Take a mental stroll with me through
a classic Southern California dream…

A glorious summer day
A perfectly blue sky
The sun warms you, body and soul
A light breeze caresses you

And the sounds:

Laughter and friendly conversation
Chirping birds
Killer tunes from hidden speakers
The sizzle of meat on the grill…

Ah, yes, the joy of a backyard
barbecue! Which is made that much
better with the perfect beverage
in your glass!

To help you achieve this nirvana,
we have put together a rockin’
tasting event for this Friday,
May 24th. Cost is $10, and it’s
open any time from 4-10 pm.

These are the seven delicious
barbecue wines for you to try:

J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, $10.97
-89 points Jim Tobin
A to Z Rose 2012, $10.97
-88 points Tobin Brothers
Laetitia Pinot Noir 2011, $19.97
BenMarco Malbec 2010, $17.97
-90 points Robert Parker
Zenaida ZC Red 2009, $12.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Klinker Brick Zinfandel 2010, $15.97
-88 points Bill Tobin
Orin Swift The Prisoner 2011, $31.97
-92 points Wine Spectator

These will go with your barbecue
experience like sandals and feet,
like waves and boards, like burgers
and buns.

Cheers to barbecue!

WINE OF THE WEEK:

We have gushed before about the
great values coming out of Spain -
here’s another one!

The 2008 Finca La Emperatriz Crianza
from the Rioja region received 90 points
from Robert Parker:

“From 15- to 45-year-old vines, this has a
lifted, expressive bouquet of black plum,
cassis, orange sorbet and small red cherries
that demonstrate good intensity. The palate
is very well-balanced, with firm tannins that
exert a gentle but insistent grip. It builds nicely
with crisp blackberry and raspberry intermixed
with white pepper and sea salt. This segues
into a solid, tannic finish and is very well-made.
Drink 2013-2018.”

Is it $20, $30, $40, $50?
No. Just $13.97 right here at NCWC.

BEST GIFT IDEA EVER:

In the previous email I spoke of the
upcoming wedding season, especially
as it relates to toasting with Bubbly.

Now let’s talk about wedding gifts!

Once again you’ll be too clever and
too quick and know exactly where
I’m going…

Wine makes the perfect gift!

Duh, you say. Already know that.
But did you know we have about
700 wines in here, at the best prices
in town?

Did you know we’re always happy to
recommend a great wine gift, in any
price point?

Did you know we also offer Gift Cards
in any denomination you desire?

And did you know we offer not one
but TWO wine clubs, and that we ship
wine all over the country?

Well, now you know. And if you’d like
to take a look at all the different gift
subscriptions we offer through our
French Wine Gift program, please
CLICK HERE to check it out.

Thanks for keeping us in mind!

HENDRY ALBARINO 2012
Softly floral and stone-fruit aromas. Creamy on the palate, with sour orange and lime on the finish. We love the bright fruit flavors and tingly acid as an aperitif, or with any fish or shellfish, including oysters on the half shell. 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97 ($20 at the winery)

HENDRY CHARDONNAY 2010
Soft, floral aromas, creamy and tropical. Mouthfeel is soft, full and fruity, finishing with pronounced tangy green apple acidity. Beautifully integrated oak a nice counterpoint to the pretty fruit. One-third new French barrels contribute underlying spice characteristics. Balanced and smooth enough to be an exceptionally versatile food wine. A delicious partner to Manchego cheese, crab cakes, chicken and salmon. 89 points Tobin Bros. $23.97 ($30 at the winery)

HENDRY PINOT NOIR 2009
Soft red cherry with anise and tea notes on the nose. On the palate it displays nice balance and structure. The fruit is light and elegant; not a fruit bomb by any means. Still, it’s quite New World in style, showing clean, ripe fruit with minimal earth and mineral notes. The finish closes with grace and style. 88 points Jim Tobin. $26.97 ($33 at the winery)

HENDRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Deep and dense in color. Complex aromas include deep berry and smoky notes of herbs and wood. With significant air, flavors of berry/currant and cocoa emerge on the expansive mid-palate. Firm tannins provide structure for 10-20 years of further age. Decanting recommended. Enjoy this wine near-term with a grilled rib-eye, scalloped potatoes and dark greens, or a fontina pizza with a drizzle of truffle oil. 91 points Wine Advocate. $43.97 ($55 at the winery)

HENDRY BLOCKS 7 & 22 ZINFANDEL 2010
Dense, dark color. Smoky, deep berry flavor, deep mid-palate. Bittersweet on the palate, with a dense, complex palate impression, held together by firm, fine-grained tannins. With slightly higher acid and lower tannins than Block 28, 7&22’s fruit lends itself to tomato-based Italian plates like goat cheese and eggplant lasagna, simple pastas, as well as just about anything on the barbecue. 90 points Jim Tobin. $19.97 ($35 at the winery)

HENDRY BLOCK 28 ZINFANDEL 2010
Complex, balanced palate. Deep berry , spice and pepper. Velvety mouthfeel develops with exposure to oxygen. Plenty of back-palate tannin, long finish. Block 28’s hallmark depth, complexity and firm tannic backbone make it a versatile pairing partner, especially nice with seared New Zealand lamb chops, osso bucco, braised short ribs—just about anything grilled, braised, or cooked in a wood-burning oven. 90 points Wine Enthusiast. $27.97 ($35 at the winery)

HENDRY MIKE & MOLLY ZINFANDEL 2010
Very ripe red and blue fruits on the nose, and the fruit forward approach continues on the palate. Full bodied, but with good balance and structure, this has firm tannins that frame the fruit and turn dry on the long, lingering finish. A very big Zin! 90 points Bill Tobin. $33.97 ($40 at the winery)

CAROL SHELTON COQUILLE BLANC 2010
The intriguing, layered aromatics include spicy pears, white peaches, almonds, and a touch of honeysuckle. In the mouth it is crisply dry yet creamy, round, and full-bodied, with those same pear and almond notes coming across crisp, yet juicy. This is 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 16% Marsanne, and 15% Viognier. 88 points Jim Tobin. $17.97 ($24 winery)

CAROL SHELTON RENDEZVOUS ROSE 2012
This delicious Mendocino Rose is 90% Carignane and 2.5% each Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Completely dry, it shows off a light cranberry color, with juicy aromas and flavors of strawberry, watermelon, clean minerality, and a hint of pink grapefruit. Refreshingly crisp, this will go great with almost any food, from sushi to salmon to BBQ! 88 points Tobin Bros. $12.97 ($15 winery)

CAROL SHELTON “KARMA” ZINFANDEL 2009
From the Bastoni Vineyard in Sonoma County, this amazing Zin carries 10% Alicante Bouschet and 4% Petite Sirah for added depth and complexity. That shows on the nose, with its layered spice and black fruits. Those same fruits appear on the palate, along with dark chocolate, creamy oak, vanilla, cola, nutmeg and cinnamon. Rich in the mouth, this is delicious now and has good structure for aging, assuming you can keep your hands off it! 92 points Wine Spectator. $21.97 ($33 winery)

CAROL SHELTON “MONGA” ZINFANDEL 2009
This one is 100% Zin from the Lopez Vineyard in Cucamonga Valley, so now you know where “Monga” comes from. Very bright aromas and flavors include pomegranate, cherry, brown sugar, caramel, cocoa, and Asian spices. This also is a mouthfilling wine that is drinking extremely well right now. 90 points Bill Tobin. $16.97 ($21 winery)

CAROL SHELTON “WILD THING” ZINFANDEL 2009
This old vine Zin from Cox Vineyard in Mendocino gets a boost from 12% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, and 3% Cabernet. Aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit combine with a beautiful hint of vanilla-oak loveliness, smoothly textured in the mouth, very creamy and round. The finish is long and has lush jammy fruit — this wine is dangerously good! Remember – you are what you drink …. 90 points Wine Spectator. $16.97 ($19 winery)

CAROL SHELTON “ROCKY RESERVE” ZINFANDEL 2009
From the Florence Vineyard in the Rockpile appellation of Dry Creek Valley, the “Rocky” offers spicy boysenberry and raspberry on the nose, accented by oak nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it carries noticeable tannins that frame the red and blue fruit flavors, leaving the undeniable impression of structure and balance. 91 points Bill Tobin. $29.97 ($33 winery)

No wine bar in the history of the
universe would ever, ever serve up
a wine flight like this for just $10:

Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2008, $16.97
-89 points Wine Advocate, “light gold colored
with an aromatic array of buttered popcorn,
mineral, poached pear, and apple. Smooth-
textured and friendly on the palate.”

Amancaya Malbec-Cabernet Gran Reserva 2011, $17.97
-89 points Tobin Bros, “this collaboration between
Nicolas Catena and Lafite Rothschild – among the
heaviest hitters in Argentina and Bordeaux,
respectively – shows off lush aromas and flavors
of cherry and plum accented by a dash of vanilla
and subtle notes of coffee, tobacco, and cedar
dust.”

Cayu Malbec 2007, $39.97
-92 points Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast,
“Cola, mint, black fruit and chocolate combine
to form the full package in Malbec aromatics.
Runs a mile deep in the mouth, with concentration,
tannic grip and ripe blackberry, dark plum and
cassis flavors. Peppery and chocolaty on the finish,
with density and depth.”

That’s right. You get a half glass of each
of these for just ten bucks.

This deal is available this Wednesday,
May 15, any time from 5-9 pm.

WINE OF THE WEEK:

You KNOW we want you to be able to
taste each WOW first, so once again
your Wine of the Week is part of the
Winesday Flight…

specifically, the 2011 Amancaya.
Described above, this is 70% Malbec
and 30% Cabernet and is quite
delicious.

Just $17.97 at NCWC!

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP:

Here again is your crystal ball:

Friday 5/17 – winery event featuring
Hendry Wines of Napa Valley
(CLICK HERE for the details)

Saturday/Sunday 5/18-5/19 – Wine Club
Member Stock-up Days

Friday 5/24 – tasting event featuring
great barbecue wines

Friday 5/31 – tasting event featuring
Italian wines

Thursday 6/6 – Special Tasting Event
featuring the wines of Mi Sueno Winery
of Napa Valley, with guest Jaime Orozco.

Tuesday 7/23 – Saturday 7/27:
NCWC 3rd Anniversary Spectacular!
Details coming soon…

Have a good one!

This Friday, May 10th, you are cordially
invited to a Winery Event featuring the
delicious wines of Carol Shelton!

First of all, to know Carol Shelton is to like her.
And to know her wines is to like her even more.

One of the first women to graduate from U.C.
Davis with an enology degree, Carol is creative,
whimsical, passionate, and one of the most
awarded winemakers in the country.

She is all about quality, not quantity.
In fact, her total annual production is
only about 5000 cases. She loves what
she does, and those who get to know her
and her wines become lifelong fans.

This includes me and Bill; we’re both
blown away by the values these wines
represent.

So here are the details:

Friday, 5/10/13
Any time from 4-10 pm
$10, appetizers included

Carol herself unfortunately has a
conflict and can’t make it, but she
will be wonderfully represented by
Winery Representative Catherine Uzeta.

Here’s the lineup:

Coquille Blanc 2010, $17.97 ($24 winery)
-88 points Jim Tobin
Rendezvous Rose 2012, $12.97 ($15 winery)
-88 points Tobin Bros.
“Karma” Zinfandel 2009, $21.97 ($33 winery)
-92 points Wine Spectator
“Monga” Zinfandel 2009, $16.97 ($21 winery)
-90 points Bill Tobin
“Wild Thing” Zinfandel 2009, $16.97 ($19 winery)
-90 points Wine Spectator
“Rocky Reserve” Zinfandel 2009, $29.97 ($33 winery)
-91 points Bill Tobin

There’s not a lot of Carol’s wines
out there, and we feel quite fortunate to
have been able to get some.

Stop by this Friday and give these a try!

WINE OF THE WEEK:

Your WOW is the 2011 Umani Ronchi
Sangiovese, and boy is it tasty.

This is 100% Sangio and is as good as many
Chiantis and Tuscan blends we’ve tasted
that cost 2 or 3 times as much. It shows off
loads of ripe red fruit and classic earthy notes
of forest floor and underbrush. Impressive
on its own, this will be even better with pasta,
pizza, grilled chicken or pork, charcuterie,
and much, much more.

This smooth Italian is just $11.97 for you.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Once again we offer a few tantalyzing
hints to those of you who like to see
into the future:

Friday 5/17 – winery event featuring
Hendry Wines of Napa Valley

Saturday/Sunday 5/18-5/19 – Wine Club
Member Stock-up Days

Friday 5/24 – tasting event featuring
great barbecue wines

Friday 5/31 – tasting event featuring
Italian wines

Thursday 6/6 – Special Tasting Event
featuring the wines of Mi Sueno Winery
of Napa Valley, with guest Jaime Orozco.

Tuesday 7/23 – Saturday 7/27:
NCWC 3rd Anniversary Spectacular!
Details coming soon…

Have a good one!

CURTIS HERITAGE BLANC 2010
This blend of Viognier and Roussanne opens with aromas of mango, papaya, honeycomb and lime, followed by vibrant flavors of stone fruits and citrus. The palate is elegantly weighted, unfolding with mineral accents and zesty acidity on a clean, focused finish. 92 points James Suckling. $15.97

QUEEN OF HEARTS PINOT NOIR 2010
This Santa Barbara Pinot Noir reveals enticing aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cola with smooth fruit driven flavors of plum, strawberry and warm spices. $11.97

ROBERT HALL MERLOT 2010
This fine Paso Merlot has rich briary aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry accentuated by hints of tobacco and earth. Lush, ruby red color indicates the level of concentration yielded by the
vintage and the vineyards. 90 points Tasting Panel, “Best Buy.” $12.97

TEAGUE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
Located in San Benito County, east of Monterey, Teague grows grapes for Leal and other wineries and makes a small amount of wine as well. Their Cabernet is a consistently great value, with balance and structure to support ripe berry fruit with cedar and vanilla accents. $14.97

HALTER RANCH CABERNET 2010
Blended with Malbec and Merlot, this Paso Cab is deeply concentrated, displaying aromas of blackberry brambles, black currant, fig and a touch of cocoa. The attack on the palate is driven by an explosion of red and black fruit, framed by elegant structure. Soft integrated tannins guide this beautiful wine through a smooth, rich finish. $26.97

BECKMEN CUVEE LE BEC 2010
“Made from 44% syrah, 34% grenache, 13% mourvedre and 9% counoise, this offers ripe, smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Lush and open-knit but energetic as well, showing a suave floral quality on the long, sweet and gently tannic finish. An impressive example of this, which has long been one of the Central Coast’s best QPR wines.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $15.97

TROUBLEMAKER BLEND 5
“Troublemaker combines elegance and power. Fresh aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet with hints of smoke and cedar. Robust flavors include red berry, strawberry, rustic hints of spice and earthy notes. Behind the rich and textural mouthfeel, it displays excellent structure and balance.” Made from Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre and Zinfandel. $11.97

TOBIN JAMES “JAMES GANG RESERVE” ZINFANDEL 2008
This big Paso favorite starts with a rich fruit berry aroma with spice. Intense raspberry and black cherry flavors ride a thick velvety texture. It is undeniably full and jammy, with hints of spice and pepper on the finish. $24.97

First things first… it’s time once again for
your Member Discount, which can be
exercised once a quarter on your Stock-up
Day. Except this time around we’re giving
you TWO DAYS, since we know sometimes
it can be tough to make it in. Therefore,
your Stock-up Weekend will be May 18th
and 19th. You get 10% off everything in the
store on this weekend, so take advantage
of it! Especially if you’ll be needing wine
for Memorial Day and beyond.

Your Wine Pick-up Party this month will
be on the second WEDNESDAY, May 8th,
anytime from 5-9 pm. We’ll have both
the Silver and Gold level wines available
to taste.

Congratulations to our May winner of the
monthly free bottle, Charlene Hartfiel!
Charlene, you may choose any past or present
Silver Level bottle.

Now let’s get to the wines!

Starting with the Silver Level, allow us to
introduce the 2011 Umani Ronchi Sangiovese
from the Marche region of Italy.

This is 100% Sangio and is as good as many
Chiantis and Tuscan blends we’ve tasted
that cost 2 or 3 times as much. It shows off
loads of ripe red fruit and classic earthy notes
of forest floor and underbrush. Impressive
on its own, this will be even better with pasta,
pizza, grilled chicken or pork, charcuterie,
and much, much more.

Your second Silver wine is the 2010 “Low
Tide” from Sea Shell Cellars of Paso Robles.

The 2010 Low Tide is a dynamic blend made
with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Merlot and Syrah. This heavily bodied wine starts
with black berries and kiwi rind that engulf the
aromatics, while flavors include red licorice, anise,
cherry, and hints of mature tobacco leaf. The mid
palate has a chalky natural cocoa texture and
finishes with rich firm tannins.

And now, the Gold Level Wines.

Your first is the 2010 Zinfandel from Powell
Mountain Cellars of Paso Robles. (yes, this
is the same winery/winemaker we featured
on April 19th, and those of you who stayed
away missed a heck of a tasting!)

This is made entirely from the Italian clone
of Zin called Primitivo. Aromas and flavors
of blackberry and black cherry integrate
beautifully with toasty oak nuances and a dash
of pepper, all lingering on the silky finish.

The second is the 2009 “El Llano” from Mi Sueno
winery in Napa Valley, a blend of Cabernet and
Syrah, with a dab of Petite Verdot and Malbec.

The expressive aromas include adobe brick and
smoke notes accenting rich black cherry, blackberry,
boysenberry and vanilla. All that follows through
on the palate, shepherded by velvety tannins and
terrifically balanced acidity and accented by subtle
herb and savory notes.

Again, all four of these wines will be available
for you to taste on Wednesday, 5/8. We’d
love for you to come give them a try!

That’s the story for May. We hope you and the
entire month get along wonderfully!

After all, Italy is to food what
Meryl Streep is to acting.

Turns out those Italians do wine
pretty well, too.

Part of that is quantity – Italy is
home literally to thousands of grape
varieties. Yes, thousands.

There’s also a heckuva lot of quality.
And we’ll be pouring some of it for
you this Friday, May 31. Any time
from 4-10, just ten bucks including
snacks. Here you go:

Damilano Arneis 2010, $16.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Lechthaler Teroldego 2010, $12.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Renatto Ratti Ochetti Nebbiolo D’Alba 2010, $17.97
-89 points Bill Tobin
Stefano Farina Le Bocce Chianti Classico 2009, $14.97
-90 points Wine Spectator
Locations I-1, $15.97
-89 points Jim Tobin
Marchesi Biscardo Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2010, $22.97
-89 points Jim Tobin
Fanti Brunello 2007, $49.97
-95 points James Suckling

I’m guessing there’s a bunch of these
that you’ve never tried. Maybe all.

And you really should, because they
really rock. More appropriately,
they are “delizioso!”

Come explore Italy with us!

A glorious summer day
A perfectly blue sky
The sun warms you, body and soul
A light breeze caresses you

And the sounds:

Laughter and friendly conversation
Chirping birds
Killer tunes from hidden speakers
The sizzle of meat on the grill…

Ah, yes, the joy of a backyard
barbecue! Which is made that much
better with the perfect beverage
in your glass!

To help you achieve this nirvana,
we have put together a rockin’
tasting event for this Friday,
May 24th. Cost is $10, and it’s
open any time from 4-10 pm.

These are the seven delicious
barbecue wines for you to try:

J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011, $10.97
-89 points Jim Tobin
A to Z Rose 2012, $10.97
-88 points Tobin Brothers
Laetitia Pinot Noir 2011, $19.97
BenMarco Malbec 2010, $17.97
-90 points Robert Parker
Zenaida ZC Red 2009, $12.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Klinker Brick Zinfandel 2010, $15.97
-88 points Bill Tobin
Orin Swift The Prisoner 2011, $31.97
-92 points Wine Spectator

These will go with your barbecue
experience like sandals and feet,
like waves and boards, like burgers
and buns.

Cheers to barbecue!

This Friday, May 17th, we offer you the
opportunity to taste the fruits of their
experience, any time from 4-10 pm. This
tasting event runs just $15, including
appetizers.

Wine representative Jacquee Renna will
be on hand as we present these 7 terrific
wines from Hendry Ranch:

Hendry Albarino 2012, $15.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Hendry Chardonnay 2010, $23.97
-89 points Tobin Bros.
Hendry Pinot Noir 2009, $26.97
-88 points Jim Tobin
Hendry Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $43.97
-91 points Wine Advocate
Hendry Blocks 7 & 22 Zinfandel 2010, $19.97
-90 points Jim Tobin
Hendry Block 28 Zinfandel 2010, $27.97
-90 points Wine Enthusiast
Hendry R.W. Moore Zinfandel 2010, $33.97
-90 points Bill Tobin

These wines are yummy.
Come in and taste for yourself!