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Zinfandel - The Mysterious Red Grape
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Zinfandel is an interesting grape, having started its genus somewhere in Eastern Europe.....likely the area around Croatia. Some of the producing vines in California are over 100 years old. With Zinfandel, older is definitely better - having such names as "Old Vine", "Ancient Vines", "Heritage Vines" set out on the label.
Zinfandel tends to be higher in alcohol (>14-15+%) than most red wines (although more and more producers feel that they need to produce high alcohol cabernet sauvignons, meritage blends, and even pinot noir - disgraceful!) but the juicy, jammy flavors that come with a good Zinfandel, more than make up for the high alcohol -- delivering a smooth, rich, and balanced tasting experience.
The Marietta Cellars Zinfandel is quintessential Zinfandel----jammy is the word that jumps out at you....blackberry jam on warm, butter whole wheat toast! But not so jammy that it is flabby, without body. Oh, no, this Zinfandel has backbone and will hold itself up to any rich bourgignon, cheesy New York style pizza, or even hot buttered popcorn! And did I mention a beautiful dark Valentine's Day chocolate? "
I will be placing orders this week so delivery will be in plenty of time for that special Valentine's celebration. Call or email me today to get in on this special order.
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Greetings!
 This month I am featuring a new "family member" of Lemma Wine Distributors, one of my "go to" distributors that carry some of my favorite labels.
Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyersville, in one of California's premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. Owner and winemaker, Chris Bilbro, founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 in a rented cow barn in the Dry Creek Valley. Chris' great aunt Marietta was a tough Italian immigrant who was known for always having a stock pot on the stove, a bountiful garden, and a plentiful table. Not having any children of her own, she took Chris under her wing and taught him how to cook by hand and taste, which is a direct correlation to Chris' winemaking style.
Even more than his winemaking, Chris' greatest accomplishment has been his four sons, three of whom handle the day-to-day operations of the winery. Brothers by blood and best friends by choice, Jake, Scot, and Sam are dedicated to the dream Chris started in 1978. Robert Parker with Wine Advocate says "if readers have not yet learned the formula here -- Marietta Cellars = High Quality, a Moderate Prices and Considerable Pleasure" here is their chance. I was thrilled to taste through Marietta Cellars red portfolio.....from the juicy Zinfandel to the bright, acidic, perfectly balanced petit sirah.....and you will be, too. Call or e-mail me today with your order and get ready for a taste explosion. Sincerely,
Chris Hardy
Custom Wine Marketing, LLC
503-310-4576
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Marietta Cellars
Old Vine Red Lot 53, California NV Lot 53 is the latest release of Old Vine Red, trademark blend with mainly Zinfandel that was first released almost 30 years ago. This is the wine that will be consistent, reliable, tried and true. Loads of rich and deep berry and plum with peppery spice as well as hints of toasty oak, dusty earth, and a light gamey quality that add to the complexity. The color is deep ruby and purple, and the mouth feel is forward, dense and pleasantly rustic and ripe in a Zin-like style. $13.50/bottle
2008 Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
The 2008 Zinfandel was picked very ripe, but still within the range of balance.
Ripe flavors were achieved with high sugars and a heady, full bodied resulting wine. The aromas are bright red and black berries with pepper and spice. The mouthfeel is very lush with palate coating blackberry flavors, spice, and slight hints of toasty oak. This wine should age quite well for up to 10 years due to its depth and structure. $18.00/bottle
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Big Wine! Dark ruby red in color. Aged 16 months in neutral French oak. The aromas are still tight, yet they show broad hints of complexity including ripe cherry, cassis, graphite, and a pleasant herbal and earthy component. The palate is very full and structured, and well integrated oak carries the wine to a long finish. The goal of Marietta Cellars: to make lush and rich yet very classic Cabernet Sauvignon. $18.00/bottle
2008 Petit Sirah (Sonoma County)
This wine shows an excellent integration of fruit, richness, and heft while maintaning great balance and structure. The nose is full of deep aromas of blueberries, chocolate, tar, oak, and earth with lighter layers of lavender, herbs de provence, and minerals. The mouthfeel continues with the rich fruit and is very structured, lush, and big with a long and well balanced acid and tannin finish. Absolutely PERFECT with an herb-encrusted leg of lamb! $18.00/bottle
Port Lot Three
Continuing to follow in the footsteps of Old Vine Red, their port is periodically released in limited quantities in a non-vintage fashion designated by lot numbers, so as to allow for a highly consistent product. Lot 3 is a limited production blend of Touriga, Souzao, and Zinfandel. Aged in new and seasoned French Oak, it is not as sweet as traditional Portuguese styles, although it unquestionably has an emphasis on ripe, rich fruit complemented by a hint of vanilla and oak. $12.00/ 375 ml
Order today and have it in time for Valentine's Day!!
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Special Offer - 2009 Bodegas Vinos de Leon Tinto Lena, Castilla y Leon
This Spanish Tempranillo is outstanding - and I'm not exaggerating! It is so true to the flavor profile of this yummy grape variety - that you will find it to be your "go to" red wine - and at this price point you will be surprised at the quality and flavors of this very food friendly grape. This is a full liter taste of goodness!!!
Our Price:
$11/bottle -
FULL LITER not 750 ml
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| About Custom Wine Marketing, LLC
Hard to believe, but I am closing in on 6 years in business! And more than I can so, I have YOU to thank! Your continued business, loyalty to CWM, and word of mouth advertising have made this dream into a reality for me. I hope you have found some wonderful wine at exceptional prices by using the services of CWM. I continue to look far, wide, and often to bring to you amazing wine. Thanks very much!
Chris | Custom Wine Marketing, LLC
1470 16th Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-310-4576
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