Friday, February 3, 2012, 5 - 8 p.m.
Nicole Ricard from Republic National is going to be hosting our Friday evening tasting.  We will be conducting a taste off!  Chardonnay from France and California are going to be facing off, as well as two red blends, one from Washington state and the other from Bordeaux.  We'll finish with a Moscato -- from Australia.  Make sure you stop by to add your verbal vote!         
                     
2010 Domaine Henri Darnat "La Jumalie" Bourgogne Blanc   -  This is a delicious, light and crisp 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy.  The Darnat family has been active in vineyard activity since the 1800s.  Henri Darnat has been the head of the family vineyard since 1985.  He believes good winemaking starts with patience, which is evident in his wines -- attention to the exact ripeness of the grapes, and waiting for the wine to naturally mature.  Enjoy this refreshing white with light chicken dishes.  $22.99
 
2009 Morgan Santa Lucia Highlands "Highland" Chardonnay  - Morgan Winery produces solid Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs every year.  Their Highland is 100% Chardonnay from three different vineyards in Santa Lucia Highlands - 61% of the fruit is from the Double L vineyard, with the remainder sourced from Rosella's and McIntyre vineyards.  The Double L is certified organic.  The wine spends 9 1/2 months in French oak, both new and neutral.  The result is a creamy, toasty white with beautiful vanilla and crème brulée notes.  $22.99
 
2006 Château D'Argadens Bordeaux - This is a reasonably priced little Bordeaux blend of 63% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc.  It has some nice tart cherry notes, good tannins and a dry finish.  $13.99
 
2008 Kennedy Shah Rattlesnake Hills "La Vie en Rouge" - A fruit-forward blend from Washington State, this red contains everything but the kitchen sink.  Don't believe me?  Here's the blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 9% Syrah, and 2% Petit Verdot.  It shows lovely notes of plum, baking spices, blackberries, black currants, and baking cocoa.  This would be a great pairing for a meat entrée baked with fruits or with sweet barbecued ribs.  YUM!  $15.99
      
2011 Angove Nine Vines Moscato - Instead of bringing you a Moscato from Italy, this one is from Australia!  South Eastern Australia, to be exact.  The grapes are sourced from Angrove vineyards as well as other local farmers.  The 2011 vintage benefited from cool weather and sufficient rain, and the resulting wine shows sweet, clean and fresh with slight bubbles.  The nose has lovely white flower notes with lemon ice and sugared apricot on the palate.  Grab a glass, that's all you'll need for this one!  $11.99

Saturday, February 4, 2012, Noon - 5 p.m.
David Bortolin with Cobblestone Cellars is helping us get ready for Valentine's Day, with wines to delight your special someone, and to ingest with/instead of chocolates!  What does Tiki Sound Sauvignon Blanc have to do with hearts and chocolate?  Well...if the weather is nice, you could have a romantic luau in the backyard!  Light those tiki torches!  Make sure you stop by on Saturday to taste and stock up.     
 
2010 Tiki Sound New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - The owners of Tiki Sound have been living and farming in Marlborough, New Zealand, for more than 800 years.  They believe in sustainable wine-growing techniques, using sheep to keep down the weeds and spreading only natural fertilizers.  This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is loaded with notes of peaches, grapefruit, and citrus, and would be a great addition to any brunch.  $13.99
 
2011 Cederberg South Africa Bukettraub - This is an unbelievably delicious wine!  Made using 100% Bukettraub, it has a richly floral nose and notes of honey, litchi fruit, and sweet apricots on the palate.  It has a hint of sweetness, but is refreshing with balanced acidity.  Open a bottle the next time you have spicy Thai food, curries, mixed cheese platters, or light desserts containing stone fruits.  $17.99

2008 Chocolate Box Barossa Valley "Cherry Chocolate" GSM  - This is a wonderful fruit forward Aussie red blend, with a very cute label.  A blend of 42% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 18% Mataro grown in Barossa Valley, the wine spends 30 months in French oak.  It has notes of tart cherries, rhubarb and baking spices.  Enjoy a glass with lamb, a spicy pasta dish, or Chorizo and Black Bean Chili.  $18.99  
 
2009 Chocolate Box Barossa Valley "Truffle Chocolate" Cabernet Sauvignon - Cute labels continue!  This is a straight Cabernet Sauvignon, matured in French and American oak.  It has notes of black currants, vanilla, mint, and chocolate.  Try pairing this big red with a roast leg of lamb.  $18.99
 
2008 Chocolate Box McLaren Vale "Strawberry Chocolate" Sparkling Shiraz - Are you a fan of big reds, but looking for something a little more special and Valentine's Day festive?  Sparkling Shiraz is the answer!  This is not a sweet wine, but rather a fruit forward, big, bold 100% Shiraz with bubbles.  Notes of ripe raspberries, plums, currants and vanilla vie for attention, and the bubbles give this big red a little lift.  Enjoy a glass with fruit and cheese plates, figs or chocolates.  $22.99