13 December 2010 2006 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

December 13, 2010 By

Enjoyed this cab at a holiday party last week where my friend decided to uncork all the wines they’d received from friends in the last couple years.  The first few bottles were what you’d expect from such an arrangement, but then, I saw him uncorking the 2006 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and made sure to stay close by to get a couple pours.

Big mouthful or ripe dark berries and cherries with chocolate nuances and a bit of spice.  Tannic finish that yearns for roasted meat.  Complex yet refined wine – yum.

Around $65.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
9 December 2010 My Pinot Moment – Compliments of Tantara Winery

My Pinot Moment – Compliments of Tantara Winery

December 9, 2010 By

This post is my contribution to “Pinot Moment” as created by Evening Land Vineyards.  The purpose of this December 9th, 2010 social media event (#pinotmoment) is to get a flock of Pinot Noir fans to share their “Pinot Moment”, or the wine that got them hooked on this finicky, yet pretty darn perfect grape.

2005 Tantara Pinot Noir

For me, this wine is the 2005 Tantara Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir.  I’m a veteran of the travel industry, professionally, and as such, my business often takes me to Las Vegas.  Those trips west from the east coast are brutal: 3-hour time change, long tradeshow hours and late nights of entertaining clients.  In the fall of 2006, my team and I attended a conference at Mandalay Bay.  To me, a perk of being in that nutty town is the ever expanding list of top notch restaurants.  One of my favorites place to entertain is Alain Ducasse’s Mix atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.  Completely black lounge and perfectly contrasting white restaurant on the 64th floor of the golden tower offers the most incredible view of the Strip while catering to foodies.

On that particular November evening, we were completely drained of all energy from the long 2-day tradeshow and were looking forward to a nice meal and a good glass or three.  I was handed the wine list and decided on a predictable Pinot Noir that I’d enjoyed a few times.  The sommelier asked if I’d be open to trying a new wine that he found particularly interesting that I might not find back in New Jersey.  He was so adamant about this selection that I agreed to sample it.  When he poured me a sip, the color of the wine was deep purple and somehow mesmerizing.  My first sniff caused me to close my eyes and the first taste was pure velvet perfection.  I wondered if I was simply tired, hungry and thirsty or if this wine was this fabulous, so had my team sample it.  My PR person actually said “Oh my god” and said it might be the best Pinot she’d had.  Needless to say, the sommelier got a fat tip from me and I got a great Pinot tip from him.

The sommelier was right, for a while, I wasn’t able to find Tantara in New Jersey.  A clever friend of mine got a California wine store to ship me a bottle for my birthday (not kosher in NJ) and I was later able to find it at one local store.

This, was my “Pinot Moment” and started my love for the grape.  Can’t wait to read everyone’s stories about my favorite varietal.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things, Red Wine, Restaurant Reviews, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
25 November 2010 2006 Hendry Zinfandel Blocks 7 & 22

2006 Hendry Zinfandel Blocks 7 & 22

November 25, 2010 By

2006 Hendry Zinfandel

Dinner guests brought this bottle over a few months ago and I uncorked it last night and must say to my friends: you’re welcomed over anytime!

Wow, bright fruit, chocolate and spicy notes on the nose. This is not a crazy burning mouthful of high alcohol blackberry jam. This wine is beautifully structure with the right amount of tannins to make it a new favorite foodie wine.

Around $30.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
13 November 2010 Anthony Road Wine Company – A Seneca Lake Jewel

Anthony Road Wine Company – A Seneca Lake Jewel

November 13, 2010 By

Anthony Road Wine Sign

On a recent visit to the Finger Lakes wine region of New York, I had the pleasure of visiting Anthony Road Wine Company at the recommendation of Lenn Thompson of the New York Cork Report.  My initial reaction to seeing the beautiful structure the tasting room resides in was – wow, what wines might be waiting for me in such a facility?

Anthony Road Winery was opened in 1990 by Ann and John Martini in a farm shed on their property.  It has since prospered into an award-winning Finger Lakes winery.  Johannes Reinhardt is the winemaker and comes from a German winemaking family involved in the business since 1438.

Here are the wines sampled during our visit:

  • 2009 Semi-Sweet Riesling: Offers cantaloupe and lime aromas with slightly sweet notes and a crisp finish. $14.99.
  • 2007 Chardonnay – No Oak: Light, straight-forward wine with creamy finish. Not a buttery Chard for certain. $12.99
  • 2008 Cabernet Franc / Lemberger: Perhaps the best example of Lemberger I’ve seen in the Finger Lakes – medium-bodied, cherry on the palate with a dry finish. $17.99.
  • 2009 Pinot Noir: Fermented and aged in French oak, this wine offers red fruit, but in the form of ripe strawberries versus the typical cherry found in many Pinots.  There are hints of cocoa there that make this wine slightly earthy. $19.98.
  • Tony’s Red: Was boasted as the ‘pizza red’ and it was – light and fruity wine to be enjoyed with casual fares on any week night. $8.99.
  • 2007 Sweet Dream: Using Vignoles grapes (French-American hybrid), Anthony Road Wine Company is able to create a dessert wine that’s balanced with a nice level of acidity to cut through the honey and ripe peach flavors and long finish. 8.6% residual sugar. $15.99 (375ml).

You can find Anthony Road Winery products online at the winery’s web store, at nearby liquor stores and at the winery located at:

1020 Anthony Road

Penn Yan, NY, 14527

Social media fans can ‘like’ Anthony Road Wine Company’s Facebook page.

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Dessert Wine, Red Wine, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
8 November 2010 Dr Konstantin Frank – Enjoyable Beyond the Cab Franc and Riesling

Dr Konstantin Frank – Enjoyable Beyond the Cab Franc and Riesling

November 8, 2010 By

Photo Credit: Finger Lakes Visitors Assoc

Who could visit the Finger Lakes wine region of New York and not visit Dr Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars?  Not my party and nor should you.

First, the tasting room in Hammondsport, NY is vibrant with fun energy (did I mention we visited on Halloween weekend?).  The staff, especially Colleen, is helpful and knows its pitch.  During our tasting, Colleen ensured that we not only enjoyed the wines the winery’s famous for, but some of its less known stars.

Our tasting featured:

  • First on the list was the Chateau Frank Célèbre ($19.99).  Thought this Cremant-style sparkling wine was super.  Riddled by hand and aged ‘sur lies’, this sparkling Riesling offers apple on the nose and tiny, creamy bubbles.  Super enjoyable.
  • Next came the 2009 Dry Riesling ($14.99) and the 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14.99).  The dry Riesling shows tart green apple on the nose and citrus, wet stone in the mouth.  The semi-dry Riesling offers a mouthful of juicy ripe pear that lingers pleasantly on the finish.
  • We then moved on to the 2008 Rkatsiteli ($17.99).  This varietal that originated in Georgia, and is still popular in Eastern Europe, is known for its high level of acidity. To counteract this trait, Dr Frank adds some natural sugar to produce an enjoyable, balanced wine.  The in-your-face tropical fruit palate and floral nose would be a good match to spicy food.
  • We moved on to the 2009 Gewurztraminer ($17.99).  Citrus fruit with subtle honey notes. Nice balance and level of acidity.
  • We compared the 2007 Pinot Noir ($19.99) with the 2008 Salmon Run Pinot Noir ($13.99) next.  the ’07 is an award-winning wine and shows beautiful purple hues in the glass, bright silky cherries in the mouth with a long dry finish.  The ’08 isn’t as bold and bright and has more earthy qualities than the ’07.
  • Finally, we sipped on the 2008 Salmon Run Meritage ($13.99).  54% Cabernet Franc/39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon/6.5% Merlot create this French oak barrel aged wine.  Was described as a good match for pizza night, and it is.  Nothing bold about this wine, just a neat choice for a casual meal.

Planning a Finger Lakes visit?  Don’t miss Dr Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars situated in a beautiful area of Keuka Lake at:

9749 Middle Road

Hammondsport, NY 14840

Telephone: 800-320-0735

You can buy Dr Frank wines at the winery, in select stores and through its online store.  Want to learn more about this winery?  Subscribe to its newsletter.

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Red Wine, Sparkling Wine, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , ,
7 November 2010 Heron Hill Winery – Finger Lakes Wines Done Well in a Gorgeous Space

Heron Hill Winery – Finger Lakes Wines Done Well in a Gorgeous Space

November 7, 2010 By

Photo Credit: Heron Hill Winery

Since its first vintage in 1977, Heron Hill has grown from a small 5,000 case winery that only made white wines into an award-winning, dynamic, 20,000 case production facility and entertainment destination for more than 50,000 people every year.

Overlooking scenic Keuka Lake, the winery’s tasting room is a sprawling, beautiful space with neat architecture and a friendly staff.  At the recommendation of Lenn Thompson of the New York Cork Report, my tasting party met with tasting hall manager, Tambi Schweizer during a recent visit to the winery.  Tambi’s knowledge of her products and her enthusiasm for the wine business is palpable and made my party’s time at the winery all the more enjoyable.

Our tasting focused primarily on comparing various wines of the same varietal against one another with a peppering of other neat finds.

  • First on the list were the 2008 Ingle Vineyards Chardonnay Unoaked ($14.99) and the 2009 Classic Chardonnay Unoaked ($12.99).  Both wines are light and refreshing with notes of green apple, but the former is super well-balanced with lemony undertones and mineral-infused, longish finish. Both enjoyable, but Ingle Vineyards will only found at the winery (which I did).
  • Second, and being sampled alone, was the 2008 Reserve Pinot Blanc ($17.99).  Nice all-purpose wine with crisp green apple nose and the right level of acidity that would make it likeable with food or without.
  • Next on agenda were the 2007 Reserve Old Vines Riesling ($24.99), the 2008 Classic Dry Riesling ($12.99) and the 2007 Ingle Vineyard Riesling ($14.99).  All three are nice examples of Finger Lakes Rieslings, but the Reserve with its bold juicy citrus bouquet and crisp finish reminded me of the best tastings in Mosel.  The Ingle offers the characteristics I enjoy in a Riesling: lemony, tart green apple but with a richness and crisp finish I crave to pair with shellfish.
  • Tambi offered a nice treat, the 2009 Classic Muscat ($12.99).  Tropical flower nose, tropical fruit flavors. Neat wine.
  • We moved on to sweeter Rieslings with the 2008 Classic Semi-Dry Riesling ($12.99) and the 2009 Classic Semi-Sweet Riesling ($12.99).  The Semi-Dry is Heron Hill’s most popular Riesling – for good reasons. It’s sweet on the palate, dry on the finish with a nice amount of acidity.  The Semi-Sweet is super with its mouthful of juicy pear/peach and its flowery nose – craving spicy Indian food just remembering it.
  • Next on the agenda were the Pinot Noirs: 2007 Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir ($14.99) and the 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir ($29.99).  The Ingle Vineyard is light in color and offers a silky mouthfeel and cherry/raspberry flavors.  The slightly smoky reserve is fuller-bodied, boasts of bright cherries in the glass, on the nose and on the palate.  Nice wine.
  • Next were the 2007 Classic Cabernet Franc ($12.99) and the 2006 Eclipse Red ($13.99).  The Cab Franc is a nice example of a varietal that not all vineyards in the Finger Lakes do well.  Food-friendly wine with big mouthful of ripe raspberries and oaky finish.  Can’t wait to pair this wine with my porcini risotto.
  • Last but certainly not least were the Late Harvest wines: 2005 Late Harvest Chardonnay ($44.99) and the 2007 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc ($17.99).  Love late harvest wines, so was excited to try these.  Both offer a honeyed and lush ripe fruit flavors but the Vidal Blanc has a nice spicy finish and 13.5% residual sugar level that I loved.

The wines are enjoyable and showcase Finger Lakes favorites in a positive light.  Visiting the winery around lunchtime?  Don’t hesitate to grab a tasty bite at the Heron Hill Café located on the premises.  Ask for the ‘adult grilled cheese’ not featured on the menu, it’s a winner.

To order Heron Hill wines, visit the winery online or better yet, stop by the tasting room located at:

9301 County Route 76

Hammondsport, NY 14840

Telephone: 800-441-4241

Follow Heron Hill Winery on Twitter at www.twitter.com/heronhillwinery or like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heronhillwinery.

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Dessert Wine, Red Wine, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , ,
5 November 2010 Red Tail Ridge Winery – Thinking Green on Seneca Lake

Red Tail Ridge Winery – Thinking Green on Seneca Lake

November 5, 2010 By

Red Tail Ridge Winery

At the recommendation of Lenn Thompson of the New York Cork Report, we visited 5-year old Red Tail Ridge Winery on a recent visit to the Finger Lakes wine region.

Red Tail Ridge winery is owned and operated by Mike Schnelle and Nancy Irelan (short video), a husband and wife team, who are dedicated to producing fine wine in the Finger Lakes.  Red Tail Ridge is the first LEED®-certified green winery in New York.  Red Tail Ridge’s “green” features:

  • New wine processing building aims for LEED Silver certification.
  • Walls contain recycled materials.
  • Fieldstone on facade came from vineyard grounds.
  • Geothermal heating/cooling system.
  • ‘Daylighting’ to cut energy use.
  • Use of suppliers within a 500-mile radius.
  • Drainage ditches, drain tile and irrigation pond minimize storm runoff.
  • Laser-straight rows planted 6 feet apart aid in cultivation and weed control.
  • Fencing and nets deter wildlife humanely.

Our tasting was led by self-proclaimed ‘hired gun’ Noel, a knowledgeable wine and Finger Lakes enthusiast.

  • We first sampled the 2009 Sans Oak Chardonnay: Typical non-oaked Chardonnay characteristics – ripe pear/juicy apple with a creamy finish.  Around $11.95.
  • Second, we sipped on 2008 Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay: Nutty peach flavors, creamy nutmeg finish.  Around $16.99.
  • Our third offering was the 2008 Dry Riesling:  Tangy key lime and juicy tropical fruit with dry finish.  Wine Spectator: 89 points. Around $18.95.
  • Next was the 2008 Semi-Sweet Riesling:  Rich, peachy nose with tangerine/cantaloupe flavor. Unctuous finish that lingers. Think – Indian food. Around $13.95.
  • A new varietal to me was the 2008 Lemberger: Mouthful of ripe cherries, spicy, slightly chocolaty notes.  Around $19.95.
  • Finally, we sipped the 2008 Estate Pinot Noir:  Nose is in-your-face with bright cherries.  Big mouthful of raspberries/ripe cherries with hints of butterscotch. Around $19.95.

The winery even features a charity wine, 2009 Good Karma, where 3% of the per-bottle profit is donated to Foodlink, a regional food bank.

Red Tail Ridge In Stores

Red Tail Ridge wines can be purchased at the winery, by phone at 315-536-4580, via email at tastingroom@redtailridgewinery.com, at many fine wine stores and can be enjoyed at many New York tri-state restaurants and select California dining establishments.

Good wine producer, confident in its pursuit of sustainability, Red Tail Ridge Winery is a must-visit Seneca Lake winery.  The cozy tasting room is located at:

846 State Route 14
Penn Yan, NY 14527
315-536-4580

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Red Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
4 November 2010 Hermann J Wiemer – The Fame and Attitude are Warranted

Hermann J Wiemer – The Fame and Attitude are Warranted

November 4, 2010 By

Most fans of Finger Lakes wines and Mosel-style Rieslings have heard of Hermann J. Wiemer, and the fame, awards and accolades are well-deserved.

The winery’s history is rich with Hermann J. Wiemer’s mother coming from a family of Mosel winemakers dating back 300 years and a father who was a skilled nurseryman.  Hermann J. Wiemer is regarded as one of the pioneers of viticulture and winemaking in the Finger Lakes.

During a recent visit to the winery, I encountered an attitude I had not experienced at any other Finger Lakes wineries that was reminiscent of some French vineyards.  The attitude was pure – ‘you’re privileged to be tasting our wines in this space today’.  Do I think the attitude is warranted?  Mostly, yes for the following three reasons:

Wiemer Building

First, the ‘barn’ housing the winery is fabulous.  The winery was designed in 1982 by an award-winning team of Cornell architects. Enclosed within the shell of the 70-year-old scissor-trussed barn is the wine shop, the tasting room and the production facilities.

Second, our tasting was conducted by Michael, a catering company owner from Manhattan who makes weekend trips to Hermann J. Wiemer to share his passion and wine expertise with winery guests.  Loved him.

Third, most of the wines are simply great.  Our tasting included the following wines:

  • 2008 Dry Riesling: What Wiemer’s known for – crisp, light lime floral bouquet with a minerals-laden long finish. Around $17.50.
  • 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling:  Rich, peachy bouquet and an almost orangey flavor. Unctuous finish that lingers. Think – spicy Thai food. Around $17.
  • 2009 Gewürztraminer: Ripe pear with nice spicy finish. Around $22.
  • 2008 Frost Cuvee: A blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cuvee of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, this is an easy-going wine that’d be perfect sipped on a warm summer day at an outdoor party. Not complicated, with peach aroma and a dry finish. Around $12.
  • 2009 Late Harvest Riesling: This Spätlese-style wine is full bodied, rich with a 5.9% residual sugar. Mouthful of honey and ripe green apple.  Around $23.
  • 2007 Cabernet Franc: This wine sees new and old French oak barrels and is bursting with bright fruit and offers soft tannins. Around $25.

Hermann J. Wiemer wines are relatively easy to find at local wine stores, at least compared to some other Finger Lakes wine brands.  You can also purchase wines online at http://wiemer.com/shop/ and at the winery’s story located at:

3962 Route 14

Dundee, NY 14837

Click HERE for driving directions

Telephone: 607 243 7971

Make a point to visit this winery when touring the Finger Lakes wine region.

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Dessert Wine, Red Wine, White Wine Tagged With: , , , ,
24 September 2010 2004 Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino

2004 Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino

September 24, 2010 By

'04 Fattoria La Lecciaia

Enjoyed this wine last night paired with grilled prime rib and thought it was all you’d want in a Brunello: Big, beefy, silky, complex.  Noseful of black berries, jammy, earthy mouthful and long, slightly tannic finish.

Not sure how many Brunellos of this caliber can be found in this price range, but probably not many.

Around $35.

93 Points Wine Spectator

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
17 September 2010 2007 Albert Bichot Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir

2007 Albert Bichot Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir

September 17, 2010 By

'07 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir

Had this Burgundy at a dinner party hosted by my father in Quebec, Canada.  Hoping this wine is available in the USA as it’s a pretty nice example of French Pinot Noir at a very affordable price.

On the nose is a light fruity, fresh aroma.  On the palate is the typical black cherry, but unlike other Burgundies in this price point, there’s elegance, balance and a nice level of acidity with the 2007 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir.

Around $17.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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