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Most Popular: Bargain Wines 100 Great Wines Wine Blog RankingsFriday, April 28, 2006
Syrah Shiraz
Whether
its called shiraz or syrah, people love it
OK, the most likely explanation is that syrah was thought to have
originated in the ancient Persian city Shiraz (now in Iran). At that
time -- 1986 -- the only significant plantings of syrah/shiraz outside
of France were in Australia.
Winemaker
offers more than Merlot
I had a chance to sample the 2002 Reserve Monterey Shiraz. The floral
qualities of the Viognier meld well against the earthiness of the
Syrah/Shiraz.
Braving
the blends
Australia is shipping tanker loads of its lively, jammy shiraz mellowed
with cabernet sauvignon. ACNielsen reported sales of syrah and shiraz
blends to be up nearly 13 percent this year.
Match making
This is why wines from tannic grape varieties, such as cabernet
sauvignon or syrah/shiraz, go well with roast meat and stews. Smoky
barbecued flavours suit powerful, oaked wines like Australian shiraz.
Taste of Culture a
festive sampling of Lowells diversity
More
March Reds (8): Australia Shiraz,Chile Cab Sauv, Chile Merlot, Italy
Valpol, Chile Blend, Canada Cab Sauv, Australia Pinot Noir, Chile Pinot
Noir
The label says: "This generously flavoured Shiraz displays concentrated
ripe berry and black fruit characters with firm tannins softened and
balanced by twelve months in oak." Their website says: "Aromas of black
fruit mixed with spicy oak. Sweet fleshy fruits with subtle vanillin
and savoury oak.This wine can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for up
to 3 years." My notes: Different from DE BORTOLI 'dB' SHIRAZ 2004
(#595314@$12.95) tasted January 7, 2006 (see Archives) and an improved
offering.
Food
File
Sampling of shiraz/syrah blends; $10, benefits Pinellas Animal
Foundation. Sample Black Sheep chardonnay, Bridlewood syrah, La Joya
reserve carmenere, Cycles merlot; free.
The
mother of all vines
The most widely-planted vine varieties are the ‘noble’ French vines:
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah (shiraz), Merlot,
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion — which perhaps is why the home-grown
expert usually talks only about wine made from these few grapes. Legend
has it that the process of wine making originated in the city of Shiraz
(Iran) 7,000 years ago, and that the Syrah grape was brought to France
in the 13th Century CE by a returning crusader (who went on to found
Hermitage, which is still a 311-acre site in the northern Rhone
producing the eponymous wine).
Kangarilla
Road McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003
That's a Shiraz leaf on the quiet and clean, yet rich front label. On
the back label, you discover Click Wine Group* imported this Australian
Syrah.
March
Reds (8): Spain Temp, Canada Shiraz, Australia Blend, USA Cab Sauv, S
Africa Shiraz, Australia Blend, Canada Pinot Noir, Canada Merlot
To me Grenache and Shiraz don't complement each other - save the
grenache for a silky, flavourful rose.
Ode
to Syrah-Toledo Free Press Article
I love many wines, but perhaps my favorite grape is Syrah. Syrah has
also found a home in Australia under the label of Shiraz.
Joseph
Phelps Syrah (Napa Valley) 2000
I'll
take some Vitamin C in my Syrah, please...
Chateau
Ste. Michelle Syrah (Columbia Valley) 2002
At about $12, you can probably do better with a Shiraz from downunder,
but this is a perfectly fine wine.
Rosemount
Estate Hill of Gold Shiraz (Mudgee) 2003
Silverwing
Barossa Shiraz 2004
This ten buck Shiraz might be a focus group favorite. About all
we know is the fruit for Silverwing Shiraz 2004 was sourced from
Barossa, and aging was 18 months in used oak barrels.
Black
Chook Shiraz Viognier 2005
The first 2005 Australian red I spotted was Black Chook Shiraz
Viognier, raising a question. At the Santa Barbara Wine Futures last
week you could taste Carina Cellars' "7%", which is Syrah blended with
7% Viognier.
The
Mayo Family Winery The Libertine (Sonoma County) 2003
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, the
flavor associations remind this drinker mainly of the latter two.
2003
Four Emus Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot
Tonight I'm quaffing the 2003 Four Emus Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz Merlot with a vegetarian pizza. The first time someone comes out
with "Thundering Wombat Shiraz" I'm buying a case.
Majella
Sparkling Shiraz (Coonawarra) 2003
IMHO, sparkling Shiraz is often the perfect wine for foods that
do not necessarily lend themselves to wine.
TENUTA
I MURACCI FORTEDIGA MAREMMA - 2004
When I see pure Cabernet-Syrah combinations, I tend to think of
cheap red wines with alcohol so strong that it can remove the paint
from the hood of your car. Must also agree that there are truck loads
of ass cab-shiraz out there but the "super Tuscans" do some fun ones,
though often pretty pricey and hardly expressing an Italian
characteristics.
Put
down the pate and pass the popcorn
And, for me, lightly salted goldfish crackers swim winningly
with everything from New Zealand sauvignon blanc to California syrah to
Spanish Rioja. These chips "pair up pretty darn well with a smooth
Aussie shiraz, something along the lines of The Gatekeeper, which has
great black fruits and hints of pepper and earth but comes off as
smooth as can be," she said.
E
Guigal Cotes du Rhone
The website was a bit misleading, but I believe the wine is Syrah
(55%), Grenache (35%) and Mourvedre (10%) from 35 year-old vines, aged
18 months in oak foudres. And very unusual for Cotes du Rhone having
more Syrah than Grenache.
2004
Woop Woop Shiraz (Southeast Australia)
2003
Bridlewood Syrah
The winery focuses on a Cab, Pinot, Zin, and a Syrah, along with a
Rhone blend. Their 2003 Syrah pours into the glass as if from a quill
of purple ink.
Knappstein
Clare Valley Shiraz 2003
A deep blood red in colour, this shiraz displays a rich fruity nose
with underlying hints of spices and dark chocolate.
2003
Hentley Farm Barossa Valley Shiraz
Wyndham
Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2003
We found it on sale for a paltry $6, and even for several dollars more
its a nice combination of shiraz flavor and value. Adventures in Food
and Wine said, it is a fruity and spicy shiraz with a bit of creaminess
on the tongue.
Jacob's
Creek Shiraz 2003
Jacobs Creek Shiraz 2003 is a typical great Shiraz value a price way
under ten bucks a bottle, a nice combination of fruit and complexity
whats not to like? The Jacobs Creek Shiraz has a spicy aroma with a
strong hint of licorice, and mixes berry and plum fruit with balanced
oak and tannins.
Sutton Grange Fairbank
Syrah 2001
Red
Bicyclette Syrah'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France
Table wine made from Syrah from the Minervois and Cabardes region in
Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.
Technical Data: Syrah, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel
tanks and in new American and French oak.
01
Lagier Meredith, Mount Vedeer Napa Valley Syrah
Built on a mountainous perch of acid and alcohol, this spicy syrah is
rich but focused, like spiked tropical punch, and it intensifies with
every moment in the glass. Syrah is my favorite varietal yet my
selections are limited at the store.
Harewood
Estate Shiraz 2004
The fruit for this wine hails from from the Frankland River/Mt Barker
region in Western Australia and the wine has picked up trophies at the
Cool Climate Wine Show for the Champion Red of Show Champion Shiraz of
Show.. The Harewood Shiraz sits varietally true in the glass with the
aromas of ripe plums, black cherry and blackcurrants, licorice, coffee,
mocha, spice and herbs there are hints of dark chocolate and almost a
‘Rhoney’ pepperiness to the nose as well.
The
Little Penguin Shiraz'03, South Eastern Australia
An affordable Shiraz, perfect to drink everyday, nice with BBQ meats!
Technical Data: Shiraz, aged about 6 months in oak barrel depending of
the vintage.
Peter
Lehmann Clancy's
Barossa Australia; Shiraz (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (41%) and Merlot
(17%).
Penley
Estate Hyland Shiraz 2004
This South Australian shiraz was the winner of the 2006 Wine Press Club
Trophy for best dry red wine at the recent Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Seppelts
Victorian Shiraz 2003
Wolf
Blass Gold Label Shiraz Viognier 2002
This was one of the many new shiraz viognier blends that hit the
shelves of Oz several years ago.
This
wine is not meant to taste like Shiraz
Lindemans Bin 0403
Shiraz 2004
It stacked up well against the 03 Kiss Shiraz, but in a elegance vs
power tye of way.
Glenguin "Stonybroke"
Shiraz Tannat 2003
Jest
Pink California Rosé Non-Vintage
Jest Pink is a blend of California Syrah, Grenache and Carignan.
Redbud
Shiraz
I agree, it drinks like a $10-15 bottle of Shiraz.
1999
Glaetzer Barossa Valley Shiraz 14%
2002
Punters Corner Coonawarra Shiraz 13.5%
Penfolds
Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz 1991
Barossa
Valley Estate "Ebenezer" Shiraz 2002
Penfolds
Magill Estate Shiraz 1998
2002 Hill of Content Grenache/Shiraz (South Australia)
Clonakilla
Hilltops Shiraz 2004
LOS
PLANOS SYRAH - 2003
All the gorgeous and delicious characteristics of a California syrah,
without the big price tag.
2002
Seppelts Original Sparkling Shiraz 14.5%
Rogues Lane Shiraz
Malbec 2003
Meerea Park "Alexander
Munro" Shiraz 2003
Larger than life at the moment - this will certainly put hairs on your
chest, if that’s what you want - top notch Australian shiraz.
Wine
on the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria, Aus...
Its either all that Shiraz or maybe its just old age!
Another
Winery on the Mornington Peninsula - Parin...
This was unfortunate because the 2003 Reserve Shiraz was only the
second release of this special barrel selection of Shiraz, and I’d been
looking forward to tasting it. The three Shiraz wines seemed much riper
than any other Shiraz tasted during our day on the peninsula.
Cordon
Royat
The picture is from of a Syrah vine at Domaine Pierre Gaillard,
Malleval, (St Joseph, Condreieu) in the northern Rhone valley.
Wine
Tasting Note:Woodlands Cabernet-Merlot, 2004, Western Australia.
This would include this rather classy Cab-Merlot and the 'also worth
buying' Shepherd's Hut Shiraz sampled a few days ago that retails for a
rather good £11.
WBW
#19: the true taste of Counoise
I love the rich flavors of the Syrah-based and Grenache-based wines
whether they come from the Rhône Valley, Spain, California or
Australia.
Amavi
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Amavi specializes in Syrah and Sémillon from Walla Walla
Washington. Amavi Cab 2003 is a blend of 81% Cab, 14% Merlot, 4% Syrah
and 2% Malbec.
Agapito
Rico Carchelo Jumilla Monastrell 2004
Rico consolidated old Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre) plantings and
added new Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet and Tempranillo plantings. Carchelo
Monastrell 2004 was sourced from old low-yield Monastrell vines, with
minor portions of Syrah and Merlot blended in.
Hewitson
"Miss Harry" GSM 2004
I went in search of an aussie wine which was made from grapes that are
traditionally grown in the Rhone region, eventually settling on the
Hewitson Miss Harry which is a blend of 44% Grenache, 43% Shiraz and
13% Mourvegrave.
2002
Hill of Content Grenache/Shiraz (South Australia)
Twin
Fin Merlot 2003
We liked the Twin Fin Shiraz when we tried it; it, too, featured a
slightly off-putting screw cap.
Heathcote
Estate Shiraz 2003
I don’t know about you but considering the hype surrounding Heathcote
Shiraz in recent times a lot of the wines I have tried have left me
feeling a little under whelmed, this wine, I am happy to say, is one of
the exceptions.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon
Beaulieu
Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Beaulieu Vineyard was founded in 1990 by pioneering winemaker George de
Latour in the heart of the Napa Valley. George de Latour ...
Frei
Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
OK, at $20 per bottle, Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander
Valley) 2002 is a bit pricier than we usually review here at Box Wines.
Wine
Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Ones immediate thought on viewing the packaging for Wine Block Cabernet
Sauvignon 2002 is that the small box couldnt possibly hold two bottles
of wine.
Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Two And A Half Stars 2003 Aquinas Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($12)
A value-brand sibling to Screw Kappa Napa (below), this wine combines
juicy, ripe black cherry, black plum and cured olive aromas with a hint
of smoky bacon. TWO STARS 2003 Bennett Lane Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon ($45) This Cab is distinctive for its orange marmalade/red
raspberry aroma and tangy citrus/berry finish.
2003
Four Emus Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot
Tonight I'm quaffing the 2003 Four Emus Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Merlot with a vegetarian pizza. It's made in Western Australia, is
connected to the Constellation conglomerate, and is made up of 58%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Shiraz, and 15% Merlot.
Trinchero
Main Street Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Cabernet Sauvignon is a clone of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc and
is a major grape of Bordeaux and possibly one of the most widely
cultivated grapes in the world.
Andrew
Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2002
Andrew Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2002 ($15-ish/sample) –
Deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, plum and vanilla; rich
plumy fruit with some spice and very fine tannins and a nice, thick
mouth feel.
KIONA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2001
When it comes to finding great wines at great prices, California
doesn't jump to mind, especially when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cheaper
by the dozen with these Majestic bargains
Warming drinking chocolate fumes emanate from Porta Reserve 2005
Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere(£5.99, Threshers, but £3.99 if
you buy two with a third free). Ring Bolt Margaret River Cabernet
Sauvignon 2003 (£7.99, Tesco) is utterly beguiling, with its
plum, blackcurrant and mint aromas and, in the mouth, thoroughly
rounded cabernet fruit, packed with violet and chocolate flavours.
Les
Domaines Paul Mas - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot "Vignes de Nicole" 2003
Spring
2006 Releases
When you purchase your next New World Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or
Syrah, don't forget about Washington State offerings. 2004 Angove's,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia, $20.
Sacramento
Bee
"The chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon market is tough to crack,"
Girard says in giving another reason for emphasizing Rhone varieties.
And while the cabernet sauvignon market may be tough for foothill
wineries to crack, the David Girard Vineyards 2001 El Dorado Cabernet
Sauvignon ($25) shows why the varietal shouldn't be written off
entirely.
Funky
Llama Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
The Funky Llama Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 features the same colorful
stopper, complete with llama.
Argentina:
A taste of the high life
Even more exclusive, Cheval des Andes, a blend of cabernet sauvignon,
malbec and petit verdot grapes made the Bordeaux way, costs 260
Argentinian pesos (48) for the 2002 vintage.
Wine:
Introduce yourself to Portugals tasty reds
So if you're in the mood to get out your cabernet sauvignon rut, look
for something from Portugal.
Wine:
Fabbioli Cellars 2004 Tre Sorelle Review:...
Raymond
2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena
Amavi
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Novelty
Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cab 2003 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7%
Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
2001
Saltram Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 14%
2003
Turkey Flat Vineyards Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 14.5%
Vasse
Felix Cabernet sauvignon 2001
'01
Michel Gassier - Cabernet Sauvignon - New World in the Old World
Wine:
Loudoun Valley Vineyards 2001 Dynasty Rev...
Review: This is a Bordeaux-style wine comprised of 50% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot.
Wine For
Men.
Producing both a merlot and a cabernet sauvignon, it said the type of
person it wished to woo was your average Joe barbecue fan or Nascar
racing watcher.
WTN:
Vineyard 48 2004 Vignetta
3
Rivers Columbia Valley MC2 Red 2003
Holly Turner* plays Einstein with Walla Walla and Columbia Valley
grapes, and produces an everyday blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and
Cabernet Sauvignon, she calls MC2 (read M-C-squared). 3 Rivers MC2 2003
is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The
Mayo Family Winery The Libertine (Sonoma County) 2003
The
Lesson of a Horoscope and a Good Cabernet.
Now, it wasn't that I didn't like the 1998 L'Ecole Walla Walla Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon. But there was something about the 1998 L'Ecole
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I preferred.
New
AVA in Washington: Rattlesnake Hills
The main grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah,
Riesling, Chardonnay, and Malbec.
Wine:
Barboursville Vineyards 2002 Octagon Revi...
It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Global
warming may wreak havoc on wine regions
Ripe, lush Ohio-grown cabernet sauvignon, year in and year out?
Friday, April 21, 2006
Riesling
Riesling
the King of Grapes
reports on how riesling really ought to be one of Oregon's premier
varieties. We've been growing good riesling around these parts for some
time, but can we do better?
2003
Domaine Paul Blanck Alsace Riesling (France)
$16.43 (which isn't bad for an Alsace Riesling) at the Spec's on
Westheimer Waugh.
Lingenfelder
visits NB wine sellers
The next evening we tasted his own Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling
(568634, $15.99) at the cozy happinez wine bar in Saint John, where
owner Peter Smit explained that sales of the Riesling were very brisk.
This slightly off-dry but well balanced, minerally and apply-fruit
tinged white is an excellent example of good value Riesling - I wish
there were more wines like this in New Brunswick, but the ANBL has
practically deleted the semi-premium to premium German category.
Deutsche
wines to pour and pronounce
There’s the lovely little edge of the traditional petrol thing Riesling
fanciers like; crisp and bright, the dryness tastes natural, like it
belongs on these grapes and is not artificially induced. And Riesling
is easy to remember and to say, although some people still sound the
first syllable, which is wrong.
Riesling
and Rose-In South Africa there is still m...
Riesling and Rose-In South Africa there is still much confusion under
the public as to what these really are. What I mean by this, is that we
used Riesling as a vehicle for cheap sweet wines for many years and
Riesling is still seen as this.
Marketing
Phenomena that Boggle the Mind: Varietal Outsourcing and Turning Leaf
Riesling Pfalz 2004 Vintage
The marketing phenomenon in question here is Turning Leaf’s Riesling,
which carries the “Product of Germany” and “Qualitatswein” designations
on the back part of the label. Located on the front of the bottle, the
vintage (in my case it was the 2004) as well as where the grapes come
from and/or where the Riesling was produced (Pfalz), though Turning
Leaf won’t necessarily clarify which is the case.
From
Alsace
2004 Lucien Albrecht Riesling — * * * 1/2 ( 1/2 ) — good, crisp
apple-pear fruit; a little young (another year in the bottle would work
wonders); $15.50. • 2004 Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris "Cuve Romanus" — *
* * * — named for the family's first winemaker, in 1425; a blend, like
a cross between riesling and gewrztraminer; would be great with pork or
smoked turkey; $17.
Wine
Specials 16.03.2006
Dan Murphys have the best value for money Riesling going around, Leo
Buring Eden Valley Riesling 2005 for $13.90 or $12.90 in a mixed dozen.
Peter
Lehmann Eden Valley Riesling 2005
"The cool slopes of the Eden Valley produce Riesling that is revered
around the world.
Langenbach
Kabinett Riesling 2004
We would gladly have paid more: it was a very typical German
Riesling--and by typical, we mean "good." Alas, one reason it was so
cheap was that it was being discontinued.
This $10 California
riesling hits the mark
The only problem was, I wanted to try a couple of white wines,
especially a California riesling that had come my way. For that,
paradoxically, I had opened a bottle of Firestone's 2005 “Vineyard
Select” Riesling from California's Central Coast, which wasn’t quite
dry enough and was just okay with the clams.
Spring,
a time to discover riesling
The first warm days of spring signal the official opening of riesling
season. Yet just as riesling reigns among wines in conveying a sense of
origin, it is also unsurpassed in connoting the sense of rebirth and
renewal that we almost physically equate with spring.
Rosemount
Estate Diamond Label Riesling'04, Australia
Serve
riesling with Easter feast
I can't help you much as far as what wine to drink with your chocolate
eggs (don't get me started on the chocolate and cabernet controversy!)
but if your holiday menu includes poultry, ham or even seafood, here's
a bright idea: riesling! As much (or more) than any other, riesling is
Washington's grape.
Let’s Talk Riesling
Riesling has become the ugly stepchild in American viticulture. Jug
pricing (and soon after, box pricing) encouraged American consumption
of the product, which often strayed from using genuine riesling
varietal grapes, with a table variety, Thompson Seedless, filling in.
4for4
+1 To Knock You Off Your Feet Aside from th...
Atypical were the six months of new wood which added vanilla overtones
which helped create a nice contrast with the minerality of the Riesling.
Kaefferkopf
new Grand Cru in Alsace
Permitted grape varieties in the wine are Gewurztraminer, Riesling and
Pinot Gris (previously Tokay d’Alsace). The wine can be made from a
single grape variety, in which case the name is indicated on the label,
or from a mix of grapes in proportions: 60-80% Gewurz, 10-40% Riesling,
and maximum 30% Pinot Gris.
Alsace
grapes are a unique bunch
And while some of those names may sound German — riesling,
gewrztraminer — Alsace wines have their own persona. The reserve tier
has riesling, pinot blanc, pinot gris and gewrztraminer.
Real
Riesling comes from Real People: Weingut Ratzenberger Bacharacher
Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2003er
With this in mind, here is the product of an outstanding Riesling
producer from the Mittelrhein that always shows up ready to
play–Weingut Ratzenberger. But Francisco, why should I buy a Riesling
from Ratzenberger when Big Blue is only $8?
Coming
Soon: Riesling to the Third Power
Alsace
under Screwcap
Which is OK as it's more Aussie riesling for the rest of us!
Wine
Reports: Freie Weingärtner 2004 Wachau Riesling ($11.99)
This clear, pale straw-color wine breathes lovely, minerally Riesling
aromas of white flowers and musky melons and that intriguing slatey,
clean-earth character that wine lovers describe as "petrol." Bone-dry
flavors are consistent with the aroma, "rainwater" minerality and musky
white fruit over a core of steely acidity.
New
AVA in Washington: Rattlesnake Hills
The main grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah,
Riesling, Chardonnay, and Malbec.
Does
Global Warming=Homegrown English Claret?
Oregon's
Next Big Thing?
At least according to one person, it could very well be Riesling.
"Although riesling played a seminal role in putting the Northwest on
the world's wine map (it was riesling after all, not pinot noir, that
was the first wine grape to be planted in Oregon), local rieslings have
become an afterthought in today's market.
New
York magazine, New York Times Rave About Paumanok
In the April 5, 2006 edition of New York magazine, Rima Suqi, in the
"Best Bets" column, raved about Paumanok's 2005 Riesling. Massoud's
technical skills show up in Paumanok's 2004 sauvignon blanc ($19.99),
2005 semidry riesling ($19.99), 2003 barrel-fermented chardonnay
($17.99) and 2004 Grand Vintage chardonnay ($30).
Dan
Murphy's Specials 02.03.2006
Leo Buring Leonay Riesling 2005 - $24.99 per bottle or $23.99 in mixed
dozen.
Wine
Talk: 2004 Giesen riesling/$13.99
One of their successes involves making wines from one of wines
oldest grapes -- riesling. ... Our wine of the week was 2004 Giesen
riesling: ... New! Get the
2005
Angoves Riesling, Clare Valley ($17)
This crisp, flavorful Australian white wine bears little
resemblance to the fruity, slightly sweet German or American rieslings
you may be used to. ...
2004
Wolf Blass Riesling Gold Label – Adelaide, Australia
Australian riesling tends to mimic the Alsatian dry style, not
the sweet American style, making these wines great for a spring picnic
or afternoon in the hot ...
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Zinfandel
Robert
Mondavi Private Selection Zinfandel 2003
Zinfandels are less common on the shelf than varieties like Merlot and
Shiraz, so we were excited to give Robert Mondavi Private Selection
Zinfandel 2003 a try. All of these seductive flavors come from
Zinfandel grapes grown in California’s North and Central Coast
vineyards.
2003
Cline "Ancient Vines" Zinfandel (California)
2002
De Loach Zinfandel
De Loach vineyards started in the mid 70's as direct shipping only,
starting with their first wine a Zinfandel.
KSBY
A bill proclaiming Zinfandel as the official state wine is winding its
way through the state capital. And the best way to find out how
Zinfandel producers and consumers think about the possible
proclamation, was as the Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival.
Screw
Kappa Napa Zinfandel 2003
I noticed while looking at the Zinfandel section, that the "Three Loose
Screws" as Don Sebastiani apparently likes to call his company for SKN
wine, makes a Zin. So I asked myself, "self, why not make it a Screw
Kappa Napa trifecta?" And here I am! So I've tried the Cab, the
Chardonnay, and now, to the Zinfandel.
Ridge
Independence School Zinfandel (Sonoma County) 2003
2003 Ridge Lytton Estate Late Harvest Zinfandel
Peterson
Winery, Hambrecht Vineyards, Zinfandel 1992
Peterson Winery, Hambrecht Vineyards, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 1992
– Mostly blogged for historical reasons, or if you have some of this
wine still in your cellar. I could not find the Zinfandel, Dry Creek
Valley 1992.
The
original zin
When I uncork a bottle of zinfandel, I am sometimes reminded of the Bob
Dylan line There's no success like failure and failure's no success at
all. Specifically, success for many zinfandel producers means turning
out raisiny, almost port-like reds that have a big lemon wedge of
acidity.
Languedoc
offers good value, variety
2003 Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines zinfandel. Prototypical
zinfandel aroma with blackberries and lots of spice.
Food
Bites
The wines include 2001 Summit Lake zinfandel; 2002 Marcelina cabernet
sauvignon; 2003 Wellington chardonnay, Praxis and Claudius merlot,
Wellington syrah and Aquinas cabernet sauvignon; and 2004 Fortress
sauvignon blanc.
Mystery
Napa Valley style
During the course of these books Sunny goes to the farmer's market in
St. Helena, drives down Highway 29 to question a suspect at a winery in
Mount Veeder or drives twisty back roads to visit her friend Wade Scord
at his zinfandel winery on Howell Mountain.
Spring
2006 Releases
2003 Madroa Vineyards, Zinfandel, 30th Anniversary, El Dorado,
California, $38, 104 cases. 2003 Napa Cellars, Zinfandel, Napa Valley,
California, $20.
The
Great Quake: 1906-2006
San Francisco was the hub of the wine business until the quake
destroyed tanks and barrels, spilling Zinfandel into the streets. But
we can guess by the way wine was produced -- Zinfandel-Cabernet
Sauvignon blends were common -- and stored -- refrigeration was unusual
-- that enophiles of 1906 required tolerant palates.
The
Mayo Family Winery The Libertine (Sonoma County) 2003
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, the flavor
associations remind this drinker mainly of the latter two.
Ridge
York Creek Zinfandel Late Picked (Napa Valley) 2001
Brown
Estate Zinfandel 2001
The 2001 Brown Estate Zinfandel is a classic example of Brown wines.
Zinfandel fruit from 4 different blocks of vines on Brown Property in
the Chiles Valley District of Napa Valley.
Kunde
Estate Zinfandel 2001 (B)
This wine is a wonderful blend of 92% Zinfandel, 4% Grenache, 3% Petite
Sirah, and 1% Mourvedre.
2003
Ridge Lytton Estate Late Harvest Zinfandel
Irrepressible
Spring
These head-trained zinfandel vines are pruned and ready for budbreak.
Rosenblum
San Francisco Old Vines Mourvedre 2003
California Mourvedre this is, a bit more like a Zinfandel than a
Jumilla Monastrell.
Sixty-five
Zins: my notes from ZAP
Zinfandel
has one thing going for it: a great name
careful readers of this column (yeah, right!) may have noticed
over the years that Im not terribly fond of one of Americas favorite
wines: zinfandel ...
Napa
Zinfandels bold statement carries it beyond barbecues
Elegant Zinfandel with red raspberry fruit; dry and delicious,
its an able ambassador for premium red Zin. American Zin ...
Friday, April 14, 2006
Sauvignon Blanc
Fauna
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
You can't go wrong with a $10 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, right?
Precept Brands, founded in 2003, is the negociant for Fauna Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc 2005.
Hall
Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was the first 2005 USA Sauvignon Blanc
spotted by Winewaves.com.
Wine:
Get the most out of sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon blanc is just the wine to pull double duty this season.
Following are results when our tasting group compared five sauvignon
blanc wines.
The
Chronicles Wine Selections Miscellaneous California White ...
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier get most of the attention when
it comes to white wines produced in California, so here's a tip of the
cap to the unsung stars of the white-wine world. 2004 Chimney Rock Napa
Valley Elevage Blanc ($35) This unusual blend of Sauvignon Blanc and
Sauvignon Gris sneaks up on you with its subtle melon, lemon-lime,
grass and mineral aromas, then opens to a complex and smooth palate of
citrus, fig and honeydew.
Kenwood
Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2005
In a sea of gooseberry, Kenwood* delivers a nice orchard peach of a
sauvignon blanc. Approximately 1/3 of Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2005 was
aged for a short time in small oak barrels to take the edge off.
Columbia
Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2001
But in its price range, it shines: it's a fine, typical,
nothing-to-complain-about-and-lots-to-like low-end Sauvignon Blanc.
Fish
Hoek Sauvignon Blanc
From South Africa’s Flagstone Winery comes the Fish Hoek Sauvignon
Blanc (2005 vintage).
New
Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Every winegrowing region in New Zealand produces Sauvignon Blanc, yet
the best examples come from Marlborough, on the northern tip of the
South Island. Warm, dry days, very cool nights and long days of
sunlight during the growing season ripen Sauvignon Blanc just enough to
develop its mostly green-fruit flavors, yet retain the wine's signature
firm acidity.
Hook'em
with mapema Sauvignon Blanc!
TexaCali Wine Trail: Hook'em with mapema Sauvignon Blanc! When Nick was
down working (skiing?) in Argentina last summer, he called Ed (Ed and
Nick own Vine Connections) about how the mapema boys had whipped out a
fantastic Sauvignon Blanc during his visit.
Snag this stunning
California sauvignon blanc
I'm not sure whether the guys behind the unusually named Sauvignon
Republic Cellars have gone that far, but their 2005 Russian River
Valley Sauvignon Blanc from California is a runaway success. The idea
here was to focus on just one variety – sauvignon blanc.
Matua
Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005 was made in the New Zealand tradition
of cold stainless steel fermentation and stainless tank aging.
Shrimp rocks
with sauvignon blanc
Versatile Pair: Wente Estates Sauvignon Blanc and Shrimp Ceviche with
Avacado and Green Onion can be enjoyed together morning, noon or night.
THE CRISP, dry citrus-herb flavors of the Wente Estates Sauvignon Blanc
are just forward enough to join the wild, tangy flavor drama of this
ultrafresh, clean ceviche.
Dress
salad in citrus for Sauvignon Blanc
With its crisp acidity, "green" flavors and citrus characteristics,
Sauvignon Blanc is the "bring it on" wine. Even difficult foods like
artichokes or asparagus can be served with Sauvignon Blanc because its
sharp acidity tames their assertive natures.
Kim
Crawford - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
While there, I purchased a couple bottles - a 2003 Lyeth Meritage and a
2005 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. So last night, I opened up the
Sauvignon Blanc and paired it with some spicy shrimp sushi.
Take aim
at supermarket discount deals as retailers pile em high
So, you have plenty of time to get into the likes of the JP Chenet
range - merlot, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and a rose (none of
which I've tested, I might add). On the nose, Montana Sauvignon Blanc
2005 (£6.48, Tesco) screams nettles with a twist of lime.
Sauvignon
blanc right for spring
No wine suggests spring as seductively as sauvignon blanc. The problem
is that sauvignon blanc, a grape that people usually think of less in
terms of terroir than varietal flavor, turns out to be very
site-specific.
Ferrari
Carano Sonoma Fumé Blanc 2005
Don and Rhonda Carano's focus on Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc has put theirs
in the #1 position in U.S. restaurants*. Ferrari Carano Sonoma
Fumé Blanc 2005 is Sauvignon Blanc, from Dry Creek Valley,
Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley.
Move
over, Chardonnay; SB more than fills bill
Last month at the Napa Valley Vintners' Association Barrel Auction, I
saw wineries taking a big risk, placing for auction specially crafted
barrels of Sauvignon Blanc instead of relying on the old standby
Cabernet Sauvignon. Sauvignon Blanc is fast becoming America's new
Chardonnay: less expensive, more refreshing and bursting with flavor.
White
Theme for WBW 20
With spring in the air (at least south of the Twin Cities), Bill is
calling for us to choose white wines, as long as they are not one of
the Big 3 (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling).
Mount
Hallowell Estate 'Three Bridges' Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2002
These
fine wines wont cost a fortune
The 2005 Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc ($9) is fragrant and melony, with
a soft finish, while the 2005 Robert Pecota ``L'Artiste'' Sauvignon
Blanc ($15) is leaner and more tart, with citrus and passion fruit
flavors. The 2005 Jindalee Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($8) from Australia
is crisp and a little grassy.
Cole
Bailey Vineyards Sesquipedalian (Mendocino) 2004*
Classic sauvignon blanc flavors and aromas: gooseberries, new mown
grass, and Meyer lemon.
Robert
Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2004
Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2004 is 91% Sauvignon
Blanc and 9% Semillon.
Cullen
Chardonnay 2002
The disclaimer on this is that the grapes in view are sauvignon blanc
grapes and not chardonnay.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Merlot
Long
Island Vines Merlot, in Bunches
A blend put together by five wineries risks being equally awkward, but
the Long Island Merlot Alliances first collective effort is graceful
and promising.
Twin
Fin Merlot 2003
Dont be fooled by the cap - this Merlot is very smooth with a
reasonably full body. A merlot that stamps its feet and demands
attention.
Kestrel
Yakima Valley Merlot 2003
Merlot remains a serious pursuit at Kestrel, a 35,000 case winery
located in the Prosser Washington Wine and Food Park. Production of
Merlot was up for the 2003 vintage, although well behind the pace of
the late 1990's.
Oak
Creek Merlot
We like affordable wines here at Box Wines, and this Oak Creek Merlot
is just about the most affordable bottled wine (barring jug wine and
the like) weve seen. Compared to, say, a Franzia Merlot, this will
taste a bit better and look a lot better at your party.
Red
Bicyclette Merlot'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France
Table wine made from Merlot from Limoux, Minervois and Cabardes Region
in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.
Technical Data: Merlot, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel
tanks and in new American and French oak.
Makers
of merlot defend their grape
The merlot backlash is accelerating in steam and ferocity. And with its
nastiness regarding merlot, the movie initiated a merlot downslide.
Vineyards
market their merlot to males
They're making macho merlot in California wine country. Ray's Station
is selling a merlot and cabernet sauvignon, both priced at about $15
and made mostly with grapes from hillside vineyards where the vines
have to struggle to survive, producing richer fruit that adds heft to
the flavors.
Oregon Wine Spotlight
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc thrive here as crops and
claim notice beyond the vinous attention Oregon first earned with the
Pinot cousins (Noir, Gris Blanc) of the Willamette Valley. Rogue region
grapes have also inspired a new standard of quality in Merlot under the
Griffin Creek label that was recently established by Willamette Valley
Vineyards.
Value
Wine of the Week 8
Awesomely thick, plummy, and velvety Merlot for the money.
Mia's
Playground Merlot
One of them got my attention: the 2003 Mia's Playground Merlot Dry
Creek Valley.
Hedges
Three Vineyards Red Mountain Red 2003
Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges founded Hedges Cellars in the late 1980's,
and their focus on Merlot and Cabernet from the Red Mountain AVA has
brought them success in the wine business. Hedges 3 Vineyards Red 2003
is 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cab Franc, and 1% Syrah.
Carignan
or Merlot
The photograph is of a bunch of Merlot grapes but the location is at
the Chateau Carignan in Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux!
Wine
Tasting Note:Woodlands Cabernet-Merlot, 2004, Western Australia.
Spittoon - Wine Tasting Note:Woodlands Cabernet-Merlot, 2004, Western
Australia. Wine Tasting Note:Woodlands Cabernet-Merlot, 2004, Western
Australia.
Tamarind
and Merlot?
If the spice content is higher, stick with a Shiraz. Sometimes if
the cuisine isn’t too spicy, but is textured enough, you can even have
a Merlot with it.”.
Les
Domaines Paul Mas - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot "Vignes de Nicole" 2003
Very recently the Domaines Paul Mas have done a joint venture with an
estate in the Aude region.This estate consists of 75 hectares and is
planted with Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and
Viognier. Without sounding biased, I prefer Australian Cab-Merlot's.
Wine:
Fabbioli Cellars 2004 Tre Sorelle Review:...
The Tre Sorelle is Bordeaux-style consisting of 65% Merlot, 25%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.
Jade
Mountain, Caldwell Vineyard Merlot
2003 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot, "Trinders" 14.5%
Revenge
of the Merlot
Swanson is the largest single producer of estate-grown Merlot in the
Napa Valley. You better hook me up with that merlot tasting that you
do, cause i'm still not drinking any fucking merlot.
2003
Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot, "Trinders" 14.5%
Duckhorn
Merlot (Napa Valley) 1997
March
Reds (8): Spain Temp, Canada Shiraz, Australia Blend, USA Cab Sauv, S
Africa Shiraz, Australia Blend, Canada Pinot Noir, Canada Merlot
"created one of the best Cabernet Merlot blends we have made.
More
March Reds (8): Australia Shiraz,Chile Cab Sauv, Chile Merlot, Italy
Valpol, Chile Blend, Canada Cab Sauv, Australia Pinot Noir, Chile Pinot
Noir
A merlot that more carmenere and/or cabernet sauvignon could help,
altho' this could be a personal preference, but otherwise a pleasant
dry sipper.
WTN:
Vineyard 48 2004 Vignetta
Much more approachable and elegant than either their 2004 reserve
merlot or 2004 cabernet franc, it's drinking very well despite its
relative youth.
BC's
Township 7 Winery Profile
I bring this to the blogosphere's attention because Bradley Cooper, of
'Wine and Vine BC' blog-fame, is also the winemaker at Township 7
(author of the very fine T7 merlot and Cab Sauv-Merlot blend, among
others).
Wine For
Men.
Producing both a merlot and a cabernet sauvignon, it said the type of
person it wished to woo was your average Joe barbecue fan or Nascar
racing watcher.
3
Rivers Columbia Valley MC2 Red 2003
Holly Turner* plays Einstein with Walla Walla and Columbia Valley
grapes, and produces an everyday blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and
Cabernet Sauvignon, she calls MC2 (read M-C-squared). 3 Rivers MC2 2003
is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Agapito
Rico Carchelo Jumilla Monastrell 2004
Rico consolidated old Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre) plantings and
added new Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet and Tempranillo plantings. Carchelo
Monastrell 2004 was sourced from old low-yield Monastrell vines, with
minor portions of Syrah and Merlot blended in.
A
Mont Tauch souvenir from Michel Marty
Half Carignan for rustic flavour, half Merlot for plummy smoothness.
This certainly didn't remind me of any Merlot I've had.
New
AVA in Washington: Rattlesnake Hills
Wine:
Barboursville Vineyards 2002 Octagon Revi...
Friday, April 07, 2006
Chardonnay
A
good French-style Chardonnay often found from other countries
Many wine geeks love to hate Chardonnay - ABC (Anything But Chardonnay)
is still heard and read amongst wine's condescendi. Although I've
personally fought for other grapes to be preferentially celebrated -
particularly Riesling - one of my favourite wine styles is Burgundian
Chardonnay.
In
Search of the Grail - A Worthy California Chardonnay
For the last few weeks I have been in search of a California Chardonnay
to get excited about. It seemed that I all of California was against
me, supplying no chardonnay’s worth uncorking.
Rosemount
Estate Diamond Label Chardonnay'04, Australia
A nice Australian Chardonnay, perfect to drink everyday with your lunch!
Gravepine
- April 6, 2006
Flat Roof Manor comes from the Uitkyk Estate and I enjoyed their crisp
Chenin Blanc wine and then the Chardonnay, the Shiraz and Merlot.
DCist.com
Linden's 1999 Chardonnay ($20) is all about perfect balance. The winery
also has a $10 cellar tasting that could feature a 2005 sauvignon
blanc, a 2001 single-vineyard chardonnay called "Hardscrabble," a 2004
cabernet franc, and a 2001 Bordeaux blend also called "Hardscrabble."
But DCist is cheap and wanted to visit another winery before the day
was through.
Red
Bicyclette Chardonnay'03, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Southern France
Table wine made from Chardonnay from Limooux Region in Southern France
produced by the well-known Gallo from California.
Russian
River Values...
Whenever I'm in search of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I always
turn to wines produced from the Russian River area in Sonoma. As I
posted last week - Whole Foods across Texas has the 2002 Olivet Lane
Pinot Noir library edition and 2003 Olivet Lane Chardonnay on sale
right now.
2003
Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
Cambria’s 2003 Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley (Southwestern
edge of California), will bring you that delicious fruit-creaminess
contrast that keeps you coming back to the reserves. An intelligent
value buy for serious Chardonnay drinkers, this one sells for $6.99, an
absurd steal for what you get.
'04
L'Angevin - Chardonnay - Heintz Vineyard - Is This What New World
Burgundy Tastes like?
Screw Kappa Napa Chardonnay 2004
A cure for bad chardonnay
I know, because for years that was me: a card-carrying member of the
ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) guild, hating chard for its big, buttery
disposition, and for flavors that had more in common with a Carmen
Miranda hat than a glass of white wine. It comes from France – in
particular from the northernmost patch of Burgundy, where vineyards are
planted almost exclusively in chardonnay.
Screw
Kappa Napa Chardonnay 2004
Fruity and full without the big butter one finds in Chardonnay that is
housed in vats with big chunks of burnt oak. As inexpensive Chardonnay
goes, this was fine to drink and fine to incorporate in the sauce.
Wine
of the week
Italian chardonnay is not a category of wine I would endorse, but this
wine is a brilliant exception at a remarkable price.
Cullen
Chardonnay 2002
The disclaimer on this is that the grapes in view are sauvignon blanc
grapes and not chardonnay.
De
Bortoli Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2002
Pleasing chardonnay structure - an essence like, fatty element and then
a focused tight finish with grapefruit and a slightly metallic,
phenolic conclusion.
Treat
yourself to esprit de J. Lohr
In Monterey, with a cooler growing climate well-suited to whites, the
winery is making a benchmark chardonnay, the 2004 J. Lohr Riverstone
Chardonnay ($14), the third largest-selling chardonnay in the United
States in the $10-$14 price range. After tasting the Riverstone, sip
the 2004 J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay ($25), a reserve wine.
Chehalem
Inox Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2004
Chehalem Inox Chardonnay 2004 was sourced from Chehalem estate
vineyards (54% Stoller, 27% Coral Creek, and 1% Ridgecrest) and
purchased from Eola Hills vineyards (12% Bethel Heights and 7%
Temperance Hill).
Jean
Bousquet Mendoza Chardonnay 2005
Jean Bousquet Chardonnay 2005 is organically grown, sourced from a
4000' elevation vineyard, in Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina. Tropical
aromas of pineapple, ginger, peaches and cream introduce a light
bodied, tart, skinny Chardonnay.
newswire.co.nz
The older barrels provide a distinct barrel fermentation character but
still allow emphasis on the ripe peach and melon aromas of the
Chardonnay fruit. This year’s Village Chardonnay features very
attractive lifted fruit aromas, along with a touch of nuttiness: the
hint of hazelnut that is so typical of Chardonnay.
'03
Kistler - Vine Hill- Chardonnay - New World, Old Style Burgundy, White
That is...
BJI: Oodles of Wines Edition
Chardonnay,
the great white, is back with a bite
'Chardonnay, stop picking your nose,' a woman on the tube scolded her
child the other day. But Chardonnay consistently makes better wines in
a wider range of climates than any other white variety.
Savvy
Living -Apr. 6, 2006
A striking light gold in the glass, Sherwood House 2002 Chardonnay
($20) offers the ideal alternative to heavy chardonnay from California.
My
Round: Wines of note from Chile
Some of the nicest surprises come in grape varieties and blends that
one doesn't usually associate with Chile, such as the Anakena Ona
Riesling Viognier Chardonnay 2005 (around 8.99).
Vancouver
Courier
Less oak, less alcohol make Chablis sing ... except for one other
departure: this meal is based entirely on white wines exploring the
steely and complex minerality of Chablis (Chardonnay), paired by La ...
Chillin’
Grillin’
However, there are a few bulls-eye food and wine matches out there–like
a steel fermented, unoaked Chardonnay and grilled corn on the cob. Good
choices would be Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay from Australia
($9.95), California’s Callaway Coastal Chardonnay ($5.95) or a new wine
I recently enjoyed, Chehalem INOX Chardonnay ($17.95) from Oregon’s
Willamette Valley.
Thirsting
for a twist
For a white with flesh and freshness, try the 2004 Arrogant Frog Ribet
White Languedoc Chardonnay-Viognier ($9) from southern France. A blend
of 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Viognier, it's dry, full-bodied
and smooth with freesia and cinnamon aromas and tropical fruit flavors.
Penfolds
Bin 311 Chardonnay 2005
Santa
Rita Chardonnay 120
Back when Todd and I were newlyweds living in a two room apartment in
Connecticut, I'd spend the hour waiting for him to get home sipping
Chardonnay and playing "Strike a Match" on Boxerjam.com. So to this
day, when I drink a South American Chardonnay, I hear computer game
show music.
Leeuwin
Art Series Chardonnay 1999
Winners?
Spanish and Portuguese Chardonnay's
Looking at the Chardonnay du Monde contest I find an even narrower
criterion - wines only made from the Chardonnay grape! The goal of this
international Chardonnay competition is to reward the best wines on the
basis of their intrinsic quality.
Voyager
Estate Chardonnay 2001
McWilliams
Clarsac
To their credit, McWilliams make plenty of great wines, so don't waste
you $2.69 on each of these, go and buy some of their "real" wines, like
the hanwood chardonnay reviewed previously.
2004
Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Chardonnay
Anyway, there's a brief passage about trying to start a culinary arts
program at Antioch College in Ohio in 1980, and he mentions the
committee going through a case of Dick Graff's Chalone Chardonnay,
Graff being the founder and chairman of Chalone Vineyard. A few hours
after reading that, I was doing the regular trip from grocery story to
wine shop, and while browsing around the racks I came across the 2004
Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Chardonnay.
Iron
Horse - 2002 Chardonnay
A bottle of the 2002 Iron Horse Chardonnay, which hails from the Green
Valley region in Sonoma County. The Green Valley lies within the
better-known Russian River Valley, and is home to some of Californias
best pinot noir and chardonnay wines.
Rodney
Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay (Sonoma County) 2003*
Washington
vineyards find success with the right grapes
Hedges CMS White 2004 ($10): This replaced the winery's standby blend
of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, adding marsanne (a Rhone grape) to
the mix.
Exhibition of
Victorian Winemakers 2006 - Wine Notes Part 2
Mornington Estate Chardonnay 2002 - Melon, citrus and a touch of steel
and butter. Yarra Hills Chardonnay 2003 - I found this to be too oaky,
buttery and lacking in balance.
Early Vintage
for Tasmania
Some Tasmanian vineyards are already well into vintage 2006 picking
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for sparkling wines.
Ferrari
Carano Sonoma Fumé Blanc 2005
The newly released 2005 is elegant, pretty, and a nice alternative to
Chardonnay.
Wine:
Horton Vineyards Sparkling Viognier Revie...
Review: This sparkling wine is a blend of 80% Viognier and 20%
Chardonnay, It was cellared in 1998 and degorged in 2001.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Pinot Noir
Wine
Review: Meridian 2004 Pinot Noir
For my first foray into the pinot noir, Eric and I purchased a bottle
of Meridian 2004 Pinot Noir from Andronico's. Thanks to "Sideways," we
all know pinot noir as the difficult and temperamental grape, a
sensitive red with thin skin that, if treated properly, can reward with
a wonderfully hedonistic and complex wine.
Erath
Pinot Noir 2004
I tasted it for the first time last Christmas, and I liked then, so I
have buy it when I am in the mood for a good Pinot Noir, that won't
break the bank.
2004
Sofia Rose’ Pinot Noir – Carneros, Calif.
The Sofia Rosé pinot noir is made by Niebaum-Coppola, now called
Rubicon Estates, the winery owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Made from
100 percent pinot noir grapes, this blush is darker and richer than
most, with cherry and raspberry flavors, a touch of
tangerine/grapefruit, and a teeny bit of toasty oak on the finish.
Pinot Noir
Genetic Code Cracked.
Italian scientists have uncovered the 'life code' of the pinot noir
grape plant, a breakthrough destined to change the future of
wine-making; assuming growers, producers and the authorities actually
allow GM modified grapes of course.
Rosemount
Estate Diamond Label Pinot Noir'03, Australia
An affordable Australian fruity Pinot Noir with a good lenght to enjoy
with your everyday meal. An elegant pinot noir with a lengthy, savoury
finish.
2002
Carneros Creek Reserve Pinot Noir – Los Carneros ...
The pinot noir craze continues, so let us jump in with yet another
beautiful example from the Carneros region in southern Napa and Sonoma,
one of the pioneering areas for pinot noir in the state. The 2002
Carneros Creek Reserve Pinot Noir is perfectly Californian, all silky
and seductive raspberry and dark cherry flavors, with a hint of white
pepper on the finish.
Chelan
Estate Pinot Noir ($30
Washington state, a region with an otherwise amazing track record for
nearly all the major wine grapes, has had a dismal time with pinot
noir. So imagine the raised eyebrows when upstart Chelan Estate winery
released a Washington pinot noir from, of all places, the shores of
Lake Chelan.
Undurraga,
Pinot Noir 2005
I was over at Solo Vino this morning picking up some wines for WBW 20
and Chuck cracked open a just received case of Chilean Pinot Noir for
me to try. Undurraga, Pinot Noir, D.O. Central Valley, Chile 2005
($9/sample) - Clear, light ruby in color with aromas of wild cherry and
watermelon.
Little
Penguin Pinot Noir 2004
In spite of the movie Sideways, which has caused a boom in the sales of
Pinot Noir wines, that variety isnt one of my favorite reds.
Nevertheless, I picked up a bottle of the Little Penguin Pinot Noir
2004 based on my experience with some of their other varieties.
Russian
River Values...
Whenever I'm in search of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I always
turn to wines produced from the Russian River area in Sonoma. As I
posted last week - Whole Foods across Texas has the 2002 Olivet Lane
Pinot Noir library edition and 2003 Olivet Lane Chardonnay on sale
right now.
VUE
Weekly
The 2003 Pinot Noir vintage is showing very well, while 2000 and 2001
were considered much poorer years.
Map of Pinot Noir
genome is on the way
Italian researchers are close to completing the first map of the
genetic identity of Pinot Noir.
Whole
Foods Features...
Pellegrini Family Vineyards 2002 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir.
Biggest
Pinot Noir celebration NZ has seen
Pinot Noir lovers can log on to HYPERLINK
"http://www.pinotnoir2007.co.nz/"www.pinotnoir2007.co.nz and register
online for the four day Pinot Noir 2007 celebration in January next
year. Almost 100 wineries are already signed up to participate in the
event and Chairman Steve Smith says that’s both a measure of the
increase in planting and production of Pinot Noir in New Zealand, and
an indication of how much Pinot Noir has grown in popularity.
Muirwood
Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir 2004
With Pinot Noir sales and interest continuing to strengthen, there can
seem to be a shortage of good $10-$15 Pinot Noirs.
Pinot
Noir Rapture
Alexander Payne's movie, Sideways, propelled Pinot noir wines from a 16
percent share in major US wine markets in 2005 to a 25 percent share,
according to a recent Wine Spirits article. Ray figured if it said
Pinot noir on the label, it should be Pinot noir.
Konnichi
Wa Pinot Noir
With Pinot Noir exports to Japan up 75 percent in the past year, they
still can’t get enough of the Kiwi red. New Zealand Winegrowers global
marketing director Chris Yorke says our Pinot Noir was a hit at the New
Zealand Wine Fair, held in Tokyo last week.
2004
Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir 2004
Name
dropper
Silver Mountain Vineyards' pinot noir was awarded several medals in the
$30-and-above category of the 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine
Competition. The Santa Cruz Mountains winery was awarded the only
Double Gold Medal for pinot noir in the category for its 2003 Santa
Lucia Highlands (Tondre Grapefield) Pinot Noir.
A
to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir 2004
A to Z* Pinot Noir 2004 was blended from 40+ lots of wine purchased
from 12+ Oregon estates.