For those who love the Sunday Comics...

I don't even know what to think of this photo, just made me laugh! Cheers - Ali

Crios Tasting this Saturday in Austin

Central Market (S. Lamar @ Westgate Store) will be uncorking samples of Susana Balbo's Crios wines for all to taste before you buy. Noon until 3:00 or so. Please stop by and give these beautiful wines a try! Cheers - Ali

Wine Spectator Smart Buy

Crios Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Susana Balbo

In stock at your favorite Texas wine store in the Argentina section, also poured by-the-glass at Houston's in Dallas. Oh Yeah!! Cheers - Ali

Perfect Red Wine for the Texas Heat!

So the Pellegrini Carignan has been a HUGE hit among many private wine tastings this year...if you would like a bottle and can't find it on a shelf, just ask your store manager to order it, it retails around $20. In Houston, t'afia has it on the list, because of course t'afia is one of the hippest and most innovative menus in Texas. The carignan flavors are full of ripe dark berries with a hint of cloves. Light enough to keep you cool over the coming hot months in Texas. Here's a little background...

The Pellegrini family has been a part of Sonoma County winemaking since emigrating from Tuscany in 1911. The focus today is on hand crafted estate bottled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Olivet Lane vineyard in Russian River Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the family's Cloverdale Ranch in Alexander Valley, and an old clone Zinfandel from their Eight Cousin's vineyard.

In addition to these wines, Sauvignon Blanc from the Leveroni Vineyard in Lake County is gaining recognition, and a small bottling of Carignan from the Piffero Vineyard in Mendocino has become a perennial favorite. Cheers - Ali

Houston Racquet Club

No No, for all of you out there that assume the Houston Racquet Club is a bunch of sweatband tubesock wearing fools running around - you've got it completely wrong. HRC is a beautiful prestigious private club located in the Memorial area of Houston. Last night they hosted a TexaCali Wine Co. tasting for their membership in their gorgeous ballroom and created the most delicious food pairings ever!

The stars of the tasting included Pellegrini Unoaked Chardonnay, Eloise Sauvignon Blanc, Handley Cellars Chardonnay, Fort Ross Reserve Chardonnay, Ben Marco Cabernet and BLOCK 16 which was the first to be drained! Big thanks to Stephen G. for coordination and creating such a wonderful event! Cheers - Ali

Mother's Day Reminder...

Crios is the perfect gift for Mom or gift to yourself to make Mother's Day weekend a little more relaxing. Central Market stores have ample inventory in just for the occasion. Please stop by the Plano store on Saturday from Noon to 2:30pm and Dallas Central Market from 3pm-6pm then on Sunday in Fort Worth all afternoon....

I'm off to being a road warrior this weekend, Houston today and back to Austin tonight, Plano Dallas and Fort Worth tomorrow, Fort Worth Sunday, Dallas Monday then back home to Austin Monday night - wheeww the glamour of the wine business! Cheers - Ali

Sharing the Texas Sunset

Another night of storms ahead, but what a cool view tonight! - Cheers - Ali

And For Moms Who Love 30-Minute Meals...

Check out the Crios Rose of Malbec in the latest issue of "Everyday with Rachel Ray". Maybe you already have this month, Crios Rose sales are off the charts! Power to the 30-Minute Meal lovers in Texas!

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/content/26446/ Cheers - Ali

The Ultimate Mother's Little Helper

Susan Balbo who is South America's TOP female winemaker is also a loving mother of two, has created a line of wines as a tribute to her kids. Like children, the Crios (which means ‘offspring’) wines are charming, more youthful versions of her world class and highly rated estate wines.

The label features a series of three connected and overlapping hands, which represents Susana and her two children, and illustrates the support of each generation.

Crios Torrontes ’05--Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. Try with fresh goat cheese and pesto!

Crios Syrah Bonarda ’04—Made with near equal parts of each grape. Dark reddish/purple color. Intense aroma of black raspberries. A fun wine to try with a wide range of food delights and one that will delight even the most sophisticated connoisseur.

Crios Cabernet Sauvignon ’04--Intense, dark ruby color with enticing aromas of ripe, black plums and black currants. The ripe, vibrant tannins give the wine beautiful structure and an amazingly long finish.

Crios Malbec ’05— Brand new to the United States and first for Texas. It has a beautiful purple color bursting with flavors of cherries and spice.

Taste Crios this weekend at Plano Central Market 12p,-5pm, Dallas Central Market 3pm-5:30pm and Sunday in Fort Worth from 12pm-whenever we run out of wine! Cheers - Ali

MSNBC RATES MALBEC

April 30, 2006 MSNBC

TASTING NOTES: Our tasting of some two dozen Argentinean malbecs (and one Chilean) spanned vintage years 2002 through 2005 and yielded a handful of quality picks. Blends with under 70 percent malbec weren’t included in the tasting.

Here are 4 wines sold in Texas that made the cut:

Susana Balbo 2004 Mendoza ($26, Vine Connections): The reigning queen of Argentinean wine earns her reputation on what’s in the bottle. This latest release blends in 10 percent cabernet sauvignon, which helps bulk up its structure and aromatics. Dark and tarry, with dried tobacco, nutmeg, leather and a raspberry overtone amid sweet licorice from 80 percent new French oak. Chewy and thick, with the presence of a smoke-filled room. For the budget conscious, Balbo also just released a 2005 young-vines malbec from her second label, Crios de Susana Balbo.

Mapema 2003 Mendoza ($18, Vine Connections): Big, brambly fruit, with cocoa and black plum. The tannins are hefty and mouth-drying. Truly requires food, but the solid fruit still comes forward.

Ben Marco 2004 Mendoza ($19, Vine Connections): The result of Susana Balbo’s husband, Pedro Marchevsky, trying to make a wine that shows off the terroir of Mendoza. Some drinkers might be thrown off by the floral, soapy notes from 12 percent bonarda (an aromatic Italian grape grown widely in Argentina), but it’s complex, with baked cherry and dry mineral character. Fine tannin on the end and a delicate, tapered finish demonstrate its finesse. The blend also includes 1 percent cabernet franc.

Gusto 2002 Mendoza ($24, Vine Connections): The Southern Hemisphere project of Guy Davis from Sonoma’s Davis Family Vineyards. In addition to 11 months in 50 percent new oak, this benefits from the extra years of age. Warm, with black cherry and a green-leaf note. Still packs notable fruit, though there’s a slightly acrid overtone in the finish.

Malbec ROCKS, especially Malbec that Vine Connections imports to the USA! - Ali

Houston Texas Olivet Lane Extravaganza!!

Come one come all, each Houston Whole Foods store is featuring Pellegrini Family of Sonoma 2003 Olivet Lane Chardonnay and 2002 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir.

Each bottle is on sale and samples will be uncorked for you to taste...no doubt about it, the best value Russian River wines on the market!

Here's the schedule:
Saturday - Kirby Location 12-3pm,Woodway location 4-6pm
Sunday - Bellaire Location 12-3pm, Westheimer/Wilcrest location 4-6pm

Cheers - Ali

Celebrate with TexaCali Wine Co.

Exactly 12 months ago I drove to the local Courthouse to file my DBA making TexaCali official. The most fulfilling year of my life, I must give thanks to each and every producer for creating such wonderful wine and sake for TexaCali Wine Co. to spread the good word about.

Here's a short list of TexaCali Wine Co. favorites....

Cool Whites to Chill With…
$14 Crios Torrontes - Argentina
$16 Pellegrini Unoaked Chardonnay – Russian River Sonoma

“Sit down and put your feet up” Sauvignon Blanc…
$14 Eloise - Sonoma
$12 Pellegrini - Lake County California
$16 Handley Cellars – Dry Creek California

Chardonnay for those who either LOVE or HATE this grape…
$20 Pellegrini Family Olivet Lane Russian River - Sonoma
$35 Fort Ross - Sonoma Coast
$20 Handley Cellars – Anderson Valley
$32 Luca – Argentina

Malbec “the new Merlot”…
$16 La Posta – Argentina
$18 BenMarco – Argentina
$9 Budini - Argentina

Merlot, yes a Merlot that ROCKS…
$20 Cloverdale Ranch - Alexander Valley, CA

“Sipalicious” Cabernet Sauvignon …
$25 Cloverdale Ranch - Alexander Valley, CA
$20 BenMarco Cabernet - Argentina
$50 Block 16- Napa

Reds that are total Studs…
$35 Fort Ross Pinotage – Sonoma Coast
$18 Pellegrini Carignan – Redwood Valley
$19 Handley Zinfandel – Mendocino California
$25 Tikal Patriota – Argentina
$32 Mapema Primera Zona - Argentina

Raise your glass tonight and toast to another exciting year ahead for this little company that gets it done!! Cheers - Ali

Davis Family Cabernet Tonight in Dallas!

Ok all you lovers of big, bold and beautiful Napa Cabernet! Grand Tastings is hosting a killer Cab event (4430 McKinney Ave, Dallas, 75205 - (214) 559-3491). A VERY rare occasion, 2003 Davis Family Cabernet Sauvignon will be poured. Go to www.grandtastings.com for pricing and details...

Guy Davis' 2003 Cab is a combination of Stagecoach Vineyard at 2000 feet above the Napa Valley, and a small block at the Rutherford/St. Helena border (Lewelling). This blockbuster wine pushes forward both red and black currants, loads of baking spice and a mocha-like finish of cocoa and coffee. Flavors that are lush and ripe, but still bright - enhanced by full mouthcoating textures...perfectly balanced - I WISH I HAD A CASE TO MYSELF!! Cheers - Ali

Bon Appetit!

Crazy how life and career can become full-circle…tonight I co-hosted an incredibly delicious event for Bon Appetit magazine in Austin at Kenichi. I’m sleepy so I’ll keep this short - but so cool that Bon Appetit magazine has been an “old faithful” in my life as a foodie and gourmet wanna-be! Check out the November 2001 copy I pulled down from my kitchen cookbook rack tonight, literally helped me create my first turkey feast (no I’m not talking ex-boyfriends here! Argh.).

Tonight I was given the opportunity to speak about Ginjo Sake from Japan, Torrontes wine from Argentina and Olivet Lane Pinot Noir from California to a group of publishing and advertising professionals - who all walked away with raised eyebrows about their new liquid discoveries.

So cheers to an incredible food and entertaining at home magazine for the ages, I’m thankful to have contributed to “ah-ha” moments once again…
Cheers - Ali

Because I was up to my ears in Ginjo Sake

last week...I missed this one! The Fort Worth Business Press listed Fort Ross Symposium as a go-to springtime sipper. "Fort Ross Vineyard Symposium Red Wine 2002 ($29.99) — This one contains 96 percent pinot noir, with the rest pinotage. The wine rests on the tongue and then opens with concentrated cherry and a mineral crispness that is not too heavy for springtime drinking."

It's available at King's on Berry and Central Market on Hulen for all you Tarrant County Wine Lovers! Cheers - Ali

This is the one...

Honors

2002 Cloverdale Ranch

Cabernet Sauvignon

"Sonoma’s Best Value"

"Leaner style than most, with well-integrated fruit and oak."

April 5, 2006

I must have recieved 200 emails about this, so posting it again. Jordan didn't even make the cut, so save some cash and buy Cloverdale Ranch next time! Cheers - Ali

CBS Austin Features "Texas Sake Tour"

Yes - my phone rang all weekend after CBS aired a great feature on the "Texas Sake Tour" last week. For those of you who missed it, stay tuned for a webfile soon to download and watch.

Here's a picture of Miho being interviewed on camera, who is the Master Brewer of Moon on the Water, literally the "Helen Turley" of Japan! Cheers - Ali

Behind these Hazel Eyes at Whole Foods

So, I'm walking into Whole Foods in Arlington today alongside a pretty blonde gal which just happened to be my hometown girl - Kelly Clarkson. I know I know, sounds cheesy but I think she sings her guts out and writes some pretty cool lyrics too. So, cool me of course - not, waited until I was all set up for an Olivet Lane tasting in the wine department before I got up the nerve to say something to her.

A minute or two pass before she walks into the back of the wine department (looking for milk and eggs) shopping like the rest of everyone at Whole Foods. I whisper over to her "Hey Kelly", she says "oh hi again", and then I said "I think you kick-ass and love your latest CD, I so appreciate your music, it's not everyday I get to tell a grammy award winning artist from my hometown that she rocks!".

Kelly then says with a big smile "thank you so much, I wrote those songs b/c I got my heart annihilated". Then I say, "yeah, you could have written those just for me, our eyes are both Hazel (laughing) ". Then we both smiled real goofy big and gave each other a hug. Pretty cool little story...and yes, the Olivet Lane Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were a total hit too! Cheers - Ali

The Wandering Japanese Part 1

What a great couple of days with John Gauntner, Miho, Midori and Dr. Sato in Texas! Thanks to all of you who have come out to taste and learn about Ginjo Sake with us.

Today is the last day in Dallas, so please don't forget the 5:30-7:00pm tasting at Chateau Wine Market with our "Wandering Japanese" guests! Man, I have taken some super cool pictures, but my camera isn't cooperating this morning...stay tuned for pics of this week very soon - Cheers Ali

The Current May 15 Issue of Wine Spectator Lists

2003 BenMarco Malbec as one of the “Top 100 wines rated 90 points + for under $25”. Now listen up, all the 2003 has either been bought up, cellared or consumed!

The Good News...
The 2004 is smokin', here's a description by my pal Wilford Wong, the Cellarmaster for BevMo in Cali..."A tremendous example of the varietal, the '04 Ben Marco Malbec exhibits a well-defined mix of red fruit and mineral flavors; zippy and fine in the aftertaste; excellent depth. 91 points."

Just betting the 2004 is going to go QUICK, and the BenMarco Cabernet too! In stock at your favorite Texas wine retailer. Cheers - Ali

Live from Japan

Get Ready Houston, Austin and Dallas! Everything is set for next week's visit from John Gauntner and the Vine Connections Sake Producers...all details are here on my website .

Truly a once in a lifetime hands-on learning experience about Japan's most premium Sake and the history behind them all. Please email me with any questions! Cheers - Ali (Pictured is John Gauntner and Mr. Shunichi Sato, producer of Bride of the Fox and Wings of Fortune brewed at Kaetsu Shuzo in the Niigata Prefecture, founded in 1880).

Kistler, Flowers, Montelena, Rochioli, Far Niente

are all Chardonnay producers I use to throw down some serious cash on - truly wines that turned me onto my love of wine. So over the last 12 years or so, I've drifted away from big, bold and rich California Chardonnay.

But one smokin' glass of the 2002 Fort Ross Chardonnay produced from the ridges high above the Sonoma Coast brought me back to the good ol-days! Now I know Texans love their chardonnay - so here's a chance to try one that is brand spanking new to the Texas market - it is sure to become a classic in your household, most certainly a staple among fine wine lists in restaurants too! It's spooky burgundian like, maybe why I enjoy it so.

Fort Ross Chardonnay is one of the most highly acclaimed chardonnays among the world wine trade and media today. The most incredibly well balanced and beautiful (premium) California Chard I've tasted in years - maybe a decade. Strong words - but I stand strongly behind them. The only other one at this price point that stands as tall is Guy Davis' Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, which doesn't last a week on shelves anywhere in Texas since he's been producing a few years longer (and we Texans know a good thing or two...)

So jump to it! I urge you to look for Fort Ross at your favorite wine store or just ask for it - it's here, sitting in a chilly wine distributor warehouse in Austin - ready to be consumed by those who get their hands on it first! I promise, it won't let you down. Suggested Retail $32
Cheers - Ali

What time is it?

It's time to load up on Sauvignon Blanc in Texas!! Here's your list to print off for your next run to the wine store...

Eloise- a killer bottle with a 1940's broncing Cowgirl on the label. This is popping up on wine lists all over Texas - so keep your eye out while dining too! SRP $14

Pellegrini Sauvignon Blanc - a true favorite of mine for many years. The juice comes from the Lake County region just Northeast of Napa. Full of bright citrus notes, but a beautiful stoney nose (much like walking past a wall of austinstone after a spring rain shower). SRP $12

mapema - THE ONLY ARGENTINE SAUVIGNON BLANC YOU SHOULD SPEND YOUR MONEY ON! See the blog posting a few weeks ago. I can't say enough great things about the producers and the amazing juice in the bottle. SRP $14

Handley Cellars - this is my favorite bottle to give to others. Its magical flavors will put a smile on faces anywhere! Milla Handley uses incredile fruit from Dry Creek and works her own magic in her Anderson Valley winery. Truly a bottle to enjoy with friends! SRP $16

Loica - a great value from Chile, at $10 a bottle, it's easy to keep a case around at all times. Grab this while you can, it doesn't last on shelves long.

Cheers - Ali

Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet - Best Value in the NY Times today!!

"Our No. 2 wine, the Pellegrini Cloverdale Ranch, was a pronounced example of the leaner style of Sonoma cabernet. This wine was decidedly not a fruit bomb, and so is counter to the currently popular style, yet it was balanced, and, at $22, it was our best value."

I've been preaching this for YEARS, you should always have a least 6 bottles of this killer Cabernet at home! Read all about Cloverdale Ranch in today's NY Times...
http://www.nytimes.com/

Ask for the Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet at your favorite wine shop, if they don't have it tell them to call me or Prestige Wine Cellars, their Texas distributor. Cheers! Ali

Last Night In Houston

A special thanks to Michael L. and Julie B. for kickin' in full gear last night during the downtown Spec's "Tuesday Tasting". TexaCali Wine Co. was represented quite well with Eloise Sauvignon Blanc, Tikal Patriota, Olivet Lane Pinot and Chardonnay.

Terrific to meet all the wonderful Spec's customers at the event, the feedback on the wines were and are very appreciated - "Ali, 5 stars on the Tikal","Eloise is a great value - I'm taking a case home", "oh the Olivet Lane wines stole the show tonight, what beautiful wines and we love the price!"...just a few comments I parked in my memory bank to share today with the world.

Customer tastings are my very favorite part of TexaCali Wine Co., I love - I'm talking love it!! Nothing beats a smile on a strangers face after they sip one of my wine treasures. Thanks for making my late drive back to Austin a pleasure indeed.
Cheers - Ali

Opening Day Is Here!

Oh Yeah! You know what Opening Day really means? Spring has Sprung, time to fire up the BBQ's and enjoy the warm (not hot yet) Texas sunshine! Of course, being from Texas and I must admit to uncorking my favorite bottle AFTER a nice and tasty cold beer to celebrate Opening Day in true Texas spirit.

Here are a few "Opening Day" Wine Suggestions we should all do-a-little-dance about hearing the crack-of-the-bat".

Crios Torrontes $14.99 (light, bright and refreshing white wine from Susana Balbo)

Handley Chardonnay $20 (beautifully soft texture with a hint of vanilla)

Pellegrini Carignan $19 (big berry fruit without any tannins)

Cloverdale Ranch Merlot $19 (Perfect with a juicy burger hot off the grill)

Fort Ross Symposium $22 (complex blend of Pinot Noir and Pinotage - lighter in style, so this would go terrific with grilled salmon)

Block 16 $50 (a superior cabernet blend from Napa, open this one for your closest friends if you dare to share!)

Cheers to Opening Day! Alison

What are you drinking this weekend?

Since I'm moving this weekend in the Texas warm weather, this is a no-brainer. Pellegrini's new 2005 Russian River Unoaked Chardonnay and Handley Sauvignon Blanc is just the ticket for me come Sunday night when all the strength I have left will be saved for pulling a cork or 2.

You can ask for both of these at your favorite wine store anywhere in Texas...both under $20 a bottle.

Cheers - Ali

It could be worse...

as sorry as the Texas Liquor and Wine laws are - look what's happening in other parts of the world. Pictured here...Like the legendary Hindu juggernaut, a roller smashes 22,000 bottles of whiskey, rum, wine and other liquid under its wheels in the dry Indian state of Gujarat. So be thankful we can at least buy wine and beer on Sunday afternoons! Cheers - Ali

Hook'em with mapema Sauvignon Blanc!

2005 mapema sauvignon blanc: IN STOCK!! Vine Connections' incredibly talented winemaking duo, Pepe Galante and Mariano di Paola, have really made an impact since adding Malbec to their original solo effort, primera zona (and a great Malbec at that). Their tempranillo has also been widely loved by consumers and press alike.

When Nick was down working (skiing?) in Argentina last summer, he called Ed (Ed and Nick own Vine Connections) about how the mapema boys had whipped out a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc during his visit. So Ed tasted it last October and, well, it was super!! Mendoza is generally too hot for good SB, but mapema has tracked down a small, old-vine parcel at 3700 feet in Tupungato and made a delicious, crisp, beautifully textured wine.

Production was 1,000 cases and America gets 800, but at $12.99 suggested retail, supply will not be endless, so don’t delay. Great package too (similar to the current wines, but on a really cool, deep orange background color— no, you don't have to be a Longhorn to enjoy this beauty!). Cheers - Ali

Russian River Values...

Whenever I'm in search of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I always turn to wines produced from the Russian River area in Sonoma. My two favorite wines under $25 are Olivet Lane Chard and Pinot made by the Pellegrini Family in California. I've been sipping these for many years and am so proud to be helping them spread the love in Texas! Look for them in your favorite fine wine store or wine list.

As I posted last week - Whole Foods across Texas has the 2002 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir library edition and 2003 Olivet Lane Chardonnay on sale right now. Look for the stacks or just ask a wine specialist for direction...Cheers! Ali

Adversity-

It either takes you down or makes you stronger. Hard knocks - A breaking point for sure, you either get past it or die. That is how deep adversity strikes a human heart. Those of you, who think you are better than the rest, remember how you affect others with your actions and words. I’ve always tried my best of leading by example – treat others how you want to be treated. In recent weeks and days I’ve encountered the most mean-spirited humans in the wine business for sure. Thousands of you reading this who are not in the “wine business” must be shaking your heads from side-to-side.

We are not saving lives; we as wine pros are adding happiness and enjoyment to lives – boy we have it really good! I look at each day as a true blessing. Greed and power can really mess up the clear picture, maybe the deepest valleys and ditches I’ve climbed out of over the past 33 years keeps it real for me. What keeps it real for you I ask? If being in the wine business is just a job – then move along. Being a part of the wine industry is too special to not appreciate and enjoy its deepest and most respectful past and future joys.

Remember no matter who you are or what you are in charge of – the person in front of you may have conquered a world of adversity before ever meeting you. Keep it real folks. As a wine professional, I believe we should always keep in mind what generations before us sacrificed and gave their blood, sweat and tears for…we have it really good, in each and every sip…My 2 cents - Ali

Crios Tasting in Dallas

Just in time for Sunday night sipping (love the Sopranos and Grey's Anatomy)...Please stop by Whole Foods in Dallas (the one located off of Loma Alto and Lemmon) to taste Susana Balbo's Crios Wines. Crios is the #1 selling premium Argentine Wine in Texas. All four varietals will be open for tastings...Rose of Malbec, Torrontes, Syrah-Bonarda and Cabernet.

Crios Cabernet was also recently selected by Wine & Spirits Magazine as the #2 choice for the most popular Argentine wine poured while dining out! (Luca Chardonnay took the #1 spot!) Great Wine and Incredible Value!! Cheers - Ali

Whole Foods Features...

Pellegrini Family Vineyards 2002 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir. Yes, Whole Foods stores across Texas has the 2002 in the spotlight this spring. TexaCali Wine Co. is conducting tastings each weekend throughout April.

This Saturday afternoon please stop by the Whole Foods in Plano where I will be tasting the crowd on this special 2002 Vintage Pinot Noir and the current 2003 Olivet Lane Chardonnay. Both wines are on sale - so load up! Cheers - Ali

Featured on Good Morning Houston Today!

Tikal Patriota was selected by Spec's resident STUD, Mr. Bill Coates as a great value wine from Argentina. "Argentina has arrived and is a wine region to take seriously", said Bill this morning on Channel 4's Good Morning Houston TV Show. Too bad he was interrupted for a segment on men's shoes...have you seen his vintage Harley Davidson boots he sports by the way - they are the coolest...

Tikal Patriota facts:
Varietal Composition: 60% Bonarda, 40% Malbec
Vineyard Locations: Rivadavia, La Consulta, Gualtalary
Avg. Vineyard Elev.: 2,840 feet
Avg. Age of Vines: 42 years
Rootstock: Ungrafted
Harvest Method: Hand-harvested
Press Handling: No press wine
Oak Regimen: 12 months in 20% new French, 50% second-use French, and 30% second-use American barriques
Fining: None
Filtration: None
Alcohol: 13.9%
Case Production: 3000 cases

Houston Chronicle Features Fort Ross

For all those living in the Houston Greater Area today check out the BEAUTIFUL picture and article about Fort Ross Vineyards and Winery inside the Flavor section. Each wine was given at least 4 Stars...here is the link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/wine/3734247.html

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/wine/cart/3737473.html

Cheers! Ali

Quick Davis Family Vineyard FACTS:

Davis Family Vineyards Cabernet is made with 2 of Napa Valley's top cabernet vineyards (email me and I'll fill you in). As for Guy Davis' Chardonnay- it comes from Dutton Ranch, Pinot Noir is his baby right off his back porch in the Russian River, Syrah is from a small lot on his Russian River property too, but if you are a Zinfandel lover - get this - his vines are more than 110 years old and his Zin ROCKS.

Under 3500 cases produced, so grab'em now while there is plenty of inventory in Texas! Cheers - Ali

Back in STOCK...

The 2005 Pellegrini Unoaked Chardonnay SRP $15................off to Houston for the rest of the week - short and sweet for now. Cheers - Ali

NO Kidding...the National Release!!!

It's almost 1 in the morning and we just uncorked the new release of new Davis Family Wines. We are killing it at In Vino Veritas in San Angelo - the HEART OF TEXAS. Picture the shot on the left with over 12 Texans and 1 California Winemaker hanging out...GREAT STUFF! Cheers - Ali www.davisfamilyvineyards.com

That's What I'm Talkin' About!

Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 17th Annual Restaurant Poll issue came out recently, and LUCA and SUSANA BALBO were the #1 and #2 brands on the list of “Most Popular Argentina Wines” at restaurants across the U.S.

So if you are in charge of your restaurant's wine list, I hope you have Luca and Susana Balbo standing tall. If you are a regular on the restaurant scene, you can count on Luca and Susana Balbo wines to impress.

I've been trying my best to tell everyone this for a long time now!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheers - Ali

Guy Davis arrives tomorrow...

for a big night in San Angelo! Yes, many folks love Davis Family Wines in West Texas - our biggest demand throughout the state actually.

In Vino Veritas is featuring Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon new releases. The fee is $50.00 per person and the event starts at 6:30, with a meal served at 7:00. Spaces are limited so call and make your reservations soon!325-223-1045 This event is going to ROCK! http://www.invinoveritaswines.com/ Cheers - Ali

Hey Texas! You are invited...

to meet Guy Davis, one of the years most talked about boutique California wine producers! Each fine dining establishment has selected a fabulous menu to pair with the Davis Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Syrah and a few extra surprises each evening.

Austin: Saturday March 18, @ 7pm, Mirabelle, the cost is $85.00 per person (inclusive of gratuity and tax). Reservations only, 512.346.7900. Limited Seating.

Southlake: Tuesday March 21^st, Michael Anthony’s @ 7pm, the cost is $125.00 per person Reservations 817.749.0377 Limited Seating.

Houston: Wednesday March 22, @ 6:30pm, Capital Grille on Westheimer, please call for reservations and cost 713. 623. 4600. Limited Seating.

Cheers - ALI

Guy Davis - the winemaker, the California Cool and the legend is...

visiting Texas this weekend and next week! Davis Family Wine dinners and tastings are being held in Houston, San Angelo, Austin and Southlake...I'll have all the details for everyone tomorrow - Inner Circle - stay tuned, Ali

Sorry - a little off subject...

but this little fella is just too cute to withhold from the masses! "Griffin" is 7 weeks old and my brother and his girl Cara are the proud owners...Cheers to this mushpot itty bitty Golden Retriever! Ali

Bill Coates Wine Consultant

If you shop at Spec's downtown Houston location you probably know Bill Coates. Bill is the KING of the sales floor at Spec's and is mighty helpful to everyone who crosses his path or aisle! He just returned from a trip to Argentina and Chile and spent some time meeting the Vine Connections producers...here is a small excerpt from his website and link. Say hello to Bill next time you see him, he has a very honest palate and will always steer you in the right direction!

WINES OF SOUTH AMERICA
After Tasting many wines from loads of wineries, here are some highlights with my ratings. (Bill Coates and Laura Catena pictured on the left)

Ben Marco Malbec 2004-Beautiful purple color with perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits and roasted coffee beans. It is lush, bull-bodied and penetrating on the palate with loads of chewy, currant jam flavors, bright acidity, and a touch of grip on the almost savory finish. 92 rated

Luca Chardonnay 2004-Beautiful pale-gold color with enticing aromas of lemon crème, baking spices and lightly grilled brioche. The aromas carry through to the palate, and are joined by hints of tropical fruit, spiced baked pear, and a stony/mineral flavor that creates a stylish wine that seems part New and part Old World. Finishes long with just a kiss of oak. This Chard has a lot of flavor, but manages never to lose its balance. 94 rated

Crios Torrontes 2005-Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed. 91 rated

Tikal Patriota 2004-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! 93 rated

Tikal Amorio Malbec 2004-Aromas of smoky oak and cherry. Mouthwatering, penetrating flavors of ripe red and black cherries, red berries. Quite rich and velvety on the palate. 95 Rated

LUCA PINOT NOIR 2002-Beautiful medium-red color and aromas of wild strawberries, saddle leather and grilled nuts. A complex Pinot with notes of leather, spice, grilled toast and cherry/raspberry confiture on the palate. Amazing aroma and pure Pinot flavor such a young-vine Pinot. Pairs well with foods such as lamb chops, grilled salmon, roasted duck or chicken, and game birds. Pinot lovers may just go ahead and drink it by itself.

BUDINI MALBEC 2003-Dark red/purple color. Very perfumed with aromas of ripe black cherries. Full and fleshy in the mouth with loads of ripe and spicy red and black fruits. Great structure with loads of ripe, fleshy tannins, and a long, long finish. Wow!

Read more here http://hometown.aol.com/sailor306/myhomepage/index.html Cheers! Ali

The Wandering Texan Part II

Well, I'm back from Japan after quite an adventure! I brought back so much knowledge about Sake and it's makers that I don't even know where to begin. I'll break it down with a shortlist for now. Highlight of the trip: standing in the Koji rooms during brewery tours all week...the Koji rooms are heated like a dry sauna - it's still winter cold in Japan. Low point of the trip: sittting down to a breakfast of seaweed and sea "creatures" after a night out at a Japanese pub.

All in all the trip was a wonderful experience, I"ll upload pictures on www.texacaliwine.com later today. The shot above is me at Kaetsu Shuzo brewery stirring some fermenting Sake in guest slippers. More soon, I'm dealing with a great big wave of jetlag right now - Ali