By Rick Riozza
Anyone who has been keeping up with this column already knows about Dan Sullivan. He is one of the last remaining independent wine merchants in our valley. And I usually ask him to contribute to this column on his great wine deals around the holidays, and, during other times of the year.
Although we’ve been casual business friends, during these last couple of months, I had the fun pleasure to really get to know the guy. It was perfect timing as I was just coming off convalescing from knee surgery and he asked me to assist him a bit at the shop.
For starters, when it comes to wine—he surely has the pulse of the wine community. Having been in the business here for over twenty years—managing first at the Los Angeles Wine Company in Palm Desert, Dan opened his own business around 2004 and remains at his Hwy 111 location between Monterrey and San Pablo, really close to The Red Barn Tavern. Dan absolutely knows his clientele’s tastes in wine, and, most remarkably, he remembers all their names. When you talk about personal service and comradery, Dan’s the man! Who wouldn’t want to buy wine from him—we’ll get to his wine deals in a moment.
I mentioned in my last article of the real kinship we shared as to wine, music ,and the beach club scene in the 70’s and 80’s; stretching from Concerts by the Sea in Redondo, through Hungry Joe’s in Seal Beach, to The Golden Bear in Huntington, and down to the Sandpiper in Laguna Beach.
We didn’t know each other back then, but we sure caught the same bands and musicians—and were able to share some fun stories about that area’s storied musical past. I mean—who in town remembers the band Honk from the soundtrack for Five Summer Stories, and local guitarists such as Michael Hamilton and Richard Steckel. Dan has all their CD’s at the shop! And check out his wonderful array of jazz artworks.
Dan’s acumen as to stellar classic rock, jazz & jazz fusion was to me a godsend. His varied music list that plays continuously could be called “the best of the best baby boomers hits of all time”. I may exaggerating, but my mind and memories were surely stirred while I spoke to the stores patrons about wine, vintages, and any cool vino stories that came to mind. (And he’s not stuck in a time-warp either; he’s got some current stuff that rocks.)
I miss all that, for as quick as I came onboard, sadly for me, I had to attend to the consequences of my competitive tennis past that came upon me again. Anyway—should you see Dan before I do, and of course I recommend his shop for the best wine deals in town—no question! Please let him know to leave me a spot on his roster down the road. It’s the place for wine lovers.
And now, Dan has some great recommendations:
2013 BEN MARCO MALBEC, $11.95: 92 points by Wine Spectator. The 2013 Ben Marco Malbec is now sourced from vineyards in Vista Flores and Chacayes in the Valle de Uco. The nose is really floral and fruit-driven (black fruit), a little spicy and displaying elegance and poise. The palate is vibrant and focused with pure fruit and silky, fine tannins to make it really drinkable. A great Malbec from Uco at a stellar price!
2015 GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC, $17.95. From New Zealand, A musky fusion of sweet scented fruits—nectarines , peaches and nashi pears with a dash of orange zest—intermingled with a floral perfume reminiscent of star jasmine and citrus blossom. A generous palate with citrus and cassis flavors , deliciously ripe and succulent, finishing with that classic Marlborough zing.
2014 SEGHESIO “SONOMA COUNTY” ZINFANDEL, $18.95. A new release blend that is spicy with lush black fruit of Alexander Valley; with briary and raspberry flavors, along with structure, of cooler Dry Creek Valley. Balanced and elegantly structured.
2014 POMAR JUNCTION VIOGNIER, $14.95. From Paso Robles, an intensely aromatic white wine, this Viognier is made from 100% estate grown and hand-picked fruit. It is fruit forward and excellent for pairing with several dishes. Lively notes of lime, peach, and honeysuckle are present.
This is a dry, crisp Viognier with a tropical and floral nose. Its fruit forward exhibiting lime and pear flavors on the palate, with a lingering peach and honeysuckle finish. This wine pairs perfectly with freshly shucked oysters or white sea bass.
2012 HAVENS “BLACK & BLUE” CAB/SYRAH BLEND, $29.95. From Napa Valley, this wine brimming with a bright nose of crushed black pepper, violets, blackberries, and a hint of roasted meats. Its deep, inky purple-hue catches the eye. Deep flavors of spicy baked plum, cherry & dark chocolate coat the palate and the smooth tannins add balance and structure. This is a wine for the cellar but can be enjoyed young with heartier fare, especially as the temperature outside drops at night.
2013 FLOWERS “SONOMA COAST” PINOT NOIR, $44.95. Shy and reserved, this cool-climate wine opens coyly with a burst of spearmint on the nose, evolving into layers of flavor steeped in rhubarb, black cherry and tea. Soft and lilting, the wine’s finish conjures thoughts of strawberry cream.
2014 CARMENET CHARDONNAY, still only$7.99! With rich characteristics of apple and spice, this lovely opulent wine is made in the style of a traditional Burgundy Chardonnay. Butterscotch and tropical palate, along with vanilla notes from the barrel fermentation. This Chardonnay ends with a smooth, crisp, enjoyable finish.
See you at Dan’s Wine Shop, Monday through Saturday 10:00am ’til 5:00pm (760) 674-0305 73-360 Hwy. 111 Suite #1, Palm Desert, CA. 92260
