Wines

Beaulieu Vineyards famous Napa Cabernet. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc from sites throughout Napa Valley, harvested at optimal maturity. The wine was aged 18 months in oak barrels for a richer texture and a well-integrated new oak component. An Editors Choice, scoring 92 points in Wine Enthusiast Magazine where they said "No one else in Napa Valley could produce a Cabernet of this pedigree, at this price...  

There are certain things that can ruin a winemaker's vintage: heavy rain, hail, disease and rot. Few have to contend with stray rockets and shells. In the Bekaa Valley, the beautiful winemaking region that runs parallel to the Mediterranean between ...  

OUT-OF-TOWN Icewine & Jazz Celebrations various locations in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake various times various prices Niagara-on-the-Lake comes alive in January with a full month of Icewine & Jazz Celebrations! The 22 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake have assembled an incredible lineup of Icewine and jazz themed events for your touring experience, from Icewine and food tastings to elegant receptions and winemakers' [...]  

Fendi Casa have expanded their range of home offerings with this wine cellar. The Fendi Casa wine cellar is designed in Fendi Casa’s traditional style with crocodile skin paneling and black lacquer finishings. The wine cellar allows one to store up to sixteen bottles in a temperature and humidity controlled environment allowing wines to be [...]  

*** 34% OFF!! *** "Simply put, Fuligni’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is not to be missed." (RP) 95 Score - Wine Spectator 94 Rating - Robert Parker "...This is an exceptionally well-balanced and finessed Brunello full of character. The tannins remain rather firm but there is enough sheer density of fruit that opening a bottle on the young side is still likely to be rewarding. Simply put, Fuligni’s 2004 Brunello di...  

**** 34% OFF!! **** ...a seriously stylish cabernet..* 90 Score - Wine Spectator 89+ Rating - Robert Parker "...It offers attractive but restrained aromatics of red and black fruits intertwined with an earthy, underbrush character. Medium to full-bodied and slightly austere, with the vintage’s aggressive tannins noticeable in the finish, it needs a few more years of bottle age to round into shape. Pazzo remains the...  

**** 36% OFF!! **** "These wines continue to impress me as elegant examples of Rhone Ranger blends." (R.P) 94 Points - Mari Stull (The Vino Vixen)  

This Chateau is owned by Frank Mahler-Besse, owner of Chateau Palmer in Margaux and many other first class wine making properties in Bordeaux and around the world. In 1964 his great-great grandmother rebuilt this historic Bergerac property which lies less than six miles from the village of St. Emilion. The terrior is identical to right bank Bordeaux and so the vineyards hold 60 % Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc on clay...  

If you are looking for a consistently decent zinfandel that's easy to find, check out Rancho Zabaco 2007 Heritage Vines Zinfandel (Sonoma County, $18). The name may sound a little whacky, but this is at least a semi-serious wine sold in many supermarkets. It has a smoky, brambly aroma with dark fruit. The taste is rich with blackberry and spicy with pepper through the lingering finish. Best of all, this wine does not taste cooked or alcoholic...  

****** 33% OFF!! ****** "Without a doubt, one of our favorite California whites. The '08 vintage is OUTSTANDING for its delicious fruity complexity." (WTSO) "Mmmmmm. What's In There? What is that wonderfully robust, floral and bright tropical taste? Is it green apple, tangerine or honeysuckle? Could it possibly be apricot, melon, pear or light vanilla? That's the Conundrum. Our proprietarily secretive blend of California...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Gewurztraminer is a relatively rare grape on Long Island, but Lenz Winery winemaker Eric Fry has an affection for it -- which is a good thing. He makes one of the region's best, always in a...  

I'm expanding my wine knowledge in 2010. This means trying new kinds of grapes, as well becoming more familiar with European wines. Recently I got to know Vermentino, a white grape grown in Corsica, Sardinia, and coastal Italy and France. The dry white wine is like a cross between Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It has the floral, fruity bouquet characteristic of Viognier and the tart finish found in many Sauvignon Blancs. I wasn't able to...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief This Benmarl Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc ($20) is yet another bit of ammo in the argument for cabernet franc as New York State's most consistently, and widely, successful red variety. I've tasted several good (or even...  

Billy of this blog brought this back with him from a recent trip to Australia. It presents with a vibrant dark purple hue that is darn right "Syrah-like."The nose is pronounced with vegetal, dark blackberry and green spice with an under hint of a chemical odor.Palate--decent structure with sweeter palate with a green after taste and a lighter tannic backbone. Drinkable but meah, even at the $12 or so, price point.--A Review from The Wine Cask...  

Winery: "Medium ruby color with a slight pink violet rim in the glass. Strong red fruit characters of bing cherry and wild strawberries with and underlining element of baking spice, clove and lavender. New French oak aromas are apparent with toasty vanilla characteristics. Dry, medium bodied with softer delicate red fruits on the palate. The wine has a long lingering finish of dried cherries and smoky vanilla. Moderate intensity...  

In yet another in a long string of victories for California winemaking (you've all heard about the famous Judgment of Paris upset in 1976, right?), three Napa Valley wines placed in the top five at the World Series of Wine in Cleveland, Ohio, with the 2005 M by Michael Mondavi coming in first. At $200, that bottle retails for less than half the price of second-place French finisher, the 2006 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac ($500), or...  

Photo by jslander via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr Those of use with less refined palates (snort!) tend to pair an In-N-Out burger with, like, a Strawberry Milkshake or an ice-cold Root Beer. But if you want that Double Double with a nice glass of vino and just aren't sure which one to choose, LearnAboutWine has the solution. They are hosting a series of Blind Date Tastings (unofficially dubbed The In-N-Out Wine Tastings...  

Budget TravelSonoma: New free, wine-themed toursBudget TravelMauritson Winery is one of four participating vineyards that has launched free walking tours. (Larry Levine) For the first time, a group of Sonoma County ...and more »  

OUT-OF-TOWN Icewine & Jazz Celebrations various locations in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake various times various prices Niagara-on-the-Lake comes alive in January with a full month of Icewine & Jazz Celebrations! The 22 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake have assembled an incredible lineup of Icewine and jazz themed events for your touring experience, from Icewine and food tastings to elegant receptions and winemakers' [...]  

2006 Mockingbird Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Type: Dry Red Wine Wine Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: Napa Valley The 2006 vintage was a solid one for Napa, as the summer was long and cool, but a nice warm spell just before harvest season allowed the grapes to develop good complexity without too much sugar. The result here is the kind of beautiful wine that offers the best of Napa Cabernet(fresh, vibrant black fruit...  

We've been excited about Pourtal's month of featuring Malibu wineries, which begins tomorrow, and today we find out about Pinot Days, a three-day festival dedicated to Pinot Noir, thanks to LA Weekly's Squid Ink. "The festival, touting 70+ Pinot Noir producers, primarily from Northern California and Oregon, is the first of its kind on Los Angeles," says the Weekly of the $50 event that begins on the 14th in Santa Monica (an LA Weekly...  

The Bordeaux Sauvignon from M&S is traditionally a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, but this wine is made with a nod to the Kiwi’s pure Sauvignon, in a fruit forward style. Related StoriesThe Dobbin's Inn  

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Another stellar Merlot from Kelley Creek, this 2007 is sourced entirely from the Alexander Valley. It shows the depth of flavor and intensity that this region is famous for. A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in both French and American oak barrels. 2007 was an outstanding vintage for these Sonoma reds and this one shows upfront fruit on a beautifully constructed frame with cocoa and black...  

I love this door. I built this for a home that I also did the front doors on. I love radius work, this door was fun to build. It was for their wine cellar, but if it were mine house, I’d have my shop in there, it was that big.  

Must have been a slow news day up in Napa. Because when I saw this headline, I didn't know if I was reading the Onion or the Napa Valley Register. Might have just used the stock "Hometown Boy Makes Good," instead. I'm not complaining about the content of the headline--I have no horses in the Napa vs Bordeaux race--but more about the style of article. In a recent blind tasting, wine trade members and consumers chose M by Michael Mondavi, a...  

Brunello di Montalcino can be light-bodied, ruby-colored, complex and austere; or it can be big-boned, dark, plush and velvety. The wine panel tasted 20 bottles from the 2004 vintage.  

5 - 45 minute sessions include: Samplings of chocolate & wine Presentations from the Chocolatier & winemaker $15 plus tax in advance $20 at the door $10 plus tax for Wine Club members and guests Purchase tickets online by Jan 15th  

Members of the Finger Lakes wine community discuss the marketing of the region and its wines. By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Photo courtesy of Amy Cheatle, Damiani Wine Cellars Last week, the well-read wine blog Dr. Vino determined, by...  

I've had this wine in my cellar for over a decade after snapping up at auction many years ago at the bargain price of $45. At age 30, it was impeccable. Light depth in the glass. Red fading to brick at the rim. Looks like Dow's 20-year-old tawny port. Good nose of dried dark fruits, tobacco, cedar. On the palate, it was soft and light bodied but still had a lot of flavor. No hint of decay. There was an impression of sweetness, although I'm...  

Every month, The List grows a little longer. Here are the additions I made last month: Hummingbird Ridge Winery http://hummingbirdridgewinery.blogspot.com/ Lions Peak Vineyards http://lionspeakwine.wordpress.com/ Ross Andrew Winery http://rossandrewwinery.wordpress.com/ Table Mountain Vineyards (The Wyo Wine-O) http://tablemountainvineyards.com/blog1/ As always, let me know...  

Australia's wine reputation is well placed on a global stage, but to further enhance it, the Australian wine industry must focus on the regions that produce the best varietal wines. That shift has slowly been taking place with wonderful results, as regions mature and Australian wines have cemented their place on the global wine scene. By: John Nielsen  

Winery: "The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is grown on our Estate controlled vineyards, in the Oakville AVA, in the heart of the Napa Valley. The Oakville District is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and produces wines that are full, lush and very elegant. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is big and lush with huge gobs of fruit in the aroma and flavor. The texture of the wine is soft and supple, typical of Cabernet Sauvignons grown in our area of...  

by Jerry James Stone Here in California, a "table wine" has an alcohol content below 13-percent. But those wines are becoming rare. Sorry, light-weights. One reason is that the higher-alcohol wines take less time to go from the vineyard to the table; lower-alcohol bottles sit in the cellar much longer. Secondly, wine drinkers want bolder wines with a lot more kick. In fact, so much so that sales for these high-octane wines have...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Zugibe Vineyards is one of the newest producers in the Seneca Lake wine community, only opening their tasting room in November, so don't feel bad if you haven't heard of them. I hadn't either until Brendan...  

By Robert Parker 2004 Mak Cabernet / Shiraz A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Coonawarra,South Australia,Australia Review by Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 167 (Oct 2006) Rating: 89 Drink 2006 - 2011 A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the deep ruby-hued 2004 Cabernet/Shiraz offers up sweet aromas of cassis, blackberries, forest floor, and damp earth. Medium-bodied with excellent...  

by David Kirkpatrick New year, new decade, and to be honest, I think most people are happy to see the first 10 years of this millennium behind them. In the past year, this column highlighted almost 100 different wines, and while all the panel's top picks were worthy, there were standouts. Looking back, I made a list of five wines that ranked as my favorites. Unfortunately, wines sell out and vintages change, so...  

What a timely and well-written article by Sasha Paulsen on Saturday, Jan. 2. Your article remained very positive in reviewing the last decade of Napa County’s wine industry and underscored the unpredictability of life over time.  

Paso Robles businessman David Weyrich may be on the verge of closing a deal with a single buyer for key real estate properties under his Martin Weyrich LLC umbrella as well as The Carlton hotel, according to a source close to the negotiations.The fate of several of those properties — including the Paso Robles Martin and Weyrich Winery, the Villa Toscana, York Mountain Winery and Jack Ranch Vineyard — is at stake. One of Weyrich’s major lenders...  

So I thought only Europe had “Appellation d’origine contrôlée” or “Indicazioni Geografica Tipica”–legally defined & demarcated areas where specifically-named wines are grown–but I guess the US has them too. D’oh! I can’t believe *I* didn’t know that. And I called myself a wine snob. If you’d like to sample wines from the uber-local “American Viticultural [...]  

The 2008 Kingston Family Vineyards Tobiano Pinot Noir brings together an engaging union of elegance and earthiness, making for an ultra approachable red wine find. Expect solid strawberry and cherry notes to showcase on the mid-palate and a bit of smoke on the finish. I found that this wine continued to evolve in the glass, more than I expected, so give it a touch of airtime on the onset. This Pinot would be a versatile pairing partner...  

If you like dry cabs, if you're a wino or if you're just really low on cash, this is the wine for you.....Contributor: Angelica MordantPublished: Jan 02, 2010  

So I thought only Europe had “Appellation d’origine contrôlée” or “Indicazioni Geografica Tipica”–legally defined & demarcated areas where specifically-named wines are grown–but I guess the US has them too. D’oh! I can’t believe *I* didn’t know that. And I called myself a wine snob. If you’d like to sample wines from the uber-local “American Viticultural [...]  

Tasting notes:Sweet plum and cherry layered with rich spices on the noseRichly textured on the palateRelaxed, harmonious finish of cherry, currant, and sweet cocoaCathy Corison provides a beautiful expression of Napa Cab with this bottling. It's a slightly different take with sweet red fruit and spice rather than dark berries and herbs, but I really like it. This was my first tasting of this wine as I discovered it on an overpriced wine list...  

Join us this Friday as we feature art by local legend Austin Smith and taste a variety of great wines from the Sonoma/Napa region of California! We are tasting from 5pm—8pm on Friday. We will continue to taste these wines on Saturday from 12pm—7pm on Saturday. Austin's art will be featured all month long.  

Here is a gorgeous single vineyard Zinfandel from Rosenblum. The Harris Kratka Vineyard in Alexander Valley is planted with half-century-old head-pruned vines of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignan. Seeing the potential, Rosenblum blends 78% Zin with 12% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan for this lush but elegant wine. The extremely low yield fruit brings concentration and complexity while the relatively cool climate keeps the acidity lively for...  

"Journey's End Estate is a stunning boutique winery and vineyard located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. In 1995 the Gabb family (originally from Shropshire - Roger Gabb was previously the founder and MD of Western Wines) purchased this picturesque farm and the surrounding 20ha of vines. Their aim is to create top-quality single-vineyard, hand-crafted wines that are true to the terroir of the vineyards, whilst ensuring the local...  

I saw this in a local supermarket marked down from $18 to $13. Being the Kin of Zin (king of zing doesn't really work) I grabbed it.Pigmented black cherry hue with big ripe plum, blackberry and tar, with unsweetened dark chocolate aromas.Palate--Sweet, rich mellow tannins with chocolate and berries and a nice rich texture. At its full price of $18, this is a decent Zin; at the sale price it's a great value!The good folks at the Wine...  

NAPA, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Canopy Management, the Napa Valley wine brand creation, sales and marketing company announced three new team members. Mr. Mack Hoehner and Ms. Kelly Howell joined the company in sales, both with the title of Vice President/Partner. Ms. Mary Ann Vangrin has beenread more  

Estate bottled single vineyard Cabernet from Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2008 New World Winery of the Year. The Apalta Vineyard is the gem of the estate in Chile's Colchagua Valley, with deeply rooted grapevines up to 60 years old. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot slowly macerated over four weeks then aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. An Editor's Choice, WE scored it 91 points saying "As always, this wine exhibits power and...  

Lewis Cellars is a Napa Valley family winery established in 1992 by Debbie and Randy Lewis, and recently joined by their son Dennis. Total production is 7,500 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah.  

Using the same wine as contestants on PBS's The Winemakers, you'll get an insider's perspective on how wines are blended in this session focused on Syrah and the red Rhone varietals. During this two-hour session, you'll be guided through the same steps used to create blends for the luxury wines produced in Crushpad Winery. Plus, compare the blends you've created against the wine put together by the winner of season one of The Winemakers. No...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Merlot very well may be the signature red variety of Long Island, but if someone were to ask me to pick a single red grape that is successful in all of New York's major wine regions,...  

Winery : "Dynamite Red is a delicious blend of enticing grapes. We start with Merlot; add of bit of Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other tasty varietals and end up with a huge burst of flavors. Fruit forward with smooth layers of mixed berries intermingling with alluring spices and a pleasing finish. The red blend is a winemaker’s wine. It allows us the flexibility to craft an ultimate blend of varietals for an elegant, supple...  

In a recent blind tasting, wine trade members and consumers chose M by Michael Mondavi, a limited production cabernet sauvignon, over a selection of Bordeaux wines with an average price of nearly $500 per bottle. The blind tasting was part of a Bordeaux seminar led by Daniel Greathouse of Heidelberg Distributing Company at the World Series of Wine in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Tasting notes: Plum, black cherry, licorice, and hints of mint on the nose Full bodied and smooth on the palate Finishes with more of the same Here's a well-made Napa Cab that won't break the bank. I might just stock up on this one. The flavors are nicely integrated throughout and the wine has good texture. I paid $12 for the bottle, but I've more often seen it priced around $15. Raise a glass! --A Review from The Wine Cask Blog...  

*** 46% OFF!! *** 91 - Connoisseurs' Guide "The 2006 Jack's Cabin Rockpile Zinfandel is our second release from this scenic Rockpile vineyard. This wine is like a basketful of fresh-picked blackberries and cherries surrounded with aromatics of violets and baking spices leading to the full-bodied and chewy palate. The flavors resonate with ample portions of berries, stone fruit, cocoa and spice concluding in a long, nectar-like...  

*** 49% OFF!! *** YEAR END SPECIAL! **A Delicious Pinot by** ***Bruce Regalia*** Former Winemaker at **Duckhorn's Goldeneye!!** "This outstanding small-production Pinot Noir is the latest project of winemaker Bruce Regalia, who spent seven vintages as founding winemaker for Goldeneye in Anderson Valley.... This is an elegant, sophisticated Pinot with well-balanced flavors of raspberry and bing cherry and notes of milk...  

San Francisco Chronicle (blog)Should San Francisco restaurants only serve Napa/Sonoma wines?San Francisco Chronicle (blog)Should San Francisco restaurants only serve Napa/Sonoma wines? That the question at the heart of a lively Linkedin discussion thread that consists of (as of ...and more »  

In the under $20 range, that is. Pinot Noir is my favorite wine. I came to that conclusion almost immediately upon becoming a wine enthusiast. There is nothing like a great Pinot to absolutely throw your palate into a state of astonishment. I’ll help myself to a few descriptions of Pinot Noir from Wikipedia: Joel Fleischman of [...]  

A Napa winery owned by a Korean maker of animal food has earned a perfect score of 100 points from wine critic Robert Parker for one of its wines. The Dana Estates' 2007 Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was one of just a few bottles this year to attain this prized ranking. When the wine was announced last January, a press release said the wine had a 94-97 point estimated score for the barrel sample of 2007 "Lotus Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon...  

According to the Department of Food and Agriculture, the alcohol content in California wine has increased significantly over the past decade. Popularity is only part of the reason wineries are pumping out more potent red wines. A quick profit is another: these wines are picked at the end of the season and can be enjoyed within a year.  

Solar panel theft is on the rise. The growing crime wave is particularly acute in Napa Valley where several dozen wineries have gone solar in recent years. Thieves are using Google Earth to locate solar arrays and breaking into vineyards at night to steal panels. Several wineries have been hit, some more than once.  

Table wines used to hover around the 12 percent alcohol mark; now, it's rare to find them below 13 percent. And sales of so-called "hot" wines -- those reaching at least 14 percent alcohol -- have tripled in the last decade.  

LINCOLN — To some in the Niagara wine industry, there's a new superstar on the horizon: Sparkling wine. The cool climate conditions in the region are conducive to producing the key grapes in traditional bubbly: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.[...]  

Filed under: Trends, Spirits Marco Veringa, flickr Merlot is a red-wine grape grown in many vino regions, including France (where it's the most widely planted grape for Bordeaux wine, accounting for two-thirds of the world's total plantings), the U.S. (mostly California but also Washington and Long Island), Italy and many New World regions (including Australia and New Zealand). After the film Sideways (2004), Merlot morphed into a bad, sad...  

From the family that brings you Quintessa comes Faust. Faust is the epitome of the style that has made Napa Cabernet Sauvignon world renowned: bold and powerful, yet elegant and concentrated. Top Cabernet Sauvignon lots are selected from vineyards Agustin Huneeus owns in Rutherford, a Napa Valley appellation synonymous with the best of Napa Valley Cabernet, as well as the up and coming, soon to be named Tulocay viticultural area south of...  

ST. HELENA, Calif. -- Peter Mondavi went to work in the wine industry during Prohibition when he was just 12, nailing together boxes for his dad's business shipping California grapes to home winemakers back East. Eight decades later, the hammer's gone, but he's still on the job at his fam...  

Calistoga is a small, sleepy town in the Napa Valley that literally sits on top of thermal hot springs, so its famous for its mineral waters and fortified mud (and thus, many resorts and spas have cropped up around the area). I hadn't been to Calistoga and was pleasantly surprised that a lot of the pretension of restaurants and wineries in the Napa Valley is noticeably absent.  

Nothing says celebration like the pop of a champagne cork. by David Kirkpatrick Nothing says celebration like the pop of a champagne cork. It's a New Year's Eve tradition and, recently, we were lucky enough to taste a wide range of sparkling wines, from budget-conscious Spanish Cava to budget-busting French champagne. Here they are, listed by price: Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, $9.99 You...  

Pop the bubbly? How about pop the sparkly? That’s Kristine Fiorilla’s take on the New Year’s Eve Champagne tradition. The manager of the wine shop at Belhurst in Geneva, she said sparkling wine is one of her best sellers any time of the year.  

Tasting notes:Fragrant berries, cassis, and cedar on the noseFull bodied on the palateFinishes with strong tannins, currants, and herbsIn my experience, Cakebread Napa Cab always has a beautiful bouquet and this is true with the 2006. However, overall the wine doesn't seem to really come together as well as expected.The good news for Cakebread fans is that this wine has not doubled in price over the past five years like some others. It...  

A reader emails to ask: I am wondering if a generalization can be made about the difference in tannins in mountain fruit versus valley floor fruit. Any input you could provide would be greatly appreciated. In my experience, mountain grown red wines can be noticeably more tannic than those grown on a valley floor. Compare a Howell Mountain zinfandel to a zinfandel from the valley floor (say Calistoga). The Howell Mountain likely will be a lot...  

(Not the best I tasted- those would mostly be older, hard-to-find wines. Rather, these are the most exciting, widely available, and in most cases good values)(1) Perrin & Fils Gigondas La Gille 2005 ($26) powerful, well made, will age gracefully(2) Truchard Carneros Roussanne 2005 ($20) the most interesting white wine I tasted all year(3) Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2003 ($22) Tuscany in a bottle, bought a case at a special...  

If nothing else gets the world's elite motivated to reduce global warming, perhaps the threat it poses to the world's great wine-growing areas will. Vintners have made the most of the delicate balance of soil and climate in places like Burgundy. Swift changes in climate threaten the work of generations.  

Thekla and Richard Sanford of Alma Rosa Winery are looking for a few good "Green", sustainable recipes and are having a little contest. OK chefs...time to get your "green" on....and win an incredible foodie opportunity of lunching with the Sanfords at the vineyard!Rules for the recipe contest are:Each variety of wine that Alma Rosa produces constitutes a category (Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Vin Gris and Pinot Noir)One...  

Reading Wine Labels. What To Look For On the Bottle Label. Jan 3, 2010 Margo Dillard. Buying a bottle of wine as a gift, for Valentine's Day or just looking for something to spice up a private dinner, there are some wine basics that ...  

Peter Mondavi, whose brother founded Robert Mondavi Winery, went to work in the wine industry during Prohibition when he was just 12. Eight decades later, he's still on the job at his family's Charles Krug Winery, a survivor with a unique perspective on a year when the bottom dropped out of the market for luxury wines.  

NEW YORK - France’s Loire Valley is well known for producing reference point wines using grape varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc, among others. Now, a three year, 2.6 million Euro marketing campaign in North America is helping consum  

Every time I go wine-tasting around Paso Robles, I try to include a few newer wineries in my itinerary (or at least places we’ve somehow overlooked). This time, following the recommendation of the two lively, hairy wine sages in the tasting room at Zenaida Cellars, we traveled up Vineyard Drive to Jada Vineyard, which sold its [...]  

It was another gorgeous day in Sonoma as we left our cottage room and headed for breakfast. Again we ate at the only breakfast place in town, The Garden Court café with no complaints. Actually they do breakfast pretty good. After a late breakfast we began walking back to check out of our cottage and noticed that the Audelssa wine tasting room was open. We had been told by 3 or 4 other wineries that we should stop and taste Audelssa wines, and...  

Wines from the "New World," that once were the main challengers to "Old World" wines, are now having to contend with rivals too, as more nations win recognition for their wine production. Men’s website AskMen.com has compiled a list of the top 7 ...  

Get your pucker ready, Napa Valley Limoncello Co. has created the first premium Limoncello made from organic Meyer Lemons. Napa Valley Limoncello Co. is a micro-distillery located in the heart of the famed wine growing region. Its new Napa Valley Limoncello XO Blend is rich and juicy with lemon flavors and a hint of vanilla and honey. It can be enjoyed either straight or mixed.To create the limoncello, lemons are hand-peeled and then...  

  View of the vineyard of Castello di Gabbiano in Tuscany, where one traveller drank a lot of Chianti.   Ivano Reali, managing director of the property, says the Sangiovese grapes thrive here because of the balance of soil, altitude and easy-going climate. We tour the castle cellar, where the wine is aged in French oak barrels and large casks, shown here, which suit the Sangiovese because it is so delicate and easy to over-oak in the small...  

Editor's note: We're featuring more of The Chronicle's Winemakers to Watch during the first weeks of January. Find last week's at sfgate.com/wine. For two guys who grew up in the heart of Napa Valley, Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts have unusual ideas...  

It's not that you could ever be accused of running with the herd. However, when we're talking about the choices of several million people, and those choices concern several million bottles of wine, well, it couldn't hurt to lend one little ear to the vox populi. The masses in questions are those ordering bottles from Wine.com, and after having tabulated the scores the site has released its Top 100 list for 8,000 different wines sold in 2009...  

The sons of Peter Mondavi are remaking a piece of their family legacy, spending $30 million to upgrade their winemaking processes and focusing on higher-quality wines. A recent sampling of their products under the Charles Krug label show the efforts are paying off. The 2008 Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc ($16) and 2007 Charles Krug Chardonnay ($18) are especially noteworthy.  

The ads tout “two glorious days with 100 wineries along the Wine Road, Northern Sonoma County as we celebrate our 18th Annual Winter Wineland.” Here’s a great opportunity to meet winemakers, taste limited production wines, new releases or library wines along the picturesque Russian River, about 20 minutes from Sonoma. Some wineries will offer food [...]  

Chateau St. Jean's Cinq Cépages (meaning "five varieties") is a beautiful Bordeaux inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Chateau St. Jean's winemaking team has created a Cab that is ultra-approachable, offering a dynamic marriage of power and elegance. The distinguished aromas of raspberry, blackberry and fresh chocolate shavings make up the first impressions on the nose. The palate profile...  

Screw caps have been associated with cheap wines in the past and have had some serious perception hurdles to hop; however, they are definitely on the rise with many winemakers in the U.S. and abroad experimenting with them on select wines. New Zealand is leading the wine industry with the majority of wineries converting from cork to cap. Wineries in Australia, Spain, South Africa, South America, Canada, the U.S. and France are all testing the...  

It's hard to get attention in the world of wine. Many wineries and winemakers struggle their entire careers for recognition, both deservedly and some, not quite. In the days of big marketing budgets and cult wines that are only figuratively on everyone's lips (and literally on the lips of very few), it's easy to overlook wineries that have quietly been doing their thing for decades. I can't tell you how many times I've driven by the...  

**** 46% OFF!! **** 90 Score - Wine Spectator! "This polished red shows oak flavors of chocolate and spice, framing black cherry and savory herb notes over firm tannins. There's density, but this remains graceful. Drink now through 2013. 1,400 cases made...." (W.S.) "This wine is the produce of a single vineyard planted in 1948 with the varieties Tempranillo (95%), Graciano and Garnacha.... Intense in the nose prior to...  

Purgatory Cellars/White Owl Winery, (whiteowlwinery.com) of Birds, Illinois is wrapping up the year with news that its Persimmon Solera received a silver medal in the 6th Annual AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge held in Vienna, Austria. This is ...  

France?s Loire Valley is well known for producing reference point wines using grape varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc, among others Now, a three year, 2.6 million Euro marketing campaign in North America is helping consumers connect these popular grape varietals to the regions within the Loire Valley that helped make them famous, such as Sancerre, Vouvray, Muscadet and Chinon.  

Friends told us. The concierges at the hotel told us. Travel books told us. When you tour the vineyards of Mendoza, hire a driver. It's easier and safer. Nonetheless, when my friend Jonathan and I set our sights on Lujan de Cuyo, an Argentine wine ...  

The 2007 Solaire Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands, Calif., $15) is put out by the Robert Mondavi winery. It's a nicely made wine that, unlike many California chards, doesn't overdo it on the oak. The wine starts with aromas of vanilla and butterscotch. In the mouth, it's buttery and creamy with apple flavors. All in all, it's smooth and well-balanced. Serve with chicken, fish or shellfish in cream sauce.  

(NW) found a bottle in a Boston wine shop with an old looking label on it. The price tag on it was $5. Now there's tons of $5 wines out there and most of them are barely suitable for cooking. But (NW)--always looking for that "treasure" read the label--Rosenblum Cabernet Sauvignon--Groth Vineyard--1983. A 26 year old single vineyard Napa Cab for $5? Why not? For that price the bottle and label and worth it...(NW) served it to me bagged...  

[Originally published in November 2007] Both Greta and I are big wine fans. Despite Jonah's recent extremely popular post, I, at least, believe that I can tell the difference between good and bad wines. I'm still convinced that a good wine is more than just an attractive label (though I'm a sucker for labels with Zinfandel puns like "Zen of Zin" or "Amazin"). That said, the research suggesting that labeling has a lot to do with wine...  

By Melanie Cleveland, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News Dec. 24--The expected foreclosure on core properties owned by Paso Robles businessman David Weyrich -- schedul...  

The bottle: Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2007. Price: $14.99. Varietal: Pinot noir. Where it's from: The Provence region of southeastern France, where Maison Louis Latour produces this wine on the site of an ancient monastery and the university ...  

Let's go rosé today, which seems appropriate for a relaxing Sunday. The Domaine Carneros Cuvee de la Pompadour Brut Rosé is composed of 58 percent pinot noir grapes and 42 percent chardonnay. The winery, in the Carneros district north ...  

The African Horizon wines, produced from carefully selected grapes grown in the sundrenched vineyards includes the best of South Africa's varietals - a lush Pinotage, a peppery Shiraz and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. These terrific wines are now available at a great price at your favourite wine store.  

Less is more to Jason Drew. Quite literally. He's willing to give up big flavors and sugar in his Pinot Noir grapes in order to get more structure and acidity from careful farming. Drew wines like the 2007 Fog Eater are packed with intense red-fruit flavors...  

Fermentation is classically defined as the microbiological conversion, in the absence of oxygen, of sugars to alcohol or lactic acid. By the enzymatic conversion of sugars to alcohol, the microorganisms gain biochemical energy (ATP). Fermentation is used in many commercial food processes, including the making of sauerkraut, yogurt, wines and beers. Certain bacteria and fungi are capable of causing fermentation to occur in the absence of...  

Cheese board $15 Brie en croute $13 Molten Lava Cake $10 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc $15 glass/$60 bottle Seldom does a restaurant's website convey the atmosphere of the establishment as well as thewineloftgulch.com portray...  

It's not often an inexpensive wine can invoke a second look at the label. But this little gem of a syrah was not only most pleasing, but the price wasn't bad either!Contributor: Angelica MordantPublished: Dec 29, 2009  

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Joe Donelan, one of Northern California's premier wine producers, today announced the official launch of their new winery, Donelan Family Wines (http://www.donelanwines.com). The small boutique winery will continue to focus on Syrah and other Rhône varietals harvested from unique vineyards within Sonoma County, California. A natural outgrowth from the successful Pax Wine Cellars, Donelan Wines will take the...  

'Tis the season for bubbly, but the recession has left champagne sales flat. Some high-end champagnes may be heavily discounted this holiday season. In the rough economy, many are looking at sparkling wines as an alternative.  

Marc Mondavi, a member of one of Napa Valley’s most recognizable winemaking families, will host a special wine tasting event at Arrowhead Grill Dec. 18. Mondavi will offer a vertical tasting of four vintages of the Charles Krug Reserve Cabernet...  

Sitting at the foot of the Andes, Argentina's Mendoza province is quickly gaining a reputation as the "next Napa". With a soil and climate perfect for wine production, amazing real estate values and demand for wine expected to grow exponentially in the next four years, Mendoza is an attractive...  

Dark purple hue with big fruit bomb aromas of black berry, pipe tobacco and cocoa/milk chocolate notes.Palate--Big, thick textured foundation that is ripe, extracted, with layers of tar, black fruit, rich and jammy with a finish that has staying power.Big wines like this need to be enjoyed when in the right mood and allowed to stand on their own. I paid $16 for this and is a fun wine when looking for something to shake up a lazy palate...  

******* 56% OFF!! ******* 93 Points by The Wine News! Also a 'Tasters' Choice Selections' "A wine driven by the terroir of the vineyard, aromas of fresh baked cherry pie and cardamom spice character are evident. On the palate, blackberry fruit and subtle oak nuances are weaved together in a complex tapestry of flavors. The finish is smooth and refined, presenting a sleek and sophisticated ending." (dry creek vineyard)  

Brunello di Montalcino WineThinking the fact that wines have been created for over 3,500 years in Italy, Brunello di Montalcin Wine is viewed as a more spruce invention, and so to mouth. The wine hailed into existence as a outcome of the written reports of Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, a winemaker of the late 1800s, are not experienced as a wine that paid homage to localised traditions. Biondi-Santi commenced planting clones of the Sangiovese grape...  

Bryce Crawford and I attended a four-course wine dinner at The Broadmoor's Summit restaurant last night, hosted by Carlo Mondavi, who currently acts in a sales role for his family's latest and only venture, Napa Valley's Continuum Winery. Matthew SchniperDoomsday machine or fancy wine rack? You decide. Continuum, a Cabernet/Cabernet Franc/Petite Verdot blend first launched in 2004, was formulated by Tim Mondavi, the former head winemaker at...  

Lightly Tannic and Tasty- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 Capestrano Red Wine Good fruit with soft tannins, this Italian blend is a welcome change to a Pinot Noir.  If you’re craving a Malbec, but don’t want a Malbec, this is going to be too tannic and earthy for you. Just opt for a pinot. As I type (at 10:18pm) my tongue is still salivating after each sip, but in a good way.  The kick pairs well with the sugar in my chocolate cake :) I picked...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief It's likely that sparkling wine during the holidays has gone well beyond cliche, but hey, it still works. In fact, there are few times when sparkling wine doesn't work. It flies under the radar for many...  

A reader sent along an email asking: : I don't know if you're familiar with kosher wines, but the impression is that they've been improving. Herzog, Yarden, Golan, etc. are some of the well-known brands. No longer cough-syrupy sweet.I agree. I once had a sauvignon blanc from the Golan Heights that was especially good. Unfortunately, I can't remember the brand. But don't discount those old Concord grape-based kosher wines. Back when I was...  

The top 10 Chardonnay wines of the decade are all from the beautiful State of California. California's many climates and altitudes provide the perfect location for growing the many types of fruit essential for producing quality Chardonnay wines.Contributor: Kim BlakesleyPublished: Dec 29, 2009  

Copyedit ← Previous revision Revision as of 21:42, 19 December 2009 Line 2: Line 2: ==Wine regions== ==Wine regions== - The principal appellation using this variety, ''Côtes du Frontonnais'' (red and rose), requires that 50% to 70% of the blend be the Negrette grape. The other 50% to 30% must be cabernet franc and cabernet-sauvignon (maximum 25% together) and/or cot (maximum...  

Wow … 2009 ended quickly. It’s time to ring in the new year with a sparkling wine or Champagne. Here are my favorites: Heidsieck & Co. Monopole “Blue Top” Champagne This is the real stuff, meaning, real Champagne (in other words, made in France, from grapes grown in the Champagne region). This is dry and delicious, comes in [...]  

Nose:earthy aromas with blueberriesPalate:warm spices and cedar with a smooth, even balance and tannins that warm and do not overwhelm.Finish: short and tannic. more juicy berry notes.Overall: I paid about $17 for this wine. A Mano Primitivo is the Italian version of the Zinfandel grape. The styles between this and American Zinfandels could not be more striking. The warm earth notes and soft tannins contrast with US Zin's typically fruit...  

Joe Donelan, one of Northern California's premier wine producers, today announced the official launch of their new winery, Donelan Family Wines (http://www.donelanwines.com).The small boutique winery will continue to focus on Syrah and other Rhône varietals harvested from unique vineyards within Sonoma County, California.  

By Laboure-Roi LABOURE-ROI MAXIMUM CHARDONNAY Barrel Aged Bourgogne Blanc REGION AND APPELLATION. The Bourgogne Blanc Appellation stretches across the entire Burgundy region from Chablis to Macon. Although there are still very small parcels of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Beurot planted in the Cote d’Or, the wines are virtually all made from the Chardonnay grape. The majority of these wines come from the Cote d’Or and the Cote-Chalonnaise...  

More Napa Valley holiday wines, $25 or lessSt. Helena StarBurgess Cellars Petite Sirah 2006 ($25) is all blackberries and herbs; a dark sip for fans of petite sirah. Ceja Vineyards Vino de Casa 2007 red blend ($20) ...and more »  

Riesling, Icewine, Sweet Nectar of the Gods.... Where ever they come from, whatever they may be called this culmination of years of grape breeding can only truly be called by whatever expression…  

This complimentary bottle was sent to the WCB for review: Deep black cherry hue with vegetal notes and nearly minty tea aromas with blackberry and plum highlights.Palate--sweet berry with spice front; well constructed foundations and relaxed tannins with a balanced under layer of fresh grapes with some vanilla oak. Finishes okay. This wine runs around $14 which is a decent price for the wine so raise a glass.--A Review from The Wine Cask...  

The fifth annual Fashion Week El Paseo will unfold in Palm Desert March 22-28 with a new addition: food and wine demonstrations and tastings. The venture will pair fashion design, food, champagnes such as Schramsberg and Piper Heidsieck, and ...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief I'm exited to announce today that I'll be co-hosting a live Twitter tasting of four cabernet franc-based Finger Lakes wines as a part of TasteLive. My co-hosts are the folks from Finger Lakes Wine Country (FLWC),...  

We have earlier told you about the amazing range of wine cellars from EuroCave, but this France-based wine cellar maker now offers you a chance to dress up your wine cellar in leather upholstery to complement your leather furniture. The leather finish..  

This is a California sourced varietal that is light yellow, with sweet creme brulee notes along side citrus, and dusty fruit.Palate--butterscotch hints up front with racy acidity, dry dusty citrus and some cream on the finish. My wife grabbed this at Sam's Club because it had a note claiming the Wine Spectator gave it an 87 point rating. She paid $9 but it is now selling for $6.83 at Sam's which is a good price but I honestly don't see the W...  

Real Time Review: Ah, the season of gift giving tis lovely! Only a couple hours ago a friend walks into my office and gives me this Tuscan red.Opaque red with purple remnant hue and an ample bouquet of classic Sangiovese dried cherry notes with light, fresh cherry undertones and a nice Chianti earthiness. This Super Tuscan--meaning it does not conform to Chianti rules regarding the blend but includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) is just...  

By Julia Burke, Niagara Escarpment Correspondent Full disclosure: I hate fruit wines. When I think of the wines of the Niagara Escarpment, visions of riesling, chardonnay, cab franc and ice wine dance in my head; fruit wines, on the other...  

I had a few friends suggest I try Codoriu Sparkling Pinot as a holiday option. The gorgeous bottle alone makes it a fun hostess gift, so I decided to give it a try. Codorniu Pinot Noir is Spain's first rose sparkling wine made entirely from the Pinot ...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Syrah is a mere bit player in the world of New York wine. Only a few Long Island wineries produce varietal bottlings, usually only it the ripest and hottest of years, and the same is true...  

Wine Spectator reports that the late, great Chanterelle’s wine stock has been inherited by two restaurants: Nice Matin acquired more than 700 bottles, and Barbounia took around 300. [Wine Spectator] Read more posts by Daniel MaurerFiled Under: oenophile, barbounia, chanterelle, nice matin, wine  

A reader wrote in to ask about sulfites in wine and the link to migranes. It's true that an allergy to sulfites is a real problem for some wine drinkers, which can cause severe headaches. White wines typically have a higher concentration of sulfites than do red wines, so comparing experiences with red and white wines is one way to determine if sulfites might be the problem - albeit a potentially risky one. Unfortunately, because sulfites are...  

It's hard to believe that in the early 1990's less than 100 acres of vineyards were planted in Chile's Casablanca valley. In little more than two decades, this region of Chile has surged in growth and popularity, and is currently producing excellent wines that generally represent excellent values on the world market. The region is currently home to more than 10,000 acres of vineyards. Back when the grape acreage was still in the triple...  

Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir 2007 · Willamette Valley, Oregon I meant to get this one into the Thanksgiving Wines series but somehow it slipped through. In any case, you don’t need to have turkey to enjoy this Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley of Oregon — it goes with just about any lean meat or vegetarian [...]  

If you follow this blog you know I am a Zinfandel zealot so I snatched a couple bottles of another one of Rosenblum's 2 dozen or so single vineyard Zins. I paid $20 for this bottle which is a great price at about half of what it would normally run.Darker black cherry hue with perfectly wild, brambly blackberry Zin aromas with a suggestion of mint. With ample time to open, more aromas of eucalyptus/menthol and chocolate nuances.Palate...  

*** 35% OFF!! *** "Deep garnet in appearance with elegant fruit aromas that are complemented by soft notes of rose petals and enhanced by dark berries and hints of oak. Ripe black cherry and plum flavors are accented by soft silky tannins. Spicy sweet oak lined with a nice lingering finish."  

Are you a wine enthusiast? Perhaps you'd like to taste some of the top wines from France. The following article tells you about ten of France's best wines of the past decade (2000-2010).Contributor: Tammy Dishner, M.Ed.Published: Dec 30, 2009  

How Sparkling wine should be served chilled. If a bottle is not emptied at first pouring, refrigerate it again or use an ice bucket. It's not funny to pop the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine. That cork zooms out at close to 60 mph, enough force to do damage. To open safely, remove the foil and wire cage. Drape a dish towel over the bottle. Hold the cork with one hand and the bottle with the other. Turn the bottle, not the cork, until the...  

Frogs Leap Winery is one of the original Napa Valley cult wines. Started by Larry Turley and John Williams in the early 1980s, when Williams was winemaking at Spring Mountain Vineyards. Production was tiny and demand was high. The pair went their separate ways in 1994 with Williams taking Frog?s Leap to a new facility, but with the same commitment and to organic and sustainable farming. All of his vineyards are dry-farmed organic, yielding...  

Wines from the "New World," that once were the main challengers to "Old World" wines now have their own rivals, as more countries seek recognition for their wines. Men's website AskMen.com has compiled a list of the top seven emerging wine regions ...  

There are few winemakers in the region that can produce a good syrah from the Niagara climate. With this offering, Sheppard demonstrates he belongs to this exclusive club. The team at Coyote’s Run Estate Vineyard are passionate about their wines, and passionate about building a quality product for Canadian wine drinkers. They’ve succeeded in bottling some of that passion in this elegant, well crafted Syrah.  

In this edition of Monthly Crush we explore the varietal Grenache. I have found this to be a very popular grape and have seen its sales growing, not only as a single varietal but as an element of the great Rhône blends. It might actually have the potential to be the next trend in wine drinking.  

ST. HELENA -- Peter Mondavi went to work in the wine industry during Prohibition when he was just 12, nailing together boxes for his dad's business shipping California grapes to home winemakers back east.  

Hand picked noble rot grapes. Semillon. Chateau Nairac, Barsac, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France.Christmas time is when we bring out the sweet wines! Not only the port wines but perhaps also some "nobly rotten" wines?***********BKWine Wine Tech GalleriesThis is the fourth gallery (below) to show a specific "technical" aspect of vine growing and wine making: our Wine Tech Galleries. This time we take a look at rot in the vineyard, of the noble kind...  

Nose:Slightly off chardonnay nose. Lightly green and citrus.Palate:thin and acidic, not quite crisp. Buttery on the back of the tongue.Finish: Grape stem. Overall:This wine was sent to The Wine Cask Blog free of charge to review. I have seen it retail for about $13. Meh. 2007 was not the best year in Australia overall and I have tasted much better Jacob's Creek wines at or below this price point. That they made something as good as this...  

This 100% cabernet sauvignon Tuscan red wine is quite delicious. Still quite a deep purple-ruby at age 8. A big nose, suggestive of dark fruits and oak. Black cherry, blackberry, and earth. Good acidity makes it very food friendly. I suspect I would have flagged it as Italian in a blind tasting. It has that certain quality that only Italy produces in cabernet. Grade: A-/A  

Thirteen years ago, Nick and Andy Peay set out to make wine from their own grapes, grown on their own land. They had no established family estate, no angel investors. What they had was time to hunt along the California coast for the perfect site: a cold,...  

Bring the New Year in with a bang, not your Champagne! To open a bottle of bubbly without the infamous "pop," you will need to have it properly chilled to about 45 degrees (easily accomplished by refrigerating for three hours before opening or placing in a full bucket of ice and water for 20 minutes) and gently ease the cork from the bottle. Cover Champagne storage, the battle of the cork and Champagne and sparkling wine food pairings here. Or...  

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Barrel-fermented chardonnay isn't my favorite style. That's well documented. But, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate one that is well-made. This Lenz Winery 2007 Old Vines Chardonnay ($25) is one that I appreciate. In fact, I...  

Help get the Word Out - Feed the Hungry HorsesSonoma Action for Equine Rescue needs help in getting the word out about the Hay Assistance Program. Despite the hopeful reports on the financial pages of our nation; around the NorthBay economic hardships continue to cause heartbreak and our horses continue to be shipped out to slaughter. They cannot wait for an economic upturn. They gotta eat today.Our Donate A Bale program in all the feed...  

Filed under: Drinks Photo: Getty Images. Convention tells us that red wines are for winter, and whites are to be poured when you're wearing shorts. Yet there are several white wines - ones with substantial texture, body and more mineral and oak flavors than tropical fruit - that are perfect to open during a snowfall or sub-50 degree weather. Pair them with a stew, soup or braised meat. 2007 Zaca Mesa Winery Viognier, California ($17...  

EVENTS Holiday Dessert Wines café Taste, 1330 Queen Street West 8:00 PM $45 - reserve online or at 416-536-7748 This month's tutored tasting at café Taste features a selection of dessert wines with chocolate and cheese pairings by Wine Geek Jeremy Day. We will explore different styles of dessert wines, from sweet to sweeter. Taste and learn in a [...]  

I had the pleasure of meeting and tasting with Gary Sitton a few weeks ago.  Gary is the winemaker for Blackstone Winery.  Yes, that Winemakers Select Merlot that we all drank before Sideways, back when Merlot became a hit.  I have to admit, I haven’t had a bottle of the Winemaker Select in a while, [...]  

From Chas Sisk: Nearly 160 wineries, including a handful in Tennessee, have signed up to take part in the state’s 6-month-old direct shipment program. But with more than 5,000 winemakers nationwide, some connoisseurs say finding a grower that will ship has been difficult. “I’ve contacted probably about a dozen wineries, and I’ve only come across one that [...]  

by Michael Hughes Developing a world-class wine-producing region always takes a few pioneers. Washington State has quite a few. David Lake (Columbia Winery), Mike Sauer (Red Willow Vineyard), Chris Camarda (Andrew Will Winery), Scott Morris (Kiona Vineyards & Winery), Rick Small (Woodward Canyon), and Patricia Gelles (Klipsun Vineyard) are just a few of the individuals who have nurtured the industry into what it...  

When Mother Nature comes calling with cold temperatures, Niagara vintners answer and start picking frozen grapes for icewine — regardless if it's the holidays. Over at Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery in St.[...]  

I take a special interest in a particular class of winery. I call them estateless wineries, but they are wineries that have no permanent physical presence. These types of operations have no vineyards, own no buildings, and sometimes don't even own any equipment. Such wineries are most often the result of someone taking small steps towards their personal dream of being in the wine business, and are often sources for great wines at reasonable...  

After fleeing his Communist-run homeland, Croatia’s Mike Grgich settled in the Napa Valley where he found his niche in a then-fledgling wine industry. It was where he put his training into practice and where he got his first taste of zinfandel. At ...  

Harvest time in the vineyard.When longtime Amador County grape grower Dick Cooper celebrated a milestone birthday over the summer, neighboring Shenandoah Valley vintners arrived at the party bearing their signature wines. If Cooper entertained visions of savoring those wines at a more relaxed moment, he was out of luck – the guests promptly helped themselves. Meanwhile, Cooper and his band played virtually nonstop through the night...  

Let us toast to Indiana's new signature wine. Traminette, a fragrant and floral white hybrid grape, developed specifically for Midwestern soils and temperamental climate, was anointed last month as the most noteworthy of all fermented Hoosier grape juices.  

Omrah Plantagenet Pinot Noir 2008 -- don't overwhelm a white meat; thin-skinned Pinot Noir is a good choice, particularly a juicy New Zealand version such as this. 14pc alc. €16.99. Available from Hole in the Wall, Dublin 7; Sweeney's, Glasnevin; Harvey Nichols, Dundrum; Gibney's, Malahide; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Drink Store, Stoneybatter; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Listons, Camden Street; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street...  

Get more bottle for your buck in Sonoma County. The “Ticket to the Wine Road” pass, launched by an association of vintners and lodges, is — for enthusiastic oenophiles — a great way to rack up discounts and freebies on wine-tasting adventures. Deal: A one-day pass is available for $25, or a three-day pass costs $50. [...]  

On a sparklingly clear, cold day last week, a delegation from the Champagne region of France was getting a jump on New Year’s eve by toasting with some North Fork bubbly. In the brand new tasting room of Southold’s Sparkling Pointe Winery, Jean-Luc Barbier held a flute of Sparkling Pointe’s brut and was asked his opinion [...]  

From the National Post: The outing: Head to the Niagara region for winery tours, the spectacular falls, a giant New Year’s Eve party or make a date for mid-January and the icewine harvest. Why it will make your holiday sparkle: Wine and holiday spirit undoubtedly go together. So, what better way to enjoy a uniquely Canadian holiday [...] Related posts:Niagara in wonderland From the Buffalo News: A global contest by a Swiss-based... Niagara...  

Wine Stimulating appends- Wine at Home There are a heap of things that one can do at home and wine Making has been, for centuries, one of these affairs You can score a vinery out of your house, and you tend to the grapes with precaution and love  

What wine goes best with Christmas dinner? Most sommeliers recommend their favourite oak-y white wine, while the more adventurous will suggest a Pinot Noir or a spicy Beaujolais Nouveau to wash down the large fowl. They are all wrong. Belgian triple ales are best for the fest.... From Fast Forward Weekly.  

*** 40% OFF!! *** 92 Score Wine Spectator! "Intense and full-blown, rich and concentrated , with a rustic, earthy edge to the dried currant, sage and underbrush notes. The depth and dimension of the flavors are cloaked in chewy tannins, requiring time to unfold. Best from 2010 through 2016." "With intense layers of dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, black licorice, clove spice, mineral and cedar, this is one of...  

Another month, another batch of winery blogs! This month's list of newly-discovered blogs includes Robert Mondavi Winery, which started blogging in October of this year. Even though it's great to see this name with a blog, the content seems to...  

**** 36% OFF!! **** 90 Rating - Robert Parker "This is a huge wine, deep red violet with dark fruit aromas, firm structure, full-bodied, long finish. Excellent with rich spiced dishes, strong cheeses, roast or grilled meats, tuna, salmon and chocolate. " (bodegafoster) "... a blend of two vineyards, 53 years and 90 years old respectively. It, too, spent 12 months in 40% new French oak. Purple-colored, it displays an...  

A bishop whose legacy was sullied by scandal. Leaders in wine, banking, business and law enforcement. And a prolific poet and a renowned musician were among the community's notable members who died in 2009. Most of them helped shape the course of ...  

**** 60% OFF!! **** ****YES 60% OFF!!! THE WINE AND THE DEAL ARE BOTH SPECTACULAR! Jonathan H. Newman – 93 /100 Points "....Aromas of dark rich fruit including black currants, blueberries and crushed rocks, with toasty vanilla oak. A big dense, chewy wine with layers of classical Bordeaux fruits and black currants, dark chocolate, blackberries and black raspberry with touches of smoke and licorice. Well...  

Winter Shipping Notice: During the winter months, The Wine Spies will continue to ship wines as quickly as we can. Please expect that in some cases orders may be delayed due to the weather or winery and warehouse holiday schedules. We will do our best to get your orders packed and shipped as quickly as possible. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Flathead BeaconPour Favor: A quick guide to sparkling wineSomerville JournalCava winemakers exclusively use white grapes, whereas in Champagne red varietals Pinot Noir and Petite Meunier are two of the three permitted varietals ...THE WINE SPY: Three Sparklers for the New YearFlathead BeaconDecantified: You Say Frizzante, I Say SpumanteMyrtle Beach Restaurant NewsLOVELY BUBBLY: GUIDE TO FESTIVE FIZZDaily Starall 5 news articles »  

Winemaker : "Color is a bright straw yellow. Floral and citrus aromas. A rich, full, and clean mouthful of green apple, pear-like flavors with a zingly and balanced lemony acidity. Altanuta’s roots run deep in a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking. Through experience comes knowledge, and almost 700 years of winemaking expertise and an intimate understanding of the region’s unique land, air and water elements make Altanuta a wine of...  

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Ernie Weir (right) pours wine in the tasting room at his Hagafen Cellars winery in Napa, Calif. The winery is one of the few that are kosher in the country. AP Photo/Eric Risberg NAPA, Calif. (AP) - Vintner Ernie Weir wants to make one thing ...  

*** 55%OFF!! *** 90 Points - Wine Enthusiast "Fancy, with racy acidity and rich oak framing ripe natural flavors of pineapple brûlée, pear concentrate and Meyer lemon essence. Rich, but balanced and elegant". (W.E.)  

*** 60% OFF!! ***YES 60% off!!*** A TRULLY IMPRESSIVE AGLIANICO RESERVA FOR PRACTICALY NOTHING!! "Aglianico, in particular, is rapidly demonstrating that it is the Nebbiolo of the Italian south, capable of giving wines of exceptional richness and longevity..." (Robert Parker/Wine Advocate) "An intense ruby red color with a distinctive complex fragrance of cherries and violets. On the palate...  

Wine Spectator chose this great value Rioja as one of their Top 100 Wines of 2009. Vina Zaco from Bodegas Bilbainas is a fruit-forward Tempranillo with just enough oak aging to add intriguing notes of complex spice and vanilla. They scored it 90 points saying ?Black cherry and blackberry flavors are framed by smoky chocolate oak in this modern red, which is taut and focused, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink now through 2012."  

Winter Shipping Notice: During the winter months, The Wine Spies will continue to ship wines as quickly as we can. Please expect that in some cases orders may be delayed due to the weather or winery and warehouse holiday schedules. We will do our best to get your orders packed and shipped as quickly as possible. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.  

**** 43% OFF **** ~*~ A FINE WINE FIND ~*~ ANOTHER GRAND SLAM ….. NOT TO BE MISSED “A totally new viticultural and wine-making team is in place at Rudd, including viticultural manager, Bill Vyenielo, as well as superstars David Abreu and Michel Rolland. The new winemaker in addition to Rebekah Wineburg is Pat Sullivan. I think all of this reflects the meticulous perfectionism of proprietor Leslie Rudd, who wants to push...  

The Terrabianca Estate was founded in the Chianti Classico zone in 1988, but the promise of Super Tuscan blends led to the purchase of the ?Il Tesoro? (The Treasure) vineyard in Maremma, a 260 acre site with prime vineyards for Sangiovese and Cabernet. Campaccio, a superb Super Tuscan, is made from grapes from both the Chianti and Maremma properties, each bringing the characteristic terroir from these top growing regions. It?s a blend of 70...  

Public wine tasting events dubbed Yats Wine Experience have traditionally been patronized mostly by local wine enthusiasts but all that changed in the recent event held in November 2009. Wine lovers from Singapore, China/Hong Kong, Korea and Japan ...  

Sonoma County's wineries may seek passage of a state law requiring wines from its sub-appellations like Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill to also print “Sonoma County” on their wine labels to better promote the winemaking region. Click to ...  

The most widely planted grape in the world is Cabernet Sauvignon, commonly nicknamed Cab. Whether it is a little or a lot, this grape is used as a component in many of the world's greatest wines. This month, many people will visit their local wine ...  

***60% OFF!!*** A SUPERB SLEEPER BARGAIN FROM THE LEGENDARY 2005 BORDEAUX VINTAGE If ever there was a year for the later ripening terroirs of the Côtes and Fronsac this was it. The clement conditions throughout the year and during the harvest were perfect for ripeness." (Decanter) Robert Parker on the 2005 vintage Bordeaux's " 2005 is the finest vintage for these wines since 1982. The range of scores...  

Winter Shipping Notice: During the winter months, The Wine Spies will continue to ship wines as quickly as we can. Please expect that in some cases orders may be delayed due to the weather or winery and warehouse holiday schedules. We will do our best to get your orders packed and shipped as quickly as possible. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.  

By Stephen Tanzer 2006 Bodegas y Vinedos del Jalon Claraval Calatayud Winery: Bodegas y Vinedos del Jalon Style: Red Wine Varietal: Grenache Region: Other Spain By Josh Raynolds Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar , Sep/Oct 08 (100% garnacha) Deep, bright ruby-red. Sexy raspberry and blackberry preserve aromas are complicated by Asian spices, smoky minerals and fresh flowers. Suave and velvety, with deep, sweet flavors...  

England's best yet? Could this be the UK's best wine yet produced? I think it's up there. Buy, buy! Ridgeview Merret Bloomsbury 2006 West Sussex, England 61% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, 12% Pinot Meunier; 12 year old vines on chalky ...  

I was in Funchal recently and I saw a poster with this picture on a poster proclaiming how Francisco Albuquerque has won many awards for his fortified wines.Albuquerque is named “fortified wine maker of the year”Albuquerque is quite proud of his fortified wines, and they are quite different from American fortified wines:American fortified wines are not for the gourmetAmerican fortified wines have  

***39%OFF!!*** "...opens with lemon peel, pineapple, and lightly baked apple, and has a rich and luscious mouth feel dominated by citrus flavors, caramel, nutmeg, and just a hint of brown sugar. The long, complex finish exudes notes of lemon drop, butterscotch, and a hint of limestone minerality...." (savory grape) "A supple, fleshy mouthfeel, accompanied by a luscious bouquet of tropical fruit and flavors of Meyer lemon and...  

Travel To 15 Picturesque Locales Around The World. Twenty Unique Wine Blends. Two Game Play Modes. Recreate The Vino Ultimae. Product DescriptionTraveling the the world, you collect recipes and supplies to turn your small family winery in Italy into a successful, international winemaking enterprise. As your business expands, you must collect the pieces of the Vino Ultimae blend, [...]  

One New Zealand winery finds almost 100 indigenous varieties; unique yeasts ...Wine SpectatorNew Zealand scientists and winemakers are trying to solve part of the puzzle of terroir by researching yeast varieties indigenous to one West Auckland ...  

wine by silver oak About Wine by silver oak What you may or may not know about Elvis Presley is that his nickname “the King” means more today than just referring to him having been the King of Rock n’ Roll Indeed, with the advent of Wine by silver oak, he could be referred to as the king or the “monarch of the grape” as well  

Many Bordeaux winemakers are declaring 2009 the best vintage in 60 years, but Yvon Minvielle of Château Lagarette isn't celebrating. Like many vintners across France, Minvielle is feeling uneasy after another unusually warm summer and early grape harvest. "They say everything is going great in Bordeaux, but take a closer look," he says. Heat-stressed vines ripened at unequal rates this year, and only skillful picking spread over a full month...  

on the second demijohn and, again, leave it off the ground somewhere it won't be disturbed. After another week or two, the wine will be clear and sparking, so it's time to bottle it. You do this by siphoning it in exactly the same way that you did before, but filling your wine bottles instead of the demijohn. Screw the caps on and - tada! - you've made wine! It's best to leave it in the bottle for a week or so before drinking it to let any...