Toucan Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley (All Wines (alphabetically)) -- SidewaysWineClub.com Shopping Cart -- Valley Grande Arroyo Zinfandel, 2005 Wines, Toucan

<A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com" TITLE="SidewaysWineClub.com"><IMG SRC="https://store.nexternal.com/sideways/sideways.jpg" ALT="SidewaysWineClub.com" NAME="SidewaysWineClub.com" BORDER=0></A> <H1>Toucan Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley -- SidewaysWineClub.com Shopping Cart</H1> $30.95 -- A Maya's Selection. To me, this is a perfect Central Coast Zin. And its trail of Gold medals indicates I'm not alone in this opinion. <IMG SRC="https://store.nexternal.com/sideways/images/labelZIN2005crop.jpg" ALIGN=right ALT="Toucan Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley" NAME="Toucan Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley" BORDER=0 HSPACE=10> The Wine: I attended ZAP this year in search of Zinfandel not imitating port. I found many of the latter, with alcohol a point or two shy of Port’s 18%, and more sweet fruit than a jam jar. Cocktails, these. Wine shooters. By contrast, Toucan provided a pleasant respite for those who enjoy wine with food. This wine was my favorite of the day – the feminine elegance I want at my table complimented by enough taught, sinewy athleticism to avoid being effete. Winemaker Doug Timewell adds an 11% dollop of muscular Petite Sirah for color, depth and aroma enhancement. Look for spice and dark fruits and licorice and a subtle pepper spice that I particularly like. In my early wine days, I sought exaggerated pepper spices in my Zins. Today such wines make me sneeze. Do our senses get more attenuated to subtlety as we age? Accolades For the record, we selected this wine for our club members long before these awards were announced. And I know you come here because you trust our recommendations, not because we cater to ratings and awards and reviews. But it IS nice to see when the judges get it right once in a while! ;-) Note, 4 out of 5 judges must be in agreement to award a gold: <li>Gold Medal - California State Fair Wine Competition (2007) <li>Gold Medal - Los Angeles International Wine Competition (2007) <li>Gold Medal - Orange County Fair Wine Competition (2007) <li>Gold Medal - Dallas Morning News Wine Competition (2007) The Winery: This wine is popular at Tastes of the Valleys, our first affiliated wine bar, located in Solvang, CA. During a recent promotional appearance there, Winemaker/Owner Doug Timewell talked about the odd name for his winery. It all began as a hobby in 1992, when their first wine was fermented in two large cans, containers that provided the inspiration for the name, Two Can Wines. Years later, when searching for an identity for their first commercial vintage, it became today’s “Toucan Wines”. But no tale of Toucan is complete without mentioning Doug’s mentor - “Benny” Dusi - the 72 year-old descendant and current caretaker of the Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles’ most famed grower of Zinfandel grapes. While still employed in high-tech sales and dabbling in wine, Doug was introduced to Benny through legendary winemaker, Paul Draper of Ridge Winery, whose Zins helped make Dusi Vineyard famous. To prove his sincerity to this notoriously recalcitrant man, Doug selected two aged Cabernets from his collection and drove down to meet him. During this meeting, Benny referred to Doug’s Porsche as his “Volkswagen” and returned the gift wines saying “let me know if you find any old Zin”. Still, the meeting was a success, and it changed Doug’s life. Benny provided Zinfandel cuttings from his family vineyard and taught Doug the nearly lost art of tending head-trained vines, a training method that produces low quantities of high-quality grapes. In Doug’s case, he is happy to sacrifice as much as 25% of the possible yield in favor of the 100-300 cases his vineyard produces each year (the latter in the best of years, such as this 2005 Zinfandel). Cheers! Dave Chambers <LI>SKU: TOU-ZIN-AGV-05C Other products in the category <A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Category2" TITLE="All Wines (alphabetically)">All Wines (alphabetically)</A>: <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product943 TITLE="Adelaida Cellars, 2005 Cabernet">Adelaida Cellars, 2005 Cabernet</A> -- A deep and earthy Cabernet, from Paso Robles West Side <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product888 TITLE="Adelaida Cellars, 2005 Reserve Cabernet, Viking Estate Vineyard">Adelaida Cellars, 2005 Reserve Cabernet, Viking Estate Vineyard</A> -- The wine that is the jewel in the portfolio of Adelaida Cellars, from Paso Robles famed West Side <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1019 TITLE="Alain Normand, La Roche Vineuse, 2007 White Burgundy (Old Vines)">Alain Normand, La Roche Vineuse, 2007 White Burgundy (Old Vines)</A> -- White Burgundy is the home of Chardonnay, and still the classic sign post for its most elegant expression <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1037 TITLE="Andrew Lane, 2005 Merlot, St. Helena">Andrew Lane, 2005 Merlot, St. Helena</A> -- Merlot? On the SIDEWAYS site?? ! Yes, you see, Miles wouldn't have complained about this one! Merlot the way it should be. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1058 TITLE="Arcadian 2006 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard">Arcadian 2006 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard</A> -- Winegrower Joe Davis blends his old world training with new world fruit, creating affordable masterpieces. A big noseful of cherries and roses with a nice hint of oak spice. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product751 TITLE="Big Basin Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, "Rattlesnake Rock"">Big Basin Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, "Rattlesnake Rock"</A> -- A huge wine I enthusiastically support, despite my old world palate! Just 340 cases produced. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1091 TITLE="Bodega Carelli, 2008 Latitude 34 Merlot (Mendoza, Argentina)">Bodega Carelli, 2008 Latitude 34 Merlot (Mendoza, Argentina)</A> -- Another affordable gem that tastes like it costs far more than it does. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1003 TITLE="Bonneau Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley">Bonneau Wines, 2005 Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley</A> -- Beautiful dark fruit is topped by red raspberries and mouth-watering wafts of bramble berries and fresh ground pepper. 14.1% alcohol <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product990 TITLE="Bonneau Wines, 2007 Los Carneros Chardonnay, Catherine's Vineyard">Bonneau Wines, 2007 Los Carneros Chardonnay, Catherine's Vineyard</A> -- This wine should be an evangelist, going door-to-door to change the minds of people who have sworn off Chardonnay! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1101 TITLE="Brochelle, 2006 Cabernet, Napa Valley">Brochelle, 2006 Cabernet, Napa Valley</A> -- Gobs of ripe fruit. A hedonist's dream, perfect for wowing friends at the cocktail hour! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product950 TITLE="Brochelle, 2007 Estate Zinfandel">Brochelle, 2007 Estate Zinfandel</A> -- Adored by lovers of big and jammy Zinfandels! Gobs of hedonistic, ripe fruit balance the high alcohol. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1078 TITLE="Calzada Ridge 2008 Viognier">Calzada Ridge 2008 Viognier</A> -- Last summer, we sold more of this wine than any other white wine in our shop. Only 90 cases made! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product722 TITLE="Cass Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)">Cass Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)</A> -- When it comes to Bordeaux varietals like this Cabernet, Paso Robles rocks! (90 Points, Wine Enthusiast) <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1102 TITLE="Cass Winery, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)">Cass Winery, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)</A> -- When it comes to Bordeaux varietals like this Cabernet, Paso Robles rocks! (90 Points, Wine Enthusiast) <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product824 TITLE="Charles de Fere, N.V. Chardonnay Sparkling Wine "Tradition"">Charles de Fere, N.V. Chardonnay Sparkling Wine "Tradition"</A> -- A sparkling wine with the character of Champagne, but without the price! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1105 TITLE="Chateau de Riux, Riussanelle, 2008 Minervois">Chateau de Riux, Riussanelle, 2008 Minervois</A> -- A delightful mouthfull of fun flavors. Perfect for light dinners, leftovers, or sandwiches! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product987 TITLE="Chateau Fontan 2006 Bordeaux Superieur">Chateau Fontan 2006 Bordeaux Superieur</A> -- A "Bordeaux Superieur" - Did you know that 80% of Bordeaux wines cost less than $20? <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product947 TITLE="Chaucer's Pomegranate Wine (500 ml)">Chaucer's Pomegranate Wine (500 ml)</A> -- A dessert wine made from fermented Pomegranate juice. Sweet, but with tons of anti-oxidents! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1024 TITLE="Chronicle Wines, 2006 Pinot Noir, Cerise Vineyard">Chronicle Wines, 2006 Pinot Noir, Cerise Vineyard</A> -- The Pinnacle of the Chronicle portfolio, I fell in love with this wine the instant I smelled it! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1020 TITLE="Chronicle Wines, 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast">Chronicle Wines, 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast</A> -- This wine reflects the signature style of winemaker Ted Lemon (of Littorai fame) - elegant, food-friendly, and worth more than it costs. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1027 TITLE="Chronicle Wines, 2006 Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel">Chronicle Wines, 2006 Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel</A> -- My favorite at this year's ZAP - the massive annual Zinfrandel tasting in San Francisco. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product924 TITLE="Cima Collina, 2006 Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield Vyrd">Cima Collina, 2006 Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield Vyrd</A> -- Located amidst some of California's best Monterey Vineyards, this wine is from an upcoming vineyard and an upcoming producer. One to watch. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product837 TITLE="Clos Mimi, 2004 Syrah, Shell Creek Vineyard">Clos Mimi, 2004 Syrah, Shell Creek Vineyard</A> -- A big, muscular Syrah from Paso Robles. Look for inviting essence of coffee, licorice / tar and deep, dark fruits. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product543 TITLE="Clos Mimi, 2005 Syrah, Petite Rousse">Clos Mimi, 2005 Syrah, Petite Rousse</A> -- Blindfold me and I'll identify this wine as old-world. From somewhere in the South of France. Complex, country air, ripe blue fruits with hints of pepper and smoked meat and smoldering vineyard clippings and... I could go on and on. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1002 TITLE="Copain, 2007 Pinot Noir "Tous Ensemble" Anderson Valley">Copain, 2007 Pinot Noir "Tous Ensemble" Anderson Valley</A> -- Nuanced and subtle, with Bing Cherries, layers of black tea, and sweet spice. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product793 TITLE="Core Wines - 2005 "Mr. Moreved"">Core Wines - 2005 "Mr. Moreved"</A> -- Like a taste of Southern France, this is a big wine for those who love a wine with backbone. 17% Grenache, much like the great wines of Bandol. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product714 TITLE="Core Wines - 2005 Hard Core">Core Wines - 2005 Hard Core</A> -- In this wine, Dave Corey blends the Mourvedre and Grencahe grapes of the Rhone Valley with Cabernet Sauvignon. A "Super Rhone", if you will. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product484 TITLE="Denner Vineyards, 2006 "Ditch Digger", Rhone Blend">Denner Vineyards, 2006 "Ditch Digger", Rhone Blend</A> -- Big, rich and inky, this is a body-builder of a wine, the Rhone on steroids! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1106 TITLE="Domaine des Lones, 2004 Coteaux du Tricastin (Red)">Domaine des Lones, 2004 Coteaux du Tricastin (Red)</A> -- Tremendous value in a Rhone blend (in this case, Grenache, Cinsaul, Syrah) <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1088 TITLE="Domaine Sallies, 2008 Viognier, Languedoc">Domaine Sallies, 2008 Viognier, Languedoc</A> -- A beautiful wine at an amazingly affordable price! Looong finish of classic white pepper balances its floral aromas. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1053 TITLE="Elegante Cellars, 2006 Merlot, Walla Walla (Seven Hills Vyrd)">Elegante Cellars, 2006 Merlot, Walla Walla (Seven Hills Vyrd)</A> -- A beautiful hand-crafted Merlot, from a vineyard described as one of the world's best for Merlot. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1034 TITLE="Elkhorn Peak, 2006 Chardonnay, Vineyard Select (Napa/Carneros)">Elkhorn Peak, 2006 Chardonnay, Vineyard Select (Napa/Carneros)</A> -- A classic "New Age" California Chardonnay - rich, but not buttery or over-bearing. A modern classic. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1046 TITLE="Elkhorn Peak, 2008 Rose of Pinot Noir, Estate">Elkhorn Peak, 2008 Rose of Pinot Noir, Estate</A> -- The debut Blush Wine from this veteran pinot producer <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1040 TITLE="Fattoria San Francesco, 2007 Ciro Rosso Classico, Gaglioppo">Fattoria San Francesco, 2007 Ciro Rosso Classico, Gaglioppo</A> -- This exotic grape from Italy's Calabria provides and interesting wine of utmost complexity. Tremendous value! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1018 TITLE="Gilles Bonnefoy, 2007 Roussanne de Madone, Loire Valley">Gilles Bonnefoy, 2007 Roussanne de Madone, Loire Valley</A> -- Deeper and more brooding than Viognier, this wine can age for several years. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1063 TITLE="Gruet, NV Brut">Gruet, NV Brut</A> -- One of the finest domestic sparkling wines under $30! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1095 TITLE="Gruet, NV Brut Rose">Gruet, NV Brut Rose</A> -- One of the finest domestic sparkling wines under $25! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product996 TITLE="Happy Canyon, 2008 "Chukker", Cabernet Franc">Happy Canyon, 2008 "Chukker", Cabernet Franc</A> -- A great red wine for spring and summer - light and refreshing, easy to drink, and with moderate alcohol. A personal favorite! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product61 TITLE="J. Wilkes - 2004 Pinot Blanc, Bien Nacido Vineyards">J. Wilkes - 2004 Pinot Blanc, Bien Nacido Vineyards</A> -- A "Maya's Favorites" Club Selection (06/05) We are fortunate to get a small allocation of this wonderful best-selling summer wine! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product411 TITLE="J. Wilkes - 2005 Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills Vineyard">J. Wilkes - 2005 Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills Vineyard</A> -- The owners of Solomon HIlls Vineyard sell fruit to a few hand-picked producers. Jeff Wilkes was among the few. An exceptional example of Central Coast Pinot. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product147 TITLE="J. Wilkes - Half Case, 3-Year Vertical! '01, '02 & '03 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Block Q">J. Wilkes - Half Case, 3-Year Vertical! '01, '02 & '03 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Block Q</A> -- A 'Sideways' Exlcusive! A half-case, vertical collection. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product700 TITLE="JC Cellars 2005 Petite Sirah "Frediani"">JC Cellars 2005 Petite Sirah "Frediani"</A> -- More layers than an onion. Or a parfait. Whatever YOUR analogy, you'll enjoy watching this one unfold. "92 Points" - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product784 TITLE="Labyrinth 2006 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard">Labyrinth 2006 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard</A> -- The 2006 BNV Pinot from Labyrinth is going to be a classic. This one will age for a decade! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1104 TITLE="Labyrinth 2007 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard">Labyrinth 2007 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard</A> -- Don't judge this Cental Coast pinot by its peers. It stands alone. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product937 TITLE="L'Aventure, 2006 Optimus">L'Aventure, 2006 Optimus</A> -- A premium wine experience "90 Points" Robert PArker, Wine Advocate <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product935 TITLE="Loring Wine Company, 2007 Pinot Noir, Graham Family Vineyard, Russian River">Loring Wine Company, 2007 Pinot Noir, Graham Family Vineyard, Russian River</A> -- The only Loring Pinot from the Russian River, and one I can't get enough of! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1096 TITLE="Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Central Coast"">Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Central Coast"</A> -- The first multi-vineyard blend I've seen from Brian Loring, and at a great price! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1097 TITLE="Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Russian River"">Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Russian River"</A> -- The first multi-vineyard blend I've seen from Brian Loring, and at a great price! <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1098 TITLE="Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Santa Lucia Highlands"">Loring Wine Company, 2008 Pinot Noir, "Santa Lucia Highlands"</A> -- Pinots from Santa Lucia Highlands are zaftig - big-bodied - and generous. TIn this blend from multiple vineyards. <LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product1089 TITLE="L'uvaggio Di Giacomo, 2008 Vermentino">L'uvaggio Di Giacomo, 2008 Vermentino</A> -- Vermentino has been described as the middle point between Pinot Grigio and Gruner Veltliner. A great wine from one of the "Top Ten Winemakers to Watch" (SF Chronicle) <A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com/sideways" TITLE="SidewaysWineClub.com Products">SidewaysWineClub.com Products</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">pinot noir</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">rhone wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">wine club</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">cult wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">sideways wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">sideways the movie</A> SidewaysWineClub.com Online Store powered by Nexternal <A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com" TITLE="ecommerce solutions">ecommerce solutions</A>


Free Newsletter Wine Clubs Wine Shop Blog Gifts Toasts Recipes

About Us Contact Sign up for a Free Newsletter Follow Us on Twitter Our Wine Portfolio Privacy Policy sidewayswineclub.com © 2009. All rights reserved. 3053 Fillmore Street #183, San Francisco, CA 94123 TEL: 866-746-7293 FAX: 805-456-3336 Design by T2