Preview our new location starting May 9! 545 Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois [map] Our new expanded location will combine a retail bottle shop with a wine bar. With every visit you can try something new and find a new favorite.

Grape vines have finally produced their buds and the 2009 growing season is upon us! Although Napa has been getting lots of sunshine, winter has been reluctant to release its grasp. Mornings and nights remain cold and bud break is almost two weeks later than average. What can we expect this year? Rains this winter were very light and Napa received about a third less rainfall than average. In years with light winter rainfall, grape vines tend to have fewer grape clusters and smaller berries. Most likely growers will also thin more fruit because growers may not have enough water to irrigate a heavy crop.

Spring is always a time of excitement and anticipation. Now that bud break has occurred, Napa is buzzing with activity. The excitement can be felt at CuveeCellars.com also! Spring is the time when many wineries release their new vintages. Already we have found favorites!

With so many new favorites this Spring, we cannot possibly list all of them. Standouts include the NV - Francois Montand Rose Sparkling [$13.99] which is made in the classic champagne style. Crisp and dry, but bursting with strawberry flavors. Another standout is the 2007 - Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc [$13.99] which erupts with floral aromas. Flavors of pear and grapefruit follow into a crisp finish. Are you in the mood for a Napa Cab? The 2006 - Perata Frank's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon [$19.99] is a tremendous value in a Napa Cab. Medium bodied, with layers of black fruits intermingling with tabacco notes. Think BBQ! Last, but not least is the 2007 - Barnett Vineyards Tina Marie Pinot Noir[$36.99]. This sensational Russian River Pinot has big red fruits and an elegant structure. Wow!

Cheers!

Craig and John