Anna Tyack Tastes SAINT ANDRE DE FIGUIERE Here , Sat. 4-8 PM : Two dry Roses ( One V.V. Biodynamic ), One Vieille Vigne Biodynamic White, Two Reds

This was a grand tasting which inluded four dry wines from the Cotes du Provence area of southern France ( all from the Doamaien de SAINT ANDRE DE FIGUIERE ) as well as one grand Chinon, 2007 " Les Gravieres " d"amador Abbe de Turpenay 100% Cabernet Franc from COULY-DUTHEIL ( Loire Valley, France ).

The SAINT ANDRE DE FIGUIERE wines were the : 2007 " Francois " dry red blend, $17.99 , the Atmosphere2007 Vin de Pays de Var rose, $9.99 ( it sold like hot cakes ! ), the Vieille Vignes 2006 biodynamic, old-vines ( V.V. ) dry white Vermentino blend with Semillon ( it was my favoroite because of the myriad of flavors, textures, highs and lows and everything in between - wow - impressive ! , $20.99 ) ; and the V.V. Old-Vines 2007 dry rose, $22.99 which was so big and bold and intense that I felt it needed food and a meal to fully grasp/appreciate. Too bad I was not down at Lavandou enjoying it with one of their meals!

We had a grand tasting that actually started from noon through 4 PM with Arielle Monaco with wines from Australia and South Africa. We tasted the Zeepard Shiraz 2006 ( western Australia, from WEST CAPE HOWE, $14.49 ) and the LONGVIEW 2006 Adelaide Hills " Beau Sea " Viognier ( ON SALE for $10.99 , reg: $18.99 ) : and the KEN FORRESTER Petit Pinotage 2008 ( $9.99 ) from South Africa. They all sold really well, too.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that our friend Tim and local rep for PEAK Organic Portland, Maine beer tasted out the " new " Pomegranate and Coriander Wheat beer ( sells for $9.99 a six-pack ) as well as the IPA that was just recently introduced at Tim's last tasting. I loved this new Pomegranate beer of Tim's : grand stuff, really - flavorful yet smooth and long and lingering in the finish.


Thanks Arielle, Anna and Tim : you guys are the best. We appreciate all your help at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits as our customers do as well. Cheers, TONY