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Ribera Del Duero
Ribera Del Duero lies within the province Castile-Leon, Spain. This is the landscape many of us think of when we imagine the Iberian Peninsula. Rugged, rocky terrain and vast plateaus that are guarded by medieval stone castles and long formidable walls. It is in Castile-Leon that the battle against the Moors raged on for centuries and the evidence of those times is represented in every ancient fortress.
     The Ribera Duero (Duero River) is born in the Pyrenees Mountains and carves this land, eventually meandering its way through Spain, on to Portugal, where Porto is made. In the higher elevations, the grapevines struggle in the rocky soil and steep slopes of the Duero. The wind is cruel and the summer heat is sweltering. It was considered the last place you would want to grow wine grapes.
     But grapes are not always grown in ideal conditions. Eventually wine producers, looking for inexpensive land looked to Ribera Del Duero, even though the potential for success was slim. At first the recipes of Rioja and Bordeaux were explored, but the land did not embrace these recipes. Plus, producers found resistance from exporters and importers because the wines were not known. The new wine region had no history and found the market uninterested in exploring new products, as long as reliable wines from Rioja were available.
     Eventually the efforts of these pioneers paid off. The wines were not only accepted by the industry, but earned a reputation for quality, concentration, and longevity. Known for its powerhouse reds, Ribera Del Duero has become one of Spain's newest jewels. The region mostly grows a version of tempranillo called Tinto del Pais, but also cultivates cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and garnacha. Because of its outstanding quality, wine from this region is represented at many price points. Pricier versions can be cellared like fine Bordeaux, while inexpensive versions offer a delicious opportunity to experience one of Spain's new hot properties today.

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Bookwalter Lot No. 20, Columbia Valley, Washington
This is an exceptional red blend and a fine example how much potential Washington state possess. Smooth on the palate with notes of chocolate, dense notes of cherry and cassis, soft clove and vanilla spice. Buy one for now and one for later, it's that good.
-BF $22
Divino Wine & Spirits carries this wine. Are you a retailer that carries this wine? Email us and we'll add you to the 'where to find it' listing.

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Schug Carneros Estate Winery
Walter Schug hails from Germany and trained there as a winemaker. In the Rhein River valley his apprenticeship was with his family’s estate, the only one in the region that cultivates Pinot Noir - the northernmost Pinot Noir vineyards in Europe. Upon completing his schooling, Schug left for California. He pursued a long career in the wine industry and became one of the most respected winemakers in the state. For 10 years, he crafted wine for Joseph Phelps Vineyards. There, he received attention for his late-harvest Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. He produced the first post-prohibition Syrah varietal wine, the first vineyard designated wines (Bacchus and Eisele), and the first California proprietary Bordeaux style blend (Insignia).
     During his tenure at Phelps, it was decided that pinot noir should be discontinued from their line. Schug loved working with pinot noir grapes and believed strongly in the potential of the wines. He agreed with Phelps to buy the grapes himself and produce Pinot Noir wines under his own label. The wines were so successful that Schug branched out and established his own winery. Today, half of the 30,000 cases Schug produces each year are Pinot Noir.
     Schug chose to situate his winery in the Carneros region for the cool climate and long growing season. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach their potential with the cool breezes that blow from the Pacific through the area. The Schug vineyards are flanked by two mountains, which create a wind tunnel. The winds help Pinot Noir skins to thicken, and lend pepper and spice tones to the wines.
     Walter Schug’s career highlights aspects of California winemaking history, and his wines represent a depth of winemaking experience. Through the years, his wines have received 90+ ratings from all the major wine publications, and multiple awards.
     The entry tier wines, reviewed below, represent outstanding value. Especially with the holiday season right around the corner, Schug wines are an excellent choice. Crafted as food wines, they boast an elegant European style. Schug wines don understated labeling, making them lovely gifts as well.

Schug 2005 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
The Sonoma Coast viticultural area overlaps Carneros, and has a cool climate as well. Understated citrus and butter scents provide a preamble; this coats the palate fully. Fermented partly in stainless steel and partly in older 300 gallon casks, it attains a subtle roundedness from minimal old wood contact. A fruitier, mildly honeyed Chardonnay with a pleasant aftertaste.
-MAM -$23
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Schug 2005 Pinot Noir, Carneros, California
With a fragrant nose, this fruity Pinot boasts a strong mid-palate and aftertaste. Pairs well with poultry, duck, and lamb. At $27, this is an outstanding value.
-MAM -$27
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Schug 2003 Merlot Sonoma Valley California
As Axel Schug said, "This merlot has an intensity in a getting to know you sort of a way." With red fruit and pleasing acidity, this is an elegant, cool climate merlot. Balanced with 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, and made for the dinner table.
-MAM -$27
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Schug 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, California
Blended with 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% merlot, this offering salutes Bordeaux style. Nicely structured; dark berries mingle with spice and herbs. Perfect to pair with roasts and hearty stews.
-MAM -$27
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Havest 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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Twisted Pine Honey Brown Ale, Boulder, Colorado
Very root beer like with hints of sassafrass on the finish. The honey flavor is subtle, peaking through on the finish. The hops adds a touch of perfum, but not much bitterness. This is a definate crowd pleasing brew.
-BF $8

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