Scotland's Yard, Sign Tasting, Tannin Lotion and a Surfboard on a Ferrari

     Way back in April some of you may remember we had a tasting called "The Griffin" featuring an actual Griffin and wines from Griffin Wine Marketing that went over rather well.  Wine representative by day, drummer by night, Scotland (yes, that's his real name) is just back from a European tour with his band and ready to pour us some new wines.

Check out our event calendar for a day to day wine bar schedule -- click here

NOTE: The wine store is open but the bar is closed tonight, Thursday the 23rd, for a private party.

Wine Tasting Schedule

Scotland's Yard 

This Friday the 24th 

Time: 5:30-8:30 (but you can show up anytime before 8pm)

Cost: $15/person

Cheeses, Breads and Crackers

(Reservations Recommended) 

   We have one old favorite* and four new wines for this tasting including a couple more whites from Spain which apparently we can't stop buying.  For the many customers who have been asking about organic wines , Do Ferreiro has been following organic guidelines, avoiding the use of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers for decades.              

Wines

Albarino Do Ferreiro 2003, Ribeiro, Spain

Calistoga Chardonnay 2003, Napa, California

*Brophy Clark Pinot Noir 2001, Santa Maria, California

Brophy Clark Zinfandel 2003, Paso Robles, California

Clos des Codols Garnacha/Carinena 2001, Montsant, Spain

A Surfboard on a Ferrari: Cal-Italia Tasting

Sunday the 26th

Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Cost: $10/person

Cheeses, Breads, Crackers

This Sunday we're featuring winemakers that have bravely uprooted Italian varietals and planted them in California soil.  Sometimes you get a more upfront, bolder expression of the Italian varietal, sometimes you get such a different taste you could never have guessed both wines came from the same grape.  Either way, we're opening some tasty ones this Sunday and that's the important part.   

Wines

Mosby Pinot Grigio 2003, Santa Barbara, California

Enotria Arneis 2002, Mendocino, California

Mosby Dolcetto 2001, Santa Barbara, California

Chameleon Barbera 2002, Santa Barbara, California

NOTE:  Colorado Wine Company will be closed on Sunday, July 3rd as we celebrate our country's independence by exercising our independence of the store.  We'll re-open as usual on Tuesday morning at 11am.  Thanks for understanding !! 

Sign Tasting

     Many of you have rightly pointed out that our store is hard to find, especially during the daylight hours when our window sign isn't all lit up.  Well after a recent "I passed your place 45 times before finding it" conversation, we thought we would let everyone know that we agree it is a problem and are definitely working on it.  The first sign design didn't fly with the powers that be, possibly because of the animatronics and fireworks involved.  We are now considering cheaper options such as those terrifying plastic sock people that are attached to violent blowers and dancing bears wearing sandwich boards.  But rest assured, we are NOT  considering any clowns or mimes.  In the meantime, we're a block and half east of the intersection between Colorado Blvd and Eagle Rock Blvd on the South side.  Good luck and please call if you need directions!

Tannin Lotion  

     Most people don't think, "Mmmmmm, I need an egg nog" on hot days like this. There are just certain drinks that fit nicely with the heat and seem to cool you down.  In the wine world, an equally off choice would be grabbing a warm glass of Port or a big Zinfandel while sunbathing.  In the heat of Summer, we tend towards Sauvignon Blancs,  sparkling whites, light whites from Spain such as Albarinos and Viuras, Pinot Grigios and Rieslings.  Below are a few suggestions from the shop that we keep ready and waiting in our fridge at home during these hot Summer months:

La Playa Sauvignon Blanc '04, Colchagua Valley, Chile - $6.99

Crisp, light and full of pleasant grapefruit and tangerine flavors, this one is hard to beat for the money.

Brookland Valley "Verse 1" Sauv Blanc/Semillon '02, Margaret River, Australia - $15.99

The 50% Semillon rounds out the acidity of this blend giving it a subtle creaminess on the palate, but the finish is all crisp, Sauvignon Blanc.  If you're cooking something relatively light for dinner, this one can serve as the before-dinner sipper and hold up to the meal.

Conde de Valdemar Viura '02, Rioja, Spain - $13.99 

This unique white has a fantastic, fragrant nose with hints of honeysuckle and sweet herbs.  The weight is medium with light citric touches and a clean, balanced acidity.  Definitely one of our favorites in the store right now.

Dr. Loosen "Dr. L" Riesling '04, Mosel, Germany - $11.99

This is a crisp, slightly sweet, light to medium-bodied Riesling with notes of apple and pear.  Dr. Loosen repeatedly produces delicious Rieslings out of the Mosel area year after year. 

Cristalino Brut Cava (sparkling), Cava, Spain - $7.99  

Awarded "Best Value Brand" by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2004, Cristalino is producing a ton of tasty, sippable sparkling whites that make a whole lot more sense than spending twice the money on a marginal bottle of Champagne. 

New Arrivals!

Mionetto "il" Moscato -- $9.99

Mionetto "il" Prosecco -- $9.99

And back from a brief sabbatical...

Naia Verdejo '03 -- $11.99

Elvenglade Pinot Gris '03 -- $15.99  ** This one was so yummy at a tasting a couple weeks ago, we sold through a case in the first half hour of the tasting (sorry to those who missed out!).  It's back in the store for only a limited time because this '03 vintage is completely sold out at the winery.  The new '04 vintage will be following and though we are hearing great things about how it is tasting, the price will more than likely increase, so get an '03 while you can!

See You Soon,

John and Jen

"Champagne, if you are seeking the truth, is better than a lie detector. It encourages a man to be expansive, even reckless, while lie detectors are only a challenge to tell lies successfully."
~ Graham Greene