Wine Lab Newport News

Interesting Wines

The best wine advice I have ever gotten: “There’s a lot of wine out there. Drink as much as you can, because you’ll never know what you’re missing if you don’t.”
Interesting wines are what make me passionate about wine. It captures the place, the winemaker, and the grapes. Interesting wines may be found at all price points. We like to sneak interesting wines on the tasting flights and this weekend a few are really out there:

Interesting White Flight ($12)

1	Edi Simcic Chardonnay 2005 Slovenia
2	Edi Simcic Triton Lex 2004 Slovenia
3	Eye of the Crane Rose of Syrah 2007 Napa

I hope you love our offbeat whites as much as we do. There are oceans of bad white wine out there and many who visit the Lab do not want to try any. I understand why - they've been burned by too much bad Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc. Don't give up! The wines on the flight need to be tasted.
Aleks Simčič came to the Lab to introduce me to his wines from Vipolze, Slovenia where he and his father Edi make small quantities of exceptional wine. Their vineyard is a stones throw from Italy’s Friulian border (part of Italy prior to WWII.) Unlike many of the stainless-aged Italians wines available, their wine is fermented and aged for long periods in oak, and are therefore almost French in style. Many top critics consider them to be the best winemakers in Slovenia. (Click here for a PDF with more info on Simcic)

Good Reds Flight ($8)

1	Tobin James Chateau le Cacheflo 2006 Paso
2	Andrew Lane Merlot 2005 St Helena
3	Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Aus.

I love inexpensive and interesting wine and that is what our Good Reds Flight is all about. These three wines are all interesting for different reasons (if you are so inclined, we'll tell you all we know about them.) But I'd like to highlight the Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon. Made by Ben Glaetzer (maker of the cult wine AMON-RA), it is in a fresh, light style that I find delightful and delicious. Not the overripe style you expect from Australia (and quickly tire of.)

Over the Top Reds Flight ($16)

1	Roessler La Brisa Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma Coast
2	Acorn Medley 2005 RRV
3	Crane Bros. Brodatious Cab blend 2005 Napa

Our Over the Top Flight allows us to bring you wines that can only be made at a higher price point. We encourage you to try and buy wines at various price levels. Everyone needs simpler wines for casual weekday suppers and wines with more finesse for special dinners or to share with guests. These three wines retail for between $25 - $30 but we believe they represent great value. (We don't sell any wine at the Lab that we do not believe is a good value.) I need to point out the Roessler La Brisa Pinot. A very small producer of fantastic wines, this was the best value Pinot of their entire lineup and everything was great (2007 is an exceptional year in CA for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.) Acorn Medley is an old favorite made by a retired couple at their small vineyard in Russian River. The Brodatious is made of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah and only 750 cases were made. It is delicious.
If you like one of the wines, please consider purchasing a bottle at the Lab. Our prices are competitive to other stores. We want to have a relationship with our customers and recommending quality wines at good value is our commitment.

Bellini and Mimosa Cocktails / Three Cheese Platter

We have Bellinis and Mimosas on the bar for $7.
Both are are refreshing and delicious (sorry for overusing that word but my thesaurus is broken.)

We now offer a Three Cheese Platter of superior selections from our artisan cheese case. $15.

Upcoming Events

Daily (closed Mon)	Great flights and glasses of wine changed at least once a week. Click here for today's wine
Friday Sept. 17 6 - 8 PM	B.R. Cohn Winery Tasting Event Current releases paired with fine cheeses. Wine will include Sonoma Chardonnay, RRV Pinot Noir, Silver Label Cabernet and Gold Label Cabernet. $25 - Reservations Recommended email us at: info@winelabnewport.com
Wednesday Sept. 22 5:30 - 8 PM	Tablas Creek Winery Tasting Event $20 - Reservations Recommended email us at: info@winelabnewport.com
Sunday Sept. 19 4 - 7 PM	Alzheimer's Research fundraiser $35 includes 5 wines paired with cheeses - 50% goes to charity plus 10% of all bottle sales
Thursday Sept. 23 6 - 8 PM	Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Ana fundraiser $35 includes 5 wines paired with cheeses - 50% goes to charity plus 10% of all bottle sales
Tuesday Sept. 28 5:30 - 9 PM	J. Lohr Winery Tasting Event (details TBD)
Thursday Oct. 7	Kovacs Brothers Winery Tasting Event with Jesse Kovacs (details TBD)
Friday Oct. 8	Milan Vineyards Tasting Event (details TBD)

Store and Wine Bar Schedule

Monday	Closed	Share a nice bottle at home with your friends
Tuesday - Thursday	4 - 9 PM	Happy Hour till 6 PM - 25% off flights, glasses & pizzas
Friday	Noon - 10 PM	Open early for your weekend wine. Happy Hour till 6 PM - 25% off flights, glasses & pizzas Reservations Recommended after 6 PM
Saturday	2 - 10 PM	Happy Hour till 5 PM - 25% off flights, glasses & pizzas Reservations Recommended after 6 PM
Sunday	2 - 7 or 9 PM	Happy Hour till 5 PM - 25% off flights, glasses & pizzas Open till 9 if we have business or 7 if we don't.

The Lab is available for your special event -- from small groups in our lounge to private events, contact us for details.

Thanks for reading. We appreciate your business.

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More info at: winelabnewport.com

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Wine Lab Newport
2901 W. Coast Hwy - Suite 100
Newport Beach 92663
949-515-VINO
info@winelabnewport.com

Free Parking Validation

There are two dedicated spots outside of the entry gate - no need for validation. If those spots are filled, enter the garage (underneath our building) and park in any visitor spot and we will validate your ticket. If someone is collecting a parking fee - tell them you are going to the Wine Lab and take a ticket.