Need Some Ideas For Christmas?

I'm here to help. This is a very busy week, and I don't have time to give you a detailed description of each wine, but I can assure you they are all worthy, and I'll be here all week to answer any questions you may have about them. Here are a few suggestions a you round out your season of shopping:

U.S. Chardonnay
Under $20: 2006 The Girl Next Door Roll in the Hay Chardonnay $15
Over $20: 2007 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay $36


U.S. Cabernet Sauvignon
Under $20: 2004 JLC Cellars Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $20
Over $20: 2004 Ladera Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $75

U.S. Merlot
Under $20: 2007 Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot $12
Over $20: 2007 Chateau Rollat Sophie $30

U.S. Zinfandel
Under $20: 2007 Mazzacco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $18
Over $20: 2007 Ridge Lytton Springs $35

U.S. Syrah
Under $20: 2006 Alexander Valley Estate Syrah $15
Over $20: 2006 DeLille Doyenne Syrah $37

U.S. Pinot Noir
Under $25: 2007 Westrey Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $23
Over $25: 2006 Cristom Pinot Noir "Marjorie Vineyard" $50

U.S. Red Blend
Under $20: 2006 Chandler Reach Corella $18
Over $20: The Peak series from Terlato ('03 Angels Peak, '04 Devils Peak, & '05 Cardinals Peak) $50

U.S. White Blend
Under $20: 2008 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier $12
Over $20: 2008 Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling (TRUST ME IT'S BONE DRY AND AMAZING!) $20

U.S. Sparkler
Under $20: Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut $20
Over $20: 1999 Argyle Extended Tirage

Italian Red
Under $20: 2007 Bracaia Toscana Tre $20
Over $20: 2003 and 2005 Antinori Tignanello $70

U.S. White
Under $20: 2007 Feudi Fallanghina $15
Over $20: 2008 Capolino Perlingieri Vento Greco di Tofu $25

Italian Sparkler
- Trevisiol Extra Dry Prosecco

French Red
Under $20: 2006 Chateau Pesquie Les Terrasses $13
Over $20: 2007 Delas Chateauneuf du Pape Haut Pierre (can't stress this one enough!) reg price $45 Sale price $30!

French Sparkling Wine
Under $20: Try some of the Jaillance wines this year Champagne quality without the price tag
Over $20: Roederer Estate NV Brut Premier (the only Champagne on the WS Top 100) $43

Spanish Red
Under $10: 2008 Luzon Jumilla $10
Over $10: 2005 Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon $19

Spanish White
- 2008 Martina Prieto Verdejo $16

South American Red
- The wines of Paul Hobbs Felino Cabernet and Felino Malbec both $20
- 2007 Catena Zapata Malbec $21

German Wines
- 2003 J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenur Auslese $44
- 2003 Grans-Fassian Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese $25

Australian Wines
- 2005 Torbreck "The Struie" $50
- 2008 D'Arenberg The Stump Jump $10

Firestone Walker XIII Has Arrived!!!!!!

This is one of the most sought after beers around, and we managed to snag a few cases. Be certain to come get your bottles early as this beer will not last long! Here is the spec sheet on this years blend from the brewery. I haven't cracked open an XIII yet, but if it is anywhere near the beer XI and XII were than we are in for a huge treat! The beer retails at $17.99

Our “13” Thirteenth Anniversary Ale – Notes from Brew Master, Matt Brynildson
We are extremely honored to present to you our 13th Anniversary barrel aged blend! This is our fourth barrel aged release and each year is another adventure into the flavor unknown. Our oak aging cellar continues to grow and so do the blending possibilities. We peaked at just over 120 barrels in our program this year, yet only 53 barrels made this year’s final blend. We have stayed true to our original goal of making straight ahead strong ales and letting them rest in wood barrels to mature and develop flavors slowly and naturally. We again met with some of the area’s best wine makers and allowed them to guide us to the finished product. Most of the beers that are in this blend are old friends who we know well. Dark and ominous Parabola along with the rich and complex Bravo Brown were brewed again this year and together became the center piece of this blend. Other beers like the Rufus and Opal along with Sean Paxton’s Saucerful of Secrets are still tucked away in the cellar in their original first generation form, gaining character with extended aging. Velvet Merkin has established itself as a real barrel loving beer, although it is only 6%, it carries barrel qualities beautifully. A new beer, that was created this year by our Cellar Master Ali Razi, is Double Double Barrel Ale and it found its way into this blend as well. In the end, this year brought us seven wine
makers and seven beers to counter balance our lucky thirteenth year of brewing beer on the Central Coast. The brewery is alive and well and oak is as much a part of our
program today as it was back in 1996!

The People
Our anniversary beer continues to be a celebration of the year’s accomplishments and the talented group of people who make it all possible. We have been blessed to have so many good souls in our midst and the family continues to grow. Beers like the one you are about to enjoy are not made in factories or processing plants, they are made in hand worked, craft centered breweries where the artisans guide the process and create real magic. Every day, this amazing group of artisans comes together to create Firestone Walker beer. We make the beer we love and we are proud to share it with you!

The Winemakers
We were once again honored to enlist seven of the best winemakers from the Paso Robles region to assist in blending. The blend was created in two sessions over the course of two weeks. Scott Hawley (www.torrinwine.com) joined us again this year. He is an exceptional wine maker who makes some incredible small lot wines and does a good deal of vineyard and winemaking consultation. Matt Trevison (www.linnecalodo.com) played a huge part in this year’s blend. Sherman Thacher from Thacher Winery was with us this year. Sherman was a brewer for more than 15 years before he turned to wine making. His skills were again a wonderful addition to our blending efforts. My very good friend Steve Martell (www.kaleidoswine.com) joined us for the fourth year in a row. Neil Collins (www.lonemadrone.com & www.tablascreek.com) was another major force in this blend. Also from Tablas Creek, assistant winemaker Chelsea Magnusson sat in on our first session and added some great flavor vocabulary to the mix. Making his first appearance as a beer blender, Eric Jensen (www.bookerwines.com) joined the team. Eric has developed the amazing Booker vineyard and winery on Paso’s west side. Along with the wine makers, Tom Griffin who provides many of our barrels, Rick Sellers from Draft Magazine (www.draftmag.com), Pete Slosberg of Pete’s Wicked Ale fame and Arie Litman sat in on the final tasting. Special thanks go out to Michelle Brown, for organizing the sessions and keeping the notes. This process can get more than a little
confusing at times.

The Finished Piece
As a finished beer, 13 is more sublime then last year’s blend. It is all about the subtleties and quiet tones. It has deep dark chocolate notes and is accented with dried fruit and licorice. There are hints of molasses and even a little cherry in the middle complimenting the vanilla and coconut notes brought in by the oak. These barrel qualities are very well integrated and meld well with the roast malt and caramel undertones. It is best enjoyed in a half filled brandy snifter or wine glass. Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas. If left in a cool dark place, I suspect that this beer will age well. It was a pleasure in the making and I truly hope you enjoy our fourth oak-aged blend!

The Components:
39% of final blend:
Parabola (13% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout (brewed 04-30-09 and 09-17-09)
OG = 28P FG = 7.5P IBU = 80 Color = Black
Hopped with Simcoe, Bravo, Styrian Golding and East Kent Golding

24% of final blend:
Bravo (11% ABV) - 2 barrel varieties- bourbon (50%), brandy (50%)
-Imperial Brown Ale (brewed 2-10-09)
OG = 22P FG = 4.8P IBU = 35 Color = 32
Hopped 100% with U.S. grown Fuggles

15% of final blend:
Velvet Merkin (6% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Traditional Oatmeal Stout (brewed 10-02-08)
OG = 15P FG = 5.5P IBU = 32.5 Color = Black / 15% Oats
Hopped with 100% U.S. grown Fuggles

6% of final blend:
Opal (11% ABV) - aged in rye barrels
-Wheat Wine (brewed 2-25-08)
OG = 22.4P FG = 6.2P IBU = 45 Color = 17
Brewed with torrified and malted wheat, lightly hopped with Saaz

6% of final blend:
Rufus (11% ABV) - aged in rye barrels
-Continental Imperial Amber Ale (brewed 8-17-07)
OG = 22.5P FG = 4.5P IBU = 40 Color = 15
Brewed with Belgian dark candi syrup, hopped with Styrian Goldings and Saaz

6% of final blend:
Double Double Barrel Ale (10.9% ABV) - aged 100% in retired FW union barrels
-Double English Pale Ale (brewed 12-03-08)
OG = 24.0P FG = 5.8P IBU = 30 Color = 16
A double version of our flagship created by Cellar Master, Ali Razi

4% of final blend:
Saucerful of Secrets (9% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Belgian Strong Ale (brewed 10-30-07)
OG = 23.4P FG = 6.1P IBU = 25 Color = 39
Brewed with Belgian dark candi sugar and everything else but the kitchen sink

Wine Spectator Top 100 Arrivals: Part 1 (Top 50)

Well, it is that time of year, and I have to start out by saying I DO NOT HAVE THE 2005 COLUMBIA CREST RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON THAT WAS LISTED AT #1. Unfortunately, this wine has been sold out for quite some time, and I will be unable to stock this now or in the future. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you're looking for a great Cab to give as a gift come see me and I'll find you an equally stunning bargain. On the lighter side I do have quite a few wines from the list I can tell you about.

#10 Brancaia Toscana Tre 2007 93pts (coming in a week or two)
"There's wonderful intensity of fruit in this wine, with crushed raspberry and blackberry and hints of coffee and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, soft-textured finish that shows loads of fruit. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 25,000 cases made. - JS –JS"

#18 Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley 1999 95pts
"Elegant, with very fine bubbles and complex spice, coffee, pear and toast aromas and flavors that are poised against lacy acidity and refined structure, letting the flavors sail on and on with finesse. Drink now. 1,115 cases made. - HS –HS"

#21 Neyers Chardonnay Carneros 2007 93pts
"Complex aromas of smoke, fig and citrus fold over to the palate. Full-bodied, with fine structure and acidity, along with flavors that end up giving this a delicate feel. The aftertaste is delicious. Drink now through 2012. 5,600 cases made. - JL –JL"

#25 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve 2006 94pts
"Wonderful perfumed aromas fold over to the palate, which is full-bodied and ultrarich without being heavy, delivering tiers of ripe fig, apricot and green apple, shaded by spicy, toasty oak. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2012. 2,448 cases made. - JL –JL"

#28 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Reserve 2008 92pts
"This is crisp, offering a lively mouthful of peach-accented grapefruit and mineral flavors, all hanging on effortlessly through the long, graceful finish. Drink now. 15,000 cases imported. - HS –HS"

#29 Chalone Chardonnay Chalone 2007 92pts
"Exhibits a complex mix of subtle pear and mineral with pleasant earthy notes and floral scents. Tight and full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012. 16,801 cases made. - JL –JL"

#38 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Estate 2006 92pts
"Sturdy, ripe and generous, with a surprisingly soft edge to the explosive black cherry, currant, black olive and smoke flavors, lingering effortlessly on the big, round finish. Best from 2010 through 2018. 5,800 cases made. - HS –HS"

#39 Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2008 92pts
"Smooth and creamy, the polished texture supporting an explosive range of lemon meringue, pear, pineapple and spice flavors that ease into the long, vivid finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,500 cases imported. - HS –HS"

A Quick Update

Just a quick note with some new items. I will be gone this weekend, so this will be brief.

Samichlaus is here!

- The "worlds strongest lager" is here. A fantastic brew with ageing potential galore!

Der Hirschbrau beers are back:

- Four varieties to choose from

Two new Ridge wines in stock:

- We finally have the Santa Cruz Mtn Estate in stock, and it is a must try!
- Essensce is here as well. It is a stellar dessert wine. Here is the info

* "We made our first Zinfandel Essence from Geyserville in 1966. To produce an essence, the vines must remain vigorous late into the season, with green leaves for photosynthesis. We chose two blocks—one zinfandel, one petite sirah. To intensify color and concentrate sugar, the grapes were left on the vine for three additional weeks; they co-fermented on natural yeasts. To our delight, the initial Brix reading was beyond the hydrometer's ability to measure. It took five days for the yeast to begin fermentation, another five days to stop naturally—fully stable. The wine aged in air-dried american oak barrels; clarity was achieved through careful racking. Opulent and full-flavored, the 2007 Essence can be enjoyed now and over the next twenty years. EB (9/08)

Initial sugar at harvest 40.8% By Volume
Residual sugar in the wine 16.95% By Volume "

More new arrivals:

Full Sail Wreck the Halls
Fox Barrel Mulling Cider
J.K. Skrumpys Solstice Cider
Monte Antico Toscana (Wine Spectator Top 100 wine)
Vina Sta. Rita Medalla Real Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (WS Top 100)
Argyle Extended Tirage 1999 Sparkling Wine (WS Top 100)
Rodney Strong Russian River Reserve Chardonnay (WS top 100)

There is even more to name, and I will do a post of all the Top 100 wines in stock next week.

Enjoy your Weekend!

More New Goodies

Well, another week brings even more new goodies. Let's start with the beer and tomorrow I'll tell you all about the new wines we have in stock.

Allagash Interlude

Instead of my notes here is the info on this wine straight from the brewery:

"Allagash Interlude

The first release in our new experimental series, Allagash Interlude pushes the limits of beer. An innovative brewing process, special fermentations, and French oak barrel aging all contribute to a beer that has remarkable wine-like qualities.

Two yeast strains were used to create this unique 9.5% ABV Belgian style ale. The first, a Belgian farmhouse yeast, establishes the flavor foundations of a classic Belgian-style ale. The second, a house strain of Brettanomyces yeast, brings it to the next level contributing an intriguing myriad of flavors including pear, apricot, graham cracker, and bread crust. Finally, a portion of the Interlude is aged in French Merlot and Sirah oak barrels, which impart a distinctive vinous plum character and a drying, almost tannic finish. Try complementing its audacious character with food pairings such as sausages, salami, smoked meats, and bold cheeses.

True to traditional Belgian-style brewing, we bottle condition the Interlude. Just prior to bottling, a fresh dose of sugar and yeast is added to the ‘still beer’ (at this stage there is no carbonation present). After bottling, the beer is aged in a warm room, where the fresh dose of yeast ferments the sugar and naturally carbonates the beer.



Available in: 750 ml bottles
Original Gravity: 1080
Recommended Cellaring Temperature: 55°F
Recommended Serving Temperature: 45-55°F"

Allagash Hugh Malone

"Allagash Hugh Malone Ale

Hugh Malone Ale’s base includes English two-row malt and pale crystal malts, establishing an understated sweetness. To give Hugh Malone its hop character we use generous portions of Simcoe hops at three points in the brewing process. To begin with, we use a technique referred to as first wort hopping, in which Simcoe is added to the sweet wort as it enters the kettle. When the wort comes to a boil in the kettle we add Warrior hops, adding another layer to the bitterness of the beer. Later in the brewing process we steep a large amount of Simcoe in the whirlpool to impart a distinct hop aroma. Finally, during secondary fermentation in our conditioning tanks, we dry hop the beer, which instills a hoppy aroma with notes of pine and grapefruit. This 8.5 % ABV ale has a malty palate and a pronounced bitterness. It has a pleasant dry, hoppy finish.

Hugh Malone is a tribute to responsible agricultural practices and informed consumption. Allagash Brewing Company is donating $1 from every bottle of Hugh Malone sold to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the country’s oldest and largest state organic farmer coalition. MOFGA is a non-profit organization that educates farmers and gardeners about organic cultivation. They work to create resources for consumers interested in buying local and organic foods. With more than 5,500 members and 2,000 active volunteers MOFGA continues to inform consumers about the connection between healthful food and environmentally sound growing practices. www.mofga.org More on philanthropy.

Available in: 750 ml bottle/limited release
Original Gravity: 1080 by volume
Recommended Serving Temp: 45 - 50°F
Recommended Cellaring Temp: 55°F"

De Proef and Bell's Van Twee

The latest in the line of beers in the De Proef Brewmasters collection collaboration beers. This effort was a collaboration between the world famous Dirk Naudts of De Proef and John Mallet of Bell's brewery. For those not familiar with Bell's, it is a world class brewery in Kalamazoo/Comstock Michigan that produces some of the best beer in the world. I had the pleasure of selling this beer in Minnesota and have sent numerous E-mails trying to get them into Washington. For now, this beer will have to suffice. Here is the description from De Proef:

"Van Twee -
Brewmasters Collaboration with John Mallet

The 2009 collaboration brew was created with John Mallet of Bell's Brewing in Michigan. Van Twee is a "mash-up" of the porter and dubbel styles blended with sour cherry juice from Michigan and brettanomyces in the secondary fermentation. It is a rich, dark beer capped by tan foam. Malty layers of chocolate and coffee trade on the palate with sour brett and dark fruit notes. Reminiscent of the famous fruit-filled chocolates of Belgium. July 2009 selection - Michael Jackson's Rare Beer Club

Original Gravity: 1072
IBU's: 18
ABV: 7.5%
Cases of 6/25.4 bottles"

Dogfish Head Old School Barleywine

One of my favorite Barleywines made. This is definitely a sipper as it weighs in around 15%! Dark fruit, orange peel, raisin, brown sugar, stone fruit, and a light smokiness accentuate the vinous sweetness and help conceal a good dose of the alcohol. In all, this beer could use a little time to mellow, but is not to be missed!

Dogfish Head World Wide Stout

Beware of this huge high alcohol imperial stout. A very subtle carbonation is barely perceptible in this jet black brew. The palate is creamy and syrupy at the same time and finishes with a boozy viscous mouthfeel. The alcohol is certainly present, but it seems to mellow after a few sips (it might just be a burnt palate :)). Chocolate. smoke, and dark fruits abound with a touch of soy sauce like saltiness. A bourbon-y vanilla viscosity tickles the palate with a creamy sweetness while the alcohol makes your face as red as santas. If you've never had this beer you have to at least give it a shot!

That's it for now. As always shoot me an e-mail at tbjoehaugen@gmail.com with any questions or post them on here.

Wine will be posted tomorrow.

Time For More Great Brew!

I want to apologize for the delay between posts. I was actually out of town for a little over a week, so this post is loaded with goodies to make up for it.

A couple of new and returning goodies.

Midnight Sun Treat

This is a whopper of a beer! An imperial chocolate pumpkin porter, this beer is as interesting tasting as it sounds! It may be past the pumpkin beer "season", but this is a beer that will blow you away regardless of the year. Loads of bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and milk chocolate play beautifully off the medium dry body with hints of floral hops and a lightly smoky edge. This beer won't be around long, so act quickly!

Midnight Sun 3767 Belgian IPA w/Brett

A collaboration brew between Midnight Sun and Ballast Point in California. This is easily the best Belgian styled IPA I have ever had! Well balanced with a plentiful dose of NW hops, as well as a good helping of that earthy, funky, slightly fruity Brett-y goodness we have all come to know and love. A good mid palate with enough caramelly sweet malt to balance out the citrus driven hop edge. Again, this beer will not be around long, so act fast.

Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza

One of my favorite breweries, and easily a top 5 domestic Christmas ale in my book. This miniscule Dexter, Michigan brewery always impresses and was recognized as the #8 brewery in America by Beer Advocate magazine. Their own description of this beer is more befitting than I could ever attempt
"Deep mahogany and malty, layered hops, figs, raisins, sugar plums, cashews betwixt rum laden truffles."

Deschutes Abyss - I still have a few bottles left people, as well as some 2009 Mirror Mirror.

Kulmbacher Eisbock

This is always a treat as the weather turn colder. Here is a quick back story on Eisbock.
"The ice bock, also known as "Bayrisch Gefrorns", owes its discovery to a coincidence. According to the chronicles of the Kulmbacher brewery, some time around 1900 an apprentice forgot on a cold winter day to carry two barrels of bock beer into the brewery cellar. The barrels stayed outside, were covered by ice and snow and weren’t discovered until the following spring. The barrels had burst and the apprentice was reprimanded. But the carelessness was a stroke of luck because under the thick ice coat, a bock beer extract remained, strong tasting and high in alcoholic content.
Even if the dark, tasty specialty is not produced in this spectacular way anymore, the chance that gave birth to this beer became a tradition. Today this beer rarity is brewed in a modern brewing and freezing process, but the incomparable taste is still the same and can always be enjoyed in winter months.

Rich, decadent, chocolaty malt explode with a hint of spice and a big dose of alcohol! A great winter beer.

Hair of the Dog Doggie Claws

Not much can be said for this Portland brewery that hasn't been said already. Alan Sprints and his crew continue to impress with small batch goodies sure to please. The Doggie Claws is one of my absolute favorite offerings from HOTD. A barleywine with both old and new world flair, it explodes with dark fruit, spice, floral and citrus hops, and an abundant load of alcohol. This beer will only get better with a few years of bottle age on it, but don't plan on us ageing it for you, as it always sells fast.

We also received a bunch of fantastic Christmas beers from Belgium

Gouden Carolus Noel - One of my all-time favorite brews 98 Ratebeer.com A- Beeradvocate.com

Noel des Geants - B+ Beeradvocate.com

La Moneuse Speciale Noel - 91pts Ratebeer.com B+ Beeradvocate.com

De Struise Brouwers Tsjeeses - Another one of my favorites 97 Ratebeer.com A- Beeradvocate.com

We have loads more goodies as well, that I don't have time to post. Come on down and check us out!

More New Beer and Wine!

This has been a very busy week with loads of new items hitting our shelves.

New Beers

Deschutes Abyss -

Odds are if you don't get here by the end of the weekend you'll miss out on this once a year gem.

The Bruery Two Turtle Doves -

This isn't brand new, but it definitely deserves mention. A Belgian style dark ale brewed with cocoa nibs and toasted pecans. This is yet another exemplary beer by this upstart California brewery. Loads of dark fruit, chocolate covered cherries, brown sugar, pecans, and dark chocolate are evened out by the tiny bubble carbonation this beer erupts with. Get it while you can!

Stone Brewing Double Bastard

The big brother of their flagship Arrogant Bastard, this beer is awesome! Their description is far more fitting than mine so here it is "This is a lacerative muther of a beer. The evil big brother of Arrogant Bastard Ale. It is strongly suggested you stay far, far away from this beer. Those foolish enough to venture close enough to taste will experience a punishingly unforgiving assault on the palate. ’Course there’s always the masochists."

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
$13.99 12pk!

For me this beer signifies the beginning of winter. Great packaging and an even better beer. Nice toffee, caramelized malt, brown sugar, and a nice citrusy hoppy edge round out this exceptional beer.

New Wine

Chateau Diana 1221 red and 1221 white

"The grapes for the 1221 Cabernet Cuvée were picked from small vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. Fermented and aged separately, all seven lots were left to develop their own complex characteristics. The wines were aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for an average of 16 months. The final blend was created six months prior to bottling to ensure the full integration of textures and flavors. The resulting wine is fruit dominant on the nose, ripe and brambly. The taste profiles include bold, vibrant, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. The wine is rich in texture, layered and full bodied. The oak tones are subtle yet continue throughout.

Considerable time was spent on perfecting the 1221 final blend. In addition to uniting the grapes from these two counties, the wine is also a combination of the refined French style wines and the bright fruit forward wines of the new world. What would seem to be a contradiction works surprisingly well in the case of the 1221."

"The grapes for the 1221 Fleur de Lys were picked mid-late September, from some of the most sought-after vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. The Viognier portion of the blend came from two unique vineyards close to the banks of the Russian River. The fog wanders up the river from the ocean, keeping the grapes cool in the summer. This cooling effect delays the harvest giving the flavors and aromas time to fully mature. The result is some of the most intense aromatics a white wine can contain. The Chardonnay portion of the blend came from the Carneros region in Napa and the Napa Valley floor. This regional combination provides the sweet fruit and fantastic structure.

The taste profiles of the 1221 Fleur de Lys includes luscious ripe fruit flavors, a lively
acidity and a harmonic finish that is intricate and refined. Full-bodied and rich in texture,
Fleur de Lys will pair exceedingly well with a variety of dining selections. From a light
luncheon to a swanky upscale dinner party, surprise your special guests with this unusual,
refreshing offering that is 1221."

Finca el Tesso Tempranillo

Another tasting offering from the guys at Small Vineyards. This time it is from their new Iberian (Spain and Portugal) portfolio. This wine comes from the same region the Famed Serrano ham comes from, so you know it will be food friendly! Here is a little info about the winery.
"For five generations, Angel Paiva’s family has cultivated wine on their
picturesque family estate in western Spain. Located in Extremadura,
a remote region near Portugal that is famous for having more vines
(and sheep) than people. Paiva’s vineyards are quiet and beautiful,
and reside over 600 meters above sea level. This altitude provides cool nights, and an unusually long growing season – thus, the wines develop
a rich, alluring complexity.

Be sure to stop in for your thanksgiving wines. I will be posting a blog sometime next week with our picks.

Let's See If Anyone Is Reading This Thing

The first person to come in and tell me (Joe) they read this blog will receive 25% any bottle of your choosing (wine or beer). I am here 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday. Let the race begin!

Great New Italians From Small Vineyards!

Just a quick note to let you know that we have received our fall shipment of direct import wines from Italy. There is a plethora of goodness in this shipment, but here are a few highlights.

The perfect Thanksgiving wine!

Barbolini Lambrusco Lancillotto - $17

This is not your grandmas Lambrusco. Unfortunately, most associate Lambrusco with sickly sweet sparkling red wine, but that is not always the case. Yes, it is a wine with some bubbles. Yes, it is also red. What it is not is sweet. This is the perfect wine to please all with the Thanksgiving dinner! This wine explodes with a cranberry like acidic edge, and the flavors of ripe raspberries and tart cherries marry beautifully with the taught tannic earthiness to make a perfectly balanced wine. I can think of no better pairing than turkey, sage dressing, cranberry sauce, and this wine! It will be the only wine on my table this thanksgiving! What better region to get a food friendly wine from than Emilia-Romagna

A Wine For The Fall

Palama Arcangelo Salice Salentino - $12

This spectacular wine proves that not all wine from Puglia stinks! An 80/20 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, this wine is a treat for the cool weather of the fall. "...an expansive, rich, and robust palate, with an elegance that only comes from small production and expert craftmanship. With aromas of steeped plums, cracked pepper, blackberry confit, and cinnamon, it is a heady and delicious experience."

The Conversation Starter

Tre Donne d'arc Langhe Rosso - $15

Only 400 cases were made of this wine by the sisters extraordinaire of Piedmont. An intruiging blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, and an essentially obsolete highly aromatic grape, Freisa. The Barbera is aged in French Oak and the Pinot Noir in Slovonian oak, while the other two see no oak. This is a fascinating wine that is unexpectedly powerful with loads of dark fruit and tannin, but enough finesse and elegance to merit drinking with no accompanying meal. This wine is named after the sisters childhood hero Joan of Arc. Stop in and I'll tell you all about this awesome wineries story!

No Dessert Needed Here

Terre Gaie Fior d'Arancio Spumanti - $16

Everyone is familiar with the frizzante Moscato d'Asti's from Piedmont, but have you ever had a frizzante sparkler from the Veneto? I hadn't either before trying this gem, and what a treat! Made from a different clone of Moscato (Moscato Giallo) than is found in the Piedmont wines (Moscato Bianco), this one showcases a flavor profile completely unlike anything of its kind. There is a huge orange character present that the wine picks up from the neighboring orange groves as well as a nice dose of orange blossom honey, coriander, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus.

Make sure you act fast on these wines, as what you see is what you get. I ordered these wines in August, and we won't see them again for quite some time!

A Great Gift Wine!

With the holiday season fast approaching I felt I'd share a couple of screaming hot deals we have on wine right now, so you can scratch your wine lovers off the shopping list early this year.

The Big Red Wine Drinker

2006 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains

Take home the wine that took down the French. In 2006 there was a re-enactment tasting to re-establish French dominance. The Americans had beaten the French back in 1976 in a blind tasting, but the French maintained their wines would outage the California wines. In the re-enactment the California wines destroyed the French wines, with the first French wine coming in at 5th place. The winner of this tasting was the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello.

2007 Delas Chateauneuf du Pape
Regular Price $45
Sale Price $30

This wine won't be around for long, and is certain to please any wine drinker. I personally took a case of this wine home for myself, now if I part with them as gifts is another thing alltogether. It scored 91 points from Winespectator and 92-94 points from Robert Parker Jr. Here is Mr. Parker's review:

"The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of black fruits, spring flowers, licorice, incense, lavender, and grilled Provencal herbs. Dense, full-bodied, flamboyant, and chewy, with that terrific freshness and purity that characterize this great vintage in the south, it should drink well for 12-15+ years.

This great northern Rhone negociant, spearheaded by their brilliant oenologist and winemaker, Jacques Grange, has consistently made fabulous wines from the northern appellations, but only recently upgraded the quality of their southern Rhone selections. These are the finest southern Rhones they have made, and their Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit ranks alongside the offerings from Guigal and Chapoutier."

A wide range of K Vintners Syrahs

I hate to single out any specific wine, as they all received 90+ points in one publication or another, but here are a few of my favorites preceeded by RPJ's bio on K Vintners

"K Vintners is where the larger-than-life Charles Smith presides. He is an innovator, marketing genius, outspoken, you name it – but above all the man is a brilliant winemaker who knows where all the great fruit is hidden. In a region where blending is the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terroirist. Each wine reflects the vineyard from which it was produced but there is also a house style which lets you know immediately who made the wine. While it’s way too soon to put K Vintners on the same level as a Domaine Leroy or Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, the experience you get tasting in the cellar is much the same as in those legendary wineries, brilliantly made wines reflecting the terroir but also a winemaking signature that makes it totally clear which winery made the wine."

K Vintners The Creator Cab/Syrah blend
K Vintners Royal City 100pt syrah from Wine Enthusiast's Paul Gregut
K Vintners Phil Lane Syrah 94pts WS

For The White Wine Drinker

Explore the Campanian Whites from Feudi
Here are a few offerings and their Wine Spectator Scores:

FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO Greco di Tufo 2008 Score: 88 | $23
Aromas and flavors of fresh apples, green melons and lemons, with a tight mineral undertone. Medium-bodied, with a clean fruity palate and crisp finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported. —J.C.

FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO Fiano di Avellino 2008 Score: 90 | $23
Aromas of orange blossom and freshly baked clay, together with ripe citrus fruits. Full-bodied, with intense fruit, turning to almost saline minerals on the finish. Drink now. 2,100 cases imported. —J.C.

Both of these wines sell for $20

For the Chardonnay Man or Woman

2006 Darioush Signature Chardonnay

"A well-executed mix of tight, focused pear, melon, spice and apricot flavors framed by light toasty, cedary oak, ending with a long, persistent finish that gains subtle flavor nuances. Drink now through 2011. 1,880 cases made. –JL" 91pts WS

2007 Ridge Santa Cruz Estates Chardonnay

Highly Recommended from Wine Spectator
"Combines richness with an elegant, delicate mouthfeel, showing deep layers of ripe fig and green pear, honeydew melon and smoky oak. Balanced, focused, pure and lingering. Drink now through 2013. 4,000 cases made. –JL" 93pts

The Freakshow Invades Tacoma Boys

Four Vines Winery produces a series of small batch wines they call the Freakshow line, and these wines are not only cool to look, they are amazing!

The first wine in this series is called Anarchy. Here is the info from the website:

"2007 "Anarchy", Central Coast (Syrah, Mourvedre, Zinfandel)
I give you ANARCHY... I wanted to think outside the box and create an unconventional Rhone Blend. The blend is based on Syrah for that velvet mouthfeel and rich fruit, Old Vine Zin for spice and that brambly backbone, and Mourvedre provides some anise and makes the whole blend resonate. If you like the Rhone this wine will blow you away!"

The second wine is Heretic. Here is the info:

"2007 "Heretic" Petite Sirah, Paso Robles
As the creator of Heretic I beseech, implore, demand that you SCREAM at complacency (merlot). CRUSH conformity (cabernet). LIVE a life less ordinary… BE the Heretic…drink REAL wine(eclectic alternative varietals). Old vine Petite Sirah: Big, rich layers and layers of black fruit and spice. REAL LIFE…grab it!"

The third wine in this series we carry is the Peasant:

"2007 "Peasant", Paso Robles (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Counoise)
This traditional Rhone blend is 33% Syrah, 37% Mourvedre, 21% Grenache and 9% Counnoise. On the nose, smokey black fruit and spice, vanilla crème brulee. On the palate, rich black fruit spice and anise finishing long into sexy vanilla oak. Picture a night with Bridget Bardot wrapped in velvet."

The final wine is the Monarchy:

2007 Four Vines Monarchy
51% Petite Verdot 46% Malbec 3% Tempranillo

This wine was an unbelievable treat! I shared a bottle of this with a wine rep from another company, and we were both astonished and perplexed by this wine. It is a conversation starter to say the least with its unconventional blend of varietals. We spent a good hour attempting to dissect this amazing bottle, and came to the conclusion that it was not only exotic, eclectic, and complex, but balanced, focused, and precise.

These wines are not to be missed, and they only come around from time to time, so act now!

New Belgium Re-works An Old Favorite

New Belgium's classically coveted brew makes its return as the newest member of the Lips of Faith series. This is easily one of my favorite beers, and is very allocated. Here is the description from the website

"La Folie Wood-Aged Biere, is our original wood-conditioned beer, resting in French Oak barrels between one and three years before being hand bottled, numbered and corked for your enjoyment. Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, came to us from Rodenbach – home of the fabled sour red. Our La Folie emulates the spontaneous fermentation beers of Peter’s beloved Flanders with sour apple notes, a dry effervescence, and earthy undertones."

This beer is not too be taken lightly. It is intentionally soured, so enter with an open mind. As a result of the beer being added to the Lips of Faith series the beer is no longer in a corked and caged 750ml bottle. It is instead a 22oz bomber like the bottle in the picture.