One of the real pleasures about wine is seeing the new releases that tumble out every fall. Now, more than at any other time of the year, winemakers and winery bankers are anxious to get their products into consumers' hands. The holidays are just around the corner, the winery is bursting with new wine in tanks and last year's in barrels. There's a lot going on and the fresh juice just needs some place to go. The only way to make space is to sell off the wine that's ready for your table. And we couldn't be more excited about several of these new releases!

Two of Napa's superstar wineries have released winners. These probably won't last through this month so don't wait to place your order. Caymus releases their Cabernet Special Selection every year to rave reviews. Robert Parker had this to say about the new 2005: "92-94 points. A barrel sample of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity, a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive opulence as well as length. It should evolve for 10-15 years." The other major release this week came from the iconic meritage, Opus One. Their 2004 has just hit the market. The Wine Spectator rated it an impressive "90 points."

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 2005, Napa CAP $159.97/750 ml (regularly $184.95)

Opus One 2004, Napa CAP $149.97/750 ml (regularly $169.95)

Saving the best for (almost) last, I've never let it out that this is one of my all-time fantasy reds. But while you're collecting Yquem and Grange, what am I squirreling away? Alain Graillot's incredible Syrahs! So this year we got our hands on a little more than I could afford and I just have to share. Graillot is one of the truly gifted winemakers in the northern Rhône and yet smart enough to focus on Crozes-Hermitage. Crozes is the appellation that lies around the great Hermitage vineyard and is the largest appellation in the northern Rhône. Many producers make good Crozes, but none as well as Graillot. Let's hear what Josh Raynolds said on Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Review: "The 2005s are well on their way to being the most anticipated set of Rhône Valley wines of a generation that has enjoyed no shortage of 'vintages of the century.' Growing conditions from Côte-Rôtie to Châteauneuf-du-Pape were nothing short of sublime, save for the ongoing drought conditions that have plagued most of Western Europe's vineyards since 2003. . . . A cold winter followed by a moderately damp spring marked the beginning of the 2005 vintage in the north. The summer was dry and mostly warm but not excessively hot, with cool, breezy nights. The maturing of the fruit was a long, smooth arc, punctuated by rainfall at the end of August, which was beneficial to the ripening process." Do my Visa balance a favor and order as much of these as you can. You won't be sorry.

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2005, Rhone CAP $29.97/750 ml (regularly: $35.95)

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage "La Guiraude" 2005, Rhone CAP $49.97/750 ml (regularly: $59.95)

Okay, you read above what the International Wine Review said about the 2005 Rhônes. Here's what the Wall Street Journal said a couple of Fridays ago about one new-release 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape: "Best of tasting. Looks and smells great, with deep, dark fruit, blackberry juiciness and earth. Smoother than many, easy to drink, yet filled with character. Serious wine, big yet balanced, with soft pepper and just tightly wound enough that it feels like it's vibrating with life. Tastes expensive." Jump on this one, Chateauneuf-lovers!

Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005, Rhone CAP $39.97/750 ml (regularly: $47.95)

 Join us on Thursday, November 1 for a special class on California Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. These two varieties have been among the most successful produced in the Golden State and styles vary greatly depending on where the grapes are grown. We will taste examples from some of the finest small estates in California from Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara County.

 

The class will be held 6:30-8:00 PM and will be taught by local wine writer (and former Schaefer's employee) Tom Hyland. Cost will be $45 per person. Class size will be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To enroll email or phone Tom Hyland at 773-293-6790. Please do NOT contact Schaefer's to sign up.

Just in time for Halloween, this Saturday's tasting will feature wines from Angeline in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. Rated "American Value Brand of the Year" for both 2007 and 2006 by Wine & Spirits Magazine, these fresh, fruit-forward wines offer lush flavors and smooth finishes. We'll also taste the devilishly spicy Longbranch Bloody Mary Mix, made just up the road in Wilmette. On top of that, we'll be pouring a small selection of some of our favorite treats, whites and reds perfect for Fall weather. As always, the Saturday tastings take place 11:00-5:00 and are free. Hope to see you there!

We sell out of this Pinot Noir every year. While the debate rages on as to where the best Pinots hail from: Willamette, Santa Barbara, Beaune; we've been quietly building a loyal following for this Sonoma Coast beauty. You've told us you like this by making it one of the biggest-selling wines we stock. The 2006 has just hit the shelf and we'll have plenty through the holidays.

Stephen Vincent "Four Sisters" Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma CAP $26.97/750 ml (regularly: $34.95)

 Now's the time to sign up for our November class on Thursday, November 18, 6:30-7:45. Elegant Pairings - Food & Wine; special Third Thursday class featuring an extensive multi-course snacking menu from our deli with fine wines to match; CAP $25 ($30 non-CAP members)

New wine gadget and other news from Napa

That's all for this week. If we may be of any further service, please stop by our store at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie (for directions, click here), visit our website at http://www.schaefers.com, give us a call at 847-677-WINE (9463), 800-833-WINE (9463), or click here to contact us.