April Wining

April was a great wine month. I only have a few bottles for now; I spent a weekend in Napa, California and the Midwest Winefest was held in Wichita in April. I will be posting tasting notes from the Winefest soon. Tee Napa trip will be coming also, got to finish typing notes and sorting pictures.

2014 Bodegas Filion Garnarcha, Calatayud, Spain.

"The 2010 Filon was sourced from 30- to 40-year-old vineyards. It offers up notes of smoke, mineral, and wild cherry that mingle with layers of ripe cherry fruit on the palate. A bit more elegant than the Retorno bottling but no less pleasurable, this savory offering over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.". Stephen Tanzer, 90 Points. Producer The winery is located in Villarroya de la Sierra, one of the highest areas of the Do made of Paleolithic materials, mainly quartzite and slate. In addition the soils have the right organic content, which provide sufficient nutrients to the plant with proper aeration. The climate offers little rain and large temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Real nice little sipper, went well with foods. Still young, but not something I would age very long. Good acid balance but no tannins.

2011 George DuBoeuf Fleurie Gamay, Beaujolias, France

The name of the wine "Fleurie" evokes the flowers, which the company "Duboeuf" adorns the labels of its wines. Perfectly balanced cuvée "Fleurie", one-eighth of which matures in new oak barrels, has flavor, characteristic of classical Gamay - with hints of wild strawberries and rose petals, cedar nuances.

Wine Spectator: 90 Points

Well-focused and fresh, this stylish red offers creamy flavors of blackberry puree, plum pudding, graphite, anise and smoke. Well-knit, with supple tannins. Drink now through 2020. 5,000 cases made

Stephen Tanzer: 87 Points

Brilliant ruby.  Raspberry and candied flowers on the fragrant nose.  On the jammy side, offering plush red fruit flavors that spread out to coat the palate.  Comes up a bit short on the finish but offers plenty of appealing, straightforward fruit.

You usually don’t drink anything from this region after a few years. I got this on close out and it still stood up nicely, with the fragrant nose and nice fruit flavors and balance. I wouldn’t keep it very long, but great for Spring and Summer drinking.

2014 Simone Scalletta Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Red ruby brilliant color with violet reflections, it opens on the nose with fresh and fruity aromas of blueberry and violet and velvet notes of almond. In the mouth it expresses harmony and pleasantness, with an almond note at the end. Even if it may be drunk when still young, it doesn’t fear ageing for some years.

Dolcetto is not a real common Italian wine for most Americans, but I have had a number of nice ones. This wine showed very well with the Italian meal served with it – could have stood to even heartier fare like lasagna.

2012 Vietti Tre Vigne Barbera d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Ruby purple color with ripe red cherry aromas with hints of mineral and vanilla. A dry, medium bodied red wine with refreshing acidity (making it perfect to pair with food) and soft tannins, the Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne is well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a finish of more red cherries.

I have had many Barbera’s – some god, some not. This is one of the better ones I’ve had – always stick to Italian ones, California ones have always disappointed. Went well with the meal and was very popular at the tasting/meal. Perfect for a true Italian dinner.

Time "March"es on

March came in like a...

2012 Colonia Las Liebres, Bonardo, Mendoza, Argentina

The Bonarda grape varietal in Argentina has experienced a contested and confused history. At one time classified in Argentina as Bonarda Piemontese from Italy, recent studies contend that it is instead, an ancestor of Corbeau from Savoie, France. Recent genetic tests were conducted in order to compare the Argentine rootstock to those of Piemontese and Corbeau, and the study found identical molecular markers to Corbeau. This same grape is vinified in California and called Charbono. –

A luminous red-purple hue and expressive red and black fruits on the nose provide a strong first impression of the unique Bonarda Argentina grape. On the palate the wine is fresh and lively, with a silky, smooth mouthfeel and nice volume. This wine receives no oak treatment in order to show the purest  expression of the Bonarda grape. Enjoyed best at temperatures from  60-64 °F.

Got this on a close out price of around $8, I’ve had it before for $10. A good version of the Bonardo grape – no oak, very little tannin, but nice acidity for heavier meals. Nicely rounded with black and red fruit and a pleasant, not to long aftertaste. Worth the price.

2011 Il Palagio, Message in a Bottle, Rosso Toscano, Tuscany, Italy

A complex aroma of cherries, wild blackberries and spices.
Sangiovese 70%, Syrah 15%, Merlot 15%
Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months
“…it is my personal opinion that the work that Trudie Styler, Sting and the entire Il Palagio team have done to create a vineyard filled with bio-dynamics and bio-diversity is paying off huge dividends. This wine is fantastically concentrated with pure, elegant expressions of varietals and local terroir. On the nose are huge aromas of wild blackberries/blueberries, musky notes like damp forest floor and wild mushrooms and the sophisticated finish of freshly crushed black peppercorns (thank you Syrah). The palate is fresh, clean, brisk and alive! Medium+ red currant/young raspberry acids work symbiotically with a full, fine yet chewy tannin structure to deliver flavors perfectly in-sync with the bouquet. Excellent balance, structure and concentration, this wine drinks superbly now (thanks to Merlot) but will reward cellaring. Enjoy 2015-2020+”

Of the Celebrity wines I tried, this was without a doubt the most food friendly of the bunch. Good acidity, nice fruit balance with some earth-tones, this would match many different styles of food. Not a bad sipper, it blooms with food.  With a price around $20, this is a good buy and nice wine.  The cork has S O S on it, look up the song from The Police, if you don’t get it.

2013 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged, Red Blend, North Coast, California

The Z. Alexander Brown 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with rich aromas of black cherry, cola and mocha. Bold tannins frame a powerful mid-palate layered with mouth-filling flavors of ripe blackberry, black currant and chocolate covered cherry, as well as subtle hints of baking spice. Smooth and balanced, an elegant finesse defines the long and lingering finish. 

The 2013 vintage produced a record-breaking crop of exceptional quality. Early bud break and a mild, sunny growing season marked by few significant heat spikes and virtually no high winds provided ideal conditions for optimal fruit development. This remarkable vintage resulted in balanced wines with rich mid-palates, bright, concentrated flavors, structured tannins and big personality.                        - John Killebrew, Winemaker

This was a nicely made wine, mostly made of Cabernet Sauvignon, that had a decent balance nice fruit and was a nice wine.  It had a medium body, a fairly rich nose of red fruits and a good finish, with just a little tannin. Not one I was overwhelmed with, although at around $15, it is priced about right.

2011 Arrowhead Red & Gold Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bidwell Creek Vineyard, Sonoma, Ca
The grapes that go into each bottle of Perfect Season are meticulously grown and cultivated to the exacting standards of our winemaking and viticultural teams.  At harvest, grape clusters are picked by hand and placed in small micro-bins to prevent skins from rupturing.  In the winery, whole clusters are first sorted, removing any damaged or imperfect ones, and gently crushed and de-stemmed.  The resulting individual berries are then hand-sorted again before fermentation.  In essence, each berry used to create Perfect Season has been personally selected by our team.
 “There are 306 cases of this gorgeous, sensual, dense ruby purple-hued 2012 offering.... notes of cassis, graphite, chocolate and loamy earth. Full-bodied, opulent and alluring....” 94 Points - Robert Parker
Exquisitely handcrafted by Philippe Melka, the 2012 vintage of Perfect Season is a wine that transports you to a place of quiet thought and reflection. Its intriguing layers reveal themselves slowly and purposefully, and at first, offer aromas of dark sensuous berries, baking spices and the soil from which the wine was born. Alluringly, these expand to include chocolate, fragrant vanilla, and a hint of jalepeno pepper in a long and rewarding finish.  Philippe was joined by viticulturist Jim Barbour in capturing the essence of the 2012 growing season in this extraordinary 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
This is a big, broad shouldered, tannic monster that will lay in your cellar for several years and continue to get better.  The tannins are heavy on the aftertaste, though the fruit is vibrant and shines though in the mid-palate.  Pricey, at $40, but tastes like most of the $100 cabernets that are out there.  If you serve it, cook a big steak to go with it. Anything else  would just be overwhelmed.  Of course, this is owned by the Hunt family, owners of the Kansas City Chiefs.

2013 Wayne Gretzky #99, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Ca.
"The flavors skate around the palate with exotic spices like ground pepper and cumin, black currants, and tea leaves persist. It finishes like Wayne Gretzky, focused on the goal with American Oak, zippy acidity and some tannin structure but still pure finesse." ~Wayne Gretzky Estates
75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Zinfandel, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Vino Rosso

A crowd pleaser, this is a nice little cabernet – not one to age for very long – but good for drinking now. Priced from 13 – 17 dollars, not a bad price. It doesn’t really stand out, but is a decent wine – watch for it on sale. The California Gretzky wines are made by the Foley Wine group.

Hope you enjoy the spring wines. Catch you later, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

February has sped past us

 Before I w(h)ine a little more, I'll say a couple things about the most recent tastes. The area of Southwest France are not known age-worthy fabulous wines. For many years, it was mostly cheap plonk, wines with no distinction and very little flavor. Very little hit our shores because no one would buy it. But like every where else wine grapes are grown, prices for land skyrocket and good vinters seek out other locales to grow good grapes. Many of the vines were ripped out and better varietals were planted. The crops were cut down, to bring more intensity to the remaining grapes and there are a bunch of decent wines coming from this area. Are they wines to keep and try a number of year later? Nah, they are meant to be drunk now and at a price that if you get a clunker, you are not out too much. Now on to the wines!

2014 Domaine LaRoque , IGP Clte de Carcassonne, France


100% Cabernet Franc from the Southwest of France. Situated between the Pyreneese mountains and the Black Mountains, the area is mediterranian weather tempered by the Atlantic Ocean. Decanter said “ Cabernet Franc transfers perfectly to the Southwest France: a nose of raspberries, ripe palate with lovely middle fruit and good acidity. A most charming and interesting wine – Steven Spurrier.


This wine can be bought under $10 – a pretty good example of Cabernet Franc. Not much violet in the nose or taste, but good acidity and overall red berry flavor. I’d buy it again.

2013 Black Beret, Vin de Pays d’OC, Languedoc Roussilon, France

Black Beret is produced in the Languedoc, one of the largest wine producing regions in France that covers nearly the entire south of France. While Languedoc is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, Black Beret comes from the northern part of the Languedoc at the foot of the Black Mountains. As a result, it benefits from cooler weather, which results in a fresher wine with balanced acidity. Black Beret is a joint project between négociant Jean-Christophe Calvet and winemaker Hugh Ryman. Made in the style of the sun-drenched Rhones, this wine will seduce you with its rich, luscious fruit, pepper, spice aromas and soft tannins.

Nice label – the wine has a nice nose; good  red fruit. The mouthfeel is surprisingly lush, with good fruit, spice and a touch of tannins. An interesting mix of Syrah and Grenache – the two blend well, like a Rhone style wine. Another wine around $10 – a really good school night wine.

2012 Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau, Bordeaux, France

A blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. On the palate, it’s full bodied, fleshy, structured and velvety. Good tannic balance; beautiful, savory finish, with long aromatic persistence.

Interesting note, this Chateau ages their wine in both American and French oak. You know something is different – not bad, just different, then you find out about the American oak barrels.

This wine had a big nose, with expressive fruit. Much darker and heavier than the earlier wines described, this big boy had dark fruit and vanilla running through the mouth. The finish lingered with quite a bit of tannic backbone. This is a wine you could age a few years and it would be better – and at a retail of about $20, you can’t miss with this Bordeaux Superior wine.

2011 La Atalaya, Red Blend, Almansa, Central, Spain

Roasted aromas of berry and hickory come with tons of char and BBQ notes. This is thick, almost to the point of being syrupy, while flavors of herbs, blackberry, creamy oak and mint are more savory than bright. If this were any more rich and oaky, it might be considered too fat and heavy.  87 Points, Wine Enthusiast

A big wine that is made of Monastrell and Garnarcha – this is one heavy wine. The review was pretty much spot on, a wine that really needs food, not a porch sipper. Surprising for a wine around $10; match any BBQ or grilled red meat with it.

2011 Terra Prima, Massis del Garraf, Penedes, Spain

Indicative blend: Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Syrah.  Terraprima Red, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Fresh herbs, olives, cherry, and raspberry aromas inform the nose of this racy red.

This wine is a little lighter, somewhat like a pinot. Works well with food, although too heavy of fare will overwhelm it. Raspberry is the prime flavor and the acidic balance is adequate. On sale for $10, well worth another bottle – no real aging potential.

Well - another month - I'll be back at the end of March with some more wines. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out in the grapevines! Dr. Wineaux

Happy New Year

Another year has come and gone

Sorry I'm late - time slipped away too fast.

2005 Ramey Napa Valley Claret

From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky ruby. Finely etched cassis, blackberry, cherry and tobacco aromas are complicated by dried rose and white pepper. Bright red and dark berry flavors are crisp and unadorned (this saw no new barrels), with gentle tannins adding grip to the finish. Ramey told me that this is made from his cabernet press wines and that it's 'for roast chicken, not steak.' " (May/Jun '08) From Robert Parker: "Fashioned from lots culled out from all of David Ramey’s Cabernet projects, the 2005 Claret is a stylish, delicious red that is meant to be consumed during its first 7-8 years of life. It offers up aromas of cherries, underbrush, black currants, and cedar. Evolved and medium-bodied with a silky finish, it will drink well for 5-7 years." (Dec. 2007) From Wine Spectator: "Aromas of strawberry and plum jam are medium-bodied, supple and graceful. Well-balanced and easy-drinking, firming up on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2016. 6,100 cases made." (Jul. 31, 2008)

88 Points | Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

89 Points | Stephen Tanzer's IWC - May/June 2008

86 Points | Wine Spectator

($38) Inky ruby. Finely etched cassis, blackberry, cherry and tobacco aromas are complicated by dried rose and white pepper. Bright red and dark berry flavors are crisp and unadorned (this saw no new barrels), with gentle tannins adding grip to the finish. Ramey told me that this is made from his cabernet press wines and that it's "for roast chicken, not steak."

This wine was drinking wonderfully right now. A good Bordeaux blend from California, it had good fruit with hints of spice. Tannins had mostly gone, but the wine was nicely balanced with acidity and a fairly long aftertaste.  Very nice – received as a gift from the Matt man.

The 2011 Moniker Mendocino County Cabernet Sauvignon begins with pleasant aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, spice and a little vanilla and other oaky notes. When tasting this very flavorful wine you’ll find lots of oaky, spicy notes (the wine spends 14 months in used French oak) along with juicy black cherry, plums, leather and cola. Dry, grippy tannins leads into more juicy fruit streaks plus tobacco notes on the long, lingering finish. Pretty darn tasty right now but I’d venture a guess it’ll be even better in a year or two

94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petite Sirah from Mendocino County, California.

Not bad, but not one for long term keeping.  Fruit was good in it, although the balance wasn’t as refined as I would like.  Consider it a little rough around the edges, but OK for under $10.

2013 Force of Nature Zinfandel, Mossfire Ranch, Paso Robles, Ca.

TASTING NOTES:

Vintage 2013 Varietal  100% ZINFANDEL Vineyard  MOSSFIRE RANCH Clone ROCKPILE  A.V.A. PASO ROBLES Time in Barrel  12 MONTHS New Oak 20% NEW FRENCH, 80% AMERICAN (3yr) Alc. by volume 14.7% Aging Potential  10+ YEARS

Atypical for Paso Robles zinfandel, this gem exudes spicy raspberries in a dusty field of lavender and lilac.  Opulence; an engulfing mouth feel of velvet cherries, rhubarb, brittle chocolate and finely crushed peppercorn.  The finish is uplifting, with layers of bright acidity dancing on fine lush tannin.  Part Primitivo in style, part California zinfandel, this is the progeny of a dusty Paso Robles farmer and a stunning Italian minx.  Drink now through 2015.

The first thing about this wine and other wine from this winery are the striking labels. The picture does not do justice to the actual bottles. Just awesome – you’d want to keep the bottles for your display shelf. Then, the wine is really good – wow.  This is a gentler zinfandel – not all in your face with red fruits.  A refined style, with plenty of mouthfeel and some tannin.  Has red fruit layers, with hints of spice and nice acidity to go well with food. Or not, good as a straight sipper.  This is on sale around $20, a real nice Zin at that price.

2009 Ravenswood Barricia Vineyard, Sonoma  Valley, California

There’s bracing heat in this Zin that’s blended with 20% Petite Sirah. The heat comes partly from the high alcohol, partly from the notes of crushed white and black peppercorns, partly from the charred new oak and partly from the baked quality that marks the blackberry note. Everything about this lusty, delicious wine begs for grilled and roasted meats and poultry—especially game birds.

90 Pts Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker Notes: Ripe black raspberry, cherry pie, cracked black pepper, and spice-driven scents with hints of smoke, dry earth, and new leather add complexity to the aromas classically associated with Barricia vineyards. Delicious, sweet dark fruit flavors at the heart of the wine give way to an intense finish with silky tannins and lingering flavors of blackberries and candied cherries. This is a wine with lovely structure and focus.

Only 600 cases were produced – this is one of the pricier Single Vineyard designates that Ravenswood puts together.  Although the winery was purchased a few years ago, Joel Peterson is still steering the ship and putting his heart and soul into wines like this. What makes this different from the everyday Ravenswood zin? Wow, where to start – modtly everything. This zin is built on a cabernet chassis – the tannins are very large, needing a couple more years to mellow out. The fruit is big and upfront – red fruits everywhere with spiciness, herbs in a tightly structured wine.  Not a wine for the weak of taste, this bad boy is meant for a chunk of red meat. Not cheap, if you can find it, but still under $40. Freak out your “Cab” only friends with something like this!

2013 The Great American Wine Company by Rosenbloom, Red Blend, California

Winemaking - Our blend is made from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each varietal was vinified individually then blended together to create a well-balanced, fruit-forward wine. The Zinfandel forms a fruit-forward base, complemented by the rich color and bold structure of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage 2013 Varietal Composition 74% Zinfandel 20% Petite Sirah 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrel Aging 12 months Appellation California Alcohol 13.0% Acidity 6g/L pH 3.6 Ageability 2014 – 2016

OK - I had about 1 of each of these - this was the best. A zinfandel blend that was good with food, fruit forward, no tannins but very pleasant. Non-red wine drinkers could have this, as well as more novice drinkers. Nice for the price - around $10.

That's it for now, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grape vines!

Merry Christmas!

Just a few wines before the new year!

 

2009 Patrice Rion Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France

A Thanksgiving wine

Red Burgundy has a medium intensity to its color, with purple nuances in youth, becoming ruby and ruby-brick with age. It shows a wide range of aromas, which one would expect from a Burgundy, and its structure, supple and with moderate tannins, allow it to be enjoyed young while ensuring the wine will age.

The Vineyard

Vineyard placement and geology : Brown clay and limestone soil, this wine comes from the same sector as our Bons Batons.

Vine age : 40 years on average

Vinification

 Hand-harvested and scrupulously sorted, the wine is fermented in open stainless steel tanks for around three weeks, then matured in older oak barrels for 15-16 months

Dégustation

To the eye : the wine has a medium intensity to its color, with purple nuances in youth, becoming ruby and ruby-brick with age.

On the nose : a moderate intensity shows notes of small red fruits.

On the palate : silkiness and supple tannins allow the wine to be enjoyed young.

I found this wine to be somewhat washed out – not a great example of Pinot Noir. I’ll admit, it is not my favorite grape, but this was lacking in some of the core flavors – very little cherry, not much earthiness.

2008 Navarro Lopez Old Vine Crianza Tempranillo

Winemaker Notes
Considered the signature red variety of the La Mancha region, the Tempranillo grapes used in this wine come from 30 year-old vines in lime-based soil in the Campo de Calatrava in Valdepeñas, situated at 2350 ft. (716 M) above sea level. The grapes are harvested at the beginning of September and go through carefully monitored fermentation in stainless steel tanks, for seven to ten days, and a long maceration under controlled temperatures not exceeding 82°F (28ºC). The wine is aged six months in oak barrels – 80% American, 15% French and 5% Hungarian – then an additional 18 months in bottle.

Another one from the cheap case – not a bad made wine, just nothing that made it special. A good every day (school nite) wine.

2012 Peju Province Fifty/Fifty     Cab/Merlot

TASTING An expressive wine finessed with elegant intensity, the nose is rich with dried cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, cigar box and vanilla bean. The palate reveals juicy dark plum, Olallieberry, baking spices and black cherry tart.  Finishing with silky, focused tannins our 2012 Fifty/Fifty is enduring; enjoyable now while also cellar worthy.  

APPELLATION napa valley            VINEYARD persephone

COMPOSITION 50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot

COOPERAGE 50% american oak, 50% french oak, 65% new

AGING 16 months                           ALCOHOL 14.6%

TA 6.1 g/L                                            PH 3.67

HARVEST DATE october 2012      BOTTLING DATE may 2014

RELEASE DATE april 2015               CELLARING enjoy now through 2022

I’ll admit, I have never tried Peju Province. I knew they were in Napa, but they just weren’t on my radar. My brother sent me this one .A wonderful bottle that has a very good nose when it opens up, broad mouth-feel with deep red and black fruits, spices and nicely integrated tannins.  If you can snag one, do it!

A night with a Master Sommelier from the Kendall-Jackson Family wines.

I have not been writing much about the West Wichita wine group since I don’t get much more wine than any one attending. In this case, our December 2015 dinner included a guest from Jackson Family Estates.  I was able to get more than the 2 ounce taste of the following wines. I was very impressed with the selections and the wonderful enthusiasm of our guest.

Yes, we all know KJ Vinters Reserve – a tasty Chardonnay with a hint of sweetness and lots of oak. A staple of many of us for years, probably not on our radar any more. This family estate has so much more to offer – I’ll even pick up a bottle of the original chard this spring!

2012 Jackson Estate Camelot Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California

The 2012 Camelot Highlands Chardonnay has aromas of pineapple, mango and papaya with a creamy, lush, rich palate. Notes of cinnamon, candied lime and vanilla creme brulee create an appealing and lingering finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points - "From a cooler climate and gravelly soils, the 2012 Chardonnay Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands comes from 40-year-old, ungrafted vines, is 100% barrel-fermented and aged eight months in 52% new French oak. Abundant aromas of tropical fruits, an opulent, exotic personality, huge richness, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, good acidity and surprising length suggest a Chardonnay that could easily sell at twice the price."

I haven’t had this wine for a few years, but I always enjoyed it.  It is an elegant, tasty and outstanding Chardonnay. Retails for around $28, but is a wonderful bottle that will compare to more expensive Chards. Red wine drinkers enjoy this white with its weighty mouth-feel and abundant fruits that are constrained in a great package

2012 Champ de Reves  Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California

Aromas of cranberry and Chambord punctuated by notes of coriander, rose, juniper berry, brown sugar, and Douglas fir.  Flavors of blueberry, sour cherry, cedar, and savory elements come through on the palate. Juicy acidity, earthy texture, and supple yet substantial tannin structure.

I’ve said Pinot Noir is not my favorite grape. This wine is a great example of American Pinot – I probably like Anderson Valley Pinots as well as many Oregon Pinots. The Boon Ridge, where this is grown, is a great area for the finicky Pinot Noir grape, with the Pacific Ocean only 18 miles away and at a height of around 1,600 feet. Well balanced, silky tannins, this is what I really like in a Pinot noir. Price point is a little high for me at $36, but with Pinots, you get what you pay for.

2013 Edmeades Zinfandel, Mendicino County, California

The 2012 Mendocino County Zinfandel is layered with aromas of wild blackberries, spiced plums, cherries, cracked black pepper, and clove spice.  A round and lush texture, with flavors of blackberry compote and red-fleshed plum, is balance by fine tannins and a pleasing acidity.  Notes of toasted oak, vanilla, cherry cola, and chocolate highlight a warm and juicy finish.

I am a Zin-freak, no doubt about it. Edmeades is a wine I’ve had before – they specialize in Zinfandels. They are up north in Mendicino County, an underappreciated grape growing region. This wine will never be mistaken for a big fruit bomb from Sonoma – it is more refined and elegant. (I know, I’ve used that word before, but it fits these wines) The spice was a little understated for me, but the acidity made it a wine that went well with food. At our dinner, it was overwhelmed by the Grand Estates Cabernet and the Freemark Abbey Cabernet.  At home, it was a very good dinner companion, good fruit and that underpinning of fruit. Wine is available for under $20.

Well, until next year, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

"Wine a little bit and you'll feel better"

November 2015 wines

2011 Domaine de la Janasse, Cotes du Rhone (Reserve), Rhone region France

Domaine de la Janasse Description

Strawberry, black cherry, a tinge of minerality and spices. While Aime works in the vineyards, his son, Christophe Sabon, is in charge of wine production. Christophe is a self-proclaimed "great defender of Grenache," which still represents 75% of their vines. He manages the common rusticity of Grenache-based wines through meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar. The result is a wide range of lavishly ripe, extracted Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhône that are complex and yet balanced with acidity -- often in contradiction to an appellation better known for sheer exuberance and power.

Wine Spectator: 90 Points

Lively, with lots of briar, raspberry and licorice notes framed by a roasted apple wood edge. The juicy, energetic finish brings you back for more. Drink now through 2014. 1,500 cases imported.

I didn’t obtain this wine and drink it until 2015. Despite the Wine Spectator, I would buy and drink this again – a somewhat simple, but tasty Cotes du Rhone; well made and balanced.  Came in my $100 case…

2013 Ticket to Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Deep red, well structured, cabernet sauvignon from colchagua valley. 100% estate grown and bottled.

Ticket to chile is our invitation for you to relax, close your eyes, and experience Chiles unique aromas

and tastes through its wines.  Let your senses savor and enjoy this wonderful journey

to the heart of the colchagua valley. We hope you will come back soon all aboard!

OK – not a highly recommended ticket, passable but not memorable. No obvious flaws, but underwhelming on the palate.

2012 The Great American Wine Company Zinfandel , USA (California)

Winemaker Notes

Rosenblum Cellars is recognized as one of North America’s most acclaimed producers of Zinfandel and Rhone varietal wines. Rosenblum is guided by commitment, craft and a blend of traditional and innovative winemaking techniques to showcase sumptuous wines from the best vineyards and regions in California. Our urban winery has evolved from a passionate home-winemaking operation founded in 1978 into a world-class winery, with numerous gold medals and 90-plus scores. Even with very highly regarded wines, Rosenblum maintains a down-to-earth approachable attitude. According to Wine Spectator, Rosenblum is a "Mecca for Zin-Fanatics."

Vintage - 2012 Varietal Composition -95% Zinfandel 5% Petite Sirah

Barrel Aging - 10 months American oak European oak 25% new oak

Appellation - California Alcohol - 13.5 % Acidity -6.5 g/L pH - 3.75 Ageability - 2014 to 2016

Actually, this was not a bad little zinfandel – not great, but possessed good red fruit flavors and some spice.

2009 Three Rivers Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA

Three Rivers Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2009

 Winemaker's Notes:

97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot Captures the concentration and character of the vintage. The bouquet is explosive with blueberry, cherry, chocolate, currant and smoked meat aromas. The palate is rich, luscious and supple. This is a wonderful example of Eastern Washington Cabernet. Try this wine with marinated skirt steak, filet mignon with a balsamic glaze or beef stew. A true Columbia Valley blend, sourced from top vineyards throughout the AVA: 39% Clifton, 18% Gamache, 18% Wallula Gap, 10% Martinez, 10% Minnick Estate, 3% Seven Hills, 2% Bacchus

It’s been six years since the Foley Wine Group purchased this Walla Walla property, and it wisely has kept winemaker Holly Turner at the helm. She worked with seven vineyards on this vibrant Cab — Clifton, Gamache, Wallula Gap, Martinez, Minnick, Seven Hills and Bacchus — and kept the focus on the fruit. The aromas bring black cherry, red currant and milk chocolate with spice notes of black pepper and clove. Those cherry and currant notes play through on to the palate, which is well balanced with sturdy tannins and good acidity. This wine received a silver medal at the 2014 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Competition.

This was a real keeper out of the $100 case. Very nicely made, good nose of red fruits and a good long palate and aftertaste.  I lingered over this bottle, it was really good.

2011 Mustiguillo ‘Finca Terrerazo’ Bobal, Tierra El Terrarazo (Pago), Spain

Bodegas Mustiguillo

The growers

Consider this a reintroduction to Bobal, and its champion, Toni Sarrion. In the late 1990’s, Toni began a one man crusade to save this indigenous variety and coax it from obscurity and rusticity to the forefront of truly world class wines. Ever evolving and pushing the quality level forward, the NEW releases from Mustiguillo show their recent move in the cellar away from the use of overt American oak as seen in previous vintages in favor of concrete and French oak for wines of finesse & balance, realizing the potential of Bobal from the unique terroir of El Terrerazo. Mustiguillo has been recently recognized for their extraordinary efforts by Wine & Spirits as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2012.

Their land

Spain | El Terrerazo

One of only fourteen Vino de Pagos in Spain, El Terrerazo was granted DOP status in 2010. At an altitude of 800-824 meters, the estate is comprised of 89 hectares of contiguous vineyards on primarily limestone soils. The climate is Mediterranean with a strong continental influence with drastic diurnal shifts in temperature and contrasting winds from the sea to the east and hot La Mancha to the west.

The wine

 100% Bobal - Toni Sarrion champions the variety Bobal, working on clonal selections and strict vineyard management for smaller and looser clusters.   Finca Terrerazo is from two plots, planted in 1945 and 1970 and spends 18 months in French oak.  

Press

 2010 vintage - 91 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar “Sexy, floral black and blue fruits on the nose, with a spicy nuance adding lift.  Plush and broad on entry, then tighter in the the mid-palate, offering lively boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of sweet vanillin oak.  Supple tannins shape the finish, which lingers with impressive tenacity.” - Josh Raynolds  

Bobal was a grape that used to be made for local consumption in Spain.  Finally, serious wine folks realized the grape had potential as a great wine – grown in an area where land wasn’t overpriced.  I have had several Bobal’s – they have been good, but this one was incredible. Matt, my wine guy, found this and put it into our Spanish wine meal at West Wichita Wine Connection.  It was a runaway hit – the wine is dark and deep, with excellent fruits on the palate. It was super with our meal. Pricier then my cheapo case, but well worth the money.

Well, that's all for now. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

Another month and so little time to Wine

Here we go again! Another month and a few more wines

2010 Montevina Zinfandel, Amador County, California

This wine delivers all the zest of Amador County in an accessible package that is perfect for everyday enjoyment. The Zinfandel bursts with aromas of juicy, red raspberries, strawberry, and just a hint of clove and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is soft and elegant and ends with juicy finish. The Montevina Zinfandel is perfect for toasting the simple pleasures of life and pairs well with spare ribs, spicy BBQ or a beautifully grilled hamburger.

Generally, “old” zinfandel lacks the spice and fruity base the wine is known for. This one was OK – still had some fruit and spice but not one you would want to hang on to any longer. Good for the $100 case it was in, wouldn’t look for this vintage – get something newer…

2011 Koyle Reserva, Syrah, Colchagua Valley, Chile

The 2011 Koyle Reserva Syrah is a vivid purple color, with blackberry and violet flowers on the nose. The palate has notes of cassis and espresso flavors. Bright fruit on the palate -- fresh and muscular on the finish, this is a well constructed wine with fine tannins and an elegance finish.

Winemaker Notes

 The grapes were picked in selected lots, coming from Colchagua Valley. The vineyards are carefully pruned, with stringent canopy management and a green harvest. At optimum ripeness, the grapes are hand-picked and brought to the cellar for sorting. The Koyle team select only the healthiest and best clusters for their wines. In the tank, cold maceration (for aroma and flavor extraction) takes place over five days, followed by fermentation over two weeks at 75°- 78° F (24°- 26oC). Finally, warm maceration (to extract just the most rounded and silky tannin) takes place. After this, the wine is aged in French Oak barrels for twelve months. One soft cartridge filtration takes place before bottling.

Serving Hints

This wine is ideally served with oily fish, spicy foods, rack of lamb and Thai foods. 

 Grape Variety: 93% Syrah and 7% Malbec

OK – there is something about wines from Chile. They often start with a bunch of “funk” in the nose.  Maybe more barn-yard, or earthy, but after a short while, it blows off and you get the essence of the fruit. Could be all the organic activity in the country; could be the land or the llamas in the grape vines. Initial nose was full of funk but after an hour it had become elegant. It was even better the second day – good fruit in a French style syrah. Lots of red fruit with a decent aftertaste.

2012 Great American Wine Co by Rosenblum, Cabernet Sauvignon

Like the American spirit, our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold, rugged character. The nose is big and captivating, offering heady dark fruit, cigar box, leather and dried sage. The palate is smooth and supple, with juicy boysenberry and black cherry flavors. It is layered with toasty oak spices, followed by firm tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Pair with big flavors, such as grilled meats or rich pastas.

Vineyard

The stunning California landscape, with its golden hills rolling toward the Pacific Ocean, is grape paradise. Cool maritime breezes temper warm, dry days throughout the growing season, allowing the grapes to hang on the vine well into September and October. This produces excellent fruit with balanced acids and rich, concentrated flavors. Our Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from various vineyards that gave us a range of flavors and textures.

Winemaking

Our Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel aged for 12 months providing toasty oak spices and firm tannins. We blended in Merlot and a small percentage of Petit Sirah to add depth and complexity to the palate.

Vintage 2012

Varietal Composition 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 2% Petite Sirah

Barrel Aging 12 months

 Appellation California

Alcohol 13.5% Acidity 5.5g/L pH 3.6

Ageability 2013 to 2016

This was a decent little bottle – not something I would seek out, except to help with the cause. The nose was the best, the flavors were a little underwhelming for a Cabernet. Didn’t specify the appellation on the label, but pretty typical of fruit from the central plains and Lodi area.

NV Juvé & Camps Brut Rose       

Wine Description

This Rosé Brut is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that come from the newly acquired Feixa 1 vineyard on the historic Juvé y Camps estate. The free run juice undergoes a cold-soak maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel. The resulting wine blends the traditional methods of Juvé y Camps with international flair and flavor.

Tasting Notes

This Cava is beautiful, salmon-pink in color. On the nose, the delicate aromas evolve from notes of fresh red apple and strawberries to hints of honey white flowers and toasted almond. On the palate the texture is rich and creamy with a fine perlage.

Food Pairing

Pair this wine with sushi, salmon pâté, strawberry sorbet, and foie gras.

Yes, I am a sparkling wine lover – this is a wine I’ve had several times and always enjoy. Spanish cava tends to be at a great price point – affordable and a good option when the Chateau Ste. Michelle Brut is sold out.  I really like this in the summertime – the pink bubbly is clean and not sweet – hits the spot on hot days.  Price is always under $20, making it affordable fun.