California Wine Values

California Wine Values
Six of our favorites at any price

Greetings!

Allow me to tickle your toes this week with six delicious Northern California wines (one from the Central Coast). Yes, Virginia (and Texas, New York, Washington...) you can drink well on a budget. Acknowledging the higher-shipping-cost-per-bottle-percentage of "value wines," (want the pie chart?
I'll get out the pie chart if you want), I've got a special multiple case shipping discount special for the rest of March: 10% off shipping on two cases, and 15% off three or more cases.
California residents: Sales tax goes up 1% in April, so besides that Prius you're looking to buy by March 31, consider getting a head-start on your summer wine stash with Back Room Wines.

Back Room Wines on the social network.

Attention FACEBOOK fanatics
become a member of Back Room Wines' Facebook page for the latest information on events, special wine offerings and promotions. Operated by BRW's "Mr. Friday Night," John Danby, Back Room's Facebook page is always fresh and dynamic. Click here for our Facebook page, or search for Back Room Wines on Facebook and we come right up. Become a member today!

TWITTER members, become a Follower of Back Room Wines for my BWOTD.

If you don't know what BWOTD is, start following and you'll quickly figure it out.
To find out what this wine lover is enjoying most, whether we sell it here or not, follow me on Twitter.com/backroomwines

Tally Ho. Dan.

Six values
between $14 and $22/bottle before discounts!

I've had them all, I like them all, and will be drinking them too!

TALLULAH Sauvignon Blanc "La Femme d'Argent" "Farina Vineyard" Sonoma Mountain 2006 $17

This wine may look familiar to you. We loved and sold this very wine, same vintage, last year for $25. I'm amazed they have more, and the price has gone down, but that's the way it is. I drank it this week, and it's as fresh and delicious as it was a year ago...maybe better. These vines live in the rocky soil of "Farina Vineyard" on Sonoma Mountain. The wine is CRISP, TANGY, MINERALLY, RACY and PLEASINGLY TAUT. Tickles the gums with acidity and zest. Taste green apples, grapefruit, lemongrass, lemon thyme...you get the idea. Can't recommend this wine highly enough.

FOXGLOVE Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2007 $14

The Varner brothers, producers of world-class Santa Cruz Chardonnay, have made a name for their negociant line: Foxglove.
This is the first Zinfandel they've produced. All Paso Robles fruit, with 10% Petite Sirah added for more "oomph." Delicious, fruit-forward, aromatic, spicy and smooth. It's fresh, bold, juicy and simply delicious. Forward fruit, medium body, smooth texture, and a sprinkle of spice. Great value.

PHOENIX RANCH Syrah, Napa Valley 2005 $22
Family vineyard just north of Napa town. Nose of dark chocolate, mulberry, tobacco and black olive. Dark, rich color. Tastes of black currants, smoke, blueberries, black pepper and boysenberries. Rich and smooth. Reminds us a lot of Northern Rhone.

TWENTY ROWS Merlot, Napa Valley 2007 $19

Second label for artisan Napa producer Vinoce. The focus for Twenty Rows is delicious wine that also happens to be affordable. Well, here you have it: a rich Napa Merlot with more oomph than any under $20 Merlot we've put to our lips since the 1990's. Red & black fruits, cocoa, toasty barrel and good, healthy tannins. Pour this blind to Merlot-snubbers and everyone will be happy.

We recently tasted red blends from Fortitude, owned and made by Etude Winery. The Fortitude wines are made from family-owned single vineyards. I like these two red blends equally, for different reasons.

FORTITUDE "Frediani Field Blend"
Napa Valley 2005 $17
Old vine red from northern Napa Valley. 58% Charbono, 32% Carignane,
5% Petite Sirah, 5% Valdiguie. Co-fermented. Has a bright, light, easy-drinking nature. More fresh juicy berries than jammy. Black pepper, blueberries, violets and lavender. Medium-bodied and versatile with food. Drink this wine as you would a fuller-bodied, fruity, spicy Chianti.

FORTITUDE "Shake Ridge"
Amador County 2005 $17

"Shake Ridge" is a relatively new vineyard outside the town of Sutter Creek in Amador County (Gold Country). The vines were planted, and are tended, with the utmost skill and love. I believe you can taste this in the wine.
It's 48% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 14% Tempranillo, 12% Barbera and
6% Primitivo, all fermented together.
"Shake Ridge" is dense, rich, luscious and strong. Dark fruits, chocolate, low-acid, spice. A very hearty red. Drink this as you would a rich, spicy California Zinfandel. As good by itself as it is with food.

How about a mixed case?
2 bottles of each: $190
(includes 10% discount)

Shipping discount special through March
2 cases, 10% off shipping
3 or more cases, 15% off shipping

To order, call toll free at 877-322-2576
Order online here,
Reply to this email, or COME TO THE SHOP.
Thank you for reading.

TASTING EVENTS
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, MARCH 20, 5 to 8 P.M.

Wines from
the Mediterranean
This Friday night we're cracking open wines that come from near The Sea. Mediterranean Sea, that is. Two from Spain (bubbles and BIG RED), France (Ros� and BIG RED) and the Islands of Italy (delicious fresh white and another BIG RED).
Should be a dandy night of fine wine.
The Mediterranean wine tasting is $15, and wines poured will be on sale for 10% off. Here's the tasting sheet for this Friday night.
We'll see you here!

DINNER & A TASTING is two weeks from Monday.
Monday, April 6, 6 P.M. Start.
"Taste Tour of France" is the theme, with special guest Bill Elbring of North Berkeley Imports. We'll touch on all the best regions of France: We'll have Burgundy, Rhone, Alsace and much much more for you to drink & enjoy. Dinner will be made and delivered by ZuZu Restaurant. Just got an email this morning from Zuzu Chef Angela, and here's what she's thinking (tentative menu friends...want to pique your interest):
Roasted Portabello Mushroom Toasts with Truffle Oil
Sonoma County Duck Confit with Beluga Lentils
Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Loin with Pineapple Ginger Glaze

Dinner & A Tasting is $40/person (plus tax).
Reservations are being taken now.
Call or email to reserve your spot.

Thanks for reading.

Drink more Picpoul.
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: daniel@backroomwines.com

Mediterranean
Wines

This Friday,
March 20,
5 to 8 P.M.
Six wines that can practically
"see the sea."
Italy:
Sardinia & Sicily.
France: Provence and the Catalanes.
Spain: Cava and
big Penedes red.
HERE'S THE TASTING SHEET
$15/tasting

Excellent California wines for under $18
Next Friday,
March 27
5 to 8 P.M.
To include many of the wines in this week's wine feature.
$10/tasting