WINE CABINETS
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP WINE STORAGE CABINETS AT WHOLESALE COST MAY 3, 2008 Say you don’t have a basement or any space for a wine cellar. Or let’s suppose you anticipate moving and don’t want to invest in a wine cellar to leave behind. But, in each case, you know the benefits of storing your wines in a constant temperature-controlled cool environment and you really enjoy aged wines. Solution: a wine cabinet. I’m sure you’ve seen these in catalogs or friends’ homes – many are functional, simple refrigerated cabinets; others are themselves fine furniture and would look great in your living room or den. They come in many sizes. Some come with multiple temperature controls to keep whites, sparkling wines and reds at different temperatures. A goodly number of our customers have asked us about these and whether we have any way we could arrange to get them a “deal” on them. We’re please to report that Erick’s is now embarking on marketing a broad range of these decorative and functional appliances. We now have an arrangement with a major supplier that will allow us to offer you wine cabinets in a broad array of functions, colors, styles and sizes. We’re a wine shop, not an appliance store, so we’ve developed a simple pricing model that offer you a way to buy one of these cabinets at our wholesale cost if you stock your new wine cabinet with Ericks’ wines (you probably saw that coming). Here’s how it works: Go to the website www.wineenthusiast.com and select a wine cabinet. Order one from us, and we will have it shipped to you, wherever you are located. You will pay us the price listed as the “suggested retail price” listed in the catalog and then receive a rebate of the difference between that price and our wholesale cost as you buy wine from us in the months ahead. You will receive extraordinary discounts 10% on single bottles, 15% on purchases of 6 or more bottles and 20% on orders of 12 or more bottles until the aggregate discounts equal the amount to be rebated to you. Here’s an example of how it might work. If you buy the 117-bottle EuroCave Premier 100, model # 235-10 (wholesale cost $895), you pay the suggested retail price of $1,195 (plus taxes and shipping). Assume you buy from us wine by the case at an average price of $20, you would receive a discount of $4 per bottle for 75 bottles to earn back your $300 rebate and net you the wine cabinet at our wholesale cost. Enough of a deal??? If you are interested in purchasing a wine cabinet, call, reply to this email or come by. Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com

NEW YEAR VALUES 2008
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP NEW YEAR VALUES! JANUARY 26, 2008 Over the month before Christmas, we offered a lot of classic wines with awesome ratings at (unfortunately) awesome prices. With regard to the fact that your credit card statements are now arriving with equally awesome balances, we thought we should hunt around for some highly rated wines at awesomely LOW prices. Sure, you can find cheaper wines (at grocery stores), but at the quality levels, you’ve got to admit that they are outstanding values, especially by the case. And they’re fantastic wines! Take advantage of the special case offer, or mix and match: our mixed case special includes 4 of each of these wines worth $203.88 for only $173.42. 2006 Domaine Lafage “Novellum” Chardonnay (Roussillon, France, $12.99/$10.40 by the case). The crisp, unoaked “Novellum” has graced our shop for several years now and is our single largest selling Chardonnay. Now with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 87 point rating, this wine’s popularity is vindicated by the critics! “2006 Novellum Chardonnay comes from 25 year old vines on ocean viewing schiste and chalk and delivers lovely apple, pineapple, clover and herbal aromatics, a juicy, fresh fruit cast yet also creamy texture from the working of its lees in tank, and a finish with a balance of fruit, flower, herb and mineral that many a Macon selling for half again as much would envy.” 2004 Bodegas Viñas Zamoranas “Los Zorros” (Castilla Leon, Spain, $13.99/$11.19 by the case). Spain continues to churn out some of the best value reds in the world, and here’s another prime example. Wine Advocate 89 points: “The 2004 Los Zorros is a terrific value. The importer refers to it as ‘the poor man’s Toro’ and under the D.O. of Castilla y Leon it is permissible to use Toro fruit. Composed of 100% Tempranillo, this purple colored wine offers a fragrant perfume of Asian spice, blackberry, and blueberry pie. Rich and layered, this easy drinking wine has no hard edges. Drink it with tapas and bistro cuisine over the next 2 to 3 years.” Finally, we’ve found another incredible sleeper from Roussillon, 2005 Jean Louis Tribouley "Orchis" (Rousillon, France, $23.99/$19.19 by the case). This wine is rated 92 points by the Wine Advocate: By way of introduction, Tribouley farms his old vine Grenache biodynamically and with a mule. From the Wine Advocate: "Far be it from me to suggest he change anything, as these wines were my personal revelation of the past year and represent the most extraordinary values in red wine that I can recall having tasted in a long time. Taking its name from flowers that – after he banned herbicides – began growing out of some rocks on this parcel that were too big for him to remove, Tribouley’s 2005 Orchis is the latest vintage of what was formerly called “Serrat den Franc.” Its explosively ester rich nose of black raspberry and blueberry confiture incorporates overtones of almond extract, prunelle eau de vie, wood smoke and cocoa powder. Liqueur like and loaded with distilled berry inner mouth esters, this nevertheless retains clarity and purity, avoiding even the slightest temptation toward superficial sweetness or confectionary stickiness. Deep roasted meat and wet stone flavors emerge in a long, smoke tinged finish founded on a veritable ocean of concentrated blue and black fruit. Despite offering abundant immediate gratification, their well covered tannins encourage the belief (absent any track record to which I can point) that the amazing trio of Tribouley values under present consideration possess enough structure and stamina for mid term cellaring." ************ Let us hear from you if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com

Dolium 12.29.2007
Saturday Tasting STICKY SATURDAY (AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!) Our Saturday tasting this week will feature some excellent "stickys"(Ports, Madeira and Sauterne. Come by Saturday afternoon and taste some great after-dinner sippers. CHRISTMAS REPRISE DECEMBER 29, 2005 I am writing this on Christmas Day morning, temporarily eschewing the presents under the tree and the cheerful family gathering, in order to bring to you a fabulous idea. I'm sure I will deservedly find under the tree exactly what I hoped Santa would bring me, but occasionally I hear that, despite getting lots of Christmas loot, some people don't get what they really wanted. Well, here's Erick's to the rescue. Anticipating that, despite your most palpable and unabashed intimations, your beloved might not have wrapped that special gift for you. You might not have anticipated that and hedged your bets by buying that special something yourself beforehand. So now, all you have is an iridescent necktie, some pajamas and a gadget that comes with a 240-page instruction book written by someone halfway around the world, who has included only 97% of the critical directions. Forget your irritation, remembering that it's Christmas and it's not just about material things, or in any event, we have the perfect post-Christmas gifts you can buy for yourself to assuage your disappointment. For those with almost everything they wanted, we offer the 2005 Magpie Estate "The Black Sock" (Barossa 2005 Valley, Australia, $29.99). Robert Parker 92 points: "The 2005 Mourvedre "The Black Sock" contains 15% Shiraz. It was aged in seasoned American oak puncheons. It offers a complex aromatic array of cedar, forest floor, truffle, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a structured wine with layers of spicy black fruits, excellent balance, and a long, fruit-filled finish. Give it 2-3 years to evolve and drink it through 2015. The Magpie Estate wines are made by Rolf Binder." If you are a little more disappointed that your special person didn't read your mind (despite the obvious hints), you might want to treat yourself to several bottles of the ultra-rich 2005 Rolf Binder Shiraz/Mataro "Hubris" (Barossa Valley, $69.99). Robert Parker 94 points: "The 2005 Shiraz (65%) - Mataro (35%) "Hubris" was aged in French and American oak puncheons, 50% new. It delivers aromas of spice box, clove, damp earth, pencil lead, black cherry, and blueberry. This is followed by a ripe, layered, structured wine with superb length. It merits 6-8 years of further cellaring and will drink well through 2025." If your disillusionment is deeper, you probably should buy yourself what you really (think you) deserve - the 2005 Rolf Binder Shiraz "Heysen" (Barossa Valley, $72.99). Robert Parker 96 points: "The 2005 Shiraz "Heysen" is a blend of three vineyards. It was aged in 40% new French oak, 20% new American oak, and the balance neutral French. The nose reveals wood smoke, toast, game, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to an opulent, complex, and intensely flavored wine which merits 6-8 years in the cellar. This lengthy wine will drink well through 2025." We understand there are a few poor souls out there who are so deserving but yet so underappreciated that there could have been no gift under the tree that really would have been enough. For those of you (you know who you are), we offer perhaps the one gift you can buy yourself that would do your Christmas justice, the unbelievably awesome and nearly perfect 2005 Rolf Binder Shiraz "Hanisch" (Barossa Valley, $129.99). Robert Parker 98 points: "The sensational 2005 Shiraz "Hanisch" was aged in 80% new American oak, the balance in seasoned French. It has a fabulous perfume of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, spice box, truffle, pencil lead, plum, and blueberry. Voluptuous, intensely flavored, and already complex, it will unfold over the next decade and drink well through 2025 for those fortunate enough to track some down." Well-aware that the need for these post-Christmas gifts to yourself are needed immediately, we have stocked 6 of each of these wines and they are now available in the shop. THEY'RE BACK For a limited time we have Dolium wines back in stock. These Argentinean wines were introduced to North Carolina by Mark Rosse former owner of the Louisiana Purchase. We stocked them for several years and were a favorite of many. 2005 Malbec $13.99 2005 Syrah $17.99 2005 Tempranillo $10.99 Have a great Happy New Year. We thank all of you for your business in 2007 and look forward to bringing you exciting wines, cheeses and gourmet foods in 2008. Remember, if you need anything for your celebration, we have a full line-up of Champagnes and other vinous masterpieces to make this ringing-in one to remember. Let us hear from you if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com Forward email This email was sent to rlyar@aol.com, by rlyar@aol.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop | 4004 Hwy 105 | P.O. Box 2140 | Banner Elk | NC | 28604

12.15.07 Hess
Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop HESS WINES ROSSIGNOL BURGUNDY CASE SPECIAL LAAAARRRRGGGGE FORMAT FRENCHIES HESS WINES This coming Saturday December 15, we'll be tasting four outstanding wines of Hess. Here's the agenda: Hess Chardonnay "Su'skol Vineyard" (Napa, $24.99) Hess Cabernet Sauvignon "Allomi" (Napa, $24.99) 2004 Hess Collection, Mt. Veeder Mountain Cuvée (Napa, $31.99) Hess also owns the Peter Lehman winery in Australia, so we'll also be pouring 2005 Peter Lehman Shiraz (Barossa, $17.99) ROSSIGNOL BURGUNDIES CASE SPECIAL Our Rossignol agent is offering a case special on Rossignol Burgundy pre-arrivals. This results in a double savings for you because not only do you get our special discounted pricing on a pre-arrival, but you get a 10% case discount to boot. And since that discount is being given by the distributor, it works out to be a better than 10% discount to you. (Trust me on this, or just do the math yourself.) Here they are (single bottle prices are also given if you don't want a whole case.) You may mix and match, except the Bourgogne. All ratings and tasting notes are from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Beaune ($44.99/case special $39.99): 90 points: "From near the Epenotes cru comes a rarity in Burgundy, namely a "mere" village 2005 Beaune. A lovely deep, black-edged color reflects these old vines and their nutty, stony meaty, black-fruited flavor concentration. Blackberry, beet root, toasted walnut, and tobacco feature prominently on a silken, expansive and impressively dense palate, which this wine stains thoroughly while displaying just a bit of post-bottling tightness in its finish." 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne l'Hertiere ($33.99/case special $29.99). 88 points: "l'Hertiere - representing a parcel of nearly ninety year-old vines below Pommard "treated just like my premier crus" - offers impressively concentrated aromas and flavors of black fruits, bitter chocolate, savory smokiness, forest floor and roasted game." 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Savigny les Beaune les Forneaux ($55.99/case special $49.99). 90 points: "Vinified with around a third whole clusters, the 2005 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Fourneaux smells of cooked blackberry and raspberry with overtones of underbrush and smoke. Rich and substantial in the mouth, it finishes with generous fruit but firm tannins, accentuated by its recent sulfuring and bottling." 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay ($59.99/case special $53.99). 92 points: "From young, clonally-diverse vines in la Bouchere - a very chalky, rocky site high above the village - Rossignol's 2005 Volnay is loaded with deep, dark black cherry fruit, cherry pits, salty, chalky, iodine- and iron-like minerality. Incipiently velvety in the mouth, it promises to blossom with 3-5 years in the bottle, which it seems not at all disturbed by having just been put into. Here is the spirit of Volnay in a great vintage at a modest price: run, don't walk!" 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay Chevret ($81.99/case special $73.99). 92 points: "From a deeper site just below Caillerets and north of the Santenots du Milieu, a 2005 Volnay Chevret offers generous ripe blackberry, a simple, salty mineral expression, and a compelling richness and sheer fruit intensity. Dark forest floor notes are only hinted at, although this is almost certain to offer more complexity after allowing it 5-7 years to shut down and recover. " 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne ($29.99/solid case special $26.99). No rating or tasting notes available, but a solid generic Bourgogne at a great price. YR SIZE (L) EQUIV 750 ML BTLS WINE APPEL-LATION RTG PRICE PRICE per 750 ML 2000 6 8 Brane Cantenac Margaux 92 RP 1,799 225 2000 6 8 Calon Segur St. Estephe 94 RP 2,059 257 2003 6 8 Gruaud Larose St. Julien 92WS 1,399 175 2003 9 12 Gruaud Larose St. Julien 92 WS 2,341 195 2003 9 12 Kirwan Margaux 93 RP 1,599 133 2001 3 4 La Mondotte St. Emilion 94 RP 1,299 325 2003 9 12 Leoville Barton St. Julien 98 WS 3,699 308 1983 6 8 Lynch Bages Pauillac 90 WS 1,599 199 1994 6 8 Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 91 RP 2,699 337 2000 5 6.7 Pape Clement Pssc Lgnn 95 RP 1,599 239 2003 6 8 Pichon Baron Pauillac 94 RP 1,599 199 2003 9 12 Pichon Baron Pauillac 94 RP 2,016 168 2003 6 8 Pontet Canet Pauillac 95 RP 1,999 249 1986 6 8 Prieure Lichine Margaux 88 RP 1,077 134 1996 3 4 Sociando Mallet Haut Medoc 90 RP 674 168 Oh, yes, you can also buy one Methuselah of 1962 Domaine de la Romanée Conti "La Tâche" (RP 96) for $116,604. Seriously. Let us hear from you if you want any of the wines featured in this newsletter! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com Forward email This email was sent to rlyar@aol.com, by rlyar@aol.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop | 4004 Hwy 105 | P.O. Box 2140 | Banner Elk | NC | 28604

Marilyn Monroe
Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop SASSY SOUTH AMERICAN SIPPERS VINTAGE PORTS MARILYN MERLOT DECEMBER 8, 2007 This Saturday's tastings include wines of South America -three wonderful wines from Argentina's Bodegas Catena Zapada and a fabulous one from Chile's Cousino Macul. These wines demonstrate the growing quality and value one finds in the wines of these two countries and attest to the additive knowledge and experience generations of wine producers gain over time. Better yet, the wines of Chile and Argentina represent exceptional value. Despite the fact that these producers have been at it for a long time, their global reputation is still modest and the Pacific rim crowd has not yet put these wines on their shopping list, so prices are low. Take advantage! Saturday Tasting Wines (for details see below) 2006 Alamos Torrontes "Origen Salta" (Mendoza, $12.99). 2006 Alamos Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina, $12.99). 2005 Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon "Antiguas Riservas" (Chile, $17.99). 2005 Bodegas Catena Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, 25.99). 2006 Alamos Torrontes "Origen Salta" (Mendoza, $12.99). Bodega Catena Zapata began to make Alamos in 1993 as a second label. Alamos wines are sourced from some of the Catena family's younger vineyards in the best areas of Mendoza's high altitude wine country. Yields are kept low and all vineyards are hand harvested so they have excellent raw material to work with. What's Torrontes, you say? Torontes is Argentina's signature white wine grape and one of my personal favorites. In fact, I ALWAYS order Torrontes when I see it on a restaurant wine list, not only to reward the gutsy restauranteur for taking a risk on it, but because I absolutely adore its rich fruit and shimmering acidity. And price! This particular wine has a bright, aromatic peachy profile alongside floral jasmine and honeysuckle. It's medium-bodied with good concentration of perfumed fruit. 2006 Alamos Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina, $12.99). Wine Spectator 87 points and a "Best Value": "Juicy, with yellow apple, fig and butter notes that stay fresh and pure through the finish." 2005 Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon "Antiguas Riservas" (Chile, $17.99). Wine Advocate 90 points: "The deeply colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas offers toast, spice box, cedar, and black currant scents. This is followed by a spicy, ripe, firm wine with layers of flavor. With very good depth and a long finish, this superb value should evolve for several more years but is hard to resist now. Kudos to Cousino-Macul for this significant upgrade to their portfolio." 2005 Bodegas Catena Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, 25.99). As you undoubtedly know, Malbec is Argentina's signature red wine grape, and this one is as good a representative as it gets. Wine Spectator 90 points: "Rich and polished, with alluring fig, mocha, boysenberry, ganache and sweet spice notes that glide along creamy tannins and through the long, velvety finish." VINTAGE PORTS Here's another Christmas idea - vintage Port. And what's a better drink than one of these warm, velvety nectars by the fire on Christmas evening, after that goose? These are all pre-arrivals, but a prompt order will have these on hand for Christmas. As always, pre-arrivals are deeply discounted and are not subject to case or other discount, and are subject to confirmation. Except as noted, all are in 750 ml bottles. (WS =Wine Spectator rating; RP=Robert Parker rating) 1970 Cockburn's $149.99 1963 Cockburn's 88 WS $259.99 2003 Croft 93 RP $105.99 2000 Croft 90 RP $86.99 2003 Delaforce 95 WS $79.99 1970 Dow's 94 WS $269.99 1997 Fonseca's 93 RP $149.99 1985 Fonseca's 95 WS $199.99 1983 Fonseca's 92 RP $169.99 1970 Fonseca's 96 WS $339.99 1970 1.5L Fonseca's 96 WS $699.99 1983 Graham's 92 RP $159.99 1970 Graham's 94 WS $299.99 2003 Quinta Do Noval 96 WS $126.99 1963 Quinta Do Noval $259.99 1997 Quinta Do Vesuvio 90 RP $99.99 1995 Quinta Do Vesuvio 95 WS $118.99 $135.99 2003 Taylor Fladgate 98 RP $76.99 2003 375mL Taylor Fladgate 98 RP $249.99 2003 1.5L Taylor Fladgate 98 RP $287.99 1970 Taylor Fladgate 98 WS $349.99 1955 Taylor Fladgate 88 WS $799.99 1977 Warre's 92 WS $199.99 1963 Warre's 92 WS $399.99 1945 Warre's $1,318.99 FOR COLLECTORS OF MARILYN MONROE WINE The 2005 Marilyn Merlot, Napa Valley ($29.99) has just arrived. This is the 21st vintage of this wine. The current vintage is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. We have a few bottles left of the 2003 and 2004 vintages. (both $29.99 each) Great gift idea! Give a 3 bottle vertical for $84.99. Let us hear from you ;if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com Forward email This email was sent to rlyar@aol.com, by rlyar@aol.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop | 4004 Hwy 105 | P.O. Box 2140 | Banner Elk | NC | 28604

Destiny's Trip
Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop During the first week of November Destiny Dudley, on Erick's staff, and five of her friends spent time in California's wine country. In three days the group vistied winerys in Napa, Oakville, St. Helena, Stag's Leap, Spring Mountain, Howell Mountain and Sonoma. Here is a summary of her trip and her wine picks. If you are interested in any of of Destiny's picks, they are available for purchase at the store, or by special order. PAGE WINES Dinner the first night was with Brian Page from Page Wines showing off his cooking skills. As well as being an amazing self-taught wine maker, Brian is a reputable chef who has cooked for the "who's who" of the wine world- including Robert Mondavi & Baroness Rothchild. Brian's wines are known for their great fruit, and sophisticated elegance. DESTINY'S PICK 2006 Page Sauvignon Blanc $25.99- Fresh, light citrus nose; Moderately high acidity, bright clean fruit palate of grapefruit, lemon zest, star fruit; Moderately dry finish. Pair with fresh chevre Crocker & Star Wednesday we started the day at Crocker & Star, owned by Mr. Crocker- whose family started the railroad system in California. The Estate was amazingly beautiful, filled with lush gardens, a beautiful 1800's plantation-style home, Mrs. Crocker's own personal Taj Mahal, a small chapel and the original Stoneplace winery (built in 1870, was a "ghost winery" during prohibition and the name sake for their flagship wine.) Winemaker Pam Star's name says it all- she's a star! Her wines are amazing!! DESTINY'S PICK 2003 Stoneplace Cuvee ($81.99) This predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blend is produced from 25-year-old vines, through sustainable farming. Dark purple color with intense concentration; spicy, dark ripened fruit- plum, currant, blackberry, and vanilla on the nose; rich, ripened dark fruit palate of currant, blackberry, cassis, licorice; with sweet, softened tannins. C&T, Livingston-Moffett and Moffett Our next appointment was with the beautiful Moffett family. Trent Moffett has his hands full between his 3 different wine labels- C&T, Livingston-Moffett and Moffett, and his twin toddlers- Willow and Aiden. His C&T label is the easy drinking, lower priced wine, but still good "quality," The Livingston-Moffett label was created by his father, but is now replaced with just Moffett- keep an eye out for the "Willow's Blend" coming out in January! DESTINY'S PICK 2004 Stanley's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (36.99) Packed full of rich dark fruit- cassis, plum, boysenberry; high acidity (making it a great food wine), and softened, structured tannins. This wine craves a big, juicy steak! Lail Vineyards We closed out our day at the amazingly beautiful Lail Vineyards. Owned by Robyn Lail (granddaughter of John Daniel- the real godfather of Napa Valley), whose wines are made by (in my opinion) the greatest wine maker in the valley- Philip Melka. We met with Lail's VP Tim Martin, Mr. Do it all, he assists in the wine making, marketing, tours, and somehow finds time to "hang-ten!" DESTINY'S PICK 2003 J. Daniel Cabernet Sauvignon (199.99) This wine is a polished jewel! Philips patience and handcrafted skill really shine in this sophisticated, complex Cabernet. Filled with dark fruits, baking spice, hint of pepper, with a velvety mouth feel and a long complex, juicy finish. This wine is worthy of a second mortgage. Juslyn Vineyards Thursday was my 28th birthday, and what better way to spend your birthday, than time with great friends, drinking great wine! Our first stop was at Juslyn Vineyards. Carolyn and Perry Butler, originally from England, purchased their beautiful Spring Mountain property (which overlooks the "Falcon Crest" Estate) in 1997 and now have 7 acres under vine. Their Estate fruit is supplemented with fruit from Andy Beckstoffer and include To Kalon, George III and Dr. Crane. As well as producing amazing wines, Carolyn and Perry are big humanitarians! They have created a limited production rose, which they donate the proceeds to fight breast cancer, and a red wine called "Rescue" which 100% goes to support the 2 elephants they adopted in Thailand (I collect elephants, and Perry gave me a signed bottle for my b-day!) DESTINY'S PICK 2003 Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon (94.99). Very elegant, medium bodied with sweet tannins. Black fruits- currant, blackberry, plum, and tobacco, smoke. Drink now or cellar 14-15 years Barnett Vineyards Our next visit was at Barnett Vineyards on Spring Mountain- those of you who attended our "Treat and Train Your Palate" event last June met their winemaker David Tate. Established in 1983 by Fiona and Hal Barnett has built it's self up to be a great producer of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Located at 2000 feet, and with a steep grade of 35%, all of the grapes must be hand harvested, as optimal ripeness is achieved- just watch out for the rattlesnakes! DESTINY'S PICK 2006 Sangiacomo Chardonnay ($39.99) The wine exhibits intense stone fruit on the nose, plenty of pears with some underpinning peach blossom, as well as characters of lemon meringue pie and a flinty minerality. The mid palate is full, coming close to oily in texture with plenty of fresh natural acid present to balance it. Pure honey and nectarine flavors persist on the palate that is balanced by a continued steely minerality. The wine is showing wonderfully now but will continue to age for another 3-5 years Vision Cellars We ended my birthday with one of my favorite people in the wine business, Mac McDonald from Vision Cellars. Many of you have heard his story- former Texan, dad (boy named Sue) was a moonshiner, and life was altered by a 1952 bottle of burgundy. His first vintage was in 1997, named for his vision to become a winemaker- "Vision Cellars." Mac, and his beautiful family made it an evening to remember with great wine, fabulous food and good conversation- his granddaughters are brilliant and beautiful! DESTINY'S PICK 2005 Vision Cellars Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir ($59.99). a double gold metal award winner at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, this wine has a nose of rose and fresh orange peel. The mouth bursts with plums, and berries with a finish of cherry and spice. Cliff Lede The final day of touring was kicked-off at Cliff Lede. Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002, when Canadian businessman Cliff Lede purchased approximately 60 acres in the northern end of the Stags Leap District. The winery's vineyards are planted to Bordeaux varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. In April 2004, the vineyard released its first small-batch bottling of the Cliff Lede 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship 2001 Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon was released shortly after in October of the same year. Michel Rolland, famed wine maker, consults on the wine making. DESTINY'S PICK 2005 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap ($59.99) 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot Rich, fruity, spicy nose of raspberry, fig, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mouth bursts with black cherry and black berry with a hint of white pepper. Moderate tannins that slowly pull off throughout it's lengthy finish. Oakville Ranch Winery We then ventured over to meet-up with Paula Kornell at Oakville Ranch Winery. Oakville Ranch was established in 1989 by Bob and Mary Miner, and consists of 350 acres- 80 acres under vine- of rolling hills. Oakville Ranch grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (including the Merlot for Dickhorn) and Cabernet Franc, and is known for its signature red volcanic soil. They are also very environmentally conscious, as of February, have installed 636 SunPower solar panels on the rooftops to produce "clean energy!" Paula Kornell is the winery's National Sales Manager, and I consider a good friend of mine, who loves her Bull Mastiff- Romeo. DESTINY'S PICK 2006 Oakville Ranch Chardonnay ($49.99) Pure chardonnay flavors; crisp, natural acidity; and the ranch's signature "minerality" are framed with a dash of nicely integrated oak. bright and vibrant now, additional cellar time will certainly prove rewarding. Robert Craig Our "whirl wind" tour came to an end with another one of my most favorite people in the wine buis., and one of my favorite wineries period, Elton Slone @ Robert Craig! Many of you have met Elton at wine dinners and events during the summer, as Western North Carolina is where he kicks-off his tour every year- making us the first to taste and buy the current vintage. Robert Craig established his winery in 1992 with three long-time friends who support Bob's commitment to producing small quantities of handcrafted wines. Bob has been a pioneer in the development of mountain vineyards from Napa Valley's great appellations and a visionary in creating a new wine style for mountain Cabernets that emphasizes ripe fruit, supple tannins, and early balance and integration. During the 1970's, Bob developed over 300 acres of vineyards on Mt. Veeder and served as general manager of the Hess Collection Winery. Along the way, he spearheaded the campaign to have Mt. Veeder designated as a special appellation district in 1990. The opportunity to start his own winery was the realization of a long-held dream to handcraft small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon from great winegrowing appellations of Napa Valley. The first Robert Craig Napa Valley Cabernet debuted in 1992. With the 1993 vintage, he introduced a "terroir" based wine program showcasing Cabernets from Mt. Veeder, Howell Mountain and the new Tulocay appellation. In 2002, the Craig family celebrated the completion of their state-of- the-art winery facility located at nearly 2300 feet on the summit of Howell Mountain. And man is it gorgeous!!! DESTINY'S PICK 2004 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon ($52.99) Heady perfume of ripe black cherry and currant, with black tea, spice and violet notes. Bright and abundant dark fruit and black currant liqueur are intertwined with sweet spice box, licorice and violets. Opulent black cherry drives the lively, long-lived finish. A rich, multi-layered Cabernet that balances power with finesse. Destiny's Picks Page 2006 Sauvignon Blanc- $35.99 Crocker & Star 2003 Stoneplace Cuvee- $81.99 Livingston Moffett 2004 Stanley's Selection- $36.99 Lail 2003 J. Daniel Cuvee- $119.99 Juslyn 2003 Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon- $94.99 Barnett 2006 Sangiacomo Chardonnay- $39.99 Vision Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir, Rosella's Vineyard- $59.99 Cliff Lede 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap- $59.99 Oakville Ranch 2006 Chardonnay- $49.99 Robert Craig 2004 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon- $52.99 I hope you enjoyed the report on my trip. My picks above our only a small part of what we tasted. When you come into the store I would be happy to help you with your wine selections. If you are interested in any of of "Destiny's Picks", they are available for purchase. If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. Destiny Dudley Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com Forward email This email was sent to rlyar@aol.com, by rlyar@aol.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop | 4004 Hwy 105 | P.O. Box 2140 | Banner Elk | NC | 28604

Large format
Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop AUSOME AUSSIE DEALS; LARGE FORMAT ITALIANS AND 100-PT FRENCHIES FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING We've just received an offer sheet from one of our big Australian wine agents containing sharply discounted wine opportunities. We're passing along to you these discounted wines, so here's a great opportunity to stock up on some fabulous wines at unbelievably low prices. We're showing the normal price for these wines, then the special deal price. Because of the deeeeeeply embedded discounts, no case or further discounts will be available. These are all offered subject to confirmation. Hurry - they're limited! 2007 Chapel Hill "Angelica" Verdelho (McLaren Vale, $22.99/special $14.99). Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 87 points. "The 2007 Angelica Verdelho is light straw-colored with an attractive bouquet of mineral, lemon-grass, honeysuckle, and tropical fruits. Crisp and fruity on the palate, this nicely balanced wine offers good depth and a refreshing finish." 2006 Colonial Expatrie Semillon (Barossa Valley, $36.99/special $16.99). Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90 points. "[L]ight gold-colored, [the] 2006 Expatrie Reserve Semillon exhibits a perfume of mineral, spring flowers, honeysuckle, and lemon custard. Supple-textured, dry, ripe, and balanced, it offers up plenty of mid-palate fruit leading to a lengthy finish." 2005 Step Rd Wines Shiraz (Langhorne Creek, South Australia, $22.99/special $9.99). The labels are stained, but it's what's inside the bottle that counts, and this juice is fabulous! Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92 points. "From a fabulous vintage in South Australia, Step Rd's 2005 Shiraz Langhorne Creek reveals a full-bodied opulence, wonderfully pure, rich, black fruit flavors, and amazing density, purity, and texture." Hey, I'll take a 92-point wine in a bottle with a stained label for $9.99 ANYTIME! Heck, with the savings here, you can afford to buy a fancy crystal decanter to serve it in if you're embarrassed about the label. 2003 Small Gully "Maranaga" Shiraz (Barossa Valley, $39.99/special $24.99). Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91 points. Dense ruby. Exotic, expressive nose features deep, chocolaty aromas of roasted cherry, cassis and violet. The dark berry flavors are strongly marked by oak notes of spice, vanilla and mocha, but the combination works, thanks to bright balancing acidity and silky tannins. Finishes spicy, sweet and long, the tannins nicely folded into the sweet fruit. 2005 Fox Gordon "Hannah's Swing" Shiraz (Barossa Valley, $45.99, special $34.99). Wine Spectator 93 points. "Plush and beautifully focused, this is a big, seductive Shiraz that insinuates its blackberry, dark plum and exotic spice flavors and then lets them roll through the long, generous finish." 2004 Binder-Mitchell Shiraz (Barossa Valley, $49.99/special $29.99). Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92-94 points: "a full-bodied red revealing scents of melted licorice, pepper, dried herbs, blackberry, and cassis. Full-flavored, opulent, and powerful yet elegant, this beauty should drink well upon release, and age effortlessly for 12-15 years." LARGE FORMAT ITALIANS We have also received a list of large format (e.g., 1.5 l. "magnum," 3.0 l. "Jeroboam," 6.0 l. "Methuselah," and even 9.0 l. "Salmanazar") size bottles from the 1980s and 1990s of Allegrini and (!) Dal Forno Amarone, Bruno Giacosa Barolo, Antinori Solaia and Tignanello, Ornellaia, Masseto, Sassicaia and Roberto Voerzio Barolo, among other wines. As you might imagine, the prices are truly heart-stopping, but if you are interested in large format sizes and love mature cult Italian wines or are in the market for Christmas gifts for special wine geek friends and relatives, get your home-equity line of credit tuned up and reply to this e-mail, and we'll let you know what's available. 100-PT FRENCHIES If that wine geekiness is of the Francophile persuasion, we have available to us some even older (e.g. up to 80 years old) vintage Premier Cru Bordeaux, Rhônes, Burgundies and Ports. While these may not be for everyone, they present an interesting alternative to that Cadillac you're thinking of giving to your spouse and they won't leave you with that guilty feeling for increasing your carbon footprint or increasing your dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Those wines from the list that include 100-point ratings that are priced below $1,000 include the following: 1995 Guigal "La Turque" (Côte Rotie) 1995 Château Margaux (Margaux) 1982 Château Léoville Las Cases (Saint Julien) 2001 Château d'Yquem (375 ml., Sauternes) If you're looking for an alternative to a Mercedes Benz or a yacht, we can direct your attention to a magnum of 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild, a Methuselah of 1982 Château Latour, a 5.0 litre bottle of 1982 Château Mouton Rothschild, a Methuselah of 1998 Château Haut Brion, a Magnum of 1961 Petrus, a Magnum of 1921 Petrus, a bottle of 1990 Domaine Romanée Conti Richebourg, a bottle of 1947 Cheval Blanc (the best wine of all time?), and more. Let us know if you need anything so extravagant and we'll talk turkey. There are even some older vintage wines on the list from lower classed château that are priced at more earthly levels, such as a 95-point 1995 Château Cos d'Estournel (Saint Estèphe, $269.99): "A wine of extraordinary intensity and accessibility, the 1995 Cos d'Estournel is a sexier, more hedonistic offering than the muscular, backward 1996. Opulent, with forward aromatics (gobs of black fruits intermixed with toasty pain grille scents and a boatload of spice), this terrific Cos possesses remarkable intensity, full body, and layers of jammy fruit nicely framed by the wine's new oak. Because of low acidity and sweet tannin, the 1995 will be difficult to resist young, although it will age for 2-3 decades." Let us hear from you quickly ;if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.co Forward email This email was sent to rlyar@aol.com, by rlyar@aol.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop | 4004 Hwy 105 | P.O. Box 2140 | Banner Elk | NC | 28604

Thanksgiving Wines 11.18.07
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP FABULOUS FALL FLAVORS AND TANTALIZING THANKSGIVING TREASURES NOVEMBER 18, 2007 Hey! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many of you are wondering: “What’s the perfect line up of wines for the big meal?” We admit, Thanksgiving is always a tricky holiday in terms of food/wine pairings, because of all the weird foods, like ham and the sweet potatoes, that don’t have an obvious wine counterpart. That’s where we come in. All you have to do is buy the following case of wine at the special, discounted price, and you’ll be all set. ERICK’S THANKSGIVING CASE SAMPLER $249.99 (This case would cost you almost $300 if each wine were purchased separately at the prices indicated below. The wines are all in stock and can be purchased individually at the regular price as well). 2007 Georges DeBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($10.99). No longer flown over on the Concord on the third Wednesday of November, but still a tradition, not a serious or intellectual wine but one made for celebrating the harvest, the first wine released, that says: “Enjoy me for what I am.” Fresh, fruity and fragrant, this is the perfect sipper while the fixin’s get prepared in the late morning. Recently, there was an excellent overview of Beaujolais Nouveau in The New York Times 2007 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Primeur ($14.99). The Burgundy négociant also turns out some stylish Beaujolais Nouveau, a tad up the quality scale. You’ll want this on hand to step up to as the final preparations are underway mid afternoon. NV Raymond Henriot Brut, “ à Polisot” (Champagne, $32.99). Of course, you’ll need a Champagne to start off the big feast, and we’d like to suggest the Brut “à Polisot” from Raymond Henriot , our best selling Champagne, by far! A blend of predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and 12% Chardonnay, this wine won the gold award at the 2004 Vino Challenge International Superlative Wine Competition and has garnered 94 points and an “Editors’ Choice” designation from The Wine Enthusiast: “There is just a suggestion of color,a pale onion skin blush. It’s very sensuous, and the wine bursts immediately into a complex play of scents. Dusty pollen, fresh cut flowers and sweet fruits mingle invitingly, leading you into flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and spice. Big and polished, this sensual feast of a wine delivers an extra dimension of flavor, power and length.” You also get an introductory blast of smoky toast, hazelnuts and vanilla on the nose. Outstanding and one of the most interesting Champagnes we’ve ever had. Very rare and highly allocated. 2005 Forth Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Beckstoffer Vineyard (Mendocino, $19.99). A mouth watering Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is produced from grapes purchased from Andy Beckstoffer's Sanford Ranch vineyard in Mendocino County. Andy is one of California's most famous growers, and he really knows how to produce extraordinary fruit. With its crisp green apple, kiwi and guava notes, punctuated by a bit of sparkle, this wine is reminiscent of the lovely whites from the Italian Veneto region. This wine has more depth than the average Sauvignon Blanc, yet enough acidity to keep it refreshing and food friendly. 2004 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes Hermitage “Mule Blanche” ($33.99). Here’s an idea for a white that would pair excellently with turkey, since it’s got more weight and body and has enough character to stand up to the hearty fare. Marsanne is the perfect wine for that. Lucky for you, we have a fabulous Marsanne. I tasted this wine at a wine exposition in the Rhône in March and found it to be of exceptional quality, and we featured it in our July Rhône wine class. Robert Parker rated it 89 points with the following tasting notes: “white peach/apricot like character interwoven with notions of citrus oil, white currants, and flowers, medium bodied, fresh, lively, delicious.” 2006 Château Ségriès Tavel Rosé ($19.99). Ham is one of the most difficult foods with which to pair a wine, but a rosé always works, and this one is one of the best. This family owned and operated winery produces extraordinary values. The age of the vines averages 30 years. The blend is 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 15% Clairette and 5% Syrah. "Lovely, light and flavorful, with cherries, raspberries and a touch of orange zest. Clean and fresh, with good balancing acidity. A complete wine. Excellent with food."VERY GOOD BEST OF TASTING Wall Street Journal (Friday, June 1, 2007). 2007 Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Primeur Cuvée Vieille Vignes ($19.99). Pierre Chermette’s yields are so low and the grapes so naturally ripe that he does not chaptalize. He uses only indigenous yeasts (no "banana yeast" culture, a la Duboeuf). Then a traditional, longer fermentation, aging in oak foudres and bottling with no filtration, and without adding any sulfites. It is as natural a Beaujolais as one could have had in a café in Lyon in the 40’s. Eric Asimov, the wine writer of The New York Times, rated the Beaujolais Primeur of this Domaine one of the best of the tasting, so this box of wine has lots of New York newspaper endorsements! This is a more powerful "primeur" wine. It has deep color, aromas of very ripe red fruit and it shows considerable body. A very special Beaujolais Nouveau for those who have gone off the style. This wine would be an outstanding accompaniment for the turkey dinner, with the dressing and cranberry sauce, light, fruity, yet serious and elegant. 1999 Maison Leroy Bourgogne, Rouge ($39.99). Pinot Noir is another wine that goes very well with Thanksgiving fare, and here’s a super offering from Lalou Bize Leroy, the proprietor of Domaine d'Auvenay and Domaine Leroy, a négociant firm founded by her father. Formerly, she was one of the co owners of the Domaine de la Romanée Conti, whose wines, along with her own wines today from the Domaine d'Auvenay, are the most sought after, and outrageously expensive, of Burgundy. Her wines are produced from rigorously biodynamic vineyards severely pruned to yield minuscule quantities, and pressed without de stemming and bottled unfiltered and unfined. From time to time, she releases aged wines from her cellar, a sort of "library" release. This 1999 Burgundy offers a mature Pinot Noir from a classic vintage at a spectacular price, if we do say so ourselves , a rare opportunity to taste one of the wines of this great producer without needing to get a home equity line of credit. From Burghound (85 points): "A gentle touch of wood spice frames refined and beautifully complex violet and plum notes that sit atop precise, pure and mineral infused middle weight flavors that possess good ripeness and excellent length. This is very forward and will drink well early." 2003 Forth Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon "Rebecca" Vineyard" (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, $29.99). What’s more appropriate for a truly American feast than a California Cabernet Sauvignon! Here’s a truly beautiful Cabernet, delivering blackberry, cherry, chocolate and blueberries with the great balanced structure and a leather tinted, layered berry finish. 2005 Marquis Philips Cabernet Sauvignon “S2” (McLaren Vale, Australia, $36.99). Robert Parker 94 points: “Marquis Philips’ luxury cuvees include the 2005 Cabernet S2, a 2,000 case wine boasting an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a sumptuous, toasty bouquet of grilled meats, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and subtle herbs. With superb purity, richness, body, intensity, and length, it should drink well for a decade or longer.” 2006 Saracco Moscato d’Asti (Asti, $16.99). You’ll need a couple wines to go with those Thanksgiving desserts, and we’ve got a stunning one for lighter desserts and one for chocolate and heavier desserts. For pumpkin pie and other lighter desserts, we have a Moscato d’Asti. The Moscato grape is highly aromatic with notes of lycee, pear and white flowers. A slight sparkle is traditional for Moscato d’Asti and is obtained through a second fermentation in tank. The fermentation is stopped before the sugar is completely converted to alcohol, leaving the wine with low alcohol and slightly sweet. n/v Giribaldi Brachetto ($14.99). Any discussion of Brachetto immediately brings to mind images of country festivals when, during the summer, fires light up the hills and draw people from their homes into the roads and courtyards to eat and drink together. A beautiful wine with heady purple foam and a bouquet and palate of rose petals and raspberries, this is THE wine to accompany a chocolate dessert. HIGH END CAB SALE! 2005 Cliff Lede Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag’s Leap District (Napa, $59.99/special $53.99). Wine Spectator 92 , 94 points: “Great structure, density, concentration, focus and range of flavors; clearly one of the best wines of the tasting. Packed with firm, rich, vivid currant, fresh earth and blackberry flavors that are intense and persistent, and ending with rich, integrated tannins.” 2004 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red (Napa, $154.99/special $139.99). Wine Spectator 93 points: “Well focused on a rich, vibrant core of ripe blackberry and wild berry fruit. This is elegant, balanced and deep, yet well structured, ending with a long, complex finish that's trim and tight. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2009 through 2015.” Let us hear from you in the next day or two if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898 9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future emails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

RED WINE DEALS NOVEMBER 1, 2007
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP GREAT NON-SPOOKY WINE DEALS NOVEMBER 1, 2007 This is no trick or treat – it’s all treat. We have some great wines from California and Australia to tease you with. All are pre-arrivals, some with nice discounts, and are offered, subject to confirmation. No case or other discounts are available on wines being discounted, as shown. 2006 Oliverhill Winery Shiraz, “Jimmy Section” (McLaren Vale, Australia, $44.99/special $39.99). Oliverhill is a small boutique winery located in McLaren Vale in South Australia Its owners, Linda and Stuart Miller, specialize in premium quality, limited production reds, such as the single vineyard Shiraz, "Jimmy Section", coming from a small 5-acre plot planted 30 years ago. The wine represents the classic South Australian style, big and juicy with sweet black fruits, broad shouldered with substantial palate presence, yet maintaining balance and exceptional fruit intensity. All their wines are produced in an extremely limited format with total production hovering around 3000 cases total. These are hand-crafted wines that are truly artisan in style. How good are the wines? The 2006 vintage has not yet been rated, but unless Linda and Stuart have forgotten how to make wine, you should buy the 2006 wine on reputation alone while it is still available. From 2001-05 Robert Parker rated the wine 93, 94, 94, 95 and 96 points, respectively. 2005 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon “Signature” (Napa, $54.99/special $49.99). The Chappellet family has been crafting world class wines from their Pritchard Hill estate vineyards since 1967. The Chappellets were the first to plant vineyards exclusively on high elevation hillsides and the second winery to be established in the Napa Valley after Prohibition. The foundation of Chappellet winemaking program is focused on creating extraordinary age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon that expresses the unique characteristics of the fruit from Pritchard Hill. The rugged terroir of Chappellet's vineyards produces wines with great intensity and finesse, qualities that define the world's finest wines. For three decades Chappellet's wines have received high praise from wine critics and have been sought after by the world's premier collectors. The 2005 wine has not yet been rated, but the 2004 edition was rated 93 points by Wine Spectator. This wine is a Bordeaux blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance being Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. An attractive array of blackberry, smoke, dark chocolate, and bay leaf aromas leads to a lustrous, layered wine. Rich on the palate with a velvet texture, the spicy, ripe, black fruits are beautifully integrated with the oak, tannins, and acidity. 2006 Whetstone Pinot Noir “Pleasant Hill” (Sonoma, $54.99/special $49.99). Jamie Whetstone picked up his degree from Appalachian State and headed west to work in the wine business. He cut his teeth at Turley Wine Cellars in 1998. From there, he went on to working in Burgundy, starting his own label and consulting. Along the way, he’s made some pretty good Pinot Noir. Although the 2006 vintage is not yet rated, his wine from Pleasant Hill was rated 90 points in 2004 and 2005 by Steve Tanzer. From the superstar Calera Wine Company on California’s Central Coast. Calera Wine Company's history goes back 30 years, to when Josh Jensen fell in love with the wines of Burgundy and decided to turn that love into his life's work. His mentors in Burgundy were adamant that Pinot Noir must be grown in limestone-rich soils, as present in the Côtes d’Or, to make great wines. After a long search, in 1974 he found a high-elevation parcel with a limestone deposit of several million tons. Located 90 miles south of San Francisco and about 25 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, it is near Mt. Harlan in San Benito County. Its elevation is 2,200 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest and coldest vineyard properties in California, and, consequently, as a result of its long, slow growing season, it produces (in our humble opinion) the absolutely best, most Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir in California. Here’s what’s on the way: 2004 Calera Pinot Noir “Reed Vineyard” (Central Coast, $57.99). Robert Parker 90 points: “The cool climate 2004 Pinot Noir Reed Vineyard exhibits a dark ruby color as well as a beautiful, sweet nose of cranberries, kirsch liqueur, and spice, and surprisingly evolved and intense fruit for a young Calera Pinot. As it sits in the glass, spicy, sassafras, Allspice, and a Gevrey-Chambertin-like meatiness and roasted herb character emerge. This is a medium to full-bodied wine with considerable power, outstanding fruit depth as well as ripeness, and surprising charm for a young Reed.” 2004 Calera Pinot Noir “Mills Vineyard” (Central Coast, $64.99). Robert Parker 93 points: “The 2004 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with seductive, sweet aromas of black raspberries, black cherries, spring flowers, and spice. It possesses beautiful red and black fruits, good acidity, full body, and more tannin, but less spice than the Reed cuvee. This complex, fruit-driven Pinot Noir will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 10-15 years.” 2004 Calera “Jensen Vineyard” (Central Coast, $67.99). Robert Parker 94 points: “The dark ruby/purple-tinged, spicy, full-bodied 2004 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard reveals a stunningly complex nose of roasted meat, sweet red and black currants, cherries, earth, and spice. With excellent structure, acidity, and length, it should be another terrific example of this vineyard. Exceptionally long and rich, it should be cellared for 2-3 years and enjoyed over the following 15.” 2004 Calera Pinot Noir “Selleck Vineyard” (Central Coast, $74.99). Robert Parker 96 points: “The 2004 Pinot Noir Selleck Vineyard possesses a deep, dark garnet/ruby color in addition to dense, forest floor aromas reminiscent of a DRC Richebourg or Grand Echezeaux. Extraordinarily complex notes of truffles, berries, and damp forest are both enticing and profound. This full-bodied, rich, long, compelling Pinot Noir can be drunk now, but it will be even better with 2-4 years of bottle age. It should keep for 12-15 years. It is stunning stuff!” These are all limited. First come, first served. Let us hear from you in the next day or two if you want any of these! If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call, reply to this email or come by. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future e-mails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

2005 Burgundies
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP 2005 BURGUNDIES SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 Anyone who follows vintages in Burgundy knows that 2005 produced a very special crop of white and red Burgundies. The weather was ideal, with temperatures neither too hot nor too cold, and the rainfall was slightly less than normal, stressing the vines just perfectly. There was no rot or oïdium, as in 2004, and the vignerons could pick at their leisure in late September. In fact, the harvest was so perfect that sorting tables rarely had to be used to isolate and discard imperfect fruit. All the winemakers had to do to produce exceptional wines was to, essentially, stay out of the way. Early press reviews and critics’ commentaries confirmed that the finished wines were, indeed, very special. To no one’s surprise, the Burgundian producers followed the Bordelais in raising prices substantially, and villages crus were often released at historical premier cru pricing levels, premier crus at grand cru levels and grand crus at unheard of levels. As the wines have started appearing on distributor price sheets, the world has gasped…but bought as never before, with ridiculously priced wines disappearing almost as quickly as they have seen the light of day. There are still some reasonably priced wines coming to market if you carefully seek them out and shop outside the most prestigious Côte d’Or locations. From time to time, we will publish our reports on the wines as they come to market that we feel offer a relatively good opportunity for those desiring to buy the 2005 vintage. This newsletter contains the first of such reports, including ratings and tasting notes of renowned Burgundy specialist Allen Meadows from his Burghound publication. If you would like to order any of the wines in this newsletter, please reply to this email, call us or stop by the store and let us know what you would like to buy so we can place orders with our distributors (all orders subject to confirmation). We cannot stress emphatically enough that time is of the essence, as the 2005 vintage is being snapped up at record pace, so please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you would like to purchase any of these wines! VILLAGES CRUS, WHITE Girardin Meursault “Narvaux” ($64.99). Burghound 90 points: “A background touch of brioche works with the fresh, ripe and expressive hazelnut and ripe peach and apricot aromas that complement well the rich, full and generous flavors that possess excellent phenolic ripeness and punch on the linear, mouth coating and dry finish. This is a first rate villages and worth a look.” Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet ($44.99). Burghound 87-90 points: “A pungent nose of menthol, resin, crushed herb and warm earth notes marry into rich, supple and nicely textured flavors that possess good volume and plenty of finishing pop. This is unusually racy for a Chassagne villages given the vintage. This has potential.” Louis Latour Puligny Montrachet ($52.99). Burghound 88 points: “An attractively elegant nose of white flower, lemon and orange peel gives way to rich yet still notable tight flavors that offer an underlying minerality and plenty of finishing vibrancy.” PREMIER CRUS, WHITE Louis Latour Puligny Montrachet “Truffières” ($82.99). Burghound 89 points: “A touch of toast envelopes exotic floral aromas that precede the rich if not especially dense middle weight flavors that are supple, forward and reflect an attractive minerality, all wrapped in a finish that offers solid intensity and length.” E. Sauzet Puligny Montrachet “Champs Canet” ($130.99). Burghound 92 points: “As it often does, the nose reflects a trace of refined exotic fruit aromas trimmed in the barest touch of wood that merges into fuller, richer and bigger flavors that are more generous in the mouth but less fine and certainly less mineral-driven though there is a trace that surfaces on the powerful yet refined finish.” Dancer Chassagne Montrachet “La Romanee” ($85.99). Burghound 89-92 points: “A deft touch of oak serves as a backdrop for the exotic fruit aromas that include pineapple, mango, ripe peach and apricot that can also be found on the succulent, even juicy but seriously powerful flavors that possess plenty of mid-palate fat and dry extract that completely buffers the firm core of acidity. This is really quite stylish with lovely intensity.” Dancer Chassagne Montrachet “Tête du Clos” ($81.99). Burghound 89-92 points: “This is more complex still with a vibrant, fresh and exceptionally bright and expressive nose that reflects notes of straw, rosemary oil, herb and ripe orchard fruit that introduces textured, sappy and mouth coating medium full flavors that are powerful yet with terrific underlying reserve and a fine sense of underlying tension. This doesn't have the sheer class of the La Romanée but I very much like the dry and racy character. A choice.” Dancer Meursault “Perrières” ($101.19). Burghound 91-93 points: “A strikingly elegant nose of white flower, pear and hints of wood spice and acacia blossom is framed by a delicate touch of toast that merges into rich, detailed and gorgeously intense flavors that brim with energy and a pungent minerality. This is like rolling rocks around in your mouth and will require several years to really come into its own. Terrific potential here.” Maltroy Chassagne Montrachet “Morgeots” ($80.99). Burghound 91 points: “Here there is better integration of the wood with airy and expressive orchard fruit and white flower aromas that merge into rich, full and sweet flavors that offer real volume and plenty of weight and muscle. Despite the almost massive size, the finish is blessed with excellent acid/fruit balance. Solid.” Pernot Puligny Montrachet “Folatières” ($82.99). Burghound 90 points: “A bit more wood than usual sets off the notably ripe but not really exotic nose that merges into beautifully intense, punchy and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess real vitality on the driving finish that oozes minerality.” Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet “Morgeot” ($75.99). Burghound 89 points: “Here the wood is almost invisible on the notably ripe and exotic orchard fruit nose with big, rich and borderline robust flavors that pack plenty of size and weight, even opulent with a distinctive pear-infused finish that coats the mouth with extract. This won't win any awards for elegance but it certainly makes a statement.” Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet “Caillerets” ($82.99). Burghound 90 points: “Like the Morgeot, this is quite ripe, indeed to the point of being exotic with notes of mango, pineapple and melon trimmed in moderate oak that continues onto the rich, opulent and refined flavors that still manage to reflect the hallmark minerality of a fine Caillerets. This delivers the solid intensity but not the elegance I'm used to seeing here though it's still well made and attractive if a bit atypical.” Louis Latour Meursault “Charmes” ($82.99). Burghound 91 points: “A subtle background note of pain grillé frames ripe white peach, apricot and pear aromas that also evidence citrus and spice nuances that serve to introduce supple, textured and quite finely detailed flavors that are intense, pure and understated with fine focus and excellent finishing intensity. As Charmes typically performs, save for those that come from the very upper slope of the vineyard, this is on the linear side and finishes with distinct austerity though I suspect this will flesh out quickly once in bottle.” Louis Latour Meursault “Gouttes d’Or” ($81.99). Burghound 90 points: “Here the aromas are riper and less high-pitched as they run toward the exotic and are followed by bigger, richer and more generous flavors that possess plenty of mid-palate fat and a beguiling sweetness contrasted with a very dry and persistent finish. I like the intensity here and coupled with the punch make for a real feeling of vibrancy.” Louis Latour Meursault “Château de Blagny” ($49.99). Burghound 90 points: “This is ultra pure and high-toned with stylish aromas of white flower, wet stone and ripe citrus where the latter element also adds punch and lift to the mineral-infused, racy and punchy flavors that possess real finishing verve. Good stuff fashioned in a lighter but focused style.” Louis Latour Puligny Montrachet “Hameau de Blagny” ($55.99). Burghound 91 points: “As one would reasonably expect, this is more aromatically elegant with airy white flower and pear aromas dissolving into understated, focused and still tight middle weight flavors that finish with punch and brimming with evident minerality. This is a wine of finesse not power and I really like the underlying sense of harmony and transparency as the stoniness really shines through.” Domaine de la Folie Rully “Clos St. Jacques” ($37.99). If you’re willing to go shopping south of the Côte d’Or, you can find some good deals. Chassagne-Montrachet, which produces some of the world's finest and most expensive Chardonnay, lies a mere four miles away as a crow flies. Folie's wines are deliciously elegant renditions of Chardonnay, infused with lip-smacking minerality that is the hallmark of all the great white wines of France. They are easily among the very best white wines of the appellation—"with a lovely reserve here that is largely absent from the wines of Rully" (Allen Meadows, Burghound #4)—and they rival many more expensive wines made a few miles up north in the Côte de Beaune. Louis Latour Montagny “La Grande Roche” ($24.99). And if you’re willing to shop in Montagny, south of the Côte Châlonnaise, you can do even better in terms of price. Burghound 88 points: “Here the aromas are even fresher and brighter with citrus nuances that add lift to both the nose and the nicely intense and round middle weight flavors that offer good minerality, cut and punch on the agreeably dry finish. Very good quality here for what this is.” GRAND CRU WHITE Louis Latour”Bâtard Montrachet” ($299.99). Burghound 93 points: “This is surprisingly elegant and expressive for young Bâtard, indeed it's almost as elegant as the Chevalier with a highly complex nose featuring citrus, fennel, floral and brown sugar hints that continue onto the powerful, textured and mouth coating flavors, all wrapped in a punchy and sappy finish. I'm impressed by the level of dry extract and ultimately this is as good as the Chevalier in 2005.” Genot Boulanger “Corton Charlemagne” ($119.99). No tasting notes available. VILLAGES CRU RED Lamarche Vosne Romanée ($72.99), Burghound 86-89 points: “Moderate wood spice frames an expressive nose of Vosne spice, black and red fruit aromas and anise hints that continue onto the round, sweet and velvety mouth coating middle weight flavors that offer a textured and delicious finish. This isn't overly complex at the present though this may come with several years of bottle age.” Muzard Santenay Vieille Vignes ($39.99). No tasting notes available. PREMIER CRU RED Matrot Volnay “Santenots” ($51.99). Burghound 89 points: “As one would expect, this is a good deal more aromatically refined and elegant with a lovely mix of crushed fresh fruit aromas that marry well with the rich, sweet and relatively fine medium weight flavors that are sappy, punchy and vibrant, all wrapped in a harmonious and balanced finish. This is not overly complex but should age nicely and there is enough depth that it may very well add complexity with additional bottle age.” M. Camuzet Nuits St.-Georges “Les Boudots” ($159.99). Burghound 91-93: “A wonderfully spicy, sexy and seductive nose of a range of black and blue fruit aromas and the range of spices is sufficiently broad that on the nose at least, this could easily be mistaken for a top flight Vosne. The flavors are slightly fresher and brighter than those of the Chaumes with a fullness and density that speaks clearly of the underlying power and punch as this is a big wine with plenty of muscle on the hugely long finish. Great potential here.” LeClerc Gevrey Chambertin “Combe au Moine” ($73.99). Burghound 89-92 points: “Fairly strong reduction blocks the nose though it's clear that this is more animale and more deeply pitched despite the funk with significantly bigger and richer flavors that trade power and muscle for elegance and finesse on the punch and slightly warm finish. This is a big wine by Leclerc standards and it may surprise to the upside as the reduction is not subtle today.” Voillot Volnay “Brouillards ($76.99). Berghound 91-93: “The '05 Brouillards is actually a good deal more elegant than it usually is with a refined but reticent nose of spice, warm earth and wonderfully pure dark red berry fruit aromas that complement well the rich, full and reserved flavors that are precise, dusty and long. This isn't overtly austere but it's close and be prepared to wait as the full potential here will not be immediately forthcoming. 2005 is the best Voillot Brouillards in years.” Voillot Pommard “Rugiens” ($95.99/$191.99 magnum). Burghound 92-95 points: “The barest hint of wood spice frames fantastically complex, pure and refined aromas of red berry, stone, underbrush, tea and a trace of the sauvage that continue onto the detailed, linear and mineral-infused flavors that are very firmly structured but there is more than sufficient buffering sap and much better overall balance than in the Epenots. Like a number of wines in the range, this is unapologetically built to age so be prepared to wait.” Voillot Volnay “Fremiets” ($76.99). Burghound 90-93 points: “Not surprisingly, this is more aromatically elegant still with high-toned, airy and perfumed aromas of pure essence of red berry fruit and background notes of plum and violets that merge into delicious, suave, detailed and penetrating flavors underpinned by good fat and plenty of minerality on the long finish. This is a lovely wine in every respect and if not quite as powerful and deep as the Brouillards, there is even more finesse.” GRAND CRU RED Meo Camuzet “Clos Rognet” ($249.99). Burghound 92-94: “A very fresh nose that is completely different with a subtle hint of menthol combining with game, smoke and more subtle spice notes on the predominantly red fruit aromas that merge into rich, detailed and strikingly powerful broad-scaled flavors dripping with extract that saturates the palate on the wonderfully intense finish. This doesn't possess the sheer complexity of the Echézeaux but there is more structure and finishing punch. I have a slight preference for the Ech because of its superb focus but it may be very close after 10 years of bottle age.” Lamarche “La Grande Rue” ($269.99). Burghound 91-94 points: “A hint of menthol adds nuance to the mostly highly-spiced red berry fruit nose that is also quite reserved if a touch less complex and leads to sweet, delicious, generous and round medium full flavors that are classy and refined if slightly less powerful, muscled and structured than those of the GE, all wrapped in a strikingly persistent finish. This too offers excellent cellar potential and at this early stage the wood, which is normally fairly prominent, is already well integrated.” Lamarche “Clos de Vougeot” ($154.99). Burghound 91-93 points: “Surprisingly this is quite expressive with bright and elegant red berry fruit, earth and a hint of the sauvage that merges into sweet, rich and full-bodied flavors that also display an intense earthiness on the sweet, precise and driving finish supported by firm and dusty tannins that are chewy but not aggressive, all wrapped in plenty of sap and less youthful austerity than one would typically expect.” Meo Camuzet “Clos de Vougeot” ($234.99). Burghound 90-93 points: “Here the very ripe black cherry, pepper and crushed herb nose is trimmed in discreet wood spice that can also be found on the rich to the point of opulence broad-scaled flavors that are strikingly concentrated and oozing with dry extract. Méo has been generally looking for a bit more weight and punch with this wine and over the last few vintages, there really does seem to be more power and punch without sacrificing the elegance that has always characterized this effort.” Meo Camuzet “Echezeaux” ($249.99). Burghound 91-93 points: “An exuberantly spicy and exotic nose of black pinot, cassis and plum notes combines with hints of anise, cinnamon and clove that dissolve into more elegant and finer flavors that don't have the body and weight of the Clos de Vougeot but there is slightly better focus and overall harmony of expression here. A lovely Ech that will repay handsomely a decade of cellar time.” Lamarche “Grand Echezeaux” ($144.99). Burghound 92-94 points: “As pretty as the Clos de Vougeot is aromatically, this is a step up and it's also somewhat surprising as to how expressive and airy the nose is here as well with stylish and very pure red berry, earth and wonderfully sexy spice notes that also add an understated complexity to the big, robust and tautly structured and well-muscled flavors oozing with mid-palate sap that at present completely buffers the dusty tannic spine that should enable this to age gracefully for at least a decade, perhaps longer. The best wine in the range.” Leclerc “Griotte-Chambertin” ($144.99). Burghound 91-93 points: “A classic and wonderfully expansive Griotte nose of remarkable breadth that includes ripe red cherry fruit, anise and clove, underbrush and warm earth notes that introduce delicious, round, generous and sweet flavors that culminate in a firm, complex and beautifully long finish. This is, at its essence, a wine of finesse as well yet there is enough muscle and punch that it’s not understated.” ******************* If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call or come by, or respond to this email. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. We do deliver (within reason). If you would like us to deliver your orders to you, please discuss this when you call. ****************** WINE DINNERS AND SPECIAL EVENTS September 12 (Wednesday evening 6-8 pm) at Linville's Best Cellar Restaurant: special seated tasting of the wines of the Reynolds Family Winery, including their Carneros Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and four of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Kathy Simpson of the Winery will be present and will discuss the wines. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. This event is limited to 26, and the cost is $40 per person. Please rsvp to Erick's, in person, by replying to this email or calling us at 828.898.9424. September 26 (Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm): Wine dinner at Artisanal Restaurant featuring sparkling, white and red wines of Burgundy and their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir counterparts from California and Oregon. The cost will be $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call Artisanal at 828.898.5395 or contact us at 828.898.9424 (or reply to this email) to reserve your place. October 23 (Tuesday evening): In conjunction with the developers of Wilderness Trails (an upscale Banner Elk golf community) and the Wine-to-Water organization (a local non-profit organization that works to help developing countries provide their people with clean water), we are co-sponsoring a special Italian wine dinner at Sorrento's, featuring some very special and highly allocated wines imported by our friend Manuel Magnani. More details later. *************************** SATURDAY WINE TASTING Don’t forget to drop by Saturday afternoon for our weekly wine tasting. ************************* Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future e-mails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

Italian 9.1.07
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP LABORS OF ITALIAN LOVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 We almost were stumped coming up with an appropriate oenological theme for our Labor Day Saturday tasting until we thought about all the times we were in Italy trying to go somewhere or do something, only to find frustration from some stupid sciopero that immobilized the trains or buses. So, we decided that Italy would be the perfect theme to honor the labor movement, and it is with as much glee as the Italian union leaders have when they call a strike that we announce our line-up for Saturday’s tasting bar. We’ve featured just about every region in Italy except Sardinia, so that’s where we’re going this week. For good measure, we’ll throw in some wines from Sicily and pronounce it Italian island day! Like elsewhere in Italy, Sardinia boasts a number of indigenous grapes with which most of us are unfamiliar. If you’re in the “ABC” crowd (Anything But Chardonnay), do we have some wines for you! And these are not mere curiosities but stunning varietals and the producer we’re featuring, Argiolas, is one of Italy’s best, and we’re delighted to introduce it to you. In wild Sardinia, Argiolas crafts charming wines that deliver true Sardinian flavors and unbeatable value. Visitors have long been attracted to Sardinia’s wild beauty and natural energy, characterized in its sculpted red granite rocks and rugged cliffs, glorious beaches and fascinating stone relics. Located amid Sardinia’s natural beauty, just north of Cagliari, is the Argiolas estate, widely known for its crisp and refreshing white wines and complex reds. Antonio Argiolas and his twin sons, Franco and Giuseppe, have worked diligently to fulfill their commitment to become the leaders in Sardinian oenology. Over the years the Argiolas family has strongly insisted on its native Sardinian vines, focusing on the indigenous white varietals Nuragus and Vermentino and the red varietals Cannonau, Monica, Carignano and Bovale Sardo. Giacomo Tachis, father of prestigious Italian wines such as Sassicaia, Tignanello and Solaia, has been instrumental in placing Argiolas on the quality map. Like the Argiolas family, Tachis has a true passion for the island’s native varietals. In 2004, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate said Argiolas produces “essential wines for those looking to discover what the wines and viticulture of Sardinia are all about.” Here’s the lineup: 2006 Argiolas “Selega S’elegas Nuragus di Cagliari” ($13.99). The name of this wine is almost as much a mouthful as the ripe fruit. The 2006 vintage has not yet been rated, but Robert Parker rated the 2005 vintage of this wine 90 points in The Wine Advocate. The wine is comprised 100% of the Nuragus grape, and was fermented in stainless steel and saw only partial malolactic fermentation. It exhibits lovely honeyed orange and cream custard notes with accents of Mediterranean herbs. It’s crisp and elegant, surprisingly intense and rich. 2006 Argiolas “Costamolino” ($18.99). This is Vermentino at its best, crisp, fruity and laser-like in its precision, our best selling Italian white wine, year in, year out. Another 2006 vintage that has not yet been rated, Robert Parker rated the 2005 vintage of this wine 91 points in The Wine Advocate: He says, and we agree: “Argiolas accomplishes fabulous things with Vermentino (known as Rolle in France) from their high altitude vineyards.” As in the 2005 vintage, the wine features beautiful aromas of almonds, oranges, lemon, honey, apple skins, accented by a hint of tropical fruits. 2004 Argiolas “Perdera” ($13.99). Here’s a great red value and several more new grapes for you, I bet. Parker rated this wine 90 points in The Wine Advocate: “The 2004 Perdera (a blend of 90% Monica, 5% Bovale Sardo, and 5% Carignan) was fermented in old oak and aged in cement prior to bottling. Deep, rich, and chewy, with loads of peppery black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of Provencal herbs, roasted meats, and earth, it is a modern version of a traditional French Cotes du Rhone.” Our Sicilian entries include Grillo, Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso from Cavallo ($12.99 each), light everyday wines typical of Sicilian trattorias. We also offer a spectacular aged “Super-Sicilian,” the 1998 Santa Anastasia “Montenero” ($44.99), a blend of Sicily’s own Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in oak. This wine offers tons of ripe fruit and a velvety mouth-feel. WINE DINNERS AND SPECIAL SEATED TASTING We have scheduled two special events for September: September 12 (Wednesday evening 6-8 pm) at Linville’s Best Cellar Restaurant: special seated tasting of the wines of the Reynolds Family Winery, including their Carneros Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and four of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Kathy Simpson of the Winery will be present and will discuss the wines. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. This event is limited to 26, and the cost is $40 per person. Please rsvp to Erick’s, in person, by replying to this email or calling us at 828.898.9424. September 26 (Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm): Wine dinner at Artisanal Restaurant featuring sparkling, white and red wines of Burgundy and their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir counterparts from California and Oregon. The cost will be $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call Artisanal at 828.898.5395 or contact us at 828.898.9424 (or reply to this email) to reserve your place. Postponed to October 23 In conjunction with the developers of Wilderness Trails (an upscale Banner Elk golf community) and the Wine-to-Water organization (a local non-profit organization that works to help developing countries provide their people with clean water), we are co-sponsoring a special Italian wine dinner at Sorrento’s, featuring some very special and highly allocated wines imported by our friend Manuel Magnani. More details later. ********************* If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call or come by, or respond to this email. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. We do deliver (within reason). If you would like us to deliver your orders to you, please discuss this when you call. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future e-mails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

Loire 8.18.07
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP LOVELY LOIREANS WINE DINNER AND SPECIAL TASTING AUGUST 18, 2007 This week’s edition, and the theme of Saturday’s wine-tasting, are dedicated to avid readers of both Babette McAuliffe’s Carolina Mountain Living and Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal. It was FIRST in the Summer 2007 edition of the former (pp. 80-81) that appeared an EXCELLENT, Pulitzer-quality scoop on Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, with reference to the wine of a young winemaker, Damien Laureau, who taught himself how to make wine and then won first prize among his peers with his “Les Genêts” cuvée: “a complex panoply of intense fragrances and flavors – honeysuckle, acacia honey, butter and almonds – with a profound mineral backbone and long, lingering finish.” It was ONLY THEN (July 27, 2007) that the wine editors of the WSJ picked up on the buzz created by the CML article and published their own copy-cat piece on Chenin Blanc from the Loire, naming the “Genêts” as “Best Value” with “rich fruit, with serious mouthfeel and the taste of stewed peaches, but, surprisingly, a dry finish that’s light on its feet.” Well, you knew that by then, didn’t you? We did. We’ve sold a lot of that wine, which is one of the best white wines in the store, but we’ve never featured it in a Saturday tasting. After the hubbub this publicity created, we thought we should, so we’ve assembled a few other Loirean companions for your Saturday afternoon oenological symphony. You might not think so, but the white wines of the Loire Valley generally age better than the reds, so you’ll notice we’ve selected some whites with a few years under their belt. This collection of wines showcases some of France’s most dynamic, fastidious and individualistic and, yes, also rebellious biodynamic winemakers who you have to understand a bit to appreciate their wines. 2005 Chatelain Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc, $26.99). We lead off with a shimmering white from the appellation of Sancerre, the ancient hill town on the eastern banks of the Loire in central France. As spectacular a vintage as 2005 was for Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône, it was also for the central Loire, where the wines practically made themselves. In the hands of a master, like Jean-Claude Chatelain, the result is truly special. Chatelain is widely acknowledged as one of the finest producers in the Loire. His domaine covers 22 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc in Pouilly and Sancerre, much of which are mature vines (averaging 20-25 years). The 2005 vintage in Sancerre was extremely successful, harvested with high sugar levels and firm ripe acidities. This wine is well-structured with ripe fruit and a clean fresh flinty long finish. 2003 Laureau Savennières “Les Genêts” (Chenin Blanc, $27.99). If you've never heard of this appellation, I assure you that you're not alone. It lies at the western edge of Anjou and, at 150 acres, is one of the smallest along the Loire valley. The stony vineyards that lie on slopes of slate and sandstone must be worked by hand, as they are too steep for machinery. All Savennières vineyards lay close to the Loire, where the warmer temperatures and morning fog protect the vines from late Spring frosts. Wines in Savennières are made entirely from Chenin Blanc. Yields are kept low to insure quality and concentration of flavor. Grapes are harvested for optimal ripeness and pickers make several passes through the vineyards to select individual ripe grapes from bunches as they ripen. Unlike the other great Chenin Blanc wines of the Loire, such as those from Vouvray and Saumur, the impression of Savennières is not of exhuberant fruit, but of finesse and minerality. It is here that the Chenin Blanc grape realizes its full and most expressive potential. We’ve told the story before, but we’ll repeat it here in case you’ve missed it. There are many good grape growers and winemakers here, but almost overnight, Damien Laureau has become the most exciting young producer in the region. At the age of 30, he left his post as an agriculture consultant to take over 6 hectares of vines from his uncle, who was heading into retirement. He knew a lot about growing fruit since his family produces some of France's most sought-after pears and apricots, but grapes were a different animal altogether. For the first few years, no one in the village would help him. And so, he had no choice but to experiment. Bringing his fruit-growing background into the vineyard, he experimented with spraying organic fruit essences onto the vines to confuse some vine sicknesses and employed various other novel techniques. In February 2004, his experiments paid off -- at the annual tasting of all of the top domaines of the Loire in nearby Angers, he slipped two cuvées into the official judging of Savennières by wine critics from all over France. This contest was almost always won by the same chateau-based properties that had been in Savennières for decades. Not only did he win the first prize, but he did so with his least expensive cuvée from his youngest vines, "Cuvée des Genêts". Two months later, "La Revue du Vin de France" (France's top wine publication) proclaimed that he was "undoubtedly the future star of Savennières. The "Genêts" is aged almost completely in tank. It explodes from the glass with a complex panoply of intense perfumes and flavors - honeysuckle, acacia honey, butter and almonds -- with a profound mineral backbone and long, lingering finish. The wine just blew us away in the store when the rep brought it by and is (in my humble opinion) indisputably one of the half-dozen best whites we have ever had the pleasure to offer at Erick's. Wine Spectator also loved this wine, made in a very difficult vintage in the Loire Valley, rating it 91 points: “Ripe and juicy, with fig, melon and peach flavors backed by hints of wheat biscuit and ginger. Long, stony finish has nice verve for the vintage.” 1990 Domaine du Viking Vouvray (Chenin Blanc, Demi-Sec, $33.99). On August 11, 1944, Marcel L’homme, a Vouvray winemaker, goat and cattle farmer and member of the French resistance, was shot by the Nazis. At his death, he owned only 4 hectares of vines, all planted to Chenin Blanc, and 16 hectares of land for his livestock. This event, though thoroughly tragic for the family, led directly to the creation of what is now considered one of the most impressive boutique wineries in the Vouvray appellation. Marcel’s son, faced with the prospect of managing the family estate, discovered the potential of the land his father had owned sometime before 1950, and began buying adjoining parcels. Forced into the life of a winemaker, he slowly began turning out Chenin Blanc of amazing ageability and complexity. What began as a tragedy turned into a lifelong ambition. Today, the granddaughter of Marcel owns the estate and its 13 hectares with her winemaker husband, Lionel Gauthier. Based in the village of Reugny, one of the communes in the Vouvray appellation, Lionel has made every effort to carry on the tradition of quality that his father-in-law established in his years building the estate. With a shocking patch of blond hair, massive build, and in-your-face intensity, Lionel seems more Scandinavian than Loirean. At least that’s what his friends thought when they started calling him the “Viking” several years ago. After a few years, the name “Viking” stuck, so in 1989, Lionel renamed the property. Every single bunch of grapes on the property is hand-harvested, sorted, de-stemmed, crushed and fermented in Lionel’s tiny garage cellar and left to age in 500 liter barrels made from local chestnut (according to Lionel, oak imparts too many unwanted flavors to his wines.) The wines are bottled by hand and sold (for the most part) in Europe, where an admiring clientele waits for months for the new release. He has graciously allocated several barrels to the United States. The “Viking’s” wines are, without exaggeration, among the purest examples of the appellation. His demi-sec soars through aromatic notes of fresh-cut roses and dried apricots, the mouth-feel dense but lively, and the finish persistent and dramatic. You will be amazed at this wine – 17 years’ young. This wine is testimony to the ageing potential of the Chenin Blanc from a great terroir in a great vintage and in the hands of a skilled winemaker. The story of THIS wine is that it was recently discovered in the owner’s chalk caves where it had been resting, forgotten, for a decade and a half. Found to have aged as magnificently as yours truly, it was re-labeled and brought to market as a “library” release. Wine Spectator loved it too, scoring it 93 points: “Great aromas of lemon zest and fresh flowers, this has the mature, burnished feel you'd expect from a 1990, with excellent cut to its candied citrus, chamomile and dried pineapple flavors. Long, stony finish has an alluring smoky hint.” 2005 Domaine des Roche Neuves Saumur-Champagny (Cabernet Franc, $23.99). This is the grape that most people associate with red wines from the Loire, and there are lots of good Cab Francs from this region. We’ve carried some very good and very popular wines from Chinon and Bourgueil, and here’s one from my favorite red appellation in that region – Saumur-Champagny. Wine Spectator 89 points: “Very racy, with nice tobacco-laced tannins carrying blackberry and plum fruit, spice, floral and toast notes. Juicy finish. Delicious.” 2004 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre (Pinot Noir, $29.99). You thought Sancerre is all about Sauvignon Blanc? Non! The appellation includes 17% Pinot Noir, and you can find some excellent (and largely overlooked) Pinot Noir there. There are also a lot of mediocre wines; thank goodness for perfectionists like Vacheron. The Domaine has 42ha on the south side of the village with approx 20% of silex (flint/silicate) soil and the rest limestone (similar to Chablis). The best Sauvignon Blanc is grown on south-facing slopes, and Pinot Noir is mostly grown on the east-facing slopes, as in Burgundy, and the best Sancerre Rouge reds share an uncanny resemblance to their red Burgundian counterparts. Fermentation here is carried out in stainless steel tanks with built-in plungers, and the wine spends more than 4 weeks on skins. The result from 2004 is a wine that is dark, spicy and concentrated. It has dark cherry fruit, solid structure and great freshness. Served "blind", I'm sure I would pick it as Burgundy. The wines of Vacheron do not go through malolactic fermentation, so they retain a fresh, bracing acidity. Amaze your friends with this “novelty” red Sancerre. Wine Spectator 88 points: “Strong toast aroma, with vanilla, coffee and black cherry flavors. Fleshy, smoky finish. For fans of the amped-up style.” SPECIAL TASTING Didier Dagueneau, widely known as the best producer in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, makes wine in the tiny town of Saint-Andelain, across the Loire from Sancerre. He cultivates approximately 11.5 hectares there. He literally is on a crusade to redeem the reputation of authentic Pouilly-Fumé. He openly criticizes neighbors who overproduce. He takes the media on tours of his meticulous vineyards. He once even sent photocopies of his bill for the workers who hand-harvested his vineyards to prove that he is "the real deal." Dagueneau, ever the perfectionist, attends to every detail, from vineyard management (biodynamic since 1993) to the cellar, which looks like a cathedral. What does Dagueneau have that the others don’t? He is extremely meticulous and possesses a special intuition where winemaking is concerned. His goals are always authenticity and perfection. To obtain grapes of the highest quality, his vineyard workers spend at least three months carefully de-budding even after a severe pruning earlier in the year. And when the grapes are perfectly ripe, the harvest is done by hand, so that only grapes of impeccable condition are picked, the others are either thrown out or left on the vine to be picked later. Several varieties of yeast are added. Fermentation occurs in small, thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks or in oak barrels (some designed to his specifications). After an initial racking, the wines stay on their fine lees until bottling. (He is opposed to malolactic fermentation for Sauvignon Blanc, no matter how acid the vintage.) Dagueneau’s non-conformity has helped him more than hurt him: his long tousled hair, his bushy beard, his wild, intense gaze, not to mention his passion for sled dogs, have all earned him the nickname “the madman of Saint-Andelain” and made him very popular with the press. And wine lovers. For a tasting fee of $10, we will pour you several ounces of the following nectar. We’ll also have a very few bottles for sale. 2004 Didier Dagueneau “Silex” (Pouilly Fumé, $99.99). No other wine born of silex soil has the firm and austere authority of Dagueneau’s; an intense and smoky character with a wonderful richness, perfect balance and an impressive persistance. Though very disciplined, it bewitches the palate with its innate charm and the quality of the original material shows through immediately. The magnificent “Silex” is capable of improving with age for 20 years or so while at the same time being totally irresistible when young. A Wine Spectator 96: “Cuts like a knife, with live-wire key lime, grapefruit, chalk and sea salt notes. Rich and powerful, but very nervy through the long, mouthwatering, collar-grabbing finish. Almost severe now in its minerality, but just wait.” We also have one bottle of Dagueneau’s almost-as-good 2004 “Pur Sang” (Pouilly Fumé, $74.99). Wine Spectator 95 points: “Subtle but alluring aromas of lemon curd and acacia flower belie the power in this white, which offers a swiftly moving current of lemon, lime, mineral, gooseberry and fleur de sel. Long, crackling finish just won't give up.” WINE DINNER AND SPECIAL SEATED TASTING We have scheduled two special events for September: September 12 (Wednesday evening 6-8 pm) at Linville’s Best Cellar Restaurant: special seated tasting of the wines of the Reynolds Family Winery, including their Carneros Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and four of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Kathy Simpson of the Winery will be present and will discuss the wines. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. This event is limited to 26, and the cost is $40 per person. Please rsvp to Erick’s, in person, by replying to this email or calling us at 828.898.9424. September 26 (Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm): Wine dinner at Artisanal Restaurant featuring sparkling, white and red wines of Burgundy and their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir counterparts from California and Oregon. The cost will be $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call Artisanal at 828.898.5395 or contact us at 828.898.9424 (or reply to this email) to reserve your place. ********************* If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call(828-898-9424) or come by, or respond to this email. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. We do deliver (within reason). If you would like us to deliver your orders to you, please discuss this when you call. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future e-mails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

8.4.2007 Hope
ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP THERE’S HOPE FOR SATURDAY! AUGUST 4, 2007 Hope Estate wines, that is. Hope Estate is geographically almost slap-bang in the middle of the Hunter Valley in Australia - just 6 kilometers from the township of Broke and less than 2 hours’ drive from Sydney. The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine growing region. The first grapes were planted in the region on a hunch in 1820. These early vignerons believed that the climate, similar to that of southern France, would be perfect for growing grapes. In fact Australia's first Shiraz was planted in the Hunter Valley in 1832. It turns out they were right. In the 180 plus years since then, the Hunter has developed into one of the best wine regions in Australia, if not the world. The mild climate and rich soils are ideal for growing grape varieties such as Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Merlot. Not surprisingly, these are the same varieties grown at Hope Estate. Michael Hope produced the first vintage of Hope Estate wine in 1997 from a vineyard he had purchased 3 years earlier. Since then the family vineyard has expanded to have over 90 hectares under vine. Last year, they exported wine to Singapore, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, as well as the UK, USA, Japan and New Zealand - not bad for an ex-pharmacist who just wanted to do something he enjoyed and make wine, not drugs. These are great value wines – good quality and great price. Saturday afternoon, we’ll be pouring these wines for you: 2005 Hope Estate Verdelho (Hunter Valley, Australia, $11.99). The Verdelho grape, originally from Portugal, was first used in the Hunter Valley for making fortified wine. Now used for table wine it's a real winner. An unoaked wine with fresh, rich, tropical and spice characteristics, it's a great match with seafood and spicy Asian style dishes. This wine has intense floral aromas of orange blossom, guava and honeysuckle with ripe citrus overtones. It has a fruit driven palate of ripe tropical fruits with a sweet palate of medium weight and a clean finish of zesty citrus notes. 2005 Hope Estate Chardonnay (Hunter Valley, $11.99). The key to their Chardonnay is balance and complexity. Without using too much oak, their barrel-fermented style has an amazing length of peach, pineapple and melon nuances, but is balanced beautifully with citrus freshness. Wine Enthusiast rated this wine 86 points: “Only 25% malolactic, and made, as Hope explains, “in the Burgundian style. We don’t kill it with oak.” Showing white stone fruit, plantain and just a hint of toast on the nose, with the same notes, and a ribbon of minerality, coming through on the palate. A fresh, easy drinker, and a good bet to keep around the house this summer.” 2005 Hope Estate Merlot (Hunter Valley, $11.99). This Merlot is made in a rich, smooth style showing cherry and chocolate aspects. Fine tannins allow the wine to be enjoyed young. This wine was rated 86 points by Wine Enthusiast: “This Merlot has good acidity and none of the green, underripe notes that typically plague Merlots at this price point. Blueberry and graphite notes rule both the nose and palate, with some plummy fullness on the midpalate as well.” 2004 Hope Estate Shiraz “The Ripper” (Hunter Valley, Australia, $17.99). This Shiraz has a unique profile. It’s not the big, ripe jammy head-splitter of many Australian wines but a more elegant, finer style. The wine still has the usual plum and spicy pepper characters but a balanced elegance enhanced from time in French oak. Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator rated it 89 points. WS: “Has refined texture and claretlike tannins. Offers lovely blueberry, plum and spice flavors that last beautifully into the long finish.” SPECIAL TASTING FOR THE GRANDFATHER ACADEMY The mission of Grandfather Academy is to provide special educational opportunities for students who have been estranged by emotional, sexual or other abuse. The educational programs provide an emotionally-supportive environment that allows children to experience academic success. Successful blending of treatment and education allows students the opportunity to succeed in academics and every area of their lives. Grandfather Academy provides multiple opportunities for each student to experience belonging, generosity, mastery and independence. For a special $10 tasting fee, which will benefit the Grandfather Academy, you can also enjoy tastes of the following two outstanding wines of Crocker & Starr. Very little is known of Pamela Starr’s early years. Officially, records indicate that her parents were Canadian refugees who initially settled in the culinary center of Rainier, Oregon, where her father’s medical expertise was in high demand. A precipitous move to Missouri and then southern California left a murky trail of veiled suspicions and wild speculation. Perhaps it was the constraints imposed by her brief interlude in the witness protection program that left so many unanswered questions. Needless to say, nothing was ever proven. Not only was she granted a full pardon, she subsequently received a personal commendation for actions which she adamantly refuses to discuss and which remain shrouded in secrecy to this day. The pivotal point in her early career occurred with her first foray into the realm of the senses. Anticipating a life dedicated to oral hygiene, Pamela sought to supplement her dental scholarships by working as a spice technician. Alas, nutmeg soon led to cinnamon, which in turn was followed by cardamom and coriander. She abandoned her studies and sold her medical texts in a vain attempt to recreate the ecstasy she felt when he had had her first whiff of Madagascar pepper. It wasn’t until her nose detected the faint, yet lingering perfume of a perfectly aged cabernet floating above the olfactory cacophony of a downtown Sacramento eatery that Pamela realized where her destiny lay. Shunning all offers from Ringling Bros. (another sordid chapter that is better left untold), she fled to UC Davis, where she earned her degree in Fermentation Science and Intoxicology. A brief stint under the tutelage of Bill Bonetti in the early days of the legendary Sonoma Cutrer was followed by work at both Edna Valley Vineyards and Carmenet. Prior to the establishment of Crocker and Starr Wines in 1998, she also spent five and a half years at Spottswoode, involved in all aspects of operations, from planting the vineyards to bottling the wines. Crocker and Starr Wines was born when Charlie Crocker called upon Pamela to help replant his vineyard. The best winemakers know that great wines are made from sites that allow the grapes to fully express their unique character. In the Crocker vineyard, Pamela recognized this quality. A deal was made and Crocker and Starr Wines was formed. The exact details of the deal have been kept strictly confidential, but neither party has denied reports that it involves Dick Cheney, a bank in the Caymans, and 320 pounds of sushi. 2006 Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc (Napa, $35.99). Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc has wonderful tropical aromas and flavors of white peach, mango, and guava finishing with vibrant and refreshing lime acidity. Mouthwatering “margarita” Sauvignon with long lasting, luscious varietal characteristics. 2001 Crocker & Starr “Stone Place Cuvée” (Napa, $63.99). Robert Parker 92 points: “The brilliant 2001 Stone Place Cuvee (55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet, complex perfume of cedar, tobacco leaves, licorice, black currants, and smoky, toasty oak. Elegant, layered, medium to full-bodied, and pure, this is a beautifully textured, well-balanced red to drink over the next 10-15 years.” COLLECTOR’S CORNER 2003 Niepoort Batuta Red (Douro Valley, Portugal, $89.99). Niepoort was established by a Dutch family in 1842 and is still family-owned and operated. Until 1988-89, this producer owned no vineyards. A small producer, comparatively, Niepoort makes outstanding wines, exploding with fruit and tannins and outclassing many of the big producers. Its vintage and tawny ports are huge, concentrated, complex wines of power and depth. Primary export markets are Holland, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. They are almost cult classics in the U.S. and Britain, where they are in very limited distribution. This wine was featured at our Portugese and Madeira wine dinner at Artisanal last Sunday evening and was bigger than life. Steve Tanzer says it best: “Cherry and dark berry aromas along with strong oak notes of vanilla, cocoa and clove. Fat and rich on the palate but also powerfully structured, with solid tannins framing the flavors of cherry and plum preserves. Finishes sweet and spicy.” We have just several left, in the fine wine room. ********************** SUNDAY HOURS Erick’s is open Sunday afternoons this summer, from 1-5, in case you want to shop when it’s less crowded. Sometimes, we even have some left-over wines from Saturday’s tasting, so if you miss our Saturday tasting, here’s an opportunity to catch up. ********************* If you would like to purchase some of these wines, call or come by, or respond to this email. If you are interested in purchasing any of them and you are not in the High Country right now, we will be glad to hold your purchases with a credit card order until you return. We do deliver (within reason). If you would like us to deliver your orders to you, please discuss this when you call. *************************** Erick’s Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner E lk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com If you wish not to receive future e-mails, reply to rlyar@aol.com

Global Grenache 7.7.07

ERICK’S CHEESE AND WINE SHOP GREGARIOUS GLOBAL GRENACHE JULY 7, 2007 Although it’s not always noted on the label, the Grenache grape sees its way into more wines than almost any other grape in the world. You occasionally encounter it as a monovarietal in bottlings from Australia, France and Spain, but it is most often found in blends with Syrah, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cinsaut, Carignan and other grapes, where it contributes an enhancement of dark color, sensations of dark plums with lots of spice and substantial alcohol from its high sugar content. It is the primary grape in the wines of the southern Rhône, including the mouthfilling Châteauneuf du Pape wines and the fragrant rosé wines of Tavel and Lirac, where it really made its reputation. From there, it has spread to the four corners of the world, as it readily adapts to various warm climates and soils; yet it takes on different personalities in each location. This Saturday, we’ll explore the various faces