Pine Ridge ~ St Clement ~ Merryvale!

Pine Ridge 2008 Chenin Blanc/Viognier
(Regularly Priced at $14.99)
$8.69 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

88 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
"A consistent winner from this Napa winery, this fragrant, stylish blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier is the type of dry white I wish more California wineries would focus on. Moreover, there are 45,000 cases of this excellent bargain. Think of a spring flower garden oozing with melon and citrus blossom notes. Fresh, light to medium-bodied, and dry, it is a food-friendly white to enjoy as an aperitif or with food over the next year. Kudos to Pine Ridge!"

St Clement Vineyards 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay
(regularly priced at $24.99)
$14.49 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

This Chardonnay is barrel fermented in 30 percent new French oak, and approximately 85 percent of the blend through malolactic fermentation. The finished wine shows luscious aromas of ripe red apple, cantaloupe, fresh citrus and vanilla bean. On the palate, a creamy mouthfeel introduces flavors of honeydew, pear tarte tatin, lime zest and vanilla spice. The wine finishes with vibrant acidity and a touch of minerality.

Merryvale 2008 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc
(Regularly Priced at $24.99)
$14.49 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

2008 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc exhibits vibrant aromas of lemon curd, lime, wet stone, grapefruit zest, guava and passionfruit with a hint of freshly mowed grass. The refreshing acidity provides for a rich yet balanced mouthfeel and a surprisingly long finish.

"Ripe, fleshy peach, tangerine, Asian pear and apricot flavors are up front, with great intensity, mouthwatering acidity and a nicely spicy finish. Drink now. " 89 Points Wine Spectator

Artfully Delicious Hess Wine!

Hess Select 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
(regularly priced at $14.99)
$9.44 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Lake County, California

Tasting Notes: Aromas of gooseberry and kiwi play nicely with flavors of lychee, lemongrass and ruby grapefruit. The wine was fermented in stainless stell tanks and neutral, 5- to 6-year-old French oak barrels. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to retain its crisp acidity.

Hess 2005 Su'skol Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay
(Regularly Priced at $29.99)
$18.89 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Su’skol Vineyard’s close proximity to the San Francisco Bay, with its marine influences of morning fog and afternoon breezes, creates an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay. The 175-acre vineyard is planted exclusively to Chardonnay with nine unique clones, giving the winemaker a veritable spice rack to choose from to add complexity to the wine. The vineyard is located on an ancient sea bed with sandy clay and sandstone soils that yield small berries with intense fruit and citrus flavors and vibrant acidity.

Flavors of lemon and orange zest mix on the palate with ripe tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and apricot, balanced by a hint of French Oak. This medium-bodied wine is floral and aromatic with refreshing acidity on the finish.

Hess 2007 Artezin Zinfandel
(regularly priced at $19.99)
$12.59 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Ruby red and purple in hue, this wine has aromas of ripe red
fruit, with hints of sage, cinnamon and pepper. The fruit flavors
flesh out on the palate, dominated by raspberry, boysenberry
and red cherry, complemented by hints of nutmeg, rosemary
and spice, for a classic varietal character. Soft, supple tannins
create a firm, yet lush mouthfeel. With its bright fruit-forward
flavor profile, this wine is created for immediate enjoyment.

APPELLATION: Mendocino, Amador and Sonoma Counties
BLEND: 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah
COOPERAGE: 100% French Oak

Hess 2007 Allomi Vineyard Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
(Regularly Priced at $29.99)
$18.89 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

The combination of a long, warm growing season and well-drained soils creates optimal ripening conditions, which make the Allomi Vineyard an ideal location for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 210 acre vineyard is composed of 35 unique blocks with six different clones.
By selecting the best blocks each vintage, the winemaker produces a distinctive wine notable for its depth and complexity. This wine expresses a lush, firm texture, with good acidity, firm tannins and distinctive fruit forward flavors.

This wine begins with aromas of raspberries, black cherries and a hint of vanilla, which continue on a red fruit-driven palate. Ripe flavors of cherries, plum and currant mingle with hints of nutmeg and graphite, with a slight toasty oak component. Silky, youthful tannins are coating on a rich, textured mid palate, continuing on a lingering finish. Accessible now, this wine should continue to age gracefully for 6 to 8 years.

A Tasting Tour of Loire, Burgundy,
Bordeaux & Rhone!

Chateau Montfort 2008 Vouvray ~ Loire Valley
(regularly priced at $17.99)
$11.15 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Straw-gold. Exotic aromas of passion fruit, mango, honey and jasmine, plus a touch of spicecake. Sappy, palate-staining pit and tropical fruit flavors are impressively deep but also lively, with strong minerality lending lift and adding precision. Juicy and intensely floral on the finish, with the honey and mango notes echoing!

Chateau de la Chaize 2008 Brouilly ~ Burgundy
(Regularly Priced at $17.99)
$11.15 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

The 15 hectares of vines are planted on the eastern, southern and southwestern slopes of the hill. They give very personalized wines with a red robe with purple-blue tints and discreet aromas of violet and peony. In the mouth there is a wonderful balance between silky tannins and small wild red berries such as wild strawberry and blueberry. The end of mouth is long and peppery... this ain't your Aunt Sally's Beaujolais!

Chateau Greysac 2006 Medoc ~ Bordeaux
(regularly priced at $24.99)
$15.49 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Aromas of currant and steeliness. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Slightly one-dimensional now, but will turn out very well for the vintage. Best after 2010... but you won't be able to wait that long! Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot.

Chateau Lamargue 2008
Les Grandes Cabannes ~ Rhone
(Regularly Priced at $19.99)
$12.39 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

From the Costieres de Nimes this 100% Syrah is an outstanding wine that has a deep ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of black chocolate, creme de cassis, and blackberry, followed by full-bodied, lush, intense flavors that are pure and savory. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. One of the finest estates in this up-and-coming region, known for high quality and fair prices. Kiss those Aussie Shirazes bye-bye!

Celebrate South African-style

While most of the world is anticipating the World Cup which begins in South Africa on Friday we here at Frank's started weeks ago with our own competition.   We matched up dozens of wines from many of South Africa's wine-growing regions and tasted glass to glass.   Reds vs Reds, Whites vs Whites.  The winner of one bracket competed against the winner of another bracket and eventually a pair of red & white triumphed...we called it the World Cup of Wine!

Essay 2008 Shiraz/Cinsault/Viognier
$11.99 by the bottle! (regularly priced at $14.99)
$8.33 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Just a heads-up:  "Essay" is a word play for the acronym "S.A." for "South Africa"

This red blend of 89% Shiraz, 9% Cinsault and 2% Viognier was fermented over 7 days in stainless steel tanks.  The Shiraz portion was lightly wooded for softer mouth-feel. The wine was made in a fruit-forward, soft style. Cinsault was added for additional red berry fruit flavors. A touch of Viognier was added to soften the tannins and for its floral aromas. The wine was fined and filtered before bottling. The result is a medium-bodied red wine with an expressive nose and a soft, lush mouth-feel. The Shiraz and Cinsault combine to give ripe plum cherry fruit on the palate with a touch of pepper spice.  The Viognier adds softness and intriguing floral notes. This is a modern-styled Cape wine that will complement a wide range of foods.  Excellent as a sipping red wine, it will also go well with Asian foods, modern fusion cuisine and Italian dishes.

Essay 2009 Chenin Blanc/Viognier
$11.99 by the bottle! (regularly priced at $14.99)
$8.33 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

The 2009 Essay Chenin Blanc (Steen) with a dash of Viognier (5%) is a pretty impressive wine; at its paltry asking price it’s almost ridiculous, in the most positive way. There has been a steady awakening to the varietal over the last couple of years and South Africa has been at the front of the pack leading the way. You wonder how these guys can make something this good at this price point. But then you realize that South Africa has been working with this varietal (called Steen) for quite some time and has significant plantings to utilize. For the money this has to rank as one of the best wine buys out there for under $10 from anywhere in the world.

Fresh and vibrant the nose offers up a nice floral lift, then some crisp white tree fruits with broader stone fruit, melon and even some tropical fruit nuances aromatically. The palate is a real turn on with excellent flavor intensity and clarity, showcasing flavors of melon, white orchard fruits and then a broader note of stone fruit/ peach across the mid palate. Medium fuller bodied this is a touch viscous with exceptional palate cling and length that one would not expect for a wine at this price point. Finishing clean and crisp the flavors lingering impressively.

Rosemount Rises Back... 2004 Library Reds!

Since 1974, Rosemount has been one of Australia’s leading wineries, producing wines that reflect the riches of the Australian climate and a dedication to quality, innovation and style. Rosemount’s unique diamond shaped label serves as a beacon for consumers around the world, with international accolades bearing testament to the tradition of winemaking excellence. In 2006, a new chapter opened on the Rosemount story, with a reinforced commitment to the hallmark Rosemount wine style and groundbreaking new packaging which sees Rosemount again setting the standard for innovation and quality on a global scale.
Rosemount's Show Reserve wines pay tribute to the great wine regions of Australia and their ability to produce defining examples of celebrated varietals. This range allows the winemakers to express the particular regional characteristics of each wine made in the true Rosemount style. Crafted from premium parcels of grapes these wines receive additional maturation in the winery cellars, enabling them to develop the distinctive bouquet and rich varietal flavors for which their region is renowned.

We'll have this trio of Rosemount reds from the McLaren Vale (Best Price in the Country!) available for tasting all weekend... very limited amounts are available!

Rosemount Show Reserve 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz
$23.99 by the bottle! (regularly priced at $29.99)
$14.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

This wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of new, one and two year old American and French oak.
A deep, richly colored wine with red with purple hues. The nose is generous with rich red fruit aromas, touches of spice, pepper, vanilla and crème brulée. A complex wine with generous, lingering flavors. Rich, soft plum flavors meld with complex spice and pepper notes and touches of creamy, vanilla oak. The palate has an even, supple texture and finishes with great persistence. A very rounded, soft and full flavored Shiraz from the region’s 20 to 60 year old vines.

This wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of new, one and two year old American and French oak.
A deep, richly colored wine with red with purple hues. The nose is generous with rich red fruit aromas, touches of spice, pepper, vanilla and crème brulée. A complex wine with generous, lingering flavors. Rich, soft plum flavors meld with complex spice and pepper notes and touches of creamy, vanilla oak. The palate has an even, supple texture and finishes with great persistence. A very rounded, soft and full flavored Shiraz from the region’s 20 to 60 year old vines.

Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre have been grown in McLaren Vale throughout the region's winemaking history.  Together, these varieties also represent a traditional combination prevalent in the South of France, particularly the Southern Rhone Valley, where similar climatic conditions exist.  In Australia, the combinations of these three varieties in conjunction with contemporary winemaking expertise has heralded a new chapter in the story of modern Australian wine.  First released from the 1994 vintage, GSM has become a benchamark for its style in Australia.  Selected from low yielding and old vines sources to bring together premium parcels, the final blend consists of Grenach (47%), Shiraz (47%) and Mourvedre (6%).

The 2004 Show Reserve GSM is superb in this top-notch vintage. It exhibits a fragrant bouquet of mineral, earth, truffle, black cherry, plum, and blueberry. Full-bodied as well full-throttled, it offers an extra dimension of complex spicy blue and black fruit flavors, well-concealed tannin, and a seamless, pure finish. Rich enough to be enjoyed now, it will provide pleasure over the next 10 years.

Frank’s Rosemount Reds 12pack Sampler!
20% Off by the Bottle - $23.99  (regularly priced at $29.99)
33% Off by the 6-Pack - $119.99 (net bottle price $19.99)
50% Off by the 12-pack - $179.99 (net bottle price $14.99)

Sulfite Free ~ Organic ~ Vegan Friendly!

Organic

The wine in this category must be made from organic grapes, but it can include added sulfites.

What seems to further complicate the subject of organic wine is the subject of sulfites. Sulfite or sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative in wines. It has strong antimicrobial properties and some antioxidant properties. The health effects or consequences of sulfites are debatable though a small percent of the population does suffer a sensitivity reaction to them. A wine can make the claim,“Sulfite Free” or “ No Added Sulfites - Contains Naturally Occurring Sulfites”, but if sulfites are added and the total sulfites in the wine are above 10 parts per million, it must make the statement, “Contains Sulfites.” A wine that makes the claim Sulfite Free must have no detectable sulfites. There is some controversy about whether it is really possible for a wine to have no sulfites, but no detectable sulfites means that current ATF analysis is not sensitive enough to detect the presence of sulfites at such low levels. No Added Sulfites means that the winery did not add sulfites to the wine but there may be naturally occurring sulfites in the wine that occur as a byproduct of fermentation.

According to the NOP labeling laws. Any of the NOP categories could claim to be Sulfite Free or have No Added Sulfites, but the 100% Organic and Organic categories must meet one of these criteria. The Made with Organic Ingredients and Some Organic Ingredients categories may or may not have added sulfites.

According to the law, all organic claims must be stated on the label so you have to read labels carefully to know what is in the bottle. Also, be careful of the way that other stores advertise and shelf the various wines. It may not be the same as what the bottle labels state.  We've got it all down at Frank's so you'll know exactly what you're buying!

Orleans Hill 2008 Cote Zero
$14.99 by the bottle!
$9.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Every time I taste this wine I think of Pinot Noir, which is odd as there is none in the blend. Cote Zero is a composite of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of Viogner to round out the Rhone backbone. The mellowest of the line, this should make for a great summer quaffing wine.  Like many Pinot Noirs, this wine can have the tendency to drop a light sediment. You can stand it upright for a day or two and decant, or just enjoy the hors d'oeuvres in every glass.  Sulfite Free, Organic

Orleans Hill 2008 Zinfandel
$14.99 by the bottle!
$9.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Every time I taste this wine I think of Pinot Noir, which is odd as there is none in the blend. Cote Zero is a composite of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of Viogner to round out the Rhone backbone. The mellowest of the line, this should make for a great summer quaffing wine.  Like many Pinot Noirs, this wine can have the tendency to drop a light sediment. You can stand it upright for a day or two and decant, or just enjoy the hors d'oeuvres in every glass.  Sulfite Free, Organic

Frank’s Grunge 12pack Sampler!
You Get 3 Bottles of Each Wine for Only $119.99!
(You Save $59.89... That's 33% Off!)

Orleans Hill 2008 Syrah
$14.99 by the bottle!
$9.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

The 2001 Syrah from this vineyard won "Wine Of The Week" from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, based on a blind tasting of ten different wines, whether those wines came from the "Organic Wine" or "Wine made from Organic Grapes" categories. It was the least expensive wine of the 10, and rated higher than many well-known wines.  This vineyard has unfolded over the years to produce a typical northern Rhone style Syrah-- solid color, nose and body, with earth and subtle pepper notes sprinkled throughout. What you won't find is an over-the-top sugar added "Aussie Fruit Bomb", and as such this is a wine you can enjoy to the bottom of the bottle and is great with oily foods.  Sulfite Free, Organic

Orleans Hill 2008 Alexandria
$14.99 by the bottle!
$9.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

Crafted to be a pleasing alternative to the tedious over-oaked whites on the market today, Alexandria is a unique blend of Muscat and French Colombard.  Clean and crisp with juicy tropical notes, this wine is gorgeous on its own or paired with foods that appreciate a white with structure... and perfect with Sushi!  Organically Grown Grapes

Frank’s Grunge 12pack Sampler!
You Get 3 Bottles of Each Wine for Only $119.99!
(You Save $59.89... That's 33% Off!)

Frank's Top 4 South American 12pack

This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing and perfect for outdoor sipping! It has aromas and flavors of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lemon peel that lend a fresh balance to the tropical fruit character and the typical herbal notes from the 2% of Semillón in the blend. 100% stainless steel fermented, it is vibrant, fresh, deep, and well-rounded on the palate.

100% Syrah from the Folly Vineyard Montes' Cherub is a seductive, elegant, dry wine, with an intense cherry-pink color. It is a well-made expression of the grape variety and terroir. On the nose and the palate, it demonstrates a distinctive Syrah character with spiciness and hints of strawberries, rose and orange peel. With good fruit concentration, it shows richness in texture across the palate that leads to a delightfully long finish. It has a strong backbone of acidity and a slight amount of tannin that gives the wine a defined structure.

Are you kidding? High-quality Pinot Noir at this price AND from Chile? Yes! On the palate maraschino cherry, strawberry and red currants meld together perfectly and lead in to a smooth and velvety finish. The nose sports a complex aromatic array of sandalwood, mineral, underbrush, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. Firm, structured, and well-balanced, this succulent, lengthy effort will also evolve for several years but offers prime drinking now. This Pinot has been our hidden gem and is just what you have been looking for!

For those who can't believe a Malbec didn't make our Top 4 list you'll understand why when you taste this Mendoza Merlot! Barrel aged in French and American oak for 3 months, it is dense with dark plum color and offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry, toasty oak, nutmeg, and cloves. Luscious flavors of blackberries, cherries, cocoa, cedar, and vanilla lead to a full, well-textured finish. Absolutely luscious and velveted Merlot ... love it!

Half Off Napa Valley's Silverado Sampler Case

Frank’s Silverado 12pack Sampler!
You Get 3 Bottles of Each Wine for Only $249.99! (You Save $169.89…That’s 40% Off!)

A century later, the Miller family began the journey Stevenson described, establishing Silverado Vineyards in 1981. “It was beautiful land, and it was land that was working,” says Diane Miller of their first vineyards, purchased in the 1970s. Diane and Ron sold their grapes to some of Napa’s best vintners, who made award winning wines from them year after year. Encouraged, they struck out on their own with the goal of making the best wines the estate could produce at a fair price. This has remained the guiding philosophy over the years. The winery’s name, Silverado, comes from the abandoned mining town at the top of the Napa Valley, where Stevenson stayed so many years ago. It is an appropriate symbol: three generations of the Miller family are still “prospecting” for wine, staying true to the idea of coaxing something precious from the soils.

Silverado's brilliant 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more complete Cabernets I have tasted from that vintage. Beautiful blue and black fruit along with subtle background oak and floral aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied effort. The wine possesses silky tannin (a good sign in this vintage), a layered mouthfeel, a long finish, and a pure, stylish, Margaux-like delicacy and complexity. It should drink well for 15-20 years.  93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

"...excellent...the wine is attractive, rich, medium-bodied, and while tannic, not excessively so.."

ROBERT PARKER, WINE ADVOCATE, DECEMBER 2009, 89 POINTS

Silverado Vineyards 2005 Napa Valley Merlot
$29.74 by the bottle! (regulary priced at $34.99)
$20.99 with 12-pack Sampler Purchase!

In the nose, ripe plum and blackberry jam meld with creamy vanilla aromas, a touch of tobacco, spicy clove and cinnamon, and toasted oak. The wine is rich in the mouth, with smooth tannins and rich, ripe plum and berry flavors. The finish is long and fruitfilled, with the perfect amount of toasty oak spice. This wine is perfect for enjoying upon release and for the next five years.  93% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot.

" . . . Supple, complex, full bodied, well balanced . . . One of the best Merlots in years from Silverado."

Showing all of the richness and layered complexity that we have come to expect from Silverado, this head-turning offering is at once fairly powerful but comes with an uncommon sense of finesse. It smells of well-ripened apples, sweet toast and wisps of roasted grains, and its deep, full-scaled flavors unfold with elements of minerals and spice lifting it above simple fruitiness. Full-bodied and slightly fleshy in feel with optimal acids affording it very fine balance, it is a serious Chardonnay that will take to aging, but it is wholly fascinating now. 100% Chardonnay.

"Consistent with Silverado's retro-California style of Chardonnay..."

The 2008 vintage is a bit richer and denser than past vintages. Enticing aromas of green melon, wet stones, cantaloupe, cut grass and vanilla bean are followed on the palate with flavors of guava, rose petal, gooseberry and vanilla. The 7% Semillon fleshes out the mid palate and adds a nice layer to the finish.  100% from the Miller Ranch Estate.

" . . . Richness to the texture. The flavor of peaches . . . Scents of chamomile . . "

Half Off Tuscan 6pack Sampler

Hidden in the hills of Tuscany is one of the most luxurious and exclusive destinations in Italy – Casali Di Bibbiano. This villa, vineyard and winery offers a bit of "heaven on earth" to its visitors.
Let Alberto Guadagnini, proprietor, master chef and winemaker, plan the vacation you will tell your friends about and remember for a lifetime. From private hot air balloon rides above Tuscany to personalized tours of the piazzas of Siena to hands-on Italian culinary courses in Alberto’s kitchen, the experience of Casali is like none other.

Is there really anything else you need to satisfy your Valentine other than a bottle of hedonistic Amarone and an 80% Dark Chocolate Bar from Taza?  Okay... I can think of a few more things as well, but having this pair will at least get the ball rollin' in the right direction!  I've put together an "ABC's of Amarone 12pack Sampler" from Ca' de Rocchi which will take you from a lean and elegant Valpolicella to a 100% single vineyard Corvina into a Ripasso "Baby Amarone" to prepare your palate for the huge, bold, rich and extravagant Amarone... and I'll even toss in your choice of 60%, 70%, 75% or 80% Cocoa Bar!

Ca' de Rocchi 2008 Valpolicella
$16.99 (Regularly Priced at $19.99)

The blend of 80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara make up some incredibly sexy juice! Medium to full in body, this voluptuous Valpolicella offers tons of dark fruit intermingled with scents of bittersweet chocolate, leather and spices in an utterly captivating glass of wine. I can’t think of too many wines that deliver this much sheer pleasure for the tariff... love it now or to cellar for the next 5 - 7 years!

Ca' de Rocchi 2007 Montere Corvina
$21.24 (Regularly Priced at $24.99)

This 100% Corvina is an intense wine loaded with dark fruit, spices and warm toasty oak. A rich, concentrated red, it possesses remarkable inner sweetness as suggestions of licorice, tar and smoke gradually emerge from the glass. This wine is made from a relatively young, densely-planted vineyard, and the wine is aged in medium-sized Slovenian oak barrels for 12 months.  Drink over the next 10 - 12 years.

Ca' de Rocchi 2007 Valpolicella Ripasso Montere
$25.49 (Regularly Priced at $29.99)

This wine is a blend of 80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. As soon as the dried grapes for the Amarone are fermented, selected batches of Valpolicella wine are 're-passed' over the Amarone's lees, thus starting a second fermentation that slightly increases the alcohol content and gives the wine deeper color, increased extract, and more complex aromas. Ripasso is refined in tank for six months and then aged in Slovenian oak for twelve months. The wine spends an additional six months in bottle before it is released. The deep ruby red color of the Ripasso, and the intense yet fine aromas come from the mixture of grapes. It is full bodied, harmonic, and velvety on the palate... divine after 10 years!

Ca' de Rocchi 2005 La Bastia Amarone
$59.49 (Regularly Priced at $69.99)

This is an opulent Amarone with penetrating aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry, Spanish cedar, red apple and cola that peel off layer after layer to reveal an excellent core of juicy fruit. The wine also has modern oak nuances of vanilla spice and offers a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.  It is made of a blend of 80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. After the harvest in late September to October, the grapes are carefully selected and the healthiest, ripest fruit is placed in a well-ventilated room to raisin until January. They are then pressed, left on the skins for 21 days and fermented into the delicious wine that is Amarone. Refined in tank for three months and aged in barrels for 24 months before bottling, this wine spends a minimum of 6 months in bottle before it is released on the market, ready to be enjoyed or cellared for many more years. This is one of the most exciting wines on the market, offering explosive flavors of dried black cherry, cassis, truffles, chocolate fudge and tar. Luscious and complex, this is a wine for rich fare.  These monstrous wine can cellar for decades!

He lines up the wines of Borgo Stajnbech... I'm immediately put off by the fact that I can't pronounce them.  He tells me not to worry about what the label says adding "just wait 'til you taste this juice!"  I can't help to notice that the labels read Pinot Grigio (oh yippee), Sauvignon Blanc (Friuli yes, but from Veneto?) and Malbec (I've learned that others in the wine world should leave this task to Argentina).

He then tells me that they retail for 25 bucks.  I tell him he's crazy if he thinks any wine shop can sell a $25 Sauvignon Blanc outside of New Zealand or California... crazier if he thinks a $25 Malbec will creep off the shelves while surrounded by a slew of value Mendoza counterparts... and crazier yet if he thinks a Pinot Grigio without the words "Santa Margarita" on the label can sell for the same price. 

Then I taste them - trust me on this.  Really!

Borgo Stajnbech 2008 Pinot Grigio
$21.24 (Regularly Priced at $24.99)

Made from 100% Pinot Grigio harvested between August and September. The grapes are crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 15-20 days. After fermentation, the wine is refined in tanks for four months before it is bottled and released on the market.

Pale yellow in color with greenish highlights, this is a wine to be enjoyed young when one can best appreciate its zesty fruitiness.  It's a fragrance reminiscent of acacia flowers, pears and Golden Delicious apples.

Pleasantly sharp taste, well balanced. Great accompaniment to ham, fresh cheeses, first courses, white meats and above all, fish.  A blockbuster!

Borgo Stajnbech 2007 Malbec
$21.24 (Regularly Priced at $24.99)

Beautiful purple color with perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits and roasted coffee beans. It is lush, full-bodied and penetrating on the palate with loads of chewy, currant jam flavors, bright acidity, and a touch of grip on the almost savory finish.

This wine really unfolds with some air so try not to slurp it down in a rush, and it shows why the Argentine people are in love with Malbec... they ought to taste this one! A sleek, polished style, with alluring mocha and raspberry ganache notes leading the way, backed by dark plum, hoisin sauce and graphite flavors that push through the finish.

This has serious weight, but stays focused and driven.  Pairs well with a wide range of foods including beef, sausages, spiced or grilled pork, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and meat-based pasta sauces.

A bright , mid-lemon color with green highlights. Aromas of lemon and passion fruit intermingled with creamy notes, fill the glass.

A medium-bodied dry white wine, with ripe passion fruit flavors and undertones of citrus fruit. Subtle, creamy, nutty nose combine with the fruit on the palate giving a richness that finishes with great length, a hint of spice and fresh acidity.

This wine is drinking well now but will also benefit from ageing in bottle for up to three years, where it will develop and increase in richness

 Frank's Borgo 12pack Sampler!
You Get 4 Bottles of Each Wine for Only $149.99!
(You Save $149.89...That’s 50% Off!)

We've done some South American bargain huntin' here at FranksWine and came up with 3 lip-smackin-purple-teeth-staining winners that are sure to please the palate and warm your spirit!  One of our favorite local wine celebrities - Kevin Mullarkey -  will be here at the shop to pour on Saturday... corks pop at 10am!

The Gouguenheim name conjures up visions of magnificent museums and fabulous works of art. Although Patricio Gouguenheim, owner and winemaker of one of Argentina’s fastest growing wineries, appears to have no apparent connection to the more famous artistic namesake, he is an outstanding, internationally recognized artist whose masterworks are his wines.  His 2008 Malbec is deeply colored, medium-bodied, and less overtly tannic than most of its compatriots. However, this is no wimp of a wine:  it provides the imbiber plenty of upfront charm, both in aroma and flavor. On the palate it offers a generous wave of blackberry, plum, toast and vanilla, cardamomand spice, which translates into a succulent mouthful of elegantly balanced wine.

Dense ruby/purple with elegant notes of black and red currants intermixed with licorice, subtle smoke, and striking minerality, this wine is deep, full-bodied, and opulent, with velvety tannins. It is already approachable and should continue to drink well for at least another 5 years. A sleeper of the vintage and an excellent value, the good news is that there are 1,456 cases of this blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

Familia Zuccardi is one of Argentina’s most innovative wine producers. Since 1998, they have been working on a project to convert their vineyards to organic. This Bonarda Sangiovese blend, which carries the name of Jose Zuccardi’s only daughter, Julia, comes from organic vineyards which were planted on land which was originally desert but has come to life thanks to pure Andean mountain water. The majority of the surrounding land is still under natural vegetation and poplars and pine trees have been planted to protect the land from the winds.  Ripe and fruity blend of two Italian grape varieties. A juicy wine, bursting with cranberry and raspberry character and a soft finish, love it!

...Oriental Spices, Blackberries, Leather, Coffee & Tar!
I hear it all the time... "What the hell is that nose?"  You name it and it's probably an accurate descriptive for most red wines of South Africa. Talk about complex!  It's so nice to stray off course from the sometimes one-dimensional hugeness of those in-your-face Cali Cabs.  You know, the ones that have that sweet fruit-driven nose with gobs of dense black fruit on the palate and oh-so nicely balanced by tons of new oak.  Delicious, yes... for cocktailin', but sometimes a bit overwhelming with food. These beauties from the 300 year old winery, Diemersdal Estate, are a different animal (and I've even heard that descriptive used: animal-like)!  They are layered with intense dark fruit and cocoa integrated with all the horsey terroir that the region spits out.  I just realized again that South Africa can easily compete with the best of the new and old world, but trying to get them in your glass is another story. You've gotta come in for this tasting... all weekend long - corks pop at 10am Saturday and 12noon Sunday!

Diemersdal Wines are the perfect expression of the distinct Durbanville terroir; the sum of the complex interaction between topography, soil content and climate. 

The grapes that go into Diemersdal Wines are grown under optimal conditions, in deep red Hutton soils, featuring decomposed granite and a high clay content.

The vineyards, situated on the northern and southern slopes of the Dorstberg, are subject to glorious cooling mists that roll in each afternoon from the Atlantic Ocean. The grapes are grown under dryland conditions, with no irrigation, which allows them to uniformly ripen and develop concentrated flavors.

The combination of excellent soil, varying aspect, slopes and the high rainfall of 30 inches per year all contribute to the uniqueness of Diemersdal Wines.

Kevin Riley is one of those guys who as a kid probably had 5 part-time jobs going at once… you know, the type who has to have his hands in everything!  Well, things haven’t changed too much for him, other than he now only has 3 jobs… all in Paso Robles.  He is the owner and winemaker at Proulx Wines and Blackburn Wine Company as well as head winemaker at Sextant Winery!

Stop by the shop on Thursday, December 17th from 5pm - 8pm for a meet and greet and tasting with Kevin!  If you can’t make it on Thursday Alain Blanchon of Blanchon Cellars, the broker for all 3 wineries, will be in the shop pouring Saturday, December 19th at 11am!

Kevin Riley’s appreciation and passion for wine stem from his childhood spent working alongside his father and grandfather at Greens Farms Spirit Shop in Westport, Connecticut. Pursuing his own dreams, Kevin came to San Luis Obispo, California to attend and graduate from Cal Poly, with a degree in Agriculture Business. Kevin possesses a natural talent producing Zinfandel and Rhone wines and has spent more than 10 years perfecting winemaking and cellar experience throughout Paso Robles, California.

Proulx and Blackburn Wine Company are the results of a labor of love and a lot of hard work. Owners, Genoa and Kevin Riley started these two brands after Genoa ran tasting rooms and Kevin made wine for many successful Paso Robles wineries. At some point they though it would be a dream to do it for themselves. In 2004 they started crushing fruit for Proulx and Blackburn from Genoa’s family’s vineyard located in the heart of Paso Robles’ renown west side Vineyard Drive

The fifty five year old vineyard is run by Kevin and has been producing stellar wines for many years, and 2004 was no exception. With that success, they hit the ground running selling out of 600 cases of their first vintage in a matter of months. The following years have been filled with many successful ventures; as their business has grown, so has their family. Their first son Jack was born in 2005 and second son Barrett arrived in 2008. Today, they produce 8,000 cases between the two brands and are enjoying the growing success of their business as well as their family.

Proulx 2005 Paso Robles Petite Sirah
$25.49 (Regularly priced at $29.99)

Blend of 95% Petite Sirah and 5% Zinfandel this wine is round & silky with characteristics of blackberry, spice and violet that carry over into the mouth. Aged for 23 months on 25% French Oak and 75% Neutral Oak it has layers of toast, chocolate and toffee continue to unfold through the long, lingering finish with a whopping 15.4% alcohol.   Only 192 cases produced!

Sextant 2007 Central Coast Zinfandel
$21.24 (Regularly priced at $24.99)

82% Zinfandel and 18% Petite Sirah which are barrel aged 11 months: 10 % New Eastern European Oak.  The 2007 Sextant Central Coast Zinfandel has an intense garnet hue which is a visual precursor to its aroma and flavor. The enticing nose possesses a sharpness of tart wild strawberries, the sweetness of grape jelly and the complexity of baking spice. Ripe cherry, pomegranate & luscious blueberry flavors fill the mouth. Soft pliable tannins balance the abundance of fruit & complete this wine with a nice long finish. This Zinfandel is bold, unmitigated, and simply audacious.

Blackburn Winery 2007 Merlot
$16.99 (Regularly priced at $19.99)

84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months on 9% Eastern European Oak and 91% Neutral Oak.  Soft and focused, this Merlot is filled with vibrant fruit like bing cherries, raspberries, and plum. Subtle hints of cracked pepper, anise and sage compliment the fruity nature of this wine while elegant tannins lead you into the pleasant finish. Only 125 cases produced!

Blackburn Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
$16.99 (Regularly priced at $19.99)

Blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petite Sirah and 2% Mourvedre which is aged 18 months on 5% French Oak, 6% Eastern European Oak, 4% American Oak and 85% Neutral French Oak.  This rich, intensely flavored Cab is filled with fruit & spice. The nose, dominated with flavors of ripe cherry, stewed berries and cinnamon, carries on through the palate. Layers of toffee, savory herbs, and currant unfold and lead you to a long, persistent finish with lush, juicy tannins. 1,211 cases were produced.

Le Marchesine NV Franciacorta Brut ~ Lombardy, Italy
$29.99 Less 15% = $25.49

Westend NV Eternity Brut ~ Hunter Valley, Australia
$19.99 Less 15% = $16.99

A creamy blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Semillion.  The Eternity has a straw yellow color with a gorgeous nose of lemon citrus, delicate herbal characters of thyme, lemon mint and fresh bread dough yeast. The palate is soft and lemony with nutty and creamy yeast characters and a gentle and persistent mousse. The finish is smooth and refreshing with a fine balance leading to a wine with an “eternal sparkle!"

Frank's Bargain Bubbly 8pack Sampler!
You Get 2 Bottles of Each Sparkler for Only $99.99! You Save $99.93…That’s 50% Off!

Laetitia NV Brut Cuvee ~ Arroyo Grand Valley, California
$29.99 Less 15% = $25.49

A blending of Laetitia's three base wines, this Brut Cuvee begins in January following their harvest. Laetitia Chardonnay provides elegant citrus and green apple flavors. The Pinot Noir exhibits subtle earthy black cherry, red fruit nuances and a kiss of  Pinot Blanc adds soft melon traces which round out the palate. The result is a wine that is perfectly fresh and lively which carries on the tradition of elegance that Laetitia wines are famous for. Enjoy this wine with cheeses, seafood, chicken or white pasta dishes. Enjoy it between courses to freshen the palate and especially enjoy it with friends, anytime!

Rigol NV Brut 1897 Cava ~ Catalonia, Spain
$19.99 Less 15% = $16.99

Made by the traditional methods, this Cava spent more than 9 months on its lees in a cool, dark cave in Spain, giving it deeper flavors and a richer mouthfeel. This bubbly is smooth and round with delicious flavors of apricot, peach and green apple. It’s the perfect wine for parties and toasts -- and it’s outstanding with turkey with the trimmings. Classic blend of Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada make this bubbly a light, nicely fruit forward perfumed wine.... Classic!

Fuedo di Santa Croce 2006 Primitivo Salento I.G.T.
Dark ruby red in colour, this intense and robust this 100% Primitivo has been refined in oak casks for a short period of time to soften the tannins, resulting in a smooth and velvety wine with a nice dark fruit character and good length.

Fuedo di Santa Croce 2006 Salice Salentino D.O.C.
A distinctive deep red - purple in color with pleasant, vinous bouquet, this wine is made from one of Puglia's most well known native varieties:  Negroamaro.  Refined in oak casks for 3 months, it has an intense perfumed character on the nose and a subtle earthy, lightly tannic finish.

Fuedo di Santa Croce 2008 “Monteiasi” Malvasia / Chardonnay Salento I.G.T
Straw yellow in color with a delicately fragrant perfume this blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Malvasia has hints of almonds, with subtle overtones of peaches and tropical fruits on the palate. A full bodied dry white with a subtle touch of oak, it's taste blends perfectly with fish or white meats.

Frank's Apulia Mix & Match Samplers!
15% Off by the Bottle - $16.99 (your choice regularly priced at $19.99)
25% Off by the 6-pack - $89.99 (net bottle price $14.99)
38% Off by the 12-pack - $149.99 (net bottle price $12.49)

The Vilafonté philosophy embodies an obsession with quality, from the soil through to the  bottle, and an absolute focus on luxury positioning. The name, Vilafonté, derives from the primary soil type of the 100 acre estate, whose character forms the foundation of the wines.

Frank's South African 6pack Sampler!
You Get 3 Bottles of Each Wine for Only $199.99!
You Save $189.95… That’s 49% Off!

Vilafonte 2003 “Series M”
$49.99 Less 20% = $39.99
Zelma’s winemaking notes
“Pretty and intriguing” This luscious wine has open and seductive aromatics which are redolent of red plums and black raspberries, with a distinctive spicy note and floral undertones. Oak characters are subtle and primarily expressed with vanilla notes. “Fruit” fragrance is dominant. Entry onto the palate is soft, with velvet tannins up front, lovely, bright red fruit flavors; good concentration and weight on the mid palate, with tannins increasing and sweetness coming up at the same time. The tannins are firm in the finish, balanced by the fruit and fruit sweetness. Overall, Series M is inviting and sensuous with a firm fruit finish; a very approachable wine with good intensity and personality, ready for food and pleasure immediately. Ageing potential? This wine develops and opens in in the glass… and will do so in
the cellar, for an expected 5 years from release.

39% Merlot
16% Malbec
41% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Cabernet Franc
19% New French Oak
14.5% Alcohol
75Production (barrels)

Vilafonte 2003 “Series C”
$79.99 Less 20% = $63.99
Zelma’s winemaking notes
“Potent and rich” The wines’ aromatics are intense and deep, needing time in the glass, and some air, to surface. Black fruit…cassis, blackberry… some dark flavors… pepper, chocolate… and warm tones of oak begin to present themselves. Deep black fruit and complexity are hallmarks of this wine. Given the intensity, palate entry is surprisingly silky and elegant, building to strong weight and flavor concentration in the mid palate, big ripe and chewy tannins, sweet black fruit intensity, finishing with strength and duration of dark earthy flavors that gradually melt away. Overall, Series C is a refined and concentrated wine, with strong fruit weight and rich tannins. Tightly structured, it invites and satisfies; giving extended pleasure over time in the glass. Ageing potential? Given the balance and concentration of this

82% Cabernet Sauvignon
9% Merlot
7% Cabernet Franc
2% Malbec
54% New French Oak
14.4% Alcohol
55Production (barrels)

Frank's Baby Roogle Mix & Match Sampler!
15% Off by the Bottle - $12.74 (your choice - regularly priced at $14.99)
22% Off by the 6pack - $69.99 (net bottle price $11.66)
33% Off by the 12pack - $119.99 (net bottle price $9.99)

Frank's Saumur 12pack Mix & Match Sampler!
15% Off by the Bottle - $21.24 (regularly priced at $24.99)
20% Off by the 6-pack - $119.99 (net bottle price $19.99)
33% Off by the 12-pack - $199.99 (net bottle price $16.67)