Upcoming Beer & Wine Tastings September 7-8

For the third year in a row,  no less then "The Governator" himself has proclaimed September 2007 as "California Wine Month".   Not wishing to anger Conan we've decided to celebrate the wines of the golden state for the entire month.   This weeks concentration is on one of the most beautiful places in Californai wine country: The Napa Valley.
 
Although its rise to international prominence has come to fore in the past 30 years, the region itself has been making wine for over 250 years, dating back to Spanish missionaries.
 
We'll have six outstanding expressions of what the region is producing so stop in and check out some fantastic wines at prices that would even make a muscle-bound, machine gun toting Austrian smile!
 
We have also paired these wines with one
of the oldest and most respected names in craft brewing:  Anderson Valley Brewing Co. from Booneville, California.
 
So please join us to celebrate California Wine Month this week-end 1PM-7PM to taste the wines of Napa Valley and Anderson Brewing. 
 
September 14 & 15: Sonoma County
 
Setpember 21 & 22: South of the Bay
 
September 28 & 29: South Central Coast
 
Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs NV
Price: $19.99  Special Price: $17.99 Case Price: $16.99
As a pioneer of Champagne, with their release of Dom Perignon in 1921, Domaine Chandon thought they might be able to replicate their sucess in the USA, so they bought some property on the western side of Napa Valley in 1974. They use the traditional Methode Champenoise grapes of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in this elegant Blanc de Noir. Food Pairings: Asian Cuisine, Salmon
 
2002 Chardonnay, Grgich Hills
Price: $31.99  Special Price: $28.79
Case Price: $27.19 Winery Price:40.00
Mike Grgich has become a legend over the years in the Napa Valley for all the great wine he has produced for others (especially the 1973 Ch. Montelena that won a grand award in The Paris Tasting), and since 1977, making wine at his home estate.  The 2002 Chardonnay is a re-release from the winery and when I tasted it, it was almost like a baby Mersault with that beautifully soft, pillow like finish.
Food Pairings: Roast Chicken, Rich seafood
 
2004 Pinot Noir, Carrefour
Price: $34.99  Special Price: $31.50 Case Price: $29.75
Carrefour vineyards was founded when Greg and Marilyn Nitz ended their careers as an airline pilot and dentist to realize their dream of making world class wines. With help from their good friend John Truchard, they were able to make that dream come true. We hope you'll also share in that dream with us this week-end.
Food Pairings: Roast Chicken, Salmon, Grilled meat
 
2002 Merlot, Havens
Price: $25.99  Special Price:$23.39  Case Price: $22.09
Haves Wine Cellars, established in 1984, is one of the first producers in Napa Valley to go almost fully solar with all their electrical needs. We think their Merlot is one of their best, and produces a wine with brilliant fruit, but also earthy notes and engaging textures. 
Food Pairings: Roasts, Aged Cheese, Game
 
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Panacea Wine Co.
Price: $19.99  Special Price: $17.99 Case Price: $16.99
Panacea Wine Co. was founded on the basis that it "IS" possible to make great Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley without breaking the bank. With this in mind the 2004 vintage was a year of patience, for many growers, with a late cooling after early heat spikes.Ripe favors seamlessly flow through the palate with good integration of black fruits that allow for a powerful wine. It is complex, full bodied, and luscious in texture.
Food Pairings: Roasts, Grilled meats
 
2004 Zinfandel, Brown Estate
Price: $39.99  Special Price: $35.99Case Price: $33.99
One of the first African American families in Napa Valley, the Brown family in 1981 started the process of restoring an abandoned property off the Silverado Trail. It truly is a family operation, and Their Zinfandel is the essence of Chiles Valley fruit, with a dense core of fruit that reveals chocolate truffles and jammy black fruit.
Food pairings: Rich meats, Stews, chocolate

 
Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Started in 1987 as the working end of the "Buckhorn Saloon" in Boonville, CA, Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been turning out award winning beer ever since.   Easily one of the oldest and best names in the craft brewing world.

Poleeko Gold Pale Ale
The golden color and generous use of Pacific Northwest hops establish a distinct style, separate from any domestic or European beers.
 
Boont Amber Ale
The abundant hopping in this four-time gold medal winner creates arousing aromatics, accompanied by a pleasantly hoppy finish.
 
Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
With its deep dark brown-black color and full-bodied, velvety-smooth mouth-feel and strong yet subtle hop bite, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout is one of the thickest, richest, and most complex stouts on the market today.
 
Brother David's Belgian-Style Double Ale
The full body of this Belgian style ale supports initial fruit flavors that give way to malt notes and chocolate covered cherries, while suffused throughout with the distinctive flavor of the Belgian Abbey yeast.

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