THURSDAY IS ALSO ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS

Our Tramonte rep/good friend/DEPs alum Devon came by for some wheelin’ and dealin’ and also to introduce two new wines from an unlikely source:

Monte Volpe Tocai Friulano Mendocino 2009. Grade=Outstanding. I haven’t had one of Greg Graziano’s Tocais in a long time, and this one was really showing some nice notes of fresh peaches, apricots, figs and some bright mineral and acidity at the finish. Very cool.

Clif Family The Climber White California 2008. Grade=Outstanding. I looked at Devon and asked, “don’t they make Clif Bars?” “Yes they do.” Weird. The white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Riesling, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc for a crisp, light white wine with notes of melon, grapefruit, white flowers, stone fruit and lemon zest.

Gabarda III Tinto Carinena 2003. Grade=Outstanding. Tramonte is unloading this wine, severing ties with this importer over pricing I guess. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts come together for a nice, medium-bodied wine. Definitely on the precipice .

Garbard III Tinto Carinena 2005. Grade=Outstanding. Showing a bit better, but a bit more tannic than the 2003, this is still a nice wine. Both of them were normally around $18. Of course, the rollback smiley face stumbled into our store and slashed the bejezzus out of it.

Clif Family The Climber Red California 2006. Grade=. A blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah, this is pretty shocking at how good it is. Lots of depth in this medium-bodied blend, with juicy blackberry, cocoa powder, espresso and mocha chip notes, good grip and a smooth finish.