2005 thoughts...

I'm outside typing in the backyard this afternoon while playing a little Frisbee with my faithful companion of 8 years - Henley. I rescued him from the Dallas SPCA one rainy Saturday afternoon and nursed his abused little body back to health. In turn he's always been there for me - especially when tough days get the best of me. Henley - the TexaCali Wine Co. employee in charge of keeping spirits high!

I guess it's appropriate on the last days of 2005 for the weather to be 80 degrees in Texas (please pour me another glass of Crios Torrontes!). 2005 was full of hot, crazy, unpredictable and outrageous days! Looking forward to a beautiful 2006 - between the 2005 summer heat, hurricanes, heartbreak, and launching a new company I'm ready for the awesome horizon that lies just ahead.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to do what I love and to help others along the way - so cool. All in all, 2005 was a hugely successful year for TexaCali Wine Co. A big toast to 2006 and GO HORNS!!! Ali

Bubbles for New Years...

and take-out Thai any night of the week!

I've received numerous emails this week asking my opinion on which champagne to buy for New Years Celebrations. Easy. Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut is a staple in my house year round. You can find it at any fine-wine store in Texas or ask your favorite retailer to bring it in if they are temporarily sold out.

Why this beauty is a must...LP's Brut Rose is 100% Pinot Noir from 10 Grand Crus vineyards in Champagne. The special color you'll see in your glass comes from the technique known as "saignee" which is like "bleeding" the pinot noir skins instead of blending a little red with white grape juice. Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose is the REAL DEAL and delicious!! Happy 2006!! Ali

Mapema Tempranillo Dallas Morning News Wine of the Week!

Not only is this a crazy good tempranillo, it's one of the most elegant and modern wine labels found on shelves today. You can also bank on the Mapema Malbec and Primera Zona to knock off your cozy Christmas stockings. Next time you see me, stop and ask me about the magical mapema (ma-pay-ma) dinner with the winemakers in Argentina I had this year. It's a good one...

Dallas Morning News, Wednesday, December 21, 2005.
Wine of the week: Mapema, Mendoza, Tempranillo 2003
Mapema, Mendoza, Tempranillo 2003, $15.99

This may seem to be a wine of contradictions: a limited- production, handmade wine at an affordable price; a Spanish grape variety grown in Argentina. But vintners Pepe Galante and Mariano Di Paola have teamed to create consistently lush black fruit flavors with hints of spices and smoky oak perfect for a hearty meat stew. Available at Central Market Dallas, Centennial, Pogo's and The Wine Therapist. -Rebecca Murphy

Santa will skip right over the milk and cookies for this kickin' bottle of red! Check out www.texacaliwine.com for more Mapema insight. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to ALL!! Ali

ROCKIN' WITH GIBSON

Huge thanks to Gibson for the VIP showroom last night in Austin! No less than 60 or so KILLER guitars around the room to rock with while sipping wine and sake - how am I going to ever top that!!??!!?? Cheers - Ali

Holiday Survival Wines

Ah, the holidays are here, peace, love and joy. Well, in keeping things real we all know that holiday family gatherings can also bring on a little stress. Thank God for wine to get us through! For those looking forward to gathering with families and friends and those needing a little patience, the following wines will guarantee pure holiday joy!

$10 Budini Malbec – this cool little sipper from Argentina was just voted a “Top 10 Party Wine from Food and Wine Magazine”. The price won’t break the bank – serve it to your grumpy uncle who always brings over a 1.5 liter of Yellow Tail, you’re doing a great service here by increasing his wine knowledge…talk about the “spirit of giving” - an inexpensive bottle you can drink as well!

$20 Olivet Lane Chardonnay – serve this to your brother-in-law the “wine know-it-all”. Tell him that Olivet Lane is one of the most prestigious vineyards in all of the Russian River in Sonoma County. If he knows anything about wine, he’ll be able to recognize Olivet Lane from producers such as Merry Edwards, Williams-Seylem, Kenwood and Gary Farrell to name a few. By the way – this chardonnay is for those who normally don’t sip this varietal. Very well balanced with many layers – not full of American oak – you actually taste the fruit.

$26 Tikal Patriota – this one comes with an added bonus! Besides the most incredible blend of Bonarda and Malbec, the bottle itself weights about 5 lbs. Might come in handy when the in-laws or that crazy aunt are wearing out their welcome.

$25 Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet – you should buy a case. It’s for all the times your wife says “Honey you spend too much on wine”. We all know what I mean. Hands-down this wine blows away any other Alexander Valley Cabernet made today – even the one with “silver linings” that cost 3 times as much. She will love you for such the cost-cutter!

$20 Handley Anderson Valley Chardonnay – this vineyard is officially certified organic and the wine is full of richness. Save it for your cousins who just flew in from Berkley. This will make them less nervous about visiting Texas. Trust me they are…it’s a harsh world out there in California for Texans thanks to our current White House Staff.

For a list of Holiday wines for your cellar collection check out www.texacaliwine.com.

TexaCali Wine Company wishes everyone Holiday Blessings!

Cheers –

Ali

Austin-Music-Wine - OH YEAH.

So what a way to end the year on a high note.TexaCali Wine Co. is co-hosting a Grammy Party & Wine Tasting for a record label at Guitar Center in Austin this week.

I can't wait! Jeesh - The last time I walked into a Guitar Center I was returning a gorgeous brand-spanking new Gibson J 45 (Sunburst) and shiny new case, man such a heart-wrenching, messed up and long story...Guitar Center this time around should be quite the pleasant experience - I'm looonnnggg overdue for some good guitar playin' karma!! Cheers - Ali

The Biggest Wave of the Year

How many of you in wine retail feel like this guy right now?! ha!... Ali

2004 Tikal Patriota

Recently over dinner a very high profile Dallas chef told me he was sorting through his storage warehouse and peaked into a locker across the isle...this fella was taking a few bottles out for a dinner and among all the First Growths, Cali Cult Wine and a few other doozies where big black boxes of Tikal and Luca stood out front and center. The story told by the Chef made me smile for hours - I'm so proud of these wines! No doubt collectors around the state are taking serious care of Argentina's most luscious wines.

Tikal Patriota is absolutely my favorite of all - from the groovy artwork on the outside to the elegant flavors on the inside. Hunt this bottle down - you will become a fan for life - I guarantee. (By the way, the Tikal Patriota is the #1 selling wine among the Tikal and Luca family wines in Texas).


Tasting Notes/Food Pairing Suggestions: Aromas of bright berry/cherry fruit and electric-purple color. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry, cherry, and cocoa flavors. Just a hint of baking spice at the end brings it all together. Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink!

About the Name/Label: Tikal is named after Ernesto's son. Ernesto named this particular wine “Patriota” ( “Patriot”) since Bonarda and Malbec grapes have been at the core of Argentina 's great winemaking tradition since its foundation. The original artwork of this passionate dancing couple was created by Ernesto's close friend and artist, Ariel Mlynarzewicz. Drink up! Ali

Dallas Morning News Wine of the Week!

Just in time for the freezing weather here...


Ben Marco, Mendoza, Malbec 2003

Argentine malbecs are often jammy, blackberry quaffers, great for burgers and pizza. This beautifully structured wine is from Argentina's hottest husband-and-wife team, Pedro Marchevsky and Susana Balbo. He sourced the grapes; she finessed silky, black fruit lifted by an edifice of vivid acidity and masterfully integrated, ripe tannins.

Available at Central Market, Mr. G's, Far Pointe Cellars, Centennial and Pogo's. $19.99 - Rebecca Murphy Wednesday, December 7, 2005.

Tis the Season to Shop!

I've put together an incredible short list of top rated wines - all received 90+ points from critics. If you are just getting started on your wine collection or need to impress the boss or the girlfriend, wife, Mother-in-law or whoever - I promise any bottle from this list will be a big hit. Just click this Holiday Link and print the list off. Happy Shopping - Ali

Free Wine - well sort of...

Tonight - I'll be leading a wine talk and tasting along with Buzz Whelan to learn a little about the Riedel family and the development of the amazing O glasses. We'll compare four KILLER wines (Handley Sauv Blanc, Handley Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet)in your own set (which you will take home) to the wines in a standard glass.

Discover for yourself how the proper container enhances both the taste and aroma of each selection. There will be special pricing on additional sets for the participants on the evening of the class. A light buffet will be served as the class begins. $120

See you tonight - 7-9pm Dallas Central Market - Ali