VIENNA VINTNER NEWS

Just a reminder, Matt Meyer will be in the store Thursday, May 5^th, for a fun-filled evening of wine tasting and bottle signing.  Stop by, taste some exciting wines, and help celebrate "Cinco de Meyer".  This week I also have a really special Email Offering: a 2006 Barolo that received 93 points and is priced at $40 per bottle.  It's really hard to find a high quality Barolo at such a low price, but I did it!  This Saturday our regular wine tasting will feature red wines from around the world.  Plus, we will have a 20% CASE discount on all the wines that we taste.  So, check below for details. 

WINE TASTING AND BOTTLE SIGNING WITH MATT MEYER

MEYER FAMILY CELLARS

MAY 5, THURSDAY, FROM 5:00 - 8:00

"CINCO de MEYER"

Matt is the son of Silver Oak founders Justin and Bonny Meyer, and he will present the following wines:

2010 Ros� of Syrah - Virginia is one of the very few markets to have access to this wine.   This dry ros� is 85% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah.

2006 Syrah -The first vintage from the Yorkville Highlands appellation, lots of blueberry with hints of violet and assorted spice character. 

2008, Cabernet Sauvignon, 'Fluffy Billows' Oakville - Fluffy Billows will be a first for Virginia.  Don't miss this!

2005, Bonny's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville - This four-acre vineyard was planted in 1974 by Justin Meyer.  This wine has a rich flavor profile of cherry, cedar, plum, spice, and vanilla. 

Non-Vintage Zinfandel Port - This is 100% Zinfandel, and it was made in the solera-style.  The average age of the wine when bottled is 8 years.  Rich and round on the palate, it's a must try.

SATURDAY WINE TASTING

RED WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

MAY 7^th, FROM 1:00 to 5:00

For this event we will have a special case discount on all the wines that we taste, buy a case (12 bottles mix and match) and receive 20% off.  Here's the lineup:

2009, Morgon "Les Charmes", Domaine Marion Pral, France - This delicious Cru Beaujolais received 89 Points in the Wine Advocate.  The grapes for this wine came from 30 to 40 year old vines located on the estate's organically farmed vineyard.  The wine has a beguiling nose with ripe red and black fruits that are complimented with spice and earthy characteristics.  This medium-bodied wine is smooth and soft on the palate with flavors of raspberry, sweet spice, blackberry, plum, and an interesting dusty cherry quality.  The finish shows intensity of ripe fruit flavors and good length.  Nicely balanced with a solid core of acidity; this wine can age four or more years.  Don't miss this exciting and refined wine!

2008, Bodega Tikalo, "Albaliza Tinto", Spain - Bodega Tikalo was formed in 2002 and has emerged as one of the leading wineries in the region of Castilla.  The grapes for this wine were all hand-harvested from the estate's property.  This bend of 65% Tempranillo and 35% Grenache has a deep purple color and offers aromas of black fruits, chocolate, and herbs.  Medium to full-bodied; this is a nicely structured wine with soft tannins, good acidity, and bright fruit.  The palate is soft with round flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, plum, and anise that carry through to the finish.  An exceptional bargain for everyday drinking, or try it with grilled pork, lentil stew, cheeseburger, or chili con carne.

2009, Domaine Bahourat, "Cuvee Elisabeth", France - This seductive wine hails from the Costieres de Nimes, the most southerly appellation in France's Rhone Valley.  The wine is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, and the grapes were sourced from 20 year old vines.  Aged for eight months in stainless steel, this round, fruit-forward wine sees minimal intervention.  The wine has a dark, slightly reddish color with aromas of red fruits, herbs, and earth.  The palate is soft and juicy, with well-concentrated flavors of cherry and plum.  Plus lovely notes of spice, tobacco, game, and smoke round out the flavor profile.  The wine ends with a fruity and warm finish.  Pull out the grill and serve up some grilled meats to enjoy with thissuperb value. 

2008 Stickleback Red, Australia - 61% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance of the wine is composed of Dolcetto and Lagrein.  The wine was aged for 12 months in French and American oak.  Bright ruby in color, this wine fires all cylinders in the aroma department.  Scents of dark fruits are augmented with cedar, earth, spice, and chocolate to create a fascinating nose.  Medium-bodied and silky on the palate, there are pleasant flavors of dark berries, raspberry, black pepper, spice, and chocolate.  The finish is sharp and refreshing with the emphasis on spice and dark fruit flavors.  This is a solid effort, and the wine was awarded 88 points from Tanzer's International Wine Cellar and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.  Try with grilled meats, hearty dishes, or just kick-back and sip it. 

2008 Corte Lenguin, Valpolicella Classico Ripasso, Italy- This "Baby Amarone" startled me with its richness, balance, and full-throttle of flavors.  Like Amarone it is a blend of Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella.  In the glass you will notice the bright ruby red color and the intense and flashy aromas of dark fruits, spice, and licorice.  Full-bodied and dense on the palate, powerful flavors of fig, dark cherry, chocolate, and sweet spices coat the mouth.  Soft tannins and the long and pleasant finish add to the excitement of this wine.  Such a treat!  Sip this wine and meditate, or serve with grilled meats, braised beef ribs, and medium aged cheeses.