White Wines

• Straw-yellow in color with hints of green. This 2008 Pinot Grigio from Friuli has a full, fruity aroma that is very long-lasting, and a dry, mellow taste that is particularly well balanced for such a full-bodied wine. It is a delicious accompaniment to fish, seasonal pasta dishes or chicken, and is the perfect glass of wine for a hot summer day or served as an aperitif.
  
  
• This medium-sweet white wine comes from the renowned appellation of Vouvray, situated on the north bank of the Loire River in the heart of the Val de Loire, an area steeped in royal history. The 2007 vintage is pale yellow and sports the typical characteristics of Chenin Blanc with ripe fruit aromas. On the palate, you will find pear, almond and acacia flowers, with vanilla hints.
  

Red Wines

• To create this 2007 Côtes du Rhône, the winemakers challenged the wine estates which were known to have produced the most consistent wines of high quality to surpass their previous best. The wines from 13 estates, the majority located in the area close to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, were selected as the finest expression of red wines from the Côtes du Rhône. Aged 12 months in casks and tapered oak upright vats. Deep ruby color. Expressive, elegant nose with complex flavors of ripe fruit, spice and a touch of oak. Attractive bouquet and soft tannins. Accompanies red meat, such as roast beef or steak, but best with anything off the barbecue.
  
  
• 100% organically grown at over 2700 ft. above sea level in Mendoza, Argentina on estate vineyards. This wine was produced with the first run juice from “old vine” Malbec (75+ year old vineyards). Round and rich, this Malbec has an extended maceration period to ensure firm, yet soft tannins emerge from the fruit, not wood or oak. Deep purple with brilliant violet. Intense and complex with outstanding floral aromas of rose and violets over rich red berries. Dense spices and a powerful array of strong berry fruits are evident as you step into a bit of creamy vanilla and blackberries. Raspberry jam and hints of toffee with chocolate are lovely additions.
  
  
• Coming from the Central Coast of California, this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of sweet blackberries and blueberries with hints of rose petals, plum, vanilla and tobacco, with some cedar and anise spice. The mouthfeel of this wine is full and rich. Flavors of briary berry, currant and plum dominate the palate. Ripe tannins balance the fleshy fruit and leave a long, smooth finish.
  
  
• This offbeat 2006 from South Australia is made from Bordeaux grapes in unusual proportions: 55% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Very dark garnet in color, it's almost black at the center, clear violet at the edge. Intense fruit aromas, blackberries, blueberries and plums. Ripe and juicy fruit carries over on the palate, balanced by soft but sufficient acidity and a hearty whack of 15% alcohol, perceptible more as texture than heat. A wine for beef, it will pair well with smoked beef brisket from a local barbecue restaurant.

 

Appetizer of the Week

Assorted Crostinis - $9

 

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!