Refresh yourself at the tasting bar
with an ice cold flute of Spanish sparkling Cava from
Penedes. The Narvana Brut Reserva Blanc de
Blancs delivers lively beads of fine little bubbles with a soft
elegant mouthfeel for only $10.95
(ON SALE from $13.95). Perfect for volumnious consumption or, for ultimate
refreshment value, simply pour over one's head and face with eyes closed, but
mouth wide open!
Next up is the unoaked, citrusy
tinged, dry, crisp, and clean, tantalizing white blend of Verdejo and
Viura fruit from Rueda. Perfect with grilled
prawns, or "chilled down" steamed mussels and clams, or fresh shucked oysters on
the half shell. The 2005 Hermanos Villar "Ipsum"
is a great alternative to more expensive Sauvignon Blanc for just $9.50 (ON SALE from
$10.95).
NEW DISCOVERY CHARDONNAY! - 2004 Heron Chardonnay is a blend of grapes from three of
California's best cool-growing regions; the Russian River Valley, Carneros,
and Santa Maria. This wine spent only six months in a combination of new
and used French oak barrels and maintains its refreshing fruitiness by
not undergoing malolactic fermentation. This value
chardonnay's pure varietal fruit character of lemon, apple and pear is
enhanced with a tinge of orange marmalade and vanillin. Instead
of fatiguing softness, this wine's vibrant crispness makes it
ideal for hot weather drinking with or without food. Now only $9.75 a bottle (ON SALE from $11.95).
and then, a few reds to keep your palate
and wallet HAPPY!
2005 Senorio de
Barahonda Monastrell Tinto (Mourvedre) is a BARGAIN
RED from the little town of Yecla (near Murcia) in south east
Spain. Produced from family owned vines up to 120 years old,
this wine is pumped up with beautiful berry pie fruits and ready for
consumption over the next couple of years....especially appropriate for
entertaining and summer grill cuisine. Robert Parker rated the 2004
Barahonda 90 points and exclaimed "this estate is one of the top
discoveries of all my tastings!". NOW only $9.95 a bottle (ON SALE from
$12.50).
2004 Vinos
Pinol Portal Crianza is a stunning blend of
roughly equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo, and
Syrah that will convert any Spanish wine skeptics (for the few of you who still
exist!). Vinos Pinol is located high in the mountains of
Tarragona, in the Terra Alta region (about 45 miles south
of Barcelona) adjacent to the hot and arid region of Priorat. Whereas
your best Priorats will require $$$, I always look for value from its lesser
known neighbors. These small production wines from organically
grown old vines (up to 95 years), are a must purchase for the value
smart consumer. Portal is a balanced and elegant (not a term
I overuse) wine, and has balsamic, smoky, and spicy notes
adding complexity to its ripe plum and berry fruits flavors. The previous
vintage was awarded 91 points by Robert Parker. NOW only $15.50 a bottle (ON SALE from
$18.95).
and finally, .......what a FIND!
Yes, this one costs more, but it's worth every penny!!
2001 Bodegas
Quinta Quietud is from the Toro region just northwest of Rueda near
Zamora - All of the best wines from this heralded vintage are
nearly impossible to find now, but this is an exception! Scrubby
little old vines of Tinta de Toro, the local clone of Tempranillo, are only
capable of miniscule yields of 15 to 20 hectoliters per
hectare (1 ton per acre is equivalent to 13.5
hectoliters per hectare.) helping to intensify and
concentrate this amazing wine. A definite
terroir component of dried underbrush and
earthiness are a backdrop for aging blackberry and dried currant fruit.
Hints of dark baker's chocolate, wood spice, and campfire add
complexity. The wine dazzles now, and will continue to improve for another
five to seven years. LIMITED! Now only $32.50 a bottle (ON SALE from
$37.95)
Eric Stumpf
The Wine Consultant
