Beginning on Friday (7-10), and continuing through the following week, we’ll pour Flights of Vergari Wines and Chardonnay.
Our Vergari Wines Flight will include:
- 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
- 2006 Pinot Noir Marin County
- 2006 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vyd Sonoma Coast
- 2006 Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vyd Sonoma Mountain
- 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Our Chardonnay Flight will include:
- St Clement 2007 Carneros Napa Valley
- Stephen Ross 2006 Edna Valley
- Charles Creek 2005 Carneros Napa Valley
- Talley 2007 Arroyo Grande Valley
- Lynmar 2006 Russian River Valley
New Wines:
- Vergari 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley @ $30.00
- Vergari 2006 Pinot Noir Marin County @ $36.00
- Vergari 2006 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vyd Sonoma @ $42.00
- Vergari 2006 Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vyd Sonoma @ $45.00
- Vergari 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley @ $48.00
- Real Deal Red NV Placerville (four grape blend) @$14.00
- Lynmar 2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley @ $30.00
Returning to the Racks:
- JRE 2006 Tradition Red Wine California @ $14.00
Based on bottle sales last week, the best selling red wine was the Corison 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, while the Groth 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley was the winner among the whites.
Winemaker David Vergari will join us Friday evening, July 10. David will present a line up which will include Pinot Noir, both from the Russian River Valley and Marin Co, as well vineyard designates in the Sonoma Coast & Mountain AVAs, along with a 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The next Wine Class is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 3:00pm. This class will take three varietals and examine the diferences between their characteristics when grown and produced in different areas, i.e., Cabernet Sauvignon made from Napa grapes compared to one made with Paso Robles grapes. Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer will offer two each of three different variatals to be tasted and discussed. The class will cost $35.00 and be approximately two hours long. Call or email to reserve a seat for this class.
Check out the new show on the West Wall and enjoy the unique letter / sign art of Mindy Martinsen. Mindy is a native of Monrovia, but has travelled extensively photographing letters or letter-like impressions that she uses to build words which express places or themes. We installed the show last week, but have added a few more pieces since then. An Artist’s Reception is set for Saturday evening, July 18.
Stop by Sunday afternoons when we’re joined by Norman Davis who will play classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours. His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM.
Tax Free Wednesdays are here. On Wednesdays, all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%. As previously noted, this discount will not compound with others already available.
The Cheese Corner
Making it’s debut in the shop is Bleu Agé. It’s a complex surface ripened chèvre that externally offers the piquancy of a Roquefort; internally, it reveals milder tones of Stilton.
Idaho Goatster has returned. It’s a handmade wheel of Italian-style cheese ideal for grating.
Webster’s doesn’t define “burgasm,” but according to anecdotal evidence amassed from several of our guests, that word most accurately describes the reaction to grilling burgers and adding a slice of Red Dragon cheese during the process. This is a cow’s milk, mustard seed and ale infused cheese that might work with a dry Riesling or an Albariño, although some have recommended a spicy Zin or Syrah; I’m thinking a cold beer is a winning option though..
Upcoming Events:
On Saturday, July 25, we will support an American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser. 10% of all retail purchases on that day will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
On July 27, Richard Frank, proprietor of Frank Family Wines, will be at Bistro 45 pouring their tasting-room-only sparkling Signature Brut, along with the Lewis Vineyard 2007 Carneros Reserve Chardonnay, the 2006 Napa Zinfandel and the 2005 Napa Cabernet. As an added bonus, winemaker Todd Graff’s own multi-vintage Zinfandel Port will be served. Each of these wines will be paired with vibrant farm to table dining selections. Five wines and five courses at $80. Bistro 45 is located at 45 S. Mentor Ave, Pasadena. Call 626-795-2478 reservations.
Cafe Massilia, offers a Wine Dinner on the first Wednesday of each month. The dinner prices vary depending on the region of France on which the meal is based. In speaking with Phillipe, I learned they will not do these dinners during the summer months. The next dinner will be on both September 2 and 3 and the food and wines will be native to the Bordeaux region of France. The reason for doing it on two evenings is because he is almost completely booked on the 2nd already!! Call the restaurant at 626-471-3588 for details (Located at 110 E. Lemon Ave).
Here’s something a little different. On August 8, the Paso Robles Rotary will host a Winemaker’s Cook off. Thirty (30) wineries will be serving “gourmet” foods right off the grill which will be paired with “some of their best wines.” This will be an evening event which will take place between 6 and 9pm at the River Oaks Hot Springs (just north of Paso Robles). See details at http://www.winemakerscookoff.com/
The Rhone Rangers Annual Trade and Consumer Tasting is set for August 9 at Pier 59 Studios West in Santa Monica. There will be 100 wines. along with appetizers, available for sampling. The trade portion of the event runs from noon until 2:00pm, when it is then opened to the public. General Admission is $35., if purchased before July 31. Go to www.rhonerangers.org and check their calendar for more details.
The Orange County Wine Society has put together a wine tasting on August 16 at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. Over 100 wineries will participate and food from 15 local restaurants / food purveyors will be available. The cost is $50. pre-sale and $60. at the door. I have not attended any of their events, but additional details are available at www.ocws.org If the web site lists the wineries and the restaurants, I couldn’t find that information.
Please visit our shop at 115 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016. Tastings occur whenever the door is unlocked!! That would be Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00am to 8:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:00pm to 9:00pm; and Sunday from noon until 6:00pm. Cheese plates designed to complement the wines are always available.
