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Friday, November 11, 2005

Wine News

A big-for-its-britches wine
"It has a port-like taste, but it’s not sweet," says wine educator Carolyn Prusa. Amarone is a rich, complex red wine from the Valpolicella appellation in northeastern Italy.

Some wines age better than wine-lovers
A couple of weekends ago, I attended the annual Wine and Food Festival at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It's a real occasion, consisting of 21/2 days of wine tastings led by winemakers or winery owners.

Budding vintners learn secrets of the trade
Student Abram Geballe inspects glasses of wine at South Seattle Community College's Northwest Wine Academy, where students can earn certificates in winemaking and marketing. They move on from Grandma's recipe for sweet wine, trade plastic buckets for grape crushers and chrome casks, stuff a 6-foot-tall fermenter with floating lid in the garage and emerge among Washington's blossoming ranks of boutique winemakers.

Money on the vine: Spending on wine comes in many flavors besides the basic bottle
Robert Hile, who is retired from United Parcel Service Inc., became a wine enthusiast about five years ago when he started drinking wine, then studying about it. His pursuit involved taking a wine class to develop his palate.

Go east young wine
The story of wine in the United States is not only being written on the western side of the Continental Divide in California, Oregon and Washington. Across the rest of the country, in what some wine experts call the "Eastern" region, winemakers are setting up shop in ever greater numbers.


Category: Wine News

Winery Blogs

A toast for the holidays
Now that harvest is over and the 2005 vintage is in barrel, it’s time to prepare for the holiday season. And this holiday season holds a lot of exciting news for Atelier Winery.
Source: Atelier Winery, published: 11/08/2005, 07:48

A more intimate look.
Source: Atelier Winery, published: 11/08/2005, 07:45

Atelier's First Glam Shot
Here's our first glamour shot courtesy of Wilfred Wong.
Click here to see Wilfred's review of our 2003 Alexander Valley Syrah. Posted by Picasa
Source: Atelier Winery, published: 11/08/2005, 07:43

It takes a lot of good beer . . .
Harvest season in the wine industry is hot, thirsty work. The vines are covered with a summer's worth of dust, and inhabited by black widow spiders and other crawling, climbing, biting insects. Workers who peel back the bird netting draped over the vines have the pleasure of removing dead birds, squirrels and possums entangled in the net. Driving the tractors which tow the picking bins up and down the rows is hot work too, and bees follow the picking bins in swarms, lying thick on top of the sweet, sticky grapes.
Source: Dover Canyon Winery, published: 11/05/2005, 23:00

Burghound Reviews Anne Amie!
We are most pleased by the reviews of our current pinot noir releases in the current issue of Burghound. Burghound has established itself as the most influential publication for serious pinot noir collectors. What pleases us are not only the good scores, which match or exceed all of the most famous Oregon estates, but by his wonderful tasting notes, which we all feel perfectly describes our wines.
Source: Anne Amie Vineyards, Carlton Oregon, published: 11/05/2005, 00:09

Category: Winery Blogs

Wine Blogs

Cuts, sores and bruises
From October 3, 2005 Incredible the number of wounds, bruises, knocks and cuts one suffers during the harvest and wine-making. In the line of fire, one feels practically nothing, except perhaps when one cuts the end of one’s finger with the secateurs, or when one steps back hitting a palette very hard, [...]
Source: blog au vin, published: 11/11/2005, 10:34

The new guard
SFGate is now on the Holus-Bolus tip, with an article on all the winemakers involved with that effort and what they do besides Holus-Bolus, in their article about Santa Barbara county winemakers. I noticed K&L now has some Piedrasassi, which...
Source: this heaven gives me migraine, published: 11/11/2005, 06:51

Murphy-Goode Liar's Dice Sonoma Zinfandel 2003
To quote Murphy-Goode, regarding the name Liar's Dice: The late Tim Murphy was the architect of our Zinfandel program in a plan conceived over 20 years of breakfasts and "liar’s dice" games at Mickey’s Café in Geyserville. Tim’s circle of...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/11/2005, 05:48

Le Petit Cheval (St. Emilion) 1997
A second wine (of Cheval Blanc) from a mediocre year. About what you'd expect. Medium color depth, showing slight bricking at the rim. Light bodied. Although the wine is fully dry, there is a suggestion of impression of sweetness. It...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 11/11/2005, 04:09

David Bruce vs Bogle Petite Sirah 2003's Head to Head Wine Review (billy)
I reviewed these head to head this evening. Thanks go out to my local wine store assistant who graciously gave me 1/2 off my second bottle even though she should not have. I bought 2 different bottles of 2003 California Petite Sirah and reviewed them both here for you. Analysis of each, independently is provided and then a summary of the comparison is at the end.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 11/11/2005, 03:42

Sangiovese a star Italian wine grape variety
One of the first varieties that I described when I first set up the Vinodiversity site was Sangiovese. There are now over 120 Australian producers of this wonderful Italian red wine variety. So check it out.
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 11/11/2005, 01:38

Downunderwineblogs
Hi there. When I want Australian wine news I can trust, I turn to the fine wine blogs of Australia: Appellation Australia - Cam knows from Barossa. He reviews many Australian wines each week, with the occasional Vouvray thrown in...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/11/2005, 01:35

Why Wine Drinkers Need to Find a Reputable Wine St...
Why Wine Drinkers Need to Find a Reputable Wine Store
Typically, a single 50-gallon French oak barrel costs between $35,000 and $65,000, Winkler says. Burnt American oak barrels carry a $30,000 price tag. Oak barrels coopered in Australia--produced from a French oak forest replica (Australia is the first country in the world to successfully replicate a French oak forest, according to Winkler)--cost roughly $40,000. This is why wines fermented and aged in oak aren't cheap.
Source: Shiraz, published: 11/11/2005, 01:30

Franc-ly Speaking About Cabernet Franc
A grape that is often blended and rarely sold as a single varietal, it would be a safe bet to say there is a large majority of wine drinkers who have yet sampled the Cab Franc alone. Cabernet Franc is grown mainly in the Bordeaux region. It is a variety which bears small bunches of thinner-skinned, earlier-ripening black berries. Cab Franc has a lower acidity, when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are similar, although Cab Franc normally buds and ripens somewhat earlier. Growers appreciate it because it is not demanding vine.
Source: ~ Through The Grape Vine ~, published: 11/10/2005, 23:38

Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2004
The grapes were sourced from the Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. The oak program was: Barrel aged for 10 months in 75% American oak and 25% French oak. 86.5 points. Color: Deep cranberry translucent. Aromas: Restrained, buttered toast and...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/10/2005, 21:12

Los Bubblios
From the first moment I heard of the Gruet Winery, I was mightily intrigued. How on earth did a Champagne family come to plant grapes in Truth or Consequence, New Mexico - 170 miles south of Albuquerque? Is the wine...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/10/2005, 21:02

Jacques & Francois Lurton Pinot Grigio 2005
Jacques and Francois Lurton have been producing Argentine wines since 1992. Their own vineyards, at 2000-3000 foot elevations, are still quite young. The fruit for this Pinot Gris 2005 is from their vineyards and surrounding Mendoza. 86.5 points. Color: Light...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/10/2005, 20:49

Raphael 2004 Grand Cru White Table Wine
Raphael, established in 1996 in lovely Peconic Bay on Long Island's North Fork is best known for it's red wine -- particularly merlot. (In fact, they are a charter member of the Long Island Merlot Alliance.) Winemaker Richard Olsen-Harbich also...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/10/2005, 19:45

Wine stores
Great follow up to Eric Asimov's column at Dr. Vino. Highlights lots of good retailers who fit the model that Asimov talked about yet who are located throughout the country....
Source: NoBullGrape, published: 11/10/2005, 19:06

Phyllo Chicken Tetrahedrals
In continuing with the concept of Long Distance Sommelier-ing, I looked towards one of Meg’s creations at Too Many Chefs: Phyllo Chicken Triangles. My finished work could be more aptly described as phyllo chicken amorphous-tetrahedrals.. This recipe intrigued me because...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/10/2005, 16:23

New wave wine shops
Hip and trendy wine shops that "feel the love" are sprouting all over New York City. Or so the NYT's Eric Asimov writes in his column yesterday. Actually he worded it like this:
It is no exaggeration to say that New York has entered a golden age for wine shopping. Never before have there been so many different kinds of wine to choose from, and in so many different parts of the city. It's a blossoming that trails similar explosions in the restaurant and food retail businesses in the late 1980's and 1990's. [NYT]
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 11/10/2005, 14:34

Aglianico
Aglianico is a red wine variety which has been plucked out of obscurity in Southern Italy. It has potential in the warmer regions of Australia.
Aglianico, an Italian red winegrape variety for warmer climates
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 11/10/2005, 06:17

Hook & Ladder "The Tillerman" 2003
I thought it appropriate that in contrast to what I found to be a distasteful aroma and taste of leather in the recently profiled Louis Bernard wine, I would happen on this wine from Hook & Ladder that also has some leather in the nose but in this case it was quite appealing.
Source: Wine Tastings - Reviews and Observations on Everyday Wines, published: 11/10/2005, 04:59

Blasphemy In A Bottle
Can’t quite figure why someone thinks this will be a better selling wine than a more conventionally named one, but
Source: Wine Tastings - Reviews and Observations on Everyday Wines, published: 11/10/2005, 04:32

01 Meo-Camuzet, Richebourg Grand Cru
750 mL, published: 11/10/2005, 02:55

Category: Wine Blogs

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Wine Blogs

Paringa Chardonnay/Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Paringa White is 47% Chardonnay, 38% Semillon, and 15% Sauvignon Blanc The fruit is sourced from the Hickinbotham's Clarendon estate and other vineyards in South Australia, produced by David and Dena Hickinbotham. Imported by the Grateful Palate. 87.5 points. Color:...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/09/2005, 21:58

Napa's Pine Ridge Winery Buys Two Long Island Vineyards
Napa is invading the North Fork! Napa-based Pine Ridge Vinery has purchased both Broadfields Wine Cellars (along with both Tasting Room locations) and Charles John Vineyard, both on Long Island's North Fork. Both of the recently sold properties have released...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/09/2005, 19:48

Macari Vineyards Cabernet Franc on the Loose
I swear to you that I'm not stalking Stephen -- he just makes such awesome dishes that I check his blog several times a day just in case he posts more than once recipe. Anyway...today I got a special surprise...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/09/2005, 18:47

What is in a name?
A rose by any other name... The Bard knew of what he spoke, at least when it comes to roses, and Montagues. For wine on the other hand, a name is all important, even when it may be misleading.
Source: Wine Whines, published: 11/09/2005, 18:15

Sebastiani Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004
Sebastiani Pinot Noir was sourced from estate vineyards in Carneros, vineyards near Cotati, and the Dutton Ranch (Russian River Valley), and aged six months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. 90 points. Color: Deep dark cranberry red. Aromas: Jammy black...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/09/2005, 18:14

EOS 2000 Reserve:Petite Sirah Review (billy)
I paid $22 for this bottle and what a great find! deep plumb in the glass big nose. Chocolate, jam, plumb, wet earth, pepper and mint Palate: big berries, excellent balance with a nearly velvety softness. Finish: lingering but not long, Vanilla and greens remain after the wine is gone to remind you to ask for another glass.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 11/09/2005, 17:55

Follow me...to freedom!
Tom of Fermentation has already declared 2006 the year of the wine blog. Well, I see him one declaration and raise him another: 2006 will be the Year of the Revolution - it may not be televised, but it will...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/09/2005, 17:27

Tasting sized pours
A flight of headlines:
The dollar hits a two-year high against the euro. Hedge, people, hedge! [NYT]
French AOC wine prices are collapsing [BeverageDaily]
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 11/09/2005, 15:41

New wine stores reflect the changing wine business and wine consumer
Eric Asimov has a great column in today's NYT about the variety of new wine stores in New York. Reason I like it: It tells New Yorkers about all sorts of new wine stores to try, but also puts this...
Source: NoBullGrape, published: 11/09/2005, 11:22

30 Second Wine Advisor: REDS
Staying on Monday's topic, we audition a recently arrived new vintage of an old California red-blend favorite.
Source: WineLoversPage.com

A cross between a grub and a lazybones
From Sunday 3 October, 2005 There was a time when, not making wine and not even having the idea or the hope of making it one day, I idealised a little, or even a lot, on the daily life of the vigneron. For you see, in truth, the vigneron’s Sunday in the middle of the [...]
Source: blog au vin, published: 11/09/2005, 06:00

Hey! are you missing something?
It's great to see you browsing this site and finding about all of the latest info on alternative wines, but you may be missing out. Get yourself onto the wine newsletter That way you'll be kept up to date. It's free and I promise I won't spam you.
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 11/09/2005, 05:10

2006 Oeonology Scholarship
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania is offering an Oeonology scholarship for a Tasmanian-based person who is looking to study interstate in 2006. It sounds like you need to have some viticulture or winemaking experience and have a working knowledge of the Tasmanian wine industry. You can download the selection criteria ...
Source: Pinot Island, published: 11/09/2005, 02:33

Terrazas de los Andes Mendoza Malbec 2004
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec is 100% Malbec, grown 3500 feet above sea level. Aging was 6 months in 65% French/35% American oak, split evenly between new, 1-year, and 2-year-old barrels. 88.5 points. Color: Purplish-ruby semi-opaque. Aromas: Ripe cherry-raspberry...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/09/2005, 02:23

Hide the Endive
My Belgian pal says this recipe (which is the one I used to produce the above creation) is fairly authentic. Enjoy it with a vibrant Pinot or Acid-karate-chop in a bottle....
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/09/2005, 02:01

Who dat?
File under department of Who Dat? Last night at the excellent Crush wine store, I attended a book signing of Matt Skinner. Matt Kramer? No Matt Skinner. This, Aussie Matt was a surfer who started working in the local liquor shop to fund his surfing. After treating it just as a boring retail job, his boss showed him some surveillance camera video (slow down, Big Brother!) of him working, that is to say, reading the paper and pushing the beer. Confronted with such evidence of his poor wine performance, he decided to learn more about wine.
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 11/09/2005, 01:44

Category: Wine Blogs

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Wine News

Winery Tries Personalized Labels
Millbrook is making its push at a time when the once-haughty American image of wine has loosened up amid the popularity of under-$10 bottles and wine in boxes. It sells about 10,000 cases a year, a fair number of sales to wine tourists who visit the gigantic dairy barn-turned-winery for tours and tastings.

Alco-pop drinks lose out to wine and cocktails
Leading global wine group Constellation Brands has developed a new generation of alco-pop by mixing wine and natural fruit flavours. The Wine Blender range, under the Arbor Mist brand, is the number one wine-fruit drink in the US. The firm says it is lightly carbonated with a lower alcohol content than most wines, and comes in 375ml, 750ml and 1.5l plastic bottles.

County wine industry reaches out to tourists
While Napa is pointed to again and again as a model for Monterey County's burgeoning wine tourism industry, wineries dotting the area's valleys have a little something extra going for them -- and that difference may mark the road to success. Just as the valley geography and coastal climate of the region make it an unusually fertile growing area for wine grapes, the county is also a perfect playground for visitors.

ARGENTINA: Wine exports to top US$410m
Argentinean wine exports are forecast to reach a record high of US$410m in 2005, representing a rise of more than 30% year-on-year. The Argentine wine institute INV said it expects exports to continue to increase at around 30% per year for some years.

Talking wine: South Africa gaining respect in wine circles
Napoleon in exile supposedly consoled himself -- that is, kept himself pleasantly drunk -- with a sweet South African dessert wine. 2004 Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc (about $15, imported by Boutique Wine Collection, 914-954-6583).

Many fear a wine list as much as a 1040 form
So, to the list of history's unnerving documents, ranging from a tax audit to a draft notice, many Americans would add a wine list. Although more Americans for the first time say they prefer wine to beer, 39 percent to 36 percent, according to a recent Gallup Poll, terms such as ''appellation'' and ''tannin'' still seem part of a different language.

Events raise wine profile
Monterey County's local wine industry got a double shot of exposure last month when the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association hosted the Sant awards, then was the featured wine region host for the 2005 Associated Press Editorial Managers Conference on consecutive nights. "We are so pleased that the organizers of the Associated Press Editorial Managers Conference selected Monterey as the featured wine region for their Friday reception event," said Rhonda Motil, executive director of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.


Category: Wine News

Wine Blogs

Tasmanian Wine Poll
An interactive poll has been added to the site. It's over there on the right hand side. I want to know what your favourite Tasmanian varietals are so get voting! If you haven't tried any Tassie wine then what are you waiting for? Go get some.
Source: Pinot Island, published: 11/08/2005, 22:02

EU wine production and the AOC system
The calls from Europe about the demise of their wine industry are getting louder and louder.Today's Beverage News does a nice job of pulling together different strands of the story including some interesting information on the decline in AOC labeled...
Source: NoBullGrape, published: 11/08/2005, 19:57

Wine tasting on the brain
The Willetts on Wine, published: 11/08/2005, 19:32

Wine Blogging Wednesday #16 -- Judge a Bottle by its Cover
Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall of wine at the wine shop, with no idea what you should by? Subconsciously or not, a wines label often jumps out at us all in that situation and affects our...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/08/2005, 15:09

Ramandolo -- a unique sweet wine, from a distinct grape, grown in a special place
In June I bought a bottle of wine I had never heard of before: Ramandolo. I was intrigued by the taste and as a result travelled to the area a month later. I wrote this article as a result of my trip. The wine of Ramandolo, a sweet wine, is quite unique for a number...
Source: blog au vin, published: 11/08/2005, 13:45

WBW 16: Judge a Bottle By Its Cover
Hot on the heels of Fatemeh’s write-up of WBW 15, Derrick across town at An Obsession with Food has posted the theme to December’s wine blogging event: Judge a Bottle By Its Cover. Instead of consulting the critics or our wine merchants for the best bottle we can find that fits the theme, Derrick...
Source: Winecast, published: 11/08/2005, 12:31

Tasting sized pours
These tasting-sized pours come from recent wine news:
Constellation is shocked that Vincor's board rejected its $31/share offer. Hmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact that Vincor's shares closed today at $34.57?
Direct shipping in Michigan took another step forward. Almost there!
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 11/08/2005, 12:20

Home winemaking 2005
I wasn’t planning to make wine at home this year. After setting the goal of working harvest at a winery and then lining up a good position, I figured I wouldn’t bother making my own stuff.
Then the opportunity presented itself, unfortunately due to the rain and the subsequent break in the harvest.  not a Source: Élevage, published: 11/08/2005, 06:33

A couple of specials for you to try
From time to time a couple of blasts from the past come up. Bin numbers for example. Our good friends at WMC have some special numbers. First there is the Bin 5000 Petit Verdot 2002 made by McGuigan. Its a bargain at $10.95 a bottle. (but only for this week!) Or you can try a Penfolds Bin 138 GSM 2003 for under $30. You might also like to try some De Bortoli Sangiovese for about half that price. See you can fit in a couple of bottles of Kingston Estate Petit Verdot 1999 for just $5.95 for a 375ml bottle. Now there's a bargain. Petit Verdot is a variety that is starting to make a big impact in Australia so here is a chance to find out what the fuss is about without breaking the bank.
So check out the details of these wines here
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 11/08/2005, 06:29

Wine Guides
The publisher sent along a review copy of Andrea Immer Robinson's 2006 pocket wine guide. By a happy coincidence, Hugh Johnson's 2006 Pocket Wine Book arrived almost the same day. Although they are logical competitors, the two books actually have...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 11/08/2005, 03:32

WBW 15 Summary Posted
Fatemeh over at Gastronomie has started to post the results of Wine Blogging Wednesday 15. A very interesting bunch of wines from producers you don’t run into everyday. It will not be very long until the host of WBW 16 posts the theme for December... stay tuned.
Source: Winecast, published: 11/08/2005, 02:49

Cline Cellars, "Ancient Vines", Mourvedre 2003
Cline Cellars, "Ancient Vines", Mourvedre, Contra Costa County 2003 ($12) - Garnet in color with plum, black pepper and vanilla aromas; jammy blueberry and plum fruit flavors with spice and silky tannins finishing with a rich, thick mouthfeel. A very good example of this Rhone varietal and a great value. Score: 8.5/10
Source: Winecast, published: 11/08/2005, 01:58

Kempton Clark Petite Syrah 2001 (NW)
Raspberry and baked bread on the nose Juicy palate with a fruity and peppery quality Very strong tannins at first, then tapering
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/08/2005, 01:03

Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2005
The 2005 AAVWS was held in Mildura during the first week in November. 415 wines from innovative wineries all over Australia were judged by an expert panel of judges who know what to look for in wines made from uncommon varieties. The link below will take you to an article summarising the winners of the main classes at the show.
Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2005
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 11/08/2005, 00:59

Concha Y Toro Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (NW)
Dark ink color Chocolate and dark berries on the nose Currant and a hint of licorice on the palate Good finish with noticeable tannins
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/08/2005, 00:44

Red Bicyclette Syrah 2003 review (PB)
This French Vin De Pays has a nice--though a tad lighter--color than a typical Syrah though the bouquet on opening is bright cherries even if faint. In the mouth, it is weak, steely, or minerally and "hot."
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/08/2005, 00:04

Category: Wine Blogs

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Wine Blogs

Stop the Madness
First, Tom had to lose his SNow, Jens of the CWG is being hounded to lose his 'wine garage' moniker. I have no insight as to the legal merits surrounding Jens' lovely cease desist letter. However, to my untrained eye,...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/07/2005, 23:10

Let's Play L.D.S.
Let's play L.D.S. - Long Distance Sommelier. Here's how it's done: I take my favorite food/recipe blogs, locate a few tasty recipes and virtually pair them with a wine I've recently reviewed. I encourage other wine bloggers to try their...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/07/2005, 22:11

Tom Wark Fermentation: Wine Blog Predictions for the (near) Future
Tom Wark has gathered some statistics and reflected about Wine Blogs. He then distilled down some excellent conclusions and predictions about where the Wine Blogosphere is headed in the coming months. By the way, in Item #9, Winewaves is mentioned...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/07/2005, 20:53

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2002
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot is aged 14 months in new, one and two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Fruit was primarily sourced from Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope in the Columbia Valley. Ray Einberger is Winemaker.89.5 points. Color:...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/07/2005, 20:23

Indestructible Wine
Everything shiny and new seems to break. This was painfully illustrated during my recent kitchen remodel. Within one day after the new cabinets were installed, someone scratched them. Later, I stood admiring the fabulous cork flooring and noticed it was...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/07/2005, 17:23

New Blog: Finger Lakes Weekend Wino
I've just stumbled up on the Finger Lakes Weekend Wino blog and it's a site that I plan to keep an eye on. I'm always interested in learning more about Finger Lakes wineries and wines...and with a definitely lean...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/07/2005, 17:13

WBW #15 Round-Up Started
Fatemah has begun the always-daunting task of writing the round-up for Wine Blogging Wednesday #15. Take a look and learn about some new wines you've probably not seen or heard of. And keep an eye out for the annoucement for...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 11/07/2005, 16:00

The Longest Vintage
I don't keep records for start to finish dates in regard to vintage but... It seems this has been the longest fruit receiving session I've experienced in some time. We started bringing in fruit in mid- September and I'm hoping to bring in some Cab Franc today to put an end to this endurance contest.
Source: Wine & Vine BC, published: 11/07/2005, 15:37

Karen MacNeil, Author of the Wine Bible
Today our guest is wine and food educator, writer and consultant, Karen MacNeil. Karen is arguably one of the most well known personalities in the wine industry. Karen has received the prestigious Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year ( James Beard Foundation) and the 2005 Wine Educator of the year. Karen [...]
Source: Grape Radio, published: 11/07/2005, 15:28

Clos Ste. Hune Vertical at Tse Yang, Dinner in Vegas and a 2002 Blind Aussie Recap
This past week, 20 of us gathered at Tse Yang, one of new York’s finest Chinese restaurants, for a comprehensive vertical of the Montrachet of Alsace, Clos Ste. Hune. Clos Ste. Hune actually comes from the Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace, but Trimbach, who makes the wine, does not want to put Roascker on [...]
Source: blog au vin, published: 11/07/2005, 14:58

1999 Clos Roche Blanche Cabernet Touraine
I once suggested that this wine is all cabernet franc, but was advised that who really knows whether or not there's cabernet sauvignon in there as well.
Source: Élevage, published: 11/07/2005, 06:08

Working Harvest
So what do you do? That’s the question I got this fall more than I expected when people found out I was working harvest part-time for a local winery. The next question was invariably - do you really stomp the grapes with your feet?
Source: Élevage, published: 11/07/2005, 05:58

Realistic Flavor Descriptions In a letter publishe...
Realistic Flavor Descriptions - In a letter published in the November 30th issue of Wine Spectator a reader wrote asking why can’t tasting notes contain flavor descriptions that "we, the common people, can more readily understand and relate to." This request came about because of descriptors like "suave toast", "vanilla pastry", and "buttered brioche" that have appeared in tasting notes in the magazine.
Source: Shiraz, published: 11/07/2005, 02:54

Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel (Napa Valley) 2000
Since last noted in August 2004, this wine has continued to improve despite being only passively cellared. Spicy, peppery, brambly wild blackberries. This wine is precisely what a mature Zinfandel should be. Grade: A--...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 11/07/2005, 02:47

2001 K Vintners "Milbrandt" Syrah
I am not dead. After two months of sickness, sinus, and ear infections, three rounds of antibiotics, a few false thoughts of being better, a round of steroids, and a trip to Washington, DC, I am alive (although with a...
Source: this heaven gives me migraine, published: 11/07/2005, 02:30

Pepi Napa Valley Chardonnay 2003
Pepi is a Subsidiary of Kendall Jackson Wine Estates. The Pepi website does not show this wine, but does show a 2003 California Chardonnay. Pepi Napa Chardonnay 2003 probably saw minimal oak, and little malolactic fermentation. The bottle says...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/07/2005, 01:55

Karly Winery, "Buck’s Ten Point", Zinfandel 1999
Karly Winery, "Buck’s Ten Point", Zinfandel, Amador County 1999 ($18/now sold out) - From the personal stock of listener Darrel. Made by an artisan producer in one of my favorite parts of my native state, the Amador County. Medium ruby in color with raspberry and strawberry aromas; jammy boysenberry fruit and soft tannins [...]
Source: Winecast, published: 11/07/2005, 00:42

Two Tone California Chardonnay 2004
Two Tone Chardonnay falls under the umbrella of Beringer Blass Wine Estates, although there is no mention of it on their website. Danielle Cyrot (of Beringer Blass' Stags’ Leap Winery) is Winemaker. The 2002 offering was Napa Valley, while...
Source: winewaves, published: 11/07/2005, 00:33

Chateau aux Arc, Altage Reserve 2002
One of the great side benefits of this podcast and blog is that from time to time listeners share some of their wines with me. This wine was sent to me this summer by Ethan from The Vision Thing blog and I forgot to post my notes here. So here they are: Chateau aux [...]
Source: Winecast, published: 11/07/2005, 00:18

Category: Wine Blogs

Monday, November 07, 2005

Wine Blogs

Winecast One of Top 10 Sources!
It’s been a busy fall for me and I have fallen behind in my blogging, but a couple of weeks ago I was informed that Winecast was selected as one of the Top 10 Sources for wine reviews by the folks over at TopTenSources.com. I am honored to be in the same feed
Source: Winecast, published: 11/06/2005, 23:52

Chambers Street Wine
Speaking of Chambers Street Wine... I visited the shop on my last, soggy trip to NYC. What I bought: Domaine Sainte-Anne Saint Gervais Côtes du Rhône Villages 2001 (imported by Polaner) Maria Casanovas Cava Brut Nature Pinot Noir Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/06/2005, 21:49

Louis Bernard 2003 Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages
This wine has distinction of being the worst I’ve had in recent memory. Lately it seems like many if not most of the wines I’ve posted about I give a 2–glass rating. This one really didn’t make the grade though and I dumped it.
Source: Wine Tastings - Reviews and Observations on Everyday Wines, published: 11/06/2005, 20:06

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 review by (PB)
This is a previously reviewed wine but by way of reminder–I review every wine I have no matter how many times I have it. This helps me to track aging considerations as well as what is called “bottle variation.� (Bottle variation is the difference between two bottles of the same wine and vintage. It happens; and I’m not talking about a "corked" or bad bottle. You can have two bottles of the same wine and they can both be in good shape but have some significant differences.)
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/06/2005, 19:04

Virgin Wines
While young drinkers (21 and up, of course) aren't dropping cheap beer anytime soon, the trend for more "refined" beverages seems to be going more mass lately, with affordable wines being marketed heavily to older Gen Ys and young Gen Xers. Qualitatively, we've already seen the beginning of the "hip" wine market with Sofia Coppola's
Source: Cork Tease, published: 11/06/2005, 15:35

30 Second Wine Advisor: California red blends
Single varietal or blend? Opening our Wine Tasting 101 November feature on Napa and Sonoma, this hearty California red makes the case for blending.
Source: WineLoversPage.com

Dave McIntyre's WineLine: A Small Town in France
In WineLine No. 55, columnist Dave McIntyre takes us on a fantasy tour of Rasteau, a lovable spot in the Cotes-du-Rhone villages that's worth a vicarious visit ... or a real one.
Source: WineLoversPage.com

30 Second Wine Advisor: Rosso Piceno
We take a quick peek at an offbeat red-wine favorite from Italy's Adriatic coast.
Source: WineLoversPage.com

Episode 12 - Obester Winery
The Obester Winery(www.obesterwinery.com - soon to be La Nebbia Winery - is about 35.2 miles from central San Jose. (Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to get there however as traffic on highway 92 can be unpredictable). In 1934, winemaker John Gemello began producing big, hearty red wines from grapes grown locally in the coastal hills above Santa Clara Valley, California.
Source: A Guy, a Girl, and a Bottle, published: 11/06/2005, 04:01

Migration Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) 2003
If it is not a particularly profound or complex pinot, the Migration nevertheless is easy to quaff. Clean basic pinot flavors of strawberries and cherry cola, with a somewhat unusual dash of pepper and chocolate. Soft tannins make it very
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 11/06/2005, 03:45

Value vino
Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 11/06/2005, 01:46

Wine Reviewed En Masse: update
Update: Christian of Turn the Screw weighs in on this topic (as only he can - god bless 'im!). Now, who wants a 73 point Napa Cabernet for Ninety Damn Dollars!?. Check the comments; because, as an added bonus
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/06/2005, 01:36

Gagged by the Grip
Kudos to Ryan of Catavino and his recent post on Portugese wine grape vocabulary. It inspired me to bust out an LBV port I had been saving so I could drink while I practiced my Portugese. It was the 1998
Source: Basic Juice, published: 11/06/2005, 01:03

Tasmanian Wines in the Penguin Wine Guide
Several Tasmanian wines get a mention in the 2005/2006 Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide. The Clover Hill 2000 and Stefano Lubiana Brut NV get a mention in the list of top quality sparkling wines while the The Bay of Fires 2004 Riesling is listed under top quality Riesling (Note to Bay
Source: Pinot Island, published: 11/06/2005, 01:01

First Wine Video Podcast Released
Even though my pod buddy Chuck objects with the name, I’ve released my first video podcast on its own feed and at the bottom of this post. After Googling a bit, I’ve decided to call my videos, “vcast’s�, which I hope Chuck thinks is OK. If not for the great post-production from my
Source: Winecast, published: 11/06/2005, 01:00

Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2004 review (PB)
This Sonoma offering is straw colored in the glass with generous fragrances of pineapple, mandarin oranges and the classic Fume Blanc ( also known as Sauvignon Blanc) “grassy� aroma.
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/05/2005, 21:57

Rosenblum Cellars Chateau La Paws Cote Du Bone Roan 2004
Kent Rosenblum is a Veterinarian. Their website says Chateau La Paws is a blend of 12% Zinfandel, 13% Syrah, 69% Carignane and 6% Gamay. The label indicates Mourvedre may be included as well. The aging was in neutral oak.88.5 points
Source: winewaves, published: 11/05/2005, 20:47

Trevor Jones Boots White 2004
Trevor Jones White 2004 is imported by The Grateful Palate, and is a blend of Riesling and Muscat. Winemaker is Trevor Jones. 88 points. Color: Light straw. Pretty floral, lime and pineapple aromas lead to a juicy round mouthfeel
Source: winewaves, published: 11/05/2005, 20:19

Sparkling Shiraz McLaren Vale Burgundy Vixen NV review (PB)
(In case you were wondering, NV means “NON-Vintage� meaning it was not necessarily made from grapes of a particular year’s harvest…) At any rate, sitting around earlier in the Summer I was reading my Bon Appetite, Food and Wine and Gourmet mags and it seemed that this sparkling Shiraz—which I had never heard of—starting popping up all over in articles. I was curious and had to find one. I did, paying $20 for and having to drive an hour to find it. Ah, but what a surprise!
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/05/2005, 20:05

Bring Serious Wine
The call went out - dinner for eight at 8:00 - bring serious wine - And they brought
Source: Red Is Life, published: 11/05/2005, 17:55

Cease and Desist
This must be the week that trademark attorneys are out scouting the internet for trademark infringements. First Tom at "Fermentation" has to drop his S. Now, it seems that a small retail shop in Calistoga is bothered by my use of the name Cincinnati Wine Garage here at my little retail shop in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati.
Source: cincinnati wine garage -- tasting notes and other stuff, published: 11/05/2005, 17:22

and now... the end is near...
Well, whoever reads this (????), I am bringing this blog to a halt for the time being. I have too much other writing to do right now, some of it wine-related, and for that reason (and a couple others) I must do with this wine blog what one should do with a nice bottle of Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill (or Churchill himself, for that matter) - put it on ice.
Source: Wine, Wine, Wine., published: 11/05/2005, 17:12

Domaine A Video Download
A visit to the Domaine A website (About Us section) allows you to download a substantial video. I think it's good to see this kind of thing on a wine website. It's a real attempt to communicate with an audience and give them a strong impression of the people
Source: Pinot Island, published: 11/05/2005, 05:53

EOS Reserve Petite Syrah 2000 (NW)
Great nose of soft fruit and milk chocolate  Prominent strawberry  Very silky on the palate  Long finish
Source: The Wine Cask, published: 11/05/2005, 00:04

Category: Wine Blogs

Wine News

From a super-hot vintage, a superb French red
Recommendations, food recipes and other tips for buying that perfect wine. Some years ago, when I was first getting excited about wine (but didn't know very much) a guy in a wine store said, "Here, try this." The salesman handed me a bottle of Côtes du Rhône. I thoroughly enjoyed the wine but, at the time, had no idea what I was drinking.

A Loaf of Bread, a Glass of Wine, and Thou Increasingly Common ...
'A Loaf of Bread, a Glass of Wine, and Thou' Increasingly Common for Millions of Americans. For most Americans wine has always been a "special occasion" drink. Regular wine drinkers were people who wore berets and walked around with a loaf of bread under their arm.

King Tut's tipple 'was red wine'
King Tutankhamun was a red wine drinker, according to scientists who have been studying residue left in wine pitchers in the ancient pharaoh's tomb. Wine was a luxury drink in ancient Egypt and bottles were labelled with the wine's name, year of harvest, source and even vine grower. Until now the colour of the wine was unknown, as it dried out over time.

Vintage Wine Trust Closes New
Vintage Wine Trust, a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) focused exclusively on the wine and vineyard industry, announced that it has entered into a $150 million-term loan facility with a consortium of banks led by Bank of the West. This will be used to finance future vineyard and wine-related acquisitions and to refinance loans on existing properties.

Castel Sant'Angelo toasts wine
A collection of etchings on loan from the Lungarotti Wine Foundation forms the highlight of this part. A wedding goblet in blown glass and a series of antique wine flasks are also on display, as are a number of 'trick' wine-jugs.

Smoke costing wine industry millions
Researchers hope to wipe out a multi-million dollar burden on the wine industry by investigating how smoke from prescribed burns and bushfires affects wine grapes. The department's viticulture research and development officer, Kristin Kennison, says it is a problem for several wine regions across Australia.


Category: Wine News

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Wine News

Burgundy: Profound France
The Burgundy region with gentle rolling hills boasts fine cuisine and even better wine. Every village produces its own distinctive wine and local road maps read like fine-wine lists. Beaune is Burgundys prosperous, popular little wine capital.

Company fills niche for wine shipments
The rise of interstate wine sales also is creating opportunities for Western Pulp Products, a leading supplier of molded-fiber packing materials. Most of the Corvallis-based company's revenues come from selling specialized packing material for transporting furniture and molded flowerpots for the nursery industry, but Western Pulp has developed a burgeoning sideline in producing shipping trays for small quantities of wine. As with all of the company's products, the wine shippers are made from waste paper.

Lisa Van de Water Opens Wine
On September 30, the 30th anniversary of The Wine Lab, founder Lisa Van de Water, opened a new consultancy, called Vinotec Napa. Calling Vinotec Napa a way to "give back to the industry," Van der Water has formed it to be the U.S. incarnation of her international wine consultancy efforts. Vinotec Napa also hosts a small wine-related library and bookshop specializing in technical books and CDs. Free wireless Internet access will also be available to Vinotec customers.

Wilton firm to buy wine importer
Less than six months after announcing plans to import wines from Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy through its new unit, Drinks International Select Wines, Wilton-based Drinks Americas Holdings LLC will buy a New York City-based wine importer. Drinks Americas' acquisition could pay dividends as long as it makes the right choices in its imports, said Richard Cartiere, editor and publisher of Wine Market Report in Calistoga, Calif.

Luxury Institute Survey Finds Wealthy Consumers Rate Architectural Digest, Veranda and Wine Spectator the Most
Veranda, a Hearst publication, and Wine Spectator, owned by M. Shanken, tied for second place. It is noteworthy that Wine Spectator, a specialized publication, scored so highly with wealthy consumers.


Category: Wine News