A trip with Vine Connections...

http://mumulesvignes.com/

My dear friend Mulan is blogging about our recent trip to Argentina with Vine Connections. Be sure to watch the incredible video of the Malambo! Enjoy the journey...Cheers - Ali

Michaud Vineyard

H i s t o r y - The Chalone Appellation was recognized in the early 80’s but its grape growing history stretches back to the turn of the Century. Curtis Tamm, a Frenchman, has been credited with establishing the first vineyard on the Chalone bench, an undulating hilly plateau that extends to the north and west from North Chalone Peak, the highest Mountain in the Gabilan Mountain Range - land described in Steinbeck’s “ East of Eden. ”

Later in the early ‘20’s, a property to the East of the Tamm property, then owned by the Dyer family was sold to a gentleman named William Silvear. Silvear and his wife Agnes lived on their farm in Watsonville but it was Silvear’s passion to plant Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (Melon de Bourgogne), Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. He succeeded in establishing approximately 15 acres just prior to prohibition and another 15 or so in the mid ‘40’s. The vineyard survived several subsequent owners and became what is now Chalone Vineyard. Prior agricultural activities, which included acorn harvesting and processing, were conducted by the Chalone or Soledad Indians, a tribe of the Costanoan Indians, who ranged from Atascadero to Marin.

G e o g r a p h y - The eastern skyline is dominated by the intriguing and mysterious Pinnacles, remnants of an old volcano born 28 million years ago. Eons prior to that, the land itself was born in the Pacific rift, what is now called Hawaii. Constant volcanic eruption at the rift has sent what is today called the Pacific Plate to the east, grinding away at the massive continental plate. The juncture called the San Andreas Fault circumnavigates the Pinnacles and passes 10 miles to the East. The resulting soil type is a decomposed granite - clay loam. The Pacific plate, submerged by the Pacific Ocean for most of its life, acquired numerous limestone deposits from the decay of marine organisms in this region. It is today one of the few places where granite and limestone are co-located, providing a well drained and mineral rich soil well suited to viticulture.

The region is ecologically described as a Chaparral community, receiving a modest 12-15 inches average rainfall. Additional irrigation water is supplemented by a well.

The Michaud Vineyard is situated at an altitude of 1500’ in the cooler northern end of the Chalone Appellation. Ample sun and daily temperature fluctuations of 40 to 60° F create unique growing conditions which yield a great depth of varietal flavor as well as a regionally defined compliment of mineral and spice characters (terroir). - www.michaudvineyard.com

Full report complete with "pig roasting pics" coming up next! Cheers to a great Saturday to all - Ali

We're #1, We're #1!

Texas is the #1 state for the beautiful wines of LIOCO. If you haven't taken time to learn about LIOCO step it up! LIOCO unoaked chardonnay, single vineyard designate pinot noirs and INDICA - their old vine carignan blend are incredibly special wines. I'm honored to assist LIOCO along with Avante Beverages in singing the praises of LIOCO throughout this great big state.


Signing off for the weekend, the Michaud Vineyard is where I'll be dancing alongside a campfire with other LIOCO ambassadors through the USA. Cheers to a much needed weekend of goodness...Ali

http://www.liocowine.com

What to drink on Earth Day 2010

Medlock Ames is a sustainable and organic grape grower inspired by biodynamic methodologies. We believe that a more natural approach to farming produces wines of superior quality. Our attention to detail and commitment to ‘green’ practices continues in the cellar. We employ gravity-flow techniques to reduce energy consumption at the same time as preserving the often delicate characteristics of our grapes. We also often choose to use native or ‘wild’ yeasts to ferment our wines in an effort to promote the uniqueness of our site and the way we farm fine wine. A variety of forward thinking practices are exercised at Medlock Ames. They help illustrate our dedication to doing the best we can for the land, for the future and for fine wine.

Read more about Medlock Ames here www.medlockames.com, wines are available everywhere in Texas - but look for them now at: Whole Foods, The Austin Wine Merchant, The Lake Travis Wine Trader, The Royal Blue, and Houston Spec's stores. Cheers - Ali

...New American Value Reds

10 New American Value Reds

Faced with a surplus of grapes and wine, more top U.S. vineyards and wineries are selling to négociants, who release wines under their own labels at value prices.

By Ray Isle

2007 Teira Sonoma County Merlot ($18)

Besides connections to top vineyards, Teira has a great asset in Bill Knuttel, founding winemaker of Saintsbury and current head winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyard. His expertise shows in wines like this spicy, elegant red.

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/10-new-american-value-reds

Quality Wine on Tap!

Free Flow Wines:
WOW! Everyone's talking about (and buying) Free Flow Wine these days... "Wine on Tap". Well, now you have a choice in Texas. Free Flow Wines was founded by Dan Donahoe of Teira Wines and is the mastermind of delicious & high-quality wine offerings in a KEG.

FACTS

- Provides superior product consistency by eliminating spoilage.
- Reduce cost to consumer by as much as 46%.

- Improve service efficiency and reduce storage space

- Increase quality-to-value ratio by reducing packaging and shipping costs

- A greener way to serve wine:
- Reusable packaging
- Eliminate waste
- Reduce shipping weights

Approx. 21 bottles per keg, an easy set-up, easier BTG price! Ask Avante for pricing and reach out to me for more information. Kegs currently available: Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot. http://www.freeflowwines.com to learn more. Cheers - Ali

A Napa Valley Treasure

My favorite sip of last week! The 2007 Lewelling Wight Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Oh just wait tell I have the time to write about what I learned while visiting the Lewelling Vineyards...tasted through 2004-2007, both Napa and Wight releases. AMAZING!

Wines from Argentina...

If you know me you know I love Argentine wine and have been working hard over the past 5 years to promote the hell out of it in Texas - well the producers of Vine Connections of course! Laura Catena is finally publishing a book about her beloved country. Here's a sneak peak straight from Laura:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJP_R7uG_sw

Guide to VinItaly

This just in from Indigenous Selections...safe travels if you are heading over! - Ali

Dear distributor partners:

As many of you and/or your customers have requested our producers’ VinItaly pavilion and stand numbers, I’ve updated the below list. I’ve also attached the 2010 Map of VinItaly herewith, for your purposes.

If you are indeed interested in securing appointments I will happily do so on your behalf. Just let me know sooner than later please, as Friday & Saturday appointments are already going fast!

Appts: claire@IndigenousSelections.com


-***BIANCAVIGNA*** Veneto Section, Hall 7, Stand B5- This is our new Prosecco producer, whose brand we will be launching in Q2. Pls make time to meet them and sample their tasty and competitively priced Prosecco!

-Bruno Rocca: “Langa In” Stand, Piedmont Pavilion (9) Position A2

-Cigliuti: “Langa In” Stand, Piedmont Pavilion (9) Position A2

-E. Pira/Chiara Boschis: “Langa In” Stand, Piemonte Pavilion (9) Position A2

-Ciacci Piccolomini: Tuscany Pavilion (8), Consorzio del Brunello section, Stand B8, Substand 76.

-Rocca del Principe: Campania Pavilion (B), Stand 25

-Giacomo Borgogno: Pavilion 7, Stand E9

-La Spinetta: Giorgio Rivetti will be attending the fair unofficially. For possible meeting requests, please contact Anja@IndigenousSelections.com for availability.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also from Indigenous....

Recent News

• Ciacci Piccolomini’s much-anticipated 2004 Brunello Riserva released
• Unveiling Casanova della Spinetta’s first white: Toscana Vermentino 2009
• Prosecco pro BIANCAVIGNA soon to debut stateside–look for launch this Spring
• Inaugural Release: Barbaresco Bordini 2006- La Spinetta’s newest, value-driven bottling debuts
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil–La Spinetta’s 2008 Olio di Casanova available for sale directly from INDIGENOUS

Hot Press

• Spinetta’s bankable Barbaresco Bordini debuts at 90 pts
• 93 Points Awarded to La Spinetta’s 2005 Barolo Campè–thank you James Suckling!

Lewelling and Davis Family Vineyards Tomorrow...

Day 2 of sitting inside an hotel conference room all day long in Marin County. 2010 planning for Vine Connections is big-time and takes big-time meetings these days. However, tomorrow we're off to visit Lewelling Vineyards in Napa Valley and Davis Family Vineyards in the heart of California's Russian River in Sonoma County.

I love Northern California this time of year, the hills are bright green, flowers are blooming, (whiffs of perfumed petals everywhere too) and the vines are coming alive.

Here's a little vintage TexaCali Ali post, the video is of Guy standing over his Pinot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Zinfandel vineyards from the top of the east-facing hill where he planted the vines years ago...Cheers - Ali http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2009/09/august-8-2008.html

Dry Creek Valley Under the Rainbow

A perfect pairing with the Dry Creek wines of Teira...Cheers! Ali

Handley Cellars

Last Monday I spent a beautiful day with Handley Cellars in California's Anderson Valley - approx. 10 miles inland from the Mendocino Coast. Milla Handley and her co-winemaker Kristen Barnhisel hosted a group of wine-pros from around the country to learn more about their Pinot Noir program, and to experience blending a bottle of Pinot.

The day begin with touring Pinot Noir vineyards in the Anderson Valley ... Ferrington, Helluva and Handley's Organic Estate Vineyard. A bottle of Handley Anderson Valley Pinot in some years can have as many as 10 different vineyard sites, or as little as 1 - depending on the particular role Mother Nature played. The group spent the afternoon blending a bottle of Pinot using 5 different vineyard sites. "Day Dream" was my final blend, Milla suggested I wait until XMAS to open. I'll report back then.

For now... a few quick facts from Monday:

1. Handley Cellars is located in "Region 1" , a scale the folks at UC Davis created to determine the coolest (the chilly kind) to the warmest climate regions. Region 1 means the most days at 50 degrees and under.

2. Bell Beans and Arugula are grown as cover-crop between the vineyard rows. Why? They hold a lot of nitrogen down in the roots which is very good for the soil and grapevines.

3. Most of the Anderson Valley Pinot vineyards are pruned already this year and are budding early.


4. Soils: Most of the soils are clay and sandy loam, with 5-15% rock.

5. Temperatures in the Anderson Valley swing BIG...it can reach 100 degrees by 3pm and dip back down to 45 degrees at night. This is fabulous in creating acidity levels and the high heat days help prevent disease and mildew.

6. How to tell if the vines need water: If you reach your hand inside the canopy (where the grape clusters hang and are surrounded by their leaves) and it's the same temperature as the outside air - they need water. The canopy should create it's own little AC system within the vines.

7. Handley uses a propane flame to control weeds. It's the shot with the guy on the tractor down below, flames shoot out at the very bottom on the backsides behind the tractor and hit just deep enough to kill the roots.

8. Handley Estate Vineyards (Martini Clone = big fruit flavors, lower tannins and silky smooth texture) were planted in 1987, the water tower and ranch house were built in 1906. Milla, her husband and their 2 daughters lived in the old water-tower for awhile (great stories about this time in their lives, ask me in person, too long to type now!).

9. 2007 is the current Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir release.


10. Handley uses solar-power and organic growing practices. You can see the solar-panels in the background of the first picture on the right with Kristen and Milla.


Handley Cellars wines are available anywhere you like in Texas, Avante Beverages is their distributor and currently has the Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel. Cheers - Ali

(Please click image to enlarge each picture, such a magical place)

'Lange Estate 2008 Wines & Accolades'

'2008 Wines & Accolades'




Click on the link please...Cheers! Ali

Perez Hilton in Austin for SXSW

Yesterday was a day that makes all 30,000+ out-of-towners fall in love with Austin. Blue Sky, mild temperatures and a vibe so high it would make your mother dance in the streets here.

A little wine tasting at the Royal Blue across from Lance Armstrong's Mellow Johnny's (Rogue Wave had a 1 hour secret show!) and La Zona Rosa (Ray Davies played!) yesterday...Mr. Perez Hilton stopped by for a sip of Handley Cellars Redwood Valley Zinfandel. $20.50 a bottle at the Royal Blue! Cheers to a great weekend everyone! Ali

On a more serious note...

Sad news from Vine Connections today...

"Seijiro Tanaka, Rihaku Brewery’s venerated President, passed away over the weekend after a multi-year battle with lung cancer. Tanaka-san, or “Mr. T” as he was adoringly referred to here at Vine Connections, had been at the helm of the brewery since 1987 and was a close friend and supporter of Vine Connections since the day we started pondering selling Japanese sake," Ed Lehrman.

Mr. T referred to me each time I saw him over the years as his "Texas Girlfriend" spoken in his heavy Japanese accent, it was quite cute! I had the pleasure of hosting Mr. T in Austin over 4 years ago and showing off this great city that has made his Dreamy Clouds and Wandering Poet the very top selling Sake in the state of Texas. We ate at Chinatown for lunch, and walked through Central Market and Whole Foods to show off his beautiful bottles of premium Sake. Mr. T was an extremely humble man, a kind man who belly-laughed each time I told him he was so sweet and how much I appreciated his support of the Texas market. "Ali, you a supermodel for Japanese Sake in Texas", I'll take it, thanks Mr. T!

One of my fondest memories of Mr. T was the day he lead the group of Japanese business-men at Maiko Sushi on W. 6th, he commanded the utmost attention and filled the restaurant with enthusiasm about his his Japanese brewery. His physical stature was small, but his vision and heart was enormous. A few months later, I visited Mr. T while in Tokyo along with a group traveling with Vine Connections, this picture is of us after a very long day of travel to meet, he was so honored to have me visit his country and introduce me to his family.

Where the brewery is located in the Shimane prefecture - it is considered a "sister-city" to Austin. In 2008 he sent his son to visit Texas on behalf of the Rihaku brewery, we traveled to my hometown, Fort Worth to spread the good-will (and sell a lot of sake!) of what his father had created.

Mr. T will be missed, Kampai! to the legacy he has left behind. I will forever be grateful and honored to represent Rihaku Sake in the USA. - Ali

Crios Rose of Malbec

Argentine Wine of the Weekend:

Crios Rose of Malbec, $11

Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec

Vineyard Location(s): Uco Valley - multiple locations

Average Age of Vines: 31 years

Oak Regimen: None

Alcohol: 13.9%

Case Production: 20000

Tasting Notes/Food Pairing:
A beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color. Has a surprising amount of body for a rosé wine, and beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe wild strawberries. On the palate, the flavors of strawberries and young cherries come rushing in, accompanied by some spice notes and a clean, dry fi

nish. This is the perfect chicken wine and a charming companion to mildly spicy Asian cuisine. Keep one in the fridge at all times and you’ll always have a delicious wine to enjoy with light snacks and cheeses.

Press:

89 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 2010

"Pale, bright red. Strawberry aroma complicated by tobacco, iron and tree bark. Supple and easygoing, with the texture and weight of a red wine, but good acid cut gives clarity and lift to the middle palate. Finishes supple and persistent. A very attractive rose."

89 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 2009

"The 2009 Rose of Malbec is dark pink in color with an enticing nose of strawberry and cherry. Ripe, dry, and full-flavored, this delicious Rose should be consumed over the next 12-18 months."

Oregon Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris

WOW! The new 2008 Lange Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir has arrived to Texas. When's the last time you've opened a PHENOMENAL Pinot Noir that's priced under $25?

Robert Parker had this to say: This Pinot Noir is always pretty and approachable upon release, and pairs well with all manner of cuisine. Robert Parker rated 90. Truly a great value! "The 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley provides an early look at just how good this vintage is. Very expressive aromatically with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, on the palate this medium-bodied wine has layered succulent fruit, superb balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for several years but will provide plenty of immediate gratification." 90 Points & Best Value. - Robert Parker, August 2009

A perfect bottle to roll into right after some serious spring-weather patio sipping with their 2008 Pinot Gris as well! Ask your favorite wine shop for the beautiful wines of Lange Estate Cheers - Ali

Vine Connections Importer to Trust

In Details Magazine this month featuring Mendel Malbec.

IMPORTERS TO TRUST

Vine Connections For the wines of Argentina, an endorsement from this company promises the sort of powerful yet easy-drinking red that the country does best. (vineconnections.com)

LOOK FOR: Mendel Malbec 2007 ($23)

Photograph by Nikolai

From the Prince of Pinot

Davis Family Vineyards: Reliably Good Pinot Noir

Guy Davis hand farms his 7-acre southeast hillside estate vineyard in the Russian River Valley, producing consistently excellent Pinot Noirs. Buying a bottle of Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a sure thing. It’s like pulling a bottle of Coke off the shelve at the market: you always know what to expect. Although I have used Pinot Noir as my example of consistency, the same could be said for all of his wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel).

Guy Davis developed an interest in wine at the tender age of 19. While working his way through college cooking in a French restaurant, he was able to taste great wines from all the famous wine regions of France, and became so knowledgeable, he soon was asked to buy all the wine for the restaurant’s wine list. Although he was educated in economics and began his working career as a stockbroker, the stock market crash of 1987 made him look elsewhere for work. He picked up a job as a wine buyer in Sonoma in 1989, and soon was working in the cellars of several boutique wineries in the region. It was a stint with winemaker Lori Olds at Sky Vineyards a top Mt. Veeder that persuaded him to pursue a career in winemaking. He attended classes at Santa Rosa City College and University of California at Davis, and spent years searching for the perfectly situated site to grow Pinot Noir. In 1996 he bought his own hillside vineyard on Laguna Road in the Russian River Valley. By 1998, he was able to fully concentrate on winegrowing and producing premium wines.

A recurring theme seems to be commonplace among winemakers. They are often attracted to the combination of art and science involved in the challenge of producing fine wine. Guy has a soft spot for creative art as shown by the work of local artists displayed on his tasting room walls and the flamboyant artwork that guards the parking lot of his winery and tasting room complex. Guy says that if he wasn’t a winemaker, he probably would like to be a sculptor or some kind of artisan food producer (he actually has accomplished the latter, producing a high quality artisan olive oil from trees planted in 1906 in the Sierra Foothills).

Guy Davis believes the difference between great and just good Pinot Noir is balance and complexity. He says, “Great Pinot Noir has the balance of rich, dark, masculine full-bodied aromas and flavors like black cherries, plums, chocolate, coffee, and forest floor mixed with the elegant and sensual perfume of raspberries, brown spices and sweet cherry blossoms, aligned with textures that are full and mouth coating yet silky and lasting. When harmony exists, the sensual layers seem to unfold forever!”

Davis does not literally farm his 7 acres of Pinot Noir. Rather, he farms 9,274 vines. He tries to get twelve touches for every vine during the growing season from pruning to harvest. He is obsessive, focused and fanatical about picking the right day to harvest. In the winery, his work is meticulous with constant smelling, tasting, and talking to the wines and never intervening unless absolutely necessary. He is an expert at blending, knowing what true greatness requires. As he notes, “Perfect Pinot may be elusive but when discovered and embraced, it is truly heaven.”

2007 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $40. Tenth anniversary vintage (1997-2007). Best of Class and Gold Medal at the 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. It must be gratifying to Guy Davis to have such a remarkable wine to commemorate his tenth vintage. · Bright reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense and penetrating aromas of Bing cherries, raspberries, strawberries, spice and cola. Discreetly rich, slightly confected flavors that mimic the aromas. Fresh, clean and juicy with caressing tannins, refreshing acidity and an underlying mineral edge. A perfectly harmonious wine that is quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

2005 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40 · Very slight yellowing of rim edge in the glass. Ripe cherries, raisin, cola and a hint of oak toast on the generous nose. Juicy cherry and strawberry fruit with hints of secondary flavors of savory dried herbs, Pinot reduction sauce and sherry. Still vibrant and silky in the mouth. Probably slightly oxidized. Very good.

2003 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $35. · Lovely and heady black cherry and strawberry scents that fade quickly in the glass replaced by savory aromas of herbs and oak. Juicy and hit-pitched core of cherries, cranberries and strawberries with oak, dark chocolate and black tea in the background. Racy and a bit tart with fine-grain tannins. This wine has aged gracefully. Decent (+).

Visit the website, www.daviswines.com, to order wine, or better yet, visit the tasting room at 52 Front St. in Healdsburg and talk Pinot with Guy Davis. Just outside the winery you can picnic on the Russian River. He is a soft-spoken and cerebral winemaker who has a trove of wine information that he can offer in an understandable fashion. Discounts on wine and special events are available for Friends of the Family Wine Club. Prices for Davis Family Wines are very sensible. In 2007, there is also a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir available. 1-866-338-9463.

http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/819/

Vine Connections visit to Argentina

Trip recap coming soon...days filled with beautiful producers,the Andes filled sky, plush vines and incredible wines, nights filled with fantastic food, more wines and spectacular Argentine Culture!

I've got a long way home ahead of me, updating the blog soon. Cheers - Ali

Houston Livestock & Rodeo Wine Grand Champion

Journey from classroom to cellar

By DALE ROBERTSON, Houston Chronicle

Food would be Guy Davis' meal ticket through college, where he thought he'd gone to learn how to become a stockbroker. But the most important subject he studied while working in the kitchen for "a couple of crazy French guys" in a Boise, Idaho, restaurant called The Creperie was wine.

"I answered an ad in the newspaper, and I wound up getting an unbelievable education," Davis said. "I got bitten by the bug at the age of 19."

The now-50-year-old Davis learned to appreciate wine's every stylistic nuance because his bosses offered him almost nightly tastings, accompanied by long philosophical discourses on the nuances of the different regions. Soon, their passion became his passion. Go to his Web site and the first thing you read is this:

"At Davis Family Vineyards, we have some pretty strong beliefs about wine. We believe wine is an essential element in a rich and passionate life. It adds an extra layer of flavors to both meals and to friendships. And, like a lover, wine has a sensuality of perfumed aromas and silky, supple textures -- endless charm and character that brings many pleasures to our senses and spirits."

If those words don't make you want to pop the nearest cork, nothing will.

Davis' thoughts on wine are relevant because of his small-production 2005 Davis Family Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, which will be formally introduced at the "Rodeo Uncorked! Best Bites" soiree Sunday as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's seventh Grand Champion. The cab will also be the star attraction at a dinner in Davis' honor tonight at Sullivan's Steakhouse.

He confesses he didn't know much about the Houston competition until one of his Texas contacts told him it had become an important, prestigious event. Among the nearly 1,800 wines that were entered, his triumphed. Now, most of the 700 cases he made wound up at Spec's, priced at $43.33 a bottle.

Because Houston is considered to be the hottest cabernet market in the country, he's delighted to now be more than just another blip on the city's radar screen. But he's hardly a one-trick pony. In fact, he's probably better known for his Russian River offerings such as pinot noir, syrah and chardonnay.

For Davis, though, it's about terroir. He doesn't force square pegs into round holes. In his eyes, all grape varietals are created equal.

"I just love making wine from special areas, to show that true sense of place and the character of the varietal," he said. "I'm about working with the right grapes in the right place."

After graduating from Boise State, Davis started selling wine, and that meant he was tasting lots of it he said. The more he sampled, the more he believed his future was in the cellar and the vineyards. By the late 1980s, he was actively hunting for property in Sonoma, and by 1994 his winery was open on a ridge top in the Russian River Valley.

His timing was perfect. The first cabernet Davis released was a 1997, frequently referred to as Napa's "vintage of the century." And the New York Times selected Davis' initial offering as one of the valley's 20 best.

His champion Houston cab represents a lucky 13th vintage, and there are at least that many more to come, now that his oldest son, Cole, is working at the family business. It's hard work and perhaps only glamorous when you win prestigious awards -- the '05 cab has now claimed several -- but Davis insists days off are overrated.

"I'm lucky the wine business gives you so much in return," Davis admits. "There are many sides to it, and they're all rewarding."

EVENT OF THE WEEK

• What: Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition.

• Where: Reliant Center, Halls D and E.

• When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday

• Info: Many of Houston's finest restaurants and caterers will have serving stations, and the rodeo competition's top wines will be featured, including the Grand Champion cab from Davis Family Vineyards and the George Bush Foundation Top Texas Wine, the Flat Creek Estate "Mistella" dessert wine. Proceeds benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo charity.

• Cost: $100 in advance, $125 at the door. Table of 10, $1,800.

• Reservations: Visit the show's ticket office inside Reliant Center, or go to rodeohouston.com or call 832-667-1128.

A little reminder...

Click on images to enlarge and read all about it! Here's the post from last November on The TexaCali Wine Trail:
http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2009/11/more-to-be-thankful-for.html

I Heart Malbec- La Posta Paulucci

So many Malbecs, so little time! Here's my pick for a perfect Valentine's Day...around $18 a bottle.

89 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 2010

"Bright medium ruby. Ripe, slightly reduced aromas of plum and pepper. Sweet, silky and very ripe, with a distinctly chocolatey character.

Davis Family Vineyards - Texas Update!

After months of planning, it's my great pleasure to announce a week full of events with Guy Davis, owner and winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards located in the heart of the Russian River region in California.

A very special Texas trip for Guy this time of year indeed. His 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon just took top honors and won the "Grand Champion and Best of Show" award form the Houston Livestock and Rodeo International Wine Competition - 1st place over 1500 entries this year! A few seats are still available for the dinners, and don't miss out on the complimentary tastings for you to enjoy as well.

• Winemaker Dinner @ Sullivan's Steakhouse in Houston
• Bottle signing and tasting with Guy @ The Houston WIne Merchant
• Winemaker Dinner @ Perry's Steakhouse, Houston Champions location
• Bottle signing and tasting with Guy @ The Austin Wine Merchant
• Winemaker Dinner @ Mirabelle Austin
• HLSR "Round Up & Best Bites" Tasting in Houston

All Texas event details posted on the TexaCali Wine Co. website Read all about Davis Family Vineyards current wine releases and accolades on www.davisfamilyvineyards.com A few perfect Valentine gift ideas for anyone who loves really great wines! Cheers - Ali

If you love Napa Cabernet

...you won't want to miss the Davis Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner in Houston next week.

The 2005 Davis Family Vineyards Napa Cabernet won "Grand Champion" this year at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Wine Competition (the highest honor received from over 1500 wine entries).

Please join us for a delicious evening with California's Guy Davis, owner and winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards at Sullivan's Steakhouse. Details below...

Where: Sullivan's Steakhouse, 4608 Westheimer Rd.
When: Wednesday, February 17 @ 7pm.
Cost: $90 pp + tax & tip
RSVP: Sullivan's 713.961.0333

The Menu

Passed Appetizers

Tropical Ceviche

Paired with 2007 Davis Family Reisling, Santa Lucia Highlands

First Course

Phyllo Purse Filled with Apples Blue Cheese and Walnuts served with Bitter Greens

Paired with 2007 Davis Family Chardonnay, Russian River.

Second Course

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Meuniere Sauce over Risotto.

Paired with 2006 Davis Family Pinot Noir, Russian River.

Third Course

Filet au Poivre

Rested on a Bed Wilted Winter Greens and Roasted Potatoes

2005 Davis Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (Grand Champion Houston Rodeo)

Fourth Course

Chocolate Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Port From the Davis Family Winery

Yo La Tengo

The Granada Theater in Dallas is a treasure - always a kick to see a show there. Yo La Tengo rocked the house last Saturday night.

Rocked it just like a cool Magnum of Nosotros from Argentina does. Cheers - Ali

Name that Vineyard