22 April 2015 2012 Salinia Twenty Five Reasons Petillant Naturel

2012 Salinia Twenty Five Reasons Petillant Naturel

April 22, 2015 By

Salinia Twenty Five ReasonsThe 2012 Salinia, Twenty Five Reasons is a skin-fermented petillant Sauvignon Blanc. For those not familiar with “petillant” is a sparkling wine that contains only half the pressure of champagne.

In the glass, this natural wine is nearly cloudy with fine bubbles. On the nose, it’s light with citrusy and yeasty notes. On the palate, it’s Meyer lemons and a touch of a just slightly sweet fruit, maybe pear. The finish is dry with good balance of acidity and minerality.

Only 420 bottles of this vintage were produced and, as of most wines with cult-like followers, sold out before the labels were printed.

About the name: “In each bottle there are 25 ounces, each ounce, a reason to be passionate”. I’ll buy that. 

Pairings: Lightly-prepared fish or seafood. Perfect as an aperitif.

Style: Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Sonoma, CA, USA

Price: $22

Filed Under: Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
17 April 2015 Virtual Tasting – Montes Winery

Virtual Tasting – Montes Winery

April 17, 2015 By

Montes PantoneSince it was founded in 1988, Montes Winery, the celebrated Chilean winery well-known for 25 years of innovation, has shown a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Montes Winery is certified under the Wines of Chile Sustainable Code, which addresses the wine region’s needs for sustainable practices in three areas – vineyard, winery and community.

In 2009, Montes Winery began studying the impact of differing levels of vine irrigation on the growth of grapes knowing water is a valuable resource that requires responsible usage.

In September 2014, nearly five years after it began studying dry farming, Montes introduced its 2012 line of Alpha wines, comprised of single varietal wines and produced from its Colchagua dry-farmed vineyards.

Through its dry farming techniques, Montes leaves the watering of vines up to Mother Nature. For instances where rainfall is inadequate for proper vine development, Montes supplements with minimal irrigation. Monitoring has shown Montes winemakers that less irrigation results in lower yields of much higher quality grapes.

During the 2013-2014 season, Montes was able to reduce water usage in its vineyards by 65%, an applause-worthy feat.

This week, I was invited to participate in a virtual tasting of three Montes Alpha wines with Montes Chief Winemaker Aurelio Montes. Here are my tasting notes (all three wines are in the $15 range):

Montes WinesMontes 2012 Alpha Carmenère

I sampled the 2012 Montes Alpha Carmenère after decanting for about an hour. Bright red in the glass. Raspberry nose with peppery notes. In the mouth, it’s silky in texture with ripe berry flavors and chocolate undertones.

Montes 2012 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby in the glass, the 2012 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackberry aromas with notes of mocha and leather. In the mouth, this full-bodied Cab is big on dark fruit and ripe raspberries with a nice touch of oak from having spent 12 months in French oak barrels.

Montes 2012 Alpha Syrah

This Syrah is blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier. Inky red in the glass, the 2012 Montes Alpha Syrah offers big fruity/floral aromas with earthy, chocolate notes. Straight out of the glass, it’s bold and full-bodied but an hour of decanting produced a silky texture with plummy/dark fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish.

Over the decades since it was founded, Montes Winery has played a crucial role in enhancing awareness of quality Chilean wines and for raising the bar with regards to premium wines of the region.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chile, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
10 April 2015 Virtual Tasting – Jacob’s Creek Two Lands

Virtual Tasting – Jacob’s Creek Two Lands

April 10, 2015 By

Two Lands WinesI’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those who are new to the concept, here’s how they go:

  • Get wine in the varietal or brand being sampled.
  • Invite some friends to try the wine(s) and experience with you (or do as I typically do – put some yoga pants on and enjoy from the couch with iPad, iPhone and laptop handy).
  • Drink and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other wine fans from around the world using the established hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook (in this case #TwoLands).

The wines I tasted last night were by Jacob’s Creek’s new range of wines, Two Lands, made as a collaboration between the Jacob’s Creek’s Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin, and Napa winemaker, Ehren Jordan. These new and affordable Australian wines are now available in retail outlets across the United States.

Here are my tasting notes for the four Jacob’s Creek wines featured – 2014 Two Lands Chardonnay, 2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio, 2013 Two Lands Shiraz and 2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon.

2014 Two Lands Chardonnay

Bright yellow with a hint of green in the glass. This is a light-bodied Chardonnay with tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth, the flavors were of cantaloupe and peach, not over-the-top fragrant. What I loved most about this Australian Chardonnay was the bright citrusy acidity that gave the wine an almost tangy finish. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed bigger tropical fruit flavors with a touch of oakiness.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken and pork, if prepared in a light manner

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Price: $14

2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio

Very pale yellow in the glass. There are light lemony and aromas and Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zesty citrus note. Nice summer sipper.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif, with fish or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright red in the glass with an intense berry nose. This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers stone fruit and ripe berry aromas with a little apple pie spice on the medium finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats, cheese course 

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Shiraz

Deepest of purple in the glass with a smoky, dark fruit nose. Big ripe fruit and blackberry flavors with a crack of black pepper on the long finish. It’s a baby still and needs some cellaring. Softened up a bit with decanting.

Pairings: Grilled steak, simmered beef or lamb, barbeque ribs 

Grape Type(s): Shiraz

Price: $14

Besides the solid wine in the bottles, another thing I loved about the Two Lands is the artwork on the bottles. Here’s a short video showing the wine label illustration – very cool!

Very solid wines for that unbeatable price point – stock up for your summer parties!

These four wines were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire. Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
25 March 2015 2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

March 25, 2015 By

2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet SauvignonThis is Jean Edwards Cellars’ flagship wine and it’s simply delectable. In the glass, it’s deep ruby and offers ripe cherry aromas laced with mocha, pumpkin pie spice and tobacco. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied with chocolate-covered cherry flavors with earthy, plummy notes – wow, just wow. The finish is medium in length with medium tannins that softened with decanting.

The vineyard the grapes for this wine come from is located on Pritchard Hill above St. Helena on the eastern side of the Napa Valley, where some of the best California Cabs are made.

With neighbors like Hobbs Stagecoach ($150), Chappellet Pritchard Hill ($100) and Bryant ($200), this wine is a bargain at $65 and absolutely on the same level, or better.

Pairings: Beef, lamb, cheese plate.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $65

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
18 March 2015 2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé

March 18, 2015 By

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa RoséWith our winter seemingly lasting extra long this year, when an offer to taste a rosé came about, I couldn’t resist.

In the glass, the color is festive and bright pink. The nose is of intense red berry and cherry aromas. The bright fruity aromas continue on the palate. There’s good acidity and minerality with a slightly tart medium finish.

Pairings: Lightly-prepared fish or seafood. Perfect as an aperitif.

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): Syrah, Aragones

Region: Alentejo, Portugal

Price: $15

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Portugal, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
11 March 2015 2012 Matthiasson Napa Valley White Wine

2012 Matthiasson Napa Valley White Wine

March 11, 2015 By

Matthiasson_WhiteThis outstanding wine by Matthiasson is light straw color in the glass. While it’s a blend, there is a lot of Sauvignon Blanc personality on the nose: citrus and grassy aromas with some tropical notes.

In the mouth, this wine literally mad me smile, it’s simply delicious. Juicy Meyer lemon, pineapple and ripe tropical fruit flavors with great acidity.

A very balanced and elegant wine in a lovely Bordeaux way. Ends in a medium length finish with amazing minerality.

Pairings: Fish, seafood and perfect as an aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 59% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Ribolla Gialla, 16% Semillon and 5% Tocai Friulano.

Alcohol Level: 12.7%

Cases Made: 1,092

Region: Napa, California, USA

Price: $40

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
4 March 2015 2008 Chateau Malmaison Moulis En Medoc Baronne Nadine de Rothschild

2008 Chateau Malmaison Moulis En Medoc Baronne Nadine de Rothschild

March 4, 2015 By

2008Chateau Malmaison Moulis En MedocIn the glass, this Bordeaux wine is brick red. The nose is cherry and blackberry aromas with peppery notes. In the mouth, it offers flavors of red berries and plum with leather and mocha notes. Medium-full bodied finish with some light tannins.

Pairings: Beef, cheese course, lamb, pasta with meat sauce

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Bordeaux, France

Price: $20

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
18 February 2015 2009 Chateau de Chamirey Les Ruelles Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru

2009 Chateau de Chamirey Les Ruelles Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru

February 18, 2015 By

2009 Chateau de Chamirey Les RuellesI sampled this wine at a tasting dinner and loved it as it paired well with just about everything.

In the glass, it’s a lovely semi-transparent raspberry color with brick around the rim. The nose is earthy with red berry aromas laced with a bit of oak. In the mouth, it offers flavors of dark cherry and raspberry with hints of vanilla. Medium finish with some youthfulness – drink soon.

Pairings: Duck/roasted poultry, pork, salmon

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Burgundy, France

Price: $44

 

Filed Under: France, Pinot Noir, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
11 February 2015 2009 Doukénie Winery Merlot

2009 Doukénie Winery Merlot

February 11, 2015 By

2009 Doukenie MerlotA friend brought this Virginia wine to a pizza party and it was only my second encounter with wines from that area.

Doukénie, located on a 500-acre farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, is a popular winery that has garnered much praise for the region for its award-winning wines.

We uncorked this wine and gave it no decanting or time to open up. Deeply purple in the glass, this wine offers big floral aromas with notes of ripe, dark berries and stone fruit. This Merlot is medium-bodied with plummy, jammy blackberry flavors and notes of mocha. The finish is short with faint tannins.

Pairings: Burger, grilled meats, pizza

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Merlot

Region: Loudoun County, VA, USA

Price: $33

Filed Under: Merlot, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
21 January 2015 1991 Château Montus Madiran Cuvée Prestige

1991 Château Montus Madiran Cuvée Prestige

January 21, 2015 By

1991 Château Montus Madiran Cuvée PrestigeOn a recent visit to Quebec, my dad dug deep in his cellar for this purely wonderful bottle. While I’ve read this wine should have drunk before 2011, its perfect storing condition extended its life. In the glass, it’s a beautiful brick color with the type of barnyard funk I absolutely love. In the mouth, it’s round with plummy fruit that’s held up nicely. Long gone are the high tannins typical of this grape.

Yum, just yum.

Pairings: Lamb, duck, mushroom-based dishes.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Tannat

Region: Madiran, Southwest France

Price: $60

Filed Under: By Country, France, Red Wine, Tannat, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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