18 May 2023 2020 Tenuta di Biserno Campo di Sasso Insoglio del Cinghiale

2020 Tenuta di Biserno Campo di Sasso Insoglio del Cinghiale

May 18, 2023 By

We ordered this Tuscan wine at a dinner where our party was divided foodwise and it worked well with all our dishes. This Italian wine was smooth and rounder than I thought it would be, which was great to pair with our various meals.

This Tuscan blend is a great value!

Look/in the glass: Medium purplish red

Nose/aroma: Floral aromas with a note of tobacco/leather

Palate/taste: Juicy cherry and dark berries with a touch of spice

Texture/finish: Medium body, fresh, crisp, great acidity, medium finish

Pairing: Pasta with red sauce, meats, charcuterie, even grilled salmon would work

Wine type: Red wine

Grape: 33% Syrah, 33% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Price: $37

Cheers, Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
30 May 2018 Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

May 30, 2018 By

 

About Jean Edwards Cellars

Tasting Room Sitting Area

Jean Edwards Cellars has been producing wine from some of the most well-regarded vineyards in Northern California since 2014. The Jean Edwards Cellars label focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The Cooper’s Cuvee label is reserved for the Rhone wines, Petite Sirah, Syrah and cuvee blends.

About the Jean Edwards Cellars Team

Karen and John Troisi are the proprietors and visionaries of Jean Edwards Cellars. After falling in love with the beauty of Sonoma and Napa, the Troisis founded the winery in 2004 while still working their corporate jobs in New Jersey. Their first wine, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet from the Pritchard Hill Region, was lauded as “one of twenty new cabernet producers to watch…” by Wine Spectator Magazine    in its annual cabernet issue, and that incredible endorsement catapulted the entrepreuneurs in the trajectory that has been paved with accolades and awards.

Jessica Saldana

Jessica Saldana

Kian Tavakoli has been the winemaker at Jean Edwards Cellars since its inception. Kian has nearly 30 years of winemaking experience and began his career with Opus One then went on to Clos du Val in 1996 and was there until joining Jean Edwards Cellars in 2004. In 2017, Kian opened a new winery with his business partner in St. Helena, and that’s where the Jean Edwards Cellars wine are now produced.

 

About the Tasting Room

Tasting Room Private Table

On a recent visit to Sonoma, I was fortunate enough to visit the new Jean Edwards Cellars tasting room located on Vine Alley in the Sonoma Court Shops at the historic Sonoma Plaza. The space is modern, intimate, inviting and beautiful. Sonoma-native, Jessica Saldana, is the Tasting Room Manager and conducted our very informative tasting. I’ve been enjoying these limited production wines for several years and are familiar with them, but Jessica was able to offer insight and new learnings we’re grateful for.

Walk-ins at the tasting room are welcomed but for parties of six or more, a reservation is required to allow the team to prepare for the visit. 

A tasting typically consists of four wines for $25, but that fee is waived with a $65 purchase or if one is a Wine Club Member, which I am. We were fortunate enough to be able to sample a few additional wines during our visit.

About the Wines

2016 Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – Rutherford

Loved the 2014 and 2015 vintage and the 2016 is no different. I’m not typically a Sauv Blanc fan, BUT, this wine has changed my narrow-mindedness. Golden yellow with hints of green in the glass, there is an amazing combination of Meyer lemon aromas and floral notes. The palate isn’t typical of what I consider boring Sauv Blanc – this is rich, complex with big flavors of tropical fruit and citrus that ends with great acidity and minerality. The addition of 5% Semillon to the 95% Sauvignon Blanc is very smart indeed…so is the stainless steel fermentation and barrel age in neutral French Oak. Small quantity of this lovely wine is made and the 2016 vintage is sold out. $28.

2014 Seventy Four – Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon

“74-41” represents the coordinates of the Troisis New Jersey residence – fun fact! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Baconbrook Vineyard (Spring Mountain), Stagecoach Vineyard (Pritchard Hill) and Broken Rock Vineyard (foothills of Atlas Peak). In the glass, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple and exudes aromas of dark, ripe berries. The dark fruit continues on the palate on this opulent wine with a finish that lingers. Grilled NY strip steaks or wagyu burgers comes to mind to pair with this beauty. A 2015 “74-41” Cab wasn’t produced due to fruit shortfalls, so be on the lookout for the 2014 (or 93-point Wine Enthusiast rated 2013). $68. ​​

2014 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the wine that started it all for this winery. Dark ruby in the glass with a red fruit nose with mocha/vanilla notes. Rich, mouth-coating with a long finish on this wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill, Malbec from Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard and Petit Verdot from Stagecoach Vineyard – an amazing trifecta (James Suckling agreed and awarded this wine 93 points). $68.

2014 Yates Cabernet Sauvignon

I was thrilled to get a taste of the first vintage of this Mount Veeder Cab. Darkest purpley red in the glass, one whiff of the dark ripe cherry with a bit of spice and I was in love. Dark fruit with oaky and chocolatey notes on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. $75.

2014 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

This was my favorite in the lineup and the one that had me craving a juicy ribeye. Darkest of reds in the glass with dark fruit aromas with some smoky, mocha notes. Layers of juicy cherry and stone fruit with some toasted oak. When one thinks of the ideal Napa Cab, this is what one thinks of. Can only imagine what it’ll be like in 5-7 years of cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc from Yates Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder and a bit of Malbec from Rutherford. James Suckling 93 points. $90.

2015 Malbec – Rutherford

Dark purple red in the glass, the 2015 vintage is 97% Malbec with 3% Petit Verdot. This was my first time tasting this wine and the nose sold me with one sniff of dark everything – berry, chocolate, anise, plum – wow. Bit less full-bodied than I anticipated from the nose, this was still a mouthful with ripe red berry flavors ending with a bit of spice. Wine Advocate 91+ points. $65.

2015 Merlot – Oak Knoll District

Darkest brick red in the glass, this was also my first taste of this wine. Ripe red fruit and cassis aromas leading to dark wood strawberry and blackberry on the palate with the roundness one hopes for in a well-made Merlot. Long, eye-closing, lingering finish. Making a mental note to order some of this. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc​. $58.

All of these reds will only improve with cellaring or at least decanting if, like me, one finds it hard to resist opening them while they’re young.

Tasting Room Spring/Summer Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12pm to 6pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm to 7pm.

Address: 29 East Napa Street (Ste. C), Sonoma, CA  95476.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White 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: , , , , , ,
1 July 2014 WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2014

WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2014

July 1, 2014 By

WITS WinesI’ve explained the concept of virtual wine tasting in other posts and I enjoy participating in a few of them each year. Last night was the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) and a virtual tasting hosted by my friends at WineTwits of six California wines.

For those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what it entails:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured in the virtual tasting.
  • Invite fellow wine enthusiasts to join you to share the tasting, or simply snuggle solo in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Swirl, sniff, sip then share your wine thoughts with other global tasters using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

The virtual tasting was well-attended and the wineries whose wines we sampled were very active with the virtual tasters. Cheers to Kendall-Jackson, Jamieson Ranch Vineyard, Franciscan Estate, Wente Vineyards, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery for interacting with us to the extent they did. I’ll follow up and connect with dozens of new wine friends today as a result of last night’s tasting.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

For those of us who enjoy moderately-oaky Chardonnay, this is a nice option. 50% of this wine was barrel-fermented in French oak and the other 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks creating a wine that’s not overly oaky/buttery and has some fruit freshness to it.

Aromas of Asian apple and lychee jump out of the glass. In the mouth, the 2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay is medium-bodied with Meyer lemon and tropical fruit flavors. Finish lingers with some oaky notes and a nice level of acidity.

Pairings: Roast chicken, salmon, pasta in light creamy sauce

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley, CA, USA

Price: $13

2012 Garnet Vineyards Monterey County Pinot Noir

Garnet pinot noirs have garnered rave reviews over the years and the 2012 Monterey County Pinot’s no exception. The wine is a tad more transparent in the glass than I would have suspected, it doesn’t lack in aroma and flavor. On the nose, the strawberry aroma is more prominent that the expected cherry. In the mouth, it’s silky and there’s lovely cherry flavor with notes of vanilla and oak.

Pairings: Roasted duck, chicken or turkey, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, CA, USA

Price: $14.99

2011 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel

This is a big, beautiful baby. I really enjoy this style of Zin. It’s a big mouthful of dark, ripe berries with mocha and a bit of pumpkin spices on the finish.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Zinfandel

Region: Amador County, CA, USA

Price: $19.99

2011 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Leggy in the glass with ripe berry aromas with a bit of oak and pepper. Rich and bold with mocha and dark chocolate layers. Light tannins, elegant, long finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Merlot, 0.2% Cabernet Franc

Region: Sonoma County, CA, USA

Price: $28

2011 Jamieson Ranch “Double Lariat” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Gorgeous deep-red in the glass, this wine offers red berry aromas with complex licorice, spice and leather notes. Cherry and dark berry flavors abound with light-jammy fig and mocha notes – touch of oak on the long, velvety finish.

Pairings: Grilled beef, cheese plate

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $55

2011 Franciscan Estate Magnificat Napa Valley

Inky in the glass with fabulous dark berry and stone fruit aromas. The dark berry continues on the palate with ripe cherry mixed in – rich, elegant with a long, round finish from the Merlot.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $50

For those of you on Twitter, search for #WITS2014 and see all the fun conversations folks had during the virtual tasting. You’ll likely find interesting wine fans to connect with.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sousao, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , ,
30 June 2014 Bridge Lane Wines by North Fork’s Lieb Cellars

Bridge Lane Wines by North Fork’s Lieb Cellars

June 30, 2014 By

Bridge Lane is Lieb Cellars’ second-label and through a rebranding for its 10th vintage, the white and red blends are available in bottles, in 3 liter bag-in-box (equivalent of 4 bottles) and also in disposable kegs.

The popular North Fork, NY winery says there were three reasons why Bridge Lane opted for the unusual formats:

  1. They’re eco-friendly.
  2. They preserve the wine.
  3. They’re cheaper than glass bottles.

I sampled both wines in their boxes formats – 100% recyclable plastic bag and spout and 100% recyclable cardboard box. Boxes cost $46 and have a lifespan of about 6 weeks after opening.

The keg format would be ideal for a summer casual party as it’s the equivalent of 26 bottles for an affordable $260. If tapped with a professional wine certified kegerator, it’ll last about 2 months. If tapped using a college-type party pump, it’ll last 2 days.

2013 Bridge Lane White Blend2013 Bridge Lane White Blend

I was a bit pessimistic about this wine prior to sipping it, but was pleasantly-surprised by its light yet pleasant flavor and its dryness that made it perfect as a summer sipper but was also nice with light food. Also was great that I could have a glass on a Tuesday night without having to commit to a full bottle.  

Medium-yellow with light green hue in the glass, the 2013 Bridge Lane White Blend is light-bodied and nearly completely dry. The nose is light with some green apple and citrus notes. On the palate, this white wine from Long Island offers lemon/lime and floral flavors with a dry, flinty finish.

I served this as an aperitif but it held up nicely to Prosciutto and mango starter.  

Pairings: Fish, shellfish, light salad, aperitif.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 29% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Blanc, 18% Riesling, 14% Viognier, 9% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Gewürtzaminer.

2012 Bridge Lane Red Blend2013 Bridge Lane Red Blend

After enjoying the white blend, I was more open-minded when I sampled the red blend. The 2013 Bridge Land Red Blend is purplish red in the glass with faint cherry aromas. This North Fork dry red wine is medium-bodied with the cherry carrying on to the palate along with some pumpkin pie spice on the finish. The Merlot gives this wine some roundness.

Pairings: Pizza, casual barbecue, summer sipper for those who prefer reds.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 46% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec.

Where to Find Bridge Lane

Go online: Bridge Lane wines are available through www.BridgeLaneWine.com  or www.Amazon.com.

Hit the East End: Visit any of Lieb Cellars’ three tasting rooms on Long Island’s North and South Forks.

Stop by your favorite retailer or restaurant in the NY Metro area: Don’t see Bridge Lane? Ask for them!

Fly away: Enjoy a glass of Bridge Lane before you jet from JFK: Terminal 4 at Blue Smoke on the Road; Terminal 5 at 5ive Steak, AeroNuova and Deep Blue restaurants; and Terminal 8 at Vino Volo restaurant and retail store.

Cheer for the Mets: Bridge Lane wines are served at NYC’s Citi Field.

Pop over to PA: Purchase wines at PLCB stores, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

As of May 2014, Bridge Lane wines will also be available in wine shops and restaurants in NJ, CT and MA.

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, United States, Viognier, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 January 2014 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

January 6, 2014 By

 

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red BlendThe 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend is deep garnet in the glass and offers dark berry, cherry, chocolate flavors with a little oak and smokiness. Not heavily tannic which makes it a good option to enjoy at any time and for no special occasion at all. We poured this bottle with our Sunday gravy and it held up nicely…especially at under $10.

Pairings: Grilled meat, tomato sauce-based dishes, pizza.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 66% Shiraz, 18% Cabernet, 12% Grenache and 4% Petit Verdot

Region: South Eastern, Australia

Price: $6

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

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
20 September 2013 2003 Rudd Oakville Estate

2003 Rudd Oakville Estate

September 20, 2013 By

2003 Rudd EstateTasted this wine after it’d been decanted for a couple hours – wow. In the glass, it’s deep garnet and one sniff had me hooked. Aromas of mocha, tobacco, dark fruit and stone fruit. In the mouth it’s lush and round and offers great fruit flavors with caramel, leather and blackberry notes. Finish lasts forever.

Simply an elegant, well-structured wine. I feel fortunate this wine was shared with me.

Pairings: Beef, duck, cheese course

Style: Red wine

Grape Type(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Around $90

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
8 May 2013 2008 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin

2008 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin

May 8, 2013 By

2008 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand VinMom brought this Canadian wine down with her when she came to visit. She served it with an Easter dinner of lamb and it was a nice pairing.

This Bordeaux-style blend is an intense, deep purple/red in the glass and offers aromas of ripe berries, mocha and chocolate. I expected big, bold flavors to come through based on the sheer color and aromas of this British Columbia wine but got a medium-bodied, roundish Merlot palate with a nice level of acidity and good fruit. Well-balanced with a pleasant, slightly spiced finish. One of the better Canadian reds I’ve had.

Pairings: Grilled meats, cheese course

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot

Region: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

Price: $40

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canada, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
25 March 2013 2008 Franciscan Estate Magnificat Meritage

2008 Franciscan Estate Magnificat Meritage

March 25, 2013 By

2008 Franciscan Estate Magnificat MeritageI uncorked this Napa Valley Cabernet blend to pair with grilled steaks, garlic and Vermont cheddar mashed potatoes and peppercorn sauce and it was simply delicious.

I decanted half of the wine and actually enjoyed it both ways, although, predictably, it softened a bit after 30 minutes in the decanter.

In the glass, it’s inky red. I just knew I’d enjoy it by just looking at it in the glass and getting a sniff of the chocolaty, oaky, dark berry aromas. A good swirl showed legs wrapped around my glass. As far as taste goes, this California wine has delectable blackberry, stone fruit and mocha flavors. The finish is long and dry and I just loved it.

Aged in French oak barrel for over 20 months, this is a big, bold, almost jammy boy that’s right up my alley.

Pairings: Grilled beef, mac and cheese

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $50

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,