Before we get started today, a quick scheduling note. Tomorrow (Saturday, February 27th), Perman Wine will have shortened hours, opening at 11 am and closing at 6 pm. My lovely, brilliant wife will be in charge of the store while I travel this weekend to Montreal. She will be armed with pre–packed “Six for $60’s.” I will also be closed on Monday, March 1st, while I travel back. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

Now, it is time to get down to business! If you haven’t heard of the “six for $60” it is about time you did! It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values. Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e–mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ’em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If Grenache from Navarra makes you sneeze, Gros Manseng has been banned from your household, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

This sampler, which may be my best ever, is in stock and ready to be picked up or shipped out!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 ARTAZURI GARNACHA
While Rioja’s dominance helped make Tempranillo, Spain’s most famous grape, the fact is that Garnacha (a synonym for what the French call Grenache) is the most planted varietal. Another fact is that this red varietal makes for many a delicious value. I need more than both my hands to count the amount of great value Garnacha from Spain that I taste on a yearly basis.

Grenache stretches from Catalunya in the northeast, all the way to north–central Spain in regions like Rioja and Navarra. Each appellation produces a little bit of a different style of Garnacha, which goes to show that it is a nuanced varietal which adapts to its soil and micro–climate.

Navarra the region that is home to the famed city of Pamplona is a prominent appellation for Garnacha. While co–operatives dominated the scene in this area for many years, in 1996 famed Rioja producer, Artadi decided to start a winery in the northern part of Navarra.

Artadi’s winemaker, Juan Carlos López de la Calle was moved by the old vines he found, not to mention the fact that the area was at a higher elevation, which meant for cooler nights and a fresher style of Garnacha.

The ’08 Artazuri Garnacha is an entry–level wine that comes from 40+ year–old vines, and is aged for six months in old oak barrels. There is a reason why year in and year out, this garners 90 point scores from every major reviewer. Dollar for dollar it may be Spain’s best value in Garnacha.

Very aromatic with high–toned notes of strawberry, cherry and pepper. The red fruits continue through on the palate, and never get overwhelming or too candied. The finish is fresh, remarkably long, and just plain fun to drink.
$10.00 BTL. / $120.00 CASE

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2008 DOMAINE DES CASSAGNOLES GROS MANSENG “RESERVE SELECTION”
What’s more fun than Gros Manseng? So your saying this French varietal doesn’t roll off your tongue when listing your favorites? Well, it is about time it did.

Gros Manseng is a varietal found mainly in the Gascony region of southwest France. It is said to be of Basque origins, and offers big aromatics and flavors. It can be vinified dry or sometimes it is see in botrytized versions.

One of my go to producers for delicious dry Gros Manseng year in and year out is that of Domaine des Cassagnoles. There is no real fancy story behind this winery. Just a hard working family that owns 76 hectares of vineyards, which used to find its way into Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne. In the early ’80’s white wine production slowly became the mainstay, with a wide range of wines produced.

The 2008 Reserve Selection is going to soon become a favorite of yours. Really pretty aromatics combining classic apricot notes along with citrus peel, and hints of herbs. Bright acidity, with some weight and richness, this is something to pair with simply prepared fish like halibut or even trout.
$10.00 BTL. / $120.00 CASE

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2007 ERIC CHEVALIER CHARDONNAY VIN DE PAYS DU VAL DE LOIRE
I like writing, believe me I do. But sometimes you have to let others do the talking. When I contacted Bruce Neyers, who is the national sales director for Kermit Lynch to get more info on this wine and the Vin de Pays du Vaucluse below, he sent very nice notes that I felt I must use. Here is a great introduction to the wines of Eric Chevalier.

“Eric Chevalier comes from the same mold that gave us Marcel Lapierre of Morgon, André Ostertag of Alsace, Didier Barral of Faugères and Sylvain Fadat of d’Aupilhac. All are vignerons with long family traditions, but they sought more from their love of wine and found it, in each case, by following a different path.

Eric’s family is from Muscadet, and they own vines there and make wine from that appellation. Eric sensed there was a bit more to be had outside of the tradition, however, and found a parcel of old vine Chardonnay that made wine that was interesting to him. As a Vin de Pays, he discovered, he could sell it for a low price and get attention. It certainly got Kermit’s.

He found a parcel of Sauvignon Gris as well, old vines again, but in this instance vines scheduled to be torn out and replanted. He took over the parcel and now makes one of the most fascinating versions of this varietal we’ve tasted. Remember this, because there are a number of talented vignerons who are working with this variety, and you can expect to see more of it in the future.

Here we have a young, obviously gifted winemaker, trying to break free of the traditions surrounding him, while at the same time respecting them enough to want to add to them. People like that deserve our support and encouragement.”

This wine has beautiful purity, and ultimately deserves a very simply prepared dinner of grilled fish, or simple goat and cows milk cheeses. This is being offered at a great price to make room for the next vintage, and is drinking perfectly.
$9.00 BTL. / $108.00 CASE

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2007 “CUVÉE SELECTIONÉE PAR KERMIT LYNCH” VIN DE PAYS DU VAUCLUSE
Again, Bruce Neyers weighs in…

“A few years ago, Kermit learned that the Leydier family, proprietors of the celebrated Domaine Durban Muscat Beaume de Venise, owned a parcel of red vines – mostly Grenache and Syrah – in the hills adjacent to their plantings of Muscat, just northeast of Beaume de Venise.

The vineyards are at about the same elevation as Sang des Cailloux and lie just a few kilometers to the east of Vacqueyras, in an area that is called simply Côtes du Rhône Villages.

As soon as the family could arrange for the local Co–op to release the grapes, they produced the wine themselves, we began to import it, and it’s been a huge success ever since.

Darker, more flavorful and simply more interesting than the other Côtes du Rhône bottlings we bring in, the Durban Côtes du Rhône Villages has developed a following of loyal supporters, one of whom referred to it recently as a ‘mini-Vacqueyras.’ One vintage of it even received an ‘important’ score from Robert Parker, an 89 or a 90, I believe, but I forget which. But that’s not why I write.

At the same time that Kermit began to import the Leydier family’s Côtes du Rhône Villages, he learned that they had a smaller but equally interesting parcel of vines still further to the east, outside of even the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, a Vin de Table that they were not allowed to Domaine bottle.

This too was produced in their newly built red wine facility, but the small quantity we brought in annually invariably went to the group of buyers who tasted the wine during my January trip to France. Well, to the point of my story, we have some good news as yet another parcel has now been released from the local Co–operative and the production has increased significantly, to almost 1000 cases.

We sold 500 of those cases while visiting Durban last month, and the remaining inventory is available to those hearty souls who act quickly. The wine is labeled with the Selection par Kermit Lynch label, and is not identified as Domaine Durban. Dark colored, full–bodied and loaded with spicy flavors, it calls to mind one of those old bottlings of Domaine de la Gautiere from a good year like the 1990 or the 1995.”

Think rustic French here, drink with duck, beef, preferably in a hearty stew format.
$9.00 BTL. / $108.00 CASE

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2008 VALLE REALE “VIGNE NUOVE” MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
The wines of Valle Reale from the Abruzzo region of Italy have been a house favorite here at Perman Wine for a while. Many of you may have heard me wax poetic about how Valle Reale makes Montepulciano of great elegance and purity because of their location farther inland, within a notably cooler micro–climate.

So I won’t bore you by repeating myself, but will tell you that the new vintage of their best buy, “Vigne Nuove” was a must add to this month’s sampler. A great introduction to the estate, the grapes that go into this wine come from their youngest vines in Popoli. To offer the freshness of these vines, Valle Reale vinifies and rests the wine in stainless steel.

This is Montepulciano in a bikini, a wine that shows off its potential and is something you will want to have on almost every occasion. Bright notes of cherry, mint, mineral and a touch of pepper on the nose and palate. You always ask about pizza / pasta wines, well here you have a great one at a great price.
$11.00 BTL. / $132.00 CASE

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2007 CASA CASTILLO MONASTRELL
For a while this sampler was turning into the Malbec of the month club. Then seemingly came a Tempranillo every month. Well now I have inundated you with Monastrell from the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain.

Here folks is the King of all inexpensive Monastrell from Casa Castillo. Many inexpensive Monastrell from Murcia come from co–ops and sometimes can be just average. Casa Castillo is a single estate that strives to make wine representative of the area and its traditions. How much do they believe in this? Enough to leave their previous importer because he was pushing to make more international style wines. A very smart move.

Their basic Monastrell is as delicious as they come, with controlled temperature fermentation in tank followed by maturation in French and American oak barrels for no more than six months.

The result is a really complex look into the varietal. Rich black and red fruits on the nose with a full–bodied and complex palate full of dark fruit, spice, and hints at chocolate. This finishes fresh and long, never fatiguing the palate. This screams for red meat, and really, why deny it?
$11.00 BTL. / $132.00 CASE

One of the greatest trends in the California wine world over the past decade has been the emergence of Syrah and other Rhône varietals. In the Central Coast of California, these varietals make a lot of sense, and a handful of producers are making top–notch wines that have even taken their place on the world wine stage.

Two years ago I was first introduced to Joey Tensley, winemaker and owner of Tensley Wines based in Los Olivos, within Santa Barbara County. After tasting through his line–up at the time, he instantly became my favorite producer in the area.

Maybe it’s his vineyard sites, maybe it’s his winemaking philosophy, but Joey gets it. His touch with varieties like Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne show great understanding of the fine line that a producer can cross turning their wines into something too heavy handed.

Today on the newsletter I am featuring what is a very special value from the Tensley Wines, and also giving last call on some of his ’07’s that are sold out throughout the country. We are very lucky to have these wines here in Chicago, and if you want to try a Syrah from one of the real superstar winemakers of the varietal, it is time you too be introduced to Joey Tensley.

To assist in your discovery, I will have a bottle open of the Santa Barbara Syrah this Saturday to try.  So come on down!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 TENSLEY “SANTA BARBARA COUNTY” SYRAH
This is truly a spectacular value for Syrah. The ’07 vintage is a much lauded one for Tensley, and it shows through in this wine. A snippet of what this wine is all about from Joey.

“This year’s Santa Barbara Syrah was sourced from three distinct vineyards: Camp 4 (41%), Clover Creek, (44%) and Colson Canyon (15%). The Camp 4 brings in bright notes of raspberry, red stone fruits, and earth while the Clover Creek introduces a deep, jammy core of black fruits and berries. The Colson pulls it all together with just the right hints of chocolate, minerals, smoked meats and a streak of tannins to balance it all out. Drink this wine now or age it over the next 3 to 5 years. 245 cases produced.” – Joey Tensley, Tensley Wines

If you have been hanging around Perman Wine for a bit you know that I’m extremely critical when it comes to the price vs. quality ratio of American wines. I’m a big picture thinker, and so it is doubly important for me to note in an instance like this that you are getting every pennies worth out of this wine, not to mention all the Tensley wines. This is a simply delicious Syrah!
$19.99 BTL. / $239.88 CASE

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LAST CALL ON A COUPLE SINGLE VINEYARD SYRAH’S FROM TENSLEY
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2007 TENSLEY “TIERRA ALTA VINEYARD” SYRAH
Beautiful elegance is what “Tierra Alta” is all about. Joey explains…

“As always the 99 Syrah clone we source from this vineyard hillside comes through with just the right touch of mineral and spice to add depth to this juicy, fruit–driven wine. Bursting with notes of vibrant huckleberry and wild berries, this Syrah also shows nuances of earth and leather. Deep and round with a long, smooth finish, this wine is tempting even at a young age but has the structure to last the next 10 years. 330 Cases Produced.” – Joey Tensley, Tensley Wines
$34.99 BTL. / $419.88 CASE

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2007 TENSLEY “COLSON CANYON” SYRAH
This is the vineyard that Tensley is known for. A big Syrah, but with balance, that will evolve in your cellar. Big press if you care, see Mr. Parker. What you should care about is what a complete Syrah this is. Joey explains…

“Approximately half of our wine production is made up of fruit from the meticulously farmed vineyard located high in the mountains off Tepusquet Canyon. Colson Canyon is the only one of our wines to see any new oak. It is aged in 20% new, 20% one–year-old, and 60% neutral French oak barrels. The 2007 growing season was exceptional. Low rainfall and long, cool hang times before harvest meant small, concentrated berries and wine heaven. Our Colson fruit made a dark, inky wine rich in stone fruit, violets and blackberries. It shows good balance and roundness and a harmonious blending of tannin and acidity. Drink this wine now or age it up to 15 years. 1450 cases produced.” – Joey Tensley, Tensley Wines
$34.99 BTL. / $419.88 CASE

This week in my tastings, I tried a wine that was up to my strict criteria.

Tardieu–Laurent is an excellent producer focusing on wines from throughout the Rhône Valley of France. Their ‘04 Rasteau “Vieilles Vignes” is a wine that is at its peak, and will be enjoyed by anyone who gravitates toward wine from this part of France.

Cheers,
Craig

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For those of you new to the e-mail list, from time to time I have worked with a local team of Chef’s called X-Marx. We have collaborated to offer exciting food and wine dinners in the past. Now we are back after a brief hiatus with what promises to be a delicious, entertaining and educational beer dinner focusing on Belgian beers matched with a take on food from their provinces.

I also have included in this e-mail some upcoming tastings happening at the store. Some of these are filling up fast, but remember even if they do fill up, join the waiting list as cancellations do happen.

I really hope you can make an event in the future!
Cheers,
Craig

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X-Marx and Perman Wine Selections announce
“A Taste of the Belgian Provinces” dinner

Saturday, March 13th
7:00 – 10:00 P.M.
$95 per person, excluding tip, inclusive of tax
20 spots available – This will go fast!
Secret location will be announced the week of the event to those attending

Beer enthusiasts sign up today for what will be a very special Belgian beer dinner. I am teaming up with X-Marx once again for this great evening.
We are honored to be joined by Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg & De Wulf. Two of the most authoritative figures on Belgian beer in the United States. Their import company brings some of Belgian’s best beers to our tables here in the United States.

It is no secret that Belgium has some of the most extraordinary cuisine in the world. Throughout the country regional dishes are paired with local beers. This evening is meant to explore the wonderful world of Belgian beers and their provincial pairings.

Six beers will be poured alongside six dishes specially created to match. Two of the beers have never been poured in Chicago, so this will be an evening of exciting new discoveries.

What are you waiting for, sign up today!

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Southern Italy or Bust!
Thursday, February 25th
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
$45
9 spots available – RSVP today

A wave of improvement in wine quality in Italy has occurred in the last twenty years. Like that wave which starts at the top, the revolution began in Northern Italy and has now cascaded to Southern Italy. Regions like Campania, Puglia, and Sicily are loaded with interesting white and red wines from varietals like Aglianico, Negroamaro, and Nerello Mascalese. We will taste a small slice of some of the best wines from these areas.

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Retrospective tasting – Châteauneuf-du-Pape grows old
Thursday, March 4th
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
$80
Sold Out – Get on the wait list today

One of the most famed appellations in all of France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape holds a dear place in many wine drinkers memories. One of the major problems with the wine of the region is that they taste so darn good young. Kind of difficult to keep your hands off! But when you can, the drinker is rewarded with aromatic fireworks and a symphony of flavors. This retrospective tasting will feature wines from Château de Beaucastel, Domaine de la Janasse, Charvin and more.

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United Nations of Pinot Noir
Wednesday, March 24th
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
$55
9 spots available – RSVP today

Seemingly every corner of the world is producing and excelling at great Pinot Noir. At this tasting these Pinot’s unite for what should be a very interesting comparison tasting. There will be Pinot Noir from New Zealand, Australia, Burgundy, Austria, California, Oregon, Slovenia, Germany and Italy. I don’t think any convincing is necessary to get you to this one!

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Retrospective tasting – Red Burgundy after 10
Wednesday, March 31st
7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
$90
5 spots available – RSVP today

To the Pinot Noir fan, Burgundy is the holy grail for Pinot Noir to cellar. A carefully aged bottle from the famed region is not only a study in deliciousness, but also in the soil that it comes from. Burgundy and the notion of “terroir” are forever linked, but this really is present when those bottles hit age 10. At this retrospective tasting we will taste Burgundy, all 10 years or older. The focus will be on those from the ’95, ’96, ’97, and ’98 vintages. This is a special tasting, and should sell out quickly.

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A Spanish Nightcap
Friday, April 9th
9:00 – 10:30 P.M.
$40
2 spots available – RSVP today

Come join me for my first ever “late night” tasting. Spain is all about late night living. So why not celebrate one of my favorite wine countries by having a late night tasting? Here we will take a broad look at some of the most intriguing Spanish wines available. Expect Rioja, but also taste from regions like Ribeira Sacra, Jumilla, Valdeorras and more. Both white and red wines will be poured. Glow sticks will be provided for those going out to the clubs afterwards (that was a joke!).

A Perman Wine tasting is a great way to learn more about wine, as well as get a chance to taste before you buy. Each tasting comes with a theme to let us delve head first into. All levels of tasters are welcome, Perman Wine is a wine snob-free zone.

This year I will also offer a series of retrospective tastings, where older wine will be highlighted. For anyone that cellars wine or wonders what older wine tastes like these will be a must to attend.

Finally, many of you have been wondering when my collaborative dinners with X-Marx would return, and today I announce what promises to be a very exciting beer dinner, “A Taste of the Belgian Provinces.”

Mark your calendars and reserve your spots today for the following upcoming events at Perman Wine Selections.

Cheers,

Craig

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Southern Italy or Bust!
Thursday, February 25th
7:00 8:30 P.M.
$45
14 spots available RSVP today

A wave of improvement in wine quality in Italy has occurred in the last twenty years. Like that wave which starts at the top, the revolution began in Northern Italy and has now cascaded to Southern Italy. Regions like Campania, Puglia, and Sicily are loaded with interesting white and red wines from varietals like Aglianico, Negroamaro, and Nerello Mascalese. We will taste a small slice of some of the best wines from these areas.

======
Retrospective tasting Châteauneuf-du-Pape grows old
Thursday, March 4th
7:00 8:30 P.M.
$80
14 spots available RSVP today

One of the most famed appellations in all of France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape holds a dear place in many wine drinkers memories. One of the major problems with the wine of the region is that they taste so darn good young. Kind of difficult to keep your hands off! But when you can, the drinker is rewarded with aromatic fireworks and a symphony of flavors. This retrospective tasting will feature wines from Château de Beaucastel, Domaine de la Janasse, Charvin and more.
======

X-Marx and Perman Wine Selections announce
“A Taste of the Belgian Provinces” dinner
Saturday, March 13th
7:00 10:00 P.M.
Price to be determined
20 spots available Save the date
Location will be announced at a future date

Beer enthusiasts must mark their calendar now for what will be a very special Belgian beer dinner. I am teaming up with X-Marx once again for this great evening.

We are honored to be joined by Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg & De Wulf. Two of the most authoritative figures on Belgian beer in the United States. Their import company brings some of Belgians best beers to our tables here in the United States. More details to come, so put a do not disturb sign on that date, because you wont want to miss this.
======

United Nations of Pinot Noir
Wednesday, March 24th
7:00 8:30 P.M.
$55
14 spots available RSVP today

Seemingly every corner of the world is producing and excelling at great Pinot Noir. At this tasting these Pinots unite for what should be a very interesting comparison tasting. There will be Pinot Noir from New Zealand, Australia, Burgundy, Austria, California, Oregon, Slovenia, Germany and Italy. I dont think any convincing is necessary to get you to this one!

======

Retrospective tasting Red Burgundy after 10
Wednesday, March 31st
7:00 9:00 P.M.
$90
14 spots available RSVP today

To the Pinot Noir fan, Burgundy is the holy grail for Pinot Noir to cellar. A carefully aged bottle from the famed region is not only a study in deliciousness, but also in the soil that it comes from. Burgundy and the notion of “terroir” are forever linked, but this really is present when those bottles hit age 10. At this retrospective tasting we will taste Burgundy, all 10 years or older. The focus will be on those from the 95, 96, 97, and 98 vintages. This is a special tasting, and should sell out quickly.

======
A Spanish Nightcap
Friday, April 9th
9:00 10:30 P.M.
$40
14 spots available RSVP today

Come join me for my first ever late night tasting. Spain is all about late night living. So why not celebrate one of my favorite wine countries by having a late night tasting? Here we will take a broad look at some of the most intriguing Spanish wines available. Expect Rioja, but also taste from regions like Ribeira Sacra, Jumilla, Valdeorras and more. Both white and red wines will be poured. Glow sticks will be provided for those going out to the clubs afterwards (that was a joke!).

Hello,

Super Bowl weekend is on its way and whether you care about the results of the game or not, it’s time to party.

Perman Wine has got you covered on all your beer and wine needs!

Eight new exciting beers just arrived at Perman Wines today, so stock up on some exciting new Belgian and American Craft beers.

On a wine note, I’ve decided to do a little something different on today’s newsletter. I’m focusing on value with 10 wines, each description written in six sentences or less. Everything is under $25 dollars, and all of these are terrific wines to share with friends and family this coming weekend!

Enjoy the read and order your wine today so you can stock up before the big day!

Cheers,
Craig

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2006 DOMAINE DES CROIX BOURGOGNE ROUGE

David Croix is one of Burgundy’s most exciting young winemakers.

2006 is a rocking good vintage, with classic and pure wines.

You won’t find another Bourgogne Rouge this delicious for under $25.

Pinot Noir fruit mainly from Beaune and Savigny-lès-Beaune, aged in old oak.

Crystal clear flavors, with hints at raspberry, strawberry and mineral.

This will fly out the door, so secure your today!

$21.99 BTL. / $263.88 CASE – NORMALLY $25.99 BTL.

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2007 LUNA BEBERIDE “FINCA LA CUESTA” BIERZO

100% Mencía from the region of Bierzo, located in the northwest of Spain.

60 year-old + vines, very low yields, from calcareous clay and slate soil.

Aged one year in French oak.

Crazy, opulent flavors, with hints at blueberry, blackberry, spice, and fine tannin.

Delicious with virtually any slab of dead red meat, make sure it’s dead!

Really complex Spanish juice for the money!

$19.99 BTL. / $239.88 CASE

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2007 BODEGA BOUZA TANNAT

Tannat is a grape varietal, most famous in the appellation of Madiran in France.

This comes from the Las Violetas area about 25 miles outside of the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo.

This family owned winery, is a recognized quality leader in Uruguay.

Fermented in tank and barrel and aged in French oak for 14 months.

Hard to find truly tannic wines these days, but this has medium tannins, along with hints at plums and spice.

A must try Uruguayan Tannat.

$15.99 BTL. / $191.88 CASE

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2006 BUGLIONI VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE “IL RUFFIANO”

One of my favorite examples of Valpolicella, the famed region of Northeast Italy that blends Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara.

We are pretty lucky here in Chicago as we are one of only a few markets in the United States that receive the wines from this small producer.

Partial dried fruit that is added in “Il Ruffiano” gives this great depth of flavor.

A savory and rich wine with classic dried cherry, baking spices and herbs.

A terrific red to pair with braised meats and stews.

$22.99 BTL. / $275.88 CASE

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2005 BRESSIA BODEGA “MONTEAGRELO” MALBEC

Without exception, the most well received Malbec that I have offered in my store!

Walter Bressia is a long time winemaker in Argentina, and his own winery is a family affair.

All Malbec from high-density vineyards in Tupungato and Agrelo.

Aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months.

Deep, rich and inky with hints at black cherry, raspberry, cocoa, and nutmeg.

$23.99 BTL. / $143.94 SIX-PACK CASE

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2008 MARTÍNSANCHO VERDEJO

Rueda is a name you should remember when looking for fresh and vibrant white wines from Spain.

Martínsancho is one of the iconic wines of the region, and for me Ángel Rodríguez makes the best wine of the appellation.

The super gravelly soils owned by Rodríguez, along with the super cool nights of the region give this its acidic backbone and great minerality.

Another very important reason for quality is the fact that the vineyards are dry farmed, which leads to vines that dig deep into the soil for maximum complexity.

Citrus notes of white grapefruit, along with pear, mineral and fine herbs are all present, finishing with great acidity.

If you make ceviche and you don’t pair this wine with it, you should be ashamed of yourself!

$16.99 BTL. / $203.88 CASE

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2008 LEGADO DEL CONDE ALBARIÑO

Speaking of Spain, its most notable white grape varietal is that of Albariño.

You will not find a better example of Albariño for under $15, you just won’t!

Legado del Conde is from the folks that do the Morgadío Albariño.

91 Point review from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, not bad for $13.99 a bottle!

Enjoy this for its vibrant notes of kiwi, citrus, stone fruit, mineral and refreshing finish.

Fish is king in Galicia where this hails from, and you can enjoy this with virtually any seafood.

$13.99 BTL. / $167.88 CASE

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2007 HOCUS POCUS SYRAH

Delicious American Syrah for under $20, you almost need a magician to make that happen.

Husband and wife team Peter Hunken and Amy Christine make this delicious Syrah, remember that Genuine Risk Cabernet I featured a couple weeks ago?

Predominantly Syrah from the Dierberg-Starlane Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley.

They only make 500 cases, and if you like Cali Syrah, you should drink one of them.

Rich and delicious and perfect with BBQ.

$16.99 BTL. / $203.88 CASE

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2007 CHÂTEAU MUSAR “CUVÉE BLANC”

I know you are saying in your head “o.k. Perman, white wine from Lebanon, now you’re pushing it!”

Château Musar is perhaps Lebanon’s most famous producer, located in the Bekka Valley.

The vineyards sit at an altitude of over 3,000 feet, which means that even in the warm climate of Lebanon,  both the whites and reds retain freshness.

“Cuvée Blanc” is an excellent value made from the local grape called Obeideh, which some relate to Chardonnay.

Aromatically this has plenty of fresh citrus notes, but also shows hints of earthiness.

A good pairing would be a simply prepared whole roasted fish dressed with olive oil, lemon, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano.

$17.99 BTL. / $215.88 CASE

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2005 L’OUSTAL BLANC MINERVOIS ROUGE

Don’t let the name fool you; L’Oustal Blanc specializes in red wines, and hearty Minervois at that!

Minervois is a region in the Western Languedoc that uses grapes like Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre for their blends

This is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Carignan.

Full-bodied, rich and seductive red that combines red and dark fruit, pepper spice, and a long finish.

Perfect with roasted leg of lamb or duck confit.

Being offered at a reduced price, that makes this a flat out steal!

$16.99 BTL. / $203.88 CASE

If you haven’t heard of the “six for $60” it is about time you did! It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values. Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e-mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ‘em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If wines from the Languedoc give you nose bleeds, Frascati makes you break out in hives, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

The sampler is in stock and ready to be picked up or shipped out!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 CHÂTEAU ETANG DE COLOMBES CORBIÈRES “TRADITION”
I love a good case study, and this month we delve into the “terroir” of the Languedoc, that widespread region that sits in the very southern part of France, north and northeast of the Spanish border. This month’s sampler feature two wines from different appellations of the region.

You can’t mention the Languedoc without talking about the appellation of Corbières. It is by far the largest appellation, with over 37,000 acres under vine. Some effort has been made to study the region’s nuances – so it boasts 11 delineated districts.

Château Etang des Colombes has been around for hundreds of years; it was formerly the property of the Archbishop of Narbonne. The property is located in the northern part of Corbières, around the village of Lézignan. The Gualco family has represented and taken care of the estate for four generations.

The Etang des Colombes “Tradition” is a blend of 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 30% old-vine Carignan and 10% Mourvèdre. This is a similar blend that you will taste in the Fitou (coming up). What you will notice when tasting the Corbières is that, despite its richness, it has good acidity, and offers a more “cool climate” approach to these Rhône varietals. Some of that comes from the fact that Lézignan – its sub-appellation in the Languedoc [there are SO many] – is farther away from the coast, higher in the hills, and offers soil with chalk, clay and stones.

This is a delicious value, full of wild red berries, herbs and spices, and excellent overall balance. I’ve been tasting the Etang des Colombes wines for over a decade, and this is one of the best efforts that I have tasted to date. Find yourself some squab to roast up and enjoy with a bottle of this for maximum pleasure.
$11.00 BTL. / $132.00 CASE

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2006 CHÂTEAU CHAMPS DES SOEURS FITOU
Let’s head to the coast! Not to take a swim in the water, but instead a dip into the Fitou.

Driving southeast from Etang des Colombes in Corbières, we start heading toward the Mediterranean Sea and into the appellation of Fitou. Again, Rhône varietals are the name of the game in this appellation but the climate and soil change greatly being so close to the coast. Fitou is split into two separate areas: Fitou-Maritime and Fitou de Hautes-Corbières. The red wines are blends, with at least 30% Carignan incorporated, and often a high proportion of Grenache.

Château Champs des Soeurs is a relative newcomer in Fitou. This small winery owns 13 hectares of land, much of which is in Fitou-Maritime on hard, schist soil. This excellent example of Fitou is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Carignan, and 10% Syrah. This tank-fermented wine is a pure expression of the region.

You will notice the dark and red liqueu-like fruit, along with lots of spice, Mediterranean herbs, and hints of chocolate on the nose and palate. This very savory wine is a perfect winter wine, especially when paired with your favorite short rib recipe.
$11.00 BTL. / $132.00 CASE

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2008 PIERRE LUNEAU-PAPIN GROS-PLANT DU PAY NANTAIS
A great marinated, grilled hangar steak. A perfectly prepared tripe stew. To the chef, these ingredients, while humble and usually inexpensive to use, still can make for incredible dishes.

This has its application in the wine world. Gros-Plant is little seen this side of the ocean, as it is considered a humble, workhorse of a grape that makes merely simple and “easy” wines. While this grape can be innocuous for most of the average “cooks,” in the hands of a great “chef” like Pierre Luneau-Papin, this is a delectable, food-friendly white wine that makes you realize how important a good farmer and winemaker can be in the production of wine.

Pierre is a seventh generation winemaker and at his estate, Pierre de la Grange is very famous for its great line-up of Muscadets. You’ve seen these wines here before, and so you knew I would jump at the chance to offer this really tasty Gros-Plant on my sampler.

Gros-Plant du Pay Nantais is the name of a large appellation that can be found surrounding Nantes, right alongside the Atlantic ocean. Luneau-Papin treats this with much of the same care as his Muscadet, lowering yields, harvesting healthy and ripe grapes and vinifying in stainless steel while the wine sits on its lees for an extra period for added complexity.

The result is a super-fresh and vibrant white wine, with plenty of citrus and mineral notes alongside bright acidity on the palate. Here is the lemon for your oyster. Have a sip of this along some simply adorned shellfish or white fish and you will be in Gros-Plant heaven.

$11.50 BTL. / $138.00 CASE

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2008 TENUTA DI PIETRA PORZIA FRASCATI SUPERIORE “REGILLO”
When in Rome, well you are going to have to drink Frascati. Not because there are laws that say so, but maybe the fact that the Romans have been drinking the stuff for around 2,000 years means that this must be something worth checking out.

This crisp and fresh white wine is made from two different clones of Malvasia, along with the grapes Bombino and Grechetto. Made at the historic estate of Tenuta di Pietra Porzia, this is one of the largest and best producers of Frascati Superiore. The winery is state-of-the-art, and the emphasis is to offer wines of great freshness and complexity.

While many Italian white wine enthusiasts think of Frascati as a summer drink, for me, this is an any-time-of-the-year time drink. It is ideal while you are nibbling on antipasti, or as an accompaniment to olive oil-based seafood pasta.
$10.50 BTL. / $126.00 CASE

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2007 CHÂTEAU DE LA BOUYÈRE BORDEAUX
How important is it to taste rather than listen? In the world of wine, very important. They can drive themselves crazy worrying about whether something is from a “good” or “bad” vintage. I’ve even seen people carry tiny little vintage charts in their wallet in the hopes that the world of wine can be condensed into a 3-x-2 note card.

The reason why I bring this up is that 2007 was a so-called “terrible” vintage. (Robert Parker said so.) But, then again, that is why I taste (and you benefit). This tasty little Bordeaux is a perfect example. Yes, this is from the maligned 2007 vintage, predominantly composed of Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

I’m not going to regale you of tales of a grand estate or tiny yields with this wine. This is simple, with good acidity, hints at dark fruit, and fine herbs. It is easy to drink, and the kind of Bordeaux I would expect to get in a carafe at a French bistro. You are going to want to drink this with a meal. Make it simple, a sandwich, burger, charcuterie and cheese. It goes to show you that – amazingly – there is still tasty Bordeaux for under $10 a bottle.

$8.50 BTL. / $102.00 CASE

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2008 BODEGAS CASTAÑO MONASTRELL
Telling you that I recently discovered Castaño Monastrell would be like someone telling you that they recently discovered air. This well-known and widely-distributed Monastrell is simply an insanely good wine for the money. Maybe I’m repeating myself for the tenth time, but remember, the southern Meditteranean coast of Spain with its appellations of Yecla, Jumilla, Valencia (and more) is a great place to look for reds with heft and complexity for under $10.

Bodegas Castaño has actually been a mainstay in the region of Yecla for a while, but it wasn’t until the ‘80’s that quality was improved and exporting became a primary focus. Monastrell is a synonym for the Mourvèdre of France, and Yecla is lucky to have may old vines.

It is from 30-60 year-old, non-irrigated vines that Bodegas Castaño makes this wine. It is fermented and rested in stainless steel tank to preserve its fresh fruit and spice. This opens up in the glass with notes of plum and blackberry. On the palate, it has medium weight, with soft tannins, pepper notes, and a round finish. This is very easy to drink by itself, although it would be awfully good with a chipotle marinated flank steak sandwich.
$7.50 BTL. / $90.00 CASE

I’m back, and ready to roll with a really exciting Friday Feature!

Two wines today that deserve extra special attention.

In one corner, a really amazing ‘08 Pinot Noir from a producer that I visited while away. Here is a glimpse into how good the ’08’s are from Oregon, and this example is a great value!

In the other corner, a wine that is highly sought after by the Rhône enthusiast, none other than the exciting ‘07 Santa Duc Gigondas. With its big review and legion of fans, this is quickly disappearing.

One last note, tomorrow should be a great day to visit Perman Wine as I will have 3 or 4 interesting bottles opened for tasting. Stop on by!

Cheers,

Craig

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2008 AYRES PINOT NOIR, WILLAMETTE VALLEY
As a whole, the 2008 vintage in Oregon has turned out some of the finest young Pinot Noirs that the state has ever produced. While I tasted many very good ‘07 Pinot’s, I was told by one winemaker that “if you made a bad wine in 2008, you may want to find a new job.”

I will be focusing heavily on the ‘08 Pinot Noirs this year here at the store, as many of these are must have’s for the Oregon wine enthusiast.

The other thing I learned, or really was reminded of, was that many winemakers in Oregon have stuck to their guns to produce wines that are not over-extracted, overripe, not to mention over-oaked. The producers are looking to showcase real Pinot Noir, and not the version that tastes more like Syrah. Those may get big scores from the media and they may taste good out of a shot glass, but when sitting down to enjoy a few glasses, the elegant side of the varietal is most impressive.

I visited with Brad McLeroy, winemaker and co-owner of Ayres. The winery and vineyards are located north of Dundee in the Ribbon Ridge district of the Willamette Valley. Their densely spaced vineyards sit on a slope that faces east. Their neighbor to the north is Archery Summit. The winery was founded in 2000 when Brad and his wife Kathleen, along with her parents purchased the vineyard and property.

Brad, a long time wine guy, including a stint as an owner of a retail store in Missouri, moved to Oregon with the desire to produce great Pinot Noir. He learned many of his skills while working under Véronique Drouhin of Domaine Drouhin Oregon, perhaps the most well known winery in the state. He was at DDO for six years, and while you can’t compare his current wines to DDO, there is a thumbprint of finesse that both seem to desire and achieve.

The production of Ayres is composed mainly of three Pinot Noir’s. A Willamette Valley, which is featured today, the Lewis Rogers Lane and Pioneer. Tasting through the lineup this week, what really stood out was the clear nuances and differences you could see in these three different Pinot’s. Clarity in wine and site specificity is difficult to achieve, it takes a talented farmer and winemaker to allow this to happen.

The 2008 Ayres “Willamette Valley” Pinot Noir is an amazing value. Brad uses estate fruit, blending it with purchased fruit from the southern part of the valley, the Eola Hills. During harvest, Bard pulls in his fruit much sooner than many of his neighbors. He also carefully manages his aging in oak, with very little new oak on the Willamette Valley. This wine smells and tastes great from the moment you open it, with beautiful aromas of plum, cherry, and a hint of baking spices. The palate highlights what the ’08’s that I tasted are all about, great richness of fruit, beautifully framed acidity, and terrific length. This one will make you happy!

Drink this beauty now, although it is worth stocking up as it will evolve for 3-5 years in bottle. A little grilled pork belly and a glass of this would go a long way in making my stomach happy!
$25.99 BTL. / $311.88 CASE

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2007 DOMAINE SANTA DUC GIGONDAS
Another must buy on the Friday Feature, but this time for the Southern Rhône Valley enthusiast.

Gigondas is probably the most famous name in the Southern Rhône Valley of France, other than Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vineyards lie along the Dentelles de Montmirail, and while driving through the area one can see gnarled head pruned Grenache vines dotting the landscape.

Santa Duc is a typical story in France, young son takes over from his dad who was selling in bulk to Négociants. In this case Yves Gras, took over from his father Edmond in 1985, and since then has arguably created the best winery in the appellation.

54 acres of land is owned, spread through the Gigondas and Côtes du Rhône appellation. In Gigondas, the family owns parcels of land located on the plateau facing onto the village of Sablet, as well as some prized vines on the terraced slopes heading into the hills.

Gras works late into the harvesting season preferring to pick when the grapes are very ripe. Other important steps in the winemaking process at Santa Duc is a long maceration of skins and juice, no destemming, and aging in a combination of vats and small new and used barrels.

With about 36,000 bottles produced, despite what the review says below about availability, this is a wine that will sell out. 30 cases came into the state of Illinois just a couple days ago, and it is already half gone. I taste a lot of Gigondas, and this is truly a special vintage from a very special producer. Secure your order today!

“The 2007 Gigondas Tradition, a 3,000-case cuvée, is a big-time sleeper of the vintage and well-worth latching onto, since its availability is very good. Dense purple to the rim, with an exquisite nose of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry fruit, chalk, and floral notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with sensational concentration, admirable purity, and beautiful texture and length. The wine is still young and unevolved, but it is very accessible. The acids buttress the wine’s substance, and give it vibrancy and focus. Drink it over the next 10+ years…The three cuvée’s of 2007 are certainly the finest wines I have tasted from Yves Gras since I started visiting him in the mid-1980s. 94 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate.”
$39.99 BTL. / $479.88 CASE – ONLY 3 CASES AVAILABLE – WINE WILL ARRIVE NEXT WEEK

A quick reminder that I will be traveling to Oregon on Thursday morning. I will have a couple of good friends, who happen to be very wine savvy, watching the store for me while I’m gone. The store will have the following abbreviated hours:

Thursday, January 14th – 4pm till 8 pm

Friday, January 15th – Closed

Saturday, January 16th – 1 pm – 8 pm

Monday, January 18th – Closed

Tuesday, January 19th – 4 pm – 8 pm

Wednesday, January 20th – 5:30 pm – 9 pm – Back in the store as soon as I land.

I will report back with all of my discoveries. In the meantime, I will be checking and trying to answer e-mails while I am gone. So if you have wine emergencies, please let me know!

Cheers,

Craig

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2005 MARCEL DEISS “ENGELGARTEN”

Tough food parings – check.  Wines with amazing layers of complexity – check.  Wines that just taste good every sip of the bottle – check again.

The fact is the white wines of Alsace rarely get their due respect these days.  I can list plenty of reasons why this may be, but towards the top of the list would be the fact that there is a lot of confusion about the amazing array of flavors that different bottles from the region will show.

Marcel Deiss has for a long time been known as one of the top winemakers of the region, as well as one of its free thinkers. He too realized the complications of the regions wines, and a few years back he began to bottle field blends from specific Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyard sites.  The thought process is that no matter what varietal is planted in the particular vineyard, it will show site specificity first and then the grape second.

Farming at the estate has been organic for over twenty years, and biodynamic since 1997. While yields across Alsace can be too high, Deiss crops his grapes half of the average yields of his neighbors, and even more on certain wines.  To say great care goes into making these wines is an understatement.

Engelgarten is a Premier Cru rated vineyard situated just south of the village of Bergheim.  Deiss refers to the soil composition as a “magnificent Graves area.”  With its gravelly soil and excellent drainage this vineyard excels in the production of Riesling.  Deiss also has Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Noir planted in Engelgarten, and it is a blend of these that makes up this wine.

I tasted the wine last week and was once again reminded about how truly special the Deiss wines are.  In ‘05 this wine carries a hint of sweetness on the tip of the tongue which will disappear with a couple years bottle aging or when paired with food.

“The 2005 Engelgarten offers a ripe nose of apple jelly, orange liqueur, and jellied red fruits. Lush and liqueur-like – indeed, quite dramatically rich – but underlain with sufficient springs of acidity and chalky mineral substrate that its sweetness never gains the upper hand in a long finish, this should improve for at least 5-7 years. 91 Points, David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate.”

$38.99 BTL. / $467.88 CASE – SPECIAL OFFER AVAILABLE – CONTACT CRAIG

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2006 BLACK SHEEP FINDS “GENUINE RISK” CABERNET SAUVIGNON

I’m often tested when it comes to finding good value California Cabernet that is not “factory made.”  Let’s face it, if you are going to buy an under $20 Cabernet from Napa Valley, chances are it will have been made in giant quantities, and there is also the probability that it will be engineered by a team of winemakers to fit into a flavor profile deemed enjoyable by the general public.

Yet Cabernet Sauvignon from California doesn’t just have to come from Napa right?  There are other regions these days that are able to make hand made Cabernet Sauvignon at prices made for daily consumption.

This great discovery is from Peter Hunken and Amy Christine of Black Sheep Finds.  Two wines are produced from California, a delicious Syrah value ($16.99 – also available) and their “Genuine Risk” Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is sourced fruit from a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, east of Santa Barbara.  The area of Happy Canyon use to be primarily horse and cattle grazing country, and in the last few years, vineyards have become more prominent.  Hillside slopes are planted to multiple varieties, and “Genuine Risk” is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 2% Petite Verdot.  It is aged in barrel for 12 months.

Rich, fruit forward nose with a mix of red and black berry fruits and a hint of mint and spice.  Medium bodied, with lush fruit, cocoa notes, and fresh cracked pepper.  Despite its weight this remains fresh and easy to enjoy.  This is also the type of Cabernet that will work well with food, as its oak or tannins aren’t dominant.

So you see it is still possible to have a 750 case production Cabernet from California selling for under $20 and made by real people with great soul!  You are going to really enjoy this!

$18.99 BTL. / $227.88 CASE

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2004 DOMAINE DE LA BONGRAN VIRÉ CLESSÉ “CUVÉE E.J. THEVENET”

White Burgundy fans, very exciting stuff is going on in the Mâconnais.  This region was for a long time in the shadows of the northerly appellations of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, but thanks to some very dedicated growers such as Jean Thévenet of Domaine de la Bongran, wine fans may actually opt to look south first!

The Domaine de la Bongran estate is very old dating back to the 15^th century.  Jean and his son Gauthier look over the 15 hectares of Chardonnay vines meticulously.  The vines are located on the Quintaine hills, very stony soils loaded with marl and limestone.

High yields and poor farming practices used to be the norm in the region, and still are unfortunately present today.  The Thévenet’s only harvest at very low yields and only organically.  Yet what really makes this estate different is the fact that they prefer to pick grapes very late in the season, often times with some botrytis on the vine.  The wines slowly ferment with indigenous yeasts, sometimes this process last a year or even two.  The wines are bottle aged and sold later than most, all for the express purpose of giving the drinker the opportunity to enjoy it in the right moment.

The ’04 “Cuvée EJ Thévenet” is an absolutely exotic and fascinating white wine with gorgeous aromatics combining ripe quince, pear, honey and mushroom.  The wine on the palate is rich yet delicate, with waves of citrus fruit, spice and a building finish.  This is delicious right now, but it will be interesting to see it evolve over a few years.  Forget your pre-conceived notions about the wines of the Mâconnais, because this wine is as interesting of a Chardonnay as anything from

France that I have tasted in the last year.  Drink now through 2014+.

$45.99 BTL. / $551.88 CASE

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2005 TENUTA ARNULFO “COSTA DI BUSSIA” BAROLO

There are always generalizations that I make when talking about wine.  One thing often said around the shop is that really good Barolo values start in the $45-$55 range.  Now here comes the exception.

Located in Piedmont, Tenuta Arnulfo is a high quality producer that owns three separate estates.  “Costa di Bussia” is the flagship winery of the group, with some estate vineyards founded in 1874.  Many people lump producers of the region into either the traditional or the modern camp. Yet Tenuta Arnulfo is a hybrid, with a foot in both.  Stainless steel tanks are used in vinification here, a nod to the modern.  Maceration is also relatively short at 10 days.  Yet the winery isn’t looking for extracted fruit, nor are they aging the wine in small new French oak.  Instead the ’05 Barolo was aged for 26 months in large 3000 liter casks.

Their ’05 Barolo offers unheard of quality for the money in the famed region.  Part of this is due to the fact that they are directly imported, and maybe part in the fact that they are relatively undiscovered.  For any fan of Barolo, this amazing value is a must.  Classic Nebbiolo notes of licorice, cherry, and leather on the nose lead in to a structured mouth full of red and black fruits, spice and fine tannins.  This is powerful yet also wonderfully drinkable now.  Barolo is one of the great food wines of the world, and it may be time to break out your favorite adaptation of beef braised in Barolo, for an ultimate winter treat!  Drink now though 2015.

You won’t find a better Barolo value than this!

$33.99 BTL. / $407.88 CASE

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2007 QUINTA DO NOVAL VINTAGE PORT

The world is excited about the ’07 Vintage Ports that are now being released and I can see why.   A universal opinion of the greatness of a vintage is rarely seen among Port houses, but with the ’07 vintage, producers themselves are very excited.

The growing season was relatively cool, and very long, with perfect conditions toward the end ensuring for optimal ripeness.  Another major reason producers were excited was that for the first time they didn’t have to buy the neutral grain spirit used to stop fermentation from the Portuguese government.  My feeling is that this will lead to a huge variance in the quality of Ports, and help to produce Ports with balance that have never been tasted before.

Of all the famed Port houses, Quinta do Noval is a personal favorite.  Located in the Upper Douro in the Pinhão Valley, its history dates back to 1715.  What separates Quinta do Noval from some of the other Port houses are it prime vineyards in the valley.  The house also enjoyed a resurgence in quality first under its old owner, António José da Silva, and now under the ownership of AXA Millésime, a large French insurance company.  The sum of this resurgence includes a new winery, a huge replanting of part of the vineyards along with restoration of terraces, temperature controlled storage areas, and much more.  Tradition still reigns in production methods, but the improvements in the last two decades have put Quinta do Noval at the top of the quality producers of the Douro.

This is a very exciting vintage, which you can certainly enjoy for its youthful exuberance, or age it in your cellar through 2040.

“Black ruby-purple color, one of the darkest colors of the vintage. Super ripe, high-pitched, rather brooding aromas of black and red berries, bitter chocolate, flowers and spices. Hugely rich, sweet and mouth filling yet at the same time savory, with uncanny verve for such a thick, silky wine; darker in character than the Silval. This saturates every millimeter of the palate with black fruit and spice flavors. Is any other 2007 this dense, deep and ripe? A wine of great intensity and persistence.  96 Points, Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar.”

$83.99 BTL. / $1007.88 CASE

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COLLECTOR’S CORNER

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2006 FERRER BOBET PRIORAT “SELECCIÓ ESPECIAL”

Priorat deserves a place in the cellar of any wine lover.  Priorat is an old growing region located in the province of Tarragona, southwest of Barcelona.  Historically Grenache and Carignan are the most important varietals, with grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and others permitted in the blends.

Having traveled to this region a few times, the general sense one gets while winding through the mountains along its treacherous curvy roads, is that you are clearly in a Mediterranean climate.  Olive, almond and fruit trees dot the landscape, and fresh thyme and lavender poke their way through the dry, crumbled black slate known locally as llicorella.  As the sun shines down late into the day the realization of how difficult it must be for the grapes to survive, let alone provide for graceful wines permeates.

The coolest sites in Priorat are the best for grape growing, and the best producers recognize the fragile nature of producing balanced wines.  One producer that I know understands this fully is that of Ferrer Bobet.  In 2002 two friends, Sergi Ferrer-Salat and Raül Bobet began to embark on the fulfillment of a dream.  Purchasing vineyards, building a state of the art winery, they released their first wines, the 2005 vintage in 2008.

Having personally tasted dozens of producers over the past few years, visited many estates in the region, I can say wholeheartedly that these are some of the most exciting wines being made in the region.

Two wines are produced at Ferrer Bobet, with the top wine called Selecció Especial.  This is a very special wine for the cellar.  The inaugural release, 2005, is a blend of 85% Carignan, 10% Grenache and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The Carignan vines are around 100-years old, leading to a wildly complex wine.  I was one of the few who had the pleasure to taste this last week, and it was a no-brainer to put it in this week’s collector’s corner.

Really beautiful yet primary aromatics of red berries, red licorice, wild thyme and cocoa powder.  Impressive palate presence with bright, high-toned red and black berries, an underlying mineral tone, soft tannins and a long finish with good balancing acidity.  Delicious now although the oak is somewhat present.  Give this a few years and drink it at its peak from 2014-2020.

$76.99 BTL. / $461.94 SIX-PACK CASE

What’s new at Perman Wine Selections in 2010?

- Check out the new website!  Share it with all your friends, so they too can become a fan of Perman Wine Selections.  There are links at the bottom to join me on Facebook and even follow me on Twitter.  These social networking tools will benefit you as they will provide tools to get even more wine information and events updates! www.permanwine.com

- I’m going AWOL!  Before I opened the store I was traveling to far off wineries to improve my knowledge and bring you information directly from the winemakers mouths.  I’m back at it this year with trips to Oregon, Italy and France planned.  To get things started, I will be going to Oregon next week from Thursday, January 14^th, and returning on Wednesday, January 20^th.  The store will be closed part of that time and I will have some guest stars filling in for me a couple of days.

-  Well maybe not new, but plan to attend more great tastings and events!  Next week I will announce an events calendar for the rest of January and early February.  I also have a beer dinner in the works for early March, which I’m very excited about!

- Mobile application for your cell phone!  Many of you are on the go all the time, and now when you have a few minutes on your train ride or in the airport you will be conveniently able to pull up newsletters to read.  I very excited about this mobile application…technology is pretty cool.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support!

Best wishes,

Craig

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Friday Feature – January 8^th, 2010 – A rising star in the Languedoc!

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2005 MAS BELLES EAUX “LES COTEAUX” LANGUEDOC

The year of the Languedoc?  Didn’t see that one on the Chinese New Year’s calendar, did you?

It is the year of the Languedoc at Perman Wine Selections for a few reasons.  It is time us as wine consumers really learned about the complex nuances of this large region, which is constantly emerging, little by little, as a top wine region of France.  To bring you all the necessary information I have started to plan a trip to the area at the end of May.  It is my job to continually bring you the best of the best and all the pertinent info from the wine world, and there is no better way to learn than to travel to the region!

In my quest for all of us to learn more, I have started tasting.  I know tough job, but someone has to do it.

Yesterday, I tasted this wonderful value from Mas Belles Eaux.  To get you situated, the estate is located in the Languedoc, but since it is so big it is helps to grab a map and see that the estate is located in the southwestern part of the Eastern Languedoc, and northwest of the village of Pézenas. (http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=mas%20belles%20eaux&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl)

The well know French wine conglomerate AXA Millésimes, owners of wineries such as Château Pichon-Baron in Pauillac, Bordeaux and Quinta do Noval in Portugal was  looking at possible expansion.  Its director Christian Seely was visiting the Languedoc, having been interested in its wine potential and enjoying some of the top wines of the region for a few years.  In 2002 AXA purchased the Mas Belles Eaux estate, as well as its neighboring Sainte-Hélène vineyards.  In total the current estate is over 90 hecatares, planted to the four noble varieties of the area, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.

As you would expect a range of wines are made at the estate, and from my tasting yesterday, the ’05 “Les Coteaux” was absolutely singing.  A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from well-drained gravelly slopes.  Seely was adamant at lowering yields in the vineyards after taking over, and this has helped bring great depth to the grapes.  Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled concrete and stainless steel vats followed by 15 months aging in 1 to 3 year old French oak barrels.

A spice driven nose with hints of kirsch, blackberry and black licorice, lead into a medium to full-bodied palate, bursting with intense fruit flavors, hints at mineral and more spice.  This is very harmonious and should appeal to a wide range of palates.  Growing wine in a warm climate like this takes great skill to avoid baked fruit flavors and over the top wines.  The wine team at Mas Belles Eaux has done an excellent job to maintain freshness and produce a wine that is very fun to drink!  You can drink this on its own, but it would be terrific paired with your favorite preparation of duck breast.

This is a terrific value!  A great way to start the New Year!

$18.99 BTL. / $227.88 CASE