$14.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

It amazes me that we keep finding all of these amazing value wines coming out of Spain!    Whether it was the wines from Borsao (both Tinto or Tres Picos), the Mourvdere from Juan Gil or even the Garnacha from Hono Vera we keep finding these stunning wines at spectacular prices!

The 2010 Monte Vicor Grenache comes from the DO (Denominación de Origen) of Calatayud where Grenache is king.  Mostly known for their production of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) Monte Vicor started making Grenache back in 2007 and had nothing but success.  Owned by a fifth-generation winemaking family, Juan & Cesar Langa Gonzalez are now in charge of the duties cultivating grapes from vineyards averaging over 50 years.

We chose this wine because of three reasons.  First, as we try and grow our international portfolio we have had tremendous success introducing wines of this similar profile.  Secondly, pretty much anything coming out of Calatayud for under 15 bucks is something you should get your hands on!  Finally, even all that said, it truly is a complex wine with bold flavors of cherries and licorice but still stays balanced with bright acidity and long lasting finish.
Winery Tasting Notes:

“Of intense cherry red color with ruby hues, very clean and bright.   Intense aromas of ripe red fruits.   On the palate it is generous, harmonious and sumptuous, filled with red fruits and soft tannins.  Beautifully long finish.”

$29.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Chamisal, named after the fragrance Chamise (a native white-flowered shrub that thrived on the estate) was the first vineyard ever planted in Edna Valley back in 1973. Several years after the vineyard was planted it went dormant until being purchased in the early 1990’s.  At that time the visionary who recognized its great potential also saw the need for a new name which became “Domaine Alfred.”  Domaine Alfred was the premier winery coming out of Edna Valley (Carpe Vino carried several different wines) which is why they looked like a perfect fit for the Crimson Wine Group whom acquired them in 2008.  CWG is a small yet powerful portfolio which includes wineries such as Pine Ridge, Archery Summit and Seghesio Family Vineyards.   They produce 260,000 cases through their seven wineries which unbelievably is only 0.1% of California’s production!

We picked this wine because it is an outstanding value for the price.  The Wine Advocate  found it to be delightful as well awarding the wine 90 Points and priced at $38/bottle (wc members…check your receipts ).

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:

A pretty, gracious wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir shows the more elegant, feminine side of Pinot. Crushed flowers and red berries are some of the nuances that take shape in the glass. Despite its mid-weight personality, there is no shortage of depth in the aromas and flavors. This is a gorgeous wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
Winery Tasting Notes:

The wine boasts an expressive nose dominated by cranberry, raspberries and red plum, with ample underlying varietal notes of ripe stems, warm spice and earth. Bright red fruit flavors define the palate with fresh acidity, a seamless structure and a lifted strawberry character from the whole cluster fermentation.

I have a special place in my heart for this winery because it was quite possibly one of the greatest days of my life.  I had been told “tall tales” of what a tasting experience at David Arthur would be like so with such overwhelming hype I figured I would be let down when we got there.   All I can say folks…if there is any possible way you can make a trip to David Arthur Vineyards (must make an appointment) get a group of your closest friends and GO, GO, GO!  I would love to tell you more…but this is one you just need to experience for yourself!

Some of you long term wine club members may be remember receiving another vintage of the David Arthur “Meritaggio” in the past.  Well, with the release of the 2010 and it receiving 93 Points from Anthony Gallioni of The Wine Advocate, it just didn’t make sense to pass up!

“Meritaggio” is a the brainchild of the Long brothers who wanted to fulfill their desire of producing a fine Meritage blend of all five Bordeaux varities.  In David’s (David Long aka Gene Wilder) travels  to find the classic grapes he came across a Sangiovese, which stole the spotlight from any Malbec he had ever tasted.  It was then and there that they decided to make a new blend called “Meritaggio” which was named in honor of Sangiovese’s  Italian heritage.  This wine is blended differently each year but is still 100% estate fruit!

Winery Tasting Notes:

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Sangiovese, 6% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

“This densely colored dark ruby red wine is packed with a complexity of aromas beginning with baked cherry, plum and cassis. Thin layers of earth tones- wild sage- mint and tobacco. The palate is full and concentrated in the front and middle palate. Layered withbaked fruit cake, wild currants-blackberries with a long chewy finish and a persistence of Sangiovese tannin. Best from 2014 to 2025.”

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:

“David Arthur’s 2010 Red Wine Meritaggio Estate is drop-dead gorgeous. Juicy dark cherries, flowers, menthol and violets burst from the glass. The 2010 has quite a bit more freshness and vibrancy than the 2009. The darker tonality of fruit and overall structure here are simply compelling. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.”

$30 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

When we first tried this wine we thought to ourselves “ah…Squirt Gun that’s cute.”  Let me tell you that there is nothing at all cute about this wine…it’s just plain delicious.  This is the first release of Squirt Gun cabernet and it stems from an idea created by Sal Casola a famed restaurateur (Morels Steakhouse with locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles) and now proud owner of Vanishing Point Winery.  Casola did it right, he currently purchases some of the best fruit available in Napa Valley and he hired a very desirable, young, talented up-and-coming winemaker named Shawn Johnson.N

We truly enjoy finding wines with quality winemakers whom have yet to have their big break.  For example, Shawn Johnson did it the right way, putting in his time over 10 years working with some of the best winemakers in Napa Valley before getting his chance at head winemaker.  You can learn a lot in a classroom don’t get me wrong but it is the grind of working in the cellar, learning (apprenticing) from others that really can make your craft great.  Johnson worked both with Mark Herold (Merus, Kobalt, Maze and Buccella) and Rob Lawson (Ghost Block, Fisticuffs, Pavi and Tutu) so you know he truly has been given the tools to create an amazing product.   We hope you enjoy the first release of the 2010 Squirt Gun cabernet sauvignon as much as we do!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“Lush mouthfeel, leading to flavors of black cherries, blackberries, black fig, milk chocolate, star anise, and vanilla all framed by smooth tannins.  This is a well-balanced, juicy wine with a smooth finish. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 4% Petite Verdot from vineyards in Oakville and Yountville.”

$24.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Don’t be shocked…yes this is a Mondavi wine in your wine club!  The wines of Isabel Mondavi were supposed to be “just for mom” which is why the label is called “Isabel Mondavi.”  But like everything the Mondavi’s do this too gained serious interest from wine lovers seeking well made, food friendly wines that complement rather than compete with food.

Keeping it in the family, since the first vintage all Isabel Mondavi wines have been made by her son and fourth generation winemaker Robert Mondavi JR.  Robert’s techniques keep this wine unique from many other Chardonnays, undergoing simultaneous primary and secondary (malolactic) fermentation, which helps preserve the delicate aromatics and adds a layer of complexity to the finished wine.

Winery Tasting Notes:

“The wine shows a light golden hue in the glass with delicate aromas of pear, vanilla, and honey. In the mouth, the wine is medium bodied and nicely balanced, as the acidity and a toasty mid-palate are in harmony with fresh fruit flavors. The wine finishes gracefully and invites you back for more.

The Isabel Mondavi Chardonnay is an ideal complement to a variety of dishes thanks to its lively acidity, layered fruit, and impeccable balance. Pair with white meats, baked fish, and cheeses made from cow or goat milk.”

Okay, okay, when it comes to the Santa Lucia Highlands there are three wineries that always come to my mind: Pisoni (Lucia Vineyards), Roar and August West.  I’m sure there will be some to argue this point with me but in my mind they are the best of the best!  This said, I must state that August West doesn’t have a winery in SLH and also produces wines from numerous vineyard designations.  It’s just two of the major players involved winery have deep roots in SLH and we tend to purchase only their SLH designated wines including the 2012 August West “SLH” Pinot Noir and 2011 August West “Rosella’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir (click the links to see products).

The two key players for us in this winery are Gary Franscioni, owner of Roar and partner with Gary Pisoni in the Garys’ Vineyards and Ed Kurtzman, winemaker of August West and Roar.  Franscioni’s estate vineyard “Rosella’s” (named after his wife) is one of the premier vineyards in all of California for Pinot Noir.  Franscioni has 50 acres of perfect southeast exposure vineyards planted to several different varieties including; pinot noir, syrah and chardonnay.

Ed Kurtzman began his winemaking career in 1994 with Carmel Valley based winery Bernardus.  Since then he has held the head winemaking position at several wineries including Testarossa, Fort Ross, Freeman, Sandler Wine Company, Roar and August West.  Kurtzman has definitely is regarded as one of the best in the business and we think you will see that too when trying this rare treat of which only 47 cases were produced.   Hope you enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“The 2011 Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay has the typical Santa Lucia Highlands tropical fragrance of passion fruit with citrus notes.  It takes off on the palate with plenty of up front fruit and acidity, and has a long, pleasant finish.  We expect the 2011 Rosella’s to drink well from 2013 through 2016.”

$22.50 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

When we started our little wine venture back in 2002 there were over 1,700 bonded wineries in California (3,469 in US) and a little over  10 years later that number has roughly doubled to 3,754 (8,806 in US).   I feel that over the last 10 years we have done a pretty good job keeping up with all the new wineries and introducing as many of them to our clients as possible.  That said, there are still new and old wineries that we have yet to be introduced too such as this month’s wine club selection FARELLA.

Farella is a family owned winery that has been producing roughly 1200 cases (total) of sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah for over 30 years in the Coombsville AVA.  This month we selected their 100% estate sauvignon blanc because it truly has that classic style of being crisp, fresh and lively.

This estate bottled Sauvignon Blanc bears the name “La Luce” a homage to this wine and their Italian heritage.  This sauvignon blanc is best compared to the light, fresh, relatively low alcohol white wines commonly found in Northern Italy.  The first vintage made was in 1985 by the wineries founder and first winemaker Frank Farella.  Today, all winemaking responsibilities have been passed to Franks’s son, Tom Farella who continues the families tradition of producing wines to enhance our appetite and enliven your palate!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“This sauvignon blanc has fresh lemon citrus with a touch of herbal flavors and a nice, long finish. The winery did not want to create an overblown sauvignon blanc; they instead look for delicacy and refreshment – both of which they have achieved. This is a perfect summer wine for times when you want an elegantly crisp sip.”

$25.95 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

If you are a fan of BIGGGG wines then you are going to absolutely love the 2010 Opolo Petite Sirah!  Located in Paso Robles, Opolo Vineyards has been a guaranteed wine among Carpe Vinophiles.  We have had huge success with numerous vintages of their “Mountain Zinfandel” and also believe it or not their Viognier (even though it has been a couple of years since we last had it).

Opolo was started by two neighbors/friends Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols back in 1998 when they combined their 280 acres to plant pinot noir, sangiovese, syrah and cabernet sauvignon.  Even though they had their first commercial crush in 2009, they decided to sell a large portion of their bounty to wineries such as Hess Collection, Neibaum Coppola, St. Supery, Harrison Vineyards, Wild Horse, Castoro Cellars and Fetzer.   Today, most of their fruit is still sold to other wineries but the pairs’ estate vineyards are the major sources of fruit for the Opolo label.  If you are ever in the Paso Robles area…definitely take time to make a stop here!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“Big and bold is the only way to describe this wine. Rich flavors of black plum and boysenberry are complemented by black pepper and mint. Deep bodied, the richly rounded in rich velvet.”

$22.50 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

When we started our little wine venture back in 2002 there were over 1,700 bonded wineries in California (3,469 in US) and a little over  10 years later that number has roughly doubled to 3,754 (8,806 in US).   I feel that over the last 10 years we have done a pretty good job keeping up with all the new wineries and introducing as many of them to our clients as possible.  That said, there are still new and old wineries that we have yet to be introduced too such as this month’s wine club selection FARELLA.

Farella is a family owned winery that has been producing roughly 1200 cases (total) of sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah for over 30 years in the Coombsville AVA.  This month we selected their 100% estate sauvignon blanc because it truly has that classic style of being crisp, fresh and lively.

This estate bottled Sauvignon Blanc bears the name “La Luce” a homage to this wine and their Italian heritage.  This sauvignon blanc is best compared to the light, fresh, relatively low alcohol white wines commonly found in Northern Italy.  The first vintage made was in 1985 by the wineries founder and first winemaker Frank Farella.  Today, all winemaking responsibilities have been passed to Franks’s son, Tom Farella who continues the families tradition of producing wines to enhance our appetite and enliven your palate!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“This sauvignon blanc has fresh lemon citrus with a touch of herbal flavors and a nice, long finish. The winery did not want to create an overblown sauvignon blanc; they instead look for delicacy and refreshment – both of which they have achieved. This is a perfect summer wine for times when you want an elegantly crisp sip.”

Okay, okay, when it comes to the Santa Lucia Highlands there are three wineries that always come to my mind: Pisoni (Lucia Vineyards), Roar and August West.  I’m sure there will be some to argue this point with me but in my mind they are the best of the best!  This said, I must state that August West doesn’t have a winery in SLH and also produces wines from numerous vineyard designations.  It’s just two of the major players involved winery have deep roots in SLH and we tend to purchase only their SLH designated wines including the 2012 August West “SLH” Pinot Noir and 2011 August West “Rosella’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir (click the links to see products).

The two key players for us in this winery are Gary Franscioni, owner of Roar and partner with Gary Pisoni in the Garys’ Vineyards and Ed Kurtzman, winemaker of August West and Roar.  Franscioni’s estate vineyard “Rosella’s” (named after his wife) is one of the premier vineyards in all of California for Pinot Noir.  Franscioni has 50 acres of perfect southeast exposure vineyards planted to several different varieties including; pinot noir, syrah and chardonnay.

Ed Kurtzman began his winemaking career in 1994 with Carmel Valley based winery Bernardus.  Since then he has held the head winemaking position at several wineries including Testarossa, Fort Ross, Freeman, Sandler Wine Company, Roar and August West.  Kurtzman has definitely is regarded as one of the best in the business and we think you will see that too when trying this rare treat of which only 47 cases were produced.   Hope you enjoy!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“The 2011 Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay has the typical Santa Lucia Highlands tropical fragrance of passion fruit with citrus notes.  It takes off on the palate with plenty of up front fruit and acidity, and has a long, pleasant finish.  We expect the 2011 Rosella’s to drink well from 2013 through 2016.”

$44.95 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This is a fantastic club offering this month with two wines that are completely allocated generally to restaurants only.  The first, 2011 Herman Story “Nuts & Bolts” Syrah is absolutely one of my favorite wines year-after-year.  We became aware of this small winery from a new broker that we have been able to start working with out of the bay area.  The brokerage represents many smaller or shall we say “boutique” wineries that producing top notch, highly allocated wines.   This is definitely one of the best in their book consistently scoring in mid-90 point range from most of the wine periodicals.  The demand is high and supply is low so make sure to grab yours today!

Winery Tasting Notes:

“The other day I passed a mint 1965 Corvette Sting Ray and the hair stood up on my arm. I’m a truck guy, it’s in my blood, but man, if I could have a day with one of those things, I’d make some pretty memorable trouble. I love that combination of class, handling and good old fashioned American made power. The 2011 Nuts & Bolts is a lot like that Sting Ray, sure it’ll jump when you hit the gas, but it’s also got the finesse to handle the tight corners. It hits the road with scents of mountain strawberry, cherry skin, Spanish Chorizo and ground clove. On the palate it burns the light and tears down the highway with flavors of dark chocolate powder, pure maple syrup, fennel and cinnamon stick with tannins that linger like a cloud of smoke. (DRINK NOW: 1 hour decant, CELLAR: till your grandkids graduate college.)”