Special Offer: Two Chards 95 & 93pt Wine Advocate Spectacular Deals Best Prices Anywhere!

We have Two Special Chardonnay Offers for you today. We have the 95 point Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2009 for $29.95 and 93 point Antica Chardonnay 2010 for $27.95 (Marchese Piero Antinori’s Napa Valley Property). Both were rated by Wine Advocate and are Spectacular Deals. Best Prices you will find anywhere for these wines.

This Weekend Don’t Miss our Easter/ Passover Extravaganza as we will have over 30 wine selections all on Special and available for Tasting.  Starts Friday April 6, 2012 5pm and goes all day Saturday April 7, 2012.

Keep a look out for a Special Announcement on a Private Tasting and Meet and Greet with the Proprietor of a Big Time Burgundy Domaine. This event will be held on Monday April 16. 

Take advantage of these Special Offers as they are for a Limited Time Only. Special Offer Ends April 8, 2012. Get it now and save. We will not be able to honor special prices after the offer ends.

Free Shipping on 12 Bottles or more of Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2009 and Antica Estate Chardonnay 2010. Offer Ends April 8, 2012. Please use Promo Code: FSRidgeAnticaChard

 

Special Offer 95pt Ridge Estate Chardonnay $29.95
 
Ridge Vineyards

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge's production facility. At 2600', it is surrounded by the "upper vineyard."

In the 1940s, William Short, a theologian, bought the abandoned winery and vineyard just below the Perrone property; he replanted several parcels to cabernet sauvignon in the late 1940s. From these vines — now the "middle vineyard"— new owners Dave Bennion and his three partners, all Stanford Research Institute engineers, made a quarter-barrel of "estate" cabernet. That Monte Bello Cabernet was among California's finest wines of the era. Its quality and distinctive character, and the wines produced from these same vines in 1960 and '61, convinced the partners to re-bond the winery in time for the 1962 vintage.

The first zinfandel was made in 1964, from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge. This was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville zinfandel. The founding families reclaimed the Monte Bello terraces, increasing vineyard size from fifteen to forty-five acres. Working on weekends, they made wines of regional character and unprecedented intensity. By 1968, production had increased to just under three thousand cases per year, and in 1969, Paul Draper joined the partnership. A Stanford graduate in philosophy—recently returned from setting up a winery in Chile's coast range—he was a practical winemaker, not an enologist. His knowledge of fine wines and traditional methods complemented the straightforward "hands off" approach pioneered at Ridge. Under his guidance the old Perrone winery (acquired the previous year) was restored, the finest vineyard lands leased or purchased, the consistent quality and international reputation of the wines established. Cabernet and zinfandel account for most of the production; syrah, grenache, carignane, and petite sirah constitute a small percentage. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also made limited amounts of chardonnay since 1962.

Ridge produced its first chardonnay in 1962 from fully-mature vines planted in the late 1940s on the Monte Bello estate vineyard. Production never exceeded ten barrels, and Monte Bello chardonnay was sold principally at the winery. Several great vintages, among them the 1973, ‘74, ‘79, and ‘84, showed that our cool climate and fractured limestone sub-soils were well suited to the varietal. By 1985, the old vines were producing less then a half-ton per acre; the younger ones, planted in the ‘70s, provided the majority of grapes. These newer plantings were on the "lower" vineyard not yet farmed as part of the Monte Bello estate so the wine was called "Santa Cruz Mountains." The vines are long since included in the estate; with this vintage, the name becomes Ridge Estate Chardonnay. In years when differences among lots are sufficient to warrant a separate bottling, they make a limited amount of Monte Bello Chardonnay as well.

Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2009
Translucent gold color. Fresh tropical fruits layered with apple, pear, melon. Honeysuckle nectar, wet limestone. Cool-climate firm acid. Barrel toast and caramelized apple in finish.

Wine Advocate 95 Points:
The 2009 Chardonnay Estate is an impeccable, classy wine layered with bright citrus, flowers and just a touch of sweetness from the oak. Crushed rocks and lime peel add complexity on the textured, long finish. In 2009 none of the blocks were designated for the Monte Bello bottling, all of the fruit went into the Estate. This is a stunningly pure wine from Ridge. I came back to the 2009 Estate after having tasted all of the reds and the wine showed beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019. 

 

 

Special Offer: 93pt Antica Estate Chardonnay 2010 $27.95

Antica Winery
Everything Italy’s Marchese Piero Antinori and his winemaking family touches seemingly turns to gold: Chianti from Tuscany, the "Super Tuscan" Tignanello and Solaia wines, Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino, Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri, Castello della Sala in Umbria, Tormaresca in Puglia, and Montenisa sparkling wine in Franciacorta. And now their Napa Valley property Antica.

Antica Napa Valley is a breathtaking estate set high in the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley. Located in the remote Atlas Peak District, the 550-acre estate produces only small lots of wines, a testament to the discipline and care of the Antinori Family. Its hilly terrain, rocky soils, high elevations and beautiful landscape create above all an estate ideal for winegrowing.

Napa Valley has a special place in Marchese Piero Antinori’s heart beginning with his first visit in 1966, having the free spirit coming from a new frontier, a wonderful history, and the potential to produce world-class wines.

The family’s winemaking heritage dates back 26 generations and more than 600 years in Italy. 'Antica' represents Antinori California, and fulfills the family’s longstanding desire to produce wines with personality and style in Napa Valley. The estate is located in a high elevation valley in the eastern mountains of Napa Valley. It is the Antinori Family’s belief that the high elevations, hilly terrain, and rocky soils of the estate are ideal for winegrowing.
 
Chardonnay grapes came from 10 to 22-year-old vines harvested from nine vineyard blocks that each have their own identifiable qualities. The vineyards are planted at an average elevation of 1,420 feet, in the alluvium soil series Bale Clay Loam and Perkins 
Gravelly Loam, both soils formed from alluvium derived from volcanic rock. The vineyards are planted to a distinct Chardonnay clones.
 
Antica Estate Chardonnay 2010
Antica Chardonnay is one of the most unique Chardonnays being made in California. The Antica Napa Valley 2010 Chardonnay is charming for its delicacy, freshness, and finesse. The wine's natural acidity and minerality is wonderfully balanced with enticing 
flavors of white peach, apricot, apple and pear with subtle oak touches. The finish is elegant, expressive and persistent.
 
Wine Advocate 93 Points:
Lemon peel, flowers, spices and crushed rocks are some of the notes that flow from this taut, mineral-driven wine. Hints of lemon, mint and jasmine reappear on the crisp, delineated finish. 
 

 

Most Anticipated Rose of the Year: Chateau D' Escalans Whispering Angel

 

This is the Most Anticipated Rose of the Year. Renowned Bordeaux figure Sacha Lichine and former Mouton Rothschild and Opus One wine maker Patrick Leon are taking Rose to the Next Level. This is the hottest Rose on the Market Right now. Some say this is a much better Rose than Domaines Ott Chateau De Selle and at half the price.

We have a Special Price of $16.95. This is a Steal for One of the Best Roses in the World.

Chateau D'Esclans is found nestled in the depths of Provence about half an hour north of St Tropez.

Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel is the first rose wine from the estate.The wine itself is a beautiful light rose wine, made from a blend of a variety of different grapes. These grapes are picked from the ripest vines on the estate in the morning by hand and are put into small creates to reduce the chances of oxidation. The grapes are sorted both electronically and manually several times to make sure only the best grapes go into the wine.

This Rose comes Highly recommended highly by the Wine Critics as Jancis Robinson called it "the best pink wine to have come my way". 

And Wine Spectator raving about Whispering Angle calling it "a perfect piece (to) a flawless party".  And describing it as a striking pale colour with a light, elegant aroma and a fruity fresh taste. Creamy and elegant, with fresh with fresh raspberry and glazed citrus flavors, followed by a lively and well-spiced finish. 

Careful measures give the Whispering Angel a delicate feel. Using these wine making methods also give the Whispering Angel its striking pale colour and fresh, fruity taste. It is the perfect wine, for simply drinking on its own or with lightly grilled or barbequed steaks, fish or salad.

The Chateau is owned by Mr. Sacha Lichine, the son of late, great Alexis Lichine, a very influential figure in Bordeaux.  At one point his family owned the 2nd Growth Chateau Lascombes and 4th Growth Chateau Prieure-Lichine. After years of searching to make his mark, Sacha Lichine has set his sights on producing the Best Rosé in the World.”

And to help him is Patrick Leon who has unparalleled experience in making some of the great wines of the world.  In 1972, Patrick would join Alexis Lichine & Company in Bordeaux beginning as a purchasing manager for its French wines. Additionally he held positions as a Technical Manager & General Manager of Chateau Lascombes in Margaux.  He also worked with Alexis Lichine on developing content for his books. 

These positions went through the mid eighties at which point Patrick would work with Baron phillipe de Rothchild for nearly 20 years.  Patrick would serve as a Managing Director, overseeing technical departments including the company’s vineyards and winemaking duties and facilities for Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, d’Armaillhac, Clerc Milon, le Petit Mouton, Aile d’Argent, Opus One in  California, Almaviva in Chile, Domaine de Lambert & Barn’ Arques in the Languedoc, Mouton-Cadet in Bordeaux.  Patrick’s wide breadth of experience and knowledge has established the foundation to becoming a consulting oenologist and has been instrumental in overseing the winemaking for Chateau d’Esclans while working with Sacha Lichine.

Chateau d’Esclans' is located on an exceptional site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, twenty kilometers northwest of the ancient Roman city of Frejus on the Mediterranean coast. The first traces of the chateau's site date back to Gaullist times during which its location served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The surrounding land around Chateau d’Esclans is known as La Vallee des Esclans (the valley of the clans). At one point the entire area was part of the chateau’s property and over time was gradually parceled out.

The current chateau is inspired by a Tuscan Villa and was built during the 19th century. Its first known proprietors after the deVilleneuves were two brothers, Sauver Louis Ranque and Francois Alexandre Ranque. In January of 1875, the Ranque brothers sold Chateau d’Esclans, then known as Terre d’Esclans, to the inventor of the French Wooden Match, Joseph Toussaint Caussemille whose family owned Chateau d’Esclans until 1955. 

Everything is done with quality as the overriding focus. Sacha is very proud to say he takes the same care and attention of his grapes as any of the top Bordeaux chateaux do of theirs, and no expense is spared to ensure every vintages reaches its potential in the bottle. The wines themselves are made by Patrick Leon, who makes these wines with the utmost care just like he did at Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Opus One.

Chateau d'Esclans has said that it's goal is to 'reinvigorate' the way rose wine is produced, presented and consumed. They are not looking to make a good rose wine they are looking to make a great wine period. 

Chateau D' Esclans Whispering Angel 2011
73% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 8.5% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvedre, Rolle 4%
The nose is quite intense and very classy with layers of light red cherry, strawberry and cranberry.  These red fruits follow through onto the palate, backed up by nice fresh acidity and a clean mineral edge.  It's a lovely smooth, long finish and everything about this wine screams quality.  It's got complexity, balance and freshness.  

Pale salmon in colour, this is delicate and fresh with plenty of crisp strawberry fruit and a long finish. The new benchmark for Provence rose.