The Grapevine Gazette
Aug 30 – oct 3
As we come into the final stretch of summer, much like baseball, we say adieu to days at the beach, concerts in the park, picnics and road trips to who knows where. And as much as we’d like to say that Fall is in the air, in reality, September tends to be the hottest month of the year. Ok, let’s head back to the beach! The holiday season is just around the corner; football kicks off; baseball season curves its way towards the playoffs; and the kids are back in school. It’s time to reminisce about the great summer that was and to celebrate the good times to come. So enjoy this Labor Day weekend in style, fire up the grill for that last hoorah and welcome the change of seasons…going from hot to just mildly hot. Our knowledgeable wine staff has chosen an eclectic plethora of wines to quench your thirst and stimulate your palate. As always, enjoy and drink outside the box.
Louis de Sacy Rosé Grand Cru
Regular $42.99 Gazette Special $35.99
There were vineyards around the village of Verzy for a thousand years before the Sacy family got there in the 17th century. The family has been tending those vineyards for almost 400 years and today Alain Sacy cultivates 75 acres of grapes and produces Champagne of the highest quality. Louis de Sacy Rosé Grand Cru has to be one of the best wine values in the store. 100% Grand Cru-rated vineyards and 12 generations of experience add up to the same quality that you can pay three times as much for in other Champagnes. Since World War Two some Champagne houses have been taken over by marketing geniuses and those Champagnes are a success story like no other. But smaller, family producers like Louis de Sacy base their success on quality alone. The Brut Rosé is a light style with an exuberant mousse carrying flavors of bread dough, apple, pear and red berries. It is nervy and balanced with a crisp finish.
Rob Hill Wine Specialist Westchester
Dominque Piron Beaujolais Rosé
Regular $13.99 Gazette Special $10.99
Dominique Piron’s family history in Beaujolais spans more than four centuries, with his oldest known ancestor born in the village of Morgon in1590. Since then, there have been 14 generations of winegrowers in the family. We get giddy in America when we still find family owned establishments going back a generation! Although justly famous for his Cru Beaujolais, the Piron family has fashioned a wonderful Rosé made from 100% Gamay from vines in Corcelles with an average age of 40 years. As the French rightly state, it’s about the ‘terroir’, and this one sings the praises of its soil, a patchwork of granite, clay and limestone which gives the wine its nuances. You’ll be blown away by the pure, mineral driven fruit with plenty of violets, strawberries, crisp acidity and overall deliciousness. Quite firm and supple with nice density and a dry finish.
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine; Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
Domaine De La Sangliere Juliette Provence Rosé
Regular $ 12.99 Gazette Special $9.99
This Rosé is a blend of 70% Grenache 30% Syrah. Juliette comes from the Provence region of Southern France, home of the most exquisite and traditional Rosé wines in the world. Produced at the maison of Domaine de La Sangliere, Juliette is a true expression of a traditional Provence Rosé wine – refreshing and elegant, bone dry with layers of lively fruit and a bright, smooth finish. Enjoy with grilled fish, seafood, steamed fish, lobster, shellfish, bouillabaisse and other traditional Provencal cuisine.
Jose Cortes Wine Specialist South Pasadena
Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé
Regular $ 19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
Imported by Kermit Lynch. Beautiful, dark rose color with a nose that is characteristic of crushed dark berries. It has a good concentration of violets, plums, dark red fruits, and a touch of spice. Medium bodied with a firm acidity that goes well with most foods, especially spicier and Asian styled food, BBQ and chicken dishes, and let’s not forget seared Ahi. As a general rule the Rosés from Tavel have more weight on the palate then most other Rosés from Southern France. Highly recommended.
Michael Pagh Wine Specialist Rolling Hills
Ken Forrester Stellenbosch “Petite” Chenin Blanc
Regular $13.99 Gazette Special $10.99
South Africa is one of the oldest New World wine-producing areas and the home away from home of Chenin Blanc (called “Steen in South Africa). Roughly 90% of the vineyard acreage in South Africa is dedicated to the production of white wines and Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape. Since 1993 Ken Forrester has farmed Scholtzenhof, one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. The winery is located on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range in Stellenbosch which is blessed with great soils, mountainous terrain and a Mediterranean climate. This is a youthful, fresh wine with quince and pear flavors. The grapes were picked early and this shows on the palate with crunchy green apple and grapefruit flavors. The wine has good mouth feel and appetizingly tangy finish. I find this to be a great wine to have with light appetizers.
Rob Hill Wine Specialist Westchester
Pieropan Veneto Soave Classico
Regular $19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
Soave, to some of us, harkens back to the days of cheap (yes inexpensive) wines from Italy. Sophistication hadn’t yet pervaded the American consumer to the current degree, and the big producers where the standard bearers. Bolla and Folonari jugs were stacked at 6.99 and were eagerly snatched up due to the simple, easy quaffing, fruity character of these commercial wines. But with the renaissance of winemaking throughout the globe, Soave has become a recognized and legitimate source for some charismatic whites. Not the thin, one dimensional wines of the past, producers like Pieropan have taken the lead and crafted spectacular, yes I said it, spectacular wines that shed the stereotype of old. Tangy, crisp, quenching citrus, exotic tropical fruits, apples, mineral, chalk, there’s so much going on in this wine, it just sings of delicious. Pieropan Soave is ideal with the catch of the day, with simply prepared poultry, or as an aperitif. The 2015 received 90 Points from The Wine Advocate.
Geoff Nicoll Director Beer, Wine & Spirits
San Simeon Monterey Viognier
Regular $17.99 Gazette Special $15.99
Viognier is not an easy grape to grow in California, as it tends to produce high octane (alcohol) wines that lean toward the fat, oily and sweet gummy bear format. Pardon my French, but yuck! Under the watchful eye of 4th generation family winemaker, Anthony Riboli, this beauty sings the praises of its cool climate and soil. Toasty, tropical aromas of ripe pineapple and apricot and spiced nuts are balanced by the bright, fruity medium-to-full body on the mid palate. Some notes of dried mango, sweet and peppery spices finishes this food friendly white with a touch of oak. 90 points Beverage Tasting Institute 2015
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine; Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
Sean Minor Four Bears California Sauvignon Blanc
Regular $12.99 Gazette Special $9.99
Here is a bright crisp wine for the end of summer. Light straw in color, it hits the nose with aromas of citrus blossom, green melon, tropical fruit, and a hint of grass. The flavors are complex, bursting with juicy grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, peach, and kiwi fruit notes. Subtle minerality balances out the finish. Delicious when paired with creamy goat cheese, seared scallops, or grilled sea bass.
Judi Woods Wine Specialist Rolling Hills
Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc
Regular $16.99 Gazette Special $13.99
The pale straw color of this Sauvignon Blanc unfolds on the nose with citrus, white-fleshed stone fruit, lemon blossom, and mineral. This light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and mineral driven on the palate with a long and pleasant finish of nectarine and green apple. A great stand-alone summer chiller or enjoy with fresh greens and light vinaigrette, grilled vegetables, and mild white-fleshed fish.
Neal Wasserman Wine Specialist La Jolla
Dancing Crow North Coast Sauvignon Blanc
Regular $17.99 Gazette Special $14.99
A brilliant light straw color, with aromas of ripe citrus, fresh lychee and stone fruits, along with a touch of the herbal/gooseberry character which is Sauvignon Blanc’s signature in so many of the famous areas of the world where it thrives. On the palate it is bright, with an especially attractive vibrant quality carrying the fruit flavors through to a clean, dry finish. It is perfect accompaniment for oysters and other shellfish, and equally wonderful with virtually any fish preparation, light pastas and goat cheese salads.
Jose Cortes Wine Specialist South Pasadena
Domaine La Clef du Récit Sancerre Blanc
Regular $24.99 Gazette Special $18.99
Once a rare but treasured luxury, Sancerre has become a staple in many a savvy wine shop. Sancerre is the land of Sauvignon (and Pinot Noir to a far lesser degree), and home to some of the finest on the planet. And as domestic palates grow, and become more educated, more of these delectable wines are imported and savored. Crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre is the quintessential warm weather sipper. Anthony Girard has mastered the art of winemaking, breaking out on his own from his family estate, he has excelled with his 2015 Blanc making #3 of Decanter Magazine’s top 10 Sancerre garnering a score of 95 points. Great results for this passionate, energetic and crafty youngster. This being only his 5th vintage, Anthony is on a winning path and we are thrilled to partner with him since his first release. Crisp citrus, zesty tropical fruit, chalk, mineral, hints of saline all tightly knit in a refreshing, racy, vibrant package.
Geoff Nicoll Director Beer, Wine & Spirits
Buoncristani Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Regular $29.99 Gazette Special $25.99
Those Buoncristani brothers have done it again, producing one of the best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had the pleasure to try. Complex aromas of orange sorbet, floral Muscat, vanilla and lemon zest entice the senses. Creamy on the palate with flavors of mango, melon, and nectarine. A tropical, ultra-bright crisply fresh finish will linger as you taste in amazement at how great this wine is. Enjoy!
Michael Contreras Wine Specialist Beverly Hills
King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Regular $19.99 Gazette Special $17.99
Grown on over 1000 acres of biodynamic vineyards in the Southern Willamette Valley of Oregon, just south west of Eugene, this is the largest biodynamic vineyard in the USA. Their 2015 Pinot Gris just garnered 93 points from Wine and Spirits. Obviously the critics agree that this is a food friendly sipper that is perfect for a fall picnic in the mountains or on the beach. A supple wine from the start, the palate exudes flavors of fresh cut pear, pineapple and key lime. There is a striking balance of acidity and fresh fruit that provides a very clean and lengthy finish. Pan seared Chilean Sea Bass, steamed baby bock choy, with a soy sauce lemon drizzle will be a perfect pairing.
Bruce Davis Wine Specialist Palm Desert
Toad Hollow Mendocino Chardonnay
Regular $12.99 Gazette Special $10.99
This unoaked Chardonnay from Mendocino County is sure to enliven your taste buds, with bright citrus and green apple flavors lifting this wine beyond your normal butter bombs. Very fresh and medium bodied, with a perky texture both cleansing and appetizing. I would pair this amazing Chard with a nice salmon dinner.
Kyle Ezidro Wine Specialist Manhattan Beach
Elizabeth Rose Oakville Napa Valley Chardonnay
Regular $19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
This unique Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in Lincoln Creek Vineyard at the center of Oakville. Using no oak or malolactic fermentation, the pale straw color conceals a nose full of tropical fruit and ripe guava. Bright, acidic and refreshing with guava, white grapefruit, and refreshing minerality on the palate. Enjoy this unique Chardonnay paired with grilled salmon and tropical salsa or oysters with a pineapple mignonette.
Neal Wasserman Wine Specialist La Jolla
Gallo Signature Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Regular $29.99 Gazette Special $25.99
The Gallo Signature Series honors the journey the Gallo Family started in 1933, and it celebrates how far this family has come. With some of California’s best grapes at her fingertips, third-generation winemaker Gina Gallo has created this excellent white, combining the crisp, mineral laden style of Chablis with the ripe fruit flavors of California Chardonnay. This gem is crisp and flinty, with complex layers of lime and green apple framed by spice and an elegant, intense finish. A moderate, extended growing season, coupled with a long, cool fermentation, preserved this wine’s signature bright acidity. A great match with shellfish, seafood k-bobs on the grill, poultry and certainly tantalizing on its own. The 2013 vintage earned 90 points in The Wine Advocate.
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine; Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
Voix de la Vigne Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Regular $24.99 Gazette Special $18.99
The Voix de la Vignes Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, with fruit harvested from Yamhill-Carlton and McMinnville AVA’s, is vibrant and offers zippy acidity that leads with red cherries, plums and raspberries and finishes with bright red fruit, cloves and vanilla. All grapes were hand-harvested and hand-sorted to ensure the highest quality fruit, and then aged for eight months in French oak barrels, giving this wine added complexity and style. And based on the special Gazette retail, this Pinot way over delivers on the quality to price ratio – Bravo!
Michael Cristillo Certified Specialist of Wine; Corporate Wine & Spirits Buyer
Sineann Oregon Pinot Noir
Regular $32.99 Gazette Special $27.99
Sineann (shuh-NAY-uhn) winery has built an irrefutable reputation for crafting intense and full flavored wines with longevity, that will easily satisfy palates ranging from novice to connoisseur. The winery was founded in 1994 by winemaker Peter Rosback and David O’Reilly (who has since moved on to start Owen Roe) and since day one, the ideals of meticulous fruit selection, minimal processing, and French Oak aging allows for the preservation of character of each wine, and has solidified their spot as a top producer in the Pacific Northwest. Proof of this is evident in everything they make, from their single vineyard offerings down to this appellation blend that consists of batches and barrels that weren’t chosen for the single vineyard wines. Built to last, this masculine Pinot borders on beastly and although approachable now, can be aged for years to mellow and reveal it’s true balance and character. Dark and aromatic with great natural acidity, it’s packed with dark berry fruit, spice, citrus and mushroom notes through the long…long finish.
Fernando Damasco Wine Specialist Santa Monica
Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Regular $33.99 Gazette Special $26.99
The Willamette Valley of Oregon is now widely recognized as a source of world class wines at a very affordable price. I truly believe that many Pinot Noirs from this huge valley can rival Red Burgundy’s and at half the cost. Invited to attend the famed Oregon Pinot Camp in 2005, I inadvertently stumbled upon the garage of Scott and Annie Shull. 20 barrels of Raptor Ridge were resting there, waiting to be discovered. The clones were 115, 667, 777 and Pommard, perhaps gibberish to the neophyte but the source of fantastic wines. We sampled via thief’s (glorified turkey basters), and soon we were blending from barrels to make our own personal Cuvee. Today you can enjoy their efforts from the Chehalem AVA in the northern portion of the valley. This wine starts off silky with fine tannins. With Italian plum, cherries, and black pepper, backed up with classic minerality. Discover the beauty of this food friendly wine, BBQ salmon with a maple syrup glaze and cracked black pepper will match perfectly, and don’t forget the risotto.
Bruce Davis Wine Specialist Palm Desert
Marques De Caceres Rioja Crianza
Regular $12.99 Gazette Special $10.99
I have been trying Spanish reds lately, and this is an excellent wine, both in price and taste. Rich, full-bodied red made from Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano grapes. The wine has a dark red, almost purple color with aromas of raspberries, cherries and a hint of vanilla. Crianza’s have a nice and balanced acidity that reminds me of a Pinot Noir. It has a soft, velvety finish and only a slight amount of soft tannins. They are not aged too long but you can still taste some oak. It’d be perfect alone or with hearty dishes, grilled meats or tapas.
Gabriella Tardos Wine Specialist Westwood
Damilano Barbera d'Asti
Regular $17.99 Gazette Special $14.99
Piemonte is known for its classic wines, from the ageworthy Barbaresco and Barolo to the delightfully fresh and youthful Moscato d’Asti. Barbera is Italy’s most important red varietal, and unfortunately decades ago, Barbera got a bad rap due to large wine factories producing thin, insipid, washed out reds at dirt cheap prices. Barbera, left unchecked, can be vigorous in growth and volume, but far from inspiring in quality. But as in all artisan products, it has the potential to make some spectacular and interesting wines. Damilano specializes in Barolo, but have applied their exacting ideals to elevate the quality of all their wines. The Barbera d’Asti is intense, opaque and quite complex considering its nature, with violets, notes of game, herbs and finishing with a lingering, rounded and surprisingly plush finish. Well suited to game meats, hearty sauces, our house made Italian sausages and pizza.
Geoff Nicoll Director Beer, Wine & Spirits
Chateau Fonreaud Listrac-Medoc Bordeaux Rouge
Regular $19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
Somewhat of a rollercoaster as of late, Bordeaux has had its ups and downs over the last decade, but the prices don’t always follow the trend. For lesser vintages, there is a lesser increase, rarely a decrease. But if you shop around and hold out (and use a little leverage) there are bargains to be had. 2010 was a blockbuster year, as is 2015, but there are those vintages in between that should be taken advantage of. 2014 was a 92 point vintage throughout the region, excellent by any standard, but shy of the 95 or 96 point “blockbuster” ratings of the aforementioned. Cht Fonreaud is a left bank wine from the Listrac-Medoc, situated on the highest plain in the Medoc, and is about equidistant from the appellations of Margaux and St. Julien, and about half way between the Gironde river and the Atlantic. Ideal exposure, drainage, deep gravel and limestone soils, all contribute to a delicious and satisfying red. Just over half Cabernet Sauvignon, the frame is sturdy, but a solid complement of Merlot and Petite Verdot deliver a generous ripeness to round it out. As a fan of Fonreaud for decades, it pleases me that we can offer this 90 Pt. Parker rated delicious Bordeaux for a few dollars more than when we sold it 20 years ago. That is remarkable! Compare to the Suggested Retail of $29, this is truly a bargain worth snatching up!
Geoff Nicoll Director Beer, Wine & Spirits
Duckhorn Napa Valley Paraduxx Proprietary Red
Regular $49.99 Gazette Special $39.99
As one of the most popular wineries in Napa Valley, Duckhorn has a great collection of wines in its flock, and Paraduxx is no ‘ugly duckling’. This is a predominant Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Zinfandel that is rich and full bodied with juicy berry notes. Aromas reveal fresh strawberry, and blueberry tart with red cherries to boot; the wine is barreled in French and American oak for 18 months and delivers notes of toasted char and smoked wood with a gentle mallow finish. Tannins are strong but can be abated with a delicious pairing of semi/soft cheese platters. Enjoy this delicious Cabernet blend as we finish our last summer days out on the grill!
William Buford Wine Specialist Hollywood
Leviathan California Proprietary Red
Regular $49.99 Gazette Special $34.99
A 100% California blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon 32% Syrah 24% Merlot 7% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of coffee, smoke, fresh baked black cherry pie, black licorice and soft tannins with dark chocolate raspberries and cherries. There is a long smooth finish to this deep plum colored wine. With a 14.5% alcohol you should either decant or wait a few minutes after the first pour of a glass. A great wine to great pair with brie, figs or chocolate cake. 2013 vintage scored 95 points on Vivino.
Dorothy Sagebiel Wine Specialist Westchester
Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Regular $64.99 Gazette Special $57.99
One of my all-time favorite Orin Swift wines, this is a very nice Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon based with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this big, beautiful red offers up notes of ripe cherry, blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate with a hint of sweet French oak. A great drink, enjoy now or hold, or do both! Enjoy with aged cheese, or hearty meat dishes as well as one of our superb dry aged New Yorks.
Bert Svensson Wine Specialist Newport Beach
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino
Regular $99.99 Gazette Special $89.99
Another outstanding vintage in Montalcino produced this amazing, bordering on perfect example (in my humble opinion) of what Brunello di Montalcino can and should be. While a bit restrained and reserved, it slowly and seductively unravels, revealing intoxicating aromatics of wild berries and red plums mingling in perfect harmony with Mediterranean herbs, spices and hints of leather and forest floor. What I was most impressed with is the remarkably elegant, yet brawny structure which demonstrates unbelievable balance and finesse with underlying acidity to balance the chewy tannins. The finish is textbook Brunello, long and polished with flavors of fleshy black cherry, leathery notes and hints of cinnamon and anise that linger on and on. I recommend buying at least a couple bottles, as this baby will drink well over the next couple decades. Pair with your favorite cut of beef from our amazing meat department or hearty aged cheeses. The 2012 vintage was rated 95 points by The Wine Spectator.
Fernando Damasco Wine Specialist Santa Monica
Prices valid August 30 – October 3rd, 2017
All wines assort for 10% discount when 6 or more bottles are purchased. All selections are 750 ml unless otherwise noted. No rain checks. While Bristol Farms takes every effort to ensure adequate supply, all offerings are subject to availability.