We’re right in the thick of the hottest part of the year and with no letup in sight, we’re pulling out a few stunners that will certainly ease the sting. This Saturday July 29th from 1-4pm Wine Club Members will be treated to FOUR excellent wines that are not only DELICIOUS but all come in under $20/bottle on the best discount! As you transition from the unbearable heat to CV’s iconic wood bar, subtle lighting, and of course nice cool A/C, here is the perfect oasis to taste/stock up on some wonderful vino. Want to invite a friend? Bring up to 2 guests per membership (i.e. ONE other couple) and they can taste for a nominal fee. Here is a sneak peek at what we are pouring and we’ll see you then!

Schlumberger Gruner Beltliner Brut Sparkling Wine 2014 (Austria)

$19.95/bottle or $16.96/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes: “Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature white grape varietal. Expressive fruity aroma, distinctively spicy with a lingering finish.”
Best Paired With:
“Fresh seasonal salads, fried fish, mild Asian cuisine, lighter lunch & dinner selections, & mature cheese.”

Field Recordings Chenin Blanc 2016 (Santa Ynez Valley, CA)

$20.00/bottle or $17.00/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Sun-lit Ectoplasm color. Beautifully balanced aromas of Anjou pear, Meyer lemon, spiced apple and almond cookies folled by a striking palate of cardamom and Key Lime pie.”

Fiction (by Field Recordings) Red Wine 2015 (California)

$17.95/bottle or $14.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
48% ZINFANDEL, 15% SYRAH, 14% MOURVEDRE, 8% GRACIANO, 8% CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 4% TOURIGA NACIONAL, 3% CARIGNAN
“Pours the color of darkest night. Heady aromas of blueberry pie, luxurious suede couches, ham paninis, unlit menthol cigarettes and roquefort tarts. Firm tannins anchor flavors of grilled meats, cherry cola, sweet carob and black licorice chews, all cased up together conveniently in a cigar humidor. Drink now. You know you’re going to, anyway.”

Double Canyon “Horse Heaven Hills” Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (WA)

$24.95/bottle or $14.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes: “This Cabernet embodies an enticing array of ripe red and black plum, intermixed with notes of fresh red cherry. Characteristic of the appellation and 2014 vintage, the nose offers spiced potpourri with a touch of raspberry preserves. The addition of Syrah leads to a full and rich texture on the mid-palate, further accented by bright acidity from the Petit Verdot, sweet red fruit from the Merlot and luscious blackberry notes supplied by the Malbec. The soft and supple mouthfeel is supported by the complexity of sweet oak tannins and fresh fruit character, finishing with the juicy acidity that is characteristic of Horse Heaven Hills.”

Wine Spectator Notes: 90 Points
“Very firm and chewy, with underlying cherry, pink guava and grapefruit flavors rising to meet the challenge and prevail on the expressive finish. Best after 2018.”

If you can’t make this weeks tasting but are interested in purchasing some of these wines, feel free to respond to this email or contact me directly at 530.823.0320 x 105.

Cheers,

Jay

Back in April, Carpe Vino was fortunate enough to have Gwenael Laroche (co-owner of Domaine Laroche the greatest Chablis houses in all of France) join us for an intimate evening in Carpe Vino’s wine mine.  The night consisted of tasting five Laroche wines accompanied by several dishes prepared by Chef Alexander and his team.  Gwenael was here to promote her winery throughout Northern California but her specific stopping point was the annual “Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival.”  Gwenael definitely at her share of outstanding bites during her stay so the greatest compliment we received came via email on her return to France.  Gwenael wrote, “The chef did such a good job. I really did appreciate what he made/work on. It was stunning!  I was in SF last night having dinner at Luce talking about your place with Keith -the sommelier- told him it was the best food this week!!”

When promoting the Laroche event, the subject line read: Once-A-Decade Tasting Opportunity – Evening with Gwenael Laroche direct from France!!!  Thing is, we did such a great job that evening that the importer (who represents Laroche) decided it would be a great venue to host another French winery when stateside.  So, this week we found out that on Thursday, August 3rd, Nicole Rolet (co-owner) of Chene Bleu from the Rhone Valley will be visiting the Sacramento market and wanted to partner with Carpe Vino in an event like Domaine Laroche.  UM…YES PLEASE!!!  Nicole will be tasting through the current vintage on all four wines they produced.  Again…this event will be limited to ONLY 20 TICKETS (which several have been pre-purchased…so click here to reserve tickets now).

The Night –

Starts @6pm Sharp! Taste all four wines produced by Chene Bleu which three have been rated 93+ Points by The Wine Advocate.   All wines will be paired with family style appetizers excellently created by Chef Eric Alexander! Wines included:

• Chene Bleu Rose of Grenache/Syrah 2016 – $24.95/btl  (Not Yet Rated – 2015 rated 91pts – WA)
• Chene Bleu “Aliot Blanc” (Rousanne/Grenache Blanc/Marsanne) 2011 – $89.95/btl (93pts – WA / 92pts – WS)
• Chene Bleu “Abelard” Red Wine (Grenache/Syrah) 2009 – $105/btl  (95pts – WA / 91pts – WS)
•Chene Bleu “Heloise” Red Wine (Syrah/Grenache/Viognier) 2009 – $105/btl (94pts – WA 92pts – WS)

What makes this event so special is the limited quantities of wine being produced and/or imported to the United States.  In regard to the 2011 Aliot Blanc – there were only 250 CASES PRODUCED!!!  For both the Abelard & Heloise red blends, only 250 cases were imported into the United States.  With most of these wines going directly to restaurants – you would be one of only a handful of lucky souls to place Chene Bleu in your personal cellar!!!

We just tasted these wines last night and sent the rest of the bottles home with Chef Alexander so he could “lock down” another round of stunning dishes to compliment these beautiful Rhone wines.  I don’t have a menu to share yet but I am sure you know that the ingredients, preparation, parings and execution will be nothing short of spectacular.  As Gwenal Laroche said, “The Chefs food that night was Laroche” and we expect the same for Chene Bleu!

For this event we’re using a “ticket” system to prepay for reservations: $85/person, includes event cost, tax and tip inclusive. Seating is very limited, so click here to sign up today!

Please Note:

• You must make reservations online by clicking on the “Reserve Now” button.
• Tables are not reserved; seating is open.
• Because this is a “ticketed” event, cancellations will not be refunded.

Who is Nicole Rolet?

Nicole Rolet’s mother was a food critic and her father collected wine so she grew up with a keen palate, but ultimately, she caught a virulent case of the wine bug from her husband, abandoned her rewarding career in international politics, finance and think tanks, and trained at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and UC Davis.   She is determined  to make this wine her Magnum Opus and manages many aspects of the company, including international sales and marketing of Chêne Bleu and educational development at La Verrière, which now hosts wine-related exchanges, seminars and academic workshops, such as the “Extreme Wine” course that is held each year. She is cofounder of the International Grenache Symposium and Association, and hosted the first world Summit of Grenache in 2010.

About Chene Blue Winery

Chêne Bleu is named for an aged oak tree preserved on this isolated estate high on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Here in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, where the boundaries of Gigondas, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret come together, the Rolet family discovered an abandoned property with a unique terroir. Dating back to the early Middle Ages, the estate had once been a priory of the Knights Templar. Restoration of the ancient monastery spanned more than a decade. The vineyards had long been neglected but were growing on complex mineral and limestone soils. Reclamation of the vineyards led to excavation for a gravity-flow winery, which led to exceptional, estate-grown Rhône varietal wines. Organic and biodynamic practices are followed to maintain this pristine environment.

Cheers,

Drew, gary & The CV Crew

Starting at 5 PM ~ the Wednesday Night Special or CARPE VINO BURGER will be available on a first come, first served basis (no reserves) in both the RESTAURANT or WINE BAR!!!

If the picture doesn’t get your mouth-watering, maybe this description of a SUCCULENT, SCRUMPTIOUS & SATIATING, HALF-POUND ANGUS BURGER  w/ toasted “everything” brioche bun, house fondue cheese, caramelized onions and steak fries..will!?!

Drop by Carpe Vino or submit your booking for tonight (or an up-coming night) simply by clicking the button below.

$23.95/bottle or $17.95 on 6+

Even if Einstein were alive today – he would have a hard time solving the constant problem of finding a great Pinot Noir ≥ $20/bottle!  Lucky for you, CARPE VINO has the answer and it lies within a 750ML bottle of the 2014 Educated Guess Pinot Noir!

Produced by Roots Run Deep Winery, the idea behind the Educated Guess line of wines (Chard, Pinot & Cab) was to take the “guesswork” out of selecting a bottle of wine.  Founded in 2005, their promise was to produce unparalleled wine from the Napa Valley at prices that everyone can afford.  With Barry Gnekow manning the cellar, their project has been turning out absolutely stunning value driven wines year-after-year!

As Einstein said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”  This seems to be the motto behind Gnekow and his team’s vision when it comes to crafting the Educated Guess line of wines.  The 2014 Educated Guess Pinot Noir is comprised of 100% Carneros fruit…hands down some of the best in California for Pinot and at $17.95/bottle (on 6+) an absolute steal!  Boasting beautiful bright strawberry and cherry flavors, this wine is balanced and has a delicious finish that lingers on-and-on.  Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying that this wine is in the same league as Pisoni, Merry Edwards or Rochioli (all high-end pinots) but its DAMN GOOD – no, no, no – it’s DAMN GREAT for the $$$!  You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when you roll this one out for all of your friends, family, neighbors and watch them do a FIVE FINGER or 10 second pour!  C’mon…we all have been there!

How Does It Taste?

“This Pinot Noir is truly a labor of love. Handcrafted in every way to insure that the wine has plenty of lush fruit to balance out the bright acidity that Carneros is known for. The Educated Guess Carneros Pinot Noir is deep, rich, and concentrated in color and texture with ripe strawberry, red cherry, and wild berry fruit. Hints of spice and cola with firm tannins in the finish.”

Cheers,
Drew

$34.95/bottle or $19.95 on 6+

EUREKA!  After a brief hiatus the ultimate chardonnay bandit is BACK and with a VENGEANCE! It’s the 2014 Outcast Chardonnay from Carneros and it’s better than ever!  Why is it called Outcast? Because the “big dogs” like Rombauer and Frank Family charge well above $35/bottle for essentially the same fruit and don’t want this diamond in the rough to rain on their parade!  In fact, Outcast is primarily sourced from the Sangiacomo Vineyard found in those behemoths above as well as Auteur, The Prisoner Wine Co., and Charles Creek Solitude.  You see where we are going with this right?

So, it contains solid pedigree fruit…but how does it taste?  When it comes to Carneros Chardonnay this little ditty ticks all the boxes.  You want fruit?  It’s in there!  Succulent RIPE pear, JUICY yellow peaches, and TROPICAL papaya.  You want body?  It’s in there!  With superior weight and depth, the flavors of CRÈME BRULEE and CARAMELIZED VANILLA will coat your palate like wet paint.  Still need convincing?  Try $19.95/bottle on 6+ and SAVE 57% off retail!  Do we really need to say anything more?

We were pleasantly surprised last vintage because we brought in five cases and it sold out in no time!  Today, we literally brought in a “BOAT LOAD” (56 cases), nearly 1/6th of total production of the 2014 Outcast Chardonnay.  Why? Because we knew you would be hard-pressed to find a better-value wine that exudes all the flavors we know and love in a BOLD CHARDONNAY…PERIOD!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“Shows fresh green apple, ripe Bose pear, tropical melon fruit notes with hints of lemon zest on the nose. On the palate it shows beautiful, bright acidity,which is balanced by a creamy, rich texture showcasing flavors of crisp apple,mineral notes and white tropical fruits. The touch of oak gives this Chardonnay some layers on the nose and palate with traces of toasted almonds, vanilla, flint, and spice.”

Cheers,
Jay

$12.75/bottle or $10.95 on 6+

“Wine Enthusiast” – 90 Points

SILK N’ SPICE = ALL THINGS NICE!!!  Even thought its only July, this wine is a SERIOUS contender for “BEST VALUE of 2017!”  Receiving 90 POINTS from Wine Enthusiast this Portuguese red blend consists of 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Baga, 20% Syrah and 20% Alicante Bouchet – the finest varieties grown in Portugal.  Don’t let the price of $10.95/bottle (on 6+ bottles) fool you because the fruit comes from the historic growing regions of Dao, Bairrada and Lisboa are not only the best in Portugal…but some of the BEST IN THE WORLD.
INTENSE AROMAS of RED FRUITS???  CHECK

SILKY mouthfeel with hints of VANILLA, MOCHA and SPICE???  CHECK

FULL-BODIED yet BALANCED???  CHECK

SUBTLE TANNINS and LONG FINISH???  CHECK

GOES w/ PORK CHOPS, BEEF DISHES, BBQ & even LASAGNA???  CHECK

ONLY $10.95/bottle???  CHECK MATE

The 2015 Silk & Spice Red Wine wasn’t produced to hang around on your shelves until the newborn twins Johnny and Suzie turn 21…this baby is meant to drink now!!!  Coming in at a conservative 13% alc, this will keep any discerning palate in check and reaching their glass out for a refill!  With all those CHECK MARKS above…you can’t pass on this sweet deal!!!

Cheers,
Drew

DUCKHORN WINES make their final appearance this Saturday from 1-4pm! Don’t miss out on FIVE DELICIOUS offerings that are simply breathtaking. All but one of Duckhorn’s Wineries is represented featuring a wide spectrum of varieties including; sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, Bordeaux inspired blends, and Washington cabernet sauvignon. This is a tasting opportunity that you cannot get anywhere…UNLESS you visit each Duckhorn property individually. However, they do require an appointment and charge anywhere from $35-$85 per person plus tax making this an tremendous CV Wine Club Member benefit. WANT TO BRING A FRIEND? Bring up to 2 guests per membership (i.e. ONE other couple) for a nominal fee.

It doesn’t stop there. These wines all have great price points but the CV Wine Sleuths have worked hard to get you even better discounts when you purchase 6+ bottles (mix/match). So, carve out some time and stock up on some fantastic wine. SIDENOTE: (We have full access to other Duckhorn & Co. Wines but we found these below to be best suited for the tasting).

2016 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

$29.95/bottle or $24.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes: 84% sauvignon blanc, 16% semillon
“Alluring aromas of lychee, pineapple cake and nectarine leap from the glass, along with zesty notes of grapefruit and lime. On the palate, this beautifully structured wine strikes a seamless balance between its rich, silky texture and the crisp acidity that adds poise and freshness to the abundant layers of bright citrus fruit.”

2015 Migration Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

$39.95/bottle or $33.50/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Classic Russian River Valley aromas of ripe red raspberry, Bing cherry and pomegranate explode from the glass. These vibrant red berry flavors are echoed on the lush, silky palate, where they mingle with notes of blackberry and hints of French oak-inspired spice.”

2014 Decoy Red Wine (Sonoma County)

$24.95/bottle or $19.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
52% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot
“Rich and concentrated, this wine reveals lush layers of blueberry, blackberry and sweet rhubarb. Hints of caramel and toasty oak add depth and complexity, while framing the voluptuous fruit, and drawing the flavors to a long, multifaceted finish.”

2014 Paraduxx Red Wine (Napa Valley)

$47.95/bottle or $37.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Zinfandel, 5% Merlot
“Rich and complex, this wine begins with inviting aromas of cherry and ripe wild strawberry, combined with hints of wood smoke and toasted marshmallow from barrel aging. On the palate, juicy layers of brambleberry, black cherry and nectarine are supported by firm, yet refined, tannins and impressive weight. Excellent structure from the Cabernet draws this wine to a full, rich finish.”

2014 Canvasback “Red Mountain” Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)

$39.95/bottle or $33.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
“This fragrant wine begins with alluring aromas of blackberry, plum and mountain huckleberry intermingled with brighter notes of Bing cherry and ripe wild strawberry. As it evolves in the glass, layers of anise and sarsaparilla are revealed, alongside hints of caramel and espresso from barrel aging. On the palate, the entry is supple, weighty and rounded, with deliciously ripe tannins and juicy acidity coming together to create a classically structured Cabernet. Underscoring its lush character and fruit intensity is a lovely freshness that carries the wine to a bright, lingering finish.”

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes: 91 Points
“Not far behind the more expensive Grand Passage cuvee, the 2014 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the balance Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Notes of black raspberries, cassis, black cherries, licorice and graphite all emerge from this perfumed, complex and elegant red that has medium to full-bodied richness and a clean, classy finish. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.”

If you can’t make either of the Duckhorn Tasting but are interested in purchasing some of these wines, feel free to respond to this post, or contact me directly at 530.823.0320 x 105.

Cheers,

Jay

Our next “Sunday Evening Series” event this weekend is perilously close to being sold out. . .just 7 tickets remain for “A Midsummer’s Night Feast,” a decant feast in which Chef Alexander’s menu pushes the boundaries of civility with a whole roasted pig as the centerpiece of his menu.

On July 23 starting at 6 p.m., we honor one of our own when we fete Gail Avery Halverson on the publication of her debut novel, The Boundary Stone. Join us for a Renaissance-inspired evening when long tables will groan with a profligate array of hearty, regal fare served family-style. Here’s the menu:

First Course: Potage of Summer Vegetables with Farmstead Cheddar Dumplings and Ale Broth

Second Course: Honey-Glazed Suckling Pig Roast Chicken with Green Herb Sauce Selection of Chutney and Marmalades
Potatoes Roasted with Ancient Spices
Garden Vegetables
Strange and Unusual Tomato Salad from The New World
Land of Fruits and Nuts

Dessert: “Blackbird Pie” with Blackberries, Clotted Cream

This event is inclusive of wine, tax and tip; each couple attending and every single participant will receive a copy Gail’s softcover book, which she will be pleased to sign at your table. The cost is $99 per person, all in. This is a “ticketed” event; you must purchase your ticket on our here to confirm your reservation by clicking here. Like all our Sunday Series programs, we are unable to issue refunds. Just 9 tickets remain.

A long-time customer, we’re very proud of Gail’s success: her novel has been richly rewarded with the Chatelaine Award for romantic fiction in Chanticleer Book Review’s International Writing Competition. She was also a finalist in two additional competitions, the Chaucer Award (Historical Fiction) and the Cygnus Award (Speculative Fiction). Learn more about Gail at www.gailhalv.com.

It’s the second biggest holiday in July. . .National Hot Dog Day today. . .and guess who’s celebrating in Old Town?  That’s right, starting at 5 p.m. we’re rolling out our newly upgraded hot dog cart and we’ll be parked in front of Carpe Vino all evening.   To show the love, we’re offering Chicago Hot Dogs at $5 each, including a bag of chips. . .limit two hot dogs per person.

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council designated July as National Hot Dog Month starting in 1991 (by the power invested in them), with the actual National Hot Dog Day changing every year.  Actually, there may be some basis for recognizing the popularity of tube steaks:  the retail market amounts to $2.4 billion annually, and nearly 20 million hot dogs are consumed annually in ballparks around the U.S. of A.

We have a passion for Chicago-style hot dogs nurtured in our home town of the Big Windy.  Chef Alexander, after intensive instruction, has mastered the craft of creating cult dogs.  Come and get yours tonight!

If you can’t make it, we’ll also have our hot dog cart in Downtown Auburn on for the first rendition of “Downtown Co-Op” Street Party on Thursday (July 20) starting at 5 p.m.

Our next “Sunday Evening Series” event this weekend is perilously close to being sold out. . .just 9 tickets remain for “A Midsummer’s Night Feast,” a decant feast in which Chef Alexander’s  menu pushes the boundaries of civility with a whole roasted pig as the centerpiece of his menu.

On July 23 starting at 6 p.m., we honor one of our own when we fete Gail Avery Halverson on the publication of her debut novel, The Boundary Stone. Join us for a Renaissance-inspired evening when long tables will groan with a profligate array of hearty, regal fare served family-style.  Here’s the menu:

First Course:  Potage of Summer Vegetables with Farmstead Cheddar Dumplings and Ale Broth

Second Course:  Honey-Glazed Suckling Pig Roast Chicken with Green Herb Sauce Selection of Chutney and Marmalades
Potatoes Roasted with Ancient Spices
Garden Vegetables
Strange and Unusual Tomato Salad from The New World
Land of Fruits and Nuts

Dessert: “Blackbird Pie” with Blackberries, Clotted Cream

This event is inclusive of wine, tax and tip; each couple attending and every single participant will receive a copy Gail’s softcover book, which she will be pleased to sign at your table.  The cost is $99 per person, all in.  This is a “ticketed” event; you must purchase your ticket on our here to confirm your reservation by clicking here.  Like all our Sunday Series programs, we are unable to issue refunds.  Just 9 tickets remain.

A long-time customer, we’re very proud of Gail’s success:  her novel has been richly rewarded with the Chatelaine Award for romantic fiction in Chanticleer Book Review’s International Writing Competition.  She was also a finalist in two additional competitions, the Chaucer Award (Historical Fiction) and the Cygnus Award (Speculative Fiction).  Learn more about Gail at www.gailhalv.com.