Long Beach Wine-Blends from Around the World

The majority of wines we drink are blends of two or more grape varieties but unless there is less than 75% of the main varital in the bottle the producer doesn't have to specify what else they added to their Cabernet, Merlot, etc. Over the past 5 years the "art" of blending has taken off and producers proudly display the grape varitals as well as the percentages on their labels for all to see and appreciate. This weekend we are pouring red and white blends from producers around the world and in our own backyard.

Wines being poured**

2006 Chateau Graville-Lacoste – 80% Semillion, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle – Bordeaux, France

A rich, white Bordeaux from the Graves area of Bordeaux. The typical blend is 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Muscadelle from old vines. Fresh citrus and melon with wonderful complexity from a great vintage. Pair this with seafood, chicken and light salads.

2006 The Black Chook – 68% Viognier, 16% Marsanne, 16% Rousanne – South Australia

“Intensely perfumed nose features powerful peach, pear and kiwi fruit aromas brightened by stony minerality and white flowers.

Ripe orchard and tropical fruit flavors envelop the palate and extend through the long, juicy fi nish. A real fruit basket, with

wonderful freshness and precision, not to mention persistence. This is fl at-out delicious, and a greatchoice to serve alongside

lighter Asian dishes.” 90 POINTS Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

1998 Conde de Valdemar “Gran Riserva” – 90% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo – Rioja, Spain

25 months in oak casks, 48 months in bottle. Intense cherry red colour. Excellent balance of fruit and delicate oak.Already showing benefit of bottle aging. Meaty and rich on the palate, with a long and powerful finish.

2003 Marti Fabra “Vinyes Velles” – 70% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Tempranillo, 5% Syrah,5% Cabernet Sauvignon

"Aged 10 months in French oak, the unfined/unfiltered 2003 Marti Fabra Seleccio Vinyes Velles exhibits a rich, sweet perfume of black cherries and earth, an elegant attack, medium to full body, good depth as well as ripeness, and a long finish. Marti Fabra, a newcomer to the increasingly interesting Spanish wine scene, is located in an appellation that is revealing wonderful potential with its old vine Grenache and Carignan as well as its newer plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo." 90 POINTS Wine Advocate

2004 Terre di Giurfo “Maskaria” – 60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato - Vittoria, Sicily

Completely stainless steel fermentation, with bottle-ageing for at least 6 months before release. Deep cherry red in color with delicate raspberry and blackberry notes on the palate. This is a well-balanced wine with velvety fruit tannins and a pleasant acidity. Pair with complex meat-based dishes, roasts, stewed meats and aged cheeses.

2005 Core Wine Company “Hard Core” – 60% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon - Santa Barbara County, California

Deep purple and violet hues give this wine a distinctive color. Aromas of wild plum, earth and spice burst out of glass. This wine’s rich mouthfeel is complemented by dark fruit flavors and a long silky finish..Silver Medal Winner

**-Line-up subject to change due to availability

We are located at the corner of 6th and Pacific Ave, entrance off of 6th street.