Monday, September 18, 2006

Stock Up on These Wine Bargains!

De Martino 2004 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon The Cabernet Sauvignon has been blended with Malbec and Carmenere resulting in a dark red wine with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherries, and truffle. Very tannic with intense flavors. Wine & Spirits has given this wine a score of 91. ($14.99)
Peter Lehmann 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon This wine is from Barossa Valley, Australia. Some of the best bargains in wines come from Australia and this is no exception. This wine has rich, intense flavors of black currants and a long silky finish. Very nicely balanced. ($15.99)
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2003 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon This is one of my favorite bargain Cabs. It has a nice earthiness along with flavors of cherry and raspberry. Very smooth and well balanced. ($14.99)
Bonny Doon 2003 Ca' del Solo Big House White (Screw Cap) This house wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a floral and fruity flavor. A bargain in a screw top bottle! ($10.99)
Argyle 2004 Chardonnay (Screw Cap) This wine is from Willamette Valley, Oregon. A big, creamy Chardonnay with flavors of pear and apple and hints of rosemary. It has a nice, lingering finish. ($13.99)
Kim Crawford 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (Screw Cap) Intensely ripe and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with fresh tangy apple flavors. This wine is a light straw color. Another bargain in a screw top bottle. ($17.99)
Bonny Doon NV Framboise Infusion of Raspberries (half-bottle) This is a delightful sweet wine in a half-size bottle. It’s been awarded 90 points from Wine Spectator and 92 from Wine Enthusiast. Enjoy the captivating raspberry aroma and flavor…this wine is a dessert by itself! ($10.99)

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Cheers 2 Wine

This is the place to find info on the latest events in the California Wine Country. If you want to know what's happening at wineries throughout California, check back here often for up-to-date-information.


September 16: Home Winemaking Workshop - Delicato Vineyards in Manteca. This is a wonderful resource for people interested in making wine at home. The workshop is being taught by Richard Foote, Delicato Winery's Tasting Room Manager. You can attend either of the two dates. The cost is free, but reservations are required. Call (831) 375-9400 for reservations.

September 16 - Chumeia Vineyards Fall Cruise - Morro Bay
Board a 72 ft. yacht to spend an enchanting day cruising around Morro Bay while enjoying 5 appetizer courses paired with 5 wines from Chumeia Vineyards. Spend the afternoon with the winemaker and chef. The courses include: Chardonnay paired with Lobster Eclaire Drizzled with Creme Fraiche and Topped with Caviar; Merlot with Sliced Roasted Medium Rare Duck Breast Nestled with Pumpkin Creme Brulee; Barbera with Mini Pizzas with Sundried Tomatoes and Stilton Cheese; Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Stuffed Sirloin of Lamb with Fennel and Portabello Mushroom Duxelle; and ending with Zinfandel served with Decadent Desserts by Shelly Pollard, Chumeia's Pastry Chef. The cost is $70 plus tax per person. For reservations call (805) 226-0102.

September 30-October1 -8th Annual Nevada Country Gold Harvest Wine Trail
Enjoy fine wines, barrel tasting, hors d'ouvres, live music, and the colorful scenery of the Sierra Nevada on a Fall day. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Fees include a commemorative glass. For reservations call (866) 355-9463.

September 28-Oct. 1: 21st Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival
There are numerous activities involving food and wine going on in North Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley and Truckee as part of this festival. The grand finale is on Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 PM at the Resort at Squaw Creek Grand Ballrooms. This event will feature food from Lake Tahoe chefs paired with premium wines. Tickets are $70 in advance and $80 at the door. Call (888) 229-2193.