Premiere Wine Club Selections for July 2008

Central Coast

2006 Sextant "Wheelhouse"
91%  Zinfandel 9% Petite Sirah
Paso Robles, California

This Zinfandel is primarily made with the ‘Primitivo’ clone which gives the wine a rich peppery characteristic combined with lush plum and berry bouquets. Spicy, yet balanced with just the right amount of oak complimenting ripe plum, strawberry and black cherry flavors. Awesome pairing with BBQ'd meats!!

"Bold yet supple, with ripe blackberry and sage aromas and rich wild berry, blueberry and smoky cracked pepper flavors that gain momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 670 cases made."  - Wine Spectator

90 POINTS Wine Spectator

Regular Price $23.99   Wine Club $21.59  Reorder Price through July 2008 $20.39



Rhone

NV (2005) Le Clochard
90% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah, 5% Grenache
Southern Rhone, France

From the Winemaker: Le Clochard, the French Hobo, is a partnership between Sebastien Latour of Domaine de la Damase and Kenny Likitprakong of The Hobo Wine Company.
Out of love for Mourvedre and Bandol and after being blown away by the Mourvedre being used for blending at Sebastien’s winery and the beauty of the old vines and vineyards that they are farming, I couldn’t help from thinking, “what if?” After a little persuasion, the “what if” is in the bottle – 90% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah, and 5% Grenache aged in second fill barrels bought from Chateau Lafite. The AOC isn’t used to thinking outside the box so this wine is simply, but not even close to simply, a non-vintage Vin du Table. We skirted the French government by putting the rooster from the Chinese calendar to identify the 2005 vintage. If stored properly, can be aged for the next 10+ years.  Domaine de la Damase is a 6th  generation winery located in the tiny village of Violes, (Vaucluse) in the Southern Rhone.

For those Mouvedre aficionados that appreciate this varietal’s dark spicy essence of embracing meaty fruit, this little gem from Southern Rhone should definitely satisfy you.  Pair with your favorite steak, roast or game.

Price $23.99 Wine Club $21.59  Reorder Price through July 2008 $20.39



Spain

2001 Puelles "Reserva"
94% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano and Mazuelo
Rioja, Spain

The Puelles family has lived in Abalos (Rioja) for as long as anyone can remember, and their links with the winemaking culture go back to their earliest origins.  The two brothers, Felix and Jesus Puelles, have transformed the estate into a charming wine cellar, built around a 17th century watermill which gives the estate its name.  The Tempranillo vines are cultivated according to organic growing techniques and the vineyard soil is primarily clay and limestone, with varying characteristics…some soft and loose; other somewhat stony.  This wine is 94% Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano and Mazuelo grapes…a true field blend.  Long a winemaking area, one can find in the surrounding fields ancient vats carved out of stone, whose origins are totally unknown.  Their wines are an excellent blend of fruit and wood, with moderate backbone.

This is a big brother to the Crianza .  It undergoes the same exact treatment (1 year in oak & a few months in bottle) and  is basically the same wine, with the additional exceptions as follows.  The best casks of the wine are carefully chosen from the vintage and aged an additional year, then bottled and aged further in underground cellars – up to 4 years.  This additional aging process allows the wine to continue exacting the perfect balance of fruit, oak and bottle.  This Reserva exhibits a fine melding of the explosive fruits of cherries/blackberries and integrated wood, with a velvety finesse and elegance supporting the backbone of this long-lived, yet ready to drink Reserva.  Little breathing is necessary to fully enjoy the smooth, well-rounded suppleness of this selection.  Enjoy it with just about any meal choice, be it meats, stews or sophisticated haute cuisine.  Compare it to domestic cabernets at twice the price.

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Regular Price $29.99  Wine Club $26.99  Reorder Price through July 2008 $25.49




Wine of the Month Club Selections for August 2008

Argentina

2006 Viento Sur
100% Torrontes
Mendoza, Argentina

Torrontes is the most distinctive of all Argentine wines, including both white and red,
because Argentina is the only country to produce it. It is considered a wholly Argentine variety.

Very aromatic with a special and unique bouquet
of flowers and fruits, coming from suitable ripe grapes.
Delicate and well-structured on the palate.
Perfect to accompany seafood, chicken, cheese, summer salads and Asian food.

Regular Price $9.99  Wine Club Price $8.99  Reorder price through August 2008 $8.49




New Zealand

2006 Dashwood
100% Pinot Noir
Marlborough, New Zealand

Finding a good Pinot Noir under $20 can be a daunting task.
Most pinots in this price range lack the delicate nuances characteristic of the varietal.
This offering from Vavasour Wines is one of those rare exceptions
and we're excited to be able to offer this to our club members.

This bright garnet wine shows lifted cherry fruit and mushroom notes on the nose. The palate exhibits ripe black cherry fruit flavors and has soft tannin finish.

Regular Price $16.99  Wine Club Price $15.29 Reorder Price through August 2008 $14.44



Argentina

2004 Preludio
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina

Argentina is primarily known for their Malbecs but the quality of their Cabernet Sauvignon has increased and the world is beginning to take notice. This incredible value from Tempus Alba is a classic example of how good and inexpensive
Argentinian cabernet can be. Wrapped in tissue paper and selling for well under $20 this wine is a perfect and classy gift.

Winemaker Notes: This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon was born as a result of a precise fermentation process control, a long maceration of 28 days and 6 months of ageing in oak barrels. It is very harmonious, with ripe tannins and excellent structure. Our oenologist highlights the complexity of aromas with fruity and floral notes and a slight touch of vanilla. In its taste, varietal flavours of eucalyptus and green pepper appear, with balsamic and toasted notes.

Regular Price $15.99  Wine Club Price $14.39 Reorder price through August $13.59