Sparkling Wine

• This 2005 Brut Cava is made with organic grapes. No pesticides or other synthetic products are used, thus bringing it back to the principles of traditional viticulture. A delicious, estate-bottled sparkling wine - from the home of Cava, Spain's Penedes - with tiny pinpoint bubbles, as well as crisp, yeasty brioche, apple skin, and white peach-like characteristics. A stunner with dark chocolate.
  

White Wines

• Nestled just miles from the Pacific, these California coastal vineyards are bathed in cool fog at night and nurturing sunshine by day -- perfect conditions for the delicate Riesling fruit. This dry-styled 2007 Riesling, reminiscent of Alsace, offers enticing, fragrant aromas of ripe fig and peaches, accented by hints of citrus and lovely honeysuckle. Bright key lime pie and peach flavors are heightened by a refreshing minerality that lingers through the crisp finish. A wonderful apéritif wine that also pairs beautifully with crab, pork, lean fish and turkey entrées, as well as spicy Asian and Mexican cuisine.
  
  
• This 2008 Chardonnay from Western Australia spends eight months upon yeast lees with occasional stirring to provide extra palate texture and additional flinty, lees-derived flavors. This wine sees no oak. Aromas of fragrant lime and lemon peel, a hint of cantaloupe and undertones of chalky, stony notes greeting the nose. The palate is succulent, supple and juicy, with citrus flavors driving through the core and finishing with a lick of fresh acid and savory minerality. Drink now or stash a few away for a rainy day in a few years time.

Red Wines

• This elegant and harmonious 2006 red from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza results from the “assemblage” of Merlot, Bonarda and Sangiovese grapes. This wine shows an intense and bright ruby red color, and ripe red fruit aromas. It is also characterized by its soft tannins and pleasant structure.
  
  
• The appearance on this 2008 Mendoza Malbec is intense with bright red purplish tones. The wine shows a fine and elegant aroma, with a perfect combination of ripe red fruits and spices enriched by the French oak. In the mouth, it is balanced with soft tannins. Harvested by hand in March, 20% of the wine was stored for nine months in oak barrels, combining the noble qualities of oak with the intense, fruity aromas.
  
  
• The 2006 vintage is made from 30% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Franca, 40% Touriga Nacional, a blend of three typically Portuguese varieties offering lots of freshness, complexity and balance. The Touriga Franca, locally known as the “Flower of the Douro,” is one of three best varieties in the region. It offers refinement and floral characters. Tinta Roriz, the local name given to the superb Tempranillo variety, is one of the grapes recommended in the production of the fine Ports from this region. Touriga Nacional is the most sought-after variety in the Douro. It gives small yields of tiny grapes that are rich in tannins, color and aromatic intensity.

Appetizer of the Week

Garlic Hummus with Pita Bread - $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!