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Explore the Finest From Argentina!

jerryrocco@gmail.com (Jerry Rocco) — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 16:03:42 GMT

Argentina is the largest producer of wine in South America, the 5th largest producer of wine, and the #1 producer of Malbec. Mitch and Jim selected 2 high-end wines that represent some of the best from Argentina. Go ahead and treat yourself, they are ready to drink or can age several years in the proper conditions.

CATENA ALTA 2015 Malbec

Vineyard Blend, Mendoza

From the Winemaker: "CATENA ALTA Malbec is sourced from selected rows in the Catena Zapata Family's Andean vineyards: Angelica vineyard, La Piramide vineyard, Nicasa vineyard, Adrianna vineyard, and Angelica Sur vineyard. The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that creates a symphony, yields an exuberant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catenas for four generations. The Catena Zapata Family, since 1902: Argentina's Malbec Pioneer." $54.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Black Tears by Tapiz 2013 Malbec

Single Vineyard San Pablo (Uco Valley)

"Blackberry, cassis and floral aromas are the lead actors on a musky nose. This ripe Malbec feels thick and syrupy, while rich flavors of blackberry, cassis, chocolate, and mocha finish smooth but shy. For such a big wine, this is light on the tannic bite. Drink through 2021." -MICHAEL SCHACHNER, Wine Enthusiast, who rated this wine 92 points. $54.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

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GREAT BACKYARD SUMMER WINES

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:31:16 GMT

We have put together a short list of great backyard wines to enjoy in the sun or monsoon.

King Frosch 2018 Mosel Riesling Spätlese

Mosel, Germany

Certified all-natural: no artificial colors, taste, or flavor enhancers.

From the Winemaker:

"Enjoy the fresh acidity of this medium-sweet white wine. A delightful Mosel Riesling, excellent as a starter and great with cheeses.

Pairing: Rieslings pair well with almost every type of food. This includes spicy ethnic dishes and even sushi. There are no oaky tones or harsh flavors in Riesling. Chefs love to create meals paired with a Riesling because it is so versatile and complements many foods. In addition to being a star at the dinner table, a sweeter version can also serve as a final dessert. In short, the Riesling is perfect for any social situation. So there truly is a Riesling for everyone. The more you learn about the Riesling grape varietal, the more you will discover it is simply a matter of finding the one with the right sweetness level to fit your palate."

Further reading: Klaus Bellinghausen has taken the standard drinking toast — “to your health” — to a new level with the first all-natural wine brand, King Frosch.

$23.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli.

Pizzolato 2018 Fields Brut Prosecco

Villorba, Italy

Made with organically grown grapes

"This wine opens with alluring aromas of jasmine, beeswax, and Bosc pear. The juicy, elegant palate delivers green apple, lemon zest, and hazelnut alongside bright acidity and refined, persistent bubbles." -KERIN O’KEEFE, Wine Enthusiast, who rated this wine 91 points.

Pairing: Ideal as an Aperitif, or paired with Cured meats and cold first courses. Also try Aged Parmesan with Dried Fruit and Nuts, Chicken Kabobs, Cobb Salad, Shellfish, Vegetarian dishes, and Italian Castella or Camembert cheeses.

$12.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Loveblock 2019 Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

From the Winemaker: "Our Loveblock Farm is perched on top of the hills overlooking Marlborough's Awatere Valley, far removed from the agricultural bustle below. We are the custodians of this wild, rugged piece of land. Our responsibility is to respect its rhythm, making wines sustainably with the love of the land.

This wine has lifted aromatics of white peach, pineapple, and elderflower on the nose. An elegant and contemplative palate follows on with cantaloupe, Cape gooseberry, and crushed, sweet meadow grass. The finish is long and distinctively Sauvignon Blanc, with linear acidity balanced by creamy mouthfeel and layers of texture

Pairing: Match with oysters, seafood, pasta, and chicken... or sip all by itself."

Additional food pairings with Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc

$19.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington

"Aromas of dill, pickling spice, vanilla, herb, and dark fruit lead to straight down the fairway, with light but plump-feeling fruit flavors. The aromas and flavors don't sync up." - SEAN P. SULLIVAN, Wine Enthusiast.

Notes from the Winemaker: "Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet is one of my favorite vineyards and wines to make. The expression of the vineyard site is so pure –powdery Horse Heaven Hills tannins, enveloped by varietal Cab flavors of dark cherries and fresh cooking herbs and then intensified by the richness and density of grapes grown in a vineyard that was planted more than 20 years ago in 1991. The 2015 vintage was the warmest and earliest to date, however, our cool harvest evenings kept the natural acidity intact, so all of the lush, ripe fruit has a tight framework of acidity to best showcase it. Please enjoy."

Pairing: Venison, pork, or beef.

$19.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

J. Lohr 2017 Pure Paso Proprietary Red

Paso Robles, California

"For being a larger production winery, J. Lohr continually produces lush and delicious wines that continue to define the Paso Robles potential. This new blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec begins with strawberry, violet, and baking spice on the nose, while the palate's creamy mouthfeel carries mocha, cappuccino, caramel, and black cherry flavors. There's just enough tannic firmness to the lush profile." -MATT KETTMANN, Wine Enthusiast, who rated this wine 93 points .

From the Winemaker: “A milestone wine for J. Lohr that harnesses our history with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah from Paso Robles.” -STEVE PECK, DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING

"Pairs well with tomato rice dishes like paella or creamy risotto. Exquisite with prime rib or a dense monkfish." Additional reading: Recipe booklets and pairing guide from J. Lohr

$22.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

NEW ARRIVALS AT PARK PLAZA

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:59:30 GMT

Three Brooms 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough Single Vineyard

"Grapefruit, peach and lime zest notes mingle with details of lemongrass, mineral and fresh-ground ginger, showing good intensity and a supple, juicy body. Drink now. 11,500 cases imported. From New Zealand."—MARYANNE WOROBIEC, Wine Spectator, who rated this wine 90 points.

$15.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Mirabeau en Provence 2019 Classic Rosé

Côtes de Provence

"Syrah and Grenache make a happy partnership in this wine that revels in fruitiness. A touch of spice and minerality adds texture to a wine that is bright, fresh, and ready to drink." - ROGER VOSS, Wine Enthusiast.

From the Winemaker: "A luminous pink color with lavish aromas, expressive red summer fruit remains the essence of this bestselling rosé. Mirabeau Classic has a beautiful concentration, with raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant flavors taking center stage, all finely balanced by refreshing acidity. A perfect aperitif for an alfresco moment, it’s also structured enough to accompany flavorsome food. Feel free to drink it as we do in Provence, anytime, and with almost anything!

Perfect dish: Smoked duck salad with fresh cherries, arugula, and toasted pine nuts."

$17.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Ferrari-Carano 2017 SIENA

Sonoma County Red Wine

Ferrari-Carano's Italian heritage is reflected in SIENA, an easy-sipping, Sangiovese-based, red wine blend.

From the Winemaker: SIENA has delicious aromas of Zante currant, leather, toasty cedar, and nutmeg spice that lead to flavors of sweet plum, vanilla and strawberry jam with mocha and cedar lingering on the finish. SIENA has supple tannins and a balanced mouthfeel with lively elegance and depth. SIENA pairs perfectly with savory Italian food, like pasta with flavorful tomato sauce or pizza. SIENA is also delicious with dishes like chicken cacciatore, duck salad with raspberries or oranges, or simply prosciutto on crostini.

$19.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Jeff Runquist 2018 Muscat Canelli

River Junction, San Joaquin County

From the Winemaker: "The 2018 Muscat Canelli has a light straw color. The aromas are of ripe pears, peaches and apricots. There is also a spicy floral component to the aroma we associate with linalool, a compound which is commonly found in Muscat grapes. While the wine contains over eight percent residual sugar, the flavors of apple and pear are coupled with a zesty acidity which keeps the wine bright and refreshing. We managed to retain a portion of the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast dissolved in the wine and it adds a bit of spritz to the wine's texture and can give the impression of the wine dancing across the pallet. The low alcohol of this wine keeps the finish clean and crisp. I especially enjoy the Muscat Canelli with fresh fruit or a Basque Cake as a light summertime dessert."

$24.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Vintus Tenuta Luce Lucente 2017 Toscana

Montalcino, Italy

"A very ripe and decadent Lucente that delivers barbecued meat, dried blackberries, vanilla and fruit cake. Full-bodied and expansive on the palate, but not as enormous as the nose might suggest. Surprisingly firm tannins rein in this powerful wine on the finish." -JAMES SUCKLING, who rated this wine 92 points .

From the Winemaker: "Lucente 2017 impresses for the cleanliness and intensity of its wild berry and jam bouquet with highlights of tobacco and light spices, which are found again on the palate, enriched by a delicate toasted note. Measured, silky tannins provide a wonderful roundness and a persistent finish."

$25.99/bottle at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli.