Westside Liquor's February 2010 Wine Newsletter

Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00am-10:00pm

Welcome to Westside Liquor's monthly wine newsletter. It is our goal to spread the good word about new and exciting products in each and every newsletter. We also will give staff reviews of featured products to help you pick out a wine. In future issues we will also delve into informative articles so we all can better understand the contributing factors involved in bringing us our favorite wine.

"Extreme Wine Values"

   Nowadays great wines can be had from all over the globe. Whether it's a sparkler from Spain or a robust red from South America, the complexity and price of these modern day beauties are unparalleled compared to 20 years ago. Planting the correct grape varieties in the correct location and with modern winemaking techniques, the "Golden Age of Wine" is at our front door knocking. Wines that might have cost the consumer 30 dollars, now might sell for a mere $10.99.  It's time to explore this bright new world with an open mind and palate. Don't get boxed into one region or one type of wine, the choices are way to abundant. I have the opportunity to taste wines from around the world on a weekly basis and continually get blown away by new gems. Value to me is not always a killer bottle for $5.99. It may be a $15.99 bottle that tastes like a 35 dollar bottle. The wines listed in this newsletter are just the tip of the iceberg and one should continue to search for other tasty morsels. Getting to know the wine staff in your favorite Westside Liquor store is a start in the right direction. Ask them what's new and what their drinking. You just might find your new favorite. Here is a stellar line up with some new and a few tried and true picks.

1)    Cristalino NV Brut Cava, Spain - This sparkling wine from Spain is always a great buy. It taste like sparkers that cost doubles its price. Aromas of lemon and lime fill the air. Flavors of apple explode on the palate with a refreshing crispness.  Pair with brunch. 

2)    Concha y Toro Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008, Chile - South America continues to churn out excellent valued vino at killer prices. Aromas of cranberry and raspberry float out of the glass. Mouthwatering flavors of black currant and spice coat the palate with a nice medium finish. Buy by the case as your house wine. Pair with grilled burgers. 

3)    Desierto 25/5 Cabernet Franc 2005, Argentina - The famous Paul Hobbs is the consulting winemaker and what's in the bottle is utterly delicious. Aromas of spicy sweet peppers and cherries fill the air. Flavors of black cherry and spice coat the palate with a finish that's reminiscent of a 35 dollar bottle of wine. A must try for Cab Franc lovers. Pair with roast lamb. 

4)    Finca El Reposo Malbec 2007, Argentina - This all estate bottle over delivers big time. Aromas of spice and blackberry fill the air. Flavors of grilled meats and blueberry coat the palate with a velvety finish. Mind blowing for the price. This is a no brainer case buy! Pair with grilled sirloin. 

5)    Pirineos Mesache 2008 Rosado, Spain - This pink refreshing beauty is a joy on the tongue. Aromas of peach and raspberry fill the senses. Flavors of strawberry and cream coat the mouth with a fine richness. The wine ends with a crisp and long finish. This is a serious wine at a not so serious price. Pair with grilled fish or roast chicken.

Hope you find a new favorite in the bunch!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson