Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the distinct pleasure of offering three FREE consumer tastings this month. I am excited to be able to offer a non wine related tasting this month with some spectacular Scotch being poured.  We have 40 spots available for each tasting.  To RSVP, email me or call 281-362-9131.

Wednesday, November 18th from 6:30-8PM

Single Malt Scotch Social Club featuring:

Aberlour 16yr

Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill

Aberlour A’bundadh

Led by an Industry Expert

Friday, November 20th from 6:30-8PM

Beaujolais Nouveau and Red Wine Tasting:

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages

Duboeuf Morgon Jean Descombes

Joseph Carr Cabernet

Josh Cellars Cabernet

Girard Artistry

Led by Tony Castello

Monday, November 23rd from 6:30-8PM
Mumm Tasting:

Mumm Cordon Rouge  Brut

Mumm ‘Le Rose’ Brut

Mumm Cramant Blanc de Blanc Brut

Led by Florent Noir:

Florent grew up in Lyon (France) but his roots are in Beaujolais, close to Burgundy, where his uncle, like his grandfather before him, is a winemaker. While completing his Business School Vice –President for two years. He also worked as a salesman in a wine & liquor shop where he loved sharing his passion with the clients.
In 2011, he started his career in Paris, joining Moët-Hennessy as an Assistant Brand Manager for 3 international premium wine brands: Terrazas de los Andes (Argentina), Cheval des Andes (Argentina), and Numanthia (Spain) where he developed his skills in international wine marketing. His mission was to assist the International Brand Manager in the development of a communication platform for global wine markets.
After a final year of studies in Latin America, he came back to Paris in 2013 with a master degree in marketing & sales in hand, and joined Pernod Ricard Headquarters as Marketing Assistant for the Luxury & Creativity division. He worked on the contents of the group’s luxury training seminar and realized environmental benchmarks in order to provide guidance to the Prestige brands of the portfolio such as Martell, Royal Salute, G.H Mumm and Perrier-Jouët. He has now moved to the US and has become a Champagne Specialist for Pernod-Ricard USA. Ambassador of two prestigious Champagne brands: G.H. Mumm & Perrier-Jouët.

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Happy Holidays!  As a Sommelier, this is my favorite time of the year.  Everyone is looking for recommendations for stellar wines to pair with their Thanksgiving Day feast and festivities.  Personally,  this is my favorite holiday because I’m a wine geek and foodie at heart and this holiday truly encompasses those two passions of mine.  I love traditional wines to pair, but I always like to think outside the box with several selections so this year can be as eclectic or as safe as you would like it to be.  I am reviewing several wines from the same wineries in this post (which is rare for me) but I think they are deserving and perfect wines for pairing.  My greatest “thanks” this Thanksgiving is having you all as customers and readers of my humble blog.  Thank you and have a blessed holiday season!

Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf Du Pape ‘Cuvee Girard’ Red Blend 2013

Rhone Valley, France

Cash Price $44.99

Rhone Valley wines are always a classic expression for Thanksgiving and Chateauneuf Du Pape is the king of the region.  I actually recommended the previous vintage for Thanksgiving last year (It’s what I opened at my table) and am excited to offer the newest vintage of this wine because I like it even better than the last!  This Grenache based wine is silky smooth from the start.  Fresh fruit flavors of raspberry and red cherries burst into the palate with vivacity and undertones of black tea and red licorice.  The tannins are medium and the acids are medium but the mid palate encompasses the core with a deliciously thick and round mouthfeel.  Notes of roasted game and black pepper are prevalent under currents.  The finish is spectacular with smidgeons of toasted oak, hazelnuts, vanilla and whiffs of bacon fat.  This wine is exceedingly food friendly and a true ‘WOW’ wine for your feast.  Wine Advocate scored this wine 90 points.

Expression 39 Anderson Creek Pinot Noir 2011

Anderson Valley, California

Cash Price $40.84

Anderson Valley is one of the true ‘Grand Cru’ regions for growing Pinot Noir in California.  Located in Medocino, north of Napa Valley, this region is becoming a premier region for stunning expressions of Pinot Noir and Bill Hill is intent on offering some of the finest selections.  Wine maker Patrick Mahaney is crafting brilliant Pinot’s from all over the west coast, but this is truly one of my favorites that he produces.  Pinot Noir is, of course, a true classic pairing with Turkey.  Supple flavors of red cherries and pomegranate envelope the palate with licks of wild red berries dancing melodically in the background.  The wine has medium plus acidity and medium minus tannins.  Although this wine is an elegant Pinot Noir, it does seem to have some brutish intensity that smacks the palate with deliciousness.  Touches of rhubarb and cinnamon play into the finish with hints of walnuts, blueberry and wild red roses.  This versatile Pinot is a succulent gem that will pair with ham or turkey.

Andre Clouet Grand Reserve Brut N/V

Champagne, France

Cash Price $37.99

Andre Clouet is a Grand Cru Champagne producer from the region of Bouzy.  Grand Cru Champagne is produced from only the finest vineyards in the region.  Most of the BIG name producers that you buy from Champagne are NOT Grand Cru wines, but from many different sites throughout Champagne.  They may be of good quality, but only Grand Cru vineyards give you the best expressions of bubbles.  This Champagne exudes royalty from the first sup.  Flavors of green apple and citrus explode on the palate with deliciously tight bubbles.  Delightfully soft notes of bake apple pie and toasted Crème brulee flicker throughout the mid palate with a medley of fresh white flowers that sinew eloquently from start to finish.  The backbone of this exquisite bubbly has a chalky Belemnite minerality racing through the core that finishes with smashingly clean and lip smacking acidity.  This wine is impeccably made and one of my favorite sparklers in the world!  Bubbles for Thanksgiving is ALWAYS a great idea!

Tamboerskloof Syrah 2010

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $27.99

Tamboerskloof may be an outside the box pick for some, but for me it is a bulls eye for my Thankgiving feast.  Kleinood winery consistently produces some of my favorite wines coming out of South Africa.  In fact, this Syrah is one of my favorite expressions of the varietal period.  I find Syrah to be amazingly versatile to pair with many foods and a dynamite pairing with herbs.  This wine offers flavors of red and black currant with medium plus tannins and medium acids that sink into touches of plum and rhubarb.  The tertiary flavors are what really drive this wine.  Notes of roasted, cured meat and garrigue flow into a medley of spices with black pepper being most prevalent.  The finish shows the 20 months of oak aging with smidgeons of roasted nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla bean that sit on the palate for a long, lingering mouth feel.  This is a ‘MUST HAVE’ at your table this year!

Expression 38 Russian Camp Chardonnay 2013

Russian River Valley, California

Cash Price $19.94

Russian Camp is the newest addition to the Expression line produced by Bill Hill, who also founded William Hill and Van Duzer wineries.  He is considered one of the best vineyard developers in the United States.  The Russian River produces some of the most iconic Chardonnay in the United States and a darling region to Sommeliers world wide.   The wine is 100% Chardonnay that goes through full malolactic fermentation and aged for twelve months on the lees in all French Oak barrels.   Tropical flavors of pineapple and guava sink through the palate with a rich, creamy core that is encompassed with hazelnuts and brioche.   Notes of freshly picked pear and green apple flow seamlessly throughout.  This Chardonnay is able to keep nice acidity throughout due to the cool fog that flows through the Russian River daily making it perfect for this varietal.  The finish is fresh and lush with hints of toasted oak and butter.  Rich and Flavorful!

Castellani Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Red Blend 2012

Valpolicella, Italy

Cash Price $24.99

Castellani has been one of my favorite wineries since I visited them several years ago.  Their wines fell off the market for a year or so, but I am extremely excited to be able to offer them to you again.  Ripasso (baby Amarone) is a blend of several grapes that are passed over the dead lees of Amarone.  This process Ripasso (passing over) gives the ensuing wine Amarone-esque flavors without actually going through the appassimento process.  Thus the wines are more affordable, while giving intense complexity.  Castellani shows flavors of seductive black cherries are encompassed by chocolate and truffles.  Notes of raisinated fig and plum sink through medium tannins and acids.  The finish offers kitchen spices with touches of cedar and vanilla bean.  This is an amazingly expressive wine that will pair with the meat dishes on your table.  90 Points in Wine Spectator.

Pierre Labet ‘Old Vine’ Pinot Noir 2013

Burgundy, France

Cash Price $27.99

Pierre Labet is one of our more consistent value priced Pinot Noir’s in our portfolio.  The grapes come from vieilles vignes (old vines) and are produced with a focus on organic and sustainable practices.  The winery is located in Clos de Vougeot with Francois Labet at the helm.  The 2013 vintage is showing beautifully right now.  Bursting, ripe flavors of bing cherry and cranberry zing into medium plus acids and medium minus tannins.  Notes of rose petals and raspberry are prevalent on the mid palate with touches of minerality and limestone on the backbone.  The finish is clean and refreshing with touches of toasted oak, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Burgundy is the purest red wine for pairing with turkey!

Guilbaud ‘Les Chenes Vieux’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Sancerre, France

Cash Price $18.99

Sauvignon Blanc is usually the best white wine pairing for turkey.  The wines are typically clean, un-oaked with zesty acids and linear flavors.   Sancerre produces my favorite expressions of the varietal in the world.  The soil is dry and chalky Caillottes and Silex which really shows in the wines of this region.  This 100% Sauvignon Blanc shows intense flavors of citrus lemon lime with touches of prickly pear.  There is no grapefruit flavors in this wine.  The acids are medium plus with zero tannins.  The finish offers touches of chalky flint and crushed rocks with hints of white flowers and gooseberry.  This wine is the ‘MUST HAVE’ White wine at your table this Thanksgiving!

Anticipation Red Blend 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $15.99

The 2013 vintage is shaping up to be an excellent vintage.  This is evidence in the new vintage of Anticipation Red Blend.  It is a silky smooth Merlot based wine that is sexy and sleek.  Delicious flavors of red cherries and plum sink into a soft, velvet mid palate of red currant and chocolate covered cherries.  The tannins are well integrated and the acids are easily lost in the luscious fruit.  The finish is filled with licks of cedar, vanilla cream and hazelnuts which linger on the palate for a delightfully long time.  This is your party hit for the holidays!

Signano Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2014

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $15.19

Vernaccia is one of the hidden gems that I love to shine during this time of the year.  It is a deliciously versatile grape that I often akin to Sauvignon Blanc but with more expressive fruit flavors.  San Gimignano was the 1st white DOCG in Italy with Vernaccia being the workhorse grape.  It is easily one of the best expressions of white wine in Tuscany.  The wine offers flavors of citrus lemon with a touch of tropical melon and green apple.  The mid palate has medium acidity with notes of almond and just a whiff of salinity.  The finish gives hints of white peach and white flowers.  Be the wine geek at your table this year with this wine!

Tamboerskloof Rose of Syrah 2015

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $10.99

This wine completely astounded me when I tried it earlier this week.  As you all know, I am an avid Dry Rose fan and also a big lover of Syrah so the odds were in favor that I would enjoy this wine.  The grapes for this Rose were picked specifically for it as opposed to saignee, which means higher quality in the bottle.  Ripe flavors of wild strawberries and raspberries zing through the palate with medium acidity.  The mid palate offers a touch of cream with red roses and fruit punch.  A smidgeon of white pepper, freshly washed wild berries and tinges of red apple skins play throughout a thirst quenching finish.  I LOVE THIS ROSE AND SO WILL YOU!

Pierre Archambault Chenin Blanc 2014

Vouvray, France

Cash Price $11.99

Chenin Blanc from Vouvray is one of my ‘go to’ whites for Thanksgiving.  The wines are vinified slightly sweet, but with good acidity to give balance.  Pierre Archambault has become a staple winery in my house (I LOVE Loire Valley wines) and this is one of my wife’s favorite wines.  Deliciously un-oaked, this wine offers stone fruits with loads of lychee and apricot.  The wine has licks of sweetness throughout but isn’t overly sweet by any means.  The acidity is medium and has beautiful precision in the wine to balance the residual sugars.  Loads of fresh meadow flowers and touches of minerality quaff through the mid palate.  The finish is light and refreshing with hints of almond and citrus.  Archambault is a wine that will surely be the monster hit with the pre meal festivities as it is a great aperitif!

Smythe & Renfield Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $11.49

New Zealand wines have always been one of the biggest sellers for Thanksgiving.  They are extremely approachable and cut cleanly through the dry white meats on the table.  This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a quintessential white at a great price point.  Fermented in stainless steel vats and completely un-oaked, this wine offers flavors of grapefruit and gooseberry with zesty medium plus acidity.  Tropical notes of guava and passion fruit play easily through the core with wafts of cactus juice and lime.  Clean, zesty and a sure fire winner for Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Two of the wines for Steals on this list have been drastically marked down to make room for new product, so they are extreme steals.  The wines are limited quantity, so if you like them….HURRY!

Erik Banti ‘Ciabatta’ Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2006

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $27.59 BUT FOR A LIMITED TIME

ONLY $7.59

Morellino is a synonym for Sangiovese.  Baked red cherries and cranberry meet touches of earthiness and tobacco.  Medium plus acids, medium tannins.  Food Wine!

Domaine de Malavieille ‘Charmille’ Rose 2012

Pay d’Oc, France

Cash Price $12.99 BUT FOR A LIMITED TIME

ONLY $2.99

While this wine has lost a bit of its luster and fruit, it is still a delightfully quaffable wine with life.  Light red cherry and strawberry embrace lean acids with touches of garrigue.

Trumpeter Chardonnay 2013

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $9.99

From the famed Rutini house.  Fleshy green apples and pears are encompassed by hazelnuts and vanilla.  This Chardonnay completely exceeds expectations!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

We still have several spots open for the Catena Tasting tonight from 6:30-8pm at the Spec’s Oak Ridge location.  It is free and delicious Argentinian juice will flow.  No need to RSVP and there are no buying stipulations.  See you there!

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is my favorite time of the year.  The weather is starting to cool and people are starting to get excited about the holidays.  My family and I just recently went to pick out our pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.  I am extremely excited about the holidays this year.  We are hoping to be able to move into the old Academy building before Thanksgiving, but of course, there is always a bump or two in the road.  I have some excellent wines to feature this holiday season and I am already pouring over all my notes for My Top Picks of the Year.  Have a blessed holiday season and I  look forward to seeing you all soon!

Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino 2008

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $65.64

I have had a real love affair with Italy this year.  The quality coming out of Tuscany these days is quite impressive.   Of course, Brunellos are the cream of the crop in quality and this gem is stunning.  Marroneto is easily one of the top ten estates in all of Montalcino and their quality and reputation continues to increase with every vintage.  They produce beautifully refined wines that show amazing perfumed notes with elegant concentration and true personality.  Ripe and succulent, this wine offers flavors of ripe red cherries and red plums with medium plus tannins and acids.  The mid palate shows notes of vanilla cream and nutmeg with a core of minerality.  Touches of tobacco leaf and tomato paste are noticed on the finish that is stunningly long with hints of cinnamon and caramel.  This wine is still quite young and will age in your cellar for another decade if you wish.  Maronneto is a wine that you will want to open for the special occasions this holiday season!

Stewart Cellars Chardonnay 2013

Sonoma Mountain, California

Cash Price $39.89

I have a fickle fascination with California Chardonnay.  I sometimes gush over the richly textured, if not hedonistic, styles produces or I am overcome by them as my palate grows weary quite quickly.  With this wine I am fortunately and fortuitously in the former category instead of the latter.  Stewart Chardonnay is in a word: sexy.  Paul Hobbs is the consulting winemaker for this winery and you can tell that he has his hands all over these wines.  Stewart is 100% Chardonnay picked from the Farina Vineyard and aged for eleven months in 40% new French oak.  The wine is neither fined nor filtered (think Newton) as not to strip out any flavors.  Refreshing and opulent, this wine offerssucculent flavors of white peach and fleshy Fiji apples with touches of pear blossoms and honeydew.  The mid palate offers a core of nutty complexity that begins to show decadent creamy tones with medium acidity.  The oak is prevalent on the finish with licks of apricot and orange blossom that lays keenly on a profile of freshly buttered toast.  A truly impressive offering!

Summers Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Calistoga, California

Cash Price $28.39

Over the years, Summers winery has really become a favorite of mine from California, especially for the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal.  They produce very high quality reds at a very reasonable price point.  They own property in Knights Valley and in Calistoga.  This Calistoga offering is quite delicious.  The 100% Cabernet is aged in 50% new French oak for nineteen months before release.  Flavors of sweet black cherries and currant envelope the palate with a true concentration.  Notes of dark plum and blackberry sink into the medium plus tannins and medium acids.  The mid palate is pure and flavorful with nuances of dark chocolate and cigar box.  The finish is velvety smooth with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg with quaffs of vanilla beans.  Rich and Flavorful Cabernet!

Aldo Conterno ‘Masante’ Dolcetto 2007

Piedmonte, Italy

Cash Price $26.59

Dolcetto is the lost varietal of Piedmonte in my opinion.  People are constantly raving about Nebbiolo or Barbera or dare I say it….Moscato!  Dolcetto is often lost in the mix and rarely given its proper due.  Dolcetto (translated meaning is ‘The Little One’) is actually quite full bodied.  The varietal is quite age worthy which is why I am able to give you this review for a 2007 wine.  The wine is peaking perfectly right now in fact.  Silky and Smooth, Masante flows through the palate with delicate complexity and refined flavors.  Blueberry and blackberry waft hauntingly through the palate with hints of crème de cassis.  Medium tannins and acids play through the richly textured fruit with smidgeons of bay leaf and tobacco.  The finish offers dried herbs with hints of jammed and stewed figs.  Don’t miss out on this perfectly peaking wine!

Colterenzio ‘Puiten’ Pinot Grigio 2011

Alto Adige, Italy

Cash Price $21.49 BUT ONLY

$13.49 FOR A LIMITED TIME WITH SPEC’S KEY!

This is a rare deal.  Colterenzio is one of our finest Pinot Grigio producers and I have never seen such a bargain price on their wines.  Colterenzio offers wines of high quality and expressive terroir.  Puiten is their top tier wine and has touches of oak which adds weight and complexity to the wine.  Classic and tasty, this wine exudes flavors of citrus lemon lime with granny smith apples and candied pear.  The mid palate shows medium acidity with notes of chalky flint.  The finish is light and refreshing with nuances of cream and fleshy nectarines.  Get it while  you can!

Block 329 Pinot Noir 2013

Carneros, California

Cash Price $19.94

The Block series ALWAYS over delivers for the price and their Pinot as of late have been truly spectacular.  I am finding myself enjoying Carneros Pinot Noirs more than their Russian River counterparts on a regular basis.  Carneros wines are quite captivating and show variance from winery to winery.  This titillating offering is supremely delicious with flavors of ripe strawberry and red raspberries that flow into bright red cherries.  The mid palate offer medium plus acids and medium tannins with notes of rhubarb and cola with sublte hints of milk chocolate and all spice.  The finish is plush and pure with wafts of graham cracker and cinnamon.  A wonderful Pinot for the holidays!

Salentein Malbec 2013

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $18.99

This winery has always been one of my favorites.  It could be that I’m sentimental because it was the 1st winery I visited in Argentina or maybe it just that their wines are so darn good that I can’t help but to enjoy them time and time again.  Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this winery has top notch facilities and make wine and purity and focus.  This offering shows flavors of thick red plums and perfectly ripened blackberry with touches of marmalade laced throughout.  The mid palate gives brawny tannins and medium acids with notes of black pepper and tobacco leaf.  The finish shows a youthful ripeness that almost gives the wine a sweet texture, but the tannins kick it back into focus for a long flavorful finish with hints of mocha, espresso and vanilla cream.  Wine & Spirits scored this juicy Malbec 92 points.

Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $14.99

Momo (meaning offspring in Maori) has sprung from the Seresin Estate.  Momo wines are meant to be fun, enjoyable and a party wine.  All of the grapes from these wines are sustainably grown and Vegan friendly.  I am probably reviewing this wine a month early because this will be a great wine to pair with your Thanksgiving Day Feast, but alas, I have the wine on my mind and feel compelled to share it with you.  Completely un oaked and tantalizingly tasty, Momo expresses flavors of lemon citrus and grapefruit that are encompassed by guava and pineapples.  The mid palate offers medium plus acidity with plush passion fruit quaffing throughout.  The finish is clean and thirst quenching with hints of lemon meringue and apricot.  A perfect party white!

Graham Beck ‘Gamekeeper’ Shiraz 2011

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $15.89

Great wine is made in the vineyard is this winery’s mantra.  They strive to create highly individual wines of exquisite quality.  Graham Beck has gained notoriety and garnered much praise with their sparkling wines, but I have been just as happy with their red offerings.  The wine is aged for fifteen months in mostly French oak with a touch of American oak as well.  The Gamekeeper shows expressive flavors of wild red berries and gamey, stewed fruits.  Notes of black cherry and mulberry are focused around medium tannins and medium acids.  The finish has nuances of black pepper and touches of bacon fat with dark berries and cream.  This wine would be perfectly paired with a nice cut of thick beef.

Pierre Archambault Cabernet Franc 2013

Chinon, France

Cash Price $12.99

I have a true infatuation with the Loire Valley, especially with the region of Chinon.  This area produces my favorite Cabernet Franc in the world.  Vibrant, fresh flavors of red cherries and raspberry zing into the palate.  Fresh herbs and hints of green olive and bell peppers  combine with pyrazines to give a light vegetal undertone.  The mid palate has medium plus acidity and medium tannins.  The lively acids combine to make a really refreshing and delightfully fruit forward wine.  The finish is soft and flavorful with notes of wild red berries and hints of cranberries.  A SPECtacular Value wine!

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler ‘Noble House’ Riesling 2014

Mosel, Germany

Cash Price $9.99

You all know that I think Riesling is one of the finest white varietals in the world.  So, I am constantly searching out the best expressions of the grape that I can find.  I am truly excited to be able to offer this dynamic winery as an exclusive for Spec’s.  Riesling, of course, doesn’t have to be syrupy sweet.  This off dry wine exudes flavors of citrus, stone fruits, white peaches and  orange blossoms.  The mid palate has medium plus acidity that is tamed by notes of quince compote and white flowers.  This is a hauntingly delicious wine and a stunning price!

Ca’Momi Merlot 2013

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $11.99

This winery is one of the best selling in our entire portfolio.  Their Merlot offering is always a steal for the price.  The wine offers balanced flavors of red cherries and plum with touches of fig and quince.  The mid palate is medium bodied with medium tannins and acids with touches of bramble and jam.  The finish is vibrant and complex with smidgeons of toasted charred oak, coffee beans and vanilla cream.  This wine is a dead wringer for your Tuesday slurper!

Finca Copete Chardonnay 2010

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $9.99

Mendoza offers some of the best values on the market. This lightly oaked offering is quite effective.  Flavors of green apples and pear flow lightly into hints of  almonds and cream.  The mid palate has medium acids and a touch of tannins.   The finish offers touches of butter and creamy vanilla.  Copete is ready to crack and go!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

Please disregard the dates on the previous email for the tastings.  I was looking at my September calendar!  THE FOLLOWING DAYS AND DATES ARE CORRECT.

CATENA TASTING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 6:30-8:00PM

ANDY ERICKSON TASTING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21ST 6:30-8:00PM

I have two very exciting tastings coming up in October.  Both of these events are free with all the details listed below.  Call 281-362-9131 to RSVP or email jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com.  Seating is limited.

I have the pleasure of hosting a Catena Collectors event at the Spec’s in Oak Ridge on Thursday, October 15th from 6:30-8pm with Catena’s Luxury Wine Specialist Jorge Liloy.  This tasting will offer some of Argentina’s iconic and most collectable wines.  All wines being poured will be high end (most $100 and up), so my only stipulation is that if you would like to attend this free event you must be willing and wanting to buy some of the offerings.

Wine being poured:

1. Catena Alta Chardonnay
2. Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay
3.  Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay
4.  Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec
5.  Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec
6.  Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec
7.  Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata

I am extremely excited about the FREE CONSUMER TASTING on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST from 6:30-8:00 PM.

SCREAMING EAGLE FAMED WINE MAKER ANDY ERICKSON WILL BE JOINING US TO TASTE AND TALK ABOUT SEVERAL OF HIS STUNNING WINES!

Winemaker Talk: Andy Erickson

The previous post has the tasting listed as October 23rd.  That date is incorrect.  Please note the following correction:

THE ANDY ERICKSON WINE TASTING IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST FROM 6:30-8:00 PM.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

I have two very exciting tastings coming up in October.  Both of these events are free with all the details listed below.  Call 281-362-9131 to RSVP or email jamesbarlow25@hotmail.com.  Seating is limited.

I have the pleasure of hosting a Catena Collectors event at the Spec’s in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, October 15th from 6:30-8pm with Catena’s Luxury Wine Specialist Jorge Liloy.  This tasting will offer some of Argentina’s iconic and most collectable wines.  All wines being poured will be high end (most $100 and up), so my only stipulation is that if you would like to attend this free event you must be willing and wanting to buy some of the offerings.

Wine being poured:

1. Catena Alta Chardonnay
2. Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay
3.  Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay
4.  Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec
5.  Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec
6.  Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec
7.  Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata

I am extremely excited about the FREE CONSUMER TASTING on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD from 6:30-8:00 PM.

SCREAMING EAGLE FAMED WINE MAKER ANDY ERICKSON WILL BE JOINING US TO TASTE AND TALK ABOUT SEVERAL OF HIS STUNNING WINES!

Winemaker Talk: Andy Erickson

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The holidays are quickly creeping up on us.  It is tough to believe that it is September already.  I am very pleased to announce that Spec’s Liquors and Fine Wines on Rayford Road WILL BE MOVING!  But fear not, we are not going very far.  In fact, we will taking over the recently vacated Academy building next door!  That’s right everyone, very soon you will have a veritable wonderland of wine and liquor to choose from.  50,500 feet is the official total and we shall be using every square inch.  We are planning to be open and ready for business before the New Year, but there are always a hiccup or two to deal with, so please bear with us.  This month’s list of drinking pleasures is a real treat.  Enjoy!

San Felice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $39.89

The new category in Chianti Classico is really catching fire!   Wineries in this region have stepped up their quality level with this new category in place.  San Felice has been a favorite winery of mine for many years and this offering may be the best that I have tried.  This winery is the only one in the world to grow and cultivate the varietal Pugnitello.  They use it in this Sangiovese based Chianti Classico and it gives the wine an extra flavor profile that boosts it above others in the region.  Deliciously full bodied and seductive, this wine offers flavors of ripe black cherry and rose petals flow softly through medium plus acids and tannins.  Notes of terroir race through the mid palate with clay and red tomato that move deftly into tinges of leather and tobacco.  This wine is beautifully balanced and has the potential to age gracefully for years to come.  Robert Parker and the Wine Enthusiast both scored with wine 94 points!  Get this gem while you can!

Ivernel Brut Prestige N/V

Champagne, France

Cash Price $32.99

This offering is from the famed Gosset house which has the oldest pedigree in the area, with lineage dating back to 1584.  The Ivernel is their ‘value’ label that shows the spectacular Gosset style at a lower price point.  This bubbly sensation is a blend of the three varietals of Champagne with Pinot Noir slightly edging Chardonnay for domination.  Clean, tight bubbles bounce actively in the glass with a nose of white flower, biscuit dough and mousse. The palate is intense and complex with flavors citrus green apple, melon and touches of tropical peach and nectarine.  Notes of confection flow softly through medium plus acidity that is tamed with just a kiss of sugar, showing that this dosage is on the higher end of the brut spectrum, leaning toward extra dry.  This Champagne is amazing and drinks at a much higher price point.  Get these bubbles on your palate immediately!

Chateau Malescasse Red Blend 2004

Haut Medoc, France

Cash Price $23.99

I am consistently pleased with the ageabiltiy of this winery.  We offer back vintages of this winery on a regular basis and the wines always over deliver.  This offering is a Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend that is drinking beautifully right now.  The 2004 vintage is typically overlooked in the wine world because 2005 was such a spectacular year in Bordeaux.  Vintages like 2004 are exactly what I look for because they offer high quality at excellent prices.  Malescasse shows ripe, leaning toward stewed currant and black cherries with medium acids and medium plus tannins.  The body of this wine is aging quite well.  Notes of rose petals and framboise quaff easily through the mid palate and leads into the 14 month French oak regimen.  The finish is long and tantalizing with hints of cinnamon, cedar and graham crackers.   This is Bordeaux that will knock your socks off!

Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $23.74

The Bench wines are an offering from the Brack Mountain Wine Company.  This vineyard location is prime real estate on the southern end of Alexander Valley on the bench of the Mayacamas Mountain range.  Alexander Valley is making very high quality Bordeaux varietals that can rival those of their Napa Valley neighbors, but without the high price tag.  The rocky, volcanic soils make the area prime Cabernet Sauvignon territory.  The 2012 vintage was a thing of beauty in California with perfect weather during a long, trouble free ripening season. All of these things led to abundant harvests and magic in the bottle.  This wine is sourced form low yield benchland fruit that showed hedonistic quality in this vintage.  Robust flavors of black currant and blueberries flow seamlessly through silky tannins and medium acids.  Notes of blackberry and plum sink into the mid palate with seductive spices and oak tickling the taste buds.  The finish is chewy and ripe with touches of vanilla bean, toasted oak and tobacco leaf.  This is a serious Cabernet at a price point that will make you smile!

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett Riesling 2014

Mosel, Germany

Cash Price $19.94

I am extremely excited to be able to sell this wine to you.  It is hauntingly delicious.  This winery is one of the finest in all of the Mosel Valley working with intentionally low yields and selective handpicking to guarantee extraordinary quality wines with unique character and terroir.  Loosely translated Bernkasteler Badstube means the Roman spa of Bernkastel.  Located on clay slated soil with loam and stone, this 100% Riesling offers plenty of minerality on the palate.  Flavors of citrus lemon lime zing through fleshy notes of apricot, pear and Fuji apples.  The wine is off dry with tinges of sweetness in all the right places.  The finish is truly wonderful with zesty acids that lift notes of petrol, nutmeg, wet rocks and touches of class room chalk.  This is a wine that will stand the tests of time, but is drinking gorgeously right now.  Fall in love with Riesling today!

Piattelli Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2012

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $14.99

This Argentine winery is dedicated to quality and organic practices.  They avoid chemical fertilization and pesticides and strive for sustainability.  Located in the rocky soils of Tupungato in the lush Mendoza Valley, the Piattelli family immigrated here from Tuscany.  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in French and American Oak for 12 months and exudes excellence from start to finish.  Thick, full flavors of red cherries and red plum sinew into medium plus tannins and medium acids.  The mid palate offers hints of spice with a touch of currant and bay leaf.  The finish is long and voluptuous with notes of milk chocolate, coffee, cedar and vanilla bean.  Piattelli Cabernet is built to please the palate through and through.  A Must Try Cabernet!

Commanderie de la Bargemone Rose 2014

Provence, France

Cash Price $13.99

Rose is a classic wine for hot weather.  Provence is right on the Mediterranean coast, which is a hotbed for Rose because of the sweltering hot summer heat.  It is amazingly versatile and pairs quite well with lighter foods. Provence produces the best Rose in the world. It is a region in southern France that has made its livelihood off of this eloquent blush for centuries. They produce a dry style of Rose without much or any residual sugar, so you get pure and clean fruits without the sweetness. This winery was founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century.  Bargemone is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Cabernet that offers flavors of wild strawberries and vibrant red cherries.  Succulent acids race through the core of this wine with smidgeons of meadow flowers and red berries.  The finish is clean and with a lip smacking appeal that keeps the palate begging for more.  Dry Rose is the PERFECT compliment to any September affair!

Terracotta Pinot Grigio 2014

Delle Venezie, Italy

Cash Price $12.99

Terracotta has quickly become one of the best selling wines in our portfolio in a very short time.  The wine has excellent packaging and a smooth, easy drinking approachability.  Sourced from the paradise region for Pinot Grigio, Terracotta is named after the pitchers which were used to age the wines in ancient Italy.  This wine offers flavors of citrus lemon-lime with notes of peach, mango and ripe melon.  The wine is un oaked and ready to drink from the get go.  The finish has medium acids with notes of wild flowers touches of wet stone minerality that is softened by the touch of sweetness on the finish.  Terracotta is a wine that you buy by the case!

Baritone Red Blend 2013

Southeastern Australia

Cash Price $12.99

Baritone has been one of Spec’s most consistent red blends in our Australian category throughout the years.  It comes in a 1 liter container (The extra glass of wine is on us) and is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet.  Bold flavors of currant and plum play through layered tannins and medium acids with notes of toffee and spice.  The finish offers vanilla and cedar with tinges of dark cocoa, licorice and clove.  Baritone is a user friendly Tuesday slurper that is sure to please whether at a party or on the back patio.  Awesome BBQ wine!

Le Vignerons de Mont Ventoux Viognier 2014

Vin De Pays, France

Cash Price $13.99

I am an ardent fan of Viognier and love to find it at rock bottom prices.  Grown on the gravelly soils of Mont Ventoux, this Viognier has tons to offer.  The wine is un-oaked and pairs well with fish or fowl.  VMV shows flavors of apricot, orange blossoms and papaya.  Medium acids are encompassed by a rich, round mouth feel.  The finish gives notes of peach cobbler and touches of cream.  This is a great wine for the dog days of summer!

Domaine Cabasse ‘Les Deux Anges’ Red Blend 2014

Cotes  du Rhone Villages (Sablet), France

Cash Price $11.59

Domaine Cabasse is a true representation of the high quality coming from the Rhone Valley.  The Cabasse name has Italian roots that goes back to the time when the Pope resided in Avignon in the 14th century.  Avignon is the center for the famed wines of Chateauneuf du Pape.  This Grenache and Syrah based red blend is extraordinary.  Flavors of red cherries and raspberry blossom in the mouth with hints of rich cream.  The wine has medium tannins and acids that never over power, but in fact enhance the flavor profile.  Notes of garrigue and spices play through the mid palate with hints of black pepper and sage.  The finish is soft and eloquent with smidgeons of wild red berries and strawberry cream.  Such a guilty pleasure at a nominal price!

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $11.99

Marisco Vineyards is the parent company of The Ned wines.  Located in the picturesque Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, Brent Marris produces wines of pinpoint precision and terroir laden flavor profiles.  The Sauvignon Blanc they produce is a classic representation of Marlborough, but with more terroir.  Flavors kiwi and lemon grass zing through medium plus acids.  Tropical notes pineapple and papaya integrate through fleshy hints of jalapeno cream.  The finish offers minerality of river pebbles and slate in a very clean, lip smacking adventure on your palate.

Gryphus Carmenere 2014

Maule Valley, Chile

Cash Price $9.99

Carmenere is becoming a darling for the wines of South America.  Chile continues to offer some of the best VALUE wines in the world.  Carmenere is a varietal of immense character that is the lost grape of France.  Maule Valley is located in the Central Valley of Chile where Carmenere has found a home as a single varietal with essence and character. Flavors of thick black cherry and plum race through medium tannins and acids.  Notes of black pepper and green pepper are prevalent through the mid palate and sinew easily into the red fruits.  The finish is smooth and approachable with a long tantalizing mouth feel.  You’ll be quite pleased when you rediscover Carmenere!

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The kids are all about to head back to school and September is right around the corner.  The budget is a little tighter right now, but darn it You deserve a delicious glass of wine after a long day!  Here are three little gems to get you through this crazy month.

Gryphus Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Rapel Valley, Chile

Cash Price $9.99

Dark, opaque color with flavors of plum, black cherries and tea leaf.  A touch of herbaciousness enhances the mouth feel.  Medium plus body with nice oak on the finish. Great Value Cab!

Castillo Perelada Garnatxa Blanca

Emporda, Spain

Cash Price $9.99

Light and un-oaked with flavors of lychee, Bosque pear, and melon.  Medium acidity with touch of floral notes and wild white flowers.  Crisp, refreshing and an absolutely perfect quaffing wine!

Pins Du Pyla Rose 2014

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $8.99

Another hit from the famed Thienpont family.  Light and wonderfully dry, this wine offers tart red cherries, cranberry and raspberry.  A hint of rose petals and wild flowers encompass medium plus acids.  Perfect summer Rose!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier