flock and vine

Spanish White

2011-12-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Txakolina is a bottle of Spanish white that comes from an area near Castille de Leon. It consists of a blend of 5 grapes that are extremely hard to spell, let alone pronounce. But the wine in the bottle is light, crisp and refreshing. A perfect pairing for light fare, cheeses, poultry and seafood. There is even a technique to pouring. If you quickly pour, almost with bottle on it's neck, you'll find the wine to be slightly effervescent. It is such a treat, and won't break the bank.

Chateau Haut-Vigneau

2011-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

I've posted quite a bit of Bordeaux, given a general outlook on Right Bank vs Left Bank, grapes that are dominant in what areas and communes. The Chateau Haut-Vigneau is from an area of Bordeaux called Cote de Blaye. It's south of the city of Bordeaux directly north of the Cote de Bourg. This bottle is predominantly Merlot with just a bit of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is supple with lush black raspberry tones and black licorice mingling with vanilla. It is one of those wines that you can open straight away and enjoy, but would also benefit from some age. Stellar for a bottle that retails for under $25. Food pairings to enjoy with this bottle would be lamb, steak, duck and earthy dishes. Wild mushroom risotto with a duck rillette and dark cherry reduction...that sounds like a great accompaniment to a big glass.

Thanksgiving day juice....

2011-11-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Chablis....really is just Chardonnay. Well not just! It's Chardonnay from a land made for Chardonnay. Chablis is an area in the northern tip of Burgundy. The most famous soil (they have a few types) is a chalky, rocky substance called Kimmeridgian Clay that gives a mineral quality to the wines. It is actually fossil based as most of Chablis was once under water.

The Frederic Gueguen Chablis Premier Cru L'Homme Mort is a vineyard site in the Fourchaume commune. Gueguen himself married into the JM Brocard family, and has been making wines since 2003 with the help of his wife's family. By taking over the Domaine des Chenevieres site after the retiring of the previous owners, Frederic found his dream turning to reality.

The wines are stunning representations of Chablis. With citrus, white flowers, fresh bread on the nose and lime zest, granny smith apples, slate and ripe star fruit rounding out the palate, this bottle was excellent with the Thanksgiving day feast. From the beginning to the end, it paired well with every dish.

Pinot Noir again...

2011-11-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

I know it's another bottle of Pinot Noir, anyone having flashbacks of the pink wine string of posts? I promise I won't go nuts and spend the next few months on this grape...although it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, drinking Pinot Noir for months straight.

Radio Coteau is a wine that I've posted about before...although last bottle was Syrah. The Alberigi Pinot Noir was in stellar form. Cola, caramel and cherries on the nose with a full palate of strawberries, vanilla and lavender. A good balance of acidity and tannin structure would make this wine age worthy.

A good start...

2011-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Went to a friend's house who I had neglected all summer long (she was one of the many...see my previous post). I love going to see her for 2 reasons...first is I adore her and the second is she loves good wine as much as I do so it's always fun to see what she opens.

I brought the bottle of Burgundy-Mongeard Mugneret Gevrey Chambertin 2005, a tasty little treat from the Cote de Nuits in France. For argument's sake, and sounding redundant, Burgundy is an area in France. The Cote de Nuits is in the Northern part and is more well known for it's use of Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay being the predominant grapes in the region). Gevrey Chambertin is a small commune located in the northern section, just south of Fixin and Dijon. The wine was velvety and floral, with tart cherry notes. An iron aroma came through as you swirled the glass, and mingled nicely with the notes of mushroom and sous bois (fancy for the dirt under a tree or undergrowth). It was a bottle that would have aged longer, but was not suffering when we opened it. In essence, I didn't regret opening it...we've all been there, right?

The Frances Tannahill 2005 Maresh Pinot Noir was a welcoming surprise! A beautiful boutique Pinot from Sam Tannahill (formerly of Archery Summit) and Cheryl Francis (of Chehalem) who married and started their own winery. The Maresh Vineyard is located in the Dundee Hills AVA in Oregon. Opulent dark cherries and raspberries mingled with spices of nutmeg and notes of coffee. The nose had violets and perfume tones with underlying notes of citrus. Tangerine peel and caramel came through the palate with lingering acidity and supple tannins. The wine was gorgeous, and I as came to learn, a rare treat as it is not readily available to the general public. But their other wines are...and if this bottle is a preview of the juice they make, well worth the purchase!

It's been a long summer....

2011-11-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've just come up for air. I know the heading has the word "summer" in it, which seems far off since we've already had a Nor'easter, but I'm starting to realize that when you work in the seasonal resort industry...there are 2 seasons: Summer and Off.

This is the reason I have been neglecting this poor blog. It doesn't quite make sense, because in actuality, I think I have been drinking more...so I'm blaming the buzz, er I mean exhaustion. Now that I'm in the "Off" season the dedication will come back with full force. I know it's a bit early for resolutions...maybe I can call it something else.

I promise to drink more...wait, what?

I promise to put more education into the text...which may be hard (see above)

I promise that the wines will be in all ranges, prices-wise...no YellowTail here...

I promise not to apologize that I won't be opening bottles like YellowTail and Kendall Jackson

And lastly I promise to never call Sparkling Wine Champagne....

End of Summer Charmer...

2011-09-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

One of those great little wines that has depth for the cool nights coming, but can handle a chill (the bottle I mean) if you get an Indian Summer Evening. Mas de Guiot from Languedoc-Rousillon is 40% Grenache and 60% Syrah. Big ripe fruits are alive in the glass, with lively acidity and moderate tannins. The bottle is inexpensive and is extremely quaff able...most people won't say no to a glass!

Etiquette...

2011-09-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Screw etiquette...here is the correct way to pour a glass of Champagne!

the elusive nebbiolo

2011-08-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Nebbiolo is one of those grapes that is misunderstood. I remember when I first started drinking wine and someone was describing a Barolo ( a beautiful wine from the Piedmont region in Italy made from Nebbiolo). She was saying that people have a strong reaction to the grape, that they either love it or hate it. As I have learned more and more about wine and grapes and their flavor profiles, I have come to the conclusion of just how wrong this is....poor Nebbiolo is getting a bum wrap!
Coming from Piedmont in Italy, this grape is one that changes during maturation. It is a bold, big and tannic grape to start with ranges of plum, raspberry, floral and perfume notes to ending up with mushroom, leather, baked plum and earthy notes. It mellows with age (don't we all) and becomes softer and classier (if only people aged as well as Nebbiolo).

As some of the finer wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are made with Nebbiolo, it can be very pricey. This makes it harder for people to give it a chance. The Fratelli Pezzuto Malot Roero Valmaggiore 2007 is one of those bottles that won't break the bank, but will give you a great introduction to the wonders of the grape. With hints of tart raspberry, light notes of mushroom and leather mingling with violets and cherries, the tannins are tight and the finish is long but quite refreshing. I would even go out on a limb and say that this would be a great bottle to serve slightly chilled sitting out next to the bonfire on these upcoming fall evenings.

not trying to brag or anything, but....

2011-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was lucky enough to try the Chardonnay as well. As I have mentioned several times before, California Chardonnay is not one of my favorite things to drink, so I love it when I am surprised by a bottle. It does seem, statistically speaking that the bottles of California Chardonnay that I find pleasing are quite expensive....

Again, Marcassin, a Helen Turley project...very nice bits of ripe candied apple with hints of vanilla creme brulee and subtle notes of citrus, all in a lush round mouth feel with a lingering finish. A great food wine, lobster comes immediately to mind, and what better to enjoy in Maine in the summer!

F#!king Merlot...

2011-07-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

At this point most people have seen the movie Sideways and the great scene where Paul Giamatti flips out and says he won't drink any f#!king merlot! A truly funny scene, mainly because his coveted bottle that he sips in a styrofoam cup in the closing scene is in fact, a good portion of it; wait for it, f#!king Merlot...OK so it has Cabernet Franc in it as well, but some years Merlot is the dominant grape. Duckhorn is the first taste of Merlot I had, and it ruined me forever. I thought I hated Merlot for many years. You see, I had gotten to finish a bottle a customer left for me, and it was gorgeous. So, on my own, buying Merlot was not good. I don't actually hate Merlot, I just like rather pricey renditions of the grape.
Fortunately, I discovered St Emilion and the right bank of Bordeaux. You can actually get affordable bottles there that are, yes f#!king Merlot.
But back to the Duckhorn....this bottle is tannic and dry, full of dark plums, violets and blackberries. It is one of those bottles that as it ages, gets velvety, with the tannins softening. It is beautiful with a nice steak or lamb chops. Duckhorn has built quite a reputation and for good reason.

Barbera

2011-07-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Italy is one of those countries that everywhere you turn, there's a vineyard. Every region grows wine (and every region has about a million grapes and trying to remember them all is a feat in it's own right). It is also a country that most people enjoy the wine that it produces. Pinot Grigio is among my most top requested wines. People love Chianti....without the basket weave please. Nebbiolo is among some of the unsung wines that are truly elegant. And then there is Barbera.

Barbera hails from the Piedmont region in Italy, the most recognizable is from Asti, but a bit is also grown in Alba. It is a grape that can be opened and drunk quite young, but given the right vineyard sight and conditions, is an excellent candidate for the cellar. The grape is moderately tannic, and very acidic. Skilled winemakers work their magic to bring the acidity down. Usually small barrels are used to impart some oak and spice qualities.

The Cantina del Pino is better known for its Barbaresco wines, but the Barbera is quite lovely. With fruit tones of blackerries and cherries, and a strong backbone, this bottle is one for the cellar. The winery is a family owned and run operation, dating back several generations. Their Barbera vines are around 70 years old. This bottle pairs extremely well with game and poultry, cured meats and roasted vegetables.

Follow me on Twitter!

2011-06-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

You can now follow me on Twitter (because, yes you do care about what I say!)

@flockandvine...because I need to become more wordy!

Battle of the Pinots...

2011-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

It is totally unfair to battle these two stunning bottle of wines...but sometimes you just have to taste things side by side!

Two very different Pinots...the Marcassin was fuller bodied and more velvety. The berries were dark cherry, brambly blackberry and notes of spices. The Sea Smoke had a certain tart cherry aspect to it, with a leaner body. A little cola in the mid palate with vanilla tones coming through. Both exceptionally well made bottles of wine. Marcassin is of course a project of Helen Turley (for those of you who aren't crazy nuts about following the wine world, she's kind of a big deal). It's so elite, that you can't even find the website...so to try to figure how to even get on the list (which I tried about 9 years ago to get on a list to be on the list, really?!). Sea Smoke is a little different. There is clearly a website, which I believe that there is a wait to get wines. But once you're offered, it's great. It's first come first serve, they don't aggressively try to get you to buy other wines from them. They have a point system, so the more you buy, more wines become available to you. But in slim years (you know those years where you weigh in whether the kids need a new pair of sneakers or that beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir....I know, mom of the year award here) you're good if you can't buy, they won't immediately kick you off the list. I know I'm talking more about the Sea Smoke list, but that's because I actually am on that list. They also seem to be a bit easier to find than Marcassin. But if you do find Marcassin and have a chance to purchase, DO IT.

At any rate, both bottles were stellar. Enjoyed them with excellent company as well, which makes the experience all the more!

150 and counting....

2011-06-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Trousseau is a lovely grape from the Jura region in France. It needs hot climate and gravelly soil to allow it ripen to maturity. When given the right sort of needs, the ending result is quite similar to Burgundian Pinot Noir. Bright red cherry flavors, high acid and strong tannins. One differential note is the amount of floral tones on the nose. The wine is medium in body with a bright red color, and given the nature of the grape, I would venture that it would do well with some some bottle aging. Here I am merely speculating, as I have never had an aged bottle.

It is a great bottle to have with food, who am I kidding? I say that a lot! Anyway, dishes with cured meat, like Duck Proscuitto...oh wait, there's a Duck Proscuitto on the menu at Earth at Hidden Pond. AND the Cote de Jura Trousseau is on the bottle list...could this be more perfect? I know, shameless plug.

Lebanon

2011-06-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Most people have the knee jerk (yes, I used that in a sentence) reaction when I say I have a lovely wine from Lebanon...they look extremely puzzled and say "Lebanon?!".

Lebanon starting making wine centuries ago, with the Phoenicians...that's how long they have been producing wine. It widely arguable where wine-making started, but this area is sited to have helped the spread of viticulture throughout the Mediterranean regions. Chateau Musar was established in the 1930's and is known for transporting it's grapes through front lines during the civil war. High-risk conditions are not uncommon in these vineyards, as we all know from seeing the media coverage over the last few decades. Most Lebanese wineries use french varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsaut, Carignan and Grenache. Some indigenous grapes are used, the Musar Blanc blends with Obaideh and Merwah, grapes that are related to Chardonnay and Semillon respectively. The winemaking style of Musar is known for bottle variation and inconsistent vintages due to Serge Hochar's approach of natural wine making. The Chateau Musar Rouge and Blanc are both extremely age worthy, having tasted bottles from vintages 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997 with the rouge and recently the 2003 blanc. The wines are unique and have an almost cult following.

The Hochar & Fils is not oak aged and meant to be drunk earlier. It much more approachable young and will give you a sense of what to expect in their aged wines. The blend is made with Cinsaut, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Grenache. On the nose are notes of cranberry, raspberry, violets, mushroom and dirt floor. The palate is medium body and pairs well with a range of dishes; from fish to fowl, vegetarian to carnivorous, this wine is enjoyable.

Cremant de Loire

2011-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Cremant...what does it mean?

Cremant is the term used to describe a sparkling wine from a region in France, other than Champagne. There can be many; Cremant de Bourgogne, Cremant de Limoux, Cremant d'Alsace...ah and Cremant de Loire.

Each of these are made from grapes that are governed in their respected regions. The Cremant de Loire is made with Chenin Blanc. The Alexandre Monmousseau "La Gaudrelle" is bubbles at its best. Light, slightly ripe with refreshing acidity. The bubbles tickle the tongue while the citric tones delight the senses.

Bubbles aren't just for a celebration...

It's been a long time....

2011-05-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been forever since I've posted. I've been feeling guilty about it, but a new job will do that to you! I figured I at least owe you a fun one then...Engine Room Sparkling Red NV from Australia.

By now everyone's had to have at least tried a sparkling shiraz, they've been around for quite some time. A lot of them are juicy, light treats that allows for a bit of palate cleansing and refreshment.

The Engine Room is a little different. It's a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. It has a vibrant dark color with a pretty hefty head. The aromatics are quite big, with dark fruits and herbs, mingling with mocha, plums and vanilla. The palate is super refreshing, a little spicy and dry. It is a pleasant surprise in a world of slightly sweet sparkling reds to find one that is not cloying!

It's a food friendly wine, so bring it to your next BBQ with a dish of deviled eggs! You'll be the hit....

Losada Bierzo

2011-04-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've written about Mencia before, a Spanish grape very reminiscent of Cabernet Franc. Well the Losada from the Bierzo region is a perfect rendition of the variety. It's velvety mouth feel with vibrant fruits is a great match for food. The nose is woody and earthy, with hints of red fruits. The palate has red and black fruits of plums and currants. The tannins are firm and gripping that may mellow with some bottle age or decanting. Some great floral aspects are present on the nose and the wine itself has an elegant finesse that lingers in the finish.

The Bierzo region is in the northwest part of Spain and has been producing wine for hundreds of years. The soil structure is mostly of slate, which gives the wine a mineral aspect in the mid palate. I drink this bottle and immediately want some ripe figs and blue cheese.

Radio Coteau

2011-03-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Radio Coteau makes several wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. They work with vineyard sites scattered in Russian River, Anderson and Sonoma. The wines are made well, with careful selection in each bottle. The 2008 Timbervine Syrah is from the high mountains in the Russian River Valley. The wine was inky dark purple with red tones in the glass. Smells of dark fruits, floral tones and smoky meats wafted from the pour. It is a big wine, with a lush mouth feel. Dark, rich cocoa and vanilla undertones mingled nicely with refreshing acidity and a grippy textured finish. I decanted it for about an hour (not to say I didn't decant and immediately pour the wine...) and the ripe fruit was prominent the entire time. This could drink well for 5-7 more years and maybe beyond.

Hohe-Domkirche Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese

2011-03-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's always a joy to write about Riesling (one of the Noble Grapes, a term used to signify the grapes used to make the world's great wine; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling). Especially when it's an older vintage, this particular bottle being from 1983. German bottles can be some of the hardest labels to read (with the exception of sake) because most of the time the label is in German. So it can be difficult to decide what is what on the label. Who's the maker? What does Pradikat mean? Do I need to know why the label says Erzeugerabfullung? And what the hell does it tell me?

As with all areas of the wine world, it's best to take baby steps. German wine can be simplified if you know a few things. Build your base first, then you can always add levels.

Terms to know when dealing with Riesling in particular:

Qualitatswein- a term used for "quality wine" in Germany (and Austria). It refers to a mid level wine within the categories. When "Mit Pradikat" ( QmP-as defined by German Wine Laws adapted in 1971) is added, it is the highest level and wine within the mid-levels. No sugar is allowed to be added (Chaptalization) and they must be estate bottled, which brings us to another term.

Erzeugerabfullung- estate bottled.

Bereich- District, each QmP has to be from a designated Bereich.

There are six subcategories within the QmP category. They are ranked from lowest to highest and are defined by minimum sugar content of the grapes. These minimums can vary from variety to variety as well as region to region.

The categories from lowest to highest:

Kabinett
Spatlese
Auslese
Beerenauslese (sometimes referred as BA)
Eiswein
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)

As these are ranked by sugar content, it only makes sense that Kabinett would be the driest, ending with the dessert wines of TBA. The TBA's are grown very similarly to Sauternes, as the grapes are hand selected with "noble rot" called "Edelfaule" to produce the richest, most concentrated flavor the grape can give. They are very rare, as well as expensive, but very worth trying.

Now that you've got some basics, Rieslings can be incredible wines to cellar. The Scharzhofberger was a deep gold color, sparkling from the glass. The aromas wafting from the glass were honeyed, with lip balm and candle wax (I know it sounds weird, but waxy, oily, unctuous are all words associated with German Riesling) mingling with honeysuckle blossoms and tangerine peel. It was off-dry (as I mentioned above, the sweetness range can depend on the maker and region; off-dry signifies minimal sweetness in the mouth, some residual sugar left during fermentation) with some acidity still lingering. The finish was smooth with tart apples, lime peel and a full mouth feel that stayed for considerable length.

If you have the chance to purchase an older quality Riesling, give it a try, you won't be disappointed. It may change your mind about what this Noble Grape is all about.

Prentice Pinot Gris

2011-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Prentice Pinot Gris from Victoria in Australia is done in the Ramato (an Itlaian word meaning "coppery") style. A technique that allows more time with skin contact, giving the wine a slight pinkish hue (you know me and pink wine...). The color is so faint, you almost question whether you see it. The flavor profile is quite complex. The nose gives off an almost oxidized scent, with herbal notes quite prominent. The wine is classic, with refreshing acidity and stone fruit aspects. Tart and acidic fruits like granny smith and lime pith are swirling around in the mouth. We drank it with a Pad Thai dish and it was a perfect starter to the evening.

Copain

2011-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins (literally means "the neighbors") from Yorkville in California is a hand-crafted small production from winemaker Wells Guthrie. Having apprenticed under Chapoutier in Rhone, Guthrie makes wines deeply rooted in California with subtle nuances of the European influences that made him impassioned to the craft.

The Syrah was heavily perfumed upon opening, vanilla and violets were dominant. As it opened other aromas and flavors mingled nicely. Dark blackberry, leather and Dr Pepper (seriously). Rich black cherry, olive and smoke were present. The acidity was refreshing with a lingering finish. This wine will hold for quite some time I believe. I may have to buy a few bottles to lay down and come back to later, you know for education's sake.

Bordeaux

2011-03-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Bordeaux is certainly France's most well known region. It consists of Right and Left Bank regions with many communes and satellites within. The classification system (1855 Classification, and yes, that is the year it was established) is relatively easy to follow as long as memorization is not a problem. Paulliac (Chateau D'Armailhac 2003 above is located in that region and is a Fifth Growth) is in the Medoc, Left Bank. The blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon based, as is the case with most Left Bank Clarets (a term coined from Britain, meaning red Bordeaux).

The Armailhac is a Rothschild property, having gone through several changes in ownership over many generations. The '03 was very pretty, the year was hot (remember all the deaths reported from record temperatures in and around Bordeaux?). We decanted the Armailhac and as it opened up and changed, it was obvious that it could have held a bit longer. The baked spices and baked plum aspects were dominant on the nose and in the palate. A metallic note was lingering, like licking a copper penny (I know, not a great thought, but it was pleasant). The finish still had strong structured tannins that softened as it opened. It was a stunner.

Burgundy Grand Cru

2011-02-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Burgundy is confusing to many. I know I've said that before in this blog, but I can't tell you how many people I have helped pick out a bottle of Burgundy who seem terrified by them. First of all, it's that Old World thing where the varietal isn't on the label. It's not only Burgundy, or France that this is the case. Think of Chianti; nowhere on the label (well some more modern bottles will have it listed on the back) does it say Sangiovese. Or Rioja in Spain...Tempranillo (for the most part). A lot of wineries are coming around and putting the varietal on the back label. I have seen a few french wines with "Pinot Noir" or "Chardonnay" clearly marked on the front, but they are few and far between. And certainly not a Grand Cru.

Burgundy is made of Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines. It has four main parts: The Cotes de Nuit (in the north) and the Cote de Beaune (south), Cote de Chalonnaise (south of Beaune) and Maconnais (south of Chalonnaise). Chablis (off on it's own geographically being closer to Champagne than the rest of Burgundy) and Beaujolais (south of Maconnais) round out the department. The Nuit has the bulk of red wines and Beaune mostly white. And as I've said before, reds are Pinot Noir (with some Gamay allowed in certain areas, some wines will have a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir called Passetoutgrain) and whites are Chardonnay (with some Aligote permitted in certain regions). Some Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are also found but it is minimal and if you dive further into Chablis more grapes are permitted, but let's take baby steps.

The best way to start learning about Burgundy is to dive in and start drinking it...there could be worse things right? The trouble with Burgundy is it tends to be a pricey area. And especially if you delve into the Premier and Grand Crus. My suggestion would be to start with the Villages wines. You can find some wonderful Villages offerings in obscure areas for a reasonable price (and reasonable in Burgundy is under $50). The Macon region has excellent value wines. In the Cote de Chalonnaise, Bouzeron is a great place to start for some value whites (from Aligote). The other option is straight Bourgogne bottlings from great producers.

Some producers to consider:

Domaine Jean Grivot
Robert Groffier
Mongeard-Mugneret
Denis Mortet
Laboure-Roi
Vincent Girardin
Joseph Drouhin
Benard Morey
Albert Bichot
Perrot Minot

I could go on, but then what would I write about in future posts?

Ribero del Duero

2011-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ribero del Duero in Spain may not be as well known to the average consumer as it's neighbor Rioja, but the wines sing just as loud. Wines from Ribero are made with similar grapes, Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino) being one. Other red grapes used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec and Merlot. The Dominio de Atauta is 100% Tempranillo with a dark inky color. The nose wafts of black cherry and minerals. In the palate, the acidity and tannins are strong and firm confirming the dark fruits of cherries and blackberries, mingling with mocha and cola. This wine would do well with a few more years in the bottle. With decanting, pair it with a salad with Duck confit, dried tart cherries, Cashel Blue cheese and toasted pecans...just saying.

It's not the cheese...

2011-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Lemberger brings up some strange visuals for most people. How many of you used the insult of Limburger Cheese in elementary school? Maybe it was just me...anyway, the grape; completely different. Lemberger (the German name), also called Blaufrankisch hails from Austria. It can vary in years depending on ripeness when picked. It can be quite spicy with complex berry characteristics. It is also found planted in Washington State, where Steele's Shooting Star Blue Franc is bottled. The wine is delightful, blue (surprise) fruits abound, light to medium body and medium acidity. The tannins are soft in this wine, with the berry components being the limelight. It is food friendly and a crowd-pleaser.

Sierra Cantabria 2002

2011-02-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Tempranillo from Rioja has always been one of my go to bottles. The Sierra Cantabria 2002 is a more modernized Rioja. For a rough vintage in this area, this wine showed very well. The nose was lush and fruit forward with dark rich cherries, mostly baked fruits. Mocha and black licorice were present as well. The palate was equally deep and velvety. The tannins were prevalent, but not as gripping as expected. Blackberries on the finish mingled with chocolate and anise. It went well with the roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy with salad.

Comfort on a cold night!

Del Dotto Caves

2011-02-07T04:43:00.001-08:00

Del Dotto Caves is a newer vineyard with acreage in Rutherford, St Helena and Sonoma to name a few. They have been making wines for just over 10 years, and have focused heavily on the education side of wine. They experiment with barrels, finding coopers from all over including France and Russia. They make Cab along with Merlot, Sangiovese, some Pinot from Sonoma and are soon to release Chardonnay. The 2007 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon had a deep color with a nose of tart blackberry, menthol, cassis, kiwi fruit and tobacco. The palate was heavy with baked fruits. Black plums, mocha with a tart blackberry finish. The wine was acidic with the tannins softer than I anticipated, but still present. A nice drinkable Cabernet, yet could hold up for some bottle time as well.

Chicago!

2011-02-06T17:47:00.001-08:00

Amazing what you can see from the 68th floor of a skyscraper. When you live in a city where the tallest building is 16 floors, going to a city where on average 50+ floors is not uncommon with the tallest being 110 (thank Wikipedia for those facts), you can gush like a school girl. I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in the "Windy City"; having flown in and out my entire adult life, but never had stop to spend some quality time, I could no longer put it off.
Chicago is a beautiful city and having been to quite a few of our major cities here in the US, I'd say it was fairly easy to navigate. We did so entirely on foot, I have the blister to prove it. The only unfortunate part of my trip ( other than the fact that it was colder than my hometown which coming from Maine you would think almost impossible) was that it was too short. So we had one full day which we spent walking around the city trying to get the feel for the architecture and trying to get all of the required sites in, i.e. "the Bean". I even walked into The House of Blues if only for a mere few seconds. Trying to figure out where to eat that would supply a good meal, of course good wine while staying true to my strict budget was a challenge for my friend, but in the end she chose well.We settled on Bin 36, a wine bar attached to a small retail space. Yes it would be nice to be able to have both, someday in the state of Maine we can only hope. We sat at the bar where the service was friendly but not over bearing. They allow you to enjoy the meal and wines with minimal interruptions if that is what you prefer. The space is quite large without feeling overwhelming. Our bartender Jimmy let us sample quite a few different wines; one in particular from Wine Director Brian Duncan and his partner's (Dan Sachs) repertoire. But not before we looked over the flight menu and settled in on a couple to warm our palates. I went for Spanish and my friend decided to go with Italy. I am a sucker for a great Bierzo, and whenever I see it on a menu I have to give it a try. I have not found one that I didn't like yet. Mencia is the grape, very reminiscent of Cabernet Franc (I've written before about Petalos). The Peique 2009 didn't disappoint. With a nose of licorice, blue fruits and plums, the palate equally fruit driven and soft, was refreshing. The other standout of the Spanish line up was the Monastrell (Spanish Mouvedre) from Senorio de Barahonda. The "Carro" 2008 was powerful with dark rich flavors. Black plums, anise and earthy spices. A lingering finish with good acidity and firm tannins.
In Italy the Dolcetto D'Alba from Giacomo Grimaldi 2009 was everything a Dolcetto should be; floral and blue fruits on the nose. Bing cherries and juicy on the palate with soft acidity and a delicate mouth feel. The Langhe "Tres Stelle" from Montariblaldi 2008 was also very good. The nose was perfumed, full of rose petals accented with bacon and rosemary. There was an earthy richness of stewed meats and mushrooms on the palate with a long acidic finish. D&S (Duncan & Sachs) Proprietary Red from California (they have an entire line of Bin 36 wines which we blind tasted the Merlot, deep dark fruits with strong aromas of chocolate and a bit of spice on the finish. Looks like I am going to have to drink more New World Merlot, because it is the second time in a month that I have not come to the correct conclusion). The wine is rather big and jammy with mocha on the nose. The fruits were dark, black currants and blackberry with a velvety mouth. Jimmy brought it out while I ate my burger. For my friend who was eating a roasted root vegetable pasta with pesto, he brought out the Bigi Amabile 2009 from Orvieto Italy. A classic Trebbiano with notes of pear, white peaches and apricots finishing with citrus. To finish the night I ordered my favorite dessert wine, Madeira. They had a lovely 5 year Bual from Cossart Gordon. Aged for 5 years in oak casks giving this medium sweet style Madeira a silky creme brulee quality. The tangerine and citrus notes in the palate mingled extremely well with a hazelnut praline finish. We of course decided to pair it with the Butterscotch Creme Brulee. The manager brought us out the Deconstructed Carrot Cake which was their suggested pairing with the Madeira. Both were incredible and each brought out components in the wine that were very complimentary. The walk home was fulfilling, our stomachs and palates satisfied. I didn't feel quite as cold as I had earlier in the day.

Vin Jaune

2011-02-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

Vin Jaune is one of those things in life that you love or hate. The Jura region in France is not a common one. Most of you (yes all 8 that are reading this) probably have no idea where this is, and that there was such a place. It is in Eastern France along the border of Switzerland, just past Burgundy.

Vin Jaune literally means "Yellow Wine", named for the fact that the wine is intentionally allowed to ferment much like Sherry. It is rarely seen in the US, mostly because of the bottle shape that most Vin Jaune is bottled, a Clavelin; a squat bottle that makes the US officials scratch their heads. The wine is made from the Savagnin grape (also uncommon to most consumers), this grape is related to Traminer, which is related to Gewurztraminer...I know it's sounding like a bad family reunion now.

Like Sherry, Vin Jaune is allowed to grow a wild yeast layer while fermenting in barrel (most wines are filled to the brim in the barrel, Vin Jaune and Sherry are filled with a gap. This allows air to create a layer of yeast. In Sherry this layer is thick and called "Flor", while in Vin Jaune it is called "Voile" which means veil and is much thinner). Vin Jaune is not a fortified wine like Sherry, with the abv around 14%. The requirement for aging is 6 1/2 years and some producers will take it further.

The characteristics of Vin Jaune will be similar to Sherry. Yellow color, nutty aromas moving towards almond skins. Some younger wines can still have the fruit characteristics while the older tend more towards caramel aspects. It is typically drunk with food, although goes exceptionally well with the famous Comte cheese of the same region.

Rosso

2011-02-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Rosso is a term in Italy that can sometimes be confusing to consumers. In the US, if you see it on a label it generally means the wine is on the sweet side and fairly inexpensive. Go across the ocean and the meaning is very different. Literally Rosso means "Red", it often refers to dry reds. It can be added to several regions in Italy. Rosso di Montalcino, Rosso Conero (both DOC's in Italy), but the most well known is Rosso di Montepulciano. Located in Tuscany, it essentially is a blend mostly of Sangiovese (the Prugnolo clone) some Canaiolo and another variety. The pictured (although hard to see, it's Tenuta di Gracciano) bottle completes the blend with Merlot. These wines are generally less expensive and very drinkable. The Tenuta had lovely tones of raspberry, plums, baking spices and vanilla. The palate was soft with silky tannins and bright acidity. For a mere $15, it was quite easy to throw back a couple of glasses with blue cheese and crackers.

The Aphorist...

2011-01-31T14:11:00.001-08:00

I write about Pinot Noir a lot. It's hard not to love Pinot Noir, whether it's from Burgundy, Sonoma Coast, Central Otago, Alto Aldige, or Chile; it's Pinot. It is one of the hardest grapes to grow, with its thin skin, but when done properly, it's phenomenal.

The Aphorist is another label from Red Car. They have been producing it for 4 vintages. The 2007 is stunning with vibrant red fruits on the nose. The wine is big and bold while maintaining a sense of silkiness. The bright red cherries mingle nicely with pine notes and flowers. The palate is full of baking fruits and spices, with cranberries, black cherries and pencil shavings. Cocoa and rose petals are mid-palate with the acidity lingering to the lush finish.

It's well worth a place in your cellar.

Beronia

2011-01-27T09:13:00.001-08:00

Beronia Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, a beautiful bottle of Tempranillo. Rioja is a region in Spain, one that most people are aware of; it was the first DOCa (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). There are only two (the other is Priorat). Most wines from this area are Tintos (red) and Tempranillo is the main grape, although others are allowed.

The Beronia is very typical in the style of the region. There are a few different tiers; Joven is the first and literally means "young". It spends little to no time in oak. They are meant to be consumed very young as they tend to be very fruit forward. The next tier is Crianza, which in reds means they spend 2 years aging, 6 months has to be in oak. Next is Reserva, 3 years aging with 1 of those to be in oak. And last is Gran Reserva, 5 years aging, 18 months has to be in oak and a minimum of 3 years in bottle.

Beronia wines are incredible value, the above Gran Reserva has 10 years age and is less than $30 retail price. The wine has incredible fruit structure with blackberry, raspberry and stewed tomatoes on the nose. On the palate, flowers, cocoa and licorice are present, with the lingering aspect of vanilla and nutmeg. The tannins were well integrated in the finish with the acidity vibrant and cleansing.

I must admit, I concur

2011-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

With a label reading "I will not drink bad wine"....Betts & Scholl CC (Classic Cabernet) from Napa Valley makes you want to write those words on the chalkboard over and over, as long as you can hold a glass in the other hand. The wine is a collaboration of Richard Betts (Master Sommelier, worked for the likes of The Little Nell where I had the pleasure to meet him) and art collector Dennis Scholl. They create relationships with growers and winemakers from around the great growing regions and bring affordable bottles to your table.

The 2007 CC is just that. A great Cabernet from Napa the runs about $20. The wine has a nose of tart rapsberry, black fruits, pine needles and cocoa. The palate is big and fruit forward. Black currants, black raspberries, mocha and tootsie roll linger in your mouth to finish in a tannic, but velvety close.

Warning: things may appear bigger than they actually are...

2011-01-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

But in the case, it really is that big! Sometimes you have to pull out the big guns...for New Year's this year we opened a Magnum (1.5L) of Champagne (Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, really good!). I guess this would be the opportune time to explain a little about bottle sizes. It can be a little confusing because the names (which are mostly derived from biblical kings) can vary in different regions. The most basic (which is a good starting point) is the Champagne bottles, so that's what I will list for you.

Demi (or split): 375ml (1/2 bottle)
Standard: 750ml (1 bottle)
Magnum: 1.5L (2 bottles)
Jeroboam (or double magnum): 3L (4 bottles)
Rehoboam: 4.6L (6 bottles)
Methuselah: 6L (8 bottles)
Salmanazar: 9L (12 bottles)
Balthazar: 12L (16 bottles)
Nebuchadnezzar: 15L (20 bottles)

There are more and bigger bottles, but it is rare to see them in retail shops (our biggest bottle is a Nebuchadnezzar). A lot of these are custom (and hand filled) bottles from the estates and not many make it into the US Markets. These larger bottles will often mark something like an outstanding vintage or a special occasion for the winery like an anniversary. So when you purchase a large bottle, it is something special. It is also better for cellar aging. You can keep it longer (the less oxygen in the larger bottle allows for slower maturation).

So don't be scared of the large format bottle, it can make the party!

Pahlmeyer

2011-01-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Pahlmeyer has been around for quite some time, hoping to mimic Bordeaux in California. They hit the mark with their Proprietary Red. Erin Green is the winemaker (she was Helen Turley's side-kick for a bit in the 80's) and has been heavily involved in winemaking in Napa's most prestigious wineries throughout the 90's to present.

The '05 Proprietary Red is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1 % Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, all the classic grapes of a Claret. The wine is big and tannic, with black currants and stewed blackberries on the nose. The palate is full of wood and leather along with notes of chocolate finishing with great length. It would be best to lay this bottle down for a few years. It is need of some serious decanting and is screaming for a braised leg of lamb...but there is serious potential in this bottle in about 5 years.

Christmas Dinner 2010

2010-12-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

The wines of Christmas often give me a headache ( and I'm not talking about cheap wine headache here). I spend the better part of the week looking around, trying to figure what to bring. There's a small amount of pressure (mostly coming from my own head) in not disappointing all of the participants. You know I always like to start any sort of evening...that sounds bad, any special evening with bubbles. So I went for the Pommery. It's been awhile since I had tasted Pommery, it's one of those wines that you try in your early years and forget to re-visit every once and a while. Pommery (along with Veuve Clicquot) was one of the few Champagne houses run by women. Louise Pommery assumed full duties in the business after the death of her husband. She is well known for creating a system to age the bottles in underground cellas in a more temperature controlled environment. The Champagne is light and lively with ripe apple and citrus notes. The nose has a slightly yeasted scent with it continuing in the palate as english toast. The bubbles are long lasting giving the finish a pretty elegance. We moved on to the Sancha by Sans Leige in California, a 100% Marsanne. Big ripe fruit, with well integrated oak made a great matching for the Spiral Ham and Scalloped Potatoes we had for dinner. Last but certainly not least, we opened the Stephen Test Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. Stephen Test made wines for the renowned winery Merryvale among others and has now launched his own project. The wine is ripe bright cherries, subtle baking spices and vanilla. Another great pair for the dinner. No disappointments here.

Wow-seven generations can make a difference!

2010-12-17T12:52:00.001-08:00

I can't tell you how excited I was when I was informed that one of our vendors was picking up Billecart-Salmon! It is a house that stands apart. Formed in 1818 by the marriage of Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elizabeth Salmon, the house hasn't changed much in how they make their wines. For seven generations they have been producing fine Champagne from around the entire region from vineyard sites that they actually own. It is one of the only houses that still use the traditional press. They produce the Rose with ripe grapes, fermenting it as a white wine, then add red wine to achieve the perfect balance. The wines are solid and worth every penny.

All the wines have a certain salinity in the palate that you don't necessarily find in other Champagnes. The nose is slighty yeasted, with bright vibrant fruit notes like granny smith apples and lemon zest. The finish is clean and refreshing.

The wines aren't cheap, but the quality speaks for itself.

Vilmart & Cie Champagne

2010-12-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

There was a time when I thought I didn't like Champagne, but what I didn't realize was that I just didn't appreciate it. When you're younger and don't know much (so maybe the young part of the equation is the only thing that has changed), you don't necessarily know where to look. I couldn't afford to buy true Champagne, so what I did drink would give me splitting headaches the next day (can anyone say sugar?).

So now that I have more knowledge in my head I at least know what to look for when buying a bottle of bubbles. Quality if the most important thing. Vilmart is the utmost example of quality in a bottle.

The Cuvee Rubis Rose is made from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The nose is quite lovely with dusty strawberry, shortbread and peach. It is a big wine with the mouth feel velvety from the mousse. The finish is acidic and refreshing; lingering. With most Champagnes the nose can often be yeasty (hot dog buns), but there is balance with the Rubis. The floral and perfume aspects combined with the red fruits and yeast makes for a complex, well rounded wine.

A great toast to the season!

Red Car

2010-12-07T09:01:00.001-08:00

The Platt Vineyard in Sonoma is about 7 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is family owned and has several clients who utilize the plot for their wines. The Red Car site is about 4 miles from the ocean which allows for the cool ocean breeze that Pinot finds welcoming. Sonoma AVA borders Napa (both share the Los Carneros AVA).

Red Car produces Pinot Noirs and Syrahs from several vineyard sites, some estate owned. The Dreamland Pinot Noir is new with this being the first vintage produced. Aromas of roses, vanilla and ripe red cherries are prevalent on the nose with a slight note of earth. The wine is medium in body with medium plus alcohol, although it is hardly hot. It has a very elegant mouth feel with the palate soft and lush. The tannins are well rounded with bright acidity. The ripe cherry and strawberry fruits on the palate mingle well with a mild herbal aspect. Mineral notes come through on the mid-palate with red licorice through the long finish. This is bottle worth cellaring. I believe in 3-5 years the bottle will maintain it's finesse and shine.

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

2010-12-06T18:15:00.001-08:00

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Paso Robles California. Paso Robles is an AVA in the San Luis Obispo County AVA. It is a hotter climate that sees grapes like Cabernet and Zinfandel flourish. The Justin is quite ripe, with a velvety appeal in the finish. The nose is stewed black currants and licorice with vanilla and black raspberries. The palate is large and full with a round mouth feel. There are definite tannins in the finish, but they seem supple somehow. The wine is a great go-to, especially when bringing a bottle to a holiday party. It is a big enough winery that people will recognize the name, and small enough that they still take great care in making their wines.

Butterfly...

2010-12-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

The word is Papillon, the label is gorgeous and the wine is even better. Although it needs some serious time in the bottle, or a few hours in a decanter, this wine's potential screams from your glass. This is Dave Phinney's (Orin Swift winemaker/owner) version of a Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon the heavy hitter at 90%, and small percentages of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Right from the start the '07 is heavy on the black brambly fruits. Blackberry, dark stewed plums, vanilla and licorice are all on the perfumed nose. The palate confirms the fruit with black licorice and blackberries in the forefront. The finish is long and velvety. This wine would be excellent with a meal. Duck confit or Cassoulet on a cold winter night with a glass of Papillon is enough to warm anyone's senses.

Gaja

2010-12-04T11:29:00.001-08:00

Tasted this last night and felt I had to write about it. It was an unexpected favorite. I mean it's Chardonnay. Although it's from the Piedmont region in Italy, and from reputable maker Angelo Gaja, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it. I am not a fan of Chardonnay that has been manipulated beyond recognition. Heavy accents of toasted wood (I'm talking about the kind of toastiness that when you cork the bottle you immediately feel like you inhaled and swallowed a bag of wood chips), creamy vanilla (usually from malolactic fermentation, a process of adding bacteria to the wine to soften the grapes acidity by converting the malic acid to the milder lactic acid.) and other nuances that don't necessarily come from the grape. I am not against the barrel aging, or a bit of malo, but I am a purist at heart and love the old school traditions (let's not forget that barrel aging has been going on forever and that malo can also happen by accident; often referred to as secondary fermentation although different than the bubble producing secondary fermentation of Champagne). I guess my point is more of the fact that although I tend towards less oaky, more acidic Chardonnay like those of Chablis and Burgundy, I'm happy to find wines that surprise me.

The Gaja Rossj-Bass 2003 is mostly Chardonnay with a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is chock full of oak and vanilla, heavy actually. Another reason that I was pleasantly surprised. The palate was gentle, but not flat. It was golden delicious apples, with creamy buttery notes of creme brulee. It was round and full, with a long finish. The oak was mild on the palate and everything was in balance. I would have to say it would rival with any Burgundy or well crafted California Chardonnay.

Cremant de Bourgogne

2010-11-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

In a season where bubbles are opened a lot more often than in other times, people need to know their options. Champagne (sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France) can be pricey. Not everyone can afford to lay down the dough to get bottle after bottle. Don't fret, other regions and areas of the world make sparklers, and some of those are in France. Cremant is the term for a bubbly in a different region in France from Champagne. So this bottle is a Sparkling wine from Burgundy. Made from the same grapes allowed in Champagne, The Charles Duret Cremant de Bourgogne Brut is made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. The higher percentage of Pinot Noir gives the wine a complexity.
The nose has a tinge of yeast amid the bubbles, with mild strawberry and straw tones. It is a pretty little wine for around $20. A great value in the midst of the holidays that will help kick off the cheer. Popping the cork immediately signifies celebration!

Not your mother's Dolcetto...

2010-11-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not kidding when I say this is not your mother's Dolcetto. Dolcetto is originally from the Piedmont region in Italy. It is a low acid grape with medium alcohol and a dry finish. Generally it is meant to be drunk young. There is a DOCG (Vino Denominazione di Origine Controllata et Garantita) in Piedmont where the grape is aged for a year, but it still is intended for consumption and not cellaring.

So enough about the back story on the grape, because the Alpha Box and Dice Dead Winemaking Society (or affectionately refered to as "Dead Man's Dolcetto) Dolcetto 2008 is from South Australia in the Adelaide GI (Geographical Indications). I'd have to say that it is not medium alcohol at a whopping 14.5%! But it doesn't taste or smell hot.

The nose has pretty notes of dried herbs, such as thyme and sage. The black plum and floral notes are quite prevalent. The palate is fruit forward with stewed plums and baking spices, with a little pancetta or proscuitto aspect to it. The finish is dry and long, with low acidity that makes the wine seem soft and round.

Nothing like a bottle of Dead Man's Dolcetto on your holiday table to bring cheer to the party. Well it will at least be a conversation starter if nothing else (not to mention a great pour).

Focus: Pinot Noir

2010-11-14T13:06:00.001-08:00

This was a rough night. So hard to force myself to taste Pinot Noir after Pinot Noir. Swallowing them down, having to pick up the glass over and over again. Do you feel sorry for me yet? Didn't think so. And how can you after seeing the line up?

A friend of ours (who also happens to be a great customer) inherited a couple of bottles of 1976 DRC (those of you who don't know what that stands for: Domaine Romanee Conti, a property in Burgundy owned by Aubert de Villaine and was once co-owned by Bize LeRoy; don't sweat it, there was a time when I heard "DRC" and scratched my head too). He was kind enough to say he wanted to open them with us (colleagues at work and myself). So we thought we'd close the shop and all bring a couple of bottles of Pinot Noir and open them all side by side and taste the difference the grape can produce given the terroir it was grown in, not to mention the winemaker behind it. What a night!

If I went through the entire line-up, we may be here all night. I'm just going to highlight, you know like on the news, you can't see me but I'm smiling right now.

We started with the Tierra del Fuego 2007 from Chile; nice light, fruity. Cherries, cola, spice with good acidity and grippy tannins. Fairly inexpensive at around $15. We jumped right away to the DRC's, nothing like going from a $15 bottle to a bottle that is basically priceless. The 3 bottles of Domaine Romanee Conti were Grand Crus. We've touched on this in other posts, but it is essentially the highest level of Burgundy. The Grand Cru sights were Romanee Saint Vivant 1976, Romanee-Conti 1976 and Grands Eschezeaux 1971. It took some time opening them. The corks were tricky, especially the Grands Eschezeaux which disintegrated. The Romanee Saint Vivant was corked, smelled like Madeira when we opened it. So sad. The Romanee Conti was completely dead as far as fruit goes. It wasn't corked or bad, just past it's time. Again, sad. Then we moved onto the Grands Eschezeaux. Folks, we didn't strike out. This wine still had character. Fruit, acidity. Most of the flavors were secondary, like leather, mushrooms and sous bois (This means it has hints of forest floor, usually beneath the trees. It refers to the taste of earth with age).

Then we went onto North Valley Pinot Noir from Willamette 2007 from the Soter producers. Great structure, a lot more vibrant fruits with a bit more body than the Chilean. Cherries, tart cranberry and wood were prevalent in this Pinot from Oregon. We went back to France with the Domaine de Montille 2006 Volnay 1er Cru Les Taillepieds. We decanted this one, and the fruit of tart cherries and earth were incredible. The acidity in the finish was lingering in the mouth indicating extreme aging potential. Jayer-Gilles Grands Eschezeaux 2001 was next in the line-up. A typical red Burgundy with tart cherries, stewed mushrooms, wood and dirt floor. It was a beautiful bottle. The Kistler 2002 was hot, ripe and very fruit forward. It still needed time. Moving on to Rochioli Little Hill 2005. This was a favorite of the night. I can imagine if given more time in the bottle it will only get better. The bright red cherries and strawberries on the nose and palate mingled perfectly with the hints of mushroom and earth. It was superb. The Sea Smoke Botella 2006 was ripe and jammy with hints of cola, it is another bottle that would benefit from bottle age. The Radio Coteau La Neblina 2008 just arrived by mail a couple of weeks before. It was vibrant with black cherries, licorice and cocoa. I have a couple of more bottles, so it will be nice to see what it will be like in a couple of years.

That's a lot of Pinot Noir. Truly fascinating to see different styles and countries side by side producing the same grape, but definitely not the same wines. I highly reccommend getting together with some friends to experiment a little. If Pinot Noir is not your favorite grape, try it with another, perhaps Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (shiraz) or Malbec. You'll be surprised and if nothing else, entertained for an evening.

Quilceda Creek

2010-11-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

I was very happy to open the door to my yearly package of Quilceda Creek Red Wine. There are only 2 wineries that I am on their waiting list AND order the wine. Quilceda Creek is one of them. One year because of a move, I missed the email and it was sold out before I had a chance to get it; I cried in my pretzels.

Part of me feels bad about posting about this wine. I feel like all I'm going to do is gush like a school girl and not sound intelligent. But I love this wine. I have never opened a bottle that wasn't delicious.

The Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2 % Malbec. Its fruit is grabbed from several of their vineyard sites, barrelled in 100% French Oak and although it's their entry level red, it's meant to age. The hard part is not wanting to drink it before you have a chance to see it to some bottle age (minor problem I've had in my home). The nose is dark fruits mingling with cocoa and tobacco. The palate is chock full of dark cherries, black plum, vanilla, mocha and herbs. The finish is long with grippy tannins that balance the bottle.

I'm going to state the obvious: I like this wine and would reccommend it anytime.

Cask

2010-11-05T09:33:00.001-07:00

Anytime you drink a bottle with some age on it, anticipation is half of the enjoyment (at least it is for me). No matter if it's 5 years or 50 (yes, I have had some 50+ year old wine and it's a gamble, but has mostly been positive), the thought of what that juice has done in the bottle as it sits is titillating (yeah, I went there).

The Niebaum Coppola Cask Cabernet Sauvignon from 2001 was one of those bottles. The 8 years isn't extremely long term, but 2001 was a great year for California already, so to see it get better is exciting. This bottle would still be fine with another 10 years, the fruit and acidity were still very fresh. The color was still bright with hardly any brick tones (older reds will often turn towards brick and orange tints). The wine had full ripe dark fruits of blackberry and currants. The nose was heavily spiced with nutmeg and vanilla mingling with Cocoa. The palate was vibrant with raspberries, dusty strawberry and black currant. The vanilla came through in the mouth. Everything was in perfect alignment, an extremely well balanced wine. We decanted for about 15 minutes before trying and enjoyed it over the course of an hour and a half, it just kept getting better.

Faugeres

2010-11-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

I've written about this area before, Southwestern France; Languedoc AOC. Chateau de La Liquiere Vielle Vignes 2005 is grown in the heartland of Faugeres. The family has been growing wines in that region for generations. The wines are typical Rhone varietals. Reds predominantly Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mouvedre with some Carignan. The Vielles Vignes is a blend of 40% Carignan (vielles vignes indicates older vines, these carignan vines are anywhere from 50-100 years old. It can be misleading though; because there is no regulated definition of the term, it is based on producers thought of "old vines"). The rest of the blend is 40% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mouvedre.

The wine is excellent. It has silky tannins, great structure with a complex round mouth feel. The fruit is dark and brambly with earthy, gamy notes on the nose. The perfume aspect is flowery, with blackberries and smoked meats. The palate has baked plums and spices, like nutmeg mingling with vanilla. Super deal at around $25. It would do fine with cellaring for 5-7 years or enjoying it now like I did.

Robert Kacher Wine Dinner

2010-11-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

First off; rabbit, rabbit...

I wanted to let my readers (yes all 5 of you, and that may include my family) of an event coming up. Robert Kacher is coming to town. Unlike Santa, he doesn't care if you're good or bad, you can taste his wines all the same.

Robert, known as Bobby, learned about wine the old-fashioned way. He traveled to France in his younger years and immersed himself into the wine culture. Of course he found food along the way (that is the way of the Europeans; food and wine go together). Upon returning to the states, he worked in a retail shop and put his knowledge to good use, by putting wines he loved into the hands of customers. After working for years in the industry, he started Robert Kacher Selections and brings some of the best French Wines to our shelves. A full list is available on his website (where most of this info was lifted from...).

He'll be pairing some of his beautiful French wines with a 5 course prepared meal at Havana South on Wharf Street in Portland. The dinner runs $69 per person (don't forget a bit extra for taxes and your server!) which is a steal for food and wine (and fun)! Hit the link to Havana South to get to their website to give a call because reservations are required.

What can get better than Roumier?

2010-10-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I will try to explain Burgundy a little. Morey St Denis is an area in the Cote D'Or (Cote D'Or is split into two regions: Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits). To read a label in Burgundy can be a task in its own right. Take the Roumier. Where in most cases the producer is the main attraction of the bottle, in Burgundy the area is the central focus. Morey St Denis is the area in Cote de Nuits. Next line will usually tell you its designation; 1er Cru-Clos de La Bussiere. In layman's terms, this means the small plot of land the grapes were picked from that can be Villages (sort of like a table wine), 1er Cru or Grand Cru.

2006 Morey St Denis 1er Cru-Clos de La Bussiere from Roumier is indeed a young wine. Usually, it is recommended to wait at least 10 years before drinking a bottle of Burgundy. For quite a young bottle, it was stunning. Ripe acidic cherries, tart red raspberries, violets and mushrooms were all present in this wine. The finish was incredibly long with gripping tannins.

The only problem with Burgundy, it is not light on the wallet...but if you have some $$ to spare, you should definitely invest in some bottles.

Carmen Riserva

2010-10-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

Carmen Reserva is a blend from Chile, the Maipo Valley region to be exact. Chilean wines can be a great go to zone for affordable drinkable bottles. They are often a single varietal, but lately blends have become more popular. The 2007 Carmen Reserva is 60% Carmenere (a varietal once thought to be Merlot before DNA testing, yes DNA testing, proved different) and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose was thick with ripe black fruits and mint. Hints of flowers, more herbaceous than perfume were prominent and mingled well with black cherry. The palate was clean and ripe with peppery notes. Chocolate and baking spices rounded out the mouth. The finish was long with a velvety feel. Perfect for the chilly nights coming our way. A great bottle for under $20!

Broadbent Selections

2010-10-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

When you get a group of industry people in the room together, the night starts pretty tame. A lot of talk about fruit notes, tannic structure, backbones, VA, RS (technical terms; Volatile Acidity and Residual Sugar respectively). Throw in a birthday (John, hope you were OK this morning) and things can get a little more fun. You start at a restaurant with a beautiful portfolio of wines. Broadbent Selections is run by President & CEO Bartholomew Broadbent, a man whose diapers were probably made from recycled wine labels he's been around wine that long. The wines he brings into the US market are what he believes to be the best in their respective regions. I had the chance to taste through a wide range of selections from quite a few different producers. The Dr H Riesling 2008 was brilliant (Bartholomew is English, so bear with me as I use colloquialisms that were thrown around last night). Great honeyed nose, not much petrol until you swirled it around in the mouth. The acidity was bright and refreshing with a long finish. Really a great bottle of food friendly Riesling. Would pair incredibly well with spicy Thai Food. We were poured an array of bottles from the producer Chateau Musar. If you are unfamiliar with this producer, I would suggest starting with the Musar Jeune. They produce a white (blend of Viognier, Vermintino and Chardonnay) and a red (Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon). They are a little more friendly on the wallet than some of the other wines, but once you taste Serge Hochar's (the winemaker) wines, you'll want to try all of them. It's kind of like an elite club. The people who follow Serge's wines are hardcore about them. I found that out last night (or should I say this morning) at almost 1 a.m. in a hotel room with several others waiting in anticipation as the host poured his beloved bottle of Chateau Musar 1991. The wines are from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, a place that has so much history it's overwhelming to think about. Their production history dates back to Roman times. Some grapes are said to have had their start in cultivation in this region. Along with the Musar Jeune and the '91 (thank you), we tasted the Hochar et Fils 2002 (stunning, and reasonably priced) and the Chateau Musar 1998 and 2001 (my favorite out of the bunch, and dare I say the '91 is included). Broadbent also has an extensive offering of Madiera, one of my favorite (a word I seem to use a lot when talking about wine) dessert wines. Give me a choice of Port or Madeira and I will take Madeira every time. I think I've posted about it before, but I can give the quick and dirty method of some background info. Madeira is of course a cluster of islands (there's a word for that: archipelago) way off the coast of Portugal (I've just impressed my brother with my geography here, not my strength). Was that too quick, do you need more? They were one of the largest exporters to the US (the Declaration of Independence was toasted with a glass of Madeira, George Washington was among the fans). There are many stories of how Madeira came to be, but I think the one I hear the most often (which must mean its true) is that a shipment somehow made it back from the US to the Islands and they found the wine to taste better than when it left. The long journey along with the heat of passing the equator "cooked" (its where the term "maderized" came from) the wine giving it a nutty aspect. From then on, wines that had the stamp of "the journey around the world" were sought after as the best. This is not becoming quick anymore, I have warned you that the longer I write these blogs, the wordier I get. Anyway, it's not terribly economical to send the wine around the world on ships, so now the process is mimicked in the wineries. Madeira goes with anything. It has acidity which makes it a great match for food. It can start an evening or end it, it's extremely versatile. The Broadbent 5 year is a great introductory into the wine if you are intimidated by the thought of delving into a bottle. It has the caramel nose, the orange peel, the cocoa powder on the palate and the bright acidic finish. Wow, that was an infomercial for Madeira. And just to prove it, here's the Game Show pose: There are few reasons that I will willingly go to a hotel room of a man I just met, trudging through rain in the wee hours of the morning. But to toast a glass to an importer among people who understand why you would trudge through the rain in the wee hours of the morning for a special bottle of wine is definitely one of them. Thanks for a great night.

oh wonderful Viognier!

2010-10-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

Condrieu is an AOC in Northern Rhone that produces the best rendition of bottled Viognier in the world. That's right, I said it. The Best. It's hard to compare to a wine that mingles ripe fruits like apricots and white peaches and gripping racy acidity so perfectly. This is a great thought for Thanksgiving dinner. Poultry, vegetables, cranberries; all would be a great match for this bottle.

Michel & Stephane Ogier is a father and son property consisting of a mere 15 acres. For just over 20 years they've been bottling these wines. The 2008 is exceptional. The nose if full of perfume and apricots. White flowers and honeyed peaches. Citrus tones also find their way into the fragrant bottle. The palate confirms the stone fruits on the nose. The acidity is racy with a long dry finish that stays on the tongue for quite some time. As someone once told me that a tomato bisque that I had made was so good she wanted to bathe in it ( I looked at her like she was a little bit nutty); I get it.

Torii Mor

2010-10-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

Torii Mor is a winery in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. They are a green organization now and you can read all about their efforts by clicking the link. The wines they make are pretty solid. The above 2008 Pinot Noir was great for a domestic Pinot under $30.

It was vibrant ripe fruits; all red cherries and raspberries. There are undertones of rose petals and violets. In the palate a smoky aspect kicks in, mingling with earthy notes. It has seen oak and you can get a bit of those wood tannins on the finish, but it is not out of balance. It's acidity makes it a great pair for food, anything from musty cheeses (sounds better than stinky) to pasta. Fish and poultry would also work well.

Silverado

2010-10-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Silverado Vineyards is nestled in California among vines and gently rolling hills along the Napa wine trail. For those of you who have not yet traveled to Napa, it is quite mesmerizing. To drive along a road and see all these wineries off one road that you have been buying and drinking for years is exhilarating and overwhelming. It becomes a task to narrow down who you want to visit. The winery is going the way most are these days; Sustainable farming, taking these practices to the vineyards, the winery and throughout their business.

I had the chance (perk of the job) to taste through their line-up, and it was delightful. New vintages, same great wines.

The Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was incredibly ripe. Tropical fruits of pineapple, lime and star fruit were prominent. The acidity was refreshing making this a great wine for food.

The Napa Chardonnay 2008 again had ripe fruit on the nose and palate. Golden delicious apple, lime pith, anjou pears all mingling well with vanilla and custard. Well balanced; a great wine for the money.

The Silverado Sangiovese from Napa is in a category that is certainly unique. Sangiovese as we all know (and love) is the main grape in Chianti (Tuscan region in Italy). A few wineries in California have planted this grape in their vineyards. This is one of the better renditions I have tasted. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon has been added for a "Super Tuscan" feel.

The 2006 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon estate bottles both are a great value. The Merlot had dark plum and violet characters with firm tannins and good acid. The finish was long. We also had the chance to taste the 2004 Merlot, which gave a peak into what potential the '06 has; a smoother mouth feel with velvety fruit tones and rich complexity.The Cabernet was full of red and black currants and raspberries. The nose had a bit of leather and pencil shavings. Tannins were present and grippy. This could hold well for 5-8 years. A good investment for a cellar bottle under $40.

We saved the best for last. The Silverado Solo. A Cabernet Sauvignon definitely made for the cellar. We tasted the 2002, and 8 years in the bottle has done well for this wine. Chocolate, cocoa powder and blackberries was all over the nose. The palate was velvety, yet acidic. It could still hold for a few years. It is a great bottle to pull out on a night when steak, lamb, or other meaty goodness (a technical term) finds its way to your table.

He will be sorely missed!

2010-10-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Marcel Lapierre sadly passed away this week at the age of 60 from cancer. We paid homage to him last night by opening an '09 Morgon from this talented winemaker. Lapierre is thought of as one of the pioneers responsible for bringing respect back to Beaujolais after a spotty history of scandals. The link will bring you to NY Times wine writer Eric Asimov's lovely article about him and his wines. So instead of going into all that, I'll tell you about his bottle of Morgon.

2009 for France is turning out to be a great vintage, of course everyone is seeing all the press associated with Bordeaux. But France is big and has so many vast regions that will put out affordable wines that the average wine drinker doesn't have to take out a second mortgage in order to invest. The Marcel Lapierre Morgon is one of those wines. The nose had notes of blackberry and plums, with vanilla and wood ash ( like when you open the wood stove and stir the coals...thanks Nick G). The palate is fruity confirming the brambly nose and the acidity is lively. The finish is long with strong firm tannins. As the bottle was open, it softened a bit. This bottle will do well with 5+ more years. So invest in this little wine, it sits on the shelf for a mere $20...we wish his son luck in continuing the winemaking traditions, but we raise a glass to Marcel and enjoy as we sip in his memory.

Pierre Chermette

2010-10-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Domaine du Vissoux is a proprietor in Beaujolais bottling wines that express the terroir like no other. The wines are light in body with vibrant bright cherry and red fruits without the "bubblegum" aspect of most Beaujolais. It is Gamay at its best. Good acidity, light tannins, bright ripe fruits and a slight hint of pepper in the finish. It was a great match for a cook-out celebrating a friend's birthday and my first-ever attempt at flag football.

Domaine Rimbert 2008

2010-10-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Carignan. That's the grape. Languedoc-Roussillon is the region, actually more exact is Saint Chinian. Carignan makes up a good portion of the blend in this wine. It's actually much harder to find a wine that's 100% Carignan, like this one they blend in Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache. I drank this with a chicken and spinach curry. It was a great match. The wine had a tart cherry and raspberry note to it. Big tannins, earthy mid palate and lots of acidity made it a great pairing with the spicy food.

Chablis

2010-10-03T07:11:00.001-07:00

Chablis is an area in northern Burgundy in France known for exceptional flinty Chardonnay. The famous soil in the region is called Kimmeridgian clay, giving the wines that slate mineral mouth feel. There are 7 Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis with about 40 Premier Cru. As with most areas in France, there are straight table wines as well, each region having different designations for them.

The 2008 Desvignes Aine & Fils is a Chablis AC, with the family owning 60 ha (hectares; one hectare is equal to just under 2.5 acres. In Chablis that is a large site.) in Chablis. The average age of the vines is 35 years, and they ferment in stainless steel tanks with no time in oak. The result is a lightly fruit forward nose with apple and pear. The palate is refreshing with bracing acidity and the traditional "flinty" feel. It is a great value at under $20.

Alto Moncayo

2010-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of those big fruit driven Spanish wines that tastes better after being open for 24 hours. 100% Garnacha (grenache for those of you who don't speak Spanish), it is dark rich black fruits like plums and blackberries. There is a lot of spices like cinnamon and cloves. It is heavy on cocoa and chocolate, especially on the nose. With decanting or simply opening the night before you plan to drink it, everything suddenly softens. It is still a big, bold wine, but with air it is lush instead of in your face. I recommend drinking this with foods like lamb, steak or a spicy vegetarian dish.

100!

2010-09-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

A happy little gathering to celebrate 100! 100 posts, not sure what exactly it means other than I am a little less affluent and a little more wordy. But here I am and any excuse to hang with friends and family, eat good food ( the word good may be stretching it, for some reason I chose this night to create my first gluten free product; calzones, not great!) and drink nice wine is o.k. in my book.

We started with a lovely bottle of Puligny-Montrachet from Burgundy. It was a Premier Cru, Champs-Gain from Louis Jadot. Jadot is normally a negociant (buys the grapes from growers to produce his wine), but he also owns vineyards in certain areas of Burgundy. Quite a few houses produce this way. The grape of course in this area being Chardonnay, the wine had a lovely nose with granny smith apples and ripe pears mingling with oak and vanilla. The palate was every bit as enjoyable as the nose. It was incredibly balanced, with plenty more life in the bottle. Next, we dove into a 2006 Morgon. Although as we opened it and tasted, realized it needed some air time so moved quickly to another bottle (all the while making my brother nervous, "aren't you going to finish the other bottles first?" don't mind him, he's a novice). The Mongeard-Mugneret Bourgogne 2006 was very pleasant. I've always like Mugneret, I feel they are truly a value for red Burgundy. In a region where it is hard to find a bottle that is less than $50, this house starts their wines around $30. For a french Pinot Noir in an affordable (for Burgundy) price range, it is quite quaff-able, especially for such a young wine. It is very typical for the grape, bright cherries and strawberries, very acidic, quite tannic, yet soft at the same time.

Drinking this gave the Morgon time to loosen up. Jean Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py 2006, Beaujolais is the region, the grape Gamay. The wine is fermented by carbonic maceration. This is a standard way of making wines in the Beaujolais region. It gives the wine a more concentrated fruit quality with a light body. Usually whole grape clusters are thrown into a tank that a lid can close down on, this tight closure allows an anaerobic environment to form by pumping carbon dioxide into the closed container. I'm not a scientist, so breaking down the how's of its intricate nature is not my thing, I know the gist. Basically it allows a more flavorful concentrated wine to be created in a shorter time. Ah, science. Beaujolais is a great food wine, and as I've said before take the Nouveau right out of the equation and go for straight Beaujolais, you'll be much happier.

The next bottle was Chateau Rayas Chateau de Fonsalette 2004 which is now part of the new Cote du Rhone Village area of Massif d'Uchaux. It is a blend of 50% Grenache (most of Chateau Rayas wines are 100% Grenache) 35% Cinsault and 15% Syrah. The wine was beautiful. Full bodied with pepper, black plums, licorice and spices, it opened up to it's full potential after about an hour of air time.

We emptied a couple of Spanish bottles next (don't think we are crazy boozers, they were open from the night before). The Termanthia 2002 and El Nido 2004 both are big bold Spanish wines that are excellent as long as one of two things are achieved; decanting or serious bottle age. The Termanthia is Tinto de Toro, aka Tempranillo and the El Nido is Monastrell, aka Mouvedre with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Last but certainly not least was a Beerenauslese Reisling from the Mosel Saar region in Germany (and yes, they did pair incredibly well with Cheez-its). Beerenauslese is a wine that is made from hand picked grapes that have edelfaule or noble rot. In a nutshell, the grapes have been allowed to over-ripen on the vine to create a high sugar content. The high sugar content means concentrated flavors and sweet wine. Although they produce sweet wines, the rot allows the grapes to shrivel keeping the acid content in the grape as well. The resulting wines are sweet and balanced without being cloying. The vintage was 1994 and it still could have held in the bottle for more aging. The acidity was still bright and lively, with honeyed tropical fruit and petrol. A great way to end an evening of friends and fun.

So after 100, am I smarter? Maybe. Or maybe I just am happier.

It's a box!

2010-09-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Le Vin de l'Uncle Charles is a wine that is bottled (or boxed) by Chateau Flaugerges in the Languedoc region of Southern France. It is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. It comes in a nifty rustic 3L box (that's equivalent to 4 bottles) for under $30!

The wine is a great value for the price. It is dark fruits of black raspberries and black plums with floral notes mingling. The nose has hints of baked spice that also come through in the palate. We drank it with pizza and salad tonight, and it was perfect. Everyone was shocked that I recommended a wine in a box, but I'm happy to say that I am pleased there is one out there now that I want to drink at home!

The Offering

2010-09-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

The first sip is like a giant sucker punch in the mouth! I would highly recommend decanting this wine. This is why I do what I do, so you don't have to...

The Offering 2008 from Sans Liege in California is a Rhone Style Blend. With 41% Grenache, 30% Mouvedre, 27% Syrah, and 2% Viognier there is so much going on in this bottle. The grapes are from Santa Barbara County AVA (American Viticulture Area). The wines of Sans Liege are made by one guy, the one and only employee of the Company.

The wine is packed with fruit. Dark blackberries, black plums, baking spices and very floral. There is a slight hint of smoke in the nose. On the palate, the Grenache is the heavy hitter. With brambly fruits and white pepper. It's like a jar of preserves opened up in your mouth. As the wine opened the heat of the alcohol subsided and the fruit settled into its own. I plan on buying a few more bottles to hold and see what it does over the next few years. Look for an update!

It is definitely a food friendly wine. Cheeses, Duck, Pork all would do well as a pairing for this bottle.

Casa Ferreirinha

2010-09-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

A beauty from Portugal! The Quinta da Leda 1999 is a blend of Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Now the first grape may be familiar to most, at least as Tempranillo, but the other two may not. Touriga Nacional and Tourgia Franca are traditional grapes used in the production of Port (along with many other grapes that are even more obscure).

I am pretty naive when it comes to Portuguese wines. I have had my share, but am still learning, so when we came to this bottle, I was on the fence. It has 11 years bottle age to it, which can be young in some wines but in others it means over the hill. And in my naivety I was unsure of where this one would lay. I am extremely happy we gave in.

The color was a bright purply red. Looking at the vibrant clarity you would have never guessed it had 10+ years. The nose had a baked preserves quality to it, plums and blackberries. The palate was refreshing, a characteristic that denotes youth, again surprising. Mocha and vanilla with floral tones also came through. The finish was long with racy acidity. It was really a great pair with the burritos that we made for dinner.

Skylark

2010-09-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Quite a few years ago, when I had this crazy corporate job, they paid me to take a trip out to San Francisco to "benchmark" Stanford University. While we were there we decided to "benchmark" local restaurants that were on the scene to bring ideas back to the table. One of those restaurants was Boulevard Restaurant (another was Gary Danko, I know rough job!). Anyway, at the time the Sommelier was this incredibly nice gentleman named Robert Perkins. I had just taken my first course in the Master Sommelier adventure, and was high off the knowledge and the fact I was in Wine Country. He guided us through our 5 course meal, with incredible wine pairings. In the course of the evening he mentioned that he and the Wine Director, John Lancaster had started producing their own wines. And like that, a wine relationship is born.

Skylark Wine Company is a venture between two guys who love wine, and it shows in the bottles they produce. When I first tasted this bottle of '07 Red Belly about 10 months ago, it was so heavily fruit forward that I was unsure of how I felt about it. But like any good bottle, it has done what it should when given a bit of time. The fruit is still incredibly ripe and round. It has a preserves nature about it, but the wine is not sweet, it is soft and supple and round. It reminds of why I fell in love with these wines 5 years ago on that incredible journey.

De Toren Fusion V

2010-09-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Another one of those old faithfuls (wow, you guys are going to think I pink crap! I really meant pick! jeez, you see what I mean!) a theme and run with it, off a bridge! De Toren Fusion V, a great little bottle from South Africa. Stellenbosch is the region, they actually call them Wards in South Africa (a system put in place in 1973).

The bottle is a blend based on the concepts of red Bordeaux, but done so with the terroir of Stellenbosch. It is varying degrees of the five grapes of Bordeaux; mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is a beautiful dark rich purple in the glass. The nose is violets, plums, black currants and dried herbs. The palate has chewy tannins that soften a bit as the air gets in the glass. The dark fruits are present in the mouth with tobacco and leather pushing through. The 2005 has many more years left on it, so cellaring is very plausible. I have had a bottle with 7 years bottle age, and it was showing very well, with more aging ability left. It is a great food wine and can hold up to any Steak, Lamb or Gamy meat meal.

Beautiful Clio

2010-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

From Bodega El Nido in Jumilla Spain, the Clio is a blend of old vine Monastrell (what Spain calls Mouvedre) and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is always well recieved by the wine writers and critics. It is definitely a show stopper. A big wine that needs serious decanting or a good 5-8 years bottle aging. 2007 was touted as a near perfect vintage for this region, so you can't go wrong picking this wine to sit on your cellar shelf or your dinner table.

The wine is inky purple, barely allowing light through it. Its nose is full of lavender, dried herbs, smoky meats, black plums and baking spices. On the palate the currants, underbrush and dark rich vibrant fruits sing. The finish is quite long with chewy tannins. It screams for Roasted Lamb, with Potatoes and Rosemary. Or a big hunk of Carles Roquefort Cheese with Quince paste and bread.

Storybook Mountain

2010-09-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel Mayacamas Range. This is a wine that long ago I used to enjoy (I don't know if you remember that I overdid it at the ZAP festival in San Francisco one year and since then haven't consumed much Zinfandel). Every once and a while its nice to re-visit oldies. You'll find when you do that sometimes your palate has changed and you have no idea why you liked a certain wine. And other times, you are pleasantly reminded that a good wine is nice to return to, like a good friend. The Mayacamas Mountains are in both Napa and Sonoma Counties. They have some of the highest peaks in the central part of the chain. This wine is made from 100% estate grown grapes, which are farmed organically. The Zinfandel has a subtle elegance, and I know that those of you who know a thing or two about Zinfandel are scratching your heads. But I am serious. There is definite spice and raspberries on the nose. Its palate is very fruit forward and ripe, but you don't get that sucker punch of jammy over-extracted fruit. It is lean in body, which is another shock. The finish is long and filled with cinnamon, nutmeg and lavender. I would go back to this again and again over time. And I do believe that it is worthy for bottle aging.

Rhone Wonder

2010-09-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

2007 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf de Pape, can it get any better? Well maybe it can, but this is pretty good. '07 was a great vintage for this region. The Domaine du Pegau has reeped the benefits of the perfect weather conditions of that summer.

Although drinking a bottle of this nature this young is really not recommended, usually a few more years (6-10 in bottle is the norm) with proper decanting you can see all of it's potential.

Chateauneuf de Pape is traditionally made with 13 different grapes, although the AOC now allows more; the blend being predominantly Grenache, with varying degrees of others. Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, Mouvedre, Muscadin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul (blanc and noir), Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picardin and Roussane. Yes, red and white grapes are both in the red blend. A handful of houses actually continue this tradition. Most these days use just a few. Pegau depends heavily on the Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Counoise.

The wine has a beautiful black fruit quality with tobacco and earth mingling throughout. Its deep color shines through with smoked meats and dried herbs. Sounds like a meal, I know, but often these Rhone blends have a meaty quality that resonates. Its velvety texture will only get better as the years go on. If you have the funds (because it isn't cheap!) to put this bottle in your cellar (or like me, a rack in your dining room) I would highly recommend it!

Callia

2010-09-07T04:33:00.000-07:00

Callia Alta Shiraz 2009. First of all, I was having a small bit (is that redundant?) of trouble with the website, so good luck with that. But anyway, the wine. Very dark in the glass, purple ink. The nose was black fruits, blackberries, black plums, and rose petals. The berries were like a blackberry pie. (Now you want to eat something, right?) I don't know why I do these at night. It makes me want to eat more, and you know that's not supposed to be good for you, eating after seven.

The palate was very ripe with a bit of spiciness to it, like black pepper. Strong flavors of black plums and blackberries were mingling with pine and tobacco. This wine is great for the money. $10 is a steal for a bottle that is drinkable on its own or with a meal!

Allegrini

2010-09-05T06:30:00.001-07:00

I love this wine, sometimes I forget about it. Then I grab a bottle and open it up to remind myself. I've never been disappointed. Allegrini is an estate that has been making wine for generations.

The Palazzo delle Torre is made with the Ripasso Method. The grapes, Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese are split with 70% starting the fermentation process. The rest are set out on straw mats to dry in the sun for months. These grapes are then added to the fermentation process. This allows for a depth in the wine that you don't get when traditional fermentation processes are used. This method is especially known for the production of Amarone.

The Palazzo is an incredible bottle for the money. It opens with black fruits and floral notes that mingle with tabacco and leather. The fruits are baked with spices like nutmeg. The palate is smooth and velvety with tannins that give it structure. The fruits in the mouth are ripe, but not stewed like you would get in an Amarone. It was nice to go back to an old favorite and remember all the reasons why you like it in the first place.

can you blame me?

2010-09-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

People, we are in a heat advisory...it's blazing hot out! I can't help it if a robust red is not in the forecast! I know, whites can be chilled and enjoyed, but what can I say? I'm obsessed!

Domaine Ott is in a category of its own. The region is Bandol in Southern France. They produce quite a few different wines. The Les Domaniers is one that they produce as a Selection. Think of it as sort of a co-op. The grapes (grenache, syrah and cinsault) don't necessarily come from property they own.

The wine is excellent for the price. Most of Ott's wines are in the $40 range, the Domaniers is around $20-25.

On the nose are white flowers, peaches, minerals and brine. The palate is round with strawberry, watermelon and peaches. The finish is long and acidic, clean and dry.

Perfect for a night of waiting for the heat to subside and the hurricane to roll in next...

Bandol

2010-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Chateau de Pibarnon 2007 is a beautiful Rose from the Bandol region in Provence France. One of my favorite areas for reds as well as roses. The wines are generally Mouvedre, Cinsault, and Grenache based with the accent on Mouvedre. Syrah and Carignan are also used, but in small quantities. The wines have a meaty quality with smoke characteristics. You will often hear people say "barnyard" when referring to Mouvedre. It can be off-putting for some, but if given the chance to age properly, these qualities can be very pleasing. It is an incredible food wine, pairing well with briny foods such as olives but also meats like lamb and duck.

The Pibarnon Rose is half and half Mouvedre and Cinsault. It is a 2007, even though the 2009 is the current release for the estate. I think that some areas, Bandol is included, a little age on Rose is quite lovely. It softens the acidity and layers out the fruit qualities. This bottle is dusty strawberry on the nose with hints of watermelon and straw. The subtle earthy notes, like mushroom and dirt floor come out in the palate mingling with the fruit perfectly. We had this with Lobsters, which was quite excellent (for us, not the lobsters...).

New Mexico and bubbles...

2010-08-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Maine? I'm hoping that all 5 of you reading this said Lobsters! But bubbles, New Mexico, really? Gruet Winery has been around for quite some time. I first encountered this wine about 8 years ago when I worked in Virginia. Their non-vintage Brut is an exceptional value. It should be, the owner hails from France and fell in love with the area (more so with how inexpensive the land was) in the late 80's.

The nose has subtle yeast components, the palate is all green apple and minerals. The finish is crisp and clean. A refreshing deal for $15. Lobster on the other hand....

another spectacular meal

2010-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I get hired to cater a meal. I had the pleasure of doing so at a gorgeous house in Cape Elizabeth. It was some time ago, but I was reminded of it today, and was told I should post the pictures. The house overlooks the water, an amazing view. The kitchen was great, with an Aga stove. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a ceramic stove imported from England. It's a cooker to be exact, and it was quite extraordinary to use.The menu was simple; a couple of big Antipasto platters Seared Tuna with wasabi aioliand Summer Tomato Salad with Arugula for Appetizers. Warm German Potato salad, Israeli cous cous with Fresh Peas and herbs Grilled Whole Black Sea Bass for the main course. The host made a beautiful stuffed Tenderloin and horseradish as well. For Dessert Chocolate Cream and Peach and Rhubarb pies.

The hosts also have a lovely wine cellar with quite a collection. They opened a few bottles including a Chablis Grand Cru and Chappellet Mountain Cuvee. I brought the Jeio Prosecco Rose to start the evening off (not counting the cans of Sophia Cuvee that the 3 of us toasted the evening while cooking. If you've never had the pleasure of drinking these, you should. I call them adult juice boxes, great for picnics and the beach). The party was a success, all the guests ended the evening in song of merriment (Irish group). It was fun to be a part of it.

not a pink wine!

2010-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is red people, full on red. Not pink. Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2003. Piedmont Italy is the place, Nebbiolo, the grape. It is still a family owned winery, run by the great grandson of Pio Cesare. Wines have been coming from this estate for over 100 years.

The '03 is a ripe vintage, tart cherries on the nose with a hint of iron that is typical in Nebbiolo. The tannins were softer than I expected for it being fairly young. It was very pleasant with quite a bit of acidity and floral tones. Could still hold up for another 5 or so years, but with proper decanting, an excellent pour.

OMG, make it stop...

2010-08-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law may have been right. She told me that I have been obsessed with pink wine this summer. I'm generally a red wine drinker. As a Sommelier, I can appreciate white wine, and there are certainly white wines that I like to drink, but they tend to cost a little more than my wallet allows. So when summer rolls around, a hearty red doesn't sound appealing when it's 90 degrees out. But Rose, now that is something I can handle. You can chill it, so it's refreshing in the heat. It has body and complexity. There's a bit more going on than your average white.

So here I am posting about another one.

Planeta Rose 2009, Sicilian gem. Pretty color, strawberry jolly rancher nose. Peaches on the palate and a crisp finish. Under $20!

another pink wine...

2010-08-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

Until the leaves fall off the trees, I think I will be drinking pink wine. And then may just find reasons here and there to open another one. Domaine de Gournier Rose 2009. This wine hails from Costieres de Nimes in Southern France. The owner of the vineyard Maurice Barnouin was first a farmer. Vines came later for him. When he bought the property, it had more fruit trees than vines. He cultivated Noble varieties and started producing wines in the 70's (got some great info from Robert Kacher Selections).

The Rose is a blend of 20% Merlot, 20% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre and Sangiovese. It is incredibly dry with slight earthy tones. The nose has bright red berry notes. The finish is long with refreshing acidity. Super great value in a bottle!

old faithfuls...

2010-08-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

You've had a rough day; you're at the grocery store and nothing is looking good...it is comforting to grab a bottle of what you know. Goats do Roam is a red that I've been drinking for years. And I mean probably close to ten. So maybe I haven't really had it in about five (albeit the taste here and there at trade tastings), but as I recall, it's a wine that doesn't fail to give what you need: a drinkable bottle.

The last time I purchased a bottle was before the label change, I'm not sure when that happened, but the juice in the bottle is pretty much the same. The 2008 blend is of Syrah, Mouverde, Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan. It hails from South Africa along the Cape. The Fairview Company makes quite a few different wines, most some sort of take on the Rhone varietals.

It was just what I needed after a long day in the car, driving in traffic, slowly cruising by car accidents; starting and stopping in construction zones. And to top it off, getting lost on the way...so here's to the bottle that allowed some relaxation at the end of a not-so-great day.

Welcome to the family!

2010-08-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

We had a little family get together in celebration of a growing family. Our dear friend announced his engagement and a baby on the way! So we decided to throw a dinner party in their honor. His poor bride to be got a no-holds-bar look at what she was getting herself into...the family!

We tend to be a sarcastic bunch, and when you get all of us in one room the crap gets pretty deep and anyone who can't keep up usually sinks. But it's all in good fun. I brought some Spanish wines to the party, along with tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden for the salad. I made a lavender pound cake from the garden as well. We got some mussels (cooked in white wine, butter, shallots and herbs), and roasted a whole Arctic Char. Fresh corn rounded out the meal.

We started with the Can Feixes 2009 from the Penedes region in Spain. This region is well known for the production of Cava, but still whites and reds are worth checking out as well. The Can Feixes is produced with some of the same grapes for Cava; 40% Parellada, 30% Macabeo, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Malvasía de Sitges. It's incredibly fruit driven with mineral tones on the nose. Ripe peaches, golden delicious apples and an acidic finish round out this food friendly wine.
The red was the Valdehermoso 2006 from the Ribera del Duero. Wines have been in this area for thousands of years, but true viticulture was brought by monks from France to the area. The region runs along the Duero river and the most famous wines Tinto Pesquera and Vega-Sicilia hail from the area. Another post another day for those wines! The Valdehermoso is made from what the locals call Tinta del pais, but we commonly refer to it as Tempranillo. There are tons of synonyms for Tempranillo. The wine is fragrant of baking spices and black plums. Vanilla is prevelant on the nose as well as in the palate. It is dry to the core with persistent tannins. For the amount of tannins present, the wine is surprisingly drinkable.

Cheers to the new addition...may it be healthy and happy (and may the parents want to continue to hang out with us)!

Summertime, and the livin's easy (thanks Billie Holiday)...

2010-08-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

De Faveri Spumanti actually has an incredibly long name that I can never remember (but if you click on the link, you'll see what I mean). It is one of the best Prosecco's out there. Incredibly fruit driven. Clean crisp palate. Super refreshing. Everything that you want in a glass of bubbles. It is from the Veneto region of Italy, made from prosecco grapes. Valdobbiadene to be exact, it is in the Alpine area of Treviso Italy. It is incredibly hilly, with the De Faveri vineyards nestled in those hills. The wine has a soft finish that makes it perfect as an aperitif. You won't be disappointed.

fifteen years and counting

2010-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

After 15 years together, we have fallen into a rhythm of knowing. I don't know how else to explain it. So we decided to take advantage of my parents being in town, and enjoy a simple meal together. No lavish gift giving, no crazy extensive plans, just enjoying each others company.

We went to The Sea Glass restaurant at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. It's a beautiful setting. The dining room is mostly floor to ceiling windows that look out towards Crescent Beach. Really picturesque. The room is comfortable, nice leather chairs, dark wood, truly inviting.
The menu is very local products-driven. The list of local vendors proudly printed at the bottom of the page.

The evening started with a glass of Jeio Prosecco, a nice sparkling wine from the Veneto region in Italy. My husband enjoyed a bottle of the sparkling water from Peru, Maine called Clear Moon.

The amuse bouche arrived, a golden beet soup with goat cheese.
We enjoyed quite a few selections from the menu:
Summer Tomato Salad with ArugulaBeet Carpaccio with goat cheeseSeared Scallops with shaved fennel and parsnip pureePaella with Lobster and ShellfishLemon Roasted Chicken with Lemon relishGelato assortment; Ginger, Vanilla Bean and Strawberry Sorbet
For my wine, a 2004 Produttori del Barbaresco...ah Nebbiolo is a wonderful thing. Barbaresco and its neighbor Barolo (both in the Piedmont region of Italy) share the grape, but Barbaresco tends to be a wine you can enjoy younger. Plums and violets on the nose, mixing with mushrooms, cherries and earth on the palate. The tannins are strong, and the racy acidity makes it a perfect food wine. This bottle has at least 3-5 more years.

Here's to another 15...

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1999

2010-08-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's not every day that you get to partake in a First Growth, so when you're offered a chance to drink a Lafite, you seize it.

For those of you that don't know the classification system of Bordeaux, I'll give a brief background. The Classification of 1855 was put into effect (now I'm stating the obvious here) in 1855. During an Exhibition in Paris the same year, Bordeaux's finest Chateaux brought their wares. The ranking was based on not only the best but also which wines brought in the highest prices. There are five categories and only Medoc and Sauternes (with one exception in Graves, Chateau Haut Brion) were originally ranked. To this day it is debated whether the system is deemed fair and valid. Yet it is still in play with 5 Chateaux as Premier Cru or First Growth (Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, Chateau Haut Brion being the 4 original; the 5th Chateau Mouton Rothschild was later upgraded in 1973). Deuxiemes Cru or Second Growth has 14 ranked. Troisiemes Cru or Third Growth follows with 14, Quatriemes Crus or Fourth Growth has 10 and the largest group Cinquiemes Crus (Fifth Growth) finishes with 18.

In Bordeaux, they are often referred to as Left Bank or Right Bank, denoting which side of the Garonne River the vineyards sit. The Left Bank wines are Cabernet Sauvignon based while the Right Bank are heavily Merlot or Cabernet Franc. All Bordeaux are blends or what the British used to refer to (because they were the main buyers of the exports) Clarets.
So enough of the lesson, hopefully it makes a bit of sense to most. The Lafite is a Paulliac, which is in the Medoc, which is Left Bank. Immediately all of you knew that means it is Cabernet Sauvignon based, am I right?

It was a beautiful wine, with a lovely dark garnet color in the glass and a slight hint of brick red showing its age. Its nose was black currants with hints of flowers and baking spice. It had a small amount of earth coming through. The palate was soft and velvety. The tannins had softened and the mouth was full and lush. If you can't tell, I loved it. I was very lucky to have enjoyed this wine, and I don't think I will forget it anytime soon.

pop the top...

2010-08-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Berger Gruner Veltliner is the perfect picnic wine. No wine key necessary. Just pop the top with a bottle opener and enjoy the 1 liter bottle.

All the typical Gruner delights are found in this bottle. Tropical fruits like candied pineapple and star fruit come forth on the nose. The palate is crisp and ripe with a bit of zing in the finish. The slight green tint in the glass is a dead give away to the varietal.

It's a great thirst quencher in the scorching heat. I know I enjoyed it.

An afternoon to remember

2010-08-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

July 31st finally came. I say that (the bride and groom are probably in agreement with me here) because I booked this event about 8 months ago. When it's that far in advance it doesn't seem real. You can talk about it, plan it, envision how it will come to play, but that's just talk. Then when the week of rolls around...things change.

Ordering food, calculating, doubting your calculations (because running out is not an option). And of course, prepping and cooking. It makes for an interesting week.

The groom was an award winning brew master, so it was a change for me in the sense of this event was not wine-centric! The beers were tasty, with clever names to carry out the theme of the day.The menu was based on local fresh produce, a farm to table appeal, with imports here and there. Fish from afar, but the sense of right from the sea since the ceremony was seaside. Cheeses from all over the world...from Naples Maine (Fern Hill Farm) to Spain to France to California. The bride and groom were very excited about cheese (her honeymoon read is "The Cheese Chronicles" if that gives you an idea). Raye's Mustard made a great accompaniment to the block. The day couldn't have been planned better, the weather was gorgeous, the field was a perfect setting, and cows were mooing in the distance. How much more of a "farm to table" feel can you have when you're looking at a beautiful cheese spread and hearing the cow in the background? May not be the source, but it puts things into perspective. The day's menu:First course: Cheese Extravaganza (I wasn't kidding around, we had about 30 different cheeses from all over)
Big Bread Baskets (from Standard Baking Company in Portland)
Scallop Ceviche with mango salsa, pea shoots and white truffle oil
Smoked Seafood platters

Second course:
Gazpacho
Peekytoe Crab Salad
Lobster and Avocado Salad Mushroom and Herb Quinoa
Roasted Root Vegetables

Grilled Lubina Fresca (Spanish Bass)
Grilled Arctic Char (from Iceland)
Grilled Black Sea Bass (Altantic Ocean around Massachusetts)
We had a great time people watching. That's the beautiful thing about catering, there's always plenty of eye candy running around to entertain you while you put out the goods for a grand celebration. Last but not least, there were pies, cascades of pies. Blueberry Balsamic and Strawberry Rhubarb. No cake ceremony, but if you hadn't guessed, this couple doesn't swing to the tune of traditions and stereotypes. They swing to their own melody; my kind of people...

another one....

2010-07-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

So, I'm betting that some of you are wishing for cooler weather so I'll stop writing about pink wine...but it's so good, and there are so many! The Chateau Soucherie Cuvee L'astree Rose 2009 is from the Loire region. The grape is Cabernet Franc, so something a little different this time! It has a great mineral aspect in the mid palate that finishes with crisp acidity. The color is pretty in the glass (because I know that is incredibly important when picking wine!). On the nose, peaches and strawberries come through with a hint of citrus and herbs. It is a dry wine that pairs with a range of foods, from spicy to pizza. A crowd pleaser in the category of Pink Wine.

there's always room for a gruner

2010-07-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Gruner Veltliner; it's had its day. There's been talk of it being the Sommelier's little gem, the unspoken treasure. But in reality, when I offer up a Gruner, most people are perplexed. It is a white grape primarily from Austria. It has a green tone in the glass, great peach and citrus notes with a slight undertone of tropical fruits and is incredibly easy to pair with food. Why wouldn't you choose it? Thai food is a great match, it's acidity and crisp finish with ripe fruit characteristics make it a soother for spicy foods.

Most Gruners are enjoyed young, but some of the single vineyard wines are capable of bottle aging. The older ones tend to take on a chardonnay like tone with the finish of an oaked sauvignon blanc. The depth in these wines are amazing.

Sepp Moser is one of the best houses in Austria. A very affordable white for the summer!

Vinho Verde

2010-07-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

My sister's going to kill me (she just brought a bottle to a dinner party happy to share with me and sad when I declined having already tasted the bottle and decided it wasn't for me), then again, she may be happy that I've finally found a Vinho Verde that I like. Vinho Verde is named for the fact that it is a "green" wine and is meant to be enjoyed young. Although most people say Vinhno Verde and immediately think it is the varietal of this white wine, the wine is actually made from a blend of grapes; Louueiro, Arinto, Trajadura, and Azal. Hailing from the region of Minho from Portugal, it is an easily quaffable wine that quenches the thirst on a hot day. Reds and Roses are also produced from this region. This bottle of Arca Nova has all those great characteristics; slight fizz, tangerine and lime on the nose. A bit of green notes, almost herby in the mouth, yet a clean and dry finish. What I enjoyed most about this particular bottle over most was the complexity. There seemed to be a lot more flavors creeping through this bottle. And the best part about Vinho Verde? Price: $8

Spain Continues...

2010-07-19T17:37:00.001-07:00

Cava, the beautiful sparkly goodness from the Penedes Region in Spain. As ripe as Prosecco, but with a bit of the Champagne yeast on the nose and steely minerality in the palate. It is a great summer refreshment that won't break the bank. The traditional grapes of Cava are Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada. This bottle of Juve y Camps Reserva de La Familia 2005 is exceptional for the price. A great little aperitif waiting for dinner to be ready, hanging with family.

Spain

2010-07-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

I was invited to an evening of food and wine out on Diamond Cove Island last night. Really a treat. Not only were some of my old favorites there, but some new beauties. One of the gems was the R Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Cosecha de 1981. Yes, that wasn't a typo, it is a spanish white from 1981. Viura and Malvasia is the blend and upon opening, the nose was slightly oxidized, but not in a way to steer you to think it was off, more like sherry. It had a bit of caramel to it as well, with an overwhelming nose of olive brine. The palate changed throughout the evening and it was honestly one of the most interesting whites I have ever experienced; very pleasant.
The Finca El Bosque 2006 Rioja from Sierra Cantabria winery was a giant piece of heaven. Rich chocolate tones poured out as I pulled the cork, so it surprised me to find out it is 100% Tempranillo. I would have thought there was at least a small amount of Garnacha. The wine is young and benefited from decanting. The palate was ripe blackberries and sage brush, the tannins were very grippy and the finish was incredibly long. It was a perfect match for the BBQ Ribs that were on my plate!

an evening of fun

2010-07-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Albarino is a grape in the Rias Baixas region in Spain (it is also known as Alvarinho in Portugal). It is an incredibly aromatic wine with tangerine and flowers on the nose. It's crisp acidic finish is perfect for briny seafood and olives. I made a Peekytoe Crab and tomato saute with linguine and fresh herbs. Finished with lemon and butter the sweetness of the Crab and the tang of the Albarino mingled spectacularly. The Lagar de Costa 2008 had a ripe vibrant fruitful palate with a beautiful under tone of underbrush. The mouth was full and round with a lingering finish. It was delightful.

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rose 1998...I know, most everything that you read about Rose is to enjoy it young. This was perhaps the best Rose that I have ever experienced, and as I can never seem to say it enough, I am a sucker for Rose. Made from Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura it is light salmon in color. The nose is full of white flowers and dusty strawberry. The palate is white peaches and a touch of brine. The finish is dry and long with a silky lush mouth feel. I would say this could easily age longer but is drinking exceptionally well at this moment!

Commanderie de Peyrassol 2009

2010-06-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, I'm a sucker for Rose. So when I see one pop into the store, I must try it. Commanderie de Peyrassol is a bottle from Neil Rosenthal's portfolio. I've read about it before but never had a chance to taste it. Glad I finally got a chance to open it up.

Coming from the Cotes du Provence in France, this bottle is a blend of grenache, cinsault, syrah and mouvedre. The nose is strawberries and peaches. The color is pale, with the palate light in fruit, bold in acidity with a lingering finish. We drank half the bottle with pizza last night and finished the other half at the beach today. Perfect for the warm day...

Can anyone say cocktails?

2010-06-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

White Port, sort of an anomaly in some minds. Every once and while you have to think outside of the box.

Produced in the Douro in Portugal, the same region you see the reds come from, it is made in many styles. Sweet (often labeled Lagrima, meaning tears), dry (secco) or off dry. It is enjoyed in many ways and one of those ways is in a cocktail. There are different variations to do this. A co-worker and wife suggested it saying they enjoyed it with tonic and fresh lemon. We tried a different twist. Sparkling Limeade, fresh lemon and the addition (thanks to my sister-in-law) fresh mint.

A Portuguese Mojito...extremely refreshing on a summer evening!

A Languedoc Jem (it's truly outrageous)

2010-06-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, all of 5 people may have gotten the joke in the header, but hey, that's what happens when you think you're clever...

So let's talk about the wine!

Chateau de Flaugergues is from the Languedoc region. The Cuvee de Sommelier is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre, classic in every way. This may very well be one of my favorite areas. It is so easy to get a wine that tastes great for under $25.

The 2007 is nice and ripe with heavy notes of plums and flowers. The spice is slight, with cinnamon and vanilla the biggest. The tannins are structured with acidity in a moderate plus level rounding out to a long lingering finish.

This house also makes a great wine called Le Vin de Uncle Charles that is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. Ok, I'm going to just say this, it comes in a box. I know, shocking! But listen, box wines are getting a crazy makeover! No longer are they the Kmart blue light special, you know what I mean; the aisle in the way back that looks like the stuff has been there for years. Well crafted wines are now being made to go into an eco friendly container of 3L! It's kind of exciting.

Domaine Carneros NV Brut Rose

2010-06-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

Nothing is finer than a glass of Sparkling Rose on a hot day! And especially after a jaunt on the bike! You get that slight buzz that happens when drinking alcohol (and not much mind you) after exhilarating exercise.

Domaine Carneros, Tattinger's California property is led by Celebrity Winemaker Eileen Crane. Named by Forbes Magazine (and the only reason I know that is b/c my father-in-law gives us a subscription)
as Napa Valley's most powerful woman, this lady has clout, but she is also incredibly grounded and super nice!

The Rose was by far my favorite, although I should add that I am a sucker for Rose, if you hadn't guessed that already. Crisp clean, rose petals and strawberries on the nose. Slight biscuit tones mingling with fruit. Dry on the finish and absolutely refreshing. Looking at the wine in the glass was also a delight. The bubbles creeping up the glass in a erratic dance lingering at the mousse creating at the rim.

I give two thumbs up to a bottle that tastes like Champagne, made in an area of course not near Champagne. And to boot, under $40 a bottle.

Saldo by Orin Swift

2010-06-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Oh the marketing genius of Orin Swift. So simple and minimalistic. It even has a little bas relief effect to it, so texturally it is also interesting.

It is 2008 from various AVA's in California. Dave Phinney, the winemaker decided to pick the best from several areas and blend from them. With mostly Zinfandel and small amounts of Syrah and Petite Sirah, the wine is quite fruit driven. The mouth feel is lush and explosive without being over-extracted. (Does that even make sense?)

It would pair extremely well with chocolates, but if you're feeling a more savory approach, beef, lamb and other rich meats would work. If you're strictly non-carnivore try earthy veggies like beets with spicy mustard greens and Stilton.

I am now hungry. Off to check out the fridge.

A grand affair

2010-06-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

How can a night go wrong with a lineup like this? It can't.
Then you add the food on top...
I catered an event, a birthday party. It was great. Good food, incredible wines, and people who actually enjoyed each others company.We started out with fresh fruit, raw oysters and yes, caviar. And what is the classic pairing? Champagne. We couldn't have picked two more opposite wines. Veuve Clicquot NV, the most marketed and well branded Champagne of all time. The widow (and the book about her empire is worth the read) did right. Champagne is classified into categories NM, CM, RM (a few among many) all found on the label. To most people it means nothing, but those letters tell you a few things about the house that bottles the wine. NM means negociant-manipulant; basically that they buy the grapes from different sources and bottle in their estate. CM is cooperative de manipulant or that the wine is made by a co-op. RM is recoltant-manipulant and means the wine is made by a grower producer. Veuve is an NM (big house) and Jean Vesselle is an RM (grower producer). Both are quality wines, both very similar in price. The Jean Vesselle is a little more complex, a little less ripe on the palate. Both are very dry and refreshing.
The next course was Lobster and Avocado Salad with lime cilantro vinaigrette and a Peekytoe Crab and Fennel salad with granny smith apple. The wines to pair were Duex Montille Mersault Casse Tete 2006, Freeman Ryo-Fu Chardonnay 2007, and Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlamagne Grand Cru 2003 (we also opened a 2005 R ochioli Chardonnay that was oxidized, boo hoo). It's really unfortunate to have to suffer through all of these wines. All are Chardonnay. Mersault is a region in burgundy that has not one Grand Cru, but plenty of exceptional Premier Cru that give even the best Burgundies a run for their money. Domaine de Montille has been making wines for generations (two to be exact, starting with father Hubert) and stellar bottles are produced now by a brother and sister team. Duex Montille is the label that is run under the winemaking talents of Alix Montille (the sister of the duo). I had the pleasure of running a private tasting with Etienne Montille (the brother of the duo) last summer and tasted through his 2006 repertoire and not a single bottle was disliked. Freeman Chardonnay is California gem with small production output. The wine is ripe and vibrant with subtle toast tones mingling with tropical fruit, golden delicious apples and complex minerals. Bonneau du Martray is king in Corton Charlamagne (my favorite white burgundy). Lush ripe apple and pear seamlessly melt into toasted vanilla and candied pineapple. The acidity is refreshing with stone minerals in the mid-palate. The finish is staggeringly long only to entice you into another sip.
Onward to the main course. Grilled whole Arctic Char. Braised Pork Shoulder. Roasted root vegetables with fresh herb and lemon vinaigrette. And the wines, La Pousse d'Or Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Bousse d'Or 2004; Red Car Heaven and Earth Pinot Noir 2008; Shafer Hillside Select 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon; Chateau Pavie 2002 St Emilion; Rubicon 2001...oh my. The first two mentioned are both Pinot Noirs, one from Burgundy and one from California. So different in so many ways. The Pousse d'Or is more subtle, less ripe cherry, more elegant. The tannins were grippy in the finish, the acidity was prevalent and the mouthfeel was lean and long. The Red Car was ripe and big. Black and Bing cherries with vanilla. The lush and silky palate was full and extracted. Acidity was prominent with the tannins more of a subtle feel because of the overall complexity of the wine. Both were very good in incredibly different ways.The Shafer was decanted and guzzled. Now that doesn't sound very classy, but it was the truth. It was black currants and black raspberries with slight licorice tones. The palate was big and the tannins still present even though the bottle had 10+ years. This could have held up for several more years, but was still showing well. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a private tasting at Shafer a few years back, and the estate is gorgeous. The Chateau Pavie (mostly merlot and cabernet franc) was black plums and violets. Very subtle in almost every aspect. A lovely wine. But the gem of the night, the wine that was at it's best point in it's life was the Rubicon. Dark fruits, leather and floral tones cohesively mingled with soft silky tannins that lingered into a rich long finish.
Dessert was Chocolate souffle cake with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Imported and domestic cheeses rounded out the night. Like I said a grand affair indeed.

Most of the photos (the prettier ones) were courtesy of the Hutchins family. Thank you.

Puydeval 2008

2010-06-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot. Such a nice blend. Blue fruits, baked plum pudding, cinnamon. Lovely combination.

The Puydeval is a Vins de Pays D'OC from the Languedoc region of France. I know, some may read that sentence and it may have well been written in French. So I'll explain a little. As I've mentioned before, most wines in France are categorized in AOC status. These wines fall into the rules that govern wine making, yields in the vineyards and permitted grapes ( to name a few). Vins de Pays are literally country wines. This status still governs certain aspects of varietals and wine making, but the rules are a bit more flexible.

The common grapes (red) of this area are Syrah, Mouvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan; wait, did I mention Syrah? But International grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are commonly found here as well.

Languedoc is one region where budget wines are the norm. Most Vins de Pays are mediocre at best, but in recent years highly drinkable, inexpensive wines are finding themselves on our American shelves. The Puydeval is in that league.