Feast Reds
For the month of May we feature two exceptional wines from California; Gamba Vineyards Zinfandel from The Russian River Valley, Sonoma and Rubissow-Sargent, Merlot from the rugged Mt. Veeder area of the Napa Valley.

Rubissow-Sargent Merlot 2002
The vineyards for this wine sit about 2,000 feet above sea level and yet remain part of the Napa Valley Appellation. This rugged terrain produces some of Napa’s most unique wines. The wine is made from grapes that are 100% hand harvested. Only the best clusters find their way into the bottle. Extreme care is given in every step of the process. Harvest takes place at night to avoid chemical changes that can occur when picked in the hot sun, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides and irrigation is used only as a last resort. The efforts are noticeable in the wines. The 2002 is full of rich, ripe black plum and cherry flavors. Herbal aromas and earthy notes linger as well. It’s One of very few Merlots produced from this rugged, mountainous region. The result: Merlot for Cab drinkers! This is what Merlot tastes like when it is grown in less cushy surroundings. California Bay Laurel trees that surround the Merlot vineyard impart a marvelous freshness sometimes interpreted as mint or cedar.





Gamba Vineyards Old vine Zinfandel 2004
This unique wine is grown on the Pacific Coast side of the Russian River Valley. The vineyards have been organically dry farmed for 100 years. When no irrigation is used the vines produce a very limited amount of fruit . The results are intense, concentrated flavors. This is California Zin at it’s most intense. Drink now or lay it down for up to ten years.




World Wine Club
There are 230 different wine grapes grown in the rugged wine regions of Portugal. Many of these are ancient varietals that most likely arrived from the Middle East with the Phoenicians. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand the names just know that this long history makes for a distinctive wine experience.


Portugal joined the European Union in 1986. This is when the world started to understand that Portugal had more than Port. The Portuguese wine maker learned that there was a market for their wines internationally. Contrast this with France whose wines have enjoyed import the world over as far back as the thirteenth century.


The Douro region is marked by the Douro River, which comes in from the sea at the city of Oporto. This inlet has let wine flow out of the region since the times of the Greeks. This waterway has allowed the Douro be the countries most important wine region.

Alves de Sousa provides an excellent example of where Douro wines are headed. This family has been growing grapes for Port for over 13 generations. For the last several decades they have been committed to creating world class table wines. The results are outstanding.



Quinta do Vale da Raposa Tinta Barocca
A single varietal made from the Tinta Barocca. Characteristically dry with medium tannins.Quite a striking nose: open and herby with some caramel and tar richness. The palate is midweight with bright, sappy herby red fruits and a spicy structure. Good acid. An unusual wine in a distinctive style.

Alves de Sousa Quinta do Gaivosa
A blend of Port varietals.
Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional and others, only made in the best years. Intense, deep spicy nose of herbs, tar and smoke with a touch of balsamic vinegar. The palate is ripe and rich with lots of spicy dark fruits and more of that balsamic character. Very savory and quite traditional. This is an interesting wine with good concentration and a bit of rusticity.

Cume Branco
Distinctive, fresh, grassy nose is very herby. The palate is distinctive, fresh and herby. A food style. Very good