White Wines

• Organic fruit is always given high priority during harvest, and that is especially true of Riesling. This 2008 vintage from Columbia Valley, Washington shows delicate floral notes woven through a framework of intense aromas of yellow peach, ripe nectarine and a touch of pineapple to make an enticing package. The flavors of freshly picked peaches are combined with a hint of honeyed sweetness. The delicate balance is impressive, with the fruit flavors lingering through the crisp, clean finish.
  
  
• Piesporter is a term used to describe a wine made in and around the village of Piesport on the north bank of the Middle Mosel region of Germany. A white, light body wine that ranges from dry to off-dry, it can be made from Riesling, Müller-Thurgau or Elbling grapes. In some cases, a Piesporter may be chaptalized with sugar added to the juice before fermentation to increase the alcohol level. Piesporter wine and the village from which they originate have a long and unique history in producing outstanding German wines such as this 2007 vintage Riesling Kabinett.
  
  
• The winery was founded in 1849, making it the oldest in South Australia. With pale green hues, this 2008 Riesling from Barossa Valley has a spice and aromatic profile showing feijoa, lemongrass, rose petals and tropical fruit. Long, fine and refreshing, this wine shows grapefruit flavors with balanced mineral acidity and fruit sweetness. This leads to a long, lingering flavor and persistence on the palate.

Red Wines

• Four important geographic bodies surround the Chilean wine growing region: the Andes Mountains to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atacama Desert (the driest on earth) to the north, and ancient glaciers to the south. These natural barriers essentially isolate Chile and for centuries have protected her vineyards. Dressed in fresh, purple-red color, this 2008 Pinot Noir from Chile's Central Valley is loaded with rich fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry – a red fruit party! – enhanced by subtle smoked hints. In mouth, sweet fruit notes stand out, and its fine tannins give it a great texture and a mouth filling structure. It is a great choice for all sorts of pasta, grilled poultry, seafood and mild fish.
  
  
• This 2007 California Pinot Noir is produced by a wine company founded in 1973 by relatives of the legendary Ernest Gallo. They are the fourth largest producer of wine in the United States and own over 35,000 acres of vineyards, most of which are located in California's Central Valley.
  
  
• Produced from grapes sourced from throughout Oregon, this tasty 2007 Pinot Noir gives famous Oregon earth, along with rich plum and raspberry notes on the bouquet. The palate shows bright fruit with hints of spice and oak in the background, and a long, dry finish. Enjoy with anything from grilled fish and roasted meats, fresh herbed pasta, or your favorite Asian takeout.
  

Appetizer of the Week

Baked Tomato & Cream Cheese Tapanade with Toasted Baguette - $8

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!