Friday, 31 October 2014

Dishonesty and Deception Among Alcohol Partisans

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/rQ4mcjhwWUE/dishonesty-and-deception-among-alcohol-partisans.html

Field Stone Firestone Fisher Foxen Girard

Competition Winners Announced

The winners of the 70th annual Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition were announced today and the list is an impressive one! A box wine, a Scotch whisky, repeat winners (Armida Winery and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda) and so much more! Take a look at the winners here then check out the buzz on [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=78

Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring Lyeth

Cameron Hughes, Lot 467, Lodi Field Blend 2012 ($9)

I have written and podcasted many times over the years about by love of California Zinfandel and Zin-lead field blends. The tradition of the field blend was brought to California by Italian immigrants over 100 years ago and some of the most individual expressions of this tradition are still bearing fruit in Sonoma’s Dry Creek […]

Cameron Hughes, Lot 467, Lodi Field Blend 2012 ($9) originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/JctCP-FXY0M/

Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota

Protected: The Zinfandel Festival 2012: A new AVA to be reckoned with

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/the-zinfandel-festival-2012-a-new-ava-to-be-reckoned-with/

Firestone Fisher Foxen Girard Groth

Visiting Fattoria di Felsina in Tuscany

Fattoria di Felsina tasting room
The last of four wineries we visited on our recent trip to Tuscany was Fattoria di Felsina in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena.

One thing that surprised me while scoping out Tuscan wineries to visit is how far apart they are. Compared to Napa or even Sonoma the great wineries of Tuscany are very spread out. Some were as close as 30 minutes away from our villa. Others would involve a 2.5 hour drive. Felsina was one of the closest and we paired our visit with an afternoon in the charming (and understandably touristy) town of San Gimignano.

The wine in the Felsina portfolio that piqued my interest was Fontalloro - a 100% Sangiovese Tuscan IGT that sells for just south of $50 here in the US (review).

Of the wineries we visited, Felsina was the one most prepared to receive visitors in a public tasting room. 
Their tasting room was one of the more refined we visited
As with any winery, you'll want to drop them an email for sure, but they're well equipped to receive visitors and their grounds are polished and inviting.
Take in a glass or two on this patio adjacent the tasting room
Felsina was founded in 1966. Production is centered around the southern-most part of Chianti. They make 450,000 bottles a year, 75% of which is exported. The US is their most important market.
Felsina cellars and grounds
Their cellars are some of the most intriguing I've seen. The form factor of the cellar space has dictated the size of the barrels they can use. They've had large barrels custom-crafted to fit available space.
Cellar dimensions dictates barrel sizes used
The well-kept yet rustic charm and attention to detail was striking.
Striking cellars
Their overall portfolio is broader than I anticipated. Some of the wines we tasted weren't exported to the US. And of the ones expected to the US, some are imported at low volumes.
Broader lineup than I expected
Here are my notes on the wines we tasted which are imported to the United States...

I Sistra (around $20)
  • Chardonnay
  • Light oak
  • Minerals
  • Granny Smith Apple
  • Lemony, bright
  • Refreshing
  • Very nice
2010 Felsina Chianti Classico (around $21)
  • Blend of 11 vineyards
  • Really nice slight touch of oak - hint of caramel
  • Great value
2009 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva (around $25)
  • More structure (than the Chianti Classico)
  • More acidity
  • Firmer Tannins
  • Regular bottling is better for today, this one needs time
2009 Felsina Rancia (around $53)
  • Really nice
  • Big, rich fruit
  • 60% new oak
  • Single vineyard wine
  • Just 13.5% alcohol but full of flavor
  • Discovery of the visit for me
2009 Felsina Fontalloro (around $60 retail)
  • 70% new oak
  • Firm acidity with ample tannins 
  • 13.5% alcohol
  • Rancia shows better for immediate consumption
Franco Bernabei (Fontodi, Ruffino) serves as consulting winemaker.
Thanks to Export Manager Chiara Leonini who served as our gracious hostess.

Conclusion and Recommendations


Fattoria di Felsina is a gorgeous property which manages to preserve its rustic charm and fuse it with refined elegance.

The Felsina Rancia (pronounced raunch-ee-uh) was the discovery of the visit for me. I came in positively predisposed to prefer Fontalloro but the Rancia is even more to my liking. Terrific stuff. Although it's solidly a $40+ wine on You can buy it right now for as little as $32 on Wine.com thanks to some trickery described in this post.

2010 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia ($49.99, $32.49 after discounts)

Check 'em out:
Fattoria di Felsina
@FelsinaWines on Twitter

I'll be summing up our time in Italy with some tips for planning a visiting Tuscan wine country with family in a future post. I'd love it if you subscribed to The Wellesey Wine Press.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/Gn1OtuwBYx4/visiting-fattoria-di-felsina-in-tuscany.html

Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio

SEE-LA hires new executive director

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/see-la-executive-director-hollywood-farmers-market.html

Markham Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche

Alsace and Biodynamics

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2012/10/alsace-and-biodynamics.html

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

Stoudemire dunks himself in a red wine bath

Amar’e Stoudemire, the Knicks’ oft-injured forward who makes $18 million this season, is into wine. Like really INTO wine: he posted a picture of himself on Instagram taking a red wine bath as part of his recovery. The 31-year-old says he has been doing the “mostly wine” baths for about six months. He extolled the […]

The post Stoudemire dunks himself in a red wine bath appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

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Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

Social Media Quick Tip: Tag Your Favorite Wine Brands on Facebook

This is old news for some, but if you haven’t explored the status tagging feature (similar to photo tagging) on Facebook, take a few minutes and check it out. Status tagging can help your winery’s Facebook fan page to become more engaging and vibrant.� Facebook users can type the “@” symbol before a Facebook fan […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/social-media-quick-tip-tag-your-favorite-wine-brands-on-facebook/

Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo Dolcetto

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/scallop-entree-jasnieres-2004.html

Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak

Landon Winery Grande Finale 2002 Tawny port style wine

  I am not typically a big fan of sweet wines, however port / port style wines are the exception to my rule. These particular wines are an artistic approach to indulgence in which you would rather drink than eat your dessert. Not all Texas port style wines are created equal and from my experience […]

Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2014/01/04/landon-winery-grande-finale-2002-tawny-port-style-wine/

Firestone Fisher Foxen Girard Groth

Thursday, 30 October 2014

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

Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc

The Capital Grille Generous Pour 2014

I was in and around Boston a ton yesterday and was reminded once again what a great city we live near. When the Red Sox are playing at home it sets the tempo for the entire city and it's a joy to be a part of.

They were playing the Yankees yesterday which always takes things to the next level - even though the Red Sox have thrown in the towel on the season by trading away their pitching staff.

I wanted to meet up with a friend to exchange wines we'd purchased with each other over the past few months and The Capital Grille's Boylston Street location provided an appealing central location. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the country.


What started off as "drinks and appetizers" evolved into quite a feast thanks in part to their awesome service and The Generous Pour event which runs through August 31st. For $25 with dinner you can enjoy 7 different wines, this year from California and Oregon.

Pro Tip: Valet parking is just $16 even on game day and you can easily walk to Fenway from the restauarant.

We started off a with a bottle of 2012 Juan Gil Monastrell, which was easy to discover with their new iPad-based wine list. No more massive wine list to scan. I just tapped "Region" then "Spain"and voila - there was the Juan Gil. It was my first time tasting the 2012 and it seemed a little less fruit forward than prior vintages for better or worse. I'll have to buy some for closer analysis on my home court but for $40-some dollars on their list (and available south of $15 at retail) I think it's a great buy.


We started off with some Chilled Seared Sushi Grade Tuna and Lollipop Lamb Chops paired with a taste of the 2011 Arrowood "Catchwire" Sonoma Bordeaux Blend. I don't know if it was the power of suggestion of the word on the label or what but it definitely was reminiscent of Bordeaux - a bit green and quite tannic but otherwise a pleasant red wine. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Pro Tip: Sit in the bar area and ask for the Bar Menu

From there we switched things up a bit with a taste of Alaskan King Crab Legs paired with the 2012 Atalon Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. What a terrific pairing! The interplay of the crab legs and drawn butter with the crisp Atalon with soft edges was tremendous. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks but sees a bit of time in neutral oak barrels to give it kiss of sunshine. Really well done. I've been enjoying quite a bit of California Sauvignon Blanc this summer and this wine is an example of why I like it.

Next was a taste of New York Strip Steak, simply prepared medium rare with a trio of sauces on the side: Bernaise, Au Poivre, and the Shallot Butter their famous Kona preparation is paired with. Terrific stuff obviously.

And don't forget the sides: Lobster Mac & Cheese (always a table-favorite), Au Gratin Potatoes, Creamed Corn with Smoked Bacon, and Truffle Fries. It's amazing how well they do sides. Everything really.

This was paired with the 2012 La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. La Crema has been making terrific California Pinot Noir for years. This is their first forray into Oregon and it comes together nicely. It tastes pretty much exactly like what I'd think a La Crema Pinot produced in Oregon would taste like: Appealing soft red fruit aromatics, tea, a hint of Oregon twang in the background. It carried itself just fine with the steak. Nice wine.

Finally for dessert we had their amazing Coconut Cream Pie and Flourless Espresso cake. This was paired with a 2007 Kendall Jackson Late Harvest Chardonnay.

This year's Generous Pour lineup includes a few other wines we didn't taste: a Byron Charonnay, a Freemark Abbey Merlot, and a Caramel Road Riesling.

Conclusion and Recommendations


The Capital Grille's Generous Pour event continues to be one of the best steakhouse wine experiences you'll find. This year's wines are more domestic than ever before, but there are some curve balls: Riesling from Caramel Road rather than Pinot Noir. La Crema from Oregon rather than California for example.

Especially when your server customizes the service of the wine to go with the food you're tasting it can be a really special experience. Definitely check out their Boylston Street location in Boston if you're ever in the area. Especially if you can catch it before, during, or after a Red Sox game. It's a fantastic way to get a feel for the great city of Boston.

Go here for more information about their Generous Pour Event.

Check 'em out:
The Capital Grill
On Twitter: @CapitalGrille

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/6GfQ9Gs1pwo/i-was-in-and-around-boston-ton.html

Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc

Twitter #Weekendeats highlights: Who needs a brownie?

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

Shafer Firebreak Sinskey Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley

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

David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus

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/

St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara

Giggin? and Swiggin? at Shady Lane Cellars

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of being the first performer in Shady Lane Cellars‘ Summer Music on the Patio series. I’ve been a fan of this fine Leelanau Peninsula winery since we first visited the estate back in November of 2009, so this gig was a special treat for me. The [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/Tq-j-4hCCcw/giggin-and-swiggin-at-shady-lane-cellars

Ch. Souverain Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone

Value Alert: 2012 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet 92 WS/$15

Something I tend to lose sight of as I'm thinking about wines in the $15-$30 price range that deliver a good amount of enjoyment and excitement is how universally interesting an outstanding $10 bottle of Cabernet is.

Some time back a reader sent me a link to a retirement speech from NASA Astronaut Michael Collins. At the end of the speech he says that these days he spends his spare time "worrying about the stock market" and "searching for a really good bottle of cabernet under ten dollars."

A lot of people will tell you it's impossible to find a compelling bottle of wine for $10. Don't even waste your time. And a lot of people would say the same after tasting the 2012 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's overly oaked. Too rich. Manipulated. Whatever.

I've enjoyed wines from Columbia Crest over the years a great deal. I remember the first time I went out and bought a case of wine based on a Wine Spectator rating. It was for a Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot Harvey Steiman rated 90 points. You could find it for like $7. I bought a bottle and loved it. I then went back to Marty's in Newton and bought a case. I felt like such a mega deal hound!

More recently Columbia Crest has introduced this H3 tier of wines above their Grand Estates offering. It's been a reliably nice buy for me as well - consistently in the 87-90 point range. The H3 bottling has a release price of $15 but you can find it for as little as $9.99.

Today, Wine Spectator released (subscription required) a 92-point rating for the 2012 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon. That's an insane QPR for a very popular category.

A really good bottle of Cabernet for under $10? Could be.

If you're sleuthing around for this wine online be aware that a lot of retailers will list this without a vintage due to its massive 160,000 case production.

Subscribe to Wine Spectator
Search for it on Wine-Searcher
Buy it on Wine.com
icon
Question of the Day: Have you tried this wine or prior vintages of Columbia Crest H3? What did you think?

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Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli

How About Having a Classy Pack of Beers!

You must know that beer is a drink known to man from olden times and is one of the favourites with most writers. While a number of people enjoy having a less costly and light beer, there are some world?s most luxurious beers also available in the market. One such priciest beer is Brewdog?s ?The […]

The post How About Having a Classy Pack of Beers! appeared first on Vagablond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/axtfw9lKiz0/

Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli

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

Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne Marsanne

FERMENTATION The Daily Wine Blog is Moving On

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/1jaMbvPkQ7I/fermentation-the-dailly-wine-blog-is-moving-on.html

Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Story Edition

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

Words aren’t enough

I give to thee…the worst wine ad of all-time and that’s without delving into the ponderous name of the wine or, why, inexplicably, the back of the laptop in the photo has a big sticker for Ass Kisser ales

…In the main visual, three people are huddled around the boss giving him “Ass Kisser” wine…Isn’t the point of being a brown-noser to do it subtly?  Who randomly gifts their boss right before their employee review? 

image

Even if you view this ad as schlocky hipster irony, it’s still bad and makes you wonder if the advertising sales guy at Wine Enthusiast couldn’t do a solid for his client and suggest creative that, well, actually makes sense.

Or, maybe being horrible was the plan – like a movie that becomes a cult hit a decade hence…so bad that it becomes a lofty ideal for bad, enjoying a following because of its campy nature. 

Bad Week for Eric Asimov?

On both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Eric Asimov, the New York Times chief wine critic was taken to task for different reasons by Matt Kramer at Winespectator.com and Steve Heimoff at his blog of the same name.

This is interesting because wine writers of a certain stature very carefully call their shots amongst their peers.

Normally the shots are fired up (Parker) or down (bloggers), but usually never sideways amongst writers in the same strata. 

To watch Asimov, as seemingly decent of a guy as you’ll find, called onto the rug by two notable wine writers, to me, speaks to something much bigger.

With Parker stepping aside and Antonio Galloni receiving glancing admiration for hitting a stand-up triple by dint of his current position at the Wine Advocate, at the same time that the wheat and chaff are separating with wine bloggers, somebody has to step into the fray as a public foil for other wine writers to target.

Unwittingly, it might be Asimov for reasons entirely opposite of Parker’s hegemony.  Asimov’s palate for wine seems food-friendly and balanced; he takes an egalitarian approach to wine for the people without pretense and he doesn’t score wines.

In other words, Asimov is bizarro Superman to Parker’s swashbuckling empiricism and, perhaps, even a greater danger to the Ivory Tower of legacy wine media than the mere jealousy that passed for poking at Parker.

Just a thought…

It’s all about the story

The wine business has always been excellent at storytelling.  Virtually every winery has their origin story and that of their dirt down pat, even if not very compelling.

So, it is with interest that I’ve been watching Facebook’s recent changes keeping in mind that founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has emphasized emotional resonance, narrative and storytelling – factors that extend well beyond consumers using Facebook to “Tell the story of their life,” as Zuckerberg noted.  This will be inclusive of the brands that use Facebook for engagement, as well.

I was further intrigued after reading parallel news reports that Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), is singing the same song.

He notes in an article in Advertising Age, “Technology innovations are irrelevant to the future of advertising and marketing unless a more fundamental activity is understood, honored and advanced: the craft of storytelling.”

A quick Google search for “Mark Zuckerberg F8 Keynote” and “Randall Rothenberg MIXX Keynote” will yield a number of stories all occurring in September.  There’s no question about Facebook’s influence and the IAB is the thought-leader for digital advertising.  Between the two of them, they present an imposing shadow of influence on digital marketing.

If I were a winery with an understanding that digital marketing is a tsunami of change that is important, I might start revisiting my winery story for some fine-tuning…

Two books that I recommend to bone-up on the elements of good business storytelling are:  The Story Factor and Made to Stick.

On Sweet Wines

In an article this week from the San Francisco Chronicle called “Beginner drinkers get a crush on sweet red wines,”  E.&J. Gallo VP of Marketing, Stephanie Gallo, noted:  “There is a major shift going on in the U.S. wine drinking culture.  First, we noticed that regional sweet red blends were doing particularly well in Indiana, Texas and North Carolina. Second, our consumers were asking if we produced a sweet red wine after tasting our Moscato at events.”

Good Grape readers had the scoop on this months ago when I wrote:

How Sweet it is – The Growing Sweet Wine Trend in early October, 2010

And

Move over Moscato and Make Way for Sweet Reds in February of this year

Just saying…

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

Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese Gamay

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

How to Cancel Wine.com StewardShip (before you forget)

I wrote a post a couple weeks ago about how to maximize the savings associated with Wine.com's $30 off $100 AmEx Sync deal. But it wasn't until this follow-up post that showed tangible examples of the savings that I got a bunch of emails from eagle-eyed deal hounds asking for clarification on whether it was 30% off or $30 off.

In talking to friends face to face about this the past couple weeks I can see there's some confusion on this deal. And a sense that there's a "this is too complicated" feeling about the deal. That's okay. Because out of confusion and complication comes amazing deals if you're willing to do the work. :)

But the deals can be amazingly compelling if you optimize this opportunity. For example, 2012 Caymus for an effective price of $38.99 if you buy it along with a $40 wine like the 2012 MacPhail Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($42.99 is effectively dropped down to around $27.84 with discounts) to get an order at just over $100 and take advantage of all the savings opportunities.

Again, it takes some sleuthing but I think it's worth it. By the way, those links are affiliate links so if you use them I get a commission. You'd be better off shopping through a portal for an additional 5%+ savings (be your own affiliate!) but if you don't want to hassle with portals it would be great if you used these links.

One aspect of the deal that's important is that you avoid being automatically subscribed to their $49/year StewardShip program. It's a fine program but deal hounds know to avoid subscriptions of all kinds if they can avoid it. So be sure to cancel your StewardShip free trial before 30 days are up.

Here's how...

Step 1: Log into your Wine.com account

Step 2: On the left hand side of the page, click "StewardShip Settings"
Step 3: Click "Do Not Renew"

The default setting is for StewardShip to auto-renew. But if you opted *not* to save your credit card on file when you placed your order they, kindly, won't be able to charge it to renew StewardShip.

But to remove all uncertainty click "Do Not Renew" (even though it's greyed out).
Step 4: Turn off Auto-Renewal
Yes, Renewal is spelled incorrectly
Step 5: Confirm membership end date
You can do this as soon as you'd like after placing your first order with them.

If you signed up for multiple Wine.com accounts, be sure to do this for each of them.

Let me know if you have any questions: wellesleywinepress@gmail.com or @RobertDwyer on Twitter.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/ojZdgeJbjYM/how-to-cancel-winecom-stewardship.html

Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/05/76-wynns-cabernet-sauvignon-1957.html

Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger Eno

Would you like a Gold or Silver with that Red or White?

Guest blogger�and wine judge �Stacie Hunt offers some insight into being a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.�Stacie is a�commentator on wine for National Public Radio, a Certified Sommelier (AIS), an international wine judge, educator, journalist and blogger. Everyone has his or her own idea of spring.� In the city, the [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=51

Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer

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

Foxen Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Near-End-of-Harvest Assessment: A Furious September, Moderate Yields, Quality High

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/09/near-end-of-harvest-assessment-a-furious-september-moderate-yields-quality-high.html

Red Wine White Wine Champagne Sparkling White Wine Rose

Vacation Tasting Report: Bachelor Ben's Envolve Winery Pinot Noir

2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things to do while on vacation is check out local shops to see what they have to offer in the way of beer & wine. Long-time readers might recall that South Haven, MI is a place we return to almost every summer and this year was no exception. Here's a blog post from my 9 year old describing why this is such a great place: Go to Michigan!

The best shop in town for wine is The Depot. Every time I go in there I'm amazed at the quality and assortment they offer in such a tiny shop in such a small town. The prices aren't bad either. I like to pick up a few summer beers here too but it's always nice to have some red wine on hand for relaxing evening consumption.

See also: Beer's Inherent Summer Advantage

The wine that jumped out at me this year was a bottle of 2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir. You might recognize the Envolve name from Bachelor Ben Flajnik's involvement. Ben always struck me as a likable regular guy on the show so I made a mental note to pick up a bottle of his wine if I ever saw it around. Curious what Ben is up to these days? This article provides a nice little summary.

Especially after visiting Sonoma last week (Kosta Browne, CIRQ, Radio-Coteau) I was going through California Pinot Noir withdrawal so this bottle hit the spot.

Envolve Winery is a collaboration between childhood friends Ben Flajnik, Danny Fay and Mike Benzinger (yes the Benzinger wine family). Just so there's no confusion: This isn't a winery that Bachelor Ben started to leverage his fame. Winemaking was his thing when he showed up for the show.

Leveraging his fame from The Bachelor to increase the visibility of his wines must be a tricky proposition. Wine Spectator has done a few articles about Flajnik over the yeras. They've rated the Envolve wines mostly in the 86-89 point range. However, I was surprised to find not a single tasting note for their 2011 Lennox Pinot on CellarTracker. That's unusual even for a low production wine.

I was glad I grabbed it for $35 since it carries a retail price of $59. After tasting the wine I was even more pleased. Here's my note:

2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir
14.8% Alcohol
$59 Release Price

Appealing black cherry, cola, and dried herbs on the nose. The mouthfeel oscillates between round viscosity and ultra-fine tannins. Long, powerful finish. Very nice stuff.

91/100 WWP: Outstanding

Check 'em out:
Envolve Winery
http://envolvewinery.com
@EnvolveWinery

Question of the Day: Have you tasted the Envolve wines? Visited them? If so, what did you think?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/yHnqcVKHIGo/vacation-tasting-report-bachelor-bens.html

Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee

Coming Soon: Cliff Lede Wine Dinner at Del Frisco's Boston

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House in Boston is offering a paired wine dinner featuring the wines of Cliff Lede Vineyards.

Related Reading:
Cliff Lede Vineyards? finest wines perfectly paired with delicious seasonal dishes in five course dinner

WHAT: Del Frisco?s Double Eagle Steak House, one of Boston?s premiere steakhouse destinations know for it?s juicy, prime steaks, exquisite wines and exceptional service, invites guest to explore the bold and flavorful wines of Napa Valley winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards. Cliff Lede General Manager, Lee Abraham will be onsite to meet with guests.

Guests will enjoy a five-course seasonal dinner perfectly paired with a selection of the vineyard?s finest wines.

To make a reservation, please call (617) 951-1368. For more information, please
visit www.delfriscos.com.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17th - 6:30 p.m.

COST: $195 per person + tax and gratuity

WHERE: Del Frisco?s Double Eagle Steak House, 250 Northern Avenue, Boston

2014 Cliff Lede Wine Dinner 

Passed Appetizers

2013 FEL Pinot Gris

Beer Battered Alaskan King Crab Bites
Sam Adam Noble Pils Beer Batter, Blood Orange Remoulade
Oysters on The Half Shell
Melon Gastrique

Second Course

Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc
Cirtus Poached Sea Bass
Sea Bass poached in a citrus broth, White Peach Salsa

Third Course

Cliff Lede Pinot Noir
Three Season Lamb Lollipops
Black Cherry Compote, Wild Mushroom and Thyme Demi, Pomegranate Cola Syrup 

Dinner Course

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon
Bone-in Filet
Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Reduction, Smashed Potatoes, Glazed Baby Brussel Sprouts

Finale

Moondance Dream Cabernet Sauvignon
Chocolate Tasting
Truffles, mousse, mini chocolate pastries

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Shafer Firebreak Sinskey Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley

Are all Groupons created equal?

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

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

Telegraph Hill Luxury Robes

If you are looking for a special gift for pretty much anyone, look n further than one of the luxury robes offered by Telegraph Hill. The robe I chose was the Chocolate Seersucker. It is made of 100% miccrofiber, and may be one of the most comfortable garments I have come across. The microfiber was […]

The post Telegraph Hill Luxury Robes appeared first on Vagablond.

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La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham Meeker

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/duck-duck-moose-i-attended-tasting.html

Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/mencia-bierzo-2005-pittacum-this-is.html

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

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/newer-franc-chinon-2006-lhuisserie.html

Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring

Wine around $20: Copain Syrah Tous Ensemble

The signature characteristic for syrah from the Northern Rhone is an alluring savory character with a note of black olives. This Copain Syrah, “Tous Ensemble,” 2011, comes from three vineyards in Mendocino County and sees nine months in neutral oak. It’s in the Northern Rhone vein, favoring restraint instead of anything over the top–no “gobs” […]

The post Wine around $20: Copain Syrah Tous Ensemble appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/7NxaVhTNpw8/

Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger

Wine shops as jewelry stores?

The good folks over at NPR’s Planet Money had a short piece on pricing at jewelry stores recently (Episode 572, mysteriously not on their website). Frustrated with why jewelry stores hide the price tags of items in the case, the reporter wondered whey they would do that. It turns out that then shop owners can […]

The post Wine shops as jewelry stores? appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/4ZJvcoGDaMY/

Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone Fisher

The Liberty Hotel ? Boston, Massachusetts

Luxurious?yes. Elegant?yes. Comparable to any other hotel?nope. The Liberty Hotel is a perfect storm of all the elements you would expect from a historical landmark turned luxury hotel. The Liberty Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Boston?s Beacon Hill neighborhood near just a stones throw from the Charles River and its Esplanade. What […]

The post The Liberty Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts appeared first on Vagablond.

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

Monday, 27 October 2014

L. Mawby Fall Food Truck Fun

I just got wind of what promises to be a very cool series of events put on by our friends at L. Mawby Winery in Sutton?s Bay, Michigan this September and October. They?re partnering with area food trucks each Saturday to pair good food and fine bubblies in what they?re calling Food trucks + bubbly [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/uvC7q9rNmr4/l-mawby-fall-food-truck-fun

Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat

Your weekend dining PLUS

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/your_weekend_dining_plus_13.html

Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz

?Hock, Moselle And The Rest?

I recently began rereading George Saintsbury’s classic, “Notes on a Cellar-Book.” The 1920 volume was one of my first wine books read back in the early 1980’s that I had not thought much about since. With time – and much more context and experience with wine – I am finding the book a fascinating window […]

“Hock, Moselle And The Rest” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/vCcjl5q3VIo/

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

Food FYI: On the menu -- rat meat

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/food-fyi-rat-for-dinner-1.html

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

SEE-LA hires new executive director

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/see-la-executive-director-hollywood-farmers-market.html

Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen Benziger

Academy of Wine Communications:Twitter Basics Immersion for Wineries

Our next meeting of the Academy of Wine Communications here in the Finger Lakes will be followed by an interactive Twitter Basics Immersion for Wineries for AWC members.� The meeting and seminar will be held at Ravines Wine Cellars on Keuka Lake thanks to their offer to host us and let us utilize their wireless […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/academy-of-wine-communicationstwitter-basics-immersion-for-wineries/

Red Wine White Wine Champagne Sparkling White Wine Rose

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/cant-hold-sulphites-there-are-lot-of.html

Dolcetto Malbec Red Wine White Wine Champagne

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.


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.


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

Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer

A Doon Quintet

Now that I have a little down time after lots of singing and playing during the summer, I?ve been going through various folders to try and catch up with posting notes on some damned good wines we?ve tried over the last few months. For instance, the 2013 Bonny Doon California Vin Gris de Cigare that [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/BXnnBnly5Fo/a-doon-quintet

Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring

Bingo! Play the Wine Spectator New York Wine Experience Game

Can you believe it's almost time to fire up the Scoop the Spectator 2014 contest? If you're not familiar with the format here's how last year's game went.

While we're waiting for that exercise I thought it would be fun to have a warm-up game. More of a puzzle really, that's targeted at identifying the best wines to taste at this year's Wine Spectator New York Wine Experience Critics' Choice Grand Tasting.

This tasting is similar to the Wine Spectator Grand Tour that occurs at about 3 venues across the country each April. See event reports for Boston, Las Vegas, and Chicago.

But the New York Wine Experience includes several days of programming including sit-down moderated tastings that cost a couple thousand dollars to attend. But within the New York Wine Experience you can attend just the Grand Tastings which are Thursday and Friday night October 16 and 17, 2014. The cost of just the Grand Tasting is $275.

Now, $275 might seem like a lot of money for a wine tasting. And it is. But from past experience at Grand Tour events I can say that these tastings are the best I've found anywhere for enjoyably establishing a relatable frame of reference for the world's greatest wines.

Wine Spectator Senior Editor James Molesworth shared this blog post about strategies for getting the most out of the event.

At first glance I thought the vendors were set up in random fashion as opposed to by region. But thanks to James' article they're set up progressively by weight. So you could sweep across the room going from Pinot to Port as you'd normally do in any tasting. Clever! Maybe Urban Grape's progressive retailing layout is catching on.

But here's the puzzle. Identify the grouping of the most amazing wineries you can find in the floorplan. For example look at this blockbuster grouping. Kosta Browne, Schrader, Flowers, and Black Kite. Talk about a crash course in the great wines of California.

Here's another favorite. Harlan, El Nido, and Gaja. What an amazing combination of Italy, California and Spain. Brilliant! And I didn't even mention Lafite Rothschild, BOND, Outpost and CADE.

What's amazing about looking at a floorplan like this is that everyone's eyes will gravitate to their categories of familiarity and preference. Is the sparkling assortment amazing here too? Probably but I don't drink much of it so my eyes just pass over them.

And that's where you come in. Have a look at the floorplan below and tell me which little row or cluster has the most amazing wineries pouring.

Here's a link to a pdf or click the images below to enlarge:
5th Floor (click to enlarge)
6th Floor (click to enlarge)
Leave a comment below with your picks for the best row or cluster of wineries to visit - I'd love to hear your thoughts. No prizes. Just sharing experience so others who may be attending can benefit. And for those who aren't in a position to attend can live vicariously through the list.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the New York Wine Experience website.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/OS7AO1aWsFI/bingo-play-new-york-spectator-wine.html

Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger Eno

Sobering: America?s skewed drinking

We know that a third of Americans abstain from alcohol. Another third don’t drink too much. But the Wonkblog has a striking graphic showing that the top decile really pound the stuff, drinking an astonishing ten drinks per day. That’s about two bottles of wine a day. Paging Gerard Depardieu! The data come from Paying […]

The post Sobering: America’s skewed drinking appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

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Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone

Dishonesty and Deception Among Alcohol Partisans

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/rQ4mcjhwWUE/dishonesty-and-deception-among-alcohol-partisans.html

Field Stone Firestone Fisher Foxen Girard

Sunday, 26 October 2014

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Media Edition

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

Rex Pickett

If you’re not reading Rex Pickett’s (author of Sideways and Vertical) blog, you are officially remiss.

Pickett is a gifted writer who cranks out perfectly incubated long-form posts with turns of phrase that are both wry and rich, offering insight into the machinations of publishing, film and stage that few culture vultures grasp.

Pickett recently wrote an extensive (3900 word) post on the reasons why a film sequel to Sideways (directed by Alexander Payne) would not be made from Vertical, Pickett’s book sequel.  In doing so, Pickett offered a discursive meditation on Payne’s artistic pathos and the factors that may be playing into Vertical’s stall on the way to celluloid.

image

Unfortunately, Pickett removed the post after re-publishing a second version that deleted much of the armchair psychologist rumination he originally channeled from Payne’s psyche.  An email inquiry to Pickett on why he removed the post (in either iteration) has gone unanswered.

If I were a muckraker, I would publish the post because Pickett’s deletion of the post from his site did not delete the post from RSS feed readers like Bloglines or Google Reader.  But, I’m not a muckraker…

Hopefully, Pickett will revisit the topic in a manner that is less confessional and more elucidation because it was worth the extended read time.  Until then you can read the other posts on his site and gain tremendous insight into the vicissitudes of the publishing process, what the afterglow is like after capturing the cultural zeitgeist and how he’s helping bring Sideways to the theatre with a stage version.

It’s definitely recommended reading.

A Discovery of Witches

While we’re on the topic of books and authors (and with Halloween around the corner), a reinforcing mention goes to Deb Harkness of Good Wine Under $20.  Earlier this year a little book she wrote called, “A Discovery of Witches” was published and immediately shot up the best sellers lists.  The movie rights were acquired this summer by Warner Bros, likely securing Harkness’ financial future in the process.

While I read fiction infrequently (the last fiction book being Vertical by Rex Pickett), those that I know who can tell the difference between kindling and a classic call A Discovery of Witches “mad genius.”
Any conversation about a wine blogger doing good should begin with Deb Harkness who is now dabbling in rarified air.  Pick up her book if you haven’t yet.

Bargain Wine Books

There’s little doubt, in the prolonged US economic malaise we’re experiencing, that “value wine” and “bargain wine” are hot topics.  Heck, an entire channel of business has been defined with “Flash” wine sale sites.  Given that, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a couple of wine books would be published with this specific focus.

image

What is a surprise is that the books are authored by wine writers with real chops engaged in offering a deeper narrative than the slapdash compendiums of wine lists that has passed muster in years gone by.
Just in time for the holidays, Natalie MacLean has Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines publishing on November 1st and George Taber, a wine writer on a tear with his fourth book in six years, has A Toast to Bargain Wines: How Innovators, Iconoclasts, and Winemaking Revolutionaries Are Changing the Way the World Drinks publishing on November 15th.

An Idea worth Duplicating?

Celebrity deaths come in threes and new wine ideas come in twos.

We’ve seen this duplicative market entry in recent years with winery reservation systems CellarPass and VinoVisit and now we’re seeing it with quasi-wine search engines.

WineMatch and VinoMatch are both in the early stages of launch purporting to help a consumer match their likes with wines they might enjoy.

Meh.  The problem with these sites isn’t that consumers don’t need help finding a wine they like, the problem is that most wine consumers don’t understand what kind of wine they like.  Yes, it’s the tannins that dry the back of the mouth and its residual sugar that makes that K-J so delectable…

By the time consumers figure out their likes and dislikes graduating beyond the “go-to,” they don’t care about having somebody help them “match” their wines to their tastes because they’re on their own adventure.

It’s just my opinion, but these sites face looooong odds of finding consumer success and short of the slick willy seduction that happens with some wineries who haven’t been bitten and as such aren’t twice shy, they won’t find *any* success.  But, I’ve been wrong before, at least once.

Pictures and Pithiness

While we’re on the topic of online wine services, I’m not sure whether I should be happy or aghast that I’ve been a habitué of the online wine scene for long enough to see a derivative – it’s like watching a remake of the movie Footloose when I was saw the original in the theatre.

There’s a new wine site called TasteJive that takes the concept of a wine blog called Chateau Petrogasm, popular in 2007 and 2008, to new heights.

image

Around the premise that a picture is worth a thousand words even if that picture has nothing to do with wine, they have created a site that provides nothing but visual metaphors with a 140 character description for finding wines you might like.

I loved the idea of Chateau Petrogasm, I like the idea of a perfectly crafted 140 character slug, but I’m very uncertain about the community aspect of TasteJive—the users who control the uploading of pictures and descriptions.

As noted mid-20th century photographer Diane Arbus said, “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.”

Not exactly a recipe for success in bumping into a wine.

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

Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo