Cheers Wine of the Month May Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend $13.99 

2010 Horse Heaven HillsLes Chevaux Red Wine

Cheers' Annual Spring Wine Tastings are coming up in a couple of weeks!

We wanted to give you a preview of the events and remind you that  the tasting events will be...

Thursday March 22nd, Tasting Event in Chanhassen ONLY

Chanhassen will host the wine tasting event on the 22nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m., but remember cheers entire wine inventory* will be discounted 15% all day at BOTH LOCATIONS!

Thursday March 29th, Tasting event in Bloomington ONLY

Bloomington will host the wine tasting event on the 29th from 6:00-8:00 p.m., but remember cheers entire wine inventory* will be discounted 15% all day at BOTH LOCATIONS!

Below you will find a preview of each of the events, click on "Read MORE" to see the previews.

These events are always fun and well attended and we hope to see you at either or BOTH! Here are the previews...

Cheers Wine & Spirits Annual Spring Wine Tasting Events!

http://www.mnbellacucina.com/

2010 Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc

Nestled within the Sacramento Delta, our Three Pears Pinot Grigio is sourced from an ideal climate for producing crisp, aromatic white wines.  The heavy maritime influence cools the afternoon heat with consistent winds, moderating temperature and allowing for clean fruit flavors and great acid retention.  Built on the levy system, soils are fertile but well drained tending to produce balanced vines; canopies with great exposure for subtle nuanced flavors. 

Aromatics of crisp pear, pippin apple and citrus.  Nectarous pears, peaches and apples combine in a rich mouthfeel, complemented by a savory acidity.

As the Holiday credit card bills come rolling in we thought wed feature a selection of dynamite wine at a dynamite price...

Dynamite

Merlot

Zin

Sauv Blanc

Chardonnay

Are all featured at cheers this month for only $7.99!

Sorry, Cabernet is not included.

Continue reading for mor information on these selections

CHEERS WINE OF THE MONT DECEMBER

Cline's roots run deep
In the latter part of the 1800s, Oakley, Contra Costa County was a booming farming community with thousands of acres of orchards and healthy vineyards. Fred Cline's maternal grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi of pump and spa fame, called this place home. On summer visits to his grandparents, Fred learned both the love of agricultural life and the mysteries of vinifying grapes into wine. These lessons led Fred to obtain a degree in Agriculture Management from U.C. Davis. In 1982, with an inheritance from his grandfather, Fred founded Cline Cellars near Oakley, California. Here, he preserved and restored many ancient vine sites to their rightful reign as premier California wine lands.

In 1991, Fred and his wife Nancy relocated the winery from Oakley to the Carneros region of Sonoma County on a historic 350-acre estate with new vineyards and facilities. While much of the cool Carneros region is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot, Fred pioneered the planting of Rhône varietals including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.

Over the years, Fred’s innovation has consistently resulted in some of northern California’s most distinctive Rhône-style wines and intense, flavorful Zinfandels, many with 90+ point ratings from Wine Spectator. Wine & Spirits called our Ancient Vines Mourvèdre “one of the top 100 values,” and in 2011 Robert Parker Jr. wrote in the Wine Advocate, “this is the finest portfolio of value-priced wines from Cline Cellars that I have tasted to date.”

Here is a preview of this Thursdays Wine tasting in Chanhassen hope to see you there!

Mark Nordstrom- The Wine Company

Riondo Prosecco

Light bodied with terrific floral notes, a clean, delicate finish, #1 selling Prosecco in America.

Cline “Cool Climate” Chardonnay

A new wine for Cline.  Green apple and pear aromas, very elegant and crisp with a touch of vanilla toast.

Cline “Cool Climate” Pinot Noir

Bright red fruit in the nose, lush and rich with some vanilla and strawberry flavors, great with red meat.

Alexander Valley Vineyards- Temptation Zinfandel

Nose shows plum and red cherries, round, full and jammy in the mouth, black pepper on the finish.

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of black cherry and cassis, dark fruit flavors with a little mocha.  92 points- California State Fair.

Chris Brown- Paustis & Sons

Entwine Pinot Grigio

This Pinot Grigio is sustainably farmed and harvested from select Estate vineyards in California, whose topography, soils and climate provide optimal grape-growing condition to develop ripe, round fruit flavors.

LaForcine Vouvray

100% Chenin Blanc, there’s an off-dry hint to this, but also cut and purity, with lovely quince, pear and green apple fruit laced with lime zest and ginger hints.  The long, mineral-filled finish is mouthwatering.  Drink now through 2013.  Score of 90-  Wine Spectator, October 15, 2011.

Castle Rock Willamette Pinot Noir

This elegant medium-bodied wine offers aromas of cherry and spice.  On the palate the wine gives flavors of berries, cinnamon, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak, and floral notes, with a long velvety finish.  This versatile wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.

Entwine Merlot

This merlot was aged for 12 months in American, French and Eastern European oak barrels.  These grapes were harvested and fermented in upright stainless steel containers.  Perfectly ripe and juicy, like summer plums and cherries with a hint of black tea.

Chocolais Chocolate Wine

Cream from Holland, Swiss Chocolate and Italian White Wine, fancy French name!!  What’s not to love?

Dave Richardson- Phillips Wine & Spirits

Seaglass Pinot Noir

Premium Santa Barbara juice makes up this great value wine.  Bright red cherry and strawberry flavors emerge on the palate.

Seaglass Chardonnay

This Chardonnay captures the best of Santa Barbara’s terroir.  Tropical fruit aromas lead to a creamy pineapple and zesty citrus fruit flavors on the palate, followed by a refreshing, lively finish.

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer

Soft golden hue with fresh aromas of rose petal and apricots.  The wine is semi-sweet with a hint of spice.

Hess Select Cabernet

Ripe plum and raspberry aromas.  Flavors of tobacco and caramel.  Easy to drink wine.

Menage A Trois Moscato

Three different growing areas make up this easy to drink wine.  Creamy peach, juicy melon, and rich golden honey flavors.  Plenty of acidity make it a great food wine, or pleasant sipper.

Paul Ragghianti- Grape Beginnings

Lagaria Pinot Grigio

A brilliant, smooth, medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced wine; extremely eclectic with food; ideal for aperitifs and parties.

Grayson Chardonnay

Aromas of bright peach and pear.  The pallet offers green apple with a crisp finish showing gentle hints of apple pie and toasted French oak.

Klinker Brick Zinfandel

Produced from vines with an average age of 85 years, this wine exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and plum intermingled with cedar.  Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure.

Klinker Brick Syrah

Deep garnet in color, this wine exhibits aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, leather, and pepper.  On the palate, there are layers of plum, chocolate, tobacco and exotic spices.  This wine is mouth filling with bright fruit, velvety texture and exceptional balance.

Big Ass Cabernet

Fruit-driven and full-bodied with lush aromas of cassis, crushed red berries and slight cinnamon and oak nuances.  Perfect complement to any rich or savory meal.

Quality Wines

Simi Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark red with a ruby cast.  Ripe plum and sweet raisin laced with blackberry, soft cedar and spice.  Fresh berries and cassis with undertones of tobacco and lush, ripe tannins ending in a long, velvety finish. 

Estancia Chardonnay

Light straw gold in color.  Bright tropical notes and stone fruit compliment the vibrant nuances of citrus.  Soft touches of toasty oak and cream accentuate the lingering, minerally finish.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Pale green in color.  A bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits backed by characteristic herbaceous notes that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known for.  An exuberant wine brimming with flavours of pineapple and stonefruit with a hint of herbaceousness, the finish is fresh and zesty.

Wild Horse Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir showcases vibrant aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, cola, and Asian spices, a very approachable food friendly wine with a light spice finish.

Ruffino Prosecco

Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubbles caressing the palate.  Intense sensations of apples and peaches drive a pleasant aftertaste that is reminiscent of fruity and floral aromas.

Martin Thompson- Wirtz Beverage

Vinas 3 Row Eleven Pinot Noir

Vinas 3 is a blend of three clones, picked from Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Vineyards.  This Pinot Noir delivers a luscious, rich cherry pie aroma and a silky smooth finish, with hints of spice and vanilla.
 
Kendall Jackson Avant Chardonnay                                

This refreshing Chardonnay is NEW and delivers a burst of intriguing layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemons, juicy pear and wildflower. 

 
Allure Pink Moscato

This fun sparkling wine has become a huge hit in Minnesota!  It’s festive in nature and has a flavor profile of peach, apricot and mint.  The combination of bubbles and off dry balance enhance the refreshment with every sip.  This Moscato is also great to mix for some fun holiday cocktails.  Think of vodka over ice with a splash of bubbles!
 
Smoking Loon Merlot

This brand was made for Minnesota, we gave it its name!  This wine has classic Merlot character, with bright cranberry and cherry flavors and light herbal notes.  Medium bodied with moderate tannins, the zesty acidity makes this an excellent wine for food paring.

Smoking Loon Cabernet

This wine is the perfect match to enjoy by a winter fire!  It has vibrant aromas of blackberry and strawberry, backed by hints of cinnamon.  A medium bodied Cab with moderate tannins balance out the long finish, with smoky, toasted marshmallow and mild herb nuances.

Lin Deardorff- Parley Lake Winery

Brianna Breeze

The Brianna grape was cultivated by Elmer Swenson, the grandfather of the early generation grapes that paved the way for many of the current success from the University of Minnesota.  The Brianna grape was sourced from Parley Lake Winery’s mobile bottling line partner, Tim Nissan, in Nebraska.  It makes a great introduction to Cold Climate wines.

Apples & Vines

Apples & Vines is more than a name:  80% of the wine is produced from Honeycrisp and Haralson apples.  The balanced and sophisticated style come from the blending of 14% un-oaked Chardonnay that adds a pear and apple nose along with 6% Frontenac Gris which adds freshness and fun.

Artisan Series 11

A proprietary blend of four grapes, aged in Minnesota and French Oak barrels to add complexity.  The wine pairs well with beef, pork, and lamb chops. 

Here is a preview of Cheers Holiday Wine tasting in Bloomington Thursday night November 3rd. See you there!

Mark Nordstrom- The Wine Company

Argyle Brut

Shows vanilla and pear in the nose, tiny bubbles, creamy texture; has been labeled as America’s best bubbly.  92 Points- Wine Advocate.

McManis Viognier

Aromas of apricot and honey, excellent mineral notes, pear and grapefruit finish.

Cline “Cool Climate” Chardonnay

A soft, toasty mouth feel, an elegant, great value wine; goes well with fish or seafood.

Cline Oakley Red

A blend of five grapes. spicy, raspberry flavors;  a great wine for grilled foods.

ROCO Pinot Noir

A rich nose of blackberry, flavors of red fruits and exotic spices, a long finish; as good as it gets from Oregon.

Cline Cashmere

A blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache, very smooth texture, cherry and chocolate notes with some spice.

Rolf Moe- New France Wine

 Arbanta Rioja

Tempranillo produced by third generation organic farmers.  “Very good value”-

Wine Advocate.

Montoya Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Seventy year old vine Zin with ripe berry and black plum.  A nice blast of pepper spice at the end.

Runquist 1448

The name refers to the elevation of this Amador County Winery.  A big, intense and concentrated red blend.

Pierpaolo Pecorari Pinot Grigio

Estate grown and hand-picked.  Taste the difference.  Richer and more concentrated than its peers.

Casamaro Verdejo

A great value Spanish white.  Lush fruit balanced by crisp acidity.

Crios Torrontes

A fantastic varietal native to Argentina.  Super floral with a lean focused finish. 
“Textbook Torrontes”- Wine Advocate.

Dave Richardson- Phillips Wine & Spirits

 A by Acacia Pinot Noir

Aromas of violets, spice, and black cherry with hints of vanilla.  A dark full finish with hints of oak.

Rosenblum Contra Costa Zin

The wine is deep red with hints of wood, leather, and black fruit on the nose.  Spice and ripe fruit best describes the taste of this wine.

Dona Paula Estate Malbec

Lush flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and plum with a rich, lengthy finish.

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer

Fresh aromas of rose petals and apricots.  Semi-sweet with a hint of spice and mild acidity.

Dona Paula Estate Torrontes

Floral and sweet tropical fruits on the nose.  Flavors of apples and grapefruit.

Roederer Brut Estate

Crisp and elegant with complex pear, spice, and hazelnut flavors.  Fresh and lightly fruity with great finesse and depth of flavor.

Paul Ragghianti- Grape Beginnings

 Lagaria Pinot Grigio

A brilliant, smooth, medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced wine; extremely eclectic with food; ideal for aperitifs and parties.

Grayson Chardonnay

Aromas of bright peach and pear.  The pallet offers green apple with a crisp finish showing gentle hints of apple pie and toasted French oak.

Chateau Ducasse

A Bordeaux Blanc blend of Semillion, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a rich, full, aromatic wine that is a perfect go-to white, pairing well with anything from fish to poultry, picnic fare to Indian curries.

Liberty School Cabernet

This Cab opens with aromas of black cherry, plum and violets, followed by subtle flavors of red berries and cedar on the mid-palate.  Firm yet supple tannins finish off this approachable, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, making it ideal for a variety of food pairings.

Meiomi Pinot Noir

Bright, deep garnet color.  Aromas of cola, blackberries and a sweet cedar note.  The wine unloads with flavors of bright cherry, cola, dried leaves undertoned with vanilla, leather and high style oak.

 Terrebrune Bandol Rouge

A blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault from Provence.  Framed structure, tannins that are fond but not aggressive.  Aromas of black fruits are mixed with liquorice.  Ideal for meals from grilled fish to game to red meats.

Mike Ellis- Quality Wines

Tintara Shiraz

Flavours of dark forest fruits, plum and cocoa complement the sweet vanilla oak, along with savoury spice and cedar, all carried on a balanced structure of fine grained, juicy tannins to give a palate of rich and even persistence. 

Franciscan Cab

Rich bouquet of deep blackcurrant, dark cherry and blackberry.  Hints of sweet vanilla with enticing mocha and tobacco notes add complexity to the dark, dense layers of fruit.

Franciscan Chardonnay

Lively, crisp, and balanced.  Layered with ripe apple and bright citrus flavors that are framed by rich vanilla and cream.  Elegant and full, with a long vibrant finish of pear and honey.

Wild Horse Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir showcases vibrant aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, cola, and Asian spices, a very approachable food friendly wine with a light spice finish.

Wild Horse Viognier

This Viognier is full of flower and fruit aromas commonly associated with this varietal.  It’s mouthwatering, made with 100% Viognier grapes and has incredible aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle and peach with flavours of citrus and tangerine.  

Ruffino Prosecco

Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubbles caressing the palate.  Intense sensations of apples and peaches drive a pleasant aftertaste that is reminiscent of fruity and floral aromas.

Chris Brown- Paustis & Sons

Educated Guess Cab Sauvignon

The first wine out of the Roots Run Deep group on wines.  This cab boasts 100% Napa Valley fruit and is aged twelve months in French and American oak to further enhance the rich qualities of the wine.
 

Steele Carneros Pinot Noir                                

Sourced from the Durell and Sangiacomo Vineyards, both situated in the cool Carneros region of Napa and Sonoma Counties.  Fermentations are carried out with as little manipulation as possible.  After fermentation the wine is aged for nine months in a combination of French, Oregon and Hungarian barrels.
 

Epiphany Cellars Gypsy Red

Gypsy is 47% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 19% Counoise, 10% Cinsault and 2% Syrah.  Only 1300 cases of this Rhone style, Santa Barbra red wine were made.
 

Salneval Albarino

The winery is located near the province of Galicia which is known to be the most prestigious white-wine producing region of Spain today.

Starmont Chardonnay

Grapes from Oak Knoll and Carneros are whole cluster pressed and aged for nine months in French oak for the stunning 100% Chardonnay.

Fess Parker Riesling

Not the most well known from the Fess Parker lineup this 100% Riesling is from two Fess Parker vineyards.  Done in 100% stainless steel this Riesling is a true contender when it comes to American Rieslings.

I don't get excited about Chardonnay very often, but I really dig this new addition to the Cline family!

Bogle Phantom, Get it Before it Disappears!

Every year Bogle releases this wonderful blend. It is limited so get it while you can because like an apparition, when it’s gone, it’s gone. I have been collecting these over the years, I pick up a couple and drink one right away and lay the other down for a few years. My experience is that when I open them right away the phantom blasts with flavor and tannin, kind of says, “BOO, I’M HERE!” Then after a couple of years, as it ages a bit, its tannins soften and flavors mellow nicely it kind of says woooooo woooooo I’m still heeeeere. Yeah it’s totally a phantom.  

Here are the wine maker notes.

WINEMAKER NOTES

Phantom is back…Bogle’s apparition of fierce berry and sensual spice returnsto tease and tantalize. Notes of juicy boysenberry and black fruit are deepened with aromas of pipe tobacco and black pepper, while subtle hints of clove and vanilla softly envelop the palate. Intense and luscious, the rich character opens to reveal red fruit of spirited cranberries and raspberries. Over two years in 1, 2, and 3 year old America oak capture and concentrate the essence of the three unique varietals, creating yet another vivid and full-bodied red wine, impossible to ignore.

Though the wine is remarkable now, age in the bottle will only integrate these distinct varietals more. Welcome the winery ghost into your home again with this latest vintage, and enjoy with full-flavored and hearty meals…before it vanishes again.

Zinfandel 51% - Petite Sirah 47% - Mourvèdre 2%