2003 Fattoria Lavacchio Fontegalli. The Tuscan wines of Fattoria Lavacchio reflect the nature and characteristics of the territory in which they are grown. With all of the grape picking done by hand, they take great care in the handling of the vines and grapes, thus ensuring the resulting wine is of the highest quality. Over the years, these wines have received important international recognition, often being noted as among some of the best wines in Tuscany. Fattoria Lavacchio's Fontegalli is a luscious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. It is one of structure and surprising concentration. Fontegalli is very smooth, and after being aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, it has developed splendid spicy and vanilla notes. This is one wine to drink with only special friends, or you may cellar for another five years to increase its complexity. ($45.99)

2004 Robert Hall Syrah, Paso Robles, California. Robert Hall's Syrah reflects the true essence of Paso Robles - deep, rich, full of fruit, yet elegantly balanced. When holding the glass to your nose, you will detect luscious, ripe aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry with accents of a peppery spice. Its deep ruby red color suggests a concentration typical of the vintage and vineyard. On the palate, you will note deep flavors of blackberry, currant and black cherry that are reminiscent of a warm mixed berry pie. The tannins are soft and silky that carry through to a lovely finish. ($22.49)

2003 Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California. As you may know, the Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon is not something new to the store, but the vineyard will soon be moving into the 2004 vintage. We have been lucky enough to scoop up the remaining 2003 vintage (only 2 cases) and will have it in the store this week. So we urge you to come get what's left of the 2003 vintage because 1) it's fabulous and will age well and 2) we won't be able to get T.Valentine's Spring Mountain Cabernet again for this wonderful price. To remind you what the 2003 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon is in case you can't remember continue reading. It shows lush, elegant and silky soft tannins on the front palate followed by flavors of dark plum, juicy blackberry, and hints of subtle anise. Traces of freshly roasted coffee interlaced with spices such as clove and nutmeg carry through to its finish. This mountain fruit shows elegance and restrain with evolved tannins. Since we will only have a limited amount remaining, please let us know if you would like any bottles. ($35.99)

2004 Santa Lucia Castel del Monte Uva di Troia, Puglia Italy. Just looking at the name of this wine may confuse and turn you off. But let us demystify it for you to make a delicious Italian red a little less intimidating. Castel del Monte is a region within Puglia that derives its name from an extraordinary, octagonal castle built by the Swabian (German) emperor Friedrich II. The summers there are long, hot and humid, so much that they are said to "wilt and sag" the spirit. Santa Lucia, as you probably assumed, is the vineyard which consists of only 37 acres of land and which produces only 75,000 bottles each year across all its wines, a miniscule number. The vineyards are cared for as if they are gardens - by hand and by people who know the land's idiosyncrasies and all its nooks and crannies. Uva di Troia is the red grape of this wine and is quite different than those of Tuscany or Abruzzo. This Uva di Troia is dark and luscious with a medium body that gives way to a full mouth feel of smooth red and black berries. A lovely dry, velvety finish characterizes the ending. This is a true representation of an Italian red. ($18.49)

Friday, August 17th (5 pm to 8 pm) California Treats

2003 Terre Rouge Tête à Tête, Sierra Foothills, California. A recent selection for those in our wine wine club, Tête-à-Tête is a fun easy drinking assemblage of Mediterranean varietals (in 2003 - it's 70% Mourvèdre, 19% Syrah and 11% Grenache). This wine has a sassy, spicy, fabulous flavor and great texture. It is an enjoyable everyday bottle. It offers deep boysenberry fruit suggestions, smoky, meaty complex flavor components that emphasize the area's land and a lengthy, creamy texture. This wine is aged for 14 months in French barrels which add a sweet toasty, vanilla characteristic to the finish. Just delightful as a great everyday wine. ($15.49)

2004 Lolonis Vineyard Fumé Blanc, Mendocino, California. Lolonis Vineyard's Fumé Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc that is organically grown on 35 to 40-year-old vines. Stainless steel fermentation and aging give it a crisp, dry, fruity texture that is smooth and long on the palate. This delicious Sauvignon Blanc is refined with aromas of pear, pink grapefruit, and lemon grass. It has a generous fruit expression on the palate dominated by citrus fruit and honeydew melon with subtle tropical notes of pineapple - how mouth watering. It finishes with a slight crisp acidity and excellent balance and length. ($14.49)

Saturday, August 18th (3 pm to 7 pm) Hedges Vineyards

2005 Hedges CMS White, Washington. Ah, a great lush, white from Washington's Columbia Valley. This is a fresh and vibrant wine comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Marsanne. It effortlessly balances body and depth from the Chardonnay; spicy aromatics from the Marsanne; and structured mineral flavors from the Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, it exhibits grapefruit, gooseberry and ripe pear flavors with some banana, herbal and vanilla notes. The mouth feel is nicely viscous and is combined with a crisp acidity and lingering finish. CMS White is lovely as an aperitif or accompaniment to shellfish and other medium weight fish dishes. ($13.99)

2005 Hedges CMS Red, Washington. CMS Red is also a three-grape blend just like the CMS White. It is structured yet approachable with soft fruit flavors that are framed by subtle hints of oak. This Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah blend has a bouquet of toasted oak, butterscotch, black licorice, clove spice, and dark fruit. On the palate, raspberry and blackberry fruits intermingle with toasted oak, vanilla, clove, and hints of caramel and cassis. Its balanced tannins, medium-plus body, fruit and vanilla sweetness offer an enjoyable experience that leads to a velvety, long finish. ($13.99)

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

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