Commenting is back; farewell Dining@Large

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/commenting_is_back_farewell_di.html

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

2007 Sauternes & Barsac

Here you find the ratings of the 2007 Sauternes and Barsac wines from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator:



Sauternes & Barsac
Decanter
Wine Advocate
WineSpectator
Price


Chateau d’Yquem
***** 19
96 - 98
97 - 100



Chateau Guiraud
**** 17,5
92 - 94
91 - 94



Chateau La Tour Blanche
**** 18
86 - 88
90 - 93



Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
**** 18
91 - 93
91 - 94



Chateau de Rayne-Vigneau
***** 19
91 - 93
92 - 95



Chateau [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/41/2007-sauternes-barsac/

Buena Vista Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean

Novelty Restaurants: A Tiki-Style Sushi Bar Now Open in North Hollywood

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/29/a_tikistyle_sushi_bar_now_open_in_north_hollywood.php

Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne

TasteCamp East:Bloggers Arrive in the Finger Lakes

This is one of my favorite times of the year.� I’m fortunate enough to be included on the list of wine bloggers and writers who get asked to attend TasteCamp East, organized by Lenn Thompson and Evan Dawson at The New York Cork Report. Last year, Long Island Wine Country hosted our group and although […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/tastecamp-eastbloggers-arrive-in-the-finger-lakes/

Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/hey-dude-that-wine-stinks-i-vividly.html

Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat

Wine In The ?Shark Tank?

Reality TV is all the rage these days but I rarely watch this genre outside of a few cooking competition shows like Top Chef or Masterchef. But I have been hooked this year by ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’. The show’s premise is simple; entrepreneurs pitch their products to a panel of well known investors (‘sharks’) such […]

Wine In The ‘Shark Tank’ originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/Jz5dX6aFuBI/

Sparkling White Wine Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray Arrowood

2007 Pomerol

In this post you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 Medoc 2. Grand Cru Class�. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/34/2007-pomerol/

Far Niente Field Stone Firestone Fisher Foxen

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Autumnal Equinox Edition

Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…

The Power of Intent in Biodynamic Wine

I wrote a heady post in September about Biodynamic wine.  The story is too complicated to summarize here (link to post), but one of the things that I touched on (and that interests me on an ongoing basis) is the notion of “intent” in the vineyard particularly as it relates to viticultural quality and Biodynamic preparations.

They say that you can taste “love” in a food dish, so, while not scientifically quantifiable (at least not yet), it stands to reason that extra attention and loving preparation with BioD preps. might have a positive benefit on the vines and subsequently the wines.

This notion of intent isn’t my idea; I culled it from Voodoo Vintners, Katherine Cole’s Biodynamic-related book published earlier this year (she has a different supposition about ‘intent’ than I do).  A passage from the book notes, “The belief is that the preparations aren’t merely herbal treatments for plants; they’re carriers of the farmers’ intentions, which have been swirled into them through the powerful act of stirring.  While it isn’t a requirement for Demeter certification, intention is that little bit of witchcraft that separates the most committed practitioners from the unbelievers.”

My point in September and my point now is that “intent” isn’t witchcraft, its science – science that is still emerging and not completely understood.

To that end, I read an incredible, eye-opening, mind-bending article in the current issue of Time magazine about a new technology device called the BodyWave.  An iPod sized device, the BodyWave is based on electroencephalography (EEG), the study of how brain activity excites neurons to emit brain waves that travel the central nervous system and can be measured.

So, here’s the thing.  Not only can this BodyWave device measure the fluctuations in the brain’s electrical activity, but when connected to a computer it can perform functions based on brain waves.

It’s a holy crap moment to realize that by focusing brain activity somebody can shut off a valve in a nuclear power plant, via computer, with the power of their mind, as elaborated on in the article.

The full Time magazine article is subscriber-protected (darn publishers that try to run a business…), but the intro. to the article is available here.

I’m a liberal arts guy, as far removed from science as one can get by education, vocation and lifelong learning interest, but I do have the ability to suspend my disbelief and it seems likely to me that in 10 years’ time the Biodynamic conversation is going to be around an entirely different set of conversational conditions than the current ‘bunkum vs. belief’ precept that we have now.

On Knowledge

I’ve never reconciled the “demystify” vs. “knowledge frees you” debate as it relates to wine.  Many will say that wine is needlessly overcomplicated for the average consumer and the arcane aspects act as a barrier to entry.

Well, sometimes you find defining wisdom in the unlikeliest places.

Scott Adams, the creator of the cartoon Dilbert, noted in a blog post recently what I’ve thought, but have never been able to say quite so eloquently. 

Indeed, you are what you learn.  You don’t have to know much about wine to drink it, but it sure makes it that much more enjoyable if you lean into the door…

Thanksgiving Wine Recommendation

Thanksgiving is the wine world’s national holiday.  I get that.  It’s my favorite holiday, too. But, the attendant wine pairing articles are exhausting.  Does it really matter what you drink with Thanksgiving dinner?  Nope.  If it did, somebody, anybody would care that I’ll be having Sparkling Rose, German Riesling and New Zealand Pinot, but, really, nobody cares.  At the end of the day, the below picture encapsulates what really matters when picking a wine for Thanksgiving (Hint: Focus on the food).

It Was a Good Week for Lot18

My eyes bugged out like a virgin at a nudist camp when I saw that Lot18 secured $30M in additional funding.  That money coupled with clarification from the California Alcohol Beverage Control (CA ABC) on some wonkiness in legalities, means the first week of November 2011 will go down as a watershed moment for Lot18.

Perhaps equally interesting to me is a passage noting, “Radical Transparency” in an email sent to Lot18 members from Lot18 (ostensibly founder Phillip James).  The email noted:

As Lot18 moves into its second year of existence, our goal is to ensure that, with more money in the bank and compliance questions behind us, Lot18 can continue to deliver on its responsibilities to our suppliers and to our members alike. We must hold ourselves accountable to ensure we maintain trust with everyone who produces and consumes goods offered by Lot18.

We do this through a policy called Radical Transparency, which simply involves sharing more than was once considered wise. We believe in this because it drives our focus and ensures that all of our employees and our members feel that they have a role in shaping our future. Together we can create a service that will not only help you find great value, but also encourage you to spread the word to friends and family so that they may also share in the delight.

We’re all aware of “transparency” as an online buzzword the last several years.  It’s a word that has been co-opted, commoditized and rendered meaningless, as well.  It seems, transparency is really code word for faux sincerity and empathy and that makes adding the modifier of “Radical” to transparency all the more interesting.

These days, every new business success story comes with hagiographic mythologizing and I wouldn’t be surprised if, in this area, “Radical Transparency” is where Lot18 stakes their claim.  After all, culture and customer service is already taken by Zappos.

Yet, radical transparency isn’t a new concept either.  If you’re interested in seeing how a hedge fund called Bridgewater Associates (founded by Ray Dalio) has codified a brutally honest feedback loop see this profile piece from New York magazine and Dalio’s 123 page “Principles” document (worth the read).

Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_autumnal_equinox_edition/

Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay

The Burke's auction....

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/the_burkes_auction.html

Rosenblum St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap

Vital Updates: Eat Steak Frites All Day at Petit Trois Starting September 2

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/28/eat_steak_frites_all_day_at_petit_trois_starting_september_2.php

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

How Wine Became Modern: Design + Wine 1976 to Now; an SF MOMA Exhibit

The wine world can basically be compartmentalized into two worlds: The New World & The Old World. The Old World is France, and basically any other country within a trebuchet’s throw of France. Wines have been ratified by treaties, classified by region and not varietal, and are poured in chatea�s beckoning you with long dusty [...]

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/how-wine-became-modern-design-wine-1976-to-now-an-sf-moma-exhibit/

Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc

TasteLive Participants: How Are You Engaging and Posting to #TTL ?

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/tastelive-participants-how-are-you-engaging-and-posting-to-ttl/

Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee

Making Sparkling Wine

About making sparkling wine This photo shows the residue built up in the capped bottle. This is a waste product of fermentation that occurred in the bottle. Yeast was introduced into the bottle and then the bottle was capped. This creates the bubbles in sparkling wine. The CO is a by-product of fermentation and is […]

The post Making Sparkling Wine appeared first on Wine Country Getaways.

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/making-sparkling-wine/

Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak Sinskey

A Cornerstone Sauvignon Blanc Vertical

A few months ago, our friends at Napa Valley?s Cornerstone Cellars sent out a three-year vertical of their Sauvignon Blanc to selected critics, reviewers and old folksingers. The idea was to demonstrate just how well these age and develop. We had already reviewed the 2009 back around the time of its release, and had quite [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/rAdVWJsxWLI/a-cornerstone-sauvignon-blanc-vertical

Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli

Will Vente Privee make a success of flash wine sales? Probably

French event sales site Vente Priv�e has added wine sales to its product offering in the UK, and they may be the ones to make this model really work. This felt more like a fashion event than a wine tasting. There’s a reason for that. Instead of the acres of table-tops loaded with glass bottles, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/8d_zTSNbYzE/

Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone Fisher

The dry dam ain't dry, damn

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-dry-dam-aint-dry-damn.html

Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay

Rockin? at Wine & Cars

Everyone had a great time at Wine & Cars Under the Stars last weekend. Don’t believe me? Check out the video: The evening was a great success, netting nearly $50,000 for the foundations at Fairplex and their programs. If you missed Wine & Cars, you can taste the award-winning wines of the Los Angeles International [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=100

Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne

Buzz Kills: Zach Brooks at Midtown Lunch as...

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/29/buzz_kills.php

Champagne Sparkling White Wine Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray

A first timer's visit to Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape and Ch�teau de Beaucastel

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/08/a-first-timers-visit-to-ch%C3%A2teauneuf-du-pape-and-ch%C3%A2teau-de-beaucastel.html

Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak Sinskey

New Releases from Sojourn Cellars

I've been a fan of Sonoma-based Sojourn's Pinot Noir program for some time. They're one of the most reliably outstanding fruit-forward California Pinot Noir producers I've come across.

So I was very pleased to receive samples of their 2012s to give me an excuse opportunity to crack open some bottles early, for a window into this well-regarded vintage from a well-regarded producer. While bottles I previously purchased from their mailing list rest.

2012 California Pinot Noir has been a tricky vintage for me to get my arms around. After the 2009 vintage where Wine Spectator called it the best ever and I felt like I was throwing a bulls-eye every time I popped a bottle, 2012 has been tricky.

Crops were abundant, but a bunch of healthy fruit doesn't directly lead to wines of depth, complexity and concentration. Restraint is required in the vineyard otherwise you'll wind up with thin, non-descript wines. That's been my experience tasting through appellation wines, even from well-regarded producers I've previously enjoyed: 2012 is good, but not necessarily as good as 2009.

These 2012 single vineyard Pinots from Sojourn are well-crafted. Some are extraordinary. Here are my notes...

2012 Sojourn Silver Eagle Pinot Noir

14.2% Alcohol
325 Cases Produced
$59 Release Price

Spectacular. What Sojourn does best is site-specific yet fruit forward California Pinot Noir and this is a great example of their style. Bright light magenta in color but *full* of effortless power and finesse. Aromatically this is an amazing explosion of perfectly-ripened strawberries, briar patch, and orange peel. So light on its feet but it gets serious on the palate. The medium/slightly-full bodied mouthfeel is surprising given how light in color it is. Just brilliant across the palate and on the finish. A tremendous accomplishment here.

Classic California Pinot Noir. Wonderful.

95/100 WWP: Classic


2012 Sojourn Ridgetop Pinot Noir

14.4% Alcohol
450 Cases Produced
$59 Release Price

Dark magenta visually. About 60% opaque. This wine absolutely leaps from the glass. Strawberries, violets, orange oil and supporting woody aromatics. Lively on the palate. There's a brash vibrancy to this wine that's tremendously appealing. Kind of like a youthful prodigy where you're wondering how great they might become. 93+ for now with room for improvement with integration.

93/100 WWP: Oustanding


2012 Sojourn Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir

14.2% Alcohol
275 Cases Produced
$59 Release Price

Although this wine is free of particulates visually, there's a silky chalky aspect to this wine across the entire experience worth noting. Aromatically it's classic California Pinot Noir: Strawberries for days with supporting herbs/briar patch. But also an undeniable calcium-esque aspect even on the nose. On the palate it's very easy to enjoy with a slightly tart note on the backend that keeps it in check. A really terrific California Pinot Noir that I've got no arguments with whatsoever. It's a joy to drink. But somehow it just doesn't raise the bar in terms of excitement that some of the other 2012 single vineyard Sojourn Pinot offerings have.

91/100 WWP: Outstanding


2012 Sojourn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% Alcohol

1,375 Cases Produced

$39 Release Price

Pop and pour. This flirts with greatness but a few off notes mar an otherwise very pleasant experience. I got a touch of band-aid on the nose. And a bit of a campy note on the palate. I waited a few weeks after it arrived but if I were to open another bottle soon I'd give it a couple hours of air. It may help.

89/100 WWP: Very Good

Conclusion and Recommendations

The quality of the Sojourn Ridgetop Pinot wasn't surprising. That's been one of my favorite Sojourn bottlings across a number of vintages at this point, and this 2012 is another winner.

Search for the 2012 Sojourn Ridgetop Pinot Noir on Wine-Searcher.

But the Silver Eagle takes it to another level. Not necessarily because it clobbers you over the head with weight, but because it delivers intensity of flavor and depth that's almost shocking given its moderate complexion. It does what Pinot Noir - domestic or otherwise - does best: Deliver depth of flavor that would be at home in a bolder variety like Cabernet Sauvignon while carrying itself in a confident finesse-driven package.

Search for the 2012 Sojourn Silver Eagle Pinot Noir on Wine-Searcher.

The Campbell Ranch is solid - and an absolute joy to drink. But at $59 for California Pinot Noir I'm looking for magic. And since it's often attained I think this one struggles just a bit to support its price point.

I want to taste more 2012 appellation California Pinot Noirs before writing them off entirely. Like I said - they're good but not great in my experience. The 2012 Sojourn Sonoma Coast is solid. However, I fear the 2013s are going to be rolling in soon for a fall release and we'll be forgetting all about the 2012s soon.

For now, my gut is telling me to focus on 2012 single vineyard bottlings from well-regarded producers that I have personal experience to maintain a high batting average.

Like I said earlier in this write-up of their newly-released 2012 Chardonnays, Sojourn is a mailing list play. Psychologically they've got it figured out: Free shipping on 6+ bottles, 10% on 12+ bottles. How easy is that? Definitely sign up for their mailing list if you're not already.

Samples for review.

Question of the Day: What are some of your favorite Sojourn single vineyard Pinots historically? 

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/96ZiNmUMyd0/new-releases-from-sojourn-cellars.html

Champagne Sparkling White Wine Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray

A first timer's visit to Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape and Ch�teau de Beaucastel

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/08/a-first-timers-visit-to-ch%C3%A2teauneuf-du-pape-and-ch%C3%A2teau-de-beaucastel.html

Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota

Farmers' market is NOT a Grand Prix casualty

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/farmers_market_is_grand_prix_c.html

Ritchie Creek Rochioli Rosenblum St. Clement Staglin

Coming Attractions: Adam Fleischman and Walter el Nagar Creating Barberia

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/28/adam_fleischman_and_walter_el_nagar_creating_barberia.php

Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay

Visiting Casanova di Neri

View up towards Montalcino from Casanova di Neri

One of the first wines I noticed when I started paying close attention to Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year program was the Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova. Their 2001 was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2006 ($70/97WS) and at the time I didn't care enough to understand why they picked this specific wine. I just knew that they thought it was a really good bottle of Brunello.

In hindsight it was clearly a nod to a producer leading a renaissance in winemaking in Montalcino. Wine Spectator wanted to feature them because they took a traditionally well-regarded region to the next level by applying contemporary winemaking techniques to make wines that compete at the very highest level on the world stage.

Casanova di Neri in Montalcino, Italy

Today, Brunello maintains its reputation as one of the great appellations in the world. But critics suggest it is at risk of losing its prominence if too many producers rest on their laurels.

From Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media:

Montalcino, like most of Tuscany, is fairly insular and cut off from easy access to major cities and other regions. I see an alarming lack of intellectual curiosity about the world?s great wines among many of Montalcino?s producers. To be fair, this critique is not limited to growers in Montalcino, but also applies to producers in many other regions throughout Italy. How many winemakers truly love wine?

Their tasting room was one of the more public we visited in Tuscany

I wasn't in a position to buy the 2001 Tenuta Nuova when Spectator named it Wine of the Year, but a few years later the 2006 garnered a perfect 100 point rating from James Suckling. I brought it to a BYOB-friendly Italian bistro last year. The wine was incredible - truly one of the best I've ever tasted.

I bought the 2006 immediately after tasting the 2005 at Wine Spectator's Grand Tour Boston. What impressed me about this bottling was that in good vintages it was great. In great vintages it was amazing.

So when I was trying to decide which wineries to reach out to for a visit on a recent trip to Tuscany Casanova di Neri was at the top of the list.

Casanova di Neri was founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri then passed on to his son Giacomo in 1991. Their flagship wines are their Brunello di Montalcino (~$51) and Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova (~$80). Like all Brunello, these wines are 100% Sangiovese grown near the town of Montalcino.

For some reason I've always thought Italian wineries had a much longer history than Napa wineries. Vineyards in Italy are indeed very old but in reality the history of high quality Brunello production, with the exception of a few producers, isn't tremendously long. In the 1970s there were about 30 Brunello producers. Now there are more than 200. Just like in Napa/Sonoma many of the best producers weren't in existence 50 years ago.

I emailed the winery inquiring about a visit and Giacamo quickly responded. After a beautiful drive down from our villa about an hour north we arrived for a morning visit and tasting. Giacomo greeted us an introduced us to his son GianLorenzo who would be our guide.

Gravity feed winery established in 1999

Their first production vintage was 1977. As things shifted from Lorenzo Neri to Giacomo Neri a new gravity-feed winemaking facilty was established in 1999. Today Casanova di Neri produces 200,000 bottles annually.

The Casanova di Neri story is an evolution of winemaking styles.

To this day, the classic Casanova di Neri Brunello (~$50) embraces a traditional style. We taseted the 2009 at the winery then again later that night at our villa after buying a bottle at the supermarket. It's aged in very large (10,000 liter) neutral oak barrels for 45 months. The 2009 shows pretty red fruit. Cloves. It's light in color and elegant.

Classic Brunello aging in large ~10,000L barrels

The 2009 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova ("new estate") was the wine that I came to taste and it didn't disappoint. Although 2009 wasn't nearly the vintage 2001 nor 2006 was it provided a chance to taste the wine in a non-spectacular vintage. And it showed very well.

Tenuta Nuova aging in small ~200L barriques like you'd find in Napa

The 2009 Tenuta Nuova feels lower in acidity than the 2006. GianLorenzo felt it wouldn't have the long life the 2006 will, but for immediate/early consumption it's showing very favorably in my opinion. It is very pretty on the nose with effortless power. Silky, slightly sweet tannins. A great combination of characteristics that make this wine a joy to experience.

Tenuta Nuova: A spectacular Brunello made in a modern style

The most important market for Casanova di Neri is the United States. They produce several other wines you might find here. The affordable Irrosso is simple but fresh with firm Italian tannins. Pietrodonice (~$70) is 100% Cabernet with appealing brilliant fruit and bright acidity. Cerretalto (~$190) goes in a different direction with iron notes, hoisin sauce, a little bit of salt and earth. In weaker vintages it is blended in with the classic Casanova di Neri Brunello bottling.

Conclusion and Recommendations

If, like me, you're more of a new world wine enthusiast but you're interested in expanding your palate to embrace traditional old world regions, one way to ease the transition is to explore modern producers. To visit Casanova di Neri is take in the story of a family whose roots are firmly planted in Montalcino producing wines known on the world stage by applying the best modern winemaking techniques.

Their Tenuta Nuova is a wine you have to taste. And it's especially interesting to compare it to their more traditionally made classic Brunello.

Look for it on Wine-Searcher

Their tasting room open to the public and right along one of the main roads that leads up to Montalcino, but call or email ahead for an appointment.

Check 'em out:
http://www.casanovadineri.it/en-index.html

A visit to a modern producer like Casanova di Neri provided a perfect comparison point to the more traditional La Gerla later that afternoon.

I'd love it if you subscribe to The Wellesley Wine Press for future updates.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/NM8HB9P1Q-U/visiting-casanova-di-neri.html

Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros�

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won?t break your budget and is widely available? If so, you might want to try the 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of […]

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/81LiaKW71zc/

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

Twitter #Weekendeats highlights: Who needs a brownie?

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/twitter-weekendeats-highlights-who-needs-a-brownie-.html

Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota

First Look: New Port Seafood, Remarkable Chinese in Beverly Hills

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/27/new_port_seafood_remarkable_chinese_in_beverly_hills.php

Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo

Moving day is Thursday

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/moving_day_is_thursday.html

Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera

Napa Valley Merlot

About Napa Valley Merlot What a beautiful cluster of Merlot grapes! Before the wine movie “Sideways” (2004) Merlot was extremely popular, especially among women. In the movie, the main character, Miles, slammed Merlot with his now famous line, ?I am not drinking any F&#%!@?! Merlot!? Sales of Merlot fell dramatically following the movie. Now, ten […]

The post Napa Valley Merlot appeared first on Wine Country Getaways.

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napa-valley-merlot/

Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham

The quest for vin glou-glou in California

While the story of the stylistic shift in California winemaking (dubbed, inter alia, the “New California”) is arguably the most exciting story in American wine in the last decade, one aspect has been a stumbling block: price. Particularly as it relates to lower-priced, highly drinkable wines, known variously as vin de soif or glou glou […]

The post The quest for vin glou-glou in California appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/VO-EFZPKLAA/

Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Riesling

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won?t break your budget and is widely available? If so, you might want to check out the 2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Riesling from the Central Coast of California. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating […]

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Riesling was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/rQBhbI0rYR0/

Tempranillo Dolcetto Malbec Red Wine White Wine

WBW80: Dry Ros�

Back when I first started podcasting about wine, in late 2004, there were maybe 40 podcasts in the world. But there were even fewer wine blogs and soon I discovered the monthly tasting event called Wine Blogging Wednesday joining on its eighth outing back in early 2005. Over the years I have participated in WBW […]

WBW80: Dry Rosé originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/AGQhCma5w0w/

La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham Meeker

Visiting Tenuta Sette Ponti

Tenuta Sette Ponti vineyards near Arezzo

Before arriving in Italy, I reviewed my tasting notes over the years to survey which Italian wines I'd tasted that I'd like to learn more about. Being more of a new world kind of guy (that is to say wines from anywhere but Europe) the list was short.

In practice, I tasted more benchmark Italian wines at the 2011 Wine Spectator Grand Tour in Boston (full review) than I did most anywhere else so I looked closely at the Italian wines I liked there. One of the more impressive wines I tasted there was the 2008 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno, the $100+ release price flagship wine from Tenuta Sette Ponti.

We were staying just 35 minutes away from the winery so we paired a visit to Tenuta Sette Ponti with a stop at Cortona - the setting for the book and movie "Under the Tuscan Sun". Cortona was great and so was our visit to Sette Ponti.

Sette Ponti Export Manager Stefano Maggini

I always get a feeling I'm in for a good winery visit when the directions include notes about gravel roads and driving over bridges depicted in famous paintings. The one-way Ponte Buriano bridge you cross when driving to Sette Ponti from Arezzo is featured in the Mona Lisa now housed at the Louvre in Paris.

Ponte Buriano (photo credit)

We met with Stefano Maggini, Tenuta Sette Ponti's Export Manager. Sette Ponti derives its name from the seven bridges you'll cross driving between Arezzo and Firenze.

The Moretti family purchased the land in 1950 from the king's family. Antonio Moretti now owns not just Tenuta Sette Ponti in Tuscany but Poggio Al Lupo in Maremma and Feudo Maccari in Sicily.

Old vines, deep roots

The vineyards have a long tradition, but what drew me to Sette Ponti specifically was the international acclaim their wines have earned. Especially Oreno. 90% of the Sette Ponti wines are exported and the United States is their most important market.

It's been Sette Ponti's ability to build off their legacy while embracing the best of modern winemaking techniques that's enabled them to produce wines that can compete on the international stage. Check out this article from Wine Spectator (online subscription req'd) describing how a Sette Ponti consulting winemaker observed the conditions in Italy in the 1980's. Excerpt:

On a visit to a producer in Castellina-in-Chianti, Ferrini suggested crop thinning, a standard viticultural practice that lowers yields in order to increase the quality of the remaining harvest. The proprietor was incredulous. "Cut these vines and drop the grapes on the ground?" he said. "I'd sooner kill my own daughter."

Thanks to Sette Ponti's outstanding vineyards combined with forward thinking viticulture and vinification, their wines compare favorably with the best wines in Italy. But a more relevant comparison from my tasting experience is Bordeaux. For me, Oreno shows best as a serious sit-down wine meant to be savored with indulgent meals on special occasions.

Oreno and Crognolo aging in French oak barriques

Oreno is a blend of Bordeaux varieties. 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot. Although those varieties are familiar to California wine enthusiasts it's therefore surprising how much more accessible (that is to say easily enjoyable) its >90% Sangiovese sister wine Crognolo is.

Oreno and Crognolo - the cornerstone wines of Sette Ponti 

And Crognolo is much more affordable - it carries a release price of just $33 vs. $107 for Oreno.

Crognolo is big on the nose with rich fruit and supporting tar notes. It's fresh with subtle enjoyable toasty oak influence and firm but semi-sweet tannins. Very, very nice. 95 points James Suckling - great call.

I found it for around 17 euro at the supermarket in Italy but it's not much more in the US if you catch it from a discount retailer.

Try the affordable Crognolo, especially for immediate consumption

Don't get me wrong - the Oreno is terrific. Especially if you can catch it on a deal. But for me, for immediate consumption - Crognolo is the discovery here.

We tasted through other wines in the Moretti portfolio. Poggio Al Lupo (perfume,black licorice, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, firm tannins). Orma (situated between Ornellaia and Sassicaia, Merlot/Cab/Cab Franc, very nice, appealing purity of fruit). Good stuff.

And the Feudo Maccari wines from Sicily showing Nero d'Avola's juicy "drink now" characteristics very well. I spotted a great deal from Vino Divino on the Feudo Maccari  Nero d'Avola just yesterday. Definitely check that out if you're in Massachusetts.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Tenuta Sette Ponti was our first winery visit out of four while in Tuscany. It was a fantastic stop and it was great to taste Oreno on-site and compare it to other wines in their portfolio.

Crognolo was the discovery of the visit for me. Sort of the Clio to El Nido price and quality wise. Highly recommend. Find it on CellarTracker and Wine-Searcher.

Oreno is their flagship wine you've got to try. Find it on CellarTracker and Wine-Searcher.

You may notice that both of these wines sell in the US for significantly less than their release price. Especially the Oreno. For example (magnums for $111). I asked Stefano about this and he acknowledged that there's a bit of a grey market for their wines whereby distributors in some countries sell direct to retailers in other countries. My advice: Buy from trusted retailers you can trust who care about he provenance of their wines.

So my recommendations based on this visit is to buy Crognolo for an affordable outstanding Sangiovese, get a taste of Oreno to establish a relatable frame of reference for the great wines of Italy, and explore the other bottlings in the Moretti portfolio.

Check 'em out:

On the web: http://www.tenutasetteponti.it
Follow them on Twitter: @TenSettePonti

Next up: A visit to Casanova di Neri. I'd love it if you subscribed to The Wellesley Wine Press for future updates.

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Sparkling White Wine Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray Arrowood

Margarita at Johnny Utah?s ? The Vault

Tequila, triple sec and fresh lemon or limejuice?these are the ingredients of a standard margarita. The proportions may differ and orange liqueurs can be used other than triple sec may be used. Johnny Utah?s, a Western-style restaurant situated in New York?s Rockefeller Center, has both a mechanical bull capable of rendering you eternally paralyzed and […]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/HNi1qvOigoo/

Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone Fisher

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/cahors-2005-le-combal-cosse-maisonneuve.html

Fisher Foxen Girard Groth Keenan Cab

Test Kitchen video tip: Choosing a bread wash

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/test-kitchen-video-tip-choosing-a-bread-wash.html

Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne

Weekend reading from the blogs and beyond

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/weekend_reading_from_the_blogs.html

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G.D. Vajra in Barolo ? ?clean traditionalist?

Giuseppe Vaira was caught in a fight when he was in elementary school. It wasn?t the sort of meet-you-at-the-bike-racks kind of thing. No, it encapsulated what might happen only to the son of a winemaker, or even the son of a Barolo winemaker. He was classmates with two other kids who were also from wine […]

The post G.D. Vajra in Barolo – “clean traditionalist” appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

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Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli

Time to Sniff, Swirl, Spit

Two weeks from today, nearly 100 international wine judges will converge on Fairplex to sniff, swirl and spit their way through more than 3,000 wines – all in attempt to�crown the best of the best. �The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition begins May 27. Right now, wine staff are busy preparing the thousands [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=39

Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV

Eater Inside: Find A Hangover Cure at The Griddle Cafe at SLS Vegas

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/26/find_a_hangover_cure_at_the_griddle_cafe_at_sls_vegas.php

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Examining Wine Blogging: The New Publishers

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/HtQKji-boyU/examining-wine-blogging-the-new-publishers.html

Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne

The Perils of Posting On April Fools? Day

Back in the day, I participated in April Fools pranks with posts that hopefully brought a smile to the face of the reader. But after one such post fell flat, even garnering angry comments years later, I decided to hang it up. Face it, wine is not that funny to begin with and most wine […]

The Perils of Posting On April Fools’ Day originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia

Eater Inside: Katsuya by Starck is Truly An Eyeful At The SLS Vegas

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/25/katsuya_by_starck_is_truly_an_eyeful_at_the_sls_vegas.php

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Dissing Mothers and What I learned at the Wine Bloggers Conference

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/GezRYRf7o_Y/dissing-mothers-and-what-i-learned-at-the-wine-bloggers-conference.html

Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

A first timer's visit to Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape and Ch�teau de Beaucastel

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/08/a-first-timers-visit-to-ch%C3%A2teauneuf-du-pape-and-ch%C3%A2teau-de-beaucastel.html

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Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/26/heres_the_menu_for_the_nice_guy_opened_august_22.php

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OTBN 13: A Night of Regret & Discovery

Although I was an avid and longtime reader of Dottie Gaiter and John Brecher’s weekly Wall Street Journal wine column, I never have participated in Open That Bottle Night (OTBN). Started in 2000, the event was created as an excuse to open a special wine that remains for whatever reason languishing in your cellar. I […]

OTBN 13: A Night of Regret & Discovery originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV

Wired Tests Wine Preservation Systems, Picks Correct Winner

Private Preserve has been my choice for years. via Wired Wired Tests Wine Preservation Systems, Picks Correct Winner originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Wired Tests Wine Preservation Systems, Picks Correct Winner originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/jdtpv_fazm4/wine-preserve

Champagne Sparkling White Wine Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray

Coffee is the New Cupcake: Alfred Coffee Getting A Stylish Third in Brentwood

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/27/alfred_coffee_getting_a_stylish_third_in_brentwood.php

Lyeth Markham Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge

Quick takes: Questioning the IMW; rebuffing Resy

“The IMW is little more than an elitist club, accessible by invitation only, designed to keep the riff-raff and rabble out.” Such is one nugget in a trenchant opinion column on the Institute of Masters of Wine that appears on Harpers.co.uk. Be sure to check out the comments. * * * * What to do […]

The post Quick takes: Questioning the IMW; rebuffing Resy appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

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Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc

Visiting Kosta Browne at The Barlow

Kosta Browne Winery at The Barlow in Sebastapol

When I visited Kosta Browne a couple years ago they were in the process of building a new winery. Their space at the time was in an old apple processing facility and it was functional but not much to look at. "No stone gardens here!" was one of their favorite lines.

The no-frills approach worked fine in their formative years. They didn't have a need for a public tasting room since most of their wines are sold out via mailing list and to restaurants. But as the winery has grown they needed more space.

Functionally and aesthetically I think they hit a home run with their new spot in The Barlow - a very cool collection of artisinal food and drink producers in Sebastapol along Highway 12.

We enjoyed lunch at newly opened Vignette - a trendy Neapolitan-style pizza place. Michael Browne happened to be having lunch there too, as were many other Barlow tenants and visitors. Other wineries include MacPhail, and La Follette (just tasting rooms) as well as Wind Gap (which along with Kosta Browne produces wine on-site).

We met with Tony Lombardi, Director of Brand Management & Public Relations. He's really come into his own in this role and fits the Kosta Browne style perfectly. Easy going about the product, confident about the quality, and enthusiastic about sharing the story with fans of the brand.

Courtyard within Kosta Browne's space at The Barlow
Tony Lombari (left) and me (Robert Dwyer) on the right

They've got a very cool outdoor space with seating areas and fire pits that's already serving them well for gatherings. Benefits and events for mailing list members will be ideal here.

Their space at The Barlow includes winemaking facilities with room to grow. Separate areas for cellaring and offices are in adjoining buildings.

They're producing some volume these days but there's
room to grow into this new space

With a number of successful harvests behind them they knew exactly what they wanted in the new facility. I got a sense they took note of every thing they didn't like about their prior place, remedied it, and made this the perfect winemaking facility for their current and future needs.

I don't know much about grape presses but I'm guessing these Buchers are the bomb

The interior looks like a Restoration Hardware catalog and the space is divided up brilliantly. Clubby leather chairs for gathering around a fireplace in one alcove, long tables for sit down tastings in another. Although there's not necessarily a "tasting room" in the typical sense there are plenty of ideal areas in the winery to taste wine.

We tasted through their 2012s in their kitchen which features a wall of glass looking into the cellar and is set up for cooking events and informal tastings. Spacious and elegant but comfortable. It's like tasting wine at your rich friends' house. Kosta Browne feels like a group of guys who enjoy the good life and enjoy sharing it with their friends.

Me (Robert Dwyer) on the left, Tony Lombardi on the right

Their 2012s are gorgeous, like most vintages of Kosta Browne I've tasted. Each time I think "I've got too much KB clogging up my cellar waiting for a special occasion" I'm reminded why I like their wines so much. I popped a 2010 RRV the other night and it was so totally satisfying. They're right on the corner of high quality and delicious.

One wine that's truly amazed me each time I've tasted it is their Chardonnay. They've only been making it a few years and they don't make a ton of it but the nose on this wine is magical. Lemon curd and sunshine for days before getting serious on the palate. They've got the Chard on sale at Zachy's at the moment at a nice price considering how hard it is to crack their mailing list and how much fully loaded costs can be. I'd hardly ever consider paying $50 for a California Chardonnay but I'm thinking of getting a couple bottles.

The Pinots were terrific. The Russian River Valley is always a favorite and this vintage didn't disappoint. My first time trying the Santa Lucia Highlands (I've never been allocated any) and it was nice too. But the Sonoma Coast was probably my favorite of the appellation bottlings. Just absolutely classic California Pinot Noir.

For single vineyard Pinots, we tried the Keefer and Kanzler. Both were a bit darker in style overall than the appellation wines but the single vineyards were satisfyingly serious with a ton of complexity and undenyable site-specific markings. They were both great but the Keefer was probably a bit more to my liking that day. I'd love to go back and spend more time focusing on the wines but it's always such a fun relaxing time at KB I try to just take it all in.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Kosta Browne's new facility at The Barlow is an amazing place. They're not open to the public but if you're on their mailing list it's absolutely worth dropping them a line to ask for a visit - even if you've recently visited them at their old location.

You can join their mailing list here. It took me 2 or 3 years to get an allocation but that was a few years ago. That was before they won Wine Spectator Wine of the Year (for their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir) but production levels have increased gradually over time so there's hope!

This visit reminded me I should keep buying their wines in moderation and giving myself permission to open them without needing a special occasion. They're pricey but I think relative to the quality they're a value. With shipping to MA hopefully opening next year fully loaded costs and ease of shipment should improve the equation further.

At the end of our visit the guys from Michael Browne's new project CIRQ stopped by to take us on a vineyard tour. Can't wait to tell you about it. I'd love it if you subscribed to the WWP for future updates.

Climate controlled large-format "trophy" room at Kosta Browne
Me, Ken and Damon from CIRQ, Tony from KB and my childhood pal Nick

Photos by the amazing John Corcoran

Question of the Day: What's been your experience with Kosta Browne wines lately? On their list? Still waiting for an allocation? How long does the wait list take to crack these days?

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Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring Lyeth

Domaine Pierre Usseglio

I frequently participate in press-wine tastings in Copenhagen. Normally its about tasting the recent vintage or vintages from a particular wine producer - maybe with one or two older vintages. Nothing wrong with that. Its always the latest vintage that is going on the shelves and where the need for good press is welcomed.
But I [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/42/domaine-pierre-usseglio/

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

Eater Inside: Cleo, Where A Love For Egypt Abounds at the SLS Vegas

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/25/cleo_where_a_love_for_egypt_abounds_at_the_sls_vegas.php

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

In Anticipation of Cruising the Rhone River

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/07/in-anticipation-of-cruising-the-rhone-river.html

Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger Eno Far Niente

Farmers' market is NOT a Grand Prix casualty

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/farmers_market_is_grand_prix_c.html

Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo Dolcetto

New season of Masterchef starts tonight

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/new_season_of_masterchef_start.html

Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone

What Makes A Wine ?Authentic??

As is often the case, Steve Heimoff has posted a “think piece” on his blog today. And judging by the relatively few comments at the time I write this most readers are just doing that; thinking. His post is on authenticity in wine and how difficult and subjective it is to define. In the end, […]

What Makes A Wine “Authentic”? originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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Foxen Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard

Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart

I’m sitting here in my new home office with a fresh perspective and a touch of the misties, as in misty-eyes.� Rich and I have been moved into the place for just over a month and it has made a huge difference in how we feel about things.� I now recognize that we were both […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/thank-you-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart/

Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne Marsanne

One Year In: Little Beast is Eagle Rock's True Neighborhood Gem

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/26/little_beast_is_eagle_rocks_true_neighborhood_gem.php

Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo