WOW: Spanish Flair!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Spanish Flair:  Raimat Albariño 2012

FINALLY!  Warmer weather is not just wishful thinking...it is here!  Now is the time to start grilling, enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables and dining al fresco!  Raimat Albarino is a fresh fit for all that spring and summer have to offer.  This crisp, pear-driven Albarino can easily be enjoyed with your favorite Asian flair or just as an aperitif on a sunny afternoon! 

Winery Notes

The Raimat estate was founded in 1914 by Manuel Raventós with his purchase of a large desert tract 100 miles north of Barcelona. The anticipated construction of a canal from the Pyrenees would allow water to reach this arid zone, and over decades Raventós transformed the estate into one of Spain’s most remarkable wine properties. Innovation was a cornerstone of his philosophy, and in1975, Raimat introduced some of Spain’s first single-varietal wines. In 1988, the tiny Costers del Segre zone was made a DO, spearheaded primarily by Raimat. The estate vineyards extend over 5,000 acres, planted with both native and international varieties and are cultivated sustainably to maintain optimum vine health.

Raimat Albariño 2012 Tasting Notes

Raimat produces wines that are an amalgam of classic Spanish style and contemporary expressiveness realized through constant innovation and a non-interventionist spirit. The wines show delineated varietal character with a clear, articulated terroir stamp, with the lightest influence possible imposed in the cellar. The white wines are fresh and crisp, fermented at cool temperatures to preserve fruit aromas and flavors, and finished without oak contact. This wine, pale yellow in color with greenish hues, is 100% Albarino. Intense aromas of citrus, peach, dried flowers, and spice carry onto the palate, which is vividly fruity and fresh and underscored by bright, balanced acidity.

WOW: A New French Favorite!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Pichot Vouvray 2011: A New French Favorite!


Look NO FURTHER than this week's WOW for your new favorite!  This Vouvray is the perfect companion to your Stir-fry, your grilled peppers, your Thai or Sushi fare!

Light, semi-floral and perfect for all of the fresh vegetables that will be gracing our supermarkets shortly!

Winery Notes

Domaine Pichot is an amalgamation of the properties of the father (Jean-Claude) ‘Coteau de la Biche’ and the son (Christophe) ‘Peu de la Moriette’, hence the different labels bearing the name Pichot. The estate is now run by Christophe. Pichot’s wines are well known for the brilliant quality of the stunning sweet wines, although their dry and demi-sec wines are also superb. They have an enormous capacity to age gracefully with careful cellaring conditions. These are remarkably good value wines that will also provide great satisfaction from a young age.

Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine le Peu de la Moriette Chenin Blanc 2011 Tasting Notes

100% Chenin Blanc. Golden raisins on the nose and on the palate. Grape juicy, like table grapes concentrate. Easy to drink, already well-balanced with some elements of cloves, butter tarte tatin and a touch of maple sugar. Good fruit extension with some grapefruit and apple skin on the finish.  The Pichot Vouvray is a classic 'slightly dry' white, Estate bottled from Chenin Blanc grapes in the Loire region. Low yields, hand harvesting and barrel fermentation are employed to give the wine its authenticity. They call it 'slightly dry' in France, although we would call it 'off-dry'. The aromas are honeydew, peach juice and a hint of spice. The palate is juicy and fresh, and the acidity balances the slight residual sugar in the finish.

WOW: An Italian Bargain!

WOW: Wine of the Week

An Italian Bargain: Le Caniette Rosso Bello


Sticking with last week's theme of trying new wines from other regions, Uncorked is pleased to present Le Caniette Rosso Bello 2009.  At UNDER $10.00 per bottle, now is the PERFECT time to test your taste buds on this approachable Italian blend.

Use this red blend to help the transition from big, bold red blends of the fall and winter to the lighter wines preferred in cooler months.

Winery Notes

Le Caniette is a winery with 16 hectares of vines and it is certified organic, somewhat of a novelty in Italy in general and in this area in particular

Le Caniette Rosso Bello 2009 Tasting Notes

"Michelangelo gave the name 'Rosso Bello' or Beautiful Red to a brilliant red color that this full bodied wine is named after. This wine was produced in the land of Ascanio Condivi, named after the apprentice, friend and biographer of Michelangelo. You will find this wine intense and persistent recalling red fruits, cherries, rose petals & violets." - Winery Notes
Blend: 45% Montepulciano, 45% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet

Le Caniette Rosso Bello 2009 Pairings

It goes well with all kinds of vegetables, pasta dishes accompanied by strong sauces, fresh pasta stuffed and cured meats.  This Rosso Bello also pairs well with spaghetti and roasted white meats.

WOW: Bordeaux Beauties!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Bordeaux Beauties: Baron La Rose Selections


Trying new wines from another region can be intimidating.  Have you ever wanted to start drinking more "old world" wines, but are apprehensive both about the product as well as the price tag?!

Look no further than this week's WOW: Wine of the Week selections for your first taste of Bordeaux.  NEW to ShopUncorked.com are two Bordeaux Blends from Baron La Rose...and both are UNDER $10 per bottle!

Winery Notes

"The Baron La Rose blend is carefully created from old vines (30 years), planted in the best Bordeaux 'terroirs.' A low yield, a chalky-clay soil, appropriate vinification and traditional aging in oak barrels." - Winery Notes

Baron La Rose Vieilles Vignes White (Bordeaux Blanc) 2011 Tasting Notes

Average age of vines are over 25 years. Medium-light body dry white wine in golden color with green lights. Aromas of flowers, grapefruit and slightly vanilla hints. Fruity wine with green apple and slightly honeydew melon on palate. Positive acidity offers freshness finish.
Blend: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon, 5% Muscadelle

Baron La Rose Vieilles Vignes Bordeaux 2008 Tasting Notes

Medium bodied dry red wine in ruby red color. Aromas of vanilla and toasty notes with red fruits flavors. Round and soft tannins with blackcurrant and ripe raspberry. On palate, wood and fruits gives well-balance body to this wine. Nice wine in long after taste.
Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.

WOW: NEW! JC Cellars

WOW: Wine of the Week

New to ShopUncorked.com: JC Cellars!


ANOTHER new addition to the ShopUncorked.com family!

I know that I am tired of "Smoke and Mirrors..." but there is always room to drink them! 

Try these two new delights today...remember, it won't be long and our attention will shift to lighter reds and white wine to usher in Spring and Summer!

Winery Notes

"When Jeff Cohn was the winemaker at Rosenblum Cellars, annually he crafted more than 70 different wines. Today, at his Oakland-based warehouse winery, the irrepressible vintner now limits himself to a mere 21 bottlings, focusing on Rhône varietals. Cohn’s longtime relationships with some of California’s top growers and vineyards enable him to source some of the state’s finest fruit, including Rockpile in Sonoma County, Fess Parker in Santa Barbara County and Stagecoach in Napa." - Winery Notes

JC Cellars "Smoke and Mirrors" Red Blend 2010 Tasting Notes

"Pureness of fruit is the main focus of this wine, but there is definitely a dark and brambly side that lends intrigue. With notes of wild raspberries and blackberries, a hint of sweet cream and dark cocoa powder, this wine is complex enough to confound while remaining approachable and easy to drink." - Winemaker Notes
Blend: 33% Syrah, 33% Petite Sirah, 33% Zinfandel

JC Cellars Rockpile  Vineyards "Haley" Syrah 2009 Tasting Notes

"Black cherry and dark chocolate swirled with blueberry and wet stone in the mix. A true experience in not just Syrah, but Rockpile Syrah, from beginning to end." - Winemaker Notes

WOW: "HobNob"ing It!

WOW: Wine of the Week

"HobNob"ing It: HobNob Wicked Red Blend 2011!


Long to rub elbows with the best of 'em?!  Start here and you will be well on your way to "HobNob"ing with one of the most value driven wines we have promoted recently.

Who knew that you could HobNob for UNDER $10 per bottle?!

Get this wine at this price while you can, because like any good trend, once it catches on the price will go up!

Winery Notes

HobNob is a new, easy-to-drink wine that personifies a “social-style” and appeal found in today’s young adult society. Through its cool, clean and stylistic bottle design, HobNob will resonate with these next generation style-conscious consumers. These next generation consumers strive to create social-group environments and will choose HobNob to be at the center of it all.

HobNob Wicked Red Blend 2011 Tasting Notes

"Reveals aromas of roasted coffee, mocha, toasted hazelnut, and spicy notes embellished with hints of orange zest and flower." - Winemaker Notes

WOW: Not Just TV Dinners, Swanson

WOW: Wine of the Week

Not Just TV Dinners:  Swanson Vineyards


While wine drinkers may not first think of TV Dinners when approached with the name "Swanson," that was the norm in the early 1950s when first the Swanson name made a splash.

Today though, the Swanson name is VERY well know for its quality red wines and ever expanding portfolio.  Uncorked is pleased to have had the opportunity to offer three of their selections to our clients.  Enjoy!

Winery Notes

For more than half a century, the Swanson name has been recognized primarily for frozen food products, as in the famous TV dinners the family launched in 1953, which, at that time, was a groundbreaking innovation in the food business.

Twenty-five years ago, the Swanson family chartered another innovative course, this time into the world of wine. Commencing in the mid-1980’s, they were one of the earliest producers of Napa Valley Merlot.

Today, while its wines are extraordinary, the mission of Swanson Vineyards is straightforward: to celebrate the simple pleasures in life, made better with wine. And the winery continues to evolve into something even more extraordinary. By collaborating with some of America’s finest cultural talents, Swanson Vineyards invites its guests to reinvent how they live and entertain with wine and its many accoutrements.

Swanson Pinot Grigio 2010 Tasting Notes

"Bright, fresh pear and peach fruit mingle with litchi and Meyer lemon aromas in the complex nose of this wine. On the palate, these aromas are translated directly into the generous flavor profile. There is a nice weight in the mouth due to the synergy of the Oakville Estate components: Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay." - Winemaker Notes

Swanson "Alexis" Cabernet 2008 Tasting Notes

"The 2008 Swanson Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby color.  The wine was not fined nor filtered, in order to maintain maximum flavor intensity and texture.  On the nose, super-ripe black cherry and cassis mingle with blackberry and plum.  Initial flavor is juicy, with sweeter concentrated black fruits, yielding to a firm, yet balanced underlayment of ripe, supple tannins and integrated French oak.  Overall, the wine exhibits what we consistently strive for in making Alexis Cabernet -- layers of nuanced flavors, a velvety texture and a persistent finish.  This wine will continue to age gracefully through at least 2020." - Winemaker Notes
Blend: 86% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot

Swanson Oakville Merlot 2008 Tasting Notes

"The 2008 Swanson Oakville Merlot is a charming wine, reminiscent more of the Right Bank of Bordeaux than Napa Valley. The nose offers black cherry, plum, and dried red cherry with notes of well-integrated sweet oak and mocha. Firm, ripe tannins characteristic of our Oakville Estate vineyard fill the palate nicely. In the mouth look for raspberry, black cherry, and red licorice. The Petite Verdot contributes a graceful top note of verve and spice. Velvet-smooth and long on the finish. Should continue to improve in the bottle with the optimum drinkability continuing through 2017." - Winemaker Notes