February 2009 Newsletter

Champanes Wine Cellar & International Marketplace

Champane's Wine Cellars

February 2009

Tasting Notes

2007 Airfield Estates Un-Oaked Chardonnay

Fasten your seat belt and put your seat in an upright position to experience this hot newcomer. It takes off with full throttle tropical fruit, banana, grapefruit and lemon, and lands with a crisp refreshing finish. Best of all, no extra baggage to weigh down the palate as this small 900 case production doesn't see any oak in it's production. Enjoy a smooth flight of pure chardonnay enjoyment.

2005 Barrel Monkeys Shiraz

Funny name, funny label, one serious Shiraz. This Aussie powerhouse from the McLaren Vale region explodes with huge blackberry, blueberry, cassis and fig fruit, followed by blasts of black licorice, espresso, clove, and white pepper. For those of you who prefer your steak big and your wine bigger, this Shiraz and it's 16% alcohol content, are sure to please. As the monkey says, "See no evil, Hear no evil, TASTE no evil."

2005 Gloria Ferrer Brut

You don't need New Years Eve or a wedding to celebrate a fine Champagne or Sparkling wine. In fact, many foods pair exceptionally well with a great bubbly. Inside the walls of this bottle are pear, apple and a hint of lemon fruit with a luscious floral bouquet. It possesses a nutty toasted almond character on the mid-palate with a soft creamy finish. What a wonderful way to treat yourself any day of the week without breaking the bank in the process.

2005 Laetitia Pinot Noir Reserve

Here is one of the best efforts I've tasted from the Arroyo Grande in California's Central Coast region. Rich mouth-watering flavors of black cherry, cola and raspberry, layered with a coating of rose petal, pipe tobacco and a light earthiness that lingers long and delicious. It's hard to tell where the silkiness starts and the depth of flavors end, but who cares. Paired with a cuisine of duck and risotto, it's a bliss not to be missed.

2005 Hullabaloo Zinfandel

Zin fans rejoice, for there is a new kid in town who won't pick your wallet clean looking for a big muscular powerhouse of a wine. Start with selections of Old Vine grapes, dark in color, rich in black currant and raspberry fruit. Finish with a winemaker, Charles Hendricks, known for pleasing the masses with affordable gems that taste 2 to 3 times their price. Quite a recipe to start a fuss, an ado, a Hullabaloo on any Zinfandel lovers palate.

Best Value of the Month Over $20.00

2006 Darioush

Pinot Noir

$59.99

2004 Spell Bound

Cabernet Sauvignon

$28.09

2007 Cakebread Chardonnay

$39.99

Best Value Under $20.00

2007 Bartenura Moscato

$12.99

2007 Celani Rose Napa

$11.99

2006 Sonoma - Cutrer RRR

$16.99

DID YOU KNOW.................that when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, having buried the city of Pompeii, Italy for centuries in volcanic lava, it also buried with it more than 200 wine bars.

WINE TRIVIA...............What wine was newly elected President Obama drinking on January 20, 2009? Having been officially selected to be served at the Inaugural Luncheon were 2007 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc and 2005 Goldeneye Pinot Noir. Hail to the Chief.

	Great February 2009 Wines Values
2006 San Silvestro Barbera $8.99 2007 Melini Chianti $5.99 2007 Layer Cake Malbec $12.99 2006 Clos De Les Siete $13.99 2006 Las Rocas Garnacha $7.99 Saint Panteleimon $8.99