HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012
6:00-9:00 PM
No charge for tastings
Whitherhills Sauvignon Blanc, 2011
100 % Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand.
Grassy and herbal with quivering lime vibrancy. Pure, fresh, no oak with flavors of lemon, lime and apricot a touch of green tea, a refreshing acidity and lemongrass notes on the finish.
BTG$5.25 Retail $12.99

Landmark Overlook Chardonnay, 2009
Completely accessed from Sonoma fruit , the 2009 Overlook Chardonnay exhibits a light green/gold color as well as notes of nectarines, white peaches and hints of honey as well as tropical fruits. Medium to full-bodied, pure and fresh with the wood pushed to the background of this dry classy white.
91 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 193 February, 2011
BTG $8.50 Retail $22.99

Brassfield Pinot Noir, 2010
Bright aromatics of black cherry cola lead to ripe pomegranate and a rich, creamy sensation on the palate. True to what a quintessential Pinot Noir should taste like, the wine’s ripe, bright character contributes to a long, rewarding finish. The wine was bottled unfiltered to preserve its freshness and naturally delicious character. Winemaker David Ramey summarizes, “the 2010 is riper and brighter than its predecessor and a dead-ringer for an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir at twice the price!”
BTG $6.75 Retail $16.99

Sbragia Family Vineyards Home Ranch Merlot, 2009
96% Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc
“The Home Ranch Merlot is made the way my Dad taught me – keep the barrels clean and topped, and the wine will take care of itself. The 2009 Home Ranch Merlot is brimming with red and black fruit flavors of rhubarb, black plum and dusty cocoa. A hint of pink pepper provides spice to accompany a juicy fruit core. ” ._ Adam Sbragia & Ed Sbragia
91 Points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellars May, 2012
BTG $9.00 Retail $22.99

Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010
The 2010 Daou Cabernet is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 3% Petite Sirah. Aged for ten months in 50% new French oak, it exhibits ripe currant, blackberry, and blueberry aromas and flavors, with floral and baking spice highlights. It is full and round on the palate, with a dense core of fruit, balanced acidity, well-integrated oak, and polished, neatly-defined tannins. A hint of minerals and dusting of cocoa powder lingers on the finish.
BTG $11.50 Retail $31.99

The first Tasting in April will feature wines with intense varietal character; Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, A rich, buttery Chardonnay and a Cabernets from California, Pinot Noir from the famous Sonoma Russian River Valley and a highly rated Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero in Spain!

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
6:00-9:00 PM
No charge for tastings

Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc, 2011
100 % Sauvignon Blanc
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has ripe tropical and gooseberry fruit flavors with a zingy finish and impeccable balance.
BTG $ 6.50 Retail $15.99

Butternut Chardonnay, 2010
The 2010 Butternut is a wine that lives up to its name. It has round, creamy notes, hints of hazelnut and a finish that doesn’t want to quit. Grapes from the regions of Carneros and Coombsville in Napa and Santa Lucia and Arroyo Seco in Monterey broaden the flavor profile of Butternut. The 2010 Butternut spent 14 months on 110 percent new French Oak.
BTG $7.50 Retail $18.99

Moshin Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2008
Located in the heart of Pinot country, Moshin consistently produces top notch old world style wines. This 08 RRV has a beautiful nose of really rich red cherry, raspberry and strawberries with undertones of smoke and tobacco. It’s luscious and smooth with a finish that just lingers for minutes.
BTG $ 9.00 Retail $22.99

Leese Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010
Dark garnet in color, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon blend presents aromas of fresh roasted hazelnuts, espresso, cherry liquor, and black currants. In the mouth, this Cabernet blend exudes deep blackberry notes with toffee, dark cherry, Dutch cocoa, tea leaf, and fig compote. On the finish, there are rich tannins, caramel oak notes, toasted coconut, and black raspberry with mouthwatering acidity.
BTG $5.00 Retail $11.99

Condado de Haza Selección Crianza, 2008
“Youthful purple. Primary, pungent aromas of black and blue fruits, vanilla, fresh flowers and licorice, with slow-mounting spiciness. Broad, palate-coating cassis and boysenberry flavors are framed and lifted by tangy acidity. Showing very well right now but has the depth to age.”
91 Points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellars September, 2011
BTG $ 9.50 Retail $24.99

Saturday October 29th from 3:30-5 pm. $30.00 per person.
Because of the great response we’ve had in the past, you must call us with a credit card #. We will sell out and have a waiting list. Therefore if you have to cancel you have to call us no later than Thursday the 27th so we have some time to fill the spot(s). Your card will be charged if you no show.
Please RSVP ASAP 954 922 2910

Wine Class
California’s Abundance

Nearly three-quarters the size of France, California accounts for 90 percent of the entire American wine production. The production in California alone is one third larger than that of Australia. If California were a separate country, it would be the world’s fourth-largest wine producer.
California is a very geologically diverse region and is equally varied in the range of climates and terroirs that can be found. Most of the state’s wine regions are found between the Pacific coast and the Central Valley. While California’s wine regions can be generally classified as having a Mediterranean climate, there are also regions with more continental climates. Proximity to the Pacific or bays as well as unobstructed access to the cool currents that come off them will dictate the relative coolness of the wine region. Areas surrounded by mountain barriers, like some parts of Sonoma and Napa counties will be warmer due to the lack of this cooling influence. The soil types and landforms of California vary greatly, having been influenced by the plate tectonics of the North American and Pacific Plates. In some areas the soils can be so diverse that vineyards will establish blocks of the same vine variety planted on different soils for the purpose of identifying different blending components. This diversity is one of the reasons why California has so many different and distinct American Viticultural Areas.
Join us, review and taste some of the best California juice

I. Introduction to wine and California Wine
a. California wine history,
b. its Geography,
c. AVA Classification and
d. Labeling Laws.

II. How to taste
Quick review of the steps of analytical tastings

III. Tasting and Regions
Review of California Regions
North Coast: Napa, Sonoma, Carneros, Mendociono, Russian River
Central Coast: Edna, Livermore, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valleys
Central Valley: Alta Mesa, Lodi
South Coast: Saddle Rock, Malibu, Temecula
Sierra Foothills: El Dorado, Shenandoah Valley
And 10 California wines to taste

IV. Final Remarks and Questions

For our next Tuesday we’ll be tasting 3 wines from California plus a Riesling from Germany and a Malbec from Argentina:

Cambria’s Katherine’s Vineyard is planted in shallow, porous, exceptionally well-draining soils that restrict vine vigor, forcing the vine to focus on fruit development in a unique climatic and geological conditions of the Santa Maria Bench in Santa Barbara County.

The Grans-Fassian winery founded in 1624, is situated next to the bend in the river Moselle between Leiwen and Trittenheim, one of Germany’s most beautiful landscapes. Here wines are produced with uncompromising measures, as only is done along the Moselle: an intensive fruit of fine elegance with not too much alcohol but also – as known from Auslese and Eiswein – high quality wines of an overpowering fullness and sensational richness. Mr. Grans has been named “Winemaker of the year” and won both the Riesling Trophy and the overall White Wine Trophy at the 1997 International Wine Challenge in London.

Naturally defined by the three mountain peaks that envelop it , Bennett Valley existed for many years in quiet obscurity, It wasn’t until 1977 with the founding of Matanzas Creek Winery that the area’s winemaking potential was once again unearthed. But Matanzas Creek didn’t just breathe new life into the area, it helped revolutionize the entire industry and, in the process, put Bennett Valley back on the map.

The grapes of the Piattelli’s Premium Malbec 2010 come from Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, at a height of 3,084 feet above sea level. The high altitude, combined with the deep loam soils, warm climate, large diurnal temperature changes, and scarce rainfall, help develop the wines strong tannins and deeply concentrated fruit. The vines are flood irrigated with melted snow from the Andes Mountain Range.

Authentically Californian in spirit, Archipel expresses the greatness of the ancient Mayacamas Mountain soils in a truly contemporary wine style. The fruit for Archipel comes from the Mayacamas Mountain range that stretches from the southern tip of Napa Valley to the northern end of Alexander Valley in Sonoma. Elevations rise from 750 to 2,400 feet where the vines receive ample sunshine and benefit from the rocky, well-drained soils, producing small, concentrated berries. The resultant wines are deeply colored with distinctive flavors and rich concentration.

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING
Tuesday August 16th, 2011
6:00-9:00 PM
No charge for tastings

Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay, 2008
This Chardonnay has aromas of fresh pineapple, white peach, pear, and green apple. The same fruit characters are on the palate and are accentuated by a bright, balanced acidity and subtle oak spice. The finish is lingering, clean and crisp.
BTG $ 6.25 Retail $15.99

Weingut Grans Fassian VDP Riesling, 2009
Both the grape musts and young wines have intensive aromas of ripe pear or peach; some are reminiscent of black currant or elderberry blossoms; and others, of apricot. The mineral tones and concentrated fruit of this vintage are the result of another long period of vegetation and dry, sunny autumn weather.
BTG $ 7.00 Retail $17.99

Matanzas Creek Bennett Valley Merlot, 2006
In the nose you will pick up notes of ripe cherry and plum gracefully developing into cassis and vanilla spice with subsequent swirls in the glass. Flavors of clove and coffee coupled with white pepper contribute to this wines exceptional balance.
BTG $ 9.50 Retail $24.99
Piattelli Premium Malbec, 2009
100 % Malbec
The color and flavors in this wine remind you of fresh, sweet purple plums – velvety layers of flavor are full and lasting typical of an Argentine Malbec.
BTG $ 7.75 Retail $19.99

Archipel, 2007
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
89% Sonoma County, 11% Napa County.
Bright ruby. Wild, musky aromas of plum, smoked meat and nutty oak. Sweet, juicy and old school, with complexity and notes of coffee, meat and green pepper currently dominating underlying fruit. Finishes with dusty, slightly drying tannins.
BTG $ 11.00 Retail $29.99

Please join us for a wine journey of Spain. Our own Ian Falconi will share his passion and knowledge.

Saturday August 13th from 3:30-5 pm. $30.00 per person. Because of the great response we’ve had

 in the past, you must call us with a credit card #. We will sell out and have a waiting list.

Therefore if you have to cancel you have to call us no later than Thursday the 11th

so we have some time to fill the spot(s). Your card will be charged if you no show.

Please RSVP ASAP 954 922 2910

Wine Class

Spanish Wine Appreciation

Spain has over 2.9 million acres planted making it the most widely planted wine producing nation but it is only the third largest producer of wine in the world, the largest being France followed by Italy. This is due, in part, to the very low yields and wide spacing of the old vines planted on the dry, infertile soil found in many Spanish wine regions. The country has an abundance of native grape varieties, with over 400 varieties planted throughout Spain though 80 percent of the country’s wine production is from only 20 grapes including Tempranillo, Albariño, Garnacha, Palomino, Airen, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Cariñena and Monastrell. Archaeologists believe that these grapes were first cultivated sometime between 4000 and 3000 BC, long before the wine-growing culture of the Phoenicians founded the trading post of Cádiz around 1100 BC; Spain’s reputation entering the 21st century was that of a serious wine producing country join us to learn and explore this tremendous diversity and tradition.

Aprox. (90 minutes)

I. Introduction to wine and Spanish Wine

a. Brief synopsis about wine,

b. Spanish wine history,

c. its Geography,

d. Classification and

e. Labeling Laws.

II. How to taste

Quick review of the steps of analytical tastings

III. Tasting and Regions

Review of the most popular regions of Spain

Rioja, Navarra, Catalonina, Priorat, Penedes, Ribera de Duero, Galicia, Toro, Valladolid, Jumilla, Catalayud, La Mancha, Andalucia and Xerex de la Frontera.  And 10 Spanish wines to taste

IV. Final Remarks and Questions

I met Laely last Thursday and was taken aback by her knowledge, passion and adorable enthusiasm. She is a dynamo.

This is when the business we’re in gets rewarding and fun. A women who has a very cool life story that takes a vision

and turns it into a successful realty.

We’ve carried her Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc for quite some time and have done very well with them. Now that

we’ve tried the rest of her wines we thought we should make them a multiple Smart Buy.

Their all line priced at $15.99 (normal discounts apply)

These are not profound. Just every day very good drinking wines that over deliver for the price.

Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Crisp, clean, vibrant citrus notes with layers of passion fruit and minerality lead to a long, refreshing finish. This unoaked Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted from sustainably grown Napa Valley grapes.

Chardonnay,  Russian River, Carneros and Santa Maria

crisper style, with flavors of lemon, pear and orange peel. Just the right time balance underscores the lush yet clean, fruit-driven wine with a hint of vanilla. Refreshing and dry, it is pure, unadulterated Chardonnay.

Pinot Noir, Paso Robles, Monterey, and Russian River Valley

Ripe red berry and black cherry fruit balance its delicate spiciness.

Merlot, Mendocino

red and black cherries, dark plum, a touch of vanilla, and well-integrated soft tannins.

Cabernet, Mendocino

blackberry and red current flavors, deep color and moderate to firm tannins.
 

Heron Wines believes that delicious wines should be an unalienable right. Yes, an overstatement, but we really think that high-quality, approachable wine should not come at a huge price. For 15 years, we have heard from wine lovers from around the globe that we consistently exceed their expectations for quality, style, and balance.

For our first tasting in March we’ll be featuring American wineries.  A crispy White Blend from Oregon, a vibrant, fruity chardonnay, a syrah from the Central Coast, an elegant Pinot Noir from Carneros and a classy Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING

Tuesday March 1st, 2011

6:00-9:00 PM

No charge for tastings

Chehalem Chemistry White Blend, 2009

57% Chardonnay,  28% Pinot Gris , 12% Riesling , 3% Pinot Blanc.

Chehalem Chemistry’s inspired by the crisp Alsatian blend known as edelzwicker, which combines Pinot Gris, Riesling & Pinot Blanc. Chehalem’s winemakers have added Chardonnay for richness; blending science, nature & heart to yield a wine with hints of apricot, green apple, wet stone, and spice.        

BTG $6.00                                          Retail $14.99           

Calera Chardonnay Central Coast, 2009

The 2009 Central Coast Chardonnay starts with a lively, honeysuckle blossom and peach bouquet, accented by bright pippin apples and pear. On the palate, this wine is rich, smooth, flavorful and mouth filling while retaining a dancing lightness on the mouth. Soft hints of spicy oak, ripe apricot and Meyer lemon zest add personality to the long lingering finish.            87 Points, Wine Spectator Dec 31,2010

BTG $ 7.25                                        Retail $18.99 

Sean Minor 4Bears Pinot Noir, 2009

100% Pinot Noir, Carneros.

Carneros Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with cherry, strawberry and plum; surrounded by light toast flavors. On entry, the wine displays blue fruit characters that are balanced with spicy and earthy notes that frame the mid-palate. The vanilla and toast integrates well with the silky round tannins on the lengthy finish.
BTG $6.75                                       Retail $16.99         

Bonanno Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008 

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cab Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot

A deep ruby red, this seductive Cab shows classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of spice and sage followed by a mix of blueberries and blackberries with fresh raspberry notes. With a nice balance of acid and well integrated tannins, this wine is smooth, supple and sleek in the mouth: it is well balanced across the palate showcasing flavors of dark fruit, currants and hints of mineral and anise.

BTG $ 7.75                                         Retail $19.99

 Three Saints  Santa Ynez Valley Syrah, 2007

98% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc

Chocolate, smoked game, gunpowder and coffee bean tones leap from the glass. On the palate, the chocolate note persists along with huge blackberry fruit and an exciting blueberry nuance. Texturally, the wine is soft and enveloping with supple tannins that caress the palate and fresh acid lending to the vibrancy of the wine.

BTG $ 7.25                                     Retail $18.99                

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

HEALTH, WEALTH AND HAPPINESS TO ALL OF  OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS!

Our first tasting of the year will feature a great selection of wines from Piedmont, Italy; Santa Lucia, California; Rioja, Spain; Sonoma and Elqui Valley in Chile. What do they have in common? They all are fantastic wines at a very good price…so come in next Tuesday and start the year with great wine.

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING

Tuesday January 4th, 2011

6:00-9:00 pm

No charge for tastings

Marchese di Barolo Gavi DOCG, 2009                                  

100% Cortese from Rovereto di Gavi.

Tenuous straw-yellow color with greenish reflections.

Delicate, fruity and intense odor with scents of Golden apples and ripe banana. Deep taste of lime. Full-bodied, harmonious and persistent, well balanced.

BTG $ 6.50                                         Retail $16.99

Mer Soleil Silver Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay, 2008               

Mineral-driven nose with citrus shining through. Cement tank fermentation and aging bring out aromas remindful of the first rain of the season or a wet rock. Soft and round entry with an acid backbone informs you these grapes are grown in a cooler climate. Mid-palate reveals ripe fruits such as lemons, gooseberry and grapefruit. Finishes dry while the acid comes and goes in a balanced fashion. Laser sharp minerality carries through from start to finish on both palate and aroma.

BTG $7.50                                        Retail $19.99

Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva, 2003                    

90 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Bright cherry red, with a medium robe and light pinkish highlights in the glass. Intense, very fresh aroma, with hints of wild strawberries and sweet raspberries, perfectly assembled with balsamic hints of cinnamon, roasting, coconut and vanilla. Round and well-bodied to the palate, slightly acid and therefore lively. Smooth, silky tannins, thanks to perfectly ripened grapes and ageing in the cask. Good, slightly acid and fresh after-taste.

BTG $9.00                                        Retail $23.99

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel, 2007

92 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

71% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, and 7% Carignan.

Deep ruby. Heavily oak-influenced at the outset, showing candied dark berries, cherry-cola, bourbon and vanilla scents, along with notes of clove and incense. Extended aeration helps to dissipate the oak notes and allows sweet raspberry and blueberry fruit to emerge on the palate. Soft tannins add support but quickly fade into the sweet, velvety fruit on the finish.

BTG $ 10.25                                      Retail $27.99                               

Viña Falernia Syrah Reserva, 2006                                                                                                                                                                                90 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2006 Syrah Reserva offers an enticing nose of smoke, game, and blueberry. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, it has layers of spicy fruit, good ripeness, and excellent length.

BTG $ 5.25                                     Retail $12.99                

I was given a bottle of this wine several weeks ago. Last week I had a night when my wife was out with friends.

I stopped at Doris Market and got some red sauce and some meatballs, cooked up some pasta and since Susie

isn’t a big fan of Chianti  it was the right time to try it. I thought it was really good. I drank half the bottle and left

the rest. The next night I worked late and when I got home the bottle was empty. Yep she loved it.

If you like Sangiovese this is a must try.

This is better than many of the more famous Reserva’s I’ve had recently.

2007 Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico $18.99 (normal discounts apply)

95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. Oenologist Michael Schmelzer

Medium deep with violet reflexes in very small rim. Earthy, balsamic fruit with black bread notes and a touch of vanilla. Elegant fruit palate with very good balance.

Lingering sweet fruit and acidity with enough complexity to keep it interesting.

Napa, Oregon, Sonoma, Mendoza, Priorat; Wineries, Winemakers they all combine to create a festival of flavors in this next tasting.

Intense fruit flavors is the common denominator, from refreshing to rich will be the progression; and the fun is to appreciate the complexety on each and everyone of them.

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING!

Tuesday August 10^th, 2010

6:00-9:00 pm

No charge for tastings

CAKEBREAD SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2008

90 % Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Sauvignon Musqué, an aromatic clone of Sauvignon Blanc, and 6% Sémillon

It displays a beautifully fragrant nose of ripe pomelo, Golden delicious apple, honeydew melon, lime and mineral, with little of the herbaceousness that sometimes characterizes the variety. On the fleshy, full-bodied palate, ripe melon, grapefruit, kiwi and lemon-lime flavors lead to a long, flavorful finish enlivened by bright mineral tones.

BTG $ 10.00                                  Retail $27.99

KING ESTATE ACROBAT PINOT NOIR, 2008

King Estate, celebrating 19 years of Oregon winemaking in 2010, is located southwest of Eugene, Oregon producing wines of exceptional quality using organic & sustainable farming methods  King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir is bright garnet with ruby tint.  In the nose Sweet cherry, tobacco, earth, raspberry, oak,floral notes the mouthfeel  is silky and lively mid palate with Blueberry, dried cherry, chocolate, spice and a round finish.

Pale, cloudy yellow. Pungently fruity aromas of pink grapefruit, peach and pear. Juicy, pure and brisk, with very good density of fruit for village wine. Finishes with pineapple and grapefruit notes and enticing lingering perfumeBTG $ 8.50                                 Retail $21.99

VALLEY OF THE MOON ZINFANDEL, 2007

Located in the heart of Sonoma County Valley of the Moon Winery has been in operation since 1863. The Zinfandel 2007 is very nicely focused blackberry fruit filled out by notes of sweet spice and hints of blueberry pie start this full-bodied, balanced offering out in the right direction, and its somewhat fleshy, full and rich flavors keep it going.

BTG $ 5.25                                   Retail $12.99

MASI TUPUNGATO PASSO DOBLE, 2007

The 2007 Passo Doble is a blend of Malbec and Corvina (a grape found primarily in Italy’s Veneto) made in the Ripasso method. Purple-colored, the wine has an excellent bouquet of jammy black cherry and blackberry liqueur. Forward and easy going.

BTG $5.50                                  Retail $13.99

BODEGAS PINORD PRIORAT +7, 2006

D.O.C. Priorat made from Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varietals. Dark deep red and highly presistent wine. The first impression is of the oak, blended with fruity bouquets that render it very refined and complex. Full and complex to the taste, smooth and balanced on the palate. A wine where lightly smoky and frankly pleasant fruit notes predominate.

92 Points-Wine Spectator –Issue November 30, 2009

BTG $ 12.00                                      Retail $32.99