Featured Wines/Saturday Tasting Taste these Grenache-based wines tomorrow from 12 to 4pm at the bar!

Grenache is one of the main grapes planted in Southern France and Spain, where the hot, dry climate allows it to ripen fully. Grenache wines are generally fruity, with berry notes, spice, and a relatively high alcohol content. This Grenache tasting will feature seven different Grenache-based wines, including two Chateauneuf-du-Papes. Compare and contrast these wines to see how different winemakers maximize on this grape's qualities. 2010 Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape On Sale $42.99 The 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color along with a nose of licorice, blueberries and dark black cherry confiture. Powerful and full-bodied with good acids, freshness and delineation, it is a precise, large-scaled wine that requires several years of cellaring before consumption. 91-94 Points Robert Parker 2010 Clos des Brusquieres Chateauneuf-du-Pape On Sale $36.99 Slightly deeper in color with more structure, richness and intensity, the 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape reveals a healthy ruby/purple color along with classic peppery, black raspberry and kirsch notes intermixed with hints of garrigue and graphite. The wine is deep, medium to full-bodied with good acidity and a natural, pure flavor profile. It will benefit from several years of cellaring and keep for 12-15 years. 89-91 Points Robert Parker 2010 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Cotes-du-Rhone Vieilles Vignes On Sale $13.99 The 2010 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes is a pleasant, straightforward, Grenache-dominated wine that is best drunk over the next 2-3 years. -Robert Parker NV Clos des Papes "Le Petit Vin d'Avril" Vin de France On Sale $17.99 Delightful, with elegant plum, violet and grilled herb notes running through the focused finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carignane. Drink now. This NV wine is an everyday drinker side project by Paul Avril of Clos des Papes fame. 88 Points Wine Spectator 2010 El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Garnacha, Anorbe, Spain On Sale $13.99 Bright ruby. An expansive bouquet displays blueberry, cola, violet, cracked pepper and woodsmoke. Palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors are enlivened by zesty mineral and spice qualities, making the whole impressively powerful. The finish strongly echoes blueberry and spice notes that linger on. 91 Points Stephen Tanzer 2011 Honoro Vera Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain On Sale $6.99 Inky ruby. Dark berry liqueur and mocha on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice and sassafras. Sappy blueberry and blackberry flavors show very good depth and pick up a spicy quality with air. Finishes with good breadth, supple tannins and lingering smokiness. 89 Points Stephen Tanzer 2011 Domaine Boisson Cairanne Villages, Cotes du Rhone On Sale $17.99 Harmonious and with a fine, tight finish, this wine offers a rich and generous flavour - a typical white from the South. -Winemaker's Notes