Our best California Pinot Noir under $20 is back in stock! Free Shipping on Case!

2006 Wallflower Pinot Noir Central Coast

It's not often that the California Wine Buyer and the Burgundy Buyer can agree on Pinot Noir. That's until we tasted the Wallflower Pinot Noir.

Price: $14.33 Reg: $20.99 ON SALE! Qty

We went straight to the source and negotiated a great deal! The wine normally sells for $25. Our price is only 15.99!

And a case price of 168.00 plus FREE SHIPPING!

It all happened one busy weekday afternoon, when Gary and his team were tasting through some wine samples with a California supplier. We must have tasted through two to three dozen wines that day, none of them really striking our palates just right. We were just about to quit when we noticed a few unopened bottles pushed back in a corner. Nobody had tried them because the label was rather uninspiring, but our supplier told us what a disappointment that was, as the wine hailed from some great vineyard sources and had terrific value.

"No harm in trying a few more," Gary said..."we know an artist or two who could help them out with the label"...and the rest, as they say, is history.

Brian Maxwell, California Wine Buyer 4 1/2 stars "..freshed crushed cherries..."
Jon Visser, Burgundy Buyer 4 1/2 stars "..drinks like a good $20 Burgundy.."


Get this bottle now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/07060.html

WSJ Best 2004 Barolo for the money! Just $29.99! Free Shipping on Six Bottles!

Price: $29.99 Reg: $39.99 ON SALE! Qty

Our best Barolo under $40 in the store, the 2004 Attilio Ghisolfi, was recently written up in the Wall Street Journal.

The Dow Jones 2004 Barolo Index
In a broad blind tasting of Barolo from the 2004 vintage, these were our favorites, all of which are made in small quantities.

Giacomo Grimaldi 'Sotto Castello di Novello, Attilio Ghisolfi, Corino 'Vigna Giachini', Marcarini 'La Serra', and Mauro Veglio 'Vigneto Arborina'.

Each of these is $50 or more except for the Ghisolfi. The Ghisolfi was rated as "Very Good" and the best Barolo for the money. Buy it for just $29.99 right now and save over 40% when comparing the other producers mentioned!

Wall Street Journal Best Barolo under $35
Very Good. Real focus and nice edges. Highly personal, with huge fruit that's so pure and real it's easy to drink despite its size. Quite a wine.

Reviews

Wine Spectator 88 points

Shows dried mushroom, plum and cigar box aromas, turning to black fruit. Full bodied, with chewy tannins, and a long finish.

Get this Great Bottle at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/italy/05598.html

Great Taste and Value: Tatu Garnacha Just $7.99! Free Shipping On Case

Tatu Garnacha

Price: $7.99 Qty

Brand: Tatu
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Garnacha
Region: Carinena
Category: Spain
Size: 750 ml

Looking for great taste and value?

Try this hidden gem from Carinena, Spain. Aromas and flavors of blackberry and tangerine are balanced with firm tannins. Fresh and inviting with a nice floral finish.

Just $7.99/bottle, Free Shipping on a case.

In-Store Only: $65 for a Case.

This deal can be had at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/spain/08852.html

Alexander Valley Cab Under $20, Free Shipping On Six Pack

2006 Expo Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Price: $16.99 Reg: $22.99 ON SALE! Qty

- Alexander Valley Cab under $20
- Same region where Silver Oak produces one of their Cabernet Sauvignons
- Hand selected in California by our buying team

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we wouldn't fault you for being drawn to this bottle just for Colorado artist Carol Schinkel's vibrant artwork alone. More important, of course, is what's inside the bottle: dark and layered Alexander Valley Cabernet from the solid 2006 vintage. Featuring flavors of cassis, spice, chocolate and cherry, this is a well-structured wine with a pleasantly smooth finish. A steal for Alexander Valley Cab of this caliber!


Visit us at GarysWine.com

Australian Shiraz Under $10 and Free Shipping on Case

Get in on this great deal: Red Wine from Australia
2004 Salena Estate Shiraz Ink Series

$9.12 $12.99 ON SALE! Qty

Winery: Salena Estate
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Syrah/Shiraz
Region: Australia
Size: 750 ml

Salena Estate is an ongoing project for Gary and his team in an effort to give our guests what they are looking and asking for, high quality wines for a rather reasonable price. Gary handpicked this estates wines after meeting with over 20 importers. He chose Salena Estate for the quality of the fruit plus the overall attention to detail this winery has.

The 2004 Shiraz exhibits a bouquet of smoke, leather, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with a smooth texture, ample dark fruits and plenty of spice. There is excellent balance to this wine and a pleasant finish. This Shiraz would pair well with most meat dishes especially a Bacon Bleu Cheeseburger.

Get in on this deal now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/australia/07479.html

Salena Estate Chardonnay Free Shipping on Case and Only $9.12!

2007 Salena Estate Ink Series Chardonnay - Get It Now!

$9.12 $12.99 ON SALE! Qty

Winery: Salena Estate
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Other Australia
Size: 750 ml

Salena Estate is an ongoing project for Gary and his Gang in an effort to give our guests what they are looking and asking for, high quality wines for a rather reasonable price. Gary handpicked this estates wines after meeting with over 20 importers. He chose Salena Estate for the quality of the fruit plus the overall attention to detail this winery has.

The 2007 Chardonnay exhibits aromas of fresh peeled apples and sweet herbs. The wine is medium-bodied, on the palate the wine is smoothly textured with nectarine and various citruses making a presence. Lean in style, with crisp acidity, it has a relatively long finish. Try this wine with various poultry dishes or even to compliment most hors d'overs.

Get in on this great deal now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/australia/07480.html

Only $8.99/btl for this 2007 Penfolds Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon

WA 88Pts, Only $8.99 for a bottle. Get it now!

$8.99 $13.99 ON SALE! Qty

Penfold's Koonunga Hill Shiraz/Cabernet is a blend from Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra fruit which has become a signature everyday wine from Penfolds with a reputation for over-delivery of quality at its pricepoint.

Reviews

Jay Miller, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 88 points

The Cabernet and Shiraz blends begin with the 2006 Shiraz (70%) -Cabernet Sauvignon (22%) "Koonunga Hill". Purple-colored, the wine offers meaty black currant, blackberry, and blueberry aromas. On the palate the wine exhibits remarkable focus and structure for its humble price. The fruit is grapy and primary as well as intensely flavored. It should evolve for several years and drink well through 2022 if not longer. It is a fantastic value.

As an aside, Peter Gago presented a 1976 Koonunga Hill to demonstrate the aging potential of this cuvee. The wine was showing a bit of age aromatically but none on the palate. At age 31, this wine (which probably cost several dollars on release) is right at its peak (my score 94 points).

Check out this great wine at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/australia/62190.html

Two Superstars From Conn Valley Robert Parker rates 95pt and 96pt

Just arrived in our stores today!

2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Robert Parker 96 points

Price: $49.99 Reg: $62.99 ON SALE! Qty

"2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is showing even better than it did last year, which is not unusual when tasting the wines of Todd Anderson and Mac Sawyer. Dense ruby/purple to the rim, with the classic Pauillac-like nose of creme de cassis, cedar wood, a hint of tobacco leaf, and very subtle smoke, the wine displays charcoal and roasted herbs, full-bodied power, wonderfully sweet tannins, and a long, long finish. This is a 20- to 25-year wine that should just get better and better as it ages, but it is accessible enough to drink now."

2006 Anderson's Conn Valley Right Bank

Robert Parker 95 points

$44.99 $59.99 ON SALE! Qty

"The 2006 Right Bank, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, has sweet notes of bouquet garni intermixed with roasted coffee, chocolate, black cherry, and black currant. The wine is deep, rich, round, but once the tannins kick in at the back of the palate, this wine clearly begs for bottle age. Give it 4-5 years of cellar age and drink it over the following 25+ years. "

Parker on the 2006 Right Bank, "Their Napa Valley Cheval Blank look-alike is called Right Bank... This is a thrilling wine that comes as close as just about any wine in Napa to mimicking a great Right Bank Bordeaux."

Limit one six pack of each per customer.

Free Shipping on 2006 Joseph Phelps Innisfree - Just Arrived!

Ready to Taste the '06 Vintage? Free Shipping on Case!

"Be the first on your block" to pick up the new 2006 Joseph Phelps Vineyards "Innisfree" Cabernet Sauvignon

$24.99 $31.99 ON SALE! Qty

From The Desk of Gary Fisch
Hello Winelovers,

I just returned from a trip to Napa, where I spent a lot of time tasting the '05 and '06 vintage Cabernets side-by-side. '06 is, in many respects, shaping up to be even better than the bold and ripe '05 vintage because it has better structure, more integrated tannins, and another great layer of complexity. Unfortunately there were smaller yields overall in 2006, so there will be less wine available. So that just means we'll have to grab what we can while we can!

Buy bottle of Phelps crafted Cabernet for just $24.99/bottle, FREE SHIP ON CASE

One 2006 Cabernet release that has me really jazzed is Joseph Phelps Innisfree Cabernet. Over the past three decades, Joseph Phelps Vineyards have made a name for themselves producing stellar vintages of their high-scoring and high-priced proprietary blend, Insignia. Crafting such a high-quality wine means growing more than enough high-quality fruit, and extra barrels of quality fruit means the ability to bring you these bottles grown, tended, and crafted by the Phelps team at about 1/6 of Insignia's price! That's exactly what they've done with the Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.

The grapes for the Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 are almost entirely Phelps Estate grown in the Napa Valley appellation, and carry flavors of black currant and mocha. An incredible value from such a notable estate.

We've had lots of inquiries about Innisfree since we ran out of the 2005 bottling, so it's with pleasure that I offer you "first dibs" on the 2006 Joseph Phelps Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon...ENJOY! -Gary

2006 I Greppi Greppicante for only $19.99

. Bolgheri for $19.99!
. Wine Spectator 91 points and surely in Top 100 of 2008.
. Right around the corner from Sassicaia.
. 2006 is the best vintage for Bolgheri since 2001.

Azienda I Greppi's vineyards are located in the village of Castagneto Carducci in Bolgheri. These vineyards have long been sought after by the Antinori family for their Guado al Tasso and are just around the corner from Sassicaia as well. Bolgheri has spawned a number of great wines over the years. But most of those wines sell for $50 all the way up to $200. That's until I Greppi's Greppicante 2006 was released.

We were lucky enough to have the owner of I Greppi, Alessandro Landini, in the stores a couple weeks ago. Wow! The 2006 showed really well and much better than 2005 that we liked last year.

And the Wine Spectator confirmed recently what an extraordinary wine this is. They awarded the 2006 Greppicante a 91 point score. Well on its way to being included in the Top 100 of 2008!

Reviews

Wine Spectator 91 points

Shows very pretty aromas of fresh herbs, currant and raspberry. Full-bodied palate, with a very fine tannin structure and a long, caressing finish. Very solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011. 2,830 cases made.

$19.99
$27.99
ON SALE!

Qty

Gary's Green Selections

In the wine industry, sustainability of the vineyard ecosystem is just common sense. It's about being conscious of the grape farming practices, minimizing chemicals in the soil, and treating the grapes with the utmost care all the way from budbreak to barrel. The result is a wine and vineyard that's been ecologically safeguarded for generations to come.

To earn the label of a "Gary's Green Selection" our team has researched a wine and found it to be any or all of the following:

• Biodynamically Farmed
• Made with Certified Organic Grapes
• Farmed with Biodynamic, Organic, and/or Sustainable Methods
• Certified Salmon Safe, Napa Green, or LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology)

Check out Gary's Selection of "Green" wines at http://www.garyswine.com/green

Soiree Wine Decanter - A Must Have For Reds!

The Soirée is a perfect accessory for any wine bottle and the perfect gift for your favorite wine enthusiast. By providing a chamber for wine to swirl and aerate, the Soirée enlivens wine and allows it to achieve its fullest taste and bouquet by adding the essential ingredient that every wine needs – oxygen.

The efficiency of the Soirée lies in its glass aeration chamber, which conveniently fits directly into any wine bottle. Upon pouring, the wine swirls into the chamber and is agitated by the Soiree’s uniquely designed dimples. This process optimally infuses the wine with oxygen as it is served into the glass. Whether you’re using an entire bottle of wine for guests or pouring a single glass for yourself, the Soirée decants any portion of wine, as you pour it, and may be used over and over.

Going beyond functionality, the Soirée also brings beautiful form to every pour. Impress guests with its neat pour and elegant, light-reflecting swirl. The Soirée is ready to use straight from the box and comes with an elegant stand that keeps it safe when not in use and doubles as a drying rack.

Get one now at http://www.garyswine.com/shop_wine_accessories/05766.html

2006 Girard Chardonnay Russian River Valley

The cooling effect of the marine layer fog at the Western reaches of the Russian River Valley provides excellent growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes. Various vineyards within Dutton Ranch are the primary fruit source for Girard's Chardonnay, with additional fruit coming from La Porte Cochere vineyard. The cooler weather yields higher grape acidity at harvest which helps form the base of Girard's trademark style of bright, clean and non-buttery Chardonnay.

The 2006 Russian River Chardonnay exhibits wonderful brightness, clarity and light weight on the palate. The crispness and minerality of the wine makes it a lovely food companion but you will find it to be quite enjoyable on its own. Superb peach and melon aromas with refreshing citrus flavors are accented with hints of toasted nuts and a subtle, rich texture from the sur lies aging.

Buy this now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/64176.html

2006 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

"This is the best Pinot Noir at this price on the market. Easily. It's picture-perfect cool climate, absolutely dry and silky, with complex flavors of cherries, Mandarin orange, cola, pomegranates, licorice and cinnamon spice, made even richer by smoky oak. Just lovely, and gets even better as it breathes in the glass. Editors' Choice."

Get it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/69220.html

2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Rated: 87 by Stephen Tanzer, Sep/Oct 08
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Pale, bright color. Subtle aroma of licorice and flowers. Lush, round and sweet, with moderate intensity and good texture to its slightly herbaceous flavors. A fairly full, soft style.




Get it on sale now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/new_zealand/08074.html

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Wine Club Tasting: Valleys of France

Join us in all three stores this Saturday, March 14, from 12-4pm for a taste of this month's Wine Club selections, all from the Rhone and Loire Valleys of France.

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 our 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.

Selections include:

2007 Origine Sauvignon Blanc

2007 Bourillon-Dorleans Vouvray

2003 Domaine Le Murmurium "Opera" Cotes du Ventoux

2006 Clos de Caveau "Carmin Brillant" Vacqueyras

For more information visit GarysWine.com

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.

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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."

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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

2006 Clos de Caveau "Carmin Brillant" Vacqueyras

Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah
Region: Vacqueyras, Rhone Valley, France
Food pairing: Roasted Chicken with Rosemary

If you're a follower of wine history, you may have read about the Paris Tasting of 1976 in George Taber's account, Judgement of Paris. In this story, Stephen Spurrier, an Englishman who then ran a wine shop, arranged for a blind tasting of French and American wines in Paris, and the world was shocked to learn that American wines took top honors for their Chardonnay and Cabernet. What does this have to do with Vacqueyras?

That same year, Spurrier decided to sell the vineyard property he had purchased, Le Clos de Caveau, to Gerard Bungener. The French man and his family then sunk more of a decade of work into repairing and renovating the estate, switching to organic farming in 1989. Today, the estate produces 50 acres of Grenache and Syrah focusing heavily on organic practices and maximizing the individuality of their own little terroir. The result is a wine that is rich with red cherry and hints of nutmeg and allspice, and we think would hold it's ground quite well if Spurrier ever decided to hold a rematch, this time with Rhone varietals.

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2006 Milliere Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

Grape Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise
Region: Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone Valley, France
Food pairing: Pot au Feu



Certain types of vines, when managed well, benefit from age, producing grapes with more and more depth of character every year. Though Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are unique in that they can include up to 13 different grape varieties in one blend, all or most of these varieties do indeed fall into the category of vines that improve with age.

Domaine la Milliere seems to have hit a jackpot in this respect, as old vines account for a full 95% of their stock. Their knotted and gnarly Grenache vines were all planted between 1891 and 1920, while their Syrahs are 50 years old and their Mourvedres, Cincaults, and Counoises are almost centenarians. All of these vines grow together in their 15 hectare hillside vineyard, forming what they call "the aromatic palette" of their blend. The wine does in fact exhibit a range of aromas and flavors, from pepper, currant and bay leaf to earth, leather, and Chateauneuf's 2006 vintage hallmark, a good dose of foresty "garrigue."

Get it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/06291.html

2005 Domaine Durand Cornas Premices

Grape variety: Syrah
Region: Cornas, Rhone Valley, France
Food pairing: Rack of Lamb with Boysenberry Sauce

Within the Northern Rhone, there are several special appellations, like Hermitage and Cote-Rotie, that have received some rather glamorous attention in recent years. Glamorous attention, that is, for the Rhone. Meanwhile Cornas, the very tiny and southernmost of the Northern Rhone appellations, tends to be overlooked in the shadow of the former two appellations, yet slowly but surely it's gaining its due recognition for inky, early-ripening, chunky tannin-laden Syrahs.

Eric and Joel Durand make one such Syrah worthy of recognition, laden with deep jammy berry and licorice aromas, finishing with fresh acidity and fine-grained and structured tannins. The notoriously "score-stingy" Josh Raynolds of Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar gave it a score of 88-91 points. Luxuriously drinkable now, this Cornas has the stuffing to age for several years as well.

Get it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/73286.html

1990 Raffault Chinon Picasses

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Chinon, Loire Valley, France
Food pairing: Pan-roasted Turbot with Chanterelles

Just last month, I lamented that it's so rare that I have the chance to send you an older vintage of a wine for Wine Club, as it's often only feasible for us in the retail business to obtain "current releases." So it was a very pleasant surprise when I was seeking out a great Chinon from the Loire Valley for our March Premiere selection, and one of our suppliers mentioned that she had a little bit of Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses available... from 1990.

Who is passing out all of these cellar keys lately? And where can I get one?! Knowing that 1990 was a banner vintage for the Loire Valley, and that if anyone made good Chinon in any year it was Olga Raffault, we jumped at the opportunity. Domaine Olga Raffault is located on 25 hectares of vineyard land in Savigny-en-Veron, Loire Valley. All of their vineyard plots are acclaimed for producing terrific Cabernet Franc and white Chinon, but it's the Les Picasses vineyard with its limestone soils that carries, perhaps, the most coveted terroir.

This wine will need to be approached with the understanding that 18 year-old Chinon Cabernet Franc is a far cry from this year's release of, say, jammy California Cabernet or even five-year-old Bordeaux, for that matter. Rather than expecting a concentrated core of ripe fruit that grabs you until the tannins arrive, expect some very interesting and subtle complexities: a meaty, mineral-laden nose, notes of leather and black olive, some chalky mineral texture, and a finish of subtle sweet red fruit and white pepper. It's a wine to open in a pensive and patient mood. Give it a taste when you first open the bottle, admire what you find, then let it sit for a short time and come back again. Your mother said not to play with your food; she said absolutely nothing about your wine.

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2006 La Barroche "Fiancee" Chateauneuf du Pape

Grape Variety: Grenache, Syrah
Region: Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone Valley France
Food pairing: Duck Confit over Lentils


Domaine La Barroche has been passed through generations of the same family since the 14th century, and their current vintner, the present steward of the land and winery, is a former chef. So I lean toward trusting them with their blending abilities. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the blend for their 2006 "Fiancee" was an uncharacteristically simple for Chateauneuf-du-Pape 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah.

I mean, I could've come up with that blend, no? Well, maybe not. As it turns out, quite a bit of thought went into this decision. "This wine combines equal measures of two seemingly opposite grapes: 100 year-old Grenache and young Syrah," they explain. "These two varieties complement one another beautifully: a fusion of masculine and feminine - a silky blend of power and finesse with fresh fruit aromas accompanied by gingerbread and coconut nuances." Add to that some nice fresh berry and cracked pepper, and you've got one great bottle of wine, simplistic formula or not!


Get it now at http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/07361.html

2007 Barnett Pinot Noir Viento Valle Anderson Valley on Sale!

On sale now at GarysWine.com

- Small production, single vineyard Pinot Noir
- Similar quantity produced to a Grand Cru Burgundy
- WS 93 points
- Among Wine Spectator's highest rated 07 Pinot Noirs

"Why have so many elite Napa and Sonoma Pinot Noir producers-Williams Selyem, Copain and Adrian Fog, to name just a few-begun buying grapes from the vineyards of Mendocino, California's obscure Anderson Valley? In fact, interest from outsiders has inspired growers to plant Pinot at a furious rate. In just the past 10 years, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir acreage has more than tripled: from 350 acres to about 1,200....the Anderson Valley may be one of the best places in California to grow Pinot Noir. " -- Food & Wine Magazine

As rare as a Grand Cru Burgundy!

Reviews

Wine Spectator 93 points

Rich and full-bodied, with complex, concentrated wild berry and blackberry fruit that's focused, with hints of sage and espresso, ending with ripe, integrated tannins and a long finish. Drink now through 2014. 479 cases made.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/08854.html

WS 91pt 2005 Bordeaux sale. 2day price only $13.99 2005 Chateau Haut Grela Premieres Reserve Cotes de Blaye

The 2005 Bordeaux is the best vintage in over 25 years!

Unfortunately, many of the 2005 Bordeaux have risen in price since prices were released two years ago. Here's your opportunity to take advantage of a 91 point 2005 Bordeaux at its original futures price from two years ago. And it's under $18 with free shipping on six bottles!

Chateau Haut Grela is located directly east of Pauillac (home of Latour and Lafite) on the Right Bank of the Gironde River in the Premieres Cote de Blaye appellation.

Reviews:
James Suckling, Wine Spectator 89-91 points

Fantastic aromas of crushed berry and cherry. Full-bodied, with a wonderful core of ripe fruit, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Impressive to say the least.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/06606.html