Fun Events And News From Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer

1. 3 Horse Ranch – Idaho Grown Wine that Tastes Great!
       with owner/viticulturalist Gary Cunningham
       Tasting will be 4-7 Friday and 12-7 Saturday, only $10!
2. Ultrapremium Joseph Phelps Wine Tasting including Insignia
       Thursday, July 9th, 7 pm, and it’s 1/2 price!
3. July 8th Beer Tasting: New Belgium (on a Wednesday!)
       5 pm & 7 pm tasting, space available
4. Remember the Orphans: Lots of Wine & Beer recently added
5. Fun Tasting Events at Enoteca in Post Falls – Upcoming Events Calendar
6. Enoteca Web Poll: Which region is my favorite to drink from?
7. I’ve heard Wine & Beer Club is fun, what is it?
8. Do I have to be able to describe tastes well for wine tasting?

A Note from Russell

Summer is off to a good start! We had a great Independence Day weekend, it was fun to see what people were picking up for their parties. Belgian Wit beers are hot right now, and we have five or six varieties in stock, either authentically Belgian or using authentic yeast strains and recipes.

This is a party week, we have some über-amazing tastings on deck. Wednesday’s beer tasting and Thursday’s Joseph Phelps wine tasting both require tickets in advance, so make sure you email or call if you want to come. We do this because they are “classroom format” events and there’s only so much space available. Check out the full details below, I even included tasting notes for the Phelps wines this week!

Friday we have a special treat that I am quite excited about. In my line of work I taste a lot of wine, a LOT of wine! Being an Idaho native I am thrilled to find 3 Horse Ranch, and Gary Cunningham is producing wines that taste great, and even stack up against wines grown in Washington or elsewhere. Come visit us any time from 4-7 Friday to meet Gary and taste his wine, maybe even ask him to sign a bottle, or 12-7 on Saturday to just taste the wine.

There are a couple bottles I’ve tasted this week that you need to know about. One is the Stone Imperial Russian Stout (IRS), and it’s finally back in stock, but it won’t last long. It’s dark, chocolatey, roasty, mocha notes, and lots of thick black goodness in a bottle. [Member: $6.29 / Retail: $6.99] The other is Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This is one incredible special event wine, drink it now or age it for 20+ years! [Member: $157.49 / Retail: $174.99]

I just tasted some Chimay Grande Reserve that’s been aging about 2 years, and it honestly has the nose of blackened toast with butter on it! Initial palate is the same and then it moves on to something else, more Chimayish. You can start your own Chimay aging program, come in to visit and find out how!

– Russell Mann

3 Horse Ranch Wine Tasting
with owner/viticulturalist Gary Cunningham

This Friday from 4-7 Enoteca will be hosting Gary Cunningham, owner/viticulturalist from 3 Horse Ranch, along with Debbie Keller of IWM as they share fantastic Idaho grown grape wine! Come see what can be done on Idaho soil, these are all fantastic. We’ll be tasting these wines Saturday from 12-7 as well, which is a great time to come beat the rush!

We want to give you the opportunity to “try before you buy” so we offer a flight of wine for a low cost. Taste a flight (2 oz. each of 5 wines) for $10 per flight, and follow up with a glass.


3 Horse Ranch Pinot Gris 2008
(Snake River Valley, Idaho)
Our 2008 Estate Grown Pinot Gris is our first vintage of this delicate grape. Produced in the decidedly Alsatian style, this wine opens with intense aromas of orange, pineapples and grapefruit. It’s lush almost fresh cut apples like acidity shows well in the roundness at mid-palate. A wine that displays a complexity that captures the crispness of the fruit yet broadens to a soft lovely finish.

100% Pinot Gris

[Member: $17.09 / Retail: $18.99]

3 Horse Ranch Viognier 2008
(Snake River Valley, Idaho)
Our 2008 Estate Grown Viognier again showcases the vineyard site terrior at our ranch. An elegant wine that displays the notable characteristics of this grapes potential. Produced fairly simply and cleanly, going from stainless steel fermentation to the bottle this wine can age well. Our no-oak approach allows the aromas of white peach, apricot and kiwi to the nose. An almost honey-like smooth mouth feel leads to a deep rich finish. An intriguing wine whose luscious fruit compels one to just one more sip.

100% Viognier

[Member: $19.79 / Retail: $21.99]

3 Horse Ranch Roussanne/Viognier 2008
(Snake River Valley, Idaho)
Our 2008 Estate Grown blend of two noble varietals 50% Viognier and 50% Roussanne showcases the terrior of Idaho. The marriage of these great Rhone Valley whites highlight our appellations affinity for Rhone varietals, both white and red. The honeyed richness and longevity of Roussanne is the perfect partner for the full-bodied Viognier. This wine displays the fresh stone fruit and violets typical of Viognier yet doesn’t mask the crisp acids of Roussanne, producing a wine that can be enjoyed many years after bottling.

50% Viognier, 50% Roussanne

[Member: $24.29 / Retail: $26.99]

3 Horse Ranch Merlot 2006
(Snake River Valley, Idaho)
Our Merlot displays the deep ruby color and big body this varietal is known for. We showcase Idaho’s potential for great wines by utilizing 100% Idaho grapes in the production of this fine wine. The rich aroma of blackberry, cherry and chocolate are followed by an excellently balanced mid-palate. Smooth tannins lead to a soft well rounded, velvety finish.

100% Merlot

[Member: $17.99 / Retail: $19.99]

3 Horse Ranch Syrah 2006
(Snake River Valley, Idaho)
Our commitment to use only 100% Idaho grapes is reflected in this delicious wine from one of Idaho’s premier Syrah vineyards, Williamson. This superb fruit allows our winemaker to create a great Syrah displaying a hint of raspberry and black berry fruit on the nose. It leads to a true purity of fruit mid-palate, lingering for a rich nicely balanced finish.

100% Syrah

[Member: $19.79 / Retail: $21.99]

Pricing disclaimer.

Ultrapremium Joseph Phelps Tasting Event

Joseph Phelps Tasting Event Thursday, July 9th Beginning at 7 p.m. Only $20 per person

Continuing the theme of our popular premium Long Shadows tasting, we’re offering a fantastic value: Taste a handful of wines from ultrapremium winery Joseph Phelps for only $20, including the rare Joseph Phelps Insignia, a world-famous $200 bottle of wine! To taste all of these wines by buying the bottles, it would cost you over $400 plus tax. For only $20 per person, this is a must-taste event!

With the release of the 1974 Insignia in the spring of 1978, Joseph Phelps Vineyards became the first California winery to produce a blend of the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grape varieties of Bordeaux under a proprietary label. Considered innovative at the time, the Insignia name was selected to represent the finest available production in each vintage year, and became the first proprietary wine of California to place blending above either varietal or vineyard designation as a determinant of quality. It would not be followed until a decade later by the second such wine, Opus One, and Insignia has remained the benchmark of this category for over a quarter century. Insignia is an opulent wine of concentration, complexity and structure, with a superb balance of finely tuned acidity and dense, velvety tannins. Cassis, liquorice and spice are abundant on the palate, with notes of eucalyptus and earth. The finish is sweet, elegant and extended. Thursday July 9th, at 7 p.m., at Enoteca in Post Falls, we will be hosting Keith Nyquist as he shares a fantastic array of Joseph Phelps wines! We will be pouring 2 oz. of each wine, except Insignia which will be 1 oz.! This tasting will be a “classroom style” tasting starting at 7 p.m. and will last about 1.5-2 hours. The tasting starts at 7 on Thursday, July 9th. Tickets to attend are $20 per seat, paid in advance. Only 24 seats are available to this event. Club members can have tickets simply added to their Bin, and anyone can order tickets by coming into Enoteca in Post Falls, calling us at 208-457-9885 or sending us email at service@corkjoy.com . Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Napa Valley, California) This year’s Sauvignon Blanc reveals aromatic notes of pink grapefruit, lime blossom, and honeydew, layered with hints of spice and caramel, creating a creamy, floral, and focused finish. We’ll also be opening 2005 Phelps Sauv Blanc, which should be a fun comparison! See how well this style of Sauv Blanc ages! 100% Sauvignon Blanc [Member: $24.29 / Retail: $27.99] Joseph Phelps Ovation Chardonnay 2004 (Napa Valley, California) The 2004 Ovation is packed with melon, citrus oil and wet stone, minerallike aromas. The fruity notes are complemented by savory aromas of hazelnut followed by a rich, full palate that lingers on the finish. 100% Chardonnay [Member: $61.19 / Retail: $67.99] Joseph Phelps Fogdog Pinot Noir 2006 (Napa Valley, California) 2006 was an excellent year for Freestone grapes. The long growing season allowed for slow development of flavors and tannin, contributing to the wine’s complexity and structure. The high quality of fruit provided many opportunities for innovative winemaking techniques such as maximizing whole berries and incorporating a small number of whole clusters into some of the fermentations, adding an underlying spicy component that is native to the terroir of this cool region. The complex nose offers harmonious aromas of black and red currants, sour cherries, black tea and nuances of Asian spices. The wine enters with lush, sweet and concentrated flavors of wild strawberry, plum and blackberry liqueur. The backbone of acid, minerality and supple tannins fill the mouth and carry through with a long, persistent finish and a surprisingly spicy snap. 100% Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir [Member: $41.39 / Retail: $45.99] Joseph Phelps Red Pastiche 2004 (Napa Valley, California) This approachable red wine offers spice, blueberries and licorice on the nose, followed by Bing Cherry notes that follow through with a well-balanced, tasty finish. Pastiche is a perfect choice for picnics, barbecue and stews. 51% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Syrah, 4% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Pinot Noir [Member: $11.69 / Retail: $12.99] Joseph Phelps Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Napa Valley, California) The dark ruby-colored 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon resembles a classic Bordeaux both in aromatics and flavor. A rich bouquet of cinnamon, spice, licorice, graphite and caramel are followed by integrated layers of cherry, currant, fresh cream and balanced, sweet tannin, all of which contribute to a youthful, bright, multi-layered wine. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot [Member: $51.29 / Retail: $56.99] Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005 (Napa Valley, California) The initial blend assembled in April of ’06 was quite reticent. Not until early ‘07 did the wine “blossom” in barrel showing amazing depth, texture and vibrant fruit qualities. Deeply colored, concentrated and layered, with floral, anise, black cherry and graphite aromas, this wine is classically structured with excellent acidity, well-balanced tannins and a mouth-staining, persistent finish. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot [Member: $179.99 / Retail: $199.99]

July Beer Tasting
New Belgium with Matt Simpson

New Belgium Beer Tasting Thursday, June 18th 1st Tasting at 5 p.m. 2nd Tasting at 7 p.m. Only $10 per person

New Belgium Beer tasting on Wednesday, July 8th, at 5 & 7 pm at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer! As our aspiring young homebrewer rides his mountain bike with “fat tires” through European villages famous for beer, New Belgium Brewing Company was but a glimmer in his eye. Or basement. For Jeff Lebesch would return to Fort Collins with a handful of ingredients and an imagination full of recipes. On July 8th Matt Simpson will be in Post Falls at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer to share some of the new and fantastic offerings from New Belgium. It will be an experience to open up your mind to the possibilities of beer. Attendees will receive a beer glass and most importantly, learn about, and taste, more great beer! There will be two “classroom style” tastings, one that starts at 5 pm, and one that starts at 7 p.m. and will last about 1.5 hours. Email us at service@corkjoy.com to reserve space, or call 208-457-9885. To be made aware of future beer tasting events, join the email list at www.corkjoy.com

Tasting Events Coming Soon

Mark your calendars, Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer has a great lineup for the next few weeks. Join us for these excellent tasting events! More details will be available in this newsletter, as well as any changes that might come up.

Wednesday, July 8th at 5 pm
Wednesday, July 8th at 7 pm
New Belgium Brewing Beer Tasting. Come try a sampling of eclectic offerings from this bicycle-minded brewery.

Thursday, July 9th – 7 pm
Joseph Phelps wine tasting! Come try these ultra-premium wines from California with Keith Nyquist, a winery representative on hand to share details and answer questions. Look for pricing details in this newsletter, and pre-register for this limited-seating event.

Friday, July 10th – 4-7 pm
3 Horse Ranch wine tasting! Come try these Idaho grown grapes bottled into wine in Idaho with the owner/viticulturalist. Trust us, this is some Idaho State wine that tastes really good! We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 11th as well, from 12-7.

Friday, July 17th – 4-7 pm
Crew Wine Portfolio wine tasting! Steve Crosta from Crew Wines will be on hand to share a selection from the Crew Portfolio, which includes Sawbuck, Mossback, Matchbook, and Chasing Venus. We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 18th as well, from 12-7.

Wednesday, July 22nd – 7 pm
Revelry Wine Tasting! Jared Burns, owner/wine maker will be here to pour Revelry wine on this Wednesday wine tasting event. Should be lots of fun!

Friday, July 24th – 4-7 pm
Artisan Collection Spanish Wine Tasting! Join Lee Anderson from New West Wines as he shares a selection of small winery, hand crafted wines from Spain. Spain is hot right now, great wines at fantastic prices, come learn all the details you could ever want to know! We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 25th as well, from 12-7.

Thursday, July 30th – 7 pm
Valckenberg German Wine Tasting! Come to this special mid-week tasting event to try some outstanding German wines from an outstanding producer.

Friday, August 7th – 4-7 pm
Taste of Club! August Wine & Beer of the Month Club! Club tasting event, taste all the wine club wines! This is a great opportunity to see what the Club is all about, and to see what others are getting in their bins. We will taste these wines on Saturday, August 8th as well, from 12-7.

You can keep yourself in the loop on Enoteca events! Subscribe to the Enoteca Google Calendar to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings!


Thank you for your support of our local family business.

Salute’

Russell and Sarah

Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer
208-457-9885
service@corkjoy.com

Enoteca is open:
Tuesday-Saturday: 11-7


Directions, hours, and more about Enoteca: www.corkjoy.com

We’re always looking for feedback! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to let us know. Did you like a certain wine or beer? We’re here to serve you so let us know how we can help: service@corkjoy.com

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 at 8:52 am and is filed under Enoteca News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.