For our March events, including a wine and food sampling next week, upcoming wine classes and a special tasting and visit by Washington's L'Ecole Winery, please click here to visit our News and Events page.

It seems in almost every news publication that we have read or glanced at in the last couple of weeks wine has been the topic of discussion. One we found particularly interesting and chuckled over was an article in last Friday's Wall Street Journal. The writers presented information on the new wave of wine stores, stores that are pushing the envelope more than before and making it fun for consumers to shop. These stores, or "Stores with Shtick" as writers Gaiter and Brecher call them, have developed new ideas and ways to categorize wine and hence make the wine buying experience fun, enjoyable and well, less intimidating. (Hmmm, that sounds familiar.)

What are some of the features of these stores, the writers say? They include smaller selections; categorizing wines by weight or taste profile; maintaining a constant temperature; offering hand picked wines and tasting notes; maintaining a record of wines that customers purchase; providing a child area so Mom and Dad can shop freely; and utilizing an "Enomatic" machine, which gives customers a chance to try new wines for a small fee or for free once certain rewards are reached. After reading the article, we thought, "Hmm, we have most of these mentioned features, sans the child area or Enomatic machine, the latter which is probably not a possibility by RI laws. (However one store in NY got it around its strict laws. Click here to see how.) So, we thought, "Do we have Shtick?" Well, we like to think that we are on the cutting edge of the stores with Shtick. But just as or even more important than "Shtick," we think, is a knowledgeable, friendly staff that can make the experience personable and fun.

2003 Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir. At first glance, a gem-like ruby color emanates from the glass of this Pinot, and upon notice of the aromas, you realize it can only be Pinot Noir. But on the palate, a young red Burgundy seems to intermingle with New World flavors. The flavors and aromatics of the wine lean toward the exotic, reminiscent of a newly opened jar of spices, backed by raspberries, cherries and a slight earthiness. These flavors provide a silky texture that slowly evolve and linger. ($36.99)

2004 Renzo Masi "Erta e China" Rosso di Toscana. This Tuscan red demonstrates the flexibility of the IGT regulations with a non-traditional blend of half Sangiovese, half Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 14 months in a combination of French and American oak. Inky dark garnet, almost black, it shows bright reddish-purple glints against the light. It exudes aromatic, dark fruits, (dried cherries) and spice, and despite its long stay in oak, the oak flavors are subtle. The finish is beautiful, clean and lingering. This, we think, an impressive full bodied wine. ($13.49)

2005 Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile. A beautiful purple in appearance, this is a great offering from Chile that we think overdelivers for the price. Full of rich red fruit flavors, vanilla and a touch of toasty oak on the palate, the wine is balanced, full of complexity and roundness. It is attractively jammy and fruit laden with a touch of spice on the finish. This we will taste on Saturday. ($10.99)

2004 Duo Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Maipo Valley, Chile. The Maipo Valley contains Chile's most renowned growing region for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and its climate, soil, elevation and proximity to the towering Andes, allows the fruit to ripen during the day, slow down and retain acidity during the cool night time. This incremental maturation is one of the keys to growing ripe and beautifully balanced red wine grapes. Bold, smooth and enticing, this blend is a rewarding selection full of fruit, yet dry on the finish. ($15.49)

2004 Rosenblum Monte Rosso Reserve Zinfandel. This is a true "Teeth-Stainer!" With only a very limited amount produced and available, this is a must have wine for Zinfandel followers who love the big, big, Zins. Monte Rosso means Red Mountain, and indeed the terrain in this vineyard is both red and mountainous. It’s located at the top of Moon Mountain Road in Sonoma and the vines date back to the 1800s. Although not for everyone, this is a powerhouse wine that nonetheless possesses a sense of finesse and elegance with gorgeous blueberry, blackberry, and cherry fruit flavors. ($50.99)

2004 Rosenblum Rhodes Vineyard Petite Sirah. Another Rosenblum bold wine, but if you know Rosenblum then you know most of the wines from this winery are opulent, lush and well basically powerful. It displays a spicy dusty blackberry and plum bouquet with flavors of ripe plums, black tea and currants. Pair it with oven roasted lamb shanks, smoked duck, or blackened salmon. ($25.99)

Friday, March 2 (5 pm to 8 pm) A Look into Steele Vineyards

• 2005 Steele's Shooting Star Aligote. A recent selection for our wine club members, Aligote is a varietal that has historically been found in France. However it has found a happy home in Washington state from where this grape is sourced. Producing a medium bodied white wine, it displays a creamy texture that's balanced by a crisp, fruity acidity. Flinty, mineral elements mix with light floral notes and sweet apple flavors. Our favorite is pairing it with panfried catfish. ($15.99)

• 2004 Steele Pinot Blanc. This grape is the colorless expression of the red Pinot Noir grape. Silky in texture, this wine brings forth lovely hints of tropical fruit, green apple and oak aromas and flavors from its fermentation in French Oak barrels. However, only 20% new oak is used thus the toasty oak flavors are subtle and not overpowering. The finish offers a nice crispness that makes it refreshing. ($18.99)

• 2005 Steele's Shooting Star Blue Franc. Featured in a previous week's newsletter, this particular wine is made from the grape varietal Limburger that not many have ever tried. Yes, that is the name of the stinky cheese as well. Often referred to by its ancient name Blau Frankisch, hence the wine's name Blue Franc, this is a red wine with full berry and cinnamon flavors, great color and little tannins or harshness. It is clean, crisp, and unpretentious. A great wine worth trying. ($10.99)

• 2005 Steele Vineyards Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend made from the Durell and Sangiacomo Vineyards, both situated in Sonoma County's cool Carneros region, adjacent to the San Francisco/San Pablo Bay. In this region, the masking fog and cool breezes throughout most of the growing season allow for the hang time needed to develop the flavors of this Pinot Noir. It has moderate oak notes, high-tone fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, with a rich nose, juicy palate and long finish. ($22.99)

Saturday, March 3 (3 pm to 7 pm) Selection of Chilean Wines

• 2005 Haras Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Maipo Valley, Chile. One of our Savory Selections last week, this Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is mouthfilling with intense gooseberry, citrus and tropical fruit notes that give you an exceptional mouthwatering quality. Some of the finest Chilean wines come from the Maipo Valley from where this wine, as well as the Duo Cab/Merlot blend below comes. It has an exceptionally crisp finish reminiscent of green apples and herbs. Because of its acidity and crispness this is a great partner for salads. ($12.49)

• 2005 Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon. Please see our description above in the Savory Selections section. ($10.99)

• 2004 Duo Cabernet/Merlot, Maipo Valley. Please see our description above in the Savory Selections section. ($15.49)

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com