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Complimentary tasting

Posted on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in Wine 101

Are you ready for the weekend?! 

Stop by every Friday and Saturday between 4PM and 8PM for a complimentary tasting.  We will be featuring a different wine each week, so stop in and explore the possibilities

Friday Night Flights 12/30/11

Posted on Monday, December 26, 2011 in Wine 101

“LAST CALL”  Tasting Event

This is our very last “Friday Night Flights Event”

During our Last Friday Night Flights Event, we will taste 3 RED wines from the OPOLO vineyard located in Paso Robles

 First, the Grenache originating in Spain, widely bottled in France, and
produced around the world’s finest growing regions, Grenache has found
sanctuary at Opolo vineyards. On the nose, this Grenache starts with hints of
rose petal, carnation, and hibiscus. On the palate, this win offers hints of
smoke and leather balancing the bright fruit, creating an incredibly elegant
marriage of flavors.

Next, we’ll taste the Grand Rouge This blend of Counoise (60%), Grenache
(20%), and Petite Sirah (20%) displays hints of strawberry and mocha on the
nose. It turns increasingly complex in the mouth showing layers of blueberry,
plum and blackberry with hints of nutmeg and spice on the finish.

The 3rd wine is the Summit Zinfandel Opolo’s
2009 Summit Creek Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine showcasing overt
raspberry and black cherry fruit aromatics and flavors framed by soft tannins
and balanced acidity. Subtle pepper and spice nuances further complement this
hand-crafted wine. This Zinfandel is an approachable wine which is ready to
drink today, although the dark color and youthful fruitiness of this sturdy
wine indicates that it will likely cellar well for a few years

 No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

We are so excited for the New Year and the new opportunities it brings for 2012 - watch your email for upcoming events and more information on A Toast to Texas!

Cheers and Happy New Year!!

Friday Night Flights 12/23/11

Posted on Monday, December 19, 2011 in Wine 101

We hope you will stop by this Friday Night for a taste of 3 wines
during our Blind Tasting Event!

 

 

To ensure impartial judgment of a
wine, it should be served blind – that is, without the taster(s) having
seen the label or bottle shape.

 

This Friday Night we will 

“Take a Personality Test”
and guess the grape variety of 3 different wines.

 

 

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

 

Event fee $8

Seasons South African Selection this Friday Night Flights 12/16/11

Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

We hope you will stop by this Friday Night for a taste of 3 of our favorite wines from South Africa

 

 Fleur Du Cap Chardonnay

This Chardonnay displays beautiful toast aroma on the nose with hints of apricot, melon and citrus fruit. It is dry with a well balanced weight and fullness that demands attention. A zesty palate packed with apricot and citrus fruit flavour is supported by lovely nut, butterscotch and vanilla oak nuances. The flavour gains intensity in the mouth with a fascinating long finish

 

Faithful Hound Red Blend

 

41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec Raise a glass to man’s best friend with this delicious Bordeaux blend, created as a tribute to Boes (“Bushy” in Afrikaans), the loyal dog that kept watch over Mulderbosch farm for three years after his owner’s death. Supple and elegant, it displays intense flavors of blackberry, cherry, coffee, and licorice, with notes of tobacco, herbs, and spice

 

 

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

 

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz was born out of the realization that there are not a lot of options available to consumers seeking quality sweet red wine. This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet Shiraz aims to fill that void. Most of the grapes are grown in Paarl, a region with a Rhône-like climate that is ideal for Shiraz cultivation, and production is overseen by critically acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats.

Jam Jar is sweet perfection…Simple, pure and honest

 

 

 

 

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

 

Event fee $8  

The Steakhouse Selection Friday Night Flights Event 12/9/11

Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

 

The Steakhouse Selection

  

  

We hope you will stop by this Friday Night for a taste of 3 wines from one our our favorite Steakhouse Menu

  

Clos LaChance Chardonnay

Aromas of butterscotch, pineapples, bananas and coconut. Hints of lemon rind, vanilla and a bit of spice. On the palate, the toasty oak is well balanced with the bright acidity. The fruit really shines in the mid-palate. Bananas and pineapples are prominent, along with a bit of fresh granny smith apple. Toasted coconut shavings, butter and spicy oak on the long, smooth finish

 

Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon 
  The 2008 vintage has seductive aromas of black cherry and cassis. Plush ruby in color, this wine has intense flavors of blackberry and raspberry enriched by clove, cinnamon spice and vanilla tones from 15 months’ aging in French and American oak barrels. Moderate tannins lead to a soft, silky, lingering finish, beckoning you back for more.
 
 
Ray’s Station Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich, dense, layered. Mountain berries, cedar and vanilla spice fill the nose. Heaps of black cherry and blueberry please the palate

 

 

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

$8 event fee

Friday Night Flights 11/25/11

Posted on Monday, November 21, 2011 in Wine 101

This Friday Night we will taste some fun wines that will
be great to give as gifts!

 

California – Moscato Bella

Apricot, honey-suckle, flower blossom, green
apple! A low alcohol, dry and crisp wine with a subtle sweetness, just perfect
for an aperitif, fruits and cheeses. Although Muscat can be grown all over the
world, Moscato Bella is from California’s Central Coast and what a sweetheart
she is. Serve ice cold

California – Santa’s Little Helper

30% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 40% Zinfandel This rich California blend shows big luscious fruit and is smoother than an elf’s…..cheek!    “All of us need a little help during the Holidays”, Santa’s Little Helper will make these celebrated Holiday moments go down smooth.

France – Old Fart

If you like Cotes du Rhone, give Old Fart a
try. This wine is no joke, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The Grenache
makes it fresh and juicy while the syrah gives the wine structure and great
balance. It is best described as a robust and spicy red that is absolutely
unforgettable

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 11/18/11

Posted on Monday, November 14, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

Beaujolais, Brownies and Bordeaux Event!

At one past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, from little villages
and towns like Romanèche-Thorins, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau
begin their journey through a sleeping France to Paris for immediate shipment
to all parts of the world. Banners proclaim the good news: Le Beaujolais
Nouveau est arrivé! “The New Beaujolais has arrived!” One of the most
frivolous and animated rituals in the wine world has begun.

We hope you will join us as we taste the 2011 vintage as it coincides with the
arrival of the 2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, a fresh and fruity red
wine made from the local Gamay grape. The 2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau,
with a first-ever graffiti-inspired label designed by renowned Brooklyn artist
“Kaves”. Nouveau is a very popular
wine for serving during the holidays; its ripe berry aromas and flavors are
food-friendly and versatile with many dishes .

Georges Duboeuf has declared the 2011 vintage to be terrific: “2011 will be a great millésime in Beaujolais – complex, serious, solid and rich in delicious flavors. There is something divine about it. It is like nature has granted, under the sunshine of April, June and August, a dazzling body.”  According to Duboeuf, the wine is very deep purple with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, red and black currants, blueberries and a slight touch of peach. The palate is voluptuous and full bodied, enriched by well-rounded yet lively tannins.

In addition to the beaujolais nouveau, we will be tasting the Mouton Cadet white Bordeaux and red Bordeaux. 

Lastly, to make this more of a celebration – we will serve chocolate brownies from Daisy’s!!

Beaujolais, Brownies and Bordeaux OH MY!

 

No reservations necessary

drop by anytime between 7 and 9 pm

$8 event fee

Friday Night Flights 11/11/11

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars.  In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day.

Join us on 11-11-11 for our Veteran’s Day Appreciation Event.

We will be featuring Washington Wines (Made in theUSA) in honor of our armed forces. 

All veterans will enjoy a complimentary tasting….just bring your ID!

Charles Smith Veteran’s Day Event at A Toast to Texas

 

Friday Night Flights 11-4-11

Posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in Wine 101

We hope you will join us this Friday night for a “Taste of Texas”  
  
We will be tasting 3 wines from

McPherson Cellars
  The McPhersons have been a pioneering family in grape growing and wine making in Texas for over 40 years.  The family patriarch, Dr. Clinton A. “Doc” McPherson, is one of the “Fathers” of the modern Texas wine industry.  Kim graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Food Science and then completed the enology and viticulture program at the University of California at Davis.  He worked in Napa Valley before returning to Lubbock as winemaker.  Kim’s Texas wines have won over 450 medals in state, national and international wine competitions including two Double Gold Medals at the prestigious San Francisco Wine Fair.  He continues to play an innovative and dynamic role in the development of the Texas wine industry.  Kim and “Doc” were inducted into the Who’s Who in Food and Wine in Texas Hall of Fame in 1999 and Kim created the McPherson Cellars label in 2000 to honor his father.
   
No Reservations needed,
just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!
Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 10/14/11

Posted on Monday, October 10, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 Taste this Friday Night for a cause!

This is a Sparkling Wine Tasting

all proceeds will be donated to The Susan G. Komen
Foundation.

Secco Breast Cancer Poster 

 No
Reservations needed,

just
stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event
fee $8

 

Friday Night Flights 9-30-11

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2011 in Wine 101

Wine for Water

Support Dallas’ Trinity River Corridor

$1 donated for every bottle purchased (September and October)

Join us for a taste of 3 Big Name Brands we know and love!

This is a California Cabernet Tasting

We will begin with the

Estancia “Paso Robles” 2008 Keyes Canyon Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Next, we’ll taste the

Simi “Alexander Valley” 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Last, the

Robert Mondavi Winery ”Napa Valley” 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Drop by anytime between 7pm and 9pm for a taste

Friday Night Flights 9-23-11

Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in Wine 101

Join us this Friday Night 9-23-11 for a taste of 3 of the “Best Red Wines in Texas”

 

2009 La Reina Tempranillo 
Gold Medal Winner*

2009 Merlot
Gold Medal Winner*

2008 Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Medal Winner*

*2011 Grapefest Peoples Choice Awards 

Just a week after Grapefest, we have the Winemaker from “Red Caboose Winery and Vineyard” joining us with 3 of his award winning red wines 

  No Reservations needed, stop by anytime between 7pm and 9pm for a taste and meet the winemaker!

Friday Night Flights 9-2-11

Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in Wine 101

A fun time tasting wine this Labor Day weekend! 

 Join us this Friday Night for a taste of 3 unique wines you are sure to love!

California – Moscato Bella

 Apricot, honey-suckle, flower blossom, green apple!   A low alcohol, dry and crisp wine with a subtle sweetness, just perfect for an aperitif, fruits and cheeses. Although Muscat can be grown all over the world, Moscato Bella is from California’s Central Coast and what a sweetheart she is. Serve ice cold

 

Italy – Lo Duca Reggiano Lambrusco

 Lo Duca Lambrusco Reggiano D.O.C. is a light hearted, full bodied, semi sweet red wine, naturally fermented, naturally carbonated, and made of 100% pure Lambrusco grapes. It’s fun to drink with any meal, as a cocktail or as a wine cooler. Serve ice cold

 

 France – Old Fart

If  you like Cotes du Rhone, give Old Fart a try.  This wine is no joke, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.  The Grenache makes it fresh and juicy while the syrah gives the wine structure and great balance.  It is best described as a robust and spicy red that is absolutely unforgettable.

 

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 8/26/11

Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 in Wine 101

Back To School With All A’s!

 

Join us this Friday Night for a taste of 3 great wines from:

Austria

Hillinger Secco Sparking Rose’

Gently sparkling and fine fruity: that’s the Hillinger Secco – the pink creation from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The bouquet has scents of strawberries, the palate appears refreshing, fruity and finely chiselled and presents a particularly elegant Perlage, well integrated acidity and a harmonious finish

Australia 

Rocky Gully Dry Riesling

90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 08

Pale yellow. Vibrant, sharply focused lemon, lime and quinine aromas reminded me of the Platonic gin and tonic. Clean, sharply focused and pure, offering energetic citrus and green apple flavors and a late note of anise. Very refreshing riesling, with excellent finishing lift and length.” 89 points Wine Spectator: “Dry and crisp, with melon and lime flavors plus floral and white pepper notes that mingle nicely with the fruit on the finish. Drink now through 2015

 

 Argentina

Felino Cabernet Sauvignon

A deep ruby hue accompanies an earthy nose, rich with aromas of fine-grained leather and licorice. The palate is generous and complex, with intrepid notes of black currant and boysenberry weaved together with graphite and sweet tobacco. Ripe, plush tannins combine with subtle minerality creating an ideal balance and a lengthy finish

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

 

Friday Night Flights 8-19-11

Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in Uncategorized, Wine 101

Two Mountain Winery   

Located in the Rattlesnake Hills area of the Yakima Valley, Washington State’s oldest appellation

 

2010 Riesling

 Hint of hay, green pear and wild flowers combined with incredible tastes of ripe citrus, green apple, and wonderful minerality with a light dry finish.  This wine lasts forever on your tongue and makes you remember why summer is so great!

 

 2010 Chalk Art Dry Rose’

This dry rose’ is made from 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 64% Cabernet Franc. It opens with aromas of strawberry, raspberry and hints of floral followed by flavors of cranberry, strawberry & rhubard with nice firm acid on the finish.  The label is a yearly art competition and $2.00 per bottle sold goes to the Pegaus Project to help autistic children.   

  

Hidden Horse Red

 Initially this wine screams of blackberry & fresh ripe Bing cherries.  The nose opens with rich aromas of dark fruits, tobacco & white pepper followed by flavors of blackberry, cherry and vanilla framed in toasty oak.  This Bordeaux Style blend spends 29 months in French & American Oak.  

 

No Reservations needed,

just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8 

Friday Night Flights “Australia” 8/12/11

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2011 in Wine 101

3 New Wines from Australia

 First is the 2010 Cooralook Pinot Gris

This wine has floral aromas with nuances of exotic fruits including lychees, guava and melons. These characters transcend to the palate which is soft with a bright and refreshing finish.

  Next, we’ll taste the 2009 Cooralook Pinot Noir

An elegant Pinot Noir that exhibits aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. This well structured wine with soft middle palate leaves you with a velvety silk mouthfeel

The 3rd wine is the Alpha Box & Dice Tarot Grenache

Bright ruby. An intensely floral nose features red berry preserves, rose, jasmine and candied licorice. Juicy and perfumed in the mouth, with a silky touch to the intense raspberry and floral pastille flavors

We love to taste new wines and share them with our friends.

During Friday Night Flights, join us for the class atmosphere with Victoria on hand to answer your wine questions

 

No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 8/5/11

Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 in Wine 101

“Opolo” RED Wine Tasting Event 

We are so excited to be tasting the following 3 RED wines from this outstanding vineyard located in Paso Robles

 

First, the  Grenache

Originating in Spain, widely bottled in France, and produced around the world’s finest growing regions, Grenache has found sanctuary at Opolo vineyards. On the nose, this Grenache starts with hints of rose petal, carnation, and hibiscus. On the palate, this win offers hints of smoke and leather balancing the bright fruit, creating an incredibly elegant marriage of flavors.


 

 Next, we’ll taste the Grand Rouge

This blend of Counoise (60%), Grenache (20%), and Petite Sirah (20%) displays hints of strawberry and mocha on the nose. It turns increasingly complex in the mouth showing layers of blueberry, plum and blackberry with hints of nutmeg and spice on the finish. Its lighter style makes it a perfect summer red.

The 3rd wine is the Petite Sirah

Impressively extracted, this inky, intense wine is sure to please the Opolo “Bigger is Better” crowd. Aromas of chocolate, blackberries, graham crackers with a touch of cinnamon inspire visions of what’s to follow. The palate is greeted by gobs and gobs of dark, jammy fruit unfolding in waves of chocolate, spice, toasty oak and vanilla. The long lingering finish is soft and round but don’t let this gargantuan wine fool you, it has plenty of dry tannins to satisfy the big red wine drinker and collector in you.

 

 

  We love to taste new wines and share them with our friends. 

During Friday Night Flights, join us for the class atmosphere with Sue on site to answer your wine questions

  No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 7/29/11

Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 in Wine 101

TAMAYA CHILEAN WINE TASTING 

We are so excited to be tasting the following 3 wines from this outstanding vineyard:

 

First, the  Estate 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

 Pure and dazzling pale yellow with green shades introducing a nose of green and white fruits,

citrus tones and flowers.
Sharp at the palate, good volume with a crispy, mineral freshness

and a bright fruity ending full of relieves

 

Next, we’ll taste the 2009 Estate Chardonnay

. Bright and intense pale yellow.
The nose expresses ripe white and tropical fruits, citrus and mineral hints.
Same atmosphere in the mouth, voluptuous and fresh at the same time.
Great and long after taste, taking back al the aromatic personalityn trough the long finish.

  

The 3rd wine is the 2009 Reserva Carmenere

 Deep and intense purple introducing a powerful and spicy nose of red peppers,

blackberries and plums.

Fine and complex toast notes add to the complexity.
Voluminous and juicy, the mouth is concentrated and fresh at the same time.

The structure of round and numerous tannins leads to a great spicy finish of peppered black fruits.

 

 We love to taste new wines and share them with our friends. 

During Friday Night Flights, join us for the class atmosphere with Joe on site

 to answer your wine questions

 

 

No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 7/22

Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in Wine 101

3 Exciting NEW wines from Italy 

 

 

First, the  2009 Pieropan

SOAVE DOC: 85-90% Garganega & 10-15% Trebbiano di Soave from southerly exposed hillside vineyards and clayey/tuffaceous, prevalently calcareous soil. Brilliant straw yellow, greenish hues; ample, delicate nose of almond and cherry blossoms, elderberries and lilies of the valley; complex and structured on the palate, with good acidity, silky texture, almondy finish. Note: From the 2008 vintage, the Pieropans have formally “sacrificed” the Classico label wording to Stelvin closure for best results in terms of freshness & fragrance. The wine is in fact as Classico as it ever was, only regulations do not provide for screw cap closures.

 

Next, we’ll taste the NV Monte Antico

  MONTE ANTICO IGT: The blend depending on the vintage is about 85% Sangiovese with 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The best selections are perfectly blended, aged 1 year in oak (80% in Slavonian oak barrels and 20% in barrique), followed by a minimum of 6 months in the bottle, and styled to a graceful balance of voluptuous berry tones and flexible/sturdy backbone. Ideal quality in vineyard and winery yield a food-friendly red with all the classic Tuscan seductiveness — delicious fruit, velvety, extract-fraught texture, full body, beautiful finish and superb balance. Dark Ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full -bodied palate–round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile — in others words food friendly and pocket friendly!

 

The 3rd wine is the 2008 Canonica Chianti Classico

  90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, and aged in barriques (90% French, 10% American oak, up to 3 years old) for one year.

 

 We love to taste new wines and share them with our friends. 

During Friday Night Flights, join us for the class atmosphere with Dan on hand to answer your wine questions

 

 

No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8

Friday Night Flights 7/15/11

Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 in Wine 101


DOLIUM MALBEC TASTING 

We are so excited to be tasting the following 3 wines from this outstanding “underground” vineyard:

 

First, the  2008 Rose of Malbec

Aromas of plum, blackberry, strawberry and mint.  You can also sense wood, vanilla and coconut.  This wine has a velvety mouth feel with a nice long finish.  100% Malbec, 8 mos. in oak  

 

Next, we’ll taste the 2007 Petite Reserva Malbec

Deep red color with strong violet undertones. Aromas of red fruits and blackberries, violets and ripe plums.  Delicate notes of white chocolate, coconut and cinnamon are also present on the nose. This is a medium bodied wine with good structure and a long finish.  100% Malbec, 12 mos 80% in oak, 20% in stainless steel tanks

  

The 3rd wine is the 2009 Classic Malbec

The wine is red in color with violet undertones.  This wine has very intense aromas of fruits, ripe plums and cherries with nuances of cocoa, coffee and tobacco.  This wine is well balanced, has a full mouth feel and a long finish.

 

 We love to taste new wines and share them with our friends. 

During Friday Night Flights, join us for the class atmosphere with Alan on hand to answer your wine questions

 

 

No Reservations needed, just stop by anytime between 7 and 9 for a taste!

Event fee $8