World Traveler Red 6 Bottle Set

World Traveler Red 6 Bottle Set

This gift set is the epitome of elegance on a budget. Enjoy the world’s most affordable premium wines from both Olda nd new World regions.

2007 Giarola, Bardolino Saint Valery, Italy 90 Points

Crafted from 65% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Bardolino shines a deep ruby red with violet reflections. It offers a fruity vinous bouquet with a hint of spice. Typical of reds from this region, this wine showcases classic ripe strawberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit and a pleasing finish with a character that only results from the very best vinification practices.

2007 Loxarel OPS Penedes, Spain 91 Points

This release from the noteworthy Penedes region strays a little from the tradional Spanish red formula. Cabernet Sauvignon tempered by a dose of Merlot firms up this Tempranillo-based red. Boasting fruity licorice, leather, tobacco and smoky aromas, it delivers super rich berry fruit balanced by toasted vanilla oak in the mouth. Ripe tannis are persistent, yet smooth. Overall a welcoming wine with an appealing character.

2006 Paseo Reserve, Pinot Noir, unfiltered, Aconcagua Valley, Chile (90 Points)

bright ruby color and delicate earthy aromas of strawberries and roses greet the nose. Expressive flavors of dried fruit, black pepper and smooth blackberry notes along with pleasing tart cherry and berry flavors follow in the mouth with fine notes of spices. The wood and fruit are very well integrated. A delightful red.

Originally posted 2010-10-03 16:23:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2007 Black Shadow Syrah

2007 Black Shadow Syrah

Black Shadow is traditionally our own Syrah and Zinfandel label crafted by Philip Zorn and Brent Shortridge. If this wine were the model for the Aussies, Shiraz would still be the current vin du jour!

Mother Nature’s magnificent 2007 Central Coast fruit, fermented in stainless steel, completed in French oak, and barrel aged one year prior to bottling. Dark and dense while complex and beautifully balanced. Sleek and supple in the mouth. Blueberry, blackberry and pepper flavors, over vanilla and allspice due to nicely integrated oak.

A touch of minerals present, just enough to remind you that this is an agricultural product. Other tasters identified dried black cherry, plum, molasses, tobacco and leather – perfect barbecue wine. This will become the thinking person’s house red for the duration.

2009 World Wine Championships, Silver, highly recommended, best buy

“Opaque violet black color. Aromas of charred boar, melted candle, and tomato sauce. A brisk, round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with blueberry and vanilla notes. Finishes in a crisp, apple skin and chalky tannin fade.”

Originally posted 2010-09-25 12:16:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2007 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel

2007 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel

The 2007 Heritage Zinfandel is perhaps one of the more balanced and elegant vintages we have had in recent memory. This delicious wine combines fruit from the warm Dry Creek Valley and cool Russian River Valley appellations. Aromas of blueberry and raspberry are framed by notes of white pepper and chocolate. On the palate, an abundance of fresh berry fruit mingle with dollops of creamy oak. The tannins are refined and smooth, giving this wine a long and satisfying finish.

Originally posted 2010-09-29 12:59:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2001 Truchard, Carneros Napa Valley Zinfandel, California

2001 Truchard, Carneros Napa Valley Zinfandel, California

In granting this superb selection 4+ stars, Ron Wiegand’s Restaurant Guide called it the “best Zin yet from Truchard.” Full-bodied and elegant, with a velvety texture, this zesty Zinfandel bursts with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, and plum, perfumed with hints of pepper, anise, mint and cedar. The mouth is filled with bright, jammy flavors of cranberry, cherry, and cassis followed by a sweet vanilla chaser. Ripe tannins and firm acidity focus the palate and provide a long peppery finish.

Originally posted 2010-10-07 13:11:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2006 Bellecourt, Chenas, Beaujolais, France

2006 Bellecourt, Chenas, Beaujolais, France

Dark ruby red in color, this wine, derived from 100% Gamay offers subtle aromas of roses and peonies along with cooked peaches and plums. The effect is that of jam laced with cinnamon and cumin spices. A fresh, very well-balanced wine with good acidity at the end, finishing with notes of licorice and noble wood. Serve cool to the touch, but not cold, and fruit and spice flavors will develop in the mouth.

Silver, 2008 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Originally posted 2010-10-01 13:04:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2009 Red Brick Cellars, Vintner’s Select Cabernet Sauvignon, California

2009 Red Brick Cellars, Vintner’s Select Cabernet Sauvignon, California

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 8% Syrah. Cabernet lends black currant flavors along with heft and weight to the base. Petite Sirah blending material strengthens and brings red fruits, black pepper and an earthy leathery quality. Syrah adds color and intense berries, smoke and graphite notes.

Originally posted 2010-09-25 13:26:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

World Traveler Red 12 Bottle Set

World Traveler Red 12 Bottle Set

This gift set is the epitome of elegance on a budget. Enjoy the world’s most affordable premium wines from both Olda nd new World regions.

2007 Giarola, Bardolino Saint Valery, Italy

Crafted from 65% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Bardolino shines a deep ruby red with violet reflections. It offers a fruity vinous bouquet with a hint of spice. Typical of reds from this region, this wine showcases classic ripe strawberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit and a pleasing finish with a character that only results from the very best vinification practices.

2007 Loxarel OPS Penedes, Spain

This release from the noteworthy Penedes region strays a little from the tradional Spanish red formula. Cabernet Sauvignon tempered by a dose of Merlot firms up this Tempranillo-based red. Boasting fruity licorice, leather, tobacco and smoky aromas, it delivers super rich berry fruit balanced by toasted vanilla oak in the mouth. Ripe tannis are persistent, yet smooth. Overall a welcoming wine with an appealing character.

2006 Paseo Reserve, Pinot Noir, unfiltered, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

bright ruby color and delicate earthy aromas of strawberries and roses greet the nose. Expressive flavors of dried fruit, black pepper and smooth blackberry notes along with pleasing tart cherry and berry flavors follow in the mouth with fine notes of spices. The wood and fruit are very well integrated. A delightful red.

Originally posted 2010-10-12 16:48:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2008 Benedetta, Chianti DOCG, Italy

2008 Benedetta, Chianti DOCG, Italy

The supple mouth-feel and focused taste of cherry flavors make this Chianti a pleasant traditional Tuscan wine.  A base of Sangiovese with a touch of softening Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo grapes make our Signature Selection Series Chianti a vibrant wine with a lively bouquet. It is a great pizza-and-salad classic red.

Silver, highly recommended, best buy, 2010 World Wine Competition

Originally posted 2010-09-21 13:21:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Dark and Divine San Valencia Meritage Gift Set

Dark and Divine San Valencia Meritage Gift Set

Our San Valencia dons the Meriage designation, typically reserved for the best blend produced by that winery in a particular vintage.  The excellent growing season of 2005 in the famed Rutherford district of Napa Valley has produced a selection brimming with rich flavors of cassis and black currants with subdued swirls of mocha, berry and vanilla.  Ready to be enjoyed now with luscious Harry London chocolates.  Set arrives beautifully packaged in a gift box complete with tasting notes and a short history on pairing wine with chocolate.

Originally posted 2010-09-23 12:10:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2008 Circle Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia

2008 Circle Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia

The deep purple color is accentuated by vibrant red hues. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive fruit driven red with a full bouquet of sweet berries and violets complemented by subtle French oak. The ripe berry characters flow smoothly onto the palate combining with spices and vanilla oak and soft chewy tannins. A generous wine representing tremendous value for money. This wine is perfect to drink now and additional complexity may be gained with aging.

Serve with roast lamb with fresh thyme, rosemary and sage or vintage cheddar cheeses.

Silver, Best Buy — 2010 World Wine Championships
“Deep garnet-violet color. Aromas of cassis jam, eucalyptus and menthol tobacco follow through on a round, entry to a fruity medium-to-full body with good depth and tangy tropical citrus acidity. Finishes with a crisp, tangy melon, toasty praline, and spice accented fade. A very lively and tasty crowd pleaser.”

Originally posted 2010-09-27 13:30:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2006 Seven Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

2006 Seven Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

The seven Brutus sisters grew up in Paternoster, a small fishing village on the western coast of South Africa. Circumstances saw the sisters leave the tranquility of their homeland. Twenty years later, they came together to create fine wines. The wines, carefully selected to match the unique styles and personalities of each sister, celebrate their bond and devotion to one another, a fitting tribute to sisterhood indeed!

Cabernet Sauvignon Carol Carol is a dry, full-bodied wine with balanced blueberry and vanilla flavors. The wine is soft and easy drinking but boasts a long finish. Serve with savory red meat dishes.

Originally posted 2010-09-27 12:25:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2006 Paseo Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Unfiltered, Maule Valley, Chile

2006 Paseo Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Unfiltered, Maule Valley, Chile

This Chilean red wine spent 10 months in French Oak barrels to produce its rich flavor.

Originally posted 2010-10-03 13:38:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2008 Black Shadow, Zinfandel, California

2008 Black Shadow, Zinfandel, California

You want it fruity, spicy and rich. You want it complex. And, you want the price to be unbelievable. Sounds like an impossible request for some, but not for us.

The answer: Open a bottle of 2008 Black Shadow Zinfandel and get your zin on!

Zinfanatics, your wine is here! We scoured California wineries from top to bottom and weren’t able to uncover a Zinfandel that met our exacting standards. Instead, we custom crafted this lip-smacking release of California’s quintessential variety by working closely with one of the state’s cutting edge small family wineries, Stonehedge Winery to bring you our own 2008 Black Shadow Zinfandel.

With fruit from one of the most exciting and innovative wine regions in the state, Lodi, winemaker, Jon Alexander-Hills has crafted a wine that is characteristically juicy and approachable. We’ve modeled it after the Bordelais style of Zinfandel — more elegant, restrained and better with food — in contrast to Port-style Zinfandel, which tends to be sweeter and more alcoholic.

Ripe raspberries mixed with that raisiny quality you love so much and a bit of spice make this a serious Zinfandel and the ultimate match at your next barbecue. Just imagine the contrast of char-grilled meats against the slightly sweet berry flavors of the wine!

Relative to other reds like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, here’s how it compares: It’s equally “herbaceous” like these more popular alternatives. (Think green pepper.) And, while it’s bigger than Merlot, it doesn’t offer quite the weight of Cabernet Sauvignon. With a more jammy flavor profile, it’s more accessible with an added “briary” quality.

For sheer value, Lodi is tops. This area came alive in the 1980’s during the white Zinfandel craze and lays claim to some of the oldest zinfandel vineyards in California (old vines being a key ingredient to producing intense, multi-dimensional zinfandel). Today, it is home to small independently owned wineries alongside larger players who produce wines that take on a different character than those emanating from counties closer to the Pacific coast – wild-berry flavors, earthy tannins and a spicy peppery zest. Get yours today!

“Aromas of chocolate covered berries and espresso beans. thyme, and smoke roasted nuts have an interesting mossy herb note and follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with dried currant notes. Finishes with a tart berry, orange rind, and chalk accented fade.” (2009 World Wine Championships)

Originally posted 2010-09-23 13:22:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2005 Benedetta Chianti Rufina Italy

2005 Benedetta Chianti Rufina Italy

Like any 100 percent Italian, this wine is intense!  The nose is heavily perfumed with wild berry, red raspberry, and violet aromas.  On the palate, it’s silky-smooth and extremely well balanced before winding down to a sleek, lingering finish.  Pair it wih grilled porterhouse steaks served on top of arugula and shaved Pecorino cheese, drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon.  Bellisimo!

Originally posted 2010-10-07 13:44:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

2004 Sorelli, Chianti Classico, Cuvee GW, Italy

2004 Sorelli, Chianti Classico, Cuvee GW, Italy

This wine is the best value in Chianti Classico anywhere in the US! The 91-point 2004 Sorelli, Chianti Classico, GW Cuvée was created from vines planted during the 1960s—and its playful label celebrates the independent spirit of its winemakers. Long associated with some of Tuscany’s best-loved wines, the Sorelli family demonstrates their passion for wine with this release. When we were looking at our Chiantis for an upcoming Wine Expo, we found this wine to be #1 in taste—and also our best buy in Chianti Classico.

Crushed strawberries and raspberries with a hint of toasted oak are the hallmark of Chianti Classico. This release combines these berry qualities with aromas and flavors of plums, tobacco and leather notes. It’s a wine full of Tuscan character offering a fruit-filled palate with sweet tannins, well-integrated vanilla notes and a long silky finish.

Originally posted 2010-10-03 13:07:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter