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This week's issue of the Wilder Side of California includes a pair of red California Rhones from a new producer called Rudius. The wine is the work of Jeff Ames who named his wine after the wooden sword Roman gladiators trained with and were given after they won their freedom from the arena. These are excellent quality wines at an even more compelling price; the 2005 Rudiius Grenache, VF 93 and 2005 Rudius Syrah, VF 94 are both priced at $35.00 Production on these wines are very small and Vinfolio is pleased to be one of the few outlets to offer it. For the reviews, click below:

Rudius Grenache

Rudius Syrah

Jeff first came to be recognized primarily for his affiliation with Thomas Brown on his projects (Schrader). Jeff also makes the well regarded Tor wines for Tor Kenward.

These wines are very small production and are not expected to last too long at Vinfolio.

In this week's issue of The Wilder Side of California I introduce a pair of wines from the newly established MORLET FAMILY VINEYARDS - La Proportion Doree (VF 95), and Coteaux Nobles (VF 93), The allocations for these two wines was just enough to make sense putting them into an offer. However there are another three Morlet releases that deserve your attention but our allcation is a mere six pack of each because of their very small production.

2006 Morlet Family Pinot Noir En Famille, Sonoma Coast; Vinfolio rating: NR

This is the only Morlet selection not tasted. It was personally stomped by the Morlet children. Winemaker notes are: Intense raspberry, wild strawberry, forest floor and earthy notes (graphite), very rich and complex with a lingering finish. Will age gracefully for over a decade. 100 cases produced

2006 Morlet  Family Pinot Noir Joli Coeur, Sonoma Coast; Vinfolio rating: 94 points

Dark in color, the nose is somewhat brooding and dark. The palate has deep, exceptionally polished richness coupled with a long finish. 100 cases produced

2006 Morlet Family Syrah Bouquet Garni, Bennett Valley; Vinfolio rating: 94 points

Roasted meat nose, the palate is creamy smooth and rich with blackberry, currant, white peppercorn. 50 cases produced.

Vinfolio is proud to participate in the third annual A Menu For Hope in support of the UN World Food Programme. Last years contributions from food bloggers from all over raised $17000 to help UNICEF. If you have never participated, this is a raffle where you may bid on this prize. An important item to remember is the the PRIZE CODE for this item is WB04.

Vinfolio has assembled a case selected from my Top 25 list of 2007* - wines that exhibit the pinnacle of quality, value and rarity that I seek throughout the year. This portion of the list represents only about 1% of the wines I taste throughout the year

The case contains one bottle each

2005 Herman Story Syrah, Larner Vineyard; VF 95 Made by Russell From, Vinfolio's Winemaker of the Year 2007

2004 Diamond Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon; VF 95

2005 Donum Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley; VF 97

2004 Fidelitas Cabernet Sauvignon, Champoux Vineyard; VF 96

2005 Neiman Cellars Chardonnay; VF 94

2005 Stolpman Whitle Wine L'Avion; VF 96

2005 Maldonado Chardonnay, Los Olivos Vineyards; VF 95

2006 Hartwell Sauvignon Blanc; VF 96

2005 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla; VF 95

2005 Dierberg Pinot Noir Estate; VF 96

2005 Dierberg Chardonnay Estate; VF 96

2005 Koehler Grenache Estate; VF 94

* subject to substitution

 In order to win click on the link at the top of the page and follow the instructions.

1. Choose a prize or prizes of your choice from the Menu for Hope.

2. Go to the donation site and make a donation.

3. Please specify which prize you would like in the Personal message section in the donation form when confirming yur donation. You must write in how many tickets per prize, and please use the prize code.

4. If your company matches your charity donation, please check the box and fill in the information so we could claim the corporate match.

5. Pleae check the box to allow us to see your email address so that we could contact you in case you win. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

Check back on Chez Pim (http://www.chezpim.com) on January 9 for the results of the raffle.