#1 Two Rivers Winery… “Two
Rivers Vineyard Scene,” “Two Rivers Logos,” and “Two Rivers Name Header”graphics
here
The vineyard and winery are nestled between the gateways of the Colorado National Monument in the Redlands – just west of Grand Junction. Chateau deux Fleuves Vineyards (translated House on Two Rivers), encompasses 11 acres of estate grown Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The vineyard will produce approximately 44 tons of grapes each year. Two Rivers Winery recognizes that the character of the wine comes from a balanced vineyard and makes it a practice to give appropriate and timely attention to the vineyard. In addition to estate grown grapes, local grapes are purchased through contracts with other Colorado growers.
The state of the art winery is positioned in the center of the vineyards. Great care and thought has been given to equip the crush area, fermentation room and cellar so that a high level of quality is maintained when taking the grape from harvest, through fermentation, aging and bottling. Meticulous care is given to the winemaking activities and barrel aging process. While these practices have been implemented to enhance the complexity of the wine, there remains openness to innovation. This flexibility enables the winery to be responsive to its customers. This process is essential in achieving the three goals at Two Rivers Winery: Premium Wines, Consistency and Predictability, and Customer Participation.
WINEMAKING AT TWO RIVERS: Our varieties of wines are few in number, but they are superb; at least that is what our customers tell us. The goal is to produce 16,000 cases, which we are fast approaching. Our winemaker, Rob Hammelman, is very focused on producing only the best wines. By just producing five varieties, we are able to give more attention to the details, thus achieving consistency and predictability with each release. The premium wines we currently produce are Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Port. We use both traditional and modern technology to create a product that is a joy to drink. For example, our Chardonnay is a true Burgundian style wine, with a great bouquet of sweet vanilla in the nose, fruit driven in the mouth and a beautiful lingering aftertaste. This wine exemplifies our style as we make wines that are likely to be lighter and softer, yet full of flavor and character.
AWARDS, AWARDS, AWARDS: The winery first processed grapes in the fall of 1999. It has released twenty vintages since that time and has garnered over 40 different awards in International Competitions. These competitions include the Pacific Rim International, the Grand Harvest Awards, the Southwest International, the Eastern International, Los Angles County Fair, the San Francisco International, and the Monterey Peninsula International.
“Two Rivers
Pavillion” graphic inset here
DESTINATION: Two Rivers Winery and The Chateau Conference Center, Wine Country Inn and Event center are quickly becoming the Grand Valley’s newest tradition. The architecture and décor create the feel of a Country French Chateau. This theme can be seen when approaching the outer buildings and continues throughout the interior of the Chateau and the winery. You will immediately feel at home in the cozy tasting room. The fermentation room is available for intimate catered dinner parties. There is an outdoor terrace attached to the front of the winery where one can enjoy a glass of wine and unimaginable views. The outdoor pavilion and grounds are surrounded by the Colorado National Monument to the west, the Bookcliff mountain range to the north, and the Grand Mesa to the east. Large gatherings are held in this area for a variety of events ranging from weddings and concerts to picnics and reunions.
The Chateau is a Conference and Event Center and Wine Country Inn which
offers upscale lodging and gracious hospitality. The ten guest rooms offer a separate and unique country French
décor. The conference and event center
can host a variety of functions for events from two people to two hundred.
There is a fully equipped catering kitchen that will please even the most discerning
chefs and caterers, with wine to match. From all locations in the Chateau
visitors have an unobstructed view of the spectacular panorama which epitomizes
the area. Tres Bien!
“Two Rivers
Bottle” graphic here
We are anxious to introduce this Colorado
winery to you, not only to be “supportive” of a “local hero,” but because these
limited edition wines are extremely attractive, and worthy of your attention – both
from a winemaking and value perspective. Quantities are somewhat limited, so do
react favorably and quickly to these award-winning selections.
2002 TWO RIVERS VINEYARDS COLORADO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“Mesa County Chateau Deux Fleuves Vineyard”
Remarkable flavor without heavy tannin; wonderful up-front fruit with a
lingering finish. Very drinkable right now. Three
Bronze Medals already.
Regular
Price $19.49 Web Special $15.49
2003
TWO RIVERS VINEYARDS COLORADO CHARDONNAY
“Mesa County Chateau
Deux Fleuves Vineyard”
Elegant fruitiness will satisfy the most discriminating palate; ripe pear
and citrus from start to finish; fabulous flavors; attractive, versatile style.
Bronze Medal San Francisco International, and two other Silver Medals.
Regular
Price $12.99 Web Special $9.99
2003
TWO RIVERS VINEYARDS COLORADO MERLOT
“Mesa County Chateau
Deux Fleuves Vineyard”
In the “French” style…soft, sleek, polished, earthy tones; a provocative
range of flavors, including hints of mocha and spice; lovely finish. Silver Medal
San Francisco International.
Regular
Price $15.49 Web Special $11.49
#2 LEOVILLE LAS CASES….Las cases “vineyard Scene” and “label
graphics here
Chateau Leoville -Las Cases
“Matching The
Premier Crus Classe In Consistency”
The Bordeaux Classification
of 1855 came about when wine brokers were asked to create a classification of
the wines of Bordeaux.. They only included the top wines of the Medoc (except
for the inclusion of Chateau Haut Brion from the Graves region). The rating was
based (mostly) on the price that the wines were bringing in the market and it
divided these top wineries into five classifications. These classifications are
known as 'Growths'. The only change in this classification of these wineries
since that time has been the elevation of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
in 1973 from 2nd Growth to 1st growth status. Some Chateaux are now producing
wines that deserve a higher classification and others deserve a lower rating.
There are many more Chateaux that were not included in the 5 classifications at
all.
Stretching from Chateau Beychevelle down
to Chateau Latour, Chateau Leoville-Las Cases’
main estate is a picturesque, enclosed, 100-acre vineyard as depicted on its
label. It
must stick in owner Jean-Hubert Delon's throat to be “only” the best of the Second Growths, a "Super- Second"
rather than a designated "Super-First." The desire to be a First
Growth is what drove Baron Philippe de Rothschild for most of his life; finally
rewarded in 1973 when a young Jacques Chirac permitted him to chisel Chateau Mouton-Rothschild next to Chateau Margaux and the others. Indeed, it
must be galling for the entire commune of Saint Julien, probably the most
consistant Appelation Controllée in Bordeaux, not to have a single member
accepted into that exclusive club.
One could easily argue that Chateau Léoville Las-Cases matches the First Growths
in terms of consistency, probably more so than Chateau Mouton-Rothschild; and,
if First Growth status took into account the performance in "off-vintages,"
surely Las-Cases should take its rightful place? Michael Broadbent once commented
how Las-Cases, “Has an extra-dimension
compared to other Saint Julien wines,” while Clive Coates states that it is
"Perhaps of all wines the nearest in quality to the first growths."
Some would argue that Las-Cases does
indeed have more consistency than Mouton-Rothschild, for example, yet others doubt whether a Las-Cases
could match the Baron Philippe's stratospheric heights of the really
extraordinary vintages. But most Bordeaux experts leave no doubt of their
conviction that there is a tangible
difference between Las-Cases and the other Saint Julien estates. Only Léoville-Barton is thought to approach the level of sophistication
and nuance of Las-Cases, but even it never displays the powerful fruit
concentration of Las Cases.
Originally the other two
Leovilles, Leoville Poyferre and
Leoville Barton were
part of the large estate, but even today Chateau Leoville Las Cases is one of
the largest and oldest classified growths in the Medoc, comprisingover 209
acres. The field is delimited at the north by the Latour Castle, at the south
by the village of Saint-Julien, and by the estuary of the Gironde less than two
kilometers to the east, which contributes toward softening the climate by
limiting the amplitudes of temperature.
The estate
has been run since 1950 by the Delon Family. The Castle itself belongs today to
Jean-Hubert Delon and to his sister Genevieve d' Aton,
and the current director of the operation is the well known Michel
Delon. Ultra-traditional winemaking is
practiced at Las Cases, with an average of 18 months aging in barrel.
Its style is dark, intense and concentrated. Chateau
Leoville-Las Cases is a tannic and richly fruity wine that takes over 10-15
years to mature. Generally, Las Cases has an almost blackish-blue hue to its
color that is not at all very common, and its equally unique bouquet offers rich
blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, followed with flavors of smoked oak and
Havana. In the mouth one finds a simultaneous feeling of complexity, perfectly
controlled with spiced, mineral and mentholated notes. The Las Cases
cepage in the vineyard is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon,
17% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. The average vine age is 30 years, and each
vintage, 60% to 90% new barrels are employed, with ageing for 18 months. It
should also be mentioned that Las Cases’ “2nd wine,” the Clos du
Marquis is – owing to the relentless selection of its components – is
remarkable in its own right.
THE SELECTIONS FOR THIS MONTH
Composite Tasting notes are from various sources
Regular Price Web
Special
2001 Ch. Leoville Las Cases $129.00/Btl. $ 99.99/Btl.
94 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '01 Ch
Leoville-Las-Cases is very floral and perfumed with lots of violets, roses and
berries; full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a racy finish; superfresh and
long.
2000 Ch. Leoville Las Cases $249.99/Btl. $199.99/Btl.
Dark, intense and concentrated, Chateau
Leoville-Las Cases is a tannic and richly fruity wine that will take over 10-15
years to mature. Color is opaque purple with ruby edges. Gorgeous and complex
nose of overripe fruit, blackcurrant liquor, lead pencil, liquorice and spices.
Incredible exactness. Strong and silky tannins. Huge density and elegance.
Beautiful balance and long finish. The wine making is totally in control giving
an almost too precise picture of this giant. Unbelievably classy. 98/100
1999 Ch. Leoville Las Cases $129.99/Btl. $ 99.99/Btl.
A subtle sweet
black minerally nose, quite light and elegant for Lascases. Well-defined. The
palate is supple and approachable, certainly an earlier drinking Lascases but
there is a nice balance with a good grip. Harmonious. Lacks the usual persistancy on the finish but
still a very fine wine. Beautiful, intense crimson hue. Discrete nose
with black fruits (bilberries), liquorice and almost disturbing aromas of
vanilla and roasted wood. Well balanced and fresh with a velvety finish. Quite
similar in style to the 1997, but with less smoothness. Many will appreciate its "easy" style very
much. 88/100
1998 Ch. Leoville Las Cases $174.99/Btl. $139.99/Btl.
Tasted again in Dec-03, a slightly deeper hue than the 96, and
deep black/garnet. The nose is still tight, backward with minerals, iodine and
cigar box notes beginning to develop. The palate has good acidity, very ripe
tannins with a lot of glycerine and liquorice. Very toasty on the finish, this is an excellent 1998 and
comparable to the First Growths. (22/25) The usual price of excellence is decreed to this wine: the
dress is blue-black, the racé nose of cedar and spice synthesizes the noblest
qualities and most traditional of the Medoc Cabernet Sauvignon. The body
appears superb, incredibly tight texture, but without violence for the year,
the exhaustive definition of the soil. Intense crimson hue. Beautiful smoky oak and cedar nuances, red
fruits (blackcurrant), violet flowers and a little peppered note. Opulent and
fleshy mouth. Chewy and fat tannins. A beautiful bottle contrasting with the
1996 by its "easy" and somewhat international style. Nevertheless, a
very pleasurable wine to appreciate for the next couple of decades. 93/100
1995 Ch. Leoville Las Cases $199.99/Btl. $159.99/Btl.
Only 35% of the harvest
was considered worthy for the first wine, and this is reflected in the superb
quality of this wine. Extremely rich with a well-balanced tannic structure, it
exhibits lovely ripe fruits and mineral characteristics. An elegant St. Julien. Increasingly
highly regarded. The wine is exuberantly fruity with rounded tannins and open
richness. These wines will be approachable in their youth, yet will continue to
develop for many years. Beautiful dark purple. Floral (violets) and
copious amounts of fruit on the nose (blackcurrant). The wood has not totally
been integrated yet. Tight and elegant structure. Well balanced, and
suprisingly smooth. Crunching tannins. Many loved its finesse and elegance very
much. Delicious now and will continue to improve over the next several years. 94/100
1994 Ch.
Leoville Las Cases $ 99.99/Btl. $ 69.99/Btl.
Dark garnet color. Pleasant smoky, spicy
(pepper) and prune bouquet. Full bodied and well balanced. Fruity mid-palate
and a slight mentholated note. The tannin remains quite heavy at this point.
This is not a super concentrated monster but it's undoubtedly very
pleasurable and elegant. One of Medoc's success in this complicated vintage. A vintage of firm and tannic wines, but there
is such concentration and richness of sweet fruit beneath the tannin that this
long term wine will provide remarkable future drinking. 88/100
# 3 La Sauvageonne…..as before,
in March issue, except put in 2002 vintage and
the added notes as shown below – accentuated in “red” and
“highlighted” for
your convenience. The picture of the winemaker stays in, as is of course,
but also work in somehow, the “Bottle” and “Label” graphics I’ve transmitted this
time as well.
CH. LA
SAUVAGEONNE "LES RUFFES"
French Coteaux du
Languedoc Rouge
We can do no better than to repeat one journalist's rendition of the significance of Chateau la Sauvageonne. "This is a small Languedoc winery that enjoyed a small and slightly cultish following in the U.S. in the middle 1990's when Sauvageonne drew attention from the critic Robert M. Parker, who likened one of their wines to the sought-after La Mouline Cote-Rotie. But following vintages didn't produce similar raves, prompting new British ownership since 2001. The new winemaker, Sommelier Gavin Chrisfield, has given the winery a thorough “spring-cleaning,” and brought to market an impressive lineup of reds - a selection of interesting wines that manage to blend rusticity and elegance in an appetizing marriage.
La
Sauvageonne, located in the scenic Terrasses du Larzac region of the Coteaux du
Languedoc, consists of about 30 hilltop acres of reddish schist soil, growing a
combination of traditional Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault grapes along
with some not-so-traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wines showcase
them all, in varying proportions. The "Les Ruffes" is exuberant and juicy, with
raspberry, plum and cassis aromas that explode from the glass. It manages,
however, to maintain a freshness and acidity so often missing in wines from
this region. This offering was so successful a couple of months ago, that we
are featuring it again – “Back by popular demand,” as it were. If you missed it the first time, don’t make
the same mistake this time around. This wine is “value” — in spades!!
Wine-maker Gavin Crisfield
is a Brit who came to the Languedoc with a goal. To make wines that reflect
terroir. With the 2002 vintage of “Les Ruffes” he has succeeded brilliantly. As
he says, Les Ruffes 2002 is, "A lovely southern French
wine, to be consumed within 3 years of vintage. Warm with cherry and red
fruits, supple tannins and a peppery finish." “The majority of our first wine
is produced on volcanic soil (the Syrah and Grenache), with a touch of Cinsault
and Carignan (from schist soils). A short maceration of grapes is followed by 6
months ageing in tank.” “Finally a good vintage for light fruit driven wines
with, however, very low yields at this price range. It was a year where
sensitive varieties such as Syrah, once contaminated with mildew and rot, were
completely devastated within 24 hours (as in the southern Rhone). Thankfully we
escaped the worst, but extreme selection in the vineyard was necessary; hence
very low yields. The wines in general have less power than 2001 but are way
more approachable and elegant.”
2002 "Les Ruffes" Coteaux du Languedoc This is the winery's basic bottling, an unoaked blend of 40 percent Syrah, 30 percent Grenache, 15 percent Cinsaut and 5 percent Carignan. Dark cherry-red in color, it offers rustic but appealing scents of plummy fruit. Sweet red-fruit and earth over crisp acidity and smooth tannins come together in what may be one of the best under-$10 French reds on the market. One critic has called La Sauvageonne one of the most exciting estates in the Languedoc and Rousillon - at least one of the three best, whose wines are still affordable.
Regular Price $10.99 Special Price $8.99
#4 Finlandia Vodka…Francisco, can you lift the lovely “banner” web presentation
@ finlandia.com…I cannot seem to capture it!??.....also use in various places
to expand the overall graphic impact, the various “bottle” graphics I’ve
forwarded to you (also get rid of the cells around the write-ups …don’t know
how to wipe ‘em out!!
FINLANDIA
FINNISH VODKA
Legend Of The Midnight
Sun
“Die Another
Day”
Finlandia Vodka…at
$5.00 a bottle off!!
Finlandia Vodka is one of the world's leading premium vodkas, available
worldwide in more than 100 countries. It is a perfect choice for vodka drinkers
who appreciate quality and versatility. The refreshing, pure taste allows
Finlandia Vodka to transform from an on-the-rocks drink to the soul of the most
imaginable cocktails
Coors, eat your heart out! The water in Finlandia Vodka is naturally filtered through glacial moraine formed during the Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. Due to its ultimate purity, the natural spring water requires no chemical treatment. Finlandia Vodka is made exclusively in Finland from the finest six-row barley grown under the long days and white nights of the Finnish summer. The barley is distilled into grain spirits, using a remarkable continuous multi-pressure distillation system, with more than 200 distillation steps. That industry-benchmark technique underscores a sophisticated process that takes place in a state-of-the art distillery in the tiny village of Koskenkorva.
Luxury and
custom Vodkas have become a big deal in recent years. There are many wonderful
entrants, but Finlandia is unique in many regards. It is a Premium “Finnish” vodka - crystal clear and smooth. As featured in the
James Bond film, Die Another Day,
Finlandia Vodka was the world's first premium imported vodka. It was launched
in 1970, before Absolut and any other of the international premium brands. It
was launched as an expression of the best the world had to offer in producing
the ultimate expression of vodka. The clean, cold, purity of the country of
Finland…pure glacial spring water, the finest six-row barley (and only
barley), and a technologically superior continuous distillation process were
all combined to provide consumers with the ultimate vodka experience.
Finlandia hired a noted Finnish glass
designer to create a work of art for the distinctive bottle that would serve as
the package for Finlandia. The legendary midnight sun, the white reindeer of
Finland's Arctic Circle, and clean Nordic lines are all featured in a glacial
ice bottle which represents the purity of Finland and the pure clean taste of Finlandia
Vodka. Finlandia is distilled exclusively in the village of Koskenkorva, Finland, from the finest
Finnish six-row barley grown. And today Finlandia Vodka is 007 James Bond’s new
choice in his martini’s, which must be, “Shaken not Stirred.”
Finlandia is a perfect
choice for vodka drinkers who appreciate quality, purity and versatility. The
refreshing, ultra-clean taste allows Finlandia Vodka to transform from the
purest on-the-rocks drink into the soul of the most imaginable cocktails.
Crystal-clear, with a clean, pure bouquet in the best Western style, but
pungent and quite spirity even when bottled at 75 proof. Smooth on the palate
but with a definite dry, almost salty bite. Excellent, clean aftertaste, with a
uniquely cool, crisp, pristine taste - a smooth brilliance - and a pleasant
glow in the finish.
Finlandia Vodka 1.75 Liters Regular Price
$23.99
Web Special $18.99
LOWEST
PRICE IN TOWN!!
#5 Jewel Collection Wines…build all the Jewel graphics – “bottle”,
“vineyard scene”, “Jewel logos”, and “GWG logos” atop, around, and in among the
write up and wines….as you see fit
This is an
uncanny producer with an astoundingly brilliant concept.. Global Wine Group,
the “Jewel Collection” creator, searched California for the optimum location to
establish its winery, and they chose Lodi. Lodi, which is the largest and
oldest wine grape production area in California, provides the perfect
environment for quality and affordable prices. Thus, GWG’s Lodi base of operations is an integral
factor in the company’s overall long-term plans.
The management
team developed a strategic master plan that was based upon – can you believe? –
the needs and desires of the consumer. Fashioned after famous consumer product giants like
Procter and Gamble, GWG strives to understand the target consumer, and then
they produce wines that address those specific
consumer needs and preferences.
GWG is focused on building its company from a marketing perspective – that is, giving the consumers what they want (and much more than
they expect). Novel idea, huh?
The primary goals of GWG are:
1. Produce wines in price points that the majority of
consumers can afford
2. Offer a wide range of varieties at fair and
consistent pricing
3. Produce a quality level that will exceed the customers expectation in each respective price point
4. De-mystify wine – make it easy to understand, fun to
enjoy, and affordable to buy
5. Always insist on the
highest quality for the best possible price – give the consumers value and consistency in price and quality.
GWG wants the Jewel wines to be recognized as the $20.00 bottle of wine that sells for $9.99!! Who wants to argue with that(?)…and from the trove of awards the individual wines have already received – which you will read about below – they have clearly succeeded!!! Jump on the bandwagon.
All “Jewel Collection”
Selections This Month $7.99
Web Special!! (regular
price $9.99)
2003 Jewel Collection California Viognier This wine was awarded the Double Gold (98 Points), Best Of California, and Best of Class at the Sacramento
State Fair, Gold and Best of Show at the Los Angeles County Fair, Gold and Best of Show – White at the Orange County Fair, and Bronze Medal at the San Diego Wine
Competition!! This sparse producing grape is the prestige darling of the Rhone
Valley. This is a scrumptiously aromatic wine, filled with classic aromas of
peach and honeysuckle, and other indescribable scents – with a long, lingering
palate complemented by exquisite citrus flavors. Bright fruit is balanced with
suavity and perfect crispness – a fabulous and very appealing alternative to fine
Chardonnay, but at a third of the price!!
2002 Jewel Collection Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon
The fruit for this
beauty is 86% Lodi, 4% Santa Cruz, 5% Dry Creek, and 5% Carmel Valley. The
cepage is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 2% Tanat (one of the informing
grapes of Spanish Rioja Reservas, and curiously, a grape indigenous to Uruguay!).
The wine is deep and dark, with rich aromas of black cherry and subtle notes of
vanilla and earthiness. It presents a rich, yet silky texture with wonderful
flavors of fresh cherry fruitiness, cassis, and layers of spice…long memorable
finish. In the interest of brevity, let it be summarized that this wine has
already earned two Silver Medals
and six Bronze at seven
different competitions!!....and gadzooks!, this is a $10.00 bottle of wine, selling
for $8.00!!!
2003 Jewell Collection North Coast Sauvignon Blanc This wine is Jewel Collection’s first attempt
at this varietal, and the wine won the Silver
Award (91 points) at the Sacramento State Fair, and swept 3,184
entrants to win the Gold
at the Orange County Fair!! The wine is ripe and bursting with hints of sweet
fig, spice, and melon, with an aroma of zesty grapefruit, lemon, and tropical
fruit. This is an extraordinarily attractive style of Sauvignon Blanc.
2002 Jewel Collection Lodi Merlot
This wine is 94%
Merlot with an interesting 6% Petite Sirah. It has won two Gold medals and three
Bronze to date. Deep garnet color, toasty oak and cherry aromas, with
ripe, luscious flavors of cherry, plum, and vanilla. Rich finish. Pinot Noir
may be enjoying recent Sideways
“chic,” but Merlot is still the red wine of choice for many. This Merlot is
hard to match at this price.