Join Elena's Wine Club and receive a specially chosen wine every month for one year. Wines are personally selected by Elena and are available the first of every month. Club membership also makes an excellent twelve month gift. The cost is $175 (plus shipping if you cannot stop by the store). Past selections are listed below:

September 2011, Wine of the Month, Fattoria Pogni, 2009 Chianti, Marcialla, Italy

The vineyards of Fattoria Pogni are located in the heart of the Chianti region between Florence and Siena.  Its farmstead dates back to the 14^th century and is located in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Chianti region (controlled and guaranteed designation of origin: DOCG).  The 2009 Pogni Chianti is made from a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, and 5% Trebbiano grapes.  It is ruby in color, with warm aromas of light spice and red fruit.  The wine is round and full in the mouth with good structure and balance.

August 2011, Wine of the Month , Les Jamelles, 2010 Pinot Noir,Languedoc, France

July, 2011, Wine of the Month , JK Estates, 2007 La Riata, Lodi, California

The 2007 La Riata is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot.  This wonderful blend displays bright flavors of fruit jams, rose and cherry liquors with clean notes of sweet spices, licorice and cedar. This versatile wine has a rich mouth feel of enhanced zinfandel and cabernet characteristics. It has a fruit forward style with complexity and finesse. This is for the Cabernet drinker--excellent wine for the price; you will have no regrets after opening!

April 2011, Wine of the Month, Bodegas Lan, 2006 Rioja Crianza, Rioja, Spain

The 2006 Lan Rioja is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes. “Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice, and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity.  The texture is generous yet delicate.  Not heavy, but vivacious.  Wine Spectator, 90 Points.  This versatile red wine pairs well with cold starters, pasta, and cheeses.  It is also perfect as a wine by the glass. 

March 2011, Wine of the Month, Domaine La Garrigue, 2009 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee, Rhone, France

“The 2009 Cuvee Romaine boasts a dense purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and lavender.  Full-bodied with stunning depth and richness as well as a long finish, this remarkable wine demonstrates what great winemaking and Southern Rhone varietals can achieve in a top vintage.  Moreover, the price is ridiculously low for such a high quality.  A blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, it should age nicely for 4-6 years.”  Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 92 points. 

February 2011, Wine of the Month, 2006 I Greppi Bolgheri Greppicante, Tuscany, Italy

“I Greppi’s 2006 Bolgheri Greppicante is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc aged in French and American oak.  It reveals the warmth of Maremma in its dark plums, spices, coffee beans and sweet toasted oak, with lovely balance and a sweet resonating finish.  This is textbook Bolgheri at a very reasonable price.”   Wine Advocate, 89 points, drink now through 2015. 

January 2011, Wine of the Month, Clayhouse Vineyards, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Paso Robles, Ca

The 2007 Clayhouse Cabernet is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6%, Malbec, 5% Syrah, and 2% Petite Syrah.  The grapes were handpicked, sorted, crushed and pressed; after fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in French and American oak.  The wine has dusty cassis, chocolate, and toasty notes, highlighted with dried herb and orange zest aromas.  It is rich and soft in the month, with a toasty finish of fine dusty tannins. 

December 2010, Wine of the Month, Pedroncelli, Three Vineyards Cabernet, 2008, Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Rich aromas of ripe raspberry and cherry highlight this full flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays bright acidity, in just the right amount to showcase the fruit. Plum, toasted oak notes and warm clove spice combine to round out the flavors. Framed by firm tannins and a lasting finish, Three Vineyards Cabernet is ready to enjoy now or cellar up to five more years.  It pairs well with rich stews, and grilled or roasted meats.

November 2010, Wine of the Month , Bodegas Y Viñedos Del Jalón, 2006 Claraval,Calatayud, Spain

"The 2006 Claraval was sourced from higher elevation vineyards.  Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass.  It gives up an alluring aromatic array of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, black cherry, black raspberry, and violets.  This leads to a medium to full-bodied, layered wine with loads of sweet, spicy dark fruit flavors, ripe tannin, good balance, and a long, pure finish.”  91 Points, Wine Advocate

October 2010, Wine of the MonthLa Posta, 2008 Cocina Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

"The 2008 Cocina Malbec spent 10 months in 20% new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it has a perfume of cedar, spice box, lavender, and black cherry. This is followed by a medium-bodied Malbec with an elegant personality. It has a silky texture, ripe flavors, good density and grip, and a lengthy finish. Drink it through 2016."  89 Points – Jay Miller, Wine Spectator

September 2010, Clos Du Val, 2006 Merlot, Napa Valley, California

The 2006 Clos Du Val is a full bodied wine made from 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points.  “A lovely Merlot, showing a French influence in its Bordeaux-like delicacy and earthiness.  Feels elegant in the mouth, a supple, lightly oaked wine with layers of cherries, cedar and sage.”

August 2010, Wine of the Month, Chateau de La Chaize, 2006 Brouilly, France

July 2010, Wine of the Month, Bodegas Shaya, 2009 Old Vine Verdejo, Rueda, Spain

“The Verdejo grapes for the 2009 Shaya are sourced from both estate vineyards & local growers with vine age ranging from 75-112 years.  The wine was barrel-fermented & aged on its lees.  Medium straw-colored, it offers up an alluring aroma of baking spices, spring flowers, & peach.  On the palate it has a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, & intense flavors leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.  It is a great value in dry, aromatic white wine that over-delivers in a big way.”  The Wine Advocate: 91 points

June 2010, Wine of the Month ,2008 Cocci Grifoni Tellus, Marches, Italy

The 2008 Tellus is a medium bodied wine made from a blend of 60% Montepulcano, and 40% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine is ruby in color with purple reflections; it has an elegant bouquet which is reminiscent of violets, roses, raspberries and cherries.  The silky palate has distinct finesse and balance with crystal-clear red fruit; the individual varietal traits gracefully complement each other.  Youthfully easy to enjoy yet shows great depth and harmony. 

March 2010, Cameron Hughes, Lot 112, 2005 Merlot , Napa County, CA

This dark crimson colored wine has the beautiful, supple structure and classic fruit profile of a great Napa Merlot.  It has aromas of cherry, spice, and chocolate that spring from the glass, underpinned by bright fruit notes of strawberry and plum.  Lot 112 has a rich, harmonious mouth feel coupled with well-integrated oak that presents a complex-yet-smooth Merlot with great character.  This is perfect for that wintertime cocktail party or to enjoy with a special meal. 

February 2010, Allegrini 2008, Valpolicello Classico

This medium-bodied wine is bright ruby in color, with a fresh, cherry perfume. It is made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. It offers an attractive array o wild herbs, rosemary and cherries on the palate. This pretty Valpolicella has excellent depth and a long, clean finish. The versatility of this wine makes it the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes.

January 2010, Chocolate Box, 2007 Shiraz, Barossa Valley

This full-bodied wine is dark purple in color with a bouquet of strong coffee and chocolate aromas supported with blackberries and spice. The palate shows sweet vanilla oak, ripe berry fruit with a well-rounded smooth and silky finish. Wine Enthusiast rated this wine 90 with the following description: "Impressive for its balance of soft, creamy richeness with bright juicy raspberries. Notes of brown sugar, cinnamon and espresso add a layer of decadence." (July 2009)

December 2009, Villa Jolanda, Holiday Edition Prosecco

Made from 100% Preosecco grapes grown in the hills of Treviso, Italy. The grapes are hand-harvested, chilled in the vineyard, and given a low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tankes. The wine features lovely aromas of white flowers, orchard fruits, and a touch of mineral. Lightly sparkling with pretty small bubbles and full flavors of peach, ripe apple, lemon zest, and a nice mineral streak. A fantastic wine to keep on hand for everyday celebrations or to stock up on for the hollidays. Delicious!

November 2009 Perrin& Fils,

Perrin & Fils, 2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages, Orange, France.   Only 20% of the Côtes du Rhône Vineyards are entitled to add “Villages” to their name.  These sites are considered the highest quality for growing this style wine.  This one is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache.  It scored 90 Points from the Wine Spectator with this write up:  “Very pure, with gorgeous plum and black cherry aromas and flavors laced with enticing spice, graphite and violet notes, followed by a long, silky finish. Delicious!”

October 2009 Di Majo Norante, 2004 Ramitello, Molise, Italy

This blend of 80% Prugnolo and 20% Aglianico offers subtle scents of plums, cherries, blackberry, boysenberry, spices and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied, lush and velvety with a perfect balance between ripe wild berries flavors and pleasant acidity. Soft tannins frame an elegant and long finish with spice and licorice notes. Excellent with richly flavored dishes; try it red with meats, small game and aged cheeses.                      

September 2009 Nieto Senetiner, 2006 Don Nicanor Red, Mendoza, Argentina

“The 2006 Don Nicanor Blend is composed of equal parts Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged in seasoned oak for 18 months.  Crimson-colored, it exhibits an enticing perfume of cassis, black cherry, and black currant.  This leads to a succulent wine with ripe tannin, 1-2 years of aging potential and a pure finish.  Drink this excellent value over the next five years”.   Jay Miller, Wine Advocate, 88 Points 

August 2009 Layer Cake, Côtes du Rhône 2006, Rhone Valley, France

This New World expression of Côtes du Rhône is 100% Syrah made from all four departments of the Rhône, centered around Chateauneuf du Pape.  It is succulent and lush.  The wine offers flavors of wild blueberries, black currants and spice.  It is elegant and unctuous; a true food wine with balanced richness.  The wine is wonderfully accessible the moment it is opened. 

July 2009. Bodegas Emilio Morro, Finca Resalso, 2007. Ribero Del Duero, Spain.

“The 2007 Finca Resalso was sourced from younger vines and aged in French oak for 4 months.  Dark rub-colored, it emits an enticing perfume of mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry.  On the palate it reveals an elegant personality, savory, spicy flavors, good depth, and a fruit-filled finish.”  90 Points, Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate.

April 2009. Layer Cake, 2008 Shiraz, Australia.

This wine has a dark, inky color with aromas of spice, anise, tobacco and mocha.  The flavor is an explosion of dark berry, black cherry, exotic spices and chocolate.  Serve with full flavored dishes or chocolate desserts.  90 Points, Wine Spectator; Top 100 Best Buys, Wine Enthusiast. 

March 2009.

Marco Porello, 2006 Barbera D’Alba, Piedmont, Italy. This wine is made from 100% Barbera grapes, the ripe fruit is hand-picked and fermented and aged in stainless steel.  It is a Decantor Magazine 4-star wine of the month selection: “Marco Porello is now run by the third generation of the Porello family and such winemaking experience is evident in this fine Barbera.  There’s fine purity, with ripe cherry notes and a hint of violets on the nose.  The palate is complex with vibrant fruit and a balanced structure.”   

February 2009.

Inkberry, 2006 Shiraz/Cabernet, Australia. This wine is made from 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet; it displays superb aromatic complexity and deep, rich flavors.  The mouth-filling palate has layers of ripe berry fruit and supple tannins; hints of dark chocolate and spice with a well integrated use of oak.  The finish is long and satisfying.  Inkberry complements a wide variety of flavorsome cheeses, meats, and poultry.   

January 2009

Cannonball, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, CA. This lovely blend of 91% Cabernet and 9% Syrah is full-bodied and well-balanced with a plush mouthfeel and bold dark fruit flavors. The rich berry profile is complimented with notes of chocolate and toasty oak. (The most pleasant oak undertones that I have ever tasted on any wine.) The velvety, firm tannins lead to a long, satisfying, complex finish.

December 2008

Château de la Cour d’Argent, 2005 Bordeaux Cotes de Castillon, France.

Terrific value from a world class vintage.  100% Merlot. “Dark ruby in color, with plenty of blackberry, spice and coffee bean undertones.  Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a medium, caressing finish.  Has a nice core of fruit.  Drink now through 2015.  Wine Spectator, Best Buy, 88 points.      

November 2008

Bodegas Borsao, 2007 Tres Picos Garnacha Borja, Spain. 

Tres Picos is bright red in color with hints of purple undertones.  The wine has an enticing bouquet of wild cherry, spice, and floral notes.  In the mouth, it is rich and well-structured with  flavors of red fruit, blackberries and notes of leather, vanilla and plum.  This intensely flavored wine ends with a long, silky and balanced finish.        

September 2008

Clayhouse 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California

Wine of the Month -- This medium-bodied wine is driven by red fruit flavors (cherry and plum), complemented with dusty oak, coffee, and spice nuances.  It is rich and soft in the mouth, with a toasty, dry finish of fine, smooth tannins.  This is a well-balanced wine, with elegant textures and flavors that clearly express the varietal.      

August 2008

Wine of the Month – August 2008, Falesco 2006 Vitiano Rosso, Umbria, Italy

This medium-bodied wine is a blend of equal parts of Merlot, Cabernet, and Sangiovese grapes.  It is deep ruby in color, with a rich bouquet of luscious berry and spice aromas. It offers a wide range of flavors: including black cherry jam, fresh plum, licorice, and vanilla.  The finish is smooth and satisfying.  This versatile wine pairs well with a wide array of food including meat, tomato, and pasta dishes.

July 2008

Wine of the Month – July 2008, Castillo Labastida 2004 Crianza, Rioja, Spain

This medium-bodied wine is made with 100% Tempranillo grapes from the highly acclaimed 2004 vintage.  It is vivid red in color, with abundant fresh red berry aromas.  On the palate, the wine has ripe cherry flavors with touches of chocolate, creamy oak and spice.  A good structured finish that keeps going.  This smooth and supple wine pairs perfectly with roast lamb, risottos and tapas.

June 2008

Wine of the Month – June 2008, Huntington, Petite Sirah 2005, California

Smooth and supple, this wine shows you don’t have to pay a lot for quality.  The aroma is smoky and blackberry like, with real definition and spice.  On the palate the wine is full with an impressive silky texture; the dark berry fruit and spice continue in the mouth.  The tannins are soft and refined; this terrific value wine ends with lovely sweet berry jam and spice.  Serve with slow-cooked earthy dishes

May 2008

2006  La Posta Cocina Blend

Wine Advocate # 174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 90
Drink 2007 - 2012

The 2006 Cocina Blend is 60% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, and 20% Syrah, was sourced from three regions of Mendoza, and aged for 10 months in 70% French and 30% American oak--20% of it new. Purple-colored, it offers notes of cedar, spice box, pencil lead, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate, gamy notes emerge to accompany the sweet fruit. Easy-drinking and seamless, this tasty wine can be enjoyed over the next 5 years.

April 2008

Layer Cake, Primitivo 2006, Puglia, Italy

This wine is made with 100% Primitivo (Zinfandel) from the city of Salento (the “Heel of the Boot”) Italy.  The fruit comes from old, head-trained vines (some exceeding 100 years) that are harvested in mid-September.  The wine is opaque and purple-colored with a nose of jammy black cherry and blackberry fruit, truffles, and spice.  It is warm and rich in the mouth; the ripe fruit is well supported by the depth of its structure.

March 2008

Cline Cellars, Ancient Vines Mourvédre 2006, Sonoma, California

Mourvédre is an exotic grape found in the Rhône and Provence regions of France, Spain and Australia.  It is often blended as a  component in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Once widely planted in California, today only a tiny amount exists, and Cline owns many of the historic ancient vines that remain.  This wine is richly textured and voluptuous, with silky tannins and a fresh, underlying natural acidity.  It offers rounded plum, dark sweet cherries, and chocolate flavors followed by soft  spice and oak on the finish.  It is delicious now and will age for well over a decade.  A perfect complement to rack of lamb, grilled pork tenderloin or dark chocolate.  

February 2008

Chateau Haut Nadeau, 2005 Bordeaux Superior

Produced from an older, lower yielding vineyard, it possesses an enticing bouquet that evolves to chocolate, smoke, and black fruits. On the palate, there is an elegant texture and definition. The wine is full-bodied and quite powerful with well-formed tannins that bode well for aging. An excellent value and a great introduction to the style of the acclaimed 2005 Bordeauxs.

January 2008

Bodega Catena Zapata, Malbec 2004, Mendoza (Argentina)

The Catenas are Argentina’s most famous winemaking family, and they produce a range of high quality wines at various price points.  The grapes for this wine are sourced from several vineyard plots, the highest being at 5,000 feet above sea level.  This Malbec is rich, with alluring fig, mocha and boysenberry flavors and sweet spice notes that glide along with creamy tannins.  90 Points.  Wine Spectator, October 2007.

December 2007

Saurus, Patagonia Select, 2005 Malbec

Intense purple color with notes of spice, chocolate and black cherry on the nose. On the palate the wine is round and rich with cherry, plum, spice and vanilla flavors. The finish is smooth with soft tannins and moderate acidity. Pairs especially well with grilled beef.

November 2007

Viticcio, 2004 Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

100% Sangiovese with pretty blackberry and cherry character, good supporting mineral flavors, and a hint of oak.  Medium-bodied with well integrated tannins and a clean fruity finish. 

Serve with light grilled meats and vegetables, as well as pasta with olive or fresh red sauces. 

October 2007

Terra Noble, 2004 Grand Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile

Full-bodied style with nice structure and intense fresh red berry aromas.  Aged in French oak barrels.  On the palate, the wine shows round tannins, cherry, chocolate, and toasted sensations.

Ends with a long, smooth finish.  Serve with aged cheese or full-flavored dishes.

September 2007

Red: Enotria, 2002 Dolcetto, Mendocino County, California

Dolcetto (meaning "little sweet one") is a grape native to northwestern Italy, and it grows primarily in the hills of the Piedmonte region. In Mendocino, the wines are jam-packed with the essence of fresh fruit. This wine is medium-dark purple with inviting fruit flavors and aromas of blackberries, raspberries and dried cherries that mingle with undertones of sweet vanilla oak and earth.

The Enotria Dolcetto is a wine that can be enjoyed now but also has the depth and structure to age for several years. It is excellent when paired with roasted meats and wild mushrooms.

August 2007

Red:
Francis Coppola, Diamond Collection Zinfandel 2004, Napa Valley, California

This wine reveals a deep garnet color and a perfume of dark fruit, sweet spices, and toasty vanilla. Luscious flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, and cassis create a wine that is rich, round, and lasting on the palate. Enjoy this wine on its own or with roasted chicken or grilled beef.

July 2007

White:
Italy, Teruzzi & Puthod, 2005 Terre di Tufi
This Super Tuscan is a blend of Vernaccia, Chardonnay, Malvasia, and Vermentino. The wine is full-bodied, ripe, and exotic, with nice acidity. The complex aromas of peach, citrus, apples waft from the glass and vanilla, cream, and spice follow on the palate. It has a lush texture with a long satisfying finish.

June 2007

Red:
Portugal, Quinta do Coa, 2004 Vinho Tinto
A full-bodied blend of Touriga, Nacional, Touriga Franc, and Tinto Roriz grapes. Deeply colored, with rich aromas of blackberry and blueberry on the nose, and notes of blackberry, black currant, and vanilla on the palate. This smooth and elegant wine boasts a long, lush finish.

May 2007

Red:
Chile, Norton, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
A complex and balanced red wine with aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, currants and cassis, and with subtle hints of mint and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and spicy, it has excellent concentration and depth.

April 2007

Red:
Chateau Faget 2005 Bordeaux, Saint-Estephe, France
Blend of 40% Merlot and 60% Cabernet Sauvignon from the highly acclaimed 2005 vintage. The wine shows fresh, red, summer fruits on the nose and these flavors carry over to the palate. The finish is long, with full-bodied lingering flavors. Serve with beef dishes and aged cheeses.

White:
André Blanck, 2005 Rosenburg Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France
Textbook Pinot Blanc with a lovely nose showing hints of apples, pears,and lemongrass. On the palate, the fruit flavors persist, along with subtle mineral qualities and nice acidity. Ends with a soft round finish. Wine pairs well with baked ham or roasted chicken.

March 2007
2005 Graham Beck Gamekeeper’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa
Deep ruby color with aromas of blueberry, cedar, chocolate mint, and spicy plum. On the palate, it is dry and sweet centered with a lovely core of tannin, toasty oak and acidity for a perfect balance. Medium to full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with roast beef, lamb, and game.

February 2007

Guenoc Lake County, Petite Sirah, 2003.
One of California's most heralded red wines, the Guenoc Petite Sirah is a rich, tasty, rewarding effort; ripe and round with excellent concentration of dark fruit. This full-bodied wine has abundant flavors of ripe berries, plum, chocolate, and spice with hints of smoky oak and vanilla in the finish.

or

Allegrini, 2005 Soave, Veneto, Italy
This wine is a blend of 80% Garganega and 20% Chardonnay. It was aged in stainless tanks producing a clean crisp style.  It is bright straw yellow in color; the nose has a fresh perfume scent with prominent flower notes.  The wine is nicely structured wine; it has fruity citrus and apple characteristics along with a smooth satisfying finish.  Pairs well with roasted chicken and complex seafood dishes.

January 2007

El Toqui Prestige Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Red fruit and spice on the nose, with cherry, blackberry and plum flavors on the palate.  Chocolate and toasty oak notes on a long lingering finish.  Serve with aged cheeses and red meat dishes.

or

Hugh Hamilton, The Scallywag Unwooded Chardonnay 2005
Tropical aromas and flavors, with subtle melon and citrus overtones.  Nicely balanced;  full-flavored with good length and depth.  This unoaked chardonnay pairs well with a wide array of chicken and seafood courses. 

September 2006
Layer Cake. 2005 Shiraz, South Australia. Retail $14.95
Or
Gini, 2005 Soave Classico, Italy. Retail $15.95

August 2006
Allegrini, 2004 Valpolicella, Italy. Retail $14.95

July 2006
Cline Ancient Vine, 2005 Zinfandel. Retail $14.95

June 2006
Steltzner, 2003 Claret (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Cabernet Franc). Retail $17.95

May 2006
Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia. Retail $15.95
Or
King Estate, 2004 Pinot Gris, Oregon. Retail $17.95

April 2006
Chateau de la Terriere, 2004 Beaujolais-Villages. Retail $15.95

March 2006
Tomaiolo, 1995 Chianti Classico Reserva, Italy. Retail $14.95
Or
Clos La Chance, 2004 Chardonnay, California. Retail $17.95

February 2006
Clos de los Siete, 2004, Argentina (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Merlot) Retail $15.95
Or
Weingut, 2004 Riesling-Spatelese. Retail $16.95

January 2006
Raymond Estate, 2002 Reserve Merlot (Napa). Retail $19.95
Or
Catena, 2004 Chardonnay, Argentina. Retail $16.95

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