5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Parties

July 1, 2015 By

Wine in ParcSummer’s here and so are warm days and humidity. What summer also means is fun-filled gatherings, including 4th of July get-togethers.

Here is a list of five wines to pour during your 4th of July celebrations that are affordable and certain to please your guests:

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace ($22): This lovely bubbly is coral/pink in color with the tiniest of bubbles. Light strawberry aromas with juicy, slightly sweet strawberry flavors that’s balanced by bright acidity. Serve this bubbly as your guests arrive to create a festive atmosphere.

2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio ($14): Light and crisp with Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zesty note. Nice summer sipper and great as an aperitif and with crudités.

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé ($15): This festive, bright pink wine is super food-friendly. Intense red berry and cherry aromas with bright fruity flavors. Perfect for a seafood boil and the cornucopia of flavors at a BBQ.

2013 Egger Ramer Schiava Gentile ($15): Fragrant with red berry aromas with ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. Great acidity making this wine very versatile with summer foods. Pair with charcuterie platter or even hot dogs.

Montes 2012 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers blackberry aromas with notes of mocha and leather. It’s full-bodied and big on dark fruit and ripe raspberries with a nice touch of oak. This is your steaks/ribs/burgers wine.

Enjoy these summer wines and let me know if you try any of them!

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Italy, Pinot Grigio, Portugal, Red Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
19 June 2015 Unexpected Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Unexpected Napa Valley Wine Tasting

June 19, 2015 By

Unexpected NapaThis week, I was invited to explore unexpected wines from Napa Valley via a virtual tasting. I’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 #SipWithKaren).

In this case, the Karen mentioned in the hashtag was wine expert, Karen MacNeil. The virtual tasting was of six unexpected Napa Valley wines, including unoaked Chardonnay, Albariño from Carneros, an affordable Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.

Here are the wines sampled:

2013 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Chenin Blanc ($25)

Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc

Pale yellow in appearance. Offers an Asian pear nose with a bit of sweetness. Offers tropical fruit flavors with citrus notes on the palate. Would be great served as an aperitif but also with shellfish on a warm summer evening. Only 187 cases produced – get your hands on this wine quickly.

2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fumé Blanc ($17)

Varieties: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon

Fragrant ripe cantaloupe and juicy mandarin aromas. Lightly grassy, lime flavors with more cantaloupe on the palate. Long finish with the 10% Semillon making this wine interesting and complex.

2014 Artesa Napa Valley Albariño ($28)

Varieties: 100% Albariño

Less “in your face” with minerality than its Spanish kin. Lovely bright peach and Meyer lemon aromas with some floral notes. Peach and a bit of plum on the palate. Light oaky notes on a long finish.

2013 Alpha Omega Unoaked Napa Valley Chardonnay ($33)

Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Wish they’d make more than 500 cases! Clean, crisp, not your daddy’s Cali Chard (in a good way). Slightly creamy mouthfeel. I need to remember this wine when I host this year’s lobsterfest.

2012 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($29)

Varieties: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Truly a classic Cali Cab and the stuff that made Robert Mondavi famous in the wine world. Enticing dark berry nose. Rich ripe berry flavors with a long, chocolate-kissed finish. 30% is from historic To Kalon vineyard in and 14% comes from Wappo Hill Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap district.

2010 St. Supéry Estate Vineyard & Winery Dollarhide Ranch Napa Valley

Petit Verdot ($50)

Varieties: 97% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark purple-red in the glass. Slightly tart berries and stone fruit nose. Big blackberry flavors with peppery notes. Get the grill out, this is what steaks are made to be paired with. 590 cases made.

For those of you who have stereotyped California wines as fruit bombs and butter in a glass (silly people), these are great examples of the unexpected, vibrant and delicious wines California has to offer.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
3 June 2015 Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace

June 3, 2015 By

Lucien Albrecht Cremant D'Alsace Brut RoseI’m a big fan of anything Lucien Albrecht wines and highly-recommend you familiarize yourself with them.

Appearance: Coral/pink in color with fine and small bubbles.

Nose: Light strawberry intensity with a hint of yeast.

Palate: Juicy strawberry continues with a hint of sweetness that’s balanced by bright acidity. Creamy yet crisp mouthfeel.

Assessment of quality: Lovely wine with a good balance of sweetness and acidity with a medium finish.

Readiness for drinking/potential for ageing: drink now, not intended for ageing.

Approximate retail price: $22.

Region of origin Alsace, France

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Pairings: Grilled chicken. Spicy dishes. Seafood.

Style: Rosé Wine

Region: Alsace, France

Price: $22

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

Filed Under: France, Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
27 May 2015 2013 Domaine Barons de Rothschild Aruma Malbec

2013 Domaine Barons de Rothschild Aruma Malbec

May 27, 2015 By

2013 Aruma MalbecAruma means “night” in the language of the Quechua, the native Indian population of the Mendoza region. The name is appropriate for this deep purple/red wine from Mendoza. Big floral and red fruit aromas. In the mouth, this medium-bodied Malbec is velvety with licorice and dried cherry flavors and peppery notes. Long finish with firm tannins.

Nice, drinkable-now Malbec for a great price.

Pairings: Barbecued ribs and chicken. Red pasta sauce. Burgers or pizza.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

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: Argentina, Malbec, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
29 April 2015 Harper Voit – Obsessively Crafted Willamette Valley Wines

Harper Voit – Obsessively Crafted Willamette Valley Wines

April 29, 2015 By

Harper VoitA couple weeks ago, I attended Pinot in the City in Manhattan, a gathering of top Oregon wineries where consumers were treated to fantastic wines from well-known producers and upcoming wineries.

The winery I was most impressed with was a new player in the New York market – Harper Voit.

Winemaker/Proprietor, Drew Voit, was in attendance and fascinated us with both his tales of his winery’s evolution and with the very fine juice he poured for us. Voit is a veteran of the Oregon wine industry with winemaker stints at Domaine Serene Winery and at Shea Wine Cellars.

Harper Voit’s motto is “Obsessively Crafted Willamette Valley Wines” and after two pours of Drew’s wines, I get it. Here are two wines we sampled:

2012 Harper Voit Strandline Pinot Noir – $35

Red with purple hues in the glass, the 2012 Strandline Pinot Noir offers ripe raspberry aromas with earthy notes. It took me a while to get my nose out of the glass to take a sip but when I did – wow.  Big mouthful of juicy dark fruit and stone fruit with apple pie spice and mocha-ish undertones. Long fruity finish.

2014 Harper Voit Maresh Vineyard Old Vine Riesling – $25

This outstanding, and I mean outstanding Riesling is made from vines planted back in the ‘70s in the legendary Maresh Vineyard. Expressive tropical fruit aromas that continue on the palate for a hint of sweetness followed by a perfect level of minerality and acidity. Thai food please!!

I’m very much looking forward to finding these small batch wines and trying others from previous vintages. I’m also looking forward to what Harper Voit has in store for us new fans.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Riesling, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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: , ,
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