Weekly Specials

We attended a great tasting yesterday at a
lovely resort in Napa. The rain threatened a few
times but for the most part, we had a beautiful
day. Here are some of my favorites from that
tasting.
From the renowned winemaker, Heidi Barrett, we
tasted the fantastic
La Sirena Syrah 2005 from Santa Ynez. This
is the fourth offering of La Sirena Syrah from
Santa Ynez. What a wonderful appellation for
Syrah! The Santa Ynez Syrah is deep ruby-purple
in color with beautiful aromatics of ripe cherry
and plum with a bit of dried herb and
earthiness. It is round and lush in the mouth,
yet juicy and lively and at the same time,chock
full of spicy, red fruit character, cranberry,
and a touch of smokiness. I love the medium
chewy textural element on the palate.
Beautifully balanced, pure flavors, and good
length; a wine to enjoy with a variety of savory
or spicy foods. Always an easy drinking, easy to
love Syrah. Why “La Sirena”? The name “La Sirena”
means “the Mermaid “in Spanish and Italian.
Heidi chose it because she was looking for
something fun and magical (like wine) and
because she loves to scuba dive as well as make
wine. $50.00
One of the surprises of the tasting was a blend
from
Etude called Fortitude. This 2006 vintage is
a unique blend of Zinfandel (45%), Petite Sirah
(21%), Primitivo (18%), Barbera (9%) and
Tempranillo (7%) from the Kraemer Family's Shake
Ridge Vineyards in Amador County. Three
generations of Kraemer's work the vineyard. Rich
and lush, this wine offers inviting aromas and
flavors of wild blackberries, black plums and
brown baking spices that wrap around structured
tannins. This wine has good acidity and balance.
$26.00
Palazzio 2008 Pinot Noir from Testarossa Winery
is a blend of several vineyards which combines
more forward “California style” fruit from Santa
Barbara, with more “old world style” Pinot Noir
from Monterey to create a blend that combines
rich forward, sweet red fruit flavors, with an
underlying backbone of minerals and firm
acidity. It is a wine that is praised not only
for its exceptional quality but also its great
value. This delicious Pinot is medium red color
and features aromas of cherry, black pepper, and
cloves jumping readily out of the glass. Hints
of anise, strawberry, and some citrus blossoms
lie in the background. Flavors of cherry and
black pepper carry through the palate of this
wine. The texture of this wine is quite lush
with soft, expansive tannins and lively acidity.
Paired with a nice dash of oak, this medium
weight Pinot Noir ends with a lingering,
delicate finish. Drink now through 2013. $44.00.
Special price on 6 or more bottles - $33.00
The amazing
2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Astrale e Terra is
the first white wine produced by this winery.
Only perfectly ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes from
Atlas Peak and select vineyards in Napa Valley
made the cut! The aromas highlight bright notes
of lemon meringue pie joined by subtle hints of
tropical fruit. This wine is big and full bodied
with lush fruit flavors of mango and pineapple
that combine nicely with refreshing acidity.
Enjoy this crisp wine with Chicken piccata or
grilled figs stuffed with goat cheese and
wrapped in prosciutto. (Only 274 cases
produced.) $24.00
Remember - You ALWAYS get a discount
when you order a case!
Call, email us, or order
online!
Cheers!
WineStars
800.883.1838
winestar@winestars.com
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