Neat Thoughts About Food, Wine, Travel & More
Laurent Miquel produces Viognier exclusively and from sipping this affordable little number, I’d say he knows what he’s doing.
On the nose, it’s hugely fragrant with lots of intense floral notes jumping out of the glass. In the mouth, it continues on the floral path with ripe pear and peach flavors.
Pairings: Raw oysters or clams. Bouillabaisse. Pork chops.
Style: White
Grape Type(s): Viognier
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Around $12
Beautifully-made Napa Cabernet. Deep purple in the glass, this wine displays a deep berry, very fragrant nose in the glass. In the mouth, it’s rich and well-balanced with plummy qualities and traces of coffee and cocoa.
Wish I could put a couple cases in my cellar to drink in 10 years.
Pairings: Grilled beef. Cheese course.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Around $60
One super wine. It’s big and bold yet refined. Made from 100 year-old vines, this wine tastes of jammy sweet red fruit with deep earthy flavors and fine tannins.
If you ever have the chance to sample this Portuguese wine from the Douro region, jump at it.
Pairings: Grilled beef or lamb. Pasta with red sauce. Macaroni and cheese.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Sousao
Region: Douro, Portugal
Around $80
Domaine Pascal Cotat
The pale green color of this wine in the glass is a little deceiving to what this rich wine tastes like. On the nose, it’s an explosion of tropical fruit. In the mouth, it’s opulent with juicy grapefruit, lime and papaya. Nice mineral levels that complement the lushness of this Sancerre. This wine has a 14.5% alcohol level and can improve with some cellaring.
Style: White
Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
Around $50
Yes, I’m continuing my homage to Merry Edwards, but this time, it is not Pinot Noir I’m clamoring about, it is Merry’s delicious 2010 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc.
On the nose, this wine is floral with a ton of tropical fruit notes. On the palate, there is pink grapefruit, Meyer lemons, a drizzle of honey and Asian pear.
The wine’s six month fermentation in seasoned French oak barrels created a Sauvignon Blanc with real backbone and depth. This isn’t a pale, watery Sauvignon Blanc made to be sipped as an aperitif on a hot summer day. It’s a rich, well-balanced, bright wine that is wonderful paired with fish or seafood but can also hold its own with spicy dishes.
Super wine for fans of Gewürztraminer and dry Riesling. A bit of a splurge for some Sauvignon Blanc drinkers, but certainly worth every penny.
Style: White Wine
Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musque
Region: Russian River Valley / Sonoma, CA
Around $30
I simply love this wine. It’s not easy to come by in New Jersey, where I live, but when I’ve been able to secure a few bottles, I’ve enjoyed it tremendously.
The 2006 Tantara Bien Nacido Adobe Pinot Noir is dark ruby in the glass and pretty full-bodied for a California pinot noir. On the nose, there’s a ton of dark raspberries with notes of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, it’s all about ripe cherries with lots of earthiness, cherry cola, allspice and notes of mocha. The finish is long and silky/velvety. Just a perfect wine paired with roast chicken, wild mushroom risotto or grilled salmon.
Tantara Winery is a smaller producer and only about 200 cases of this little gem were produced, so get your hands on a bottle and enjoy. Read about my love of Tantara here.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Central Coast, CA
Around $50
I have had the opportunity to visit Merry Edwards’ beautiful vineyard and tasting room and can say she makes some of my favorite pinot noirs. At a recent dinner party, I served the 2007 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to the pleasure of my guests.
This wine is dark ruby in the glass. On the nose, it’s pure Russian River pinot noir – ripe, dark berries with layers of earthiness and peppery notes. On the palate, it’s rich, velvety with tons of juicy cherries. The finish is long, elegant and silky.
If you don’t want to splurge on one of Merry’s single vineyard wines, this is an amazing wine at this price point.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley / Sonoma, CA
Around $45
The Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir is pale in the glass but medium-bodied and bright with juicy berries and cherries on the palate. There’s a silky mouthfeel to this wine and there are notes of fir, pumpkin pie spice and cracked pepper. Classic Burgundy in style and delicious at this price point.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Finger Lakes, NY
Around $20
Vibrant purple in the glass (like it already). There’s a little smoke on the intense ripe fruit nose (like it even more). On the palate, it’s a mouthful of cherries with a medium body that offers a long sweet finish (love it).
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Burgundy, France
Around $25
I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir was among them.
I’m a huge fan of Pinot Noirs and enjoy Australian Pinots so was looking forward to trying this one.
In the glass, the wine is ruby and appears to be of medium weight.
On the nose, it’s typical Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir – bright cherry, ripe strawberry with notes of oak. A bouquet that’s right up my alley.
On the palate, this Australian Pinot Noir is lively with ripe berries, touches of clove and nutmeg with oaky notes. Light tannins are displayed on the long finish.
An affordable addition to one’s cellar.
Around $13.
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