Inside Scoop SF » The 12 Wines of Christmas — Day 5: Something sweet
But if you can find the 6 puttonyos aszu wines of the Kiralyudvar house, do not hestate.
Sweet Loire wines: Somewhere in the depths of the basement, I have a bottle of Quarts de Chaume awaiting me. More to the point, if you can hunt down a great Vouvray Moelleux (Huet is the standard-bearer here), it will remind you why Chenin Blanc is the cause of so much rhapsodic wine talk.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
7 ideal holiday gift wines - Fortune Features
7 ideal holiday gift wines - Fortune Features
2009 Huet Vouvray Le Mont Premier Trie Moelleux - $65
I'm often asked to recommend wines, and it seems that one of their favorite questions is, "What is the best wine in the world?" There are, of course, infinite answers to that question, but one of the best wines in the world, and certainly one of the greatest wine values on the planet, has to be the wine coming from Huet. Made from Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley, Huet produces a full range of Vouvray, from bone dry to unctuously sweet as well a superb value sparkler, though the sweet wines are what Huet is best known for.
These are wines that are nearly immortal, though not in the sense that they last but because they endure, gaining unbeatable complexity and depth with age. This Vouvray, a selection from a specific vineyard, is packed with sweet yet vibrant fruit and accented with sweet almond and vanilla tones. It's fabulous today but will reach its peak when our grandchildren start drinking.
David Lawrason’s take on Vintages December 10th Release | Appetizer | National Post
David Lawrason’s take on Vintages December 10th Release | Appetizer | National Post
BENMARCO 2008 EXPRESIVO, also from Mendoza, is pricier at $36.95 but it was one of few that I would personally have no qualms buying above $30. It is a very cool, rich yet refined blend of five Bordeaux grape varieties, a common practice in Argentina where the majors like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cab franc – as well as more difficult petit verdot and tannat – can each be planted at altitudes most suitable to their growing season, then blended after. Altitude blending is Argentine’s secret weapon. Benmarco is not a winery by the way, but a brand produced at an excellent winery called Dominio del Plata, based in the important sub-region of Agrelo. The winemaker at Dominio del Plata is Susanna Balbo, who I consider to be one of the great talents of Mendoza. I was not able to taste her SUSANA BALBO 2010 SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON ($22.95) by press time, but I will add my note shortly after the release on Saturday.
BENMARCO 2008 EXPRESIVO, also from Mendoza, is pricier at $36.95 but it was one of few that I would personally have no qualms buying above $30. It is a very cool, rich yet refined blend of five Bordeaux grape varieties, a common practice in Argentina where the majors like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cab franc – as well as more difficult petit verdot and tannat – can each be planted at altitudes most suitable to their growing season, then blended after. Altitude blending is Argentine’s secret weapon. Benmarco is not a winery by the way, but a brand produced at an excellent winery called Dominio del Plata, based in the important sub-region of Agrelo. The winemaker at Dominio del Plata is Susanna Balbo, who I consider to be one of the great talents of Mendoza. I was not able to taste her SUSANA BALBO 2010 SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON ($22.95) by press time, but I will add my note shortly after the release on Saturday.
Eccentric Wines from Unique Wineries - CNBC
Eccentric Wines from Unique Wineries - CNBC
Bedrock Wine Co.
Notable wine: Sherman & Hooker Shebang! Red
This red wine blend is an offbeat tribute to Civil War generals Joseph Hooker and William T. Sherman, who founded Bedrock Vineyard in California’s Sonoma Valley in 1854. The wine is a project of Morgan Twain-Peterson, son of Joel Peterson, founder of award-winning Ravenswood Winery. He bottles Shebang! in one-liter glass jugs, which he says alert customers to the fact that the wine is affordable and unpretentious. Wine retailers K&L Wine Merchants praise Shebang! Red as “a throwback to simpler times when exceptional wine was available to just about anyone.”
Visitors to the winery learn about the jug’s label, which is a reproduction of an 1849 land grant illustration given to General Hooker, who had so many prostitutes following his troops during the Civil War that people began calling the women “hookers.”
America's Indie Wine Scene, Genre By Genre - Vintage America - Eater National
America's Indie Wine Scene, Genre By Genre - Vintage America - Eater National
Freak Folk
Freak Folk is, more or less, acoustic folk music mixed with all kinds of other stuff, like electronica, off-beat vocals, or just a hefty dose of creative dissonance. Bands like Animal Collective and Akron/Family, for example, have taken folk traditions and fused them with their own freaky avante-garde brands of pop, creating music that challenges the very definition of both pop and folk. Likewise, there are a growing number of producers in California that are drawing from the traditions of northern Italy to make unlikely white wines with off-beat varieties like vermentino, fruilano, and ribolla gialla.Some, like Vare and Ryme, are taking inspiration from winemaking traditions that date back to antiquity, fermenting and aging some of their whites on the skins. George Vare, a godfather of sorts when it comes to the modern cultivation of Italian varieties in California, has been an enabler for many indie producers seeking to experiment with white wine. The husband and wife team at Ryme bottle skin contact (orange) versions of vermentino and ribolla (which they get from Vare) that are boundary-pushing wines, particularly in the context of the chardonnay-loving Napa Valley.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Champagne's culture clash lets the little guys sparkle - Page 4 - SFGate
Champagne's culture clash lets the little guys sparkle - Page 4 - SFGate
2004 Agrapart & Fils Mineral Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne ($65, 12% alcohol): While this Avize house's nonvintage efforts seem to be getting sweeter, here's where it shows the austere, long-lived potential of Chardonnay grown on limestone. Like Chablis with bubbles, it's got bracing seashell and lemon pith aromas, with richer accents of macadamia nut and Vietnamese coffee that give extra richness. Keep an eye out for the new labels.
2004 Agrapart & Fils Mineral Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne ($65, 12% alcohol): While this Avize house's nonvintage efforts seem to be getting sweeter, here's where it shows the austere, long-lived potential of Chardonnay grown on limestone. Like Chablis with bubbles, it's got bracing seashell and lemon pith aromas, with richer accents of macadamia nut and Vietnamese coffee that give extra richness. Keep an eye out for the new labels.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Top 100 wines 2011: Cheers to thinking small | Page 15 of 15
Top 100 wines 2011: Cheers to thinking small | Page 15 of 15
Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay,
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay,
Foxglove Central Coast Chardonnay,
The Ojai Vineyard McGinley Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc,
Ryme Cellars His/Hers Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Vermentino,
Wind Gap Sonoma Coast Syrah,
Kutch Falstaff Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,
Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,
Rhys Family Horseshoe Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay,
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay,
Foxglove Central Coast Chardonnay,
The Ojai Vineyard McGinley Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc,
Ryme Cellars His/Hers Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Vermentino,
Wind Gap Sonoma Coast Syrah,
Kutch Falstaff Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,
Littorai The Haven Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,
Rhys Family Horseshoe Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wine Peeps: A Wine Blog » Sineann’s Peter Rosback…a Jack of Many Vineyards
Wine Peeps: A Wine Blog » Sineann’s Peter Rosback…a Jack of Many Vineyards
While Sineann is located in Newberg, Oregon, in the heart of Pinot Noir country, and Rosback got his start with that grape, his portfolio of wines includes much more than Pinot. Almost all of his wines are single-vineyard designated from vineyards in Oregon, Washington, California, and even New Zealand. Sineann’s Sauvignon Blanc is closed with a screwcap while all of the other wines are sealed with glass closures.
While Sineann is located in Newberg, Oregon, in the heart of Pinot Noir country, and Rosback got his start with that grape, his portfolio of wines includes much more than Pinot. Almost all of his wines are single-vineyard designated from vineyards in Oregon, Washington, California, and even New Zealand. Sineann’s Sauvignon Blanc is closed with a screwcap while all of the other wines are sealed with glass closures.
The Bacony Goodness of Côte-Rôtie | On Wine by Jay McInerney - WSJ.com
The Bacony Goodness of Côte-Rôtie | On Wine by Jay McInerney - WSJ.com
Call it a prejudice, but I seem to be drawn toward the blonde side of the hill, and to those wines that contain a small percentage of the white grape Viognier—like René Rostaing's Côte Blonde
Call it a prejudice, but I seem to be drawn toward the blonde side of the hill, and to those wines that contain a small percentage of the white grape Viognier—like René Rostaing's Côte Blonde
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Impress Your Holiday Party Hosts With These Expert-Approved Bottles of Wine - The Chaser - December 2011 - Chicago
Impress Your Holiday Party Hosts With These Expert-Approved Bottles of Wine - The Chaser - December 2011 - Chicago
Shebnem Ince, sommelier at Henri and The Gage in the Loop
Bring it: “One item that should be in everyone’s fridge is dessert wine, and one of my favorites is Tokaji,” says Ince. “It’s a sumptuous category of dessert wines from Hungary, and the wine tastes like an orange and salt caramel lollipop. Two good producers are Kiralyudvar and Oremus.”
Shebnem Ince, sommelier at Henri and The Gage in the Loop
Bring it: “One item that should be in everyone’s fridge is dessert wine, and one of my favorites is Tokaji,” says Ince. “It’s a sumptuous category of dessert wines from Hungary, and the wine tastes like an orange and salt caramel lollipop. Two good producers are Kiralyudvar and Oremus.”
Washington Syrah - Page 2 - SFGate
Washington Syrah - Page 2 - SFGate
2010 Owen Roe Lady Rosa Yakima Valley Syrah ($45, 14.1%): This new arrival from the Northwest's talented David O'Reilly is still a youngster. But sourced from the Erickson Road and DuBrul vineyards in western Yakima, this brings a ton of game meat, peppercorn and tar to its slightly closed but stylish cherry-leather profile, devised from aging in mostly neutral oak. All the Washington kick you'd want, in a very pretty package.
2010 Owen Roe Lady Rosa Yakima Valley Syrah ($45, 14.1%): This new arrival from the Northwest's talented David O'Reilly is still a youngster. But sourced from the Erickson Road and DuBrul vineyards in western Yakima, this brings a ton of game meat, peppercorn and tar to its slightly closed but stylish cherry-leather profile, devised from aging in mostly neutral oak. All the Washington kick you'd want, in a very pretty package.
Discerning drinker: Christmas Champagne | Life & Style
Discerning drinker: Christmas Champagne | Life & Style
Marie-Courtin Résonance Brut NV, mostly pinot noir, is dry but fragrant and spicy, very individual (The Sampler, £31.32). And in the "brut nature" extra-dry style, where little or no extra "dosage" is added to the bottle for its final fermentation, Larmandier-Bernier Tradition Extra Brut Premier Cru NV oozes crisp elegance
Marie-Courtin Résonance Brut NV, mostly pinot noir, is dry but fragrant and spicy, very individual (The Sampler, £31.32). And in the "brut nature" extra-dry style, where little or no extra "dosage" is added to the bottle for its final fermentation, Larmandier-Bernier Tradition Extra Brut Premier Cru NV oozes crisp elegance
Judgement of Paris Returns- Moscow Style
Judgement of Paris Returns- Moscow Style
The audience voted for 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet by Fontaine-Gagnard from Burgundy as their top Chardonnay,
The audience voted for 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet by Fontaine-Gagnard from Burgundy as their top Chardonnay,
Wine Focus: Chateau Sainte Marie Reserve and Venison for Christmas | Bordeaux Undiscovered – Nick's Blog
Wine Focus: Chateau Sainte Marie Reserve and Venison for Christmas | Bordeaux Undiscovered – Nick's Blog
I discover
ed Chateau Sainte Marie’swhite wine a few years back and was deluged by requests from customers to acquire their red. This has proved to be a wise choice as their Reserve Bordeaux Superieur 2008 (£9.95) is a lovely wine and its quality is belittled by its price. I am recommending it as a good match for venison this Christmas as it pairs beautifully with game.
The renown of Château Sainte Marie goes back several centuries, as the vineyard belonged to the 12th century Benedictine Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure (one of the most ancient abbeys in France, located just a mile from the Château). Much of the Château was devastated by fire and only the giant 400 year old sequoias remain.
The Dupuch Family have been making wi
ne at Château Sainte Marie since 1956 with fierce commitment, talent and a great attachment to the originality of the terroir. The south facing vineyards stretch over 2 sunny hilltops which are amongst the highest points in the Gironde and resemble 2 small islands standing proud in a sea of green.
Thanksgiving Wine Review 2011 - Wine - Santa Barbara Edhat
Thanksgiving Wine Review 2011 - Wine - Santa Barbara Edhat
The forth wine we tried was the 2006 BenMarco Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. I found this wine at Costco in 2008, and purchased it due to its very high ratings from the critics, and its sub $15.00 price. I wanted to bring something different to the dinner and I was also interested to see if the guests would like it. Most people think they like Malbec, but I don’t believe that many people have actually tried it, or have tried good Malbec. I’ve had a few while traveling around in Paso Robles and further north, but have yet to have a good or enjoyable one. I hoped that since this one had been aged for 5 years, that we might see it at its best. I was right! Everyone loved it, and the wine showed beautifully. On the nose, there is a hint of pretty flowers, metal and blueberries. On the palate, you get a nice sampling of boysenberry and blackberry. The impressive finish features nice minerality and dark fruit. This wine is still powerful, and would probably be better in 3-4 years. Everyone loved it, and I rated it 92 points. I believe you can spot later vintages of this wine at Costco in Goleta from time to time.
The forth wine we tried was the 2006 BenMarco Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. I found this wine at Costco in 2008, and purchased it due to its very high ratings from the critics, and its sub $15.00 price. I wanted to bring something different to the dinner and I was also interested to see if the guests would like it. Most people think they like Malbec, but I don’t believe that many people have actually tried it, or have tried good Malbec. I’ve had a few while traveling around in Paso Robles and further north, but have yet to have a good or enjoyable one. I hoped that since this one had been aged for 5 years, that we might see it at its best. I was right! Everyone loved it, and the wine showed beautifully. On the nose, there is a hint of pretty flowers, metal and blueberries. On the palate, you get a nice sampling of boysenberry and blackberry. The impressive finish features nice minerality and dark fruit. This wine is still powerful, and would probably be better in 3-4 years. Everyone loved it, and I rated it 92 points. I believe you can spot later vintages of this wine at Costco in Goleta from time to time.
Among Great Wines, Plenty of Choice — The Pour - NYTimes.com
Among Great Wines, Plenty of Choice — The Pour - NYTimes.com
Arnot-Roberts is known for syrahs, but I love its fresh, tobacco-scented Santa Cruz cabernet from Fellom Ranch. Napa may be the benchmark, but I’ll settle for the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Arnot-Roberts is known for syrahs, but I love its fresh, tobacco-scented Santa Cruz cabernet from Fellom Ranch. Napa may be the benchmark, but I’ll settle for the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A lovely Italian-influenced wine dinner — jamie goode's wine blog
A lovely Italian-influenced wine dinner — jamie goode's wine blog
First up was Foradori’s Granato from 1999. This is a really fresh example of the Teroldego Rotaliano grape variety, which has picked up some savoury, spicy notes to accompany the fresh cherry and blackberry fruit.
First up was Foradori’s Granato from 1999. This is a really fresh example of the Teroldego Rotaliano grape variety, which has picked up some savoury, spicy notes to accompany the fresh cherry and blackberry fruit.
Meeting the Challenge of Thanksgiving Wine - On Wine - WSJ
Meeting the Challenge of Thanksgiving Wine - On Wine - WSJ
I’ll bring some Vouvray, one of my favorite wines — likely a 2009 Les Argiles from Chidaine ($20) which is a wonderfully, exquisitely minerally wine.
I’ll bring some Vouvray, one of my favorite wines — likely a 2009 Les Argiles from Chidaine ($20) which is a wonderfully, exquisitely minerally wine.
Gather round with American wines at the feast - Food & dining - The Boston Globe
Gather round with American wines at the feast - Food & dining - The Boston Globe
Owen Roe Winery “Abbot’s Table’’ Columbia Valley Red Blend 2009/2010 Here’s that genuine oddity: a blend of multiple grape varieties from diverse sources that does not seem muddled. On the contrary, this is a full-featured, neatly articulated red blend that capably herds a good deal of juicy, sweet New World fruit, acid, and tannins into an appetizing, well-balanced table-friendly package.
Owen Roe Winery “Abbot’s Table’’ Columbia Valley Red Blend 2009/2010 Here’s that genuine oddity: a blend of multiple grape varieties from diverse sources that does not seem muddled. On the contrary, this is a full-featured, neatly articulated red blend that capably herds a good deal of juicy, sweet New World fruit, acid, and tannins into an appetizing, well-balanced table-friendly package.
Ethereal Barolos, Soulful Barbera and Dolcetto | Bruce Sanderson Decanted | Blogs | Wine Spectator
Ethereal Barolos, Soulful Barbera and Dolcetto | Bruce Sanderson Decanted | Blogs | Wine Spectator
Founded in 1881 by Mauro Mascarello’s great-grandfather, the estate of Giuseppe Mascarello & Figli today covers 44.5 acres in Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba, two towns in the storied Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. About two-thirds of the vineyards are dedicated to Nebbiolo, the region's most famous grape and the one used for the wine of Barolo and Barbaresco.
Founded in 1881 by Mauro Mascarello’s great-grandfather, the estate of Giuseppe Mascarello & Figli today covers 44.5 acres in Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba, two towns in the storied Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. About two-thirds of the vineyards are dedicated to Nebbiolo, the region's most famous grape and the one used for the wine of Barolo and Barbaresco.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Battle of the bubbles
Battle of the bubbles
Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs Vertus Non-Vintage ($85)
Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs Vertus Non-Vintage ($85)
A biodynamic champagne maker of class, Larmandier-Bernier gets better with each year. The non-vintage is a good place to become acquainted with the house style - appley crisp, youthful and light in the mouth - before graduating to the magnificent 2005 Cramant Grand Cru.
Friday, November 18, 2011
How to buy a wine gift | The Des Moines Register | DesMoinesRegister.com
Susana BalboHow to buy a wine gift | The Des Moines Register | DesMoinesRegister.com
If there were a man that Hendricks wanted to impress with a wine gift, she would select Susana Balbo’s 2008 Signature Malbec Mendoza 2008. Selling for about $30, this is a sultry wine with strong tannins. “This would be the wine for impressing a guy,” she said.
If there were a man that Hendricks wanted to impress with a wine gift, she would select Susana Balbo’s 2008 Signature Malbec Mendoza 2008. Selling for about $30, this is a sultry wine with strong tannins. “This would be the wine for impressing a guy,” she said.
Burgundy 2010, Day 3: Potel, Morey, Fontaine-Gagnard, Fourrier, Alain Chavy & J. Confuron Contetidot | Bibendum Times
Burgundy 2010, Day 3: Potel, Morey, Fontaine-Gagnard, Fourrier, Alain Chavy & J. Confuron Contetidot | Bibendum Times2010 is a classic vintage for Fontaine-Gagnard and Chassagne-Montrachet. The small berries at harvest created a very concentrated, powerful style of Chassagne-Montrachet, although this could never be called over-ripe. There is a clear line of acidity through the wines that bring to mind 2008 but, again, the wines showed great fruit concentration.
The Caillerets vineyard, planted in the 1960s, exemplified the style of the 2010 vintage. From a very stony plot of land, which had an early harvest, this is a very balanced wine between strict, linear minerality and sweet, full-bodied fruit.
After a morning of spectacular white Burgundy, lunch was spent in the car with ham sandwiches picked up from Carrefour supermarket while we waited outside Latour-Giraud.
Ah, the highs are high and the lows are low.
TN: 2008 Wind Gap Wines Rana (USA, California) - Topic
TN: 2008 Wind Gap Wines Rana (USA, California) - Topic
- 2008 Wind Gap Wines Rana - USA, California (11/10/2011)
Amazing wine. These Wind Gap Wines are definitely in a different league than most California Syrah / Rhone Rangers (yes-I know-Gross generalization & I love the wines that are completely opposite of Wind Gap). This wine is earthy has many mushrooms, olives, and meaty hints of deliciousness!! I really love the combination of full delicious California fruit coupled with old world characteristics. Excellent wine and lengthy finish of Au Jus – I wish I had more than one remaining bottle. I will buy all that I am offered. (92 pts.)
Ask a Sommelier: What to Drink at Wo Hing General Store | 7x7
Ask a Sommelier: What to Drink at Wo Hing General Store | 7x7
What was the most surprising pairing that you've discovered?
Some of my favorite are orange wines [white grapes that are fermented on their skins, adding tannin and color]! I thought maybe I was just indulging myself by putting so many on the list, because I like to drink them so much myself. But this white wine for a red wine drinker is really the perfect pairing for so many of our entrees. For instance, the Ryme Cellars Ribolla Gialla, which has a significant tannin structure and a lot more weight, actually marries really well with those dark broths I mentioned earlier. It has a nutty almost caramelized savory edge that is perfect with our spices.
How Malbec Became the Wine of 'Regular People' | On Wine by Lettie Teague - WSJ.com
How Malbec Became the Wine of 'Regular People' | On Wine by Lettie Teague - WSJ.com
Susana Balbo is a top winemaker and the mother of two children ("crios")—the namesakes of her "Crios" line of wines styled to be consumed in their vibrant youth. Her Crios Malbec, blended with a bit of Bonarda, is exuberant. Light to medium-bodied, it's bright and juicy with a lively acidity.
Susana Balbo is a top winemaker and the mother of two children ("crios")—the namesakes of her "Crios" line of wines styled to be consumed in their vibrant youth. Her Crios Malbec, blended with a bit of Bonarda, is exuberant. Light to medium-bodied, it's bright and juicy with a lively acidity.
Thanksgiving Day wines | Scott Greenberg | Entertainment | Washington Examiner
Thanksgiving Day wines | Scott Greenberg | Entertainment | Washington Examiner
Wessels also thinks pinot noir is a versatile wine, and it is especially delicious when it's from the terrific 2008 vintage in Willamette Valley, Ore. The 2008 Holloran 'LaChenaie' Pinot Noir ($20) from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA is a well balance and stylish pinot with medium dark cherry fruit and good balance.
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TNs: Pavelot Dominode 09 and Lamy Puligny Tremblots 09
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TNs: Pavelot Dominode 09 and Lamy Puligny Tremblots 09
Lamy Puligny Tremblots: Aromas of white flowers and wet stone, a whiff of oak that blew off by mid half-bottle. Mid weight fleshiness finds seamless lift and tension from its acidity and mouthwatering mineral length. I was really, really impressed; this is a 'village' bottling in name only; labelled Vieilles Vignes.
Lamy Puligny Tremblots: Aromas of white flowers and wet stone, a whiff of oak that blew off by mid half-bottle. Mid weight fleshiness finds seamless lift and tension from its acidity and mouthwatering mineral length. I was really, really impressed; this is a 'village' bottling in name only; labelled Vieilles Vignes.
10 Thanksgiving Wines (That We Actually Drink) - Houston Restaurants and Dining - Eating Our Words
10 Thanksgiving Wines (That We Actually Drink) - Houston Restaurants and Dining - Eating Our Words
7. Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux: We drink a lot of Chenin Blanc (from the Loire Valley, France) at our house and we always bring a bottle of Vouvray to Thanksgiving. The grape variety's signature acidity and the minerality it can convey make it one of our favorite food-friendly whites in general and a top Thanksgiving wine every year. The historic Domaine Huet is considered by many to be the "father" of great Vouvray and you really can't go wrong with any of its wines. You'll find this dry expression of Chenin Blanc (under 13 percent alcohol)
7. Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux: We drink a lot of Chenin Blanc (from the Loire Valley, France) at our house and we always bring a bottle of Vouvray to Thanksgiving. The grape variety's signature acidity and the minerality it can convey make it one of our favorite food-friendly whites in general and a top Thanksgiving wine every year. The historic Domaine Huet is considered by many to be the "father" of great Vouvray and you really can't go wrong with any of its wines. You'll find this dry expression of Chenin Blanc (under 13 percent alcohol)
The 10 best Christmas sparkling wines and champagnes | Life and style | The Observer
The 10 best Christmas sparkling wines and champagnes | Life and style | The Observer
Domaine Cédric Bouchard Val Vilaine Inflorescence Brut, Champagne, France NV (£36.80, Berry Brothers & Rudd; £34.20, vinetrail.co.uk)
Most grape growers in Champagne sell their grapes to the famous houses or co-operatives, but over the past couple of decades an increasing number are making wines themselves. The cultish Cédric Bouchard is one of the best, as this very dry, perfectly balanced, exhilarating and food-friendly wine shows.
Domaine Cédric Bouchard Val Vilaine Inflorescence Brut, Champagne, France NV (£36.80, Berry Brothers & Rudd; £34.20, vinetrail.co.uk)
Most grape growers in Champagne sell their grapes to the famous houses or co-operatives, but over the past couple of decades an increasing number are making wines themselves. The cultish Cédric Bouchard is one of the best, as this very dry, perfectly balanced, exhilarating and food-friendly wine shows.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Bedrock: Wines with Real Personality from Very Old Vines
Bedrock: Wines with Real Personality from Very Old Vines
If I had to pick a favorite in this tasting of seven wines, it would be the 2010 Pagani Ranch Heirloom–which reminds me of some of the great Sonoma red blends and Zins of the past–and the 2010 Syrah Sonoma Coast–a beautiful and complex cool climate Syrah. Both of these require some aging, although the Pagani Ranch can certainly be enjoyed now. There were no duds in this lineup, however, and all of them show off the great vineyard sources and Morgan’s thoughtful winemaking. It was also a treat to taste a wine from Morgan’s first vintage–the 2007 Bedrock Heirloom. It illustrated the ageworthiness of these complex red blends.
If I had to pick a favorite in this tasting of seven wines, it would be the 2010 Pagani Ranch Heirloom–which reminds me of some of the great Sonoma red blends and Zins of the past–and the 2010 Syrah Sonoma Coast–a beautiful and complex cool climate Syrah. Both of these require some aging, although the Pagani Ranch can certainly be enjoyed now. There were no duds in this lineup, however, and all of them show off the great vineyard sources and Morgan’s thoughtful winemaking. It was also a treat to taste a wine from Morgan’s first vintage–the 2007 Bedrock Heirloom. It illustrated the ageworthiness of these complex red blends.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
West London Wine Blog: Domaine Huet Vouvray Masterclass with Richard Kelley MW
West London Wine Blog: Domaine Huet Vouvray Masterclass with Richard Kelley MW
Now farm a total of 35 hectares of vines split among the three single vineyards; Le Haut Lieu, Le Clos du Bourgand Le Mont. The estate is 100% Chenin Blanc with 50% of the vineyard classed as old-vines. Few would argue that the reputation of Vouvray as an appellation producing great wines lies with the influence of a single individual: the original owner Gaston Huet. Not only was Gaston a legend within the region, but his tireless work sitting on various national committees helped shape the future of French wine culture. His quest for the highest quality Chenin Blanc has been passed on to the Pinguets running the estate on biodynamic principles. Today the estate is owned by Anthony Hwang who also has interests in the regal Tokaj in Hungary. A Sweet Wine fanatic of which Domaine Huet fits in nicely.
Richard is a bit like me – born near Leicester to teetotal parents. How we both got to be educators in the world of wine is a long story involving opening lots of wine! For Richard it started in the summer of 1981 by tasting a 1969 Gaston Huet Vouvray. The next fourteen years saw Richard on a tour of vinous self discovery, finally gaining the Master of Wine title in 1995. With several years gaining experience in South Africa Richard joined Richards Walford in 2002 who is the UK agent for Domaine Huet. The love-affair was cemented.
Domaine Huet - Possibly the world's best Chenin Blanc
Richard Kelley MW - The Host
Richard is a bit like me – born near Leicester to teetotal parents. How we both got to be educators in the world of wine is a long story involving opening lots of wine! For Richard it started in the summer of 1981 by tasting a 1969 Gaston Huet Vouvray. The next fourteen years saw Richard on a tour of vinous self discovery, finally gaining the Master of Wine title in 1995. With several years gaining experience in South Africa Richard joined Richards Walford in 2002 who is the UK agent for Domaine Huet. The love-affair was cemented.
Day 2: Sticking to Their Guns | Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth | Blogs | Wine Spectator
Day 2: Sticking to Their Guns | Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth | Blogs | Wine Spectator
Versino is traditional in that he rarely destems fruit and never uses new oak, aging his wine in large foudres. With 27 parcels covering 16 hectares of vines, Versino is also the prototypical small domaine that relies on blending various terroirs, though the wines are always marked by the grippy, peppery Mourvèdre and Counoise grapes that buttress the fleshy Grenache.
Domaine Bois de Boursan
First up, make just a hard left and hard right after entering Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the route de Sourgues and you come to Domaine Bois de Boursan, where Jean-Paul Versino makes some of the appellation's most peppery, garrigue-filled reds. I make a semi-regular visit here, so you can reference my blog notes from my March 2009 visit, as well as complete reviews on Versino's wines.Versino is traditional in that he rarely destems fruit and never uses new oak, aging his wine in large foudres. With 27 parcels covering 16 hectares of vines, Versino is also the prototypical small domaine that relies on blending various terroirs, though the wines are always marked by the grippy, peppery Mourvèdre and Counoise grapes that buttress the fleshy Grenache.
Natural wine's perils, pleasures | PressDemocrat.com
Natural wine's perils, pleasures | PressDemocrat.com
Both Evers and Feiring are excited by the efforts of others trying to make natural wines in California, from Arnot-Roberts, Coturri and the Natural Process Alliance in Sonoma County to Edmunds St. John, Bebame and Donkey & Goat in Berkeley and La Clarine Farm in the Sierra Foothills.
Both Evers and Feiring are excited by the efforts of others trying to make natural wines in California, from Arnot-Roberts, Coturri and the Natural Process Alliance in Sonoma County to Edmunds St. John, Bebame and Donkey & Goat in Berkeley and La Clarine Farm in the Sierra Foothills.
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2010 Wind Gap Wines Blaufränkisch Ritchie Creek Vineyard
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2010 Wind Gap Wines Blaufränkisch Ritchie Creek Vineyard
Opened on release notes from day 2. I gave this an overnight airing to help it along but on first pour it had fantastic tart acidity. 13.4% abv, dark cherry/cranberry in color like a Sonoma Coast PN. Nose displays a syrah like earthiness without the weight with the addition of some spice notes. Up front it's bright and tart but still not showing a whole lot of fruit. Mid palate starts a bit flat weight wise but then turns real juicy and gives off black raspberry, fresh cracked pepper and some cinnamon flavors. Fine chalky tannins on a semi-medium finish. Hard to say whether it will improve with age but it's looking like a good T'Giving pairing at this point since it seems very food friendly.
Never had a Blaufränkisch before so wasn't sure what to expect but when Pax makes it I know it will be good nonetheless. Enjoy it now. (90 pts.)
Opened on release notes from day 2. I gave this an overnight airing to help it along but on first pour it had fantastic tart acidity. 13.4% abv, dark cherry/cranberry in color like a Sonoma Coast PN. Nose displays a syrah like earthiness without the weight with the addition of some spice notes. Up front it's bright and tart but still not showing a whole lot of fruit. Mid palate starts a bit flat weight wise but then turns real juicy and gives off black raspberry, fresh cracked pepper and some cinnamon flavors. Fine chalky tannins on a semi-medium finish. Hard to say whether it will improve with age but it's looking like a good T'Giving pairing at this point since it seems very food friendly.
Never had a Blaufränkisch before so wasn't sure what to expect but when Pax makes it I know it will be good nonetheless. Enjoy it now. (90 pts.)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Barreling Through Barolo - NYTimes.com
Barreling Through Barolo - NYTimes.com
2007 Barolo Cannubbio, Francesco Rinaldi & Figli. The most traditional wine of any of these selections. Intense and long, with a very expressive nose.
2007 Barolo Cannubbio, Francesco Rinaldi & Figli. The most traditional wine of any of these selections. Intense and long, with a very expressive nose.
In Piedmont, Seasons of Truffles and Barolo - NYTimes.com
In Piedmont, Seasons of Truffles and Barolo - NYTimes.com
“Restaurants tell me that when you have one bottle of traditional Barolo on the table, and one bottle of modern, the traditional bottle is empty first,” said Paola Rinaldi, who runs Francesco Rinaldi & Figli, a producer that stuck with older methods as others veered off in new directions. “Fifteen years ago it was harder to sell these wines, but at the moment, people are looking for something that is distinctive and different.”
Red to Brown Wine Review: 2009 Pattes Loup Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Red to Brown Wine Review: 2009 Pattes Loup Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
2009 Pattes Loup Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Pattes Loup, which was only established in 2005, is getting a lot of positive press in the world of Chablis, with Antonio Galloni having this to say this about the winery – “Simply put, these are some of the most groundbreaking, intensely captivating wines being made in Chablis today”.
Montmains is a south-east facing Premier Cru site in Chablis. The soils are composed of light, sandy topsoil with the Kimmeridgian (limestone-rich) subsoil that defines Chablis more generally. Apparently this Premier Cru also has a unique micro-climate, though as much as this unique microclimate is referenced with Montmains I’m yet to read anything that discusses what this micro-climate is or what impact it has on Chablis from this site. Any thoughts or comments on this point would be appreciated.
It’s a slightly fuller, richer Chablis than I might have expected, though this is probably a product of the 09 vintage. The thing that stands out however, is the wine's length. From go to woe, it never wavers, and has fantastic persistence. Lovely flavours of lime and peach are matched with some spice and floral notes, and all underpinned by that classic chalky minerality which is typical of Chablis. The balance and length suggests that this will age nicely, but the richness of flavour makes it’s pretty approachable now as well. Very nice wine. 4 stars.
2009 Pattes Loup Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Pattes Loup, which was only established in 2005, is getting a lot of positive press in the world of Chablis, with Antonio Galloni having this to say this about the winery – “Simply put, these are some of the most groundbreaking, intensely captivating wines being made in Chablis today”.
Montmains is a south-east facing Premier Cru site in Chablis. The soils are composed of light, sandy topsoil with the Kimmeridgian (limestone-rich) subsoil that defines Chablis more generally. Apparently this Premier Cru also has a unique micro-climate, though as much as this unique microclimate is referenced with Montmains I’m yet to read anything that discusses what this micro-climate is or what impact it has on Chablis from this site. Any thoughts or comments on this point would be appreciated.
It’s a slightly fuller, richer Chablis than I might have expected, though this is probably a product of the 09 vintage. The thing that stands out however, is the wine's length. From go to woe, it never wavers, and has fantastic persistence. Lovely flavours of lime and peach are matched with some spice and floral notes, and all underpinned by that classic chalky minerality which is typical of Chablis. The balance and length suggests that this will age nicely, but the richness of flavour makes it’s pretty approachable now as well. Very nice wine. 4 stars.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Judgment day for pinot noir
Judgment day for pinot noir
5. (7) Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur 2008, Domaine Trapet, France red, $125, Réserve et Sélection. A bit of aromatic volatility, which gives it a very earthy feel. Darker fruits, but the tannins have already subsided. The length is impressive. Drink now-2018.
5. (7) Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur 2008, Domaine Trapet, France red, $125, Réserve et Sélection. A bit of aromatic volatility, which gives it a very earthy feel. Darker fruits, but the tannins have already subsided. The length is impressive. Drink now-2018.
Brad Haskel: The Last Places You Would Look for Wine Bargains: Burgundy & Bordeaux
Brad Haskel: The Last Places You Would Look for Wine Bargains: Burgundy & Bordeaux
For a red, the very earthy and funky Passetoutgrains from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a find. This wonderful producer, who makes very expensive and sought after reds; makes this field blend, where the rows of Gamay and Pinot Noir are interspersed and picked and crushed without being separated. The resulting wine has some earthy flavors with the light and bright Gamay characteristics, along with some complexity and depth from the Pinot Noir.
For a red, the very earthy and funky Passetoutgrains from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a find. This wonderful producer, who makes very expensive and sought after reds; makes this field blend, where the rows of Gamay and Pinot Noir are interspersed and picked and crushed without being separated. The resulting wine has some earthy flavors with the light and bright Gamay characteristics, along with some complexity and depth from the Pinot Noir.
Pax Mahle’s enormous eggs | Dr Vino's wine blog
Pax Mahle’s enormous eggs | Dr Vino's wine blog
Instead, he took me to his fermentation room where he had a massive pair of stone, egg-shaped fermenters!
Pax used to make full-throttle wines, syrahs and pinots mostly, that scored big Parker points. Then, in what might be another stop in our “Road to Damascus” series (see Wells Guthrie), he grew tired of the style at around the time he had a falling out with his financial backer, bringing an end to the Pax label. His new label, Wind Gap, offers lower-octane wines thanks in part to cool vineyard sites as well as the changing tastes of the wine maker. “My tastes tend to prefer a lighter style,” he told me, adding that his favorite wine of his on that warm June day was is his Trousseau Gris. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an appointment with him and he was heading out so I didn’t have a chance to taste his wines. Just to see the eggs.
Of note, he said that he has won back the Pax name and will be releasing about 700 cases of wine under the Pax label. Wind Gap makes about 3,000 cases of wine a year.
Instead, he took me to his fermentation room where he had a massive pair of stone, egg-shaped fermenters!
Pax used to make full-throttle wines, syrahs and pinots mostly, that scored big Parker points. Then, in what might be another stop in our “Road to Damascus” series (see Wells Guthrie), he grew tired of the style at around the time he had a falling out with his financial backer, bringing an end to the Pax label. His new label, Wind Gap, offers lower-octane wines thanks in part to cool vineyard sites as well as the changing tastes of the wine maker. “My tastes tend to prefer a lighter style,” he told me, adding that his favorite wine of his on that warm June day was is his Trousseau Gris. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an appointment with him and he was heading out so I didn’t have a chance to taste his wines. Just to see the eggs.
Of note, he said that he has won back the Pax name and will be releasing about 700 cases of wine under the Pax label. Wind Gap makes about 3,000 cases of wine a year.
Screaming Good Halloween Wines | Eugene Daily News
Screaming Good Halloween Wines | Eugene Daily News
Starting with some wickedly savory wines that are made right here in Oregon, my number one suggestion for Halloween wine fun is Owen Roe’s 2009 Sinister Hand. With a label that’s got your eyes hooked on the bloodied severed hand, there’s actually a story behind the creepy drawing that’s sure to be a conversation piece:
“On this label the family crest depiction of a severed left hand tells the story of a rowing competition among the O’Neill’s & the O’Reilly’s (Owen Roe was an O’Neill). Whoever touched land first after rowing across the lake was rewarded with the land he touched. Lagging behind, one of the kinsfolk grabs his sword to cleave his hand and pitches it ashore to touch land first. He won the land and eventually ruled over it as king.”
Not only will the label be a conversation piece, but the wine is sure to get people talking. With grapes sourced from Washington and bottling taking place in Oregon, 2009 was a great vintage for Grenache in the Columbia Valley. This luscious red wine is a blend of 70%Grenache, 25% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre, and 2% Cuonoise; in addition to being, 100% delicious.
Starting with some wickedly savory wines that are made right here in Oregon, my number one suggestion for Halloween wine fun is Owen Roe’s 2009 Sinister Hand. With a label that’s got your eyes hooked on the bloodied severed hand, there’s actually a story behind the creepy drawing that’s sure to be a conversation piece:
“On this label the family crest depiction of a severed left hand tells the story of a rowing competition among the O’Neill’s & the O’Reilly’s (Owen Roe was an O’Neill). Whoever touched land first after rowing across the lake was rewarded with the land he touched. Lagging behind, one of the kinsfolk grabs his sword to cleave his hand and pitches it ashore to touch land first. He won the land and eventually ruled over it as king.”
Owen Roe's 2009 Sinister Hand
In the Shadow of Times Square, Go 'Elsewhere' - Decanted - Eater NY
In the Shadow of Times Square, Go 'Elsewhere' - Decanted - Eater NY
Bang For Your Buck
Királyudvar, Pezsgő “Henye”, Tokaji, Hungary, 2007 $59
A blend of furmint and harslevelu sourced from the biodynamic Henye vineyard, this is Kiralyudvar's homage to Huet's famed Petillant (Huet's Noël Pinguet is an adviser). The 2007 is the first release of this wine, produced via the Méthode Champenoise, and only 200 cases were made.
Bang For Your Buck
Királyudvar, Pezsgő “Henye”, Tokaji, Hungary, 2007 $59
A blend of furmint and harslevelu sourced from the biodynamic Henye vineyard, this is Kiralyudvar's homage to Huet's famed Petillant (Huet's Noël Pinguet is an adviser). The 2007 is the first release of this wine, produced via the Méthode Champenoise, and only 200 cases were made.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wines to fall for this autumn - latimes.com
Wines to fall for this autumn - latimes.com
Then there is the remarkable Teroldego, a sensually dense, Syrah-like beauty almost single-handedly revived by Elisabetta Foradori — she makes several bottlings, but her basic, Rotaliano, is ideal to warm you on a cool evening (about $22).
Then there is the remarkable Teroldego, a sensually dense, Syrah-like beauty almost single-handedly revived by Elisabetta Foradori — she makes several bottlings, but her basic, Rotaliano, is ideal to warm you on a cool evening (about $22).
2010 Bedrock Heirloom Wine | Los Angeles - TastingTable
2010 Bedrock Heirloom Wine | Los Angeles - TastingTable
One of the oldest plots in Sonoma, Bedrock Vineyard, has been continually producing grapes since 1888. These days, 30-year-old Morgan Twain-Peterson pays homage to the plot's lineage with his Zinfandel-driven field blend from his Bedrock Wine Co.
Zinfandel is a polarizing grape: Its high-alcohol jamminess exemplifies either the best or worst of California wine, depending on whom you're talking to. But thanks to the winemaking skill of Twain-Peterson, the son of Ravenswood Winery's Joel Peterson, this bottle is no overwrought beast.
Blended with Carignane, Mourvèdre, Syrah and other grapes, Bedrock Heirloom has plum notes and a slightly feral spiciness. It is produced in small quantities and sold largely through a mailing list.
One of the oldest plots in Sonoma, Bedrock Vineyard, has been continually producing grapes since 1888. These days, 30-year-old Morgan Twain-Peterson pays homage to the plot's lineage with his Zinfandel-driven field blend from his Bedrock Wine Co.
Zinfandel is a polarizing grape: Its high-alcohol jamminess exemplifies either the best or worst of California wine, depending on whom you're talking to. But thanks to the winemaking skill of Twain-Peterson, the son of Ravenswood Winery's Joel Peterson, this bottle is no overwrought beast.
Blended with Carignane, Mourvèdre, Syrah and other grapes, Bedrock Heirloom has plum notes and a slightly feral spiciness. It is produced in small quantities and sold largely through a mailing list.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Jay McInerney on Wines at Copenhagen's Best Restaurants - On Wine - WSJ
Jay McInerney on Wines at Copenhagen's Best Restaurants - On Wine - WSJ
But what really distinguishes the list from other three star lists is its depth in small grower champagne and regions such as the Loire, Jura, and Beaujolais. We had a terrific Blanc de blanc from Larmandie Bernier Vertus for well under a hundred bucks, after salivating over the selection of bubblies from Anselm Sellosse. One could easily drink champagne through the entire meal.
AOC, in downtown Copenhagen, got its first star last spring, and its cuisine is only slightly less inventive than Noma’s. (We preferred the donut-like fried bread dish here to the one at Noma, which had a fish in the middle.) Its impressive wine list doesn’t blackball Bordeaux entirely, but there are less than twenty selections. Burgundy and the Rhone are very well represented, although, again, mature vintages are a little hard to find.
Grower champagnes by the glass include Cedric Bouchard’s Inflorescence.
But what really distinguishes the list from other three star lists is its depth in small grower champagne and regions such as the Loire, Jura, and Beaujolais. We had a terrific Blanc de blanc from Larmandie Bernier Vertus for well under a hundred bucks, after salivating over the selection of bubblies from Anselm Sellosse. One could easily drink champagne through the entire meal.
AOC, in downtown Copenhagen, got its first star last spring, and its cuisine is only slightly less inventive than Noma’s. (We preferred the donut-like fried bread dish here to the one at Noma, which had a fish in the middle.) Its impressive wine list doesn’t blackball Bordeaux entirely, but there are less than twenty selections. Burgundy and the Rhone are very well represented, although, again, mature vintages are a little hard to find.
Grower champagnes by the glass include Cedric Bouchard’s Inflorescence.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
UNDER THE GRAPE TREE » Valle dell’Acate
UNDER THE GRAPE TREE » Valle dell’Acate
Moris Farms Vermentino Maremma Toscana IGT 2010. Grade=Outstanding+. Blended with 10% Viognier, this spicy, wildflower-imbuing white wine shows off clean notes of white peaches, lychee and lemon, hints of allspice and ginger, and crisp minerality to balance its invigorating finish.
Moris Farms Morellino di Scansano DOC 2009. Grade=Outstanding+. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah combine for a succulent red wine full of red fruits and spices, finishing soft and supple.
Valle dell’Acate Nero d’Avola “il Moro” Sicilia 2007. Grade=Outstanding. A well-aged Nero with black cherry, mint, violet and mulberry undertones that splash about in a sultry, brooding number sure to win you over with its classic Old World
Moris Farms Vermentino Maremma Toscana IGT 2010. Grade=Outstanding+. Blended with 10% Viognier, this spicy, wildflower-imbuing white wine shows off clean notes of white peaches, lychee and lemon, hints of allspice and ginger, and crisp minerality to balance its invigorating finish.
Moris Farms Morellino di Scansano DOC 2009. Grade=Outstanding+. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah combine for a succulent red wine full of red fruits and spices, finishing soft and supple.
Valle dell’Acate Nero d’Avola “il Moro” Sicilia 2007. Grade=Outstanding. A well-aged Nero with black cherry, mint, violet and mulberry undertones that splash about in a sultry, brooding number sure to win you over with its classic Old World
not drinking poison in paris: n.d.p. in piemonte: francesco rinaldi e figli, barolo
not drinking poison in paris: n.d.p. in piemonte: francesco rinaldi e figli, barolo
Signora Rinaldi looked at us like we were crazy. For having come all the way to Barolo to taste Grignolino, which I gathered she regarded as sort of a domestic servanty sort of wine, helpful to have around the house, but never introduced to guests.
"It's better when it's chilled," I said to J, who like me was nodding and sweating in the hot tasting room. Our passage through Barolo coincided with the hottest week of the year, and I had the impression that all three of us present were somewhat anxious not to spend too much time in that room. This perhaps accounts for what happened next, which was - nothing.
Signora Rinaldi looked at us like we were crazy. For having come all the way to Barolo to taste Grignolino, which I gathered she regarded as sort of a domestic servanty sort of wine, helpful to have around the house, but never introduced to guests.
"It's better when it's chilled," I said to J, who like me was nodding and sweating in the hot tasting room. Our passage through Barolo coincided with the hottest week of the year, and I had the impression that all three of us present were somewhat anxious not to spend too much time in that room. This perhaps accounts for what happened next, which was - nothing.
Friday, October 14, 2011
2011 Harvest: Rain, Rain, Go Away - Vinography: A Wine Blog
2011 Harvest: Rain, Rain, Go Away - Vinography: A Wine Blog
Perhaps some of the most significant impacts are being felt in the coolest areas, where in some cases, vineyards will likely not even get ripe enough. Duncan Meyers, the winemaker at Arnot-Roberts (whose Clary Ranch Syrah I reviewed last week) told me via e-mail that it's not clear to him whether that vineyard will make it this year. "We're sitting at around 17 brix," he said, "last year we were harvesting on November 23rd at 20 brix."
Winemaker Jamie Kutch, whose continual quest to produce lower alcohol, higher acidity Pinot Noirs meant that most of his fruit was harvested before the rains was doubly glad this year. "I was just out in Anderson Valley today," he told me on Monday, "and I'm starting to see Botrytis. And man, you don't want that stuff on your grapes. One day its in one cluster, the next day it's in 100 clusters, and the day after that it's in 10,000. It multiplies massively, exponentially."
Perhaps some of the most significant impacts are being felt in the coolest areas, where in some cases, vineyards will likely not even get ripe enough. Duncan Meyers, the winemaker at Arnot-Roberts (whose Clary Ranch Syrah I reviewed last week) told me via e-mail that it's not clear to him whether that vineyard will make it this year. "We're sitting at around 17 brix," he said, "last year we were harvesting on November 23rd at 20 brix."
Winemaker Jamie Kutch, whose continual quest to produce lower alcohol, higher acidity Pinot Noirs meant that most of his fruit was harvested before the rains was doubly glad this year. "I was just out in Anderson Valley today," he told me on Monday, "and I'm starting to see Botrytis. And man, you don't want that stuff on your grapes. One day its in one cluster, the next day it's in 100 clusters, and the day after that it's in 10,000. It multiplies massively, exponentially."
Saturday, October 8, 2011
2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira - JamesSuckling.com | Wine ratings, Wine reviews, Wine tasting notes & Wine videos
2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira - JamesSuckling.com | Wine ratings, Wine reviews, Wine tasting notes & Wine videos
Anyway, I drank a half bottle of 2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira with a wonderful plate of grilled scallop, sea bass and Chanterelle mushroom on top of butter mash. The Barolo was so beautiful with delicate character, dried dark fruits, and minerals with hints of roses. It was medium to full body, with firm, polished tannins and a delicate finish. Bright acidity too. This was a wine that would be better in five years, but Sal’s dish brought the best out in it. 93 points.
2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira
October 3rd, 2011
I went to Il Grano restaurant in West Los Angeles a few days ago for dinner following a vertical tasting of L’Aventure winery in Paso Robles. Il Grano is the best Italian restaurant for me in Los Angeles. Sal Marino is very, very talented.Anyway, I drank a half bottle of 2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira with a wonderful plate of grilled scallop, sea bass and Chanterelle mushroom on top of butter mash. The Barolo was so beautiful with delicate character, dried dark fruits, and minerals with hints of roses. It was medium to full body, with firm, polished tannins and a delicate finish. Bright acidity too. This was a wine that would be better in five years, but Sal’s dish brought the best out in it. 93 points.
GoLocalProv | Food | The Cellar: Budget Blended Wines
GoLocalProv | Food | The Cellar: Budget Blended Wines
growing region, this Malbec (60%), Syrah (20%) and Bonarda (20%) blend is as bold and flavor-full as blends in this price range come. Just like the Pine Ridge, this full-bodied wine is packed with layers of flavors making it a great sipper, as well as food companion.
Malbec is known for producing soft and juicy wines filled with blackberry flavors. Combined with the chocolate and spice notes from the Syrah and the strawberry and raspberry flavors from the Bonarda, this wine is quite the fruit bomb. Wrapped beautifully in an oak frame the 2009 Cocina from La Posta is downright delicious, especially to those of you who normally enjoy full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons.
2009 La Posta Cocina Tinto, Mendoza, Argentina
This week’s second wine is another Robert Parker favorite. It comes from Argentina and is a blend based on, not surprisingly, Malbec. Sourced from three different family vineyards all located in the Mondoza wineMalbec is known for producing soft and juicy wines filled with blackberry flavors. Combined with the chocolate and spice notes from the Syrah and the strawberry and raspberry flavors from the Bonarda, this wine is quite the fruit bomb. Wrapped beautifully in an oak frame the 2009 Cocina from La Posta is downright delicious, especially to those of you who normally enjoy full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Whatcom Magazine
Whatcom Magazine
Corvidae Wine Company 2009 Mirth Chardonnay (about $10) - From Owen Roe Winery, here's a lighter-bodied chardonnay that is stainless-steel fermented and tastes a bit like a sauvignon blanc. It's lemony with Fuji apple flavors up front and a trace of tropical pineapple on the finish. Give it a try with a poultry, halibut or sole entrée.
Corvidae Wine Company 2009 Mirth Chardonnay (about $10) - From Owen Roe Winery, here's a lighter-bodied chardonnay that is stainless-steel fermented and tastes a bit like a sauvignon blanc. It's lemony with Fuji apple flavors up front and a trace of tropical pineapple on the finish. Give it a try with a poultry, halibut or sole entrée.
Muri-Gries | Italian Food, Wine, Health and Fitness
Muri-Gries | Italian Food, Wine, Health and Fitness
We are beginning to see their whites here and there, but they actually produce quite a few reds as well. I recently tasted a nice Lagrein from one of the oldest wineries in the entire country, Cantina Convento Muri-Gries.
Located outside of Bolzano, this winery and convent dates back as far as the 11th century, when the Earl of Bolzano built a stronghold in an old ‘chellar’ (or cellar) to protect himself from the Bishops of Trento. In the 13th century, Meinhold II, who ruled the independent state of Gorz-Tirol, lived in this stronghold of Gries, as it had come to be known. In the 1400s, the then ruler of Tyrol, Earl Leopold, gave the estate to a group of monks, who had lost their monastery due to a flood. The facility has been a monastery ever since, being taken over by Benedectine monks from Muri in the Swiss Alps in 1845.
The Benedictine are a pretty serious bunch when it comes to their wines, and as the monastery entered the 20th century, there was a rededication to the production of quality wines. They started exporting their wines to the German speaking countries to the north, focusing on local varietals and styles like St. Magdalener, Malvasia, Lagrein, Kretzer and Pinot Grigio.
The monastery today relies on many agricultural activities for their livelihood, with nearly 30 ha (75 acres) of vineyards, 52 ha (131 acres) of fruit orchards, a large farm on the mountain slopes around Jenesien with meadow and wood, and 45 animals kept in stables.
Muri-Gries produces primarily red wines, with whites lagging at only 15% of their production. And among all red wines Lagrein covers 80% of their production. The resting 20% is shared among other brands like Vernatsch, St. Magdalener, Kalterersee selection, Pinot Nero and Moscato Rosa. The white offered include Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
We are beginning to see their whites here and there, but they actually produce quite a few reds as well. I recently tasted a nice Lagrein from one of the oldest wineries in the entire country, Cantina Convento Muri-Gries.
Located outside of Bolzano, this winery and convent dates back as far as the 11th century, when the Earl of Bolzano built a stronghold in an old ‘chellar’ (or cellar) to protect himself from the Bishops of Trento. In the 13th century, Meinhold II, who ruled the independent state of Gorz-Tirol, lived in this stronghold of Gries, as it had come to be known. In the 1400s, the then ruler of Tyrol, Earl Leopold, gave the estate to a group of monks, who had lost their monastery due to a flood. The facility has been a monastery ever since, being taken over by Benedectine monks from Muri in the Swiss Alps in 1845.
Muri-Gries Lagrein 2009
The monastery today relies on many agricultural activities for their livelihood, with nearly 30 ha (75 acres) of vineyards, 52 ha (131 acres) of fruit orchards, a large farm on the mountain slopes around Jenesien with meadow and wood, and 45 animals kept in stables.
Muri-Gries produces primarily red wines, with whites lagging at only 15% of their production. And among all red wines Lagrein covers 80% of their production. The resting 20% is shared among other brands like Vernatsch, St. Magdalener, Kalterersee selection, Pinot Nero and Moscato Rosa. The white offered include Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
The Best Champagne Bars in Paris - BlackBook
The Best Champagne Bars in Paris - BlackBook
The Newest
Bar 8 (pictured top) at the Mandarin Oriental is sleek, elegant and inviting. A 9 ton, taupe-colored whole piece of Spanish marble is the first piece that greets you as you enter the bar. The leather bar stools that look out onto the enchanting garden offer a perfect perch from which to study the 70-plus bottles of champagne on the menu. David Biraud, who is known as one of France’s best sommeliers, crafted not just an exquisite by-the-bottle champagne menu, but an impressive by-the-glass menu to go along with it. If you are feeling especially light, a flute of Inflorescence by Cedric Bouchard, a blanc de noirs, will have you feeling like you’re drinking a champagne cloud.
The Newest
Bar 8 (pictured top) at the Mandarin Oriental is sleek, elegant and inviting. A 9 ton, taupe-colored whole piece of Spanish marble is the first piece that greets you as you enter the bar. The leather bar stools that look out onto the enchanting garden offer a perfect perch from which to study the 70-plus bottles of champagne on the menu. David Biraud, who is known as one of France’s best sommeliers, crafted not just an exquisite by-the-bottle champagne menu, but an impressive by-the-glass menu to go along with it. If you are feeling especially light, a flute of Inflorescence by Cedric Bouchard, a blanc de noirs, will have you feeling like you’re drinking a champagne cloud.
Writer Alice Feiring Talks "Naked Wine" - Mouthing Off | Food & Wine
Writer Alice Feiring Talks "Naked Wine" - Mouthing Off | Food & Wine
Is there a new-world region that you think is headed in a great direction right now?
California. They're on the verge of a huge breakthrough, and it's quite encouraging. Coturri is definitely worth taking another look at. La Clarine Farms is emblematic of a new generation. Arnot-Roberts is doing some really fascinating stuff. I recently had some wines from Ryme cellars and I thought they were beautiful. Sonoma's kind of a hotbed right now.
Is there a new-world region that you think is headed in a great direction right now?
California. They're on the verge of a huge breakthrough, and it's quite encouraging. Coturri is definitely worth taking another look at. La Clarine Farms is emblematic of a new generation. Arnot-Roberts is doing some really fascinating stuff. I recently had some wines from Ryme cellars and I thought they were beautiful. Sonoma's kind of a hotbed right now.
2006 Arnot-Roberts "Clary Ranch" Syrah, Sonoma Coast - Vinography: A Wine Blog
2006 Arnot-Roberts "Clary Ranch" Syrah, Sonoma Coast - Vinography: A Wine Blog
I love it when wines literally turn my head, as this one did one evening a few months ago while drinking with friends. But turning my head doesn't really quite describe the effect this wine had on me. It bowled me over.
I love it when wines literally turn my head, as this one did one evening a few months ago while drinking with friends. But turning my head doesn't really quite describe the effect this wine had on me. It bowled me over.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Taste Susana Balbo's Argentina wines with her son - Kansas City wine | Examiner.com
Taste Susana Balbo's Argentina wines with her son - Kansas City wine | Examiner.com
Susana Balbo is widely known as one of the leading winemakers in Argentina and one of the top female winemakers from anywhere in the world. But in the late 80s, she was making wine in the Argentina high country of Salta not unlike the Cabernets and Malbecs of her neighbors. The wines were green and hard, infused with vegetal and bell pepper aromas and flavors. While her compadres were satisfied with their wines, she was not. In 1988, she did what few in Argentina even considered doing. She landed an internship with Warren Winiarski at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars on the Silverado Trail, and took off for Napa Valley.
She learned her lessons well but eventually realized that Mendoza was not Napa Valley and she had to tackle the local problems locally to achieve greater success in the wine world. Canopy management, restricting yields and other (then) new wave ideas were implemented both in the vineyard and in the winery.
Today she is known as the "Queen of Torrontes" (after Argentina's most famous white wine grape) as well as the "Evita of Wine" (after Eva Peron, of course). But this much is true: she is now well established throughout Argentina and the world for her incredible winemaking skill, experience, and passion.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Italian Wines, the World's Best With Food | On Wine by Lettie Teague - WSJ.com
Italian Wines, the World's Best With Food | On Wine by Lettie Teague - WSJ.com
Frappatos from Sicily (the 2010 Valle dell'Acate was a bright, lively star and a great deal at $14 a bottle).
Frappatos from Sicily (the 2010 Valle dell'Acate was a bright, lively star and a great deal at $14 a bottle).
Inside Scoop SF » On the hunt for Chenin Blanc
Inside Scoop SF » On the hunt for Chenin Blanc
But too often I find the wines unfocused. When it is bone dry — even better when it’s sparkling — it can be the stuff of wonders. But some people just don’t like Chenin (I think it’s those piney notes) and unlike the nutters who don’t like Riesling, in this case I can’t blame them.
So goes my difficult relationship. Just last week during a single dinner at Nopa, I managed to taste both the brut sparkling Vouvray and the dry 2010 Haut-Lieu bottle from Domaine Huet, arguably the world’s greatest producer of Chenin Blanc. The brut was snappy and proper, the Haut-Lieu so wound up that it won’t be interesting for another five years. So it goes with Chenin.
But too often I find the wines unfocused. When it is bone dry — even better when it’s sparkling — it can be the stuff of wonders. But some people just don’t like Chenin (I think it’s those piney notes) and unlike the nutters who don’t like Riesling, in this case I can’t blame them.
So goes my difficult relationship. Just last week during a single dinner at Nopa, I managed to taste both the brut sparkling Vouvray and the dry 2010 Haut-Lieu bottle from Domaine Huet, arguably the world’s greatest producer of Chenin Blanc. The brut was snappy and proper, the Haut-Lieu so wound up that it won’t be interesting for another five years. So it goes with Chenin.
Betto Breaks 'Ino Wine Mold, Seeks 'New Williamsburg' - Decanted - Eater NY
Betto Breaks 'Ino Wine Mold, Seeks 'New Williamsburg' - Decanted - Eater NY
Crowd Pleaser
10 Valle dell’Acate, Frappato $47
Adult kool aid. Frappato is the go to crowd pleaser grape variety grown in and around Vittoria, in Sicily.This is done only in stainless and demands minimal thought. Slightly herbal, juicy and great with cured meat.
Break The Bank
Not much here over $100. If you intend to splurge head for the '96 Michel Gaunoux Pommard at $135
Crowd Pleaser
10 Valle dell’Acate, Frappato $47
Adult kool aid. Frappato is the go to crowd pleaser grape variety grown in and around Vittoria, in Sicily.This is done only in stainless and demands minimal thought. Slightly herbal, juicy and great with cured meat.
Break The Bank
Not much here over $100. If you intend to splurge head for the '96 Michel Gaunoux Pommard at $135
Catena’s malbec the epitome of style | Pamela S. Busch | Entertainment | San Francisco Examiner
Catena’s malbec the epitome of style | Pamela S. Busch | Entertainment | San Francisco Examiner
The new wave of Argentine malbec was ushered in by Nicolas Catena, who studied and worked in California before moving back to his native land all the wiser from an enology and business standpoint. If one person can be credited with putting Argentine malbec on the map in the Bay Area, it is his daughter, Laura Catena, who for years has tirelessly been promoting her family’s wines while moonlighting as an emergency room doctor.
Catena’s polished, fruit-forward style has undoubtedly influenced the face of malbec in Argentina. Thanks to Catena Zapata (the name of the winery), Susana Balbo, Ben Marco, Tikal and Luca, all started by people who either share the name or worked for Catena, were able to get off the ground, putting their own spin on the grape.
Credit must be given where it is due, though, and as much as I respect the Catena family, another producer, Bodegas Weinert, was making world-class Argentine malbec as early as 1977.
Small Vineyards Imports - Winemakers - Barbolini
Small Vineyards Imports - Winemakers - Barbolini
For over a century, the Barbolini family has dedicated themselves to producing world-class delicacies of their homeland: balsamic vinegar from Modena and spectacular Lambrusco.
Founded in 1889 by Egidio Barbolini, the estate is located in the village of Casinalbo in Emilia-Romagna. Barbolini’s great-grandson, Matteo Buffagni, is a fourth generation winemaker and keeper of the family flame.
As a specialist in Lambrusco, made infamous in America by Riunite in the 1970’s, Matteo has had to develop a commendable persistence and good sense of humor when speaking to Americans. For many, Lambrusco was an enological disaster; a sweet, cloying glass of purple, fizzy plonk, that destroyed the category before anyone ever had a chance to taste the best. “It was a bit like being introduced to the violin by hearing a five year-old play it,” jokes Matteo.
Upon tasting the gorgeous, plum-soaked, mineral-laden Lambrusco of Barbolini, however, the inevitable response is: “Holy Cannoli!” It is, absolutely stunning. Barbolini maintains incredibly high standards, using the latest technology, a low-lit cellar to protect the color of the wine and a no-pump gravity racking system that extracts the juice ever so gently.
For over a century, the Barbolini family has dedicated themselves to producing world-class delicacies of their homeland: balsamic vinegar from Modena and spectacular Lambrusco.
Founded in 1889 by Egidio Barbolini, the estate is located in the village of Casinalbo in Emilia-Romagna. Barbolini’s great-grandson, Matteo Buffagni, is a fourth generation winemaker and keeper of the family flame.
As a specialist in Lambrusco, made infamous in America by Riunite in the 1970’s, Matteo has had to develop a commendable persistence and good sense of humor when speaking to Americans. For many, Lambrusco was an enological disaster; a sweet, cloying glass of purple, fizzy plonk, that destroyed the category before anyone ever had a chance to taste the best. “It was a bit like being introduced to the violin by hearing a five year-old play it,” jokes Matteo.
Upon tasting the gorgeous, plum-soaked, mineral-laden Lambrusco of Barbolini, however, the inevitable response is: “Holy Cannoli!” It is, absolutely stunning. Barbolini maintains incredibly high standards, using the latest technology, a low-lit cellar to protect the color of the wine and a no-pump gravity racking system that extracts the juice ever so gently.
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2009 Arnot-Roberts Trousseau Luchsinger Vineyard
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2009 Arnot-Roberts Trousseau Luchsinger Vineyard
- 2009 Arnot-Roberts Trousseau Luchsinger Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Clear Lake (11/10/2010)
Gorgeous light ruby color. Cranberry and clove on the nose, with bright, tart fruit that's wrapped in a mouth-coating velvet texture. Only 12.5% ABV, but this is no wimpy, watery wine. Wish I had bought more. (92 pts.)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2009 Domaine Vincent Paris - Cornas "Granit 60" (France, Northern Rhône, Cornas)
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - TN: 2009 Domaine Vincent Paris - Cornas "Granit 60" (France, Northern Rhône, Cornas)
TN: 2009 Domaine Vincent Paris - Cornas "Granit 60" (France, Northern Rhône, Cornas)
Post Number:#1 
by Brian G r a f s t r o m » Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:33 am
- 2009 Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (9/14/2011)
-- decanted immediately before tasting --
-- tasted non-blind over a few hours --
NOSE: Nose was very tight, but still rather pleasant; crushed granite; blackberry with some raspberry mixed-in; savory dried herbs -- bay leaf, mostly; faint stemmy note. Quite reserved at this point in time.
BODY: medium to medium-full bodied; magenta-violet color of medium-deep depth.
TASTE: light garrigue and tight red berry flavors; cranberry; wet stones; not overripe or underripe; alcohol not noticeable (13%); good acidity; very drying tannins; tight finish; needs time to soften the tannins and unwind. I did give the decanter a vigorous agitation after my first small pour, and this helped open the wine a bit, but it mostly stayed quite tight throughout the bottle. This wine absolutely needs more time. Drink 2014 – 2024. I could easily see my score improving with time – perhaps as high as 92 or 93.
Ryme Cellars Wine - TheDieline.com - Package Design Blog
Ryme Cellars Wine - TheDieline.com - Package Design Blog
They currently have five wines from the grape varieties Vermentino, Ribolla Gialla, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico. THINK Design includes the Ryme wordmark, monogram, and label designs for all varietals. The labels are Flexographic printed with embossed logos.
Designed by Jon and Jennifer Campbell of THINKsf.
They currently have five wines from the grape varieties Vermentino, Ribolla Gialla, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico. THINK Design includes the Ryme wordmark, monogram, and label designs for all varietals. The labels are Flexographic printed with embossed logos.
Designed by Jon and Jennifer Campbell of THINKsf.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Chardonnay Wine: A Delicious Value | Food & Wine
Chardonnay Wine: A Delicious Value | Food & Wine
2009 Foxglove ($12) The '07 vintage of this apricot-inflected, graceful white from California's Central Coast won our 2009 F&W American Wine Award for Best Chardonnay Under $20. The delicious '09 is a worthy follow-up.
2010 Bodini ($13) A portion of the sales of this clean, citrusy Argentine Chardonnay goes to a scholarship foundation for winery workers' families.
2009 Foxglove ($12) The '07 vintage of this apricot-inflected, graceful white from California's Central Coast won our 2009 F&W American Wine Award for Best Chardonnay Under $20. The delicious '09 is a worthy follow-up.
2010 Bodini ($13) A portion of the sales of this clean, citrusy Argentine Chardonnay goes to a scholarship foundation for winery workers' families.
Monday, September 19, 2011
2009 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: Wine of the Week - latimes.com
2009 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: Wine of the Week - latimes.com
From Hansel Family Vineyards comes this fine expression of Russian River Pinot. Round and silky, with a beautiful balance and taste of red plums and black cherries, the 2009 is a splurge, but worth it for a California Pinot of this quality.
Save it for a special dinner party to have with roasted or braised duck, braised short ribs or some meaty lamb chops.
From Hansel Family Vineyards comes this fine expression of Russian River Pinot. Round and silky, with a beautiful balance and taste of red plums and black cherries, the 2009 is a splurge, but worth it for a California Pinot of this quality.
Save it for a special dinner party to have with roasted or braised duck, braised short ribs or some meaty lamb chops.
i-WineReview Blog: Semillon from Mendel and Ricardo Santos in Mendoza, Argentina
i-WineReview Blog: Semillon from Mendel and Ricardo Santos in Mendoza, Argentina
At one time the Semillon grape was very widely planted in the Southern Hemisphere countries of Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Today, it is still grown in these countries but in small quantities. And a surprising fourth country can be added to the Southern Hemisphere list—Argentina. Semillon is often used as a blending grape, but a few producers make single varietal bottlings, including Mendel and Ricardo Santos in Argentina.
Earlier this year we tasted the Mendel 2010 Semillon with winemaker Roberto de la Mota, widely considered to be one of Argentina’s best enologists. We found his wine to be superb, as shown in our tasting note below. Recently, we also tasted the Ricardo Santos 2010 Semillon, which is considerably less pricey than the Mendel Semillon, but also of excellent quality.
At one time the Semillon grape was very widely planted in the Southern Hemisphere countries of Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Today, it is still grown in these countries but in small quantities. And a surprising fourth country can be added to the Southern Hemisphere list—Argentina. Semillon is often used as a blending grape, but a few producers make single varietal bottlings, including Mendel and Ricardo Santos in Argentina.
Earlier this year we tasted the Mendel 2010 Semillon with winemaker Roberto de la Mota, widely considered to be one of Argentina’s best enologists. We found his wine to be superb, as shown in our tasting note below. Recently, we also tasted the Ricardo Santos 2010 Semillon, which is considerably less pricey than the Mendel Semillon, but also of excellent quality.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - Bday: E. Pepe, 68 Mastroberardino, 91 Gentaz C-R, Rayas, S-O BA
Wine Berserkers - the world's most active and fastest growing wine forum • View topic - Bday: E. Pepe, 68 Mastroberardino, 91 Gentaz C-R, Rayas, S-O BA
To start: with finger food and some cheeses:
[*]2004 Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (9/18/2011)
This is a complicated and intriguing wine.Thyme, savory herbs, nuttiness, all along with bright acidity juxtaposed to its almost chewy mouthfeel. There is power, but there is also refreshment, and there certainly is no feeling of heaviness. Very long and very interesting. Great stuff. Wish I could get it here for the 18E I paid in Italy. 93 pts. (93 pts.)
First course: Hand caught (by AG's brother) California Abalone pan fried in panko with a small fresh arugula salad and lemon.
[*]2009 Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray (9/18/2011)
Supple and round, with a feeling of almost viscosity that contrasted with great acidity, this has great clarity and focus, and although dry the sweetness of the fruit really lifted the abalone into another plane. Outstanding wine and great pairing. 91pts. (91 pts.)[/list]
Posted from CellarTracker
Second Course: shitake-crimini- leek risotto that even Gordon Ramsey would have been happy with:
To start: with finger food and some cheeses:
[*]2004 Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (9/18/2011)
This is a complicated and intriguing wine.Thyme, savory herbs, nuttiness, all along with bright acidity juxtaposed to its almost chewy mouthfeel. There is power, but there is also refreshment, and there certainly is no feeling of heaviness. Very long and very interesting. Great stuff. Wish I could get it here for the 18E I paid in Italy. 93 pts. (93 pts.)
First course: Hand caught (by AG's brother) California Abalone pan fried in panko with a small fresh arugula salad and lemon.
[*]2009 Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray (9/18/2011)
Supple and round, with a feeling of almost viscosity that contrasted with great acidity, this has great clarity and focus, and although dry the sweetness of the fruit really lifted the abalone into another plane. Outstanding wine and great pairing. 91pts. (91 pts.)[/list]
Posted from CellarTracker
Second Course: shitake-crimini- leek risotto that even Gordon Ramsey would have been happy with:
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wells Guthrie's Copain: How less power led to staying power
Wells Guthrie's Copain: How less power led to staying power
Guthrie wasn't the only one to turn his back on a successful path. His colleague Pax Mahle, who lost control of Pax Wine Cellars in a dispute with his business partner, reined in a lusty style of Syrah when launching his Wind Gap label. Adam Tolmach at the Ojai Vineyard proclaimed plans to start picking earlier.
Guthrie wasn't the only one to turn his back on a successful path. His colleague Pax Mahle, who lost control of Pax Wine Cellars in a dispute with his business partner, reined in a lusty style of Syrah when launching his Wind Gap label. Adam Tolmach at the Ojai Vineyard proclaimed plans to start picking earlier.
The Wino Picks Three Red-Hot Whites to Celebrate Summer's End - Seattle Restaurants and Dining - Voracious
The Wino Picks Three Red-Hot Whites to Celebrate Summer's End - Seattle Restaurants and Dining - Voracious
No hesitation, trying to upsell, bam! He pointed me to a delightful $9 Chardonnay called Mirth. It's made by the same folks behind Owen Roe wines, which The Wino adores. The Oregon-based winery uses Washington grapes for this chard, which is as soft as a cashmere sweater on the first chilly day of autumn, yet it's got that green-apple crispness that fills me with a feeling of . . . mirth. Four outta four brown paper bags! Thanks for the tip, Dan!
No hesitation, trying to upsell, bam! He pointed me to a delightful $9 Chardonnay called Mirth. It's made by the same folks behind Owen Roe wines, which The Wino adores. The Oregon-based winery uses Washington grapes for this chard, which is as soft as a cashmere sweater on the first chilly day of autumn, yet it's got that green-apple crispness that fills me with a feeling of . . . mirth. Four outta four brown paper bags! Thanks for the tip, Dan!
Warmer summers mean better French bubbly, but the future is uncertain.
Warmer summers mean better French bubbly, but the future is uncertain.
“[Europe’s warmer summers] are a good thing for us,” said Pierre Cheval, independent producer of the Gatinois Champagne. “They mean the grapes mature when the days are longer and it reduces the risks of diseases linked to humidity. Also, it’s much nicer for us to harvest at the end of August than in late September. I remember harvesting once under the early snows of October. That was not fun!”
“[Europe’s warmer summers] are a good thing for us,” said Pierre Cheval, independent producer of the Gatinois Champagne. “They mean the grapes mature when the days are longer and it reduces the risks of diseases linked to humidity. Also, it’s much nicer for us to harvest at the end of August than in late September. I remember harvesting once under the early snows of October. That was not fun!”
Sonoma Cabernets
Sonoma Cabernets
2008 Arnot-Roberts Clajeux Vineyard Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($85, 14.1%): If you're pricing Cabernet ambitiously, it better have something to say. The Arnot-Roberts duo certainly makes a statement here, showcasing a fantastic spot that displays the same cinnamon accent found in Monte Rosso and other western Mayacamas vineyards. New oak coopered by Nathan Roberts himself is seamlessly sewn into this pure specimen, which can age for a decade. Full of sage and chicory aromas, with mineral firmness, dense blackberry and heady bramble fruit.
2008 Arnot-Roberts Clajeux Vineyard Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($85, 14.1%): If you're pricing Cabernet ambitiously, it better have something to say. The Arnot-Roberts duo certainly makes a statement here, showcasing a fantastic spot that displays the same cinnamon accent found in Monte Rosso and other western Mayacamas vineyards. New oak coopered by Nathan Roberts himself is seamlessly sewn into this pure specimen, which can age for a decade. Full of sage and chicory aromas, with mineral firmness, dense blackberry and heady bramble fruit.
Friday, September 16, 2011
A bounty of Pinot picks from Sonoma Coast | Page 2 of 2
A bounty of Pinot picks from Sonoma Coast | Page 2 of 2
2009 Kutch Falstaff Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39, 13.1%): Jamie Kutch's move to a lighter style has paid off, though a stylish wood presence is in effect. (Age it a year.) This effort, using tiny clusters from a cold parcel of richer Goldridge soil near the western end of the Petaluma Gap, provides a deftness of flavor: robust cherry, with hints of menthol, matcha and oyster mushroom adding depth.
2009 Kutch Falstaff Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39, 13.1%): Jamie Kutch's move to a lighter style has paid off, though a stylish wood presence is in effect. (Age it a year.) This effort, using tiny clusters from a cold parcel of richer Goldridge soil near the western end of the Petaluma Gap, provides a deftness of flavor: robust cherry, with hints of menthol, matcha and oyster mushroom adding depth.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
NewsRegister.com - News and information for McMinnville and Yamhill Valley, Oregon - wine country newspaper
NewsRegister.com - News and information for McMinnville and Yamhill Valley, Oregon - wine country newspaper
Gewurztraminer, on the other hand, countenances no lack of commitment. People either love it or, well, not.
Its assertive spiciness, intermingled with lush stone-fruit flavors, are at their most delightfully distinctive in a dry style.
The problem is, it's tough to ferment it fully dry and still make it well. It's much easier to mask small flaws with a little sugar.
Still, quality gewürz has its committed fans. And a handful of local producers are measuring up to the task of producing it.
Since there's no producer alliance with its own website, let's name a couple - Amity Vineyards and Sineann.
Gewurztraminer, on the other hand, countenances no lack of commitment. People either love it or, well, not.
Its assertive spiciness, intermingled with lush stone-fruit flavors, are at their most delightfully distinctive in a dry style.
The problem is, it's tough to ferment it fully dry and still make it well. It's much easier to mask small flaws with a little sugar.
Still, quality gewürz has its committed fans. And a handful of local producers are measuring up to the task of producing it.
Since there's no producer alliance with its own website, let's name a couple - Amity Vineyards and Sineann.
High price isn’t a guarantee
High price isn’t a guarantee
Nothing impresses me more than drinkability, authenticity, humility. Wines that are in touch with the traditions of where they are from, wines that are easy to drink. These wines tend to be lighter, fresher, simpler and, despite their lack of polish, have character.
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/High+price+guarantee/5408199/story.html#ixzz1Y4Z3W67n
Nothing impresses me more than drinkability, authenticity, humility. Wines that are in touch with the traditions of where they are from, wines that are easy to drink. These wines tend to be lighter, fresher, simpler and, despite their lack of polish, have character.
My splurge
I still do drop some serious cash on wines from time to time, and by that I mean in the $50-$100 range. I am a passionate Barolo drinker, the Piedmontese red made entirely with the nebbiolo grape. I love the traditionally made wines of the region – those of Bartolo Mascarello,
I still do drop some serious cash on wines from time to time, and by that I mean in the $50-$100 range. I am a passionate Barolo drinker, the Piedmontese red made entirely with the nebbiolo grape. I love the traditionally made wines of the region – those of Bartolo Mascarello,
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/High+price+guarantee/5408199/story.html#ixzz1Y4Z3W67n
Jay McInerney Spends a Night with the Sommelier All-Stars - On Wine - WSJ
Jay McInerney Spends a Night with the Sommelier All-Stars - On Wine - WSJ
Alexander LaPratt, the sommelier at DB Bistro, picked the champagnes, a very sprightly pair of ’04 Blancs de Blancs from small growers A. Margaine and Pierre Moncuit. The latter won the show down for me.
Alexander LaPratt, the sommelier at DB Bistro, picked the champagnes, a very sprightly pair of ’04 Blancs de Blancs from small growers A. Margaine and Pierre Moncuit. The latter won the show down for me.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Go west young vintner, go west | The Georgetown Dish
Georgetown University graduate, Bill Holloran lived in D.C. for 20 years before moving to Oregon’s Williamette Valley, where Holloran Vineyards Winery now produces small quantities of hand crafted wine.
As Bill says, “ We emphasize low yields and careful hands-on management of the vines to produce wines that express the unique characteristics of our vineyard sites. Currently we’re producing 3,000 - 4,000 cases per year.”
Go west young vintner, go west | The Georgetown Dish
As Bill says, “ We emphasize low yields and careful hands-on management of the vines to produce wines that express the unique characteristics of our vineyard sites. Currently we’re producing 3,000 - 4,000 cases per year.”
Go west young vintner, go west | The Georgetown Dish
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Chef’s Challenge focuses on sustainability
Chef’s Challenge focuses on sustainability
The second speaker for the event will be Jim Varner, owner of Varner Wine along with his brother Bob. Varner Wine will contribute wine to the Chef’s Challenge. In creating and operating their business, Varner said they use sustainable methods like avoiding pesticides, treating employees like family and redesigning their wine bottles to be lighter. Sustainability wasn’t a big part of winemaking when he and his brother started, Varner said, but they just felt better about it — they wanted to live better.
“It’s an awareness more than a mind-set,” Varner said. “We’re all against the spill in the Gulf of Mexico, but we’re all driving big cars ... we’re as guilty as anyone about it. If we can decide how to spend our money, businesses will respond to that.”
It’s not hard to make small changes, Varner said, and being more sustainable helps the environment but also helps the individual have a calmer, better life. Simple things like hanging up clothes rather than using a dryer, walking more instead of driving and going to farmers’ markets are all ideas Varner suggests.
Schulte said he hopes the Chef’s Challenge will turn into a continuing aspect of Sustainable San Mateo County to show what the county offers. Reservations can be made on the Sustainable San Mateo County’s website at www.sustainablesanmateo.org for $75.
The second speaker for the event will be Jim Varner, owner of Varner Wine along with his brother Bob. Varner Wine will contribute wine to the Chef’s Challenge. In creating and operating their business, Varner said they use sustainable methods like avoiding pesticides, treating employees like family and redesigning their wine bottles to be lighter. Sustainability wasn’t a big part of winemaking when he and his brother started, Varner said, but they just felt better about it — they wanted to live better.
“It’s an awareness more than a mind-set,” Varner said. “We’re all against the spill in the Gulf of Mexico, but we’re all driving big cars ... we’re as guilty as anyone about it. If we can decide how to spend our money, businesses will respond to that.”
It’s not hard to make small changes, Varner said, and being more sustainable helps the environment but also helps the individual have a calmer, better life. Simple things like hanging up clothes rather than using a dryer, walking more instead of driving and going to farmers’ markets are all ideas Varner suggests.
Schulte said he hopes the Chef’s Challenge will turn into a continuing aspect of Sustainable San Mateo County to show what the county offers. Reservations can be made on the Sustainable San Mateo County’s website at www.sustainablesanmateo.org for $75.
Kennewick winery the first of its kind to use solar power - KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |
The Badger Mountain Vineyard, Powers Winery seem to have the brightest idea in Washington when it comes to saving on the power bill.
The winery just completed installing the biggest solar panel for any winery in the state of Washington, and the move is expected to light the way for other farmers to follow.
"Its the largest array at a winery in Washington State, and one of the largest private projects done in Eastern Washington," says co-owner Mickey Dunne of the 162 panel, 2,200 foot panel installation. The panels will provide 33 kilowatts of energy, which is 18% percent of the power the winery uses.
"If you're generating more power than you're using, that access power goes back into the power grid or Benton PUD,. so they're really a partner in a net metering agreement in the power that we generate," says Dunne.
The project was not cheap, the owners put up $200,000 of their own money. Dunne says the investment is worth it. "The payback comes back in under two years, with the grants and tax credits, realistically for us the project starts to pay back sometime in the 3rd year."
Kennewick winery the first of its kind to use solar power - KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |
The winery just completed installing the biggest solar panel for any winery in the state of Washington, and the move is expected to light the way for other farmers to follow.
"Its the largest array at a winery in Washington State, and one of the largest private projects done in Eastern Washington," says co-owner Mickey Dunne of the 162 panel, 2,200 foot panel installation. The panels will provide 33 kilowatts of energy, which is 18% percent of the power the winery uses.
"If you're generating more power than you're using, that access power goes back into the power grid or Benton PUD,. so they're really a partner in a net metering agreement in the power that we generate," says Dunne.
The project was not cheap, the owners put up $200,000 of their own money. Dunne says the investment is worth it. "The payback comes back in under two years, with the grants and tax credits, realistically for us the project starts to pay back sometime in the 3rd year."
Kennewick winery the first of its kind to use solar power - KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |
Getting Ready For Grapes - AgInfo.net
Getting Ready For Grapes - AgInfo.net
Getting Ready For Grapes. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.
That long cool spring 2 years in a row has really been causing problems with growers all across the northwest. From cherries, apples and pears to wine and table grapes the season has been pushed and that can cause it’s own problems depending on what Mother Nature may have in mind this fall. Bill Powers, owner of Powers Winery talks about this years crop of wine grapes.
POWERS: Well it’s a decent crop. Probably going to be down 20 or 25%. But the worst part, we’re 2 weeks late so we’re at the mercy of a late fall again and that’s what got us into trouble last year was a real late fall and then come a real quick freeze after that and the vines hadn’t any chance to recover and particularly in our lower areas we lost the plants to the ground.
One question that will remain though is what the quality of this years crop will be and Powers is optimistic.
POWERS: I don’t see any reason we won’t have our standard quality it’s just a matter of waiting it out and then hopefully we’ll have a long, long fall. It’d be a disaster if we’d have an early frost. I’ve seen frost here on the 25th of September, a killing frost and that’d be a disaster for the grape industry.
Powers recently has installed the largest solar array of any winery in the state and hopes that more wineries will follow his lead. Powers Winery and Badger Mountain Winery have been producers of organic wines for the last 20 years.
Owen Roe Winery « The Chopping Blog
Owen Roe Winery « The Chopping Blog
We simply boiled the crabs, picked the meat, and served it with some lovely new potatoes and huge ears of sweet corn from the bountiful farmers’ market in Tillamook. Of course, since this was mostly a wine trip, we enjoyed a lovely Pinot Gris from Owen Roe Winery.
New Obsession: Larmandier- Bernier Champagne | Italian Wine Geek
New Obsession: Larmandier- Bernier Champagne | Italian Wine Geek
I visited the winery’s website and was really impressed with the way they describe their definition of “natural”. Basically, like most wine makers, they believe the best wine is made from the best grapes in the best vineyards. In their opinion, the recipe for greatness is simple, “old vines, working the soil, moderate yields; vines which thrive without having fertilizers forced into them, and mature grapes picked by hand. The best vineyards are not treated with chemicals”. Sounds like real agriculture. Sounds like responsible agriculture. Sounds perfect to me.
This wine was a bolt of lightening for me- and it would be for anyone the first time they taste it. It is a beautiful crystal-yellow in the glass with a fine foam. The nose is yeasty, but equally fresh and full of bright green apple. On the palate it is clean and dense without being heavy or overwhelming. It’s like a light switch going on, “This is champagne!” Find this wine. Drink it. Be happy!
A new age for California white wines - Page 8 - SFGate
A new age for California white wines - Page 8 - SFGate
2010 Bedrock Compagni Portis Vineyard Heirloom Sonoma Valley White Wine ($20, 14.4%): Fermented with indigenous yeast in neutral oak and steel barrels, Morgan Twain-Peterson's interpretation of this field blend is notably ripe, with Gewurz-like clove overtones. Sweet flavors of lychee, peach and Creamsicle, with herbal touches (thyme, chervil) that add complexity.
2009 Arnot-Roberts Compagni Portis Vineyard Old Vine Sonoma Valley White Wine ($35, 13%): Arnot-Roberts' interpretation of Compagni Portis is a counterpoint to Bedrock's - nervy and bright. Very complex, with orange blossom, greengage plum, ginger, lanolin, ripe pear and green almond. Keeps drawing you back to the glass. Keep an eye for the 2010 version.
2010 Wind Gap Fannuchi-Wood Road Vineyard Russian River Valley Trousseau Gris ($21, 13.2%): This grape was once popular as Grey Riesling, and Pax Mahle's latest version highlights the textural power of concrete eggs. Intense and tangy, yet opulent and almost chewy - like Meyer lemon rind. Mineral, apple and ripe apricot fruit.
2010 Bedrock Compagni Portis Vineyard Heirloom Sonoma Valley White Wine ($20, 14.4%): Fermented with indigenous yeast in neutral oak and steel barrels, Morgan Twain-Peterson's interpretation of this field blend is notably ripe, with Gewurz-like clove overtones. Sweet flavors of lychee, peach and Creamsicle, with herbal touches (thyme, chervil) that add complexity.
2009 Arnot-Roberts Compagni Portis Vineyard Old Vine Sonoma Valley White Wine ($35, 13%): Arnot-Roberts' interpretation of Compagni Portis is a counterpoint to Bedrock's - nervy and bright. Very complex, with orange blossom, greengage plum, ginger, lanolin, ripe pear and green almond. Keeps drawing you back to the glass. Keep an eye for the 2010 version.
2010 Wind Gap Fannuchi-Wood Road Vineyard Russian River Valley Trousseau Gris ($21, 13.2%): This grape was once popular as Grey Riesling, and Pax Mahle's latest version highlights the textural power of concrete eggs. Intense and tangy, yet opulent and almost chewy - like Meyer lemon rind. Mineral, apple and ripe apricot fruit.
A new age for California white wines - Page 6 - SFGate
A new age for California white wines - Page 6 - SFGate
Consider stainless steel barrels, which increase the ratio of solids to liquid in fermenting wine. Their use began around 1994 with three winemakers - Pam Starr, Mia Klein and Francoise Peschon. They found steel barrels with oak inserts could add wood flavor without having to buy a new French barrel.
"We didn't want the wood, and that's how we ended up getting the stainless barrels," recalls Starr.
It allowed white wine - Sauvignon Blanc in this case - to gain far more texture than it would in a large steel tank, but without the influence of wood.
The steel still allows winemakers to stir up the solids, or lees, to enrich mouthfeel, a technique that helps give Chardonnay its "buttery" character. Starr went the other direction: putting the wine through a long, cold fermentation and letting it rest untouched all through the winter, slowly building character - a technique she finessed after meeting Loire pioneer Didier Dagueneau in the 1980s.
Consider stainless steel barrels, which increase the ratio of solids to liquid in fermenting wine. Their use began around 1994 with three winemakers - Pam Starr, Mia Klein and Francoise Peschon. They found steel barrels with oak inserts could add wood flavor without having to buy a new French barrel.
"We didn't want the wood, and that's how we ended up getting the stainless barrels," recalls Starr.
It allowed white wine - Sauvignon Blanc in this case - to gain far more texture than it would in a large steel tank, but without the influence of wood.
The steel still allows winemakers to stir up the solids, or lees, to enrich mouthfeel, a technique that helps give Chardonnay its "buttery" character. Starr went the other direction: putting the wine through a long, cold fermentation and letting it rest untouched all through the winter, slowly building character - a technique she finessed after meeting Loire pioneer Didier Dagueneau in the 1980s.
A new age for California white wines - SFGate
A new age for California white wines - SFGate
"It has always been here right in front of everybody's face," says Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co.
Twain-Peterson, son of Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson, shares the vineyard's fruit with high-profile vintners including Arnot-Roberts and Carlisle. Bucklin, Gundlach Bundschu and Ravenswood have also used it. That Compagni Portis attracts such interest is a sign of where California's winemaking momentum lies: white wine.
What's the idea behind Compagni Portis' crazy quilt? The intentional interplanting of varieties provides not only character but also what Twain-Peterson calls "an insurance policy" - it limits ripeness in hot years and assures ample flavor in lean ones. The acidity of obscure Burger balances Gewurztraminer's plushness. All the fruit is harvested and fermented together. But you never know what you're going to get.
"It'll have a little bit of a personality from year to year," says Duncan Meyers of Arnot-Roberts.
The concept is old hat in the "mixed blacks" of heritage red blends. But "mixed whites" are far rarer. Indeed, this is the only North Coast site where vineyard hounds like Twain-Peterson have been able to locate such a diverse mix.
"This," says Twain-Peterson, "is like winemaking catnip."
Bedrock Wine Co. | Food & Wine
Bedrock Wine Co. | Food & Wine
Twain-Peterson's passion is to seek out California's heirloom vineyards: sites planted in the late 1800s or early 1900s, usually with a crazy grab bag of Mediterranean grape varieties. These ultra-low-yielding vineyards produce spicy, exotic reds, but in tough economic times, they're often the first to be ripped out in favor of higher-producing vines. Taste the potent, blackberry-rich 2008 Bedrock Wine Co. The Bedrock Heirloom ($35) from vines planted more than 100 years ago, and you'll wonder what farmer in his right mind could countenance destroying this kind of heritage.
Recently, with some other winemakers, Twain-Peterson cofounded the new Historic Vineyard Society. "These vineyards are California's treasures. There's a poetic element to them, in that they reflect the melting pot culture of the US," he says. "But they'd be nowhere if they also didn't make very, very good juice."
Twain-Peterson's passion is to seek out California's heirloom vineyards: sites planted in the late 1800s or early 1900s, usually with a crazy grab bag of Mediterranean grape varieties. These ultra-low-yielding vineyards produce spicy, exotic reds, but in tough economic times, they're often the first to be ripped out in favor of higher-producing vines. Taste the potent, blackberry-rich 2008 Bedrock Wine Co. The Bedrock Heirloom ($35) from vines planted more than 100 years ago, and you'll wonder what farmer in his right mind could countenance destroying this kind of heritage.
Made from 120-year-old vines, the 2008 Bedrock Heirloom is a potent red.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
VINEgeek » Mourvedre Monday #26 (Tetra-Pak Edition): Y+B Monastrell
VINEgeek » Mourvedre Monday #26 (Tetra-Pak Edition): Y+B Monastrell
Welcome to the first tetra-pak edition of #MourvedreMonday. Yellow+Blue (Y+B) sells wine from organically grown grapes in environmentally-friendly 1-liter tetra-paks. (Yellow + Blue = Green. Get it?) They source wine from a number of locales, including Malbec and Torrontes from Argentina, Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, and this Monastrell from Spain. This is the first varietally-labeled Monastrell in tetra-pak that I’ve come across (and I’ve see a lot of Mourvèdre/Monastrell/Mataro). I have to admit, it was kinda weird pulling a carton out of my mini-cellar, but I got over that quick once I poured the wine.
Mourvedre Monday #26 (Tetra-Pak Edition): Y+B Monastrell
The Passionate Foodie: 2009 Yellow+Blue Monastrell: Bring Your Own Straw
The Passionate Foodie: 2009 Yellow+Blue Monastrell: Bring Your Own Straw
Yellow+Blue has just released their newest wine, a 2009 Monastrell (about $12/liter) from the Jumilla region of Spain. Monastrell, also known in other region as Mourvedre or Mataro, is one of my favorite grapes so I was very excited when I learned Yellow+Blue would be producing this wine. They sent me a sample and I recently drank it with a couple burgers, which worked out to be a good pairing.
Yellow+Blue has just released their newest wine, a 2009 Monastrell (about $12/liter) from the Jumilla region of Spain. Monastrell, also known in other region as Mourvedre or Mataro, is one of my favorite grapes so I was very excited when I learned Yellow+Blue would be producing this wine. They sent me a sample and I recently drank it with a couple burgers, which worked out to be a good pairing.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
2010 Rosés Part II: Best of Rosé Fest and More
2010 Rosés Part II: Best of Rosé Fest and More: "
2010 ROSÉS PART II: BEST OF ROSÉ FEST AND MORE – Chez Jon and Kira, San Jose, California (5/28/2011)
My rosé of the year so far, and the best non-sparkling rosé I’ve ever tasted, with a score of 93 points, is François Chidaine’s Touraine Val de Loire. Not only is it an admirable wine on its own–with complexity, definition and delicacy–it also pairs wonderfully with a great many summery dishes (e.g., from light salads and pastas, to hearty fish soups and veal dishes). It’s also an excellent value at about $14. I’m a big fan of this producer for his excellent single vineyard Chenin Blancs, from top vineyards in Vouvray and Montlouis. This rosé is as beautifully and thoughtfully crafted as those great, ageworthy Chenin Blancs, from a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Grolleau, a dark red grape found mainly in the Loire, where it is nearly exclusively used for rosé wines.
From the U.S., my favorites, at 91+ points each, are the Copain and Ojai Rosés. Both are minerally and delicate, with medium to near medium acidity, in contrast to the fruity and lower acid rosés that have been more typically produced in this country (although from my tastings in the last few years, I think that’s very much changing in favor of more balanced, higher acid style rosé). The Copain is made from Pinot Noir, by Wells Guthrie, a winemaker who excels with Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. The Ojai, from winemaker Adam Tolmach, is based largely on Syrah from the Roll Ranch Vineyard, with 5% each Grenache and Riesling.
French Rosés
More Great European Rosés
2010 ROSÉS PART II: BEST OF ROSÉ FEST AND MORE – Chez Jon and Kira, San Jose, California (5/28/2011)
My rosé of the year so far, and the best non-sparkling rosé I’ve ever tasted, with a score of 93 points, is François Chidaine’s Touraine Val de Loire. Not only is it an admirable wine on its own–with complexity, definition and delicacy–it also pairs wonderfully with a great many summery dishes (e.g., from light salads and pastas, to hearty fish soups and veal dishes). It’s also an excellent value at about $14. I’m a big fan of this producer for his excellent single vineyard Chenin Blancs, from top vineyards in Vouvray and Montlouis. This rosé is as beautifully and thoughtfully crafted as those great, ageworthy Chenin Blancs, from a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Grolleau, a dark red grape found mainly in the Loire, where it is nearly exclusively used for rosé wines.
From the U.S., my favorites, at 91+ points each, are the Copain and Ojai Rosés. Both are minerally and delicate, with medium to near medium acidity, in contrast to the fruity and lower acid rosés that have been more typically produced in this country (although from my tastings in the last few years, I think that’s very much changing in favor of more balanced, higher acid style rosé). The Copain is made from Pinot Noir, by Wells Guthrie, a winemaker who excels with Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. The Ojai, from winemaker Adam Tolmach, is based largely on Syrah from the Roll Ranch Vineyard, with 5% each Grenache and Riesling.
- 2010 Ojai Rosé – USA, California
Light salmon color; nice light tart orange, floral, mineral, chalk nose; tasty, tart orange, chalk, juicy palate with floral edges and with near medium acidity; good value; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.) - 2010 Copain Tous Ensemble Rosé – USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Light medium salmon pink color; intriguing, light roses, hibiscus, potpourri nose; tasty, delicate, elegant, light red fruit, hibiscus, roses, tart orange palate with medium acidity; medium finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
French Rosés
- 2010 François Chidaine Touraine Val de Loire – France, Loire Valley, Touraine
Light orange pink color; nice floral, hibiscus, tart cherry, mineral nose; delicate, floral, tart roses, mineral, tart orange palate; quite stunning; medium-plus finish (great value at about $14, if you can find it; 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Grolleau) (93 pts.)
More Great European Rosés
- 2010 Château La Canorgue Côtes du Luberon Rosé – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Luberon (6/8/2011)
Light salmon color; lifted, ripe orange, light cherry, peach pie nose; tart orange, tart grapefruit, mineral, fresh lemon juice palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 points)
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