May 2008 Newsletter - From the Vine Room

Falchini, Vernaccia Solatio
$13.99
Just below the sun-kissed slopes of the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, lies Ricardo Falchini’s winery.  Ricardo is known in the wine community as an innovator who respects the important traditions of the Chianti region.  Producing award-winning wines for decades, Ricardo’s wines are intense yet balanced; rich yet elegant. 

We recently tasted the new vintage of his Vernaccia, a white wine that is a staple in Chianti.  Aromas of flowers, Meyer lemon and lime rind are just the beginning of this crisp, richly flavored gem.  This is summer in a bottle.  Perfect as an aperitif, or with seafood or other light foods, the Vernaccia Solatio is pure sipping pleasure.  Kind of like a brief visit to those magnificent, sun-soaked vineyards, if you ask us.

Altos de la Hoya, Monastrell Jumilla  $11.99

When in Spain recently, we came across this wonderful wine by chance.  After a full day at Alimentaria, the bi-annual exposition of Spanish wine and food in Barcelona, we were exiting the great hall and saw this lone bottle at an abandoned booth. 

Having had the wine in past vintages, we thought: let’s try it!  Wow, were we glad we did.  Tasting like wines at two or three times the price, this monastrell, or Mourvedre as it’s commonly known in the rest of the world, was packed with dark, spicy fruit – powerful yet very smooth and balanced.  We knew we had a winner.  Upon returning home we discovered our importer had just received this 2006 vintage wine.  Robert Parker also put it on everyone’s radar with a well-deserved 90 point score.  All this for only $11.99!  You’ll want to stock up on this one by the case!

Dry Creek, Chenin Blanc $11.99
When we think of warm weather’s arrival, Chenin Blanc inevitably comes to mind.  And when it comes to Chenin Blanc, the folks at Dry Creek Vineyard are pros.  A just-right balance of juicy fruit and bright crisp flavors with a perfect foundation of refreshing acidity, make this white wine irresistible.  Always one of the earliest grapes to be harvested, Chenin Blanc is a bit lower in alcohol, with none of the heavy, overdone characteristics of many white wines.  This is your pick for warm days and the fresh foods of spring and summer.  Simply perfect!

Carmel Road, Monterey Chardonnay $13.99
& Monterey Pinot Noir $17.99
These days, we’re all looking to stretch the value of our dollars.  The wines from Carmel Road winery had us enjoying the attributes of an expensive wine on a very reasonable budget.  A Chardonnay with perfect balance, the Carmel Road was fruit-forward, with a rich palate and a crisp framework.  Lemon zest, pear and sweet vanilla flavors lead to a toasty finish.  Perfect.  The Pinot is an earthy, elegant wine, marked by red currant, red cherry and warm spices.  A beguiling forest aroma in this wine captivated us.  The toasty finish was just right for this great value in Pinot Noir. 

Please don’t miss these tasty gems!