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Rave Wines Ravings

May 2010

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time to re-visit some maligned varietals

Chardonnay that tastes like chardonnay?  Merlot, yes it's cool again.  Zinfandel that's well-balanced?  Shiraz that has depth and character?  Yes, it is time to try these wines again.  As part of this month's Rave Picks, I brought in one of each of the above varietal wines for you to taste, drink, love.  No, Chardonnay should not taste like the barrel it rested in (not that a hint of vanilla toasted oak is a bad thing sometimes).  Merlot should be juicy and well-fruited.  Zinfandel does not necessarily need to be "jammy" to be good.  And Shiraz, well, Shiraz should have great depth and character like an aged French Rhone wine.  So take a look at this months Rave Picks and be sure to take home a bottle of each -I know you will be back for more.  I myself am quite fond of the Makor Merlot, it is a great wine for the money.

Click Here for the May Rave Picks

none over 20 bucks

tasting this Saturday

Saturday May 8th, 2-5pm Wine Tasting hosted by one of our reps.  Come on in after the soccer/baseball/softball game (or the yardwork, or after a nap) and try some wine.  Several new vintages to taste and a couple of new wines as well.

Saturday May 22nd, 2-5pm Wine Tasting

All Saturdays, all day, a couple wines we like alot are always open.

upcoming seminars

THURSDAY EVENING SEMINAR SERIES Reservations required due to limited seating, but never a charge. Seminars begin at 7pm.

-May 13th. The World of Rosé. Join Rave Wines and Todd Hess (one of our suppliers) for this evening seminar devoted to Rosé and its roots. Seating is limited so call 708 383 3803 or e-mail your reservation to info@ravewines.com today! This fantastic event will set your thoughts to warmer days and warmer nights. Perfect Rosé weather is on the way.

-May 27th. The Wines of Domaine Serene. This Oregon winery is very well known for its outstanding Pinot Noirs, but there is so much more! Join Lisa Taafe, winery representative, for an up close and personal tasting of these wines. You will almost believe you are in the Oregon wine country, maybe. Call 708 383 3803 or e-mail your reservation now.

order now, arrival by the end of may

2 Bjornstad wines

EXTREMELY LIMITED.  Rave Wines will be getting just 12 bottles of each wine - so first come, first served!  E-mail or phone in your order now (708) 383-3803

In 1990, Greg Bjørnstad received a Wine Spectator Scholarship and worked the harvest at Newton Vineyards in St. Helena.  In 1991, Greg was selected for the coveted Chateau Lafite Rothschild internship.  Once home, Greg joined Joseph Phelps Vineyards as their Viticulturist.  After four years at Phelps he was prepared for more responsibility and returned to Newton as their Vineyard Manager.  In 1996, Greg joined Flowers Vineyard and Winery as Vineyard Manager and Assistant Winemaker.  The Burgundy bug bit him hard and it was there that Greg first “closed the loop” as he tended both vines and wines from grape to bottle.

Chardonnay Porter-Bass Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 2007 $44.00/bottle

Explodes with grilled pineapple, lemon drop, smoky meringue, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened and boosted by crisp, citrusy cool-climate acidity.  Racy and clean and complex, it should develop bottle nuance over the next four years.  The Bjørnstad block is planted to an old Wente field selection that includes a very floral clone of Chardonnay known as Musque.  63 cases produced.  93 points Wine Enthusiast

Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2007  $44.00/bottle

There’s a wildland, coastal mountain taste to this wine, which brims with bone-dry, exotic, woodsy tastes of wild forest cherries, fennel, balsam, cola, volcanic minerals, raw beef and Asian spices, not to mention the sweet veneer of sandalwood.  It’s utterly distinct from other Pinots in its almost feral complexity, a wine that changes with every sniff and sip.  It should develop through 2014.  Only 152 cases were produced.  96 points Wine Enthusiast

reasons to go to rave

1.  Checking out the new Rave Picks (see above, or click here).

2.  To see what wines are open Saturday afternoon at Rave.

3.  Catching the May 8th Guest Rep tasting from 2-5pm.

4.  Seeing beyond the Rave Picks. New wines arrive all the time.

5.  Spend time with the best, most knowledgeable, and friendliest staff in the Tri-State area!

curbside pickup available

Rave Wines offers curbside pickup.  No time to come in and shop the racks?  No problem.  Call one of our expert Wine Advisors 708.383.3803, place your order and provide payment information   We’ll put it together and load it in your car when you pull up: no parking – no hassle!

etc

Let us help you plan your party. From an intimate dinner party to an Open House, Rave Wines will handle your wine needs.  We'll fit your budget with only the best wines that will make you look like a superstar.

Did you know Rave Wines is available for private wine tastings?  Let us put our knowledge to work for you.  Groups from 1 to 60, we have done it all!  Limited availability.  Call or e-mail for details.

Of course we have Gift Certificates. 

Tell your friends. Forward this e-mail. Oak Park and River Forest are Rave Nation!

may picks

  • Makor Merlot
  • Di Arie Zinfandel
  • Boomtown Chardonnay
  • Yering Station Shiraz/Viognier
  • Thurston Wolfe PGV
  • Perry Creek Cabernet
  • Chateau Bellevue Lugagnac Blanc
  • Ossiam Tempranillo
  • Provenquiere Cuvee P Blanc
  • Barbazul Cadiz
    learn more on this month's picks»

events

Saturday Afternoon Tasting

May 8th 2-5pm

Casual.  No charge. more»

about rave wines

Rave Wines. Well-rated wines, expert recommendations, great value - that's Rave.

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1114 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
P 708 383 3803
info@ravewines.com

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