Hello To All Those Who Imbibe,

As always, we've got a lot going on this week.  I just returned from a beautiful day in Paso Robles wine country and tasted quite a few delicious wines at the Rhone Rangers event.  In addition I found what I expect to be the next big producer in Paso, and will have some details within the next month, so be sure to stay alert.

As anyone who knows me can report, I am a Pinot Noir fan from way back.  This week I have some exceptional wines to offer.   

Melville Pinot Terraces

$49.99

Melville Pinot Carrie's

$49.99 

Just got the call from my good friends at Melville Winery and Imbibe will now be carrying a small amount of the their single vineyards wines, the 2009 Melville Terraces Vineyard and the 2009 Melville Carrie's Vineyard.  Normally these wines sell out before they are even reviewed, but to give you an idea of the quality, last year both these wines received 94 and 95 points.  Wine Advocate says of Melville, "these wines represent sensational bargains for wines at this quality level."  Very limited, arriving in March.  $49.99 each

Brittan Pinot Basalt Block

$44.99 

I know I have been telling you about 2008 being an amazing vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir, and Imbibe is proud to carry one of Oregon's finest, Brittan Vineyards' Basalt Block Pinot Noir.  What makes the Basalt Block vineyard so special is its high composition of broken basalt terroir, which results in very low yielding vines that produce intense, rich flavors and subtle layers of complexity.  Owner Robert Brittan is most well-known for his time in Napa Valley as recent GM and winemaker for Stag's Leap Winery.  Stop in today because not only is Brittan some of Oregon's finest, it also disappears the quickest.  Get some before it's gone. $44.99

Craggy Range Pinot Te Muna Road

$32.99 

The last wine that I'd like to tell you about is possibly the best Pinot Noir to come out of New Zealand, the 2009 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard.  This lovely offering is loaded with red currant, raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of spice.  I have sold this wine in the past for as little as $45; with the great deal we just made, Imbibe is now able to offer it for only $32.99.  Wine Advocate scored last year's vintage a 92-94, and this vintage drinks like a 94+.

As the saying goes, "If Pinot Noir is not your favorite wine, you have not drunk enough yet."

I'll be "out-of-the-office" this weekend doing some research up in Napa Valley.  Look for my tasting notes next week and my report from the wine industry's event standard, PNV (Premier Napa Valley).

- David