2009 Gros Nore Bandol Rouge

We have a limited amount of this gem from the Bandol appellation in southern France. Bandol is located north of Marsailles and Mourvedre is the main grape produced in the appellation. The wines can be drunk early, but with their tannic structure, properly stored, they can age for 10 or more years. The 09 Gros Nore is a great candidate for the cellar at a fantastic price.

 Importer Kermit Lynch on Domaine Gros Nore:

"Alain Pascal farms sixteen hectares of vineyards with the help of his brother, Guy, on the rolling hillsides around La Cadière d’Azur. The vineyards are composed of both clay and limestone, imparting a pronounced structure of earthy, splintered rock. This microclimate near the Mediterranean brings warm weather and full sun, tempered by the persistent Mistral. Alain leaves his grapes to mature fully on the vine, lending great intensity to the fruit. Where appellation law demands that each blend includes at least 50 percent Mourvèdre, Alain uses 80 percent—a choice that gives more power and concentration to the final assemblage.   Do not be fooled by the strength and boldness of the Gros Noré Bandol, though; underneath a big exterior is a wine of character, depth, complexity, soul, and finesse."

2009 Domaine Gros Nore Bandol Rouge

Sale Price $34.99

"Ripe yet elegant, with concentrated flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, tar and dark chocolate. There’s lots of cream and spice mid-palate, with a dollop of smoke, followed by a lilting finish of black licorice and bittersweet chocolate, with hints of mint. Drink now through 2020. 265 cases imported. 80% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache, 5% Cinsault"

-Rated 94/100 points, the Wine Spectator

Lost Abbey in St. Louis

Bretta Beer

The best part of collaboration is discovering mutual passions. With Lost Abbey, it is the wild, Belgian yeast Brettanomyces. The Lost Abbey Collaboration is brewed simply with pale malts, accompanied by Target, Centennial and Sorachi Ace hops for a hint of citrus. But the brettanomyces is in the spotlight; a full brett fermentation offers bold pineapple overtones and a funky, sour edge. The shining, golden shade is specked with haze, and the beer is warming and dry. The Lost Abbey Collaboration is full of wild wonder and will leave you wanting more.

Just the facts Ma'am...

Birthdate -	July, 2012
ABV -	7.5%
Hops -	Target, Centennial, Sorachi Ace
Malts -	Pale
OG -	21
Body -	Medium
Aroma -	Tropical overripe pineapple/lemon and tropical fruits, nice pleasant malt and some spicy clove phenols.
Mouthfeel -	Starts out luscious fruity and then ends like a Flintstone’s vitamin (fruity and drier)
Flavor -	Soft tart/citric character from both the hop and the wild yeast. Some sweet bready and honey notes.
Visual -	Hazy pale golden straw with pillowy foam.

New Arrivals from Domaine Georges Vernay

We have some new releases from Georges Vernay, THE top producer in the Condrieu appellation . 2009 & 2010 were spectacular vintages in the the Northern Rhone, but crop yields were small so production was down by 20-30%. The domaine's wines set the benchmark for viognier in the appellation and the Rhone Valley, both north and south. They also have been making excellent syrahs from vineyards sourced in Saint-Joseph and Cote-Rotie.
 
"Vernay’s fame primarily comes from the family’s long time position as one of the leaders and reference points of the Condrieu appellation."

-Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate

2010 Georges Vernay Viognier "Ped de Sampson" Vin de Pays
On Sale $37.99
"Gorgeous fresh-cut peach and apricot notes are offset by bright twinges of kaffir lime and chamomile. The long, fennel-tinged finish is brisk and lively. Drink now. 1,250 cases made."

-Rated 91/100 Points by the Wine Spectator

 

"The staff went crazy over this offering from Georges Vernay. The fuit is sourced from an upper slope (300 meters) in Condrieu but declassified by the Vernay family because of the vineyard's altitude. Loads of honeysuckle and peach on the nose, with ripe fruit and minerals on the palate. This is a fantastic value, considering the high price of most Condrieus."

-Dave Davis, the Wine Merchant, Ltd

2010 Georges Vernay Condrieu 'Terrasses de l'Empire"

On Sale $79.99 750 ml
Light gold.  Citrus zest, nectarine, jasmine and chalky mineral aromas show impressive clarity and vibrancy.  Intensely flavored, sharply delineated orange and pit fruit flavors are complemented by notes of candied ginger and white pepper, which adds closing bite.  Impressively pure and balanced to age, but it's awfully delicious now.-Rated 92/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

-Rated 93/100, the Wine Spectator

2010 Domaine George Vernay Syrah Vins de Pays de Collines Rhodaniennes Fleurs de Mai

On Sale $29.99 (net)
"Bright ruby.  Red and dark berry preserve aromas are complicated by anise and violet.  Classic northern Rhone syrah, offering juicy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a lick of cracked pepper.  Closes on a sweet note, with very good clarity and floral persistence."
-Rated 90/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

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2009 Domaine George Vernay St. Joseph Terres d'Encre

On Sale $45.99 (net)
Opaque ruby.  Sexy, floral aromas of dark berry preserves, violet and woodsmoke, with a powerful spicy accent gaining strength with air.  Fleshy and smooth in texture, but with excellent clarity and lift to the sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors.  Closes on a spicy note, with lingering sweetness and impressive length.-Rated 91/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Academia Barilla

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  Academia Barilla is the first international center dedicated to the development and promotion of Italian Gastronomic Culture. Located in the heart of Parma – the capital of the Italian Food Valley – the Barilla Center is around 27,000 square feet.

  
  

  
  

  Great Italian Aged Cheeses

  Masterpieces of Tradition

  Academia Barilla offers a selection of unique Italian cheeses, famous throughout the world for their unmistakable flavor and unmatchable quality.
  Salt, milk, rennet and time: these are the ingredients that give life to the best Italian cheeses. Cheese making is an ancient art that is being kept alive by artisanal cheese producers.
  The secrets of a great wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino are simple: milk from well-raised animals, knowledgeable cheese makers, and slow aging. Our cheeses are rich in flavor and unique in character. They are representative of the regions in which they were made and are inevitably an expression of a specific climate and environment.
  Un intense bouquet of aromas, flavors and tradition in every bite.
  

  
  

• Gastronomic Library

  The Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library houses a collection of over 9.000 books that range from general cookbooks to specialized Italian culinary histories. The library is open to the public and can be accessed online.

  
  

   Even more at http://www.academiabarilla.com

  
  

Gummy Bears for Adults

François Doucet Company

 According to François Doucet, the story of the company began with the know-now of his great-granfather, Théodore Viellard, créator of Pâtes de fruits of Auvergne.

François Doucet Confectionary is situated in Oraison, in south of France. We take full advantage of the sunny weather area. Our range of product is made from fruits (apricot, pears, apples, quinces, figs, peaches) and almonds grown under the sun of heart of Provence as well as honey.The tradition, the quality, and creativity are among the values that built the reputation of the company, 16 Rubans Bleus have been awarded to us by the jury of the Salon International de la Chocolaterie-Confiserie "Intersuc" since 1979.

 

California and Washington State Syrahs!

Syrah is possibly the most overlooked red grape varieties in the U.S.of A. These Syrah and Southern Rhone styled wines are darlings of critics and deliver bang for the buck. They are all great food wines especially for grilling  and they can also age for a few years (if you can resist 'em!).


 Gorman Winery

2009 Gorman Winery Syrah "Pixie" On Sale $38.99
Firm in texture and explosive in flavor, with plenty of vibrant blackberry, black cherry and black pepper flavors to push through the layer of fine-grained tannins. Finishes with beguiling freshness and vitality. Best from 2013 through 2019. 200 cases made.
Rated 94/100 points Wine Spectator
2009 Gorman Winery Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon "Evil Twin" Red Mountain On Sale $53.99
Firm in texture, this is expansive and generous in flavor, rolling its licorice-accented blackberry, cherry and tar flavors with focus and intensity against a layer of fine tannins. Shows depth and power, finishing long and vibrant. Best from 2013 through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 500 cases made.
Rated 95/100 points Wine Spectator
Shane

2011 Shane Grenache Blanc Camp 4 Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley On Sale $22.99
Pale yellow.  A bright, mineral-accented bouquet displays citrus, herb, mineral and floral scents, along with notes of talc and quinine.  Deeper peach and pear flavors are braced by dusty minerals and a touch of bitter lime zest.  Dry, pure and focused, with excellent finishing clarity and length.
Rated 90/100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2009 Shane Syrah "The Unknown" Sonoma County On Sale $26.99
Inky purple.  Explosively perfumed aromas of red and black fruit preserves, olive tapenade, smoky herbs and incense.  Sappy, palate-staining blackberry and boysenberry flavors are complicated by notes of star anise and candied violet, with a jolt of cracked pepper on the back end.  The finish strongly echoes the spice and blue fruit notes, lingering with outstanding clarity and persistent spiciness.  This wine was fermented with 100% whole clusters in one-third new barrels and includes a bit of viognier.
Rated 94/100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2008 Shane Syrah "The Unknown" Sonoma County On Sale $34.99
Opaque purple. Exotic, highly perfumed bouquet of dark berries, cherry-cola and intense black olive. Shows impressive inner-mouth perfume and sweet blackberry and cassis flavors, with supple tannins sneaking in on the back half. Very suave syrah with strong finishing thrust and persistent spiciness. This was fermented with 30% whole clusters.
Rated 92/100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2008 Shane Syrah "The Judge" Bennett Valley On Sale $36.99
Glass-staining purple. Blackberry, incense and spicecake on the nose, with a floral quality coming on strong in the glass. Pliant, alluringly sweet red and dark berry preserve flavors stain the palate, with juicy acidity providing verve. Deeper cassis and blueberry qualities build through a strikingly long, energetic finish. This is showing excellent complexity now but has the depth to age for at least another decade.
Rated 93/100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Jonata

2008 Jonata "Todos" Red Blend Santa Ynez Valley On Sale $42.99
The 2008 Todos (mostly Syrah) bursts from the glass with expressive blackberries, blueberries, smoke, tar and incense. It is an exotic, full-bodied wine supported by considerable freshness and vibrancy. It naturally doesn’t have the exuberance of the estate’s best wines, but the price tag is also much more modest. A clean, layered finish rounds things out nicely. In 2008 the blend is 65% Syrah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and the rest assorted other varieties. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
Rated 92/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Beckmen Estates

2009 Beckmen Estates "Cuvee La Bec" Santa Ynez Valley On Sale $16.99
A real mouthful that packs in ripe, potent, powerful dark berry, spice, loamy earth and black licorice notes. Firm, chunky and rustic, yet charming, with a long, chewy finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Drink now through 2018. 3,500 cases made.
Rated 90/100 Wine Spectator

2009 Beckmen Estates Syrah Santa Ynez Valley On Sale $21.99
The 2009 Syrah Estate possesses dazzling purity and length in a cool, inward style that stands a bit apart from some of the more opulent wines in this lineup. There is a level of delineation in the aromas and flavors here that is quite striking. A vein of minerality frames the inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
Rated 91/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Big Basin

2008 Big Basin Syrah "Coastview" Monterey On Sale $45.99
Deep violet color.  A sexy, complex bouquet shows an array of black and blue fruits, sandalwood, licorice and candied violet.  Sweet, palate-staining blueberry and cherry-cola flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and show a seamless texture.  Ripe and fleshy but vibrant, with excellent finishing clarity and resonating spiciness.  This wine's blend of power and energy is impressive.
Rated 93/100 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
2007 Big Basin Syrah "Coastview" Monterey On Sale $41.99
The 2007 Syrah Coastview, made from a high elevation (2,600 feet) site overlooking Monterey Bay, exhibits a dense purple color as well as a tight but promising nose of blackberries, spring flowers, crushed rocks, licorice and charcoal. Deep and full-bodied with stunning richness, a multilayered mouthfeel, and excellent length, this 2007 can be enjoyed over the next 10 years.
Rated 93/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Big Basin Syrah "Fairview Road Ranch" Monterey
The 2008 Syrah Fairview Road Ranch is from the Santa Lucia Highlands, an obvious cool-climate site influenced by the fog and strong, cold winds coming off Monterey Bay, which is only five miles away. Sweet vanillin intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberry and spring flowers jump from the glass of this dense purple wine. Full-bodied, rich and multi-dimensional, with loads of fruit, a big, fleshy mouthfeel and a lingering finish, this is a hefty as well as generously endowed Syrah that shows good definition and impressive length. It should drink nicely for up to a decade.
Rated 93/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2008 Big Basin Syrah "Mandala" Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $34.99
Lastly, the 2008 Syrah Mandala is a blend of 88% Syrah, 8% Grenache and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by notes of black currants, blackberries, pen ink and a hint of graphite, a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel and a rich, long finish. As always, these are impressive, well-made, concentrated wines meant to hold up to extended cellaring.
Rated 91/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2007 Big Basin Syrah "Mandala" Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $29.99
From the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2007 Syrah Mandala seems more primary even though it’s a year older. Dense purple, with sweet cassis and blackberry fruit as well as hints of cherries, licorice and spice, the wine is rich and full-bodied, and although not showing the complexity of the Fairview Road Ranch, it is similar in size, density and potential. It seems more backward, but perhaps it’s at that stage where it has totally recovered form bottling and is just beginning to close down ever so slightly. Hold on to it for the next several years and drink it over the following 10-12 years.
Rated 91+/100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2010 Morey-Coffinet White Burgundies

Produced by three winemaking families connected by marriage (Domaine Marc Moret, Fernand Coffinet & Henri Pillot), their wines are precise and elegant, with prominent acidity to balance the fruit. 

Burghound.com's Allen Meadows on Morey Coffinet:

"Michel Morey's son Thibault calls 2010 "a lovely vintage but one that had the smallest harvest that we have seen in more than 30 years as it was even smaller than 2003."

2010 Morey-Coffinet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "La Romanee" 

Sale Price $65.99

"from a .7 ha parcel of 50+ year old vines.  Here a touch of reduction does not materially reduce the attractiveness of the moderately exotic, spicy and sexy aromas of yellow orchard fruit aromas that include peach, mango and apricot. There is excellent richness and volume yet a certain reserve to the silky, round and utterly delicious flavors that possess an impressively lingering finish that is complex, balanced and highly persistent. Outstanding."

Rated 92/100 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Morey-Coffinet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Caillerets"

Sale Price $65.99

"An unobtrusive note of oak mixes with pure, refined and notably cool aromas of white flowers and white-fleshed fruit aromas that are liberally sprinkled with ample stone influence. There is fine richness to the rich, detailed and attractively energetic medium weight flavors that culminate in a driving finish that is appealingly dry, balanced and persistent. This is a lovely blend of finesse and punch. Outstanding."

Rated 92/100 Points, Burghound.com 

2010 Morey-Coffinet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Pucelles" 

Sale Price $85.99

" A restrained but very pretty nose of honeysuckle, citrus rind and a hint of spice precedes wonderfully refined middle weight flavors that possess a very sophisticated mouth feel. This isn't especially dense or persistent but it certainly is wonderfully refined with all of the class one expects from one of the best 1ers in Puligny."

Rated 90/100 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Morey-Coffinet Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Sale Price $186.99

"A beautifully layered and distinguished nose displays distinct floral aromas that blend with ever-so-slightly riper white and yellow orchard fruit scents. There is excellent intensity to the cool and refined broad-shouldered flavors that possess plenty of dry extract that imparts a thick, even chewy quality to the impressively long finish. It seems relatively clear over the last few vintages that the young vines are starting to mature and provide better quality fruit."

Rated 91-94/100 Points, Burghound.com

Mount Eden...Jewel of the Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is an up and coming area producing excellent cool-climate wines with wonderful mineral components from their hillside vineyards. Mount Eden have been producing wines since 1972 and have been the standard bearer of the appellation...


2009 Mount Eden Chardonnay "Wolff Vineyard" Edna Valley On Sale $18.99
Pale yellow.  Musky, powerfully scented aromas of orchard fruits, smoky lees, truffle and iodine; smells like a top-notch Chassagne.  Weighty and round but sharply focused, offering fresh pear, peach, tangerine and buttered toast flavors.  The iodine element returns on the long, smoky finish.  Lots going on here, especially for the price.
Rated 91/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2008 Mount Eden Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $49.99
Rustic, dense, chewy and tannic, but also deeply concentrated, so be patient with the potent currant, crushed rock and cedar flavors. Best to let this sleep for a few years, or at least give it a good decant. Best from 2015 through 2028. 1,218 cases made.
Rated 90/100 Wine Spectator

2009 Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $49.99
"At first, this teases, fresh and snappy, displaying lively acidity and zesty citrus, green apple and pear notes. Turns pithy midpalate, but the flavors pour though on the finish, adding mouthwatering touches of light oak and mineral. Should only get better. Drink now through 2025. 1,974 cases made.
Rated 94/100 Wine Spectator

2009 Domaine Eden Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $22.99
"The blend this year was 60% from Mount Eden's estate vines and 40% from Domaine Eden. The grapes were picked by hand and crushed within three hours of harvest, barrel-fermented in Burgundy barrels and aged on the lees for ten months.This wine is icy clean, vibrant and mineral in style with flavors of citrus zest, quince and spring flowers.  For lovers of precision and delicacy in the expression of Chardonnay, this is it. It should age beautifully for 7-10 years. Total Production: 2,909 cases"

-Winemaker's Tasting Notes

As one would expect, this Chardonnay exhibits classic Mount Eden Burundian style with detailed aromas and flavors of citrus fruit, anise, dill and earth.  More open in personality than the Estate at the same age, yet with all the length of the flagship.

2010 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $29.99

"2010 was a cool year overall in Northern California.  The weather allowed us to harvest a moderate crop at a leisurely pace, a full month later than normal.   The tricky Pinot Noir does well when it ripens slowly under late September skies. In short, this is a great Pinot Noir vintage. With the blessed coolness, each block was fermented and barrel-aged separately, allowing us to learn more about this beautiful property. We farm a wide variety of selections including 828, Calera, Mount Eden, Swan, 667 and 777 from the Pinot vineyards. All of the fermentations were natural, meaning no added yeast or malolactic cultures. The wine ages in French barrels for twelve months and is bottled without any fining for filtration. Precise aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and pomegranate combine with a racy texture, generous acidity and flavors of blueberry and earth. If you like Pinot Noir with flavor and backbone, this is your style. I am very proud of this offering and it shows me the incredible potential of our new site." peak.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

2008 Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains On Sale $27.99

"This wine is sourced from a mix of Mount Eden's estate, Domaine Eden and three nearby vineyards owned by dear friends who spend a "king's ransom" for perfection. The concept is to offer a Bordeaux-styled Cabernet which speaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains - specifically the mid-appellation. This is complementary to our historic Estate Cabernet which is solely from the vineyards at Mount Eden. The blend is always somewhat of a surprise as the varietal composition changes year to year. The 2008 is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Cabernet France, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec.  Unfined, unfiltered, all fermentations were with native yeasts. The wine is as expected: Savory not sweet (aka Napa Cabs) with complex elegant berry fruit of black currant and black cherries with tell-tale chalky-earth notes that bespeak of the Santa Cruz Mountains.Worthy of cellaring for 10-15 years, it is an incredible value."

-Winemaker's Tasting notes

 Cabernet has aromas of briary currant, sage, mint and sweet oak.  Less tannis and acidity on the palate than is evident in the Estate, there is an earlier window of enjoyable drinking.

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