Each Saturday we feature a series of everyday drinking wines. Stop by to try something new.

February 12th 5-8PM
Washington Syrah Tasting
$18 Flight with 2 bonus pour options
A great joy for me when I host a tasting is being able to pour wines that people haven’t tried before. Some are old favorites that are just new vintages. But then there are the new wineries that are exciting to learn about. This Friday will include some new wineries along with some old favorites. The third wine comes from a winery started by a Master Sommelier in 2005 called Gramercy Cellars. The last wine of the regular flight is a new project made by Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery, for Grand Reve. Each wine from Grand Reve is made by a different winemaker and is very highly regarded. The bonus pour(s) are to introduce the new releases from Betz. It is a double bonus night. You can try one bonus or two for a discount.

2004 Januik Syrah Lewis Vineyard
2007 Dowsett Devotion (Syrah Blend)
2007 Gramercy Cellars Syrah Walla Walla
2007 Russell Creek Syrah
2006 Grand Reve Collaboration III

Bonus Pour $6 for one pour or $10 for both
Over the years it has been harder and harder to get the Betz wines. This year the supply limited still, but my goal is to sell through what I can. These wines usually sell for close to $60 but will be available to order once you try them for $45 a bottle. No further discounts on these wines, but they would count towards a mix case
.
2007 Betz La Cote Rousse Syrah
2007 Betz La Serenne Syrah

Valentine Day Tasting
Saturday February 13th 6:30-8:00 PM
Couples Tasting $45
Price includes two tastings, food, and special discount
This will be our first Valentine’s Day event. This year we will have a sit down style tasting that will feature pairings of wine with cheese, chocolate, and other items. Each wine will be served in its own glass and paired with food. Those who participate will receive 10% off all their purchases that day.

Limited to 7 couples or 14 people (only 4 spots remain)

February 5th 5-8PM
Loire Tasting
$18 for 6 Wine Flight
+ Bonus Pour of 20 Year old Moelleux
It is a common request at the shop for a good Cabernet Franc. You could find it in Washington, Chile, or the homeland (Loire Valley in France). My first reaction is to think of a French Cabernet Franc. So, this Friday we will take a look at different versions of Cabernet Franc. In addition to Cabernet France, we will be pouring wines of my favorite varietal, Chenin Blanc. Come and join the fun, 4 reds and 2 whites in the regular flight.

2008 Domaine de Taille aux Loups Les Diex Arpents Montlouis
2005 Domaine de Juchepie Anjou Sec Les Monts
2007 Domaie du Mortier St. Nicolas de Bourgeuil Graviers
2002 Domaine de la Butte Mi Pente Bourgueil
2005 Domaine de la Butte Mi Pente Bourgueil
2005 Domaine de Coulaine Chinon Les Picasses

Bonus Pour $5
1989 Francois Pinon Vouvray Premiere Trie Moelleux
20 year old Vouvray from a great producer and great vintage.

Everyday Wine Tasting
January 30th1-4PM
This Saturday we will pour your everyday favorites.
2008 Biggio Hamina Pinot Grigio
2008 Matello Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
And more…

January 29th 5-8PM
The Varietals of Burgundy
$18 + Bonus Pour
I guess we are going to end the month with a bang. This Friday we will taste through the three most popular varietals to come out of Burgundy: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay Noir. This will be a unique selection of Premier Cru, old vines, and Grand Cru selections. Where the most expensive wine in the flight is a white Burgundy ($70) and the least expensive is a Gamay Noir from 30 year old vines ($24).

2007 Bernard Defaix Chablis Les Lys 1er
2005 Domaine Jean-Philippe Fichet Meursault Le Tessons
2007 Domaine Guillot-Broux Macon Cruzille Beaumont (Gamay Noir)
2007 Domaine Guillot-Broux Bougogne La Myotte (50+ year old vines)
2005 Aleth Girardin Pommard Vignots

Bonus Pour $92006 Domaine d’Ardhuy Corton clos du roi ($90)
Bourghound gives this a 91-93 and calls it the Sweet Spot…
Tasting note: Here too the nose is set off by a subtle touch of wood influence that highlights the notably ripe earthy black fruit aromas where the ripeness is also found on the big, rich and robust flavors that are both punchy and sleekly muscled, all wrapped in a sappy and mouth coating finish of striking length. This is a big wine yet an impeccably well-balanced Corton that should age beautifully.

Here at Garrison’s Fine Wines we have always been a fan of Marcus and his wines at Matello. From the 2008 vintage he has released two Pinot Noirs, one is the single vineyard Winter’s Hill Pinot Noir (96 cases) and the 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (<350 cases).

The first is 100% Pommard clone from the Winter’s Hill Vineyard that was planted in 1990. The wine was aged in barrel, 25% being new. The wine shows great acidity. Rich red fruit with silky sweetness that is in complete balance. I think this is only his second release of a single vineyard from Winter’s Hill, the last release being 2006.

His Willamette Valley is a true find in the less than $20 price point. His largest production wine of 336 cases coming from Whistling Ridge, Winter’s Hill, Cherry Hill, and Bishop Creek. The majority of the vineyards having 10-20 years of age. The sees only 20% new oak. Each year Marcus’ WV Pinot Noir is a great deal. Small production, great selection process, and experienced wine making = a great value everyday drinker. Though young and improves with some air, the wine gives way to integrated tannins and acidity to balance. The wine could show a darker berry profile than the Winter’s Hill or it could just be the slight earthiness this wines has at the moment.

If you by any chance you have purchased wines from me prior to January 16th 2010, I no longer have your email or contact information. The computer that stored your email, shipping addresses, and/or phone number was stolen. Please be advised that NO credit card information was stored on the computer. Please repond to my last email or send me an email at info@garrisonsfinewines.com so that I have your information to send you information the next time Thomas, Matello, Cameron, Cedric Bouchard, Vouette et Sorbee, Jerome Prevost, Cayuse, Beaux Freres, Evesham Wood, Betz, Quilceda Creek, is released.

Stop by and sample a series of free wines. On Saturday we focus on everyday wines, that fit everyones budget.

January 22nd 5-8PM
Chianti Tasting (2006 Vintage)
$16 + Bonus Pour
After reading commentary on the growing season in Tuscany, in particular the Chianti Classico Region, for 2006 there is high hopes for the vintage. It seems that superb and consistent are general notes on the wines from this region. Following a recent pattern of tastings, I will stay with the type of theme again. This Friday we will taste through a series of Chianti, in particular the 2006 vintage wines. These are not your $12 Chianti wine and none come in a straw covered bottle. Most of the wines chosen for the tasting are a series of Riserva, Single Vineyard, and special selection wines. The bonus pour will be the 1999 version of a wine from the regular flight. $16 for the flight of five or $20 for the flight and bonus pour.

2006 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva
2006 Selvapiana Chianti Bucerchiale Riserva
2006 Querciabella Chianti Classico
2006 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia
2006 Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa

Bonus Pour $4
1999 Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa
I thought this would be a great opportunity to try well aged Chianti. This follows the 2006 vintage of the regular flight. It is also a nice way to see how the oak will integrate. Limited.