with concentration of flavor.  Ideal conditions for the spicy Gewurztraminer with its delicate rosebud aroma.  Typical floral notes with flavors of lychee and spice, jam packed with juicy ripe fruit, and balanced with minerals and a vibrant acidity make it a winner with many different foods- perfect with anything from Asian inspired meals to Thanksgiving dinner!

9.27.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Asunto de Vino Shiraz Carmenere
Central Valley, Chile
Asunto de Vino means "An Affair with Wine".  We have had a life-long affair with wine, and now bring you this magnificent wine so you can start your own affair with wine that we hope will last a lifetime!  This wine is made in the heart of Chile, combining the winery's passion with excellent wine making knowledge.  Most important of all, this wine is made for you to enjoy, and share with friends and family.  Bright purple color, this wine has light floral aromas (lavender and violet) with a touch of ripe cherries.  Juicy berry fruit with a creamy texture and a long, lasting finish.

9.20.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Pere Patriarche Blanc - Burgundy, France
Ugni Blanc & Clairette
Patriarche Pere et Fils have been practicing their know-how in the heart of the Burgundian vineyards for over two centuries.  Ideal on its own, or it pairs well with light seafood or pasta dishes.  Bright pale yellow in color with fresh citrus and stone fruit flavors and aromas.  Well balanced with bright and crisp fruit flavors and a lingering finish.

9.13.2010
 Weekly Wine Feature



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Marche, Italy
80% Verdicchio  20% Trebbiano
Fresh aromas with lively, clean flavors and  a crisp, light dry finish.  It defines the idea of a thirst-quenching white wine to enjoy everyday with a wide variety of food.  Bright pear and peach notes.  The citrus and melon character would be perfect with melon and proscuitto, smoked fish, clams or oysters, chicken salad, or grilled shrimp. Crisp and refreshing with a bit of lemon minerality on the finish.


9.6.2010
 Weekly Wine Feature



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Working Girl Wines are handcrafted creations of Olympic Cellars Winery, an award-winning boutique winery in a centuries old barn on the North Olympic Peninsula. Wines created by women, for women, that support women's causes. This easy drinking blend of Merlot and a handful of spicy treats (Merlot and Lemberger) is a lush little wine with a velvety finish!  Bright, racy fruit including black cherries and a touch of spice makes this a smooth and pleasing wine.  Perfect match for barbeques!


8.2.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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Kriter Brut is an elegant ‘Blanc de Blancs' with a brilliant color and fine bubbles.The bouquet reveals scents of citrus fruits and dried fruit.  It is fresh and balanced on the palate, with elegant floral notes and a rich, full bodied finish.  Its delicate bubbles and subtle aromas make it the ideal aperitif, or the perfect wine for your party or other special event.  Founded in 1960, Kriter is located in Beaune, in the heart of the Cote d'Or and is the most well known sparkling wine in France, served at most governmental functions. 



7.26.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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This Barbera exudes everything it should, hitting the three main points of fruit, tannin, and acid. Vivid red flavor, like pie cherries and cranberry, is bold enough to handle the acidity, and soft enough that it melds with the tannins. The tannin is light, with subtle earthy and herbal notes that add to the wine.  A great introductory Italian wine, or a perfect alternative for Pinot Noir lovers!  Giovanni and Silvano Pasquero-Elia are the inheritors of a winemaking tradition going back 7 generations.  The estate, located in Serraboella (south and east of Neive) was purchased in 1796 and has been selling wine labeled Barberesco since 1893.  The Barbera in Serraboella is located on the northern edge of the estate in clay rich soil and produces ample, fleshy wine that is enhanced by 12 months of aging in neutral barrels. 


7.19.2010
 Weekly Wine Feature



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Montepulciano makes some famous top-end big reds  in the Abruzzo, but the variety also makes amazingly good inexpensive red wine, far better than comparable Sangiovese. Aromas and flavors of black plum, black cherry, herbs, and black olives surround a wonderful meaty texture, with enough chewiness to make the wine stand up to food. This is the ideal 'spaghetti red,' at a price that will bring a smile to your face every time you open a bottle.  Made at Cantina Frentana. 


7.12.2010 Weekly Wine Feature



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The Cantina Frentana winery praises itself for having one of the most efficiently operated wine growing co-operatives in Abruzzo.  Frentana began in the late 1950's with a few small selected vineyards and wine growers, and in the last 40 years has grown to more than 400 members.  Cococciola (pronounced co co cho la) is a white-berry grape, indigenous to the Abruzzi region of Italy.  This vine is found in very small quantities in other Italian regions, Puglia among others, and is related to an excellent and much better known Pugliese vine Bombino bianco.  Known for its high acidity and up-front grassiness with great minerality, very fresh and oh-so vivid, with notes of apple, melon, and light herbal essences.  This unusual white is delightful with simply prepared seafood dishes.

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