Election Time!

We are in the home stretch of the election now and with just under 30 days to go, we have decided to toss our hat in the ring.  Now if you think I am running for anything or going to tell you my political views you could not be more wrong.  What I can offer you is a few fun wines to make this landmark event more interesting and entertaining.  I have scoured the world looking for wines that make a statement about the players in this game. So here you go.  I found a small winery in Michigan (hey didn’t McCain just pull out of that state) that made a special bottling of a rose sparkling called Obama.  This is a Sparkling Rose a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.  It is bubbly and fresh with a slight pink color and off dry flavor.  Like the man himself this wine gets flavor and color from the blend it is a change from the regular everyday Sparkling you can buy.  Not to be left out I tried to get The Maverick back in stock (many of you may remember this shiraz we had in the past) but alas it is no longer available.  So I got the next best thing Palin Syrah from Chile.   Palin is a spicy bold wine that has a sassy edge to it.  Make no mistake about this wine although it is new to Illinois it is not a new winery.  They have been making wine for many years, and have great experience.  They even hold an Organic Certification.  This is a wine that holds true to the varietal.  I could not find anything for Senator Biden or His Nickname champ.  So for now you can cast your vote for whom you would like to be our next commander and chief by buying one of these fun and tasty bottles of wine.  For anyone that does not like either choice we still offer Evil and Bitch (descriptions below) as alternatives to the status quo. In any event these will be the perfect wines to have on or in hand at your election night celebrations.  As always and more then ever thanks for all you business and support. 

  ~Larry, Teresa, Dave and Brian

 

~NV Obama Brut Rose $15.99

A provocative blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that are hand picked and carefully whole-cluster pressed. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then blended with reserve wines and fermented a second time in a closed tank the cuve close method. The wine is then filtered, dosaged, and bottled.  'Pinkish salmon hue... red fruit aromas... yeasty accents... fruity... soft style. Delicious!!!!!

 

~2006 Palin Syrah $14.99

Positively opaque black / purple in color, The aromas are those of a barrel sample of pure Syrah, reminded this taster of visits to the cellars of the likes of Caillou, Mont Olivet, Gaillard and the greats of the Rhone Valley; intensely wild, powerful and exotic aromas of black berry are fully enveloped with those of black licorice, anise, cloves, black olives, spices, game and tapenade. You could never in a million years pick this as "New World".  The flavors just cascade over the palate to include the most wonderful, decadent and hedonistic nuances of wild blue and black berry, dark cocoa, sweet and elegant, ripe Syrah flavors and the most supple, deeply textured and, I say it again, hedonistic flavors. This wine needs to be showcased against the world's most sought after wines of the Rhone Valley - it is simply a masterpiece

 

~2007 R Wines Evil Cabernet $9.99

100 % Cabernet from 10 to 30 year old vines. Fruit came from three distinctly different regions: 38% McLaren Vale, 37% Barossa, 25% Pyrenees, 25% aged in French oak for 12 months. Dan Phillips of the importer, The Grateful Palate, and Evil Cab winemaker, Chris Ringland, are fond of saying that all wines that are really good are "evil" because you can't put the bottle down!  Dark rich red, with bright crimson hues. Fresh, yet rich classic varietal nose, consisting of black olive, fresh blackberries and raspberries. The soft palate displays complexity of fruit and oak, with blackcurrant and spicy clove characters, balanced with a fine tannin finish

 

~2007 R Wines Bitch Grenache $11.99

Bitch, a provocatively named 100% Grenache from R Wines, achieves the potential of this difficult-to-grow grape. Winemakers Chris Ringland and Lisa Wetherell use fruit from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Yields from the 25-year-old vines grown in sand over clay are modest, 3 to 5 tons an acre. Ripe quince and lifted spice with a rich juicy concentration, along with intensely perfumed characters come from the sandy loam soil, and dark berry characters from the heavier red-brown soils. Life may be a bitch, but this wine will keep the complaints away, at least while you're drinking it!

 

~2006 Forth Vineyards Histoire Cabernet Chapter 1 $16.99

This is a new project from the Forth Family Vineyards.  For years they have been buying Sauvignon Blanc grape from tuck and Andy Beckstoffer.  They have always had an eye on the red fruit they have seen hanging in the Beckstoffer’s special vineyard in Anderson Valley.  Finally, They were able to persuade the Beckstoffer’s to sell them the fruit from this amazing vineyard.  With 89% cabernet ,7 % syrah and 4% merlot this is fantastic Cabernet that tastes like a 30 dollar of Napa and sell for a price you can enjoy everyday. One of the greatest wine I have had at this price.

 

Other wines of Interest

~2007 Mollydooker The Maitre d' Cabernet $24.99 NET

Very deep crimson brick red color with crimson brick red hue. Perfumed nose with cassis, violets, cedar and blackcurrant followed by a hint of blackcurrant are evident over a fine licorice back palate with spiciness persisting. licorice back palate. Aftertaste of spice, licorice and blackcurrant.

 

~2007 Mollydooker Two Left Feet Red Blend $24.99 NET

The blend is composed of 68% Shiraz, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Black crimson color with black crimson hue. Perfumed nose with blackcurrant and violet top note, followed by vanilla and cedar. Explosive palate with flavors of licorice allsorts and black pepper – very spicy palate with blackcurrant and licorice back palate. Fine dry tannins. Very long aftertaste of black pepper, blackcurrant and licorice.

 

~2007 Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz $24.99 NET

An outstanding Boxer – totally opaque black purple color with black purple hue – a total saturate, with paint like cling to the glass. Superb refined nose – a wonderful sniff delivering an array of ripe fruit aroma – violets, confectionary, ripe blackberry and fresh licorice. Explosive, totally mouth filling palate with flavors of licorice and black pepper, ripe blackberry and dark chocolate. The wine delivers outstanding length and depth – with great persistence. Velvet tannins with very long aftertaste. A champion boxer.

 

~2007 Mollydooker The Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz $49.99 NET

Spectacular color – black crimson with black crimson hue and paint like cling. Top note of licorice and plum

followed by blackberry and black pepper. The palate delivers plenty of flavor, with excellent weight and

mouth feel. Explosive black pepper, dark plum, blackberry and licorice. Very spicy black pepper back palate. Fine

grained tannins. A wine reflective of the gentleness of the young boy that it was named after – ‘gentle elegance!’

 

~2007 Mollydooker The Velvet Glove Shiraz $169.99

This wine is a total saturate of color. Totally opaque black purple color with black purple hue. Superbly perfumed

nose of violet extract, vanilla and blackberry. The palate also is super concentrated with flavors of concentrated blackberry juice, violet extract and vanilla. Totally mouthfilling. Velvet tannins. Exceptionally long aftertaste.

 

~2004 Neal Family Vineyards Fifteen Forty Cabernet  $99.99

Just a few miles north of the winery is my Fifteen Forty Vineyard on the east-facing flank of Howell Mountain. The elevation of 1365 feet is just below the Howell Mountain appellation. Here is another example of the immense characters in a low yielding year. Lovely cedar-box, vanilla, berry and tar aromas rise from the glass after decanting. The Cabernet fruit, including strong blackberry and cassis flavors, start off with a silky mouthfeel that grows into a powerful, rich tannin structure. Notes of chocolate come through to accent the fruit notes. Only 250 cases made

 

~2004 Neal Family Vineyards Second Chance Cabernet  $99.99

 From an elevation of 1450 feet on Atlas Peak come The Second Chance wines usually rank as some of the most intense wines in the cellar. They are consistently dark in color and full of very rich classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas and flavors. We find aromas of tea, toast, cassis, red cherry candy. Flavors include chocolate, cherry, coffee, sweet fruit, oak/toast, anise spice. The wine finishes with long mouthful of serious tannin, indicating a potential for extended aging.

~2005 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet $44.99

This wine performs quite the aromatic display upon opening, one that might leave you wondering where the Three Wise Men are hiding. Dominant notes of sandalwood incense and black cherries are complemented by subtler aromas of blackberry and blueberry fruit, toasty chestnut and cinnamon. The palate is completely modern and lavish, with tangy cranberry, black raspberry fruit framed by firm, structured tannins and delicate acidity. This wine has some grip and may enjoy a year in your cellar if you like things more velvety, but with a little air, it's solid now

 

~2004 Palmaz Cedar Knoll Vineyard Cabernet $29.99

Cabernet is the soul of Palmaz Vineyards. It is the wine that inspired Julio and Amalia to make Cabernets that may be cellared and savored for years to come. The Palmaz Cabernets are deep, complex and well balanced by supple tannins. They are eminently ageable wines, yet approachable enough to be enjoyed in their youth.  This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted is in the fruit-forward style, with 7% Merlot and nicely integrated French oak (aged 17 months, with 50% new barrels).  Less fleshy than some Napa Cabernets, the Cedar Knoll offers bright cherry-berry flavors and nicely integrated, refined tannins. This is an AMAZINg price just check around and you will find this wine 10-20 dollars more in Illinois.

 

~2007 Mas Que Vinos Ercavio Blanco $9.99

This deliciously light and refreshing Spanish white is made from the Airen grape variety, which is actually one of the most widely planted grapes in Spain. Ercavio comes from the name of an old roman settelmant. The winemakers stay true to tradition whenever possible, even going so far as to use clay amphoraes to stor their wine just like the ancients did

 

~2006 Mas Que Vinos Ercavio Roble $10.99 91pts WA

A remarkable value. Aged 5 months in oak, this red is fragrant with spice box, tobacco, blueberry and blackberry aromas. Full bodied with gobs of fruit, a firm structure and a 40 second finish

 

~2006 Forth Vineyards All Boys Cabernet $19.99

Gregarious and full-of-life, the Forth "All Boys" is like what happens when all the boys on the block, or in this case the Creek, come together to create something, Like a huge fort or hideout.  The fruit for this wine is grown by the Forth's two sons, four grandsons and a neighboring vineyard owned by four brothers. So it should come as no surprise that this is a masculine cabernet that would benefit from a time-out in your cellar but can be accessed now. Notes of black and red fruit, black tea and leather framed by ripe tannins are already coming through.

 

~2005 Chat. Pesquie Terrasses $12.99 92pts WA

Château Pesquie is the finest estate in the Côtes du Ventoux, a gorgeous area east of Avignon. The best bargain is their blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the 2005 Les Terraces. These old vines have produced a deep ruby/purple-hued wine offering notes of licorice, black olives, kirsch liqueur, spice, and pepper. Full-bodied with loads of fruit as well as a generous, savory mouthfeel, it is best drunk over the next several years

 

~2007 Montgras Reserva Carmenere $12.99 90pts WE

This is an astounding value, a fresh lively wine with balanced, lingering flavors of ripe plums, flowers and spices. Balanced, juicy and harmoniouswith lingering flavors of plums and flowers.”

 

~2004 Algodon Malbec $16.99

Deep purple in color with crimson tones. The nose instantly betrays the varietal and gives an explosive, complex aroma of red fruits and a slight smokiness. On the palate it juicily brings together a delicious sweet/acid/tannic sensation, while its complex flavors linger in the after-taste.

 

~2004 Algodon Cabernet Syrah Blend $16.99

This is a wine of great character and charm with an intense Garnet color. On the nose the bouquet is red bell pepper, cassis and intense spice (brought by the Syrah). There are also hints of chocolate and vanilla, which the oak has contributed. Round and full in the mouth, there are balancing ripe tannins. Red berry fruit and black pepper come to mind. A long and delicious finish

 

~2008 Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $14.99

Tasty components from both the Wairau River Valley and the neighboring Awatere helped create diversity in this blend. Depending on exposure and soil structure, which ranged from rocks and pebbles to sand and clay, different parcels contributed citrus, lemon zest, nettles, pineapple-tropical fruit, and white currant, with a touch of minerality.  Vibrant flavors in this Sauvignon work well with aromatic foods—even those that are acidic and spicy. It’s a natural with fresh fish and shellfish in a wide range of preparations, from sushi to grilled, poached or richly sauced. Bridge ingredients—such as herbs, capers, green olives, curries, sour cream, goat cheeses, and citrus “squeezes”—connect this multifaceted Sauvignon to a wide range of seafood and poultry.

 

~2006 Domaine Lafage Cote SUD $9.99

50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. An excellent value, this wine is rich and complex showing plum, cherry, dk chocolate, minerals, licorice & lavender aromas/flavors lingering finish Intense aromas of plum paste, cherry, iodine and herbs lead into a richly-fruited, deeply mineral, dynamic palate with layering and interplay of black chocolate, lavender, licorice, cherry preserves, singed meat, salts and iodine. A wine this rich and complex and with a finish this long takes on an aura of unreality when one sees the price!

 

~2007 Domaine Larochette Manciat Macon $13.99

This is how Chardonnay should taste. The wine is delicate in the best sense of the word. It has a certain creaminess that comes from the fruit rather than from oak. It is light, refreshing & delicious. When you compare this wine to other Chardonnays available in the same price range, it blows them away.
 

~2007 Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc $19.99

This is an elegant Sauvignon Blanc with zingy acidity; lees-aging adds an extra dimension.The color is Very pale straw. With A nose of  pronounced personality, with beguiling citrus notes, suggestions of jasmine, ripe kiwis and gooseberries the flavor is Elegant and concentrated, with crisp, zesty acidity highlighting freshness and fruit

 

~2005 Bear Boat Pinot Noir $17.99

Bearboat is aged in French oak for ten months. The wine has a beautiful cherry like color and has tastes of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The Bearboat Pinot Noir is a perfectly balanced red. It nicely accompanies lamb, beef and pork. Also a fantastic value!

 

~2004 Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet $39.99 90+pts WA

The red wines begin with the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon “The Menzies” sourced from Coonawarra. It was aged for 19 months in French and American oak, 45% new. Inky purple-colored, it offers up aromas of toasty oak, eucalyptus, spearmint, and black currants. Clearly the product of a cool climate, it is well balanced, with ripe fruit, moderate levels of tannin, and excellent length. It will evolve for several years and drink well through 2016.

 

 

Wine Bar Hours

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Friday 5pm-11pm

Saturday 6pm-11pm

 

The Wine Cellar

361 W Northwest Highway

Palatine, IL 60070

847-776-1000

www.thewinecellaronline.com

Mon-Sat 1030am-8pm Sunday 12N-5pm