Lots & Lots Of New Goodies!

It has been very busy the past couple of weeks, so I haven't had a chance to let you guys know about all the tasty treats we have received. Since I started with beer last time, I will give wine it's due this time around.

One Hope Wines -

These guys are a double edged sword, as they not only donate 50% of their proceeds to the respective charity associated to the wine, but they also happen to be great value wines.

As of right now I have the first three in stock, but plan on adding the rest as soon as I have space. All varietals retail for $12!

Chardonnay (Breast Cancer)
Zinfandel (Support for the troops)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Autism)
Merlot (HIV/AIDS)
Sauvignon Blanc (Green Practices)

Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon -

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is planted at 2,640 feet, atop the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley. This is one of the newest American Viticultural Areas, named Red Hills Lake County for the distinctive volcanic soils that define this remarkable mountain appellation. The vineyard’s red soils are shot through with obsidian rock – this steep, sloping terroir of obsidian gravel is all that a winemaker could hope for. The unrestricted drainage and meager soil fertility produce wines with great tannic structure. The summer growing season in the Red Hills tends to be quite warm, which is ideal for Bordeaux grape varieties that require extended hang time to mature properly. The micro climate at Obsidian Ridge is one where cool evening
mountain breezes carry away the daytime heat allowing some respite to the grapes as they cool in the overnight air. This cyclical pattern continues all summer long as the fruit matures evenly to the picking dates in the fall.

Looking back at 2006, we realize how idyllic the summer growing season truly was in the Red Hills, with optimal moisture and few heat spikes. The fruit set was healthy, and while the clusters were longer than previous years, the
grapes were small, evenly spaced and packed with flavor. Our many walks through the vineyard amidst the warm, consistent weather gave us the confidence to keep the fruit on the vine as flavors continued developing to new levels of intensity. We were stunned at the consistency of picture-perfect fruit as it hit our sorting tables at the winery.

This year's Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of four select blocks from the Obsidian Ridge vineyard. In previous vintages we picked primarily from the steep slopes that rise from 2300' to 2600'. In 2006 we decided to pick some complimentary fruit from the flatter blocks at the very bottom of the vineyard (2200’). Historically ripening later than the fruit from the slopes, the fruit off the flats was found to contribute aromatic nuance along with elegant structure on the palate in the final blend. A small percent of Cabernet Franc was also included from a small block
at the top of the vineyard to add further aromatic intensity to the final blend. Winemaking was simple: pick fruit at optimal ripeness, careful destemming, warm fermentations and gentle pressing at dryness. The young wines were placed in our signature Kádár Hungary oak barrels, where they aged for 18 months. The resulting wine is an elegant, aromatic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet is filled with spices of bay, clove and anise amidst a core of red cherries, dried cranberries and ripe red plums. With each sip we're reminded of the terroir at Obsidian Ridge with the subtle hints of chaparral throughout. This is a rich and densely structured wine. It maintains appropriate acidity that carries forth the flavors of dark cherries finishing with espresso beans coated in dark chocolate. This is undeniably mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with ample tannin to secure its longevity for ten or even fifteen years.

Alex Beloz, Winemaker
Michael Blaise Terrien, Founding Winemaker

Decoy Cabernet and Merlot

These are the "value" wines from the famed Duckhorn Cellars, and they certainly don't disappoint. Both retail for $25 and are certainly worth more.

And now on to the beer...........

These are all the new and returning beers we have seen since the last update:

Lost Abbey Angels Share 2009 375ml
Russian River Supplication 375ml
Russian River Pliny the Elder (it's finally back!)
Full Sail Top Sail (Bourbon Imperial Porter)
Southern Tier Unearthly DIPA
Southern Tier Mokah
Southern Tier Jah-Va
Southern Tier Choklat
Avery Dugana
Boulevard Double Wide IPA
Boulder Mojo Risin DIPA
Widmer W'10
Lindemans Cuvee Rene
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
Diamond Knot IPA
Diamond Knot Industrial IPA
Diamond Knot Ho Ho


I am sure there are more, but they are escaping me at this point.