« 12/18/2005 - 12/24/2005 | Main | 12/04/2005 - 12/10/2005 »

Friday, December 16, 2005

Wine Blogs

Guess and get a discount
While many high-end restaurants offer their customers one night a week with no (or reduced) corkage fee, Montrachet in Tribeca has introduced something that may delight wine geeks even more since it is offered nightly: guess that wine. 
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 12/16/2005, 13:56

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Euro - Class 3
Current Vintage (2004) Sweet A genuine step up in quality and a couple of excellent wines here. The Weingut Schales Eiswein was a lecture in length, balance, power and aging potential. Weingut Schales “Eiswein� - 93/100 Weingartner Bad Cannstatt eG “Zuckerle Eiswein� - 92/100
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/16/2005, 13:37

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Euro - Class 2
Current Vintage (2004) Semi-Dry Another six wines offered, and this time some more interesting wines in the six tasted. Weingut Matthias Gaul “Mineralstein� - 91/100 Weingut Deheck & Meinzer “Spatlese feinherb� - 89/100 Weingartner Bad Cannstatt eG “Cannstatter Zuckerle Folition� - 88/100
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/16/2005, 13:36

Non-Vintage Champagnes
This quote about non-vintage Champagnes really brought home to me what marvelous alchemy a non-vintage Champagne can be, and how radically different it is from other styles of wine:
Source: Viti-Culture, published: 12/16/2005, 13:19

Paraduxx 2002 wine review (billy)
It is a celebration night. Not a big celebration mind you, but a celebration that calls for a "California Champagne" with boursin and crackers to start while the final preparations are being made and a nice bottle of 2002 Paraduxx California red ($50).
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/16/2005, 04:04

Covey Run Riesling 2004 (wine review) by (PB)
Not to be confused with Covey Run “Dry Riesling� this wine is light, fresh and a bouquet of pineapple and citrus. In the mouth it is fresh, lively with a bit of “spritzig� (sparkle) and well balanced.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/16/2005, 00:20

Wine Grape Growers Sonoma County Debate Causes
Wine grape growers in Sonoma County will get the chance next spring to decide whether they want to assess themselves to fund collective marketing and research.
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/15/2005, 23:14

Wine Blogging Wednesday wrap-up
Wine Blogging Wednesday #16 is done and dusted and Derrick over at ObsessionwithFood has put together an excellent wrap of the preceedings……nice one.
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/15/2005, 21:57

Krug 1982
Gawd….I’ve been drinking a bit of Champagne lately…..dinner last night with five friends the Krug 1982 stood out like a beacon amongst some pretty flash bubbly company. Whatever I write in a tasting note for this wine, it’s just not going to do it justice….it is otherworldly and complex....continualy evolving in the glass. On the nose it
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/15/2005, 21:33

Martell Cognac Blogs
Martell Cognac has teamed up with The Guardian to launch the publication’s first commercial blog this month. The initiative, complemented by a national press campaign, lasts until 8 January and is designed to communicate a premium and modern image of the Martell brand by engaging the Guardian’s readers through interactive conversation topics.
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/15/2005, 21:17

Trader Joe's Pulls Italian White Off Store Shelves Nationwide
Trader Joe’s — which had pulled its Chiaro del Bastardo Italian white wine from the shelves of its Ohio stores after “Uncorked� raised questions about two apparently different batches that were bottled under the same label — has expanded that...
Source: Uncorked, published: 12/15/2005, 20:47

Wine Label Whores
One of the comments for my “judge a wine by its label� contribution to WBW #16 read as follows: From Justin, “Now, I’m confused. Do lables mean something to you or don’t they? I thought I read somewhere else on this blog they mean nothing. Just provoking.� Good question, allow me to clarify. Wine labels the likes [...]
Source: The Wine Offensive, published: 12/15/2005, 20:03

Time for a Summer Chateau?
Now is the time to purchase that French chateau you have been eyeing. But, don’t plan on retiring to life as a wealthy winemaker - unless you bring wealth with you from your previous career. As the French wine crisis continues, real estate prices in Bordeaux are sliding, nearing their lowest level in [...]
Source: WineFetch Wines, published: 12/15/2005, 16:31

Category: Wine Blogs

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Wine Blogs

Fool me once: WBW 16 roundup
...the latest round of Wine Blogging Wednesday where the theme was "judge a wine by its label." Derrick has posted his roundup of over 40 bloggers who agreed: we might buy it once based on the label but what's in the bottle counts more. | |
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 12/15/2005, 15:33

Earthquake Lodi Zinfandel 2004
Earthquake Lodi Zinfandel 2004 is primarily Zinfandel (last year's 2003 was 84%, with some Petite Sirah, Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon). sourced from mostly Michael and David Phillips' family vineyards on the west side of Lodi. Much of the...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/15/2005, 15:16

Fine Wine - Holiday gifts come in red and white
Holiday gifts come in red and white Indianapolis Star - For more ideas, check out winery gift shops. The shop at Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield, for example, has a wide variety of wine-related accessories, plus sauces, vinegars and dipping oils. ' Former winery executives buy Red and White trucks
Source: The Wine Blog, published: 12/15/2005, 09:05

WineSpring-New CA Website Launched
IVY Worldwide, Inc. and IVY Luxe, a San Francisco-based luxury company, have unveiled a new joint venture website designed to showcase for the producers of premium California wines looking to penetrate major global markets, such as China.
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/15/2005, 08:27

On Wine, Taste, Teeth and Prejudice
Consider this: It has been clearly demonstrated that the colour of a wine has the greatest influence on our tasting of a glass of wine Now, this: until more work is been done on the impact of other prejudices...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/15/2005, 07:00

Cowra Wine Region
New boutique wineries are transforming Cowra from a source of grapes for wineries in other regions to a region commanding respect in its own right. Some are using interesting varieties. Cowra Wine Region
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 12/15/2005, 04:53

Trouble on the grapevine
Stuff.co.nz reports Behind its apparent opulence, Australia’s wine industry is suffering from a severe oversupply of grapes. Simon Evans reports. Australia’s key wine regions are sprinkled with upmarket wineries, many with their own restaurant or stylish cafe.
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/15/2005, 04:25

This Year, Come to Stephen's for Dinner
This holiday season, Stephen, the culinary wizard, behind Stephencooks, invited me to collaborate with him on a few Christmas dinner ideas. I've selected wines that will compliment his mouthwatering menus. He has just posted Christmas Dinner Menu I. Hop on...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/15/2005, 03:00

Lucien Albrecht Riesling Reserve’04, Alsace, France
A classic Riesling from Alsace, France. Technical Data: 100% Riesling. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. This finely crafted wine is made from old-vine vineyards from a careful selection at the time of the harvest. Unoaked. Description: Pale golden color.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/15/2005, 02:34

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve’04, Alsace, France
A generous and delicious Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France. Technical Data:100% Gewurztraminer. Until 1947, this varietal was called Traminer, then a new varietal selection was developed and named Gewurztraminer. In Alsace dialect, Gewurztraminer means literally spicy.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/15/2005, 02:00

Wine Producer Puts The Squeeze On Napa
quote [ With red on the leaves and grapes in the cellar, there are few places in the world more serene than Napa Valley in the fall. But behind closed doors, one man seems determined to shake things up. ] - from: cbs5.com
Source: vinoword.com, published: 12/15/2005, 01:37

Montana vineyard name raises conflict with Washington vintner
quote [ Owners of a vineyard here are seeking a new name for it now that a Washington winery has demanded they abandon the name Rattlesnake Creek Vineyard. ] - from: seattlepi.nwsource.com
Source: vinoword.com, published: 12/15/2005, 01:33

WBW #16 Round Up Posted
Here it is! Now I know why it took so long. Breaking the posts up by category must have taken forever, as well as having 40 + participants. My hats off to Derrick at An Obsession with Food, nice job.
Source: Wine Expression, published: 12/15/2005, 00:46

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Blanc Cuvee Balthazar’04, Alsace, France
Quite a fresh Pinot Blanc Special Cuvee from Alsace, Technical Data:100% Pinot Blanc. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Balthazar Albrecht
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/15/2005, 00:13

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Romanus’04, Alsace, France
Technical Data:100% Pinot Gris. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Romanus Albrecht, the first wingrower of the Albrecht wine family in 1425.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 23:33

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Cuvee Marie’01, Alsace, France
A luscious and elegant Gewurztraminer Special Cuvee from Alsace in France, crafted by Lucien Albrecht Estate, established and crafting wine since 18 generations. Technical Data:100% Gewurztraminer. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 22:41

Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Cecile’01, Alsace, France
A wonderful and classic Pinot Gris Special Cuvee from Alsace, France. Dry wine. Technical Data:100% Pinot Gris. This Special Cuvee is hand-crafted from exclusively domaine-grown fruit. Named after Cecile Albrecht, one of the two daughters of the current owner.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 22:21

NZ Winegrowers face drought
New Zealand, which relies on agriculture for half its exports, faces a third drought in seven years in the country’s biggest wine and sheep farming areas. The South Island wine region of Marlborough had less than half its usual rain in the past three months
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/14/2005, 21:43

Ferrari Carrano Siena’02, Sonoma Valley, CA, USA
A Dry yet smooth Sangiovese Blend, kind of “Super TuscanBlend� but from Sonoma Valley. Technical Data: Crafted from 84% Sangiovese and small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 16 months in 100% old French oak barrels to help to accentuate the fruits of the Sangiovese.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 21:36

SCWA Morph Body To SCV
The Sonoma County Wineries Association (SCWA) has changed names – becoming the Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) – and have moved their office location, too!
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/14/2005, 21:16

Annie’s Lane Riesling’04, Mc Clare Valley, South-Eastern Australia
Dry and smooth Riesling from Australia. Quite nice to pair with a wide range of food. Technical Data:: 100% Riesling from South-eastern Australia. Unoaked. Description: Bright pale golden color, with vibrant green hues.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 21:10

WBW Wrap Up
Time has a way of sneaking up quickly! I had meant to participate in this month’s “Wine Blogging Wednesday,� the theme of which was to buy a wine based solely on the attractiveness (to you) of its label.
Source: Winemaking Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 21:04

WBW #16 Wrap Up Posted
The results for Wine Blogging Wednesday #16 -- Judge a Wine By its Label have been posted over at An Obsession With Food (And Wine). Check them out. Our host, Derrick, did something quite interesting with the round up...broke them...
Source: LENNDEVOURS, published: 12/14/2005, 20:46

Sonoma County Wines Gets a Face Lift
You wouldn't think that the organization representing Sonoma County's winemakers would need a face lift or a revamping. The vineyards, wines and wineries that live in this region are among the most famous in the world. Yet, that's what's happening
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 20:42

New Zealand wineries facing drought
As Summer in New Zealand quickly approaches, rain levels leading up to the season have been off by 50% in Marlborough on the South Island. This has led to decreased water levels in the lakes and reservoirs, causing hydro power plants to raise electricity prices.
Source: Wine Expression, published: 12/14/2005, 20:33

Discount on Concannon Wine
I received this email today revealing some cheap pricing on case orders of wine from Concannon. I've bought a few cases from them in the past, and these make great tweaner / bring to a gathering bottles.
Source: Wine Expression, published: 12/14/2005, 20:18

Chateau Sigognac’00, Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Soft Medoc from an exceptionnal vintage! Technical Data: This wine is a Medoc that mean it is located on the northern part of the left bank in Bordeaux Region. It’s a Cru Bourgeois from the classification of the early 1855 still recognize now.
Source: Virginie's Wineblog, published: 12/14/2005, 18:26

Wine Tasting Note: Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal.
Taylor's 20 Year Old 'Tis the season for port - trah la la. Who drinks port in the summer for goodness sake? Well me actually; a rather nice chilled white port that might also make a decent aperitif in these colder months.     
Source: [Spittoon], published: 12/14/2005, 18:25

Wine Review: Cerbaiolo Sensi Toscana 1997 (NW)
Subtle, earthy nose Tobacco, leather, and earth on the palate; not much fruit A little tangy with a hint of molasses on the finish
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 18:07

Wine Review: Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2004 (NW)
Not a big nose, but nice cherry aromas Smooth on the palate with soft fruit Silky finish
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 17:53

Tongue, teeth and taste
There has been some talk on the internet of reported interviews with Professor Patrick Mac Leod and in particular two things which seemed astonishing: that the old and much quoted tongue map hypothesis (where different parts of the tongue corresponded to areas where the key elements of taste could be perceived
Source: blog au vin, published: 12/14/2005, 17:43

Dr. Konstantin Frank Cabernet NV
Dr. Konstantin Frank Cabernet NV New York, Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake ($17) If you live outside of New York state, you may not have ever heard of Dr. Konstantin Frank. That's alright because he probably hasn't heard of you either....
Source: Water into Wino, published: 12/14/2005, 15:32

Category: Wine Blogs

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Wine Blogs

Montes ‘04 Reserve Chardonnay Reviewed
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/15/2005, 04:34

Of Wine, Football and '66 First-Growth Bordeaux: Why I May Learn to Love the Cleveland Browns
Okay, so maybe it IS a little unusual to mix NFL football with well-aged Bordeaux. But that sure don’t make it wrong. I had just returned from a friend’s “Old Bordeaux and Browns� party when I linked to my blogging...
Source: Uncorked, published: 12/14/2005, 13:33

Dom Perignon 1998
I’m a big fan of Dom Perignon….I scored a magnum of 1973 Oenotheque 99.995 points earlier in the year when it was consumed in renowned company ….it just blew us all away…..made the 1990 Krugs we had after it look like chumps…..well not a chump but you know what I mean. It was always going [...]
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/14/2005, 10:05

Fine Wine - Still No Wine in the Mail, Months After a New Law
Still No Wine in the Mail, Months After a New Law New York Times - ALBANY, Dec. 8 - Red wine, meet red tape Enlarge This Image Stewart Cairns for The New York Times Paul Winkeller's wine cellar at his home in Slingerlands, N.Y
Source: The Wine Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 09:03

Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame 1996
La Grand Dame is Veuve Clicquots Prestive Cuvee and is a blend of eight of the houses traditional Grand Crus.The basic blend is made up of 64% Pinot Noir chosen from Grand Crus in Ay in the Grande Vallée de la Marne area, and Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims area. The blend [...]
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/14/2005, 08:43

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 9
Museum Class Sweet Only two wines entered into this class. The Brown Brothers Patricia Noble was one of my highlights of the tasting – beautiful balance, extremely concentrated and flavoured, good value as well as it retails for around $20 per half bottle. Brown Brothers Patricia Noble 2002 – 93/100 d’Arenberg “The Noble� 2002 – 86/100
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/14/2005, 07:59

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 8
Museum Class Semi-Dry A class with just one entry and one good wine. Firstland “Marlborough� 2002 – 90/100
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/14/2005, 07:59

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 7
Museum Class Dry Thirty wines in this class with thirty tasted. Obviously some very good wines here with some of the better vintages having been kept back by wineries for museum stock. The newly branded Jacob’s Creek (formerly Orlando) Steingarten was very impressive across all three entered wines, with the 2002 vintage standing out and having Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/14/2005, 07:58

The Honey Is Here - And Suck It, Baby
First, the 90 pounds of honey that I ordered from one of my clients, Austerfield Apiary, has arrived. That means about 30 gallons of mead! Now, I don’t think I’ll really make 30 gallons of mead this year as I know I’ll be setting aside some of this delicious honey for consumption
Source: Winemaking Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 06:33

Podcasting - Best Idea of 2005?
We may be biased, but BusinessWeek calls podcasting one of the Best Ideas of 2005. "There are now more than 20,000 podcasts online on topics from learning French to Scottish music. Although championed by indies, podcasting has been adopted by media giants such as Clear Channel Communications, Walt Disney, and National Public Radio."
Source: A Guy, a Girl, and a Bottle, published: 12/14/2005, 05:31

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2003
Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Red is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre (Monastrell in Spain), and 10% Cinsault. The Perrin brothers are famous for Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape, and also produce the popular, inexpensive...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/14/2005, 04:38

Where's Huge Johnson?
One of my favorite wine blogs is Huge Johnson's World of Wine. Normally, when I talk about a wine blog, I link to it... but Huge's blog is gone! In its place there is another blog. I noticed this a while ago and figured it was some kind of Blogger bug, but since it has persisted for some time, I'm getting worried. What's happened to Huge?
Source: Viti-Culture, published: 12/14/2005, 04:27

Those Lakeway shops..
I had a chance to tool out to Lakeway this past weekend – which is just a short drive – and check out both Vino100 and the Wine Trader. Both opened earlier this fall. Turns out the Vino 100 place is a franchise opportunity. There are a couple here in the Austin area and the chain appears to be growing pretty rapidly.
Source: Wine Tastings - Reviews and Observations on Everyday Wines, published: 12/14/2005, 04:16

Wine Bloggers Planning Big Wine Offline . . .
There's a party being planned. If you've got a blog you'll probably want to attend or at least see what's up. Looks like it's going to be held in Oregon.
Source: Wine & Vine BC, published: 12/14/2005, 03:55

Wine News Youse Can Use
I get a newsletter from Andy Perdue every week at Wine Press Northwest. It's a great way to stay on top of happenings in the wine world of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. There's a wine of the week and links to various articles in the print version magazine plus some adverts. I like it because it's honest and concise.
Source: Wine & Vine BC, published: 12/14/2005, 03:39

Calling All Bloggers: Thumbs Up To You!
Just sending a big thumbs up to all of you food wine bloggers out there. With Beau gone for only one day, I realize how much responsibility there is with this blog thing! I feel like I’m babysitting his...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/14/2005, 03:23

New York sobers up
In the immediate days after the Supreme Court's May 16 decision on direct wine shipments, New York wineries oddly embraced the decision to open the state up to competition.  |
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 12/14/2005, 03:16

Hardy's Sparkling Shiraz (South Australia) NV
Deep purple with plenty of medium-fine bubbles. Bright berry flavors complemented with yeast and oak. A touch of aniseed and mint on the nose. At $20 from the Jug Shop, this was a bargain. Perfect pizza wine. Grade: B+...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/14/2005, 03:10

Wicked wine job
Every once in awhile a job comes along that's just plain unfortunate. One of our fledgling wineries here in the Okanagan just released a 2003 Meritage that had to be pulled off the shelves after only a couple weeks. Customers were complaining about cloudy wine.
Source: Wine & Vine BC, published: 12/14/2005, 03:00

Tomaiolo Chianti Classico 1999 (wine review) by (PB)
Rather deep garnet for a Chianti with daffodil bouquet and light berry aromas. In the mouth it is still tight after a ½ hour breathing with closed flavors. Some pepper around after 40 minutes or so of breathing. Old world style–subtle nuances of shallow fruit. After 24 hours, this wine is olivey with chocolatey foundations.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 01:34

Domaine De Durbin 2002 Muscat de Beaumes De Venise (wine review) by (PB)
This lovely desert wine has a honey and fruit cocktail bouquet with aromas like a botrytized wine with a hint of caramel. In the mouth it is a bit flabby and a little too alcoholy but very sweet with some nice flavors.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 01:29

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 6
2003 and 2004 Sweet The standout wine in this class was the Villa Maria “Reserve Noble� 2003 which was rich, intense and sweet with excellent length and balance. Ten wines on offer and nine tasted, varying from very good to very bad. All wines are from 2004 unless otherwise mentioned. Villa Maria “Reserve Noble� 2003 – [...]
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/14/2005, 01:11

Twelve Wines of Christmas
Wine selection at Christmas can be a good time to try some different styles and varieties. You need to consider food matching. It's good to have something different on hand for those formal and informal occasions. Here are are few Christmas wines I will be trying, along with some food suggestions.Twelve Wines of Christmas
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 12/14/2005, 00:30

Could You Stop Drinking Wine?
Could you stop drinking wine for a month? Would it be difficult? Would you be able to let it go with no thought at all to the wines you are missing or the meals that you aren't enhancing? Writer...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/14/2005, 00:08

So, you want to own a vineyard?
The latest FERMENTATION Sponsor involves a VERY INTRIGUING offer: part ownership in a new Oregon vineyard and winery. Lenne Estate is located east of the town of Yamhill near a number of impressive vineyards including Willakenzie to the west, Shea...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/13/2005, 23:30

Organic Vignerons 2004 Rose
I’m a bit of a hippy at heart so organic wines really appeal to me. They’re free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and other synthetic chemicals, and essential natural preservatives like sulfur dioxide tend to be kept to a minimum. Generally at organic wineries modern and traditional techniques are combined, producing high qulaity wines [...]
Source: Winetastic, published: 12/13/2005, 22:56

The “Envirotuff Liner�….new wine transportation product
The Envirotuff Liner (ETL) is a revolutionary product designed to protect wine and other goods during transport by creating an environment sensitive to temperature fluctuations. JMP has launched the ETL into the Australian and New Zealand markets. Details here
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/13/2005, 22:36

I know you guys love wine statistics
Attention beancounters…..grab a cup of coffee, part your hair in the centre and pop on your spectacles. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has just released a new set of figures for October. The direct link to the figures is here Domestic consumption up a tad on September….the average value of Australian wine exported in October 2005 was $4.32 [...]
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/13/2005, 22:17

Big Bottles Plastic Boxes Alternative Packaging Soars
More high-end wine is going into heavier glass bottles to reinforce consumer perception of luxury. Similarly, more mass-market premium wines are going into containers such as 3-liter boxes and single-serving plastic and aluminum bottles to communicate approachability, fun and convenience.
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/13/2005, 21:54

Ratcast 18, Beaujolais Nouveau - WTF?
Today, I corner a local wine buyer on why his store doesn't carry any Beaujolais Nouveau. I drop in on Pedro Rusk, pictured at right, and the folks sitting at the wine bar, at the Wine Shop in Healdsburg CA with my own bottle of Nouveau, to
Source: The Cellar Rat, published: 12/13/2005, 20:41

Feeling the Love
After a few days rubbing elbows with hoards of people at Disneyland this weekend, I was excited to get back to the solitude of my desk this morning. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of wine related emails that had accumalated in my inbox over the past 4 days.
Source: Wine Expression, published: 12/13/2005, 19:19

Finca Luzon Verde 2004
Finca Luzon Verde 2004 Spain, Jumilla ($9) Another Jorge Ordonez selection. Another reasonably priced wine. Another happy wine drinker here. I am beginning to see a pattern. I believe that this winery is run by Juan Gil. I reviewed his...
Source: Water into Wino, published: 12/13/2005, 19:08

Wine Tasting Note: Enclave des Papes Rouge, 2004, Coteaux de Tricastin, Rhone, France.
Enclave des Papes label Something deep, rich and warming required tonight; an accompaniment to lightly spiced tortilla things that Rob plans to rustle up later tonight. Loose change extracted from various pockets produced the grand sum of £5.90 - hence the purchase of this Southern Rhone red.
Source: [Spittoon] Full Postings, published: 12/13/2005, 18:41

My New Wine Cellar
One of the most exciting aspects of our new house is my new wine cellar. Working with our builder, I took a 12' x 10' space in the basement and ensured that it had the appropriate construction for a cellar...
Source: Ken's Wine Blog, published: 12/13/2005, 17:27

Zinfandel for the Ages
Of late, due to the arrival of a new client at Wark Communications, I've been thinking about the idea of Aging Zinfandel. I have some experience with drinking older Zins, some as old as 25 years. My impression, generally,...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/13/2005, 17:24

Category: Wine Blogs

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Wine Blogs

Walter Schug's Mark on Insignia
The current Wine Spectator (Dec. 31 issue) anoints Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine of the Year. The article by James Laube describes the nervy decision, back in 1974, to produce and market a signature blended red wine which would not carry...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/13/2005, 15:17

Holiday Italians There is much more to Italy than...
There is much more to Italy than super-tuscans. Last week, I had the opportunity to try a number of excellent wines from lesser known regions of the grand boot which were all (shockingly) ready to drink. Here are four of my favorites that are available at the SAQ.
Source: The Caveman's Wine Blog, published: 12/13/2005, 14:31

Pouring one million cases
Which restaurant has 200 people a week get engaged on its premises? OK, I'll give you a hint--it's a chain. And it serves three million diners a week. And pours one million cases of wine a year. It is: the Olive Garden.
| | |
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 12/13/2005, 13:48

Menu For Hope.
Menu for Hope 2 With a great surge of posts it looks like Pim's Menu For Hope has garnered huge support from across the wine and food blogosphere. Via Slashfood I have donated Cook Until Desired Tenderness - a nice little book. Sarah, also a Slashfoodie, is offering a selection of Oregan goodies. I see Beau has a wine tasting session and Anne in Sweden has offered a top cookbook. Full details on slashfood.
   
Source: [Spittoon] Full Postings, published: 12/13/2005, 13:39

New Twist in the Trader Joe's Wine-Buying Saga
I just posted the most recent comment to the “Uncorked� entry entitled “A Trader Joe’s Wine-Buying Experience,� and it may be the most intriguing one yet. It comes from a reader in Ventura, CA who who describes himself as a...
Source: Uncorked, published: 12/13/2005, 11:24

Bathing
Have you been bathed in the blood of the lamb ? - a 60s comedy sketch asked - I've tried everything ! - the comic's partner responded - but judging from the feature story in Sunday's NY Times - For Spa-Goers, Wine by the Glass, or by the Bath - the correct response might now be - not quite !!...
Source: Red Is Life, published: 12/13/2005, 11:02

links for 2005-12-13
...aggregated list of minority bloggers, including me ;) Savvy Cellar Wine bar and shop brightens Redwood City Jennifer Ayre, 39-year-old businesswoman just got through the opening week of Savvy Cellar, the wine bar
Source: medmusings, published: 12/13/2005, 06:29

French Winemakers Behaving Badly
The Bordelais are fixing prices and hundreds of French winemakers are supporting terroirista terrorists....
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/13/2005, 05:27

A Menu for Hope II
Last year, Madame Pim of Chez Pim introduced, a menu for hope. The concept was simple: In the spirit of the holiday season, give what you can to help victims of the southeast Asian tsunami. Pim has asked us to...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/13/2005, 04:32

Tyrrell’s Reserve Stevens Semillon 2001
I understand that a semillon undergoes a process of morphing between the fresh young white with prominent citrus and acidity, into a more complex wine with toasty characters. The 2001 Stevens Semillon is currently somewhere between these two states and is still retaining some of the youthful fruit and acidity.
Source: Winetastic, published: 12/13/2005, 02:54

Girolamo Dorigo Cabernet Franc 2003
Girolamo Dorigo Cabernet Franc 2003 Italy, Colli Orientali del Friuli ($18) Last week I mentioned my quest to try Cabernet Franc from all over the world. Since I have grown to love the Cab Francs from the North Fork of...
Source: Water into Wino, published: 12/12/2005, 23:32

The Tasting Mosaic
Tasting notes are so yesterday. Introducing the tasting mosaic (click to enlarge).. Etienne Sauzet Saint-Romain AOC 2003...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/12/2005, 22:35

Drunken Chicken, Syriana Mini-review
I feel kinda lame. Not as much time for posting this month as I had hoped. Sorry. But look at this sandwich: I definitely had time to eat this sandwich. Drunken chicken with pickled daikon and truffle fries, washed down with a glass of Argiolas Serra Lori Rosato. Courtesy of the most excellent Baguette Box on [...]
Source: The Wine Offensive, published: 12/12/2005, 21:03

Terra Unica Reserva 2000 (Wine Review) by (PB)
This Spanish red is 50% Tempranillo (pronounced Tempra-NEE-o) and 50% Monastrell and has a light bouquet of dried cherries. In the mouth it is bone dry and tart with tight tannins. From the Alicante region of Spain, this wine has a background flavor I can only describe as a floral taste-not an aroma. Interesting...
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/12/2005, 20:33

TCS Column on Closures
Over at TCS's spiffy new website, my column The Turn of the Screw is up. It's on the move against cork as a wine bottle closure....
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/12/2005, 20:32

Poker & Wine
Tonight is Poker Night for me; that once-a-month excursion down to the local card room where I sit at a table for eight hours playing 4-8 and 5-10 Texas Hold'em. I do fairly well. I'm a pretty patient guy...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/12/2005, 20:25

Petit Meslier
Petit Meslier is a rare champagne grape variety. James Irvine of the Eden Valley uses the variety to make a lovely sparkler under the name Meslier Brut Petit Meslier a Long Lost Champagne Variety
Source: Vinodiversity, published: 12/12/2005, 20:15

Hendry Vineyard Napa Valley Red 2003
Hendry Vineyard Red 2003 is a blend of 26% Petite Verdot, 26% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot. George Hendry is the mastermind behind this blend. Ageing was 18 months is 70% new French oak barrels...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/12/2005, 19:37

Fire & Wine
What is it with fires and wine these days? It is reported that yesterday's explosion at an fuel depot outside England that originally raised fears of a terrorist attack damaged a number of nearby businesses, including Scottish and Newcastle,...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/12/2005, 18:41

Wine Blog Con 2006
As some of you know there is a growing movement to hold a Wine Bloggers Conference sometime in 2006. Most agree that the time seems right. Jerry at WineWaves originally raised the idea. Craig Camp of Anne Amie Vineyards has...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/12/2005, 16:28

Wine Gift Ideas for the Holidays -- Mine AND YOURS!
Sure, you all have your holiday shopping done, right? Well, this is the time of year that I start thinking about holiday shopping. And I suspect I’m not alone. If you have a wine enthusiast on your list — or...
Source: Uncorked, published: 12/12/2005, 12:03

Category: Wine Blogs

Monday, December 12, 2005

Wine Blogs

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 5
2003 and 2004 Semi-Dry As you will probably note from the scores, I was generally unimpressed with this class. Nothing that stood out as being anything better than good. Ten wines in this class, and all ten were tasted. All wines are from 2004. Te Kairanga - 88/100 Villa Maria Clifford Bay “Single Vineyard� - 88/100 Grove Mill “Marlborough�
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/12/2005, 11:42

Turkey Flat 2005 Rosé
For a long time my views on Rosé were fairly simple: it was an unholy union between red and white, overly sweet and to be avoided at all costs. The recently reviewed Simon Gilbert opened my eyes to a more sophisticated style of Rosé, crisp, dry and refreshing with a dash of fruit, the ideal [...]
Source: Winetastic, published: 12/12/2005, 10:50

The House Smells Of Garlic
Do you ever find the smell of garlic to increase your appetite? I do. And tonight especially so, as I started a wine that is most definitely not made for sipping - but if you truly want to call yourself a “gourmet� cook, perhaps you’ll want to consider winemaking for this particular wine alone. Yes, [...]
Source: Winemaking Blog, published: 12/12/2005, 06:26

Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Late Disgorged (California) 1994
A superb LD sparkling wine redolent of the yeast autolysis bouquet and flavors that comes from extended lees contact. A very deep golden color with very fine bubbles. Toasted bread, almonds, cocoa, earthy minerals, and cherries. Grade: A...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/12/2005, 03:42

Joe Davis, Founder of Arcadian Winery
Arcadian Winery is built on the principle of combining the best of old world wine making techniques while taking advantage of state of the art science to make world class wine. Joe Davis, a chemist by trade, still uses the time honored method of “pigeage à piedâ€? (treading grapes by foot). Learn [...]
Source: Grape Radio, published: 12/12/2005, 03:07

Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes (Alsace) 2002
Fully dry, clean, and crisp. Rather neutral flavor - vaguely suggesting citrus, apples, and minerals. Grade: C...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/12/2005, 02:56

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 4
2003 and 2004 Dry The second largest class with sixty eight wines and I tasted through sixty five of them. All wines are from 2004 unless otherwise mentioned. Some good wines, but in general quite mediocre - can probably be put down to 2004 being an average year for Riesling in our two biggest quality areas, the [...]
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/12/2005, 02:50

Tasting sized pours
Wine consumers in Michigan can rejoice about new legislation that allows direct shipping. But will it too be challenged in court? [CBD] Meanwhile, New York consumers await UPS and FedEx to start shipping. (Really?!?) [NYT] Is alcohol to be targeted for new tax revenue? A poll shows little popular resistance. | |
Source: Dr. Vino's wine blog, published: 12/12/2005, 02:41

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 3
Current Vintage (2005) Sweet Only two wines entered in this class, which made it easy to try everything on offer! The Forrest Estate wine from New Zealand was very good, sweet honey and marmalade along with obvious botrytis influence but at the same time fresh and with enough acid on the finish to keep it from [...]
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/12/2005, 01:32

An Embarrassment of Riches
The typical wine publication can be painfully boring. I'll take wine reviews, recommendations, news and analyses from my fellow bloggers any day of the week. A few morsels that caught my eye over the past several days: The Caveman is...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/12/2005, 01:02

Simon Gilbert 2005 Card Collection Riesling
Over the past couple of months we’ve really had our eyes opened by some of the better Rieslings on the market, like this fantastic offering from Simon Gilbert Wines. This Riesling is from their card collection range and like the rose it’s of a very high standard and is a personal favourite. This wine [...]
Source: Winetastic, published: 12/11/2005, 23:46

Veuve Clicquot email hoax
To good to be true… An email doing the rounds and originating from Champagne@veuve-clicquot.fr says that if you send the email to 10 people and copy it to Clicquot, they will send you 6 free bottles as a thank you for “expanding their database.� Nice try….. Veuve Clicquots response
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/11/2005, 22:44

Entally Estate Vineyard Plantings
It seems Gunns Ltd have begun planting a small vineyard as part of their mission to restore the house and grounds of this historic and much-loved estate. Over 7000 Pinot Noir vines will be planted across nearly 3ha. The vines are spaced widely to allow visitors to picnic between the rows ...
Source: Pinot Island, published: 12/11/2005, 22:13

Meadowbank Estate Art Installation
Meadowbank Estate have recently unveiled an art installation put together by artist Tom Samek and wine writer Graeme Phillips entitled "A Flawed History of Tasmanian Wine". The "InsideArts" column from the Saturday Mercury had a glowing review of the unusual exhibit. Apparently a series of carved paintings by Samek on the ...
Source: Pinot Island, published: 12/11/2005, 22:08

E.U purity laws
Reuters reports the European Union should draw up a wine purity law to thwart a trade agreement with the United States that some German vineyards fear could ruin their business, a German minister was quoted as saying on Sunday. German Farm Minister Horst Seehofer said he would seek urgent talks with European farm commissioner
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/11/2005, 22:01

Long Flat Semillion-Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (wine review) (by PB)
After opening the Rivaner,  I had to open another wine to wash the Rivaner out of my mouth and mind. It was an interesting juxtapositioning of wines. The Rivaner might be used for cooking because it’s lack of acidity just makes it intolerable to drink. Yet this wine though very inexpensive ($4) on sale, has some character to it thanks to some acid.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/11/2005, 20:25

Black Tower Rivaner 2002 (Wine Review) (PB)
...they made a wine run without me. It was one of the wines left here unopened once they departed. I opened this German wine thinking I was unfamiliar with this grape but found it is just another name for Müller-Thurgau, the second most planted grape in Germany.
Source: The Wine Cask Blog, published: 12/11/2005, 20:15

Hartford Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004
Hartford Pinot Noir was sourced from primarily estate vineyards, including Ross Road Vineyard (Green Valley, Russian River), Seascape and Annapolis Vineyards (Sonoma Coast, just north of Russian River), plus fruit from contract growers in Russian River Valley. Winemaking focuses on...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/11/2005, 18:41

Bridgeview Blue Moon Oregon Riesling 2004
If Bridgeview Winery's Blue Moon Riesling looks German, it should not be a surprise. This very popular wine is 100% Oregon Riesling, made by René Eichmann, son of co-founder and co-proprietor Lelo Kerivan. Lelo, who is originally from Germany, and...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/11/2005, 18:09

Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Copertino Riserva 1999
Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Copertino Riserva 1999 Italy, Apulia ($13) My WBW #16 entry had the excitement of a bottle rocket, that in my opinion, didn't do justice to the Southern Italian region of Apulia, but this wine does. A 95%...
Source: Water into Wino, published: 12/11/2005, 16:03

Hurricane Katrina destroys wine cellar
In the dark recesses of what was once one of the great wine cellars of the world, the fabled bottles sit. The 1870 Lafite Rothschild, the Chateau Moutons, Chateau Margaux — fine wines with enormous price tags, or at least they were. The wine cellar at Brennan’s Restaurant, winner since 1983 [...]
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/11/2005, 08:21

30 Second Wine Advisor: WT101 - Greetings from Portugal
Traveling in Portugal, a happy wine-bar experience reveals that this hospitable land's wines are about much more than just Port and Madeira.
Source: WineLoversPage.com

Antinori Tignanello (Tuscany) 1996
A truly stunning wine. Delicious blackberry, caper, and plum flavors. Silky tannins and perfectly balanced acidity made it a superb match for a white truffle risotto. As it opened in the decanter, the glass suddenly offered a very impressive mixture...
Source: Professor Bainbridge on Wine, published: 12/11/2005, 05:47

Do wine buyers really want terroir?
Not really the most salubrious place to be thinking of wine but I went to a wedding yesterday afternoon, and as you do on the day after a wedding you need a pie, mashed potato and mushy peas….so I headed down to Sydney institution ‘Harrys Cafe de Wheels’ on the waterfront in Wooloomooloo. So I’m sitting [...]
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/11/2005, 05:28

Fortant White Merlot 2003
I really wasn’t sure what to make about this whole white Merlot thing. Seems like they are playing a bit of catch-up to the White Zin here in America. Nevertheless, I thought I’d give a fair shot here on Cheap Wine Reviews. This one came from southern France. I guess it was a little [...]
Source: Cheap Wine Reviews, published: 12/11/2005, 03:29

Wine Bloggers Conference #1 2006
Craig Camp has introduced the concept of holding the first Wine Bloggers Conference in the Willamette Valley Oregon area, just over an hour from the Portland airport. The proposed meeting venue would be the Anne Amie Vineyards facility, in Carlton,...
Source: winewaves, published: 12/11/2005, 01:53

Plantagenet Riesling 2005
Continuing on with my seamless integration of paleontology and fine wine, I present the Plantagenet Riesling 2005. Plantagent wines are located in the Great Southern region, about 350kms south of Perth in Western Australia. Juicy limes…..yup…limey fruit on the nose, citrus fruit, floral hints and touch of spice and a dab of flint…
Source: Vinosense, published: 12/11/2005, 00:58

A Quickie
I’m just about to head off to enjoy some wine with a good lady friend of mine, but before I go, I wanted to let you know about some new articles and thoughts. First, I’ve written a review of the book, Making Wild Wines & Meads which you can read here. Secondly, I’ve started a new wine [...]
Source: Winemaking Blog, published: 12/11/2005, 00:20

Jealousy!
Mark Greene has done an incredible job with both his winery and his wine. I had the opportunity to taste some of his Barbera and Pinot Grigio and it was, bar none, the best wine I have ever tasted from the Yadkin Valley. He gave me a bottle of the barbera and it's all I can do not to drink it right now! Jen and I shared a glass and she loved it too!
Source: Great Wines of North Carolina, published: 12/10/2005, 20:55

National Riesling Challenge 2005 - Aus & NZ - Class 1
Current Vintage (2005) Dry The biggest class on show with 149 wines. Due to time constraints, I aimed to mostly try wines that had done well in the judging – hence the high nature of my scores in this class. From the 25 wines I tasted in this class, 2005 is going to be a very [...]
Source: Appellation Australia, published: 12/10/2005, 17:37

Bankruptcy Snares 450 Legacy Group Creditors
Arrowood, other wineries stand to suffer as battle over owner's debt to hedge fund promises to drag on Hedge funds move into wine industry
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/10/2005, 16:44

Mendoza Fear Loss of Vineyard Workers
Top producers in Argentina's Mendoza have slammed government work schemes which they say will force a move towards mechanized harvesting.
Source: Avenue Vine, published: 12/10/2005, 16:35

The Right Champagne for Tim & Rach's Wedding
Later today I'll be watching my brother-in-law marry a beautiful, lovely girl from Tennessee. It's a very good thing. There are some weddings where, upon thinking about it, you are prompted to lean over to your neighbor in the...
Source: Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, published: 12/10/2005, 15:37

Eniw Gnitsat
I became impatient waiting for my decongestant to take effect. Plus I was hungry, so I decided to taste this South African Meritage backwards. Behold the reversed tasting note. Food pairing: Spicy thin crust pizza - There was not enough...
Source: Basic Juice, published: 12/10/2005, 15:30

Fine Wine - Homegrown bubbly with a French accent
Homegrown bubbly with a French accent Seattle Times - This week we turn our attention to sparkling wines made right here in the U.S.A 10 different sparkling wines and five still wines: three pinot noirs, a... Top 100 Wines
Source: The Wine Blog, published: 12/10/2005, 09:14

Category: Wine Blogs