Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Parker Rates 2005 Dominus (95+) and 2005 Napanook (91)
2005 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
95+
Drink: 2008 - 2028
$109-$224 (129)
The 2005 Dominus continues to strut its stuff, tasting like a Napa hybrid blend of a St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by notions of cedarwood, spice box, roasted herbs, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice, and truffles. Full-bodied with excellent fruit intensity, complex aromatics, supple tannins, and a long finish, this 7,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot should drink well for two decades or more. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
2005 Dominus Napanook Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
91
Drink: 2008 - 2020
$33-$55 (75)
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
95+
Drink: 2008 - 2028
$109-$224 (129)
The 2005 Dominus continues to strut its stuff, tasting like a Napa hybrid blend of a St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by notions of cedarwood, spice box, roasted herbs, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice, and truffles. Full-bodied with excellent fruit intensity, complex aromatics, supple tannins, and a long finish, this 7,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot should drink well for two decades or more. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
2005 Dominus Napanook Proprietary Red Wine
Dominus A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Napa, North Coast, California, USA
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 180Dec 2008
Robert Parker
91
Drink: 2008 - 2020
$33-$55 (75)
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.
2007 Clos de Los Siete gets 91 from Parker
Inventory in stock Houston, both 750 mL and 1.5 L.
List price is $12.75 for 750 mL and $28.50 for 1.5 L.
2007 Clos de Los Siete A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza,Argentina
Review by Jay MillerWine Advocate # 180 (Dec 2008)Rating: 91 Drink - Cost: $13-$20
There may be no finer red wine value in Argentina than this superb blend of 48% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 12% Syrah, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 11 months, two-thirds in 100% new French oak and the balance in vat and bottled without fining or filtration. Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass while offering up a superb bouquet of toasty oak, violets, mineral, black currant, blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a layered wine with gobs of ripe fruit, a plush texture, outstanding balance, and several years of aging potential (not that many buyers will be laying this down). This lengthy effort over-delivers and then some. Located right at the foothills of the Andes in a magnificent setting, this Michel Rolland project is off to a flying start. Currently 430 hectares out of a total of 850 are densely planted so there will be no lack of wine to go around. Importer: Dourthe US; tel. (203) 273-5642
List price is $12.75 for 750 mL and $28.50 for 1.5 L.
2007 Clos de Los Siete A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza,Argentina
Review by Jay MillerWine Advocate # 180 (Dec 2008)Rating: 91 Drink - Cost: $13-$20
There may be no finer red wine value in Argentina than this superb blend of 48% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 12% Syrah, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 11 months, two-thirds in 100% new French oak and the balance in vat and bottled without fining or filtration. Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass while offering up a superb bouquet of toasty oak, violets, mineral, black currant, blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a layered wine with gobs of ripe fruit, a plush texture, outstanding balance, and several years of aging potential (not that many buyers will be laying this down). This lengthy effort over-delivers and then some. Located right at the foothills of the Andes in a magnificent setting, this Michel Rolland project is off to a flying start. Currently 430 hectares out of a total of 850 are densely planted so there will be no lack of wine to go around. Importer: Dourthe US; tel. (203) 273-5642
New Years Eve at Brix Wine Cellars
http://www.brixwinecellars.com/NYE2008.html
This year on December 31st we will be closed to the public and we will host an all night party starting at 8:00pm. For our first New Year's Eve, we've selected some of your favorite wines and our chef has put together a special menu:
THE MENU: Spicy Ahi Tuna Rolls, Chilled Shrimp, Roasted Whole Foie Gras, Select Artisan Cheeses, Roast Filet of Beef, Roast Leg of Lamb, Gratin Potato, Petit Fours
THE WINES: Rombauer Chardonnay, Rombauer Merlot, Jordan Cabernet, Nickel & Nickel Cabernet, Roederer Brut Premier, Scharffenberger Brut, (Soft drinks and beer are included)
New Year's Eve at BRIXDecember 31, 20088:00pm - 1:00am $150/person plus tax and gratuity (your payment is your reservation and must be received before December 29, 2008)
To reserve your seats, stop by or call us at 281-374-6100.
This year on December 31st we will be closed to the public and we will host an all night party starting at 8:00pm. For our first New Year's Eve, we've selected some of your favorite wines and our chef has put together a special menu:
THE MENU: Spicy Ahi Tuna Rolls, Chilled Shrimp, Roasted Whole Foie Gras, Select Artisan Cheeses, Roast Filet of Beef, Roast Leg of Lamb, Gratin Potato, Petit Fours
THE WINES: Rombauer Chardonnay, Rombauer Merlot, Jordan Cabernet, Nickel & Nickel Cabernet, Roederer Brut Premier, Scharffenberger Brut, (Soft drinks and beer are included)
New Year's Eve at BRIXDecember 31, 20088:00pm - 1:00am $150/person plus tax and gratuity (your payment is your reservation and must be received before December 29, 2008)
To reserve your seats, stop by or call us at 281-374-6100.
Pictures from the D&E Holiday Party
On December 21st the D&E Division held a holiday party, hosted by Randy and Melanie Evans. Here are some pictures from the event.
Until next time,
Jason
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Work With
This was sent to me by a local vendor, it is well worth the read...
The wine sales industry has many strange idiosyncrasies and weird business practices. It cannot be likened to any other industry and typical business protocol does not apply.
For example, when a sales representative calls on an account, a restaurateur or retailer, to attempt to make an appointment, schedule a lunch, invite them to a special dinner with a leading vintner (gratis of course), there is absolutely no obligation for that call to be returned.
In the event that an appointment is made there is actually no real obligation to "make good" on that meeting by attending. There is no real reason that the buyer needs to be on time. During the meeting the buyer will continually be interrupted by deliveries and the like. Sometimes instead of an appointment "the cattle call" is implemented where the buyer has the representatives wait in an informal line while they deal with other business, they are seen first come first served, but sometimes breaks are taken for lunch, etc. and there is no guarantee that the rep will get their 10 minutes with the buyer at all that day.
The wine sales job takes hours of time, follow-up, driving in circles making repeat calls, stalking, spending tons of time and money eating and drinking at the establishment, whatever it takes to cultivate a copacetic working relationship, or even the mere normal decorum of any other professional business transaction.
There is another weird anomaly in the wine business called "The Work With" You may also hear it referred to as "The Drive With", or in its negative context as "The Milk Run". If you hear about "The Blitz" that signifies multiple "Work Withs." The reason for the existence of "The Work With" stems from US laws created when rescinding Prohibition, all wines must be sold from a producer to a wholesaler to an account (retail or restaurant) in what is called the Three Tier System. Generally, these wholesalers are relatively few in number, and despite consolidation the producers are more numerous. Even large producers and brands can get lost in the portfolio of a large distributor and need extra attention, so they send in their staff to enforce a focus on their brands by doing, you got it, Work Withs.
I think folks on both sides of the Work With would agree that a Ride With is one of the most awkward social interactions possible.
Imagine… a random person that you've never met and possibly have never even spoken to, arrives in their own car at your hotel in a strange city to take you around the town. Didn't your mother ever tell you never to get in cars with strangers? This is worse than a blind date. You get in and take off on the road with who knows who. It could be a spunky young woman, a sixty year old man, sales reps run the gamut of all walks of life. There are generally the obligatory comments about the state of the vehicle, "I'm just borrowing this truck from my husband who's a contractor, don't worry about the huge crack in the windshield, that happened this morning." "Don't put your stuff on the back seat, my son spilled his milk all over there last week and it is a bit gross." I am so sorry, my dog was in here and he just sheds everywhere."
Now wholesale reps, please bear with me, there are plenty of you who are absolutely normal, organized and productive, but generally you are the ones that move up to management quickly and don't need to go on Work Withs. That's why I have never ridden with you.
Generally the conversation starts with small talk, "Hi, I'm Julie, thank you so much for your time. We have a really full day." Or, "Hi, I'm Fred. I have to apologize, you see there's a winemaker in town, most buyers are super busy doing inventory and my cat was sick last week so I have been having a hell of a time finding appointments, but I figure we can pop into a few places, it should be a great day." Then they rattle off a slew of accounts that are planned visits (most of which will never actually show up or will shush you away because they don't want to taste.)
You talk about their kids, your kids, or your lack of kids, your pets, where you've lived, etc. It is excruciating. Imagine your worst blind date ever, because this is not going anywhere. Occasionally you'll find a really great match-up that you click with immediately, which can be fun. This happened to me when after three horrible Work Withs I got in the car with the rep and said, "Look, no offense to you personally, but I just cannot take one more minute of small talk, so if you don't have anything interesting to say can we just get through this day without it." She and I immediately got along and had tons to talk about. This is a rare occurrence.
You'll sit together at lunch, which is usually easier as you can talk about food, the weather, etc. Hopefully they will pull out their computer and put in some orders to take up some time. But then all too soon it's back to the car. You hop in and out with heavy bags laden with wines to show to the buyers. When you enter the door of the account you immediately become close buddies, friends even, which is hilarious.
But the best is when you get someone really dysfunctional. For example, as you're driving along you realize that you are playing the role of "driver's ed instructor", slamming your foot down at every intersection as they are gabbing on their Blackberry. Very close to reaching for the wheel as they careen towards the median while browsing through their account list (in 10 point font), stretching to find a place for you to go for your next visit. Turning to tell you their life story while staring at you.
You can attempt the tried and true tactics of faking phone calls, texting, mad emailing, even writing Thank You notes while in the car, but to no avail. You're trapped.
You will inevitably hear about their most secret indiscretions, "This is between us but…" You must understand that most salespeople lead an otherwise solitary existence, working from home, alone most of the day, dining alone, visiting accounts alone, so this is their (and your) chance to break out. Ironically most of these folks are otherwise very social people. At any rate, while you're careening toward the median they'll be discussing their recent affair with the brand manager of a certain winery and how they got married but he disappeared for a few weeks so she gave away his samples and the relationship surprisingly ended on a bad note.
The driving deteriorates once you start heading out to "hit a few accounts" after the rep has exhausted the possibility of tasting with any more buyers. You have a few cocktails at bars while she tells you about her recent bout with E. coli. He may have his dogs in the car. You may go to get an oil change, pick up dry cleaning, go to the bank or hang out in his back yard while he checks his email.
Hopefully the day will end early when she goes to pick up her kids at 4:30, you'll wait in the car with her until 5:15 and then she will drop you at your next account to take a cab to your hotel. Or even worse it may end around 11pm when after a long dinner and many wines later you enjoy the tenuous drive home.
But that's the nature of the wine sales business, so if you think you can handle it, even enjoy it, go right ahead. I can't wait to see you after your first Work With.
Until next time,
Jason
The wine sales industry has many strange idiosyncrasies and weird business practices. It cannot be likened to any other industry and typical business protocol does not apply.
For example, when a sales representative calls on an account, a restaurateur or retailer, to attempt to make an appointment, schedule a lunch, invite them to a special dinner with a leading vintner (gratis of course), there is absolutely no obligation for that call to be returned.
In the event that an appointment is made there is actually no real obligation to "make good" on that meeting by attending. There is no real reason that the buyer needs to be on time. During the meeting the buyer will continually be interrupted by deliveries and the like. Sometimes instead of an appointment "the cattle call" is implemented where the buyer has the representatives wait in an informal line while they deal with other business, they are seen first come first served, but sometimes breaks are taken for lunch, etc. and there is no guarantee that the rep will get their 10 minutes with the buyer at all that day.
The wine sales job takes hours of time, follow-up, driving in circles making repeat calls, stalking, spending tons of time and money eating and drinking at the establishment, whatever it takes to cultivate a copacetic working relationship, or even the mere normal decorum of any other professional business transaction.
There is another weird anomaly in the wine business called "The Work With" You may also hear it referred to as "The Drive With", or in its negative context as "The Milk Run". If you hear about "The Blitz" that signifies multiple "Work Withs." The reason for the existence of "The Work With" stems from US laws created when rescinding Prohibition, all wines must be sold from a producer to a wholesaler to an account (retail or restaurant) in what is called the Three Tier System. Generally, these wholesalers are relatively few in number, and despite consolidation the producers are more numerous. Even large producers and brands can get lost in the portfolio of a large distributor and need extra attention, so they send in their staff to enforce a focus on their brands by doing, you got it, Work Withs.
I think folks on both sides of the Work With would agree that a Ride With is one of the most awkward social interactions possible.
Imagine… a random person that you've never met and possibly have never even spoken to, arrives in their own car at your hotel in a strange city to take you around the town. Didn't your mother ever tell you never to get in cars with strangers? This is worse than a blind date. You get in and take off on the road with who knows who. It could be a spunky young woman, a sixty year old man, sales reps run the gamut of all walks of life. There are generally the obligatory comments about the state of the vehicle, "I'm just borrowing this truck from my husband who's a contractor, don't worry about the huge crack in the windshield, that happened this morning." "Don't put your stuff on the back seat, my son spilled his milk all over there last week and it is a bit gross." I am so sorry, my dog was in here and he just sheds everywhere."
Now wholesale reps, please bear with me, there are plenty of you who are absolutely normal, organized and productive, but generally you are the ones that move up to management quickly and don't need to go on Work Withs. That's why I have never ridden with you.
Generally the conversation starts with small talk, "Hi, I'm Julie, thank you so much for your time. We have a really full day." Or, "Hi, I'm Fred. I have to apologize, you see there's a winemaker in town, most buyers are super busy doing inventory and my cat was sick last week so I have been having a hell of a time finding appointments, but I figure we can pop into a few places, it should be a great day." Then they rattle off a slew of accounts that are planned visits (most of which will never actually show up or will shush you away because they don't want to taste.)
You talk about their kids, your kids, or your lack of kids, your pets, where you've lived, etc. It is excruciating. Imagine your worst blind date ever, because this is not going anywhere. Occasionally you'll find a really great match-up that you click with immediately, which can be fun. This happened to me when after three horrible Work Withs I got in the car with the rep and said, "Look, no offense to you personally, but I just cannot take one more minute of small talk, so if you don't have anything interesting to say can we just get through this day without it." She and I immediately got along and had tons to talk about. This is a rare occurrence.
You'll sit together at lunch, which is usually easier as you can talk about food, the weather, etc. Hopefully they will pull out their computer and put in some orders to take up some time. But then all too soon it's back to the car. You hop in and out with heavy bags laden with wines to show to the buyers. When you enter the door of the account you immediately become close buddies, friends even, which is hilarious.
But the best is when you get someone really dysfunctional. For example, as you're driving along you realize that you are playing the role of "driver's ed instructor", slamming your foot down at every intersection as they are gabbing on their Blackberry. Very close to reaching for the wheel as they careen towards the median while browsing through their account list (in 10 point font), stretching to find a place for you to go for your next visit. Turning to tell you their life story while staring at you.
You can attempt the tried and true tactics of faking phone calls, texting, mad emailing, even writing Thank You notes while in the car, but to no avail. You're trapped.
You will inevitably hear about their most secret indiscretions, "This is between us but…" You must understand that most salespeople lead an otherwise solitary existence, working from home, alone most of the day, dining alone, visiting accounts alone, so this is their (and your) chance to break out. Ironically most of these folks are otherwise very social people. At any rate, while you're careening toward the median they'll be discussing their recent affair with the brand manager of a certain winery and how they got married but he disappeared for a few weeks so she gave away his samples and the relationship surprisingly ended on a bad note.
The driving deteriorates once you start heading out to "hit a few accounts" after the rep has exhausted the possibility of tasting with any more buyers. You have a few cocktails at bars while she tells you about her recent bout with E. coli. He may have his dogs in the car. You may go to get an oil change, pick up dry cleaning, go to the bank or hang out in his back yard while he checks his email.
Hopefully the day will end early when she goes to pick up her kids at 4:30, you'll wait in the car with her until 5:15 and then she will drop you at your next account to take a cab to your hotel. Or even worse it may end around 11pm when after a long dinner and many wines later you enjoy the tenuous drive home.
But that's the nature of the wine sales business, so if you think you can handle it, even enjoy it, go right ahead. I can't wait to see you after your first Work With.
Until next time,
Jason
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Recent Chronicle Wine Article
Please click this link to read about several wines we have in stock...
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/wine/6153600.html
Highlights --
11744-17 Talbott Chard Diamond T 2005
Case list $324
Discount $204 (2k on premise, 3k off premise)
Net Bottle $54
Discount Bottle $20
25 cases in stock
26983-15 Patz & Hall Chard Zio Tony 2006
Case list $522
Discount None available
Net Bottle $43.50
Just 7 bottles in Houston currently
28276-17 NxNW Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Case list $155.40
Discount None available
Net Bottle $25.90
7 cases in stock
Also in this article, a reminder of an event that Chuck has setup with Dominique...
EVENT OF THE WEEK
• What: Reserve champagne tasting
• Where: Vino 100 Royal Oaks, 11693 Westheimer
• When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
• Info: Dominique Moran from Maisons Marques & Domaines will present five Louis Roederer wines, including the highly allocated 2002 blanc de blancs and the just-released 2003 Brut Rosé. Also offered will be a demonstration of sabrage, or opening a bottle of champagne with a saber. The Roederer house was founded in France in 1776 and has had a large presence in California’s Anderson Valley since 1981.
• Cost: $40
• Reservations: 281-759-4100
Until next time, Jason.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/wine/6153600.html
Highlights --
11744-17 Talbott Chard Diamond T 2005
Case list $324
Discount $204 (2k on premise, 3k off premise)
Net Bottle $54
Discount Bottle $20
25 cases in stock
26983-15 Patz & Hall Chard Zio Tony 2006
Case list $522
Discount None available
Net Bottle $43.50
Just 7 bottles in Houston currently
28276-17 NxNW Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Case list $155.40
Discount None available
Net Bottle $25.90
7 cases in stock
Also in this article, a reminder of an event that Chuck has setup with Dominique...
EVENT OF THE WEEK
• What: Reserve champagne tasting
• Where: Vino 100 Royal Oaks, 11693 Westheimer
• When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
• Info: Dominique Moran from Maisons Marques & Domaines will present five Louis Roederer wines, including the highly allocated 2002 blanc de blancs and the just-released 2003 Brut Rosé. Also offered will be a demonstration of sabrage, or opening a bottle of champagne with a saber. The Roederer house was founded in France in 1776 and has had a large presence in California’s Anderson Valley since 1981.
• Cost: $40
• Reservations: 281-759-4100
Until next time, Jason.
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