We are expanding our content. Instead of a twice-monthly publication, we are scaling back to a monthly publication, but with much more content. This newsletter is only the 'tip of the iceberg;' follow the hyperlinks to more wine reviews and articles. There are 75 wine reviews on this page and its successive links. This newsletter contains links to eight articles. Feel free explore all this newsletter has to offer at your leisure. Keep it in your email, or refer to it on our web site.

Charbay Green Tea Vodka
This is one fine sipping vodka. The flavor of green tea is subtle, yet genuine; there is no mistaking it. Like their other vodkas, Charbay Green Tea Vodka is made with the finest quality green tea, they do not use flavor essences like other producers. Polished, ultra-smooth, and floral, some like it with mixers; I perfer it solo.
-BF $37
Superior Liquor carries it . . .
Where to find Charbay Green Tea Vodka

CHARBAY Olive Zen
2/3 CHARBAY Green Tea Vodka
1/3 CHARBAY Clear Vodka house-infused with fresh ginger
Shake and serve "up" with a ginger stuffed olive. More recipes

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Robert Mondavi 2003 Reserve Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley
Wow! This wine is polished, yet intense. Lovely, dense, with cinnamon apple spice, hints of ripe, sweet, pink grapefruit, and notes of candied ginger. The finish carries the apple and spice flavors with a welcome note of acidity. This quality of this bottle of wine is exceptional and well worth the price. I've tasted sauvignon blancs at twice the price that couldn't compete with this wine.
-BF $15
County Line sells this wine . . .
Where to find this wine.

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Different Styles of Sauvignon Blanc
The flavor of wine is affected more by where and how the grapes are grown than anything that happens in the winery. The use of new oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, a process where the wine's crisp fruit acid is changed into a creamy milk acid, contribute to the final nuances as well. These manipulations cannot cover up pour quality grapes and in some cases can diminish the flavor of good quality grapes. Read more

Remy Pannier 2004 Rosé d' Anjou, Loire Valley, France
Bright and rich with notes of strawberies, honey, and ruebarb. This pink has good acidity to balance against the ample fruitiness. There is a hint of lemon merange on the finish in the form of acidity.
-BF $12
Where to find this wine.

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Hugo Huber 2004 Grüner Veltliner, Austria
What a great change of pace. Great label and an even better wine. Polished and interesting with notes of honey and flowers on the front of the palate and lemon merange, crytalized ginger, and a touch of lime zest on the mid-palate and finish. Sophisticated, a great summer wine.
-BF $14
Where to find this wine.

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Mastroberardino 2004 NovaSerra Greco di Tufo, Italy
Greco di Tufo is an ancient Italian grape, reputedly used before Christ. The Mastroberardino family saved the grape from extinction. This medium to full bodied, brilliant, deep yellow wine has much to offer. With scents of ripe fruit combined with hints of pineapple on the tongue, it has a gorgeous mid and back palate. -MAM $21
Where to find this wine.
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Lessons in winemaking from four Italians
Over the last few months, I have been privileged to meet four gentlemen who work in the Italian wine industry. Each shared invaluable information about traditions and trends of Italian wine. Lucio Martricardi, of Mezzacorona, talks about working hands on in the vineyard. Aberto Tasca d'Almerita, of Regaleali and Tasca d'Almerita, shares his thoughts about Sicily. Giovanni Nencini, of Da Vinci Winery, talked about making new world Italian wines. Stefano Inama, of Inama Winery, talks about old vines and Italian machinery.

Pierre Morey 2004 Bourgogne Aligote
Here is a great wine value. Aligote is a grape grown in approved areas within Meursault. Aligote wines are meant to be consumed young, and have citrusy tones. This 2004 has medium acidity, a light mouth-feel, and an aftertaste of fresh cheese. -MAM $16
Where to find this wine.
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Chateau St. Jean 2003 Robert Young Vineyard Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, California
This is an elegant, bright, and layered chardonnay. I tasted this wine with winemaker Margo van Staaveren two weeks ago. Flavors of lime zest, melon, and apricots dance on your tongue in an exceptional offering of chardonnay. The finish is rich with notes of flan. It doesn't take long to understand why Margo has been bestowed so many accolades.
-BF $30
Bonnie Brae and County Line sell this wine . . .
Where to find this wine.

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Crab Farm 2004 Gewürztraminer, Hawks Bay, New Zealand
Perfect example of how New Zealand winemakers are quite skillful at making whites. This dry gewürztraminer is very soft on the front of the palate with perfume like honey and flowers. It evolves into with a big melon flavor on the mid-palate and creshendos with lemon peel on the fininsh. Great with Asian cuisine, seafood, and foul. -BF
$15
Where to find this wine.

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Guenoc 2004 Pinot Grigio, California
This pinot grigio is about 10% riesling, which adds a lush flavor that really picks up the palate. Soft floral aromas lead to intense melon flavors on the palate. The mid-palate and finish has a savory lemongrass note. Impressive for the price
-BF $12
Where to find this wine.

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Schmitt Söhne 2005 Relax Reisling
I drank this wine with salmon and tomatillos salsa.
This bottle of riesling is a great value for the money. The nose is floral with hints of honeysuckle. On the palate the wine explodes with flavors of tangerine, mango, and apricot. Good mouthwatering acidity for a QBA German riesling.
-BF $9
County Line and Superor Liqour sell this wine . . .
Where to find this wine.

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Leftover Wine
Some things have a longer shelf life in the refrigerator than others. The freshness window for wine can be a matter of hours or days. I opened a bottle of Argentinean torrontes recently and finished it off five days later having a glass here and a glass there. Each serving, from the first to the last, was very tasty. Because I was camping, I didn't preserve the wine with anything other than it cork and a cooler. Read more . . . .

Di Vinci 2004 Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
This is a fine example of a new world Chianti. Concentrated notes of cherries and hints of gun metal mineral are true to the sangiovese flavor profile. Very smooth, with soft tannins that do not override the ripe fruit flavors. There is a hint of vanilla on the mid-palate and finish.
-BF $12
City Wine and Superior carry this wine . . .
Where to find this wine.

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Brancott 2004 Reserve Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
Smoky nose with hints of vanilla lead to flavors of mint, white pepper, and clove spice. A canvas of raspberry offers cola on the mid-palate and finish. It lingers like expensive perfume. -BF $17
Where to find this wine.

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Tasca D'Almerita 2002 Rosso de Conte, Sicily, Italy
With a beautiful purple hue this wine is very special. Old vine nero d'avalo, Alberto Tasca D'Amlmerita claims he is drinking vintages of this wines in the 1970s right now. (I believe him.) Chocolate, cherries, vanilla, mocha, and cherry brandy, this wine is layered, complex and dense. A smooth, interesting red. A great gift for Dad or for yourself. Drink it now or cellar it for a decade, it is a steal at this price. Exceptional! -BF $40
Where to find this wine.
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Castello di Gabbiano 2000 Alleanza, Italy
One whiff and you know you are in Italy. A Super Tuscan worthy of the title, this is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Violets and tobacco are two of the scents that arise in an earthy, complex nose. Tannic, but balanced, this wine covers the palate start to finish. –MAM $50
Where to find this wine.

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Penfold 2002 Bin 138 Old Vine Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre, Barossa, Australia

Penfold’s produces many well-respected wines. Among them, I am particularly impressed with the Bin 138. Here we find rich scent and flavor, structure, balance, and a long finish. For the price point, choose this to savor for it’s own merits or to pair with a hearty, red meat meal. An outstanding value. -MAM $32
Where to find this wine.
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Guenoc 2004 Petite Sirah, California
Big blackberry nose with hints of brambles and vanilla. On the palate the wine is a mixture of blueberries and black raspberries, with a dash of vanilla and hint of clove. High alcohol levels are met with ample fruit offering a full bodied red.
-BF $12
Bonnie Brae carries this wine . . .
Where to find this wine.

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Great Divide Brewery
'Chewy,' 'tones of citrus and apricot,' 'long finish,' these are wine tasting descriptors, and everyday parlance at the Great Divide Brewery. Brimming with nuance, Great Divide crafts beers that delight wine and food lovers. The Titan IPA and the Double IPA have wine-like subtly, not the monochromatic bitterness of so many of the micro-brewed IPAs popular today. The 'Really Big Beers' offer varying flavor profiles, highlighting chocolate, malt, or oak, yet all of the beers titillate the palate with varied textures and flavors. Read more . . .

Lagunitas Brown Sugga
Sweet nose with hints of brown sugar and oranges. Rich mouth presence. A caramel canvas carries hints of spruce, orange liqueuer, and honey drizzled over fresh bicuits. It's got a spicy hoppy note, but the sweet, rich, and malty palate is what takes the center stage.
$8 a six pack
Divino carries it . . . .
Where to find this beer
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Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale
There are those of us that would rather pass on having a beer, rather than drink one out of a can. When I first heard about Oskar Blues I was so skeptical. When I tasted Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chub I was completely won over. Micro quality beer in a can, without the sour, metalic can flavor.
Dales Pale Ale is a hop-heads dream. Bitter sweet flavors of American hops, notes of pine, zesty notes of tangerine citrus, and a long lingering brisk finish. Allow it to warm up a touch and experience a wonderful sweet malty mid-palate. Refreshing and convenient, keep a 12 pack on hand.
Old Chub Scotch Ale Where Dale's Pale Ale is racy and hopy, Old Chub is smooth and creamy. Notes of toffee and a smokey, roasted grain flavor. Hints of dark chocolate and orange marmalade on the finish. Could compete against bottled Scotch ales without a handicap. -BF $13 a 12 pack
Where to find this beer


Harrison Memorial Hospital is Colorado's largest non-profit veterinary hospital. They offer low cost spays and neuters regardless of your income. Support Harrison Memorial Hospital by attending the Macy Macy Dog Prom. Yes, that's right, dogs in formal wear, on parade. Oskar Blues will be supplying the beer at the event. There will also be food, comedians, Rocky Mountain Roller Girls, and more. The event is June 17th, from 6-9pm. Cost is $20, which includes one dog, $5 for each additional dog. Proceeds go to a very, very good cause. Go to macymacy.com for more information or to buy tickets online. Whether you and your dog dress up or not, it is sure to be a good time.
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Maryann Baisley "I fell in love with Roxborough, Colorado, where I live with family and friends. Watercolor is what I hold in focus. The reaction of the elements are exciting, air, water, earth, light, shadow, and life. I seek to capture a small section of nature and add a human touch . . . . Like all artists, what shapes us emerges in our work."

Maryann Baisley is available for commissioned paintings through her studio at 303-978-1352 or email artist@baisley.org   These two paints "Wine and Letters" are $725.00 for the pair. Each is framed and measures 24 x 36 inches. To see more of Maryann's work, go to www.roxboroughinfo.com/maryann_leake.htm. Please mention that you heard about Maryann on redwhiteandrose.com.
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Vino Italiano, The Regional Wines of Italy
by David Lynch, Joseph Bastianich
I can imagine how much fun these gentlemen had touring Italy and writing this book. You can feel the relaxed tone in the beginning as each wine region is introduced. They include quaint stories about colorful locals who escort them about, who show the writers the true flavor of Italian wines and Italian culture. This book also touches on Italy's history, but from the modern timeline. It discusses important events in Italy's recent history that inhibited and then later allowed Italy to experience her true potential. A wonderful reference book for anyone interested in learning more about Italian wine. A great primer for any oenophile planning on exploring Italy. -BF
Read more book reviews.
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Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Little Raven Vineyards and Sparrow team up for a 'Passport to Sicily, Italy' - Birds of a Feather Wine Dinner at Sparrow Restaurant - 6:30 to 8:30pm. Taste the ingenious pairings of traditional Sicilian summertime cuisine with some of the island's little-known indigenous grapes, collaboratively styled by Sparrow Restaurant's Executive Chef Joshua Botsford and Little Raven Vineyards' resident sommelier Karen Saenz. The price is $100 and advance reservations are required.

Call for reservations today . . . 303-573-9463 or email Peter at Little Raven Vineyards.
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The Cowboy and The Rose Presents a Seven Courses and Smooth Jazz production: Nine Chefs, from three countries and five states will meet in Grand Junction Colorado to put on one nine course wine pairing like no other. This scholarship fund raiser at the The Barrel Room at Two Rivers Winery will be held Saturday, June 24, 2006, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Enjoy wine paired with culinary masterpieces and a five piece jazz ensemble. To take a peek at the menu go to www.sevencoursesandsmoothjazz.com. For reservations and information about lodging call 970-255-1471 or email info@thecowboyandtherose.com. Cost is $109 per person.
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8th Annual Boys Hope Girls Hope Benefit Wine Tasting
Sponsored by Libations Wine & Spirits
Featuring over 150 Wines, fabulous restaurants and caterers such as The Summit Steak House, The Food Guy Catering, Bruno's Italian Bistro, Luigi's Bent Noodle, Las Brisas Restaurant, and Panera Breads. Belgian and specialty beers and a special table of Port dessert wines. Friday, July 7th from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Four Points Sheraton - Hampden & I-25. Pre-pay $40 inclusive or $45 purchased at the door. Discounted Hotel Rooms at Embassy Suites Southeast for $85 (shuttle provided). You must reserve by June 23rd, by calling 303-696-6644 and identify yourself as attending the BHGH/Libations Wine Tasting. For wine tasting tickets call Libations Wine & Spirits at 303-766-0575, Boys Hope Girls Hope 720-524-2061 -or Order wine tasting tickets online: www.boyshopegirlshope.org
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