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: , , , , ,
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: ,
8 September 2014 2013 Villa Puccini Pinot Grigio

2013 Villa Puccini Pinot Grigio

September 8, 2014 By

Villa PucciniPalest yellow in the glass, this easy-drinking wine is both affordable and food friendly. Both the aromas and flavors are light with floral and tropical notes that would make it ideal for a sipper before a meal or for pairing with light dishes. The finish is dry and clean.

Pairings: Aperitif, light fish and seafood dishes.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto, Italy

Price: $10

Filed Under: Italy, Pinot Grigio 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: , , ,
9 May 2014 2011 Benovia Russian River Chardonnay

2011 Benovia Russian River Chardonnay

May 9, 2014 By

BenoviaGreat example of Russian River Chardonnay with big floral, citrus and plum aromas backed by a big mouthful of ripe pear, peaches and apricot with some apple pie spices, light oak and a beautiful finish with great acidity and minerality. Sourced primarily from Martaella Estate and with some fruit from Martinelli.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken, bagels and lox brunch.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Russian River Valley, California, USA

Price: $34

Filed Under: Chardonnay, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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: , , ,
21 March 2014 Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo Prosecco Extra Dry DOCG

Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo Prosecco Extra Dry DOCG

March 21, 2014 By

Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo ProseccoThe wine is intensely yellow in the glass with light floral and apple aromas. Tiny bubbles for a creamy mouthfeel. The wine is clean and fresh with the apple carrying on to the palate with just a bit of honey.

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

Pairings: Fish, shellfish, sushi/sashimi.

Style: Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): Prosecco

Region: Veneto, Italy

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: Italy, Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews 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: , , , , , , , ,
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