THE TWELVE PICKS - FALL 2008!

Purchase THE TWELVE PICKS - FALL 2008!

Notes on the The Twelve Picks - Fall 2008! : NVWE NOTES: Our fall quarterly assortment of a dozen wines, carefully chosen for our customers and club members. A unique mix of a dozen bottles (usually six red and six white), selected based on quality, exclusivity and value. Guaranteed greatness! This box can be purchased on its own for $82.01, or for maximum convenience, join our Twelve Picks Advance club and receive a selected box of wine automatically every three months. There is no charge to join, and membership can be canceled at any time. Members also receive a 15% discount on all reordered wines from their mix. (The Twelve Picks' price does not include shipping.) Join here online, or by calling: 800-653-9463.

2007 L’Amante (The Lover) White Rhone Blend
Russian River Valley – Saralee’s Vineyard
A certain raciness elevates the nose of this Rhone-esque beauty, as lime zest and citron scents frame-in aromas of floral honey, apple skin, Bosc pear and nectarine. On the palate, vibrant fruit acidity polishes the plush mouth-feel bringing clarity to the flavors: a genteel cascade of white peach, lime zest, Bosc pear, flint, mango and nectarine. The finish is cutting-dry and its exquisite delicacy points the wine toward companionship with elegant seafood entrees. 25 cases produced.
Regularly $34.95/btl. or $377.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $29.7075/btl. or $356.49/cs.

2007 Brewer Clifton Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills
This vibrant Chardonay pours-forth white peach, beeswax, preserved lemon and baking spice aromas along with suggestions of white chocolate and Mandarin orange. It is buoyantly fresh and downright delicious on the palate, where flavors of Meyer lemon zest, white peach, Fuji apple and dried orange peel contrast its mineral undertones. The fruit-packed finish of Fuji apple, white peach, Meyer lemon zest and dried orange peel is luxurious, yet racy, refreshing and fully dry. 1,200 cases produced. Six Bottle Limit
Regularly $40.95/btl. or $442.26/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $34.8075/btl. or $417.69/cs.

2006 La Czar Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
Pouilly Fuisse-like, the aromas of this classy bottling layer a dark veneer of smoke, toast and mineral dryness over a core of green apple, preserved lemon and white peach. Things are firm and slightly smoky on the palate, with tarte tatin, white peach, toast, mineral notes and a hint of lemon all carried through its long, cutting-dry finish. Clearly a terrific shellfish wine, it should be just as appealing with garlicky chicken. 350 cases produced.
Regularly $27.95/btl. or $301.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $23.7575/btl. or $285.09/cs.

2006 DeSante Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley
This wine has rich, somewhat tropical aromas of key lime and kiwi, with hints of mango and white peach. Creamy Key Lime Pie notes and orange zest are the main themes on the palate, with honeydew melon, mango and white peach reappearing in the zesty, lingering finish. If quite dry, it makes a delicious sipper, and it will be terrific with marinated grilled chicken, tarragon scented fish in parchment, or Indian curries. 2500 cases produced.
Regularly $54.95/btl. or $593.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $46.7075/btl. or $560.49/cs.

2007 Melville Viognier
Verna’s Vineyard-Santa Barbara
This is a well-defined but juicy-rich Viognier, packed with dried fruit, apricot, lychee, citron and tropical flower scents. It's downright plush on the palate, where strong floral honey notes join flavors of peach butter, jasmine and a hint of clove. The finish lingers nicely and proves crisp enough to add refreshment, despite the super-richness. Built for flavorful meals, it might see its best service with Mango chicken, or one of the milder coconut curries. 94 pts. Wine Advocate! Six Bottle Limit
Regularly $21.95/btl. or $237.06/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $18.6575/btl. or $223.89/cs.

2007 Hendry Rose
Napa Valley
With its crystalline pink color and aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon and yellow rose, this is an immediately engaging Rose. The flavors are expressively fruity, as red raspberry, strawberry and watermelon grace a finish that surprises with its dryness, length, zest and structure. The sum is a bright, refreshing wine ideal for food service. Try with pork chops and Spanish rice, spicy prawns, grilled sausages and the like. 80% Cabernet & 20% Primativo. 600 cases produced.
Regularly $12.95/btl. or $139.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $11.0075/btl. or $132.09/cs.

2005 Fisticuffs Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
The aromas of this generous, well-defined Cabernet poise sweet vanilla, baking spice and forest-floor scents in support of forthcoming dark cherry, red plum and red currant fruit. The wine proves rich in texture and polished, with flavors of cherry, berry, plum, vanilla and baking spices which ride to the end. A pleasure from start to finish, it will be great with sauced fillet mignon, grilled steak or braised short-ribs. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2,000 cases produced.
Regularly $29.95/btl. or $323.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $25.4575/btl. or $305.49/cs.

2006 BonAnno Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
This generous and well-priced Cabernet has aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and sweet vanilla, with background hints of pretty forest-floor spice. It is rich and round on the palate, with red cherry and dark berry flavors in the lead and engaging vanilla-tobacco notes fleshing out the lingering finish. Built for steaks and roasts, it is delicious all by itself. 2,000 cases produced.
Regularly $21.95/btl. or $237.06/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $18.6575/btl. or $223.89/cs.

2006 Anderson’s Conn Valley “Prologue” Red Table Wine
Napa Valley
This outstanding Bordeaux-style bottling is bright, pretty and already complex, unfolding its Michigan cherry, red currant, violet, vanilla and rose petal aromas in a decidedly elegant aromatic profile. It is medium-bodied, flavorful and supple, but quietly crisp on the palate, where it’s cherry, violet, sandalwood, toast and vanilla flavors linger beautifully. This is a classy and polished bottling, with enough tannin to balance it for rich sauces. It will be a versatile food-partner. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Regularly $29.95/btl. or $323.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $25.4575/btl. or $305.49/cs.

2006 Broc Cellars Grenache
Ventana Vineyard - Monterey
This is a brightly focused and tasty Grenache, with complex aromas of strawberry, red plum, white pepper, sumac and smoke. It is more directly fruity on the palate, where deeper strawberry and cherry fruit notes dominate a background of white pepper, smoke and new leather. The finish is fully dry, gently crisp and lingering, but not tannic. A delightful, versatile bottling, it should prove as delicious with grilled salmon as with pizza. 230 cases produced.
Regularly $24.95/btl. or $269.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $21.2075/btl. or $254.49/cs.

2006 William Knuttel Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast
This Pinot has attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry, smoke and coriander seed, with hints of dry rose, forest bark and cinnamon. It is supple and appealingly zesty, as roasted grain, white pepper and powdered sumac create a dry contrast to the sweet-natured strawberry, cherry and red plum fruit flavors. The finish lingers, offering forthright flavor and a food-worthy balance. Enjoy with entrees as diverse as roasted lemon-garlic chicken, or prime rib. 400 cases produced.
Regularly $22.95/btl. or $247.86/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $19.5075/btl. or $234.09/cs.

2006 Beckman Syrah
Santa Ynez Valley
Intriguing and complex, this Syrah has a seductive mix of bouillon, tobacco leaf, black pepper, smoked meat, black raspberry and sweet cherry scents. On the palate, it is dinner-balanced and shows vitality, intensity and lingering rose petal and red raspberry fruit. The finish brings in white and Szechuan pepper spice and subtle savory elements of smoked meat, tobacco and Herbs de Provence. Delicious now, it should improve for 12-24 months. 1,000 cases produced.
Regularly $24.95/btl. or $269.46/cs.
Reorders for Wine Club Members: $21.2075/btl. or $254.49/cs.



THE TWELVE PICKS - FALL 2008!

Purchase THE TWELVE PICKS - FALL 2008!