2 May 2014 2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

May 2, 2014 By

2012 Banrock Station ChardonnayThe wine is straw yellow is like summer in a glass. The bright aromas of peach and tropical fruit carry over to the creamy palate which has just a hint of oak and a nice, bright, finish.

This is a food-friendly wine that is also nice as a summer sipper on a warm afternoon on the patio. For the price point, it would be affordable to grab a case and serve it all summer long.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken, bagels and lox brunch.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Riverland, South Australia

Price: $7

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

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
21 April 2014 Easter with Frank Family Vineyards

Easter with Frank Family Vineyards

April 21, 2014 By

It’s rare that I don’t host Easter but this year, we joined some friends for brunch at a local BYOB restaurant. I’d seen the menu ahead of time so knew scallop Benedict, steak and eggs and fried chicken would be entrees we’d order, so opted to bring two wine samples I thought would fit the bill perfectly – Frank Family Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Here are my tasting notes:  

2012 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Chardonnay

Frank Family 2012 ChardonnayI’m not typically a huge fan of oaky Cali Chardonnay, but the nice level of acidity of this wine changed my mind. Ripe, juicy peach and sweet citrus with a kiss of toasty, oaky notes. I served it close to room temperature and it’s likely the way to go. Super wine that could only improve with cellar time.  

Classic Napa Valley Chardonnay at a very reasonable price-point.

Pairings: Seafood, roasted poultry.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $35

2011 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Zinfandel

Frank Family 2011 ZinfandelDarkest red in the glass, this big boy isn’t a summer patio sipper, and I mean that in the best possible way. Not overly jammy like some California Zins can be with a noseful of dried herbs and dark berry. On the palate, it’s classic blackberry with some stone fruit. Finish is medium in length and welcomingly smooth with a hint of oak.       

Pairings: Grilled meats, especially lamb, hearty burgers, game.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 89% Zinfandel and 11% Petite Sirah

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $30

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Petite Syrah, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , ,
6 February 2014 Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

February 6, 2014 By

South Hemisphere WinesLast night, I participated in a #WineChat event on Twitter. The featured wines were from the southern hemisphere, specifically New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The three white wines were described as “Summer Sippers”.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Graffigna Pinot Grigio from Argentina and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling from Australia:

2012 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio

Light in color with a hint of green. This is a light, easy drinking, sipping wine with a floral nose and a bright, fresh citrus palate. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed tropical fruit flavors that I enjoyed.

Pairings: Delicate fish, seafood, served as an aperitif

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $11

2013 Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc

For fans of cool label marketing, this is a winner. The bottle is just so pretty. This is the ultimate light wine, nearly clear in color in the bottle. There are light lemony and grassy aromas and ripe Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zippy, zesty citrus note. At 88 calories per pour at 9% alcohol – bridal shower-ready wine.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $15

2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

Pale greenish in the glass with a citrusy, light caramel nose. Big fruit, little jammy plum, nice minerality with a little oak. This isn’t your buttery oak bomb. I tend to like this lightly oaked style. Could be interesting with some cellaring.

Pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican), pork  

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Adelaide Hills, Australia

Price: $15

These three bottles were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, New Zealand, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
13 December 2013 2010 Bruno Colin Premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet La Boudriotte

2010 Bruno Colin Premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet La Boudriotte

December 13, 2013 By

2010 Bruno ColinThis medium-bodied Cote de Beaune Chardonnay offers a very pretty floral nose with Asian pear notes. In the glass, the 2010 Bruno Colin Premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet La Boudriotte shows big fruit with nutty, lightly oaky undertones and a nice level of acidity on the finish. Just a lovely white Burgundy.

Pairings: Roast chicken, seafood, white fish

Style: White wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Burgundy, France

Around $65

Filed Under: Chardonnay, France, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
10 September 2013 2011 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2011 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

September 10, 2013 By

2011 Gary Farrell ChardonnayThis wine from Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir pioneer, Gary Farrell Vineyards, has further opened my mind to California Chardonnay. While I enjoy unoaked Cali Chardonnays, this outstanding wine’s great level of acidity balances the oak it sees from seven months in 40% new French oak making it enjoyable for folks who aren’t necessarily fans of buttery, over-oaked Chardonnay.

The nose is of plums and caramel apples. Apple carries over to the flavor profile along with ripe pear and Meyer lemon notes. Creamy and lightly buttery texture with a crisp finish.

Simply a beautiful example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Pairings: Creamy cheeses, seafood.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Russian River Valley, CA, USA

Price: $35

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

Filed Under: Chardonnay, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
25 August 2013 Old York Cellars – Virtual Tasting

Old York Cellars – Virtual Tasting

August 25, 2013 By

Old York WinesOld York Cellars is one of New Jersey’s oldest vineyards and last week, old vines met new technology in a virtual wine tasting.

I’ve detailed the concept of virtual wine tasting in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the concept entails:

  • Buy a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the experience with you, or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Sip and share your wine feedback with other tasters globally using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

Old York Cellars’ vines have been active since 1978 and planted at what was Amwell Valley Vineyard at the time. The winery provided excellent chocolates for the tasting by Laurie’s Chocolates out of Bucks County, PA.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2011 Old York Cellars Chardonnay

This Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel then sees four months of medium oak. That process will please fan of unoaked Chardonnay as the oak is light but there’s a bit of butteryness that oaked Chardonnay fans will appreciate. This wine offers intense fruity flavors with a little vanilla and green apple on the finish. It has a nice level of acidity.

The Laurie’s Chocolates treat I liked best with this wine was the milk chocolate caramel.

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

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Price: $17

2011 Old York Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon sees 6 months of medium oak and is medium-bodied. Don’t expect a big, bold Napa Valley Cab here, this is lighter in flavor and texture with cherry flavors and a dry, soft finish. The Laurie’s Chocolates Cabernet Truffle couldn’t have been a better pairing.

Pairings: Grilled beef, tomato-based Italian dishes, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $21

Old York Cellars has a summer music series and the events hosted at the property sound fun. I’m looking forward to making the trek down south for a tasting.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things, United States Tagged With: , , ,
16 July 2013 WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

July 16, 2013 By

I’ve detailed the concept of virtual wine tasting in previous posts and I try to participate in several of them each year. Last night was the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) and a virtual tasting of three California wines was hosted from my friends at WineTwits.

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

  • Buy a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to come over to share the experience with you, or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Sip and share your wine feedback with other tasters globally using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

The virtual tasting was well-attended and the three wineries whose wines we sampled were very active with the virtual tasters. Cheers to Wente Vineyards, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery for interacting with us to the extent they did. I’ll follow up and make tons of new wine friends today as a result of last night’s event.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

LSK1042_MF CH 07 1upFor 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

2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir

garnetGarnet pinot noirs have amassed rave reviews over the years and the 2011 Monterey County Pinot’s no exception. While it’s a bit more transparent in the glass than I would have suspected, it doesn’t lack in aroma and flavor. On the nose, it’s more jammy strawberry than the typical cherry one might expect. In the mouth, it’s velvety and the cherry is prominent with hints on 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

2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel

Renwood.Zin.OVAmador_catalogAt 15.5% alcohol, this is a big, beautiful baby. This style of Zin is right up my alley. It’s a huge mouthful of dark, ripe berries with mocha and pumpkin spices notes. This wine screams for a hot grill and meat…and my glass.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 92.5% Zinfandel, 5.8% Syrah, 1.7% Souzao

Region: Amador County, CA, USA

Price: $19.99

For those of you on Twitter, search for #WITS2013 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: Chardonnay, Other Neat Things, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , ,
10 July 2013 Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

July 10, 2013 By

Jacob's CreekThis year, 4th of July was celebrated with beef and beefy red wines at my home. My guy grilled a whole beef tenderloin and I baked my Cabot Creamery Seriously Sharp Cheddar Mac N Cheese.

Since I had a nice lineup of Jacob’s Creek’s current release, I decided to focus the party around their wines. Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz ($14) – This wine smells and tastes the way it looks: blackberry, chocolate/mocha with a little black pepper. It was perfect for the beef and the pepper sauce I served with it. I just enjoy that big mouthful of dark jammy berries.
  • 2011 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) – Purplish red in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe blackberry and red current aromas with some astringent notes. Nicely balanced, fresh with vanilla notes. Can’t beat it for the price.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir ($13) – Nice berry aromas with a bit of pumpkin pie spice. Bright cherry flavors with a little oak on the finish. Baby tannins stood up to roasted s’mores nicely.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling ($12) – Citrusy aromas with fresh, green apple flavors. Lovely crisp, wet stone finish. Perfect to cut through the richness of my mac and cheese and stood up to its spicy Panko topping.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($15) – For fans of Chardonnay without a ton of oak and butteryness, this is a good option. It offers a floral, citrusy noseful and nectarine aromas with a great level of acidity. This was poured around the time we enjoyed my Red, White and Blue Cake.

I know I should have poured American wines of this very American holiday, but I enjoyed the lineup very much and look forward to pairing up those heavier reds with my grilled meats this summer.

Cheers,

Veronique

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

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah / Shiraz, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
21 April 2013 2011 Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco

2011 Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco

April 21, 2013 By

2011 Zuani Vigne Collio BiancoI prepared a light vegetarian risotto and it was such a great match to this bright and fruity wine.

In the glass, this Italian white wine is vibrant yellow. A quick sniff offers fragrant fruity and wet stone aromas. The fruitiness continues on the palate with rich flavors of peach followed by a slightly honey-laced finish.

Pairings: Chicken, pork, light risotto

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio

Region: Fiuli, Italy

Price: $24

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

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Italy, Pinot Grigio, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
8 April 2013 Getting to Know Smith Madrone Winery

Getting to Know Smith Madrone Winery

April 8, 2013 By

Smith Madrone ChardonnaySmith-Madrone Winery is located in Napa Valley in the Spring Mountain District. The 200-acre estate has vineyards that sit at elevations up to 2,000 feet. Some of the vines are planted on slopes as steep as over 30 degrees.

Two of the Smith-Madrone wines I recently had the opportunity to sample are the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Chardonnay.

  • 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($45) – nearly black and opaque in the glass, this California Cabernet Sauvignon features incredible aromas of ripe cherries with chocolaty, earthy and oaky undertones. In the mouth, it’s a big and bold wine with dark berry and licorice flavors balanced by just the right level of tannins.
  • 2009 Chardonnay ($35) – medium straw color in the glass, the California Chardonnay offers bright aromas of Asian pear with oaky notes. On the palate, cantaloupe and ripe apple flavors dominate. Toasted bread finish.

As far as idyllic California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon go, these are super examples.

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

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
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