Share our Strength Taste of the Nation Palm Beach Kravis Center

“Either give me more wine or leave me alone.” ? Rumi, circa 1200's

 

I agree!  And this is one event that you will not leave without having enough wine or food.  I have been involved with Taste of the Nation benefitting Share our Strength hunger charities for over 15 years now and am proud to help this organization raise money for the needy children in our community.

This is a chance for you to go out and enjoy over 40 different restaurants and over 40 wines for the noble cause of fighting childhood hunger right here in our community.  They used to do an event every year at the Broward Convention Center but this year they are just doing this event in Palm Beach and an event in June on South Beach.

Join us to enjoy a night of overindulgence to help those that are less fortunate.  This is always a fun event but we recommend a car service if you are coming for the

Share Our Strength's

4rd Annual Taste of the Nation Palm Beach

Wednesday, April 23rd

The Venue

Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center

701 Okeechobee Blvd

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

VIP: $150

6:00pm - 9:30pm

This gets you early admission to and a shot at all of our VIP wines that we will be serving at the Wine Watch VIP table. 

General Admission: $100

6:30pm - 9:30pm

You should have plenty of time to taste everything that we have on the wine tables but you should try to get here as close to 6:30 as possible!

 

Event Chairs

Chef Allen Susser, Chef Allen Consulting

Chef Lindsay Autry, Sundy House

Chef Zach Bell, Addison Reserve Country Club

Chef Clay Conley, Buccan

The 4rd Annual Taste of the Nation Palm Beach is the city’s preeminent culinary benefit supporting the fight to end childhood hunger.  An elegant evening of gourmet food and wine, Taste of the Nation features chefs and gourmet cuisine from 40 of Palm Beach's top restaurants, wine tastings, and live entertainment along with live, and silent auctions.

In Palm Beach, Taste of the Nation brings together the finest chefs and restaurants, top corporations and individuals to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. This year, our goal is to raise funds to ensure that no child in America grows up hungry.

 

General Admission Wines

 

Constellation Brands

 

2010 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel

Price $56.25        Sale $49.50          Case $574

The Old Hill Zinfandel is a wine that is refined, but assertive. Powerful ripe aromas of mint, cedar, vanilla and dark chocolate are underpinned by the full fruit character of Bing cherries and black raspberries. Big and rich on the palate, the dark fruit and spice flavors persist in a long finish enveloped in delicious vanilla and toasted almond flavors infused by the judicious use of French oak aging. This is an extremely alluring wine that is attractive now but, as most past vintages from this vineyard have demonstrated, will continue to get more interesting for many years.

 

Ruffino Romitorio d Santedame 2006

Price $91.25        Sale $80.30          Case $931

The label of the Santedame Chianti Classico shows a beautiful fresco of Virgin Mary, accompanied by Saint John and Saint Peter. This fresco, which has a sweet, loving air to it, can be seen in the small chapel hidden in the forest of the Santedame Estate.

The fresco dates back to the fourteenth century and is attributed to the school of the famous Florentine artist Il Ghirlandaio. It is one of the many examples of how history, culture and wine meet on the Santedame Estate.

 

Bronco Wine Company

 

Niner Wine Estates Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles 2012

Price $21.00        Sale $18.48          Case $215

This is a small family owned winery that uses all estate fruit, they farm 200 acres and have three different vineyards sites, A little Albarino in the blend and a bit of neutral oak, they did a cold soak on a part of the fruit, and they use some New Zealand techniques, very fresh and clean with a good amount of tropical fruit melon and lime blossom citrus, fruit pretty floral nuance.  Winery modeled after Opus one all gravity fed they have 72 fermentors which allows them to process every parcel separately.  A good amount of juicy fruit melon and some zesty citrus, lime and white grapefruit.  Finish 35+                Very Good

 

Niner Wine Estates Sangiovese 2010

Price $28.25        Sale $24.86          Case $289

They have two different clones of Sangiovese on the property, this is from the Bootjack Ranch property.  Pretty strawberry fruit jammy with a touch of Merlot and Malbec in the mix, a nice touch of spice and a note of brown spices and a touch of earth.  Light red berry fruit on the tongue with zesty acidity and light tannins, smooth with notes of toasty oak spice.  Finish 35+         Very Good

 

Antigal Winery

 

Antigal Uno Malbec Mendoza 2010

Price $14.25        Sale $12.54          Case $146

Intense red color with violet tones. Aromas of wild berry and dark plum with a hint of coffee. Berry and plum continue to the palate with smoke and vanilla joining through the persistent finish. Pairs well with red meat entrees, Beef Wellington, roasted leg of lamb, grilled vegetables, and semi-firm cheeses.

 

Antigal One Malbec Mendoza 2007

Price $90.00        Sale $79.20          Case $918

This is the winery's premier Malbec with a violet-red color this wine is also remarkable for its seductively silky texture.  A touch of vanilla, chocolate and dulce de leche adds complexity to its irresistible red fruit flavors:  a captivating combination of plum and Morello Cherry that lingers through the finish.

Antigal Aduentus Classic 2008

Price $24.75        Sale $21.78          Case $253

A blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon this wine is sourced from grapes grown on the slopes of the Andes foothills.  The wine reveals an intriguing new layer of flavor with every sip.  Aromas of vanilla, chocolate and tabasco peppers, with tobacco and subtle red pepper notes, integrate beautifully with sweet tannins and toasty oak.

Antigal Aduentus Medeiterraneo 2008

Price $24.75        Sale $21.78          Case $253

This is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Syrah and 30% Tempranillo offering up a very complex fruit aromas along with a good amount of minerality.  On the palate offering polished tannins along with a lingering finish.  Malbec contributes its silkiness and luscious fruit,. Tempranillo enhances structure and syrah adds spice.

Estimulo Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Price $   Sale $    Case $

Winemaker Notes - People looking for a refreshing white wine with lively citrus flavors and a palate-cleansing crispness will love Estimulo Sauvignon Blanc. We take active precautions to protect the varietal's natural acidity, hand-harvesting grape clusters in the cool of dawn and chilling them immediately upon arrival at our winery. Cold-temperature stainless steel wine making eliminates any danger of oxidation. The Finished Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant wine that adds to one's enjoyment of food and impels another sip.

Estimulo Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Price $   Sale $    Case $

 

 

Pali Wine Company

 

Pali  Alphabets Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2011         

Price $21.00        Sale $18.48          Case $215

Light red cherry jolly rancher candy like fruit on the nose with hints of spice, earth and mint.  Light red berry fruit on the tongue with a savory fresh finish light spice and earth, nice balance.  Finish 35+  Very Good

 

Tower 15 The Swell 2011             

Price $20.25        Sale $17.82          Case $207

A blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Malbec, 31% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc.  A concentrated fruit-laden mouthful.  Aromatics of wild raspberries, black cherry, dark chocolate, red licorice and cedar shavings.  Lush palate of blueberry, plum, fig and fresh ground pepper.

 

Justin and Landmark

 

Justin Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles 2012

Price $17.25        Sale $15.18          Case $176

Bright lemon, a little lime, passion fruit on entry with mineral and lemongrass notes on the mid-palate and refreshing finish of citrus and tropical fruit and a bit of structural minerality that makes this the perfect refreshing summer wine to pair with tangy fresh cheeses, fried shrimp or calamari, or all on its own just before dinner with some lively conversation.

 

Landmark Chardonnay Overlook Sonoma County 2011

Price $25.50        Sale $22.44          Case $261

Landmark's 2011 Chardonnay Overlook is a solid value in California Chardonnay. It offers good definition and balance to match a soft, approachable personality well-suited for near-term drinking. Lemon oil, white peaches, butter, earthiness and a dash of tropical fruit inform an expressive finish that is pure California. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (4/ 2013) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Bianchi Winery

2012 Bianchi Chardonnay El Camino Vineyard Santa Barbera      

Price $16.25        Sale $14.30          Case $166

Grapes from the town of Los Alamos, has a lot of tropical fruit on the nose with a nice touch of vanilla, cinnamon spice with a nice balance, barrel fermented, 50% ML sur lees aged.  A good amount of juicy tropical fruit on the tongue with a nice freshness and a zesty acidity to the finish, very well balanced with a nice touch of oak spice on the finish.  Finish 35+                Good +

 

2009 Bianchi Petite Sirah Paso Robles   

Price $22.25        Sale $19.58          Case $227

The winemaker was at Concannon so he is very familiar with this varietal a very big bouquet of dark berry fruit blackberry/blueberry fruit with notes of dark coco, fresh floral notes, very rich and complex bouquet of aromas.  A big and chewy wine with lots of jammy fruit but still has nice balance and a good hand of spice through the finish.  Finish 45+                Excellent

 

TGIC

Finca Perdriel Cabernet Sauvignon 2010                              

Price $17.75        Sale $15.62          Case $182

This is from the Lujan de Cuyo vineyard also and is 100% varietal with dark cherry and cassis berry fruit to the nose along with toasty oak spice, sweet tobacco like notes and a touch of peppery spice.  Big and chewy on the tongue with a good amount of dark cherry and currant berry fruit along wiht smooth round tannins turning a bit dry at the end but plenty of fruit here and good freshness through the finish, peppery spice and mineral all the way to the end.  Finish 40+  Excellent

 

Norton Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2010                

Price $17.75        Sale $15.62          Case $182

(90 Points) "A ripe red, offering ample acidity to support the jammy kirsch, plum sauce and wild berry coulis notes that are framed by medium tannins, with the finish pumping out hints of smoke, spice box and graphite."  Wine Spectator

 

Avigionesi Winery

Avigionesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011

Price: $32.00 Sale $28.16 Case $327

These wines are made from 100% Estate fruit, they cut the production to do this and they are all biodynamically farmed, 100% Sangiovese with minimal use of new oak, 2nd and 3rd passage.  Fresh plowed earth, dark spices, coco and some floral notes, nice complexity with dark cherry and wild strawberry fruit, dried meats, opens up nicely but needs some time.  A good amount of freshness and dark cherry fruit with fresh herbs and some dark earth and spice notes nice complexity here, balanced finish.  Finish 40+ Excellent

 

Avigionesi Desiderio Merlot 2010

Price: $64.00 Sale $56.32 Case $653

Intense, deep red in colour, this wine shows ripe and fresh forest fruits such as blueberry and raspberry. Lots of character. Desiderio 2010 is long, silky and full-bodied, with a concentrated, harmonic structure accentuated by a vibrant acidity.

 

Kobrand

St. Francis Splash White Blend California 2011

Price $11.25        Sale $9.90            Case $115

WHITE SPLASH is a blend of four aromatic, flavorful white grape varieties that is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family on any occasion. All grape varieties in the blend are sourced from top growing regions throughout California. Each variety is fermented separately, then blended to achieve the wine’s trademark luscious full body and sweet, ripe fruit flavors, with the blend changing slightly each vintage to highlight the finest varieties.

 

Wild Rock Pinot Noir Central Coast 2009

Price $12.50        Sale $11.00          Case $128

This was made at Craggy Range and it is the last vintage, has a bit of a green herbal note to the red plum and cherry fruit and has some light smoke and fresh earth notes.  A very light and refreshing style of Pinot Noir with some old world character, nicely balanced with a touch of spice on the finish.  Finish 35+ Good +

 

Just Quality Importer, Inc.

Muzic Tocai 2008

Price $19.50        Sale $17.16          Case $199

Sauvignon Vert, formerly known under the name Tocai Friulano, is a wine of straw yellow colour with green shades. Despite its youthfulness, the scent is very complex.  It has a fragrance of citrus fruits, dried fruit and elder flowers. The intensive taste is very mineral and well balanced. This wine is elegant, gentle, full-bodied and with a long lasting after-taste.

 

Muzic Merlot 2010

Price $19.50        Sale $17.16          Case $199

Merlot is a wine of light ruby red colour. The scent is fruity, with reminiscents of dried plums. It's a very drinkable wine, with an enticing freshness and sweet tannins.  Merlot is a wine of light ruby red colour. The scent is fruity and reminiscent of  fresh and dried plums. It is a very drinkable wine, which itself already calls for another glass. The tannins are already sweetened and the freshness is enticing.

 

Organic Cellar Plus

Giol Pinot Grigio

Price $19.75        Sale $17.38          Case $202

Pale straw yellow with a delicate nose characterized by notes of peach, apricot, and sun dried hay. The crisp, balanced, well orchestrated palate closely echoes the nose.

 

Quaderna Via Navarra DO Especial 

Price $19.50        Sale $17.16          Case $199

Cherry color. Intensive bouquet of red and black fruits, licorice, and toasted oak. Smooth on the palate, nice structure and a beautiful long finish.

 

Vindegour Cava Brut Nature

Price $32.50        Sale $28.60          Case $332

An elegant and fresh sparkling wine with scents of ripe grape and apple combined with a pleasant toasty aroma from its aging. The complex palate is delicate and savory with a fresh long finish.

 

Dreyfus Ashby & Co.

Joseph Drouhin Chablis Vaudon 2012

Price $21.50        Sale $18.92          Case $220

An elegant wine. Brilliant color, with hints of green. Typical Chablis nose, where aromas of citrus (lemon) fern and even salty sensations predominate. On the palate: vigorous and lively, but in a soft mode. A lot of finesse and balance.

 

Joseph Drouhin Chorey Les Beaune 2011

Price $29.25        Sale $25.74          Case $299

"A very pleasant wine. Bright, clear red colour. Aromas are surprising in their intensity and fruit. On the palate, a tender, supple, graceful, round body. Very flavourful in the aftertaste, with a hint of blackberry jam. When the wine gets older, wild blackberry is the dominant aroma. After 3 or 5 years, the wine takes on a distinctive smell of truffle and undergrowth evolving towards notes of venison".

 

Cantina Wine & Spirits

Corte Pavone Rosso di Montalcino 2010

Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

Corte Pavone Rosso di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, which is called locally Brunello, because of the brownish cast to its berries. Montalcino, the village where the wine is from, takes its name from the “ILEX”, or oak tree. “Mons Ilcinus” or Montalcino is a town which has been producing wine since the Etruscan era, even before the Ancient Romans. Corte Pavone Rosso di Montalcino is made from younger vines than some of its Brunello brothers. It is aged in large Slavonian casks, mid-sized Austrian barrels and small French barriques – all oak – for a total of one year.

 

VIP Wines

 

Pali Wine Company

Pali Charm Acres Chardonnay 2012

Price $21.00        Sale $18.48          Case $215

A big impressive Chardonnay with toasty oak, bread dough, lemon curd and lime zest. Rich with lively acid and great weight, mineral laden and hints of litchi and pear on it long finish.

 

Pali Tower 15 The Jetty 2011      

Price $20.25        Sale $17.82          Case $207

This is a 62% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre blend. It has serious bramble fruit aromas with a hint of fresh tanned leather and a bit of cream from a freshly brewed espresso shot made with dark Costa Rican beans. The flavors pull the aromas along without the tanned leather replacing it with lip smacking plum preserves rounding out the sensory aspects

 

Pali Summit Pinot Noir 2011      

Price $31.50        Sale $27.72          Case $322

The 2011 "Summit" has complex aromas of fresh crushed raspberries, just ripened blackberries and nuances of white pepper, grilled meat, mineral and floral characters.  Waves of layering with intense soft tannins that flesh over the palate carrying focused cherry, deep dark chocolate, limestone and minerality.

 

Bulletproof Wines

Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vintage Red 2011

Price $40.50        Sale $35.64          Case $413

This wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc in equal parts with a bit of Petite Verdot in the mix.  This 2011 vintage was the coldest since 1999, this wine has a lot of dark earth, very distinct mineral notes to the dark currant berry fruit cigar box spice, very complex bouquet of aromas.  A very fresh wine on the tongue with black raspberry and currant berry fruit, zesty spice and a long finish, fresh earth and some floral notes, espresso.  Finish 45+               Excellent +

Biggio Hamina Deux Vert Pinot Noir 2009

Price $36.00        Sale $31.68          Case $367

A warmer year this wine has darker and richer fruit, black raspberry, exotic brown spices and fresh earthy notes, truffle and a potpourri of dried floral notes.  A good amount of ripe juicy red and black berry fruit on the tongue with silky smooth tannins and a good bit of spice to the finish.  Finish 40+  Most Excellent

 

Biggio Hamina Zenith Pinot Noir 2010

Price $43.50        Sale $38.28          Case $444

A great vintage in the Willamette Valley this is mostly whole cluster around 50% with a good hand of exotic spices, pretty floral notes and has a very similar bouquet to the Caroline but just not quite as intense.  This wine has a lot of exotic spice, zesty red berry fruit and a long layered finish.  Finish 45+              Most Excellent

 

Augustan Wine

 

Francois Chidaine Vouvray “Bouchet” 2008

Price: $28.25 Sale $ 24.86  Case $ 289

"The most white truffle-scented of the lot of Chidaine wines of its vintage, his 2008 Vouvray Le Bouchet also delivers deep, slightly torrified low-tones as counterpoint to the vintage-typical sense of citrus. Toasted almond and hazelnut; malt and honey; luscious, rind-tinged lime, pineapple, and tangerine, play on a palate of slickly oily richness, while truffle, musk, and otherwise ineffable forest floor and animal scents play in the background. At only 19 grams residual sugar, if this had the spiny, electric personality of the corresponding Clos Habert Montlouis (or, indeed, that possessed by most of Chidaine's 2008s) it would probably taste totally dry, and as it is the sense of sweetness here is subtly integrated and hence highly discreet. This amazingly multi-faceted triumph for its vintage - not to mention phenomenal value - will almost certainly be worth cherishing and wondering at for the next 25 years." - David Schildknecht - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Palmina Nebbiolo Santa Barbara County

Price: $33.00 Sale $29.04  Case $337

Light brick and brilliant ruby in color with gorgeously transparent edges, a swirl produces a veritable bouquet of floral and fruit notes; rose petals, violets, soy and savory garden thyme. This wine is smooth and almost creamy on the palate, with a seamless mixture of acidity, tannin and structure that brings fresh fruit notes of raspberry and sour cherry. Reminders of cranberry sauce and a well-aged balsamic then mingle with cinnamon stick spice. The mid-palate is firm and the finish elegant. And the best news is that this wine is ready to drink now!

 

Dierberg  Syrah Santa Barbara

Price: $39.00  Sale $34.32 Case $398

Allowing the vines to mature with just enough water, the resulting grapes grow small but very pigmented, so the process becomes very easy: no maceration, no cold soaking, no pressing, no messing with fermentation temperatures — in other words, no special methods to either inhibit or increase extraction. When it comes to Dierberg Syrah, less is more. The tasting experience typically includes lots of crushed purple flowers on the nose, from lilac to lavender to violet, followed by a concentrated rush on the tongue that expands gracefully, ranging from sweeter blueberry to tarter cranberry. The tannins are appropriate, the wine is natural and not contrived, and the mouth feel is rich without being heavy.

 

Storybook “Antaeus” Zinfandel/ Cabernet/ Petit Syrah/ Merlot Napa Valley

Price: $41.25 Sale $36.30 Case $421

Antaeus, the son of Water and Earth in Greek mythology, is the symbol of strength derived from the soil. So too this wine, deriving strength from the matching of site and grape on every part of our land. The 2009 Antaeus is composed of 51% Zinfandel, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. The intensity derived from red clay soils is here in full, while the coolness of our site provides the acid balance so essential to a wine’s grace and longevity.

 

Bodegas Antigal

 

Antigal Uno Malbec Mendoza 2010

Price $14.25        Sale $12.54          Case $146

Intense red color with violet tones. Aromas of wild berry and dark plum with a hint of coffee. Berry and plum continue to the palate with smoke and vanilla joining through the persistent finish. Pairs well with red meat entrees, Beef Wellington, roasted leg of lamb, grilled vegetables, and semi-firm cheeses.

 

Antigal One Malbec Mendoza 2007

Price $90.00        Sale $79.20          Case $918

This is the winery's premier Malbec with a violet-red color this wine is also remarkable for its seductively silky texture.  A touch of vanilla, chocolate and dulce de leche adds complexity to its irresistible red fruit flavors:  a captivating combination of plum and Morello Cherry that lingers through the finish.

 

Antigal Aduentus Classic 2008

Price $24.75        Sale $21.78          Case $253

A blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon this wine is sourced from grapes grown on the slopes of the Andes foothills.  The wine reveals an intriguing new layer of flavor with every sip.  Aromas of vanilla, chocolate and Tabasco peppers, with tobacco and subtle red pepper notes, integrate beautifully with sweet tannins and toasty oak.

 

Antigal Aduentus Medeiterraneo 2008

Price $24.75        Sale $21.78          Case $253

This is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Syrah and 30% Tempranillo offering up a very complex fruit aromas along with a good amount of minerality.  On the palate offering polished tannins along with a lingering finish.  Malbec contributes its silkiness and luscious fruit,. Tempranillo enhances structure and syrah adds spice.

 

Opici Wine Company

Cain Concept Napa 2009             

Price: $61.00    Sale $53.68    Case $623

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 46%, Merlot 26%, Cabernet Franc 15% and Petit Verdot 13%.  Cain Concept—The Benchland is Cabernet Sauvignon from the classical “benchlands” of the Napa Valley. Cabernet grown on the eastern and western benches of Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena has defined the greatness of the Napa Valley for more than 100 years. In the Cain way, we blend using Cabernet Franc and Merlot to add nuance, structure, and length to the finish.

 

Bodegas Pesquera Reserva Ribera Del Duero 2009      

Price: $48.75    Sale $42.90    Case $498

(93 points) The 2009 Pesquera Reserva is aged for 24 months in barrel. It offers luscious fruit: a medley of red and black fruit that are well defined, infused by iodine and black olive compote scents that add another dimension. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite sturdy tannins that encase the layers of ripe fruit at the black end of the spectrum. It has a creamy veneer that caresses the mouth and a sweet, vanilla tinged finish that is modern in style, but fresh, well balanced and classy. This Pesquera is endowed with the potential to age gracefully over 15 to 20 years. This is a gorgeous wine that can only bring smiles to faces. Drink 2014-2025+ (2/ 2013) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa 2009        

Price: $78.75    Sale $69.30    Case $804

The Reserve Cabernet program was started at Whitehall Lane Winery in 1984. Since that time, fruit primarily from the Rutherford and St. Helena appellations has been ‘Reserve’ designated. The 2009 vintage is primarily a blend of the winery’s Fawn Park Vineyard, Millennium MM Vineyard and Leonardini Vineyard fruit. The small amounts of Malbec and Petite Verdot add color, depth and complexity to this classic offering. The wine was aged in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for 25 months and was bottled in December 2011.

 

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay   

Price: $64.50    Sale $56.76    Case $658        

The full bodied Estate Chardonnay displays fine underlying acidity and a long finish. Hints of cardamom, anise and hazelnut add interest to the core lemon, mineral flavors. Of all Mount Eden’s estate-grown wines, the Chardonnay is most in need of further bottle aging at release, requiring an additional two to four years to fully reveal its true character. Many vintages are still fresh and enjoyable after fifteen years, explaining why Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay is considered one of California’s longest-lived white wines.

 

 

Foley Family Wines

Chalk Hill Estate Red Sonoma 2010

Price: $52.50       Sale $46.20          Case $536

A Blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 10% Syrah, 1% Carmenere.  The 2010 Estate Red is incredibly rich and luscious. The nose is composed of opulent aromas including black cherry, blackberry, plum jam, Provencal herbs, vanilla, and pipe tobacco. The flavors are equally lush with additional notes of spicy oak, vanilla, blueberry pie, and bittersweet chocolate. Although the wine shows surprisingly well in its youth, the generous, underlying tannins suggest a long and complex future.

 

Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma 2011

Price: $23.75       Sale $20.90          Case $243

A Blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Sauvignon Gris, 3% Sauvignon Musque.  While this  Sauvignon Blanc is long on richness and concentration, it also displays the structure and elegance of a cool growing season. The nose is suffused with pineapple, lychee, pear, orange blossoms and thyme. The palate is all lemon, grapefruit, mango and blood orange.

 

Kuleto Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa 2010

Price: $52.50       Sale $46.20          Case $536

This is a 3000 case production wine, a full bouquet of cigar box spice, fresh loamy earthy notes to the currant and cassis berry fruit notes of coffee, espresso, nice complexity on the nose.  A very big and chewy wine on the tongue with layers of dark currant and black cherry liqueur like fruit on the tongue, with an array of dark chocolate, fresh earth and a very long finish.  Finish 50+              Most Excellent

 

Auction Items

 

Bronco Wine Company

Robert Hall Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles (Magnum) 2006 Retail Value $55

“As a winemaker, it's my privilege to work with fruit from the outstanding Hall Ranch vineyards. We've built a state of the art winery with over 19,000 square feet of cavern, in California's most exciting wine region, Paso Robles. My goal in crafting Robert Hall wines is to bring these elements together to capture the exceptional color and flavor that is the essence of Paso Robles. I hope you enjoy drinking our wines as much as I enjoy making them.” – Don Brady, Winemaker/Director

This is a mature example of what is possible from the vineyards of this outstanding winery from Paso Robles. 

 

Justin and Landmark Wineries

Justin Savant Red Paso Robles 2009 Magnum Retail Value $100

(93 Points) A delightful wine, one of Justin’s best in quite some time. The blend is Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and fruit is the star, in the form of ripe, lush blackberries and currants. You’ll also find complex notes of grilled meats, chocolate, herbs and spices, wrapped into a perfectly soft, delectable texture. Drink now–2015.  Wine Enthusiast (4/1/2012)

 

Pali Wine Company

Pali Riviera Pinot Noir Magnum 2011 Retail Value $45

True to its appellation, the nose is dominated with black fruits, forest floor and shitake mushroom. Concentrated ripe black berries explode on the palate, moving into nuances of fresh raspberries and boysenberry with nuances of lavender and rose petal.

Wine Spectator's Senior Editor James Laube included this wine on his list of "Top Value" 2011 Californina Pinot Noirs.

 

TGIC Imports

Montes M Colchagua Valley 2010 (6 pack) Retail Value $525

"Intense dark red colour. Very elegant with very dense and velvety, supple tannins. The wine has an harmonious structure, combined with a generous fruit expression and a very distinguished character showing aromas of red fruits, cassis, and a touch of cedar and cinnamon. In the mouth the wine has delightful notes of vanilla and coffee. The 5% of Petit Verdot adds an extra element of complexity. Mouth-filling and long and well-defined through the finish. The structure of this wine will keep it for over 20 years." —winemaker

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

 

Noble Wine Estates

Arrowood Reserve Speciale Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 2005  (6pk) Retail Value $600

About The Wine:  Every few years we are able to produce a Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon, when collaboration between winemaking and terroir is near perfection. It is our signature wine composed of our finest barrels, and fruit from neighboring vineyards in Sonoma Valley. Lush, layered and complex, this wine captures the fingerprint of the varietal, the character of the terroir, and our finest representation of the vintage.

The 2005 Réserve Spéciale features fruit from four of the finest benchland and mountain sites in Sonoma Valley: Lasseter Vineyard, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Murray Ranch, and Smothers-Remick Ridge Vineyards. These vineyards produce fruit with weight and concentration allowing for extended aging in French and American oak barrels.

Tasting Notes:  Rich, enticing and complex from the first swirl, this wine opens with aromatics of black cherry, black berry, toast, and crème de cassis. These notes gracefully introduce the palate with a harmonious blend of plump berry fruits, notes of cedar, and well integrated tannins on the long, lingering finish.

 

Avignionesi Winery

Avignionesi Occhio di Pernice 1999 (375ml) Retail Value $150

Deep amber in color, this wine shows elements of dark chocolate, dried figs and candied red fruit underlined by smoky, balsamic notes. Occhio di Pernice 1999 is incredibly rich and full on the palate, with hints of juniper berries and typical Mediterranean flora and a lingering, smooth, sweet finish.

(98 Points) Compelling and complete, this leads off with an aroma of mint, featuring flavors of treacle, toffee, graham cracker and brown butter. Thick and mouthcoating, with a pleasant cloying sensation on the finish. A unique dessert wine.  Wine Spectator

 

Just Quality Imports

Muzic Sauvignon Collio 2011 (6 pack) Retail Value $150

The Sauvignon by Casa Muzic hails from Collio, a tiny border region between Italy and Slovenia. The successive valleys and close peaks, and the ideal slope of the land favour drainage and mean that the sun's rays have a much greater impact on the vines. But the truly unique point of this wine -considered among the best in Italy- is the result of the geological characteristics combined with the sea breezes that invigorate the land and the natural barrier of the Alps sheltering the territory from the cold Northern European winds. This creates a structured wine with an unequalled balance of fragrances. Our Sauvignon contains no rough edges. Its pleasant flavour charms connoisseurs as well as new consumers, who will experience and recognise its impact from the very first taste. Its elegant bottle is the official bottle patented by the Collio Consortium, symbolising guaranteed respect for the product's quality. Available in the best restaurants and highly praised in the major guides: Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso, Duemilavini - Bibenda Wine, Vinibuoni d'italia - Touring Club, slow wine - slow food editore, Annuario dei migliori vini italiani.

 

Bianchi Winery

Travel and Wine Live Auction Lot Retail Value $1700

A signed 3 liter bottle of Syrah 2010 ($275 Retail Value), with an invite for a complimentary VIP Tasting and Tour at winery with a 2 night stay in vineyard house

 

Dreyfus Ashby & Co.

Renato Ratti Barolo Conca 2009 (6 pack) Retail Value $360

The small Conca vineyard (6900 mq) is the hollow of the Abbey of Annunziata (our Lady of the Annunciation). It's one of the oldest sub zones of the entire Barolo District, an area already appreciated by the Benedictine Monks starting from the XII century. It's blue marl soil and the particular microclimate give a good power and long life.

 

Cakebread Cellars

A trio of wines from Cakebread Cellars Retal Value:$225.00

1 magnum of our Chardonnay and a bottle each of our Pinot Noir and our Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Constellation Brands

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Magnum (Gold Label) Retal Value:$65.00

Riserva Ducale Oro, produced for the first time in 1947, is an evolution of the wine Riserva Ducale,  which saw the light in 1927.  There are no words to describe exactly how much this wine means to Ruffino. Riserva Ducale Oro is a modern classic. It tells the tale of the quality evolution which has characterised the last 50 years of Italy's fine wine production.  Riserva Ducale Oro has a distinctive style, recognizable through the decades of the twentieth century. It conveys the ancient traditions of its homeland. This wine is an intrical part of the history of the people of Chianti Classico. Its nature reflects their strong character, their innate will to find new challenges, and their passion for the extraordinary territory which is their home.

 

Bodegas Antigal

Antigal Classic Reserve 2008 (6 pack) Retal Value:$150

A blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon featuring thick black currant, black cherry and berry fruit with notes of toasty oak spice fresh black earth dark coco a fairly complex bouquet. Smooth and polished red and black berry currant like fruit excellent concentration and balance of toasty oak spice ripe round tannins a well balanced wine fresh on the finish with some dry tannins showing up on the finish but lots of juicy fruit to match. Finish 40+ EXCELLENT

 

Restaurants Participating

3800 Ocean Aah Loi Thai & Sushi Addison Reserve Country Club Cordon Bleu Catering/The Backyard Bard at Palm Beach Hibiscus Bistro 1001 Bocce Wine Bar & Tapas BrickTop's Brio Tuscan Grille Buccan Café Boulud Casa D'Angelo Chops Lobster Bar - ONE TABLE W/CITY FISH MARKET Christopher's Kitchen City Fish Market - ONE TABLE W/CHOPS Citrus Grillhouse Coolinary Café Dada Restaurant Del Frisco's Grille Earth & Sugar Guanabanas Hollywood Cupcake Ian's Tropical Grill Jove Kitchen and Bar The Little House Nestle Waters Oceana Coffee Patrick Lézé PB CATCH Seafood & Raw Bar or Pistache The Sugar Monkey Talay Thai Table 26 Whole Foods Mozzarita (Mozzarella Demo)