The Wine Epicure by James Barlow

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The insanely hot heat has blanketed Houston once again.  I am fresh off of a trip to the Pfalz region in Germany, where the weather was much more hospitable, and just getting back into the swing of things.  I have tried a bunch of new wines that I think will give your palate a reprieve from this daunting heat.  Delectable Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundy will become a focus in the next several blogs.  I have been bringing in an excellent selection of Burgundy lately and am excited to offer them to you.  I am hosting a Greek wine tasting at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on Wednesday, August 20th from 7-9pm.  RSVP to 281-364-9463. Space is limited!

Pierre Morey Bourgogne Blanc 2011

Burgundy, France

Cash Price $34.99

Pierre Morey is a small producer whose family has been making wine in this region since the 16th century.  He was the cellar master at Domaine Leflaive and has crafted wines in renowned regions such as Meursault, Pommard, and Puligny Montrachet.  This wine was carefully crafted and hand harvested.  Flavors of baked apples and citrus encompass the palate with soft hints of butterscotch and toasted hazelnut.  This wine was aged in new oak and left on its lees for a gracious period of time.  Notes of caramel intertwine with refreshingly smooth acids and minerality.  Tinges of gun flint and wet rocks flow through the finish with a smidgeon of melon and key lime.  Morey Chardonnay is divine!

Blue Rock ‘Baby Blue’ Red Blend 2012

Alexander Valley, California

Cash Price $25.99

Blue Rock winery has gained a reputation for producing silky smooth reds from their 100 acre estate in the famed AVA of Alexander Valley.  The 2012 vintage was a dream come true for vintners in California.  The previous vintage was a disaster, but this one exceeded expectations and has been regarded as one of the best in recent history.  This Cabernet based blend is dangerously approachable from the pop of the cork.  Flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and red currant explode on the palate with a core of milk chocolate.  The tannins are elegant and integrated with easy acids that play into the gracious amount of fruit.  Notes of toasted oak and vanilla sink into hints of violet and granola.  The finish is soft and plush with a plethora of fruit and oak.  By the way, this winery is next door to Silver Oak!

Leadbelly Syrah 2009

Russian River Valley, California

Cash Price $24.99 but only

$17.99 with a Spec’s Key for a Limited time!

I have found, in my experience, that Syrah is completely overlooked in the wine world.  It is quite sad since Syrah is one of the more versatile red grapes on Earth.  California has been producing stellar quality Syrah for years.  This delish Syrah is a seek out wine.  Dense and chewy, this wine offers flavors of pomegranate and black cherry that is encompassed by excellent acids and moderate plus tannins.  Notes of plum and dark black berry are prevalent on the mid palate with hints of black pepper and kitchen spices.  The finish is pure and long with smidgeons of caramel,  toasted hazelnut, and just a touch of vanilla bean.  Don’t Miss Out on this Awesome Syrah!

Graham Beck Brut Rose 2009

Franschhoek, South Africa

Cash Price $21.84

This is the perfect time of the year for sparkling rose!  It is crisp, dry, and refreshing on the palate.  This winery is becoming world renowned for producing excellent quality sparkling wine at a great value price point.  Flavors of raspberry sorbet and wild strawberries bounce off the palate with deliciously tight bubbles.  The finish offers smidgeons of cream and yeasty complexity with notes of confection.  The wine is a blend of mostly Pinot Noir, but is balanced out with Chardonnay which keeps in line with traditional Champagne.  This Methode Champenoise produced sparkling is an absolute steal and one of the best sparklers that I have tasted this year.

Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico  2010

Chianti Classico, Italy

Cash Price $24.89

Castello Di Ama is one of the finest estates in Chianti.  Their Sangiovese based wines are considered some of the finest quality in all of Tuscany.  Ama offers flavors of roasted plums and fig that lead into zesty acids and medium tannins.  Notes of dried cherries and cranberry waft through the mid palate with hints of all spice. The finish is smooth and harmonious with hints of dates and fleshy raspberry. This wine is perfectly balanced and would cellar well for 5-7 years.  Pair this gem with a thin crust, oven roasted pizza with peppers and sausage!

Robert Weil ‘Traditional’ Riesling 2011

Rheingau, Germany

Cash Price $19.94

Robert Weil is considered one of the best in all of Germany, and I am quite excited to be able to offer you this excellent Riesling!  As you know, I recently visited Germany and found some excellent Dry and off Dry Riesling that exuded excellence from start to finish.  This winery is located in Kiedrich and produces wine from one of Germany’s best vineyards, Kiedrich Grafenberg.  In fact, Robert Weil was focused by Wine and Spirits magazine as a ‘Top 100 Winery’ in 2012 and 2013.  This wine is truly a delight.  It is off dry with just a hint of residual sugar that is easily integrated into the dynamic minerality that soaks into the palate.  Flavors of fresh green apples and stone fruits play into sleek acids and licks of honey dew.  Notes of jasmine and white plum sink into wet pebbles with just a touch of peach. This wine displays a true complexity that keeps the palate begging for more!

Block 517 Pinot Noir 2012

Russian River Valley, California

Cash Price $19.94

The Block Wine Series has produced some of the best value wines that Spec’s has ever offered.  The latest installment is a Pinot Noir of epic proportions!  The Russian River Valley produces some of the finest Pinot Noir in the world.  This wine comes from a dynamite vintage and offers brilliance from the first sup.  Flavors of red cherries and red plum are prevalent from the start with the fruits turning darker as the wine progresses.  Hints of brown sugar and cola play through the mid palate.  The finish is soft and opulent with smidgeons of toasted hazelnut and vanilla cream.  Don’t miss out on this decadent Pinot, because when the Block wine sells out…It is gone forever!

Triennes Rose 2013

Provence, France

Cash Price $14.99

Triennes is consistently one of my favorite Rose’s for this sweltering hot heat.  It has amazing pedigree with Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, at the helm.  This wine is elegant and deliciously bone dry.  It is Cinsault based with small amounts of Grenache and Syrah.  Flavors of ripe strawberries and freshly picked bing cherries dance on the palate with just a hint of candied red fruits.  The acids are cleansing and zesty.  Notes of red apples and white flowers play seamlessly through the mid palate.  The finish is refreshing and filled with a medley of meadow flowers.  I love this Rose!

Brutocao ‘Argento’ Chardonnay Reserve 2011

Mendocino, California

Cash Price $23.99 but only

$19.99 with a Spec’s Key for a limited time!

This brilliantly crafted wine is hedonistic from start to finish.  Brutocao decided to produce a traditional California Chardonnay with rich cream and oak.  Flavors of pear and candied green apples integrate into round acids and caramel.  Opulent notes of toasted oak and vanillin fall into bits of hazelnut and pecans.  The finish is long and relaxing with tropical nuances.  This is a Classic Chardonnay!

Illuminati ‘Ilico’ Montepulciano Reserva 2011

Abruzzo, Italy

Cash Price $16.99

Illuminati is a brand that has always been a great value wine.  This is their new reserve release that has been aged small Slovenian oak barrels for twelve months.  It is 100% Montepulciano, which I often refer to as the Cabernet Sauvignon of Italy.  Flavors of roasted plum and blackberry combine with stewed red cherries throughout the core of the wine.  Notes of black pepper and sage give the wine a soft earthiness with savory tannins and easy acids.  The finish is smooth and balanced with bits of toasted pecans and just a kiss of licorice.  Great to pair with a thick, juicy steak!

Naia Verdejo 2012

Rueda, Spain

Cash Price $12.99

Verdejo is a perfect summer time white wine.  Naia has been a darling of wine critics (numerous 90+ point ratings) and sommeliers alike.  It has ripe citrus fruit flavors that border on tropical.  Notes of kiwi and grapefruit mingle with zesty acids and a minerality of wet limestone.  The finish offers hints of peach and ripe pear with just a touch of cream.  A Summer Stunner!

Guilbaud ‘Cuvee du Lion’ Muscadet 2011

Loire Valley, France

Cash Price $8.99

Muscadet Sevre et Maine is a village in Pays Nantais, which is right by the Atlantic Ocean.  They specialize in producing light, seafood friendly white wines from the Melon de Bourgogne grape.  They usually implement a technique called ‘sur lie’ aging.  The wine is kept on the dead yeast cells and stirred (battonage) regularly for a period of time.  This technique adds complexity, richness and nutty flavors.  Guilbaud offers flavors of citrus lemon lime and melon with clean, refreshing acids and just a hint of saltiness.  The finish is easy with light notes of roasted walnuts and hazelnut.  Great Houston Heat White Wine!

Abrazo Garnacha Red 2012

Calatayud, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

I have always found Spain has some of the best inexpensive wine in the world.  These wines are typically Garnacha based and delicious.  Abrazo is light, quaffable with flavors of red cherries and raspberry.  The mid palate offers smidgeons of spice and pepper.  The finish is long and textured with a light creaminess.  Abrazo is a Great Tuesday Wine!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The crazy heat has kicked in and I am excited to offer you all these awesome value wines that are a perfect remedy for the dog days of summer.  I am an avid fan of Dry Rose and you will find a steady influx of new Rose’s to try during the next several months.  A good friend of mine has begun calling this time of the year ‘The Summer of Riesling’ and I am inclined to agree with him.  Riesling is a perfect compliment to the Hot Houston Heat!  I will be out of pocket for the next month and therefore not posting any blogs in July, so I made sure to pick some stellar selections this month to tide you over into next month!

Real de Aragon Garnacha 2011

Calatayud, Spain

Cash Price $9.99

Spain’s famous indigenous grape produced by a family owned winery.  Thick red cherries and plum with oak.  Silky tannins and integrated acids with a power packed punch of fruit.

Yalumba ‘Y’ Series Riesling 2012

Barossa Valley, Australia

Cash Price $9.99

Dry Riesling.  Zesty acids paired with fleshy fruits of Fuji apples and orange blossom.  Wet rock minerality combines with papaya, mango and honeydew.  Truly delicious white!

Cruz de Piedra Garnacha Rose 2012

Calatayud, Spain

Cash price $7.99

Freshly picked Strawberry and raspberry are encompassed by candied red apples.  Light, clean acids.  Dry Rose. Perfect Poolside Slurper!

Thank you,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and gentlemen,

Summer is alive in Houston and the pools are full!  This blog will concentrate on some great reds and whites that are going to be perfect for the Hot Heat this season.  I have an Alsatian white blend on special this summer that is absolutely stunning and a Loire white that is tailor made for poolside consumption along with several red blends that are silky smooth and ready to drink.  Enjoy!

Expression 39 Pinot Noir 2011

Anderson Valley, California

Cash Price $39.89

The Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is one of the niche micro climates in California that offers perfect conditions to produce amazing Pinot Noir.  The Valley is rather small and thus there are only a handful of wineries that produce small quantities of high quality wines, mostly from Pinot Noir.  Bill Hill is committed to producing very high quality Pinot Noir from only the best possible vineyard sites in the United States.  This 100% Pinot Noir is a classic expression from Anderson Valley.  Flavors of red and black cherry dance into fresh acids that sinew through out  jammed raspberry.  The tannins are soft and integrated with notes of milk chocolate, cola and graham crackers in the mid palate.  The finish is pure and refreshing with tinges of vanilla bean and cedar.  One of my favorite Pinot’s every vintage!

Zind Humbrecht ‘Zind’ white blend 2007

Alsace, France

Cash Price $27.79

ONLY 22.79 WITH A $5.00 KEY THROUGH THE SUMMER!

Olivier Humbrecht is noted as saying the 2007 vintage in Alsace was ‘GREAT’ and he is not a man to mince words.  Early ripening led to a great growing season, but August was cold and rainy so the grapes retained excellent acidity.  The vintage produced age worthy wines with deliciously fleshy and ripe fruits.  Zind is a blend of Chardonnay and Auxerrois (aka Pinot Blanc) from the famed Clos Windsbuhl vineyard.  The wine is considered a ‘vin de table’ since Chardonnay is not one of the ‘noble’ grapes of the region.  The mouth feel on this wine is amazing!  Flavors of ripe green apples flow into peaches and melon.  The acids are round and the wine envelopes the palate with a soft creaminess that enhances the stone fruits.  Smidgeons of orange blossom and honeysuckle play on the finish with a core of acidity and wet rock minerality.  Wine Advocate gave this wine 90 points and I only have 16 bottles left!

Bacio Divino ‘Pazzo’ Red Blend 2012

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $25.99

Pazzo has consistently been one of the best selling red wine blends for Spec’s the past several years.  It is a Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet blend that is richly textured from the start.  Consulting Wine Maker Kirk Venge is known for producing uber extracted wines with tons of fruit.  The crazy one (Pazzo) is jam packed full of sweet red fruits and candied red apples.  The acidity is quite vibrant on the backbone with silky smooth tannins.  The finish is delivers a slew of complex flavors like black pepper, coffee bean, and mocha.  This fruit forward offering is a perfect red that does not need to be paired with food to enjoy.  Hedonistic!

Borgoluce ‘Valdobbiadene’ Prosecco DOCG N/V

Veneto, Italy

Cash Price $23.99

Prosecco has become the darling of the sparkling world.  Glera is the grape in this deliciously approachable bubbly.  Prosecco has taken the world by storm because of its delightfully fresh flavors and easy disposition.  The region of Valdobbiadene is one of the few areas that the Italian government has given the highest esteem of DOCG status for Prosecco, which is the highest tier that a region can achieve in Italy.  Borgoluce exudes fresh, lively bubbles with flavors of bruised pear and Fuji apples that sit on a bed of fresh white flowers.  A clean citrus leads through the core of this sparkler with hints of quince and stone fruits.  The wine has a pleasant intensity that sinks into a light silky complexity that finishes with a pure freshness.  Borgoluce is a bubbly that is inauspicious but with amazingly vibrant flavors that are sure to be a hit for your Summer Parties…..and at a GREAT PRICE!

Anticipation Red Blend 2010

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $15.99

BUT ONLY $13.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME WITH YOUR SPEC’S KEY!

This red blend will be the hit of the summer!  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.  I anticipate that this wine will be an instant hit at such a great price point!

Chateau Peyroutas Red Blend 2007

St. Emilion Grand Cru, France

Cash Price $19.94

The 2007 vintage in Bordeaux wasn’t quite as Spectacular as Napa Valley, but it did produce some delicious gems on the right bank.  Stephane Derenoncourt is a master at making quality Merlot at value prices.  Peyroutas is 95% Merlot and with 5% Cabernet Franc to finish the blend.  This wine is peaking right now and drinking beautifully.  Flavors of dried black cherries and under ripe pomegranate sit on softening acids and textured tannins.  Notes of toffee and cedar meld into bits of potpourri and cinnamon.  The finish is well rounded with smidgeons of black pepper, leather, and tobacco leaf.  I love the turned earth minerality of this wine.  Drink and Enjoy now!

Waterford Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Elgin, South Africa

Cash Price $14.99

Waterford is one of the best quality producers in all of South Africa.  The way they balance fruit and terrior is second to none.  This wine is different than your New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc because of the lees aging.  Letting a wine age on its lees (dead yeast cells) give the wine more weight and texture which gives a nuttier complexity.  This wine exudes succulent fruits of melon, fresh lemons, guava.  The mouth feel is rounder than usual for a Sav. Blanc but the acidity is still prevalent throughout.  The lees aging gives the wine a softer feel with hints of hazelnut and butterscotch.  The finish is clean and pure without any trace of oak.  This is a wine that a Chardonnay drinker will love, but will also please the Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Grigio lover.  Waterford wines are a no brainer!

Calcareous ‘Twisted Sisters’ Cabernet 2011

Paso Robles, California

Cash Price $17.99

The Cabernet from Paso Robles is becoming the gem of California.  Napa Valley prices are reaching all time highs, so consumers are looking for other regions that are producing quality Cabernet without breaking the bank. Paso Robles is producing some of the best Cabernet in California regardless of the price and is starting to give Napa Valley a run for their money in quality but at a much smaller price point.  This wine is built for enjoyment from the 1st sup.  Flavor of black currant, plum and black cherry dance through the palate with soft, yet firm tannins and succulent acids. Notes of pomegranate sink into hints of oak, toasted mocha and just a touch of smoked cedar.  The finish is silky and inviting which begs for smoke brisket on the patio with friends. 

Domaine Cabasse  ‘Marie Antoinette’ Rose 2013

Rhone Valley, France

Cash Price $13.99

This is one of my favorite Rose every year.  Cabasse is a blend of mainly Grenache and Syrah.   The wine offer fresh flavors of ripe strawberry, cranberry, and wild red berries.  The wine has subtle tannins and vibrant acids that race into notes of floral red flowers and wild flowers.  Cabasse is deliciously aromatic and flavorful.  The finish is clean with hints of quince and passion fruit.  Absolutely lovely!

Aya Malbec 2011

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $16.99

Mendoza produces some of the best Malbec in the world due to the climactic conditions.  The region is arid with bountiful  sunlight which allows the grape to reach excellent phenolic ripeness.  The Zonda winds give the cooling effect and keeps the grapes safe from disease.  Aya is a beautifully textured Malbec with tons of richness.  Flavors of ripe plum and bramble lay into bits of tobacco leaf and toasted oak.  The finish is plentiful with hints of coffee beans and cream.  A Great Summer Malbec!

Healdsburg Ranches ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2011

North Coast, California

Cash Price $13.29

Un oaked Chardonnay is becoming all the rage in California.  Wineries are scaling back on the over oaked, hedonistic wines that California became famous for and are instead producing wines that allow the grape to show its true character.  The North Coast AVA encompasses all of Napa and Sonoma, so this winery has an abundance of quality grapes to choose from.  Healdsburg Ranches is aged in stainless steel vats and exudes flavor of green apple and tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and Fuji pear.  The acidity is fresh and alive on the backbone with notes of grapefruit and meyer lemon on the mid palate.  The finish is crisp and clean with just a touch a cream.  Join the new Revolution of American Chardonnay drinkers!

Marques de la Concordia Tempranillo 2009

Rioja, Spain

Cash Price $10.99

Concordia is a ridiculously great quality wine for the price, so I feel compelled to let you all know about the new vintage that arrived this year. As most of you know, I love New World fruit infusion combined with Old World terrior mentality, and this wine hits the nail on the head. Marques is 100% Tempranillo and aged in French and American oak for 18 months. Flavors of ripe strawberry and red cherries sink into the palate with easy flavors of rich blackberry and vanilla. Soft spices zing throughout the light oak with undertones of dark truffles on the finish. This wine is made for big hearty meat dishes.

Pierre Archambault Chenin Blanc 2012

Vouvray, France

Cash Price $11.99

Vouvray is the perfect summer white wine in my opinion.  It has vibrant acids with an abundance of ripe fruit and just a kiss of sweetness.  Archambault is a small, family owned operation that embodies quality in the Loire Valley.  This 100% Chenin Blanc is wonderfully aromatic from the start.  Flavors of melon, citrus and passion fruit play into exquisite acids.  The wine is unencumbered by oak and offers mid palate notes of quince and white flowers.  The finish is soft with just a touch of sweetness with bits of honey suckle, honey comb and roasted nuts.  This is a Can’t Miss Summer White!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Today we have a guest post from Houston-based Wine Educator James Barlow, CS, CWE. James article is all about the glory that is Alsatian wine – and an attempt to understand why more wine professionals and consumers alike don’t seem to truly appreciate this unique wine region.

In my humble opinion, Alsace is, unequivocally, one of the best producers of white wine in the world.

And yet, I have worked in wine retail industry for a decade and have often scratched my head at lack of Alsatian sales.  The region seems to play second fiddle to Germany and other white wine producing areas in France.

There’s no argument that Alsatian wines are an enigma – first and foremost for the mere fact that it is the only region in France that puts the varietal on the front label. But somehow, this does not lead the American consumer to gravitate more towards these wines.  Sommeliers and retailers alike often note that the wines of Alsace are a niche hand sell.  The question is why?

It could be due to the common misperception that Alsace produces wines that are light and sweet; in reality, they are, for the most part, dry and full bodied. It could also be that all of us – consumers and wine professionals alike – just need to take a closer look at Alsace and its long history of vine and wine.

The region has exchanged hands between France and Germany several times and even had its independence for a brief period.  It is separated from the rest of France by the Vosges Mountains in the west.  Most vineyards are located in a long thin strand throughout the foothills of the Vosges.  This mountain range gives Alsace a unique ‘rain shadow’ effect which makes it one of the driest climates in all of France.  Colmar, the capital of the Haut Rhin, is the driest city in France.

Alsace is divided into two departments, the Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin with the former housing over two-thirds of the regions Grand Cru vineyards.  There are 51 Grand Crus overall with Kaefferkopf being the latest addition in 2006.  The Grand Cru vineyards are typically located on south or southeasterly exposures which give the vines ample sunlight to reach phenolic ripeness.  Most Grand Crus require 100% single varietal wines produced from one of the four noble varietals, which include Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. Grand Cru vineyards have strict requirements as to minimum must weight, alcohol, and hand harvesting.

Alsace is a kaleidoscope of soil structures with ‘gres de Vosges’ pink sandstone being the most famous. The higher elevation villages are generally composed of schist, granite and volcanic sediment, whereas the lower villages typically are more clay over limestone based.  The plains consist of richer more alluvial clay and gravel soils.

White varietals are 90% of the production of wine in Alsace, which in turn are dominated by the four noble grapes.  These wines are markedly different than those of neighboring Germany.  Alsatian wines are typically fermented dry, whereas the Germans have a classically sweeter appeal.  The dry wines of Alsace can be some of the most food friendly wine in the world, especially with spicy cuisine. They have higher alcohol while retaining excellent acidity which makes them some of the longest lived white wines in the world.

Alsace is the one region on Earth where these four noble white grapes are at their richest and most voluptuous expressions.  Alsatian Rieslings are some of the more powerful expressions of the varietal produced.  They are amongst the longest lived dry whites in the world with a plethora of acidity and minerality to go with the higher alcohol content.  Zind Humbrecht Riesling Brand Grand Cru is a stellar example with Master of Wine Olivier Humbrecht at the helm.  He is an ardent believer in biodynamics and the terroir really shows in the wines produced.  One might note that the residual sugars have been creeping up in recent years.

Pinot Gris (formerly Tokay d’Alsace) thrives in Alsace.  In fact, this region may have the most complex expression of the varietal in the world.  The Pinot Grigios of Italy are typically light and tart, whereas Pinot Gris in Alsace tends to exude a rich, round mouth feel with just a touch of residual sugar and higher alcohol.  Trimbach is one of the better producers.  They make a moderately priced Reserve Pinot Gris that is full bodied and power packed full of delicious tropical fruits, crushed rocks, and poignant acids.

Gewurztraminer is a pink skinned variety that shows excellent aromatics and spiciness combined with a round, textured mouth feel and spectacular minerality when grown in Alsace.  Gewurz, meaning spice in German, is believed to have been first encountered in the German speaking town of Tramin located in northern Italy, and thus the complicated name.  Gewurztraminer is usually sweeter than Riesling and offers perfumed bouquets of white flowers and rich tropical fruits.  Domaine Weinbach’s Gewurztraminer Altenbourg Cuvee Laurence offers one of the best versions of this dynamic variety.

Muscat is more distinguished here than its counterparts throughout France.  Alsatian Muscat offers grapey, floral notes that can be appreciated in a young wine, but can also produce some age-worthy dessert wines. Selection de Grains Nobles is a wine produced from botrytised grapes.  This only occurs in perfect weather conditions, so the wines are quite rare.  These wines are fully sweet and can be aged indefinitely.  They are considered some of the best dessert wines in the world.  Marcel Deiss is a stunning producer of not only Muscat but all the noble varietals in the Selection de Grains Nobles style.

I believe the average consumer’s misunderstanding of the Alsatian wines keeps them from delving fully into its wines.  The stigma that is haunting Alsace must be changed. It must be up to the wine professionals who are in love with these exquisite wines to slowly but surely teach the modern, wine-savvy consumer to fall in love with Alsace – the unheralded king of white wines.

Our guest author, James Barlow, CS, CWE, is a wine director of over 6,000 wines labels for a store owned by Spec’s Fine Wines and Liquors in Houston, Texas.   He is also the author of the widely recognized wine blog thewineepicure.com.  James is also a recent recipient of the CWE Certification (Congratulations, James!) and as such has taken on the duty of teaching the Certified Specialist of Wine course to fellow employees in hopes of having the best educated staff in the state of Texas. Way to go, James!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I do enjoy switching to the lighter, fresher wines when the Hot Houston Heat begins to rear its ugly head our way.  This month, I have the perfect sparkling rose to quench your thirst without raiding your pocketbook.  I also have a deliciously un-oaked Chardonnay and a monster selling easy drinking red that is a no brainer for value!  This may be the best ‘Steals of the Month’ yet!  Join me at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on Wednesday, May 28th for my next class entitled ‘Wines that Beat the Hot Houston Heat!’.  Seats are limited.  RSVP to 281-364-9463.

Castillo Peralada ‘Pescador’ Sparkling Rose N/V

Emporda, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

Fresh and absolutely delicious for the money!  Flavors of bing cherry and strawberry are encompassed by zesty bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.  Mouth Watering!

Tudal Tractor Shed Red 2011

California

Cash Price $9.99

Tudal is a Zinfandel blend that is ready to go from the pop of the cork.  Black cherry and raspberry flow into vanilla and mocha.  Medium acids and soft tannins. Great Daily Red!

La Noble Chardonnay 2012

Vin De Pays D’Oc, France

Cash Price $9.99

La Noble is built for the hot summer.  Flavors of juicy melon and freshly picked green apples intwine with white flowers. Un-oaked and refreshing with zesty acids.  Delish!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

It looks like Spring has already passed and the brutal Houston summer heat is back!  This month, I am focusing on wines that are prime for summer time drinking.  I have chosen a softer style of Cabernet from France that will not beat you down with high alcohol as well as several other wonderful whites, reds, and rose’s that are sure to be perfect for your palate.  I apologize for not being as available lately, for I just finished teaching a Certified Specialist of Wine course for Spec’s and it has taken up a good portion of my time.  Hopefully, You will have numerous stores in the near future that have a Certified Specialist of Wine at your disposal to help you with your wine selections!  I am teaching a class at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on May 28th, entitled ‘Wines that beat the Hot Houston Heat’.  Seats are limited and go fast!  RSVP to 281-364-9463.

La Sirene de Giscours Cabernet Blend 2010

Margaux, France

Cash Price $37.99

Margaux is one of the best regions on earth to produce soft, silky Cabernets.  The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux will go down in the books as one of the best of our life time.  La Sirene is the 2nd label of the 3rd Growth Chateau Giscours.  Bold, voluptuous flavors of black cherry and currant glide into notes of cedar, vanilla and clove.  The fruits are amazingly integrated into this sexy Cabernet.  This wine can hold for some time, but I would recommend popping it on your first chance to impress guests.  A Cabernet dressed to impress!

Domaine Thenard Premier Cru Pinot Noir 2009

Givry, Burgundy

Cash Price $24.99

Burgundy enjoyed one of its best harvest in the 2009 vintage.  Givry is farther south of the famed Cote D’Or and makes some awesome Pinot Noir on the same soil as the hallowed Grand Cru’s of Burgundy.  Thenard offers exquisite black cherries and framboise that lick into tinges of spice and red flowers.  Notes of currant and nutmeg dangle through the mid palate with fresh and vivacious acids.   The finish offers lilacs, fresh blossoms and hints of potpourri.  Refreshing and quite stunning!

Arcadian ‘Westerly’ Syrah 2007

Santa Cruz, California

Cash Price $24.99

I think that California Syrah is completely overlooked in the wine world.  Wine Maker Joe Davis is not afraid to take risks with his wines.  This wine is impressively exuberant from the start.  Flavors of dark cassis and cherry blow up the palate with a silky milk chocolate texture throughout the mouth feel.  Hints of smoke and bacon waft hauntingly through the core of the wine.  The finish is quite chewy with notes of thick currant, bitter chocolate, and black pepper. Impressive!

La Varenne Cabernet Franc 2012

Chinon, France

Cash Price $18.99

The Gouron Family has been producing wine for five generations at their estate in Chinon.  This wine is classic Cabernet Franc.  Varenne is all about producing minimal wine at maximum quality.  I recently wrote an article for the Society of Wine Educators about the new found popularity of Cabernet Franc and this winery is one of the reasons that it is happening! Wonderfully integrated flavors of plum and red cherries sink into an earthy tone of freshly churned soil and forest floor.  Notes of blackberry and currant meld beautifully into hints of green pepper, mushrooms and pencil shavings.  This wine is awesome and perfect for this summer heat!

Les Rocailles Gamay Rose 2012

Savoie, France

Cash Price $13.29

Savoie is a little known region near Switzerland that produces stunning Rose!  Gamay, which is best known as the red grape of Beaujolais, thrives here showing ripe, fresh fruits with zesty acids  and minimal tannins.  Rocailles is a dry Rose that offers fresh notes of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry that dance through zesty acids.  The finish is clean and offers a unique tartness that makes you want to immediately take another sip.  Houston summers are too hot not to have a refreshing Rose at the table. 

Lucas and Lewellen Pinot Noir 2012

Santa Barbera, California

Cash Price $16.99

It is tough to find quality Pinot Noir for under $20.  Fortunately for you,  I am an avid fan of Pinot Noir!  This wine is ridiculously good for the money!  Flavors of bright red cherries and cola sink into succulent acids and eloquent tannins.  Notes of  raspberry and candied red apples round into the mid palate with bits of toasted nutmeg.  The finish is soft and smooth with hints of vanilla bean and just a touch of earthy terrior.  Enjoy!

Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cash Price $14.99 But only

$13.99 with your Spec’s Key for a limited time!

Tohu produces impressive wines from the best area in Marlborough, called Awatere Valley.  Fresh and zesty acids reach through the tropical flavors of melon and key lime.  The wine is completely un-oaked and offers a mid palate of freshly picked herbs surrounded by a medley of guava and grapefruit.  The finish is pure and intense.  From start to finish, this wine exudes a need for quenching Houston’s hot summer heat palates!

Caruso Nero D’Avola 2010

Sicily, Italy

Cash Price $15.69

Nero D’Avola is the perfect summer red.  It has mellow tannins and fresh, vibrant acids that tend to quench the palate without all the heaviness which can be overbearing on your taste buds in the hot Houston heat.  Caruso offers flavors of red berries and sweet red cherries that meld into a delicious acidity that encompasses the backbone.  Notes of prune and stewed red fruits are prevalent on the mid palate with hints of vanilla bean and cedar.  The finish is smooth with bits of sage and all spice.  This is a fabulously produced wine and will give the chef versatility with many dishes at your dinner table.

Cross Springs Chardonnay 2011

Lake County, California

Cash Price $13.99

Located just north of Napa, Lake County is beginning to gain popularity in the California wine world.  Cross Springs Winery is quickly becoming one of Spec’s best selling wineries across the board due to their easy, approachable flavor profiles.  This deliciously creamy Chardonnay has quite an extravagant mouth feel.  Flavors of tropical melon and candied green apples are surrounded by notes of creamy butter, hazelnut, and butterscotch.  The backbone has an easy acidity and the American oak gives the wine texture.  The finish is long, succulent and full of richness.  A Chardonnay to fall in love with!

Fattoria di Vetrice Sangiovese 2011

Chianti, Italy

Cash Price $12.29

The region of Rufina is producing the best wines within the rolling hills of Chianti.  Vetrice is 90% Sangiovese.  Soft, plush red fruits of cherry, raspberry and cranberry abound throughout the palate.  The oak is non existent which allows the acids to zip cleanly through the backbone.  Hints of orange blossom and citrus sink easily into a refreshingly fruit forward finish.  Vetrice would be great to pop at your next crawfish broil!

Ca’bolani Pinot Grigio 2012

Alto Adige, Italy

Cash Price $12.99

The Zonin family produces this perfectly smooth white.  Ca’bolani is a tasty little Pinot Grigio that is deliciously clean and pure. Flavors of lime and melon zing into zesty, clean acids that clear the way for softly textured notes of green apples and mandarin. Balanced acids and minerals really allow the fruit to shine in this wine. The finish has a refreshingly subtle hint of honeysuckle that dances on the back palate to balance out the spunky Pinot Grigio! Think Santa Margherita is your white of choice?  This one may change your mind and save you some money!

Vassal de Mercues Malbec 2011

Cahors, France

Cash Price $11.99

The revolution of Malbec in Argentina has really helped the little town of Cahors which has been producing the grape for centuries.  The French Malbecs tend to have larger tannins and an earthier texture than their Argentinian counterparts.  Georges Vigouroux has become a master at producing inexpensive, high quality wines from Cahors.  Flavors of plum and red currant are accentuated by ripe, supple tannins.  The wine is thick, full bodied and unencumbered by oak.  The finish is persistent with notes of black pepper, coffee grinds and hints of bitter mocha.  Vassal would love to be paired with a big hunk of meat with all the fixings! 

Esperanza Verdejo 2012

Rueda, Spain

Cash Price $8.99

Rueda is one of the few regions on earth that has made the fickle Verdejo grape its mainstay.  If this grape is properly vinified, it is delightfully aromatic and full of life.  Unfortunately, Verdejo is prone to easy oxidation, so the wine maker must pay special attention to the ensuing wine to retain the freshness.  Esperanza offers a fruity wine with flavors of grapefruit and citrus that lead into tropical notes of pineapple, mango and bananas.  Just a smidgeon of Viura is added to help with body and structure.   The finish is refreshing with a soft acidity that tickles the palate.  Perfect Pool Side Wine!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

April is the month where we all begin to realize that summer will be coming soon.  The impending heat gets me searching for inexpensive ‘pool side’ wines.  Southern France is a great area to find daily drinkers, especially white wines.  These wines are built for youthful consumption and easy enjoyment.

Domaine de Pouy White Blend 2013

Cotes de Gascogne, France

Cash Price $8.99

Pouy is a Ugni Blanc/Colombard blend that is reminiscent of a fruity Sauvignon Blanc.  Crisp, zesty acids are surrounded by melon, citrus and stone fruits.  Completely Un-oaked.

Francois Labet Pinot Noir 2011

Ile de Beaute, France

Cash Price $9.99

Labet is a great value Pinot for under $10.  Soft red cherries and raspberry sink into hints of cola.  Good acidity and fresh red fruits.

Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet

Coteaux de Languedoc

Cash Price $9.89

Fresh and succulent, this wine offers jolly rancher tropical fruits.  Melon, candied lime, guava and stone fruits play throughout the palate.  The wine is un-oaked and begs for seafood.  I Love Picpoul!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Guest Post: Cab Franc…the Next “Big Thing?”

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I find that April is one of my favorite months of the year.  Spring is upon us and Houston gets some of its best days of the year.  The warm weather is slowly creeping back into the scene which means that I am in search of new delicious whites, light reds and Roses for the impending summer.  I have found a medley of spectacular wines for you all to enjoy throughout this wonderful time of the year.  Please join me at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on Wednesday, April 23rd from 7-9pm for my next class entitled ‘The Art of Blind Tasting’.  RSVP to 281-364-9463.  Enjoy!

Storybook Mountains Cabernet 2009

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $49.39

Storybook is one of those hidden gem wineries.  It doesn’t get the press or popularity of say Caymus or Silver Oak, but has quietly become rated among the Top 100 wineries in the world!  Even Robert Parker has noted the winery is ”representing the pinnacle of wine quality in California”.  The wine explodes on the palate with firm, yet ripe cherry and currant.  The mid palate is eloquent with supple tannins and steady acids that are surrounded by plump notes of cassis and bramble.  The finish is laced with textured oak and subtle nuances of milk chocolate and creamy vanilla.  This dynamite Cab may be off most of your radars, but will ‘WOW’ you from the first pop of the cork!

Ampelos ‘Lambda’ Pinot Noir 2009

Sta. Rita Hills, California

Cash Price $29.99

Ampelos (greek word for vine) is one of my favorite wineries in California.  They produce high quality Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals.  The winery is certified organic, biodynamic, and sustainable in practice.  This makes them one of the purest vineyards in the United States.  All this combined shows through in the purity and quality of the wine in the glass.  This Pinot is a richer style with opulent flavors of bing cherry and raspberry.  Notes of cola and spice dance throughout the mouth feel with hints of boysenberry enveloping the palate.  The finish offers a supple, creamy texture that gives bits of vanilla and soft clove that round into a touch of blueberry.  Stunning!

Farella ‘La Luce’ Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Napa Valley, California

Cash Price $21.49

The newest AVA in Napa Valley is Coombsville.  This winery is situated in the Vaca Mountains with elevations between 300-500 feet.  It is the elevation makes it prime for zesty Sauvignon Blanc.  Farella estate only produces around 1,200 cases total.  Most of their grapes are sold to the likes of Far Niente, Honig, Keenan, Lail, Pahlmeyer, and Realm.  Farella, obviously, produces some of highest quality wines coming out of Napa Valley.  This Sauvignon is amazingly fresh and lively!  Flavors of citrus and grapefruit zing into the palate without any infusion of oak.  Notes of melon and jasmine waft through mid palate with just a touch of minerality.  The finish is delicate and clean with hints of fresh cut grass and wet pebbles.   A great wine for the impending heat of summer!

Waterford ‘Kevin Arnold’ Shiraz 2009

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cash Price $29.99

I recently poured this at a tasting and absolutely stunned the people.  They couldn’t believe how good this South African wine tasted.  I find South Africa to be a hidden gem in the wine world.  Their wines typically offer an abundance of fruit, yet give true essence of terroir.  This wine offers immense fruit from the start.  Powerful flavors of red currants and red cherries enrich the palate with stewed fruits.  The mid palate is seamless with integrated tannins and acids that play into notes of savory meat and garrigue.  The finish is full bodied with 26 months of French oak aging that show hints of sage, clove and cedar with just a dollop of vanilla.  Impressive!

Strub ‘Niersteiner Paterberg’ Riesling Kabinett 2007

Rheinhessen, Germany

Cash Price $19.94

I love aged Riesling.  I believe that cellared Riesling can be some of the finest white wine in the world.  The best vineyard sites in the Rheinhessen are from the Niersteiner area.  Strub apprenticed at the acclaimed Donnhoff winery.  This low alcohol, off dry wine is succulent.  Flavors of honeyed melon and baked green apples quaff into elegant, yet racy acids.  Notes of quince and white flowers sway softly through the mid palate.  The finish gives hints of slate and crushed rocks with a touch of spice and bruised peach.  This wine is aging beautifully and will only get better!

Chateau Bernadotte Red Blend 2006

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $25.99

I often find hidden gems in the over-looked 2006 vintage in Bordeaux.  The 2005 vintage won such accolades that the ensuing vintage was considered lackluster, although most Sommeliers would agree that it is the perfect vintage to find great value.  Chateau Bernadotte’s wines are made by the same team as the highly acclaimed 2nd Growth Chateau Pichon Lalande.  This Cabernet, Merlot blend is starting to peak and drinking perfectly right now.  Full bodied flavors of black currant and black cherry open up into softening, yet still firm tannins and lively acids.  The mid palate offers ample roundness in the mouth feel with notes of framboise, plum and savory spices.  The finish is packed full of integrated French oak that offers smoked cedar and vanilla bean.  It lingers for a beautifully long time.  Great Value Bordeaux!

Salentein Malbec Reserve 2012

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $18.99

I visited Salentein’s winery several years ago and have been an avid fan since.  Their winery is state of the art with no expense spared to produce top quality wines.  This 100% Malbec is dynamite!  Flavors of ripe plum and black berries sink into brawny tannins and supple acids.  Notes of currant and chewy phenolics are prevalent on the mid palate with juicy red fruits.  The finish offers oak complexity with smidgeon of cedar, vanilla and clove spice.  The wine is wonderfully balanced and in proportion.  Salentein Malbec begs for a hearty steak with all the fixings!

Poggio Bello Pinot Grigio 2012

Friuli, Italy

Cash Price $17.79

The area of Colli Orientali inside of the region of Friuli is widely known to produce the best Pinot Grigio in the world.  There is a purity of flavor and terroir that is often missed in other regions that produce this varietal.  Poggio Bello shows a sleek complexity of balance, elegance and fragrance.  Flavors of citrus lemon-lime flow into the palate with smidgeons of melon and acacia.  Notes of lemon curd continue through the mid palate without any nuances of oak.  The finish is clean with continuing aromatics and hints of white flowers.  A perfect pool side wine!

Fuentespina Tempranillo Crianza 2010

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Cash Price $17.99

Many people are often confused by Spanish wine labels.  Crianza is not a grape.  It is an aging requirement.  Crianza wines in Ribera del Duero must be aged for two years with a minimum of six months in oak.  The red grape of the region is Tempranillo.  This wine is 100% Tempranillo from fifty year old vines.  It is aged in French and American Oak for twelve month.  Flavors of dark cherry and plum with bits of roasted almonds seep into the voluptuous tannins and acids.  Notes of licorice and savory meat are prevalent on the mid palate which softens into a cream complexity.  The finish is sinewed with rich vanilla, dill and hints of spice.  Fuentespina is amazingly complex for such a nominal price.  A Must Try!

Butera Nero d’Avola 2010

Sicily, Italy

Cash Price $12.99

Nero d’Avola is an indigenous varietal of Sicily that has become a darling in the Sommelier community.  It is grown on the slopes of Sicily with ample sunlight which gives the grape a slightly roasted profile.  Flavors of dark plum and roasted cranberries flow into a medley of stewed fruits.  The wine is medium bodied with smooth tannins that offer notes of licorice, tea leaf, and just a hint of bacon fat.  The finish is long and enticing with hints of cinnamon and raspberry mocha.  Butera is an awesome daily red!

Danie De Wetshof ‘Bon Vallon’ Chardonnay 2013

Robertson, South Africa

Cash Price $10.99

De Wetshof is considered the premier winery for Chardonnay in all of South Africa.  I consider this winery my ‘go to’ for Chardonnay.  Bon Vallon is completely unencumbered by oak which gives the varietal a purity and expressiveness.  Delicious flavors of freshly picked green apples and citrus play into zesty, yet integrated acids.  The mid palate brings a unique minerality of wet limestone and the fruits start to become riper with hints of melon and peach.  The finish is clean and refreshing with just a hint of cream and nuts.  This wine is an absolute steal!

Lockwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Monterrey, California

Cash Price $12.99

but only $10.99 for a limited time with your Spec’s Key!

Lockwood winery was recently purchased by the negociant Boisset family.  The goal of Boisset is to produce the best quality wines at an affordable price.  Lockwood fits into that profile perfectly.  This dynamite Cabernet offers flavors of black cherry and boysenberry with chewy tannins and smooth acids.  Notes of black currant and tobacco sinew easily through the mid palate.  The finish offers ample amounts of toasted oak, mocha, and vanilla that sit on the palate for a nice long time.  Awesome daily Cabernet!

Cazes Le Canon du Marechal Red Blend 2010

Vin de Pays, France

Cash Price $9.19

BUT ONLY $7.19 FOR A LIMITED TIME WITH YOUR SPEC’S KEY!

Marechal is a unique blend of equal parts Syrah and Merlot.  Cazes is located in the foothills of the Corbieres Moutain range in southern France.  The wine offers lush fruits and an easy approachability.  Flavors of red cherry and raspberry sing into velvet tannins and acids.  The finish is silky smooth and flavorful.  Fruit forward and ready to drink, this wine is good for pairing or just enjoying on the patio with family and friends.

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have decided to focus on great value Italian wines for this post.  Italy produces some of the best values on the market.  The increasingly warmer weather allows for the usually acidic grapes of Italy to become more voluptuous and fruit forward.

Also, I am teaching a class at Crescent Moon Wine Bar this coming Wednesday (March 19th) from 7-9pm entitled ‘Chameleon Wines from Around the Word’.  I will have guest host Erica Fine showing off a plethora of spectacular wines from the regions of Champagne, Chablis, Valpolicella, Napa Valley, Washington, Rhone Valley, Piedmonte, Carneros, Central and Southern Italy and (my personal favorite), the Loire Valley!  There are several spaces still available.  Believe me, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS TASTING! RSVP to 281-364-9463. Cost is $50 and the wines will be paired with delicious foods prepared by the chef at Crescent Moon.

Planeta ‘La Segreta’ Bianco 2009

Sicily, Italy

Cash Price $11.69 but only $9.99 with your Spec’s Key for a limited time!

This aromatic white is a blend of Greganico, Chardonnay among others.  Supple and Clean flavors of peach, citrus  and grapefruit dance delightfully on the palate with vibrant acids.

Tiziano Chianti 2011

Tuscany, Italy

Cash Price $9.99

Chianti (Sangiovese) is an excellent daily red with food.  Flavors of fresh red cherries soften into raspberry and cranberry tones with just a smidgeon of sage. Good acidity and No Oak.

Vendi Merlot 2011

Veneto, Italy

Cash Price $8.59

The Veneto produces the lion’s share of Merlot in Italy.  Soft plum sinks into fresh acids with hints of black pepper and currant.  Soft, elegant tannins.  Great Daily Merlot!

Thank You,

James C. Barlow

Certified Wine Educator

Certified Sommelier