Spicy & Robust Reds
Some "old friends" for you to enjoy

Back Room Banner


Hello ,
Composing this week's email, I realize how many "Old Friends" we have in this spicy red line-up. I bet most of these wineries look familiar to you-perhaps from a past, satisfying Back Room Wines purchase. Something to be said for tried and true...I like my coffee the same way every morning with along with NPR Morning Edition, although they're on a pledge drive now, but I digress.
Here are six spicy reds you can count on like the loyalty of an old hound. Rich, spice & dark fruit driven reds all. And of course, all six are extremely good values
. My notes are below, along with suggested mixed case and half case, with discounts included.
TASTING EVENT UPDATE:
We had a great time last Friday at Back Room Blow Out XXX. Our guests (School House, Brick Angel, Retro Cellars & Laurel Glen) were very impressed by the questions and kindness of our tasters. All were impressed with the wines. Was a fun time. Blow Out XXXI is scheduled for Friday, April 3. Mark it down!
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT we tastes wines from Spain. Two whites, five reds. Seven regions represented. Wow, what great set of wines we have for you, including wine from Bodegas El Nido, Muga, Vizcarra and Alvaro Palacios!
The tasting is $15, all wines poured are for sale at discounted prices, the Serrano Ham, Idiazabal cheese and Spanish olives will be at the ready, and our friends in wine will be here to partake. Hope you can join us. The tasting is from 5 to 8 P.M., come anytime during these hours and have fun.

Heard It Through The Grapevine
Dan

Vineyard Divider Line
Spicy & Robust Reds
PARAS VINEYARD Grenache
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2007,
$43
The last release of Paras Grenache, the 2005, was a huge hit. A little waryof $40+ California Grenache, I suggested it, sold it, and heard only great reviews from customers. This 2007 (they didn't bottle a 2006) is extremely rich, spicy and opulent. Tastes of baked strawberries, five spice, mocha, blueberry essence, pipe tobacco. It's a big mouthful of rich California red. May not identify it blind as Grenache...no problem, most importantly it's just really good. 245 cases made.

T-VINE Zinfandel "Brown Vineyard" Napa Valley 2006, $33
I love this wine: every vintage. As close to a sure thing in my book as there is in wine. Tried the just-released '06 yesterday and mmmmm baby. Just wish there was more around. Black cherry liqueur, brown sugar fried in sweet butter, cherries jubilee (with ample cinnamon). Sweet sensations without actually being sweet. 400 cases made.
Six bottle limit (with apologies).

SKYLARK "Red Belly" Rhone-Style Red
North Coast 2007, $22

50 year old vine, head pruned Carignane gives "Red Belly" spice and intensity. Syrah gives flesh, violets on the nose and power. Touch of Grenache gives more fruit. This is spicy, seamless, silky and aromatic. 775 cases made. Want to taste it for yourself? Come to Back Room Wines this month. "Red Belly" is being poured at the Wine Bar all of February.
Visit anytime for a taste or a glass of this tasty Rhone-style red.


RUSINA Petite Sirah, Alexander Valley 2006, $31
You may have had bought this from us as we've been selling it since last summer. It's so good, and only 150 cases made, hard to believe it's still around. Lucky for us. A blue-purple sheet of wine clings to the glass when you swirl...you know it's a teeth-stainer. Nose is black pepper, raspberry and black cherry liqueurs. Tons of very ripe fruit in the mouth, really big, AND (wonderfully) it's still very well balanced. I think this is special wine and merits a $45 price tag. Local customer/friend John D. came by mid-wine scribe with a warm tri-tip sandwich. We ate it with a big sip of Rusina Petite. Sometimes you just feel lucky. 10% Zin adds a little zing. 33% new Hungarian oak explains the sweet musky note. Rusina: the Roman goddess called upon by ancient farmers to protect their fields and vineyards.

ORIN SWIFT "The Prisoner" Napa Valley 2007, $35
From the "who cares" department, but I'll tell you this anyway, "I was buying Prisoner back when the owner would deliver it in the back of his truck!" That was the 2001 vintage, and boy was it good. This is the 2007, and boy is it good. Released last November, just after bottling, and it's now starting to drink as it should: very rich, spicy and delicious. The blend: half Zinfandel, a quarter Cab Sauv, then Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono & Grenache. This will= continue to open and rich-up with more bottle time. Tastes of cherry and mulberry preserves, cloves, Mexican chocolate, mint and black pepper. Liking this vintage's fine tannins and ability to evolve. Prisoner fans, I compare the 2007 to the 2004 in richness and complexity.

GAMBA Zinfandel

"Moratto Vineyard-Old Vine"
Russian River Valley 2006, $40

"Moratto," a 90 year old Sonoma vineyard, makes breathtaking Zinfandel. Very ripe, heady, juicy, yet DRY Zinfandel. (Hard to get dry at such ripeness and almost 16% alcohol, but this has done it). Black cherry jam, licorice, five spice, cinnamon/clove. This powerful Zin is definitely best with big flavored red meats with garlic, herbs, soy, mustard marinade (or whatever is your fancy here). When a customer requests "the biggest Zin we got," she usually walks out with a Gamba "Moratto."


Mixed case, two bottles of each:
$369 (10% discount applied)

Half case, one bottle of each:

$195 (5% discount applied)

To order, call toll free at 877-322-2576
Order online here,
Or, just reply to this email. Thank you for reading.
Vineyard Divider Line
I'm too sexy for my wine shop
Attention ladies, and men who have the smarts (or stupidity) to choose garments for their ladies, Back Room Wines is hosting a Ladies Fashion Trunk Show this Friday, February 9, from Noon to 6.


MAMATOTO CLOTHING,
by designer, and hostess for the day, Tina Margulies
If you like stylish, funky yet cozy, functional and affordable clothes, then you should stop by, meet designer Tina Margulies, and check out her clothing line.

Choose from fabulous flirty, fleece and fun pants, dresses, skirts and tops that will freshen up your wardrobe and fast become your favorites.
Hipster fleecy toddler pants, too!

Come enjoy complimentary wine and try on MAMATOTO's hip, cozy clothes. This Friday, February 9, from noon to 6, at Back Room Wines.

Drink more Sonoma Coast Syrah.
Dan

Daniel Dawson
Back Room Wines
Corner of First & Main Streets (First Street Entrance)
Downtown Napa, California 94559
Phone: (707) 226-1378  Toll Free # is 877-322-2576
Visit our website here
email: [email protected]

Vineyard Divider Line
Spanish
Wine
Tasting

This Friday, February 6,
5 to 8 P.M.

Taste stellar wines from Rias Baixas, Rioja, Jumilla,
Ribera del Duero, Madrid, Navarra and Priorat.
Seven wines for your enjoyment!
$15/tasting
Here are the wines and the notes for Friday night.
Rhone Valley
Wine Tasting
Next Friday,
February 13

5 to 8 P.M.
You may know of our fondness for the Rhone wines.
Tonight we taste seven of our favorites.
$15/tasting
Join Our Mailing List