Cheers! from the Duke of Bourbon 
We here at the Duke are always thrilled when one of our good friends gets some national media attention. Take last week, for instance, when Jim Clendenen's Cal-Ital effort, Bricco Buon Natale 2001 Barbera, was featured in an article by MSNBC wine columnist Edward Dietch.Jim is best-known for his Burgundian efforts under the Au Bon Climat label, but he has made outstanding Cal-Ital wines for many years featuring fruit from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard (pictured). Looking at that gorgeous landscape, one understands why so many fabulous wines are produced from this vineyard. Mr. Dietch was effusive in his praise: "The wine I enjoyed was the outstanding 2001 Bricco Buon Natale Barbera. That's right, barbera from southern California made by Jim Clendenen, who owns the well-known Au Bon Climat Winery and who also makes and champions Italian-inspired wines, some of them under the Bricco Buon Natale label. The other headline here is that the wine has a suggested price of just $12, and may even be a couple of dollars less in some places. At last, an original California wine at a great price! " He continued with other nice comments, "the wine is, well, heavenly, and, like many of the vineyard's pinots and other varieties, showcases the extraordinary fruit that can be produced in this relatively cool-climate region with its long growing season . . ." and "Concentrated, moderately tannic and brightly acidic, it had good balance and structure and a long, vivid finish."And now for the bad news/good news - the 2001 vintage was sold out more than two months ago, but we do have the Bricco Buon Natale 2002 Barbera available. The 2002 vintage was somewhat warmer than 2001, so the 2002 wine is a bit more generous on the palate with great cherry fruit leading the way. The acidity is still bright and crisp, making this still a perfect wine to go with hearty Italian foods. Mr. Dietch suggested a slow-cooked meat sauce in his article and that sounds just about perfect to us. So, expand your horizons and try a Cal-Ital varietal from the Central Coast. The 2002 Barbera has a regular retail price of $12.00 per bottle. Call the Duke and order yours for just $9.99 per bottle. Buy 12 or more and save an additional 5%! Think of fine wine! Think of the Duke!  
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