ERIC’S World Famous SuperBowl Salsa

5 tomatoes — firm, vine-ripened or plum

1 large onion (”sweet” works well)

2-3 Jalapeno or Serrano peppers, diced

1/2 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste (lots)

Chop tomatoes and onion in a small dice. Add  remaining ingredients and combine well. Serve on chips, tacos, steak, fish, eggs! Enjoy.

WINE DOG DEAL!
Tremendous value!
2003 ZERBINA Pietramora Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva Reg. $50 Now $25

The 2003 PIETRAMORA Sangiovese riserva is a full-bodied sangiovese that is the antithesis of the elegance and finese of chianti. Weighing in at a whopping 15 percent alcohol, with hugh chewy tannins, this is an ideal cold-weather wine, hearty and robust with deep black fruits…..think big cab or bordeaux.
Ferdy worked his tail off to get a great deal on this “Tre Bicchieri” award winner from the Gambero Rosso. WOOF!

PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER
2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS $65

The 2005 vintage is here! And we were there!

VINTAGES’ Eric & Carolyn were visiting wine cellars in Barbaresco with friends Mark & Teresa Garti in September 2005 during the harvest. While we didn’t plan it that way –the ‘05 picking time was earlier than usual — it was very exciting to be there and experience the excitement first-hand. In fact, the photo at the top of this email shows a basket of freshly-harvested 2005 nebbiolo grapes from the Montestefano vineyard! More photos from that trip are in the Concord store.

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Asili” $65 “Sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Moccagatta” $65 “One of the more compact, linear wines in this vintage. The Moccagatta offers up sensations of bright red fruits, flowers, spices and vanilla in a rather unyielding style. The wine should improve in bottle but the tannins will likely always remain somewhat firm. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 90 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montefico” $65  “Simply beautiful in the way it combines elements of florality and structure, which makes it one of the more complex, multi-faceted wines in 2005. Sweet roses blossom on the palate, followed by succulent ripe raspberries, mint and baking spices. As the wine sits in the glass the layers continue to fill out, revealing a wine of first-class pedigree. This is an exceptional effort from the Produttori! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.”–WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montestefano” $65 “Reveals a seamless core of sweet roses, ripe, juicy raspberries and spices, all of which come together in a round, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. In 2005 the Montestefano possesses terrific freshness, detail and vibrancy. Licorice, leather and anise linger on the sublime finish. The Montestefano is one of the highlights among these Riservas. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Ovello” $65 “Usually one of the more reticent of the estate’s Riservas, but in 2005 it is especially unyielding. Still firm and tightly wound, the wine possesses notable detail and clarity in its fruit in a focused, compact style. Based on previous experience, I may very well be underestimating this wine, but only time will tell for sure. After several hours the Ovello opened up nicely and my impression is it will develop into a splendid Barbaresco with time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Paje” $65 “Opens with a blast of tar, menthol and smoke that leads to dark cherries, plums, leather and licorice. This is an especially powerful, shut-down Barbaresco at this stage, but with time in bottle the layers should fill out quite nicely. Today it remains compact and in need of further time in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 91 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARECO RIS. “Pora”$65 “Wonderfully layered in its dark cherries, spices, menthol, licorice and minerals. The medium-bodied Pora is one of the firmer and more linear Riservas in 2005. Still, it shows exceptional balance in a powerful style that will require a measure of patience. Here, too, the finish is wonderfully elegant. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rabaja” $65 “Reveals gorgeous inner perfume in a powerful, structured style. This is a big, hulking Barbaresco, but its potential is evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable. Still, readers will have to exercise considerable patience here. I have seldom been disappointed by older bottles of the Rabaja and expect the 2005 will turn out to be another fine vintage for this bottling as well. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 94 pts.” — WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rio Sordo” $65 “Jumps from the glass with an exciting array of freshly cut roses, spices and raspberries. The 2005 is an especially dense, rich Rio Sordo endowed with superb depth and great overall balance. Floral notes accompany the wine from start to finish in an irresistible display of the perfume that makes Barbaresco such a sexy wine. In 2005 the Rio Sordo is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. 92 pts.” –WA

SORRY - Event cancelled - urgent family matter for Mr. Orzalese

ALTESINO BRUNELLO Seminar & Tasting featuring Mr. GUIDO ORZALESE, Managing Director

Mr. Orzalese will guide us through a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino at VINTAGES’ Belmont shop on Thursday, Feb. 11.

NEW TIME!

WHEN: Thurs. Feb. 11, 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: VINTAGES Belmont Center
COST: $25/person, includes light appetizers
CALL: 617-484-4560 to reserve w/ cc

Wines in seminar:
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli $130
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino $75
2004 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Altesino $19.99
2006 ALTESINO Alte d’Altesi  $25

Founded in 1970’s, ALTESINO consists of three vineyards located NE of the village of Montalcino: Montosoli, La Velona and Altesino itself. The town is on a hill at an elevation of around 600m, which protects the Montosoli vineyard to the north, which lies at 390m. Altesino Brunello is sourced from a combination of these three vineyards, and in excellent vintages they produce a single vineyard Brunello “Montosoli.

Montosoli covers just 4 ha and is unusual in its north and NW exposure, rather than the sun-facing south. It is characterized by slightly lower temperatures, especially at night, so the flowering is a little longer and usually later than other areas. The hang-time at Montosoli is longer and it is usually the last vineyard to be harvested, a couple of days after Altesino and often 15 days after La Velona. The cooler microclimate is beneficial during summers of intense heat.

NEW ARRIVALS WINE TASTING: Italy & France

BELMONT: Fri & Sat. Jan. 29 & 30, 4-7pm Belmont
CONCORD: Sat. Jan. 30, 2-5pm

white
2008 CHATEAU DE LASCAUX Coteaux du Languedoc $17.99 (Southern France) compellingblend of Vermentino, Rousanne, Marsanne, Viognier

2008 MASARI Agnobianco $19.99 (Veneto)
elegant blend of Garganega & Durella

red
2008 COLLE TICCHIO Cesanese del Piglio $17.99 (Lazio) 100% Cesanese grape near Rome; a refreshing red

2008 ALBINO ROCCA Rosso di Rocca $17.99 (Piedmont) juicy blend of nebbiolo, barbera & cab franc

2008 CEUSO “Scurati” Nero d’Avola $16.99 (Sicily)
Nero d’Avola - big, dark fruit, chewy tannins

2007 CATALDI MADONNA Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $19.99 (Abruzzo) dark, dense fruit, beautiful harmony!

WINE TASTING:

TERRE ROUGE & EASTON
Wines from an original “Rhone Ranger”

VINTAGES has enjoyed a long relationship with owner/winemaker Bill Easton and his two portfolios of wine from one very distinctive place: Sierra Foothills in California. Please join us on Saturday in Concord or Belmont to taste a selection of TERRE ROUGE & EASTON wines.

TERRE ROUGE means “Red Earth,” one of the hallmarks of the Amador & Sierra foothills region. The TERRE ROUGE portfolio focuses on Rhône varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne. High elevation sites up to 3200′ contribute to the complexity of the Terre Rouge wines.

The EASTON wines focus on traditional California varietals that thrive in Amador County and the Sierra Foothills: old-vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wines featured at the tasting on Sat:

whites

2005 EASTON SAUVIGNON BLANC Sierra Foothills 19.99  Made from 4 acres of grapes  in the Monarch Mine Vineyard, overlooking the American River Canyon at 2,300 feet. Aged for 9 mos. on lees in neutral French oak. No malolactic fermentation preserves the crisp texture. Wonderfully complex tropical flavors finishes with a minerality that speaks of the vineyard site. It is the perfect foil for seafood and absolutely satisfying as an aperitif.

2004 TERRE ROUGE 2004 Rousanne $25

This delightful white is made with a clone of Roussanne  that originates from the Chave vineyard at Hermitage. This difficult grape ripens unevenly, so it must be harvested in several passes. All the effort results in a silky-textured wine with a golden color and exquisite quince, honey-nut, and beeswax aromas. Luscious and on the verge of sweetness. Only 400 cases annually.

reds

2006 TERRE ROUGE “Tête a Tête” $17.99 “Tête-à-Tête” is an easy-drinking blend of Rhone varietals: Syrah, Mourvèdre & Grenache. Aged for 16 mos. in French barrel, this quaffer offers sappy, spicy, flavors and great texture.

2006 TERRE ROUGE Syrah $19.99

Made from younger Syrah vineyards that sit at different elevations. The upslope lots provide finesse and meaty, white pepper nuances, while the downslope lots provide structure, concentration, and a smoky, spicy Syrah sensibility. Together, a delicious harmony! Aged for 18 mos in French oak (25% new).

2007 EASTON Amador County Zinfandel $17.99

Amador County Zinfandel comes from 40-60 year-old vines planted on beautiful, rolling mountain slopes that have the classic, vermilion-colored, decomposed granite soil. The finished wine has black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas with beautiful balance and a sumptuous, juicy mouth feel.

2003 EASTON Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel $30

(Rinaldi-Eschen vineyard) These vines are about as old as they come in California, with some vines dating to the original planting in 1865!  This vineyard is farmed with simplicity: pruning, plowing, and finally picking when Bill knows the time is right. Crop yields are incredibly low, 1- 1½ tons per acre. Each year brings a different wine and a revelation. EASTON Fiddletown Zin is always 100% Zinfandel from the Rinaldi-Eschen Vineyard. The finished wine has thick, brambly blackberry fruit with pepper, anise, clove, and other exotic spices. Fat and mouth filling, this Zin has great persistence on the palate.

NOTE: Bill Easton will not be at these tastings. (We wish he could be!)

BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO
2004 IL POGGIONE Brunello di Montalcino $80 95 pts. (15% off six-pack)
Saving the best for last

$80/bottle; $68/bottle with 6-pak purchase!

RENATO RATTI BAROLO
Wine Tasting:
FRI. JAN. 8, 5-7pm, Belmont
SAT. JAN 9, 12-5pm, Concord
Presented by Eric Broege, wine director

What better way to begin the new year than with a taste of great Barolo? VINTAGES is very pleased to present the wines of our friend Pietro Ratti, owner & winemaker of the historic RENATO RATTI estate. Pietro’s family has done much to raise the profile of the Barolo region and literally put Barolo on the map! This is a great opportunity to taste a full range of new releases from a top Barolo estate, including three Barolos, a nebbiolo, barbera and a dolcetto. Terrific stuff!

“This is a wonderful set of new releases from Renato Ratti, one of Piedmont’s historic names. The 2005s are especially beautiful for their soft, textured fruit and well-integrated French oak.” –WA

2005 RATTI Barolo ‘Rocche’ $96 · 96pts
(15% off six pack = $81.60/btl)
Shows ripe strawberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of fruit, vanilla and white pepper character. Long and rich. Best after 2012. 900 cases made. 96 pts. -WS

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo “Conca” $86 · 94pts
(15% off six pack = $73.10/btl)
“Intense aromas of dried flowers and berries. Concentrated and full, with ripe fruit and supervelvety tannins. Long and gorgeous. Best after 2013. 575 cases. 94 pts.” - WS

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo “Marcenasco” $50 · 96pts
“This fabulous Nebbiolo displays aromas of very ripe strawberry and cappuccino. Full-bodied, with super-velvety tannins and incredible concentration. All the tannins are coated with gorgeous fruit. Best after 2013. 5,000 cases. 96 pts.”- WS

2007 RATTI Nebbiolo d’Alba “Ochetti” $23  “Blackberry, spice and grilled meat aromas. Full-bodied, with soft tannins, ripe fruit and a spicy finish. Rich and generous. Like a very good Barolo. Drink now. 5,400 cases made.” -WS

2008 RATTI Barbera d’Alba “Torriglione” $19.99
“Sweet and smooth on the palate, with raspberry and cherry flavors complicated by a leathery nuance and framed by strong but harmonious acidity. Fine-grained with good length.” -IWA

2008 RATTI Dolcetto d’Alba “Colombe” $15.99
Classic example of dolcetto d’alba. Ratti’s dolcetto has always highlighted the elegance and versatility of this grape. Herb-tinged cherry fruit, with superfine, minerally tannins.

HAPPY 2010! VINTAGES celebrates ten years of Wine Adventures 2000-2010!

Ten years of tastings, trips & toasts — and a whole lotta great wine– since we began in January, 2000. We raise our glass to our awesome & adventurous customers:  thanks for 10 great years–here’s to 10 more! Stay tuned for upcoming events!

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru and more!

FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 4:30-7:30pm Concord

POP THOSE CORKS! Join us for this festive tasting featuring grand cru champagne from top grower EGLY-OURIET. Francis Egly’s outstanding, outsized grand cru champagnes have earned a cult following and raised the bar for distinctive bubbly with extended aging on the lees and disgorgement date on every bottle. Did we mention they’re amazingly delicious???

ROGER COULON Brut “Tradition” $50
“the rare Delicious! wine - that is, a wine that is not only tasty but truly exciting . . . this is the kind of wine you could give to or serve to a wine lover and have a friend for life.” - wsj

PIERRE PETERS BRUT Blanc de Blancs “Grand Cru” $58
“Vivid citrus and green apple aromas are complicated by subtle lees, spice and brioche qualities, as well as a slow-building floral quality. Firm and focused, offering tangy orange and orchard fruit flavors along with anise and sweet butter.”–IWA

GASTON CHIQUET Blanc de Blancs ‘Grand Cru’ $60
Exotically perfumed, smoky bouquet of pungent flowers, pear skin, orange, lime, sweet butter and minerals; smells like a Meursault. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors are complicated by musky herbs, turning nuttier with air.”- IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Tradition ‘Grand Cru’ $72  92 pts.
“The blend for the Tradition bottling is 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, all from the grand cru villages Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. “Energetic lemon, peach pit, pear, redcurrant and honeysuckle on the nose. Spicy, finely etched orchard fruit flavors are given depth and a refreshingly bitter edge by fruit skin and quinine. Gains weight on the broad, chewy, impressively persistent finish.” - IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Rose ‘Grand Cru’ $105  92 pts.
“Wild strawberry, cherry skin and potpourri on the nose, which is complicated by candied ginger and gentle leesiness. Supple red fruit flavors are firmed by dusty minerals and given bite by a late note of white pepper. A juicy, deeply flavored pink Champagne that could handle rich fish dishes or aged cheeses.”–IWA