Austria, Spain, South Africa and US — Oregon
June 06, 2009Saturday 4:00pm until 7:00pm (or until it's gone)
$5 per person
2008 Condes De Albarei Salneval Albarino $11.95
Spain, Rias BaixasLight straw in color, the nose of this Albarino is seductive with honey, pear and tropical fruit and a slight mineral component. It is racy and zesty with citrus and floral flavors in the mouth, yet is round and soft at the same time. It matches perfectly with fresh seafood and shellfish; is an ideal accompaniment to salty, spicy Asian cuisine; and is also great on its own as a cocktail wine. Truly adventurous food lovers will amaze and inspire their friends by serving it with the unlikely, but fantastic pairing of traditional barbequed ribs with a sweet, slightly spicy tomato based sauce.
2007 Berger Grüner Veltliner (1L) $14.45
AustriaThere is something crazily appealing about this wine. Maybe it's the squat green blue container with a twist-off cap, the glass bottle equivalent of your favorite uncle Herb. Then again, there is the wine itself, bright, herbaceaous, clean and so very very versatile. Keep one in your fridge for last minute dinner guests, or for yourself. It goes with anything — spicy food, fried food, or no food at all! According to importer Terry Theise: "This is the best of the GrüVe liters in "07, and please don't ignore it just because it's been around the longest. It has the most density, fruit and substance; it is interesting and delicious and well above its class."
Wine Advocate # 181, Feb 2009 David Schildknecht 86 Points:
"Berger's 2007 Gruner Veltliner will be ideal to keep in your refrigerator anytime over the next year (although you'll need a stopper for it since it is sealed, as is so often the case for Austrian liter-bottlings, with a crown cap). Lime, green rhubarb, fresh spinach, nut oils, and a hint of honey inform this refreshing, invigoratingly sweet-tart entry level offering. "
2007 Graham Beck Railroad Red $9.95
South Africa, Robertson61% Shiraz, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon. A perennial favorite. This easy drinking red was made at the Graham Beck Robertson Cellars. The wines were blended in small barrels of French oak before bottling.
Tasting Notes: The wine has a rich spicy Shiraz nose with layers of berry flavors and supple Cabernet Sauvignon fruit tannins on the palate. Enjoy with lamb or veal dishes, as well as duck or roast chicken.
2007 Altos del Cuco $10.95
Spain, YeclaAltos del Cuco is named for the stone shelters that are frequently found in the vineyards of Murcia. The "Cuco" act as places of refuge for vineyard workers. They provide warmth in the winter and shade in the summer. The D.O of Yecla was established in 1975 and currently has about ten thousand acres planted in vines. Casa de la Ermita, one of the premier producers of the adjacent region of Jumilla, maintains a significant presence in this up-and-coming region. The limestone rich soil and the soft, rolling hills provide excellent drainage and optimal exposure for the Monastrell, Tempranillo, and Syrah vines. The vineyards are situated 2,000 feet above sea level. This high altitude helps the grapes survive the warm temperature that easily exceeds 100ºF during the summer. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and the wine spends three months in French and American oak barrels.
Characteristics:
Altos del Cuco has an intense, maroon-red color and aromas of blackberries, mature fruit, and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. The tannins are soft and the texture is fleshy with well balanced acidity and an elegant finish.
Grape Varietals: 40% Monastrell (Mourvedre), 30% Syrah, 30% Tempranillo
Alcohol: 13.5%
Enjoy With: This wine matches well with grilled or roasted red meats, full-flavored game dishes, and mild cheeses.
Reviews:
3/1/2009 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 87 Points
2007 — Spain's Red Wine Values Under $25. Tasted and Recommended. — Jay Miller
2007 Cape Diamond Merlot (Ken Wright) $21.95
US, OregonThe Rogue River traverses the Siskiyou, Cascade and Coast Range Mountains on its 215-mile journey from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Rowing through Oregon's southernmost reaches, it nurtures the grapes harvested to bring you this outstanding premium wine.
Aged 15 months in French oak barrels for over a year and bottled without filtration or fining, it has a lush texture that reveals itself layer by layer. Tantalizing rich black fruit aromas lead you to an exotic floral bouquet. Full-bodied on the palate, it possesses a beautiful balance of fruit and spice that make for a long, lovely finish. With Cape Diamond Merlot, your love of wine is just a sip away.
