What time is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers - Ali

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

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

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

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

Last Night In Houston

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

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

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

Opening Day Is Here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers to Opening Day! Alison

What are you drinking this weekend?

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

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

Cheers - Ali

It could be worse...

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

Hook'em with mapema Sauvignon Blanc!

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

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

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

Russian River Values...

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

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

Adversity-

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

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

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

Crios Tasting in Dallas

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

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

Whole Foods Features...

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

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

Featured on Good Morning Houston Today!

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

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

Houston Chronicle Features Fort Ross

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

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

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

Cheers! Ali

Quick Davis Family Vineyard FACTS:

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

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

Back in STOCK...

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

NO Kidding...the National Release!!!

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

That's What I'm Talkin' About!

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

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

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

Guy Davis arrives tomorrow...

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

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

Hey Texas! You are invited...

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

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

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

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

Cheers - ALI

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

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