nwa uncorked

FEBRUARY VALENTINE DAY

2012-01-03T10:29:00.002-08:00

CITISCAPES ARTICLE FEBRUARY 2012

February — being the frigid, impartial month that she is — also has a great portfolio of birthdays and holidays that call for a celebration or two. Groundhog Day on the second can be celebrated with the impressive Chardonnay from Chandon, while the births of Dickens, Elmo and a couple of our presidents are perfect for the Stotesbery family’s Cabernet which is grown and produced on Howell Mountain. Of course, there is also Valentine’s Day that shares the date with Ferris Wheel Day. These definitely call for the Rose of Malbec from the Reginato family or Terra Valentine’s Spring Mountain Cabernet. Any one of these events is a great reason to break open an amazing bottle of wine and celebrate with family and friends.

REGINATO N/V “CELESTINA” SPARKLING ROSE OF MALBEC MENDOZA - $17.99 – Malbec seems an unlikely hero for a sparkling wine grape, but when you want your rose’ to show some real color and character, then Malbec is your guy. The Reginato family manages the vineyards, selects the grapes, harvests at the optimal time, makes the base wine and then initiates secondary fermentation to produce a crisp, dry mouthfeel reminiscent of classic Champagne. Toasty-yeasty aromas meet delicious homemade strawberry rhubarb pie flavors. Yummm! Yummm! 89WE

TERRA VALENTINE 2002 CABERNET SAUVINGNON SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT NAPA - $ 33.24 - Aromas of black bramble, boysenberry, spicy clove and vanilla bean balanced with subtle cocoa and rich, earthy espresso notes. A blend of 95% Cabernet and 5% Cabernet Franc acknowledges the importance of hillside soil to this mountain wine. Smooth and rich, this muscular yet elegant red is packed with dark juicy fruit that fills the palate and finishes long, accented by creamy French oak.

DOMAINE CHANDON 2008 CHARDONNAY CARNEROS -$23.99 – Rich and luscious, this Chardonnay produced at a sparkling wine facility, expresses layered aromas of dried apricot, green apple and brioche accented by nutmeg and a hint of minerality characteristic of the Carneros region. Tropical melon flavors meld with rich apple on the broadly textured palate leading to a pleasant vanilla cream finish. Great balance of acidity and lingering flavors will allow this wine to pair with a wide range of foods and occasions. WS88

LADERA 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY - $29.99 – From high atop Howell Mountain the Stotesbery family are proudly producing several amazing Cab-drinker’s Cabs. This distinctive Napa Valley Cabernet is one of the best bargains in our market. The wine attacks the palate softly with dark bold fruit flavors of plum and bramble berry which leads to a full yet soft and lush finish. This impressive effort is the type of Cabernet Sauvignon that normally costs 2-3 times the price. RP 90

Who really needs a reason or special occasion to open some delicious vino and call a few friends in from the cold for a great celebration? Any one of these wines can be a new favorite in your portfolio of must drink wines. If not, I have over 3,000 other selections from which to choose. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions.

Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7500

NOVEMBER 2011

2012-01-03T10:29:00.001-08:00

Gobble! Gobble! Gobble! Ready or not, the holidays are quickly approaching with thoughts of holiday dinners with family and friends. I have made four selections that will match perfectly with just about any holiday fare you can imagine for your Thanksgiving table. A big red from Howell Mountain right in the heart of Napa and a Russian River Pinot Noir from a well know producer. Willamette Valley and Mclaren Vale hold our two whites that are great crowd pleasers. If these are not to your taste, we have 3000 others to choose from in our inventory awaiting your approval.

BRAVANTE VINEYARDS, 2005 “TRIO” RED WINE, HOWELL MOUNTAIN, NAPA, CA - $39.99 – The Howell Mountain appellation is one of California’s most sought after ultra premium wine growing regions. This ruby red wine opens with a mild black cherry bouquet, a subtle hint of currant and vanilla. A medium bodied wine that is round and juicy with dried berry and a slight tart black cherry flavor. A modern day Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with an explosive yet elegant flavor profile. Wine and Spirits 90 pts.

LEFT COAST CELLARS, 2008 “THE ORCHARDS” PINOT GRIS, WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OR - $14.99 – Left Coast Cellars is situated directly on the 45th parallel. Their sustainably farmed 100 acres of Estate vineyards are planted on fractured stone soils with varying slopes, orientations and elevations. These variations of microclimates bring subtleties and complexities to all the wines that they produce. This Pinot Gris is bursting with full, robust flavors with an explosion of apple and pear fruit with a light yeastiness. WE90.

SONOMA CUTRER, 2007 PINOT NOIR, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, CA -$33.75-This wine is not shy. Aromas of black cherry and currants leap from the glass, quickly followed by notes of cedar and allspice. A strong floral component marries the fruit bouquet while leaving room for the subtle influence of the new French oak. In the mouth the first impression is berries, berries, berries, with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry all enjoying a turn. Perfect for any holiday fare that one might throw its way.

d’ARENBERG, 2008 “THE MONEY SPIDER” ROUSSANNE, MCLAREN VALE, AUS-$21.77 – The first crop of Roussanne from their 2000 vintage was found to be covered in a sea of tiny “Money Spiders”. Popular belief is that kindness to these active little creatures will bring good luck. The nose is floral and expressive with orange blossoms and honeysuckle alongside exotic tropical flavors of fig with a hint of gingerbread in the background. Fresh and tight with lemon and lime that opens up into ripe apple and white nectarine. WS 90.

My mouth is already watering trying to decide which of these wines to match with oyster dressing, pumpkin tiramisu and chocolate pecan pie. The Bravante Wine dinner is on November 4th at Ruth’s Chris in Rogers. George Bravante will be at the helm to help guide us through his portfolio of wines from prestigious Howell Mountain.
Set the perfect table this Holiday season with crystal from Riedel. We have 23 selections of glassware to go with all varietals or blends. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine needs or questions.

Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

DECEMBER 2011

2012-01-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season peering at us from over the horizon, thoughts of family, friends and of course food and wine enter the front of our minds. This year I will be falling back onto some old, yet reliable friends from my past to get through this holiday season. Getting reacquainted with these luscious, impeccable wines was really a lot of fun. Silver Oak Cellars holds such fond memories whether opting for the Alexander Valley appellation or springing for the Napa bottling. Michael Honig’s wonderful Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc are two bottles that will get attention at the table. A new friend and up and coming wine is the Layer Cake Pinot Noir. Last but surely not least is the Spring Valley Vineyards “Uriah” from the heart of Walla Walla in Washington State. These wines will surely turn some heads at the dinner table whether it be with friends, family or colleagues.

SILVER OAK 2006 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $79.99 – This iconic Cabernet has an elegant and enticing nose of cassis, black truffles and violets with flavors of forest fruits, potpourri and Asian spices. Complex and refined, this beautiful red will burst forward from the glass to deliver a sublime experience. Regular price $119.99.
SILVER OAK 2006 ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $59.99 - Full bodied with a rich mouthwatering layer of fruit that has well integrated tannins that lead to a long and spicy finish. Garnet in color with a nose of cassis liqueur, nutmeg and dark chocolate. This wine is worthy of any gift giving occasion. Regular price $79.99.

HONIG 2008 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $29.99 – Blackberry, plum and cherry notes are framed with hints of exotic spices and perfectly balanced by sweet oak. Full and rich with structured tannins and a long finish. One of County Line’s favorite big boy Cabs at a wonderful price for the holiday season. Regular price $36.49.
HONIG 2010 NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC - $13.78– The fruit for this amazing white comes from Honig’s renowned Rutherford vineyards. Aromas of orange blossom and grapefruit are accompanied by lemon, melon, peach and nectarine flavors that are ripe and refreshing. A delightfully crisp white for the the holidays. Regular price $15.99.

LAYER CAKE 2010 SANTA BARBERA PINOT NOIR - $15.75 – The goal of Layer Cake’s worldwide wine portfolio is to maintain distinct varietal correctness and expression of the terroir with whatever wine they make. This Monterey vineyard Pinot is highly aromatic, rich and classic California Pinot. It is loaded with bright red fruits, hints of spice and layers of dark berries, ripe plums and big juicy cherries all wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel. A touch of smoky earth lingers in the background with the faintest wisp of delicate tobacco.
SPRING VALLEY VINEYARD 2006 URIAH RED BLEND WALLA WALLA WA - $45.99 - 93 points and one of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: Smooth and focused, with a cigar box character to make the ripe blackberry and currant fruit more interesting, finishing with polished tannins. Has great presence without being pushy, and the finish doesn't quit. Big, brawny, chewy and complex, yet generous and complete. The blend is 54% Merlot, 33% Cab Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec, all estate-grown. This luscious wine is just screaming for a Christmas Eve Prime Rib dinner.

The reliability of old friends and bringing on new ones into the landscape will always make your holiday table festive and complete. I guess that can apply to more than just wine selections. I have 3000 other wines that are just waiting to be adopted as your next favorite wine.
I would like to thank each of our customers for helping us win Citiscapes “Best Wine Selection Retail in Northwest Arkansas” for the second year in a row. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday to help with any of your holiday gift giving inquiries or holiday party planning.

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

JULY SPARKLERS

2011-10-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

If I do nothing else in this lifetime, it will be convincing people that Rose’ is not White Zinfandel. So go turn your nose back down to where it belongs and take a deep, healthy sniff of Rose’ and prepare to be amazed. Some of the most amazing food matches and times with friends have had a Rose’ attached to it whether it was in the Willamette Valley or right here at home on the front porch. This month’s discussion will include Pouilly-Fume and Pinot Blanc for these hot, hot, hot days of summer. Oh, I can’t forget the newest addition to Arkansas’ Cabernet portfolio, Burly Cab from Simpskins Vineyard in Coomsville (soon to be the next California AVA for great Cabs). We welcome Hank and Bernice to this quirky but loving market.

CHARLES AND CHARLES, 2010 ROSE’ OF SYRAH, COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON -$10.78 – Yes you can drink Rose’ and still be a bad A##! This is not a White Zin. I repeat this is not a Blush or a White Zinfandel. Wild strawberries and raspberries with some sage, rose petals and a bucket full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers thrown in. Young, lively and spry. A super summer refresher that is going to please everyone involved. Perfect for these sultry, unbelievably warm days with an assortment of fine cheeses and fresh seafood that match perfectly with this Rose’.
PASCAL JOLIVET, 2009 POUILLY FUME, POUILLY FUME, FRANCE - $25.19 – With the heat being what it is I will always splurge a little for a great Loire Valley white to take the edge off. In this case the wine comes from across the river (east bank) in Pouilly Fume’. The house of Jolivet is the youngest winery in the Loire and Pouilly Fume. Their ability to get the most amazing expression from the fruit is their claim to fame for me. Explosive minerality balanced with perfect acidity gives this bottle top marks in my cellar.
BURLY 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, CA - $58.48 – For us die hard Cabernet fans I have to mention the newest Napa Cab to the Arkansas market despite the heat. A striking balance of fruit purity, layered flavors and a thick viscous mouth fell, this Napa Cab will provide years of enjoyment. Complex aromas of currants, blackberries and cassis arrive on the nose, accompanied by a silky palate that delivers dense blackberry concentration balanced by well-rounded and sweet oak tannins. Layered, complex and lingering, it is truly a wine drinking experience!
TRIMBACH, 2004 PINOT BLANC, ALSACE, FRANCE - $15.43 -The Trimbach’s settled in Alsace and founded the family wine business in 1626. Today, they continue the centuries-old dedication to wine with beautiful pure fruit, precise, fine flavors and astonishing longevity. Their Pinot Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, and has a beautiful fruitiness. It is elegant and easy to understand. This beautiful white is fresh and clean, medium-bodied with good fruit acidity, with a smooth finish. Seafood weeps for this beautiful white as well as most shell fish.
We can only pray for these blistering days of summer to come to an end soon. Everyone have a happy and safe Fourth of July. I can be found at County Line, Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions. Remember friends don’t let friend’s drink White Zinfandel!
Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com

NOVEMBER WINES

2011-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER WINES

2011-10-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

There are a plethora of reasons for drinking red wine this month with Breast Cancer Awareness and Cline’s Cashmere red blend, Hog Football rooted on with Rodney Strong’s Reserve Cabernet, fall colors enjoyed with Keenan Cab Franc and of course Halloween and an amazing 2004 Elevage’ from Chimney Rock. We can always find a reason to crack open a great red. Another way to enhance the enjoyment of these wonderful reds is in a specialty Riedel Crystal wine glass. We have the largest selection of Riedel stemware and “O” series in the state with some 36 different glasses for each varietal and blend. What better way to make a perfect wine even more of an adventure than with the proper crystal vessel to enhance each and every nuance of these crafted wines.

CLINE CELLARS, 2010 GSM “CASHMERE” RED BLEND, CONTRA COSTA, CA- $12.99 - GSM – (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) An all time favorite blend of varietals first originating in the Rhone Valley and duplicated in the Contra Costa County of California. Cashmere injects huge bing cherries, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum. One of the most versatile red blends on the market today matching well with salmon, pork roast or glazed duckling. Cline Cellars proudly supports “Living Beyond Breast Cancer”.

RODNEY STRONG 2007 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ALEXANDER VALLEY - $54.21 - Direct from the “Winery within a Winery” at the RS facility in the Alexander Valley. This “micro-winery” designates small blocks of fruit within the existing blocks of grapes or as Rick Sayer refers to it as the “sweet spot” within the blocks. This amazing 100% Cab is full bodied and richly textured with intense aromas and flavors of black currant, sandalwood, and cocoa with a smooth, lingering finish. Absolutely amazing pairing with an espresso coffee ground encrusted filet.

KEENAN, 2007 CABERNET FRANC, SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, CA - $56.99 - 94 Points – Robert Parker. A wine that admirably demonstrates the heights to which Cabernet Franc can climb and this one will jump straight out of your glass for you to take notice. A brilliant effort, it boasts elegant blue, red and black fruit notes intermixed with abundant spring flower and forest floor aromas. Intense, yet light on its feet. This beautiful red is carefully cultivated high above the fog line atop Spring Mountain. Freakishly good.

CHIMNEY ROCK, 2004 ELEVAGE, RED WINE BLEND, STAGS LEAP DISTRICT NAPA VALLEY - $69.99 – A Red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley. This 04 is showing so incredibly well right now it excites me to sell it to anyone out of the honey hole. Spice, black currant, fresh earth, herb and cedar aromas are elegant and refined on the palate, ending with ripe, integrated tannins and nice lingering finish. Perfect accompaniment to a bone-in Cowboy ribeye.

With all these incredible reds to choose from one can’t go wrong with any of these selections. The heat being a thing of the past, more Hog football games in our future and the opening of Crystal Bridges American Art Museum, we have many reasons to celebrate with a Riedel glass full of red wine. We will host a winemaker’s dinner with George Bravante owner of Howell Mountain’s Bravante Vineyards at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on November 4th. I can be found at County Line for any of your wine, entertaining or tailgating needs.

Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com

SEPTEMBER WINES

2011-10-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

With the focus around here on keeping cool and refreshed, it’s no surprise that I am on an Australian Dry Riesling and Alsatian Pinot Gris kick. Both of these guys can be wonderfully brisk and clean, the perfect wines for summer scorchers, but they are also superbly food-friendly with the fare you might turn to during these summer days, namely take-out. I’m thinking spicy Thai, Chinese or sushi to avoid heating up the kitchen. Of course, you can also opt to ‘cook’ as well, say a nice chicken salad, or some shellfish with a kicking Dijonaise dressing over greens or even with a colorful, juicy heirloom tomato salad. Now that sounds both cooling and freaking delicious.

PIERRE SPARR, 2006 PINOT GRIS, ALSACE, FRANCE - $13.99 – Alsatian Pinot Gris are medium to full bodied wines with a rich, somewhat floral bouquet. They tend to be spicy in comparisons with Pinot Gris from Oregon and have a great aging ability. The nose on this beautiful white is clean with good intensity followed by tropical fruits and floral notes ending with flavors of peach, lychee and rose water. Crack me open a Dungeness crab or a Rock Lobster and I am ready for a fulfilling lighter dinner. I’m not talking the B-52’s either.

JACOB’S CREEK RESERVE, 2007 SHIRAZ and 2007 RIESLING, BAROSSA, AUS - $10.99 – These are two stellar wines from the Barossa Valley of Australia, both landing ratings of 89 and 90 from Wine Spectator and Enthusiast. The Dry Riesling is a perfect selection with its zesty natural acidity, floral fruit and rich citrus flavors to accompany the lighter style foods we tend to lean towards this time of year. But in contrast the big beefy Shiraz shows dark berries and plums and velvety tannins with a lingering spice finish for those beefy steaks that we large Americans can’t do without.

DRYLANDS, 2009 SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, NZ - $14.99 – Rich, ripe tropical fruit and citrus flavors accompanied by an aromatic bouquet of gooseberry, balanced by ripe aromas of pineapple and passion fruit exemplify this tasty wine. Small batches of juice were fermented and inoculated by native yeasts to enhance aromas and flavors of certain vineyard blocks giving this wine an exquisite velvety mouth feel. These small lots were later blended ensuring a wine best representing the flavors of New Zealand and Marlborough.

BODEGA SEPTIMA, 2006 GRAN RESERVA MALBEC RED BLEND, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA - $19.99 - Septima was founded by the Codorníu Family in 1999 with the purchase of 470 acres in the Luján de Cuyo area of Mendoza at a stunning altitude of 3400 feet. The “high and dry” climate is the key to the success of this winery. Big swings in day and night temperatures make for excellent color and flavor development. A blend of 58% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Tannat makes this wine simply amazing.

Light and refreshing wines are the order of the day but for all of you die hard red fans, these two reds should be able to satisfy any red wine craving that might incur during these few days before our season opener against Missouri State. Go Hogs GO! I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for all of your tailgating or wine needs.

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

AUGUST WINES

2011-10-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have put together a few wines for this month’s article that are sure to beat the heat and take you away if only for a few minutes to a cool, grassy knoll, far on a hill with gentle winds blowing through your hair. OK, not really but we can always wish. These wines are wide and varied. We start with Rolando Herrera, who was hired at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1985 to build a stone wall at the home of Warren Winiarski. Look at the boy now! Rolando now makes wine for Paul Hobbs, Spotted Owl among several other prestigious wineries. Next are a couple of whites that are untouched by wood, adding purity of fruit expression and crisp clean elegance. Lastly we’ll feature a standby leader in my portfolio of wines using a Chardonnay from the Los Carneros region of California. This white is simply amazing as are all of these wines for the unrelenting heat.

SPOTTED OWL VINEYARDS, 2008 MOUNTAIN CUVEE, NAPA VALLEY - $34.99 – Jill and Michael Gishzky established this winery with daughter Alexandria to experience how nature, science, art and business come together to make a positive impact. With the help of Rolando Herrera’s masterful blending capabilities, this 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah from high atop Mt. Veeder straddling the Napa/Sonoma County line, is a jammy, earthy festival in your mouth. Unbelievable for such a young wine composed of grapes with high volcanic influences.

DOMAINE CHANDON, 2008 CHARDONNAY, CARNEROS - $13.40 – Primarily known as a Sparkling Wine house owned by Moet and Chandon, this is one of my top ten wines picks of 2011. Rich and luscious, this supple white expresses layered aromas of dried apricot, green apple and brioche. Accented by nutmeg and a hint of minerality that is characteristically the trade mark of Los Carneros. Tropical melon flavors mingle with ripe apple leading to an expressive yet subtle vanilla finish. Yumm! Yumm!

MER SOLEIL, 2008 SULVER LABEL “UNOAKED”, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS - $17.99 - “Silver Label” unites the crisp mineral essence of the classic Chablis style with the tropical elements found in Chardonnay from the Pacific coastline. This Chard has a mineral driven nose and palate from start to finish with a citrus core. This summer white is soft and round with an acidic backbone revealing the coastal influence on grapes grown in a cooler climate. Lemons, gooseberry and grapefruit round out the mid palate. Perfect for most grilled fish.

CHARLES DUPUY, 2008 SAUVIGNON BLANC, VIN d’ PAYS du VAL de LOIRE - $13.49 – By far my favorite wine for summer. An absolute home run in the glass, this wine is paramount in matching well with most any summertime fare that you can throw at this charming white. Full of mineral expressive fruit that is crisp with citrus and tropical fruit flavors with aromas of green chilies, grass, herbs, asparagus and gooseberries. Un-oaked whites allow the fruit to shine through highlighting what Sauvignon Blanc should be.

Hopefully you can find a wine or two here that will help you escape the summer heat and monotony of this Northwest Arkansas heat wave. If not, there are 3000 different selections at County Line from which to choose. I can be found at County Line Liquor Tuesday through Saturday for any of your entertaining or wine related questions. Riedel Stemware is on sale with a 25% discount off our already low prices

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig
479.750.7575
mark@slausa.com

JULY WINES

2011-10-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

JUNE WINES

2011-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the “The Thrill of the Grill” theme I have selected some amazing wines that match perfectly and quite excitedly to grilling fare. These wine matches are ones that I have used to great success in the past. Tariquet’s beautiful salmon colored Rose’ wine is a wonderful accompaniment to a grilled Sea Bass as is Rodney Strong’s Pinot from the Russian River Valley adjacent a Cowboy Ribeye both create strong contenders for best grill meal of the summer. Grilled pears with marscapone and fresh blue berries are a perfect match to the Marco Negri’s Moscato di Asti and a grilled Double Chocolate Cake with Mount Langi’s Sparkling Shiraz is sure to blow the neighborhood up with aromas of fresh raspberries, orange and fudge.
TARIQUET’S, 2010 ROSE’ de PRESSIE, GASCONY, BAS-ARMAGNAC – $12.93 – This Rose’ is not your typical Rose’ coming from the Armagnac region of France. The blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Syrah, 20% Tannat is an extraordinary experience for anyone’s palette. Delightful raspberries and flower petals mingled with spicy notes. The fruit is the treat as the wines intensity retains an ethereal quality, leaving a trace of rich flavors and salty spiciness on the finish. This baby will jump straight from your glass onto the grill with no hesitation. What a perfect match to a grilled Amberjack or Sea Bass with wild spring onion risotto.
RODNEY STRONG ESTATE, 2009 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, PINOT NOIR - $18.99 – Rodney Strong was one of the first pioneers to plant Pinot in the Russian River Valley. He planted vines in 1968 at the River East Vineyard in the alluvial clay-loam soils adjacent to the winery in Healdsburg. Supple in texture, with rose petal and red fruit aromas, this lively, medium bodied wine is aged entirely in small French oak barrels, which adds a subtle, toasty vanilla character along with a hint of spice. Copper River Salmon grilled to perfection with a Tarragon butter sauce over wild rice is slap your Momma good.

MARCO NEGRI, 2010 “MARSILLIO”, MOSCATO DI ASTI, D.O.C.G. - $18.37 - A wine of soft yellow color and a rich, fruity bouquet with aromatic herbal flavors. Found somewhere between elegant and rich, the fruity bouquet and a taste of this wine is beautifully balanced between sweetness and acidity. Located in the heart of the Asti region of Piedmont, Negri produced its first sparkling wine in 1993. There are 15 hectares total, with 11 hectares planted to the Moscato grape, known for its grapey, musky aroma. Grilled pears with Madagascar vanilla bean infused mascarpone are just the thing for a lighter dessert.
MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN, CLIFF EDGE NV, SPARKLING SHIRAZ - $35.99 -The vineyards of Mount Langi Ghiran are nestled between two dramatically beautiful mountain ranges on the southern edge of the Great Dividing Range in Western Victoria, Australia. Deep color; serious bottle-fermented style with some lees age; is neither oaky nor sweet; good length and finish. A perfect accompaniment to an old Boy Scout grilling item I learned way back. Grilled Chocolate Cake baked over the fire in hollowed out oranges. Strange, right? No. Genius! What a perfect match with the fresh raspberry flavors of the Shiraz.
I hope I have ignited a few palates with these grilling ideas and wine matches for the summer season. Innovation and experimentation are the keys to the grill and the wines from which to match them. Hopefully you can find one of these wines to suit your palate with the summer heat looming in the near future. If not, I have several thousand others from which to choose for that perfect picnic or backyard BBQ. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your grilling, wine or entertaining questions.
Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

MAY WINES

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

The rites of spring abound in this month’s wine picks with a German May Wine from Leonard Kreusch that is perfect for front porch swinging, swilling and swirling. The Zinfandel from Paso Robles that I have picked is the perfect grilling wine for the diehard backyard chefs that will put anything that will stand still long enough into a smoker. A new twist on our old favorite Pinot Noi, is a Pinotage from South Africa with its smokey influences. Finally one of my favorite white wines for the onslaught of summer is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that will not overwhelm one with too much grapefruit but enough acidity to dance on the tongue. If none of these are to your taste please come see me at County Line. I have 3011 more choices for you to choose from.

LEONARD KRUSCH, 2011 MAY-WINE, MOSEL, GERMANY $ 8.28 – May Wine is a German rite of spring, with its annual appearance on May Day, a holiday enthusiastically observed by both younger and older Europeans alike, where villagers would erect a tall trunk of a pine tree decorated with ribbons then dance and sing to celebrate the new season. This coincides with the blooming of Waldmeister or Sweet Woodruff, a forest plant that is traditionally dried and steeped in white wine overnight imparting a festive herbal fragrance and a hint of vanilla to the wine.

VAN RUITEN, 2008 OLD VINE ZINFANDEL, PASO ROBLES, CA - $13.45 – 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah is the blend that makes up this not so little Zinfandel from Lodi. A perfect place for growing Zinfandel and Petite Sirah due to the even sun exposure and long warm nights. The grapes for this Zin were hand-selected from the first vineyard John Van Ruitten planted in 1952. Packed full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry jam flavors which lead into barrel aromas of coffee and cedar rounding out this amazing Zinfandel’s flavor profile.

SOUTHERN RIGHT, 2007 PINOTAGE, WALKER BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - $19.99 - Southern Right is redefining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins and subtle wood spice. Full ripeness and the longer hang-time afforded by cooler sites, combined with the complex, more classic fruit aromas and structure resulting from clay-rich soil, make this wine a highly individual expression of South Africa's unique grape variety. Smokey and fleshy, but with good aromatics and vibrancy lead to black currant, fig, roasted sage and bramble notes. WS 90
STARBOROUGH, 2008 MARLBOROUGH, SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.46 -The Marlborough district of New Zealand’s South Island has set the world standard for crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines. Marlborough is on the east coast of the island, with a ridge of mountains to the west, which limits rainfall and helps make it one of the sunniest areas of New Zealand. The long, cool growing season helps the wines of this region to develop rich layers of flavor with a distinctive, refreshing character of citrus and ripe tropical fruit with some herbal notes. WS 88
These wines and many more can be found at County Line. Your “Citiscapes Magazine” Award Winning Wine Selection for 2010. I can be found here Tuesday through Saturday for any of your entertaining and wine related questions. Let me help you put together the perfect wedding, rehearsal dinner, reception or bachelor/bachelorette party. This is what we do and we do it well.
Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

2011-04-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

The rites of spring abound in this month’s wine picks with a German May Wine from Leonard Kreusch that is perfect for front porch swinging, swilling and swirling. The Zinfandel from Paso Robles that I have picked is the perfect grilling wine for the diehard backyard chefs that will put anything that will stand still long enough into a smoker. A new twist on our old favorite Pinot Noir is a Pinotage from South Africa with its smokey influences. Finally one of my favorite white wines for the onslaught of summer is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that will not overwhelm one with too much grapefruit but enough acidity to dance on the tongue. If none of these are to your taste please come see me at County Line. I have 3011 more choices for you to choose from.

LEONARD KRUSCH, 2011 MAY-WINE, MOSEL, GERMANY $ 8.28 – May Wine is a German rite of spring, with its annual appearance on May Day, a holiday enthusiastically observed by both younger and older Europeans alike, where villagers would erect a tall trunk of a pine tree decorated with ribbons then dance and sing to celebrate the new season. This coincides with the blooming of Waldmeister or Sweet Woodruff, a forest plant that is traditionally dried and steeped in white wine overnight imparting a festive herbal fragrance and a hint of vanilla to the wine.

VAN RUITEN, 2008 OLD VINE ZINFANDEL, PASO ROBLES, CA - $13.45 – 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah is the blend that makes up this not so little Zinfandel from Lodi. A perfect place for growing Zinfandel and Petite Sirah due to the even sun exposure and long warm nights. The grapes for this Zin were hand-selected from the first vineyard John Van Ruitten planted in 1952. Packed full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry jam flavors which lead into barrel aromas of coffee and cedar rounding out this amazing Zinfandel’s flavor profile.

SOUTHERN RIGHT, 2007 PINOTAGE, WALKER BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - $19.99 - Southern Right is redefining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins and subtle wood spice. Full ripeness and the longer hang-time afforded by cooler sites, combined with the complex, more classic fruit aromas and structure resulting from clay-rich soil, make this wine a highly individual expression of South Africa's unique grape variety. Smokey and fleshy, but with good aromatics and vibrancy lead to black currant, fig, roasted sage and bramble notes. WS 90
STARBOROUGH, 2008 MARLBOROUGH, SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.46 -The Marlborough district of New Zealand’s South Island has set the world standard for crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines. Marlborough is on the east coast of the island, with a ridge of mountains to the west, which limits rainfall and helps make it one of the sunniest areas of New Zealand. The long, cool growing season helps the wines of this region to develop rich layers of flavor with a distinctive, refreshing character of citrus and ripe tropical fruit with some herbal notes. WS 80
These wines and many more can be found at County Line. Your “Citiscapes Magazine” Award Winning Wine Selection for 2010. I can be found here Tuesday through Saturday for any of your entertaining and wine related questions. Let me help you put together the perfect wedding, rehearsal dinner, reception or bachelor/bachelorette party. This is what we do and we do it well.
Enjoy
Mark Hatwig

DIERBERG, THREE SAINTS AND STAR LANE WINES

2011-03-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Had an icredible chance to try the entire lines of Three Saints, Dierberg and Star Lane wines.

STAR LANE 2008 SAUVINGNON BLANC - Super acidity with an interesting almost metallic finish. Completely different from any other S.B. I have ever had. Would be great with a great big pot of Crab Legs and Lobster with all the potatoes and corn you could eat.

STAR LANE 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Full of red fruit and berries. Very austere and comfortable in the glass. Santa Barbara fruit was quite impressive and solid.

STAR LANE "ASTRAL VINEYARD" CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Amazing, Amazing, Amazing. This huge Cabernet jumped out of the glass on just the nose. Enter into the mouth and it exploded all over my pallate. Quite a bottle of wine for it's $78 cost. But was well worth it if we could have pryed it from Greg's hands for the second glass.

THREE SAINTS 2008 CABERNET SAUVIGNON - A definite Cab drinkers Cab. Full of red fruits and tannins. Won't bite to hard fresh out of the bottle. Needs a few minutes to open up and commit to being a Cabernet.

THREE SAINTS CHARDONNAY - Full of oak and summer blossoms. Delicous the more it warmed up in my glass. Tropical notes and a few mineral hints. Nicely oaked without overwhelming the pallate.

THREE SAINTS PINOT NOIR 2007 - Rustico at its best. Full of flavors of mineral and spice as well as raspberry, blueberry and a slight hint of strawberry leading to an amazingly long finish.

DIERBERG PINOT NOIR - A lot pricey for such a splendid bottle of wine. Could have used a few more months in wood but was quite nice. The $45 price point is a little steep. I can find ten more that are ten less.

DIERBERG SYRAH - Great bottle of wine. Syrah's are just not selling very well. I can't put my finger on what the deal is but I believe it is fear.

2011-03-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

HEALTH AND SPRINGTIME WINES

Here’s to your health with a couple of great bottles of wine from our amazing selection at County Line! I will introduce you to our best selling Pinot Grigio from Mendoza as well as a couple of California Pinot Noirs that are new to the market. Saving the best for last is an interesting Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills of Oregon showing floral characteristics and soft subtlety in the glass. These wines are sure to make you laugh with enthusiasm and drink with gusto as you await the spring flowers in quiet earnestness.

INACAYAL VINEYARDS, 2009 PINOT GRIGIO, MENDOZA - $13.98 – Inacayal’s vineyards benefit from variations in both temperature and an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level. These factors both play an important role in the ripeness of the grapes, allowing natural acidity and fruit retention as they reach full maturity. The perfect balance between sugar and acidity make this wine outstanding. It has a rich, round and vivacious mouth feel. It is fresh and floral, with citrus notes mixed with white fruits and delicate traces of licorice. Our best selling Pinot Grigio.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, 2009 VOLTRE SANTE PINOT NOIR, SONOMA COUNTY - $11.57 – Maria Zasa, Francis Coppola’s mother, with each sip of wine would offer a toast, "À votre Santé" – to your health. Profusely aromatic and elegantly textured, this Pinot Noir offers a nose redolent of cherries, spices and tea. Bright, vibrant flavors of raspberries, cloves and cranberries are accentuated by light notes of smoky minerals. Lively, structured, and long on the finish. Soft floral notes round out the base of this well structured Pinot. What a bargain from such a prestigious winery.
BLOCK NINE, 2009 CAIDENS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, CALIFORNIA - $13.48 –Caiden’s Vineyard’s Block Nine is a small production winery focused solely on Pinot Noir. Their niche: quality Pinot Noir at an affordable price. If you aren’t particular where your Pinot grapes come from, this non-AVA California Pinot Noir based in St. Helena, Napa Valley encompasses all of the bright red fruit and toasted oak that we have come to expect from a California Pinot. Flavorful and silky in the mouth with good body, this wine shows wild strawberries, raspberry and a hints and wood to complete its complex finish.
DOMAINE SERENE, 2006 COTE SUD VINEYARD CHARDONNAY, WILLAMETTE VALLEY - $40.31 –True to the prevailing Oregon penchant for Chardonnays of subtlety and understatement, this energetic, faintly flowery wine brings together green-apple fruit, a light infusion of lemons and very noticeable hardwood spice in a well-balanced package. Propagated from the Dijon Chardonnay Clone this amazing wine is ripe and ready for the onslaught of spring.

You should be able to find a definitive wine out of these four that you can ring in the new spring season with revelry, exciting the neighbors and friends into a spring time sampling of great wines out on the front porch. Here is to our health and well being in the Spring 2011 season. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your entertaining or wine related questions. All Riedel Stemware is 20% off for the Month of April.

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

RED WINE CRAZIES IN THE SNOW

2011-02-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

With our 24"of snow in the last week we had plenty of time to drink and reflect on several of the new 2007 Cabernet's that are being release in droves. Some are still a little tight and green while some are lush a ready for the palette now.

LADERA, 2007 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET was one that we tried in the truck while being pulled from a rope. Redneck snow skiing at it's best. But at least we did it with a great bottle of wine from our buddy Dan Stotesbury better known as Ladera Dan. I was so in love with the 2006 that when Dan said that the 2007 was going to be even better. I sorta of scoffed. It is still a little tight and requires a little opening up to get to its full potential but was extremely delicious and well built with it's core of red fruits and good wood integration.

ARTESA, 2005 CARNEROS, PINOT NOIR These guys have been making wine for some 300 years. They are the Cordoniu family of Spanish Cava fame and lineage. Soft, supple and elegant. Slight hint of saddle leather on this baby. Violets, strawberry and floral notes stream from the glass. This one we consumed with Grilled Lamb Chops with jalapeno jelly. Amazing

SCHUTZ-OLES 2004 PETITE SYRAH - Just at it's peak and really ready to drink now. HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. Teeth stainer from the acid induced makers. Talking about Velveeta Melting in the microwave. Maybe I should have bypassed the U of A and did UC Davis.

The three of us endured the blizzard of 2011 in style with some great bottles of wine. I should say 4 because Duke was by far the entertainment of the trifecta of snow, food and libations. Should have been there. We even taught Michael how to play bones. Quite amazing. Jordan does run with his arms outstrectched in his sleep. The thing you learn when holed up for three days.

Mark Hatwig
Posted by Mark Hatwig at 9:46 AM 0 comments

2011-01-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

With the holidays behind us and the onslaught of frigid temperatures in front of us, I have picked a couple of reds that are sure to warm your insides and keep Jack Frost in your pocket. The A’pic from Washington State, the “Knotty Vine” Zin and Anthony Bells 06 Cab are sure to do just that. Whether it is cuddling in front of the fire, escaping Old Man Winter’s best or out huddled together for a sled ride down the neighborhood hill. These wines are sure to appeal to the beefiest of the beefy wine lovers.

BUNNELL FAMILY VINEYARDS, 2005 “A’PIC” STONETREE VINEYARD, WAHLUKE SLOPE, WASHINGTON - $28.49 – This amazing Southern Rhone inspired red from Washington is a huge homerun from Ron Bunnell formerly of Chateau Ste. Michelle acclaim. Wine Spectator gave this bad boy Rhone Ranger 91 points. Rich and savory. A mouthful of roasted meat, blackberry, dried blueberry and black pepper flavors, lingering on the spicy, focused finish. Not a big, fat wine, but sharply focused to show off its distinctive flavors. Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsault all come together to rival the best that Chateau Neuf du Pape has to offer.

RODNEY STRONG, 2005 ESTATE “KNOTTY VINES” ZINFANDEL, SONOMA COAST - $19.67 – Another excellent offering from winemaker Rick Sayer. Truly one of the best winemakers Sonoma County has to offer. This wine is bright and ruby in color, with immediate appealing blueberry, raspberry, cherry and red rose. Licorice, boysenberry and cherry fruit linger with the mocha finish with a nice lift of violet and mint. The amazing oak component gives this Zin a vanilla layer that is fine and well integrated into the tannins that linger well after the initial drink.

BELL WINE CELLARS, 2006 NAPA VALLEY, CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $24.28 - Drawing on his experience with Cabernet Sauvignon clones and his intimate knowledge of sub-appellations within the region, Anthony Bell has created a wine that builds upon the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Our 2006 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (33% Clone 4, 21% Clone 6, and 30% Clone 337). This amazing Cab is a blend of (84%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet franc (3%), and Malbec (1%), from vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. An amazing lesson about Napa Cabs straight from the bottle to ones mouth.

STONELEIGH, 2009 SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND - $12.99 - Located on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, in close proximity to Marlborough’s main river, the Wairau, the vineyards are on shallow rock and gravel-exposed soils. The wine is light straw in color with green highlights. This wine displays vibrant fruit intensity. Ripe grapefruit, citrus and passion fruit flavors dominate, and to layer over this is an added mineral complexity. The palate shows balance, both ripe flavors and fresh acidity. 90 Points from Wine Spectator.

I can be found at County Line, Tuesday thru Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions that you might have during the long nights of winter. All of our Riedel Stemware is on sale for 25% off during the month of January. Come explore our inventory reduction wall of wines. Up to 45% off.

Enjoy!

Mark Hatwig

2011-01-07T15:45:00.001-08:00

This month’s wine picks are my favorites from the year in review. The Ladera wines that have so impressed me with their fruit integration and balance of flavors are high atop my list of Christmas wines. The Ridge, Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay for that old school butter and wood that is still lingering on my palate. The Dierberg Pinot is a consistent favorite amongst my customers for that special dinner or romantic evening. The Fench Corbieres that I selected is a monster of a red from Robert Katcher that is perfect for the foodie in all of us.
Ladera, 2006 Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - $29.99 – What an impressive bottle of wine at such a great price. This Howell Mountain property is at an elevation of 1600 to 1800 feet giving the hillside fruit used in this incredible Cabernet longer sun exposure to intensify flavors. The nose on this wine is floral and smoky with rich blackberry aromas. Elegant and soft, with flavors of dark cherries, blueberry, cocoa, and spiced plum. The palate is layered with well structured tannins which lead to a long and complex finish of dark currant. A perfect wine to impress your friends or family gathered around the dinner table.
Ridge, 2007 Santa Cruz Mtns. Estate Chardonnay $40.49 – Normally known for their Zinfandels and a couple of Cabs, Ridge’s amazing Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains combines richness with an elegant yet delicate mouth feel, showing deep layers of ripe fig and green pear, honeydew melon and smoky oak. Balanced, focused, pure and lingering are all the attributes any wine needs and this one has it in spades. A little on the high end as far as price but well worth the leap to share with that special someone around the fire waiting for Santa to show.
Dierberg , 2007 Santa Maria Valley, Pinot Noir - $41.46 – Year in and year out Nick de Luca produces one of the finest Pinot Noirs in the Central Valley that is a huge hit with a lot of my customers and restaurants. Intense aromas of blackberry, Herbs de Provence and wet flagstone are in the forefront of thought when describing this wine. Flavors of coffee and pure blackberry are lifted by vibrant acidity and culminate in a firm blanket of tannins.
Domaine Sainte – Eugenie 2007 Recolte La Reserve, Corbieres $16.20 – A great Reserve red from the Languedoc Region of France in the appellation of Corbieres. This wine is a classic Rhone Ranger with Syrah and Carignane blended to perfection. The nose has pronounced dark fruits with hints of cotton candy. Complex and rich texture, this Frenchie bursts from the glass leaving a touch of leather and sweet oak on the finish.
Come see me at County Line, Citiscapes People’s Choice for Best Wine Selection for Northwest Arkansas. You are sure to find that perfect hard to find wine to give to your customers, bosses or associates. I am here Tuesday thru Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions.

Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

NOVEMBER 2010

2011-01-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that the holiday’s are on top of us once again. I have put together a group of wines with Thanksgiving in mind, to help you on your way to a successful Thanksgiving dinner, whether it be with friends or with family. I have picked a super Cabernet that is sure to please even the most discerning relative that will grace your table and while not breaking the bank. Also a kicking Pinot Noir that is County Lines Pinot of the month that is simply amazing. I have also chosen a couple of whites that are austere as well as approachable and sure to please a wide range of guests.

THREE SAINTS, 2006 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CABERNET SAUVIGNON - $19.76 – This is one of my favorite cab drinkers cab’s at a reasonable price. This big boy Cab was $27.99; but now for the holidays down to under $20. Extraordinary complex aromas of pipe tobacco, sandalwood and wild briar brush are freshened by Santa Cruz blackberry and violet notes. This wine is firm, fresh and striking. Framed by fine grained tannins and a cleansing finish, this Cabernet can be enjoyed with any beef or veggie dish for the holidays.

ARTESA, 2006 CARNEROS, RESERVE PINOT NOIR - $24.99 – Another great holiday bargain from our friends at Artesa. These guys have a long history of making wine going back some 500 years in Spain. The original Cordorniu family has a gem of a winery in Napa that is producing amazingly concentrated and approachable wines. Aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry and red currant with beautiful subtle notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, leather, cedar chest and smoke makes this a perfect holiday wine. Pair with braised beef, duck, goose, pheasant and lamb. Perfect for any Thanksgiving table.

INACAYAL VINEYARDS, 2009 MENDOZA PINOT GRIGIO - $13.98 – Another great wine brought to us courtesy of Bobby Katcher. Brilliant white color with delicate green undertones. It has a rich, round and delicious mouth feel. Fresh and floral with citrus notes mixed with white fruits and delicate traces of licorice. The apple-pear flavors lead to a semi-fruity long finish. Our number one selling Pinot Grigio. A great arrival wine while waiting for the dinner table.

PIERRE SPARR, 2008 ALSACIAN PINOT GRIS - $15.81 - Pinot Grigio is one of the world's most popular wines. Also known under the French moniker "Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio is a chameleon of a grape. It is produced in a range of styles, from the light fruity Italian style that has gained popularity, to a more mineral, flinty rich wine favored by Pierre Sparr from Alsace. A perfect match for many side items such as sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes and cream corn with Poblano peppers.

We at County line would like to thank each and everyone of our customers for their business and loyalty through out the years. Let’s all give thanks for the things we are blessed with and the patience to master the things that challange us on any given day. I can be found at County Line Tuesday thru Saturday to answer any of your wine or entertaining questions. NWA Uncorked’s next event is a Champagne tasting November 00 on the square in Fayetteville coinciding with the lighting of the square. Contact me at nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net or call 479.790.WINE for info.

Enjoy !

Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
479.750.7575

2010-09-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER WINES FOR HALLOWEEN

With Hog football and cooler weather on the horizon I have a few ghoulish wines for you to sample and enjoy this Halloween. With Pumpkins from Paso Robles, Red Monsters and Toads from Mendocino County and even Ghosts from Sonoma County these wines will be sure to spark the spirits in all of us. We have the perfect witches brew simmering in the cauldron to make any Halloween celebration a huge hit. You will be sure to find that perfectly ghostly wine for even the faintest of heart.

AQUA PUMPKIN 2007 PASO ROBLES MERLOT – $13.72- Kenneth Volk is quickly becoming one of my favorite wine producers that utilize the Central Coast region, specifically Paso Robles. This extremely hot and sunny AVA situated almost exactly half way between LA and San Francisco produce some of the inkiest most flavorful wines. No wimpy Merlot here. Full of rich cassis and a solid backbone of red fruits gives the round mouth feel we expect from Merlot with the finesse that I have come to expect from Kenneth Volk wines. Aqua Pumpkin – Fine wine from happy grapes. No pumpkins were harmed in the production of this wine.

THE BIG RED MONSTER, CALIFORNIA RED WINE BLEND - $11.57- The Big Red Monster Team believes in using grape varietals that are most suited to California’s wicked hot climate, by using grape varietals that love the sun, heat and lack of rain. Winemakers Jeff Booth and Bob Pepi have blended a monster of a red wine; syrah, zinfandel and petite syrah into one non-vintage blend, making for one big, meaty red with black currant flavors and hints of cherry. It is a full-bodied, slightly spicy wine better suited for beef or lamb than popcorn or Junior Mints. Let the monster breathe a bit before consuming, and the taste won't scare you at all.

TOAD HOLLOW, 2008 UNOAKED MENDOCINO CHARDONNAY - $14.80 – This being the 16th harvest of this amazing little Chardonnay from the late Todd Williams, it is perfect for any Halloween celebration or witches cauldron potion. Beautifully balanced with hints of mango, melon, mineral and incredible acidity, the nose is delicately perfumed with citrus and green apple. This Chardonnay is a treat for the senses with a mouth feel that is rich and creamy while still displaying crisp and clean flavors that we have come to expect from Mendocino Chardonnay. Never seeing any wood seems to compliment the fruit character often lost in over oaked and under crafted Chardonnays. A lip smacking 90 point from Enthusiast makes the $15 price tag a real bargain. Perfectly matched with caramel apples and roasted marshmallows by the bonfire.

GHOST PINES 2008 SONOMA COUNTY ZINFANDEL - $17.70 – Louis Martini purchased 178 acres of land in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. The Martini family developed this land into a vineyard which they named Ghost Pines as a tribute to the native grey pines which at dusk appear to hover, solitary and ghostlike throughout the coastal valleys. This Zin draws from multiple winegrowing counties to create a wine as unique as this one. Strawberry jam and ripe plum flavors mingle with aromas of vanilla bean and mocha which are balanced with rich, chewy tannins that lead to long and supple finish. What an easy wine match with anything from spicy Chili to beefy beef steaks.

Hopefully you can find a ghoulish wine that can make any ghost or goblin happy. I can be found at County Line Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions. Follow us on Facebook at Springdale Liquor Association or go online to countylineliquors.com to see our weekly specials. The next NWA Uncorked event will be a Champagne tasting on the Fayetteville square coinciding with the lighting of the “Lights of the Ozarks”. Contact me at nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net for further information on upcoming wine events.

TASTING BAR 8-20

2010-08-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

COUNTY LINE

WINE TASTING BAR

AUGUST 20-21st, 2010

Luigi Bosca 2007 Pinot Noir

Brilliant cherry red, clean, fresh, fruity and velvety with good body

Aromas of red fruit, strawberries, violets and chocolate. Vigorous and attractive

combining strength and firmness with delicacy and elegance.

$17.10

Gavi Principessa 2004 Gavia

Dry and fruity with crisp acidity. Ideal marriage veal, seafood or chicken.

A fun but inexpensive summertime wine.

$12.06

Francis Ford Coppola 2008 Claret

This Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and malbec blend is alluring and sophisticated; it is memorably lush with a tapestry of smooth tannins and succulent flavors of wild berries, plum and anise.

$14.46

Jacob's Creek 2007 Reserve Riesling

Attractive and vibrant, full lime aromas lead to refreshing citrus fruit leads to

refreshing citrus fruit flavors on the palate with a tight minerally astructure and a

crisp dry finish. A superb wine that is perfect with seafood and salad dishes

for the heat of the summer.

$12.70

2010-01-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

LITERACY COUNCIL BENEFIT WINE TASTING WAS BOUGHT BY KRIS LIGGETT AT THE ANNUAL FUND RAISER BACK IN DECEMBER. THE TASTING SATURDAY NIGHT THE 16TH CONSISTED OF TEN WINES AND FOOD MATCHES WERE FROM CASE AT SOUL RESTAURANT.

Domaine Chandon

NV California Sparkling Blanc de Noirs

Rodney Strong “Charlotte’s Home

Sauvignon Blanc

Lange Vineyards Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Crios Mendoza, Argentina

TorrentoS

Francis Ford Coppola “Directors Cut” Sonoma Coast

2007 Pinot Noir

Duckhorn Paradux Napa Valley

2007 Red Wine

Luigi Bosco Mendoza, Argentina

2007 Malbec

Bell Vineyards “Driveway”Yountville

2008 Merlot

Kenneth Volk Paso Robles

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Honig Napa Valley

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Marco Negri Marsillio, Italy

2008 Moscato d’ Asti

WINNERS OF THE NIGHT WERE:

LANGE WILLAMETTE VALLEY CHARDONNAY FIRST

KENNETH VOLK PASO ROBLES CABERNET SECOND

LUIGI BOSCO MENDOZA MALBEC

SOUL DID A BOUNTIFUL AMOUNT OF FOOD FOR THE

14 GUESTS WE HAD. EVERYTHING DOWN TO THE GRILLED STRAWBERRY'S WERE INCREDIBLE.

AGAIN, KRIS THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION TO THE

LITERACY COUNCIL

PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB QUARTERLY WINE TASTING

2010-01-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Pinnacle Country Clubs Quarterly Wine Tasting

Thursday January 14th

Montinore 2008 Boerealis Willamette Valley White Blend
It pours a pale gold, and grapefruit, pineapple and fresh flower aromas leap from the glass. On the palate a crisp, fresh entry is balanced by succulent ripe fruit flavors of peach, grapefruit and quince, culminating in a fresh, lingering finish. It’s great with a variety of lighter dishes and cheeses – or just for sipping by starlight. Technical data... 60% Müller-Thurgau, 23% Gewürztraminer, 17% Pinot Gris
Firesteed 2007 Oregon Pinot Gris
The Firesteed 2007 Pinot Gris is a generously aromatic combination of Northwest coastal breezes and definitive orange-blossom, rose water and ripe peaches. Accents of the perfect perfume of gardenias and sweet spices make this a glorious example of fine Oregon Pinot Gris. Richly textured and flavorful, the wine delivers weight on the palate that is nicely balanced by citrus notes and fresh acidity.
Aqua Pumpkin 2007 Paso Robles Merlot
Grape Composition: 100% Merlot Grape Source:Select Vineyards in PasoRobles Growing Region Aromas and Flavors: Black Cherry, Raspberry, Mild Herbal Notes and a Hint of Toasty Oak
Mendel 2006 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The entry-level 2006 Malbec was sourced from a 78-year-old estate vineyard, aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it exhibits an impressive nose of wood smoke, tobacco, rose petal, blueberry, and black raspberry. This leads to a medium-bodied wine in which notes of cola, coffee, and caramel emerge on the palate. Elegantly styled, with racy flavors, good balance, and a pure finish,
Kenneth Volk 2004 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
As with our other wines, our Cabernet Sauvignon is more about elegance and good fruit tones than maximum extraction and tannins. We stay true to our fruit, which wants to taste like a Cabernet Sauvignon from the westernmost region of Paso Robles: dark fruit elements, ripe and polished, soft tannins.
Bell Vineyard 2006 Massa Ranch, Yountville Syrah
The 2006 Syrah, Estrella clone, is grown on the Massa Ranch, our neighbors here in Yountville. Proximity to the San Francisco bay and its moderating influences produces wines deep in color with rich, concentrated fruit flavor and lovely acidity .The wine underwent malo-lactic fermentation and was barrel aged in a combination of French (25%) and American (75%) oak barrels for 17 months. The wine was not fined and received one filtration prior to bottling.

Winners were Montinore Borealis for the white.

Kenneth Volk Paso Robles Cabernet for the 1st red

Aqua Pumpkin Paso Robles Merlot for the 2nd red.

About 38 members showed for our first quarter wine tasting to pick new wines for the wine list. Thanks for everyones participation. Special thanks to Pinacles new amazing Chef.

　
　

ON THE TASTING BAR FOR JANUARY 8TH

2010-01-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

Francis Ford Coppola 2006 Diamond Series Merlot $1845

Beringer 2006 Knights Valley Alluvium Blanc $17.99

Schug 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $20.69

Come by and try these wines and others at County Line

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING CHANGED TO SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH 6:30 TO 8:30

2009-10-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

THE HOLIDAY WINE TASTING ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR THE OCTOBER 30TH HAS BEEN CHANGED TO NOVEMBER 7TH SATURDAY EVENING AT 6:30 TO 8:30 ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF UNDERWOOD PLAZA ON DICKSON STREET. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSERS: NWA UNCORKED, ELLAS AT CARNALL HALL, MERRYSHIP ALT REALTY, CHRIS GODDARD DESIGN GROUP, DK DESIGNS.

KUNDE WINE DINNER AT SOUL NOVEMBER 5TH

2009-10-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

KUNDE WINE DINNER

OCTOBER 5TH AT SOUL

JEFF KUNDE OWNER AND WINE GROWER WILL BE HERE ON NOVEMBER 5TH FOR AN ORGANIC / SUSTAINABLE VINEYARD WINE DINNER AT SOUL RESTAURANT. DETAILS TO COME AS SOON AS I MEET WITH CHEF BROOKS AND CASE. HERE IS THE MENU.

The Menu

Toasted Walnut, Gorgonzola, and Clover Honey Brushetta
Kunde, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, 2008

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
with Chevre Grits
Kunde, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2007

Merlot Braised Shortribs
with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Carrots
Kunde, Merlot, Sonoma, 2005

Pear Tarte Tatin with Cabernet Caramel
Kunde, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2006

SUNSET HOLIDAY WINE TASTING OCTOBER 30TH

2009-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH, 2009
HOLIDAY SUNSET WINE TASTING
9TH FLOOR AT THE LOFT’S AT UNDERWOOD PLAZA
6:30 TO 8:30

JOIN US ONCE AGAIN ON TOP OF THE UNDERWOOD BUILDING ON DICKSON STREET FOR A SUNSET WINE TASTING FEATURING WINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. TOURS WILL BE GIVEN OF THE CONDOS DESIGNED BY CHRIS GODDARD OF THE GODDARD DESIGN GROUP. TOP WINE EXPERTS IN THE AREA WILL BE ON HAND TO WALK YOU THROUGH THIS INTENSIVE LINE UP OF 50 PLUS WINES. FINGER FOODS WILL BE PROVIDED BY ELLA’S AT CARNALL HALL. COST IS $20 DOLLARS FOR THIS EVENT. YOU CAN MAKE RESERVATIONS BY EMAILING nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net. FOLLOW ALL WINE EVENTS @ nwauncorked.blogspot.com. LINEUP OF WINES COMING SOON.

DIERBERG WINE DINNER OCTOBER 13TH AT THE 36 CLUB

2009-10-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Dierberg Wine Dinner $55 OCT 13TH

ARRIVAL WINE - Star Lane Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - $18.30 RETAIL
$16.47/ BOTTLE DISCOUNTED (10%)
$186.66/ CASE DISCOUNTED (15%)

Appetizer
Tender Boston Lettuce with homemade Gravlax Crostini
Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay $36.64 RETAIL
$24.72/BOTTLE DISCOUNTED (10%)
$280.19/CASE DISCOUNTED (15%)

Entrée
Roasted Breast of Duck with red cabbage, apples and roasted baby yukon potatoes. Red wine reduction.
Three Saints Santa Ynez 2005 Santa Ynez Cabernet Sauvignon $27.87 RETAIL
$19.94/BOTTLE DISCOUNTED (10%)
$226.03/CASE DISCOUNTED (15%)

Dessert
Macadamia/Chocolate Torte with cinnamon sauce and fresh strawberries.
Dierberg 2006 Santa Ynez Syrah $34.22 RETAIL
BOTTLE DICOUNTED $30.79 (10%)
CASE DISCOUNTED $349.04 (15%)

I WORKED REALLY HARD WITH THE SUPPLIER, THE DISTRIBUTOR AND PETER AT THE 36 CLUB TO KEEP THE PRICE FOR THIS DINNER DOWN TO AN AFFORDABLE LEVEL FOR ALL TO ENJOY. SEND RESERVATIONS TO nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net

MENU FOR ITALIAN WINE DINNER AT JAMES AT THE MILL ON OCTOBER 2

2009-09-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Riviera Imports and James at the Mill
Wine Dinner
Friday October 2nd, 2009
6:30 reception with Hors D’Oeuvres and Prosecco
7:00 Dinner
$99. per person
plus applicable taxes and gratuity

Reception
Mini Corn and Herb Bilinis with crème fraiche and caviar
il Poggio Prosecco

Dinner
Wild Mushroom crusted Halibut with local wild mushrooms,
English peas and San Danielle Prosciutto
Zyme Black to White

Seared Ahi Tuna stuffed with asparagus on asparagus fettuccine and roast shallot beurre rouge
Agriverde Riseis

Seared Long Island duck breast on Arkansas bacon noodle cake and caramelized onion-balsamic jam with leek and scallion emulsion
il Palagione Antajr

Seared Lamb Loin on a ragout of baby red and yellow carrots
with baby white turnip, red pearl onions and a reduced red wine sauce
Zyme Amarone
DESSERT
Fresh Apricot Chocolate Nemesis with Apricot Sorbet
and a mint-apricot coulis
Tollo Passito

LINE UP OF WINES "WINE AND DESIGN"

2009-09-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

TABLE ONEMartin Codax 2008 Rias Baixas Albarino“A” by Acacia 2007 Red BlendSnap Dragon 2007 ChardonnaySnap Dragon 2007 Red BlendAlamos 2008 Mendoza, Argentina MalbecAlamos 2008 Mendoza, Argentina ChardonnayPolka Dot 2007 Pfalz Region, Sweet Riesling

TABLE TWO
Mas Carlo 2006 Costieres de Nimes Les Enfants TerriblesMourvedre/Syrah BlendLa Posta 2007 Mendoza, Argentina Paulucci Vineyard MalbecCrios 2008 Mendoza, Argentina TorrontesCrios 2008 Mendoza, Argentia Rose’ of MalbecVino Cobos 2007 Felino Mendoza, Argentina ChardonnayVino Cobos 2006 Lagarto Mendoza Argentina MerlotPierre Peters N/V Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Le Mesnil sur Oger

TABLE THREE
Spann 2007 Yorkville Highlands Betsy’s Backacher “Bottle Blonde”Artesa 2007 Carneros ChardonnaySpanish Quarter 2007 Albarino/Chardonnay White BlendLuigi Bosca 2007 Mendoza Argentina Pinot NoirBodega Septima 2006 Mendoza, Argentina MalbecVilla Jolanda N/V Moscato Sparkling Rose’Hess Select 2006 Mendocino, Lake, Napa County Cabernet

TABLE FOUR
Casali Rosa di Rosa N/V Sparkling Colli Di ScandianoCasali Rosa di Bianco N/V Sparkling Malvasia dell’EmiliaKenneth Volk Aqua Pumpkin 2007 Paso Robles MerlotKenneth Volk Aqua Pumpkin 2007 Santa Barbara ChardonnayKarma 2007 Cabernet SauvignonVino Robles 2007 Edna Valley Chardonnay

TABLE FIVE
Joel Gott 2007 California Cabernet SauvignonJoel Gott 2008 Columbia River RieslingJoel Gott 2007 Lodi ZinfandelJoel Gott 2008 California Sauvignon BlancJoel Gott 2008 Monterey Chardonnay

TABLE SIX
King Estate 2006 Oregon Pinot NoirKing Estae 2007 Oregon Pinot GrisDr. L 2007 Mosel RieslingFerrari Carano 2008 Sonoma County Fume’ BlancChateau St. Jean 2008 Sonoma County ChardonnayChateau St. Jean 2007 Sonoma County Pinot Noir

TABLE SEVEN
Sean Minor 2008 Sonoma County Sauvignon BlancSean Minor 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet SauvignonSean Minor2006 Napa Valley MerlotSean Minor 2007 Central Coast ChardonnayAnne Amie 2007 Cuvee “A” Willamette Valley Pinot NoirAnne Amie 2007 Willamette Valley Amrita

TABLE EIGHT
St. Johns Cabernet SauvignonSt. Johns ChardonnaySt. Johns White ZinfandelPost ChardonnayPost Red ZinfandelPost VignolesPost Ives NoirPost Red MuscadinePost White MuscadinePost Barrel Aged Sherry

TABLE NINE
Root 1 2007 Chilean Cabernet SauvignonRoot 1 2008 Chilean Sauvignon BlancDashwood 2008 New Zealand Sauvignon BlancProtocolo 2008 Spanish Red BlendProtocoloGarnacha De Fuego Spanish Reb BlendWhite Oak 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay BEEREd Hardy Premium BeerEd Hardy Premium Light Beer

ITALIAN WINE DINNER AT JAMES AT THE MILL FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND

2009-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Nwa Uncorked is having an Italian wine dinner in conjunction with James at the Mill on Friday October 2nd. Dan Tacinelli with Riviera Imports will be our speaker for the event. More news to follow as soon as Miles gets me the menu he plans on preparing. I can then match the wines and get a cost out to our members.

DESIGN AND WINE EVENT

2009-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the first event for NWAUncorked. This event will be a fund raising event "Design and Wine" on the Ninth Floor Veranda of the Underwood Building on September 18th (the Friday before the Georgia Bulldogs home game). We will have over 50 wines poured that night for your pleasure. Tour four exquisitely decorated condo's and two verandas with designers Chris Goddard and Daniel Keeley. Ella's at Carnall Hall will be providing wonderful snacks to accompany the vast selections of wine. Learn about wines from all over the world by the leading wine experts in the state. The Sunset Wine Tasting will start at 6 ending at 9. Reservations for this limited seating event can be emailed to nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net or follow the wine club's events at nwauncorked.blogspot.com. Our great sponsers are County Line Liquor, DK Design, Alexander, Merryship and Alt, Ella's Restaurant at Carnall Hall, Goddard Design Group.

BELL WINEMAKERS DINNER MENU

2009-05-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

ANTHONY BELL WINEMAKERS DINNER

MAY 27TH, BORDINO’S 6:30 PM

ARRIVAL WINE

BELL 2006 NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC

APPETIZER

BEEF TENDERLOIN MEATBALLS WITH PORT WINE AND PARMESEAN CRISPS

BELL WINE CELLARS 2006 CANTERBURY VINEYARD SYRAH

ENTREE

BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH ARUGULA PESTO, FENNEL AND FRISSEEBELL

2005 NAPA VALLEY CLARET CABERNET SAUVIGNON

INTERMEZZO

BELL 2004 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON CLONE 6

DESSERT

FLOURLESS CHOCHOLATE CAKE BELL NV LODI PORT

BELL WINE CELLARS WINEMAKERS DINNER

2009-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

The much anticipate Bell Wine Cellars Winemakers Dinner is set for the 27th of May at Bordino's. Anthony Bell will be our host for this auspicious occasion. Chef Chrissy are working on the food and wine matches for the dinner. Cost is $95.00. The event starts at 6:30 pm on the 27th of May. Wines we will feature are:

Bell Wine Cellars Napa Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
Bell Wine Cellars Napa 2006 Valley Syrah
Bell Wine Cellars 2005 Napa Valley Claret
Bell Wine Cellars Clone 6
Bell Wine Cellars Lodi NV Port

Please join us for the Winemakers Reception before the dinner on the deck at Bordino's feature Candoni Prosecco NV.

Food matches to follow later today or Thursday.

Reservations must be made in advance. Members have first priority for reservations to this event. Email me at nwauncorked@sbcglobal.net to make your reservations.

2009-05-19T13:08:00.001-07:00

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

2009-05-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

NWA Uncorked is a wine appreciation club dedicated to furthering the knowledge of its members in all aspects of wine and food. Membership is $50 per year. Membership gives first priority for reservations to wine dinners and wine tastings. Members recieve a $5 discount on all tastings and a $10-=$20 discount on all dinners. We commit to doing 2 dinners and 7 tastings a year. Last year we did 11 tastings.

Contact me at:479.750.7575 or 479.790.9463 for reservations or additional information.

Welcome

2009-05-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to NWA Uncorked. All information on NWA Uncorked tastings, memberships, and dinners can be found here. All ifo will be updated regularly!

Thanks!

Mark Hatwig