September 1 - 28, 2010
September is a turning point in the year with much to be thankful for ~ The kids are back in school; the holiday season approaches; football kicks off while the baseball season curves its way towards the playoffs; and the kids are back in school. And what about those special observances in September ~ Better Breakfast Month; National Honey Month; Baby Safety Month and National Roller Skating Week. So have some eggs and bacon, grab your honey and your kid and enjoy the fresh air while roller skating in the park. It is a moment to celebrate and reminisce about good times to come. So enjoy this Labor Day weekend in style with your barbeques in full grill and welcome the new season. Our knowledgeable wine staff are attuned to your particular tastes and have chosen an eclectic selection of wines and spirit items to quaff your thirst and quench your palate. Enjoy…and remember to drink outside the box.

Poema Cava Brut
Reg $11.99 Gazette Special $9.99
The majority of Spanish Cava is made in the Penedes area of Catalonia. It was created in 1872 by Joseph Raventos. That being said, several months ago I attended a wine seminar that was attended by groups of my peers in the industry. In a setting like this it is hard to get a majority consensus on anything, but Poema was the hit of the seminar. Vibrant aromas of peaches, pears and apple pie with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish. This Cava is great sipper all by itself or it makes very delicious Mimosas or Bellini’s.
David Yaquinto-Wine Specialist Palm Desert

Jansz Tasmania Premium Brut
Reg $18.99 Gazette Special $15.99
In the northeast corner of Australia's southern island state is a wine region so perfect for creating sparkling wine that it has captured the interest of world-renowned Champagne houses such as Louis Roederer. With a climate similar to that of Champagne, this region is known simply as 'Sparkling Tasmania'. The Jansz Tasmania Premium NV Cuvee is comprised of 58% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir and 2% pinot meunier. This sparkling wine is very pale gold in color and is bursting with fine bubbles. The bouquet shows lifted aromas of honeysuckle and citrus fruits from the chardonnay, with nougat and roasted nuts derived from the ageing process while the pinot noir adds delicate strawberry. The palate is well balanced with delicate fruit flavors, creaminess and fresh acid, leading to a dry, light finish with lingering flavors of citrus and nougat. Great as an aperitif or paired with smoke salmon.
Michael Pagh-Wine Specialist Rolling Hills

Domaine Gaujal Picpoul de Pinet
Reg $10.99 Gazette Special $8.99
Known as the Muscadet of the south, Picpoul de Pinet is one of the most commonly enjoyed whites in the region. Grown in the Coteaux du Langedoc, the estate vineyards are situated in close proximity to Bassin de Thou, a large lake well known for its shellfish, oysters in particular. The mother-daughter team has bucked the trend of bland ordinary whites that are often quaffed locally and taken the route of other small producers by reducing yields, using native yeasts and extended ageing sur-lie before bottling. Loosely translated, “lip stinger”, this vibrant, almost piquant wine is fantastic with fresh oysters, white fish and is quite satisfying as an aperitif. Also a great way to tame the Indian Summer.
Geoff Nicoll-Director Beer, Wine & Spirits

Cambiata Monterey County Albarino
Reg $16.99 Gazette Special $14.99
Indigenous to the Galicia and Rias Baixas border regions of northern Spain, this interesting and light hearted grape appears to be quite well suited to the coastal vineyards of our own Monterey County. While very crisp and racy with firm acidity, it also possesses a depth and richness that offsets the often prickly and angular nature of the grape. It boasts stone fruits such as peach and nectarine, citrus, and blossom notes with an underlying almond tinged textured finish. It is a welcome alternative to the usual suspects and pairs nicely with seafood and poultry dishes. 91 points Wine Enthusiast.
Geoff Nicoll-Director Beer, Wine & Spirits

Marquis Phillips Holly’s White
Reg $9.99 Gazette Special $8.99
The Marquis Phillips blended white from South Eastern Australia has tropical fruit aromas that pop out on this marriage of verdelho, chardonnay, riesling and semillon followed by exotic floral and citrus and warm spices. The verdelho shows the melon and stone fruit notes, the barrel fermented chardonnay providing complexity and aromatic varieties showing limes and lemons. Fresh, bright and just off-dry with spice on the finish. An easy sipper, simple aromatic that would pair wonderfully with spicy Asian-style dishes
Jose Cortes-Wine Specialist South Pasadena

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Alsace Gewurztraminer
Reg $25.99 Gazette Special $22.99
Alsatian Gewurztraminer is typically off dry, light to medium bodied white wines with great acidity and aromas of litchi fruit, honey and rose petals. This brilliant effort from one of the best producers in Alsace is no exception. Add to the typical description a touch of orange blossom and a bit of brown spices and you have lovely warm weather wine that captures the true terroir of this biodynamically grown effort. Enjoy with smoked nuts and meats, spicy Thai cuisine, light salads and is best severed only slightly chilled.
Teo Santocono-Wine Specialist La Jolla

Clos de Thou Jurancon Sec Cuvee Guilhouret
Reg $21.99 Gazette Special $18.99
Jurancon is one of the oldest appellations in France located in the far southwest near the town of Pau. They produce white wines of distinction that range from bone dry to the sweetest of sweets using grape varietals that most of us have never heard of. This particular wine is made of gros menseng and petit courbu. It is totally dry, full bodied and wonderfully rich. With notes of lemon and minerals in both the aroma and on the palate mingled with hints of orange peel and subtle honeyed notes. If you've never tried a Jurancon, this is a classic example of a dry style that will complement all types of seafood.
Cheryl Dash-Wine Specialist Manhattan Beach

Ferrari Carano Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Reg $24.99 Gazette Special $21.99
These days barrel-fermented chardonnays seem to be out of fashion. People say to they want a chardonnay more like white Burgundy. This is ironic to me since Burgundy is the center of the world as far as barrel fermented chardonnay goes. But that aside, there are reasons winemakers go to the trouble, expense, and risk of fermenting and aging their chardonnay in oak barrels. Barrel fermentation imbues complexity, rich creamy flavors, delicate oak characteristics, and better aging capabilities. At the end of alcoholic fermentation, yeast cells autolyse, a slow process which releases complex compounds into the wine. This is called sur lie aging and it is done to enhance the structure and mouth feel of a wine, give it extra body, and increase the aromatic complexity. Lees stirring can result in a creamy, viscous mouth feel, and can enhance flavor complexity. The Ferrari Carano Alexander Valley chardonnay is a delicious wine with floral and fruit aromas, and complexities of graham cracker with a hint of rich caramel, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, creamy vanilla undertones balance layers of toast and spice on the finish, and the tropical flavors linger to the end. Save your stainless steel chards for delicate seafood or salads. The Ferrari Carano Chardonnay goes with richer fare like pork chops or grilled salmon.
Rob Hill-Wine Specialist Hollywood & Westchester

Chateau Trinquevedel Tavel Rose
Reg $16.99 Gazette Special $13.99
Summer is quickly coming to an end, however there is still time to savor a lovely rose that compliments not only your lighter fair yet has the depth of flavor to enhance heartier dishes. With it's deep salmon color and smoky herb and berry enhanced flavors this wine is very focused with a good dry grip. The very hedonistic essence of the Rhone. A joy to enhance grilled chicken, salmon or a fresh cracked crab.
Alex Brideau-Wine Specialist Beverly West

Mohua Central Otago Pinot Noir
Reg $19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
Mohua is named in honor of one of the rarest birds of New Zealand, now found only in some of the most remote parts of the South Island’s pristine rainforests. Fortunately, there is plenty of this red gem to cater to all wine aficionados. The wine growing region of Central Otago is blessed with cool nights and a climate that’s unique to New Zealand, but also shares an important pedigree with Burgundy and Oregon in that they are located on the 45th parallel. This Kiwi beauty coats the palate with rich cherry and strawberry notes, with a hint of spicy plum and juicy minerality on the finish. Pair with red fleshed seafood, grilled shellfish and mild cheeses.
Michael Cristillo-Corp Wine & Spirits Buyer

Dow Vale do Bomfim Douro Red
Reg $12.99 Gazette Special $9.99
Portugal is an ever increasing source of viable value wines and Vale do Bomfim is at the top of this list from one of its stalwart Port producers, Dow. This wine would surprise many a zinfandel lover in a blind tasting. Dow’s Vale do Bomfim has a singular richness, which is the best word to describe this wine as most would confuse it with a zinfandel at twice the price. But there is more to this bottle of wine. There is structure with the ripe tannins and subtle verve that add depth and character to the wine. The fruit is sourced from the same vineyards that provide fruit for Dow’s Vintage Port. touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinta barroca and touriga nacional make up the blend. No wood, no gimmicks, just bright, ample plum/currant fruit. It’s straightforward, round, and downright quaffable, which is exactly the point. Serve this wine with stews, meat dishes that have herbal notes and rare steaks.
Michael Gregory-Wine Specialist Beverly West

Yarden Golan Heights Merlot
Reg $29.99 Gazette Special $22.99
Here is a treat from Israel’s Golan Heights that will celebrate the Jewish New Year and bring a pleasant surprise to those wine lovers who have not yet sampled the wines from Yarden. From this cool climate and rocky soil is produced an old world style merlot. Resting in French Oak for 14 months, its deep, dark plum and berry notes are surrounded by a medium oak structure giving notes of vanilla. Pair this kosher wine with your Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur dinners. Shana Tova!
William Buford-Wine Specialist Westlake Village

Swanson Napa Valley Merlot
Reg $25.99 Gazette Special $21.99
In 1985 W. Clarke Swanson Jr. purchased a 100 acre property in the heart of the Napa Valley. His mission was straightforward - to celebrate the simple pleasures in life made better with wine. In a bold business style long associated with the Swanson name he planted merlot in the heart of cabernet sauvignon country. As the risk paid off with this excellent, well-received wine (a “cab-lover’s merlot”), the Swansons, together with their winemaking team, continue to excel with their planted varietals. The wine is a definite cross between classic Napa merlot and quintessential Right-Bank Bordeaux. You’ll find ripe cassis and elegant black cherry on the nose, with a hint of spice and plum. On the palate the tannins are very ripe and firm and are complemented with sweet, toasty oak, overlaid with pure raspberry extract and black cherry. The finish is long and satisfying. Pair with grilled rib eye.
Michael Pagh-Wine Specialist Rolling Hills

Big Vine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Reg $17.99 Gazette Special $14.99
A Napa cabernet under $20 is easy enough to find, but a GOOD cabernet under $20 is another story. A beautiful nose of red and black berry fruit, cedar and tobacco notes reminiscent of quality Bordeaux. A fruit forward offering with nice ripe (not jammy) fruit notes, mouth-watering acidity, sweet oak, peppercorn spice and firm, well structured tannins. An amazing value for a Napa Valley cabernet, pair with your favorite cut of meat from our outstanding meat department.
Fernando Damasco-Wine Specialist Hollywood

Halter Ranch Paso Robles Pioneer Red
Reg $14.99 Gazette Special $12.99
Bill Sheffer the winemaker at Halter Ranch in Paso Robles jokes that if the GSM blended wine (grenache, syrah and mouvedre) was changed to truly reflect all the varietals used the acronym might more resemble a roman numeral than the name of one of his masterful blends... GSMCC with the addition of counoise and cinsault. I relate this story to help describe the Pioneer Red blend that has all five of the afore mentioned varietals plus a bit of viognier. This wonderful and affordable wine is great to enjoy on its own or to complement grilled meats or spicy sausage BBQ. The blend was the favorite at our in store Halter Ranch tasting this month. Wonderful red and black berry fruit are supported by mild tannins and a sinful bouquet, aided by the viognier, the result is a great Southern Rhone style blend that I would suggest calling Chateauneuf du Pape Jr. as six of the 13 varietals allowed in Chateauneuf are used in this little gem. It was a small production so is available in limited quantities.
Don Ziehm-Wine Specialist Long Beach

El Felino Mendoza Malbec
Reg $19.99 Gazette Special $16.99
100% malbec grapes from Argentina are used to make this sophisticated wine that carries a deep magenta hue and aromas of dark berries and anis. On the palate, intense, pure flavors of just-picked raspberries, black plum and graphite unfold in velvety layers. Exotic notes of ginger and white pepper carry through the mid-palate to intermingle with firm tannins and notes of cedar on the finish. Great with game or well seasoned meats.
Michael Contreras-Wine Specialist Westwood

Fetish the Watcher Barossa Shiraz
Reg $24.99 Gazette Special $12.99
The top wine pick of the year in regards to value and quality and a 91 point wine from the Wine Advocate for $12.99 (2006 vintage). The Watcher, according to legend, implies transcendence and authority, a being of knowledge, understanding, concern and influence. All this even before your palate can get a taste of this remarkable shiraz. Oddly, even though it hails from Barossa Valley, its shows more McLaren Vale characteristics with it’s laser-like focus on vibrant fruit, structure, and supple, lean tannins. The aromatics of smoke, blueberry and blackberry leads to a focused wine with excellent layering of ripe cherry and plum fruit, shaded with sweet spices. This deftly balanced red offers intense flavors and a lengthy finish. As the French would say about their Volnay, this particular shiraz is akin to an iron fist in a velvet glove. Match with all grilled fare, meat and veggies, or enjoy hedonistically on its own.
Brian Moore-Wine Specialist Newport Beach

Andrew Murray Central Coast Syrah Tous les Jours
Reg $16.99 Gazette Special $13.99
This Central Coast syrah uses fruit from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley to create a wine that is both fruity and spicy at the same time. The wine is remarkably dark and full-bodied with gentle tannins. The nose offers intense aromas of ripe red berry, black cherry, and wild berry. It is round and smooth on the palate with flavors of herb-laced currant, anise, and stewed plum which are accented by vibrant acidity. It shows pepper and touch of coffee on the long, detailed finish. This wine is impressively fresh and enjoyable to drink on any occasion. Enjoy it with your favorite beef dish or try it with some aged cheddar or gouda.
Dick O’Connell-Wine Specialist Newport Beach

Santa Barbara Winery Santa Ynez Syrah
Reg $17.99 Gazette Special $15.99
Winemaker Bruce McGuire is an early pioneer in blending syrah grown throughout the east-west traverse of the Santa Ynez Valley. Because syrah is proving to be the rare example of a varietal that can be grown in all the temperature zones found in valley, blending vineyard sites has become an intriguing endeavor. This bottling of syrah highlights both the cool climate forward flavors of white pepper and lavender, and the jammier full fruit character experienced in the back of the mouth courtesy of the warmer eastern Santa Ynez Valley. Pair with rustic fare, slightly charred grilled meats, seared Ahi, and washed rind cheeses.
Jose Cortes-Wine Specialist South Pasadena

Justin Isosceles Paso Robles Proprietary Red
Reg $64.99 Gazette Special $57.99
Justin Winery is family owned and operated in Paso Robles. The property was founded in 1981 by Justin and Deborah Baldwin when they planted their 160 acre property to the major Bordeaux varietals and created their Estate Vineyard. Isosceles is 88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 4% merlot. It offers a deep, dense purple-black core with barely perceptible color change to the rim, indicating extraordinarily high extract and viscosity. The nose gives black and blue fruit, firm but inviting oak notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and later the nose brings out dark cocoa, a dash of black pepper and a touch of vanilla. The palate reveals an immensely flavored wine, repeating the black fruit intensity with a stately, regal, long finish. Isosceles will pair well with big red meats or hearty game dishes.
David Yaquinto-Wine Specialist Palm Desert

Stanton Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Reg $44.99 Gazette Special $39.99
Based in Napa Valley, Doug Stanton and his infamous partner-in-crime, Winemaker David Phinney offer a varietal for the masses. For our introduction to the fall dinner menus, this petite sirah will knock your socks off! Aged for 20 months in American and French Oak barrels, this petite is not so petite; with deep and dark color, its robust character-it is defined rich and complex by the oak and its plum and black berry flavors. Stanton and Phinney are praised for their 90+ wines from Wine Spectator magazine. Pair this strong tannin wine with your Filet Mignon, black peppered mashed potatoes, and asparagus.
William Buford-Wine Specialist Westlake Village

Karly Pokerville Amador County Zinfandel
Reg $12.99 Gazette Special $10.99 750ml
Forty miles east of Sacramento, is a stretch of land known as zinfandel country. This area offers some of the most compelling wines, and zinfandel is king. Hedonistic, this Amador county varietal can be extremely complex and downright muscular. The subtle spice and intensity that are associated with this varietal are so nicely expressed in this very affordable quaffer. Buck Cobb, who owns this winery, is a fanatic to produce the very best wines that express the essence of the region. The decadent cherry-berry flavors lend themselves to grilled steaks and chicken kabobs.
Alex Brideau-Wine Specialist Beverly West

Cossart Gordon Bual Madeira 5 year old
Reg $24.99 Gazette Special $21.99
Made from Bual grapes collected from multiple small, terraced vineyards that cling to steep mountainous slopes of the island, this is a dry style Madeira. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks until a neutral grape spirit brandy is added to stop the fermentation. Following fermentation, the wines undergo the ‘cantro’ process used for fine Madeiras. They are placed in a lodge in American oak casks and heated solely by the sun’s warmth for three months. This heating process oxidizes the wine, giving it a very long shelf life and its characteristic nutty, rich flavors. Chill as an aperitif or enjoy with saltier, drier cheeses like aged Gouda or creamy desserts.
Michael Contreras-Wine Specialist Westwood

Yalumba Museum Reserve Muscat 375 ml
Reg $18.99 Gazette Special $14.99
Dense and rich with mahogany tones, this rich Australian offering has a nose of dried figs, dates and peaches. Fruity flavors abound with dried apricot, more peaches and notes of aged rum. Wonderful with rich desserts like New York cheesecake or the high light of dessert itself when served with soft creamy cheeses, fresh figs, or dried meats such as prosciutto and Jamon de Serrano.
Teo Santocono-Wine Specialist La Jolla