GRAYSON CELLARS CABERNET 2010

            This tasty Cabernet may not be as famous as King Arthur, but you don’t need a wizard named Merlin or a sword named Excalibur to enjoy it.  And at this price you won’t need a king’s ransom to pay for it.  It shows a dark ruby color with a rich nose of red cherries, raspberries and hints of black pepper. This intense Cabernet is full of fruit, providing a round mouthfeel and a soft lingering finish with hints of toasted French oak.  87 points Tobin Brothers.  $9.97.

 WILLIAM COLE SPECIAL RESERVE CABERNET 2009

                King Odysseus of Ithaca never made it to Chile during his epic travels, but if he had he no doubt would have poured this lovely Cab for his long-suffering crew to take their minds off Scylla and Charybdis, among other challenges.  Odysseus was known for his cunning, bravery, and relentlessness.  This is known for being delicious.  And we won’t even lash you to the mast and tease you with its Siren call; we’ll just pour it for you so you can enjoy the black cherry, vanilla, mocha and spice aromas and flavors.  89 points Jim Tobin.  $14.97.

 HESS ALLOMI CABERNET 2009

                Queen Elisabeth I was not a king, but close enough, right?  Through her 44 years on the throne she remained as well-balanced and accomplished as this Cab, with its full, rich flavors of blackberry and currant.   Aging in American oak barrels for 16.5 months (25% new) brings a toasty nose of vanilla and nutmeg.  Imagine the strength required to deal with your mother’s execution by your father, the plotting of various half-brothers and sisters, being imprisoned by a previous queen, being declared illegitimate by the Pope… and still becoming one of the greatest rulers in your country’s history.  Impressive, and so is this wine.  89 points Tobin Bros.  $24.97.

 HIDDEN RIDGE CABERNET 2006

                Elizabeth’s dad was King Henry VIII, and this Cab has become almost as famous around here.  Henry was legendary for his stature, strength, charisma, and of course his wives.  He established Protestantism in England, and his many changes to the country’s economy, military, government, and courts led the way for Europe to rise from medieval to modern.  This wine, on the other hand, is “dark, lush and fragrant; velvety smooth and supple with ripe black plum and blackberry accented by chocolate, spice and leather.”  It’s rich and layered, with seamless structure and a lot more harmony than Henry saw in his marriages.  93 points Anthony Dias Blue.  $34.97.

 TRINITAS CABERNET 2007

                King Tut’s tomb was stuffed with fabulous treasures, but unfortunately not with this wine.  Maybe if he had passed over with some of this in his possession he never would have bothered with his legendary curse.  Bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice lead to a full palate of blackberries, cherries and cocoa. The mid-palate is full and leads to a bright long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee.  A couple glasses of this treasure might have you walking like an Egyptian.  90 points Tobin Bros.  $42.97.

 ARROWOOD RESERVE SPECIALE CABERNET 2002

                Alexander The Great didn’t bear the title of king, but man, he kicked ass.  And so does this wine.  It shows off “a classic nose of loamy soil, creme de cassis, vanilla, and spice,” and possesses  Alexander’s purity, grace, concentration, power, and finesse. Firmly structured and tannic, but rich and full, this will evolve for decades.  You may surrender to this the way cities would sometimes surrender to him – completely, willingly, and without even putting up a fight.  93 points Wine Advocate.  $49.97.

AHNFELDT MONTICELLO VINEYARD CABERNET 2007

                Our final King is, of course, Elvis.  Young Elvis, though, not the older, bloated, crazy, drugged out version.  Every sip is another hit, a smooth, soulful, rich exploration of ripe dark fruit, subtle oak nuances, and finely integrated tannins that all come together on the rockin’ finish.  The only “Heartbreak Hotel” you’ll be checking into is when the bottle runs out.  92 points Jim Tobin.  $59.97.

NCWC LOVERS TASTING 2/10/12

 CROSSINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010

            Just as with Romeo’s first glimpse of Juliet, everyone who goes to New Zealand falls in love with the place at first sight.  For me Kiwi Savvy’s have always been a case of love at first sip.  This is “terrifically juicy, with Key lime, honeydew melon, passion fruit and pink grapefruit flavors that are ripe, round and very focused. Orange blossom notes give this extra grace” as the flavors keep singing like a troubadour beneath his lover’s window.  89 points Wine Spectator.  $7.97.

 CORTE ALLA FLORA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2008

                Italian wines can be as sensual as they come, redolent of earthy nuances and complexity that excite both mind and body.  This one “is dark and ripe with notes of black cherry, tar and balsamic.  Good, lifting acidity keeps the rich fruit bright, and the balsamic, red fruit, and tar flavors linger nicely on the firm, fresh finish.”  If Isolde had returned to Tristan with this wine, instead of that whole white sail/black sail trick, maybe things would have turned out better!  90 points Wine Spectator.  $17.97.

 MATANZAS CREEK MERLOT 2006

                Made with the Petrus clone, this is as smooth as Cleopatra, yet as bold and forward as Marc Antony.  It’s “ripe and voluptuous, with very rich, long-lasting berry, cherry, mocha and spice flavors, liberally oaked and wrapped into fine, sturdy tannins. This is a beautiful Merlot that trades on the variety’s opulently fleshy sensuality,” with a finish that lingers like the feel of a soft kiss.  87 points Wine Spectator.  $21.97

 ZACA MESA SYRAH 2007

                This winery is located on Foxen Canyon Road near Los Olivos, which is a fine destination for a romantic getaway.  They make a number of fine wines and are known for their Syrahs.  This one “displays rich blackberry, cassis, espresso, mocha and their signature sage spice aromas and flavors. The silky finish lingers from the smoky oak and ripe tannins,” which hold everything together like a perfectly fitted corset.  Share this with one you love; you may reach the passionate heights of Rhett and Scarlett, but hopefully without all those Civil War battles raging around you.  87 points Wine Spectator.  $17.97.

 KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT CRAZY CREEK CABERNET 2009

                Nick Goldschmidt loves winemaking the way Queen Victoria loved Prince Albert – passionately and eternally.  He massages the fruit from the old, low-vigor vines of the Crazy Creek Vineyard to produce a Cab that is “very rich and forward in classic flavors of blackberries and cassis.  Oak barrels bring spicy, smoky vanilla accents to this soft, elegant wine.”  When Albert passed, Victoria never stopped mourning, wearing black for 40 years.  There’s no reason for grief here, though; we have plenty of this on hand.  90 points Wine Enthusiast.  $15.97.

 HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT CHARMING CREEK CABERNET 2007

                This wine is as gorgeous as Helen of Troy, but there’s no need to kidnap it, start an epic war over it, or hide it in an enormous wooden horse.  You can just pick some up right here.  It shows “beautiful depth of color, exhibiting aromas of black cherry fruit with a touch of sweet vanilla and a hint of mint.  The wine offers rich flavors of blueberry and blackberry on the palate and echoes the vanilla bean note brought forth by the French oak.”  With soft, supple tannins, this beauty is, well, charming.  90 points Tobin Bros.  $21.97.

 MINASSIAN-YOUNG BLACK ST. PETER 2008

                 This rich blend of Zinfandel and five other grapes is as sensuous as the secret meetings of Lancelot and Guinevere, with ultra-rich, ripe dark fruit cascading over the palate like Niagara Falls.  The sweet seductiveness of this wine is a great prelude to a romantic evening.  Put some on your own round table and let the night go where it may!  86 points Tobin Bros.  16.97.

(each note contains a hint to the trivia question answer)

 VERTUZE BRUT SPARKLING

            Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls.  What teams did they beat?  Either way, they no doubt would have loved to celebrate with some of this lovely West coast sparkler.  Made from the classic Champagne varieties, this is textured and slightly sweet, but nice and crisp, with tangerine, raspberry, yeast and toast flavors.  It’s as zesty and spicy as Madonna’s halftime show hopefully will be.  90 points Bill.  $19.97.

 DIAMOND RIDGE PINOT NOIR 2008

                In its long history the Bowl has seen one team represent the NFC, and then later the AFC; which team was it?  This Diamond may not be as blingy as the spectacular rings the winners get, but it’s pretty damn good, especially at this price.  This is as smooth as Johnny Unitas in the pocket, with smoky cherry and floral notes.  It’s supple, juicy, and yummy!  89 points Jim.  $15.97.

 PILLAR BOX RED 2008

                The AFC lost the first two Super Bowls but then won how many in a row to forever shed its image as the weaker conference?  This wine is definitely a perpetual winner.  “A blend of 66% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Merlot, it is purple-colored with an enticing nose of cherry blossom, cinnamon, blueberry, and licorice. Ripe and rich for its humble price, it has plenty of savory fruit, good balance, and a seamless, fruit-filled finish.”  89 points Wine Advocate, and featured on the “Today Show” as the quintessential Super Bowl Wine.  $9.97.

 ARGIANO NON CONFUNDITUR 2009

                Two teams have reached the Big Game a total of four times without winning.  Who were they, and which one did it consecutively?  They must not have been drinking good wine, is what we think.  Like this, with an appealing graphite note that “adds depth to the black currant, violet and cedar aromas and flavors in this svelte red, which is smooth, with finely woven tannins” and a bright, spicy finish.  Heckuva wine for only twenty bills.  92 points Wine Spectator.  $19.97.

 RANCHO SISQUOC TRE VINI 2009

                Only two players have won back-to-back MVP awards in the Super Bowl.  Who were they?  This wine is pretty valuable player in its own right, and it’s definitely a team effort.  The 52% Sangiovese lends a jazzy, red fruit component while the 25% Petit Verdot gives a distinct aroma of concord grape and tones of licorice, cherry, and a nice mineral undertone.  The remaining 23% is Cabernet, offering layers of rich black fruit.  It’s packed with chalky tannins that provide steely backbone, supported by lightly toasted oak and opulent acidity.  88 points Jim.  $14.97.

 NINER PETITE SIRAH 2007

                Speaking of MVP’s, only one player has won it three times.  Any guesses?  This one’s actually pretty easy, especially if you consider the name of this wine.  This delicious Petite Sirah carries a deep, dark color, with ripe wild berries on the nose foreshadowing a smooth, balanced mouthfeel.  Muscular tannins frame black cherry and berry fruit like a helmet framing a pretty boy quarterback’s face.  88 points Jim.  $15.97.

 BARLOW “BARROUGE” RED 2003

                How many times has San Diego hosted the Bowl?  And which teams won?  This delicious Cab blend is a huge winner, displaying cherry and French vanilla aromas like a winner displaying the Lombardi trophy.  The palate is soft and concentrated, filled with luscious cherry and blackberry jam.  While the tannins are moderate, the supple texture upholds the sweet fruit through a finish as long as the pregame National Anthem.  This is easily worthy of the winery price of $40, but check our price!  91 points Jim.  $21.97.

R BY JEFF RUNQUIST GRENACHE 2010

            After years of making wine for others, including J. Lohr, Jeff Runquist took off on his own in 2006 and started making delicious wines that reflect his theme of fresh fruit, no astringency, and overall vibrancy and drinkability.  He’s been hitting home runs ever since with wine lovers and critics alike; he recently won the Winemaker of the Year Award at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.  His Grenache waves aromas of plums, cranberry, apple, vanilla and hazelnut like a beauty queen at a parade, and follows with succulent sweet raspberries and cherries that are as friendly as that same beauty after she’s had a few glasses of this.  $19.97.

R BARBERA 2009

                We’ve all known at least one weird, dorky guy who somehow engineered an endless train of hot chicks.  This wine is that overachieving guy.  Barbera is known for its thin, acid nature, but check how rich and creamy this is.  Aromas of dark raspberry and cherry with notes of mocha and milk chocolate foreshadow a fully textured mouthfeel with loads of fruit and a long, harmonious finish.  88 points Tobin Bros.  $19.97.

R TOURIGA 2009

                In America, Touriga Nacional is as obscure as Brad Pitt used to be before “Thelma and Louise” came out.  When you taste this you’ll wonder why.  This is as rock solid as Brad’s abs, yet achingly rich and smooth, sporting lush, sweet toned berry aromas tinged with vanilla, with suave yet elemental flavors pushing out from a zesty, medium-full center — a near perfect matrix of intriguing intensity and pure, joyous drinkability.  92 points Bill Tobin.  $25.97.

R CABERNET 2008

                Can’t remember a time when Angelina Jolie was obscure, and this wine might be just as sexy.  It delivers classic aromas of currant, cassis, vanilla and tobacco leaf as surely as she handles that English accent in the Tomb Raider movies.  On the palate the wine delivers juicy red and black fruits with a medium to full body and dusty tannins. The finish is as soft and supple as Angelina’s, uh, lips.  90 points Tobin Bros.  $26.97.

R SYRAH 2009

                Once people taste this wine it becomes as hot as Bradley Cooper.  Its aromas are clean and bright, dominated by scents of juicy boysenberry, ripe black raspberry, and a touch of smoke that either comes from barrels toasted over a hickory flame or all that sexy heat. The earthy terroir driven flavors, common in ‘Old World’ Syrah, are relegated to the back seat on the palate, as bright succulent flavors of red and black fruits mingle with those of hazelnut and chocolate. The tannins stay as smooth and alluring as Bradley himself.  89 points Bill.  $19.97

R PETITE SIRAH 2008

                As breathtakingly gorgeous as Scarlett Johansen, this introduces itself with confident aromas of cassis and dense, ripe, concentrated blue fruits with notes of black pepper and smoky dark chocolate. Big creamy flavors of boysenberry and blackberries are balanced by creamy French oak. There is enough acid to keep the fruit flavors bright and succulent, and the texture is full of chewy yet polished tannins. The finish lingers as long as dear Scarlett does in countless male fantasies.  90 points Bill.  $22.97.

Z ZINFANDEL 2009

                This might be as voluptuous as Marilyn Monroe, with tantalizing aromas of red raspberry, black currant, and plums with an added mineral note accented by hazelnut, vanilla, and mocha. The flavors echo the nose in ripe, succulent fashion, sashaying across your palate with a creamy toasty oak overlay. The velvety finish comes from a complex blend of fruit and oak tannins that complete the seduction and keep you coming back for more.  $19.97.

Here’s the thing. We’ve recently brought
in several fun, easy-drinking, low cost
wines that we want to share with you.
Straight up, these are certainly not
world class, hundred dollar bottles.
But for inexpensive, everyday vino,
we think they’re pretty good.

Here they are:

Genesis Chardonnay 2008, $6.97
Handcraft Chardonnay 2010, $9.97
Handcraft Pinot Noir 2010, $9.97
Handcraft Cabernet 2010, $9.97
Handcraft Petite Sirah 2010, $9.97

Come down and give these a try.
It’s from 5-9 pm, and it’s only
5 bucks. How can you go wrong?

Did I mention it’s only 5 bucks?
I thought I did, but I just wanted
to be sure.

Because, you know. It’s just 5 bucks.

Here’s the deal: we’re having a Tasting
Event entitled “Have your cake and drink
it too.” It runs anytime from 5-8 pm,
and it’s just $10, for which you get
cupcake bites plus tastes of these 6 wines:

Cupcake Chardonnay 2009, $7.95
Cakebread Chardonnay 2010, $39.97
-91 points Tobin Bros.
Cupcake Red Velvet 2010, $7.95
Layer Cake Cabernet 2009, $13.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Layer Cake Shiraz 2010, $13.97
-91 points Wine Enthusiast
Cakebread Cabernet 2008, $69.97
-90 points Wine Spectator & Robert Parker

Please join us for this delightful midweek
event! Because there’s nothing like
having your cake and drinking it too.

(p.s. – the cupcakes will be made by a
wonderful local pastry chef who happens
to be our niece!)

Well, your dreams have come true.
This Friday, February 24th, you are
invited to join us anytime from 4-10 pm.
For just $10 you can get better
acquainted with these 7 beauties:

Poppy Zinfandel 2009, $10.97
Brassfield Zin 2006, $11.97
Tobin James Ballistic Zin, $12.95
Bianchi Zin 2009, $14.97
Minassian Young Zin 2009, $16.97
Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts 2010, $20.97
Frank Family Zin 2009, $29.97

You can treat this as a speed date
if you wish, but we recommend savoring
your time with each one of these
potential lovers. Who knows, you
might end up kissing every one!

It is time, in other words, for Cabernet!

This Friday, 2/17, our tasting event is
“Cabernet From $10 to $60.” Cost is $20.
Time is anywhere in the window of 4-10 pm.
Appetizers will be included, of course.
Check out this stellar array of wines:

Grayson Cellars Cabernet 2010, $9.97
-87 points Tobin Bros.
William Cole Special Reserve 2009, $14.97
-89 points Jim
Hess Allomi Cabernet 2009, $24.97
-89 points Tobin Bros.
Hidden Ridge Cabernet 2006, $34.97
-93 points Anthony Dias Blue
Trinitas Cabernet 2007, $42.97
-90 points Tobin Bros.
Arrowood Reserve Speciale 2002, $49.97
-92 points Tobin Bros.
Ahnfeldt Monticello Vineyard 2007, $59.97
-92 points Jim

Yes, you read that right. We’re pouring
tastes of all those wines – about $240
worth – plus snacks, for just 20 bucks
per person. This is so obviously the
best deal in town it’s almost ridiculous.

Many consider Cabernet to be the king of
grapes, which makes this the King of
Tastings! Come taste all these delicious
expressions of this noble varietal, and
see why it deserves its crown.

It all goes down Friday, February 10th,
anytime from 4-10 pm. Just $10.
Here’s the list of wines:

Crossings Sauvignon Blanc ’10, $7.97
-89 points Wine Spectator
Corte Alla Flora Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ’08, $17.97
-90 points Wine Spectator
Matanzas Creek Merlot ’06 (Petrus Clone), $21.97
-90 points Wine Enthusiast
Zaca Mesa Syrah ’07, $17.97
-87 points Wine Spectator
Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet ’09, $15.97
-90 points Wine Enthusiast
Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet ’07, $21.97
-90 points Wine Enthusiast
Minassian-Young Black St. Peter ’08, $16.97
-86 points Tobin Bros.

We’ll still put some appetizers out
for you to enjoy. And we’ll reschedule
Chicago Night as soon as we can!

We’re glad you agree. This Friday,
2/3, anytime from 4-10 pm, we’re
pouring 7 Super Wines for just $10!
We’ll even throw in some Super Snacks
to sweeten the deal. Here’s the juice:

Vertuze Brut Sparkling, $19.97
-90 points Bill Tobin
Diamond Ridge Pinot Noir ’08, $15.97
-89 points Jim Tobin
Pillar Box Red 2008, $9.97
-89 points Wine Advocate
Argiano Non Confunditor ’09, $19.97
-92 points Wine Spectator & “Top 100″
Rancho Sisquoc Tre Vini ’09, $14.97
-88 points Jim Tobin
Niner Petite Sirah ’07, $15.97
-88 points Jim Tobin
Barlow “Barrouge” Red ’03, $21.97
-91 points Jim Tobin

So punt, pass, or kick your way down
here. We’ll hand off a glass and
you can run with it! Uh, strike that.
I meant drink with it.

We promise not to penalize you if
you do any elaborate touchdown dances.
No matter how excited you get, though,
do not spike the bottles!!