Current Update, Thursday, February 18, 2010

Hi All!

 

Well, Mardi Gras is over, but I'm going to ignore the austerity of the Lenten season and make this a wine-focused Market News.

 

But before I get to the vino, here's a quick run-down of the weekend sales at Inboden's (sale prices are valid from Thursday, February 18 through Saturday, February 20).

 

36 Feet of Meat

 

Fully Cooked Whole Boneless Pit Style Hams, $1.69/lb (avg. wt. 8 lbs)

Carne Asada, $6.99/lb (normally $8.99/lb)

Marinated Southwest Chicken Breasts, $2.99/lb

 

Fresh Seafood

 

This week's selections include stuffed sole with crabmeat, tuna, cilantro lime tilapia, scallops, jumbo shrimp and blackened catfish.

 

Produce

 

Avocados, 99¢/each

Roma Tomatoes, $1.59/lb

Limes, 5 for 99¢

 

Deli

 

Asian Chicken Salad, $4.99/lb (new!)

 

Bakery

 

Pecan Blondies, 4 for 99¢ (while supplies last)

White Passion Cake, $1.99/ea (while supplies last)

 

Now to the highlights in the Inboden's Wine & Beer Room (IWBR):

 

New Arrivals

 

NQN Picada 15 red, '07, Argentina, Patagonia ($11.95/btl) -- One thing about New World wineries is that they don't have to stick to traditional blends.  In the case of the Picada, the typical Bordeaux suspects of Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec are supplemented with Pinot Noir.  Surprisingly, the Pinot offers a graceful, somewhat floral (think roses), aspect which lightens the heaviness of the other grapes.  Easy drinking on its own, but also very versatile with meals.  By the way, 'picadas' are ancient dirt or stone highways which criss-cross this region of Argentina, and #15 is the one that runs by the winery.

 

Marco Felluga Friulano, '07, Italy, Collio ($18.95/btl) -- Friulano, once called Tocai Friulano, is an Italian white grape which is roughly somewhere between Pinot Grigio and Chilean Sauvignon blanc in style -- not as much acidity as the S.B., more floral, softer and round than the P.G., but a fuller mouthfeel than either one.  In other words, another unique grape that defies easy description.  That being said, the Felluga has its own characteristics, notably almond blossom on the nose with further floral notes, particularly chamomile, on the palate.  As it unfolds in the mouth, flavors of green lemon, orange rind and agave emerge. Overall, it is well-structured, savory, yet silky, and mouth-filling.  I'm thinking risotto with grilled white fish with this one.

 

Monte Faliesi Aglianico, '07, Italy, Campania ($16.95/btl) -- Here's another grape which is pretty much exclusive to Italy with an impressive pedigree...Pliny the Elder was fairly famous for his wines produced from Aglianico (ah-LYAH-nee-koe).  Typically, Aglianico is full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity which makes it quite age-worthy, and the Monte Faliesi is no exception.  It hasn't earned the moniker 'Barolo of the South' without reason, but without those exorbitant price tags.  Definitely a candidate for your hefty meat meals, particularly lamb.

 

La Rosa del Salice Primitivo, '07, Italy, Salento ($9.95/btl) -- This is another grape variety with which you may be unfamiliar, but Primitivo is actually a clone of the well-known grape Zinfandel.  Although this is the same grape that the California producers have been using for generations, what ends up in the bottle is quite different.  That's due to terroir--California and Italy have different soils and different climates, and, in the end, have different styles of wine (not to mention how the winemakers themselves influence the final products).  So, it tastes like Zinfandel and tastes like it's Italian, but can I convey that to you in words?  Not really...you'll just have to get one for yourself to see.

 

Stefano Farina Moscato d'Asti, NV, Italy, Asti ($13.49/btl) -- While many of you love the other Moscato I've carried for years (Saracco), I wanted to find another one that was of a different style.  The Farina fits that bill.  Not quite as sweet and floral, a bit fuller, with some nice toasty and yeasty notes...and a few bucks cheaper, too.

 

Stefano Farina Barbaresco, '06, Italy, Cuneo ($35.00/btl) -- Known as the little brother of the great Barolo due to its lower content in alcohol and for the more gentle and velvety features, Barbaresco takes its name after the small village near the town of Alba, on the river Tanaro, where this wine is made.  Like its sibling, the Farina needs quite a bit of time to open up fully, but once it does, its layers and intricacies will certainly reward your patience.  Of course, a wine this big deserves an equally massive food pairing -- Osso Bucco anyone?

 

Apaltagua Reserva Cabernet, '07, Chile, Colchagua ($5.95/half-bottle) -- That's right, a half-bottle (375ml).  Over the years, I've had many requests for smaller format bottlings.  Sometimes people just need a small amount for a recipe, sometimes people just don't consume a standard size bottle before the wine starts to lose its luster.  Whatever the case, the Apaltagua Cab has a deep violet hue and a nose with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate, coupled with ripe stone fruit character in the mouth.  Pretty much that universal red for roasts and steaks.

 

Evodia Garnacha, '08, Spain, Calatayud ($9.95/btl) -- Some of you may recall the Los Rocas Garnacha I used to stock in the IWBR--this is the replacement.  Wine importer extraordinaire Eric Solomon decided to end ties with Rocas and develop a new producer, Evodia.  High altitude (2400+ feet), old vines (80+ years), sustainably-farmed, exclusively tank-aged...all the hallmarks of another super wine at a super price. 

 

Jacques Girardin Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne, 08, France, Burgundy ($18.95/btl) -- In case you didn't know, red Burgundy is made with Pinot Noir.  In many ways, red Burgundy is the gold standard that other crafters of Pinot Noir hope to obtain.  But even within Burgundy itself, styles and qualities vary widely.  However, you don't always have top pay those steep prices to get quality wine.  The Girardin is a case in point.  Elegant and delicate, yet with real presence, it is a wonderful introduction to this mysterious (to most Americans) production area of France.  (Also, if you're making beouf bourguignon  and want to use the 'real' thing, here's an affordable option.)

 

Fairvalley Cabernet Sauvignon, '05, South Africa ($9.95/btl) -- As South Africa continues to heal from the years of Apartheid, certain projects and programs have become wonderfully successful.  The Fairvalley Workers Association, founded in 1997, was set up by the employees of Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate in order to develop and manage their own property.  The entire operation is now black-owned and operated.  All of their wines are great, but the Cabernet really stood out...multi-layered, eminently approachable yet structured wine offering succulent black berry fruit enveloped in silky-smooth tannins with a kiss of sweetness makes this wine a real crowd-pleaser.

 

Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc, '07, CA, North Coast ($23.49/btl) -- Cabernet Franc is usually a blending grape, but occasionally you find a producer that insists on making a single varietal bottling...and I'm glad when they do it well.   The aromatics of this vintage showcase late summer herbs and bright white cherry fruit mingled with typical floral characteristics. On the palate savory and tarragon elements combine with floral essence supported by dried cherry and currant fruit flavors. The gentle tannins are nicely punctuated by lively fruit acid, which lead into a finish that is fresh and mouthwatering.

 

 

The Return of Old Friends

 

Balthasar Ress Riesling Kabinett, '06, Germany, Rheingau ($13.95/btl) -- A splendid off-dry and minerally Riesling from my favorite German growing area.

 

Castano Monastrell, '08, Spain, Yecla ($8.49/btl) -- Whether you call it Monastrell, Mourvèdre, or Mataro, this is one of those wines with a superb quality to price ratio.

 

Fremont Cidre Brut de Tradition, '07, France, Calvados ($11.49/btl) -- This is what hard cider ought to be like!

 

Viridian Pinot Noir, '07, OR, Willamette ($13.95/btl) -- So many Pinots from Oregon are wonderful; so many are so darn expensive.  The Viridian, however, is the former without being the latter.

 

Special Sale

 

Il Mimo Nebbiolo Rosato, '06, Italy, Colline Novaresi ($14.95/btl; sale $9.95/btl) -- The only rosé I carry year 'round, my distributor made me an offer I couldn't refuse...and I'm passing the savings onto you.  This is *not* your cloyingly sweet pink wine, rather, it is robust and full of character.

 

Wine Tasting

 

Saturday, February 20 1pm-4pm

Jennifer from Heritage Wine Cellars will be pouring samples of the following wines for you to taste.  And to add even more incentive, several of them will be on sale for one day only!

 

Tangent 'Ecclestone', '07, CA, Central Coast ($17.95/btl, sale $15.49/btl) -- A blend of no less than six varieties, the Ecclestone showcases the best characteristics of each one.  Winemaker Christian Roguenant summarizes it like this:  Each varietal brings something special to the final Ecclestone blend.  Together the Pinot Gris and Riesling offer minerality and a pine-sap character; the Viognier and Pinot Blanc add hints of lychee and apricot; the Albariño shows its signature citrus and tangerine aromas and flavors; and of course the Muscat adds orange blossom notes.

 

ConoSur Viognier, '08, Chile, Colchagua ($9.95/btl) -- This wine has the beautiful yellow-orange color characteristic of Viognier.  Sweet notes of apricots and peaches precede the final hints of floral notes.  Full and savory, this bottle as character, density, and structure with wonderful acidity and a persistent finish.

 

Marco Felluga Friulano, '07, Italy, Collio ($18.95/btl, introductory price, $15.49/btl) -- A new arrival, the notes are above.

 

Paraiso Chardonnay, '07, CA, Santa Lucia Highlands ($17.95/btl) -- From WS, Well-balanced, rich and intense, with sturdy ripe pear and apple flavors that are clean and persistent. From Dale, "Just plain darn tasty!"

 

Montoya Pinot Noir, '07, CA, Monterey ($13.95/btl) -- I really enjoy finding high quality wines at truly wonderful prices!  The Montoya has a pale color fading to a slightly brick color.  Aromas of cherry wood smoke predominate, with further hints of plums and strawberry.  In the mouth, it has less sweet fruit and more complexity than most Pinots at this price point.  An exceptionally food-friendly wine, the Montoya is also a joy to drink alone.

 

Yalumba Shiraz-Viognier, '07, South Australia ($11.49/btl) -- Oh, no! An Australian wine with a critter on the label!  Don't worry, this is far from your run-of-the-mill bottling from OZ.

 

Beronia Crianza Rioja, '06, Spain, Rioja ($11.95/btl) -- As you regular readers know, I'm a huge fan of Spanish wines.  All too often, though, I'm excited about the new and rising stars and neglect the tried and true.  Well, I'm gonna rectify that a bit this weekend by presenting an old school Tempranillo Rioja.

 

Hess Collection Cabernet, '05, CA, Napa, Mt. Veeder ($39.95/btl, sale $34.95/btl...buy 6 or more and only $29.95/btl!!) -- Of the many AVAs in California, Mt. Veeder is distinctive for being the highest, coolest growing season with a diversity of soil types.  The wines from this area are like no others as well.  In fact, some of my other personal favorite wines in the IWBR hail from this locale.  This particular wine has complex and alluring flavors of wild mountain blackberry, black cherry, currant and sweet molasses, accented by underlying flavors of graphite and cedar box.  Hints of vanilla and toast are imparted by the new French oak barrels.   The 86% Cabernet is augmented by some Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot to add additional bright fruits and a lush, fine-grained finish.

 

Finally, as a brief heads-up, on March 19 and 20, Inboden's will be hosting Jack Anderson of Sartori Cheese for a tasting of the Bellavitano and Sartori cheese from Wisconsin.  This year he'll have a couple of new flavors, including a sheep and cow's milk blend and a balsamic flavored item.  More details will follow.

 

Hope to see y'all soon!

Dale

www.meatplace.com

inbodens@yahoo.com

(815) 756-5852

 

 

Whodat!!

 

Welcome to the Super Bowl edition of the Inboden's Market News!  Throughout the store we have plenty of items to make your festivities a blast. 

 

Just want frozen pizzas? 

Frozen 12" Pizzas - 4/$9.96.  Four flavors available:  Supreme, Pepperoni, Sausage and Cheese

 

Gonna be grillin'?

 

Marinated Southwest Chicken Breast - sale $2.99/lb

Meaty Baby Back Ribs - sale $3.99/lb

Atlantic Salmon - sale $5.99/lb

 

Ground Round Patties, $18.89/box, 12 ½ lb patties

Ground Chuck Patties, $16.97/box, 18 1/3 lb patties

 

BBQ Chicken Quarters - $1.99/lb

Honey Hot Wings - $3.29/lb

 

And here's a recipe for a great dippin' sauce for those wings:

 

Blue Cheese Dressing

 

Ingredients

2 1/2 ounces blue cheese (I'd recommend Point Reyes Original Blue, $15.99/lb)

3 tablespoons buttermilk

3 tablespoons sour cream

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a small bowl, mash blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Just want to heat 'n' eat?

 

Roast Beef with Gravy, $8.99/ 2 ½ lb tub

Prime Rib with Au Jus, $11.99/ 3lb tub

Chicken BBQ, $6.99/2lb tub

Pork & Beef BBQ, $8.99/2lb tub

Italian Beef, $8.49/2 ½ lb tub

 

At the Deli, make sure to order your Cheese & Meat Trays, Shrimp Trays, or Veggie & Fruit Trays.

 

Goin' for something Cajun?

Crawfish Tails, $9.99/3lb pkg

Crawfish Tail Meat, $9.99/1lb pkg

Alligator Meat, $10.99/1lb pkg

Andouille, $11.89/lb

 

Zatarain's products:  Red Beans & Rice, Yellow Rice, Spanish Rice, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crab Cake, Hush Puppy, Crab Boil and more...plus, of course, Old Bay seasoning.

 

Cafe DuMonde Chicory Coffee, $6.49

 

And, of course, in the IWBR, we have plenty of Abita beers from Louisiana.

 

Geaux Saints!!

Dale

815-756-5852

www.meatplace.com

inbodens@yahoo.com

 

 

Illinois Processor and Retailer Tom Inboden Elected AAMP President, North Americas largest meat trade organization   ELIZABETHTOWN, PA (July 29, 2009) - Tom Inboden, owner of Inboden Meats Ltd., DeKalb, IL was recently elected President of the American Association of Meat Processors at the 70th American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers- Exhibition in Omaha, NE.  Inboden worked his way through the AAMP Board chairs, serving as the Association's 1st Vice President and Treasurer before he took charge of his presidential duties on July 18, 2009.   Tom and his family business were recently featured in the July, 2009, edition of Meat & Poultry magazine.  He took over a 1,500 square foot mini-supermarket in 1975 that was originally started by his parents.  Competition has always been tough around the DeKalb community, but a few years back Tom and his wife, Ingrid, realized that while their business was successful, it wasn't living up to its potential.  After crunching the numbers, they came to the realization that the meat department made the money to subsidize all the other departments in the store.  They spent countless hours going to fancy food and supermarket shows to learn that not only could each department be self-sufficient, but they could each be independently profitable.  Utilizing their keen sense of business over the past years, they have expanded into a 9,000 square foot specialty marketplace selling top quality fresh meat, processed meat, seafood, cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables and wines.  Tom has been very active with AAMP and looks forward to leading AAMP throughout the coming year.  Inboden succeeds Dennis Schaardt, Den's Country Meats, Inc., Table Rock, NE, who will remain on the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President.   Daniel Glier, Glier's Meats, Inc., Covington, KY, took over the office of Treasurer and Jon Frohling, Frohling Meats Inc., Hecla, SD was elected as the 1st Vice President.  Daniel Weber, Weber Meats of Geneseo Inc., Geneseo, IL, was elected as the 2nd Vice President and Tim Haen, Haen Meat Packing Inc., Kaukauna, WI was elected as the 3rd Vice President.   The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP),is North America's largest meat trade organization. Membership includes more than 2,000 medium-sized and smaller meat, poultry and food businesses: slaughterers, packers, processors, wholesalers, in-home food service business, retailers, deli and catering operators, and industry suppliers. AAMP members are from the U.S., Canadian provinces and several foreign countries with international membership of countries including; Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Belgium, Germany, West Indies, Australia, Central America, and the United Arab Emirates. AAMP's Board of Directors , consisting of 20 members, have general executive powers and general jurisdiction of all business of the association. AAMP is also affiliated with 32 state, regional and provincial meat trade organizations.

Current Update, January 28, 2010

Hi All!

 

Inboden's has a few new items in the store this week that I wanted to highlight in this week's Market News.  First off, I know that most of you don't want to cook *every* night; sometimes you just want to throw something into the oven, pull it out, and dig right in.  Sounds like Frozen Pizza night to me.   Well, we've made arrangements with our frozen pizza supplier to create an Inboden's-Own line.  To get you hooked on these pies, we're offering an unbelievable price -- four 12" pizzas for only $9.96!  We have four flavors available:  Supreme, Pepperoni, Sausage, and Cheese.  At this price, you might as well load up the freezer.  But just because you're having pizza for dinner doesn't mean you can't enjoy a nice glass or two of wine with it, too. 
Pedroncelli 'Friends' Red, '07 ($9.95/btl) is an easy-drinking proprietary blend of Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc from Sonoma and
Rosenere Sangiovese, '07 ($14.95/btl) is a fruit-driven, low-acid bottling from Italy.

 

Almost as easy, but definitely a little more 'up-scale', Inboden's has introduced Hearty Grain & Wild Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts ($4.99/lb).  This is the kind of hearty, flavorful dish I'd make myself but now I don't have to exert all the effort; simply bake at 350F for about 30-35 minutes (the directions are right on the label).  Here's a dish that could be paired with either a white or a red depending on what you're in the mood for.  For a white, try the
Cave de Tain 'Lady Marsanne', '08 ($9.95/btl) with its herbal hints of fennel and perhaps tarragon and undercurrents of lavender.  And for a red, why not the
St. Gregory Pinot Meunier, '07 ($18.49/btl)?  Pleasant and bright, it is similar to Pinot Noir but with more intensity to the fruit and a bigger mouthfeel.

 

Now if you want something you could place in the oven and forget about for hours, you might want to try Inboden's new Bone-In Beef Riblets, only $1.99/lb.  Similar to beef short ribs, simply braise these low and slow for several hours.  When the meat is about to fall off the bone, sear them quickly on the grill and slather on your favorite BBQ.  Kinda think of them as the beef equivalent to baby back ribs.

 

And speaking of Baby Back Ribs, we have them on sale this weekend in the the 36 Feet of Meat -- just $3.99/lb. (Sale prices are valid Thursday, January 28 through Saturday, January 30.)  Here's a meal that the protein doesn't determine the wine choice as much as the condiments, in this case, the sauce.  I realize that there are thousands of choices of sauces out there, not counting every home chef's own version, but if you're like me, you prefer something with some smokiness and a hint of spice.  And nothing goes with this type of sauce like Zinfandel or Shiraz, or better, a blend of both. 
Shannon Ridge 'Wrangler', '07 ($11.95/btl) fits that bill.  And because I find them highly amusing, I'll share the winery's own tasting notes for this one:

 

Color: Stock Massy-Ferguson Red
Aroma: Grandma's homemade Raspberry Jelly on tasty warm angel food cake
Flavor: Real Vanilla Ice Cream smothered in pomegranate and boysenberry reduction sauce
Texture: Pink Silk Pajamas with a black feather boa and embroidered leather cowboy boots

 

Maybe I should have earned a degree in creative writing instead.  (Either that, or I should just use this Silly Wine Tasting Note Generator more often.)

 

Finally, the 36 Feet also has Center-Cut Bacon-Wrapped Top Sirloin Steaks on special for $5.99/lb.  These steaks are cut tall and wide from the center of the actual sirloin; they're not round steaks in disguise.  What's more, they're wrapped in our thick-cut double-smoked bacon.  Please, do not overcook these!  They're at their tenderest when done medium-rare to rare, and at their tastiest when teamed up with a full-bodied wine...
Lehmann 'Clancy's' Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot, '05 ($17.95/btl) or
Baileyana 'Grand Firepeak Cuvée' Pinot Noir, '06 ($30.00/btl) both come to mind -- maybe it's the distinct note of bacon fat on the nose of each of these.

 

Let's not forget the adjunct to the 36 Feet...Inboden's Fresh Seafood selection this weekend will include Salmon, Catfish, Shrimp Scampi, Tilapia, Scallops and Red Snapper.  This last one is one of my favorite fishes.  It has great texture and flavor on its own, but it is also a great vehicle to experiment with a wide range of taste profiles.  Here's a 20-minute recipe that'll call to mind warmer days:

Asian Pan Seared Red Snapper

(adapted from allrecipes.com)

Serves 2

 

Ingredients

 

2 (4 ounce) fillets red snapper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 teaspoon ground ginger

 

Directions

 

Rinse snapper under cold water, and pat dry. In a shallow bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, rice vinegar, mustard, honey, green onions, and ginger.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip snapper fillets in marinade to coat both sides, and place in skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Pour remaining marinade into skillet. Reduce heat, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

 

A wonderful wine with this dish is the
Pikes 'White Mullet', '08, Australia, Clare ($15.49/btl), and not just because it has a fish on the label.  This synergistic blend of 60% Riesling, 16% Viognier, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Chenin Blanc is a 'fruit salad' combination of fresh and zesty aromas of citrus, tropicals and stone fruit with just the slightest hint of cut grass and nettles evident.  Crisp, fresh and flavorsome it sits gently in the mouth, while well balanced acidity keeps the finish fresh, vibrant and dry.  Simple to enjoy, but far from a simple wine.

 

Of course, the 36 Feet isn't the only Inboden's department to have sales or new items.  In the Deli, Inboden's-Own Deli Turkey Breast is on sale for $3.99/lb.  And out in the ZeroZone Freezers, we have Jumbo Bagels at 6 for 99¢ (with additional purchase).  If you're looking for something to spread on your bagels, you might want to consider the smoked salmon spread I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, or for something sweeter, think about a spread made of softened cream cheese, honey, and minced candied ginger.  Num!  Also, in the Artisanal Cheese Case, we have a special running on

Belgioioso 'Unwrap and Roll' Mozzarella ($6.89/ea, $3.99/ea).  The possibilities are practically endless for this product, but if you're stymied, here are some ideas:  chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and pesto sauce;  prosciutto and fresh basil leaves; shaved roast beef and horseradish sauce; smoked salmon and mascarpone cheese; shaved turkey and cranberry sauce; salami and roasted red bell pepper strips; crumbled graham crackers and apricot preserves; or pepperoni slices and pizza sauce.  Wouldn't any of these make a great snack for watching the Super Bowl?

 

And the Super Bowl...Geaux Saints!  #whodat! Somewhere in Hades some frozen gold 'n' black flakes must be falling!  Yes, it does my NOLA heart good to see the team make it this far. 

 

So, I've brought in a good assortment of Louisiana beers to the IWBR -- from Abita Beer I have Amber, Jockomo IPA, Restoration Ale, Purple Haze Raspberry Wheat, and Turbodog in 6-pks ($8.79/ea or $8.99 for Restoration) and Andygator Helles Dopplebock in double-deuce bottles ($5.79/ea).  And from Dixie Brewing, I have their flagship Dixie ($8.99/6pk) and Blackened Voodoo ($9.59/6pk).

                                                                                                   

 

While you're in the Inboden's Wine & Beer Room getting your Mardi Gras beer and the wines to go with your meals, might as well pick up a bottle or two of this week's New Arrivals:

 

Copa del Rey Merlot, '08, Chile, Maipo ($9.95/btl) -- Hahn Family Wines brings us the Cycles-Gladiator and Huntington wines; Copa del Rey is their first foray into Chilean wines.  Like their other wines, the Copa line offers a great quality-to-price ratio.  The Merlot has plenty of structure and lushness, good amounts of fruit, particularly black cherry, and a decent level of spicy oak.  A versatile day-to-day wine.

 

Epiphany 'Gypsy', '05, CA, Santa Barbara ($17.95/btl) -- A blend of mostly Grenache and Mourvèdre with the balance composed of Syrah, Carignane, and Petite Sirah, Gypsy may have been inspired by the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it certainly has a new world flair to it.  Heck, I fell in love with the aromas alone!  And here's example of a winemaker's wordy, but not so elegant, description: "[Gypsy] ...is packed with black cherry, raspberry, cocoa, sandalwood, dried sage and incense aromas. Not to be outdone, the palate delivers robust flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and vanilla."  I bet you could find the BBQ sauce that exactly matches it!

 

Sanguineti 'Nessun Dorma' Super Tuscan, '06, Italy, Tuscany ($15.49/btl) -- Antonio 'The Maestro' Sanguineti loves opera, drives (very) fast, makes wonderful limited-production wines, and knows how to market his wines.  'Super Tuscan' is a term that has been applied to wines from Tuscany which don't follow the rules, usually in terms of what grapes are used.  (Case in point, Nessun Dorma is composed of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah.)  Well, Sanguineti has broken tradition even more and went ahead and put 'Super Tuscan' right across the label.  It's an apt descriptor.  Floral, elegant, fresh, and bright with great depth and body.  It's a modern, soulful interpretation of a grand classic...sort of like Aretha's short-notice performance of the namesake aria from Puccini's Turandot at the Grammy's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUvJZ26shqc)

 

Hope to see y'all soon!

Dale

815 756 5852