ALMOST CHATEAUNEUF

            Steve Tanzer wrote in his latest cover story something that has become evident in recent years - the southern Rhône Valley and Spain are the "richest source for great red wine values." He explains that the biggest difference between Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône wines is often "30 meters and 30 bucks." Although the land and climate are essentially the same, the ability of a producer to put "Châteauneuf du Pape" on his (or her) label enables him (or her) to sell his (or her) wine for $50 or more. Considering that many vines just outside the Châteauneuf appellation are very old vines and the winemaker uses essentially the same vineyard and cellar processes as for the production of wines just over the boundary, savy consumers are increasingly turning to "Côtes du Rhône" appellation wines for stunning wines of great value.

            The latest two of such wines have just landed at Erick's. If you like Châteauneuf but not the prices, you should check these out:

            2010 Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cuvée "Philippine" (Rhône, $17.99). From Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate (91 points): "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Philippine is composed of equal parts Syrah and Grenache blended with 15% Carignan from 12-80 year old parcels. Bottled unfiltered, it exhibits an opaque purple color along with a deep nose of black currants, black cherries, licorice and lavender. Complex, medium to full-bodied, rich and dense, it is a heck-of-a-bargain that should drink nicely for 3-4 years."

            2010 Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône Villages - Cairanne, Cuvée "Maximilian" (Rhône, $19.99). From Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Maximilian (50% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah from 12-50 year old vines) was aged in old barrels for four months prior to being bottled unfiltered. Copious aromas of underbrush, loamy soil, sweet kirsch, black currants and spice box are followed by a spicy, peppery wine with excellent fruit, intensity and density as well as a medium to full-bodied style. Consume it over the next 5-7 years."

SPECIAL PRICE 

GREY STACK SAUVIGNON BLANC

$31.44

FUTURE SPECIAL EVENTS

            We've started working on a series of (what we hope will be for you) very informative and enjoyable (and what we hope will be for us very remunerative) classes on wines and other special events. We're always open to suggestions, but we're currently thinking of the following: wines of the Piemonte (Barberesco, Barolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis, Gavi, Moscato, Brachetto, etc.), Chile/Argentina (not the cheap stuff that has driven everyone to explore these wines but the really high-end wines that are starting to flow); wines from the 3 famous Mediterranean "S" islands (Sicily, Sardinia and Santorini); more wines from Small Vineyards in Italy; and wines from Austria (in more depth than last year when Austria had to share a class with Germany). We're also planning what will prove to be a very exciting and eye-opening class on extra virgin olive oil. Classes will be mostly held late Sunday afternoons, beginning June 24 and running about every other week through Labor Day, so plan to spend your summer in the High Country so you don't miss out on anything. Watch for details in future newsletters, FACEBOOK, www.erickscheeseandwine.com.

PRE-ORDER SPECIAL WINE

            Under the spotlight this week is a very special wine at a very special price - the fabulous 2010 Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat, unfiltered(Spain, $25.99 $22.99 case). Alvaro had never wanted to be known solely for expensive "trophy" wines (his flagship L'Ermita sells for almost $1,000/bottle, and even his previous entry-level Terrasses sold at just under $50), and with Camins, he found the opportunity to create something special. Drawing on his wealth of vineyard sources, Alvaro is now offering a wine that is affordably priced, but which also stays true to his vision of Priorat and sustainable practices -powerful but elegant, approachable but restrained, made impeccably as only the obsessively fastidious Palacios must. The blend is 60% Cariñana/30% Garnacha/10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This wine rocks and is the best Priorat wine you'll find anywhere at this price! Don't take our word -- CellarTracker users rate this wine as high as 94 points with an average score of 92.

SPECIAL SUMMER HOURS

            Memorial Day weekend launches us into summer hours:

            Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10 - 6

            Thursday, Friday, Saturday:  10 - 7

            Sunday: 1 - 5