October 2010 Newsletter

Great Wine for the Great Outdoors


October is here, and that means a lot of things to many different people; but in Texas, it means only one thing... football season!  Cookouts, barbques, and parties centering on the big game are weekly occurences this time of year.  Whether it's college or professional, afternoon or evening, football season is here, and we've got great wine to go with your burgers, steaks, hot dogs and sausages.

2009 Charles & Charles Red

The 09 Charles and Charles Red may be a young wine, but it's already luscious and juicy with lots of dark, chewy fruit. With the syrah portion of the blend taking more prominence than in the 07 vintage (the 09 is 51% cab, 49% syrah), the wine drinks with a different complexity. The 09 also sports a new label that features both Charles' (Smith and Bieler) in front of the American Legion Post 35 building in Waitsburg, WA.

JaM Red Blend

Vibrant ripe plum and dark berry aromas are complemented by a spicy undercurrent of anise and a hint of oak. Lush blackberry and ripe black cherry flavors greet the palate while subtle vanilla and rich spiced plum continue to entice along the length. The opulent fruit is balanced by bright tannins and lively, linear acidity. Its youthful vivacity makes this wine perfect for grilled meats, just the kind of food you'd find at a tailgaiting party.

Bodegas Castano Hecula Monastrell

You might not think of a Spanish wine as a good wine for an All-American cookout or tailgating party, but trust us... you'll want to try this!  At 90+ points in the Wine Advocate and the International Wine Cellar, The 05 Hecula is full of layered fruit and savor with a long, seamless finish.  At this price point, you will definitely want to have this in your stacks for fall!

Domaine Thunevin-Calvet 05 Cuvee Constance

The 05 Cuvee Constance is sure to lend any fall outdoor party a touch of class.  A 90 point wine in the Wine Advocate, its sweet and alluring aromas of creme de cassis and black raspberry jam lead to a palate of liqueur-like richness along with deep bitter chocolate and coffee as well as wet stone and lead pencil shavings.  A great complement to grilled meats and vegetables.