Gary's Wine Club News Monthly: 2009

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

THE BEST LAST MINUTE GIFT - A WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

http://www.garyswineclub.com/gift_center.shtml

A Gary's Wine Club Membership is Perfect for Gift Giving!

With wine experiencing unprecedented growth in its popularity, customers have come to rely on a gift of membership in Gary's Wine Club for consistently high standards of excellence in gift giving - for weddings, birthdays, holidays, corporate gift-giving... or even as a gift to yourself!

Need a card? We've got you covered!

Gary's will send an elegant card the recipient of your gift, welcoming them to the club in your name and informing them on the duration of their membership.

All you have to do is type a message in the comments section of your order form, and we'll do the rest!

Click here to choose a club,

If you would like to give a Gary's Wine Club Membership as a gift, you can click on the membership you're interested in below to print out a membership certificate for instant giving:

Vintner Selections Certificate
Reserve Selections Certificate
Cellar Selections Certificate
Premiere Collections Certificate
Strictly Red Certificate
Strictly White Certificate

http://www.garyswineclub.com/gift_center.shtml

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

2006 GF Grand Finale Jericho Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11006.html

Brand: GF Grand Finale
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $74.99
Reg: ~~$94.99~~

It's always been Gary's belief that the wine business is not just about moving volume. It's about enjoying life, enjoying wine, and enjoying the company of friends. Otherwise, we might as well be selling carburetors. After 30 years in the wine business, Gary decided he'd like to begin to share the same camaraderie he's developed with the winemakers he's met along the way with his other friends, our most loyal customers. Thus, the GF Private Label project was born with the philosophy that there's always an extra barrel or two available for a friend.

For the flagship Grand Finale series, we've begun sourcing single barrels of ultra-premium wine as a "thank you" to our very best customers. We've worked directly with the winemakers to craft these wines, traveled extensively to check up on them as they develop into truly one-of-a-kind bottlings. You will not, cannot, find these wines anywhere else. They're just for us. And as such, we think they're a fitting Grand Finale to any special occasion. Our first project choosing a single barrel from Jericho Canyon Vineyards just happened, ever so providentially, to fall in the amazing-for-Napa-Cabernet 2007 vintage. Crafted by winemaker Robbie Meyer, this hillside Cabernet is a force to be reckoned with. Powerful and intense, this wine is inky purple in the glass, and full of wild berry flavors, black truffle and licorice, ending with a mouthful of fleshy tannins. Give this monster some time to nap if you can; those powerful, brooding tannins will soften with time to reveal an increasingly complex and showy wine.

Food pairing: Standing rib roast

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11006.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store

2005 Oakville East Exposure Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/04464.html

Brand: Oakville East
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Oakville
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $69.99
Reg: ~~$125.00~~

The Oakville AVA of Napa Valley is home to many of California's finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines: including Joseph Phelps Bacchus, Dalle Valle, Showket, Rudd and Screaming Eagle. In fact, in a profile of the region that appeared in the October 14, 2004 edition of the Wine Spectator, wine critic Matt Kramer wrote, "... what emerges from this rocky, sun-drenched zone is like no other Cabernet in the world." It's a special piece of terrior, and one that has treated relative newcomer to the scene, proprietor Elliot Stern, and his Oakville East Exposure Cabernet quite well. He chose a stretch of iron-rich land along the collapsed Vaca Mountain range and a winemaker who knows Oakville fruit like the back of her hand. (Sara Gott formerly made wine at Joseph Phelps.) The grapes are farmed organically and production is kept low: about 500 cases per vintage. The resulting wine is full of dark berry, plum and cedar notes with chocolaty, fine-grained tannins on the finish. Gary was particularly excited to discover this wine a few years back, and was even more excited that he could offer it to our customers this time around at less than the usual $100+ per bottle!

Food pairing: Braised short ribs over polenta

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/04464.html

2006 Ramey Shanel Vineyard Syrah

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11277.html

Brand: Ramey Wine Cellars
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Syrah
Region: Sonoma Coast
Category: California
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 93 WS 93 IWC 93

Price: $34.99
Reg: ~~$43.99~~

In a recent Wine Spectator article, writer Tim Fish contended, "Some winemakers are farmers, others are scientists or technicians or even desk jockeys. A few, like David Ramey, are philosophers." David Ramey has no vineyards. He prefers instead to source his fruit from what he sees as the best vineyards around him, then take the wine from there. What he does have is about 30 years of winemaking under his belt. When we sat down with "the philosopher-winemaker" recently to taste his wines, that breadth of knowledge really came out. With 20 or so glasses in front of us, Ramey explained how this oak vs. that oak, this lot in the vineyard vs. that lot, even this strain of yeast vs. that one, really changes the same wine. "Here; taste this," he'd say, and the incredible thing was that we absolutely could. His expertise really shines in this Syrah from the Shanel Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. A rarity, the Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and International Wine Cellar all agreed that the wine warranted 93 points and the highest praise from their critics.

Food pairing: Crispy glazed duck or goose

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11277.html

2007 GF Go Figure Napa Valley Red Lot 5

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11008.html

Brand: GF Go Figure
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Meritage Blend
Region: Napa Valley
Category: California
Size: 750 ml
PROMO:

Price: $49.99
Reg: ~~$69.99~~

For Gary's own personal project, the Go Figure series, we've begun sourcing wines crafted by the industry-leading winemakers who had a little extra left over from their own bottling. The result is stellar wine hand-selected by Gary. This was our first bottling from the 2007 vintage, and we wouldn't say it if it weren't true; this is quite possibly the most amazing deal we've found in years! For our Lot 5 bottling, we convinced one of the hottest wineries in Napa, whose regular bottlings sell well over $100, to sell us some extra (delicious) red wine. You know what we can't tell you is the name of the winery, but what we can tell you is it's a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with fruit so rich and complex and mocha tannins so velvety-smooth, it's like buying standing-room only seats and ending up front-row-center-orchestra!

Food pairing: Seared filet mignon and Gorgonzola

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11008.html

2005 Holly's Hill Mourvedre

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11583.html

Brand: Holly's Hill
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Mourvedre
Region: Sierra Foothills - El Dorado
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $20.99
Reg: ~~$25.99~~

I always wonder why I don't hear wine lovers, particularly those who are die-hard Cab fanatics, talk about Mourvedre more. True, it doesn't have the same widespread recognition and cachè as Cali Cab. But when it's time to curl up next to a fire with a dark, earthy, spicy yet smooth red wine, I just can't think of anything better than a Mourvedre. Often Mourvedre is paired with Grenache and Syrah to produce a weightier wine. But when grown in the right climate, it can have great structure, complexity and finishing spice all on its own. Taking a lesson from one of the most seasoned producers of Mourvedre, Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley of France, a few fans of the grape decided to bring some cuttings over from Beaucastel to California. They had to be quarantined for three years for testing before they were released to and propagated by enologists at UC Davis, but at long last, some of the cuttings were used at the small winery Holly's Hill in the Sierra foothills. The result: classic Mourvedre, earthy and spicy as ever.

Food pairing: Cassoulet

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11583.html

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose NV

http://www.garyswine.com/shop_champagne/60319.html

Brand: Lucien Albrecht
Style: Sparkling
Region: Alsace
Category: Sparkling
Size: 750 ml

Price: $15.99
Reg: ~~$21.99~~

Generally it's only once a year that we send out sparkling wines in place of white wines for the Wine Club, because we can rest assured that this time of year everyone has at least one celebration to warrant some effervescent quaffing. This year, our wine team had a lot of fun choosing the sparkler for the Reserve level. As we tasted this lively cremant from Alsace, we stood around the tasting counter trying to guess all the grapes within (Pinot Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, by the way,) enjoying the creamy mousse (that's the bubbly foam on top), and before we knew it, we had our own celebration going! It even made one staff member so happy she likened it to the "fizzy lifting drink" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (Yes, that was Laura.) Now, it's by far our favorite biodynamic Alsatian cremant of the season!

Food pairing: Potato latkes with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and American cavia

http://www.garyswine.com/shop_champagne/60319.html

2007 Angels Landing Jaeger Oak Knoll Merlot

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10597.html

Brand: Angels Landing
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Merlot
Region: Napa Valley
Category: California
Size: 750 ml
PROMO:

Price: $16.99
Reg: ~~$24.99~~

A few months back, we got rave reviews from our customers for bringing in a new brand of Napa Cabernet called Angel's Landing. We've long since sold out of that bottling, but we practically rejoiced when we got their Oak Knoll Merlot just in time for the holidays. Now as Merlots go, this isn't the demure "little sister to Cabernet" that many Merlots may be. This bottle, as Merlots go, is a monster. Sourced from the Jaeger Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, this is actually a Pomerol-style blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. With its ripe berry and cherry flavors and a touch of cassis, this wine is downright rich with great depth and complexity usually found in wines two times this price. Serve it up with venison, grilled pork chops, veal dishes and turkey.

Food pairing: Roast turkey

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10597.html

2008 Natale Verga Prosecco

http://www.garyswine.com/shop_champagne/10598.html

Brand: Natale Verga
Style: Sparkling
Varietal: Prosecco
Region: Veneto
Category: Sparkling
Size: 750 ml

Price: $9.99
Reg: ~~$12.99~~

When it comes to celebrations, there's nothing like hearing the light "pop" of a bottle of bubbly. But let's face it; sometimes we want to celebrate without the French Champagne price tag. What we love about Prosecco is its versatility; it can serve as a graceful "welcome to our party" aperitif, an ingredient in festive brunch cocktails like mimosas or bellinis, or as a perfect bottle for two to pop when the rest of the family has finally left! You just can't open a bottle of Prosecco without feeling festive. This is one of our favorite new Italian sparklers, just arrived in time for the holidays. The bubbles dance on the line between delicate and vivacious, with a creamy mouthfeel and notes of lemon, honey and almond. Not so sweet as a sparkling Moscato, but not quite so dry as Brut Cava or Champagne, Prosecco is a celebratory bubbly for anyone and everyone

Food pairing: Italian cheese board: Pecorino, Romano, Ricotta Salata, and Burrata

http://www.garyswine.com/shop_champagne/10598.html

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

2007 Rochioli Pinot Noir

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10080.html

Brand: Rochioli Vineyards & Winery
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $64.99

2009 November Wine Club Premiere Selection

Few California wineries can boast three generations of stewardship, but that’s just what Rochioli brings to the table. Established by Joe Rochioli Sr. in 1938, the 161 acres of vineyards in the Russian River Valley have since been passed to his son and Joe Jr. and grandson Tom. There’s a relatively limited amount of their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to go around (about 10,000 in total per year), but a small amount ends up on our shelves to share with our customers.
The 2007 vintage was an amazing year for the Russian River Valley, wherein the overall estate wines showed complexity that would rival most vintages single-vineyard bottlings. This one in particular is on the fuller-bodied side for Pinot Noir. It scored 91 points from the Wine Spectator, which noted “Vibrant, spicy aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and fresh rose. Lithe red berry flavors are impressively precise and tangy, offering very good focus and slow mounting sweetness. Finishes on a deeper cherry note, with excellent clarity and length.” While those bright tangy berry flavors are still fresh, you’ll want to drink this one now, while you wait for the Champy Clos de Vougeot to mature to perfection.

Food Pairing: Pan-roasted salmon with blood orange zest and reduction

Reviews

Robert Parker 88-90 Points

The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate displays delicious plum, raspberry and black cherry notes, with hints of earth and roasted herbs. The wine is medium to full-bodied, already delicious, and should drink nicely for 7-8 years.

International Wine Cellar 91 Points

Full red. Vibrant, spicy aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and fresh rose. Lithe red berry flavors are impressively precise and tangy, offering very good focus and slow-mounting sweetness. Finishes on a deeper cherry note, with excellent clarity and length.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10080.html

2005 Champy Clos Vougeot

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/11187.html

Brand: Maison Champy
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Cote de Nuits
Category: France
Size: 750 ml

Price: $69.99
Reg: ~~$119.99~~

2009 November Wine Club Premiere Selection

I’m always hesitant to speak in absolutes, but according to my records, Champy is THE oldest maison in Burgundy. And it’s not easy to be the oldest in Burgundy. Founded in 1720 and sold a number of times in its now nearly three-century history, the winemaking is now overseen by enologist Dmitri Bazas. Bazas is so particular in his winemaking that he insists on choosing the ageing barrels even for the wine that the maison chooses to buy from other growers.
As old as the winery is, you may be surprised to learn that their house style is rather modern in comparison to other Burgundy houses. Lots of new oak expresses itself upon initial release, which ages nicely into exotic spice accents after a few years of cellaring. (As one critic wrote, think “sandalwood and cardamom:” two of my absolute favorite scents to smell in...well..anything!
Our French buyer managed to procure just a few cases of this Grand Cru.

Food Pairing: Grilled or roasted quail

Reviews

Wine Spectator 94 Points

Deep yet polished, this is full of red berry, and black-berry and cherry fruit and accented by spicy oak. Its appeal is the concentration of sweet fruit and supple texture. The vibrant structure gives this life as it glides to a long conclusion. Best from 2015 through 2035. 75 cases made.–BS

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/11187.html

2007 Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/09905.html

Brand: Brewer Clifton Wines
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Sta Rita Hills
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $35.99
Reg: ~~$44.99~~

2009 September Wine Club Cellar Selection

I actually surprised myself by choosing two Santa Barbara County Pinot Noirs for November's Cellar Selections. Don't get me wrong; I'm a big fan of wines from this region, but with the proliferation of Pinot producers in Sonoma and Oregon, the odds were in favor of the latter two. But these two Santa Barbara/Santa Rita Pinots impressed me too much, in the end they just had to go out to our Club. Brewer-Clifton has been focusing on the best site-selection for Pinot Noirs since their first production in 1996. Though only jest over a decade old, the winery already has a reputation for being special and rather hard to find (with total production topping out between 7,000 and 8,000 cases a year.) This year we managed to get our hands on a few extra cases four our best customers, and are pleased to offer a wine from the stellar 2007 vintage that's full of beautiful notes of dark raspberry and cherry, rose petal and blood orange. Enjoy.

Food Pairings: Pork loin with cherry reduction

Reviews

Robert Parker 93 Points

A fabulous introduction, the generic cuvee, the 2007 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills (just over 1,000 cases produced), possesses a deep plum/ruby hue as well as gorgeously sweet, sexy, plum, cherry, forest floor, and spring flower notes. Sensual and medium to full-bodied with great fruit, good acidity, and an incredible Burgundian-like character that suggests something from Morey-St.-Denis or further north, it should drink well for 7-8 years.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/09905.html

2007 Samsara Pinot Noir Santa Barbara

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10702.html

Brand: Samsara Wines
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbara County
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $29.99
Reg: $39.99

2009 September Wine Club Cellar Selection

“We don’t make wine, we grow it.” This is the mantra of Chad and Mary Melville, creators of Samsara Pinot Noir and Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Samsara is a Sanskrit word for the eternal cycle of life, and it’s this natural cycle that Chad and Mary aim to be mindful of as they guide their wine along from vine to barrel to bottle. They believe most of the work must be done in the vineyard, and that once the grapes reach the winery, they’ve got to let the juice do its own thing. Part of their “hands-off” approach includes using native yeasts and whole-cluster fermentations. “Stems help to absorb the overt fruitiness of the wines. To us, many California wines are simply about fruit and lack the complexity that we hope to impart.” Making Pinot Noir in the comparably warm Santa Barbara County, that’s particularly important for creating balanced, flamboyantly ripe yet also smoothly spicy wines like this one. Yet don’t think that their hands-off approach means they’re not paying attention; these adept winemakers.

Food pairing: Roast turkey w/ wild mushroom gravy

Recipe: Wild Mushroom Gravy
Serves: 6-8
Wine Pairing: 2007 Samsara Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, or any other good Pinot Noir

Have a little fun choosing an assortment of wild mushrooms from your local specialty food store to go in this gravy. The sauce can be spooned over pieces of a whole roasted turkey after carving, or you can sauté a few turkey breast fillets to go with the gravy for a smaller meal.

6-8 servings of whole-roasted turkey or pan-roasted turkey breast
4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) butter
32 oz (2 lbs.) assorted wild mushrooms (Cremini, Porcini, Shiitake, Bluefoot, Chanterelle, and/or Morel)
3 shallots, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth
8 Tbsp Pinot Noir
1/2 cup tarragon and/or sage, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

-In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter on medium heat. Add shallots and mushrooms, stir to blend. Cover and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, about five to seven minutes.
-Stir in broth, sherry or wine, and half of the herbs. Turn the heat to high and allow the sauce to bubble and thicken, about five minutes. When the sauce has reached the desired consistency (should coat the back of a spoon), remove from heat,. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over turkey, sprinkle the remaining herbs over the top, and serve.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/10702.html

2007 GF Going Forward Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11064.html

Brand: GF Going Forward
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma Coast
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $22.99
Reg: ~~$29.99~~

2009 September Wine Club Reserve Selection

This is a rather exciting project for us here at Gary’s: the inaugural release of our own private label under the GF line called Going Forward. While some private labels out there have gotten a bad wrap (sometimes rightly so, for using rather uninspiring bulk juice), we wanted to do something a little different: a private label project in which over delivering on quality is the main
focus, and partnerships with some very high-end winery groups make it all possible. For the Going Forward line, we plan to create a “house style” from the same producer and vineyards year after year, lending a stylistic consistency that’s top-notch. And our inaugural release of 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir hit the nail right on the head.
Having our Pinot Noir made on the dramatically cool western reaches of the extreme Sonoma Coast is demanding and difficult, but leads to a wine that’s amazingly easy to drink and well worth the trouble!
Full, ripe red cherry on the nose, with a well-structured palate full of cherry, forest and black tea, and balanced acidity.

Food Pairing: Tea-poached duck with beets

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/11064.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store

2008 Robert Foley Pinot Blanc

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/08833.html

Brand: Robert Foley Vineyards
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Pinot Blanc
Region: Napa Valley
Category: California
Size: 750 ml

Price: $24.99

2009 November Wine Club Reserve Selection

The Pinot Blanc grape is actually a genetic point mutation of Pinot Noir, wherein one cane of the vine will produce white fruit while all the rest produces the usual red. Somewhere along the line a few winemakers decided they liked this particular mutation, probably for the crisp acidity and light apple and melon flavors, and began growing and bottling it on its own. Bob Foley is no stranger to unconventional grapes, as Wine Club veterans may know, so while everyone else in the Napa Valley grows Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for their white wine, Bob is happy to make his one and only white bottling this refreshing Pinot Blanc. You could say his inspiration comes from Germany or Alsace, but I have a feeling it comes more from a desire to drink something light, crisp and smooth as he listens to rock ballads.

Food pairing: Leek omelet or country pork pâté

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/08833.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store

2008 Over The Edge Pinot Noir

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/new_zealand/11330.html

Brand: Escarpment Vineyards
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Martinborough
Category: New Zealand
Size: 750 ml

Price: $12.99
Reg: $16.99

2009 November Wine Club Vintner Selection

I spend a lot of time explaining to customers why a good Pinot Noir under $20 is so hard to find; the grapes are fickle, expensive, and hard to grow, the wine has to be treated with such care every step of the way, etc., etc. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to me, even kind of blows my theory out of the water in some respects, when a good Pinot comes along for about $13. Sign of the times, I suppose, and I’ll be the last one to object! Over the Edge is a Martinborough New Zealand Pinot Noir that displays all the “varietally correct” characteristics of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, just a hint of earth, and a balance between juiciness and fresh acidity, but what’s really special about it is the bright, sweet-fruited flavor. If you’re not committed to putting American wines on the table for Thanksgiving, this would make a great pairing for your turkey, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.

Food pairing: Roasted parsnips and fennel

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/new_zealand/11330.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store

2008 Snowline Pinot Gris

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/oregon/10594.html

Brand: Snowline
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Region: Oregon
Category: Oregon
Size: 750 ml

Price: $11.99
Reg: $16.99

2009 November Wine Club Vintner Selection

The Pacific Northwest had the geological potential to end up a harsh and arid environment where little could thrive. But a few big rivers running off of the snowy Cascade Mountains, coupled with cool coastal breezes, make this landscape just hospitable enough for the cool-climate-loving Pinot Gris grape. You may know it better as Pinot Grigio (it’s Italian cousin), but this wine, when made in Oregon, takes on a vibrant and refreshing character of floral and tropical white fruits. Coming from a family of skiers, I have a feeling this bottle will become a mainstay throughout the winter season, accompanying many a white pizza, warm goat cheese salad, and roast chicken after a day on the slopes.

Food pairing: White pizza with garlic, basil and ricotta

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/oregon/10594.html

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

2004 Chateau L'Evangile Pomerol

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/09868.html

Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Region: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Food pairing: Duck confit over greens and lentils

Brand: Chateau L'Evangile
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux Pomerol
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 93 WS 91

2009 September Wine Club Premiere Selection

Unlike the 2005 vintage, the 2004 vintage in Bordeaux was not a particularly touted one.But that doesn't mean that no one made good Bordeaux in 2004. L'Evangile, as a matter of fact, cranked out 3000 cases of 89% Merlot, 11 % Cabernet Franc that, as it turns out, are drinking beautifully right now.

When Robert Parker first reviewed the 2004 L'Evangile in April of 2005, he had high hopes for the wine. "This...boasts a sexy, upfront bouquet of raspberries, black currants and sweet smoky notes. Lush, seductive and ripe, although not terribly deep, it offers delicious fruit in its forward, elegant, finesse-styled personality. Think of it as a lighter version of the brilliant 2000," he said, and anticipated a score of 90-93.

Just over two years later, he retasted, and decided a 93 it was after all. "A stunning example of the vintage, the 2004 l'Evangile is not far off the pace of their brilliant 2005." After noting elements of licorice, truffle, and acacia flower, he concluded, "this knock-out effort is surprisingly rich, opulent and fruity with good glycerin, medium to full body, and a stunning finish. It should drink beautifully young yet age for 15 or more years." In other words, drink this while you wait for your Lagrange to come of age.

Food pairing:Duck confit over greens and lentils

Reviews

Robert Parker 93 Points

A stunning example of the vintage, the 2004 l'Evangile is not far off the pace of their brilliant 2005. A blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (3,000+ cases produced), it exhibits a deep ruby/plum color, superb ripeness, and sweet blackberry, truffle, acacia flower, licorice, and toasty oak aromas. This knock-out effort is surprisingly rich, opulent, and fruity with good glycerin, medium to full body, and a stunning finish. It should drink beautifully young yet age for 15 or more years.

Wine Spectator 91 Points

The milk chocolate, berry and cedar character on the nose is subtle and refined. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a refined finish. All in finesse and elegance. Best after 2011. 3,330 cases made. -JS

International Wine Cellar 90-93 Points

Good bright ruby-red. Complex, brooding aromas of medicinal black cherry, black raspberry, cedar, graphite, minerals, menthol and flowers. Sweet, dense and pure; not superconcentrated or especially thick but stylish and vibrant. Inviting, sweet black raspberry and mineral flavors with an enticing chocolatey element. Finishes with very fine tannins and lovely lingering sweetness. One of the stars of the Pomerol appellation, and clearly deeper than the 2003 was a year ago. The alcohol here is close to 13.5%, following a bit of saignee.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/09868.html

2005 Chateau Lagrange-Saint Julien

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75851.html

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Region: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
Food pairing: Dry-aged Porterhouse steak

Brand: Chateau Lagrange
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux St Julien
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 91 WS 93 IWC 93

2009 September Wine Club Premiere Selection

Ok, folks, a cautious word to the wise. Throughout this newsletter and throughout the press, you've been told that the 2005 vintage of Bordeaux is one that can be drunk young or aged—a miracle vintage that goes both ways. But house style trumps general vintage every time, and frankly, Chateau Lagrange doesn't "do" young-drinkin'. So unless you love, and I mean loooove a glass full of strong tannins, give this one another year or ten.

One of only fourteen Troisieme Crus (Third Growths) in the Bordeaux classification of 1855 and the largest single vineyard among classified estates in the Medoc, Chateau Lagrange has been revived as a successful and well-respected chateau under the direction and winemaking of Marcel Ducasse. Most of the Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot planted to the property average 30 years in age, and the 2005 was one of the most heralded in recent decades. The Wine Spectator called it "beautiful, superbalanced and ultrasilky," while Robert Parker noted "Once again, the provocative words ‘the best ever made' appear in my tasting notes. In twenty-eight years, I have never tasted a Lagrange as amazing as this 2005." He went on to call out notes of olive, blackberry, cassis, cedar, barbeque smoke, but ended with a warning: "but, wow, what an excruciatingly high level of tannin." Patience, friends, patience. This should begin to drink at its best three or more years from now.

Food pairing: Dry-aged Porterhouse steak

Reviews

Robert Parker 91 Points

Sweet, toasty, oaky notes interwoven with hints of black olives, blackberries, cassis, and spice box are found in this densely saturated ruby/purple-hued 2005. While rich, with impressive concentration and purity, it is also tannic, full-bodied, and painfully backward and foreboding. This is another long-term prospect that will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2027.

Wine Spectator 93 Points

Currant, mineral, plum and light toasty oak follow through to a full body, with ultrasilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is thoroughly beautiful. Superbalanced and very pretty. Best after 2011. 24,165 cases made. -JS

International Wine Cellar 91 Points

Medium red-ruby. Reticent but sweet nose offers plum, black cherry, minerals and bitter chocolate. Thick and powerful but with excellent vinosity and sweetness as well as a slightly exotic character to the red fruit and spice flavors. Deep, slow-mounting wine that builds impressively on the back end. The tannins here make those of the 2006 seem a bit rigid by comparison. I was struck by the thought that Lagrange has done consistently well in the last three vintages, and that each effort is an accurate reflection of its year.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75851.html

2005 Chateau Vieux Champs De Mars Johanna

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/63064.html

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Region: Cote de Castillon, Bordeaux, France
Food pairing: Blackberry-glazed roast pork loin

Brand: Chateau Vieux Champs De Mars Johanna
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux Petite Chateau
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 89-91

2009 September Wine Club Cellar Selection

Those who know the producers of Bordeaux know that they're confident enough in the pedigree of their wines to insist that they don't need to take any lessons from other wine regions and their winemakers. But it seems that the folks of Vieux Champs de Mars in the Cote de Casillon have taken a winemaking trick or two from their counterparts in Burgundy. Their Cuvee Johanna was made by employing malolactic fermentation in wood as well as lees stirring, followed by aging in 100% new oak. Rather progressive of them, and the innovation paid off. Robert Parker called this wine a "big-time sleeper of the vintage, possessing superb intensity, full-bodied power, a dense purple color, sweet truffle-infused black raspberry and blackberry fruit, a beautiful texture, and long, chocolatey, heady mouthfeel as well as finish." Drink now through 2015.

Food pairing: Blackberry-glazed roast pork loin

Reviews

Robert Parker 89-91 Points

The 2005 Cuvee Johanna (also 13.5% alcohol) is aged in 100% new oak, and sees malolactic in wood as well as lees stirring, a la Burgundy. A big-time sleeper of the vintage, it possesses superb intensity, full-bodied power, a dense purple color, sweet truffle-infused black raspberry and blackberry fruit, a beautiful texture, and a long, chocolatey, heady mouthfeel as well as finish. It should drink well for a decade.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/63064.html

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

2005 Chateau Corbin Saint Emilion

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/07745.html

Brand: Chateau Corbin
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux St Emilion
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 88 WS 92

2009 September Wine Club Cellar Selection

The 2005 vintage was an excellent one for Bordeaux—many said the finest since 1982. Because of just the right ripening conditions, overall they have the concentration and tannic structure to be drunk young or allowed to evolve for years to come. In fact, while Bordeaux is often looked upon as wine that we can't even touch for at least five years after release, the 2005's have repeatedly been deemed "massive, hedonistic, plush"...words more often used to describe California Cabernets!

Critic Robert Parker advises that if we're looking for a fruit-forward rather than structured, massive 2005, we should look no further than Chateau Corbin in Saint-Emilion. This Merlot based wine is a perfect candidate to drink young (young, in Bordeaux, meaning ten years or less.) "Deliciously fruity... offering notes of herbs, black cherries, currants and a judicious touch of toasty oak," Parker calls this "lush, round and generous wine that'll drink nicely for 10-15 years."

Food pairing: Chicken and cherry yakitori

Reviews

Robert Parker 88 Points

Readers looking for a fruit-forward rather than structured, massive 2005 are advised to check out Corbin, a reasonably-priced, deliciously fruity effort offering notes of herbs, black cherries, currants, and a judicious touch of toasty oak. This hedonistic, plush, medium to full-bodied, round, generous, savory St.-Emilion should drink nicely for 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator 92 Points

Dark purple in color, showing very powerful aromas of crushed blackberry and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with silky, extracted tannins and lots of extraction overall, but there's still so much going on. This is big and juicy. Best after 2015. 4,415 cases made. -JS

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/07745.html

2005 Chateau Villegeorge

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75979.html

Brand: Chateau Villegeorge
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux Haut Medoc
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
PROMO:

2009 September Wine Club Reserve Selection

It's a fairly safe bet to say that if you live in Bordeaux, and your surname is Lurton, you've got it pretty good. You may have heard of Pierre Lurton, CEO of two little properties called Cheval Blanc and Chateau d'Yquem, or Lucien Lurton, who bought up 11 very prominent properties in Bordeaux (think Brane-Cantenac and Dufort-Vivens), then passed them on to his ten children in 1992. One of those lucky children was Marie-Laure Lurton, who inherited three chateaus from her father, the most noteworthy of which is Chateau Villegeorge.

Villegeorge's wines have been appreciated since the Eighteenth Century. Close in proximity to the prestigious vineyards of Margaux and sharing a similar soil type, their wines are Cabernet-dominated and elegant, with a lot of tannic structure and deep, dark fruit. Drink now or lay down for 2-3 years to mellow.

Food pairing: Seared bison filet with herbed butter

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75979.html

2007 La Croix De Carbonnieux Blanc

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/10641.html

Brand: Chateau Carbonnieux
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Graves
Category: France
Size: 750 ml

2009 September Wine Club Reserve Selection

Every Chateau of Bordeaux has a long and complicated history behind it, and Chateau Carbonnieux is no exception. Too long to tell here, let me give you the abbreviated version of their history:

Constructed in the fourteenth century, inhabited by Benedictine monks who aren't that into wine, vines disappear from the estate. Passes on to a merchant family, two centuries pass, last members of this family unfortunately sent into exile, estate now in a sorry state. Back to Benedictine monks, now wine-lovers, vines replanted and reputation as a vineyard begins to grow. A revolution or two ensue, estate is sold to a wealthy family, then a few more wealthy families, falls to phyloxera and a sorry state once again. Doctor buys estate, revives it, sells it to industrialist, industrialist sells it to present owners, who finally bring it to the reputation it enjoys now... and makes this delicious white wine. (Phew!) We find it more friendly in style than many Bordeaux blancs, with good minerality and acidity but with more peachy tropical fruit than we often expect.

Food pairing: Raw oysters on the half-shell

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/10641.html

2005 Chateau Saint-Genes Bordeaux

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/08597.html

Brand: Chateau Saint-Genes
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend
Region: Bordeaux
Category: France
Size: 750 ml

2005 Chateau Saint-Genes Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Region: Bordeaux, France

Food pairing: Balsamic-marinated beef kebabs

A lot of people may tell you good Bordeaux is too expensive to have on a regular basis - and a lot of people would be wrong. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2005 Chateau Saint-Genes is nothing less than an (affordable) force to be reckoned with. Stellar vintage aside, this wine truly is a representation of the land from whence it came, and brims with earthiness and spicy warmth. As one of our wine associates, Laura, who recently tasted it for the first time recalls, "flavors of menthol and tobacco take the reins on the entry, before giving way to a hodgepodge of ripe fruit and leathery mocha. The tannins are like tiny exclamation points on the palate, and while slightly dusty at first, they soon make a clean sweep mid-palate and mellow out beautifully for the long finish." I couldn't have said it better myself, (who doesn't love exclamation points on their palate?) and can't wait to have a glass with some tasty char-grilled meat kebabs.

Food pairing: Balsamic-marinated beef kebabs

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/08597.html

2008 Chateau Laulerie Bergerac Blanc

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/66550.html

Brand: Chateau Laulerie
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux White
Region: Bordeaux Bergerac
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
PROMO:

2009 September Wine Club Vintner Selection

Technically, Bergerac isn't Bordeaux. It's an appellation located just east of Bordeaux, along the Dordogne River. Long overshadowed by its attention-grabbing neighbor, it's now coming into its own as modern winemaking techniques allow producers to make much friendlier, high-quality bang-for-your-buck wine.

The Dubard family, stewards of Chateau Laulerie, have been making wine in Bergerac since the 1970's. Over time, they found that a clean 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon gave the best balance between clean, crisp, mineral-laden acidity and soft approachable white fruit in their white wine. Grab a nice slice of runny French brie, some toast points, and apricot jam and enjoy an absolutely delightful pre-dinner combination.

Food pairing: Brie, toast points, and apricot jam

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/66550.html

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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