Wine Club Newsletter March 2013

Cheers, and Happy March!

Your Wine Pick-up Party this month will
be on the very first Tuesday, March 5th,
anytime from 5-9 pm. We’ll have both
the Silver and Gold level wines available
to taste.

Congratulations to our March winner of the
monthly free bottle, Theresa Schoenfeld!
Theresa, you may choose any past or present
Silver Level bottle.

Now let’s get to the wines!

Starting with the Silver Level, you’ve
got the 2010 Tres Picos Garnacha from
Campo de Borja, Spain.

This wine got tons of great press, including
this stellar, 92 point review from the
Wine Advocate:

“One of my favorite offerings from the Bodegas Borsao
is the 2010 Tres Picos. Made from 100% Garnacha aged
in equal parts stainless steel and French oak, this is their
interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape. (But when’s the
last time you saw a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape priced
at $17 – about 30 years ago?) Deep notes of roasted herbs,
sweet black cherries and raspberries, peppers and spice
soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine.
Full-bodied, rich, ripe, silky textured, pure and long, this is
an unbelievable value.”

Next up is the 2011 Eruption Red from Brassfield
Estate. This High Valley wine from the Volcano
Ridge Vineyard is made up of – get this –

39% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre, 10% Malbec, 8% Petite Sirah,
8% Tempranillo, 4% Zinfandel, 4% Grenache.
Here’s the winery’s note:

“The 2011 Eruption is rich and intense. The wine has
aromas of dark berry, sandalwood and cocoa, giving
way to flavors that are jammy, ripe and expressive.
The palate is layered with supple and round tannins,
making the wine both hedonistic while simultaneously
elegant. The texture of this wine is perhaps its most
distinguishing trait – mouth-coating with an endless finish.”

Now for the Gold Level Wines. The first is
the 2009 Frank Family Cabernet from Napa
Valley. This classic got 90 points from damn
near everybody, including the Advocate, Enthusiast,
and Stephen Tanzer. Here’s Tanzer:

“Spice-accented aromas of cherry, cassis and pipe
tobacco, with suave vanilla and Indian spice nuances
adding complexity. Offers an array of dark fruit flavors
brightened by a sexy floral note and gentle acidity.
Smooth and smoky on the persistent finish.”

Last but not least, the 2009 Rocca di Montemassi
Sassabruna, from the Maremma region of Tuscany.

This “Super-Tuscan” is 80% Sangiovese, with
10% each Merlot and Syrah. 90 points Enthusiast.

Full and velvety on the palate, this displays
delicious flavors of plum, chocolate, and spice,
with earth and savory notes. It is, to put it quite
simply, yummy juice.

That’s it for March. Have fun and be well.

Cheers!