Sparkling Wines For Your Holidays

Things always get exciting around here during December! There is no shortage of things to do as we continue our 32nd anniversary sale. Many of you have profited from this year’s sale, and it is always great to see y’all here in the shop. Something exciting that’s new for us this December, is that you can now be a fan of ours on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. But the most exciting things about December are our sparkling wines!!! Sure, we carry sparkling wine year round, but in December, we pull out the stops and bulk up. This year is no exception. We’ve got some dee-licious fizz just ready to pop for any kind of celebrating you want to do. Here are a few that stick out:

NV Domaine d’Orfeuilles Vouvray Brut Sparkling; Chenin Blanc; Loire; $16.98

Looking for a killer sparkler for under $20? Stop right here. This Loire valley fizz does the trick and then some. Toward the end of a hectic day last week, we popped one in the fridge for our hard working staff to enjoy after we closed. My oh my, did it show well. Notes of appley fruit intermingled with a slight nuttyness, and that was wrapped around a distinct minerality. You rarely get that kind of complexity in a sparkling wine for a price like this.

NV Domaine d’Orfeuilles Vouvray Brut (in magnum) Sparkling; Chenin Blanc; Loire; $38.98

In mags too!

NV Arlaux Brut Sparkling; Champagne Blend; Champagne; $38.98

We import this one ourselves! I’ve talked about these wines before.

NV Arlaux Brut (in magnum) Sparkling; Champagne Blend; Champagne; $78.98

For some reason, Champagne tastes better out of magnum. Try it out yourself!

NV Lamiable Brut Grand Cru Sparkling; Champagne Blend; Champagne; $49.98

The darling of our staff and those of you who love well balanced, brioche-like Champagne.

NV Lamiable Grand Cru Brut Rose Sparkling; Champagne Blend; Champagne; $55.98

This one is not to be missed! David tasted this back in January and somehow got 20 cases imported into the country. They are all that exist here in the US, and we have them. We, the staff, all get a Thanksgiving treat every year. We are allowed to pick one bottle of sparkling wine, our choice. This year, every employee picked this wine. Yeah, it’s that good!

2000 Pascal Doquet Brut 1er Cru Mont Aime White Wine; Chardonnay; Champagne; $59.98

At last year’s Wine House holiday party, we got the festivities going with this wine. Any questions?

NV Pascal Doquet Brut Rose 1er Cru Sparkling; Champagne Blend; Champagne; $62.98

“The NV Premier Cru Rose Cote des Blancs is an intense wine packed with generous candied Pinot fruit. This richly textured, full-bodied Champagne possesses outstanding length and a gorgeous sense of harmony. Doquet’s rose is a wine that needs to be served alongside food, and my guess is that it has enough density and sheer stuffing to stand up to all but the most robust dishes. This is a terrific effort, and just one of a handful of truly distinctive roses. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Pascal Doquet is a small, artisan producer based in Vertus. This is a beautiful set of wines loaded with personality.” – 91 points, The Wine Advocate

No matter how you celebrate, it is always better with bubbles! Feel free to email me for any further information, questions, or recommendations: peter.winehouse@sbcglobal.net- Peter Zavialoff

A TASTE OF BURGUNDY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

A TASTE OF BURGUNDY SAMPLER $89.98

A great way to learn about Burgundy and its wines, and (even better) the perfect way to get a discount on two high quality bottles. Sign up now! Click here to receive the Taste of Burgundy Sampler automatically every other month.

Basic Facts for those of you who are new to the program: Every two months we select two Burgundies, one red and one white. We include write-ups detailing the background of the grower, the vineyard source, and the wine. Finally we knock a significant percentage off the prices of the wines, making the Sampler price $89.98. If you would like us to add you to the Sampler Club and receive the wines regularly, please specify “store pickup” or “ship it” in the comments field, and we will charge your card accordingly. If you would like us to ship faster than the standard ground service, please specify this as well. 2004 Pouilly Fuisse “Vieilles Vignes” – Domaine Cordier Christophe Cordier is one of the hottest winemakers in Burgundy. His bold winemaking style has produced Chardonnay that has been known to rival more famous white wines from the Côte du Beaune. His domaine is located right in the heart of Fuissé and he only uses fruit from the finest terroirs or sites. Christophe feels that his 2004’s reflect an excellent vintage. It was a big vintage with generous yields, though in some sites, yields were decreased by 50% through green harvesting. His vines were affected by millerandage, which is a condition that occurs due to cooler temperatures when the fruit is flowering, producing bunches containing uneven sized fruit. Christophe says that this gave the wine more concentration than you would initially think given the yields. This wine shows vanilla-like spice and has a round mouthfeel. This wine is drinking great now! 2006 Nuits St. Georges Premier Cru Aux Thorey – Domaine Chauvenet-Chopin This domaine was established when Hubert Chauvenet married Daniel Chopin’s (of highly esteemed Chopin-Groffier) daughter, and the families merged their holdings. In 1996, Chopin handed the reins over to his son-in-law, and Hubert has been tending the vines ever since. It is the village of Nuits-St.-Georges that gives its name to the Côte de Nuits. The village literally sits in a gap in the Côte, with vineyards spreading south toward the Côte de Beaune, and in the north towards Vosne Romanee. It is on this north slope where one finds the “Aux Thorey” premier cru vineyard. The wines have a reputation for being intense yet elegant. Notes of cherries, blackcurrants, and truffles are usually detectable in these fragrant wines. Chauvenet destems almost all of his fruit, and his use of new oak is limited, producing elegant, old school, Pinot Noir. It is drinkable now, but will gain in character with medium term cellaring. – Peter Zavialoff

A TASTE OF BURGUNDY SAMPLER

$89.98

Anya’s Holiday Solution

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2007 Healdsburg Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Napa; $10.98

2005 Old River Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Ponderosa Vineyard Sierra Foothills Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Other California; $14.98

The day before Thanksgiving was a blast at The Wine House! I was fascinated by the variety of approaches people took to selecting their Thanksgiving Day wines. Some folks just needed to bring something, anything good would do, while others had to pair wine with a particular course. I helped a customer select a wine to match a firm-fleshed fish with a heavy rich sauce. Easy enough, right? Not so fast, the wine also had to have a story! Luckily for the customer, we have plenty of stories to tell at The Wine House! Speaking of stories, the most amazing one of the day came from a customer who divulged that he had changed his flight itinerary that morning so that he would fly out of JFK at 7am, thereby not missing his chance to come by the Wine House! Thank you all for including us in your Thanksgiving celebration! So, the Holidays are upon us. It’s time to gear up and stock your cellar with wine that can be grabbed without hesitation to bring over to friends, opened up for unexpected pop-ins, or tied with a ribbon as a last minute gift. My thinking is that the wine has to be delicious, it goes without saying I know, and it has to be budget friendly. I have two picks that fit the bill: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon by Old River Road Cellars and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon by Healdsburg Ranches. Both sell for well under $20, so keeping a case or two on hand is not only convenient, but downright smart.

2007 Healdsburg Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Napa; $10.98

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Healdsburg Ranches is fruit-driven and cheerful. It is produced by a winery that has connections to some pretty high-profiled vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel, this is not an oak monster, but a red brimming with plum/red currant fruit notes. It is juicy and plush, and overall reminds me of a Dry Creek Cabernet because of the plum and subtle dried herb touches. We first brought the wine in for our Dirty Dozen sampler. People immediately took to this wine. At $10.98 why not take a chance? I began to notice that bottle sales quickly led to repeat case purchases and now Healdsburg Ranches has earned a permanent spot on the stacks.

2005 Old River Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Ponderosa Vineyard Sierra Foothills Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Other California; $14.98

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from Old River Road Cellars comes from the Ponderosa Vineyard. Ponderosa Vineyard is located at a 1900 foot elevation in the Sierra Foothills. The vineyard was planted in 1995 following a devastating fire. The owners of the vineyard planted grapes on their scorched land, employing organic growing practices. Blended with a smattering of Cabernet Franc, this is a smooth Cabernet devoid of harsh tannins or assertive alcohol. While the fruit is pronounced, I would characterize this Cabernet as being extremely well-balanced and medium-bodied. I don’t know about you, but unless I know I’m going to be eating red meat, I prefer a more nuanced red. The last time I opened a bottle, my mother, who is a master of one-pot dishes, made a robust Mediterranean beef stew with artichokes and peas. I thought this was a magnificent pairing. The wine’s balance allowed for a perfect melding of food and drink, you know the kind where a bite and a sip together is even better than the parts. My big brother, who grows grapes and makes wine with a neighborhood co-op, noted a red cherry note that he doesn’t associate with Cabernet Sauvignon. I totally get that and think it might be the Cabernet Franc or simply a site-specific attribute. It’s really very pretty. Anya Balistreri

Half Bottles, Giving Thanks, and Betterment

Exciting news!!! The Wine House is now on Facebook. And if that’s not enough, you can also follow us on Twitter!!!

In an earlier Sunday email, I wrote something about shivering in November. I was right. My fingers feel like they’ve been forming snowballs. Thanksgiving is next week, and I am certain we all have things to do and people to share them with. Earlier today, I exchanged emails with our DJ pal Arden at KPIG radio, and she agreed with me that although it’s nice to get together with loved ones and celebrate Thanksgiving, conceptually, every day should be for giving thanks. I’m certainly thankful to have a friend like Arden who is a wealth of knowledge of all things musical and so much more, who plays a request for us almost every Saturday and gives us a shout over the airwaves. So there. Giving thanks. Every day.Something else I’ve been doing every day since sometime in late spring, is use the word “betterment”. It has made a world of difference in the way I feel each day. Better than any New Year’s resolution, my betterment campaign goes something like this: Whenever any decision needs to be made, I ask myself the question, “Is this for the betterment?” Somehow, this seems to be working. Some nights, I find myself alone in the treehouse cooking up something for dinner. But what to do regarding the wine? Opening a full bottle is not an acceptable practice if one is flying solo. As a charter member of the Betterment Society, I give thanks to the inventors of the half-bottle! Half bottles are an absolute boon to those who love wine. Even in groups, we can taste so much more and not have do deal with the excess. The betterment is not confined to what I am drinking either. Exercise and nutrition are part of the program as well, and for the latter, I routinely check out Summer Tomato. It is a blog run by a San Francisco Foodie, health enthusiast, wine loving scientist. Checking in there has been an inspiration that I am truly thankful for. Let’s just say that I never thought I would walk out of a farmers’ market with a bag of kale, let alone know how to prepare it. Don’t miss the recipes! Giving thanks.

Anyhoo. Back to the half bottle thing. We have a multitude of 375 ml bottles to choose from ranging from Sancerre, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Sauternes. I’m all over the map when it comes to these little beauties and enjoy them all. I’ll list a few of my favorites below.I can’t conclude without thanking you, our customers, for your continued patronage. We wouldn’t be here without you. It is always a pleasure helping you find those wines that put smiles on your faces. Many of you have been very complimentary regarding our write-ups, and I am always touched to hear your kind words. Giving thanks. – Peter Zavialoff Feel free to email me with any questions or comments about Thanksgiving, The Betterment Society, Half Bottles, The Upcoming Chelsea v Arsenal Match, or anything else: peter.winehouse@sbcglobal.net

2007 Domaine des Buissonnes Sancerre (half bottle) White Wine; Sauvignon Blanc; Loire; $10.99

Classic Sancerre. Great mineral lift.

2006 Domaine Herve Seguin Pouilly Fume (half bottle) White Wine; Sauvignon Blanc; Loire; $16.89

A little softer interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc than the Sancerre, with all the granite like mineral.

2006 Domaine Denis et Isabelle Pommier Chablis (half bottle) White Wine; Chardonnay; Burgundy; SALE $9.95 Reg. $16.99

Crisp, stony Chablis anyone?

2006 Chateau de la Maltroye Chassagne Montrachet Clos St. Jean Rouge (half bottle) Red Wine; Pinot Noir; Burgundy; $27.99

When in the red Burgundy mood, the Clos St. Jean is monument to complexity.

2005 Chateau Cambon la Pelouse Haut Medoc (half bottle) Red Wine; Bordeaux Blend; Bordeaux; SALE $9.95 Reg. $13.98

On sale! Left bank Bordeaux.

2005 Chateau Tour Maillet Pomerol (half bottle) Red Wine; Bordeaux Blend; Bordeaux; SALE $14.95 Reg. $18.98

When in a Pomerol mood, this one’s tough to beat.

2005 Chateau l’Archange Saint Emilion (half bottle) Red Wine; Merlot; Bordeaux; SALE $17.95 Reg. $22.98

Have loved this Chateau for several vintages.

2005 Chateau Coutet Barsac (half bottle) Sweet Wine; Semillon; Bordeaux; SALE $21.95 Reg. $29.98

By far my favorite Sauternes!!!

CARLISLE: 2007 PAPERA RANCH ZINFANDEL

2007 Carlisle Winery Zinfandel Papera Ranch Russian River Valley Red Wine; Zinfandel; Sonoma; $39.98

2007 PAPERA RANCH ZINFANDEL Carlisle’s 2007 Papera Ranch Zinfandel makes me giddy with joy over its history, its provenance, and mostly, its TASTE. If Zinfandel vineyards were to have designations similar to the French, you could easily make a case for calling Papera Ranch Grand Cru, baby! The historic Papera Ranch, located within the Russian River Valley appellation on the eastern side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, was planted by Charley Papera in 1934. It is from Charley’s original field blend planting in an area designated as “Block 6″ that winemaker Mike Officer gets the fruit for this mind-blowing Zinfandel. 95% Zinfandel with the rest a mix of black varietals like Alicante Bouschet and Petite Sirah, the 2007 Papera Ranch Zinfandel demonstrates the complex flavors that old-vine, dry-farmed vineyards can produce. Without good fruit, you can’t make good wine. I don’t think anyone would dispute this claim. However, only the best fruit in the right hands can make magic in a bottle. Mike Officer makes magic. As he’s done before, if I asked Mike he would painstakingly walk me through all the steps taken from grape to bottle. I would likely, as before, listen intently, hanging on every word as if there were a secret about to be revealed. But really there is no secret per se. Like when taking down a recipe from my mother, I have come to know that the trick is not in the particulars but in the hard work and love that goes into making the finished product. I know, I know, I romanticize too much, but it’s what I know to be true! Papera Ranch has changed ownership over the years. At the end of the 2006 vintage, the vineyard was sold to a private real estate firm that was going to rip out the vineyard and replant it to Pinot Noir. Oh no, the dreaded Sideways-ing of Pinot Noir was about to strike again! Luckily for Zinfandel lovers the world over, a hero arrived on the scene to save the vineyard from the bulldozers. Yes, it was that dramatic. The new owners have taken to tending the vineyard with all the reverence it deserves. Mike played a part in making this all happen, so you know his relationship with the grapes run deep.

The 2007 Papera Ranch Zinfandel is purple-black in color with oodles of black raspberry and briary berry aromas that delight the senses. The Chambord-like raspberry fruit is rich and tangy and plays nicely with the notes of spice and pepper. This is unadulterated zinfandel folks. Neither shy nor demure, it is bold and big-scaled. What distinguishes Carlisle’s Papera Ranch Zinfandel from other Zins that go over the top, is that there is real style here given its size and scale. Managing balance like that is not accidental. That’s where the deft winemaking comes in that I referenced above. The 2007 Papera Ranch is a young pup for sure. I don’t usually think of ageing Zinfandel, but my experience with Carlisle Zins has proven that if you can keep your hands off the bottles for a minimum of 6 months to a year, you will be greatly rewarded. I have not experimented with further aging, mostly because if I’m lucky enough to have any Carlisle Zinfandels in my stash, I can’t help but drink them. If you have the stamina, I would suggest tucking a few bottles away for 5-7 years. You can thank me later. And now I am going to write something that for those who follow Carlisle Wines know all too well, yet needs to be said. Carlisle Wines are in great demand and sell out quickly, so if you have even the slightest desire to purchase a bottle, now is your chance. This one will not be around for long.

Desperately needing a change of scenery, I ran away to the Russian River with my daughter for a day. An impromptu dinner with my parents turned into a raucous family reunion of sorts with two brothers, their wives and one of my lovely nieces joining us (my brothers can always smell when Mama’s cookin’!). The drive up was the highlight as I purposely took back roads to check out the vineyards. This has to be the best time of year to take in the beauty of the vineyard. Amazing colors of yellow, orange and red dazzled my eyes. And because of the rain that we had at the beginning of November, the ground cover was a brilliant green. Rather than dry and crumbly, everything look alive and supple. Feeling rejuventated, I am now ready for the craziness that the next two months will bring.-Anya Balistreri

2007 Carlisle Winery Zinfandel Papera Ranch Russian River Valley Red Wine; Zinfandel; Sonoma;

$39.98

2005 Carmignano: The Mother Of All No-Brainers

2005 La Farnete Carmignano Red Wine; Sangiovese; Tuscany; SALE $13.95 Reg. $21.99

Whew! We are in Anniversary Sale mode around here these days, and that means there is currently an abundance of great wine at great prices that will leave one shaking their head as to what to buy given all the choices. Take a stroll through the Rhone or Burgundy sections here, and you will see some incredible deals! We just sent out an email about our Bordeaux on sale with my top 10 picks amongst those. Being on a strict budget keeps me from jumping too high for those bigger ticket items, but hey, a sale like this has stuff for everybody. What would you say if I told you that we have a Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese which has just opened its drinking window, showing ever so nicely, reduced in price from $22 to $13.95??? We do!!!

As most of you know, the majority of wines we import and carry in our shop are from France. Funny coincidence, I love French wine! It’s so easy for me to grab a bottle of French wine on my way out the door whether I’m going to a friend’s house, or chez moi to cook up a little din din. But contrary to what my best friend believes, I am not confined to a particular region, grape, or nation of origin. Long before I began to discover the wines of France (save Bordeaux, of course), I was a regular consumer of Italian wine. I gravitate to the wines of Italy for much the same reason as I do French; character. I look for wines that have something more to offer beyond fruit extract and alcohol. One will find far more complexity in a wine made in a subtle, elegant style. They pair better with food, and are fun to talk about. I hate saying things like this, let alone writing them, but here goes: When asked once by a friend where she should go for a first time trip to Europe, I asked her if she liked food and wine. She said yes. I said go to Italy. I know, I know. But I mean it … still. France is no slouch, mind you; but here, try this. Go to a cafe in France, ask for a glass of wine and see what happens. You’ll get your wine, but probably nothing else. Do the same thing in Italy, and you’ll get your wine alright, but something to eat too. And in many cases the food will be the bomb!

We have been importing the wines (and olive oil) from Tuscan producer Enrico Pierazzuoli for well over a decade. There’s a reason for that. We know a good thing when we see one. Or in this case, taste one. The Carmignano is a blend of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 80% Sangiovese. When released, this 2005 blockbuster was big and tight, but you just knew that a little time would make a big difference. Well, that time has come. The wine is delightfully sanguine in appearance, and that nuance does not end there. Strong notes of iron high-five the brooding Cabernet Sauvignon fruit on the nose, the palate is firm, but medium bodied, and the finish is harmonious with notes of spice hailing a ride from the iron Cab. It’s meatiness makes it the perfect wine to pop with that herbal roast of … of … of whatever you want to roast, really. This wine retails for $22. Now at $13.95, this is the best sub $15 bottle in our sale!

This wine is certainly not to be missed, but it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our Anniversary Sale! There are deals all over our shop; so pop in, check us out online, or give a call for recommendations. We’re here to help!

Tomorrow morning brings the first league match-up between the Chelsea and Manchester United football clubs. Kick-off is at 8:00 AM PDT. I’ll see y’all down at the Mad Dog In The Fog! -Peter Zavialoff

November 2009 Dirty Dozen

New! See our Dirty Dozen archive here on our blog

November 2009 Dirty Dozen – Mixed Case Sampler $109.00

Okay, it may not look like November out there, but take our word for it, all things November are coming. Weather, longer nights, and the biggest Thursday of the year. Yes, we’re talking about Thanksgiving! Always a tough Melange of dishes to pair with wine, the flavors are diverse and plentiful. This month, our theme is to pick the most versatile wines to suit this meal oriented holiday. Gobble gobble!     Reorder Special !!! 20% off 6 bottles or more of any one regularly priced Dirty Dozen wine! Or 10%/Net Wines – 5%/ Sale Wines Click here to purchase the Dirty Dozen for $109. 2008 Marsanne/Roussanne Tradition, Mas Carlot – $11.99, $9.59 reorder Two of the workhorse white grapes from the southern Rhone Valley, Marsanne and Roussanne make for a delicious partnership. Perfect for those seeking crispness with a side of mineral, blossoms, and tropical fruit. The first of many which will suit any celebration well, but especially many of the dishes one would see on the table on turkey day. 2008 Rose, Domaine de la Petite Cassagne – $10.29, $8.23 reorder Nope. I’m not going to say her name. Not this time. Let’s just say that the quality of wines from this producer by far exceed their price tag. Take this Rose for instance. Light fruit with an herbal nose, it has the perfect weight to break out for your salivating guests while that bird rests. This wine suits a great deal of traditional Thanksgiving fare. NV Sparkling Vouvray, Domaine d’Orfeuilles – $16.98 net price, $15.28 reorder Though we firmly believe that one should always have some fizz handy because you just never know; now begins the season where it is somewhat mandatory to have some ready to go. Made from Chenin Blanc, this Loire Valley bubbly is dry and shows crunchy mineral. It is the perfect wine to propose the toast that begins, “We are thankful for …” 2004 Benjamin Blanc, Vieux Chateau Gaubert – $8.95 sale price, $8.51 reorder Crazy, crazy, crazy bargain here. White Bordeaux with a little bottle age here for a song. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, we propose it as yet another bottle to shine along side your turkey with the fixin’s. 2008 Touraine Blanc, Domaine des Corbillieres – $14.39, $11.51 reorder Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc has a large following of folks that love the grape’s rich, crisp profile and the region’s expression of terroir. A bright mineral character braces the vibrant fruit and makes for the perfect aperitif. 2007 Greco di Tufo, Torricino of Stefano di Marzo – $13.95 sale price, $13.26 reorder The secret’s out. Greco di Tufo is an Italian white that is known for its zesty, crisp acidity. This is a textbook example of the variety at a sale price that can’t be beat! A bowl of steamin’ mussels will do this right! 2006 Corbieres, Domaine Sainte Eugenie – $11.49, $9.19 reorder The Thanksgiving table is one of the hardest tables to pair with wine. Different strokes for different folks, right? Well here is another bottle chosen for its versatility. Light to medium bodied, made mostly from old vine Carignan, it is the perfect turkey-friendly red wine. The lighter profile makes it ideal with pizza and pasta too. 2006 Merlot, Domaine Gournier – $9.99, $7.99 reorder No fancy label, no cute animal, no ancient family crest, just Merlot; that is all that is on the label; that is all there is in the bottle. Pure tank-fermented Merlot. It’s a juicy primer for the discerning party guest that only drinks reds. It will also come in handy should any red meat show up at your celebration. 2007 Grenache, Domaine Andre Brunel – $9.99, $7.99 reorder By now you’ve probably heard great things about the southern Rhone and 2007. The wines are winning the praise of critics and connoisseurs alike. The stellar conditions were not confined to the famous appellations, as the nearby locales made wines of profound character as well. This Grenache by Andre Brunel is one great example! 2004 Syrah Hippolyte, Chateau Grande Cassagne – $15.99, $12.79 reorder Smoky Syrah. There is something special about this grape, especially when from the south of France. Toss in some new barrel and a little bottle age, and you’ve got a beaut here. This one will turn heads when paired with steak frites. 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Healdsburg Ranches – $10.98 net price, $9.88 reorder No you’re not seeing things. Sonoma County Cabernet at old school pricing! This wine is alive with deep, lush fruit, supple tannins, and a bright, zesty finish. Good on its own or good with a hearty meal, this baby is ready to go now! 2005 Cotes du Rhone les Promesses, Domaine Font du Vent – $13.99, $11.19 reorder And rounding things out this month, what better than a juicy Cotes du Rhone from the esteemed 2005 vintage? A medium bodied red with excellent weight and nuance, the 2005 les Promesses speaks of a place and pleases the palate for the right price. This will also stand proudly on any holiday table, as it pairs well with a multitude of fine cuisine! Check Out Our Complete Inventory at WineSF.com Reorder Special !!! 20% off 6 bottles or more of any regularly priced Dirty Dozen wine! Or 10%/Net Wines 5%/ Sale Wines Click here to purchase all 12 wines for $109!

November 2009 Dirty Dozen – Mixed Case Sampler $109.00

2007 ARBE GARBE

2007 Arbe Garbe Bianco Russian River Valley White Wine; other white varietal; Sonoma; $17.98

So how do we discover the small artisanal wineries that grace our shelves? Research. And sometimes, they find their own way into our store as if bestowed with a gift from the Wine Gods. That’s how Arbe Garbe entered our lives. I got a call from a woman with a heavy accent asking to present her husband’s wine. She explained that they were originally from Italy, that her husband is a winemaker in Napa, and that Arbe Garbe is a small family-run side-project. Hmmm, could be risky but why not I thought, so I scheduled an appointment with her. A few days later Letizia (that’s her name) arrived, looking chic in an understated way only Italians can pull off, and poured me a glass of the 2007 Arbe Garbe. It was unlike anything I have ever tasted from California. A blend of Malvasia Bianco, Pinot Bianco and Viognier, this aromatic white showed richness and finesse minus the over-wrought unctuousness often associated with these varietals. Mamma mia, I never expected anything quite this delicious! Lots of perfume and vibrant floral aromas that are heady but never carry over to the palate. The mid-palate is round and the finish has lift and vibrancy. So let me tell you a little more about Arbe Garbe:

Letizia’s husband, Enrico Bertoz is currently a winemaker for Flora Springs in Napa Valley after having worked for other wineries, most notably with Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non. Letizia and Enrico come from Fruili in Italy where Malvasia has its greatest success. With a nod to their homeland, Enrico has constructed a wine that pays homage to their Italian roots while capturing the brilliance of California fruit. Finding climactic similarities between Fruili and coastal Sonoma County, Enrico sourced the grapes from Saralee’s Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. He has carte blanche to work his grapes as he pleases. Enrico leaves the wine on the lees in neutral oak barrels, stirring the lees every two week. This directly contributes to the lush mid-palate feel that I keep harping on and on about. The finish is equally thrilling. The flavors persist long after the wine has been swallowed. So refreshing and, unlike most whites that have even a smidgeon of Viognier, you want that next taste. Less than 150 cases were produced, so when I say artisan, I mean it. I had the pleasure of meeting Enrico with Letizia the day they delivered their first drop of wine with us. Could this couple be any more charming? The last time they delivered wine, Letizia brought along her young son and given the loud banter of Italian I’m guessing her parents. You have no idea how well I can relate to that!

My neighborhood goes crazy on Halloween! Homes are decorated like something out of a Hollywood movie set. Children are driven in from far away places, enjoying the flat, paved sidewalks. I’ve never been one to go all out on Halloween but since moving to suburbia and having my daughter, I’ve been motivated by peer pressure to decorate and host an annual Halloween party. I can’t help delighting in the fact that this is the one time of year when my dilapidated porch, crumbling roof, and peeling house paint actually looks good, actually adding to the ambiance! Now that is something to celebrate! -Anya Balistreri

2007 Arbe Garbe Bianco Russian River Valley White Wine; other white varietal; Sonoma; $17.98

Pssssst! Oh yes, one more thing. You may be wondering about something that happens ’round this time of year. Something about an Anniversary sale, perhaps? The good news is that it’s coming. Soon. Actually, in some ways, it has begun. You see, in order to get pricing set up in our computers, website, etc., we have to enter them all before announcing the sale. This stealth pricing is already taking place in such regions as Rhone, Burgundy, Alsace, Bordeaux, and Sauternes to name a few. Yes, we said Burgundy. Both red and white. Take a peek at our online inventory or call us for recommendations. You’re sure to find some incredible deals.

September 2009 Dirty Dozen

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New! See our Dirty Dozen archive here on our blog September 2009 Dirty Dozen – Mixed Case Sampler $109.00 It’s September! That means back to school, Labor Day weekend, and the last three weeks of summer. September also marks the time for resuming those tasks we wouldn’t dare approach until ‘after summer’. Well, while you’re busily running around, we’ve picked out 12 bottles of wine, chosen for their versatility, and packed them into a case for an amazingly low price! Vive la Dirty Dozen, mmm-kay!     Reorder Special !!! 20% off 6 bottles or more of any one regularly priced Dirty Dozen wine! Or 10%/Net Wines – 5%/ Sale Wines Click here to purchase the Dirty Dozen for $109. 2008 Rose, Mas des Bressades – $11.79, $9.43 reorder Want to take a trip to the south of France without the hassle of an 11 hour flight? Grab a patch of sunlight, close your eyes and take a sip of this! Composed of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault, winemaker Cyril Mares limits yields to make this truly special Rose. Fresh and aromatically expressive, this wine just oozes class. Drink it as an aperitif, or pair it with a salmon filet. 2007 Viognier, Domaine des Cantarelles – $13.99, $11.19 reorder Are all Viogniers made the same? Certainly not. From the mineral driven vineyards of Condrieu to simple table wines, there are a plethora of differing takes on this illustrious grape. This one here sees 60% new barrel to add spiciness to the bold aromas. 2006 Riesling Herrenweg, Domaine Ehrhart – $19.59, $15.67 reorder Tasting Riesling can sometimes be mysterious, as some can be quite sweet. Don’t worry, not this one. Made in the dry style, Philippe Ehrhart is able to evoke the Herrenweg terroir to walk along side opulent fruit and the result is one of the best food pairing wines around. Sure it works with traditional Alsatian cuisine, it sings with honey-baked ham, but it loves spaghetti carbonara. 2007 Soave Classico, Le Albare Vigna dello Stefano – $13.99, $11.19 reorder Can you say Garganega? Thought you could. That’s what we have here in this fine bottle o’ vino here. From the Veneto region of northeast Italy, this may be the best white wine you’re not drinking. It’s a rich, round little ditty that is great on its own, but it will pair marvelously with shellfish. Grab a couple of glasses and get on board! 2007 Vouvray Sec, Laurent Kraft – $16.99, $13.59 reorder Here at The Wine House, we get a chance to taste a lot of wine. When this dry Chenin Blanc first landed, we tasted it; and guess what? High fives, high praise, and several bottles allocated to various employees’ personal invoices were the result. White/yellow stone fruit intermingle with a gravelly, mineral profile that sends one’s palate on a trip to paradise. Think halibut steak here. 2008 Chardonnay, Foxglove – $11.98, $10.78 reorder The Varner brothers have been turning heads for a while now with their high scoring Chardonnays from the Santa Cruz mountains. Though proud of all the attention, they are equally as proud with their efforts under the Foxglove label. We’re talking very high quality affordable drinking here. Word is getting out. So, chill a bottle and pop it with your rotisserie chicken while you still can! 2006 Le Clos, Domaine Sainte Eugenie – $9.49, $7.59 reorder Herve Gantier, the bon vivant behind the wines of Domaine Sainte Eugenie, has done it again. Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with his old vine Carignan and Grenache, Herve has yet another price-busting winner on his hands. Bold flavors of dark fruit are supported by a spicy, clove-like forest floor element, and that adds up to pure vinous pleasure! Rack of lamb advised. 2005 Les Plans, Domaine Santa Duc – $12.79, $10.23 reorder In the southern Rhone, there are few producers whose signature style is as well recognized as that of Domaine Santa Duc. Their wines, vintage after vintage, are teeming with vibrant fruit, spice, and mineral. An all-purpose red that will suit your pizza well. 2006 Rouge, Domaine de la Petite Cassagne – $12.59, $10.07 reorder Speaking of the southern Rhone (Costieres de Nimes to be exact), that’s where star winemaker Diane Puymorin toils in her vineyards, making some of our favorite wines. This red blend is Grenache, Syrah, and old vine Carignan. Perhaps it’s the Carignan that gives this wine its je ne sais quoi, as it has a savory, forest floor character. Great with a New York steak and the fixins! 2005 Tempranillo, Alberto Furque – $13.99, $11.19 reorder Just in case you’re looking for something from the southern hemisphere, how’s about a juicy Tempranillo from Argentina? Black cherry and raspberry tango together in the bouquet; on the palate, the wine is held up by firm structure. Another all-purpose red. 2007 Syrah, Domaine de Saint-Antoine – $11.29, $8.79 reorder No grape growing region in France can boast of such consistent success vintage after vintage than the south. Believe it or not, in spite of all the great vintages lately, 2007 overshadows them all. The grapes achieved perfect ripeness at harvest, and the proof is in the pudding. This Syrah is bursting with dark red fruit, smokiness, and structure. Keep the bottle close, it’s known to evaporate! 2006 Chateau Couronneau Volte Face – $15.98, $13.48 reorder Last but not least, this special cuvee from our favorite petit Bordeaux chateau represents yet another super bargain! The grapes come from a vineyard in Sainte-Foy just inland from St. Emilion. Delicious Bordeaux for under $20? This is a steal, folks! Check Out Our Complete Inventory at WineSF.com Reorder Special !!! 20% off 6 bottles or more of any regularly priced Dirty Dozen wine! Or 10%/Net Wines 5%/ Sale Wines Click here to purchase all 12 wines for $109!

2005 Chateauneuf du Pape: Font de Michelle

You never know how some little moments in your life can turn into monumental sea change for the future. Let’s go back in time, shall we? So here I am eight and a half years ago. I work in the financial services industry. I have several contemporaries who are equally passionate about wine as I am, but I always get the list when it comes to the business dinners. A very good friend has been living overseas for two years and has just returned. “Pete, I need you to come wine shopping with me. It’s time I get my cellar going”, he said to me. Though there is no consultation fee, I do know the benefits of helping friends choose wine. On the drive he instructed me that we were not to buy any domestic wine. This was interesting because before he left, all the wine we drank together was domestic. While in London, he lived near a Nicolas wine shop, and would stop in from time to time and let the staff guide him on a vinous tour of France. When we got to the first stop, we came upon a Chateauneuf-du-Pape from a well known producer for around $25. I started to sell him on the virtues of CDP, and he surprised me by knowing more about it than I did. From that moment forward, we have helped each other dive deeper into the French wine world. That was just one moment in the summer of 2001; but that one moment may answer the question, as David Byrne once asked, How did I get here?

2005 Domaine Font de Michelle Chateauneuf du Pape Red Wine; Rhone Blend; Rhone; SALE $26.95 Reg. $44.99

Fast forward to today. I work in the wine industry. I have several contemporaries who are as passionate about wine as I am, but I wouldn’t dream of getting the list at any business dinner. My friend who lived overseas is still here and is a good customer of The Wine House! We dine together often and still help each other dive deeper into the world of wine.

I’m on a real Wine House high today. Our “Prelude To a Sale” premium Rhone wine blowout has us moving and shaking at a frantic pace, and management notices when we’re swamped. So yesterday, as a reward, it was suggested we taste one of these Rhone beauties. It turned out to be the 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Font de Michelle. I’ve very much enjoyed their wines from other vintages, and excitedly anticipated closing time. We popped it after work, and it was singing straight away. Classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape here folks. Cherries, and cherries, and licorice, and cherries, and that unmistakable garrigue. It took me right back to the early days of discovering the wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape for the first time! I remembered my wine shopping experience with my buddy, and in spite of my adoration for Bordeaux, it very well may be that Chateauneuf-du-Pape had a hand in getting me here typing these emails every fortnight for you.

Another facet of my Wine House high happened today as a first time customer walked in. I greeted her and gave her the 101 about who we are. She thanked me, and wanted to browse. As she was browsing, several friends of the shop stopped by; one to pick up a pre-order, another to find a fascinating Burgundy deal, another to inquire about the sale wines, and a couple who were not only picking up, but buying as well. This first time customer eventually came to the counter with a few bottles, and as she did, one of our friends was leaving. I had just remembered that this customer’s nephew had purchased one of the Rhone deal wines the previous day, and excused myself for a moment to run after her and ask how she liked it. As I returned to ring up our first-time customer, I explained all this to her, and her reaction was remarkable. She said she observed all that happened during her visit. She mentioned the rapport with other customers; knowing their names and the kind of wines they liked, and was moved by the experience. I don’t want to gush on and on, but hearing things like that will put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. We cherish our relationships with all of you. With that head of steam, I then sat down to remember my dinner last night, complete with the rest of the 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Font de Michelle! -Peter Zavialoff

Our Rhone blowout sale will end Sunday, but we will honor the sale price on this wine through the week, ending October 31. Feel free to email me about French wine, domestic wine, or anything else you may want to bring up: peter.winehouse@sbcglobal.net