Bodegas Cepa 21 “Hito” Ribera del Duero 2010 ($17.95) $10.90 jump start special
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Bright ruby.  Pungent aromas of cherry, dark berries, licorice and mocha, with a subtle note of cracked pepper in the background.  Juicy, penetrating bitter cherry and cassis flavors unfold to show a richer plummy character.  Closes smoky and long, with gentle tannins and lingering spiciness.” 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo).
 

USA- PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Patricia Green Cellars Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 magnums ($69.95) $59 special
Patricia Green Cellars Balcombe Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 magnums ($79.95) $69 special
Patricia Green Cellars Estate Old Vines Pinot Noir 2011 magnums ($89.95) $79 special
double-trouble?… Read the rest

 
 
In 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the area’s first winemaking cooperative, the “Cantine Sociali”. Gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in a local castle, this was the first time the winemaking district of “Barbaresco” was recognized on a label. The Cantine Sociali was forced to close in the 1920’s, but in 1958 the priest of the village of Barbaresco recognized the necessity of an alliance in order for these small properties to survive. With that, Produttori del Barbaresco was born. Even today, many of Barbaresco’s best growers are members, occupying the greatest sites and pooling their fruit.  … Read the rest

Though the official D.O. of Ribera del Duero was only established in 1982, in practice, winemaking in Ribera dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman era. The area did not produce much before the mid-1800’s, focusing primarily on Roses and bulk farming. It was not until wineries such as Vega Sicilia and Pesquera were established that the Ribera area became known for bigger, bolder reds, competing with the more well-known Rioja. Today, small family bodegas stretching back generations sit alongside modern corporate wineries. The success of these more established producers has inspired local growers and winemakers of Ribera to focus on making high quality reds, helping the area as a whole to gain international appeal.… Read the rest

September 9, 2013

Jump Start Sale

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz 2009 ($99.95) $66 jump start special
Robert Parker 94 points “The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from one of the appellation’s more obscure lieu-dits. This stunning 2009 offers copious floral notes intermixed with crushed rock, wet stone, kirsch and black currant characteristics.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The next best listed price in the USA today is $88.99

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New Week – New Wines

USA- PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Haden Fig Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
Haden Fig Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley 2012 ($19.95) $16.60 special
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Le Puits Sec 2011 ($34.95) $29 special

Freja Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2010 ($19.95) $14.90 special
Wy’East Pinot Noir ‘Blue Chip’ 2011 ($21.95) $18 special
 
USA- NAPA
Sky Mount Veeder Zinfandel 2007 ($31.95) $26 special
Old-school zin from the challenging climat atop Mt Veeder. … Read the rest