St Patty's Day Craft Beer/Micro Brew Sale!

Malbec at wholesale from WS # 1 Value Winery in Argentina

2005 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserve Mendoza
The Wine Spectator has called Bodega Norton one of the top 20 world wide value oriented wineries (retail price: $20 or less). Only three wineries were selected from Argentina and Bodega Norton was listed number one.

Bodega Norton's Malbec Reserve is their signature wine under $20. The "Reserva" is made from carefully selected grapes from vineyards more than 30 years old. The wine is aged in French oak barrels and then additionally in bottles before release.

Wine Spectator 88 points

--Free Shipping on Six Packs and Cases--
Get it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/argentina/78364.html

2004 Brunello di Montalcino PreSale

"The 2004 vintage, in my opinion, is one of the finest vintages of Brunello I have seen in a very long time. The quality of the fruit, from near perfect growing conditions, was exceptional and produced wines of both power and grace. For the most part, the wines showcased excellent structure balanced by high-toned fruit and acidity. This is truly a vintage that will reward its owner’s pleasurable consumption for more than a decade." Brian Maxwell, Italian Wine Buyer

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Vintage Chart updated in January pegged the 2004 vintage in Tuscany at 96 points which is a higher mark than 2001 and 1997! The Wine Spectator rated the vintage at 92-97 points.

"The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino, tasted from tank, could not be more different than the 2003 in its personality and sheer class. This vibrant, aromatic Brunello possesses terrific length in its perfumed fruit with ripe, sweet tannins that are beautifully woven into its frame. The 2004 Brunello shows tons of detail and clarity in a compelling and utterly irresistible style. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 91-94 points." -- Antonio Galloni

This is a pre-arrival offering and the wines are all due to arrive in the late Spring.
Order yours now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/italy/2004_brunello.html

March 2009 Wine Club Selections

Exploring the Valleys of France

Do you love the world's most popular grape varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir? Me too. This month is not about that.

We've got one month of winter left here, and I'm turning to the Valleys of France to get us through it. We may not look to the Valleys as often as we should. Shame on us. Bordeaux and Burgundy make some fantastic wines, to be sure, but what is life without a little variety? Without a little spice?

The Valleys of France, particularly the Rhone and the Loire, produce a variety of gems from crisp and floral white grapes like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, and reds from spicy and heady grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, an appellation within the Rhone Valley where up to thirteen different varietals are approved for their red blends, is one of my personal favorites... where else do you find that kind of freedom and creativity in blending?

Meanwhile the Loire, which is unfortunately often overlooked and misunderstood, presents a real opportunity for off-the-beaten-path discovery. What's that? You're not sure about Cabernet Franc on its own? Glad you've joined us this month, then. When you know your way around these Valleys, they don't disappoint!

Visit us at GarysWine.com or to learn more about the wine club, check out GarysWineClub.com

2007 Origine Sauvignon Blanc

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
Food pairing: Pan-roasted Trout with Lemon

If you've tried Sauvignon Blancs that are typical of California, then you know Sauvignon Blanc to be a fruity and vibrant wine, rich with white and tropical fruits. If you know Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, then you likely know Sauvignon Blanc as tart and grassy with that infamous "gooseberry" note. But if you've never tried a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, then you've never experienced the mineral stoniness and crisp but even acidity that Sauvignon Blancs from this corner of the world can carry.

This one in particular was made, we think, with the international consumer in mind. While it carries that minerality we look for in French Sauvignon Blanc, it also carries just enough ripeness and white fruit that we American quaffers are not left asking "Where's the fruit?" Fresh, clean and lively, this white will be a perfect "hello" to Spring on our first warm day after the storms subside.

Visit us at GarysWine.com

2003 Domaine Le Murmurium "Opera" Cotes du Ventoux

Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah
Region: Cotes du Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France
Food pairing: Cassoulet


Truthfully, I first picked up a bottle of this gem from the Cotes du Ventoux because I needed a red wine for dinner with my sister, the opera singer. Yes, I allowed the name to persuade me. But I knew that our French wine buyer had recently sourced some great finds, and this turned out to be one of them. I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and well-made this blend of Grenache and Syrah drank for only $15, and immediately asked if we could get more for the Wine Club. Upon further research, I found that Mr. Parker was just as excited about this find as I was (and apparently didn't have the state-side hookup, sadly for him.)

"The 2003 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Opera is an amazing wine of great density, richness, and full-bodied potency." He began. "Sadly, there are only 4,000 bottles of this beauty, which tastes like a top-flight Chateauneuf du Pape. Enormously impressive, it admirably demonstrates the potential of this appellation's clay and limestone soils."

Visit us at GarysWine.com

2007 Bourillon-Dorleans Vouvray

Grape variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Vouvray, Loire Valley, France
Food pairing: Soupe au Pistou (see recipe)

Throughout history, every market has had to adapt to its consumers' preferences. The English, for example, were the Loire Valley's main customers for wines...that is, until the English found Bordeaux. The Claret-lovers then moved on, and Loire wines went to the Dutch, who in turn began to influence the style and varieties of wine grapes grown there.

So in the most historical sense, we have the Dutch palate to thank for the lovely crisp, floral and clean Chenin Blanc that we have here. Grown in the appellation of Vouvray, Domaine Bourillon-Dorleans' wines have been crafted by three generations of the Dorleans family since 1921. The wine is still matured in natural 15th century troglodyte caves on the property, and represent the most traditional characteristics of Vouvray. Look for light aromas of white flowers and stones on the nose, flowed by a palate of sweet lemon, pear and quince that's set off by clean acidity on the finish.

Buy it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/74315.html