Weingut Jakob Schneider Riesling Kabinett
$15.49 (LITRE BOTTLE)
Germany, Aisle 7B
Here lies one of the best value medium dry German Riesling I can offer. This wine is an even balance of citrus fruits, dry acid and low sugar levels. Remember not all Riesling is sweet the term Kabinett shows that. With a lively spritz of lime zest and stony minerals this wine is a patio pleaser for sure. Jakob Schnieder Riesling would pair perfectly with spicy Asian cuisine, sushi and curry dishes. Whether you like wine with a little sweetness or want to try something new and refreshing this bottle goes a long, long way with it’s quaffable charm.
SCORE: 3++
Cheers!
Danny

The Wines of Patricia Green:
Oregon, Aisle 6A
I had the opportunity to taste the wines of what is my opinion one of the top Oregon Pinot producers. At the EQ inside the Party Source last Saturday, winemaker Jim Anderson was on hand tasting and talking about 6 of his estates  Pinot Noir’s.   This was a true testimony to how different the same grape can taste based on soil, climate and total production.   From their entry level Reserve to the high end Old Vine all these wines showed very well. Here are my tasting notes on the ones that stood out to me.

#4 Eason Vineyard- $32.99
This was the lightest in color with a very alive and super bright cherry bouquet that was long and refined. The wine had a huge mouth feel that was full of bright berry flavors and spices with high acid and chewy tannins. Somehow  Eason Vineyard was able to tie all of these big and ripe flavors and bring them to a sophisticated harmony.
SCORE: 3++++
#3 Balcombe Vineyard- $36.99
Deep earthy nuances of soil, tobacco and a hint of cherry juice on the nose. More earthy flavors dominate the palate with blackberry fruit in the background. Second sip and man oh man this is a savory wine and is a perfect showcase on what sets Oregon Pinot apart from the rest of the world. My comment to Jim was that this particular wine reminded me more of the wines I tasted in Oregon 2 years ago more then any of the others. He agreed that it was the most Orgonian in style.
SCORE:4+
#2 Estate Vineyard – $36.99
The nose on the Estate bottling was very French like with notes of leather, earth, and plum but had the distinct bouquet of Oregon’s volcanic soil. The flavor profile showed racy fruit flavors of cranberry and pomegranate and at first sip I knew this wine was going to be serious. This Pinot was more thick, rich and dense than any of the others on the table and finished with great poise and concentration.
SCORE:4++
#1 Estate Old Vine – $39.99
This wine was the show stopper. It might not have been the one that showcased Oregon’s soil and unique climate but it was too good not to rank #1. The essence of the wine was of silky and satin textured fruits, and a bouquet of red roses. The old vine was super smooth, and elegant. I was very impressed and think I said wow 3 or 4 times tasting this one. It had a feminine quality to it that could not be denied with little kisses of fruit that would show up here and there. This would be a prize possession for any Pinot fan.
SCORE: 4++++

Cheers!

Danny

Terre de Mistral:
$9.99
France, Aisle 7B
This red from the Rhone is my new favorite $10 bottle of wine in the store. Packed with juicy red fruit this Grenache dominated vino from the French is super friendly and over delivers for it’s price. There is an earthy aspect that acts as the knot that ties this little gem all together. Terre de Mistral is a serious wine for the money and would best enjoyed with barbequed pork and grilled Filet.
SCORE: 3++++

Cheers!

Danny

One of my job perks is that when I’m looking for a great wine at a great price, I can march right over to our wine aisles and grab a wine department employee and ask for a recommendation.    I explain what I am celebrating, what I’m fixing for dinner or that I’m watching my budget and need a great wine under ten bucks. I’ve never been disappointed and I always get to try something new in the aisles!  But if you’d like to do a little research before you get here – check out The Party Source’s wine department’s Staff Picks.  The knowledge and passion of our wine specialists will blow your mind!

When you find one you just love- or  you want to try them all -stock up.  Your budget won’t feel the pinch with our our new CASE Discount Program!

See you in the Wine Aisles!

Connie Volker

EQ Event and Marketing Director

Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae
grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
This is a vineyard at the bottom of the world that I have paid close attention too over the last 7 years. Cousino-Macul has gained mine and yours trust with their red and white offerings from both Estate and Antiguas labels. They recently released their 2005 Icon for $65 (2nd best vintage for Chilean red wine to date) a wine I had the pleasure to taste in barrel while visiting Chile. Finis Terrae, the little brother to Icon is made of only the finest Cabernet and Merlot grapes after they select the Icon. Yet another well structured and refined dry red wine from South America that will cellar well and performs at twice the price. Meaty, with a focus of smoke and earth with touches of silk throughout.
$18.99
Aisle 7A
SCORE: 4+

Cheers,
Danny Gold
Fine Wine
The Party Source

2006 Luca Laborde Double Select Syrah
91 points from W.S. and let me tell you why. We as a staff at dinner tasted this wine along with $50-$70 Oregon Pinot Noir,  high end Cali Cab and in my opinion it even hung with if not showed better than a $130.00 Spanish Cabernet. Luca is one of the hottest vineyards on the planet right now and this Syrah is one of the best bottles of juice I’ve had this year. Big, bold, and complex with a ton of charm. At this price buy 2 one to taste now and one to savor. I have already been working hard on my ‘09 top 100 wines of the year and I have this one marked #3 at present time.
SCORE: 4++++

Cheers,
Danny Gold
Fine Wine
The Party Source

French Wine, French Cheese, and Fashions – WOW!!! What a fun night was had by all. Jay Erisman was interesting, Amy Tobin was intriguing, Three French Hen models were inspiring and our guests were INCREDIBLE and FUN. Check out photos from the evening!

And more photos!

Check out the next Amy’s Tobin@the Krohn on May 15th:

Little Wineries: Wine Artisans of Napa and Sonoma Valley.

Get your friends together and join us -you’ll be glad you did.

Register at EQ !

See you there,

Connie Volker

EQ Event and Marketing Director

Selbach DRY Riesling
$11.99, Germany-Aisle 7B
Selbach is definitely a name in German wine that can be trusted. Especially if on a budget and like diversity in Riesling. This wine is as dry as English humor giving off textures of stone and slate with light subtle kiwi, and peach flavors over lapped by minerals.
SCORE: 3++

Tuesday night in our EQ Pasta Project class, instructor Pam Walling made some very delicious and quite easy pasta dishes-Linguine with a Spicy Leek and Tomato Sauce, Rigatoni with Brie, Grape Tomatoes and Olives, Eggplant Pasta, and Pumpkin Ravioli in a Brown Butter Sauce topped with Hazelnuts and Crumbled Amaretti Cookies. Enjoyed by all, everyone commented that they would be able to duplicate these recipes at home.

We finished the class with a surprise dessert as easy to make as the pastas – Lemon Semifreddo with a Blackberry and Chambord Sauce. (more…)