Fort Worth - Wine Event of the Year

As far as I'm concerned...and since I’m a Fort Worth gal and all, this is the wine dinner I’m more proud to host than any other before. Argentina’s Masters of Malbec- Susana Balbo and her husband Pedro of the famed BenMarco label inspired me to start TexaCali Wine Co. a few years ago…and they - along with the winemakers of Mendel, Luca, Tikal and La Posta are hosting a wine night at Lanny’s – a true Texas Culinary Treasure right on 7^th St. in the heart of Fort Worth’s museum district.

I’m serious about his one folks, it’s the talk of the town and will surely become a treasured memory among many food and wine lovers in Fort Worth, and I can hardly wait for this amazing night to unfold…please pass this along to your friends who won’t want to miss out on a chance to meet the Top Winemakers of Argentina and Lanny’s magic in the kitchen…

Thursday June 7, 2007.

Accepting reservations from 5:30-9:00

Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana

Invites you to an Exclusive Argentine Wine Dinner

with Four Award Winning Wine Makers

Susana Balbo

Pedro Marchevsky

Roberto De La Mota

Luis Reginato

Dinner will be six courses with six wines for $125.00 (plus tax and tip)

Call us at 817.850.9996 or reservations@lannyskitchen.com

Hamachi Ceviche, Roasted Tomato and Chile Viaigrette

Crios de Susana Balbo, Torrontes, Cafayate, Argentina 2006

Lobster Ravioli, Foie Gras Butter, Jalapeno and Brussels Sprouts

Luca, Chardonnay, Alta de Mendoza, Argentina, 2005

Squab Breast, Barley Risotto, Blackberry Reduction

Luca, Syrah, Alta de Mendoza, Argentina 2005

Brie and Pepper stuffed Lamb, Truffled Spaghetti Squash

BenMarco, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2005

Elk Loin, Broccolini, Mole Colorado

Medel, "Unus", Mendoza, Argentina 2005

Mixed Berries, Mezcal Sabayon

Crios de Susana Balbo, Rose de Malbec, Cafayate, Argentina 2006

Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana is located at:
3405 W. 7^th Fort Worth, TX 76107

A night to remember…see you at Lanny’s!

- Ali

We had a ball in Boerne!

Wow - a great crowd gathered for a Vine Connections Argentine Wine Dinner at The Limestone Grill on May 27, here are a few pictures from the night.

Here's the line-up of wine...

2006 Crios Rose of Malbec

2006 Crios Torrontes

2005 Crios Malbec

2005 La Posta Paulucci Malbec

2005 BenMarco Malbec

2005 La Posta Bonarda








A big shout out to the Chef - the empanada's were the best I've ever had in North America! YUM.



Cheers - Ali

Dallas - the place to find FINE Argentine Wine

Easy to stock up on the Award Winning Wines of Vine Connections at Centennial Fine Wine on Preston Rd. near Northwest Hwy.

Ask for Lance and John to guide you to the smoothest bottle of RED from Argentina. I'll be there Saturday afternoon pouring a few of these...Luca, Tikal, Susana Balba, Mapema, Crios and the a few from Sonoma Coasts' Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery.

Oh YEAH! Cheers - Ali

My heads going to burst...

not because I had to many sips, the past few weeks and the weeks to come are INTENSE and I want everything to roll as smooth as possible. Maybe if I just type this all out of my head I can get back to sleep tonight. What's up? Well, due to the extreme HEAT in Texas during the summer months, the month of June is jammed with visitors - just before the weather turns dreadful. Here's what's on tap....

Tuesday June 5 - Vine Connections tasting at The Parlor in Plano.

Wednesday June 6 - Veritas kickoff with Sigel's fine wine sales team and work day.

Thursday June 7 - Veritas Imports Grand Tasting at the Addison Sigel's location in 5-7pm

Thursday June 7 - Dallas/Fort Worth "Malbec Masters Tour" Winemakers - Susana Balbo, Pedro Marchevsky, Roberto de la Mota and Luis Reginato are here to represent Tikal, Luca, La Posta, Mendel, Susana de Balbo, Crios and BenMarco wines. A Trade Only Malbec Seminar complete with 2007 Barrel samples from Argentina is being held at the Gaylord in the afternoon (details on my website on Thursday).

Thursday June 7 - Masters of Argentine Wine Dinner at Lanny's Alto Cocina in Fort Worth, Lanny has created a fabulous menu paired with the winemaker;s wines - a chance of a lifetime to eat and drink with the greatest winemakers from Argentina (details on the website on Thursday).

Friday June 8 - Malbec Masters Tour happens in Houston, another trade tasting at the Uptown Park Tasting Room, then a consumer meet and greet tasting in the evening at the River Oaks (details on the website on Thursday).

Friday June 8 - TexaCali Wine Co. is sponsoring the wines for the annual The Culinary Institute Alain & Marie LeNôtre Scholarship Fundraiser in Houston.

Saturday June 9 - TexaCali Wine Co. tasting at Centennial Fine Wines on Preston Road 1-5pm - I'll be uncorking wines from Fort Ross Winery as well from Argentina!

Sunday June 10-Thursday 14 - Milla Handley, THE MILLA HANDLEY of Anderson Valley's Handley Cellars is coming to Texas to visit! Milla will be working with me throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston for the week.

Thursday June 14 - 4pm I'll be introducing new Pellegrini Family Vineyard wines to the Prestige Wine Cellars Houston team!

Friday June 15 - TexaCali Ali has a spa day somewhere in Austin where cell phones are not allowed.

I'm typing from Fort Worth right now, I'll be back in my office in Austin late Wednesday night and update my website with all the details...hum, did I pay my Internet service provider this month yet??? I do think it's time for a new TexaCali Wine Co. staff member soon...Cheers - Ali

PS - A big thank you to everyone - all 90 of you who attended the wonderful Argentine Dinner at the Limestone Grill last Sunday night - what an amazing dinner and room full of Malbec drinkers! I'll post pictures and details by the end of the week, so please check back!

Birthday Girl

More like Birthday Entrepreneur! Today I started the celebration by not answering the phone until noon. I'm bushed, tuckered out, WAYYYY TIRED, for a good reason - the last month has been non-stop greatnesss for TEXACALI WINE CO. in Texas!

Thanks for all the messages this week everyone, I've never felt so loved - so many folks who have inspired me along the way - I'm happy to hear it goes both ways. What a fantastic year end and a great beginning to another...

A big toast to the best year of my life ahead, a special thank you to MMM too - you always amaze and inspire me each and every day .....Cheers - Ali

A great reason to roadtrip to Boerne this weekend!

Asado...At the Limestone Grill!

AWEsome Dinner #63

“An Argentinean Feast in the Courtyard”

Sunday, May 27^th | 6:15pm dinner

’06 Rose of Malbec, “Crios de Susana Balboa”, Mendoza

Yucca Frittes, Herb Chimichurri Dip

Bill of Fare

’06 Rose of Malbec, “Crios de Susana Balboa”, Mendoza

“Los Dos Empanadas”

Sweet Corn, Raisin, Toasted Almond, Green Olive

Minced Wild Boar, Roasted Cumin, Diced Potatoes

Queso Fresco Sauce

’06 Torrontes, “Crios de Susana Balboa”, Valle de Cafayate

“Ensalada Patagonia Frio”

Lightly Smoked Trout & Bowtie Pasta

Mandarin Orange, Toasted Pine Nuts

Limestone Grille Chimichurri Pesto

Las Brisas Unfiltered Olive Oil

’05 Malbec, “Crios de Susana Balboa”, Mendoza

’05 Malbec, La Posta, “Angel Pauluci Vineyard”, Mendoza

’03 Malbec Meritage, “BenMarco Expresivo”, Mendoza

“ASADO Argentina”

Grilled Housemade Beef & Pork Chorizo

Marinated Grilled Beef Short Rib

Herb Rubbed Grilled & Sliced Beef Steak

Grilled & Sliced Leg of Lamb

Grilled Red Jacket Rosemary Mashers

Grilled Zucchini & Squash Slices

Classic & Spicy Chimichurri Sauce

’04 Bonardo, La Posta, “Estela Armando Vineyard”, Mendoza

“Pan Dulce Chocolate”

El Rey Milk Chocolate, Tender Green Apples
Cinnamon Bread Pudding, Crema de Vanilla

$49.95 per person Reserve your

experience today

1-800-364-2138. email: info@yekendallinn.com

TGIS!

THANK GOD IT'S SATURDAY!! Today and tomorrow are the first two days off that I've had in almost 33 days. What's on tap? A stop into a few accounts in Dallas to say thank-you, a baby shower for my sister-in-law, a drive home from Dallas to Austin - and finally a Saturday night with Mike. Sunday is going to be all about sleeping in and catching up on all the phone calls and emails I could not get to this past week while hosting Davis Family Vineyards throughout Texas. I'm back in Dallas on Monday...

Out of all those emails I've ignored this week - like over 1917 messages to be exact, many of them are asking about my best summertime white wines, so I'll put together a list for everyone on by Monday - so stay tuned. Cheers - ALI

So exciting!!

Meet Guy Davis - Founder, Farmer and Winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards. Please check the calendar on www.texacaliwine.com to find out where he is each day while visiting Texas! Our Chardonnay is consistently 90+ points each vintage and this past year received "Top 100 Wines of the Year" acclaim and Our founder and winemaker was singled out by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of California's Most Dependable producers in their feature "Chardonnay Greatness." Mother nature was unusually cooperative this vintage and helped to make this perhaps our best Chardonnay to date. It was a late October harvest from two Russian River locations: the majority from the Dutton Ranch and the rest, a Meursault clone, from our estate vineyard. After small-lot, whole cluster pressing, 90% of the lots were fermented with native yeasts for increased complexity. 80% of the wine was barrel fermented using only Allier and Trancais oak, and just 1/3 of the barrels were new. The tight grain of these cold climate forests gives subtle flavor extraction and adds a toasty note without ever making the wines taste “oaky”. We did daily lees stirring early in the fermentation for added texture, then racked off the lees (using only gravity to preserve the delicate aromas) once malolactic fermentation was finished. The result? Exotic tropical aromas give way to the benchmark citrus notes of this cool region, and in the mouth the layers of flavor unfold in a yin/yang-like dichotomy of lush fruit with crisp acidity wrapped in vibrant and rounded textures. Dee-licious! 688 cases produced.

Great Mother's Day Gift Idea

I'm in Houston for the weekend - 3 WONDERFUL chances to taste Crios (made by Susana Balbo) with me...
Today:

• 12-3p Vino 100 - The Woodlands
• 4-6pm Houston Wine Merchant

Sunday - 1-4pm Central Market

In honor of moms everywhere, a Mother’s Day special featuring wines from Susana Balbo --one of the world’s most talented female winemakers from Argentina.

Susan Balbo, 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 ’06--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 Rose of Malbec ’06 - A beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color. Has a surprising amount of glycerin and body for a rosé wine, and beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe wild strawberries. On the palate, the flavors of strawberries and cherries come rushing in, accompanied by some spice notes and a clean, dry finish.

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 at Central Market. It has a beautiful purple color bursting with flavors of cherries and spice.

A wonderful Mother’s story and distinctive

wines you’ll love and trust forever.

Cheers to Mom!

Please stop by!! - Ali

WOW - this just in...

Have you stocked up on Lange Estate wines from Oregon yet?

My favorite GUY is coming to Texas next week!

Oh Yeah - Guy Davis - the winemaker for Davis Family Vineyards is spending the week with us to show off his latest masterpieces.

Here are a few nights to join us in the festivities! Please join us at to taste through The Davis Family Vineyards spring releases: The line-up includes: Gusto Sauv Blanc, Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Guyzer Block Syrah, Russian River ZIN and the brand new Barn d'Or! A fantastic night of amazing wine and food (oh and a little suprise at the end!).

California's Rising Star!

Austin
Tuesday May 15, Mirabelle 6:30 Tasting, $35 RSVP to Mirabelle (512) 346-7900

Austin
Wednesday - Private Dinner at Spanish Oaks CC.

Southlake
Thursday May 17. Kirby’s Steakhouse 7pm DFW Airport North, 3305 E. Hwy 114, Southlake, TX 76092 , cost $85 Please RSVP to Kirby’s at (817) 410-2221

www.daviswines.com

See you next week - Ali

ZAPALICIOUS ZINFANDEL!!

If you are attending ZAP - please stop by to meet Steven Storrs and taste his GOLD MEDAL WINNING Rusty Ridge Zin.

I'll also be supporting Storrs Winery along wth Pellegrini Family - I'm pouring their 2005 Eight Cousins Vineyard Zinfandel - Another Medal Winner!

Check out the new www.texacaliwine.com now too!

Oh and after ZAP - here's where the party starts...

BEST BET IN AUSTIN: 9:00pm Red Fez - ZAP Afterparty

Head to the Red Fez to see Austin's hometown band "porterdavis" live and kickin' it after ZAP. www.loveporterdavis.com

See you tomorrow in Austin! Cheers - ALI

I broke a major rule tonight!

I made this rule for myself a few years back "never read wine books and/or wine magazines in bed". Yeah, sounds weird, but I tend to get all excited or anxious about reviews and new discoveries then can't turn my mind off to sleep.

Sleep is either a dirty word or heaven - a toss-up almost everytime I close my eyes. Tonight I carried the big ole May 31st Wine Spectator with the Rose cover into bed with me and of course read it over at least twice. This is what I found, so maybe typing it out here will take it out of my thoughts so I can fall asleep before long...

TexaCali Wine Co. Producers Reviewed...

Argentina:
2005 Crios Syrah-Bonarda 89pts. and Smart Buy Award
2005 Tikal Patriota (Malbec/Bonarda Blend) - 90pts.

California:
2004 Fort Ross Chardonnay - 90pts.
2003 Fort Ross "Symposium" Pinot Noir - 92pts.
2004 Fort Ross Pinot Noir - 91pts.
2003 Fort Ross Pinotage - 91pts.

France:

Loire -
2004 Jo Pithon Savennieres La Croix Picot - 89pts.
2004 Jo Pithon Quarts de Chaume Les Varennes - 94pts.
2003 Jo Pithon Coteaux du Layon-St-Lambert Les Bonnes Blanches - 93pts.

Burgundy -
2004 Deuz Montille Corton Renardes - 92pts.
2004 Domaine de Montille Pommard Les Pezerolles - 89pts.

And then there was the little quote in the 2005 Burgundy article - "The wines from Puligny-Montrachet reveal the district's typical finesse..."

Very exciting! Cheers and hopefully good-night to all! Ali

a little blog business...

Technorati Profile

Living Jewel Lands in Texas!

Tozai Living Jewel

Quality Grade: Junmai

Seimaibuai: 70% (30% of rice grain polished away)

Rice: Omachi Yeast: Brewer's Original

Nihonshu-do: +6.5 Alcohol: 14.9% Acidity: 1.6

Brewery Name: Kizakura Sake Brewing Co. Ltd.

Brewery Location: Kyoto Prefecture

Tasting Notes:
The aromas are quite complex, showing white grape, anise, and a hint of sweet rice. These same flavors come rushing through the medium-bodied palate, which has a slightly creamy texture followed by a hint of white pepper and fresh herbal notes. The long, clean finish makes this both a great sipping sake as well as a companion to a wide range of foods, from fish and shellfish, to pork and light meats.

Notable Facts:
Kizakura Brewery is located in Fushimi in the southern part of Kyoto, the oldest sake brewing area in Japan. The local "Fushi-Mizu" or crystal clear, underground "Fushimi Water", is well-known for bringing out the full flavor of sake. And Kyoto's especially frigid winters, called "So-ko-bi-e", are ideal for creating stable, cold temperatures inside the brewery. This helps to keep fermentation temperatures low and extend fermentation time so that delicate flavors and aromas remain in the sake.

About Living Jewel:
The image on the label is a "koi", or Japanese carp. Ornamental domesticated carp have been bred for their bright colors for centuries in Japan. The combination of their vibrant colors, patterns, and shimmering scales has earned them the moniker " living jewels" among koi collectors and enthusiasts.

About Tozai: Tozai, literally translated from the Japanese as "East-West", is a collaboration of passion, skill, and experience by dedicated people from both Japan and the US. Vine Connections has partnered with Kizakura Brewery to produce the two latest Tozai sake, "Snow Maiden" and "Living Jewel". All Tozai sake are complimented by the beautiful artwork of prominent Kyoto -based American artist, Daniel Kelly. As America's leading improter of chilled, premium, artisanal Japanese sake, Vine Connections continues to bring you unique boutique sake that will thrill your senses. Kanpai!

Today

TexaCali Wine Co. Celebrates a 2nd Year Anniversary!

Help me celebrate this month with the following new releases...look for the following wines at your favorite wine retailer anywhere in Texas.

California

2006 PELLEGRINI FAMILY VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC, UNOAKED CHARDONNAY & 2005 CUVEE 107
Website: http://www.pellegrinisonoma.com/pellegrini/page/trade.jsp

2006 FORT ROSS VINEYARD ROSE
Website: http://www.fortrossvineyard.com/fortross/catalog/index.jsp?cat_id=1005

2003 FORT ROSS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY
Website: http://www.fortrossvineyard.com/fortross/catalog/index.jsp?cat_id=1003

2006 HANDLEY CELLERS PINOT GRIS, GEWURZTRAMINER & 2005 DRY CREEK SAUVIGNON BLANC
Website: http://www.handleycellars.com/trade/jsp/index.jsp

2005 STORRS CHRISTIE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY

Website: http://www.storrswine.com

2004 TEIRA SONOMA COUNTY ZINFANDEL
Website: http://www.teirawines.com

2005 DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY, SYRAH, ZINFANDEL & 2004 BARN d'OR
Website: http://www.daviswines.com

Oregon

2006 LANGE ESTATE WINERY PINOT GRIS
Website: http://langewinery.com

Argentina

2004 BENMARCO "EXPRESIVO" WOODENBOX-6 PACKS
Website: http://www.vineconnections.com/wines/benmarco_expresivo04.htm

2003 SUSANA BALBO "BRIOSO"
Website: http://www.vineconnections.com/wines/susana_balbo_brioso03.htm

2003 LUCA "BESO DE DANTE"
Website: http://www.vineconnections.com/wines/luca_beso_03.htm

Japan

TOZAI "SNOW MAIDEN" JUNMAI NIGORI SAKE - 300ML & 720ML
Website: http://www.vineconnections.com/sake/snow_maiden.htm

TOZAI "LIVING JEWEL" JUNMAI SAKE - 300ML & 720ML
Website: http://www.vineconnections.com/sake/living_jewel.htm

Cheers - ALI

New website on the way...

I've been up since 4:30 this morning putting the final touches on the new TexaCali Wine Co. website...I wanted to push it out tomorrow - not gonna happen. I shouldn't have spent last weekend in the yard - that was precious time to work on the site. Oh well - at least it was a workout and a little sunshine on my face for once.

Here's a sneak peak of the new home page...

So stay tuned, I'm off to Houston for the next 3 days, hope to launch the new site by the weekend.

Check back tomorrow - May 1 for a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! Cheers - Ali

Today in Dallas

I'll be representing Handley Cellars at the Dallas Food and Wine Festival

- Please join us at Abacus at 1:00 - 2:15 for the "Summer Splash - Global Styles of Sauvignon Blanc"

More information on their website .

Oh the joy of I-35 on a Saturday morning....Ali

$10.99 - Crios Rose of Malbec

THE bottle to buy this weekend, come on - everyone's doing so! It's available all over Texas - just ask your favorite wine shop to chill it down for you!

Tasting Notes/Food Pairing Suggestions
A beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color. Has a surprising amount of glycerin and body for a rosé wine, and beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe wild strawberries. On the palate, the flavors of strawberries and cherries come rushing in, accompanied by some spice notes and a clean, dry finish. This is the wine to serve with warm-weather meals when there is a mix of traditional white & red wine foods. Keep one in the fridge at all times and you’ll always have a delicious wine to enjoy with light snacks and cheeses. Best consumed in its youth.

About the Name/Label
Crios means "offspring" (as in children). Susana selected a word to express the notion that these are wines that haven’t quite "grown up" to the same level of quality and maturity as her more expensive Susana Balbo label wines, but they receive the same loving care and attention throughout the winemaking process. The label features a series of three connected and overlapping hands, an image inspired by a Mayan artifact. The three hands represent Susana and her two children.

Cheers - Ali

Davis Family Vineyards - Pinot Magic in the Vineyard

Jo Pithon Texas Trip

This was Jo Pithon's first visit to Texas. He flew into Austin on Sunday just in time to catch a Texas-size BBQ dinner out at the Salt Lick. Since it's BYOB I took a 1989 Domaine Viking Vouvray I had in my stash at home and a 2001 Luca Malbec - to my surprise, the white wine actually paired better due to all the brown sugar in the Salt Lick BBQ sauce. YUM.

So we drove up to Dallas to meet with a few restaurant accounts as well as the Sigel's Fine Wine staff. It was a rainy and dreary day - thank goodness we had such amazing wine to talk about and taste all day - truly the sunshine we needed!

The Sigel's customer tasting at the Greenville Ave. store was a wonderful success - over 50 folks came out in the rain (and a Stars Game night!) to taste Jo's chenin blanc and to meet the man in person. All of his wines tasted absolutely beautiful, now I totally understand why the greats of Burgundy look up to this man!

To make Jo's time in Texas just about perfect, we dined at Lola on Tuesday night. As always, a perfect meal, amazing wine and a true delight to sit and talk with Van - the owner over the Pithon collection.

Jo Pithon wines are available at Sigel's in Dallas - and soon at The Austin Wine Merchant for those in my hood! Have a good weekend - Ali

Put your reading glasses on...

or click HERE to read the full article.

Hot off the Press Today in Dallas!

I'm in a rush so more details later - the 2006 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition announced the winners today...over 3300 wines entered worldwide, 17 bottles represented by TCWC received TOP HONORS!

Here's the list of medal winners:

Bronze:

• Crios Torrontes - Argentina
• Fort Ross Pinotage - Sonoma Coast - California
• Fort Ross Chardonnay - Sonoma Coast - California
• Fort Ross Pinot Noir - Somoma Coast
  
• Tikal Patriota - Argentina
• Crios Syrah Bonarda - Argentina
• Davis Family Vineyards Barn d'Or (Syrah/Cab blend) - California
• Davis Family Vineyards Syrah - Russian River - California
• Davis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir - Russian River
• Davis Family Vineyards "Gusto" Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand
• Davis Family Vineyards Chardonnay - Dutton Ranch - California
• Handley Cellars Zinfandel
  

Silver:

• Handley Sauvignon Blanc - Anderson Valley, California
• Handley Chardonnay - Anderson Valley California
• BenMarco Malbec - Argentina
• Crios Malbec – Argentina

Gold:

• Generations of Sonoma HWY 12 - (Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot blend) Sonoma California

Stay tuned for more info! Cheers - Ali (photo credit: EVANS CAGLAGE / DMN)

Click on this!

Check out the following link to the Wine Spectator - it's a quick video featuring "Mendel Unus" from central Mendoza.

Mendel is fast becoming a favorite among Texas Malbec drinkers!

Mendel Malbec Clip

Cheers - Ali
PS...thanks for all your emails over the past few days, I'll be back in my office to answer them all on Thursday!

Mark your calendars North Texas!!!

Please stop by Sigel's on Greenville Ave. to meet Jo Pithon and taste his highly acclaimed wines next Tuesday from 5-7pm.

Who is Jo Pithon you ask? He is a treasure on loan from the Loire Valley. If you don't know anything about Chenin Blanc from France or if you are an aficionado - you won't want to miss tasting the GORGEOUS Pithon wines. We will have a selection of 3 dry wines and 2 sweet labels open for this special offering.

Here's a little background on this character from Gunsmoke looking genius...“Pithon and his colleagues should be applauded for attempting to push the quality envelope.” Robert Parker

"Mastermind of Chenin Blanc”

Founded in 1978, Domaine Jo Pithon is situated on 12 hectares in the Loire valley, 25 kms. south of Angers. With only 4 full time employees, including Jo's wife, Isabelle, all the wines dry to sweet are produced from 100% Chenin Blanc and have been barrel aged from 12-18 months. In order to achieve a sense of terroir in every wine the vineyards are farmed organically with minimum intervention. The dry wines complete maloactic fermentation, and the sweet wines are hand harvested in selective pickings "tries." Only native natural yeasts are utilized to start fermentation; the wines are never chaptalized and sulfer additions are kept to a bare minimum.

This event is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for any lover of wine! See you there, Ali

Cool Announcement Today

Wow - what a couple of hours I'm having right now, I just announced the arrival of Lange Winery to all the Texas wine buyers and a select few "Inner Circle Members". One of the first rules I created upon starting TexaCali Wine Co. "Only represent great families who make quality wines", well, I haven't had the pleasure of personally meeting the Lange family, but a few people in Texas have met them and have been incredibly quick to tell me how they are such great folks! For this alone, I can't wait to help them sell more wine in Texas than ever before - I'm so proud to represent.

This is the first and only Oregon producer represented by TexaCali Wine Co.

Oh but the wine ---- so delicious!

A little tidbit…Don and Wendy Lange settled in the Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley in 1980 and by 1987 they had released their first vintage. The inaugural production included only Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay...and they have stuck to their Burgundy-varietal-guns ever since.

Pinot Gris 2005 Willamette Valley - retail price around $15
3000 cases produced
100% stainless steel and little to no RS makes for a great, dry pinot gri"gio" style gris. Lange was only the fourth winery in the USofA to produce a singe-varietal Pinot Gris.

Chardonnay 2005 "Reserve" Willamette Valley - retail price around $22
400 cases produced
50/50 stainless steel to oak with minimal malo results in a vibrant, tropical chard that shows off pear and melon instead of a tongue depressor dipped in Land-O-Lakes.

Pinot Noir 2005 "Three Hills Cuvee" Willamette Valley - retail price around $40
600 cases produced (6pk)
13 months in French oak, 40% new...13.5% alcohol...so far so good...sources from Lange Estate in Dundee Hills, Freedom Hill and Yamhill (Three Hills)...a little slice of the valley.

Pinot Noir 2005 "Dundee Hills" Willamette Valley - retail price around $60
400 cases produced (6pk)
same oak treatment; this is Lange Estate fruit from their holding in the Dundee Hills...possibly the best example of Oregon Pinot Noir that Lange has to offer. Tremendous.

Pinot Noir 2005 "Freedom Hill" Willamette Valley retail price around $60
400 cases produced (6pk)
same oak treatment; while this is Lange's 11th vintage with Freedom Hill namesake bottling, they've been using fruit from this vineyard site since 1990. I have a feeling they know what they're doing with it. Enjoy.

Very EXCITING!!! www.langewinery.com

Cheers - Ali

PS - Big thanks to JI for helping with the wine tasting notes today!

5 Days 50 Boxes

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of updates this week. I've been moving since last Saturday and it's been soo LAME. I won't go into details, but I really rather sell off all my possessions next time I need to move than to pack it all up again. I've got A MOUNTAIN of work to catch up on over the weekend, so stay tuned for some new blog posts with some killer wine news soon! Cheers - Ali