ALTAMURA 2006 SANGIOVESE
NAPA VALLEY 750ml

"Altamura continues to impress me, not only for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but also for one of the finest California Sangioveses money can buy." -Robert M. Parker, Jr.

AUGUST BRIGGS 2006 CHARBONO
"FREDIANI VINEYARD" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
What is Charbono? Charbono is not a common grape variety in California. There are only 84 planted acres in the entire state!

Planted back in the 1920s, the Frediani Charbono vineyard produces low yields with the ultimate in flavor concentration. On the nose the wine has a complex bouquet that includes spice, some smokiness, and berry. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied, well balanced with acidity for food. It has flavors of boysenberry and clove spice with a dry finish that has hints of rose. Only 350 cases produced!

COPPOLA PRESENTS 2007 ROSSO
CALIFORNIA 750ml
A blend of Zin, Syrah and Cabernet.

FETZER 2008 PINOT GRIGIO

LUNA 2007 SANGIOVESE
NAPA VALLEY 750ml

MARTIN & WEYRICH 2007 MOSCATO ALLEGRO
CALIFORNIA 750ml

PALMINA 2009 PINOT GRIGIO
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750ml
This winery can’t stay out of our newsletter! If you have been one of the customers that have cleaned us out of the winery’s other varietals, then you know why. The facts are undeniable; although this isn’t even California’s strong point, these Italian-varietal wines have made their mark here at the store. A wine of distinction, this comes on perfumed with baked apple pie scents, followed with a fresh tropical fruit note that lingers on the palate. The flavors expand on the tongue with more fruit and a swath of minerality. This light- to medium-bodied wine shows off and pairs beautifully with light Italian dishes. We will be the first to tell you that Steven Clifton (Proprietor) of "Brewer-Clifton" and his wife Chrystal are onto something big. This Pinot Grigio is no ordinary quaffer you find on some restaurants’ wine-by-the-glass program; we could throw this into a blind Italian tasting as a ringer.

Palmina is a Californian celebration of the rich, wonderful lifestyle and attitude toward food, wine, friends, and family that exists in Italy. Owner/winemaker Steve Clifton (also of Brewer-Clifton fame) took an interest during a trip to Italy to visit family, and after returning, he found himself working at an Italian restaurant in Laguna Beach. Today, he and his wife Chrystal, who studied at the University of Bologna and is fluent in Italian, have shown for several years that they make some of the tastiest "Cal-Ital" wines in California!

Their Pinot Grigio is a beautifully balanced wine that showcases the versatility of this grape; the wine almost glows in the glass with a beautiful clarity and pale flaxen hue. Notes of acacia and honeysuckle mingle with Asian pear and citrus blossom on the nose. It has a fascinating texture of both vibrant acidity and creaminess, enveloped by Fuji apple, clementines, lemon curd and hints of tropical fruit. A snap of lemongrass and stony minerality are present on the long and satisfying finish.

RUNQUIST 2008 BARBERA
"DICK COOPER VINEYARD" AMADOR COUNTY 750ml

SEGHESIO 2009 ARNEIS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 750ml
Arneis is a rare grape. It originates from the hills of Roero, northwest of Alba in the Piedmonte region of Italy from which Edoardo Seghesio, emigrated in 1886. First noted in Italian records as far back as 1478, Arneis’ production grew as it was often planted among rows of Nebbiolo to lure hungry birds away from the more prized red grapes.

Although considered difficult to cultivate, (the English translation for Arneis is "little rascal") the Keyhole Ranch in the Russian River Valley is the perfect home for this varietal. These 8 acres, where cool but dry conditions prevail, provide a great opportunity to grow Arneis. Warm-to-hot days with cool, fog-influenced nights help this variety retain acidity and delicate fruit aromas and flavors.

Pears, melons and almonds on the palate supplement an anise and mineral nose. The process of leaving the wine on its lees - sur lie - until bottling helps add complexity and texture to this wine.

TOBIN JAMES 2006 MUSCAT
“DREAM CATCHER” PASO ROBLES 750ml
There’s a reason everybody seems to be having fun while drinking Toby’s wines…..they’re fun, delicious wines that don’t cost a lot! Tobin James has one of the “must see” tasting rooms in Paso Robles, and visitors routinely make new friends with other visitors there! This Muscat is made in an off-dry style, but in no way cloying, and offers aromas of tangerine, white peach, honeysuckle, and a hint of soft spice. It has a rich, round mouth feel of citrus, melon and litchi, and is refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot summer day.

TOFANELLI 2005 CHARBONO
CALISTOGA 750ml
In addition to being extremely dark and deep, the aromas and flavors of this exotic wine combine distinctive aspects of blueberry compote, brioche, hazelnut, sweet tobacco, allspice, leather and wet granite. Mouth-filling and very inviting, its finely-grained tannins conjure plush black velvet. This wine is fantastic with food, and will age graciously for up to 15 years.

Tofanelli has become one of the more respected vineyards in the Napa Valley. Their fruit goes to such luminaries as Turley, Orin Swift, and Neyers. Located just one mile south of Calistoga, the gravelly loam soil and dry farming techniques (read: no irrigation) lead to grapes of concentrated colors and flavors. Above all, Tofanelli uses no pesticides or herbicides.