Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/08/30/one_month_in_and_venga_is_done_sushi_mac_in_wla_too.php
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tasting Report: 2009 Failla Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
We were able to track some down before things got too out of hand and I'm pleased to report the wine delivered. Kind of like when Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green said the Bears "are who we thought they were" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDAq5tyfk9E). Well, maybe not just like that but the point I'm trying to make is I had high expectations and the wine delivered in a big way.
Here are my notes...
2009 Failla Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
$45 Release Price
13.9% Alcohol
550 Cases Produced
Another one of these California Pinot Noirs that charms with it's fruit-forward aromatics and ultimately satisfies for how clean and free of "off" notes it is. Pure. Something for everyone I think, with aromas of tart cherries, orange oil, and soft leather. Well balanced. Silky smooth on the palate with a beautiful finish without any strange aftertastes. Fantastic stuff.
Cellar Tracker
Wine-Searcher
93/100 WWP: Outstadning
Bottom Line
It might be hard to find this particular bottling but I'd definitely be interested in seeking out other Pinot Noirs from Failla. Especially the 2009s.
Check 'em out:
Failla Website
@faillawines
I'm compiling some thoughts and tasting notes for 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir (what the heck happened to that vintage?) and 2009 California Pinot Noir. Especially if you're interested in domestic Pinot Noir I'd love it if you subscribed to the site so we can keep in touch.
Question of the Day: Have you tasted Failla's wines? What did you think? What have you heard?
The Perfect Wine ?App?
One of my favorite podcasts is NPR‘s Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Wait Wait is a weekly new’s quiz show, based out of Chicago, that invites various guests to answer a series of satirical questions. This past week,�Ev Williams of Twitter�was invited onto the show as a guest, and he echoed a comment I happened [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/G6Ekl4oQQqw/
Access Granted
Last week’s Access Zone activities at the 2011 London International Wine Fair (LIWF) were not only great fun and a way to spread the word about social media in wine, but they seemed to strike a chord with the wine trade present. Gabriella, Ryan and I were very pleased with the buzz around the fair [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/P8wvaTitzOg/
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Drops of God, Lafite declines, Gerard gets pissy ? sipped & spit
SIPPED: English “Drops of God,” a serial comic book from Japan that is purportedly addictive and moves the Asian wine markets, will finally be published in English next month. (Backgrounder) SIPPED: horreur! Lafite actually declined eight percent since April. [Liv-Ex] SIPPED: getting pissy Gerard Depardieu, vineyard owner, makes air travel fun for everyone. [NYPost] SPIT: [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/A_FSGJU2Ijk/
Good News Spreads Fast
Word on the winners of the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition is spreading like wild fire! A preview tasting for the media last week in Beverly Hills has generated a lot of buzz that we are really excited about! Take a look at some more posts: http://gastronomy-101.blogspot.com/2009/06/event-la-wine-competition-preview-and.html http://thirstyinla.com/2009/06/19/2009-la-wine-spirits-competition/ http://lablips.dailyradar.com/story/los_angeles_international_wine_and_spirits_2009/ http://www.womenwine.com/posts/journals/18487-winners-of-the-2009-la-international-wine-competition
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Social Media Quick Tip: Tag Your Favorite Wine Brands on Facebook
This is old news for some, but if you haven’t explored the status tagging feature (similar to photo tagging) on Facebook, take a few minutes and check it out. Status tagging can help your winery’s Facebook fan page to become more engaging and vibrant.� Facebook users can type the “@” symbol before a Facebook fan [...]
A Taste of 'Summer': The 2009 Heart & Hands Pinot Noir
I appreciated Heart & Hands owner and winemaker Tom Higgins' focus on Pinot Noir and how he used his background in geology to seek out land rich with limestone because top Pinot-producing regions have a similar composition. He's intent on making world class Pinot Noir in the Finger Lakes.
I was reminded of the book after watching Evan's recent appearance on Gary Vaynerchuk's Daily Grape. They tasted a wine featured in the book - the 2007 Heart & Hands Reserve Pinot Noir. I cracked open a bottle of the 2009.
Here are my thoughts.
2009 Heart & Hands Finger Lakes Pinot Noir
12.6% Alcohol
Around $20
Purchased this after reading "Summer in a Glass" by Evan Dawson. The 2007 Heart & Hands Reserve Pinot Noir was featured, this note is for the 2009 non-reserve bottling.
I'm viewing this through the lens of most domestic Pinot Noir I've consumed - Oregon and California. If I were tasting this blind I'd absolutely guess it was from Oregon. Its woodsy, twangy nose seem aligned with aromatics I've found in Oregon Pinots.
Beyond that I liked the flavor profile. It seemed to strike a nice balance between sweet and austere. Balanced in that sense. Surprisingly flavorful given its relatively-low 12.6% alcohol level.
A really nice value. Nice package too with a reasonably hefty bottle and a unique glass cork I'd not seen before. I dig it.
88/100 WWP: Very Good
Online: http://www.heartandhandswine.com
On Twitter: @FLPinotGuy
Where to Buy: Heart & Hands Pinot Noir on Wine-Searcher
Access Granted
Last week’s Access Zone activities at the 2011 London International Wine Fair (LIWF) were not only great fun and a way to spread the word about social media in wine, but they seemed to strike a chord with the wine trade present. Gabriella, Ryan and I were very pleased with the buzz around the fair [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/P8wvaTitzOg/
Lucente Toscana
Founded in 1995, the Luce della Vite wine estate is now a part of Tenute di Toscana, a holding company controlled by Marchesi de? Frescobaldi. Marchesi de? Frescobaldi is one of the most famous wine producers in Italy. The Frescobaldi family has been making wine for over 700 years, spanning 30 generations. Luce della Vite [...]
Lucente Toscana was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/83_jwG3zQew/
Wine Word of the Week: Umami
This week?s Wine Word of the Week is umami. Official definition from Jancis Robinson?s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Umami is a Japanese term derived from two words meaning ?delicious? and ?essence? and used to refer to what some consider to be the fifth primary taste. More a quality than a specific flavor, it is [...]
Wine Word of the Week: Umami was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/0k3fOaikWXU/
Just Who Reads This Wine Blog?
Just who the heck are you, why are you reading this blog and what's with you and wine??? That's the short description of what I'm looking to discover about the readers of this wine blog. The last time I asked...
Massachusetts Lawmakers to Hear Testimony on Wine Direct Shipping, Tuesday, May 10th
Everyone once in a while I get an E-mail I've been waiting a long time for and knock out a blog post immediately. Just now I received this press release from Free the Grapes about an important hearing this coming Tuesday in Massachusetts.
MA HB 1029 would finally, mercifully, allow direct shipment of wine from out of state wineries to Massachusetts residents.
Here's a quick Q&A with Free the Grapes:
WWP: What would you suggest MA wine consumers do to right now to help MA HB 1029 pass and allow direct shipment from out-of-state wineries to MA consumers?
Free the Grapes: We encourage Massachusetts wine lovers to express their support of wine direct shipping in their state by sending letters to the committee?s leadership through our website. Next week we will update the distribution list beyond the committee to include all MA legislators, in order for us to broaden the message. http://capwiz.com/freegrapes/issues/alert/?alertid=34295506
WWP: If the bill passes, how long until direct shipments become a reality?
Free the Grapes: It?s too early to tell. Like in other states, the licensing parameters and common carrier approvals precede issuing winery licenses. To use Maryland as an example, the bill will be signed by the Governor next week on 5/10, but the comptroller?s office is prepping documents and regulations to meet the law?s effective date of 7/1/11. This is common.
WWP: Would the bill allow direct shipments from out of state retailers to MA consumers?
Free the Grapes: No. The bill allows for wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers.
From the press release:
May 6, 2011, Napa, CA ? On Tuesday, May 10 the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure will hold a public hearing to discuss House Bill 1029. Passage of this bill would mark an end to the state?s archaic ban on wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers, according to Free the Grapes!, the national coalition of consumers, wineries and retailers. www.freethegrapes.org
Hearing Details:
What: House Bill 1029
Who: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011; 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Massachusetts State House, Room A-1, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Bill Information: http://www.malegislature.gov/bills/187/house/h01029
HB 1029 conforms to the ruling Family Winemakers of California v. Jenkins, which was upheld by the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in January 2010. The lawsuit successfully challenged a 2006 Massachusetts statute banning winery-to-consumer shipments from wineries and wine companies producing more than 30,000 gallons per year, and who retain a wholesaler. The 30,000 gallon capacity cap was ruled to be discriminatory and the legislature was tasked with developing a remedy.
Introduced in February by Representative David M. Torrisi, HB 1029 is similar to the model direct shipping bill that is the foundation for statutes in the majority of U.S. states, providing legal, regulated direct shipping to consumers. Among other provisions, HB 1029 requires wineries to purchase a state-issued shipping license, to mark boxes as requiring an adult signature at delivery, and limits the quantity of wine shipped to individuals to 24 cases per year. The basis for HB 1029, the model direct shipping bill, was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and supported by the Federal Trade Commission.
Thirty-seven states and Washington D.C. ? but not Massachusetts ? allow licensed wineries to ship directly to consumers ? those states account for 83% of US wine consumption. Massachusetts is the seventh largest wine consumption state in the U.S. however it is one of 17 states that continue to ban winery-to-consumer direct shipments. Maryland Governor O?Malley is scheduled to sign House and Senate Bills later this month to allow winery direct shipping, which will make Maryland the 38th state to allow winery direct shipping.
MA HB 1029 would finally, mercifully, allow direct shipment of wine from out of state wineries to Massachusetts residents.
Here's a quick Q&A with Free the Grapes:
WWP: What would you suggest MA wine consumers do to right now to help MA HB 1029 pass and allow direct shipment from out-of-state wineries to MA consumers?
Free the Grapes: We encourage Massachusetts wine lovers to express their support of wine direct shipping in their state by sending letters to the committee?s leadership through our website. Next week we will update the distribution list beyond the committee to include all MA legislators, in order for us to broaden the message. http://capwiz.com/freegrapes/issues/alert/?alertid=34295506
WWP: If the bill passes, how long until direct shipments become a reality?
Free the Grapes: It?s too early to tell. Like in other states, the licensing parameters and common carrier approvals precede issuing winery licenses. To use Maryland as an example, the bill will be signed by the Governor next week on 5/10, but the comptroller?s office is prepping documents and regulations to meet the law?s effective date of 7/1/11. This is common.
WWP: Would the bill allow direct shipments from out of state retailers to MA consumers?
Free the Grapes: No. The bill allows for wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers.
From the press release:
May 6, 2011, Napa, CA ? On Tuesday, May 10 the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure will hold a public hearing to discuss House Bill 1029. Passage of this bill would mark an end to the state?s archaic ban on wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers, according to Free the Grapes!, the national coalition of consumers, wineries and retailers. www.freethegrapes.org
Hearing Details:
What: House Bill 1029
Who: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011; 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Massachusetts State House, Room A-1, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Bill Information: http://www.malegislature.gov/bills/187/house/h01029
HB 1029 conforms to the ruling Family Winemakers of California v. Jenkins, which was upheld by the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in January 2010. The lawsuit successfully challenged a 2006 Massachusetts statute banning winery-to-consumer shipments from wineries and wine companies producing more than 30,000 gallons per year, and who retain a wholesaler. The 30,000 gallon capacity cap was ruled to be discriminatory and the legislature was tasked with developing a remedy.
Introduced in February by Representative David M. Torrisi, HB 1029 is similar to the model direct shipping bill that is the foundation for statutes in the majority of U.S. states, providing legal, regulated direct shipping to consumers. Among other provisions, HB 1029 requires wineries to purchase a state-issued shipping license, to mark boxes as requiring an adult signature at delivery, and limits the quantity of wine shipped to individuals to 24 cases per year. The basis for HB 1029, the model direct shipping bill, was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and supported by the Federal Trade Commission.
Thirty-seven states and Washington D.C. ? but not Massachusetts ? allow licensed wineries to ship directly to consumers ? those states account for 83% of US wine consumption. Massachusetts is the seventh largest wine consumption state in the U.S. however it is one of 17 states that continue to ban winery-to-consumer direct shipments. Maryland Governor O?Malley is scheduled to sign House and Senate Bills later this month to allow winery direct shipping, which will make Maryland the 38th state to allow winery direct shipping.
A few different things to do in the Napa Valley
Take the food and wine tour at the Robert Sinskey Vineyards. This has always been a favorite spot of ours. Too bad they closed their picnic area to visitors. We used to love to sit on the patio area across from the vineyards enjoying the view and our lunch with a glass of the Sinskey Pinot Blanc. Continue reading
Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/a-few-different-things-to-do-in-the-napa-valley/
Is the 2009 Belle Glos Meiomi as Good as the 2008?
Get 50% off shipping when you purchase six or more bottles of French wine with promo code "drink84"
That said, it's still a good value in California Pinot Noir. The 09 is just lacking that little something extra the 08 had - and still has. I thought the 2008 was a 92 point wine and while the 2009 doesn't reach that same level of excitement for me, it is coming to market at very compelling prices. Whereas I'd never seen the 08 available for less than $19.99 I've seen the 09 for as little as $17.59 at Costco locations in Massachusetts and Arizona.
This price adjustment could be related to an intentional decision Caymus Vineyards (Belle Glos is Caymus' Pinot Noir label) made to drop their wine prices in response to the economic downturn that began a couple years ago. Gotta love a company that has a sense for market trends and eases pricing a bit at just the right time. I've seen Caymus Special Selection drop from around $125 to $99 and Conundrum from $20 to $15. I haven't seen Caymus drop below $55 yet however - have you?
2009 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir
I was very interested to try the 09 vintage of this wine after thoroughly enjoying the 08 (92 pts across a half-dozen bottles). The signature sweet spice is still there but I also get ample chimney smoke at Christmas. It's a little unusual - we'll see whether I sense it in future bottles. But I still think this is a solid wine. Will buy more for sure.
89/100 WWP: Very Good
Recommendation: If you see the 08 around buy it. There's not much left in the market and the 09s are replacing the 08s at most all high volume retailers. That said the 09 is still a pretty good play - especially south of $18.
Question of the Day: What do you think? Is 2009 as good as the 2008?
Cool Climate Chilean Reds: A Pinot Noir Value Play?
Wines of Chile hosted an online tasting this past Wednesday night offering bloggers across the US a chance to taste through Chilean Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. The event was moderated by Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer in New York with Chilean winemakers appearing via a live video stream.
The Pinot Noirs were impressive, especially considering their price points. A question I had on my mind coming into the tasting is which iconic Pinot Noir producing regions Chilean Pinot Noir most closely aligns with? The answer from the winemakers was that Pinot Noir is still a relatively new variety in Chile and they're exploring what works best. I think I have an idea based on the four we tasted - check out the conclusions below for more on that.
The Syrah we tasted were smoky, with higher levels of acidity than you'd find in Australia Shiraz for example. Priced between $13 and $29 I thought each was flavorful and had substantial tannins.
Here are my thoughts on the wines:
Pinot Noirs
2009 Valdivieso Reserve Pinot Noir
14.5% alc
$16.99
There's an aroma in this wine that reminds me of fresh residential carpeting. Really unique. But once you get past that it's pretty clean, round and enjoyable. Light in body but brings legitimate flavor. Nice slightly sweet spice. Dances lightly on the palate.
85/100 WWP: Good
2009 Vina Casablanca Nimbus Estate Pinot Noir
14.0% alc
$19.99
Aromatically perfumy. Ample fruit. A little smoke. Nicely balanced. Great velvety mouth feel.
87/100 WWP: Very Good
2009 Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir
14% alc
$19.99
Nice long finish. I like this wine a lot but it's surprisingly "grippy" for a Pinot Noir which differentiates it from most Pinot Noir made in the US. A great overall package for less than $20.
88/100 WWP: Very Good
2008 Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir
14% alc
$65
Though Cono Sur makes a very good entry-level Pinot Noir you can find for under $15. Only 50 cases of this high-end $65 bottling were imported to the US. That scarcity is unfortunate because this wine is gorgeous. What stands out about it is its purity - not a single off note anywhere in the bottle. Great wine.
92/100 WWP: Outstanding
Syrahs
2009 Tamaya Syrah Reserva
97% Syrah 3% Viognier
13.5% alc
$16.99
A very unique nose. Black pepper to the point it almost made me sneeze. A little volatile acidity perhaps? A little rough going on the palate. Kind of hard to switch gears from the Pinot Noirs to this.
82/100 WWP: Good
2006 Loma Large Syrah
14.5% alc
$29
Major smokeyness on this wine. Have you ever been to Disneyland? It reminds me of the smell you get when the Disneyland Railroad goes through the tunnels. You know - the part with the Grand Canyon and the dinos and all that? Beyond that there's substantial acidity and tannins. Definitely one to pair with food.
84/100 WWP: Good
2009 Undurraga T.H. Syrah
13.5% alc
$24.99
The "Terroir Hunter". Friendly, fresh, fruity nose compared to the two previoius Syrah. A serious wine. Good dose of acidity. Tannins are present but the wine is smooth. Very nice.
87/100 WWP: Very Good
2009 Hacienda Araucano Reserva Syrah
14.5% alc
$13
Pretty nose that wouldn't be out of place in a Napa Syrah. Warmer and richer than the prior three Syrah on the palate, but with substantial chewy tannins. Most similar of the bunch to what I'd expect from a Napa Syrah. Nice value at $13.
86/100 WWP: Very Good
Conclusion and Recommendations
The story of the night for me was the quality of these Pinot Noir especially given most of them cost less than $20. The Cono Sur Ocio was beautiful but at $65 with only 50 cases imported it will be hard to find - and pricey. The style of these more affordable Pinot Noir reminds me of a clean Sonoma Coast style with higher acidity and more robust tannins.
The Veramonte Ritual, from the Quintessa portfolio, is one to check out given its wide availability. Shop for it on Wine-Searcher.com here.
As a group I wasn't blown away by the Syrah. It's been said it is easier to get rid of a case of pneumonia than a case of Syrah so I wonder: What will differentiate Chilean Syrah on US retailer shelves?
My thanks to the folks from Wines of Chile and the winemakers for sharing these wines and their time with us. Samples for review.
Question of the Day: What do you think of cool climate Chilean Reds? Anything value plays you'd like to share?
The Pinot Noirs were impressive, especially considering their price points. A question I had on my mind coming into the tasting is which iconic Pinot Noir producing regions Chilean Pinot Noir most closely aligns with? The answer from the winemakers was that Pinot Noir is still a relatively new variety in Chile and they're exploring what works best. I think I have an idea based on the four we tasted - check out the conclusions below for more on that.
The Syrah we tasted were smoky, with higher levels of acidity than you'd find in Australia Shiraz for example. Priced between $13 and $29 I thought each was flavorful and had substantial tannins.
Here are my thoughts on the wines:
Pinot Noirs
14.5% alc
$16.99
There's an aroma in this wine that reminds me of fresh residential carpeting. Really unique. But once you get past that it's pretty clean, round and enjoyable. Light in body but brings legitimate flavor. Nice slightly sweet spice. Dances lightly on the palate.
85/100 WWP: Good
14.0% alc
$19.99
Aromatically perfumy. Ample fruit. A little smoke. Nicely balanced. Great velvety mouth feel.
87/100 WWP: Very Good
2009 Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir
14% alc
$19.99
Nice long finish. I like this wine a lot but it's surprisingly "grippy" for a Pinot Noir which differentiates it from most Pinot Noir made in the US. A great overall package for less than $20.
88/100 WWP: Very Good
2008 Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir
14% alc
$65
Though Cono Sur makes a very good entry-level Pinot Noir you can find for under $15. Only 50 cases of this high-end $65 bottling were imported to the US. That scarcity is unfortunate because this wine is gorgeous. What stands out about it is its purity - not a single off note anywhere in the bottle. Great wine.
92/100 WWP: Outstanding
Syrahs
97% Syrah 3% Viognier
13.5% alc
$16.99
A very unique nose. Black pepper to the point it almost made me sneeze. A little volatile acidity perhaps? A little rough going on the palate. Kind of hard to switch gears from the Pinot Noirs to this.
82/100 WWP: Good
14.5% alc
$29
Major smokeyness on this wine. Have you ever been to Disneyland? It reminds me of the smell you get when the Disneyland Railroad goes through the tunnels. You know - the part with the Grand Canyon and the dinos and all that? Beyond that there's substantial acidity and tannins. Definitely one to pair with food.
84/100 WWP: Good
13.5% alc
$24.99
The "Terroir Hunter". Friendly, fresh, fruity nose compared to the two previoius Syrah. A serious wine. Good dose of acidity. Tannins are present but the wine is smooth. Very nice.
87/100 WWP: Very Good
2009 Hacienda Araucano Reserva Syrah
14.5% alc
$13
Pretty nose that wouldn't be out of place in a Napa Syrah. Warmer and richer than the prior three Syrah on the palate, but with substantial chewy tannins. Most similar of the bunch to what I'd expect from a Napa Syrah. Nice value at $13.
86/100 WWP: Very Good
Conclusion and Recommendations
The story of the night for me was the quality of these Pinot Noir especially given most of them cost less than $20. The Cono Sur Ocio was beautiful but at $65 with only 50 cases imported it will be hard to find - and pricey. The style of these more affordable Pinot Noir reminds me of a clean Sonoma Coast style with higher acidity and more robust tannins.
The Veramonte Ritual, from the Quintessa portfolio, is one to check out given its wide availability. Shop for it on Wine-Searcher.com here.
As a group I wasn't blown away by the Syrah. It's been said it is easier to get rid of a case of pneumonia than a case of Syrah so I wonder: What will differentiate Chilean Syrah on US retailer shelves?
My thanks to the folks from Wines of Chile and the winemakers for sharing these wines and their time with us. Samples for review.
Question of the Day: What do you think of cool climate Chilean Reds? Anything value plays you'd like to share?
Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels
Honest Cooking: A Digital Food & Wine Magazine
On Monday of this week a new online food and wine magazine, Honest Cooking,�launched. An�audacious�experiment in group blogging led by�Kalle Bergman, the site features the writing of over 50 food and wine writers from around the globe. And I am pleased to be a small part of the staff, writing a few posts each week [...]
Honest Cooking: A Digital Food & Wine Magazine originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/89ZRARMmnnE/
Friday, August 19, 2011
Would you like a Gold or Silver with that Red or White?
Guest blogger�and wine judge �Stacie Hunt offers some insight into being a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.�Stacie is a�commentator on wine for National Public Radio, a Certified Sommelier (AIS), an international wine judge, educator, journalist and blogger. Everyone has his or her own idea of spring.� In the city, the [...]
SWAT For Wine Disasters
Most of the time wine lovers take corkscrews for granted. We regularly take them out and open bottles without incident. But there are times when special weapons and tactics are needed to prevent wine disasters. Such an event occurred here this evening when I was opening a double magnum. Large format bottles are always a [...]
SWAT For Wine Disasters originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/5PgwBvFVmkw/
Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, ?Los Arcos? NV
Like a lot of American wine lovers, Sherry is a personal blind spot. It’s not that I haven’t had good or great Sherry ? in fact the only wine I have ever rated 100-points is a Sherry ? it’s just the style is hard to get your head around. �For starters, many Sherries are intentionally [...]
Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, “Los Arcos” NV originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/nOPwDNjwl78/
A toast to wine freedom
In this 50th anniversary year of Amnesty International*, I propose a letter-writing campaign that might liberate wine stories from their digital prisons. ?Yet if these feelings of disgust all over the world could be united into common action, something effective could be done.? Peter Benenson Please feel free to employ this whenever you come across [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/MtLYXpJE_Jk/
National Monument on the False Bay is the Steenberg Hotel
Escape into the tranquil atmosphere of the Constantia Valley from the bustling city of Cape Town where the Steenberg Hotel rests at the foothills of the Steenberg Mountains, offering visitors magnificent views of the False Bay. This boutique hotel welcomes its guests with gracious hospitality into a serene world. The surrounding beauty of vineyards and [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/MlZUjX1CVtY/
Value Alert: 2007 Ruffino Modus
Italian wine - Buy 6 or more bottles and get 50% off shipping with code "grape70"A couple weeks ago we were discussing a $25 wine Spectator rated 97 points - the 2009 Carlisle Sonoma County Syrah. After appearing in a Wine Spectator Insider email, the wine evaporated from the market as quickly as any I've ever seen. Sometimes it's like that - where a rating comes out of nowhere and the wine has been on the market for a while. Other times the rating has been around for a long time before the wine comes to market. That's been the case with the 2007 Ruffino Modus Toscana.
The wine ended up with a respectable showing finishing in the Top 25. When a wine has favorable QPR metrics but then ends up not making their Top 100 list it makes me think it didn't show very well when tasted across a wider audience. I liked the 2007 BV Tapestry (93WS/$50) and thought for sure it would make the Top 10. No such luck - it didn't make the Top 100.
The point chasing wine deal hound market hasn't received the 2007 Modus with the kind of enthusiasm the Carlisle garnered. I have a few theories why:
- The 96 point rating the Modus received kind of came out of nowhere. They've been making the wine since 1997 and the best Spectator rating a prior vintage received was 91. It makes one wonder whether the bottle Suckling tasted got lucky.
- Speaking of Suckling the rating come out right around the time he was leaving the publication to start his own thing. There was also some conjecture Spectator wouldn't feature the wine favorably to bring attention to a wine he rated.
- No other major publication rated the wine as highly as Spectator - if they rated it at all. This lack of a second rating reinforced the concerns Spectator's 96 was a fluke. By the way, if the idea of having 2 or more major publications favorably rate a wine appeals to you check out the Wine Blue Book.
- The wine wasn't on the market when the rating dropped. After a while I kind of forgot about it and I think other deal hounds did too.
- The Modus is a much higher production wine. Scarcity makes people go a little nutso sometimes and what's more readily available is less precious. Perhaps there's just as much demand for the Modus but there's less supply for the Carlisle so the Carlisle is the hotter wine.
A couple weeks ago I tried the 2007 for the first time at the Wine Spectator Grand Tour stop in Boston. I thought it was quite nice but the context of 200 other wines it was hard to say for sure what it would really be like to drink a glass with a meal.
I got a chance to do just that La Famiglia Giorgio in the North End last week. We were in a bit of a hurry so table-top signage was effective in making our decision:
They poured each bottle through an aerating funnel into a decanter. Pretty nice treatment for what the waiter called one of the more expensive bottles. $46 at a restaurant is a very nice price point. And I thought the wine was great.
The wine is 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot. Ruffino positions Modus as "modern interpretations of historical territory". I'll go along with that. Tons of fruit. Not austere at all. Some acidity. Nicely balanced. Call it 90-93 points?
I spotted the 2007 Modus for the first time at Costco in Waltham, MA yesterday. $22.89 (and no tax in MA). There were only 6 bottles in the bin and the cashier said they didn't have any backup:
Update: As 10:00 am Saturday morning Waltham is out of Modus. I hear they have 100 bottles in Danvers.
If you're in the area and interested in buying some it might be worth giving them a call or stopping in. If not there are plenty of retailers in the country that have it for a little more.
Strictly from a numbers perspective - 96 points for a Tuscan red you can buy for $25 vs. 97 points for a California Syrah that's nearly impossible to find at this point makes this Modus a no brainer for the point chaser. And all kidding aside I think it's a really nice wine for around $25.
Related Links:
CellarTracker
Wine-Searcher
Question of the Day: Why do you think the market reacted so differently to the 2007 Modus compared to the 2009 Carlisle?
Corn dogs: impossible food-wine pairing?!? [Iowa]
Ah, Iowa. Every four years, politicians stampede your county fairs, kissing babies, shaking hands and eating fried foods. This year provides the spectacle of a raft of socially conservative Republican contenders chowing down on foot-long corn dogs. Doesn’t the Bible say something about that? Anyway, let’s help them as only enophiles can: which wine would [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/oALchVJLHjI/
Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears
A Day in Rutherford?s Dust
Interestingly, when the wines were unveiled we learned that the first flight of wines were all from the eastside of the Rutherford AVA and presented from south to the north. The second flight represented wines made from vineyards on the westside from north to south.
Continue reading
Continue reading
Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/a-day-in-rutherfords-dust/
Charlies Angels Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke
Taurus Mountains welcome the guests at Mardan Palace
The south coast of Turkey in the Lara region nestles the most gorgeous Mardan Palace which overlooks the marvelous beauty of the Mediterranean Sea through the hilly landscapes and the nearby historic sites of the Roman, Ottoman and Greek age. The surrounding offers an enjoyable and soothing atmosphere with its unique and opulent natural physiology [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/1H23nLt003g/
Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park Gretha Cavazzoni
Losing the plot
It seems so obvious from the outside. Winemakers and wineries in a region should cooperate to promote the region and give consumers a clear idea of what that region offers to encourage them to give their wines a try. Yet in practice, when you delve into any region or country, what you see are arguments, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/ZDyUxTJ8kSw/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A Spitacular Competition!
For three days, our judges swirled, sniffed and spit their way through more than 3,500 wines from around the globe. Today they wrapped up by choosing the best of the best in each category. Results will be available next month, so stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of expert spitters:
Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=74
Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi
Aug. 18, 2011 Florida Jim Cowan?s 2011 Tasting Notes Archive-Part Two
The 2011 archive part 2 is presented by date the notes were compiled and submitted. Part 1 may be found here. Prior year’s tasting notes may be found here. Aug. 18, 2011 1999 Hirtzberger, Gr�ner Veltliner Honivogl: 13.5% alcohol; precise and compact on both the nose and palate with perfect balance and an underlying stony [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/0axCLMWIxfU/jim-cowans-2011-tasting-notes-part-tw
Napa Valley Travelers Beware ? Harvest is near
The most exciting and rewarding time of the year in the Napa Valley wine country, and for that matter all of wine country, is harvest time. This is what every winemaker, vineyard manager, and winery owner awaits throughout the vineyard year. Continue reading
Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/napa-valley-travelers-beware-harvest-is-near/
Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears
Value Alert: 2007 Felsina Fontalloro
A while back, a friend introduced me to the 2006 Felsina Fontalloro. I was really impressed with the wine's versatile personality. It's elegant and plays well in a sit down situation, but it's got this incredible fruit-driven nose that's so friendly and appealing. It's hard not to like.
After tasting the 2006 I added it to my shopping list but never saw it come up at a price I couldn't refuse. Fortunately (especially lately it seems) there's always another great vintage right around the corner: The 2007 is even better.
The 2007 is young at this point, but like all great wines it's still enjoyable even if it hasn't fully come together. It's as if the wine is deconstructed into individual components and it's easier to understand now than it will be in a few years. Like watching a golfer's swing in slow motion.
The initial aromas are beautiful sweet fruit. I love the mouthfeel of this wine - it's rich and satisfying but not heavy. Acidity reveals itself on the sides of the tongue. Earthy/leathery flavors. Beautiful finish. So well put together.
It's readily available for around $45 at retail and for as much as I've bashed Italy as being a tough category for value, this wine makes me rethink that sentiment. There are gads of wines in Napa Valley that have no problems declaring themselves value plays north of $50.
I highly recommend this wine and would love to find more wines like it. Let me know in the comments if you have some similar value plays you'd like to share.
2007 Felsina Fontalloro
14% alcohol
3,335 cases produced
$55 release price
A beautifully put together wine that makes me think twice before paying $50+ for domestic wine. Such fresh vibrant fruit on the nose combined with ample acidity, earth and overall balance and deliciousness - this is really a tremendous achievement for a little over $40. Extremely highly recommended.
94/100 WWP: Outstanding
96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
93 points Wine Advocate
92 points Wine Spectator
Where to buy:
Wine.com
Search for it on wine-searcher.com
Other opinions on CellarTracker
Question of the Day: Have you had this wine or prior vintages? What are some other value plays in this category you'd recommend?
Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright
Healthiest Texas Red wine from Good Taste with Tanji
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Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2011/08/09/healthiest-texas-red-wine-from-good-taste-with-tanji/
A Day in Rutherford?s Dust
Interestingly, when the wines were unveiled we learned that the first flight of wines were all from the eastside of the Rutherford AVA and presented from south to the north. The second flight represented wines made from vineyards on the westside from north to south.
Continue reading
Continue reading
Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/a-day-in-rutherfords-dust/
Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, ?Los Arcos? NV
Like a lot of American wine lovers, Sherry is a personal blind spot. It’s not that I haven’t had good or great Sherry ? in fact the only wine I have ever rated 100-points is a Sherry ? it’s just the style is hard to get your head around. �For starters, many Sherries are intentionally [...]
Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, “Los Arcos” NV originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/nOPwDNjwl78/
Jefferson...Meet the Wine Bloggers, Wine Bloggers...Meet Jefferson
One is never too far from Thomas Jefferson when in Charlottesville, Virginia. His greats works surround the city in the from of Monticello and the University of Virginia. He is the city's apparent mascot and his name helps promote many...
Get lost in the beautiful vineyards of Kempinski Giardino di Constanza
Swaying in the breeze of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Kempinski Giardino di Constanza nestles in the midst of olive groves and acres of vineyards in the landscaped parks surrounded by the fountains and other water features overlooking the country side of ancient Sicily. The luxurious coastal resort is a low, flat roofed white haven [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/HFJs_LXWhBg/
On Family and How I Came to Understand that Location Matters
My Dad, Lawrence F. Lefevere, died on Saturday, July 9th and was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 13th.
He was young, just 64 years old.
The last 10 months (to say nothing of the last couple of years), have been hard. My brother, sister and I carried principal responsibility for ensuring appropriate care for my Dad as he slid into full vascular dementia, the accumulation of brain damage in stroke patients, with the same needs as those with Alzheimer’s.
Accordingly, regular readers of this site have probably noticed that my writing output has dropped off precipitously this year; the result of the increased responsibility with my Dad’s care, which itself coincided with new and demanding responsibilities at work. I prioritized appropriately, and in so doing my creativity and inveterate curiosity in wine slowed to, if not idle, at least first gear, as did my available time.
This public acknowledgement of the private challenges I’ve been experiencing should not be mistaken for a eulogy to my father. I’m not able to quantify in mere words what the loss of my Dad means to me. In fact, I haven’t come to grips with his mortality yet, still dealing with an open wound and flowers hither and yon around the house.
No, instead, this is a brief rumination on wine and, more specifically, what I’ve recently come to understand about wine and the importance of place.
Over the last week or so more than a few people said to me, “Your Dad was ‘Old School’” and “They don’t make them like Larry anymore.” Or, “He was definitely his own man.”
They’re right. He was “Old School” and damn proud of it thankyouverymuch; he was very much a throwback to a different era, a product of where he came from, the kind of guy that can’t be popped out of a cookie cutter mold and dropped into the suburbs. My Dad grew up in a place that scarcely exists anymore – a Midwestern post-World War II middle-class clapboard neighborhood with both a tavern and a Catholic church within a stone’s throw of the front stoop. He was raised by two working parents, one a laborer and the other clerical, neither of whom was educated beyond high school. He was a Baby Boomer who went to Vietnam raised his family and worked 60 hour weeks for nearly my entire life.
My Dad smoked and drank and cursed; he was stubborn, principled, self-possessed, he spent little, saved a lot, paid tuition for all 16 years of his kids education (Catholic schools through high school and then college), was funny, loyal, loved Notre Dame football and was a complete and utter technophobe, never advancing beyond hunting and pecking on a typewriter.
And, to my knowledge, he never saw anything I’ve written about wine, much less understood my interest in something that didn’t come from Stroh’s brewery. I am a “New World,” contemporary counterpoint to my Dad’s traditional ways.
Yet, my Dad has helped me come to a new appreciation about wine, at least wine that speaks of where it comes from—in sensibility and stridency.
Over the last several years, The Office of Champagne in the US has been on something of a long-term sustained warpath(Center for Wine Origins) in protecting the value of origins in naming i.e. Champagne comes from Champagne, France and nowhere else. Likewise, in this sensibility, Port wine can only come from Portugal.
When it comes to this Champagne “Location Matters” campaign, I’ve always played both sides of the fence; never too with the Champagne and Port campaigns nor too against. Kind of right down the middle, but leaning towards an arched eyebrow and the notion that there are more important things to do and spend money on then marketing and bleating about how, “Champagne only comes from Champagne, France.” Especially when trying to undo 30 years of ingrained consumer habit.
As I celebrate my Dad’s life and fondly recall what a unique person he was, where he came from, what he lived through, how he was a distinct product of his time, place and environment—unmistakably unique in personality and ethos based on his roots and his life experiences, and ultimately buried just miles from where he was born, I’ve come to realize that location does matter.
I realize that he is the result of a confluence of circumstances that are unique to him, and not able to be duplicated.
As I’ve thought about my Dad’s life, as unique as he was, indeed, he couldn’t have come from any other place than South Bend, IN, just as I now see that dammit, yes, Champagne comes only from Champagne, France.
I get it.
My dad may have been an “Old School” guy that didn’t know anything about wine, but he posthumously taught me to appreciate the, “Old World,” as well.
Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/on_family_and_how_i_came_to_understand_that_location_matters1/
Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Exhortations and Admonitions Edition
Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…
H.R. 1161
Now that the din of the debt ceiling debate is quieting down to a dull roar, it’s timely for wine consumers to direct their attention back to other matters of great political import – like, say, wine shipping rights.
Last month, two excellent white papers were published that provide enlightened reading for the wine lover. Related to the influence wholesale lobbyist dollars have on Washington and the reckless piece of potential legislation that is currently looking for sponsors (H.R. 1161), both papers are pragmatic, fact-based, bi-partisan looks at how special interests are served in the halls of Congress.
While the phraseology, “white paper” alone is enough to make most readers tuck tail and run in the opposite direction, you shouldn’t let that particular bit of verbiage dissuade you from making an investment in understanding the issue(s). Toward Liquor Domination (links open a PDF) by the Specialty Wine Retailers Association and A CARE-less Rush to Regulate Alcohol by the Competitive Enterprise Institute both, in different ways, illuminate the corners of politics that deserve the bright glare of sunlight.
And, make no mistake, the issue here isn’t with wholesalers; it’s clearly at the feet of our elected politicians who allow lobbyist money to influence their actions under the guise of serving, “Their constituency.”
As consumers, being able to stay abreast of the issues and affect political outcomes is the underpinning through which our freedom is founded. Being able to make our voice heard is a privilege. Making that voice heard in matters that relate to our personal interests makes it all the more meaningful. I urge all readers to read, understand and let your voice be heard with your Congressman.
The first step is to know more than the Congressman’s intern that will answer your email. Both of the linked white papers will help you do so.
Summer of Riesling
“Summer of Riesling” is a marketing and promotional umbrella started by New York restaurateur Paul Grieco. Branching out from what was a heretofore a New York-based restaurant promotion, Summer of Riesling (June 21st to September 22nd) has gone nationwide this year and purports to quash the notion that all Riesling is sweet.
By having restaurants from coast-to-coast promote Riesling by the glass, Grieco hopes to build mindshare that Riesling is the perfect summer wine with a lilt of acidity to refresh and cleanse the palate, not the duotone plonk that’s a remnant of the 70s.
I give Grieco an “A” for effort, but in reality this campaign sucks with a capital “S.”
First, it seems terribly self-motivated, what with trademarks, t-shirts and a figurehead who cribs from a certain former Santa Cruz Rhone Ranger’s book of self-aware, literate, philosophical name-checking with neurotic, pop culture, existential faux-intelligentsia brain droppings, while craning to find a microphone in a diffident way shtick. Granted, this figurehead does so with a certain bespoke sartorial splendor not matched by his spiritual forebear, but just the same, this campaign speaks of a cloaked grab for national limelight in the wine conversation akin to holding a funeral for corks. Licensing and events and such can’t be too far behind, nor the public mea culpa and repentance. And, as a sidebar query, who said that prevailing wisdom holds that Riesling is all sweet, all the time anyways? Susie the server at P.F. Chang’s?
Second, and more importantly, nothing good and pure has ever happened by creating widespread popularity for a wine varietal, by mindshare or sales volume.
Mr. Merlot, your table is ready. Mrs. Oaked Chardonnay we’ll be with you in a few moments. Ms. Pinot Grigio your party is already seated.
To say the least, the tumble down is terrible. To say even less, these sorts of things need to happen organically.
Mr. Pinot Noir under $20, I hate to hold you up as an example.
The absolute last thing that needs to happen is to create broad consumer interest in Riesling, one of the last bastions of unspoofulated wine you can find in the world.
Forgive me if I seem a little unforgiving. But, to co-opt and adapt Michael Pollan and his food rule on eating: “Marketing. Not a lot. Mostly for the good.”
Summer of Riesling isn’t for the good.
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