Saturday 05/18/2013 Wine Tasting

New Arrivals

Tasting Cost: $ 18.00

Villa S. Andrea 2011 Gamberaia Bianco: $ 12.95

The Gamberaia Bianco is a blend of Vermentino and Pinot Bianco grown in Tuscany, and has pleasant white flower and citrus aromatics with juicy acidity and a harmonious finish; Absolutely excellent at this price point.

Miraval 2012 Rose Provence (Jolie-Pitt and Perrin): $ 23.95

WS 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Spectator:  It's a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle (Vermentino). Refined and elegant, offering pure and concentrated flavors of dried red berry, tangerine and melon. The focused finish features flint and spice notes, with a hint of cream. Drink now.

Chateau Couronneau 2010 Bordeaux Superieur Rouge: $ 19.95

100% Merlot, 50 years old vines. Organically produced Bordeaux Superieur, aged 12 month in Barriques. Rich, black-fruited Merlot with supple tannins. This Bordeaux Superieur is rich and borderline jammy. Terrific aromas of ripe plum and blackcurrant on the palate, leading to chalky, cocoa powdery notes . A bit new world in style nevertheless delicious.

Sineann 2010 Abondante Red Wine: $ 17.95

Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  Ripe, plumpy, and pleasant, with lots of high-toned red fruit character, black peppercorn spice, well integrated tannins and bright clean acid.  Really lovely at this price point.

Spring Valley 2009 Red Wine Frederick Walla Walla Valley: $ 44.95

WS 90 WE 90 Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast - The Frederick bottling is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, with other Bordeaux grapes filling in the rest. Chewy and tannic, it seems to have a green edge to its fruit and tannins. Nonetheless, there are plenty of flavors of berry, spice and black pepper, with highlights of coffee and cacao. This has lots to chew on, plus good length.

Summers 2008 Zinfandel Four Acre Zin: $ 26.95

Summers Four Acre Zinfandel is sourced from an Estate vineyard in Calistoga, and is meticulously tended to by winemaker Ignacio Blancas.  Lovely balance between berry and spice notes with excellent structure.

Pizzaioli Tuesday 05/14/2013

A Brodeaux blend /Meritage tasting

Tasting cost: $ 22.00

Berthoud Vineyards 2010 Chasselas Dore: $ 16.00

The Berthoud Chasselas Dore; is made to emulate the best wines of Switzerland, clean, crisp, low in alcohol (only 12%), and just an ever so slight hint of effervescence. It has a completely unique flavor that must be experienced to appreciate. Our Chasselas Dore; is fermented in stainless steel and malo-lactic fermentation is inhibited to preserve its crispness and freshness.  Chasselas Dore complements any chesses, and is also at home with seafood or simply for summer sipping on the porch.

Atalon 2010 Pauline's Cuvee:  $ 25.00

Our Right Bank styled blend pays homage to the strength of Atalon's matriarch.  The aromas and flavors of dark berries, cocoa nib, and tobacco are underlined by a fine trace of minerality - a nod to the majestic geology of Napa Valley and to Pauline's enduring spirit.

Chateau Greysac 2009 Medoc Bordeaux: $ 19.00

A deep ruby color is accompanied by scents of wet stones, cold steel, and black currant fruit. This medium-bodied, attractively made, elegant Medoc offers sweet fruit as well as a clean finish.

Chateau De La Coste 2010 Margaux Bordeaux: $ 30.00

It has been in the hands of the famous Barons de Luze family for over a century. Chateau de La Coste is made using young vines and selected fruit from Chateau Paveil de Luze itself. With its brilliant ruby color, purple notes and an aroma of black fruits, cassis and hints of cinnamon and sandalwood, this wine is soft, satisfying and elegant with a lush berry fruit taste.

Eponymous 2009 Macalister Vineyard Red: $ 36.00

51% Cab Sauv, 21% Merlot, 28% Cab Franc- Complex aromas of blueberry, spicy oak, orange blossoms, raspberries and hints of vanilla and cloves, as it opens. Held to the light, it shimmers with a rich, purple-scarlet color that hints at the broad palette these grapes afford the winemaker. It has excellent body and structure with the flavors following the aromas, and added nuances of cassis and allspice.

Barboursville Vineyards 2008 Octogon Virginia Red Blend: $ 47.00

While rare in supply, Octagon is no longer rare in annual production. Octagon became, thereby, the authentic extraction of its time as well as of its place, one of the most rewarding proofs of the vitality of the Bordeaux style in the New World. The privilege of crafting this wine can be sensed each time one of its vintages is tasted, over a long and rewarding shelf life. Fine garnet color with very forthcoming aromas of lush, fresh fruit, emphasizing ripened cherry, with well balanced secondary berry aromas and flavors, still very youthful.

Friday 05/10/2013 Wine Tasting

A Super Chateauneuf –du-Pape tasting

Tasting Cost: $ 22.00

M. Chapoutier 2010 La Bernardine Chateauneuf-du-Pape: $ 38.95

WC 91 WS 91 Pts- According to Stephen Tanzer - Chateauneuf-Du-Pape La Bernardine - Vivid ruby. Spicy, high-pitched aromas of cherry, black raspberry and fresh flowers, with a musky note of underbrush in the background. Offers an array of fresh red fruit flavors that show very good energy and focus. A sweet licorice pastille quality gains power with air and carries through a long, spicy, gently tannic finish.

Les Clefs D'Or 2007 Les Craus Centenaires Chateauneuf du Pape: $ 44.95

WA: 94 Points - IWC 91 Points- According to IWC, (80% grenache and 20% syrah, from vines reportedly planted in 1896) Vivid red. Pungent aromas of cherry-cola, sassafras, incense and dried herbs. Fresh flavors of sweet red berries and kirsch flavors, with a silky texture and very fine tannins. Becomes muskier and more brooding on the finish, picking up strong garrigue and cured meat qualities. More serious than the classique and the Selection but I prefer their clarity and vibrant fruit today.

Domaine de Cristia 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Renaissance: $ 72.95

WS 94 IWC 93 WA 90+ Pts - According to Wine Spectator - This is really packed, but amazingly suave and polished, as the huge core of braised fig, melted licorice, cassis and ganache is seamlessly put together and backed by perfectly embedded grip. The finish is hefty, but a mouthwatering note of singed iron keeps it driven. Best from 2012 through 2024. 500 cases made. According to Robert Parker -  The more limited production 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance is  fashioned from 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, with the  Grenache aged in old small oak and the Mourvedre and Syrah brought up in  new oak. Tighter, more tannic and backward (especially for a 2009), it  reveals plenty of spicy notes intermixed with hints of roast beef,  bouquet garni, black currants, blackberries and smoky oak. Atypically backward, brooding, dense, broad, rich and tightly knit, it needs 2-3  years of bottle age and should drink well over the subsequent 15+ years.

Saturday 05/04/2013 Wine Tasting

New French and Italian Wines

Tasting Cost: $ 20.00

Jean-Luc Colombo 2012 Cape Bleue Rose: $ 7.95

Grapes are manually harvested from the “Blue Cape”, hilly vineyards with perfectly white limestone above the bay of Marseilles. This region locally known as the Côte Bleue benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate. Color: Soft, delicate pink Aroma: Subtle hints of peach, rose petal and pepper on the nose Taste: Subtle, round and full of finesse. Surprisingly complex, with intriguing notes of raspberries, fresh cherry, black olive and fennel.

Philippe Godon 2011 Sancerre Les Godons: $ 19.95

Pale gold. Rich and solid, This superb Sancerre is a bit lemony on the nose. Somewhat fleshy on the palate with notes of melon and white flesh fruits nicely balanced by the right amount of acidity and minerality. This is a remarkable Sancerre, elegant, racy and plump at the same time.

I Massi 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa S. Andrea: $ 17.95

I Massi Chianti Classico Riserva Villa S. Andrea is very bright and round in the 2008 vintage. The wine is smooth and full-bodied, with a nubby feel of dense tannins. Good balance between acidity and structure. Very long and persistent with fruity notes of red berries and spices.

Chateau Puech-Haut 2010 Prestige Coteaux de Languedoc: $ 16.95

International Wine Report - 94 Pts - The 2010 Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Cuvee Prestige is an exceptional example of the quality and value coming from the 2010 vintage. This wine is loaded with really pretty aromas of black fruits, spice, fresh floral and some licorice and bittersweet dark chocolate. This is dense, concentrated and layered with new characteristics unfolding with each swirl of the glass. Everything is wrapped up with a luscious mouth-coating finish. This cuvee made by Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon and composed of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Carignan.

Casebianche Cupersito 2009 Aglianico Cilento: $ 21.95

Another awesome Aglianico coming from the wild and gorgeous side of Campagnia, the Cilento coastal area. We love Aglianico here at Napacabs for its rustic and sometimes exuberant character. This Cuperisto is simply delicious,inky-dark reddish, with an amazing fig paste like nose. A bit brambly with a slight chewy, rich berry aromatics on the palate with a finish reminiscent of wet tobacco leafs. Tasty,powerful, with lots of character. A treat!

Croix de Beaucaillou 2008 Saint-Julien: $ 55.95

WS 90Pts-WA 90Pts According to Robert Parker,A second wine has improved immensely under the administration of Bruno Borie, and the 2008 Croix de Beaucaillou is a sensual effort displaying sweet tannins, copious quantities of black currant and blueberry fruit, medium to full body, and a long finish with no hard edges. A blend of  65 % cabernet-sauvignon, 25 % merlot, 5 % cabernet franc 5 % de petit-verdot, it should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. Bruno Borie deserves accolades for the remarkable things he has accomplished at Ducru Beaucaillou over the last few years.

Saturday 04/27/2013 Wine Tasting

Favorite Domestic Pinots

Tasting Cost: $ 20.00

Matchbook 2011 Giguiere Chardonnay Musque 809: $ 14.95

100% Musque clone 809 from the Giguiere family's JK Vineyard. Highly aromatic with honeysuckle and orange blossoms, this is a fat, rich Chardonnay with a zesty, slightly sweet finish. Musqué 809 is unlike any other Chardonnay. It combines the fragrant aromas and flavors of Muscat with the creamy texture of Chardonnay. This distinct clone is named for the French term meaning both perfumed .

Coleman Nicole 2009 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast: $ 26.95

Made from Pommard and Dijon clones, this lovely Sonoma Coast Pinot is very Burgundian in style delivering a fresh and pure expression of the Pinot Noir varietal. Sharp Strawberry flavor supported by a mineral and lightly smoky structure. According to the winemaker, This Morris Ranch Pinot Noir is lower in alcohol and higher in acid than most California Pinot Noir's. It is food friendly and will age nicely in the cellar for five to eight years.

Failla 2011 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast: $ 32.95

WE 95 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Enthusiast: It's hard to believe that this fabulous Pinot is Failla's least  expensive selection; what a great indication of his 2011s yet to come  and of the vintage in general. It’s bone dry and rich in raspberry  flavor, with brisk acidity, firm minerality and a perfectly applied  jacket of smoky oak. Elegant, pure and savory, it's just beautiful to drink now.

Foxen 2011 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley: $ 29.95

Primarily sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyard, Foxen Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is absolutely bright and forward in the 2011 vintage.  Aromas of fresh strawberry pie, allspice, and sweet tobacco are complimented by a medium body and excellent acidity.

Sterling 2011 Pinot Noir Carneros: $ 19.95

From a legendary growing region, our 2011 Carneros Pinot Noir offers a dark red fruit profile graced with toasty oak complexity. Black cherry and rich toffee aromas open the nose, followed by brambly berry flavors. The sweet scent of forest floor.

Lucia 2011 Pinot Noir Pisoni Santa Lucia Highlands: $ 38.95

The Lucia Pinot Noir is a blend from the three vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands farmed by the Pisoni Family: Pisoni, Garys' and Soberanes Vineyards. This wine is a wonderful representation of the Santa Lucia Highlands and these estate vineyards. The goal is to create a "world-class" appellation blend; barrels for this wine are hand selected, just as for the single-vineyard wines.

Friday 04/26/2013 Wine Tasting

Great Bourgognes

Tasting Cost: $ 20

Chateau de la Maltroye 2010

Santenay Blanc 1er Cru La Comme: $ 48.95

I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of this Santenay Blanc. Brilliant, mineral,floral this Chardonnay of the most noble stock offers freshness and vigor. On the nose, notes of fern,chestnuts, and lemon zest abound. On the palate this wine is solid and energetic with aromas of lemon, wet stones and a hint of spicy oak. truly gorgeous and addictive. Christophe

Domaine Bart 2010 Marsannay Les Grands Vignes: $ 24.95

From Bourgogne's newest appellation, Marsannay, comes this little jewel. Domaine Bart Les Grands Vignes 2010 is simply delicious; the nose delivers fresh red fruit notes with a hint of smoke. Fresh, pure, sharp notes of strawberry. Fine and powerful at the same time, this Marsannay comes accross as an excellent value Bourgogne. Highly recommended!

Stephane Magnien

Morey St. Denis 1er Cru 2010 Faconnieres: $ 57.95

Situated in the heart of the Cotes de Nuits (in Burgundy) between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, this is a vineyard of 4.5 hectares in area which produces a complete range of fines wines. Our small family estate has for four generations respected traditional viticultural methods which allows us to offer high quality wines. This is a powerful 1er Cru,intense, rich, offering notes of Cassis, blackberry, black current and even black licorice. This amazing wine will certainly benefit from a few years spent in the cellar.that lingers through the finish. Made for steak, lamb, duck, or just about anything off the grill.

Saturday 04/20/2013 Wine Tasting

New Arrivals

Tasting Cost: $ 19.00

Gautier 2010 Vouvray Sec Cuvee Argilex: $ 14.95

Benoit Gautier comes from a long established wine making family, indeed he can trace his Vigneron ancestors back to the 1600's! Taking over the family estate in  the 1980's Benoit has carefully grown the domaine to include some of the most prestigious vineyards from the appellation. The Cuvee Argilex gets its name from the white clay and limestone soil that support the vineyards for this Cuvee. Cuvee Argilex 2010 is a stright forward the Chenin Blanc delivering concentrated aromas of ripe Chenin Blanc fruits (ripe pear and honey notes)vines. On the palate, while being dry, it comes across as a luscious wine with again soft aromas of pear, honey and apricot. very pleasant and refreshing.

Wine By Joe 2010 Pinot Noir Oregon: $ 13.95

Winemaker Notes - An excitingly complex and wellbalanced Pinot Noir with gorgeous mouthwatering aromas of blackberry and a touch of leather. This wine slips into your mouth with juicy and lip-smacking flavors that mirror the aromas. It is balanced by vivacious acidity and a soft and velvety mouthfeel which wraps around your tongue delivering the impression of sweetness from the soft ripe tannins.

Cameron Hughes 2010 Bordeaux Lot 365 Appellation Controlee: $ 9.95

Tasting Notes - The palate is fleshy, persistent, and perfectly balanced with spicy raspberry notes and hints of earth. This is a beautiful wine with just the right bordelaise mix of fruit and earth.

Atalon 2010 Pauline's Cuvee: $ 25.95

Our Right Bank styled blend pays homage to the strength of Atalon's matriarch.  The aromas and flavors of dark berries, cocoa nib, and tobacco are underlined by a fine trace of minerality - a nod to the majestic geology of Napa Valley and to Pauline's enduring spirit.

Chateau Meyney 2007 Saint Estephe Cru Bourgeois: $ 38.95

61% Cab,26% Merlot,10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc. Chateau Meyney is one of the most ancient wine growing estate whose vineyards were already producing wines for a  monastery back in 1662. Typical of all great Saint Estephe wines, the color is very dark and the wine can appear to be rough and rustic when young. However with time it becomes generous and charming. This 2007 is superb, very pleasant already. Notes of wood are noticeable however, aromas of fruit balances them out to deliver an harmonious wine.

Buoncristiani 2008 Napa Valley Red Wine OPC: $ 39.95

WS: 90 Points - WA: 90 Points- Proprietary Blend 44% Cab, 30% Syrah,14% Merlot, 12% Malbec. Production: 1540cs. According to the Wine Spectator,Hedonistic aromas of black cherry, baker's chocolate, and blueberry lead to a sexy-?eshy mid palate of juicy blackberry and earthy, exotic spices with a velvety smooth ?nish that lasts for more than 40 seconds!

Pizzaioli Tuesday 04/16/2013 Wine tasting

A Tour of Italy

Tasting Cost: $17.00

Jermann 2011 Pinot Grigio: $ 22.00

We were very impressed by the Jermann Pinot Grigio from Venezia Guilia.  The wine is made in a very classic style, with white peach and grapefruit zest fruit notes, crushed stone minerality, and crisp acidity. 

Tenuta Luisa 2010 Refosco: $16.00

100 Percent Refosco Dal Peduncolo Rosso from Tenuta Luisa in Friuli, aromas of of black cherry and blueberry followed by raspberry, blackberry, plum, violet and bell pepper. On the palate the wine has classic tannic structure with pleasant acid and a medium to full body.

Roca di Montemassi 2010 Sassabruna: $ 20.00

A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah, this super Toscan comes from the Massa Maritima region of Tuscany. A maritime climate influenced Bolgheri. Spice and meat accents plum and chocolate flavors, while the mouthfeel is full and velvety smooth. Full-bodied and encompassing, with a persistent and slightly spicy finish.

Ruffino 2009 Toscana Modus: $ 25.00

JS 95 WS 90 Pts - According to James Suckling - Alluring aromas of currants and fresh herbs with hints of rose petals.  Full body, with juicy tannins and a tangy, fruity, and refreshing  finish. Tar and spice undertones. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet  Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Castello D'Albola 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva: $ 22.00

WS 91 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Spectator:  This is a massive Chianti Classico, with lots of fruit and round tannins. Full and velvety. So beautiful and exciting. The Castello D'Albola 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva is particularly rich and full in the 2006 vintage.  Bing cherry and lavender aromas are underscored by notes of toasty oak.

Tommaso Bussola 2009 Valpolicella Ripasso Ca' Del Laito: $ 23.00

Despite being the estate’s standard wines, the Ca del Laito selections are near the summit of the Valpolicella pyramid. Only estate fruit is used, including declassified wine from top sites like Alto, Soto el Barbi, Casali & Ca del Laito. The Valpolicella is made in a bold, Ripasso style that highlights the quality of Tommaso’s raw materials.

Friday 04/12/2013 Wine Tasting

New Arrivals

Tasting Cost: $ 20

B Wise Winery 2008 Trios Proprietary Red Sonoma: $ 24.95

A very elegant red blend made of 71% Cab, 15% Syrah,9% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Layers of wild berry, cherry and red plum are accented by violet, cedar, cacao, and star anise flavors. Unfolds gracefully with a round mid-palate and medium to full-bodied tannins. Mineral notes and sweet baking spices add complexity, ends with dried currant and mocha on the finish.

Sherwin Family 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa: $ 61.95

IN STORE ONLY: $ 48.95

Sherwin Family Vineyards released their first wine, a 1996 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon in late 1999. A scant 140 cases were produced and quickly discovered by several local restaurants and retailers. Marked by the firm backbone of Spring Mountain grown fruit, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon shows remarkable density and concentration. Produced, cellared and bottled on the property owner and winemaker Steve employs traditional winemaking methods of fermenting in one-ton bins, along with hand punch downs and hand racking. We were truly impressed by the premium quality of this cab, with intense raspberry notes on the nose. Very solid structure and depth with fleshy red fruit aromas supported by notes of smoke and vanilla. This is an elegant and harmonious Cab with a very clean, tannic finish. A real treat, destined to become one of our best selling wines at NapaCabs!

Vine Cliff 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $ 49.95

Nuanced aromas of both red and dark fruits, with blueberries and red cherries playing a leading role. Hints of spice, bay leaf and cocoa add layers of complexity and character. Enters the palate with bright sweet fruit, the palate is rich, full bodied and powerful. Shades of mocha and molasses from the French oak provide a complexity that lingers through the finish. Made for steak, lamb, duck, or just about anything off the grill.

Friday 04/05/2013 Wine Tasting

3 Big Syrahs/Shiraz

Tasting Cost: $ 20.00

Terlato 2008 Syrah Dry Creek Valley: $ 32.95

WE 92 Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast - Beautiful to drink now, one of the most rewardingly plush Syrahs on the market. It’squo;s easy to like, with soft tannins and a creamy mouthfeel housing ripe, savory cherry and blueberry pie flavors. If only more Syrahs were this delicious. According to Wine Spectator - Complex and elegant, with a supple mix of subtle berry, loamy earth, tobacco and cedar notes. Full-bodied, ending with gentle tannins. Drink now through 2018. 594 cases made.

Louis Barruol 2010 Hermitage La Pierrelle: $ 59.95

WS:93Pts-Another amazing wine from our friend Kermit Lynch. This time it is coming from the famous Hermitage appellation of Northern Rhone. Hermitages are amazing wines, deep, soft, dry, muscular, complex and spicy, they represent the finest expression of the Syrah grape. Hermitages or Ermitages owe their unique character to their terroir rich in Granite. According to the wine spectator: A fleshy, ganache-driven version, featuring mulled plum and blackberry fruit inlaid with anise and Turkish coffee notes. Fresh fruit hangs on the finish. More bass than treble here, but the effect is rock-solid. Best from 2013 through 2020.

Mollydooker 2011 Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy South Australia: $ 52.95

WS 92 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - Dark and rich, supple and silky, brimming with blackberry and black cherry flavors that show a hint of pomegranate as the finish wraps gently around the fruit. This has a wonderful open texture to let the flavors sing. Drink now through 2016. 6,350 cases made. Winemakers Notes - Gorgeous! Oh my golly, it is so smooth and rich and satiny. Extra delicious this year. Just incredible. Janet Liquid black forest cake! Layers after layer of flavor. black cherry, chocolate, velvety creamy mouth feel. Andrew Wow! A flavor explosion in the mouth. Cream, spice, multi-layered, really rich. Fresh, aromatic fruit.

Pizzaioli Tuesday 04/02/2013

A great Cab Wine tasting

Featuring  NapaCabs’s best selling Cabs. Tasting cost: $ 20.00

Jason Stephens 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate: $ 22.00

Jason-Stephens’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the definitive expression of a balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Our mission is to handcraft a consistent expression of our distinctive terroir, through a wine that is elegant, complex, and balanced.

Cameron Hughes 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 400 Napa Valley:  $ 24.50

Gorgeous aromas of kirsch liqueur, crushed blue/black berries and graphite are framed with sweet toasty oak. On the palate, dense texture and perfectly rich fruit (Rutherford and Oakville) contrasts nicely with the fresh impact of mountain minerality (Atlas Peak). Crushed plum, violets and white flowers vie for attention all supported by ripe, mouth-coating tannins.

Punch 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon: ask your waiter for our special price.

A wine made by insiders, for insiders.  The insiders? Lee Norlund who spent his career managing at mega-wineries Beringer, Mondavi and Franciscan and Steve Lagier of Lagier-Meredith. The 2010 is primarily sourced from Spring Mountain, and has classic blackberry and cassis fruit character with notes of mocha and tobacco.   Excellent structure, with silky tannins, round mid-palate fruit, and a lingering finish.

Beringer 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley: $ 20.00

WA 91+ Firm tannins support an expressive core of dark red fruit, grilled herbs, asphalt and savory herbs, all of which  come to life in a vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon long on personality and  character. This is a serious wine for the money.

Levendi 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Sweetwater Ranch Napa Valley: $ 37.00

Winemakers Notes - Deep, dark purple in appearance.  Lovely vanilla sandalwood notes with plum and wild cherry on the nose.  Rich and mouth-filling with friendly flavors of plum and black fig fruit, topped only by a luxurious finish of dark chocolate.

Le Pich 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $ 37.00

BY FAR OUR # 1 SELLING WINE

This super elegant Cab is made by Julien Fayard who was for five years Director of Wine making for Atelier Philip Melka. Julien was a winemaker for Chateau Laffite-Rothschild, Quintessa and Lail among others. Made from 100% Cab, Le Pich Cab is incredibly smooth and elegant. Superb freshness with raspberries and violet aromas and still tight tannins. The overall impression is that of an incredibly high caliber Cab at a very affordable price. Julien's tasting notes: Dark, dense, tightly wound, graceful. Brambly blackberries, blueberry preserves, red and purple plums, sun-dried dates. Smoked herbs, graphite, roasted coffee beans, crushed violets

Friday 03/29/2013 Wine Tasting

3 Big Names Winemakers’ wines

Tasting Cost: $ 20.00

Alysian 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley: $ 38.95

From winemaker Gary Farrell, Alysian Russian River Pinot Noir has characteristic dark fruit and lavender aromatics, hallmarks of Russian River Pinot Noir.  This wine has a depth and richness which we find very appealing. Winemaker Notes: Alluring scents of lavender, blueberry and spice lead to cascading flavors of dark berries, pomegranate and wild plum. Flavors continue to build and intensify on the palate, and though blackberry/raspberry fruit remains the focus, spice and lavish oak elements add amazing depth and richness to the experience. Its the finish, however, that ultimately substantiates the wine’s credibility; as correct tannins and crisp acidity provide the structural integrity and balance required for long-term cellaring and a refreshing, vibrant finish.

Sixteen by Twenty 2010 Cabernet Sauvginon Napa (Paul Hobbs): $ 49.95

Winemaker Notes  -  The 16x20 2010 has a saturated, deep, blackish purple color &; it is our darkest 16x20 Cabernet to date and that’s saying something. It is oh so young right now but there is so much stuffing in this wine that it’s bursting to show; more opulent and intense at this early stage than previous vintages. The nose is clean and round with a pure fullness of macerated soaked fruit. Ripe Blackberry is compellingly dominant but Blackcurrant is only slightly in the background. There is a whisper of Raspberry jam that is enveloped by lively red, sour cherries around the edges. Nuances of dried mint, anise, charred cedar, and a welcome aroma of violets keeps things complex. Mocha chocolate can be found lurking. The flavors must again be simply described as pure.

La Sirena 2007 Syrah Napa: $ 65.95

Here is Heidi's very small production Syrah. The Barrett Vineyard Syrah comes from a two-acre estate vineyard at the foot of Mount St. Helena. The nature of the vineyard, extremely steep and rocky site, produces incredibly layered, textural, and complex wine. According to the winemaker. The 2007 is a highly touted vintage for good reason.  It is fully ripe and concentrated.  The wine has very deep ruby red color with aromas of ripe black plums, pomegranate, mineral, spice, and pepper.  More Cab-like than past vintages.  Flavors match the aromas but with textural chewy tannins in the mid-palate.

Pizzaioli 03/19/13 Wine Tasting: A Domestic Red Blend Tasting
       
Tasting cost: $ 17.00




Belle Glos 2011 Pinot Noir Blanc Oeil De Perdrix Brugioni (Caymus): $ 17.50
Vibrant rose-salmon color. Pronounced aromas of ripe strawberry and green apple are supported by an undertone of light oak. The flavors are lively with cranberry and citrus zest notes. The full, lush mouthfeel is balanced by a brisk acidity and mineral elements, leading to a long-lasting finish.

Santa Barbara Winery 2010 ZCS California: $ 12.00
In this synergistic blend, the Zinfandel from 50 year old vines lends the jammy fruit quality to the wine, the Carignane adds density and finish, and the Sangiovese shows off cherry aromatics and flavors.

Tedeschi Vineyards NV Ulupalakua Red Wine Hawaii:$ 12.00
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Ruby. Winemaker Notes - Our new updated label of The Old Jail, a historic Upcountry landmark, conveys the style of Ulupalakua Red; creamy and smooth, accentuated with the robust flavors of dark berries, black currants and hints of black pepper. This superb structure provides an abundance of complexities that deepen with each anticipated taste

X Winery 2010 Red X Winemaker Blend: $ 13.00
X Winery Red X is a blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Dolceto and Malbec.  We found this wine to be very pleasant with plump fruit character, spice, and well integrated oak.  Very charming at the price point.  We weren't the only ones who found this wine to be an excellent value; The most obvious question with respect to X Winery and proprietor Reed Renaudin is how can these wines be this good at these prices? Everyone is looking for good values today, and here are some exceptional bargains - Robert Parker.

Francis Coppola 2009 Cinema Red Director's Cut Sonoma County: $ 33.00
Cinema has tremendous richness as a result of the fruit’s ripeness, and a solid tannin structure that will allow it to mature nicely over time. Those who are fans of Super Tuscans will enjoy the spicy, full-bodied nature of this wine as well as the juicy fruit impressions of blackberries, cherries, currants, anise and cigar box. Dark and decadent, but with a good showing of balance and complexity.

Justin 2010 Savant Red Wine Paso Robles: $ 39.00
Appearance: Bright, with an opaque ruby/purple core thinning to violet right at the rim. Aroma: Intense and complex with blackberry and black cherry fruit, framed with smoky vanilla, anise, cinnamon and cracked pepper spice, accented by tobacco, pencil lead, and subtle floral notes. Palate: Immediate burst of concentrated black fruit on the front palate of blackberry jam, black cherry, and a little black currant from the Cabernet component.


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NapaCabs Friday 03/15/13:  3 great classics

3 Pours = $ 18.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 7.00








Michel Rocourt La Rose du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs: $ 58.95
The winery is relatively young having been founded in the 1880s but then it was Purchased by Michel Rocourt who was wine maker for Maison Henriot in the 1970's. It is also quite small in production especially by Champagne standards producing just under 4,000 cases per year! A true artisan Champagne, Maison Michel Rocourt grows its own grapes, ferments its wine and bottles it on site. Both Champagne Rocourt offered on our site will amaze you for their finesse and quality. The Rose du Mesnil is striking for its floral nose evoking well....rose buds! Almonds, white peaches and dried straw aromatics also come thru. On the palate it is powerful and vinous and vibrant, very fresh considering it contains only juices from the 2004 vintage. The persistent finish closes on a slightly bitter note. A superb Champagne Culinaire crying to complement a fine dish. Gorgeous.

Cune 2005 Rioja Gran Reserva: $34.95
Cune is produced by the fifth generation of the founders of CUNE, mainly from handpicked Tempranillo grapes. Layered, rich aromas of tobacco, ripe blueberry, and anise seed are complimented by grippy tannins and waves of fruit and spice.

Maison Nicolas Perrin 2009 Cornas: $ 49.95
>WS 93 Pts.; A joint venture with the Perrin family and Nicolas Jaboulet. Northern Rhone Syrah fanatics, here is your wine. This Cornas is 100% Syrah and has impeccable balance between fruit/spice/mineral character and structure. According to the Wine Spectator: A very fresh, pure style, with a strong violet note leading the way for  almost brisk blackberry, black currant and black cherry fruit, pushed by  sweet tobacco and tapenade notes on the sleek finish.



 

NapaCabs Friday 03/08/13:  A Great Aglianico Tasting

3 Pours = $ 18.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 7.00








Nifo 2008 Aglianico De Taburno: $ 19.95
The noble red grape of Campania is the Aglianico who was planted by the Greeks in antiquity around the town of Naple. Campania is a very volcanic area and the wines in the region grow on a soil that contains large amount of tuff (Tufo in Italian). We really love Aglianicos at NapaCabs because they produce wines with tons of character and complexity. Young, Aglianicos tend to be exuberant, delivering complex berry jam flavor, licorice and spicy herbs, supported by a solid structure. With age wines made with Aglianico become very elegant and develop Bordeaux like character

Terredora 2006 Taurasi: $25.95
Made with 100% Aglianico grapes aged for 18 month in oak, this Taurasi delivers a very deep nose of prune, tar, black pepper. This Dark wine is quite dense on the palate with aromas of black berries and grape must. The tannins are soft and chewy and the finish really long and deep. Truly one of our favorites at NapaCabs.

Mastroberadino 2003 Historia Taurasi : $ 79.95 (IN STORE SPECIAL $ 65.95)
WA 92 Pts, WE 92 Pts - Winemaker Notes - The color is deep ruby red and the bouquet is full, intense, complex and persistent with notes of violet, berries and chocolate. The palate is enveloping, warm, smooth and perfectly structured with a characteristic background of plum, bitter cherry, raspberry and strawberry jam.
ONLY 15 bottles left and that is it!


 

Pizzaioli 03/05/13 Wine Tasting: A Tuscan wine tasting
       
Tasting cost: $ 16.00



Zenato 2011 Lugana San Benedetto Veneto: $ 13.00
This wine comes from the vineyards on the San Benedetto estate, to the south of Lake Garda, between the municipalities of Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda. It is made from a selection of the finest Lugana grapes, which are grown in the vineyards in one of the historic areas of the designation. With powerful personality, its fresh fragrances are accompanied by the broader complexities that only Lugana grapes can give. Its full taste is characterised by the pleasant persistence of its after-aroma.

Il Poggione 2010 Rosso Di Montalcino: $ 20.00
WA 91 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino captures the essence of this great Montalcino vintage. An elegant, expressive bouquet gives way to layers of vibrant fruit in this energetic, totally polished Rosso. After several years of experimenting with a more accessible style of Rosso, Il Poggione has moved back to making the firm, structured style of Rosso for which the estate is famous.

Il Molino Di Grace 2007 Chianti Classico: $ 19.00
According to the Wine Advocate: Candied red cherries, underbrush and licorice are some of the nuances that flow from the 2007 Chianti Classico. There is a lovely sense of inner perfume to the fruit and a long, soft finish, both of which make this an excellent choice for near-term drinking.

Boscarelli 2009 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano: $ 29.00
WA 91 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is gorgeous in this vintage. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support an expressive core of sweet red fruit in this beautifully delineated, energetic Vino Nobile. The 2009 impresses for its energy and class.

Marchesi de Frescobaldi 2009 Tenuta di Castiglioni Toscana: $ 20.00
Rich, elegant Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni, this estate’s iconic wine, is clearly in a modern key, but holds fast to the qualities of its local terroir. The labels of the bottles prior to the 2009 vintage presented the caption as “Tenuta di Castiglioni”

Ruffino 2009 Toscana Modus: $ 25.00
JS 95 WS 90 Pts - According to James Suckling - Alluring aromas of currants and fresh herbs with hints of rose petals.  Full body, with juicy tannins and a tangy, fruity, and refreshing  finish. Tar and spice undertones. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet  Sauvignon, and Merlot.


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NapaCabs Friday 03/01/13:  New Vs. Old Syrah

3 Pours = $ 18.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 7.00








Melville 2011 Syrah Verna's Estate: $ 23.95
While the 2011 Melville Verna's Syrah remains unrated, the new vintage is all we expect the wine to be.  Bright and forward with excellent structure, deep fruit compote character, and spice notes.

Barrel 27 2009 Syrah Right Hand Man: $16.95
With a good ol' boys kind of attitude, Barrel 27 crafts big rich wines at reasonable prices. The 2008 Right Hand Man Syrah has big bountiful blue fruit aromatics, firm tannins, and is focused and persistent.  A perfect pair with BBQ and summer fare.

Domaine du Coulet 2006 Cornas Les Terrasses du Serre: $ 78.95
WS 93 Pts. A gorgeous wine made by Matthieu Barret, one of the rising star of the Northern Rhone appellation. This impressive Cornas is made of Syrah 100% and is certified organic (Ecocert and Biodyvin). Les terraces du Serre cuvee is made of 45 years old vines from three different vineyards. Vinified in both stainless steel tanks and cement eggs. Matthieu's wine deliver excellent fruit concentration and amazing softness. Wonderful black cherry, musty dark berries, black licorice and cedar wood notes on the nose. Powerful and aromatic on the palate with a medium heaviness. Aromas of walnut, rancio and tons of mineral elements (flinty). Cornas like most of the Northern Rhone appellations, sits on deep Granite soil. The tannins of this wine are still quite powerful. Impressive and delicious. According to the Wine Spectator: Dense and mouthfilling, but vibrant and finely detailed, with sappy  kirsch, plum sauce and blackberry fruit laced with superb acidity, while  notes of pastis, violet and graphite ripple through the lengthy finish.  Drink now through 2020
 

NapaCabs Saturday 02/23/13 : New Arrivals

6 Pours = $20.00                    Re-Tastes = $5.00


M. Chapoutier 2010 Marius Blanc Vin de Pays d'Oc: $ 10.95
According to Robert Parker - The 2010 Vin de Pays d’Oc Marius Blanc, which is dominated by Vermentino, is an elegant, citrusy, light-bodied, fresh, dry white quaffing wine to consume over the next 9-12 months.

Chateau de Paraza 2009 Minervois: $ 11.95
Syrah 40%, Grenache 40%, Mourvedre 20%- A dark-purple robe indicates that the month of September was very sunny in the Minervois region! The nose reveals, intense notes of black licorice and red fruit. On the palate this wine offers a solid structure sustained by ripe tannins leading toward a spicy finish. A superb everyday food wine.

Clos La Coutale 2010 Cahors: $ 12.95
Enjoy the generosity of 80% Malbec combined with the finnesse and roundness of 20% Merlot.  Philippe Bernede is proud to introduce to you the results of six generations of savoir faire, his passion for the wine, and his unique terroir.

Masut 2011 Pinot Noir Estate: $ 34.95
WE93 pts. Here is a superb Pinot Noir from cooler climate Mendocino County. This great Pinot is made by Jacob and Ben Fetzer, the sons of Bobby Fetzer. According to the wine maker, Brilliant deep ruby red color. The nose is lush with dark cherry, hibiscus, and toast impressions. Dark cherry, wild strawberry, rhubarb. creamy toast, and sweet spice fill the palate. Bright acidity and a smooth silky texture create elegance and balance.

Dusted Valley 2010 Stained Tooth Syrah Columbia Valley: $ 27.95
The stained tooth Syrah is actually more than than that; it also contains Grenache, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre sourced from some of the most acclaimed vineyard s of Washington State. It is a very aromatic, fresh red fruit infused wine. Very elegant, this lovely wine is a great sipper, perfect for entertaining guests over finger food. According to the winery, The bouquet floats out of the glass and draws you into all the extraordinary fruit while the ripe tannins provide a silky finish.

Bodegas Faustino 2000 Faustino I Tinto Gran Reserva: $ 32.95
Gold Medal at the prestigious Mundus Vini Competition and Zarcillo German Silver. Winemakers Notes - The flagship of the winery and Rioja Gran Reserva most exported. 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Maceration for 27 days. Aging 28 months in American oak barrels and French. Cherry red, glossy and upper middle layer. Notes intense and complex nose: spicy new wood with soft and alcoholic presence. Palate well finished. Powerful nuances tannic on the palate, enveloping.
 

Pizzaioli Wine Dinner featuring French wine producer Joseph Drouhin Domaine with special guest speaker Laurent Drouhin on February 26th, 2013 at 6 PM.

$125 Price per person inclusive, limited seating. Prepaid Reservations Only

Appetizer

Saint Veran 2011 - stylistically close to Pouilly-Fuissé, with its golden hue, its greenish reflection and its refreshing taste. The aromas are reminiscent of the ripe Chardonnay grape, with subtle notes of musk.

Gougères, Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Cheese - Gougères a baked savory choux pastry filled with Gruyère cheese, served with the tomato slice, Burrata (made from mozzarella and cream), extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil, served with:

Puligny-Montrachet 2010 - The aromas evoke trees in bloom and white flesh fruit, like white peaches. On the palate, there is a sensation of fresh silkiness. Long and persistent in the aftertaste, ending on an exceptional wealth of flavors, both floral and fruity.

Salad

Burgundy Salad with Poached Egg – arugula, endive, mixed baby greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, garlic croutons and poached egg drizzled with mustard vinaigrette, served with:

Cotes de Nuit Village 2010 - Bright ruby color. On the nose, intense aromas of wild cherry, liquorice and mild spices, evolving towards notes of undergrowth and mushroom.

Entrées

Free Range Chicken roasted with shallots, prosciutto, black mushrooms, cabbage, onions, Brussels sprouts and Chardonnay over mascarpone-crushed potatoes, served with:

Gevrey Chambertin 2010 - The woody character is subtle and marries delicately with the other aromas. As the wine evolves, there are more complex notes, such as mild spice, nutmeg and leather.

-&- Beef Burgundy – Braised Prime beef roasted with mushrooms, carrots, pancetta, pearl onions, and Pinot Noir, served over white polenta served with:

Pommard 2010 - An intense, bright, red color; a powerful nose, with notes of black cherry and spice, evolving towards aromas of young leather. On the palate, the tannins give a certain impression of firmness, somewhat softened by a nice, harmonious texture.

Le Fromage

Burgundian Cheese Assortment, served with:

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches - An absolute treat, powerful, soft, harmonious with superb aromas of dark berries.There remains a final and most pleasing sensation of harmony, fullness and delicate tannins, as the wine lingers on the palate.

Pizzaioli 02/19/13 Wine Tasting: Syrah from California
       
Tasting cost: $ 16.00




Treana 2010 Viognier/ Marsanne Mer Soleil Vineyard Central Coast: $ 15.00
This white Rhone blend displays varietal characteristics of Marsanne and Viognier; vibrant floral aromas of citrus blossom and jasmine are followed by elegant flavors of ripe stone fruit, hints of pear, pineapple and honey overtones. A wine of excellent balance and complexity, the 2010 Treana White will age beautifully over the next decade.

Valley of the Moon 2009 Syrah Sonoma County: $ 13.00
 Ripe blackberry, white pepper, and hints of anise, dry cocoa and rosemary make up the complex aromas of this wine. Blackberry flavors are accompanied by fresh blueberry, spicy oak and savory herb notes. Firm acidity and supple tannins give this wine a long and rich finish providing excellent aging potential.

Justin 2009 Syrah Paso Robles: $ 21.00
This grape is beginning to outshine all our other varietal reds because of its sheer deliciousness. Its color is dense, its perfume exotically floral and peppercorn-spicy, and its midpalate and finish stellar in containing all the most intense fruit Paso Robles can deliver. Framed well by mostly French barrels, our Syrah delivers great intensity and fine value.

Jaffurs 2010 Syrah Santa Barbara County: $ 25.00
The 2010 Santa Barbara County Syrah combines fruit from all 6 of the Syrah vineyards we work with. More than a sum of its parts, it is dark and rich. This year’s vintage has a little Petite Sirah blended in to add power and complexity, and a little Viognier for added finesse. It is a serious wine that is approachable in its youth. Sharing the same farming and winemaking techniques as our vineyard designated wines, it is a wine of great complexity.

Melville 2011 Syrah Verna's Estate: $ 24.00
While the 2011 Melville Verna's Syrah remains unrated, the new vintage is all we expect the wine to be.  Bright and forward with excellent structure, deep fruit compote character, and spice notes.

Michael~David 2010 Syrah 6th Sense Lodi: $ 13.00
Winemaker Notes - The flavor profile is a ripe red cherry with mixed in notes of vanilla. There were also hints of red currant jam and black pepper.On the palate, this wine is balanced, mouthwatering, and very juicy


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
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NapaCabs Friday 02/08/13:  3 Great Italian Reds

3 Pours = $ 17.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 6.00








Boscarelli 2009 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano: $ 28.95
WA 91 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is gorgeous in this vintage. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support an expressive core of sweet red fruit in this beautifully delineated, energetic Vino Nobile. The 2009 impresses for its energy and class.

Speri 2009 Valpolicella Ripasso: $22.95
WE 90 Pts. - According to the Wine Enthusiast: Speri’s delicious Ripasso offers thick concentration and pulpy notes of chocolate and black cherry. The wine is soft, velvety and would pair well with oven-baked pasta topped with hearty meat ragu.

Zenato 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico: $ 64.95
WS 93pts -  Winemaker Notes - Amarone, the small jewel in our product line, is rightly considered the king of Verona’s wines, produced from the best grapes of the Valpolicella Classic area, carefully selected and dried in trays until January. Showing deep ruby red, it releases intense aromas laden with rich spice and dried fruit; in the mouth it is a wine of superb richness and majestic flavours.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 02/02/13 : Rhone meets Paso…

6 Pours = $20.00                    Re-Tastes = $5.00


Tablas Creek 2010 Roussanne Paso Robles: $ 26.95
IWC 91 Pts.  -  WA (89-91) Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2010 Roussanne wraps around the palate with layers of honey, almonds, flowers, mint and honeysuckle. Layers of fruit continue to build into the succulent, juicy finish. The 2010 is rich, but not at all heavy. This is a gorgeous showing from Tablas Creek.

Ferraton 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc La Matiniere: $ 17.95
WS 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Spectator:  Very bright and refreshing, exhibiting delightful green plum, persimmon, mango and white peach flavors that stay intertwined through the fresh, minerally finish.

Tablas Creek 2010 Mourvedre Paso Robles: $ 35.95
WA 92 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  I find stunning beauty and purity in Tablas Creek’s 2010 Mourvedre. Rich yet weightless, it offers up plum, camphor, tobacco, spices and mint, all to match an impossibly refined, gracious personality. The 2010 is rich yet not at all heavy. It is a wine of incomparable textural finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.

E. Guigal 2007 Gigondas Rouge: $ 23.95
WA (92-94) Pts.  -  The best Gigondas from Guigal that I have ever tasted will certainly be  the 2007, which is still aging in tank and large wood vats. His general  blend here is about 55-60% Grenache, around one-third Mourvedre and the  rest Syrah. This remarkable Gigondas is scheduled to be bottled within  the next several months. Dense plum/purple, with notes of garrigue,  crushed rock, blueberry, and black raspberries, the wine is full-bodied,  with stunning purity, a multi-layered texture, and a long finish

Jason Stephens 2009 Petite Verdot Estate: $ 20.95
Jason Stephens Petite Verdot is sourced from Estate vineyards in Santa Clara, and has a very intriguing bouquet of macerated blueberry, allspice, and dried mushroom.  Very cool and rare to find an all Estate Petite Verdot at a reasonable price.

Daou 2010 Petite Sirah Paso Robles: $ 28.95
DAOU Petite Sirah is dark plum purple, with lots of young, bright, ripe black cherry and berry fruit aromas with honeysuckle, prune, and traces of oak, butter, vanilla, and cedar. The mid-palate is clean and fresh with hints of black pepper spice and smoke. Powerful, but without intense tannins this is a wine that maintains exemplary varietal character. The addition of 5% Viognier adds a lovely structure, softening and integrating the wine throughout the tasting experience.
 

Pizzaioli 02/05/13 Wine Tasting: A Great Bordeaux Tasting
       
Tasting cost: $ 29.00




Chateau Graville-Lacoste 2011 Graves Blanc: $ 17.00
60% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle.  This wine is known primarily for its stony soil composition and fresh minerality. It is rich, full, aromatic mid-palate to complement the clean finish. This is the perfect go-to white that pairs well with anything from fish to poultry, picnic fare to Indian curries.

Chateau Clarke 2009 (E. de Rothschild): $ 27.00
We are all amazed to find such quality at that price for a 2009 Bordeaux Vintage. This is a true Listrac-Medoc, soft, gentle and floral. The nose exudes cherries and black licorice. On the palate it comes out plumpy, soft and spicy with a warm feel. Greta balance between tannins and freshness. A great achievement (Gault & Millau, 2009)

Chateau Meyney 2007 Saint Estephe Cru Bourgeois: $ 39.00
61% Cab,26% Merlot,10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc. Chateau Meyney is one of the most ancient wine growing estate whose vineyards were already producing wines for a  monastery back in 1662. Typical of all great Saint Estephe wines, the color is very dark and the wine can appear to be rough and rustic when young. However with time it becomes generous and charming. This 2007 is superb, very pleasant already. Notes of wood are noticeable however, aromas of fruit balances them out to deliver an harmonious wine

Chateau Caronne Sainte Gemme 2009 Haut Medoc: $ 27.00 ---LAST BOTTLES!
WS: 90pts- Haut Medoc, Bordeaux,2009. 65% Cab,30% Merlot,5% Petit verdot. According to the Wine Spectator:This wine offers a dark, plush feel, with roasted fig and warm currant preserves notes flowing over dark tobacco and bittersweet cocoa flavors, followed by a solid, tarry-edged finish.

Amiral de Beychevelle 2009 Saint Julien: $ 53.00
2nd label from Beychevelle, 46%Cab,44% Merlot, 6% CAb Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Absolutely delicious, not overripe but quite fruity due to the warms of the 09 vintage. The good level of acidity perfectly balances the fruity character of this wine.

La Sirene De Giscours 2009 Margaux: $ 45.00
55 % Cabernet Sauvignon – 40 % Merlot – 5 % Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Made using the youngest vines, La Sirène de Giscours is the wine of very rigorous selection. Like the Grand Vin, it offers wine lovers a charming youthfulness and all the generosity of the terroir.


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
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NapaCabs Friday 01/25/13:  3 Great Cab blends

3 Pours = $ 19.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 8.00




L'Ecole No 41 2008 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley: $ 39.95
WS 91 Pts.  -  WA 91 Pts.  -  WE 91 Pts.  -  W&S 91 Pts.  The 2008 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak. Balsam wood, graphite, cinnamon, clove, espresso, violets, black currant, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of a structured, savory, incipiently complex blend that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring.

Summers 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: $ 42.95
WE 94 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Enthusiast:  A gorgeous Cabernet, among the best Summers has ever released. Actually, their Reserve Cab tends to fly under the radar, and is a good buy for that reason, although they did raise the price considerably with this 08 bottling. The wine, which is 100% Cabernet, is showing beautifully now, with soft, rich tannins and luscious flavors of blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate and plenty of new oak. It will evolve in the bottle for many years.

La Sirene De Giscours 2009 Margaux: $49.95
55 % Cabernet Sauvignon – 40 % Merlot – 5 % Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Made using the youngest vines, La Sirène de Giscours is the wine of very rigorous selection. Like the Grand Vin, it offers wine lovers a charming youthfulness and all the generosity of the terroir.



 

Pizzaioli 01/21/13 Wine Tasting: Wines from the Central Coast AVA.

Tasting cost: $ 18.00




Rusack 2011 Chardonnay Reserve: $ 27.00
A gorgeous follow-up to the 2010 vintage which received 93 Points in the Wine Advocate.  Layered and harmonious, with lemon and pineapple fruit character, shortbread and white flower notes, and well-integrated oak.

Daou 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles: $ 21.00
Soft ripe blackberries and cooked black current dominate the initial aroma both on the mouth and nose. The seamless texture of vanilla bean and holiday spices combined with rich black fruit and cedar are evidence of true balance. There are firm tannins that are softened by bright acidity. Finally, there is an explosion of ripe raspberries and blueberries, with a hint of tobacco and pepper on the finish.

Opolo 2009 Montagna-Mare:$ 24.00
Opolo's Montagna Mare is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Barbera from select vineyards in Paso Robles.  Rich, extracted, and full-bodied with cherry and cedar aromatics and a healthy dose of oak.

Four Vines 2009 Zinfandel The Sophisticate Sonoma County: $ 20.00
Our Sonoma Zin was kissed with a touch of Petite Sirah and aged in small French and American oak barrels for 14 months. This wine has a sexy nose with velvet vanilla oak tones, followed by rich, spicy berry fruit and a hint of cedar. Big flavors, yet refined and stylish. The James Bond of Zinfandel; he will seduce you.

Big Basin 2009 Red Wine Homestead Santa Cruz: $ 30.00
he 2009 Homestead is 46% Grenache, 43% Syrah and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly sourced from estate vineyards. This attractive red wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, with compelling dark fruit, sweet spices and flowers. Floral notes reappear on the finish adding brightness and lift. The Homestead is an attractive, fruit-forward offering best enjoyed over the next few years.

Justin 2010 Savant Red Wine Paso Robles: $ 39.00
Beautifully integrated spice of sweet vanilla layered with licorice, and black pepper. Tobacco, pencil shavings, and a slight mineral component come in toward the back palate. Finish is very long, crisp, and complex with soft lingering tannins, rich spice and lingering fruit


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners,

Pizzaioli 01/14/13 Wine Tasting: Great Italian wines under $20.00
       
Tasting cost: $ 14.00




Torre Rosazza 2010 Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli: $ 19.00
WS 90 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - A pretty, aromatic Pinot Grigio, with floral overtones and flavors of apricot, white cherry and melon. Offers light, juicy, well-balanced acidity, with stone and spice notes that linger on the finish.

Masserei 2011 Rosato Puglia: $ 16.00
Made from old vine Negro Amaro in the Nardo appellation of Puglia. Bright red with a light floral nose. Very well balanced between acidity and fruit notes. A very enjoyable Rose.

Prunotto 2011 Barbera D'Asti Fiulot DOCG:$ 13.00
WS 90 WA 88 Pts - This is pure, with blackberry and black cherry flavors that run deep. Coats the palate lightly, with a glycerine feel, offset by bright acidity and a touch of tannins that add a pleasant astringency on the finish.

Feudi Di San Gregorio 2010 Aglianico Rubrato: $ 14.00
In less than two decades, the Feudi di San Gregorio wine estate in southern Italy's Campania region has positioned itself at the forefront of a successful and radical revitalization of this historic winemaking area.

Masi 2009 Italian Red Campofiorin: $ 13.00
Rich, smooth and velvety; very approachable and versatile with food. Recognised internationally as the creator of a new category for wines from the Veneto inspired by the technique of making Amarone. Combining simplicity and grace with strength and majesty.

Poggio San Polo 2010 Rosso Di Montalcino: $ 20.00
 Brilliant ruby red in hue. The nose unfolds to reveal aromas of small  fresh berries and a trace of maraschino cherry, melded with hints of  blackberries and black cherries and followed by a hint of vanilla.  It is a very fragrant wine of good intensity, warm and supple, with a  medium-structure and balanced tannins. On the palate, the wine is  suitably dry and sinewy, yet fresh with a persistent aromatic finish.


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)
 

Pizzaioli 01/07/13 Wine Tasting: Wines from Argentina
       
Tasting cost: $ 12.00




Bodega Norton 2010 Torrontes Mendoza: $ 9.00
Very pleasant and well-balanced, Norton's Torrontes has lovely peach, jasmine and rose petal aromatics with crisp acidity and a lingering finish.

Pascual Toso 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: $ 13.50
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spent 12 months in 80% new American oak. The aromatics are currently a bit reticent, but with coaxing reveal notes of cedar, spice box, and black fruits. In the glass it displays a firm structure but is narrow across the palate.

Antucura 2007 Calcura Red Blend: $ 16.00
WA 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2007 Calcura is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Malbec aged in French oak for 12 months. Cedar, spice box, tobacco, violets, and assorted black fruits lead to an incipiently complex, nicely proportioned, lengthy offering that has enough underlying structure to evolve for 1-2 years but can be approached now.

Renacer 2010 Malbec Punto Final: $ 8.00
Deep ruby red in color with notes of blackberry, blueberry and cassis. On the palate, the wine is balanced and round, with a jammy mouthfeel and a long finish. Pair with steak, pasta with meat sauce, risotto, lamb and cheeses.

Alta Vista 2010 Premium Malbec Mendoza: $ 15.00
The wine has ripe, red fruit aromas and spicy notes, with round, soft tannins and a lively mouthfeel. This wine pairs well with grilled pork tenderloin, lamb and veal with fresh herbs.

Bodega Norton 2009 Mendoza Estate Reserva Privada: $ 22.00
Bodega Norton Privada wine has excellent aromatic complexity with notes of ripe fruit and a fine touch of smoke and coffee. With ample raspberry, fig bread, and mocha, this wine has a long, intensely complex finish and rich concentration.


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)
 

NapaCabs Friday 01/04/13:
Carignans and Beers from “The Bruery”


Wine 3 Pours = $12.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Agricola Punica 2010 Montessu Isola Dei Nuraghi: $25.95
W&S 90 Pts - Winemaker Notes - Deep ruby in color, the wine offers intense aromas and flavors of black fruit. It is full-bodied with a velvety texture and balanced tannins.

Santa Ema 2007 Carignan Old Vine Amplus Puemo: $19.95
WA 91 WS 90 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2007 Amplus Old-Vine Carignan exhibits an intriguing nose of exotic spices, balsamic, earth notes, underbrush, plum, and boysenberry. This is followed by a medium- to full-bodied, concentrated, slightly rustic offering with plenty of up-front flavor, some complexity, and a lengthy finish. It is likely to evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now

Domaine D'Aupilhac 2010 Le Carignan : $28.95
100% Carignan old vines.According to the winemaker: Reminiscent of black fruit, with a touch of liquorice and slightly smoky, this is a powerful wine though it always finishes on a clean note. Le Carignan is just that, from over 60-year old vines whose grapes are picked very ripe and with low yields. Often a touch rustic when young, it's powerful slightly smoky with aromas of black fruit and liquorice. As it ages it becomes more complex. It vinifies for 28 days with regular circulation, and matures in casks for 20 months. It is truly a symbol of the essence of the region and its history.

Beers
The Bruery 5 Golden Rings-Ale Brewed With Pineapple Juice: $10.95
5 Golden Rings is the 5th verse in our ‘12 Days of Christmas’ winter seasonal ale series. The only golden ale in the bunch, we spiced up the natural pause in the classic song with cinnamon, allspice and ginger along with the delicious sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple.

The Bruery Smoking Wood Imperial Rye Porter - 750ml: $ 17.95
Brewed with beachwood and cherrywood smoked malt, and aged in rye whiskey barrels, Smoking Wood is a delicious demonstration of what wood has to offer when it comes to beer. This imperial smoked porter is brewed with a hefty amount of rye malt, contributing to a full body and light spiciness. Toasty oak, caramel and vanilla flavors balance the smokiness, contributing to an intense yet refined flavor profile.
 

NapaCabs Friday 12/28/12: 

3 New Arrivals and 2 Weihenstephaners

Wine 3 Pours = $18.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Domaine Faiveley 2010 Puligny-Montrachet: $54.95
Domaine Faiveley is located in France, at the heart of Viticultural Burgundy, Dijon and Beaune Between in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The Faiveley family has progressively extended it's area and today owns vineyards in the finest climates in Burgundy, Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, Volnay, Puligny-Montrachet, Mercurey and others. According to Stephen Tanzer - Ripe peach, menthol, rose oil and spices on the perfumed, high-pitched nose, complicated by a hint of red berries.  Then tactile and brisk on the palate, with strong acidity and floral cut drawing out the finish.

Bianchi 2008 Ghemme: $26.95
A good ruby red color with garnet reflections; an enveloping bouquet with notes of liquorice, red brushwood fruits, hints of violet and spices; the taste has a characteristic fine, persistent freshness and an elegant sensation of fullness enriched by rounded tannins which merge with its vibrant structure. This one is right matches the description perfectly!

Poderi Elia 2007 Barbaresco Serracapelli: $46.95
WE 94 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Enthusiast:  This outlier wine sparked much controversy at the Nebbiolo blind tastings because of the thickness of its extraction and the darkness of its appearance. Serracapelli is a beautifully rich wine that doesn’t necessarily highlight Barbaresco typicity. You’ll get opulent aromas of black cherry, spice, leather and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is rich, round and velvety.

Beers
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier - 500ml: $ 2.99
From The World's Oldest Brewery - Nothing refreshes you more than this naturally cloudy wheat beer with its wonderful yeasty fragrance and taste. Goes well with dishes that do not have too intensive a flavour, especially that Bavarian speciality 'Weisswurst' or white sausage.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dark - 500ml: $ 3.95
This Hefeweissbier Dark from the World's Oldest Brewery - Weihenstephaner.  The Hefe Dunkel is chestnut brown and full of flavor.  Balanced and extremely aromatic.
 

Pizzaioli Tuesday Night Tasting

December 18^th, 2012

California Favorites

$23 Per Flight

Ferrari-Carano 2011 Bella Luce Sonoma County $14 Per Bottle

Ferrari-Carano’s unique, proprietary, 2011 Bella Luce means “beautiful light” in Italian. Bella Luce is a fragrant and light white wine blend made from varieties that complement one another in aromas, flavors and texture. Bella Luce has delicious layers of Muscat, honeydew, orange, lychee, pineapple, peach and apple, along with lingering floral notes, cream and vanilla.

Etude 2009 Pinot Noir Carneros $32 Per Bottle

Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha. The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length.

Franciscan 2008 Merlot Napa Valley $18 Per Bottle

Inviting aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, and ripe plum are interwoven with notes of sage and blueberry. Hints of anise and clove give added complexity.

Chappellet 2010 Cervantes Mountain Cuvee $30 Per Bottle

Chappellet Mountain Cuvee is called Cervantes in the 2010 vintage, however it stays true to the previous blends - a core of Cabernet with a significant amount of Merlot with a bit of Petit Verdot and Malbec rounding out the blend.

Joseph Phelps 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $50 Per Bottle

“Expensive, yes, but it shows the drama and interest that a Joseph Phelps Cabernet predictably delivers. It’s rich and ripe in blackberry, cherry, currant and oak flavors, with wonderful tannins and a dry finish. Best now.” – Wine Enthusiast 92 Points

Orin Swift 2011 The Prisoner $38 Per Bottle

The wine has a dense red and black hue that is framed in vibrant crimson. Aromas of Bing cherry, espresso, roasted fig and vanillin oak accents are persistent. The entry is powerful and generous supported with lively acidity while flavors of ripe raspberry, pomegranate and wild berry fruit linger harmoniously.

NapaCabs Friday 12/14/12: 

Bordeaux Blends and beers from Port Brewing
3 Pours = $ 16.00        wine            Re-Tastes = $ 6.00

2 Pours = $ 4.00        beer            Re-Tastes = $ 2.00


                       
Tower 15 The Swell Paso Robles Red: $ 17.95
This interesting blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Petite Verdot. Deep ruby in color with a tinge of purple, the nose shows classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, currant, kirsch and tobacco. The Petit Verdot is more evident on the palate, with flavors of cocoa and coffee joining the cherry and blackberry notes echoed from the nose. Juicy and rich, this wine stays bright and lively thanks to smooth tannins drawing out the finish.

Robert Sinskey 2009 POV Red Blend: $ 32.95.
 The 2009 vintage of POV has elegant aromas and flavors of dark plum and cherry fruit backed by complex savory notes of olives, dried herbs and hints of earthy leaves of tobacco or tea. The tannins are firm yet supple, suggesting optimally ripened fruit that offer a nice weight on the mid palate, assuring this wine will be a crowd pleaser at the dinner table.

Amiral de Beychevelle 2009 Saint Julien: $ 52.95
2nd label from Beychevelle, 46%Cab,44% Merlot, 6% CAb Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Absolutely delicious, not overripe but quite fruity due to the warms of the 09 vintage. The good level of acidity perfectly balances the fruity character of this wine.


Beers:
Port Brewing Old Viscosity Ale - 22 oz. Bottle: $ 5.95
 Not your Dad’s Wimpy 30 Weight is how our original label used to describe this massive chewy and thick beer. Code named by our brewers-”The Big Black Nasty,” this is monstrous dark ale is brewed to no particular style. Thick and sludgy like oil from the crankcase of a wheat threshing combine, Old Viscosity blurs the boundaries of Porter, Stout, Old Ale and Barleywines.

Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper Imperial Stout - 22 oz. Bottle: $ 5.95
Originally brewed at the Pizza Port in Solana Beach in November of 1997. As dark as the biggest lump of coal Santa can deliver, this beer has earned a dedicated following and is code named Santa’s Little Hangover by those who have indulged in a holiday like manner from time to time.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 12/08/12 : Great New Arrivals !

6 Pours = $20.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00


Villamont Montagny 1er Cru 2009: $ 32.95
100% Chardonnay, this great Bourgogne Blanc exudes notes of peach , citrus and apricot with a hint of white flower. On the palate, a nice mineral structure provides a solid mouth feel and carries the aromas forever...the finish is lightly spicy. Superb!

Cline 2011 Cashmere California: $ 15.95
According to Wine Spectator - Pure and supple, this is easy to enjoy for its caressing tannins and savory plum and wild berry flavors. Good length. Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2018.

Daou 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles: $20.95
Soft ripe blackberries and cooked black current dominate the initial aroma both on the mouth and nose. The seamless texture of vanilla bean and holiday spices combined with rich black fruit and cedar are evidence of true balance. There are firm tannins that are softened by bright acidity. Finally, there is an explosion of ripe raspberries and blueberries, with a hint of tobacco and pepper on the finish.

Peju 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (In Store Special): $ 29.95
 Lush, concentrated, rich and intriguing, this decadent example of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon affirms the well-suited terroir for this particular varietal. Opulent flavors of blackberry and cassis and ambrosial raspberry preserves reveal hints of clove, cedar, violets, cinnamon and brown sugar, and cocoa nibs. Voluptuous body, bright acidity, elegant, ripe fruit, lush tannins and a long finish make this an undeniably excellent wine.

Chateau Caronne Sainte Gemme 2009 Haut Medoc: $ 26.95
WS: 90pts- Haut Medoc, Bordeaux,2009. 65% Cab,30% Merlot,5% Petit verdot. According to the Wine Spectator:This wine offers a dark, plush feel, with roasted fig and warm currant preserves notes flowing over dark tobacco and bittersweet cocoa flavors, followed by a solid, tarry-edged finish. Drink now through 2019. 18,750 cases made.

Chateau Meynet 2007 Saint Estephe Cru Bourgeois: $ 38.95
61% Cab,26% Merlot,10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc. Chateau Meyney is one of the most ancient wine growing estate whose vineyards were already producing wines for a  monastery back in 1662. Typical of all great Saint Estephe wines, the color is very dark and the wine can appear to be rough and rustic when young. However with time it becomes generous and charming. This 2007 is superb, very pleasant already. Notes of wood are noticeable however, aromas of fruit balances them out to deliver an harmonious wine.
 

Pizzaioli 12/04/12 Wine Tasting:  Wines that would make great gifts
    
       
Tasting cost: $ 26.00

Jacquart NV Brut Mosaique: $ 36.00 (In Store Only Price: $26.00!)
WS 90 Pts.-  According to the Wine Spectator: More about its fine, lacy texture and balance than its flavor, this delicate Champagne still offers hints of Gala apple, citrus peel and smoke. Light-bodied, with a subtle finish.

Jordan 2010 Chardonnay Russian River Valley $ 24.00
This unoaked wine captures the pure, clean expression of Chardonnay from our Mer Soleil Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County; The mineral essence is reminiscent of the classic Chablis style with the tropical elements found in the Chardonnays of the Pacific Coastline. Grapes are fermented in cement tanks, without oak contact.

Twomey 2010 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley (Silver Oak): $ 43.00
The Estate bottling offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet framboises, strawberries, red cherries and mocha. The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length.

Cakebread 2009 Merlot Napa Valley: $ 53.00
Our 2009 Merlot displays ripe black cherry and plum compote aromas complemented by enticing tea-leaf, toasted vanilla and woodsy scents.  Plush, rich and juicy on the palate, its densely concentrated black cherry, dark plum and pomegranate flavors are supported by fine-grained tannins and a long, sumptuous finish.

Summers 2010 Cabernet Calistoga: $ 25.00
WE 92 Pts; We've had a string of hits from Summers Winery, and their 2010 Calistoga Cabernet continues in the trend.  Most of the fruit comes from the Estate's Villa Andriana Vineyard. Blackberry, bing cherry, and rose aromatics with a pleasant mouth-feel.

Rombauer 2010 Zinfandel California: $ 28.00
Deep purple in color; powerful aromas of wild berries, clove and plum emerge from the glass. Luscious, juicy layers of black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry integrate with nuances of allspice and burst on the palate. Berry flavors linger for an extended finish.

Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

NapaCabs Friday 11/30/12: 

3 New Arrivals and 2 Belgian Christmas beers

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Mark Herold 2010 Flux: $ 23.95
Flux is Mark Harold's Rhone-style wine project.  You may know the name - Mark made a name for himself with his high-scoring limited production Merus label, and has consulted on Buccella, Hestan, Kamen, and Kolbalt to name a few. 67% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 13% Syrah. This is a dark and peppery wine with a medium mouth feel and strong tannins. Where are the Barbecued ribs? come to mind when tasting this wine.

Le Pich 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa: $ 36.95
This super elegant Cab is made by Julien Fayard who was for five years Director of Wine making for Atelier Philip Melka. Julien was a winemaker for Chateau Laffite-Rothschild, Quintessa and Lail among others. Made from 100% Cab, Le Pich Cab is incredibly smooth and elegant. Julien's tasting notes:Dark, dense, tightly wound, graceful. Brambly blackberries, blueberry preserves, red and purple plums, sun-dried dates. Smoked herbs, graphite, roasted coffee beans, crushed violets.

Dry Creek 2008 Mariner Red Wine: $  31.95
WE:92 Pts; WS:91 Pts. This wine displays  wonderful aromatics of polished red fruit, mocha and spice. The nose  translates to an elegant and seamless experience on the palate with a  core of juicy black fruit, chocolate, black plums, cassis, black and red  cherry, black tea, vanilla and spice. The tannins are smooth and  polished framing the wonderful structure and balance in the wine.

Beers
Affligem Noel Christmas Ale 750ml: $ 8.95
Known in Europe as Delirium Noel, it is a strong, rich, Belgian Dark Ale. Noel weighs in at a hefty 10% alcohol by volume, but the sweet, fruity and spicy nature of this beer make it extremely drinkable.

La Rulles Cuvee Meilleurs Voeux Belgium Ale - 1 Pint: $ 11.95
La Rulles Brewery's Christmas brew is a spicy, roasty Belgian brown. Like La Rulles Brewery's other beers, it uses only American west coast hops, and yeast from Orval Trappist brewery. Big hop flavors of citrus and spice compete with dark roasted malt to temper the sweetness of this big bodied beer. No spices are added to the beer, all the flavor comes from the traditional elements of hops, malt, yeast, and dark candy sugar.
 

MICHAEL DAVID WINERY TUESDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING

Hosted by Keith Shulsky

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

6pm to 9pm

$16 per Six Wine Flight

Michael~David 2010 Chardonnay Lodi 7 Heavenly Chard $11

 With so many sins committed, Michael and David’s consciences were starting to wear thin. There must be a way to repent all of our sins!? With redemption in mind, the two brothers thought long and hard for a way to clean the slate for their forsaken past. At first thought, confession seemed just. On second thought, a Chardonnay seemed to be the fix- a Heavenly Chard at that. Seven Heavenly Chards serves as a sister bottling to the Seven Deadly Zins, Needless to say, Mike and Dave have been redeemed!

 Michael~David 2010 Ancient Vine Cinsault $21

 The only vineyard designated wine in our entire portfolio and the lightest red produced at Michael David, our 2010 Cinsault is soft on the palate with very light tannins and minimal oak influence giving way to flavors of dried cranberries, tart cherry and cola. 

Michael~David 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi Freakshow $17

Known for taking the road less traveled Michael David Winery has always stood apart from the crowd. Whether it be their outlandish brands and packaging or their quirky personalities, Michael and David are definitely on a stage of their own and this wine showcases just that. The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original “super freak”, Michael Phillips vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery. Surprisingly nimble and elegant, showing great balance, strength, and poise. This Cabernet has a bouquet of dark cherry and roasted spices. Full bodied and mouth filling with gobs of black currant, blackberry, charred oak, vanilla and cassis. Mild tannins with a mellow, long finish.

Michael~David 2010 Inkblot Cabernet Franc Lodi $33

One of the few Cabernet Franc's produced from Lodi, this varietal originated from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions of France and has been grown with success in many other countries. The grapes for this wine come from a 25 year old, 9 acre vineyard located on the west side of Lodi, no more than a stones thrown away from the winery. Ready to drink now or could be set down for a few years. Displays a pronounced perfume with notes of raspberries, black currant, violet, and graphite. Farmed sustainably following the Lodi Rules program

Michael~David 2009 Petite Sirah Earthquake Lodi $22

Opens with a blueberry and vanilla oak bouquet with a hint of smoke. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, rich, and complex. The flavor profile of this big boy is a black raspberry and coffee blend with a heavy dose of oak mixed in.

Michael~David 2009 Gluttony Old Vine Zinfandel Amador County $50

Playing off the name Gluttony, this region produces some of California’s biggest and burliest Zinfandel’s that pulls no punches, all too fitting characteristics for this wine. Coming from an 86 year old dry farmed Zinfandel hilltop vineyard off Ridge Road in Amador County, which is near Sutter Creek. Farmer Joe Aparicio, who inherited this vineyard from his dad, still does all of the farming himself, including such things as pruning and shoot thinning, only bringing in a crew to harvest. Intense concentration and character with full aromas of blackberry and cocoa with sweet briar fruit, bramble berry, raspberry, nutmeg and vanilla on the palate. The tannin is chewy but sweet, with a lingering finish.

NapaCabs Friday 11/16/12:  

3 great pinots and 2 domestic Beers

Wine 3 Pours = $19.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $8.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Landmark 2009 Pinot Noir Grand Detour Sonoma Coast: $ 32.00 (was $40.00)
The medium dark ruby-colored 2009 Pinot Noir Grand Detour is an intensely fragrant, super spicy effort offering notes of incense, spice box, herbs and Chinese black tea. The distinctive, super-sized aromatics give way to a classic palate revealing flavors of black cherry and berry fruit, silky tannins, decent acidity and a spicy, soft, round finish. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Given the overwhelming aromatics, this could be a controversial wine, but its classic flavors should prevail with most Pinot lovers.

Adelsheim 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Elizabeth's Reserve: $ 42.95
WA 90 Pts - Winemaker's Notes - This wine is both elegant and intense, offering layered aromas of red raspberries, fresh Oregon strawberries, brown spice and cedar. Its aromas are reflected on a palate that speaks of purity and elegance, and is exceptionally balanced with silky tannins and a persistent finish. This wine will pair beautifully with the Pinot noir classics - lamb, duck, grilled salmon, and aged cheeses

Follin-Abelet Aloxe Corton 2009 Clos Chapitre 1er Cru: $  59.95
The Domaine Follin-Arbelet is located in the small village of Aloxe-Corton and has adopted the organic farming method. The Clos du Chapitre is very small (.98 HA) and completely enclosed as indicated by its name. According to AM from Burghound: This is also relatively high-toned with an exuberant nose of dried rose petals, violets and red pinot fruit aromas that slide gracefully into the rich yet precise flavors that exude a fine minerality on the complex and solidly persistent finish.

Beers
Stone Brewing Cali-Belgique IPA - 22oz : $ 3.95
 We carefully selected a Belgian yeast strain that illuminates a fascinating new aspect of the beer that is otherwise quite simply Stone IPA. The result is both completely new and different, while still being recognizable as a Stone brew and Stone IPA in particular. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally. 6.9% alc.

Great Divide Brewing Co. Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout - Pint: $ 8.95
Brewers Notes - OAK AGED YETI IMPERIAL STOUT is Yeti Imperial Stouts sophisticated sibling. They may be from the same clan, but they have entirely different personalities. Oak aging gives a subtle vanilla character, rounding out Yetis intense roastiness and huge hoppy nature. Who says you can’t tame a Yeti?

 

Pizzaioli 11/2712 Wine Tasting:  
    Great Italian from lesser known appellations
        
Tasting cost: $ 16.00

Terlano 2011 Terlaner Classico: $ 18.00
From the Italian Tyrol, here comes a complex and elegant dry white wine made with  Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. This blend has been produced for over 100 years now and remains the favorite of the winemaker at the Kellerei Cantina Terlan. This wine has great ageing potential but is delicious now, with aromas of petals, tropical fruit & yeast and a deep , creamy, round & persistent palate with super-pure fruit & wonderful acidity.

Pala Triente 2010 Cannonau: $ 18.00
Made with the indigenous varietal Cannonau. This ancient grape has been grown in Sardinia since the Neolithic period! Intense ruby red color with subtle spice and mature red fruit aromas. Medium-bodied with good structure and a lingering finish. Serve with both white and red meats, spicy foods, and flavorful cheeses.

La Mozza 2010 I Perazzi Morellino Di Scansano: $ 16.00
Grape Varieties: 85% Morellino (the local name for Sangiovese in Maremma), 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante, 2% Colorino, 3% Ciliegiolo The foundation of the La Mozza winery, was created to be unlike most typical Morellino di Scansano. The blend, which includes Mediterranean varieties, is more expressive and better demonstrates the potential of Maremma's terroir. I Perazzi is named after the pear-like fruit that grow on our estate and are depicted on the label.  Dark berries and cherries notes are mixed with black licorice tones. This wine is very soft, gentle, balanced and a true crowed pleaser.

Nifo 2008 Aglianico De Taburno: $ 20.00
The noble red grape of Campania is the Aglianico who was planted by the Greeks in antiquity around the town of Naple. Campania is a very volcanic area and the wines in the region grow on a soil that contains large amount of tuff (Tufo in Italian). We really love Aglianicos at NapaCabs because they produce wines with tons of character and complexity. Young, Aglianicos tend to be exuberant, delivering complex berry jam flavor, licorice and spicy herbs, supported by a solid structure.

Terredora 2006 Taurasi : $ 26.00
Made with 100% Aglianico grapes aged for 18 month in oak, this Taurasi delivers a very deep nose of prune, tar, black pepper. This Dark wine is quite dense on the palate with aromas of black berries and grape must. The tannins are soft and chewy and the finish really long and deep.

Bianchi 2008 Ghemme: $ 27.00
Ghemme is a village in Northern Piedmont, North of Barollo.  To say Ghemme is to say Nebbiolo, the father of the great Piedmontese reds. The typical description of a Ghemme is: A good ruby red color with garnet reflections; an enveloping bouquet with notes of liquorice, red brushwood fruits, hints of violet and spices; the taste has a characteristic fine, persistent freshness and an elegant sensation of fullness enriched by rounded tannins which merge with its vibrant structure. This one is right matches the description perfectly!

Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

NapaCabs Friday 11/02/12:  

Bold Argentine Wines and New Artisan Beers

Wine 3 Pours = $17.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00


                
Finca Decero 2009 Petite Verdot Remolinos Vineyard: $ 28.95
IWC 90 Pts - Winemaker Notes - Petit Verdot forms part of our icon blend and each year we select a few exceptional parcels to make a “mini edicion“. The 2010 vintage is particularly rich in wild blueberry flavors showing great complexity and tannin structure for potential ageing.

Finca Decero 2009 Amano Remolinos Vineyard Agrelo: $ 39.95
WE 93 Pts -  Winemaker Notes - Heightened aromas of violets and dark fruit flavors of the Malbec contrast with the elegant backbone of the Cabernet whilst the higher percentage of jasmine perfumed Petit Verdot and robust Tannat bring great depth and textural complexity to this wine. According to the Wine Enthusiast - A lovely blend of 60% Malbec, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Tannat, this is strong, with aromas of coconut, cola, chocolate and pure berry. It’s a powerful wine, with a flavorful core of black fruit accented by coffee and burnt toast.

Bramare 2009 Malbec Lujon De Cuyo: $ 34.95
WA 93 Pts. - WS 90 Pts. - According to the Wine Advocate: The 2009 Bramare Malbec Lujan de Cuyo offers up slightly greater richness, depth, and layering. It will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring and provide prime drinking from 2013 to 2021. According to the Wine Spectator: Concentrated and lightly spiced, with layered flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum pudding. Bright acidity drives the long finish, which lingers with an aftertaste of tar and smoke. Drink now through 2013. 3,438 cases made.

Beers:
The Lost Abbey Witch's Wit - 750ml: $ 7.95
There are tons of esters present in the beer as well as a soft yeast note. This beer has also been spiced with Grapefruit Zest, Orange Peel and Coriander. Each of these is subtly stated so as to not overwhelm the nose of the beer. Most definitely, this is first and foremost a wheat ale. You can taste the wheat from start to finish. A faint toasted note from the addition of flaked oats is present in the beer as well. This is a light bodied beer that finishes with a spicy layer in the end. The overall impression should be an easy-to-drink refreshing ale.

Bear Republic 2012 Racer X Double IPA -  22oz: $ 7.99
Brewers Notes - Racer X is an uncommon Double India Pale Ale which puts a California twist on English brewing traditions by adding an assertive hop aroma and bitterness that compliments the firm malt backbone. Like its little brother Racer 5, Racer X is balance in a bottle. 8.3% alc.

 

NapaCabs Friday 11/09/12:  

Un-Common Domestic Wines and Cherry Beers

Wine 3 Pours = $14.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00


                
Summers 2009 Charbono Villa Andriana Vineyard: $ 19.95
Allegedly, Italian immigrants brought Charbono vines here in the late 1800s thinking they were Barbera.  It was bottled as Barbera by Inglenook Winery and even won several medals as Barbera.  Eventually, DNA testing done by Professor Carole Meredith of UC Davis proved that Charbono is the French vareity Corbeau, aka Charbonneau.  Charbono wine is only produced in California, adding to its exclusive appeal. Now there are only 80 acres of Charbono planted in California, half of which are in Calistoga.  Calistoga is a sweet spot for Charbono, and most of the older vineyards are there.  

Michael~David 2010 Ancient Vine Cinsault (In Store Only): $ 20.95
Planted in 1885 by Joseph Spenker, our Cinsault comes from Lodi’s oldest producing vineyard and one of the world’s oldest Cinsault plantings. Now farmed by Kevin Phillips and the vineyard team, this vineyard is head trained and dry farmed just how it was when planted 127 years ago. The only vineyard designated wine in our entire portfolio and the lightest red produced at Michael David Winery, our '10 Cinsault is soft on the palate with very light tannins and minimal oak influence giving way to flavors of dried cranberries, tart cherry, and cola. Farmed sustainably following the Lodi Rules program.

Melee 2010 Grenache California (Tuck Beckstoffer): $ 28.95
WS 93 Pts - The 2010 vintage of Melee Grenache is a beautiful deep ruby/plum color with a striking wet polished garnet quality in the glass. The aromas are unmistakably Grenache with wonderful notes of freshly picked rose petal, early season plum and Luxardo Cherry along with scents of shale, new leather and a hint of tobacco. This wine explodes on the palate with focused flavors of currant, licorice, blue iris and ripe black cherry. Complimenting these flavors are supple, yet firm, tannins and soaring acidity that produce a long lasting, elegant and linear finish.

Beers:
Lindemans Lambic Kriek Belgium - 750ml: $ 7.95
Long before hops were common in most beers, various fruits and vegetables were used to season beers. The acidity of Lambic beers blends perfectly with cheeries.  Kriek has a pink-red color and a delicious taste of sparkling cherry champagne.

Samuel Smith Cherry Ale (Organic) England - 550ml: $ 5.29
High natural acidity makes sour cherries a great choice for creating an ultimate fruit beer. The vibrant cherry character of this beer is perfectly underpinned by deliciously complex beer notes which result from the multiple yeast strains used for fermentation.

 

QUINTESSA TUESDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING

Hosted by Kelly Hiebert

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

6pm to 9pm

$28 per Six Wine Flight

Ritual 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley (Veramonte) $14

WE 90 - According to Wine Enthusiast - The nose is mellow, refined and minerally as opposed to pungent and feline. The feel is fresh, clean as a razor, and easygoing, with lime, nectarine and passion fruit flavors. Long and lightly green on the classy finish.

Veramonte 2010 Chardonnay Reserva Casablanca Valley $10

According to Wine Advocate - The 2010 Chardonnay Reserva was 30% barrel-fermented with a portion of the wine put through ML. Notions of mineral, melon, apple, and toast inform the nose of a fleshy Sauvignon with excellent grip and savory flavors. Drink this first-class effort over the next 1-2 years.

Flowers 2010 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast $40

W&S 93 - According to Wine Spectator - Delicate and refined, with fresh earth, blueberry, strawberry and wild berry touches.  Medium- to full-bodied, ending with a fresh, snappy finish.

Veramonte 2009 Red Wine The Blend Primus Chile $14

WE 90 - Appearance is deep, dark opaque garnet. Aroma is exotic spice, black fruits, and hints of toast. Flavor is ripe red and dark berry fruit with spicy notes. A round mid-palate with elegant yet powerful tannins.

Faust 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (Quintessa) $45

According to Wine & Spirits –

300 of America's Top Sommeliers have named Faust a Top Cabernet for the 5th year in a row. #15 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wine opens with aromas of red and black cherries, ripe raspberry, hints of violets and a lovely perfume. A lush, full entry on the palate with blackberry, cassis, coffee and dark chocolate flavors leads to a rich, supple mouthfeel.

Quintessa 2008 Red Wine Napa Valley $130

Quintessa 2008 opens with fragrant plum and raspberry aromas with notes of cola, clove and white chocolate rounding out a delicate perfume.

Serious Wine lovers Save the Date:
November 17, 2012  From 12pm to 5 pm.

Join us for “The Ultimate Barolo Tasting” sampling a full line up of exclusive Barolos from Paolo Scavino!
Including super rare single vineyard wines!!!!

Presented by our friend , the world famous , incredibly knowledgeable “Italian Wine geek” Joanie Karapetian

Tasting Cost: $ 35.00

Barolo DOCG-Normale 2007
Closest competitor’s price: $ 47.00
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $35.99

Bricco Ambrogio-- WA 92       
Closest competitor’s price: $59.99
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $52.99

CAROBRIC--  WA 94
Closest competitor’s price: $ 79.99
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $ 64.99

Bric del Fiasc-- WA 96
Closest competitor’s price: $ 96.98
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $ 84.99

Cannubi-- WA 96
Closest competitor’s price: $ 99.99
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $ 83.99

Monvigliero-- WA 94+
Closest competitor’s price: $ 75.99
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $ 55.99

Rocche dell Annunziata Riserva 2005-- WA 95
Closest competitor’s price: $ 169.99
NapaCabs Today’s special price: $ 139.99 Woowwwww!!!!

IN STORE PRICE ONLY---OFFER VALID FOR A WEEK ONLY

 

Pizzaioli 10/23/12 wine tasting:
Paso Robles tasting

Tasting cost: $ 15.00                        

Tablas Creek 2011 Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles: $ 16.00
The 2011 Patelin de Tablas Blanc shows fruity, floral aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and candied grapefruit, with a spicy mineral note emerging with air.  In the mouth it's mouth-filling with peach and lemon zest flavors and a creamy texture, but kept fresh by vibrant acids. .

Wild Horse 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles: $ 17.00
Distinctive for its bold, fruit-forward character, our Cabernet Sauvignon portrays rich aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, cedar, and clove, coupled with a lush mouthfeel yielding smooth tannins. The vibrant fruit and balanced acidity found in this wine makes a perfect match for a variety of foods including rosemary seasoned pork loin, rack of lamb and aged cheeses

L'Aventure 2010 Stephan Ridge Red: $ 24.00
70% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, this wine is obtained from a "saignee" of the estate wine and is only produced in great vintages. This wine is superb, displaying a perfect balance between fruit and structure without ever tasting over extracted or high in alcohol. Aromas of raspberries and violet come first on the nose and the palate is firm, displaying long lasting blueberry notes. Elegance is what comes to mind tasting this cab.

Troublemaker NV Paso Robles Red Wine (Austin Hope): $ 12.00!!!
Troublemaker combines elegance and power. Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats. The wine shows amazing depth and intensity with a rich and textural mouthfeel. Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa, it is a well-balanced wine that culminates with an extended finish.

Justin 2009 Syrah Paso Robles: $ 22.00
This grape is beginning to outshine all our other varietal reds because of its sheer deliciousness. Its color is dense, its perfume exotically floral and peppercorn-spicy, and its midpalate and finish stellar in containing all the most intense fruit.

Four Vines 2009 Zinfandel Paso Robles The Biker: $ 20.00
The Dusi and Preston Zin vineyards, with their rocky, calcareous soils, grow low yield vines, producing fruit of intense concentration. A splash of Mourvedre lends an extra kick in the mid-palate. The Biker has blackberry, anise spice and vanilla on the nose. Rich, black fruit and spice, lingering to a silky vanilla oak finish. Biker rocks

NapaCabs Saturday 10/20/12 : New Arrivals

6 Pours = $18.00                    Re-Tastes = $4.00


Domaine Faury 2010 Saint Joseph Blanc: $ 25.95
WS:92 Pts- Domaine Faury works its vineyard using organic farming methods. and as such no chemical herbicides and pesticides were used. This has a tropical edge, featuring mango and papaya notes, but it stays taut and racy, with dried chamomile flower, peach pit and quinine flavors. A heather honey edge adds depth on the finish. Shows nice range. Very distinctive.

Domaine De Terrebrune 2011 Bandol Rose: $ 24.95
Its aromas are of great finesse: dominance of citrus (grapefruit, lemon zest) on a background of dried apricot, lightly buttered. His mouth is full and complex with flavors of spice. Our rosé wines are a perfect match to your salads, shellfish and rockfish in Provencal cuisine.

Henry Fessy 2009 Julienas Beaujolais: $ 12.00
WS 90 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - A lovely Julienas, with a silky texture displaying ripe, aromatic flavors of griotte and blackberry fruit, and layers of cream, anise, mocha and smoke. There's fine balance to this elegant red, with a lingering, smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2013.

Domaine Faiveley 2010 Mercurey Rouge: $ 21.95
A beautiful dark ruby colour.  The nose opens up with notes of fresh red fruits and spices. Pleasant to taste, this wine has a round and fruity attack before revealing its fine and silky tannins.  This well-balanced wine with long-lasting aromas will be appreciated by knowledgeable winelovers and will seduce novices too.

TintoNegro 2010 Co-Ferment: $ 15.99
Malbec co-fermented with 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% petit Verdot. Eight day cold maceration with extensive cap management for integration of varietals. 18 day fermentation. Cool fermentation with maximum temperature of 20 deg. C. Malbec has a wonderful affinity for co-fermentation dash; vinifying with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot lends additional intensity and structure. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak, 30% new.

Charles Joguet-2009 Chinon Les Varennes Grand Clos: $ 29.95
WS: 91Pts-100 % Cabernet Franc.This is a great terroir wine, where the vineyards grow  a bit powerful at the moment and that will require a few extra years of aging to mellow out. Alluring spicy red fruit aromas. Rich and complex , this wine delivers superb cassis notes on the nose and the fruit aromas are quite luscious on the palate as well. An amazing wine delicate and luscious at the same time.

NapaCabs Saturday 10/20/12 : New Arrivals

6 Pours = $19.00                    Re-Tastes = $4.00


Domaine Faury 2010 Saint Joseph Blanc: $ 25.95
WS:92 Pts- Domaine Faury works its vineyard using organic farming methods. and as such no chemical herbicides and pesticides were used. This has a tropical edge, featuring mango and papaya notes, but it stays taut and racy, with dried chamomile flower, peach pit and quinine flavors. A heather honey edge adds depth on the finish. Shows nice range. Very distinctive.

Domaine De Terrebrune 2011 Bandol Rose: $ 24.95
Its aromas are of great finesse: dominance of citrus (grapefruit, lemon zest) on a background of dried apricot, lightly buttered. His mouth is full and complex with flavors of spice. Our rosé wines are a perfect match to your salads, shellfish and rockfish in Provencal cuisine.

Henry Fessy 2009 Julienas Beaujolais: $ 12.00
WS 90 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - A lovely Julienas, with a silky texture displaying ripe, aromatic flavors of griotte and blackberry fruit, and layers of cream, anise, mocha and smoke. There's fine balance to this elegant red, with a lingering, smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2013.

Domaine Faiveley 2010 Mercurey Rouge: $ 21.95
A beautiful dark ruby colour.  The nose opens up with notes of fresh red fruits and spices. Pleasant to taste, this wine has a round and fruity attack before revealing its fine and silky tannins.  This well-balanced wine with long-lasting aromas will be appreciated by knowledgeable winelovers and will seduce novices too.

St. Clement 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $ 26.95
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a plump, juicy wine well-suited to drinking over the next handful of years. Dark red fruit, licorice, smoke, mint and tar are some of the nuances that flesh out in the glass in this attractive Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the fruit is from the valley floor.

Charles Joguet-2009 Chinon Les Varennes Grand Clos: $ 29.95
WS: 91Pts-100 % Cabernet Franc.This is a great terroir wine, where the vineyards grow  a bit powerful at the moment and that will require a few extra years of aging to mellow out. Alluring spicy red fruit aromas. Rich and complex , this wine delivers superb cassis notes on the nose and the fruit aromas are quite luscious on the palate as well. An amazing wine delicate and luscious at the same time.


 

NapaCabs Saturday 10/13/12 : Domestic Blends

6 Pours = $17.00                    Re-Tastes = $3.00


Stronghold 2010 Mandala White Caduceus (Maynard James Keenan): $ 19.95
Maynard James Keenan is, for all intents and purposes, a Rock Star. The co-founder of rock music acts TOOL, a perfect circle, and Puscifer now enters into a new realm where he is an unknown … winemaker.  Stronghold Mandala White Wine is blend of 87% Viognier, 8% Grenache Blanc and 5% Orange Muscat.

Sparkman Cellars 2008 Kindred Red Blend Columbia Valley: $ 17.00
A blend of 57% Merlot from Dubrul, Hedges, and Klipsun Vineyards, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sheridan and Two Blondes, 13% Cabernet Franc from Two Blondes and Kiona Vineyards, 8% Malbec from Klipsun. Chocolatey, sweet berry lusciousness with a spine of earth and iron. Deep, rich and firmly supple.

Northstar 2007 Red Wine Stella Maris Columbia Valley: $ 18.95
Stella Maris is Latin for Star of the Sea. With the lots that don’t make our Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots, our winemaker follows the Bordeaux tradition of making a ‘declassified’ wine, and creates Stella Maris.

Troublemaker NV Paso Robles Red Wine (Austin Hope): $ 11.95
Troublemaker combines elegance and power. Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats. The wine shows amazing depth and intensity with a rich and textural mouthfeel. Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa, it is a well-balanced wine that culminates with an extended finish.

Ridge 2007 Red Blend Mazzoni Home Ranch Sonoma County: $ 19.95
 59% Zinfandel 39% Carignane 2% Petite Sirah. The Mazzonis produced wine until 1978.  Their century-old zinfandel is interplanted with carignane, which adds elegance, and petite sirah, which provides spice and depth. The Mazzoni Home Ranch was purchased in 1988 by Niccolo and Flora Oltranti. They have replanted parts of the abandoned hillside to zinfandel.

Flora Springs 2009 Trilogy Red Wine Napa Valley: $ 43.95
WE 93 Pts - The 2009 Trilogy is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 5% Malbec. So softly delicious, it’s probably not an ager, but what a terrific wine to drink now and over the next few years. Really luscious, showing modern-style ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis and mocha flavors that sink deep and last long into the finish. The tannins and overall structure lift it into classy elegance.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 10/06/12 :
New arrivals from around the World

6 Pours = $18.00                    Re-Tastes = $3.00


Thanisch 2011 Riesling Kabinett Bernkasteler Badstube: $ 18.95
Bright golden yellow in colour with a flinty minerality and a hint of well  integrated tartness. Notes of apple and green pears come through. The opulent ripe yellow fruit with pineapple and mango on the palate as well as a hint of elderberries.

Rocca Delle Macie 2006 Chianti Classico Reserva: $ 20.95
WA 90 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva is a big, super-ripe wine loaded with black cherries, blueberries, French oak and spices. Stylistically, this is a concentrated, voluminous Riserva with terrific persistence and balance. It is one of the finest wines I have tasted here in some time.

Curtis 2009 Syrah Santa Barbara County: $ 16.95
W&S 93 Pts.  -  From Santa Barbara veteran winemaker Chuck Carlson, the 2009 Curtis Syrah has ample blue fruit and spice character, with plush tannins and a velvety mouthfeel.   Tasting Notes  -  The 2009 Syrah offers deep aromas of dark fruits with accents of cinnamon, toasted oak and fresh-roasted coffee bean. Sleek flavors of blackberry and black cherry reveal exotic hints of juniper, graphite and Provencal herb. Supple tannins glide along a smooth, structured finish.

Mas De Boislauzon 2010 Cotes Du Rhone Villages: $ 19.95
WA 90 Pts.50 Percent Grenache and 40 Percent Mouvedre in the 2010 vintage with a mix of varietals rounding out the blend.  This is one of our favorite Rhone producers, make sure to grab a few bottles while you can. ThisCotes du Rhone-Villages is always one of the finest of the area, and the 2010 is a big time sleeper of the vintage. Lots of  plum, balsamic, cassis and black cherry jam aromas are followed by a  lavishly fruity, silky textured, full-bodied red to drink over the next  3-4 years.  This is a winner!

Haras de Pirque 2004 Albis Red Wine: $ 49.95 - In Store Only: $27.95
WS 90 W&S 92 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - Quite dark, with plenty of bittersweet cocoa and fig sauce notes laid over a meaty palate of dark currant, blackberry, briar and melted licorice. The long, loamy finish lets hints of dark olive and tobacco peek in. Pulls no punches, in a classic Maipo style. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere

Levendi 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Symphonia Napa Valley: $ 28.00
This limited production Levendi Cabernet Sauvignon entices with the sweet, toast nose reminiscent of cherry pie a la mode richly balanced with blueberry and vanilla flavors that crescendo in a nice finish.

 

NapaCabs Friday 01/13/12:  

3 New Arrivals and 2 Beers from The Great Divide Brewing co.

Wine 3 Pours = $17.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Jacquart NV Brut Rose - In Store Only: $ 32.00
Made with 35 to 40% chardonnay, 35 to 40% Pinot noir, 12 to 17% Pinot Meunier and 15 to 17% Pinot Noir . The nose is fine with elegant notes of red fruits. The palate is fruity, wide with a persistent freshness as to be expected from a Champagne of these caliber. The finish is long and delivers exotic fruit tones.

Domaine Des Escaravailles 2010 Rasteau La Ponce: $ 19.95
WA 92 Pts - According to Robert Parker: The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau La Ponce (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) exhibits a deep purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of chocolate-infused blackberries and kirsch, Provencal garrigue and licorice. This pure, big, masculine Rasteau has not lost the 2010 hallmarks of elegance and precision. Drink it over the next decade.  Deep dark color with a wonderful nose of chocolate and fig past with a hint of wild herbs. Superb texture with plump cherries. Very fresh and round with and herbal perperry finish. This wine is true to the rasteau appelation character that requires wines to be fat and peperry! A real treat.

Arterberry Maresh 2010 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard: $  49.95
WA 94 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  Like all of his 2010 Pinots, bottled in January - early by Maresh's standards - the 2010 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard takes us into a realm of high-toned red berry; mysterious underbrush; noble fungus; meat stock; and overall elegance fondly reminiscent of great Volnay. Piquant fruit pit and mouthwatering salinity lend a goosebump-inducing degree of invigoration to this satiny, sleek, ravishingly long Pinot that kept revealing new nuances and deeper, multi-faceted sweetness as it took on air.

Beers
Great Divide Brewing Co. Wolfgang Doppelbock Lager - 1 Pint: $ 7.95
Originally called “liquid bread,” the Doppelbock style sustained monks through periods of penitent fasting. Wolfgang has heavenly notes of caramel, dark fruit, and toffee balanced by a subtle hop character. While its revered history evokes an appreciation of austerity and sacrifice, this Doppelbock is a rich luxury—no repentance required. 8%alc

Great Divide Brewing Co. Rumble Oak Aged IPA- 6 Pack - 12 oz: $ 9.95
Brewers Notes - RUMBLE IPA is an American IPA with subtle nuance. Brewed with heavy handed additions of Pacific Northwest hops, this beer is gently aged on French and American oak resulting in a wonderful balance of bitterness, caramel sweetness, vanilla, and undertones of pine and citrus. Very inspiring.

 

NapaCabs Friday 09/28/12:  

New Arrivals and beers from the Stone brewing company.

Wine 3 Pours = $17.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Domaine Robert-Denogent 2010 Saint-Veran Les Pommards Vieilles Vignes: $ 29.95
Saint Veran is an appellation in the Maconnais region next to that of Pouilly-Fuisse. The grape of choice is of course Chardonnay and Robert Denogent's wines are among the best we have ever tasted from the Maconnais. This Saint Veran is powerful, with a a complex nose reminiscent of Bourgognes Blanc from further north. Denogent's wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts and are aged in oak for up to 18 month which is unusual in this part of the appellation. Very rich and complex, a bit flinty and with bright acidity.

L'Ecole No 41 2008 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley: $ 43.95
WS 91 Pts.  -  WA 91 Pts.  -  WE 91 Pts.  -  W&S 91 Pts.  -  The 2008 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak. Balsam wood, graphite, cinnamon, clove, espresso, violets, black currant, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of a structured, savory, incipiently complex blend that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring.

O.Fournier 2006 Alfa Spiga Ribera del Duero: $  40.95
WA 94 Pts, WE 94 Pts (Editors Choice and #4 in top 100 wines of 2011), 91+ Pts Stephen Tanzer, WS 90 Pts - According to the Wine Advocate - The 2006 AlfaSpiga was aged in new French and American oak for 18 months. This deeply colored Ribera displays lots of glycerin accompanied by scents of pain grille, cinnamon, clove, lavender, tapenade, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate with succulent, spicy black fruit flavors, it is a beautifully proportioned wine with superb volume and length.

Beers
Stone Brewing 10th Anniversary Ruination IPA - 22oz Bottle : $ 6.95
Brewers Notes - Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA was created as an homage to the almighty hop. As the celebrated Stone Ruination IPA approached its 10th birthday this June, we knew we had to do something special, so we cranked it up from 7.7% to 10.8% and used twice as much hops–a whopping 5 pounds per barrel, including a pound each of Citra and Centennial in the dry hop. The results were GLORIOUS, but don't take our word for it. The only people more bitter than those who don't get any... will be those who do

Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean - 12 FL. OZ: 3.95
Stone Smoked Porter w/ Vanilla Bean was the brainchild of Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich, who had a stroke of genius after trying Stone Smoked Porter poured over a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream. The complex flavor of Madagascar vanilla beans melds perfectly with the chocolatey, malty, coffee-like character of the beer, making it almost like a liquid dessert, but without an overbearing sweetness.

 

Pizzaioli 09/25/12 Wine Tasting:  Great wines under $20.00
        
Tasting cost: $ 14.00


Chateau De Campuget 2011 Tradition Rose: $ 10.00
Campuget Tradition Rose is a blend of 70/30 Syrah and Grenache. A super summer food wine with perfect balance between fruit notes and acidity. The incredibly low price of this rose leaves no excuses to give dry roses a shot this summer.neon pink color, with scent of small red fruits such as raspberries and black currants. In the mouth it is perfectly balanced between vivacity and mellowness.

Marques de Caceres 2010 Albarino Deusa Nai: $ 14.00
According to the Wine Enthusiast:  Rioja-based Marquess de Caceres; first foray into Albarino is a success. This wine is light, salinic and melony on the nose. The palate is complete and offers fine acidity with brine, pineapple and green apple flavors. Good and lightly pithy on the finish.

Domaine Sarda-Malet 2009 La Sarda: $16.00
Maccabeu 5 %, Carignan 20 %, Grenache noir 45 %, Mourvèdre 5 %, Syrah 25 %. Domaine Sarda-Malet from The Roussillon in the south west of France. True to its terroir, this wine is generous, round soft and loaded with red fruits and berry notes. The bouquet evokes cherry, cassis, blackberry and herbal aromas. Then palate is rich and loaded with black cherries wrapped in soft tannins. The finish is soft, fruity and spicy.

O.Fournier 2009 Urban Ribera Tinta del Pais: $ 12.00
WA 90 Pts IWC 90 Pts - According to the Wine Advocate - The 2009 Urban Ribera, from what looks to be a great vintage, was aged in French oak for 4 months. Deep purple in color with an inviting perfume of violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and blackberry, on the palate it is layered, plush, and intense. While likely to evolve for 1-2 years, this outstanding value can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-6 years.

Tamarack 2010 Firehouse Red Columbia Valley: $ 16.00
Established in 1998 by Ron and Jamie Coleman in a WWII era Air base Firehouse, Tamarack Cellars has since built a strong reputation for making elegant,structured and very well balanced wines at a fair price. Ron is specializes in Bordeaux styles reds.

Seventy Five Wine Company 2010 The Sum California Red Wine: $ 16.00
This wine is dense and tremendously focused, with a wonderful nose and palate of cedar, blueberry, saddle leather and white pepper. The finish showcases a perfect balance of acid, tannin and sweet toasted oak. Meticulous, detail oriented winemaking and complete attention to detail has produced a wine of tremendous presence and complexity that must be tasted to be believed.


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
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NapaCabs Friday 09/21/12:  

New Arrivals and Classic beers from the world’s oldest breweries.

Wine 3 Pours = $14.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Pierre Boniface 2010 Apremont: $ 12.95
Pierre Boniface Apremont is 100 Percent Jacquere for the Savoie near the French Alps.  Quite delicate, with green melon, citrus and white rose aromatics, crisp acidity and a very pure finish.  

Medlock Ames 2008 Red Blend Bell Mountian Ranch (In Store): $ 20.00
We were introduced to this winery at a trade tasting and found their wines to be lovely. The winery rep told us that the owner had hired the former wine maker for Chateau Latour as a consultant. This got our attention and may be explained the harmony found in their wines. The 2008 Red blend delivers notes of leather, cassis, ripe-red raspberry, and lavender on the nose.  with nice balance and chewy tannins on the palate. This wine is a bit lighter in body that some previous vintages and ready to drink now, and it will continue to age gracefully for another 5 years.

Maison Nicolas Perrin 2009 Cornas: $  49.95
A joint venture with the Perrin family and Nicolas Jaboulet. Northern Rhone Syrah fanatics, here is your wine. This Cornas is 100% Syrah and has impeccable balance between fruit/spice/mineral character and structure. According to the Wine Spectator:; A very fresh, pure style, with a strong violet note leading the way for  almost brisk blackberry, black currant and black cherry fruit, pushed by  sweet tobacco and tapenade notes on the sleek finish.  

Beers
Timmermans Oude Gueuze Lambic - 750ml: $ 13.95
Timmermans Oude Gueuze is from the World's oldest Lambic Brewery.  It is a blend of three year old Lambic aged in barrel and young Lambic.  

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dark - 500ml: 3.95
This Hefeweissbier Dark from the World's Oldest Brewery - Weihenstephaner.  The Hefe Dunkel is chestnut brown and full of flavor.  Balanced and extremely aromatic.


 

NapaCabs Friday Afternoon Wine Tasting

Silver Oak/ Twomey Cellars

September 14^th, 2012

$19 Per Flight

The iconic winery with the squared water tower blended its first vintage in 1972. Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan wanted to pursue the goal of producing the best Cabernet Sauvignon money can buy. Silver Oak’s golden rules include aging wines only in American Oak and holding a vintage close to five years before releasing it to the market. Such high standards have won the winery numerous accolades and recognition from the specialized press and wine experts. “Life is a Cabernet” is still Silver Oak’s famous motto even though the company since 1999 has expanded its portfolio to include premium Merlots, Pinots, and Sauvignon Blancs. The latter are sold under the Twomey Label and can also be found in our catalogue.

Twomey 2010 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley (Silver Oak) $42.95

Silver Oak's sister label Twomey Cellar's produces Pinot Noir from several appellations throughout California.  The 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir has lovely damson plum and bing cherry fruit character with floral notes and a hint of vanillin spice.

Twomey 2007 Merlot Napa Valley (Silver Oak) $39.99

The 2007 Twomey Merlot is a beautiful example of what this noble variety can achieve in an excellent vintage: suppleness, complexity and great expression of berry fruit.

Silver Oak 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley $59.95

Silver Oak is celebrating 40 years, and the 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet speaks volumes about how they've been successful for so many years.  Bold, lush fruit character, plenty of charred oak and very pleasant structure.

Silver Oak 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $89.99

Our 2007 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines elegance and depth in a balanced expression of this classic California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a garnet edge and a complex nose of sandalwood, cedar, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee.

Pizzaioli 09/11/12 Wine Tasting:  Tasting with John Weeks.
        
Tasting cost: $ 14.00


Freemark Abbey 2011 Chardonnay Napa Valley: $ 16.00
Very pretty lemon zest and green apple aromatics with some hay, vanilla, and coconut.  Really round and well structured with more minerality coming across on the palate.  

Tablas Creek 2011 Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles: $ 18.00
Shows fruity, floral aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and candied grapefruit, with a spicy mineral note emerging with air. In the mouth it's mouth-filling with peach and lemon zest flavors and a creamy texture, but kept fresh by vibrant acids. The finish is long, rich and clean, with lingering flavors of peach and mineral.

Tenuta Di Arceno 2009 Chianti Classico: $18.00
WS 90 Pts - Dark and spicy, with violet notes around the blackberry and mineral flavors, finishing with shades of pepper and smoke. A spicy Shiraz from the vineyards of Central Victoria brightens with a boost of Viognier for aroma and balance, as often practiced in France’s most highly regarded appellation of the Northern Rhone Valley. The grapes grown in this Australian vineyard were planted on 19th century French rootstocks, another nod to the French tradition and influence in this new world wine.

Carmel Road 2010 Pinot Noir Monterey: $ 14.00
At Carmel Road, we've tailored our viticulture and winemaking techniques to capture the compelling character of our unique climate and soils. Our Pinot Noirs are known for their rich flavors and brilliant varietal characteristics. The 2010 is supple and rich with flavors of red berries, warm spice, earth, and chocolate, along with mineral characteristics that are reflections of this cool climate region. The toasty finish is silky and long.

Angulo Innocenti 2010 Malbec La Consulta: $ 15.00
WS 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Spectator:  This dark, sappy red delivers rich yet racy flavors of blackberry coulis, plum skin and kirsch. Compact, with layered notes of cocoa nib, licorice and tar slowly unraveling on the long finish. Drink now through 2014.

Stonestreet 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley: $ 25.00
WE 92 Pts. - No wine better depicts the extraordinary range of Cabernet Sauvignon expression  from Alexander Mountain Estate better than this one. The mid-mountain blocks (700  - 1,100 feet) provide floral and spice aromatics, flesh and vivid red fruit while  the higher blocks (1,200 & 2,400 feet) offer a black mineral streak and etched structural backbone.

Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

NapaCabs Friday 09/07/12:  

Red Blends and Belgian Styles beers.

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Seventy Five Wine Company 2008 The Sum California Red Wine: $ 15.95
This amazingly well endowed profoundly rich red wine must be smelled and tasted to be believed. The color is a rich, deep purple garnet and gives but a small hint as to what’s inside. The nose gives off soaring and wonderfully focused aromas of ripe stone fruit, vanilla, cherries, cedar cigar box, blackberries and cinnamon. In the mouth, there are layers upon layers of broad, sweet opulent fruit balanced by firm tannins, great acidity and oak.

Bridesmaid 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine: $ 34.95
WA 92 Pts.  -  From Super-Star winemakers Pam Starr and Drew Neiman, this affordable and eminently drinkable Bordeaux-style blend is right on target, with plenty of fruit and structure.  Alluring bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate, bing cherry and cinnamon. Flavors that follow true to the aromas.

Arizona Stronghold 2010 Lozen (Maynard James Keenan):$  37.95
Maynard James Keenan is, for all intents and purposes, a Rock Star. The co-founder of rock music acts TOOL, a perfect circle, and Puscifer now enters into a new realm where he is an unknown winemaker. The Lozen blend is Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Malbec. Pure, rich and concentrated, offering a wonderful mix of cedar-laced currant, black cherry mineral and sage. It is both intense and supple, with excellent depth, focus and persistence on the finish.

Beers
Unibroue Don de Dieu Triple Wheat Ale Canada - 750ml: $ 8.95
WE 97 Pts - The #1 Wine Enthusiast Beer of 2011 - Makers Notes - Lightly cloudy with a white creamy head and a Nose with complex aromas of vanilla and fruitcake, flowers, and honey. In the Mouth it's smooth, complex flavor that is slightly fruity, malty, nutty, and yeasty, with a hint of unfiltered sake

Buffalo Belgian Stout 750ml-$ 9.95
Buffalo is a dark, almost black, top fermented Belgian style stout. In 1907 Buffalo Bill's Circus from the US played on the town square of Sint-Lievens-Esse. The brewery workers arranged for a young apprentice to watch over the brew kettles. He did, but he forgot to stir and Buffalo was born. The New Buffalo was created to commemorate 100th Anniversary of that event.  9% ABV.

 

NapaCabs Friday 08/31/12:  

Big Cabs and Lost Abbey Beers

Wine 3 Pours = $16.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $8.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Robert Craig 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity Napa Valley: $ 44.95
WA 92 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Eponymous 2005 Cabernet In Store Only: $ 37.00
The 2005 Eponymous Cabernet is absolutely delicious with a dark purple hue. Intense on the nose, displaying vanilla, dark cherry and violet. Very fleshy on the palate with an uncommon softness supporting big berry flavors and polished tannins.


Sixteen by Twenty 2009 Cabernet Sauvginon Napa (Paul Hobbs): $  44.95
The deep dark purple color. Intriguing bramble, menthol and spice notes dominate the youthful nose but Black Cherry, and Blackcurrant are layered in there as well. Slight nuances of anise, black olive, charcoal and a slight hint of vanilla coconut add to the interest. There is a rich, round, soft mouthfeel to this wine that subtly unfolds refined layers of Black Cherry, Red Cherry, and Blackcurrant. Hints of Blueberry, plum, olive and vanillin carry the middle into the slightly smoke tinged finish.

Beers
The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale - 750ml: $ 7.95
This Farmhouse Ale traces its roots to the small rustic breweries of Southern Belgium. The word Saison comes to us from the French language and it means Season. Lightly spiced with Organic Ginger, Orange Peels, Black Pepper and Grains of Paradise, this brew promises to quench your thirst on the hottest Southern California days or wherever your travels may take you. Available in 750 ml bottles and on draft at select inspired locations. ABV 6.7%.

The Lost Abbey Carneval Ale - 750ml-$ 7.95
Carnevale is a dry hopped saison ale sporting a hazy yellow color and moderately spicy nose with hints of oranges and tangerines from Amarillo and Simcoe hops. The yeast phenols add layers of clove and allspice. The beer is designed to be a lighter body ale with some malted oats and wheat components and dry hopped with Amarillo to emphasize the bright citric qualities. 6.5% alc

 

Ladies and gentleman, we are happy to announce … that we have successfully flustered our Frog. The scores have been tallied and Mr. Nathan Wright was the only person to beat Christophe.

Here are the Wines we Featured:

Pizzaioli 08/28/12 Wine Tasting:  Spanish Wines
        
Tasting cost: $ 14.00





Burgans 2011 Albarino Rias Baixas: $ 12.00
A uniquely fruity aroma where the variety is clearly appreciated, highlighting hints of ripe apples, apricots, and peach aromas. In the mouth, it is rich, mellow and well-balanced. The aftertaste is fully rounded and off dry on the palate.

Castillo De Monseran 2007 Garnacha Old Vine: $ 12.00
The wine has a deep red color. Aromatically, intense, with great complexity. Smoky, red fruits (red currant, strawberry) with tones of vanilla and spice. The texture is lush, soft tannins with long flavors of red fruits and vanilla.

Bodegas Ramon Bilbao 2007 Tempranillo Rioja Limited Edition: $ 12.00
According to the Wine Spectator - This lively red offers bright flavors of cherry, vanilla, smoke and spices, with a plump texture and just enough tannin for grip. Balanced and expressive. Drink now through 2013. 7,500 cases imported.

Juan Gil 2010 Monastrell Silver Label: $ 12.00
100% Mourvedre (Monastrell) On the nose it has powerful aromas of red berries, toasted and smoked notes from their aging in the oak barriques. It has good structure with ripe and sweet tannins. In the mouth it is very long, and with a perfect balance.

Castillo Labastida 2008 Crianza Rioja Spain: $ 13.00
Deep ruby-red in color with violet reflections, Labastida Crianza offers delectable notes of ripe black cherry, damson, and a hint of toasted oak.  On the palate, the wine exhibits a zestiness with a supple body, medium tannins and a pleasing finish.

Black Slate 2009 Porrera Vi de la Villa Priorat: $ 18.00
IWC 91 Pts - According to the International Wine Cellar - Deep ruby. Intense blackberry, cassis and licorice on the nose. Powerful and densely packed, with a structured impression to its dark cherry, black fruits and spices. Finishes weighty, sweet and long, with silky tannins and an echo of licorice.



Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

Pizzaioli 08/28/12 Wine Tasting:  Spanish Wines
        
Tasting cost: $ 14.00





Luna 2010 White Wine Blend Lunatic California: $ 12.00
A uniquely fruity aroma where the variety is clearly appreciated, highlighting hints of ripe apples, apricots, and peach aromas. In the mouth, it is rich, mellow and well-balanced. The aftertaste is fully rounded and off dry on the palate.

Castillo De Monseran 2007 Garnacha Old Vine: $ 12.00
The wine has a deep red color. Aromatically, intense, with great complexity. Smoky, red fruits (red currant, strawberry) with tones of vanilla and spice. The texture is lush, soft tannins with long flavors of red fruits and vanilla.

Bodegas Ramon Bilbao 2007 Tempranillo Rioja Limited Edition: $ 12.00
According to the Wine Spectator - This lively red offers bright flavors of cherry, vanilla, smoke and spices, with a plump texture and just enough tannin for grip. Balanced and expressive. Drink now through 2013. 7,500 cases imported.

Descendientes de Jose Palacios 2009 Bierzo Petalos De Bierzo: $ 15.00
#26 on Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2011 - WS 93 Pts. - This polished red shows density and harmony, delivering complex, well-integrated flavors of mineral, wild berry, fresh herbs and smoke. Not showy, but has character. Drink now through 2018.

Castillo Labastida 2008 Crianza Rioja Spain: $ 13.00
Deep ruby-red in color with violet reflections, Labastida Crianza offers delectable notes of ripe black cherry, damson, and a hint of toasted oak.  On the palate, the wine exhibits a zestiness with a supple body, medium tannins and a pleasing finish.

Beronia 2004 Rioja Reserva: $ 20.00
WS 92 Pts.; According to the Wine Spectator; A dense, plush texture carries ripe flavors of plum, raisin, tar and  tobacco in this bold red. Full tannins and bright acidity give this a  youthful character. Expressive and harmonious. Drink now through 2018.

Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

Pizzaioli 08/21/12 Wine Tasting:  Big Red Blends
        
Tasting cost: $ 14.00


Luna 2010 White Wine Blend Lunatic California: $ 14.00
Intensely aromatic, densely flavored, muscular but supple, graceful and delicate. This wine is full of contradictions and charming mysteries. It is a trifecta of Albarino, Malvasia Bianca and Chardonnay; each providing a balancing force in the blend. The Albarino is delicate in aroma, like a white peach, but full flavored. The Malvasia Bianca is almost overwhelming with jasmine flower and apricot nectar aromas, yet brisk and clean to taste. The Chardonnay is a ripe pear in both flavor and aroma, filling your mouth with warm, succulent flavor. But, the wine is much more than the sum of its parts…insanely good!

D'Andezon 2010 Cotes Du Rhone: $ 11.00
WA 91 Pts - According to Robert Parker - The classic cuvee, which has long been selected by importer Eric Solomon, is their 2010 Domaine d’Andezon, a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. Dense ruby/purple, with a stunning nose of blackberry liqueur and jus de viande (beef/meat juices), its thrilling, intensely pure, full-bodied mouthfeel, good freshness, and striking floral character all combine for one of the very best bargains in dry red wine that readers are likely to find anywhere in the world.

Jam 2010 Red Wine: $ 15.00
We had a huge success with Jam Cellars Cabernet, so we decided to give the Red Wine a whirl... we were pleasantly surprised.  Lots of luscious blackberry and raspberry fruit character with vanilla and a hint of clove.

Jeff Runquist 2010 1448 Red Wine California: $ 15.00
1448 - the altitude of our small family winery in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. an assembly of wines from throughout California that delivers fruit forward flavors with a rich, full texture, sure to delight every palate.  

Barrel 27 2009 Hand Over Fist: $ 29.00
WS 92 Pts. 54% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, 21% Grenache. According to the Wine Spectator; Dense, chewy and chunky, this red is a muscular mix of rich dark berry, mineral and berry jam flavors, leading to a full body. Rich and extracted, ending with firm tannins and a burst of fruit. Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. Drink now through 2020. 165 cases made

Opolo 2009 Montagna-Mare: $ 24.00
Opolo's Montagna Mare is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Barbera from select vineyards in Paso Robles.  Rich, extracted, and full-bodied with cherry and cedar aromatics and a healthy dose of oak.


Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

NapaCabs Friday 08/17/12:  

Syrah and old world beers for summer.

Wine 3 Pours = $17.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Montes Alpha 2009 Syrah Apalta Vineyard: $ 17.95
WA 91 Pts. According to the Wine Advocate: The 2009 Alpha Syrah contains 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier. It  spent 12 months in French oak. The aromatics receive a pleasing lift  from the Viognier component in addition to notes of meat, game,  lavender, and blueberry. Rich, layered, and long, this pleasure-bent  Syrah has the structure to evolve for another 2-3 years and will be at  its best from 2013 to 2021

Chateau De Campuget 2007 Syrah La Sommeliere: $ 36.95
This wine is made from a selection of their best grapevines. It represents the quintessence of their production and the best expression of the “terroir”. After being made traditionally, the wine is matured for twelve months; half in new wooden barrels, and the other half in “demi-muids”. The wine is bottled at the Château. It is a dark garnet-red colored wine. It’s very expressive scented bouquet exhales the strong aromas of red and black fruits, with notes of vanilla. In the mouth, its structure is concentrated but round. Its very persistent fruitiness leaves an impression of powerfulness which denotes its great potential.

Amapola Creek 2007 Syrah Sonoma Valley: $ 39.95
>WA 94 Pts - According to Robert Parker - Arrowood has a long history of making Syrah, and his 2007 Syrah from a mountainside estate vineyard organically farmed has a dense purple color and a big sweet kiss of exotic flowers, blue and black fruits, graphite, and subtle smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, intense and layered, this is a brilliant Syrah, still very youthful, and best drunk over the next decade or more.

Beers

Pilsner Urquell - 6 Pack - 12 oz. Bottles: $ 7.95
Slightly sweet, somewhat malty, the honey nut flavor sparkles on the tip of your tongue, and slides into your mouth where tart citrus flavors and warm caramel bitterness builds quickly before slipping down your throat full of rich body, thoroughly refreshing...

Affligem Blonde 6 Pack - 11oz. Bottles: $ 11.95
Cloudy amber-orange with a big frothy head, Blonde shows its citrusy sweetness in fine balance with flavors of warm spices; medium body and a lasting, off-dry finish.

 

NapaCabs Friday 08/10/12:  

New Arrivals and beers from the Stone Brewery.

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Cecchi 2008 Morellino di Scansano Val delle Rose Riserva: $ 19.95
WS 92 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - Black currant, bilberry, violet and sweet vanilla aromas and flavors make this red distinctive. Vibrant and harmonious, with ripe fruit and power. Features a fine aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice.

Agostina Pieri 2007 Brunello Di Montalcino: $ 48.95
WA 94 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate: The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is compelling from the very first taste. It boasts fabulous concentration and depth, with just enough tannin and aromatic complexity to balance some of the wine’s more overt leanings. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice, mint and spices are layered into the big, dramatic finish. Hints of kirsch and rose petals linger in the empty glass. The 2007 is distinguished by an open, Pinot-like bouquet and a voluptuous personality. The wine was aged one year in cask and a second year in 600-liter demi-muids. Anticipated maturity

Sartori 2008 Amarone Della Valpolicella: $ 36.95
Rich garnet-red in color. Unique dried-fruit bouquet, with hints of ripe plum and spice. Deep and full-bodied with luscious berry flavors and a dry finish.




Beers



Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale 22oz: $ 4.95
This is an aggressive beer. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale 22 oz.$ 5.95
Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 08/11/12 :
New arrivals. A South West of France tasting

6 Pours = $15.00                    Re-Tastes = $3.00


Chateau Bouissel 2009 Fronton Classic: $ 14.95
 50 % Négrette, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 10% Malbec .Fruity, floral and spicy all at once, it pairs well with all types of cuisine and may also be enjoyed by itself. Drink it at room temperature, or even slightly chilled (between 10° and 12°). This wine is a regular award winner.  The expressive nose presents notes of red fruit and flowers (violet). The attack is very lively and precedes an explosive palate : a nice body, lots of fruit, intense notes of violet and a very round final. The modern expression of classic Fronton wines.

Domaine Rotier 2009 Gaillac Les Gravels: $ 13.95
WE 90 Pts - The different grapes ferment separately at 28 - 30°C. Maceration lasts from 3 to 5 weeks, with micro-oxygenation of the wine under the cap. Ageing lasted 18 months in tank with micro-oxygenation. Bottled on February 1st and 2nd 2011. 30 % Duras, 45 % Braucol, 25 % Syrah. The colour is dark purple. In its youth, this wine presents aromas of black fruit, mingling with notes of liquorice and pepper. On the palate, it is a fruity, fleshy wine, with firm but gentle tannins.

Chateau Des Eyssards Rouge 2010 Bergerac: $ 11.95
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Appearance: Bright red ruby hue. Nose: Fragrant red berry fruits with deeper notes of plum & black cherry. Well balanced on the palate, with firm tannins on its velvety body. Flavors of bright raspberry & red cherry with a touch of black pepper spice last through the long smooth finish. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.

Chateau Les Croisille 2007 Cahors Noble Cuvee: $ 18.95
100% Malbec. Very dark wine with notes of blueberries on the nose. Very well structured and balanced wine with no overly dominant trait. Powerful and loaded with character with tight tannins at the time of tasting. A remarkably well made wine.

Chateau Aydie 2008 Madiran: $ 23.95
 WE: 91- One of the top Madiran producers, Laplace tames the naturally tannic Tannat with a little Cabernet. But this is still a dark, intense wine, with plum skins and wood tannins to give the whole wine a powerful structure. "It's a riddle when you sniff it, with a fragrant, floral character that belies its power. It's a seriously chunky red with blueberry-type fruit, some freshness and bags of intensity. A wine forged from butch Tannat grapes that requires bold food" (Smith, 2010).

Chateau De Rousse 2008 Jurancon: $ 16.95
Late harvest wine from the South West of France. Harvest happened at the end of November until early December when the fruit is at very high maturity, highly concentrated and practically dried. Vinification took place in new barrels and lasted 12 month. Notes of honey, mango, pineapple, spices and candied fruits. On the palate it is rich, onctuous and vivacious. This wine is a remarkable example of a Jurancon and it can be aged for over 20 years.

 

NapaCabs Friday 08/03/12:  

New Arrivals and beers from the Grimbergen Abbaye.

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Domaine Ehrhart 2007 Gewurztraminer Hengst: $ 28.95
WE 91 Pts.  -  The Ehrhart family has been making wine in this region since 1725, and is commited to organic farming.  The Grand Cru Hengst Gewurztraminer is is rich with floral aromas, spice notes, and ripe exotic fruit flavors.

Domaine Chandon 2010 Pinot Meunier Carneros: $ 24.95
 The wine opens with bright fruit aromas on the nose lead by dominant notes of Santa Rosa plum, hibiscus and hints of cola nut. On the palate, the wine is mouth watering, deliciously fresh and approachable, as flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and a trace of briar and juniper are carried on supple tannins for a sexy, satisfying texture. The 2010 vintage is distinguished by medium term barrel aging and the utilization of whole cluster fermentation, which introduces subtle spice and increased vibrancy.

Nino Negri 2008 Valtellina Superior Vigneto Fracia : $ 29.95
WA 91+ Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2008 Valtellina Superiore Vigneto Fracia is impressive. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame dark cherries, mountain herbs, flowers, licorice and tobacco. The aromas and flavors literally resonate off the palate in this deeply expressive wine. A backbone of lively acidity gives the wine its focus and sense of proportion.

Beers

Grimbergen Blonde Abbey Ale - 6 pack - 12oz.: $ 13.95
St-Feuillien’s Saison is what the Belgians call a beer of the terroir, a traditional farmhouse ale with all the rich savour of the fertile land of southern Belgium. Saison, a warm golden blonde beer, is a top-fermented classique. Thanks to secondary fermentation in the bottle, Saison has an unmistakable flavor full of rich nuances and a slight tang. Judge for yourself.  6.5% ABV.

Grimbergen Double Dark Abbey Ale 6 pack 12oz: $ 13.95
Grimbergen Abbey Ale was first brewed as far back as the early middle ages by Norbertine monks. Grimbergen Double is a rich, dark burgundy ale with a white head. Double has undergone two fermentations, which gives this ale a chocolatey, toffee taste with a brandy like finish.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 07/28/2012 : New Arrivals.


6 Pours = $18.00                    Re-Tastes = $4.00


Patrice Moreux 2010 Pouilly Fume la Loge aux Moines: $ 24.95
WS 91 Pts - According to the Wine Spectator - A nicely juicy, citrus-accented style, delivering crunchy acidity to drive the Meyer lemon, white peach and pink grapefruit notes along, all backed by a tangy, herb-tinged finish. Very tasty. Drink now through 2014. 100 cases imported.

Domaine De La Mordoree 2011 Tavel Rose La Dame Rousse: $ 22.95
WA 93 Pts.  -  According to Robert Parker: The 2011 La Dame Rousse Tavel Rose, which is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest equal parts Cinsault and the white grape Clairette. Full-bodied and substantial on the palate, with stunning notes of strawberry and kirsch intermixed with licorice, lavender and spring flowers, this is about as good a rose as one can find in the marketplace, but it is not for those looking for a somewhat innocuous, lighter-styled rose. This wine delivers in an authoritative, surprisingly intense style.

Pala Triente 2010 Cannonau: $ 17.95
Made with the indigenous varietal Cannonau. This ancient grape has been grown in Sardinia since the Neolithic period! Intense ruby red color with subtle spice and mature red fruit aromas. Medium-bodied with good structure and a lingering finish. Serve with both white and red meats, spicy foods, and flavorful cheeses.

Cameron Hughes 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 246 Napa Valley: $ 17.95
WE 91 Pts.  -  Cameron Hughes is the premier negocient of the United States, and for the Lot 246 Cabernet from Napa, Cameron sourced fruit from St. Helena and Stags Leap District.  We found this Cabernet to be quite pleasant and refined, and it sells for a song.

Nifo 2007 Aglianico D'Erasmo: $ 29.95
The Aglianico D'Erasmo offers a superb bouquet with raisin, fig and cedar notes. Rich and harmonious on the palate with dry berries, raisin must and cedar flavors. This wine is very aromatic and displays sharp tannins but it all characters are in harmony making for a very elegant wine.

Angel Vine 2009 The Hellion- 750ml: $ 21.95
WE 93 Pts.  -  Angel Vine's 2009 Hellion is a blend of Primativo, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, and pays tribute to the Italian-American farmers who established mixed varietal heritage vineyards.  It's rich, fruit forward, and vest when shared with family and friends. A complete wine, with a full array of superbly rich berry fruits, a hint of chocolate and fine-grained tannins. Delicious right out of the bottle, but it could be cellared for at least another five years.  Editor's Choice!

 

Pizzaioli Wine Tasting

Tuesday - July 24, 2012

$15.00 – Per Flight

Featuring

Justin Vineyards & Winery

JUSTIN Winery is a family owned and operated winery making estate grown and produced wines. The property was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin when he planted the 160 acre property to the major Bordeaux varietals and created their Estate vineyard. The winery is located in the Paso Robles appellation of California’s Central Coast.

Landmark Vineyards

Landmark Vineyards was founded in 1974 in Windsor, CA.  In 1989 Landmark Vineyards was relocated from Windsor, a town that was slowly being smothered by urban sprawl to a spectacular piece of land at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Sonoma Valley. Landmark became a small jewel of a winery and was built in the Spanish mission style.

Justin 2009 Chardonnay Paso Robles $15

Pale gold with a light straw colored rim.  Apple, apricot, and ripe stone fruit combine with a hint of honey and toasted oak. White peach, banana, and Meyer lemon, along with hints of mineral and toasted almonds, finishing with layers of cinnamon, cream.

Landmark 2009 Chardonnay California Overlook $20

WA 91 Pts - The wine exhibits a golden honey hue with pure Granny Smith apple aromas along with distinctive notes of lime blossom and nutmeg. The mouth feel is rich and round and unfolds to reveal shortbread and pineapple flavors that linger.

Landmark 2009 Pinot Noir Grand Detour Sonoma Coast $33

According to Robert Parker - The medium dark ruby-colored 2009 Pinot Noir Grand Detour is an intensely fragrant, super spicy effort offering notes of incense, spice box, herbs and Chinese black tea.

Justin 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $20

According to Wine Enthusiast - Does what California does so well with Cabernet, ripening the fruit and developing delicious berry and cherry flavors. Oak, of course, brings the usual sweetly smoked toast and vanilla notes to this softly tannic wine.

Justin 2009 Syrah Paso Robles $22

This grape is beginning to outshine all our other varietal reds because of its sheer deliciousness. Its color is dense, its perfume exotically floral and peppercorn-spicy, and its midpalate and finish stellar in containing all the most intense fruit.

Justin 2009 Justification Paso Robles Red Wine $35

JS 94 Pts - Love the nose to this with dark fruits and cigar tobacco on the nose. Hints of milk chocolate. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is a very beautiful wine indeed. Decadent and refined at the same time. Made from 67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Merlot.

We Heart You!!!!!!!
Customer Appreciation Party
July 21, 2012
12pm - 5pm

5 Cent Wine Tasting

Food

Prizes

Raffles

Pizzaioli Tuesday Night Tasting

July 17^th, 2012 6pm – 9pm

Spanish Wines With Special Guest John Weeks

$13 Per Flight

Burgans 2011 Albarino Rias Baixas: $ 12

We fell in love with Tariquet's Sauvignon because it is quite different than most.  The primary aromatic character is quite floral, with flinty, stone quality.  On the palate, the wine is extremely fresh, with crisp acidity.

Altovinum 2010 Evodia Garnacha Old Vines: $ 14

WA 90 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - Altovinum’s 2010 Evodia is 100% Garnacha sourced from the highest elevation vineyards of Garnacha of any DO in Spain. It offers up a slightly exotic nose of earthy minerality, mocha, black cherry, and black raspberry. Savory, concentrated, and with a forward personality, this great value will deliver pleasure over the next 3-4 years.

Bodegas Atalaya 2008 Spanish Red Almansa: $ 13

WA 90pts. The 2008 Atalaya is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), and other unspecified varieties. It was aged for 8 months in French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it displays an aromatic array of cedar, spice box, violets, blueberry, and blackberry with a hint of licorice in the background. On the palate it has layers of savory fruit, excellent concentration, and a long, fruit-filled finish. It is likely to evolve for 1-3 years but can be enjoyed now.

Bodegas Triton 2009 Tridente Tempranillo: $ 17

WA 91 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2009 Tridente Tempranillo from the DO of Castilla y Leon is 100% Tempranillo that spent 15 months in French oak. Aromas of toasty oak, graphite, balsamic, incense, and black fruits are followed by a dense, powerful Tempranillo from the great 2009 vintage. Rich, savory, and pleasure bent, it is a great value for drinking over the next 6-8 years.

Bodegas Izadi 2006 Reserva Rioja: $ 17

WA 90 Pts - According to the Wine Advocate - Bodegas Izadi’s 2006 Reserva was sourced from 60+-year-old Tempranillo vines aged 14 months in American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a lovely perfume of violets, spice box, incense, mineral, and blackberry.

Black Slate 2009 Porrera Vi de la Villa Priorat: $ 18

Deep ruby. Intense blackberry, cassis and licorice on the nose. Powerful and densely packed, with a structured impression to its dark cherry, black fruits and spices. Finishes weighty, sweet and long, with silky tannins and an echo of licorice.

Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

Pizzaioli 07/10/12 Wine Tasting:  Barbecue Wines! Presented by Winery representative John Slatter.
        
Tasting cost: $ 17.00


Saint Clair 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Vicars Choice Marlborough: $ 12.00
A lifted nose showing aromas of passionfruit, blackcurrant, grapefruit and nettles with refreshing underlying mineral notes. A light bodied refreshing wine with typical Marlborough flavours of gooseberry, blackcurrant and grapefruit. A pleasing mineral note leads to a long lingering finish.

Swanson 2008 Merlot Oakville: $ 24.00
 The 2008 Swanson Oakville Merlot is a charming wine, reminiscent more of the Right Bank of Bordeaux than Napa Valley. The nose offers black cherry, plum, and dried red cherry with notes of well-integrated sweet oak and mocha. Firm, ripe tannins characteristic of our Oakville Estate vineyard fill the palate nicely. In the mouth look for raspberry, black cherry, and red licorice. The Petit Verdot contributes a graceful top note of verve and spice. Velvet-smooth and long on the finish.

Vinum Cellars 2008 Cabernet Franc The Scrapper El Dorado County: $ 26.00
This is a wine made for the open-minded, the adventurous and those who root for the underdog.  It's Cabernet Franc from El Dorado, California aged in used French Oak for 22 months; truly a Scrapper.

ZD 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $ 40.00
The ZD Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits soft tannins with complex layers of flavor. This wine shows intense aromas of cassis, blackberry and plum. The dense concentrated palate offers subtle hints of vanilla, clove and mocha, and the lush, silky tannins round out the long, rich finish.

Yalumba 2009 Barossa Red Wine The Scribbler: $ 13.00
A deep crimson red, The Scribbler 2009 shows excellent concentration and lift on the nose, with redcurrant fruits, spices and licorice complementing fresh floral aromatics of herbs and mints. This is a densely weighted wine with blackcurrant fruit and dark berries. The Shiraz is again nicely layered within a tightly integrated and beautifully structured Cabernet Sauvignon palate.

Saucelito Canyon 2010 Zinfandel San Luis Obispo Backroads: $ 14.00
The Zinfandel Backroads is the result of our forays over the Santa Lucia mountain range and into remote local vineyards that are close in spirit to our own estate vineyard. Approachable in both flavor and price, the Zinfandel Backroads is a perfect complement to the daily dinner table. Enjoy it with moderate to hearty fare, such as roasted pork loin, flank steak and grilled hamburger.




Want us to Text you what the Tuesday Tasting is going to be? How about the weekly specials? Stay in the loop with Pizzaioli Text Updates on your mobile phone.
-Simply send the message WINE to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive the Tuesday Night Wine Tasting list!
-Send the message MENU to 83936 and receive the Weekly Specials!
-Send the message PZ to 83936 from your mobile phone and receive Exclusive Pizzaioli Offers! (Wine Dinners, etc)

 

NapaCabs Friday 07/06/12:  

New Arrivals and Belgian Ales.

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Domaine Ehrhart Cremant D'Alsace: $ 17.95
Winemaker Notes - Dark and deep colour, with red fruits, cherry, strawberry with delicate oak aromas. On the palate you'll find a structured tannic wine.Red fruits, cherry and strawberry with delicate oak aromas . Remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak agin

Berthoud 2007 Ursus: $ 32.95
A remarkably old world style Bordeaux blend from Sonoma. All five of the Bordeaux varieties are utilized. (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.) Open top redwood fermentation vats, a 19th century basket press and a no filtering or fining produce a wine worthy of the name. Ursus is the latin word for Bear. Big and broad-shouldered, this wine will stand up to your heartiest dishes and this is more of a food wine than a drink alone. Why aren't these guys famous?


Chateau Beard La Chapelle 2009 Saint-Emilion: $ 43.95
Merlot (90%),Cabernet Franc (7%),Cabernet Sauvignon (3%). Very deep color with purplish hues. Incredibly complex bouquet with aromas of ginger bread, black cherries, rose buds and mint. Rich, round, and concentrated on the palate, delivering spicy notes and aromas of Kirsch and black chocolate on the finish.

Beers

Westmalle Trappist Dubbel Ale - 11.2 ounce: $ 5.95
Westmalle Dubbel is a dark, reddish-brown Trappist beer with a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The creamy head has the fragrance of special malt and leaves an attractive lace pattern in the glass. The flavour is rich and complex, herby and fruity with a fresh-bitter finish. It is a balanced quality beer with a soft feel in the mouth and a long, dry aftertaste. The Dubbel contains 7% alcohol.

Westmalle Trappist Tripel Ale - 11.2oz: $4.95
 Westmalle Tripel is a clear, golden yellow Trappist beer that undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle (9.5% alcohol). It is a complex beer with a fruity aroma and a nice nuanced hop scent. It is soft and creamy in the mouth, with a bitter touch carried by the fruity aroma. An exceptional beer, with a great deal of finesse and elegance. And with a splendid long aftertaste.   The Westmalle Tripel is indeed called the 'mother of all tripels'.

NapaCabs Friday 07/06/12:  

Great New Rhones and Belgian Triples.

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Domaine Ehrhart Cremant D'Alsace: $ 17.95
Winemaker Notes - Dark and deep colour, with red fruits, cherry, strawberry with delicate oak aromas. On the palate you'll find a structured tannic wine.Red fruits, cherry and strawberry with delicate oak aromas . Remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak agin

Berthoud 2007 Ursus: $ 30.95
A remarkably old world style Bordeaux blend from Sonoma. All five of the Bordeaux varieties are utilized. (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.) Open top redwood fermentation vats, a 19th century basket press and a no filtering or fining produce a wine worthy of the name. Ursus is the latin word for Bear. Big and broad-shouldered, this wine will stand up to your heartiest dishes and this is more of a food wine than a drink alone. Why aren't these guys famous?


Chateau Beard La Chapelle 2009 Saint-Emilion: $ 43.95
Merlot (90%),Cabernet Franc (7%),Cabernet Sauvignon (3%). Very deep color with purplish hues. Incredibly complex bouquet with aromas of ginger bread, black cherries, rose buds and mint. Rich, round, and concentrated on the palate, delivering spicy notes and aromas of Kirsch and black chocolate on the finish.

Beers

Westmalle Trappist Dubbel Ale - 11.2 ounce: $ 5.95
Westmalle Dubbel is a dark, reddish-brown Trappist beer with a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The creamy head has the fragrance of special malt and leaves an attractive lace pattern in the glass. The flavour is rich and complex, herby and fruity with a fresh-bitter finish. It is a balanced quality beer with a soft feel in the mouth and a long, dry aftertaste. The Dubbel contains 7% alcohol.

Westmalle Trappist Tripel Ale - 11.2oz: $4.95
 Westmalle Tripel is a clear, golden yellow Trappist beer that undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle (9.5% alcohol). It is a complex beer with a fruity aroma and a nice nuanced hop scent. It is soft and creamy in the mouth, with a bitter touch carried by the fruity aroma. An exceptional beer, with a great deal of finesse and elegance. And with a splendid long aftertaste.   The Westmalle Tripel is indeed called the 'mother of all tripels'.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 06/30/2012 : A BBQ wine Tasting

6 Pours = $15.00                    Re-Tastes = $4.00


Erath 2010 Pinot Gris Oregon $12.95
WS 89 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - Light and lively, appealing for its creamy pear and melon flavors, dancing deftly through the dry finish. Enticingly fragranced with honeydew melon, rose petals and bread dough, this wine could not be a lovelier example of one of Oregon’s favorite varietals. Flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon and a hint of banana offer a mouth-watering juicy palate. The clean, brisk finish begs another luscious fruit-filled sip

Bonterra 2009 Syrah Mendocino Organically Grown Grapes: $ 13.95
Winemaker Notes - Maintained through an organic growing process, our Syrah vineyards are entering their prime, reflected in the wine’s brilliant color and intense aromas. Bonterra Syrah blends a touch of Rhone varietals like Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier for a powerful floral note. Concentrated berry flavors come to the fore with notes of vanilla and toasty oak spice from aging in French oak.

Simonsig 2010 Cabernet Shiraz Stellenbosch: $ 10.95
63 Percent Cabernet and 37 Percent Shiraz from a South African vintage that kept winemaker's on their toes.  The wine is deep and heady, with gorgeous concentration and length.  This is one of the best values we have in house, grab a bottle while you can!

Saracina 2009 Malbec Skid Row Vineyard: $ 26.95
Owners John Fetzer and Patti Rock began Saracina in 2001, a passion project focusing on organically farmed wine in Mendocino County.  The 2009 Malbec is outstanding, with blueberry, black raspberry, sandalwood, mocha and cocoa notes.

Saracina 2009 Atrea Old Soul Red Blend Mendocino County: $ 23.95
The 2009 Old Soul Red is a blend of 59% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 14%  Syrah and 7% Malbec, all from vineyards in Mendocino County. It reveals  lovely silkiness in its perfumed raspberries, along with hints of dried  spices, earthiness, tobacco and licorice that add complexity.

Opolo 2009 Montagna-Mare : $ 23.95
Opolo's Montagna Mare is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Barbera from select vineyards in Paso Robles.  Rich, extracted, and full-bodied with cherry and cedar aromatics and a healthy dose of oak.

 

Pizzaioli Tuesday Night Tasting

June 26^th, 2011

A Tour of Italy

$18 Per Flight

Terredora 2010 Greco Di Tufo $15 Per Bottle

The 2010 Greco di Tufo virtually explodes on the palate with layers of pointed fruit. Jasmine, crushed rocks and lime are some of the nuances that emerge from this beautifully sculpted, precise white. The elegant finish is first-class all the way.

Feudi Di San Gregorio 2008 Aglianico Rubrato $13 Per Bottle

The 2008 Aglianico Rubrato is a beautiful wine and a terrific value as well. Ripe dark fruit, smoke, ash, earthiness and subtle notes of gaminess emerge from this mid-weight red. The tannins are just a touch firm, making the Rubrato a red that is best with food rather than on its own.

Antinori 2009 Peppoli Chianti Classico $19 Per Bottle

The wine is ruby red in color with aromas of ripe red fruit and well amalgamated notes of vanilla and coffee. The palate enjoys a notable support from the acidity, which maintains a pleasurable freshness and persistence of flavor along with soft and sweet tannins which guarantee excellent drinkability.

Argiolas 2009 Costera Isola Dei Nuraghi $15 Per Bottle

WA 91 Points - The estate’s 2009 Isola dei Nuraghi Costera flows from the glass with layers of exquisitely perfumed fruit buttressed by fine, silky tannins. There is an element of pure elegance and refinement that is hard to do justice to with words. This is another terrific red from Argiolas. Costera is a blend of 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo.

Vietti 2009 Barbera D'Alba Tre Vigne $22 Per Bottle

Ruby purple color with ripe red cherry aromas and vanilla. With hints of violets the Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne is slightly round and rich. On the palate it shows bright acidity, soft tannins with good integration of oak, good complexity and a lingering cherry finish.

Tommaso Bussola 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC $48.95

“A ripe, velvety red, with a fine frame of supple tannins, displaying flavors of prune, kirsch, bitter herbs and loamy earth, with just a hint of savory-sweet sun-dried tomato. There's a subtle juiciness, with a sweet, smoky note that builds toward the long finish. Drink now through 2026.” – Wine Spectator 93 Points.

NapaCabs Friday 06/22/12:  

A Spanish wine tasting and blond Farm House beers.

Wine 3 Pours = $11.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Black Slate 2009 Porrera Vi de la Villa Priorat: $ 17.95
IWC 91 Pts - According to the International Wine Cellar - Deep ruby. Intense blackberry, cassis and licorice on the nose. Powerful and densely packed, with a structured impression to its dark cherry, black fruits and spices. Finishes weighty, sweet and long, with silky tannins and an echo of licorice

Descendientes de Jose Palacios 2009 Bierzo Petalos De Bierzo: $ 16.00
#26 on Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2011 - WS 93 Pts. The new releases (all 100% Mencia) include the entry-level 2009 Petalos del Bierzo sourced mainly from leased vineyards with vine age ranging from 40-90 years. It was aged for a few weeks in new French barriques followed by 6-10 months in seasoned barrels. It shows lovely density and purity in an up-front style. Dark black cherries, violets, and Asian spices perch on a medium-bodied frame with well integrated oak and an elegant personality. With excellent volume and length, it is a classy introduction to what can be achieved in the DO of Bierzo.

Bodegas Izadi 2006 Reserva Rioja: $ 16.95
WA 90 Pts - According to the Wine Advocate - Bodegas Izadi’s 2006 Reserva was sourced from 60+-year-old Tempranillo vines aged 14 months in American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a lovely perfume of violets, spice box, incense, mineral, and blackberry. Elegant as well as structured on the palate, it has the balance to evolve for another 2-3 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2021.

Beers

3 Monts Classic Golden Ale - 750ml: $ 8.95
3 Monts is an 8.5% abv Biere de Garde, brewed in the Flanders region of France where such beers are traditionally termed Biere de Garde, a form of keeping ale. The name of the beer refers to three hills in Flanders, Mont des Recollets, Mont Cassel; Mont des Cats on the French side of the border.

Trappistes Rochefort 10 Belguim - 11.2 ounce: $8.45
Tasting Notes  -  This tasty ale comes from Belgium, the land of many a tasty ale. It looks and smells quite pleasant, with a hefty herbal bouquet. In the mouth, this one initially hits you with a heavy doses of carbonation. Following that is a flowery hop bitterness - not terribly bitter, but fairly abrupt. You can taste the freshness of the hops, and it even hits the nose some as it goes down. In the finish there is a light sweetness that follows nicely from the prior hoppiness to give a good easy finish

NapaCabs Friday 06/14/12:  

Great Pinots and Trappistes de Rochefort 6 et 10

Wine 3 Pours = $14.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Freestone 2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (Joseph Phelps): $ 34.95
WE 90 WS88 Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast - So brisk in acidity, you can taste the ocean winds that chill this  coastal vineyard at night. It’s also extraordinarily ripe. Few Pinot  Noirs get this fruity. Floods the mouth with the essence of raspberries  and cherries. The acidity and a firm minerality give it much needed  structure.

Chateau Barrejat 2008 Madiran: $ 26.95
WE 96 Pts.  - Absolutely stunning, a testament to the vintage, the terroir and to the winemaker's impeccable hand. It's delicious beyond description, offering wave after wave of cherry pie, blackberry confit, red currant, persimmon and cola flavors, finished with exciting spices. Already throwing sediment, it's so balanced in acids and tannins that it's gorgeous now, but should develop effortlessly over the next six years at the very least.


Regis Bouvier 2009 Gevrey-Chambartin: $ 44.95
Bouvier's Gevery-Chambertin is an gem of the much heralded 2009 vintage. Gorgeous red fruit with crisp acidity and well integrated tannins make this value driven Burgundy a great starting point for those of you wanting to familiarize yourself with this outstanding vintage for Burgundy without breaking the bank.

Beers

Trappistes Rochefort 6 Belguim - 11.2 ounce: $ 5.95
Gold Medal winner-World Beer Championships 2006 Tasting Notes - Trappistes Rochefort 6 has a reddish-brown color with amber-gold highlights, like autumn leaves; soft body supports earthy flavors and an herbal character. Refined, soft spiciness in the bouquet finishes with an intense taste of caramel, fruit, and hints of raisins. It is bottle-conditioned with live yeasts for soft natural carbonation

Trappistes Rochefort 10 Belguim - 11.2 ounce: $7.29
Gold Medal winner at the World Beer Championships 2004,2006.Trappistes Rochefort 10 has a dark reddish-brown color with a very compact head; its great strength is balanced by a complexity of dark fruit flavors with some balancing bitterness and a firm malt backbone. The bouquet covers a wide range: port wine, leather, apricots, oak, spices and a touch of bittersweet chocolate. It feels like honey in the mouth. The alcohol profile is a major component in the flavor of this rich ale, one of the world's most intriguing beverages.

 

Pizzaioli 06/12/12 Present: A California wine tasting
Tasting cost: $ 20.00                    
                    
Cakebread 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley: $ 24.00
Due to the coolness of the vintage, our 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is especially fresh, crisp and vibrant, offering bright honeydew melon, pink grapefruit, gooseberry and vanilla aromas and rich, mouthwatering, citrus, nectarine and melon flavors.  An ideal apèritif wine, it also beautifully accompanies a wide and diverse range of foods, from shellfish and lighter seafood dishes to roast chicken, Caesar Salad and pasta primavera.

Freestone 2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (Joseph Phelps): $ 35.00
WE 90 - WS 88 Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast - So brisk in acidity, you can taste the ocean winds that chill this  coastal vineyard at night. It’s also extraordinarily ripe. Few Pinot  Noirs get this fruity. Floods the mouth with the essence of raspberries  and cherries. The acidity and a firm minerality give it much needed  structure.
Twomey 2007 Merlot Napa Valley (Silver Oak): $ 40.00
The 2007 Twomey Merlot is a beautiful example of what this noble variety can achieve in an excellent vintage: suppleness, complexity and great expression of berry fruit.

Summers 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga: $ 20.00
WA 91 Pts.  -  Impressive for the price! Much of the 09 Calistoga Cabernet comes from Summer's own Estate Vineyard.  It is remarkable to find Napa Valley Estate Cabernet at 20 dollars - and with Parker's glowing review this one is sure to disappear quickly!

Sausal 2008 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Estate Grown: $ 15.00
Winemaker's Notes - This estate Zinfandel is produced from dry farmed vines that average 50 years of age. Following fermentation, the wine is aged twenty months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, adding complexity. The result is a soft and approachable Zinfandel. Pair this wine with spicy pasta, pork or grilled chicken. The Family Zinfandel will cellar well for at least six years.

Flora Springs 2008 Trilogy Napa Valley Red Wine: $ 40.00
WE 94 WA 91 Pts  - According to the Wine Advocate-Exhibits a beautiful deep  ruby/purple color along with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and black  currant fruit intermixed with some floral notes, well-integrated oak and  spice, medium to full body and silky tannins.  Already complex and  delicious, this blend should continue to drink well for 10-15 years.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 06/09/2012 : 3 big domestic wines.

3 Pours = $14.00                    Re-Tastes = $5.00


Exceptionally we will be closing at 3:30pm this Saturday.

Illumination 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Quintessa): $ 34.95
Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Quintessa and vineyards in the cool southern hillsides of Napa Valley were hand harvested and whole-cluster pressed. The wines were fermented with native and cultured yeasts in several different vessels. French oak barrels (10% new) contribute body and a round mouthfeel, egg-shaped concrete fermenters add rich texture with aromatic purity, and stainless steel tanks provide fresh unadulterated aromatics. Semillon provides texture and roundness on the palate to complement the vibrant, tangy Sauvignon Blanc. Lees stirring in tank and barrel lends additional complexity

Emblem 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford : $ 38.95
Winemaker Notes - Rich, sophisticated and earthy, with concentrated dark berry and cassis aromas, beautifully balanced flavors of dried fruit and currants, and ripe, evolved tannins expressive of Rutherford dust. Its long, smooth finish marries rich fruit with savory, toasted oak tones.

Amapola Creek 2007 Syrah Sonoma Valley: $ 39.95
WA 94 Pts - According to Robert Parker - Arrowood has a long history of making Syrah, and his 2007 Syrah from a mountainside estate vineyard organically farmed has a dense purple color and a big sweet kiss of exotic flowers, blue and black fruits, graphite, and subtle smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, intense and layered, this is a brilliant Syrah, still very youthful, and best drunk over the next decade or more. Winemakers Notes - Painstaking organic farming and finely-tuned crop levels on our estate vines gave us a phenomenal Syrah, one we would be very pleased to make every year. It happens that 2007 was the first crush at our new Amapola Creek facility, and what a spectacular way to start. This wine was punched down entirely by hand and put into 40% new Ermitage barrels with the balance in seasoned French oak.


NapaCabs Saturday 06/09/2012 : 3 big domestic wines.

3 Pours = $14.00                    Re-Tastes = $5.00


Exceptionally we will be closing at 3:30pm this Saturday.

Illumination 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Quintessa): $ 34.95
Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Quintessa and vineyards in the cool southern hillsides of Napa Valley were hand harvested and whole-cluster pressed. The wines were fermented with native and cultured yeasts in several different vessels. French oak barrels (10% new) contribute body and a round mouthfeel, egg-shaped concrete fermenters add rich texture with aromatic purity, and stainless steel tanks provide fresh unadulterated aromatics. Semillon provides texture and roundness on the palate to complement the vibrant, tangy Sauvignon Blanc. Lees stirring in tank and barrel lends additional complexity

Emblem 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford : $ 38.95
Winemaker Notes - Rich, sophisticated and earthy, with concentrated dark berry and cassis aromas, beautifully balanced flavors of dried fruit and currants, and ripe, evolved tannins expressive of Rutherford dust. Its long, smooth finish marries rich fruit with savory, toasted oak tones.

Silvio Nardi 2009 Rosso Di Montalcino: $ 39.95
WA 94 Pts - According to Robert Parker - Arrowood has a long history of making Syrah, and his 2007 Syrah from a mountainside estate vineyard organically farmed has a dense purple color and a big sweet kiss of exotic flowers, blue and black fruits, graphite, and subtle smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, intense and layered, this is a brilliant Syrah, still very youthful, and best drunk over the next decade or more. Winemakers Notes - Painstaking organic farming and finely-tuned crop levels on our estate vines gave us a phenomenal Syrah, one we would be very pleased to make every year. It happens that 2007 was the first crush at our new Amapola Creek facility, and what a spectacular way to start. This wine was punched down entirely by hand and put into 40% new Ermitage barrels with the balance in seasoned French oak.


 

NapaCabs Friday 06/01/12:  

Wines from Argentina and Chile and St. Bernardus Abbey Ales

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Achaval Ferrer 2011 Malbec Mendoza: $ 19.95
In a sea of somewhat homogenous Argentinian Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer's entry level bottling has always stood out for us.  Distinctive berry, floral, and baking spice aromatics with a luxurious mouth-feel and rich finish.

Flora Springs 2008 Trilogy Napa Valley Red Wine: $ 26.95
WA 92. -IWC 92 Pts. According to Robert Parker - Antucura’s 2006 Gran Vin is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon; (in consultation with Michel Rolland) and was aged in new French oak for 16 months. Medium purple in color, it offers up an alluring perfume of wood smoke, cherry blossom, incense, Asian spices, cassis, boysenberry, and black cherry. Concentrated on the palate with layered fruit and potential complexity, this impeccably balanced effort will unfold for several more years and provide pleasure through 2020.

Pascual Toso 2009 Malbec Alta Reserve: $ 29.95
WA (93) Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2009 Alta Reserve Malbec, tasted from a barrel sample, displays a bit more grip and density as well as a lengthier finish. It clearly has outstanding potential.

Beers
St. Bernardus Tripel Belgium 750ml-$ 9.95
St. Bernardus Tripel is a traditional abbey ale brewed in the classic Triple style of Belgium's Trappist Monks. It has a pale amber color with a wonderful head, slightly sweet aroma of rosewater, and the orangey-grassy flavors of Styrian hops in the finish.  8 percent ABV.


St. Bernardus Abt 12 Belgium 750m.- $ 10.95
St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a traditional abbey ale brewed in the classic style of Belgium's Trappist Monks. It is almost ebony in color, smooth, creamy and full bodied with big richness of texture that is almost oily and very assertive, like a warming coconut brandy.  10 percent ABV.


 

NapaCabs Friday 05/25/12:  

3 California red blends and 2 Abbey style Ales

Wine 3 Pours = $15.00            Wine        Re-Tastes = $6.00

Beer  2 Pours = $ 4.00                    Re-Tastes = $2.00




Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2009 Hands of Time Red Wine Napa Valley: $ 26.95
 A wonderful tribute to the many winemakers who have 'lent a hand' in making Stag's Leap Wine Cellars the winery it is today. A cask is made of their hand in French limestone and kept at the winery as the Hands of Time; Exhibit in their honor. The wine, a Bordeaux blend, is a tribute to the dedication of crafting elegantly balanced fine wines that has been passed down from teacher to student though the Hands of Time. Tasting Notes - This Napa Valley red blend has pleasing aromas of spiced fruit, clove and vanilla. The palate offers a sweet fruit entry of cherry and raspberry, which wrap around the structured tannins and lead to a lingering spice-filled finish. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.

Flora Springs 2008 Trilogy Napa Valley Red Wine: $ 39.95
WE 94 WA 91 Pts  - According to the Wine Advocate: Exhibits a beautiful deep  ruby/purple color along with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and black  currant fruit intermixed with some floral notes, well-integrated oak and  spice, medium to full body and silky tannins.  Already complex and  delicious, this blend should continue to drink well for 10-15 years.

Justin 2009 Savant Paso Robles Red Wine: $ 35.95
WE 93 JS 93 Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast - Editor's Choice! - A delightful wine, one of Justin’s best in quite some time. The blend is Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and fruit is the star, in the form of ripe, lush blackberries and currants. You will also find complex notes of grilled meats, chocolate, herbs and spices, wrapped into a perfectly soft, delectable texture.

Beers
Unibroue La Fin Du Monde Triple Canada - 750ml.- $ 7.95
WE 97pts.  Gold Medal - World Beer Cup 2008-According to the Wine Enthusiast;  Golden in color with a glowing orange vibrancy throughout, topped by a stunning off-white head that lingers but leaves a sticky lacing behind when it finally subsides. The aromas jump right out of the glass: ripe nectarine, fresh apricot and juicy citrus flecked with clove and peppery spice. The mouth is lively but smooth and creamy, with a great effervescence to keep things peppy. Flavors of biscuit malts, banana, hard pear and more sweet lemony citrus follow in the mouth. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving you perfectly primed for more.

Val-Dieu Brown Belgium 750ml. -$ 8.95
If its aroma reminds you of coffee/mocha, the mocha taste disappears, leaving only a slight coffee flavor, with almost no bitterness. Piquant like the pale ale.  8 percent ABV.beer. The average age of the Duchesse de Bourgogne before being bottled is 12 months.  6 percent ABV.

 

Pizzaioli 05/22/12 Present: New arrivals (French wines)
Tasting cost: $ 19.00                    
                    
Domaine Des Corbillieres 2011 Touraine Rose: $ 15.00
Established in 1923 The Domaine des Corbilliers is located in the heart of the magnificent Sologne region of the Loire Valley. The soil in the area contains a mixture of sand and clay and is very fertile. Made with 100% pinot noir this rose is lovely. Light strawberry notes on the nose and with just the right amount of acidity on the palate, it is the perfect complement to a summer meal.

Domain De Nizas 2007 Carignan Vielles Vignes: $ 14.00
 Its bouquet is intense and develops perfumes of small red fruit, black oli-ves and wild Mediterranean herbs (thyme, juniper, rosemary). Whilst being round and supple, the palate makes for a wine of immediate pleasure with per-fectly melted tannins and an impressive aromatic intensity.

Saint Marin De La Garrigue 2009 Gres De Montpellier: $ 23.00
The charming Gres De Montpellier blend from Saint Martin is 50 percent Mourvedre, with 30 percent Syrah and 20 percent Grenache.  The palate is more fruit dominated with lots of dark berry fruit flavours with some good spice and game. The wine is very well balanced with good fine tannins and a good length.

M. Chapoutier 2008 Crozes-Hermitage Petite Ruche: $ 20.00
According to Wine Spectator - Open-knit, with a tangy streak running through the loganberry and blackberry notes, backed by a lightly dusty, slightly crisp finish. Punchy and light by regional standards, with cherry, raspberry and  some citrus to the nose. The palate is medium weight at best, with  crunchy, crisp tannins backing red-fruit flavors. A little earthy as  well, and simple to drink if you don't mind a wine with crispness.

E. Guigal 2007 Crozes-Hermitage: $ 20.00
 Dark and deep colour, with red fruits, cherry, strawberry with delicate oak aromas. On the palate you'll find a structured tannic wine. . Remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak aging

Andre Brunel 2010 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape: $ 42.00
This is the first 2010 Chateauneuf to hit the floor - and let us say - when we tasted Brunel's 2010 CDP - we almost hit the floor!  Really classic Grenache aromatics of fig, wild berries, sweet tobacco, and smokey meat are all present and the structure and mouth-feel hint at the age ability of this beauty.



Next week 05/28/2012: A prestigious tasting featuring a Stags’ leap karia Chard, Antinori Il Bruciato and Antica Napa cab  and the multi award winning Meritages from Spring Valley, Walla Walla.

 

NapaCabs Saturday 05/19/12 : A Prestigious Tasting!

6 Pours = $17.00                    Re-Tastes = $3.00


Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2009 Chardonnay Karia Napa Valley: $ 25.95
WA 90 Pts - According to Robert Parker - There are 25,000 cases of the 2009 Chardonnay Karia. Part of this cuvee is put through malolactic and about one-third is aged in stainless steel and two-thirds in wood. This light straw-colored Chardonnay is a Napa Valley regional blend as opposed to an estate Chardonnay. It offers up aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle and lemon oil in its medium-bodied, crisp, fresh style.

Conn Creek 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Angels 50th Napa Valley: $ 9.95!
Smooth and supple, with berries, black plum, mocha and hints of sandalwood. Dried currant and mineral flavors add texture which wells up from fine grained tannins, keeping the band of layered flavors focused. Rich, lingering fruit flavors persist on the ripe, silky finish.

Antinori 2009 Bolgheri Tenuta Guado Al Tasso Il Bruciato: $ 25.95
WA 91 Pts - Bruciato 2009, with its intense color, is well-defined and fresh in the nose, with aromas of red fruit followed by more complex notes of sweet spices and hints of menthol. On the palate the wine is soft, with wonderfully silky tannins; offering very fragrant and delicate hints of fruit which give it beautiful flavor and a long finish.

Antinori 2009 Antica Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $ 39.95
WA 92 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as a bit more reticent and inward next to the superb 2008, but it, too, is a gorgeous wine. Dark red fruit, licorice, smoke and tar are some of the nuances that flow from this layered, gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 was bottled just two months ago. It will almost certainly be even better in a few years

Spring Valley 2008 Uriah Walla Walla Valley: $ 40.95
WS 93 Pts - According to Wine Spectator - This has density without excess weight, showing a real depth to its cherry, cinnamon, almond and cedar flavors, lingering against crisp tannins. Impressive for its deft balance and the way the finish sneaks up on you. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2013 through 2016. 2,200 cases made.

Spring Valley 2008 Frederick Walla Walla Valley: $ 40.95
WA 91 Pts WS 93 Pts - According to Wine Advocate - The 2008 Frederick Red Wine is made up of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29%  Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc with the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec.  Spice box, Asian spices, cassis, and blackberry aromas are followed by a  Bordeaux-like, relatively forward, savory, full-bodied wine that will  deliver optimum drinking from 2012 through 2020.
 

Pizzaioli 05/11/12 Present: A Rose, Cab and French Beer tasting
Wine Tasting cost: $ 15.00                    
Beer Tasting cost: $ 4.00    


                
Domaine Du Gros Nore 2011 Bandol Rose: $ 27.95
Vigneron Alain Pascal has established himself as a a leading contender in Bandol, the appellation regarded as the grand cru of Provence.  Rich and vibrant, with juicy flavors of plum, dark cherry and berry, followed by notes of melon and apricot that linger on the spicy finish. A Blend of 40% Mourvedre, 40% Cinsault, 20% Grenache.

12 Gauge 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon California: $ 12.95
Lush, plump, and juicy, the 12 Gauge Cabernet is recommended by the vintner to accompany anything retired by shotgun or rifle.  We love the humorous winemaker notes - and the wine is great at the pricepoint.

Columbia Crest 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Columbia Valley: $ 39.95
WS 93 Pts. - This wine delivers an enticing bouquet of spice, anise and rose petals. On the palate, a perfect balance of cherry, berry and cocoa flavors lead to a powerful and complex finish. Made from the top 10% of the fruit harvested from Columbia Crest's best vineyard sites, the 2008 Reserve Cabernet, which blends in 14% Merlot is a classic Washington Cab. Floral nuances on the nose give way to licorice and brown spice-scented fruit. The wine is generous on the palate, with cherry and raspberry mocha flavors, more spice and medium-grained tannins that linger on the vanilla finish

Beers:
3 Monts Amber Ale - 750ml: $ 9.95
Amber beer (8 % alc. / vol.) refermented in the bottle.A speciality beer brewed over lees in winter using the first malt and hops from the last harvest. Roasted malts give it its caracteristic amber hue.

Gavroche French Red Ale - 750ml: $ 8.95
The nose is primarily comprised of toasted malts and a spattering of aromatic spices and earthy yeast. The palate expands upon the nose wonderfully, and a bit of warming does both areas some good. The toasted malts come through first, and ride upon an undercurrent of caramelly sweetness. The spices are prickly and add nice tinges of flavor, while some moderately tart fruity aspects and an earthen quality play around on your tongue. Medium to full in body, Gavroche covers up the ABV pretty well while still remaining smooth. ABV: 8.50%

 

Pizzaioli 05/08/12 Present: Special Tasting with Noel Font!
Tasting cost: $ 16.00                    
    
                        
Bodega Norton 2010 Torrontes Mendoza: $ 9.00
Very pleasant and well-balanced, Norton's Torrontes has lovely peach, jasmine and rose petal aromatics with crisp acidity and a lingering finish.

Viticcio 2009 Bere Toscana: $ 12.00
WS 92 Pts.  -  #54 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2011 - According to the Wine Spectator: Lush fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry mix with a core of spice and dried herb notes in this fresh red, which is silky, with lightly chewy tannins, followed by lingering hints of dark chocolate and cardamom on the finish. Drink now through 2016.

Antucura 2007 Calcura Red Blend:$ 16.00
WA 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Advocate:  The 2007 Calcura is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Malbec aged in French oak for 12 months. Cedar, spice box, tobacco, violets, and assorted black fruits lead to an incipiently complex, nicely proportioned, lengthy offering that has enough underlying structure to evolve for 1-2 years but can be approached now. It will continue to provide pleasure through 2017.

Antucura 2006 Gran Vin Mendoza: $ 27.00
WA 92.IWC 92 PtsAccording to Robert Parker - Antucura’s 2006 Gran Vin is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon; (in consultation with Michel Rolland) and was aged in new French oak for 16 months. Medium purple in color, it offers up an alluring perfume of wood smoke, cherry blossom, incense, Asian spices, cassis, boysenberry, and black cherry. Concentrated on the palate with layered fruit and potential complexity, this impeccably balanced effort will unfold for several more years and provide pleasure through 2020.

L'Aventure 2010 Stephan Ridge Red: $ 24.00
70% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, this wine is obtained from a "saignee" of the estate wine and is only produced in great vintages. This wine is superb, displaying a perfect balance between fruit and structure without ever tasting over extracted or high in alcohol. Aromas of raspberries and violet come first on the nose and the palate is firm, displaying long lasting blueberry notes. Elegance is what comes to mind tasting this cab. This one is a no brainer - de-classified fruit from L'Aventure's Estate Cuvee retailing at a quarter of the cost.  The Estate Cuvee hasn't scored below 94 points in the last 9 years.  If you're into searching out amazing deals - Boom.  We found it.  You're welcome!

Jacquart NV Brut Mosaique: $ 36.00
WS 90 Pts.-  According to the Wine Spectator: More about its fine, lacy texture and balance than its flavor, this delicate Champagne still offers hints of Gala apple, citrus peel and smoke. Light-bodied, with a subtle finish. Drink now

 

Pizzaioli 05/04/12 Present: Great Bourgognes and Micro Brews
Wine Tasting cost: $ 15.00                    
Beer Tasting cost: $ 4.00    


                        
Olivier Savary 2010 Chablis Vieilles Vignes: $ 24.95
This is exquisite and is quintessential Chablis, with unmistakable aromas of ancient crushed shells and a pronounced, racy mineral structure.  Green apple and lemon-lime zest along with a chalky minerality


Savigny les Beaune, La Bataillere aux Vergeles 1er Cru: $ 24.95
A classic Burgundy from an estate founded in 1820. Made from vines with an average age of forty years. Albert Morot's family run firm contains only premier cru vines. The wine has been aged in both old and new oak for sixteen months. Displays subtly spicy, earthy fruit aromas of red berries and fruits of the forest on the nose, it is full and rich with discreet spice and red and black berry fruits on the palate.

Maison Roche De Bellene 2009 Volnay Vieilles Vignes: $ 54.95
Nicolas Potel has focused the Bellene wines and would like to be the first Haute Couture negociant in Burgundy.  The Old Vine Volnay is absolutely gorgeous with lifted raspberry and lilac aromatics, focused minerality, and outstanding structure.


Beers:
Avery Brewing Co. Salvation Belgian Style Golden Ale - 22 oz: $ 5.95
The success of Hog Heaven and The Reverend clearly demonstrates that beer drinkers are willing to embrace "BIGGER" beers. In the fall of 2001, we decided that a lighter BIG BEER would complement its darker colored predecessors. Salvation has luscious apricot and peach aromas delicately interwoven with spicy suggestions of nutmeg and cinnamon. This heavenly soft, champagne-like elixer is cellarable for 3 years. 9% alc.

Uinta Crooked Line Labyrith Black Ale - 750ml: $ 12.95
WE 94 Pts - #13 on the Wine Enthusiast Top 25 Beers of 2011 - Brewers Notes - Enter the Labyrinth, a multi-dimensional black ale. Discover the complex intermingling of black licorice and toasted oak. Seek the subtle hints of bittersweet chocolate. Explore pairing Labyrinth with flavorful cheeses and rich desserts

NapaCabs Saturday Tasting

April 28^th, 2012

Meritage Varietals

$16 Per Flight

Columbia Crest 2009 Merlot H3 Horse Heaven Hills $9.95 Per Bottle

The H3 Merlot opens with aromas of raspberries, black pepper and earthy tones which lead to flavors of chocolate covered cherries and plum preserves on the silky smooth palate. The flavors and aromas cumulate in to an intense – yet elegant – finish.

Atalon 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $23.95 Per Bottle

“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with gorgeous, perfumed aromatics. Sweet red berries, flowers, licorice and spices flow effortlessly from this beautifully delineated wine. Bright, floral notes add lift on the finish.” Wine Advocate 90 Points

Cruz Andina 2009 Malbec Lujan De Cuyo $14 Per Bottle

“A full-force Malbec with classy black fruit, rubber, cassis and balsamic aromas. The palate sports a nice mouthfeel, fine balance and tasty flavors of herbs, blackberry, roasted plum and chocolate. Elegant but strong, with layering.” Wine Enthusiast 90 Points

Vinum Cellars 2008 Cabernet Franc The Scrapper El Dorado County $25.95

This is a wine made for the open-minded, the adventurous and those who root for the underdog.  It's Cabernet Franc from El Dorado, California aged in used French Oak for 22 months; truly a Scrapper.

Chateau Guibot 2009 Puisseguin Saint-Emilion La Fouvieille $19.95 Per Bottle

A real sleeper of the vintage, this property, which has made a number of good wines over the least decade, has hit a real high point with this offering from a relatively obscure satellite of St.-Emilion. Loads of kirsch, black currant and raspberry notes intermixed with loamy soil, roasted herbs and subtle burning embers jump from the glass of this ripe, medium to full-bodied, deliciously fruity, sexy style of wine.

Bridesmaid 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine $34.95 Per Bottle

“Restaurants/bistros and consumers looking for a sumptuous, ready-to-drink California red should definitely check out the 2007 Bridesmaid. Coming from a top vintage it’s not surprising that this wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of charcoal, toast, and black currants, sweet, jammy cherries, and a hint of wood spice in a medium to full-bodied, luscious, hedonistic, fruit bomb style. This is delicious wine, and reasonably priced for as good as it is.” Wine Advocate 92 Points

Pizzaioli 04/24/12 Present:          
Tasting cost: $ 24.00                    
                            
Domaine Faury 2009 Saint Joseph Blanc: $ 23.00
60% Marsanne. 40% Roussane.Raised 10 month on its lies. 30% in 1 to 5 years old barrels. -Shiny gold color, very attractive bouquet with notes of white peaches and litchis evolving into honey aromas. Round on the mouth this wine closes on a palatable finish. This wine can be aged up to 5 years.

E. Guigal 2010 Condrieu: $ 55.00
WA 93 Pts - According to Robert Parker - The 2010 Condrieu is even more perfumed and intense, boasting stunning minerality in addition to copious notes of honeysuckle, lychee nut and mango. Drink this luscious, medium to full-bodied white over the next 3-5 years.

Perrin & Fils 2009 Vinsobres Les Cornuds: $ 15.00
WA (93) Pts.  - Tasting Notes  -  The color is a deep ruby with a purple edge. The syrah grape shows on the nose, with red fruit, black cherry and liquorice. On the palate this combines power and elegance with its velvety, fleshy texture. The finish shows the lift typical of the cooler parts of the Rhone valley. According to the Wine Advocate: A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2009 Perrin et Fils Cotes du Rhone Villages Vinsobres Les Cornuds reveals abundant aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers and blue as well as black fruits in its darker, more cool climate style.

E. Guigal 2007 Crozes-Hermitage : $ 20.00
Dark and deep colour, with red fruits, cherry, strawberry with delicate oak aromas. On the palate you'll find a structured tannic wine. . Remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak aging- Very solid, with a deliciously winey core of mulled black cherry, currant, pepper, maduro tobacco and iron all rolled together and then running through the juicy finish.

Ferraton 2007 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Le Parvis: $ 35.00
WS 90 Pts.  -  According to the Wine Spectator:  A fresh, pure, nicely rounded style. Delicious red cherry, plum and blackberry notes are laced with red licorice, pepper and shiso leaf notes, followed by an open, inviting finish. Drink now through 2018.

Domaine Vaquer 2001 L'Exception: $ 27.00
This is a big juicy, plumpy wine exuding lots of smoky, meaty aromas leading to cocoa flavors. Herbal provencale herb notes integrated with red fruit flavors.

 

NapaCabs Saturday Tasting

April 21^st, 2012

Burgundian Varietals

$21 Per Flight

Marimar Estate 2010 Chardonnay Acero $21.95 Per Bottle

 “It’s unbelievable that this Chardonnay is unoaked, it’s so incredibly rich and creamy. Just packed with layers of tropical fruits, peaches, Asian pears and oatmeal cookies. All that butter and cream must be from the malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees. One of the best unoaked Chardonnays ever.” Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

Domaine Robert-Denogent 2009 Macon-Solutre Clos des Bertillonnes $24.95 Per Bottle

Naturally reduced yields imbue the grapes with terrific concentration. The wines undergo a long, slow elevage in barrel that lasts anywhere from fifteen to eighteen months.

Pierre Guillemot 2009 Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc Gollardes $31.95 Per Bottle

The Guillemot family has worked Savigny-lès-Beaune vines for eight generations ( ! ) and produces wines with classic Burgundian finesse and balance, all while leaving us a reminder of Savigny’s rustic character

Regis Bouvier 2009 Marsannay Les Longeroies $27.95 Per Bottle

Deep red color with purplish hues. Vegetal notes first appear on the nose to quickly transition to small red berries aromas and undertones of springwood. Ample texture, with noticeable but silky tannins and flavors of raspberries.

Gloria Ferrer 2008 Pinot Noir Carneros $14.95 Per Bottle

“What a great price for a Pinot Noir with this charm and integrity. It’s a wonderful wine, dry and rich in raspberry, cherry and spice flavors. Feels svelte and silky in the mouth, just like you want Pinot to be. Might even gain a few notes with a year or two in the bottle.” Wine Enthusiast 91 Points

Marimar Estate 2008 Pinot Noir La Masia $32.95 Per Bottle

“Absolutely stunning, a testament to the vintage, the terroir and to the winemaker's impeccable hand. It's delicious beyond description, offering wave after wave of cherry pie, blackberry confit, red currant, persimmon and cola flavors, finished with exciting spices. Already throwing sediment, it's so balanced in acids and tannins that it's gorgeous now, but should develop effortlessly over the next six years at the very least.” Wine Enthusiast 93 Points