Wine Lab Newport

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fundraiser tonight - regular flight menu also available

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraiser
wine & cheese flight $35 + 10% of bottle sales go to charity


to go half glass
1 Szoke Matyas, Irsai Oliver 08 Hungary 11.99
6
  Paired w/ Purple Haze-Goat-Calif. 11.99

2 Leitz Dragonstone Riesling 2008 Germany 16.99 4 8
  Paired w/Mt. Tam Cowgirl  - Cow- Calif. 16.99

3 Urbanite Cellars Redart NV Calif. 10.99
5
  Mimolette - Cow - France 11.99

4 Bangin' Red 2006 Napa 10.99
5
  Smokey Blue - Rogue Creamery - Oregon 8.99

5 Calcareous Twisted Sisters Cab Sauv 2007 16.99 4.5 8
  Mimolette - Cow - France 11.99

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Enkidu Winemaker Event Tonight

Meet winemaker Phil Staehle and taste his unabashedly big and delicious wines 5:30 - 9 PM



Enkidu Winemaker Tasting  $15 to go half glass





1 Enkidu Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2008 25.99 6.5 13
2 Enkidu Pinot Noir Kiamberell Vyd RRV 2007 39.99 9 18
3 Enkidu Humbaba 2007 24.99 6 12
4 Enkidu "E" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 21.99 5.5 11
5 Enkidu Bedrock Zinfandel 2008 25.99 6.5 13
 



 







  Also, a variety of whites and reds $4 / glass - please ask


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Friday, March 12, 2010

Kenneth Volk winery event tonight - Flight of 8 wines!

TONIGHT: Michael Brown from Kenneth Volk Vineyards and Winery in Santa Maria

Kenneth Volk Flight - 8 wines - $15 to go half glass
1 Chardonnay Santa Maria Cuvee 07 19.99 4 8
2 Verdelho El Pomar Vyd 08 17.99 4 8
3 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Cuvee 07 (pre-order) 24.99 5 10
4 Negrette 07  (pre-order) 19.99 4 8
5 Merlot 05  (pre-order) 17.99 4 8
6 Cabernet Sauvignon 05  (pre-order) 24.99 5 10
7 Tempranillo Starr Ranch 05 19.99 4 8
8 Mourvedre Enz Vyd 06 23.99 5 10

SATURDAY 5:30 - 9: Tercero winemaker Larry Schaffer and 7 of his great wines!

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Flight for today through Sunday (Thirsty for Hungary!)

Stoke your wine mojo.... 
Take a tour of eastern European wines, the quality and value are ridiculous.


Thirsty for Hungary $15 (6 wines & nibbles) to go half glass
1 Crnko Jarenincan 09 Slovenia (1 L) 11.99 3 6
2 Attila Gere Olaszrizling 08 Hungary 11.99 3 6
3 Attila Gere Portugieser 08 Hungary 12.99 3 6
4 Dingac Peljesac 07 Croatia 11.99 3 6
5 Plantaze Vranac Pro Corde 07 Montenegro 14.99 3.5 7
6 Patricius Leonis Aszu 3 Tokai 2004 Hungary 19.99 7
Over The Top Reds Flight  $14


1 Juan Gil Mourvedre 2007 Jumilla, Spain 15.99 4 8
2 Arrowood Syrah Saralee's 04 (Reg. $37) Sale:
6 12
3 Arrowood Cabernet Sauv. 05 (Reg. $45) Sale:
7.5 15

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

fully booked all week starting at 6:30. various wines by the glass prior

(through Sunday, Dec. 20)
Wine shop open till 10 PM for bottles to go.
Online shop open 24 hours...;-)

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Skylark winemaker event

Skylark winemaker event with Robert Perkins (thanks Robert!):


1 Skylark Pinot Blanc 2008 15.99
2 Skylark Grenache 2007 24.99
3 Skylark Red Belly 2007  19.99
4 Skylark Las Aves 2007  21.99
5 Skylark Syrah 2007 Stagecoach Vyd. Napa 36.99
6 Skylark Syrah 2007 Rogers Crk. Vyd. Sonoma  36.99

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Flight for today through Sunday + Party Wines

Holiday Party Wines This Weekend
Flatbread pizza $10 / Three Cheese Platter of the day $15

Interesting Whites Flight  $8
bottle
half
glass
1
Leitz Dragonstone Riesling 2008 Germany
16.99
4
8
2
GioCato Pinot Grigio 2008
11.99
3
6
3
Dry Rose of the Day
~$10
2.5
5

Holiday Wines flight  $16






1
Bellini Cocktail Di Venezia
14.99
3.5
7
2
Brachetto d’Acqui
21.99
5
10
3
Patricius Leonis Tokaji Aszu
19.99
5
10
4
Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey Sauternes 2005
29.99
7.5
15
5
Justin Obtuse Cabernet Ruby Port 2008
13.99
4
8

Over The Top Reds flight  $20



1
McIntyre Pinot Noir Mission Ranch 2006 SLH
34.99
7
14
2
RN Estate East Knoll Cuvee 2005 Syrah / Zin
33.99
7
14
3
Darioush Estate Cabernet 2005
79.99
14
28

(+get $4 off RN Estate East Knoll to go)



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Friday, November 20, 2009

Flight for today through Sunday + Duende Tempranillo on Sunday

Try some amazing Portuguese wine we found this weekend!
Bonus pour of Duende Tempranillo on Sunday


Interesting Whites Flight  $9
bottle
half
glass
1
McIntyre Chardonnay Estate 2007 SLH
24.99
6
12
2
Deep Sea Viognier 2008
18.99
4
8
3
Las Renas Rosado 07 Monastrell (reg. $11)
8.99
2
4

Good Portugese Reds flight $12



1
Van Zellers Douro 2006
18.99
4.5
9
2
Quinta Vale d. Maria Douro 2006
35.99
9
18
3
Paolo Laureano Singularis 2006
15.99
4
8

Over The Top Reds flight  $16



1
McIntyre Estate Pinot Noir SLH 2006
39.99
9
18
2
McIntyre Merlot Kimberly Vineyard 2007
19.99
5
10
3
Broman Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa
35.99
9
18

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

McIntyre Vineyards Tasting Tonight only $10 if you say you're a blog peep

Co-owner Cheryl Warner will be pouring the following wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands:
  • LHQR Sparkling - the only Methode Champenoise made in Monterey County
  • 2007 Estate Chardonnay SLH
  • 2006 Estate Pinot Noir SLH
  • 2006 Mission Ranch Pinot Noir - Arroyo Seco
  • 2005 Merlot Kimberly Vineyard
$15 / $10 for club members. Drop by anytime from 5 - 8:30

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Results from the blind Pinot Shootout

This was a very diverse selection of Pinots!  All three were discovered to be the favorite by some people - just shows how palates vary.  Those that liked the Veramonte the best are lucky!

Here is the results of the shootout from most popular to least:


Arcadian Pinot Noir Gold Coast 2006
25.99



Road 31 Wine Co. Pinot Noir 2006
39.99



Veramonte Pinot Noir Reserve 2007
13.99



Thanks to all who were game and participated in the blind shootout!

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Monday, November 9, 2009

Results from the Syrah Shootout

Sorry for the delay in posting the results from our blind tasting last week. Here are the tallies in order from most points to least:

9 votes - Arcadian Syrah Westerly Vyd 2004 Santa Ynez    25.99
7 votes - Skylark Stagecoach Vyd. 2007 Napa    36.99
5 votes - Ken Brown Bien Nacido 2004 Santa Maria Vly    35.99
3 votes - Tallulah Syrah Bald Mt. Vyd. 2005 Napa    23.99

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Monday, November 2, 2009

Syrah Shootout this Week

Syrah can be one of the most delicious of wines when made by great winemakers. We've picked four of our top bottles by four top winemakers and will taste them BLIND.
Available Tuesday - Thursday:

  • Arcadian Syrah Westerly Vyd. 2004 Santa Ynez
  • Ken Brown Bien Nacido Vyd. 2004 Santa Rita Hills
  • Skylark Stagecoach Vyd. 2007 Napa
  • Tallulah Syrah Bald Mt. Vyd. 2005 Napa

We'll track your favorites and post the winner on the blog.
$15.

NOTE: We have a fundraiser on Wednesday, so space will be limited. Best to visit on Tuesday or Thursday.

Consider this a warmup for the Stoplman Tasting this Friday.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Flight for today through Thursday

Weinert Tasting Event Tonight! - best wines from Argentina so far...
Flatbread pizza $10 / 3 Cheese Platter of the day $15

Interesting Whites Flight $10 bottle half glass
1 Schmeltz Federspiel Gruner Veltliner 2007 16.99 4 8
2 Szoke Mátyás, Irsai Oliver 2008 Hungary 11.99 3 6
3 Round Hill Chardonnay 2008 California 9.99 2.5 5

Weinert Reds Flight $12


1 Weinert Carrascal 2005 (Malbec/CS/Merlot) 12.99 3 6
2 Weinert Malbec 2004 20.99 5 10
3 Cavas de Weinert 2002 (CS/Malbec/Merlot) 23.99 6 12

Good Reds flight $12


1 J Swan Cuvee des Trois Pinot Noir 2006 RRV 26.99 6 12
2 Box Car Syrah 2007 Sonoma 17.99 4 8
3 Opolo Moutain Zinfandel 2007 22.99 5 10
- Sake flight (three 2 oz. pours) $9
5 10

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Restaurant Week Begins

We get some love from "The Daily Pilot"
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/10/15/business/dpt-restuarantweek101609.txt

Join us, starting today through next Thursday for a great wine and cheese pairing experience. Special discounts on the wines tasted will be offered.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tonight - Fully booked from 7 - close

We have the Forgotten Grapes event tonight and are fully booked from 7 PM on.

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Cass Tasting Event Tonight

Welcome Ted & Lisa Plemons of Cass Winery
If you don't have reservations, we are fully booked until 9 PM. Open till at least 10 PM.
10% off 6+ bottles tonight only

Interesting Whites Flight $10 bottle half glass
1 Bodegas M Albarino 2007 Edna Vally, SLO 20.99 5 10
2 Arcadian Chardonnay Dierberg Vyd. 2006 25.99 6 12
3 Dry Rose of the Day ~12 3 6
Cass Winery Flight (1 oz. pours) $15


1 Viognier 08 22.99 5 10
2 Rockin' One Blanc 08 Roussanne/Marsanne 27.99 6 12
3 Grenache 06 24.99 6 12
4 Syrah 06 32.99 7 14
5 Rockin' One 06 Syrah. Mourvedre, Grenache 34.99 7 14
6 Petite Sirah 06 34.99 7 14
7 Cab Franc 06 35.99 7 14
By The Glass (more on next page)
half glass
Robert Foley Pinot Blanc 2007 Napa
5 10
PrimaVoce 2005 Tuscany ME/CS/SF/SY
4 8
Robert Foley Charbono 2007 Napa
7 14
(probably others, please ask)



Champagne
: Heidsieck Monopole Brut $15, Demoiselle Rose $16
Marquis De La Tour Brut or Rose $8
Bellini or Mimosa Cocktail $7, Tobin James Dream Weaver $7
Beer: Stella Artois $5, Amstel Light $5
Chimay Ale $7, Boont Amber Ale or Oatmeal Stout $6, Guinness $5

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Bodegas M tasting event Tuesday....

Join us Tuesday to meet the people behind Bodegas M, taste the wine, and enjoy Spanish Tapas. $15. Drop by anytime from 5 - 8:30 PM RSVP if you want to make sure you get tapas!

Bodegas M is the dream and collaboration of Michael Young, Margo Shugart, and Alan Kinne. Having lived in Spain and "cut his teeth" on Rioja wines, Michael has realized in Bodegas M a life-long aspiration to bring the best possible Spanish styled wines to market. Michael works as Sales & Marketing Director for L'Aventure Winery in Paso Robles, and has 32 years experience in wine sales & marketing with companies such as LVMH and Champagne Louis Roederer. He and partner Margo Shugart aim to express the pleasure to be found in "all things Spanish" in the marketing of these wines. Alan Kinne has joined the partnership as winemaker, commencing with the 2007 vintage. His extensive experience and familiarity with Spain and its grape varieties, coupled with his passion for Iberia, and his deft hand with these varieties, make him the natural candidate for the title Senor Tempranillo! Bodegas M 2006 Tempranillo was harvested from the Booker Vineyard. The original selections, from the Vina Pedrosa and Pesquera properties in Spain's famed Ribera del Duero, were taken from 60 year old vines and first hand-carried to the US by Alan Kinne years ago. At Booker Vineyards, the high-density plantation (2,100 vines per acre) yielded just 2.2 pounds of fruit per plant, or roughly 8 clusters, or one bottle per vine. The vines are all planted on a south facing hillside. "Of note", mentions Booker owner Eric Jensen, "is that, for some reason, in early September, the grapes stop moving, with little or no change in sugar and acid levels". "This gives the grapes around an extra 30 days to develop phenolic maturity". The result is a rich, concentrated, wine with a long palate, and complexity in the mouth. Bodegas M 2007 Albarino is from Jack Ranch in Edna Valley. The Spanish Albarino cuttings are from Galicia.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Fundraiser tonight - but others welcome too...

We have a fundraiser for the Huntington Beach Downtown Residents Association which is trying to contest the development of triangle park. Cost is $35 with $25 going to the cause and 10% of all bottle sales.

The regular menu of flights and glasses will be offered but fair warning the Lab will be full tonight!

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Tonight: the stunning wines of Dragonette Cellars

You must not miss the opportunity to meet Brandon Sparks-Gillis from Dragonette Cellars and taste the wines of this new winery in Santa Barbara Co.
today only - 10% off Dragonette bottles to go
Three Cheese Platter of the day $15
Interesting Whites Flight $10. bottle half glass
1 Bodegas M Albarino 2007 Edna Vly, SLO 20.99 5 10
2 White Knight Viognier 2006 Clarksburg 10.99 3 6
3 Arcadian Chardonnay 2006 Dierberg (Reg. $39) 25.99 6 12
Dragonette Cellars Flight $15.


1 2008 Rosé, Santa Ynez Valley 17.99 4 8
2 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 29.99 7 14
3 2006 Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 44.99 9.5 19
4 2007 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 32.99 7.5 15

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Pro Surfer Kyle Knox TONIGHT

FLASH: Pro Surfer Kyle Knox & his wine at the Hill Family tasting TONIGHT

Pro surfer Kyle Knox, who has been working with Hill Family on their Barrel Blend, will be in person at Wine Lab tonight!
6 wines for $10. DUDE!
Tonight Only - 10% off all Hill Family bottles to go. Kyle & Carly will be signing bottles you buy!
Drop by anytime this evening starting at 5:30


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Hill Family Winery tasting event

Hill Family Winery tasting event with Carly Hill
Taste 6 wines for $10. Drop by anytime this evening.
Tonight Only - 10% off all Hill Family bottles to go. Carly will be signing bottles you buy!
Flight $10 + tax bottle half glass
1 Chardonnay 2006 “Carly’s Cuvee” Napa 24.99 4 8
2 Pinot Noir 2006 “Steward Ranch” Carneros 29.99 7 14
3 Barrel Blend 2005 Napa 21.99 5 10
4 Merlot Beau Terr Vyd. 2004 Napa 26.99 6 12
5 Origin 2005 (55 Merlot/45 Cab) Napa 34.99 7 14
6 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa 39.99 8 16

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Share Our Selves charity event tonight!

We expect a standing room only crowd by 6:30. Please come anyway and help a great local charity that helps those in need in Orange County!
Share Our Selves - wine & cheese flight $35.
50% goes to charity + 10% of bottle sales.

Tax Included on glasses for this event -
bottle half glass
1 Valdez Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Sonoma 12.99 4 8





2 Pink Flamingo Gris Vin Gris Rose 2007
9.99
4





3 Vina Borgia Grenache 2007 Spain 7.99
4





4 Four Vines Loco Tempranillo 2006 Paso
36.99 8 16





5 Crane Bros. Brodatious Cab blend 2005 29.99 8
16





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Friday, June 19, 2009

Tonight, taste lots of wine for $15 ($10 for insider club members)

A few details on the wineries that will be pouring tonight at the Lab (5 - 9 PM):

Buttonwood Farm Winery, Santa Ynez Valley, is an 8,000 case producer out of Los Olivos. They are dedicated strictly to Rhone and Bordeaux varietals.

John Tyler Wines, Russian River Valley, is a partnership between the Heck Family (well known for producing sparkling wines in California) and the Bacigalupi Family (long time California growers who provided some of the Chardonnay fruit to Chateau Montelena that won the famous Paris tasting in the 1970’s). They will be pouring their Russian River Zinfandel and Pinot Noir.

Sierra Madre Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley, are long time growers with a prestigious list of current and former clients include Au Bon Climat, David Bruce, Byron, Fiddlehead Cellars, Hitching Post, Ken Brown, Lane Tanner, LaZarre Wines, Paul Lato, Qupe, Rusack, Sanford Winery, and Wild Horse. Current owner Doug Circle (an Orange County resident) decided to hold back some of their own fruit and produced the first vintage of Sierra Madre with winemaker Ken Volk starting with the 2006 vintage.

Clif Family Winery, Napa, is owned by the producers of Clif Bar, Luna and other nutritious, organic foods. They bring the same passion and commitment to quality to their collection of wines.

All wines will be for sale. Wines & prices posted shortly

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Tobin James in person this Friday

Tobin James
We're going to have a fun time with Toby James on Friday.
We'll be pouring and he'll be signing bottles of the following nine wines for $20 (+tax):

Dream Weaver Sparkling
Chardonnay Radiance 2007
Chardonnay Reserve 2007
Chateau Le Cacheflo 2007
Zinfandel Ballistic 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon Notorious 2006
Zinfandel James Gang Reserve 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon James Gang Reserve 2005
Liquid Love Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006

Save 10% on 6 bottles, %15 on 12 bottle to go!
Currently SRO but come on by anyway if you don't mind standing. Free validated parking in the garage below us.

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Four Vines postscript

The Four Vines winery event was a blowout. I'd like to apologize to those of you who made reservations and arrived to find there was no room to sit. Our idea to take reservations on the hour did not account for those who stayed two (or three.) We'll work to improve our system for future winery events.

The most popular wines were:
2007 “Naked” Chardonay ($11.99) [fantastic QPR!]
2007 j dusi “Dante Dusi” Zinfandel ($29.99)
2007 Heretic Petite Sirah ($38.99)
2007 The Peasant ($38.99)
2007 Sophisticate Zinfandel ($23.99)

The last 3 wines were samples air-shipped for the event. Orders were taken. The Heretic is very limited and I will get only one chance to order. If you have not pre-ordered your Heretic yet, let us know by April 13. The Peasant and the Sophisticate will be the next most allocated. email sales@winelabnewport.com

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