Living & Drinking in the Moment

...NY TIMES THIS WEEK

From the Wines of the Times...2007 Burgans Albarino

NY Times wine writer Eric Asimov reminded us that despite the fall and winter collections on display in retail stores across the country, there are still plenty of summer sipping days left in the season. Which brought him, natuarally, to Albarino ("consummate summer wine") and a tasting of 25 bottles in the market today. Which brought him, naturally, to Burgans which ranked among the top in the tasting and by far a best buy in the line up.

This is the same wine that the Wine Advocate gave 90 points, saying "in terms of bang for the buck, it has no challenger... a sprightly nose of mineral, spring flowers, and lemon peel. Ripe, balanced, and concentrated, this is an ideal match for flaky fish courses."

Savor the end of summer...and stock up on Burgans!

Read the entire article here

Tomorrow night

ART ATTACK! Live Music and Local Art - Teira Sauv Blanc, Pellegrini Sauv Blanc & Family Blend plus Argentina's Budini Chardonnay and Cabernet are sponsors.

Even with all of the attractions that the city of Austin has to offer, how many people can hook you up with live art complemented by live music and complementary beverages? That is exactly what you will get if you come out to the Austin Art Garage and Do512.com complex this Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Born out of a desire to help support the local art community, there will be a silent live art auction during band performances including Brazos and Sunset, while patrons watch artists paint live and bid on their creations.

Bids start at $10, and complementary beverages will be provided by Sweetleaf Tea, TexaCali Wines, Lone Star Beer and Bacardi, who will be there teaching you how to make your own Bacardi Mojitos! 21+ w/ ID's ONLY will be admitted

$10 Suggested Donation at the door, only $5 with RSVP!

Bands Playing: BRAZOS, SUNSET, THE EARLY TAPES, Tenlons Fort, SITAR AND TABLA BY AMIE AND SHIV AND QAWWALI MUSIC BY RIYAAZ.

On the deck with Guy Davis

Spent some time with Guy and Judy Davis last week - sipping on some bubbles on their deck overlooking the vines before dinner.

At dinner - he opened his new 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and it BLEW ME AWAY. Take all you can now folks, this bottle of Cabernet is not going to be available very long. Gold Medals, Sweepstakes titles - you name it - the 2005 is just about the best wine I think he's ever made - and Guy's made a lot of great juice over the years!

Here's a quick view of his Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah vineyards located in the heart of the Russian River region in Sonoma. Cheers - Ali

At the movies...

TexaCali Wine Co. begins a new ad campaign in September. Please keep your eye out for this ad at all Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations throughout Texas. The ad is running in their monthly events program - easy to tear out and take with you when shopping for your favorite wines and sake...cheers - Ali

Fresh from the Garden

A little taste of summer a few days ago in Napa. Delicious! I've begun posting pictures of the trip on www.texacaliwine.com now. I've taken hundreds of photos and hours of video that needs a few hours of editing. Hoping to hunker down next week back in Austin to finish all of this for you all.
A few more hours left to play in the pool and soak up this happy summer break out in Cali...Cheers - Ali

Blue Skies Above Pellegrini Family...

A walk with Bill from Pellegrini - he took the group out to see and learn more about the beautiful vines of Olivet Lane Pinot Noir...check out the video below.

In the San Angelo News...

Wines dominate with fruity flavors -

by Vianei Robinson

If Susana Balbo's name is on your wine, you are in for a treat. After 22 years of winemaking experience, Susana Balbo has become one of Argentina's most acclaimed winemakers, standing out in a field dominated by men.

Fortunately you can sample her wine without breaking the bank. Balbo's value-priced wine label, Crios, offers fruit-forward enjoyment along with surprising complexity.

"Crios" means "offspring," an appropriate moniker for wines that are meant to be enjoyed in their youth.

Crios Rose of Malbec 2007 ($11) is bursting with ripe strawberry aromas and flavors. This dry rose has a lot of body and a clean crisp finish. It pairs beautifully with Mexican and Asian fare.

Another winner is Crios Torrontes 2007 ($16). Torrontes, the most widely planted white wine grape in Argentina, is reminiscent of viognier.

The 2007 Crios version is excellent, with layers of peach, pear and citrus flavors, and a beguiling floral quality. The ripe fruit flavors imply sweetness, but the finish is dry and refreshing. This versatile summer sipper is at home by the pool, alongside a cheese plate, or accompanying salads and seafood.

Susana Balbo also bottles reserve-level wines under her own name. My current favorite is Susana Balbo Malbec 2006 ($29). This deep purple wine has blackberry aromas, smooth black cherry and plum flavors, and hints of chocolate. The distinctive flavors of malbec, Argentina's signature red grape, are bolstered by 10 percent cabernet sauvignon. Enjoy this dense and aromatic wine with beef or wild game.

Vianei Robinson can be contacted at vlr@robinsonlawfirm.com. Her column appears on Wednesdays.

Featured in the Dallas Morning News - 7/30/08

Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé of Malbec 2007, Argentina

($11.99 to $12.99; Goody Goody, some Centennial stores, Pogo's, Central Market, Whole Foods Market in Highland Park)

This is the second time that the panel has fallen for this excellent, medium- bodied rosé with nice acidity (in May, it was a hit with our parmesan popcorn). It's from Argentina's famed Mendoza region, crafted by one of Argentina's first female winemakers. "It's got bright, expressive fruit," Mr. Pinnell said. Mr. Hendricks noted raspberry as well as strawberry flavors on the palate. Ms. Beck and Mr. Tidwell found it fruity without being too sweet. "It's great for a hot day," said Mr. Tidwell, who summed up the wine's rich berry profile as "yummy goodness," adding "the concentrated fruit will hold up to the heat."

A day with Medlock Ames and Pellegrini Family Vineyards

Just a few things we picked from the organic garden at Medlock Ames - stay tuned for a complete recap off the day a little later...Cheers - Ali

Skeet Shooting and Teira

A little down-home fun with Teira yesterday in the middle of Dry Creek. The new Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot were so fun to drink - nice hot day under a shade tree smack dab in the middle of 30 year old Merlot vines. Cool. - Ali

A funny beach...

Took the crew directly West on River Rd. which dead ends to the Pacific Ocean. Hooked a left turn and drove about a mile south and hit the most fabulous beach for the afternoon.
The temperature went from 90 degrees at the house located on Olivet Lane to 59 on the coast. We stayed for a few hours, playing paddle ball (I think the record was 35 hits between Daniel and Jen), collecting rocks and throwing back some great new beers from Hawaii and a nice little sauvignon blanc from the south of France given to us from my dear friend Mulan.


Here's a fun little shoot of the moment we all stuck our feet in the chilly water and black sands of the Sonoma Coast. Off to visit Teira today and do a little skeet shooting over the vineyards in Dry Creek!
Cheers - Ali

The Best of Burgundy

So doing a little planning this morning for Veritas Imports who represents the wines of Etienne de Montille in Burgundy and ran across an nice little write-up by Bruce Sanderson of the Wine Spectator. Read up and watch the video here .

The Indefatigable Etienne de Montille

Originally Posted: 10:14 AM ET, February 06, 2008

One of my last visits in Burgundy was with Etienne de Montille of Domaine de Montille, Deux Montille (the négociant business he runs with his sister Alix) and Domaine du Château de Puligny-Montrachet, where he is the estate manager.

De Montille has just finished reorganizing the domaine, where he and Alix are now the owners. He is in charge of vinifying the reds, she the whites for both the domaine and the négoce business.

None of the reds had been bottled. One group had been racked into tank in early November for bottling in March. Two cuvées were just racked two weeks prior to my visit for bottling in April. The third group was still in barrel and yet to be racked. They are scheduled for bottling in May or June.

De Montille’s insight into winemaking is fascinating to hear (see video). “I adapt every year,” he said. “With white wine, people are more careful, but with reds, people are more systematic each year. But I think it’s just as important to adapt the maturation for reds too,” he added.

For example, he will bottle the 2006s earlier than the ’05s, which saw 21 months in barrel, two months in tank and were bottled just before the 2007 harvest.

The Beaune Grèves, with 40 percent of the stems retained, was closed on the nose, but long, rich and fruity, offering cherry, mineral and spice notes (88–91). Also with 40 percent of the stems, the Pommard Pezerolles showed elegance for the appellation. It was dense and solid, with cherry and iron flavors. Perhaps a tad less complex than above today (88–91).

The Volnay Mitans revealed aromatic floral and red currant aromas and elegance. Its tannins were just a little coarse on the finish from the racking and filtering, but this was very Volnay (88-91). The Corton Clos du Roi, an approximate blend from barrel, was more stern, with wild garrigue scents, yet pure, mineral and racy with a long, cherry and spice aftertaste (90–93).

“There was a big gap between the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits at the beginning, but the Côte de Beaune is catching up,” de Montille said. “They won’t have the structure, roundness and profundity of the Côte de Nuits, but they will have the complexity and character.”

From the Côte de Nuits, the Nuits-St.-Georges Aux St.-Juliens is a new wine for the domaine in 2006. It offered blackberry and black currant flavors in a fresh, elegant, charming way (87–90). Its premier cru big brother, the Nuits-St.-Georges Les Thoreys, from further up the slope, was still in barrel. It featured blackberry and black cherry notes in a classy, refined manner (89–92).

There are two Vosne-Romanée Malconsorts chez de Montille, as of the 2005 vintage. The “normale” dished up a huge nose of black pepper, cinnamon, rose and red currant, with elegance, depth and length (90–93). The Christiane, from older vines, was deeper, sappier and more silky, a backward red with more structure and mineral than the regular bottling (91–94).

Several 2006 whites stood out. From the Deux Montille range, there was a fresh Meursault Tessons, showing honey, citrus and mineral flavors (88–91) and a riper, peach-, lemon- and mineral-tinged St.-Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (88–91). Under the Domaine Montille label, the Puligny-Montrachet Caillerets was full of passion fruit and mineral notes. It’s a linear white, very long and complete (90–93). The Corton-Charlemagne, from the first commercial release after grafting from Pinot Noir, displayed great intensity and mineral character, along with lemon, floral and apple flavors. A tensile white and very long in the mouth (92–95).

We then drove over to Château de Puligny-Montrachet, where we tasted a range of 2006s from tank and a few 2007s from barrel. “This [2006] is the first vintage since I have been here that we are close to what we want to do in the vineyards and cellar,” said de Montille.

The ’06s are impressive. I particularly liked the Puligny-Montrachet, a lively, straight-laced, hazelnut- and mineral-infused white (88–91). The St.-Aubin En Remilly was richer, with floral, peach and pear notes and a chalky, mineral finish (88–91).

The Puligny-Montrachet Chalumeaux was round and honeyed, with floral and peach flavors and a hint of orange blossom on the fresh finish (89–92). The Folatières also had floral and orange blossom notes on an elegant, harmonious frame (89–92). The Meursault Perrières was cut from different cloth: Stone, apple and chalk elements were coiled tightly in the lean, tensile structure. It was very intense and long (91–94).

We tasted a Chevalier-Montrachet 2006, but it was in an awkward stage and compared with the Perrières, difficult to see where it was going. Judgment reserved.

I will post some current tasting notes very soon - Cheers - Ali (Etienne de Montille and Jasper Russo dining at Fearrings in Dallas together last fall).

eat drink and be merry

Ahhh, what a great way to kick-off my stay in Sonoma. Quick trips to purchase fresh produce, seafood, wine and of course cheese (from The Cheese Shop in Healdsburg).

The house is lovely, complete with a chef's kitchen, comfy decor and a sparkling pool to cool off. Here are a few snaps from my FLIP camera, I'm working on "getting better" with the videos...so stay tuned.

Wine of the Trip so far: Selected from the wine list at Willi's Wine Bar in Santa Rosa last Friday night.

Hirsch Vineyards 2006 BOHAN DILLON:Produced for the first time since 2003, this pinot noir expresses the complexity of the site. It is a blend of seventeen fermentation lots containing the fruit of thirty-four discreet farming blocks. All five of the pinot noir clones farmed here are fully represented. Ninety-seven percent of the fruit is estate; the balance is from the adjoining Hellenthal ranch. Thirty per cent is from the older fields; the balance from our newer plantings. It is important to note that this wine is made in exactly the same way as the Hirsch and from the same fruit. In other words, it is a true ‘village’ wine and represents exceptional value.

Tasting notes: Ruby-garnet colored. Exotic spice box aromas give way to Seville orange and bergamot. With air, subtle earth and leather notes emerge. On the palate, flavors of plum, tea, and tobacco vie for attention, braced by an inherent minerality that marks this as a typical expression of the site. A complete wine made with all the exacting care and site-specific attention to detail we bring to all our wines. - 2568 cases bottled 8/20/07; Cheers - Ali

Just a few days away...

ahhh yeah! the weather for area code: 75401

Friday through Monday: Clear. Highs in the 80s to lower 90s. Lows in the 50s.

While in California later this week, I'm holding camp in the middle of a Gravenstein Apple orchard surrounded by Olivet Lane Pinot Noir Vines. Here's a little on the Gravenstein Apple:

Among thousands of California apple varieties, the heirloom Gravenstein is widely regarded as one of the best eating and baking apples. A fine balance of sweet and tart, its full-bodied flavor intensifies when made into sauce, juice, cider or vinegar. The apples also hold their shape beautifully in pies and tarts.

Warm, dry days, cool nights and Northern California’s mellow loamy soil provide ideal growing conditions for Sonoma County’s historic Gravenstein apple trees. The twisted trunk of a mature Gravenstein supports a 30-foot canopy laden with perfumed blossoms in the springtime. Some trees produce a prolific 2,000 pounds of fruit each.

Aficionados flock to Sebastopol during the Spring Apple Blossom Festival and again at the Gravenstein Harvest Festival in August.

As it ripens, the standard Gravenstein undergoes a pronounced change in color; from yellow or lime green, an intermediate light orange with red stripes, and finally to a medium orange with dark red stripes. Other apples oxidize after slicing, quickly turning an unappealing brown. Cut into a Grav and an orange tinge almost immediately blushes over the ivory flesh.

The Gravenstein was introduced to South Jutland, Denmark, in 1669, which is where it gained its name. German migrants brought the apple to North America in 1790 and Russian fur traders planted the first West Coast Gravenstein orchards at their outpost in Fort Ross in 1820, where the trees survived despite inhospitable conditions such as intense winds and salt air. It is likely that cuttings from theses trees were used to start the orchards in Sebastopol.

By the early 1900s thousands of Gravenstein orchards were established and the apple had become the heart of a major industry in Sonoma County as dryers, canners, apple cider and apple brandy producers took advantage of its suitability for processing. During World War II American troops were provided with applesauce and dried apples from Sebastopol Gravensteins, and this made the apple into an icon for the town.

An Apple a Day! - Ali

off subject...

but look at this Kid! My nephew is showing off his new Cubs "Fukudome" shirt. Look at those cheeks. He just turned one, oh the bottles of wine my brother and sister in law went through during those first 12 months! Cheers - Ali

Wine of the Night!

2006 Handley Gewürztraminer "There's a hint of rose if you search for it, but this is not aggressively floral. Instead, it's fresh, chalky, crisp and clean, like biting into a fresh litchi. Firm acidity drives the wine, cutting right through the fruit to deliver its flavor into the meat of whatever is for dinner." 93pts Wine & Spirits Magazine.

A couple of friends from San Francisco are in town this weekend, so after a big night out on Friday with all the mapema wine and sake2me sponsored events, we settled in last night over some tremendous wine, food and new friends.

Whole Foods - the downtown Austin location just bought the last of the 2006 Handley Gewürztraminer so I put a few bottles in my cart while shopping for dinner yesterday. This gorgeous wine was the perfect complement to Red Snapper Vera Cruz and all the fixings. I'm going back to Whole Foods to grab a case before it's all gone - I suggest you do the same if you live in the Austin area and want a real treat to sip on this summer! Cheers -Ali

Off Subject

Just returned from 2 days in Chicago ... Cubs, Views, Pizza and a little shopping - so fun! I posted all of the pics on www.texacaliwine.com

Yes, this one is for the foodies...Bacon infused Vodka found at Murphy's Irish Pub just outside of Wrigley. Yes, it was interesting, maybe better in a nice penne pasta sauce than straight down the hatch!

Cheers! Ali

on EPARKER today!

2006 Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep crimson colored, it has an excellent bouquet of cedar, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This leads to a medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture, intense dark fruit flavors, and excellent depth. There is enough silky tannin to support 2-3 years of bottle age although it can be enjoyed now. Although Susana Balbos’s Crios offerings are the declassified lots from her more expensive “signature” wines, they need make no apologies. They rank among the best values from my Argentina wine tastings. All of the Crios wines are outstanding values. Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-VINO
Rating: 90 Estimated Cost: $12-$18

Food & Wine Magazine / The Cause: Wildlife Protection

Medlock Ames

Green Initiative: Rather than building fences, Sonoma’s Medlock Ames created wildlife corridors to allow wild pigs, deer, bobcats and mountain lions to pass through its vineyards without damaging the vines or themselves.

Wine to Buy: 2006 Chardonnay ($30) Though full-bodied, this creamy Chardonnay is elegant and focused, with lemony flavors that end on a mineral note. www.medlockames.com

Product Placement

Nice props for "Star Filled Sky" Sake on this July 4th Holiday...these triplets are just too cute and send a big Happy Holiday out to all fans of TexaCali from Colorado this weekend - their Daddy is the biggest fan of Vine Connections Sake I know! Cheers - Ali

July Cleaning?

SIGH. So I literally put the brakes on traveling over the past few weeks in order to dig out from months of packing and unpacking my bags and wine boxes. Knocked out my office yesterday - well, almost - everything that was placed on my desk needs to be filed and put away. No fun whatsoever. ARGH.

On a more positive note - I'll post a complete tasting recap soon about the wonderful dinner and wine experience I had last Saturday night...Fearings at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas. People - do whatever it takes to make a reservation in the 'Gallery Room", ask for Paul and Hunter to assist with your wine selection and MAKE SURE YOU ORDER A SLICE OF THE BANANA CREAM PIE! More on this evening later...an incredible culinary treat.

In the meantime, do me a favor - select a few wines listed on www.texacaliwine.com today and go buy them from your favorite wine shop! Cheers and Happy 4th of July- Ali

Handley Cellars and Teira

Value Brands 2008

Top 9 American Value Brands

Handley

What: Cool-climate whites from one of the benchmark names of Anderson Valley.

Standout: The '06 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris is layered and complex, easily among the best pinot gris made in California. Likewise, Handley's '06 Anderson Valley Gewurztraminer is an Alsatian rock star hiding out on California's north coast. Both run $18.

Where: Milla Handley owns vineyards in Anderson Valley and Dry Creek Valley, and her winery is located outside of Philo, CA.

When: Open a bottle of the Pinot Gris with grilled weisswurst, while the Gewurztraminer, with its spicy citrus flavors and bright acidity, is the choice for Thai curry.

The Pinot Gris received 94 points and was one of only 2 California wineries selected in this category.

Also noted... Handley 2006 Anderson Valley Hein Vineyard Pinot Blanc (89 points): This bright white has pale apple and grape skin flavors, with a sweet hint of bee pollen in the end. A fine, summery, aperitif. (340 cases)

Critic's Picks 2008 BRIGHT RED: Handley 2006 Pinot Noir Mendocino County...

TEIRA 2006 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 87 points: Green scents of mint and mexican peppers give this plump wine a clean edge. It finishes on the flavor of grapefruit pith. Serve with raw clams. (1,490 cases)

For a detailed recap of the tasting wineandspiritsmagazine.com

Perfect Summer Wines...

from the South of France! Ffind these beautiful wines at the big downtown Whole Foods Store.

Domaine Lafage Côté Est Blanc VdP des Côtes Catalanes 2007

65% Grenache Blanc, 28% Chardonnay, 7% Muscat. Super crisp and tank-fermented, this racy white is bursting with citrus, white flowers and minerals. Juicy on the palate, dry but ripe with good apricot and yellow peach fruit character.

Domaine Lafage Côté Sud Rouge VdP des Côtes Catalanes 2005
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon A bright, high-toned medium weight red wine. Fruit forward on the palate with dark berry fruits - black berries, blueberries, cherries and a pepper spice note with a touch of tannin on the finish. Cheers - Ali

Today, before my attempt at Ashtanga Yoga at 4:30

I'm at Whole Foods downtown Austin talking up the beautiful wines of Domaine Lafage! Stop by the wine department to taste and say hello from 12:30 - to 3pm today.

www.domaine-lafage.com

From the Lafage website - gorgeous! "

A mosaic of catalane terroir.
To represent the quintessence of a region which is said to be a world on its own… that is what Lafage Estate aspires to. It is a region of contrast that has been moulded between the crafty hands of the catharian wind and the Spanish mist, nestled between « mar i muntanya », where the Pyrenees Catalane offers diversity that can hardly be equalled elsewhere.

It is thanks to this heaven-sent eclecticism, and its exposition to the favourable rays of the fervid sun, that a vineyard of excellence has sprouted from the soil of the Lafage Estate . From the marble-and-limestone foundations of the towering Canigou, to the time-smoothed pebbles on the Mediterranean’s edge, progressing through the clay-limestone of the planes to the schist of Agly and situated merely a few yards from the viticulture village Maury, the Lafage Estate was established around the precipitous edges of the Roussillon valleys, on rich and alluvial soil, betwixt the tepid heights and the salty fresh spindrift. A sundry of influences, that ever as much adds to the redolence of the Lafage wines, concordant with the fruit, the unique character of the land and its grape-varieties.

As far as our desire for authenticity is concerned, the Lafage Estate is always on the lookout for new land of character. « We are looking for parcels of altitude, North-facing plantations that can fill up on freshness ». A perpetual quest in this multifarious region that has a sole goal: that of obtaining the perfect harmony in each Lafage Estate wine!"

I'll post tasting notes today - though my mouth is wrecked from tasting, swishing and spitting over 60 wines this week along with Eric Solomon in North Carolina. Tough business this is!! Happy Sunday Afternoon to all... Ali

TexaCali is Hiring!

So I'm great at a lot of sales and marketing things - not so great at keeping my office organized and record keeping these days. It's hard enough right now to keep my voice mail cleared out so when I arrive home after being on the road the amount of US Mail, Fed-Ex and UPS piles just about send me over the edge.

The time has come to ask for help - I am hiring YOU if you honestly have a favorite Champagne and can keep my life organized back in Austin while I'm driving all over the Lone Star State weekly and traveling the world occasionally. Here's the job posting - please contact me or forward it along to anyone who fits the job description. Possibly the coolest part-time gig for anyone who loves wine & being organized. SNAP! Cheers to a great weekend! Ali

Chill with Sake this Summer

Ms. Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of these creative driven sake producers and perhaps a few pair of their tiny little fashionable shoes…

Kanbara Bride of the Fox – Junmai Ginjo

Enjoy intense aromas of grilled nuts, pistachio, and a hint of white chocolate. Flavors of roast nuts and ripe honeydew explode at the front and finishes crisp with a hint of lingering sweetness.

Mantensei Star-Filled Sky - Tokubetsu Junmai

The nose is led by steamed rice, fresh red plums, and suggestions of roasted peanuts. Bright and lean in the mouth, unlike many Nigori, and the impact is chewy with sweet rice flavors intermingling with the nutty and slightly fruity characteristics of the sake.

Fukucho Moon on the Water – Junmai Ginjo

An extremely rare combination: Miho Imada represents one of the unusual instances in Japan when a brewery owner is also a Toji. She is also one of the few female Tojis in Japan. And if this wasn't unique enough, water in this region is very, very soft in comparison to most sake-brewing regions. This is a major contributor to the
rich taste and feel of Miho's sake.

Tozai Snow Maiden – Nigori

This is fairly thick and chewy nigori (cloudy sake), but it is still surprisingly dry. The aromas are bright and fresh and they show a lovely ricey and fruity combination. In the mouth, this sake has solid weight and gives the same flavors of fresh fruit and creamy fresh rice that your nose told you about. You will rarely taste a classier nigori at this price

Mukune Root of Innocence – Junmai Ginjo

This mellow and round sake reveals cacao powder notes and sandalwood bouquet on the nose. Soft on the palate with gentle acidity that puts the accent on the light spice of white pepper and cedar-like flavors, the finish is clean but encompassing.

Rich, Heartbreaking and Delicious – just like Mr.Big.

Rihaku Dreamy Clouds- Nigori

Rihaku is proud to boast the highest average rice milling rate of all Japanese breweries. This sake is a good example why—while it is already unusual to produce high-quality nigori at the Tokubetsu Junmai grade, Rihaku's goes one better by making a Dreamy Clouds that goes beyond the minimum, and could technically qualify as a Junmai Ginjo grade nigori.

Chiyonosono Sacred Power – Junmai Ginjo

This is a rich, full flavored sake with fresh-cut green grass aromas and hints of tropical fruits with cantaloupe leading by a nose. The mouth feel is silky with mango and baked pear flavors and suggestions of creme brulée, though the sweetness is kind to the palate with excellent acidity leading the way to the finish.

This Summer’s Blockbuster Selection of Ginjo Sake!

hot off the press today...

Pellegrini Family Vineyards

On the road this with the Pellegrini's in Texas! A full report on many of your favorites later this week - www.pellegrinisonoma.com

Cheers - Ali

Parker's Wine of the Day - today.

2006 Susana Balbo Malbec
A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina
Wine Advocate #174 Jay Miller
91pts.
Drink 2007 - 2020 $25-$31

This wine was bottled without fining or filtration. The 2006 Malbec (which contains 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) received the same oak regimen as the Cabernet. It is dark ruby-colored with a lovely nose of cedar, smoke, cassis, and black cherry. Medium-bodied with an elegant personality, it has layers of ripe fruit, nicely concealed tannins, and a pure finish. It will continue to develop with a few more years in the bottle and provide pleasure through 2020. The pioneering Susana Balbo was the first female graduate of Mendoza’s top school of Enology in 1981. Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-VINO

Distributed in Texas by www.pioneerwine.com

Time Flies

This year is pretty wild so far, one hellavu busy one; many epic wine meetings, superstar winemaker dinners, conversations about the world economy of wine, laughing until I cry over the silliest thing while unwinding after a successful wine event, first time sips and introductions, screaming arguments about getting things done correctly - you name it, wild.

2008 is going down in the TexaCali Wine Co. record books for sure merely because for the first time since starting my company all of my producers have "partners" throughout this big-ass state of Texas to support their family businesses. It's taken 3 years of building trust for the sake of a really good - I mean really good bottle of wine reaching a dinner table somewhere in Texas on a nightly basis. The first 6 months of 2008 have flown, and I'm looking forward to the next 6 months of just selling wine with all the tremendous retail, restaurant and distribution partners of TexaCali Wine Co. I'm blessed to be supported by hundreds of great people these days.

It's an exciting time, the only thing I am shaking my head at is the price of gas. At $4 a gallon, Austin, Texas will be seeing a lot more of TexaCali Ali than the other Texas regions. It's serious, my dog-walker just added a $2 surcharge! I finally bought a bike in honor of the TexaCali 3rd year anniversary this month. I soo look forward to spending a few hours a week peddling along side my guy and his new bike instead of talking from behind the wheel while guzzling gas down a Texas highway. Check it out!

Most popular wine this year in the TexaCali Wine Co. portfolio: Crios Malbec! Most overlooked: Le Claire Gaspard Champagne! Off to see my first Red Rocks show this week in Colorado - a full report next weekend! Cheers - Ali

On May 16, we lost one of the most important leaders in the world of wine, Robert Mondavi. Robert Mondavi paved the way and created opportunities for thousands of folks over the years who followed their own passion in the wine industry. So many tributes online this week - I think his own words say it all...

“Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It's culture. It's the essence of civilization and the Art of Living…When I pour a glass of truly fine wine, when I hold it up to the light and admire its color, when I raise it to my nose and savor its bouquet and essence, I know that wine is, above all else, a blessing, a gift of nature, a joy as pure and elemental as the soil and vines and sunshine from which it springs.” Robert Mondavi, “Harvests of Joy”

(photo copyright: Thom McDermott Photography)

While we are working the Texas market this week...

Check out Davis Family Vineyards owner & winemaker Guy Davis while he takes you through one year in the life of a winery's vines.

Click Here For "It's A Vine Life"

Cheers! Ali

Wilco at Stubbs

What a way to end the week...last night rocked with Jeff Tweedy in the house. After a week of high humidity and Texas travel - watching Wilco live in Austin was just about perfect. Here are a few pics from the show - they are playing again tonight - score tickets if you can.

I must get sake2me into the Stubbs outdoor bars for sure. Cheers - Ali

A Report from the Gang of Pour

Austin hosted this same Seminar - give or take a few different wines on May 5 - enjoy the recap from the 2008 HdR!- Ali

Conquistadores: The Reign in Spain

Eric Solomon Imports

From left: Jurgen Wagner, Eric Solomon, Philippe Cambie, Adolfo Munoz,
Javier Munoz, Daniel Castano. Photo © Mel Hill Photo

The first seminar was a collection of wines imported by HdR’s 2008 Person of the Year, Eric Solomon. Eric has elevated his company, European Cellars, to be one of the top importers of Spanish wines from virtually every region of that remarkably diverse country. To present what turned out to be a very good selection of the wines he imports, he brought with him some of the top winemakers in Spain: Jurgen Wagner of Cellar Capçanes, Daniel Castaño of Bodegas Castaño and Bodegas Salinas, Javier Muñoz of Bodegas Cigarral Pago del Ama (accompanied by his highly-acclaimed father, chef Adolfo Muñoz of Restaurant Adolfo in Toledo), and Frenchman Philippe Cambie of Bodegas Mas Alta, and also the consulting winemaker for many of the top wines in Chateauneuf du Pape, including Pegau and Vieux Donjon.

Each of the winemakers has some interesting things to say about their wines, and each believes passionately in their respective appellations. My favorite story came from Jurgen Wagner, who explained how the region of Montsant was essentially kept from dying out when a group of rabbi’s from Barcelona come to the local cooperative and asked them to create a Kosher wine for the Jewish community in Barcelona. The deeply conservative (and Catholic) winemakers of the region agreed, and the resulting wine provided the fame and financial security to encourage growers in the region to expand and improve quality, launching a revival of the Montsant appellation. Fascinating stuff.

The wines:

Photo © Mel Hill Photo

2006 Celler Mas Gil, Clos d’Agon White, Emporda Made by Peter Sissek of Pingus fame. 45% Viognier, 40% Roussanne, 15% Marsanne. Stony, lemony nose with real minerality, a combination of Chablis and Muscadet. There is surprising richness on the palate to round out the intense minerality. A bit of pit fruits, citrus, flint, and straw all in a beautifully balanced wine with great cut. Nothing like a white Rhone blend from France, but a fascinating take on the varietals, if atypical. Excellent. Find this wine

2005 Celler de Capçanes, Cabrida, Montsant From chalky soils in four different terroirs, 100% Garnacha, 85-105 year old vines. Meaty fruit with plums, black figs and a hint of earthiness. The palate is rich with black fruits and earth, rather tannic and ripe, but with excellent structure from firm acidity. The overall impression is a bit brooding and heavy, but the wine is actually very well balanced. A couple of years of aging should bring significant improvement, but the wine is pretty good now. Find this wine

2005 Celler de Capçanes, Cabrida Calissa, Montsant As contrast to the regular Cabrida, this is primarily from limestone-based soils, and is much smaller in production (1000 bottles vs. 4500 for the Cabrida). Brighter fruit with some new oak, truffle, complex herbs and forest notes. A bigger, richer wine, still quite tannic, but more complex and less heavy feeling than the Cabrida. Some pit fruits and dark berries with less earthiness. Very intensely flavored with great acid/fruit balance and depth. This is delicious now but should age effortlessly for quite a while based on its impeccable balance and depth. Find this wine

2005 Vinedos Cigarral Santa Maria, Pago del Ama Syrah, Toledo 100% Syrah from a small vineyard in Toledo, and due to small production, virtually unobtainable outside the famous restaurant owned by the winemaker’s father, Adolfo Muñoz. The nose is all bacon fat, ripe apricot and bloody meat. Medium bodied and not a blockbuster in terms of texture, the wine has a light, elegant feel despite the intensity of its flavors. Smooth tannins, meaty fruit with lots of spice and great length. There is richness here but in a suave, elegant package. Could pass for an excellent northern Rhone wine. Find this wine

2005 Sierra Salinas, Mira, Alicante 65% Monastrell (Mourvedre), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet). Rather closed nose with dark fruits, but not showing much. Rich, smooth and creamy fruit on the palate, the wine shows it spent 20 months in French oak. Black cherry dominates the fruit and smooth tannins are supported by firm acidity, yet the wine seems rather heavy and brooding at this time, and rather one-dimensional. Maybe time will help? Good, not outstanding. Find this wine

2005 Bodegas Castaño, Casa Cisca, Yecla 100% Monastrell from 55-75 year old vines, aged for 14 months in American oak. Yecla has a higher elevation than Alicante, and it shows in the brighter feel and crisper acids. The fruits are at the red end of the spectrum, and the creamy vanilla American oak flavor is apparent, although not dominant. Some wood tannins come out in the finish, suggesting the wine needs some time for the oak to integrate. The American oak gives this wine a more international character, and overall it was probably my least favorite of the tasting, although still nice on its own. Find this wine

2005 Bodegas Mas Alta, La Basseta, Priorat 50% Carinena, 40% Garnacha, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah. Deep black fruit and licorice. Very intense flavors of meat, earth, black fruits and licorice with strong acidity and tannins. This has 50% new oak, giving a creamy texture that balances the tannins. A big wine with a lot of stuffing, if not much complexity at this point. Seems balanced for aging. Find this wine

2005 Bodegas Mas Alta, La Creu Alta, Priorat 60% Carinena, 40% Garnacha. This wine seems much more complex than the La Basseta, with brighter fruit and savory herbs. Fresher, with even better balance and surprising elegance, smooth tannins, a touch of citrus gives lift to the aromatics and an overall brighter feel. Much less rustic than most Priorats of my experience. Excellent. Find this wine

Today in Austin - at the Austin Wine Merchant

2-5pm Meet Matt Licklider of LIOCO!

I've had the pleasure of working with Matt and tasting the beautiful stainless steal chardonnays, Indica and single vineyard Pinot Noirs of LIOCO. We are currently in Dallas after a couple days of working the market up here...and a night of amazing sushi at Kenichi and shakin' it at the Ghost Bar. Somehow over the past 5 months - which have been completly jam packed - I've managed to squeeze in plenty of dancing! Love that! See you later today - Cheers - Ali

Cinco de Mayo TexaCali Style...

Yesterday was so huge! We blew it out with a packed-house in Austin for our Eric Solomon Spanish Seminar at beautiful Starlite! The producers were quite impressed with the wine list and the Spanish Table of food prepared by Chef Josh. Thanks to everyone who attended - literally standing room only among a handful of the TOP Spanish wine producers. May 5th was celebrated among new and old friends from all over the world right here in one of the best cities on the planet.

We dined at Fonda San Miguel over mole, tacos and ceviche - thanks to Danny and our wonderful servers for accommodating 20 folks and 2 cases of vino!

Check this out - world renown Chef Adolfo Munoz Martin and winemaker of Pago del Ama joined local Austin favorite Neal Kassanoff for a little late night jamming at my place in South Austin - yes that is Adolfo using a drum stick on an Austin Pizza box! Along with Adolfo (while he lit up cigar after cigar) Eric Solomon sat in on the drums...I only wish that my camera battery was charged, I had to snap these pictures from my phone. Sigh.

"La Cocina de Sancho Panza" and a beautiful jar of Spanish Saffron were gifted by Adolfo - can't wait to create one of his recipes to pair with his incredible wine!

A great way to also celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of TexaCali Wine Co. Oh yeah!! This certainly goes down in history as one of the nights that will always be remembered - a great benefit of being in the wine business most certainly. Off to Houston and back today with everyone - hope to see a few of you at Catalan for the Solomon Tasting. Cheers - Ali

IT'S HERE - All 92 luscious Parker points of it!!

2006 Tikal Patriota

60% Bonarda / 40% Malbec

Back in December, Jay Miller of Robert Parker's " The Wine Advocate," gave it 92 POINTS, BUT the wine wasn't yet scheduled for release. SO NOW we are tickled as Malbec grapes that this amazing wine is in stock and shipping!


Ernesto Catena, owner of Tikal Winery, pursues everything pleasurable in life. This hedonism (in the very best sense of the word) shows through in his wines. Ernesto strives to produce wines that are obvious in their power, yet reveal much more to the attentive palate. (They are also known to drink very well late into the evening---and sometimes until dawn!)

Suggested Retail Price: $25

This Monday and Tuesday - Wine Trade Only

“conquistadores!” the Reign in Spain!

Please do whatever it takes to attend the Eric Solomon events in Austin and Houston this week. All details here...

• Austin Spanish Seminar and Tasting at Starlite
• Houston Tasting at Catalan