New Wines for a New Year

Those of us in the wine trade know there is a tax (sometimes referred to as the “bozo” tax) on those that have to drink the most popular varietal or need to show up to a party with a known producer.  You are welcome to continue paying the tax (thank you it keeps many of us in business) but if you want better wine and most often at a lower price, take the wine road less traveled and see where it leads.

First you need to be willing to try a varietal you may not have heard of.

Of the four “noble grapes” Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir (both reds) and Chardonnay and Riesling, so named because they produce memorable wines in many regions, Riesling is currently the caboose.

This was not always so, a century ago Riesling fetched the highest price at auction and was the most desired wine by Kings and peasants alike.  It is starting to enjoy resurgence as it makes compelling wines in styles from bone dry to fantastically sweet and is a great ager.  It holds two other important distinctions; it is probably the singular best wine with food (I kid you not) and is uncanny in its ability to show where it was grown.  Riesling is characterized by wines that are light in body and alcohol with a ratio of fruit and acidity that is in a different class, fruit notes that range from Mandarin Orange to stone fruits, earth notes-often the slate-minerality of the River Valleys of Germany or Austria, the racy acidity cleans up the pallet and makes every sip as fine as the first.  With age from a classic producer you will find notes of petrol and a synthesis of fruit and minerals that you simple must taste.  Luckily, Riesling is charming in its youth as well so buy a case now and enjoy it for years to come.

Here are some Rieslings to look for in Colorado and start the New Year by making a new friend that will be true for the rest of your days:

Two Rivers Riesling 2011- Grand Junction, Colorado about $15

Off dry style, Lime notes keeps it fresh, the winery is tucked between the two entrances to the Colorado National Monument.

Charles Smith Riesling Kung Fu Girl 2010- Columbia Valley, Washington about $12

Dry, Racy acidity, from the erasable Charles Smith, rock promoter turned wine maker, to quote Charles, “this wine kicks-ass.”

Koehler-Ruprecht Riesling Kabinett Steinacker 2003-Pfalz, Germany about $15

KR has been producing dry style wines since the 18^th century and are kind enough to share some of their library with the consumers of Colorado, straight from their cellar to Colorado

Pacific Rim Riesling Sweet 2010-Colombia Valley, Washington about $11

Two years ago Pacific Rim Wine Company put “Sweet” on the label, much to the chagrin of industry experts (Americans drink sweet wine but don’t are allergic to the word) in two years this is their largest seller-pear and apricot, noticeable fruitiness but refreshing as only Riesling can be.

Yalumba Y Riesling 2009-South Australia about $12

Australians drink Riesling and export Shiraz to America, recently they have let a little bit escape; Dry, big flavors of lime and watermelon, lip smacking good

Ken Theobald is the GM for Classic Wines a Colorado Estate Wine and Artisinal Spirit Wholesaler.  For over 30 years he has been a part of the Colorado wine scene both on and off premise and is has obtained the Advanced Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommellier.

Ken Theobald
General Manager

6489 E. 39^th Street
Denver, CO 80207
(303) 825-1360, Ext 230
ktheobald@classicwines.net

Evergreen Colorado – Relocation and Travel Guide

Betts Lake Homes and Custom Homesites at CO Golf Club

PARKER, CO – January 24, 2012 – Colorado Golf Club land development partner Arendale Holdings and Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) have joined together to promote and market a range of properties at Colorado Golf Club, including 32 low-maintenance luxury homes in the Betts Lake neighborhood and all developer-held custom homesites.

“This is a perfect match of top brands in the luxury living space,” said Scott Webber, president of FSIR.  “Clients trust us to seek out the truly unique opportunities, and there is absolutely nothing like Colorado Golf Club in the marketplace.  This is Colorado living, with incredible views, dark night skies, a convenient location and the chance create a lifestyle that most can only dream of.”

To launch the relationship, Arendale and FSIR have released  a new collection of custom 10 homesites not previously available. Averaging more than two acres in size, the Phase I Collection sites feature a variety of topography, from ponderosa pine-forest hillsides to open meadows with sweeping 100-mile mountain views.  Flexible building envelopes allow for a variety of architectural options.  Homesites are priced from the $400’s.

Betts Lake serves buyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle and a streamlined building process. Award-winning architect Karen Keating of Golden, Colorado-based TKP Architects has designed four different floorplans, each with a choice of elevations, multiple finish and fixture packages, as well as a streamlined building process.  The homes range from 2,000 – 4,500 square feet in size on half-acre to one-acre lots and all feature dramatic outdoor rooms and patios, creating additional living space and celebrating the outdoor lifestyle of Colorado.  Pricing begins at $1.1M.

“The Sotheby’s brand speaks to tradition, to luxury and to the exclusive lifestyle that Colorado Golf Club embodies,” said John Kunkel, vice president at Arendale Holdings. “We have a great story to tell, and Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty is the perfect partner to reach our top prospects and audiences.”

Information and tours of the real estate at Colorado Golf Club are available by contacting Wanda Ford of Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty at 720.320.8901 (wanda.ford@sothebysrealty.com) or calling the Colorado Golf Club sales offices at 303.840.0090. More information is available at www.fullersothebysrealty.com.

Old world Italy at the base of Pike’s Peak

This beautiful Tuscan home for sale in the Colorado Springs area sits at the base of Pikes Peak, surrounded by mountain views. A private retreat located within a secure gated community in Cascade, Colorado, this property exudes Old World European luxury and is constructed with the finest materials, many imported and rare. It may look like a charming old Italian villa from the outside, but this home also boasts every modern feature available.

As you enter the home and walk into the living area, you’ll notice the dramatic marble floor tiling with wood inlays. Travertine columns, 8-foot alder doors, and elegant moldings add to the strong European feel. The barrel and cross-vaulted ceilings feature exposed beams, and the entry hall features a mural. The craftsmanship is unusual in its level of detail and quality, and throughout the home you will find expertly executed finishes using rare and timeless materials.

The kitchen features onyx countertops and unique copper finishes on many of the appliances, calling to mind the warm and inviting feel of an Italian kitchen. A bank of windows looks out over the green mountain scenery. There is plenty of cabinet space, a large center island, and space for eating a casual meal. An amazing breakfast nook is tucked into a rounded enclave surrounded by windows, with an intricately patterned tile floor. Above an elegant chandelier hangs from the recessed ceiling, which is painted in striking detail. A dining room and full bar are also available for larger, formal gatherings.

Outside, the large deck provides even more gathering space, with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Outdoor entertaining isn’t limited to the deck, however. A large stone rotunda with a fireplace and wood-paneled ceiling is perfect for parties or intimate gatherings.

The master bedroom is worthy of royalty, with gleaming wood floors, soaring ceilings, a stone fireplace, and breathtaking views. The bathroom is enormous with a jacuzzi, steam shower, and sauna. A laundry room adjoins the impressive master closet, with seemingly endless wood shelving and drawers.

A home theater with over $30,000 of included electronics, whole house sound system, coffee bar, and dog wash are also included among the home’s many highlights, and like any good European-style estate, this home boasts a spectacular wine cellar for the discerning collector or the novice who’d like to learn more. The cellar is well-constructed and handsome, with stone ceilings, fine wood, and deep red walls.

4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms
Approx. 5910 sq. ft.
MLS #:1033486

Offered at $1,500,000

5010 Chipita Pines Drive,
Cascade, CO 80809

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For more information on this exquisite piece of Colorado real estate, contact Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty agent Doug Osinski, of our Castle Pines Village office:

Doug Osinski, Castle Pines Village/Colorado Springs Realtor
Doug.Osinski@SothebysRealty.com
719.310.1875 (cell)

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Denver’s housing growth makes it the nation’s best place to invest in 2012

According to a Fox Business News interview with OwnAmerica.com CEO Greg Rand, Denver’s active lifestyle and peerless quality of life make it the nation’s best place to invest in 2012. People from all corners of the nation are flocking to the Mile High City for the fresh mountain air, stimulating growth in the housing market. Unemployment rates and foreclosure rates in Denver are also much lower than the national average.

Rand goes on to explain how investors can profit from Colorado real estate, particularly the residential housing market, which is booming due to skyrocketing rent prices and falling home ownership rates. Watch the complete interview here.

Architectural Digest features Genesee home in “Top Designers” issue

One of our recent “Featured Homes” appeared in last month’s “AD 100” issue of Architectural Digest, in an article celebrating Alexander Gorlin Architects. The “AD 100” is an annual list of  influential architects and designers to watch in the coming year.

The magazine chose 918 Northridge Court in Genesee–a sleek contemporary home that blends seamlessly with the nature around it–as an example Gorlin’s creative style. Gorlin’s admiration for the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Stanley Kubrick are evident in the home’s sparse, chic, yet organic feel. The unique $5,500,000 residence was spotlighted as one of December’s “Featured Homes”.

Alexander Gorlin Architects was founded by the Rome Prize winner more than two decades ago, and has since gained a reputation for producing innovative private homes as well as contemporary affordable public housing. Read the original article about Alexander Gorlin Architects at ArchitecturalDigest.com.

Western mountain views and amazing entertaining in Castle Pines Village

This grand home inside the pleasant gated community
of Castle Pines Village features sweeping western views of the snow capped Rockies and plenty of space at over 8,000 square feet. Constructed with the finest textiles and highest level of craftsmanship, this five bedroom, nine bathroom estate is a truly magnificent find for the discerning buyer.

The kitchen is open and airy, with windows providing plenty of daylight. Extensive storage space can be found inside the handsome glazed cherry cabinets along the walls. Tile flooring and understated lighting provides and air of quiet elegance, and a large center island serves as a gathering place for friends and family. The breakfast nook is tucked right next to the kitchen, expanding the community space. The kitchen itself is stocked with all the tools a chef could ever need, with Viking, Subzero, and Thermador appliances.

For events and dinners, there is a formal dining room just steps away from the kitchen. Cocktail hour is easy to host with a full-service wet bar and a spacious living room with bold stone accents throughout. Guests can relax by the fire and gaze out the windows to enjoy the seemingly endless views of the Colorado grasslands and not-so-distant peaks. The stone mantle features built in space for your entertainment center or bookcase.

The potential for entertaining in this home doesn’t end there. Perhaps the most stunning gathering place on the property is outside, on the enclosed patio that provides an amazing space for barbecues, dinner, and drinks no matter what the season. A built-in television sits above the stone fireplace, and the ceiling features adjustable lighting to set the mood. Enjoy panoramic views from the windows all around you as you light up the stainless steel grill with friends or simply relax alone with a book on a crisp fall day.

The home’s exceptional array of amenities and entertaining spaces also includes an additional bar area, media room with projection theater, and a walk-in wine cellar surrounded by impressive stone walls. The door leading in is mostly glass, with a large pane set inside the dark wooden frame so that the bottles and fine woodwork inside can be seen. The masterfully crafted cellar’s capacity is large enough to hold the serious wine collector’s growing collection.

The back yard encompasses a generous area behind the home, beneath the deck space and balconies that jut from the exterior. Expansive views of the western scenery provide a beautiful backdrop for the home, and the lot maintains a neat, manicured appearance through well-designed professional landscaping.

This remarkable piece of Colorado real estate blends effortlessly with the awe-inspiring surroundings, and is located in one of metro Denver’s most sought-after neighborhoods—Castle Pines Village. As a distinguished Colorado luxury home in one of the state’s finest residential communities,778 International Isle Drive is an enviable place to call home.

5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms
Approximately 8207 sq. ft.
MLS#: 881931

Offered at $2,250,000

778 International Isle Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80108

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Listed by Castle Pines Village real estate agent Rosemary Nigh:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Rosemary Nigh, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty real estate agent
rnigh@fullerproperties.com
303.229.9340 (cell)
303.660.8800 (office)
303.814.1740 (fax)

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Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty sponsors the Steadman Clinic Vail Cup

Beaver Creek, CO (January 2012)—Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty, a leader in the sale and purchase of luxury residences throughout the Vail Valley, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Steadman Clinic Vail Cup.  Free and open to youths age 14 and under, the race series includes a variety of ski and snowboarding events for all abilities beginning on January 22^nd and ending with races and a barbecue on March 18^th. A detailed schedule and information is available at www.VailCup.com.

“We’re very excited to be a sponsor of this tremendous community event, which has been part of the Vail Valley since 1963 and has become a great way for kids and their parents to be introduced to and experience various types of competitive skiing and snowboarding,” said Kraig Forbes, head of the Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty office and a leader in the local real estate market since 1995.  “The event represents the incredible ‘winter sports spirit’ that exists here in the Valley and that our team is very proud to be part of.  We invite anyone and everyone to join us at the giant slalom races for a hot chocolate on us!”

In 1963, the newly formed Ski Club Vail hosted its first Rocky Mountain Ski Association race, and the Vail Cup was born. More than 40 years later, the Vail Cup was reborn as an exciting and challenging series of events encompassing all programs offered by Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV).

Events on 5 Sundays (January – March) with a Finale BBQ on the last day (a complete schedule is available at http://www.vailcup.com)

• Events held on Vail Mountain’s Gold Peak and at the Vail Nordic Center
• Includes a combination of two of the following events each day: Giant Slalom races, Moguls, Nordic and Park & Pipe
• Open and free to youth ages 14 and under
• Open to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
• No Ski and Snowboard Club Vail membership is needed – Buddy Werner, Devo, Bevo & independents welcome
• Includes Downhill Dash ski/ride-a-thon scholarship fundraiser

Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty is a proud member of the local business community, providing unparalleled marketing and support services to their clients who are buying or selling a home in Vail Valley.  As a Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate, Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty has access to SIR’s comprehensive website and will advertise in the quarterly publication Connoisseur, which has a circulation of over 65,000 in both the Vail Valley and Denver markets. Now more than ever, the firm is uniquely positioned to help buyers and sellers navigate today’s market challenges and opportunities.

“Priceless” water property in Colorado

In Colorado, water is priceless. Especially when it provides a place for private recreation, where you can catch trophy fish and relax—all within a private compound. A rare opportunity exists in Boulder County, where a classic Victorian home for sale sits on a peaceful 108-acre estate with invaluable private water.

The original owner of 7001 Rozena long ago had the vision to acquire more than 600 acre feet of water during the past decades, and by doing so greatly enhanced the value and overall enjoyment this unique Colorado location will provide to its next owner.  Two lakes, a reservoir and a stream (filled with rainbow and brown trout) provide private water escapes that would be very hard to find anywhere else in the state.

Independent Reservoir is 15 feet deep and is filled with warm water fish and has ample space–32-plus acres–for boating.  Lake Constance is joined to Birch Lake by a private stream, all of which are swimming with Colorado trout.  For people who love water, and love the Rocky Mountains, this is the ideal situation.

All of this incredible water belongs to whoever holds the deed to this rare piece of land..  Located in Boulder County, in Hygiene, CO, the property is discrete and private in a quiet natural setting.  Gardens, vineyards, and native flowers all enhance the setting that includes uninterrupted views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, nestled in what can be described as a wildlife sanctuary.

The 6,000 square foot Victorian was designed for gracious living and entertaining.  It defines comfort with five bedrooms, eight baths, a morning room, great room, dining room, study, fitness room and more.  A stream and waterfall–complete with a stone bridge–accentuate the winding drive to the home’s entrance.

Adding further value to the property are the mineral and surface rights that exist here, along with the opportunity and option to develop and build on six parcels of land surrounding Independent Reservoir.

Rarely does an opportunity for such a variety of valuable water and land rights come along in Colorado.  7001 Rozena is the ideal purchase for the person who wants a truly “priceless” property.  The rate property is being represented by Linda Scaglia of Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty.  More information is available at www.fullersothebysrealty.com

Magnificent log estate in Indian Creek Ranch, Loveland, CO

Behind the gates of Indian Creek Ranch you will find this magnificent modern log estate with gorgeous views of the surrounding valley. The secure  Loveland, CO community has only 7 home sites, so each property can enjoy the wide open space that surrounds the development–2,200 acres of county land. This Colorado luxury home sits on an expansive 35-acre lot, so residents are able to be a part of a neighborhood but still have plenty of elbow room.

As you pass through the impressive wooden doors to enter, you will notice the home is constructed with the finest logs. The interior is bright and inviting, with gleaming wood everywhere. The finish is light so as not to overwhelm.

The front entryway is accented with stonework in front of the door, and a grand chandelier hangs overhead.

One of the home’s biggest assets is its incredible amount of space for entertaining. The great room features soaring 20-foot ceilings, breathtaking interior log trusses, and entrancing views of the vast expanse outside.

Wood floors and tongue-and-groove ceilings add to the genuine log cabin feel. This home is a perfect place to gather with friends for a winter retreat, with a stone fireplace to huddle beside while playing board games or sipping egg nog.

The kitchen is equally spacious, and completely covered in lovely pale wood. The cabinets and counter tops have a sleek modern finish that creates a rustic yet modern feeling. Stone flooring covers the area around the island and appliances, providing a nice contrast against the hardwood.

The kitchen is fully-loaded, with stainless steel appliances and plenty of space to store food and prepare meals.

You may choose to gather around the large center island for breakfast so you can chat with the cook, or you can bring your meal to the breakfast table that adjoins the kitchen.

A chandelier hangs suspended from one of the overhead beams, and the views from the table are staggering. One wall is virtually made of glass, with enormous windows and french doors that open to the wrap-around balcony.

For those who like to entertain, the home has a seemingly limitless supply of rooms perfect for hosting large parties, meetings, fundraisers, or informal get-togethers with close friends and family.

The living room is perfect for meeting with colleagues or entertaining friends over coffee. Vaulted ceilings open up the room, set against floor-to-ceiling windows. Another stone fireplace balances the room with a sense of comfort and tranquility.

In contrast to the upper level’s grand, dramatic atmosphere, a  room downstairs serves as a comfy spot for relaxation and recreation.  Lower ceilings and carpeting throughout make this room undeniably cozier–but custom lighting, exquisite wood finishes, and a stately stone fireplace preserve the home’s air of understated elegance.

The master bedroom is truly massive, with sky-high tongue-and-groove ceilings, windows that reach to the roof, and a marvelous natural stone fireplace. Nature fills the room–stunning open-space views pour in from the gigantic windows, highlighting the carefully chosen natural details that make the home seem intertwined with its surroundings.

For those who crave an even closer relationship with nature, the amazing wrap-around balcony offers a place to enjoy the crisp mountain air and take in the never-ending views unobstructed. In the distance, you can see jagged rock formations and the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The spectacular deck provides 360-degree vistas and a versatile setting for parties and family gatherings.

This home is a rare find in Colorado real estate–with 6 bedrooms (4 suites), 7 bathrooms, and space to spare, it can be your quiet retreat from the chaos of life or a place for extravagant entertaining on a grand scale.

6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms
Approximately 7082 sq. ft.
MLS#: 1049145

Offered at $1,950,000 

5232 Indian Creek Road
Loveland, CO 80538

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Listed by Boulder real estate agent  Ron McCrimmon:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron McCrimmon, Boulder Real Estate Agent
ron.mccrimmon@sothebysrealty.com
970.214.2763 (cell)

 

View more CO real estate for sale.