The Savory Grape Newsletter - 7.21.09

In This Issue
News & Events
This Week's Savory Selections
Weekend Wine Tastings
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Greetings!   
 Napa Valley
At the end of this week, Nino and I will be taking a five-day trip to Napa Valley to meet with various vineyard owners, winemakers in search of new wines to bring back to the shop. We don't have a rigid schedule planned for each day. However we will be take part in a barrel and bottle tasting at Conn Valley Vineyards on Saturday, July 25. I know we are also going to visit Miner, Frog's Leap and Frank Family Vineyards just to name a few. Actually, we'll probably do little else than go to vineyards and tasting rooms. Let us know if you have any specific requests, and we'll do our best to address those while we are there.
 
So, until we return with a summary of our excursion, stop in this weekend to taste all things California, in honor of our trip out West!
 
Don't forget about the WSJ article "Getting Help with Wine Choices," in which TSG was featured. For you as a newsletter subscriber, purchase a case of the featured wines (mixed or same) and receive 15% off instead of our 10% case discount until the end of July. Also, being the media hounds that we are, TSG was again mentioned in WSJ's Wine Notes "What's Up with Arinto?" last weekend. Enjoy!

TSG Happenings

The Savory Grape Fall Wine Festival. Save the date of Saturday, Food Bank LogoNovember 7th for the Third Annual Savory Grape Fall Wine Festival, held this year at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick from 6-9 PM. In a time when many organizations are in need, this year's Wine Festival will benefit the RI Community Food Bank. This event is always sold out, so stay tuned. Tickets will go on sale in mid-August.

Best of RI Event. We have received word that we won a "Best of RI" award this year from RI Monthly Magazine. We don't know yet what the award is but will find out when we attend the "Best Of" event this Thursday! As always, thank you for your support, and we'll let you know next week! 
 

This Week's Savory Selections 

york2007 Yorkville Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, CA. Yorkville's 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is created from beautiful fruit of their, certified organic, Randle Hill Vineyard. In this vintage the wine was fermented and aged in 100% French oak barrels, but don't get scared away. It's not a wine full of oak flavors. Lime, vanilla and a note of honey-suckle awaken the nose and prep the palate. Rich fruit flavors of tangerine and green melon give way to a bright grapefruit finish with hints of minerals and herbs. Food pairing: Pan fried soft-shell crabs with asparagus. ($15.99)
 
2006 Yorkville Hi-Rollr Red, CA. 
Also featuring a certified organic vineyard, Yorkville's Rennie Vineyard, Hi-Rollr Red is Yorkville's estate red blend perfect for everyday consumption. Rich aromas of blueberries, currant and spice flood your nose. The wine has mouth-filling fruit flavors of berries and a wisp of tart cherries that come through beautifully in the finish. Food pairing: Gorgonzola stuffed burgers! ($15.99)
 
2006 Blackburn Cabernet Sauvignon, CA.
 This rich, intensely flavored Cab is filled with loads of dark berry fruit and spice. The nose dominated with flavors of ripe cherry, stewed berries and cinnamon carries on through the palate. Layers of toffee, savory herbs and currant unfold and lead you to a long, persistent finish with a lush, silky mouthfeel. Food pairing: Full but not too chewy this wine is perfect for grilled foods of summer - Cajun spiced chicken kebobs! Only 1,200 cases produced. ($14.99)
 
2006 Blackburn Merlot, CA. Made from mostly Merlot with about 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, this selection is soft and focused, yet filled with vibrant fruit like Bing cherries, raspberries and plum. Full bodied, it has subtle hints of cracked pepper, anise and sage that complement the fruity nature of this wine. Serve just slightly cool (55-60 degrees) and this will offer pure enjoyment. Food pairing: Very limited in production, so enjoy with grilled lamb chops or garlic-rubbed filet mignon. ($14.99)
 
Cru Vin Dog Chard2006 Cru Vin Dogs Golden Retriever Chardonnay, CA.
  Attention dog lovers! Golden Retriever Chardonnay is created from fruit sourced from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley. Luscious aromas of Meyer lemon, and hazelnut greet the nose. On the palate, from start to finish, flavors of fine raw honey and toasted hazelnuts come together to offer a long, lingering finish. This wine is only partially barrel-fermented, so the very light oak component of the flavor profile balances the fruit, rather than overwhelms it. Food pairing: Steamed lobster with corn bread. ($21.99)

 Weekend Wine Tastings and Discussion 

 Friday, July 24, 5 to 8 PM - Yorkville Cellars

yorkville logo2007 Yorkville Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, CA. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($15.99)
 
2006 Yorkville Hi-Rollr Red, CA.
 Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($15.99)


 
Saturday, July 25, 3 to 7 PM - $15 Finds
 
2006 Blackburn Cabernet Sauvignon, CA. Please see tasting notes above in this Savory Selections. ($14.99)
 
Montinore PG2007 Montinore Estate Pinot Gris, Oregon. Tired of Pinot Grigio, then try this Oregon gem. The '07 Montinore Estate Pinot Gris is very aromatic with notes of fresh ripe pear, yellow apple and a pleasant floral accent. On the palate, it bursts into flavors of ripe honeydew melon with hints of mango overlaying ripe apple characters. The long finish is dry, fresh and crisp with a sweet/tart apple essence and distinct mineral qualities. ($14.99)

 
2006 Blackburn Merlot, CA. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($14.99)
ENJOY!