Kiona 2004 Chenin Blanc, Ice Wine, Red Mountain, Washington
What an incredible value! This ice wine has all the right stuff in the right proportions! The nose is floral and hints of honeycomb. It has a luscious mouthfeel, layered with notes of ripe nectarines and mangoes, then ginger, and finally with focused flavors of tangerine. The acidity evolves with the flavors all the way to the long, luxurious finish. If you're familiar with ice wine, you'll find this elixir a steal. If you've never tried an ice wine, then this is the perfect bottle for you.
-BF $20
Find this stickie at Divino (near Gates Rubber), Reserve List, Apple Jack, Argonaut, The Vineyard, Estate Fine Wine, Libations Wine & Spirits
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Ice Wine
Once you've tasted this elixir of golden flavor you'll never forget it. Traditionally, Eiswein is a German specialty, made from grapes left to hang on the vine as long as they can after traditional harvest. Once the grapes freeze, they are quickly picked from the vine and gently pressed. The juice from these extremely ripe grapes contains less water because the ice crystals stay behind with the solids. Consequently this dessert wine is extremely concentrated.
     Ice wines from areas other than Germany have become as popular as their time-honored predecessors. Grapes used to produce these new world beauties are often artificially frozen, but there are still some producers that allow their grapes to freeze on the vine. One California producer said that in his growing region, the grapes would hang until the next growing season if it was left up to nature to freeze them. This is why his grapes are allowed to ripen to the perfect level and then are frozen in large freezers.
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Reserve St. Martin 2005 Pinot Noir, Languedoc, France
The phrase "good, inexpensive pinot noir" is an oxymoron. Pinot noir is so difficult to grow that usually inexpensive versions (and many pricier versions) have significant flaws. I was very surprised and pleased to find the Reserve St. Martin Pinot Noir. It pleasantly avoids all the pitfalls like flavors of rubbing alcohol, lack of mid-palate, lack of finish, or strong tannins. Reserve St. Martin Pinot Noir has soft aromas of roses, which carry over to the palate. Flavors of red raspberries, sachet, and cola intermingle. It reminds me of an expensive pinot noir with the volume turn down a touch. A great value!
-BF $9
City Wine carries this wine!
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Good, inexpensive pinot noir is an oxymoron
Pinot noir is oh-so-fussy. It prefers a 9-5 work day. Pinot noir is particular about the soil it is grown in and it does not like being transplanted to a new growing area. It likes cool nights and warm, not hot, days. It likes a long growing season, or what we call a long 'hang time.' When it ripens too fast from too much sun it tastes like rubbing alcohol, lacks a mid-palate, or fails to have a finish. When the flavor of alcohol is present we say that the wine is 'hot.' This is why the cool growing regions of California, Burgundy, Oregon, Champagne, and New Zealand are best for pinot noir.
     Pinot noir is genetically unstable. It will mutate into another grape if its environment is not to its liking. A handful of these mutated versions of pinot noir have been cultivated as their own varietals. Pinot blanc, pinot gris (or as it is know in Italy, pinot grigio), and pinot meunier are examples of pinot noir mutants that have made a name for themselves. Usually, pinot mutants are not wine worthy and cause despair when they develop on the vines.
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Grand Opening October 13th
Bonacquisti Wine Company
Paul Bonacquisti, known to many in Denver as Paul Vincent, former on-air radio personality with the now extinct KVJM 92.5, found inspiration in his personal hobby and family tradition after the station closed. As in so many Italian American families, his grandfather (who came to Colorado and worked the coal mines) passed on the winemaking tradition. It has been only a hobby up until now. “I never expected to be doing this.” Bonacquisti said with a smile, motioning to his winery on Pecos Street in Denver.
     Using old family recipes and modern techniques, Bonacquisti will specialize in blends, keeping with European traditions. A boutique winery, Bonacquisti Wine Company will produce only a few thousand gallons of wine per year.
     At the Grand Opening, five wines will be available. In the Old World custom, they harmonize with food. 'Bella Risa,' is a fresh white blend of Chardonnay and French Columbard with grapefruit tones on the nose and palate. Pair this with savory fruit salads, white clam sauce, or ceviche. His 2005 Colorado White Merlot is a dark rose. With an earthy nose and a glycerol mouth feel, it complements pink sauces, chicken, and lightly cooked salmon. 'Vinny No Neck,' is a red blend, created with an acid structure similar to Chianti, and counterpoints red sauces well. The 2005 Colorado Syrah is aromatic, spicy, and attractive. Drink it for its own merits, or with lamb. The fifth of the inaugural Bonacquisti offerings is a 2005 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon. Big and tannic, serve it with red meat: stewed, roasted, or grilled.
     Dedicated to creating quality wines - those that best express the character of a featured varietal or particular style - at reasonable prices, Bonacquisti is literally living up to his family name. Bonacquisti, in Italian, means 'good acquisition' or 'good purchase.' At $15 or less per bottle, Bonacquisti wines are, indeed, a good purchase.
     Presently, the wines are available only at the winery. Located in an attractive industrial condo, 4640 Pecos Street, it is easy to find. Drive 1½ blocks south of the I-70 Pecos Street exit, turn left by Quizno’s Subs, drive to unit I –after H. The Grand Opening will be Friday, October 13, “a lucky day in Italian lore.” Hours for the Grand Opening weekend, October 13,14, and 15: Friday 11-9, Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-4. http://www.denverwine.net
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Cousino-Macul 2004 Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo, Chile
This wine has always been incredible. Prior vintages have been excellent candidates for the cellar because of their prominent tannins. (I have the better part of a case in my own cellar.) The winery's new winemaker, Matías Rivera, changed the style of the wine to be more approachable when young. The wine still offers great structure and offers all those varied Bordeaux flavors. This canvas of ripe black cherries offers focused flavors of gun metal, tar, cherry skins, rose petals, and vanilla. This beauty is a great pick from a wine list because of its polished tannins and forward fruit.
-BF $14
Libations Wine & Spirits carries this wine.
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Solex 2004, Chardonnay, California
This wine blends juice from the Russian River, Santa Lucia, and Sonoma into a finely balanced chardonnay with a smooth mouth presence. The Russian River Valley and Santa Lucia weather allows chardonnay to develop complexity while keeping its acidity. This wine is smooth with flavors of apples, anise, pineapple, and a hint of cream. The acidity allows the wine to have a soft mouthfeel, yet gives the wine structure. The 75% oak aging adds only finesse. Quality chardonnay, from renoun growing regions, at a great price.
-BF $14
Argonaut carries this wine.
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Announcing a new store in Westminster
KaCee’s is a unique new wine and spirits store located in Westminster Crossings, adjacent to the new Lowe’s at the I-25 and 136th Ave. interchange.
     KaCee’s is a 5,000 square foot, full-service wine and spirits store containing 1300 varieties of wine, 500+ varieties of spirits, and a large variety of import and micro brew beer. Large enough to house a wonderful variety for one-stop shopping, but not so large that you feel overwhelmed.
     With careful consideration for every wine, spirit, and beer, we feel that we have assembled a great selection that provides you with a wide range of choices, both in tastes and prices. We carry the most popular of all three categories plus the more unique. For example, you can find your standard Jack Daniels or Absolut plus a wide variety of flavored vodkas, single-barrel bourbons, single-malt scotches, etc.
KaCee Wine & Spirits
13640 Orchard Parkway - Suite 1100, Westminster, CO 80234
303-254-WINE (9463) p - http://www.kaceeswineandspirits.com/
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Lagunitas IPA, Petaluma, California
While most of its peers are brutish and bitter, Lagunitas India Pale Ale is graceful and smooth. It possesses notes of tangerine and other citrus fruits. The hops adds an exotic spice compliment to the sweet fruit flavors. Impressive integration of flavors and mouth sensations.
-BF $9 a sixer

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Lagunitas Pils, Petaluma, California
Their claim to fame is that this lager is the only one made with Saaz hops. It maybe why this brew is so interesting. This Czech Pilsner is delicate and crisp, yet rich with a touch of honey flavor. Notes of chamomile, fresh hay, slightly sweet-spiciness, and a touch floral. This is a refreshing beer that offers a crowd pleasing profile. Beer aficionados will appreciate it and the American Pilsner crowd will find it enjoyable too.
-BF $9 a sixer

Divino carries this brew!

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Opus Restaurant
On Wednesday October 11th, Opus Restaurant and Austin-Hauck are pleased to present A Fall Fashion Show and Wild Game Dinner. The event will begin with cocktails at 6:30pm followed by dinner promptly at 7pm. Cost is $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuities. Call 303-703-OPUS (6787) for reservations.

Opus Restaurant
2475 West Main Street
Littleton, Colorado 80120
http://www.OpusDine.com.
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Harvest Party at Balistreri Winery
Celebrate the Forth Annual Denver Vineyards Harvest Party, Sunday, October 8, 2006. Join John Balistreri and his winemaking family from noon to 6pm at Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 East 66th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. (Balistreri's Winery is just north of the Merchandise Mart.) Tickets are $45.00 per person bought before the event and $55 the day of the event.

Harvest Party tickets include: a commemorative wine glass, wine tasting samples, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, wood fired pizza, pig roast, desserts, live music,and activities. In addition to the wine tasting we will be selling wine by the glass, bottle and case. There will be a childrens' grape stomp at 2pm. Register to win wine gift baskets. Tickets are $45 per person purchased before the day of the event. Tickets purchased at gate, same day of event, are $55 per person. Kids 12 and under are free and 13-20 are $30. Tickets are non-refundable.

Buy tickets online http://www.balistreriwine.com/events.html. Or call the winery at 303-287-5156.
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