Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Wine Tasting January 28th, 2010

VITIANO BIANCO, UMBRIA, ITALY $9.99
Umbria is located in the middle of Italy. This bianco is a blend of Vermentino and Verdicchio, 50% each. Vitiano Bianco is a balanced, delightful, and fresh wine that offers a rich bouquet of herbs, lime, and ripe pears. A great Italian value wine, it is the perfect accompaniment to pasta with shellfish, risotto, white meat casseroles, salads, and vegetables.

WALLACE BROOK PINOT GRIS, WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON $9.99
Crisp, bright flavors have always been the hallmark of Wallace Brook Pinot Gris. It shows a lovely floral bouquet. Pear, peach and apple flavors dominate the fruit profile, with a bit of spiciness. This wine has incredible versatility, pairing with everything from very spicy foods (Thai) or strongly flavored foods (such as ceviche) to the more classic poached salmon, shellfish, bisques, and a traditional oven-roasted turkey.

SAN SILVESTRO BARBERA, PIEDMONT, $9.99
This Barbera is so easy to drink! And are you kidding me, a wine from Piedmont for under $10, hello!!! Deep, bright ruby red, with a fresh opening; bursting with hints of ripe berries, with cherries and jam making it soft on the palate. It will pair well with cold meats, cheeses, pasta, red meats, grilled meats and pizza.

TORRES SANGRE DE TORO, CATALONIA, SPAIN $9.99
The Torres winery is one of the oldest, & most respected in Spain. Voted European Winery of the Year in 2006, Torres is one of the first Spanish wineries to export their wines to America and the World. The name Sangre de Toro was inspired by Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, known in ancient times as the 'son of thebull'. The wine is a blend of Grenache and Carinena. It is aged for six months in oak. Rich and complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberant notes of spices and blackberries. Velvety tannins are noted on the palate with elegant flavors of licorice and small dark forest fruits (blueberries and blackcurrants). Pairs well with steak, stews and wild game.

MCMANIS PINOT NOIR, RIVER JUNCTION, CALIFORNIA $9.99
This winery is a gem. It is the only winery in the River Junction AVA. This winery flies under the radar with some of the best valued wines in California. It is medium garnet in color and aromas of cherry, strawberry, and raspberries are accompanied by a bouquet of vanilla and cocoa. Round and soft in the mouth, with bright red berry flavors, the fruit and the 6 months in oak, balance out this fairly substantial wine.

MORANDE CARMENERE, MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE $9.99
Remember the Carmenere, this will be the next big thing in wine circles soon to follow in the footsteps of Malbec, and not to long ago Pinot Noir. This is the lost Bordeaux grape, discovered in Chile where it thrives and produces fruit forward, earthy wines with hints of herbs and spice. You can literally taste the floor of the forest where you would find wild blackberries, and strawberries all around your feet. The flavor is full and elegant. Enjoy the red wine of the future with pizza, pasta, burgers, steak, cheeses, & cold cuts.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Nappi Wine Tasting, November 19, 2009

These wines have been specially chosen for great Thanksgiving drinking!

BRUT, MUMM NAPA VALLEY PRESTIGE 750 ML $19.99
Fresh and creamy; this has baked pear, apple, vanilla, and nutmeg flavors. One of the best choices you could have made.
87 Points- Wine Spectator, 89 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

CHARDONNAY, SANTA BARBARA WINERY (2007) $13.99
Ripe and rich flavors of pears, melon, vanilla, and toast; uses malolactic fermentationto bring out rich tropical fruit flavors typical of the region.

PINOT NOIR, FLEUR DE CALIFORNIA CARNEROS (2007) reg $14.99, special $13.99
This is one of the finest Pinot Noirs at an affordable price, with consistent style. It has bright and vibrant strawberry, spice, and French oak aromas and flavors, soft tannins, and velvety texture. Enjoy this Pinot with grilled salmon, chicken, turkey, pasta, or crab cakes!
87 Points- Robert Parker, 88 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

Chasing lions Napa California $12.99
This incredible blend from Nine North winery is a blend of 55%merlot(Body),25%caberbet Sauvignon(for Richness), 10%Cabernet Franc(For Aromas),7%(for body weight)and 3% Petite Verdot (for Color and tannins) . The varietals are vinified separately and then aged for 16 months in American barrels.

ZINFANDEL, FOUR VINES OLD VINE CUVEE (2006) $10.99
Fruit for this wine was selected from vines ranging in age from 16-50 years old in vineyards in Sonoma and Paso Robles; aged in small French and American oak barrels, this value-oriented Zinfandel has silky layers of berry, plum, spice, and oak aromas and flavors. 86 Points- Wine Spectator. (2007)- 86 Points-Wine Spectator.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ST. FRANCIS SONOMA (2005) $15.99
This is a blend of the big three Cabernet valleys; Alexander, Sonoma, and Dry Creek. Ripe and intense; plum, black cherry, currant, and mocha flavors lead into a supple finish.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Wine Tasting Notes for October 15, 2009

Oveja Negra Chardonnay/Viognier ………………………………………….$8.99
85% Chardonnay - 15% Viognier. A light straw color in color. Rich fruity nose of apricot, banana and green apple with subtle mineral notes. Tropical fruits, apricot and green apple flavors with a medium body and soft, elegant finish. Pair with Thai food, seafood dishes and white sauce pastas.

The Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay – …………………………………$11.99
“The name comes from my childhood days. We would gather under a beautiful old Oak tree, with wide trunk and massive almost exaggerated canopy. To gain a few minutes peace, our parents told us if we made a wish under this tree, it would come true. The tree became The Wishing Tree. “ John Larchet, Proprietor . - Bright and tangy, with a lemony edge to the green apple flavors, hinting at star fruit as the finish lingers. Drink now. 88pts

Culpeo Pinot Noir –……………………………………………………………..$9.99
Produced at La Fortuna Farm purchasedby Don Modesto Güell in 1942, it is located 220 km south from Santiago. ORGANICALLY GROWN. With a bright ruby red color this Pinot Noir displays varietal aromas and hints of fresh fruit, pomegranate and black cherry. Elegant and friendly in the mouth with a long and pleasant finish.

Vina Arenal Carmenere – ……………………………………………………………$9.99
Founded in 1998, Vina Peralillo is located in the Colchagua Valley at 656 feet altitude, 155 miles from Santiago. Because they are on the coastal side of the valley, their estate benefits from a significant maritime influence, allowing daily temperature fluctuations of up to 70 degrees. Intensely dark and violet in color with bold, sweet, floral aromas of blackberry and earthy plum which combine with peppery spiciness. In the mouth, it is ripe, structured, and surprisingly complex, with a terrific softness on the palate.

La Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – ………………………………..$16.99
For Phillip LaRocca, growing grapes organically includes using farming methods that nurture the soil, air and water. Cabernet Sauvignon offers harmonious flavors: full bodied and smooth with a subtle berry and floral character. Fresh and vibrant with medium tannins and a delicate oak edge, this silky, smooth wine will enhance any meal including pastas, meats and poultry.

Clos Mimi Petite Rousse Syrah – ………………………………………………………$19.99
Established in 1996 by Tim and Mimi Spear, Clos Mimi is a "très petite" winery located in Santa Maria, California. "petite rousse" is made from 100% Syrah. “A lovely interpretation of a Paso Robles-styled French Crozes-Hermitage, Clos Mimi's 2006 Petite Rousse Syrah exhibits intense raspberry, black cherry, and currant fruit interwoven with licorice and meaty/animal-like notes. With medium to full body, silky tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel. 90 points “ Wine Advocate

Monday, March 23, 2009

SoPo Wine Tasting March 26, 2009

All From South America, all $9.99!

Árido Sauvignon Blanc - 100% Sauvignon Blanc - Bright yellow color with green hints. Aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and a nice grassiness typical of the varietal. In the palate it is well-balanced, crisp and clean with good acidity and a firm finish.


Bodegas Callia Alta Torrontes - The grapes are cultivated from vineyards located in Caucete, at 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level. Bright yellow with greenish tints. A delicate aroma with floral notes of roses and orange trees. Exotic and well-balanced in the mouth; very fresh, with balanced acidity.


Oveja Negra Chardonnay/Viognier - 85% Chardonnay, 15%Viognier. The Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel and the Viognier in French Oak then blended after fermentation. A light straw color in color. Rich fruity nose of apricot, banana and green apple with subtle mineral notes. Tropical fruits, apricot and green apple flavors with a medium body and soft, elegant finish.


Árido Malbec - 90% Malbec - 10% Merlot - “Arid” in English. The vineyards where the grapes are picked for this Malbec are located in the Upper Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This is a high desert that lies at 3,500 feet above sea level with less than 4 inches of rain per year. Intense ruby color. Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins.


Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc/Carmenere - 55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Carmenere. An aromatic dry red wine with a light touch of oak. It is deep violet red in color with ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, along with spicy notes and green pepper with a touch of cocoa. On the palate it is medium bodied with soft, well balanced tannins, showing notes of dried red fruit and spices especially white pepper.


Bodegas Callia Alta Syrah – The vines for this wine are drip irrigated with snowmelt runoff from the Andes, providing the optimum amount of water to each plant. Notes of spices and red fruits (cherries and plums). structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, well-balanced with a long intense finish.

Monday, November 17, 2008

November 20th Wine Tasting

Westerland Celebration White $10.99…….tasting special $9.99
Fresh topical fruit from the Chenin Blanc, complimented by cut grass from the Sauvignon Blanc, are the prominent flavors on the nose of this wine. A crisp, zesty, and fruity palate leaves the taste buds longing for more.

Westerland Celebration Red $10.99……..tasting special $9.99
This is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% old Vine Cinseault. The wine is from South Africa, now producing some of the best values in the wine world. It is a blend of new world and old world styles producing a very balanced and smooth flavor. Great with or without food.

La Dote Pinot Noir $9.99
This is find for Pinot Noir. It is from Chile but is made in a new world style. Brick red color with a garnet hue, jammy aromas of black currant and a touch of smoky oak. Flavors of plum and cherry are integrated with soft vanilla and violets. Velvety tannins and crisp acidity impart a pleasant lingering finish.

Sacred Stone Masters Red Blend $9.99
Ripe, rich, juicy and expressive, this unique California blend of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel seduces the palate. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-8 years. A great value!


La Quercia Montepulciano D’ Abuzzo $8.99
A big, rich, bold wine with some soft tannins on the slightly earthy finish. A DOC wine made with organic grapes. Great with Pizza, Pasta, and Cheeses.


Tittarelli Dulce Natural - $9.99
This is a naturally sweet white wine. 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Torrontes from Argentina. The grapes were picked at peak ripeness and were cooled during fermentation to maintain natural residual sugars. Awesome flavors. Pairs well with spicy Asian food and light pasta, as well as cheeses and desserts. Also fun to just sip.

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Friday, October 10, 2008

Wine Tasting with SoPo October 16, 2008

Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Frizzante - $14.99
Light straw,yellow color with a nose offering hints of golden apples and ripe peaches. On the palate, a fine persistent effervescense that gives the wine a creamy texture with just the barest suggestion of ripe fruit in the finish.

Le Poulet Blanche $8.99
Fruity nose of peach, grapefruit, bananas and mango. The palate is well balanced. A wonderful delicately wooded finish. Ideal with a rocket and parmesan salad or seafood linguine.

A to Z Pinot Noir $18.99
Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. In the mouth, the wine mirrors the aromatics with a succulent texture and good acidity. As the finish unfolds, the individual characteristics of the wine unify and augment one another. Beautifully balanced between richness and power, the wine possesses amazing depth and purity. Classically proportioned while being built with long term potential.

ÁRIDO Malbec 2006 $8.99
Intense ruby color. Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins.

X3 Cabernet – normally $16.99, wine tasting special $15.99
The “X3” Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend from three distinct premium California counties. Each year the winemakers at X select these Cabernet Sauvignon sources to create a superb wine of elegance and distinction. The 2006 vintage was an ideal growing season with a mild summer and fall allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Blending was a challenge only because there were so many options. In the end, this blend highlighted the fantastic aromas of dark chocolate, cedar, and dark cherry notes. There is a great balance of fruit and oak on this plush palate that makes this truly enjoyable sip after sip.

Vines on the Marycrest My Generation $24.99
45% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, 9% Petite Sirah
Zinfandel from our estate vineyard and the neighboring, Remo Belli Vineyard, is blended with the classic Rhone varietals. A huge, ripe super-tanker of a wine. Round and full, this is a perfect example of the “new “ breed of Paso Robles wine.

Hitorimusume Sake (unfiltered) - $19.99
Hitorimusume "Only one Daughter" Nigori Jumai Sake - Ibaraki Prefecture, unfiltered, Slightly fruity, dry and rather quiet on the palate.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Wine Tasting, October 16

Yup, our second wine tasting of the fall is already upon us. October 16th, Doug Watts brings the best and coolest of his SoPo collection for our enjoyment. We've got the lineup set, just putting the finishing touches on the tasting notes.
Also, we've got a new addition to our staff. Sharon has been a partner in a catering company, and has had stints at Wild Oats and Whole Foods. We'll be looking to see what she and Chef Bill can come up with for tasting foods!