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Local Pinot Gris and Big Mountain Red
We have TWO Money Wines this week
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Greetings!
A festive launch to 2010 for Back Room Wines. Last week's two tasting events were smash-hits! Our 8th Annual Sparkling Wine Tasting brought in 80 tasters: that's a lot for our spunky yet diminutive staff. We managed to make all of you happy and full of bubbles & potato chips (one unopened bag of Lay's remains). It warms my heart to see so many here who love sparkling wine as much as I do.
Our inaugural "Bring A Blind Bottle Tasting" was a hit as well.
20 attendees: not bad for a cold Thursday night in January. Good wines, including REALM Cabernet Sauvignon "Dr. Crane" 2006, which owner Juan Mercado left for us after presenting (in stock, $115/bottle). We had good guesses, we had interesting guesses. Let me tell you, guessing the grape is really hard! You should try it at home, if you're too far away to attend our next "Bring a Blind Bottle" tasting on Thursday, February 4.
This Thursday night we get to know Loire Valley Chenin Blanc.
This Friday we pour you wines from Argentina.
Right hand column, just below has details.
One more thing re. tastings: the Back Room Blow Out XXXV line-up is now complete!
Friday, January 29, 5 to 8 P.M. It's our signature event.
Many readers, I realize, wish they lived closer and could attend our tastings. You know that I want to make the vicarious tasting experience more pleasure than pain by keeping you well-stocked with delicious Back Room Wines. I can make the case that wine never tastes better than in January. Fewer distractions, a cozy home (and a fire perhaps) thwarting the frozen outside air, a good movie, maybe a simple and delicious stew for dinner...factors that make a good wine taste spectacular. Today's two "Money Wines" fit the January bill, and the January bill, if you get my drift.
Character, richness, winter food-friendliness, intensity, all the good stuff. It's here today at
Back Room Wines, and ready for your wine glass.
Just one more thing before we move on. For the life of me, I never dreamed that Mark McGuire took steroids. Who'd a thunk?
Carry on my wayward son.
Dan
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Two "Money Wines"
I couldn't decide which of these new wines to feature,
so you get both!
Our inaugual "Money Wine" last week, Voces Petite Sirah Napa Valley 2006, was a hit. Some bought a few bottles, a couple of you bought a whole case. Most purchases came from Texas, interestingly.
This week, I have two for you.
In case you missed last week's email, the "Money Wine" is a new weekly feature in Back Room Wines Emails. To qualify as a Money Wine, it must be very good of course, tiny production, a particularly good value, and have enough broad appeal that I can confidently recommend it to anyone who just flat-out likes good wine (no acquired taste necessary.)
I couldn't decide between the two wines below, and with more contenders coming in every day, I prefer no queue, so I give you two!
ANCIEN Pinot Gris "Sangiacomo Vineyard" Carneros 2008, $21/bottle
Ken & Teresa Bernards have been crafting exceptional, small lots of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris for almost twenty years in their small winery just outside of Napa-town. Subjectively, I'm smitten with the Pinot Gris. It's Alsatian style...the vine cuttings come from Alsace, in fact.
Particularly rich and creamy. Most importantly, THIS IS DELICIOUS WHITE
WINE! Apricots, tangerines, pears, marzipan, honeysuckle.
Very
satisfying and hearty while staying clean & dry. Versatile with
food, from fried chicken to vegetable stir fry. 467 cases made. Order Ancien Pinot Gris Here
And by the way, Ken & Teresa will be pouring at Back Room Blow Out XXXV, on Friday January 29. Here's the Blow Out XXXV line-up.
SPOTTED OWL VINEYARDS
"Mountain Cuvée"  Sonoma Valley 2007 $26
Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah from
this new, tiny Mt. Veeder winery. The color and nose is dark, rich and
spicy. Black berry fruits, black pepper, French roast coffee and cedar.
Full bodied and substantial in the mouth with good acidity and
exceptional length. A good decanting will elevate your enjoyment immensely. It's classic steak & potatoes wine. The more roasted, peppery and hearty the food, the better for a perfect match.
Spotted Owl "Mountain Cuvée" comes
from the top of the Mayacamas Mountain range, on the Sonoma County side. It's "almost Mt. Veeder."
Rolando Herrera, winemaker (He owns and makes Mi Sueño wines).
500 cases made.
Order Spotted Owl "Mountain Cuvée" here.
You may also reply to this email to order,
or call us, toll-free, at 877-322-2576
Thank you!
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Best Candy Bar I've Ever Had
| Have you had a Jer's Candy Bar? Holy Cow, it's amazing. A Jer's "Cara Mella" Peanut Butter Bar was in my Christmas stocking.
I've been to the mountaintop, and my candy bar perspective is forever changed. First of all, it comes in a box with TWO individually wrapped bars. You know the line: What's better than a Jer's Candy Bar? TWO Jer's Candy Bars! Next, what a taste. Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, complex. And I like his line on the box, "everyday is an occasion." Sounds like a certain wine merchant you know. I'll get to know more about Jer's, as I just demolished Bar #2 without sharing with Santa, and she won't look too kindly on this. Www.jers.com, here I come!
Drink more 1% milk...I could use some right now.
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
email: daniel@backroomwines.com
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Taste wines from ARGENTINA
This Friday,
January 15,
come anytime from 5 to 8 P.M.
A flight of six wines: Torrontes (a dry and a late harvest), Malbec, Red Blends. Enjoy this delicious and grand value wines from down south.
$10/Tasting
Here's the line-up and tasting sheet.
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Get to Know CHENIN BLANC
This Thursday, January 14.
Come anytime between 5 & 8
We line up five Loire Valley Chenin Blancs for you. Starting with very dry and finishing with dessert.
Chenin is one of the most under-rated wines of the world, and the Loire Valley makes them the best. Come for wine ENJOYMENT and APPRECIATION.
$15/tasting
Here's the
Chenin Blanc line-up.
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