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

Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc

2007 Domaine Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc White Wine; Chardonnay; Burgundy; $22.99

Only $19.54 per bottle with full case/mix and match purchase. Discount will be applied when we process your order and discounted price will be reflected back in a fulfillment email.

Selecting Paul Pernot’s 2007 Bourgogne blanc as my “staff pick of the week” is kinda cheating. After all, it is no great secret that Paul Pernot’s Bourgogne blanc is one of the great values in white Burgundy. I am not the first to write at length about this simple fact. The dedicated following for this wine borders on the fanatical. It is not uncommon for a collector to purchase a bottle or two of Pernot’s Grand and Premier Crus and then turn around and buy a case of the Bourgogne blanc. What else are you going to drink Sunday thru Thursday? Put into the simplest terms possible, Pernot’s Bourgogne blanc offers a glimpse into the pleasures of Chardonnay grown in the Cotes D’Or.

Much fanfare has been made of Monsieur Paul Pernot’s “retirement”. His sons are supposedly running the domaine; but as far as I can tell, if you happen to be passing through Puligny Montrachet, chances are you’ll see him hanging around the winery. I guess when you are born Burgundian and live, work, breathe wine, you never really retire. I had the pleasure of visiting and meeting Monsieur Pernot in 2000. It was late January, unbelievably cold and the wines were still going through malolactic fermentation. Not my favorite stage of wine tasting. My French is not fluent enough to carry out a conversation. Instead I watched Monsieur Pernot as he conversed with Jeanne-Marie de Champs, his agent and someone who works closely with The Wine House. With his arms crossed and his head slightly tilted, you could tell he was catching up with news and local gossip. I was so enthralled by the experience-there I was, tasting Grand Cru Chardonnay out of barrel with the great Paul Pernot! The deep lines on his face and simple manners made vivid that vignerons like him are farmers, not landed gentry. I looked around at what amounts to a garage and made note of the absence of t-shirts, prepared mustards and crafty coasters for sale.

The grapes for the Bourgogne blanc come from Puligny Montrachet vines grown on the Meursault border. I believe this wine gives a quick snapshot into a vintage. For instance, the ‘06 was big, tropical and ripe. Alternatively, the 2007 Bourgogne blanc is jam-packed with crackly, crunchy fruit flavors and possesses a crisp, refreshing finish. There is plenty of expressive notes of citrus and orchard fruit. On the nose I get delicate floral aromas. Just this morning, Pete and I were having a conversation along the lines that variety is the spice of life and that maybe even if you taste a wine you absolutely love, you might get tired of drinking it over and over with a customer who was purchasing a Dirty Dozen. Then I remembered I was about to write this email and I quickly added I wouldn’t get tired of drinking Pernot’s Bourgogne blanc over and over. Pete concurred. I’ve got some prawns in my freezer I was thinking about tossing in a pan for a few minutes with some citrus zest and butter. I love Chardonnay and crustaceans!!! Anybody going to SF Open Studios this weekend? If so, please come check out artist Vera Tchikovani; my mentor, other mother and spiritual advisor! Hope to see you there!-Anya Balistreri

2007 Domaine Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc White Wine; Chardonnay; Burgundy;

$22.99

2007 Rhone Wine; 1987 Rhone Pricing

2007 Mas Carlot Costieres de Nimes Les Enfants Terribles Red Wine; other red varietal; Languedoc-Roussillon; $13.99

$11.89 with case discount. Please Note!!! Website is unable to reflect discounted prices on your orders. We will apply the discounted price when we process your order in our shop.

Just like Anya wrote last week, I too have noticed an absence of peaches and tomatoes; not only from the farmer’s market, but from the fruit bowl that sits atop my refrigerator. It all hit me on my drive home this past Monday evening when I realized I had to turn on my headlights to comply with the law. Yes, it is OCEHb. (That would be Cyrillic for autumn.) No need to panic. It’s okay, Pete. Take a deep breath. It’s a great time of year. It’s just time to switch gears a little. The fall is good for all kinds of reasons, right? Sure there is talk coming from France that we very well may have yet another “vintage of the century” on our hands … how does one say ‘whatever’ in French? We’ve got our own harvest occurring nearby; and though it’s no match for a drive through Vermont, the colors of the vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties can be quite lovely. Fall also means shorter days and longer nights. That’s a good thing. The cooler temperatures are great for my treehouse apartment too. The windows are now closed after having been open for four months, yet it is nice and cool inside. That means I can store more wine there. That’s a good thing. The cooler weather also gravitates me to the kitchen more often. I am looking forward to simmering hearty soups, sauces, and stews. I’ll still have Rosé on hand in case it gets too warm in there, but talk of all the hearty food makes me think of bigger, heartier (read: red) wines. It seems to me I’m not alone in this mindset here. It would take more than one hand for me to count, today alone, how many customers I have directed to the very wine I’m talking about here. I’m talking about the 2007 ‘Les Enfants Terribles’ from Mas Carlot.

There must be something in the air about this wine. The entry for the 2006 on our blog has been getting the most hits in the last day, week, month, and quarter. It is currently 2nd for the year. That means there’s some interest in it, eh? The 2006 version was “Wine of the Day” on Robert Parker’s website just this past Friday! Well, we’re out of the 2006, but if you’ve heard anything about southern Rhone wines in 2007 you must know we’re sitting on yet another blockbuster bargain wine here. It was with tremendous anticipation that I grabbed a bottle on the way out the door last night. One must be careful about expectations, as they can lead to disappointments. I got home around 7:30, so the hearty stews, etc. had to be put off in favor of a Montreal rib-eye, pasta, sautéed spinach, and my last heirloom tomato. I walked in the kitchen, hit shuffle on the Ipod, fired up a couple of burners, and poured a little aperitif (that’s how I roll). Everything came together as usual and as I sat down enjoying the view of the colorful neon lights of the Lark Theater, I poured a glass of wine. This is exactly the kind of wine I think of when I think of the wines from the south of France; low on price, long on character. I mean serious character. The aromas were dark. And rich. I got a savory quality, a hint of licorice, herbs, and a brambly berry. On the palate, it was wide. It has medium weight which, I think, allows for sensing and identifying the copious nuances. A fine balanced finish that lingered pleasantly only left me screaming as to what a value this wine is. Screaming. Loudly. CAN YOU HEAR ME? This wine will sell out. Please don’t miss the chance to taste it. Peter Zavialoff Feel free to email me with any questions or comments about 2007 Rhone wines, autumn nights or colors, or anything really: peter.winehouse@sbcglobal.net

2007 Mas Carlot Costieres de Nimes Les Enfants Terribles Red Wine; other red varietal; Languedoc-Roussillon; $13.99

$11.89 with case discount. Please Note!!! Website is unable to reflect discounted prices on your orders. We will apply the discounted price when we process your order in our shop.

October 2009 Dirty Dozen

New! See our Dirty Dozen archive here on our blog

October 2009 Dirty Dozen – Mixed Case Sampler $109.00

My oh my, where does the time fly? First, it was the Y2K thing, and now, here comes 2010! As we hitch on to the home stretch of the decade which will never be known as “the oughts” (technically, it will end on December 31, 2010), we look ahead to indoor season. There will be family gatherings and parties with friends coming up soon. No matter how you entertain, grab a Dirty Dozen as there is something in this box for everyone!

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 Rosé, Domaine Gournier – $9.69, $7.75 reorder
Whether you bask in the waning sunshine of Indian summer, or work four burners in a hot kitchen, there is always a time and place for a cool, crisp glass of Rosé. Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are all involved in the blend and the result is pure magic. Complex and spicy, this would be a great wine to serve along side a Thai salad al fresco.

2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Thracian Valley, Vini – $6.98 net price, $6.28 reorder
We try to open new doors for y’all, accessing wine regions that one wouldn’t necessarily seek out. Bulgaria is a beautiful country, with picturesque craggy mountains and vistas, ornate monasteries, sandy beaches, and some of the oldest vineyards in the world. We recently tried some of their wines, and wow! They are a whole new level of wine value. You be the judge. Na’zdravy!

2008 Chenin Blanc, Good Hope – $11.69, $9.35 reorder
Get that passport back out, we’re off to South Africa! Wine has been made here since the 17h century. Maybe it’s the ocean facing vines and decomposed granite slopes that contribute to the goodness of what is in this bottle. Plenty of tropical notes on the nose; stuff like pineapple, apricot, and melons which continue through the palate and finish with a mineral crispness.

2008 Hors Saison, Domaine la Hitaire – $11.79, $9.43 reorder
In Bordeaux, it is common for the cru classé dry whites to be composed of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. This copycat from Gascogne marries the same two varieties, but for much less. Serve it with baked sole, or sand dabs, or halibut.

2006 Montravel Blanc, Chateau Calablre – $5.95 sale price, $ 5.66 reorder
For this month’s taste-off, here’s a similar blend from the outskirts of Bordeaux. Montravel is due east and further up the Dordogne valley from St. Emilion. The white wines from here benefit from the cool nights and temperate daytime temps. Daniel Hecquet blends a little Muscadelle here for added complexity. It goes with any white fish, but it really shines with fish tacos!

2005 Muscat, Rene Mure – $21.99, $17.59 reorder
It is safe to say that this wine comes from a winemaking family. After all, they are on their 13th generation winemakers here. The Muré wines tend to show a strong mineral component to compliment the Alsatian fruit. This Muscat brings all of the blossomy, tropical fragrances typically associated with this grape. Be simple in your pairing here and stay away from garlic.

2006 Cotes du Rhone Cuvée Sabrine, André Brunel – $14.59, $11.67 reorder
We’ve gone on about André Brunel before, but for good reason. A celebrity in the Rhône (and here at The Wine House), Brunel’s wines offer amazing value. We mean it when we say some of his Côtes du Rhônes have the stuffing to be confused with others’ Châteauneuf du Papes. Deep, dark fruit, herbs de Provençe, and earth make it a cinch to pair with an herb encrusted pork roast.

2007 Rossa ‘Scaia’, Tenuta Sant’Antonio – $10.98 net price, $9.88 reorder
Essentially, what we have here is declassified Valpolicella. We bought this wine specifically for the Dirty Dozen as it packs a mountain of quality for its modest price. Zingy cherry/berry fruit with a medium bodied, herbal profile. Terrific pizza wine.

2007 Terre d’Ardoise Carignan, Mas Lavail – $12.59, $10.07 reorder
If you receive our emails, you are familiar with this gem. This wine is the choice of many a chef or winemaker, as we found out by looking over the list of customers who bought it. Old vine Carignan is the grape; the complexity is what keeps ‘em coming back.

2005 Touraine Rouge, Domaine des Corbillieres – $13.49, $10.79 reorder
You may have heard that 2005 was the greatest vintage for Loire valley reds “that anyone can remember”. We concur. This Cabernet Franc got just what it needed to thrive. Ideal weather created a fine balance of ripe fruit with Loire valley Cabernet’s signature herbal woodsiness. A couple of years of bottle age has this uber-bargain in a perfect place. Lamburgers would be nice.

2005 Syrah ‘Numa’, Chateau Guiot – $20.99, $16.79 reorder
The ‘Special One’ of the Dirty Dozen, only a few hundred cases of this wine were made. This is Guiot’s top of the line Syrah. Severe grape selection is employed, and the wine is vinified in new oak for one year before bottling. The result: Dense, rich, concentrated Syrah full of complexity. It can be popped now, and will stand up strong to a juicy steak!

2004 Grenache/Syrah, Mas Carlot – $10.39, $8.31 reorder
This may as well be known as ‘the little wine that keeps giving and giving’, as it has done nothing but please wine loving palates since it was first released. The perfect all-purpose red, it is great on its own, with pasta, hamburgers, or ratatouille.

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!

Arbios Cellars: Californian Cabernet you should be drinkin’

Change is in the Air!

2004 Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Sonoma; $24.98

Affordable before it was fashionable, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon from Arbios Cellars is the sixth vintage we’ve carried at the store. The bottle price of $24.98 has held steady over the years. No deep discounts, no price adjustments necessary. Arbios has made it a mission to make high quality Cabernet sauvignon and doing so while keeping the price at a fair (I’d say wa-a-a-ay fair) consumer-friendly price. Back when American vintners were blind-tasting their Cabs against first-growth Bordeaux and concluding that their wine tasted better (or as good) therefore deserved a price tag equaling or exceeding France’s great ones, Bill Arbios just wanted to make delicious wines that people could drink without having to take out a second mortgage. Back then I remember some people being skeptical whether Arbios Cabernet could be as good as we professed, after all it cost only $24.98! Well, times have changed and so have preconceived ideas about price and quality. Today I’m putting in down into written words that Arbios Cabernets have always been that good and the 2004 is their most complex and plush wine to date. It’s still $24.98 per bottle and you don’t have to join some long waiting list to grab a measly few bottles. Have I made my point?

Arbios gets their Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from a vineyard in Alexander Valley. The vineyard is the highest and northernmost vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. The elevation of the vineyard runs between 2000 to 3000 feet. Planted according to Bill Arbios’ specifications, this picturesque hillside vineyard struggles each year to produce. The stress of the vines limits yields and concentrates flavors. Bill Arbios is a true veteran winemaker having work for both large and small producers. With Arbios Cellars, Bill makes only one wine, the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. All of Bill’s experience (30 years!) and passion goes into this impressive red. There is a temptation to compare the virtues of Arbios vis-à-vis other well-known Alexander Valley Cabernets, but I won’t. There is no need to “hate” on others. Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon stands on its own merits. Aged in French oak, the newly released 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has had the added measure of having had some bottle age. The tannins are well integrated with the fruit and the alcohol is held in check. This is not the type of Cabernet Sauvignon that hits you over the head with a 2×4, rather it is elegant, supple and smooth, smooth, smooth. Dark plum/cassis fruit and just the right amount of creamy spicy oak are wrapped around each other in perfect embrace.

During my weekly pilgrimage to the local Farmer’s Market last Sunday, I shed a tear. Gone was my favorite peach purveyor; gone was my favorite tomato vendor. The dropped leaves and cold mornings (first time my daughter ate breakfast clothed!) weren’t strong enough indicators to me that change was in the air. The absent summer fruit made it all too clear. With this recognition of changing seasons came a craving for Cabernet Sauvignon. Cooler evenings welcome simmering pots of meats and hearty vegetables on the stove and heavier, structured reds. I’m telling you, a classic beef stew (your grandmother’s secret recipe perhaps?) and a generous glass of the 2004 Arbios is all you need. Soul-soothing goodness! – Anya Balistreri

2004 Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Sonoma;

$24.98

2008 Quinta do Alqueve Fernao Pires: Like A Walk In The Orchard

2008 Quinta Do Alqueve Fernao Pires White Wine; other white varietal; Portugal; $11.99

$10.19 per bottle with case discount. Discount will not appear in initial confirmation of your order. We will apply the discount when we process your order and confirm the price in a subsequent fulfillment email.

I can’t believe it took me three years to write about this wine!!! The first time someone mentioned Fernao Pires to me my response was something like, “Isn’t he a forward for Arsenal?” Okay, never mind. Being the inquisitive type, not knowing what it was all about, I grabbed a bottle to taste. Popped it with one of my wine tasting pals, and were we blown away. That very weekend, I was invited to a party out on the houseboats of Sausalito, and I brought a six pack of Fernao Pires, and low and behold, I left the party with a litany of names that wanted more! It’s that good. Well, maybe it’s not just that. No, it IS just that. Well, that and the fact it’s a little off the radar of even the most finicky white wine drinkers out there. Take my landlords for instance. I’ve been living in my treehouse cottage for a year and a half now, and I have shared wine with them a handful of times, but for the most part, I barely see them. He’s an English bloke, and goes back to the old sod once or twice a year, and recently I ran into him outside my front door. “Hey Kevin, thanks a lot for letting me pick the tomatoes. How was your trip?” “Not bad. Getting killed with the currency, you know, but not bad.” “Hear ya. You missed a good bout of warm weather here, but I guess you can see that as evidenced by the next wave of ripe ones.” Tomatoes, that is. “Indeed, Peter.” The formality kills me. “Say, you know, on the flight home, I had the loveliest wine that I’ve never heard of. So I did a little research on it, and it turns out that your shop carries it.” Fresh on the high of the old vine Carignan that we recently raved about, and still do, I blurted out, “Oh the old vine Carignan?” “Come on Peter, I know what Carignan is.” He said in a somewhat annoyed kind of way. “Oh, sorry ’bout that. Of course. I know, you mean the Fernao Pires, don’t you?” “That’s the one. Right. Can you please bring a couple bottles round, then?” And two more fans are born. I was worried because right after their first order, we quickly sold out of what we had. Come to think of it, that happens a lot around here. We get hold of some cool, esoteric wine that packs a wallop of quality for a stupidly low price, and poof, it’s gone. Lucky for us, we were able to get more, and it’s now back in stock. I’d hate to say no to my landlords, especially in light of the work done on my roof this week. Thank you very much.

That’s just one isolated incident amongst many. Perhaps it’s the novelty of taking the plunge into something uncertain, and coming up all aces, as this wine seems to please all who venture there. I don’t know. I have often described it as “a walk in the orchard”, as indeed, aromatics alone, are reminiscent of white and yellow stone fruit. The palate is rich, yet crisp and vibrant, and the finish is clean with hints of mineral. All in all, I’ve yet to encounter anyone who doesn’t appreciate this wine. And with the case discount it’s what? $10.19 per bottle?? An absolute steal.-Peter Zavialoff

2008 Quinta Do Alqueve Fernao Pires White Wine; other white varietal; Portugal; $11.99

$10.19 per bottle with case discount. Discount will not appear in initial confirmation of your order. We will apply the discount when we process your order and confirm the price in a subsequent fulfillment email.

A SPANISH RED-OLE

Venturing into new territory-Spain

2006 Dehesa de Rubiales Alaia Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Red Wine; Red Blend; Other Spain; $11.98

With The Wine House’s emphasis on French wines with forays into Italy, Argentina, Germany, Austria, and of course, local wines, there is precious little time to explore Spain’s offerings. Customers often ask if we carry any Spanish wines, which we do from time to time, but it’s obvious from this example that we need to delve in deeper! Now, as I’ve intimated, I am no expert on Spanish wines but I know what tastes good. I was browsing through one of my favorite wholesaler’s pricebook when the name Alaia popped on the page. The name conjured up images of tight strips of fabric snuggly hugging 80’s Supermodels courtesy of fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa. No relation here, but still I was determined to taste the 2006 Alaia from Dehesa de Rubiales. I’m glad I did. It’s always satisfying to find a wine that has character, depth and, well, is reasonably priced. I ordered the wine for the store, mostly to satisfy my own selfish craving for a new taste sensation. After relishing in several bottles, it finally dawned on me that I had it all wrong. What was I thinking hoarding this wine all to myself? I work in wine retail precisely for opportunities like these: to get delicious, quality wine into the hands of many, making life-long friends along the way. Even my kindergartener knows SHARING IS CARING!

The 2006 Alaia is a blend of Prieto Picudo and Tempranillo with a smidgeon of Merlot. The wine comes from the region of Castilla y León in northern Spain. The terrain is described as harsh with extreme climate. Summers are hot but short with nighttime temperatures dipping low. I’m guessing Prieto Picudo is a varietal that can persevere in this environment. My wine library came up empty with good information about this grape, hence relying on intuition (maybe not a good thing!). What I do know for certain is that the aromas of blackberries and notes of spicy black licorice captivated my senses like the gentle wind that stirs up the scent of drying blackberries and oily Eucalyptus leaves on my walks to pick up my daughter at school in the late summer heat. What came next was a warm stew of red fruits laden with spice. Not unlike a very toned-down Zinfandel. The flavors are vivid and persist through the finish. The last time I opened up a bottle was at home with a ho-hum dinner. The meal was probably leftovers, definitely unmemorable, but the wine was not. I kept hounding my husband urging him to take one more whiff of wine out of my glass, as if his was somehow less aromatic. “Isn’t this great? Don’t you just love it?” Even though I could tell he was getting a tad irritated at my enthusiasm, he was in complete agreement. I’d love to serve this next time with a piece of meat seasoned with Spanish Pimentón. I think the smoky paprika would compliment the spice and fruit-driven Alaia nicely. There’s a whole wide world of wine to explore. The 2006 Alaia is a welcome addition to the Wine House line-up. Anya Balistreri

2006 Dehesa de Rubiales Alaia Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Red Wine; Red Blend; Other Spain;

$11.98

Bang The Drums!!!

No longer can we lay claim to being the sole champions of the astonishing wine values from Foxglove. It was inevitable that Foxglove would become a household name among those in the know. When you combine quality fruit with expert winemaking and then graciously offer it at a reasonable price, people will take notice. In The Wine Advocate’s latest issue Robert Parker identified all 3 Foxglove wines under the heading: Fifty Super Domestic Wine Values. Given the sheer number of domestic wines out there, naming all 3 wines from Foxglove in this category is a high honor indeed. We have included the reviews, listing them below each wine: But first, a little background on Foxglove. Foxglove is a label produced by the team behind Varner Wines, twin brothers Jim and Bob. With Foxglove, the Varners purchase the fruit and then vinify with the same integrity as with their single-vineyard beauties. The rich Chardonnay exudes tropical fruit but is reigned in by being fermented in stainless steel tanks and skipping malolactic fermentation. The Zinfandel is textbook Paso Robles Zinfandel with its Hawaiian Punch concentrate and ripe plum gushy fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon is round and rich without any hard edges. Anytime anyone comes in asking for a Wedding wine recommendation, Foxglove is immediately suggested for its high quality to price ratio. But don’t just wait for a large special occasion party for your first taste of Foxglove. How about this weekend? Now you’re talking!

2008 Foxglove Chardonnay San Luis Obispo White Wine; Chardonnay; Central Coast; $11.98

The sensational 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast, which is fermented and aged completely in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, is a 30,000-cuvee (sic) of fabulous Chardonnay. Loads of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and orange blossom notes fill the olfactory sense, as does the luscious medium-bodied texture on the palate. The wine is buttressed by crisp underlying acidity, and the result is a fresh, naked expression of Chardonnay that is top-flight. Drink it over the next year or so. 91 pts./Robert Parker

2007 Foxglove Zinfandel Paso Robles Red Wine; Zinfandel; Central Coast; $12.98

The outstanding 2007 Zinfandel (86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah) is another winner and phenomenal bargain. This is classic Zinfandel with loads of berry fruit, pepper, earth, and roasted Provencal herbs. The wine is pure, full-bodied, ripe, with not a hard edge to be found. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.90 pts./Robert Parker

2007 Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Red Wine; Cabernet Sauvignon; Central Coast; $12.98

Foxglove also scores highly with their 10,800-case cuvee of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of all-Paso Robles fruit and composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petiti (sic) Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color and plenty of black fruit intermixed with loamy soil undertones, licorice, and spice. The wine is luscious and. medium to full-bodied , with silky tannins and a heady, opulent finish. Drink it over the next 2-4 years, although it could last a lot longer.89 pts./Robert Parker