cincinnati wine warehouse -- tasting notes and other stuff

NEW WINE BLOG

2005-12-07T15:29:00.001-05:00

NEW MICHIGAN DIRECT SHIPPING LAW

The Governor is expected to sign the State House Bill allowing out-of-state wineries to ship direct to Michigan residents, but still must distribute their wines through wholesalers if they want to sell to retail and restaurants. In-state wineries can sell direct. This is discriminatory and could cause the bill to be overturned as unconstitutional but someone (Costco) would have to litigate.

I see this scenario as a very good possibilty for Ohio. Consumers win, in-state wineries win, small out-of-state wineries win, wholesalers win, and retailers and restaurants are stuck with the status quo. On the other hand I am not sure I would want a big box like Costco rolling in and driving all the small wine shops out of business.

Also, go to my New Blog for Wine Blog Wednesday #16. I am adding new posts to this one until the Google spiders and Wine Blog Watch find the new one!

GO TO THE NEW WINE BLOG

2005-12-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

All new posts are on the New Blog at http://www.cinciwine.blogspot.com. Pardon my dust as I clean up and transfer my web identity over to the New web addresses. Photo credit: John McColgan. Nice shot John, now get the hell out of there!

Boys Night Out

2005-12-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

This is my idea of going out with the boys for an evening of food, drinks and male bonding. Start off with a little private wine blind tasting at you favorite French/Vietnamese restaurant. Brown bag the wines and try to multiple guess which wine is which from the list of six. Six varietals, six regions. I know a complete blind (without any hints) is better education but sometimes it's better to at least have an idea what you're tasting. And it should cut down on looking like a complete fool in front of your friends. The line up:

2002 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – A negociant producer who has “found” some declassified California “cult” juice that normally retails for more than $100 if you can get on the list. I could tell you where he gets his wine, but then I would have to kill you! Fermented in stainless steel, aged in small French barrels (90% new) for 22 months. 84% Cab, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cab Franc, 4% Merlot, 2% Malbec.
2002 Robert Pecota Winery Syrah – Monterey County – Family-run estate winery near Mt. St. Helena. Robert has been in the business since 1974 when he acquired 40 acres in the north end of Napa Valley. The Syrah is made from fruit harvested from a single vineyard block in Arroyo Seco. 1400 cases produced, fermented in stainless steel, aged in medium toast French Nevers oak.
2002 Chehalem Ridgecrest Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon – A good wine from a very good producer from one of the better years from one of the best Pinot regions in the world! Ridgecrest is Chehalem’s oldest estate vineyard. Aged 10 months without racking in 28% new oak, 58% new or one year French oak.
2002 Altos de Luzon Jumilla – Spain – A blend of high-elevation Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo (50/25/25) from low-yield vines, aged 12 months in French and American barrels.
2001 Altos Las Hormigas Reserve Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina – Another high-elevation wine from 80 year-old vineyards, aged in small French barrels where it undergoes malolactic fermentation, and then matures for up to 18 months.
2002 Ca’Marcanda Estate, Promis – Toscana, Italy – Distributed under the Gaja name. 55% Merlot, 35% Syrah, 10% Sangiovese. Aged 18 months in new and slightly used barriques, followed by several months of bottle aging.

The results. Most of the crew did very well. My plan was the elimination approach. I hoped to nail the Pinot and the Cab first, then tried to find the Jumilla. For the Toscana I looked for elegance and for the Syrah, big teeth staining fruit with a warm nose. The last one standing should be the Malbec. Well I got the first 4 right and then got tripped up on the Gaja and the Malbec. The Malbec was off and the Gaja wasn't smooth or elegant as I had expected. The crowd favorite was the Altos de Luzon Jumilla.

All and all it was a fun evening, but I went home early and am not sure what the others did.

But remember, what happens in Oakley, stays in Oakley!

2004 Moris, Morellino di Scansano

2005-11-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

2004 Moris, Morellino di Scansano, Vendemmia ($15) -- Italy; imported by Vanguard Wines. Earthy aromas, full fruit flavors, good tannic structure and medium finish. Another good food wine. 90% Sangiovese. I found this wine on a foray into another wine store. A very good choice! From the website:

"Vinified in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, pumped over twice a day during the period of maceration which proceeded for 15 days. The wine was placed into bottle after 4 months without spending any time in wood, then remained an additional 2 months in bottle prior to being released onto the market."

I would have not guessed that it was not aged in wood. But I did not (do not) like plastic plugs as a closure. Get a screwcap or go with real cork.

California Chianti

2005-11-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

2003 Tutti I Giorni, Nutz! ($10) -- Red Wine California from the Shennadohah Valley of Amador County near the Sierra Foothills. Pale color, big earthy/smoke nose, full fruit flavors with good acidity for food pairings. A great $10 pizza/mid-week wine!

From the website:

Our Nutz! is a light, fruity Sangiovese-based blend, bottled under the label “Tutti i Giorni,” meaning “everyday” in Italian. It's a playful, everyday quaffing wine - perfect for “tutti i giorni.”

Drink now and finish the bottle as it seemed to lose its character the next day.

You are going to have to write the owners to get any info on the "dog"!

Christmas at Park City

2005-11-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

No, this is not a picture of me skiing today but a shot at Park City where we will be going this Christmas for a few days with friends, sisters and cousins. We are hoping for massive amounts of snow between now and then. Also, I have about three weeks to deliberate on which skis and what wine to bring. Any ideas?

The skis are legal but I am not sure about the wine. Might have to be a bootlegger again. I have been told that Utah restaurants will not serve a BYOB bottle if it doesn't have the State Tax Stamp on it.

French Malbec

2005-11-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

2001 Clos La Coutale, Cahors ($12) -- Cahors Table Wine by V. Bernede et Fils; Imported by Kermit Lynch; mis en bouteille a la propriete. France, of course! No notes on the back label. Google search tells me it is 70% Malbec, 15% Merlot and 15% Tannat (never heard of that one).

Earthy aromas, full fruit flavors, short to medium finish with good acidity for food. I enjoyed this wine very much as an everyday drinker and as a warm-up to the 2003 Waterstone and the grilled venison flank steaks that Larz procurred/shot in Maine. Nothing is better than grilling out on a cold 30 degree night with snow and ice and the bright stars. Makes me think I am camping out, except after the bottle of wine and a great meal, I get to go to bed in a warm soft bed. I hate sleeping on the ground.

Gen X Wine Tasting

2005-11-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

This is no way to have a wine tasting! What, 700 people blind tasting about 500 brown-bagged wines. It was chaotic. People bumping into each other trying to get a few drops, talking with each other trying to figure which one they liked best, and least. After two plus hours all the wine was gone and most in attendence didn't seem to know or care what wine won.

Am I missing something here? Seven hundred 25 to 35 year-olds and a few old guys (wine experts) crawling over the tables having fun and talking about wine.

Here are the rules:

Each invitee, or team of up to 3, must bring 3 bottles of THE SAME WINE (the varietal -- i.e., cabernet, shiraz, pinot noir, etc. -- will be announced soon). For example, if the varietal were merlot, you or your team could bring 3 bottles of the 2001 Hess Merlot. Remember, it's 3 bottles total per team.

Upon arrival, all 3 bottles will be given to the Hosts, who will wrap 2 of the bottles to conceal the wine's identity. The 2 wrapped bottles will have a number randomly assigned to them and will then be set out for tasting. The third bottle will be left unopened and will not be tasted or displayed.

Each invitee will be given a card with a number for each wine. The wines will be rated on a taste scale of 1 to 5. At the end of the tasting period, each invitee must write down the number of his or her favorite wine and least favorite wine. Cards will be collected and selections tallied.

The invitees that brought the top 5 favorite wines will take home everyone's third unopened bottle of wine. The invitee that brought the least favorite bottle of wine will take back his or her unopened bottle of wine.

Are we missing something here?

Check out the photos of the last event (Pinot at the Phoenix in October). The bewildered old guys properly holding their stemware look very familar!

Damn It's Cold Here

2005-11-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

But that means it's time to drag out the skis and try to find the long underwear because ski season has started here. It is the earliest day that Perfect North has opened. Of course it will probably rain this weekend and then go to 60 degrees next week for some late Fall golf, but this Saturday I will be skiing in Indiana with the cows!

Turkey Day Wines

2005-11-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

I guess it is required that I offer some wine ideas to go with the turkey, yams, cranberry, ham, pumpkin pie, stuffing, beans, etc that we are about to indulge in this Thursday. The best solution is to offer many wines given the variety of food offerings, although someone suggested that Champagne would be a good overall choice as this is a celebration. I would also offer Rose of any varietal, Sparkling Shiraz, Gruner Veltliner, White Burgundy, Pinot Noir and/or Burgundy, Grenache, Chianti and let's not forget the dessert wines. I think a Vintage Madeira would be the perfect end to a monstrous meal with all your in-laws as you recline on the sofa watching non-stop football!

Photo credit: krupsjustsayin.blogspot.com

Erie Avenue Blind Tasting

2005-11-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

This month we sampled 7 Spanish Riojas at Pho Paris with a new format. Instead of ranking the wines according to a group vote 1 to 8, we sampled and commented and arrived at some consensus on the best of the bunch. To cleanse the palate we started with a 2003 Figini Gavi and a 2004 Huber Gruner Veltliner.

Here is the line up:

2000 Finca Allende -- which was a bit muted and tight.
1999 Coto de Imaz -- Had a moderate nose and then muted flavors and a short finish.
2000 Marquis de Vitoria -- Muted nose, soft fruit flavors and medium finish. Was well regarded.
1997 San Vicente -- Big sweet oak nose, big flavors that evolved over time with tannins and structure, medium to long finish. This seemed to be the favorite and was actually the second bottle served as the first had a cork malfunction. When the first bottle was decanted without the cork bits, it was passed around the table and quickly consumed.
2001 Finca Allende -- Much bigger with tons of fruit compared to the 2000. Almost California Cab like. A popular choice.
1999 Lan Crianza -- Not much nose, too much tannin.
2000 Lanzaga -- Sweet oaky nose, not big-bodied, medium finish. Well liked.

The final wine was presented by Jeff to see if we could guess the region and varietal. I went down the path of Italy, either an aged Barolo or a new Super Tuscan. Not even close! California Sonoma Merlot from Matanzas Creek Winery. I didn't note the vintage but I believe it was 2002. A few in the group got pretty close with New World or California Merlot. Thanks to everyone and to Jeff for the appetizers and the Wine Challenge. Next month we will get together on the 19th and the topic is Champagne.

2001 Wellington Victory

2005-11-19T13:31:00.000-05:00

2001 Wellington Vineyards, Sonoma County Reserve "Victory" ($33) -- 55% Cabernet/45% Merlot blend. I just grabbed this from the local distributor while picking up 3 cases of wine for today's tasting. He said he and others think it's Wellington best wine yet. Tannins are hidden but support a very well balanced wine. Medium aromas of fruit up front, then a smooth complex fruit flavor with a long finish. Good acidity for foods. Should age well but is drinking just fine now. Here are the tasting notes from the website:

"The 2001 Victory consists of 45% Estate Merlot, 37% Hulen Vineyard Cabernet and 18% Mohrhardt Ridge Cabernet. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, allspice, truffle, vanilla, raspberry, cedar. Hints of tea, licorice, brown sugar, orange peel, camphor – something new with each sniff. In the mouth: smooth, supple entry, rich but never heavy, seamless transition to a firm yet not harsh finish that promises great things to come. Drink now only if you can’t resist. Cellaring will be duly rewarded."

Couldn't find any production notes so I can't tell you more about how much wood and what type or length of aging, but I did enjoy this bottle.

Honest Tasting Notes

2005-11-19T02:13:00.000-05:00

This has to be the most honest tasting notes I have seen from a winery about one of their wines. Imagine if all wineries told it like it is!

The Duke, Red Table Wine, Sonoma County $5

"Wine composition: 58% Merlot, 24% Cabernet sauvignon, 18% Zinfandel This is a blend of big, chewy Merlot press wine, Cabernet with a bit too much minty eucalyptus flavor, and an elegant, lighter Zinfandel that didn’t have quite enough punch. The end result (and yes, we did trial blends to put this wine together) is a big, flavorful wine with good richness and length but lacking somewhat in smoothness and finesse when compared to our other wines.The Duke pairs excellently with holiday feast leftovers, but should also do well with burgers, spaghetti, pizza – for those times when a more expensive bottle might not be the best choice. You've heard of two buck chuck well meet five dollar bill. Cheers! "

Makes me want to go out and buy a case just to say thank you for telling it like it is!

Bengal Fever

2005-11-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am a fan, but can't say I have been one of the faithful during the long fallow period since, what 1988. I once visited Toronto a few years ago, and when I checked into the hotel and the bellman dumped the bags in the room he tried to make some small talk to help bolster his tip.

"Where you guys from?"

"Cincinnati", I replied.

"Oh", he said shaking his head. "Pretty sad about those Bengals, eh?"

Well, I do believe in the team and their recent success, and I have two tickets to this Sunday's game. My friend and I plan to sell the tickets for $500 each, prop our feet up at Tellers with a few TVs and order a really good bottle of wine!

Let me know if you are looking for tickets on the 50 yard line, 14th row.

Easy Come Easy Go!

2005-11-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

I was wondering (er, I mean wandering!) in cyber space and found an old house I used to own. I guess I lost it in a card game.

"His brother, Erik, married to Susanne Juel and father to the well-known Anna Margrethe Quitzow, managed the estate until 1683 when her cousin Jens Rosenkrantz, born 1641 assumed ownership. He called the estate Roseneje. In earlier years, he had been in diplomatic service and chamberlain at the court of Queen Charlotte Amalie. Thereafter he was High Court judge on Fyen and prefect over Viborg county. He was a scholar of high standing and accumulated a large book collection at Roseneje which unfortunately was sold and dispersed after his death in 1695. His widow, Beate Sehested inherited the estate but she died already in 1696. Jörgen, the son of Jens Rosenkrantz was 18 years old when he took over the estate in 1696. The year after, he married the beautiful Marie Elisabeth de Roklenge, born 1675. She was a daughter of Major Jacob de Roklenge and Anna von Sudermann. Jörgen and Marie had 12 children together and she died in 1715. All their children were christened in the Norup church which belonged to the estate. Due to Jörgen's financial difficulties, Roseneje was put up for sale at an auction in 1st of October 1718."

Hot Dallas Wine Deals

2005-11-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

In Cincinnati the wine retailers might snipe at each other, but I believe they are all honorable and fair in their dealings with the public. As to pricing, there is a state minimum which we must charge and some stores might add a buck or two, but it is a very competitive market so Tony's Wine Warehouse, as recently reported in the Dallas Observer, would go down in flames very quickly here in Cincinnati. It is too small a town and the wine industry would ride him out of town. Sounds like the Dallas Observer has started in on Tony. It will be interesting to see how long he can stay open with the heat of this spotlight.

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me!

2005-11-12T12:09:00.000-05:00

I started blogging a year ago today. 200 posts later I am still here. Not sure about the near future concerning the "name thing", but I'm not going anywhere and everyone will be able to find me no matter what I am called. The Cincinnati Wine Garage will live on!

Blogging has been great fun and I look forward to reviewing more wines and poking fun at life's absurdities, and a few idiots.

Cheers, Clinkies, Bon Appetite, Bonzai,

jens

Box Wines

2005-11-07T11:10:00.000-05:00

By happenstance I have recently tasted a few box wines as I think the packaging does make sense for certain parties and on-the-go functions. In the past the box wines have suffered (along with those who consumed the product) from having crappy, cheap wine in them. I think that is changing in the U.S. Although I will always prefer a better bottle of wine to a box, it has its place. It is perfect for grabbing a glass while I wait for my date to get dressed, and wait (and wait!) when I don't want to open a new bottle. It would be great for those who only drink an occassional glass now and then (that's not me). And it would be great for tailgating or a picnic. Further, it is claimed that the wines will last for weeks or a month or more after opening. I am currently testing this notion at the shop. But first, the wine must be drinkable. Let's hope that Fred Franzia at Bronco Wines doesn't get wind of this.

2003 Cuvee de Pena ($22) -- I have reviewed this wine previously. It is a Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre blend from the South West corner of France near Spain by Chateau de Pena. (Hopefully the rioters have enough sense to leave this little gem alone!) After being opened for two weeks, so far so good. This is my favorite boxed red wine so far.

Black Box Monterey County Chardonnay ($24) -- California. Fruit aromas, clean, crisp fruits similar to a California Sauvignon Blanc. I would guess not much wood. If you like your Chards unwooded with little butter, you will like this. I couldn't find a vintage date, but there is a "born on" date of March, 2005.

I will add to this post as I review more boxes. Remember the spigot is always open here!

2005 California Harvest

2005-11-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

The San Francisco Chronicle article by W. Blake Gray suggests that the 2005 harvest, the 2nd largest in state history may also shape up to be tops in quality too. "For California wines, 2005 could be the stuff of legend."

A big harvest of great quality means that for the buyers of $10 and $20 bottles produced by negociants there will be tons of good juice trickling down to the value segment of the market. Can't wait!

Cease and Desist

2005-11-05T11:13:00.000-05:00

This must be the week that trademark attorneys are out scouting the internet for trademark infringements. First Tom at "Fermentation" has to drop his S. Now, it seems that a small retail shop in Calistoga is bothered by my use of the name Cincinnati Wine Garage here at my little retail shop in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati. Just got served with a cease and desist letter due to the charge that I have misappropriated the name and am causing irreparable damages to same plus attorney fees. Nothing against attorneys, some of my best friends are attorneys, even my ex-wife (I will leave that one alone!), but I hate paying attorneys.

Maybe I am small minded due to living in the Midwest but I am dumbfounded about this. I can't say I have seen too many Californians coming to the store, or calling me or emailing for their wine orders. I heard Californians were much smarter than that. Hell, I went to school there. And isn't all the good wine in California anyway so there is no need for them to call me to buy wine.

My question to the blogging community is, are you confused by my store, Cincinnati Wine Garage, versus the Wine Garage in Calistoga which I hear has a fine selection of hand-picked wines that Todd has sourced in his travels to the small wineries in California. In fact if you live out there I would suggest, demand, that you go there. Don't bother me in Cincinnati with small orders of micro-production wines. We only sell Kendall Jackson here, not that there is anything wrong with that.

terry theise champagne selections

2005-11-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

I just came from the Terry Theise Champagne tasting and have a few comments. Caroline Milan was not there but her wines were. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy and Laurent Champs were there in person with there wines. I found this picture after I had written my tasting notes, so I was very impartial in my reviews. Theise specilizes in the Grower Champagne winemakers who own the vineyards (often very small plots with almost micro-production of between 1,500 cases to less than 20,000 cases) versus the "Big Houses" that produce millions of cases in almost industrial complexes where all the grapes are blended together to produce a uniform taste or style. It is a bit like Robert Pecota versus Gallo and Gallo charged more.

I was talking with the rep and winemakers today and asked what the catch is. Your wines are produced in small batches, taste better, you charge less, so what is the catch? There is none. This year skip the Veuve, the Moet, the Tattinger and try one of these or Duval Leroy which although not a small Grower Producer, still makes great Champagne in smaller quantities and has a great 1996 Brut.

Jean Milan -- I loved this wine last year and this year is the same. Tasted the Cart Blanche Brut, the Cuvee Speciale Brut, the Cuvee Terres de Noel Selection 2000, and the Charles de la Milaniere Rose de Saigneee Brut. All great wines for $44 to $80.

Rene Geoffroy -- Very soft bubbles. Produces 10,000 cases from the Vallee de la Marne in the premier cru village of Cuminieres. He is said to not use chemical pesticides nor herbicides. I tasted three wines from $45 to $73.

Vilmart & Cie -- From the Montagne de Reims in the premier cru village of Rilly-la-Montagne Villmart produces 8,750 cases. His prices are more than the "big Houses" but he is considered by many to be one of the best Champagne makers and is likened to Krug. He is quoted as saying, "We make wine before bubbles." Many times the bubbles get in the way of the Champagne and all you experience is bubbles. His wines are beautiful with my favorite being the Grand Cellier Rubis 1998. It is a vintage Rose of 60% Pinot and 40% Chardonnay. OK, its $109 retail but would rival any Champagne out there! The Cuvee Rubis NV is only $70.

Poliziano

2005-11-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

2003 Poliziano, Rosso di Montepulciano ($15) - While I was out grabbing a sandwich today for lunch I stopped in a wine retailer to perform some corporate intelligence gathering. I always announce myself, as it would be poor form to sneak around and snoop. And since there were no wine reps at the shop when I got back to offer samples to wash down my sandwich, I opened up this wine from Italy. On the internet, I could find only tasting notes on previous vintages.

The grower/winemaker, Federico Carletti, purchased the estate about 40 years ago. They make a few high-end Montepulciano's which are 100% Sangiovese. The leftovers plus up to 20% of some other varietals (one blog said Merlot) goes into the Rosso.

Attractive label. Dark colors. Intriguing, earthy aromas with full-bodied fruit flavors with tannins present. Good balance, medium finish. Very good. I will try to find the local distributor. This is why I check out the local stores. The reps can't and don't always bring all the good wines around. Other store owners are welcome to come by my warehouse, but you have to make sure you don't trip over the boxes and other debris. I am in the middle of putting up the Maisonette awning in the shop. Pictures to follow.

Cork and Demon

2005-11-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

I hardly ever hype another wine blogger but you have to check this one out. The others in the house wonder why I am laughing at the computer screen. Maybe because she is in retail and I can relate but Taj at Cork and Demon is hilarious! This is what's great about blogging, just honest commentary with no editors. Maybe we mis-spell and run-on but the point is point blank.

There is Life on the Next Planet

2005-11-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

But the bus may be leaving soon! I heard there were lines at the door for this flight out of here. You surf the web and follow the links and then you end up here at "What Attitude Problem"

Start Shipping to Michigan

2005-11-02T23:46:00.000-05:00

It is reported that a US District Court has ruled that out-of-state wineries can now ship into Michigan according to the Detroit Free Press. The State still needs to issue permanent regulations but they are supposed to issue temporary permits immediately. Hopefully Ohio is next!

How About Some Cooked Wet Wine for Dinner

2005-11-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

I had thought about the impact of the Katrina hurricane on the wine collections in New Orleans when the storm first hit and the flood waters moved in, but as new disasters loomed I had forgotten the thought. Tiffany at "cultured wino", a fellow blogger, found an article from the Houston Chronicle which details the loss for private collectors and restaurants.

Wine Blog Wednesday #15 Micro Production

2005-11-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

Less Than 250 Cases and I Helped!

2004 Kinkead Ridge Viognier/Roussanne ($15) -- Ripley Ohio - Ohio River Valley - About 50 miles east/upriver from Cincinnati, Ron Barrett and Nancy Bentley have for the last six years pushed the envelope on growing vinifera in Southern Ohio. Some years have been disasterous with no wine produced due to inclimate weather, but for 2005 they have released about 800 cases of six different blends. I admire their tenacity in starting their enterprise in an area known for its corn and tobacco.

In the 80's Ron grew Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc in Yamhill, Oregon at Chehalem Valley Vineyards and sold his grapes to several major wineries in the Portland area. Nancy is from New York and runs the business and marketing side having spent time at Sun Microsystems and then after graduating from the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Portland worked at the University Club in Portland with Chef Willy Madsen.

The above picture is from the 2005 harvest. They didn't trust me to actually pick, but I was a big help with the bin carts, and you don't need to go to the gym after moving a ton and a half of Syrah onto the truck and then off of the truck into the winery!

The 2004 is a 66/34 blend with 177 cases made. The 2003 won a bronze medal at the 2004 American Wine Society competition and was named in Tom Stevenson's 2006 Wine Report as "one of the top 100 exciting New Wines in the World."

On the nose I got a floral aroma (the label says violet) with balanced fruit and a medium finish. This would be good with foods, in particular something Indian. I will have to bring a bottle next time I go to cumin.

Wine Warehouse Fire

2005-11-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

Tom Wark at Fermentation has a great post with pictures of the warehouse fire where up to $100M of wine was lost. If you love wine, this is truly sad! Link through to the Sonoma Valley Sun article by Bradley Gray to get the most recent news. No arrests yet of the arsonist who set the fire, but how do you punish someone who has ruined peoples lives and history!

Maisonette Auction

2005-10-27T12:09:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post a quick write up on the Maisonette Auction that was run by Great American. The link to the online inventory is probably gone and they are just now finishing up the removal of items from 6th Street Friday. Here are my impressions in random order.

I walked through last Thursday for the inspection. It was very sad and looked like someone had pulled a fire alarm and all the patrons had left with their plates on the table and wine glasses on the bar. Over the last 25 years I had visited about once a year and had many great memories. My favorite story is that about 15 years ago I had a Christmas lunch there with 12 buddies. We started at noon and about four o'clock one of the owners, a friend of ours, came out while we were all enjoying our cigars and Brandy, and offered us a round of drinks, IF we left in the next 15 minutes. I have been told that after that day cigar smoking was banned in the main dining room!
It was fun poking around the kitchens and back storage areas in the basement behind La Normandie. The "wine cellar" was a walled-off storage area with cold refridgeration and plywood bins. The 1924 Petrus magnum had a low shoulder fill and was questionable. (It sold for $3,250.)
I registered online to bid as I had to open the store. On Friday they auctioned the kitchen items, place settings, glasses, menus and office equipment. On Saturday more menus, glasses, art work and the wine collection were auctioned off. As the bidding progressed it became clear that there would be no deals unless you wanted some old computers. There seemed to be a retail crowd that didn't mind paying full value plus at times a premium for the Maisonette provenance.
The menus went quickly for about $200. Wine stands for $125. Table candle lights for $125. Copper pails for $600. Hamilton Beach mixers for more than $100. The bar itself went for about $2,000. Six copper skillets went for $2,200. Bottom feeders were not welcome!
I picked up several wine glasses which I plan to resell as Christmas gifts. At the auction, sets of 12 went for $15 to $18.
The name went for $35,000 and there is much discussion among the Cincinnati wine and restaurant crowd about who bought it. I think there are only two people in town who could legitimately open up a "new" Maisonette. However, I loved Borgman's cartoon showing a fat chef with a cigarette in his mouth outside his restaurant, "Tubby's Maisonette Bar and Grill". [Hot damn, I just figured out how to upload a picture! This could be dangerous!]
The oil paintings went for $15 to $35K. The faux library books in the bar went for about $6 or $7K. And this is all before the 10% buyers premium!
I was interested in the wine if it had gone for 20 to 30 percent of retail, but most seemed to go for 80 percent or more. Three half bottles of Chateau d'Yquem 1994 went for $150, plus BP. I can buy that wine at wholesale for about $80. Chateau Montrose 1990 magnums went for $650. Lafite-Rothschild 1986 magnums went for $700. Cheval Blanc 1990 went for $600. 2001 Staglin Cab - $75. 1996 DRC Richenbourg - $400. 2000 Phelps Isignia - $80. 2000 Opus One - $115. 2000 Cain Concepts - $40. And on and on. I finally logged out and pulled a bottle of 2002 J K Carriere Pinot and went back to work.
We will all miss the Mais' and had assumed it would always be there. On Sunday my son told me that he had never been. He was right. We had never taken him or the other kids. We used the excuse that we were waiting for their table manners to improve, but it is truly sad that the next generation will not get to enjoy a dessert of white chocolate mousse with a huge chunk of dark chocolate hidden in the impossibly light mousse after a three course meal with impeccable service. It is the end of a three or four generation tradition, a rite of passage, a shared experience. It is very sad.

Saumur

2005-10-25T11:35:00.000-04:00

1999 Chateau de Villeneuve, Saumur "Les Cormiers" ($9) -- France. Couldn't find much online for this wine but saw one review that suggests it is Chenin Blanc with maybe some Chardonnay and/or Sauvignon Blanc. Found this in a close-out bin and bought a case sight unseen. Opened it a few weeks ago with some wine geeks and they loved it. It almost reminds me of a Sauterne with some botrytis. It has a floral nose, great mouth feel, good balance of acids and a medium to long finish. Great with food. Sadly, there are only six bottles left and the distributor is out. I wish I had bought a few more cases. Hell, I wish I had bought it all!

Psst, Hey Buddy Want Some Hot Wine?

2005-10-15T15:22:00.000-04:00

2003 Waterstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) -- California. I responded to one of the daily e-mails I get from Sokolin's and took a flyer on this mystery juice. The story is that the juice is from a cult producer whose name can't be mentioned. Internet searches suggest that it is from Harlan Estates but I am only repeating a rumor here.

According to the website the wine is a blend of Cab (92%), Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 85% new French oak. 4,400 cases produced.

The color is dark red/purple, with aromas of cedar and dark fruit. The flavors are intense and complex with a long finish. All that for $20. The mystery wine supposedly sells for three figures if you can get on the list. I'm sold and wish I could legally sell some versus sereptitiously buying a case from a New York competitor.

10/18 Update: The winery contacted me and the wine is in Ohio. I should have inventory shortly although it may be the 2002 which is from the same sources as the 2003. One of the owners commented via e-mail that the 2002 is long gone from his inventory but should be drinking great with an extra year of bottle age.

Vina Alarba OVG

2005-10-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

2004 Vina Alarba OVG ($8) -- Old Vine Grenache from Calatayud Spain. Another Jorge Ordonez selection. I read a wine blog recently that said you can't go wrong in selecting a Spanish wine if it is imported by Jorge. I agree. I can't remember having a wine of his that did not have a ton of fruit at a great value. I got a berry nose and soft, full-fruit flavors with this one.

The OVG is from 50 year old vines at 2,500 feet. More approachable and better structure than the 2003. Eight bucks! Unbelievable! But as my friends at "Wine Waves" would say, the closure is a plastic plug, which I really dislike. A screwcap (or real cork even) would be better.

Someone in the wine business was recently quoted in a Cincinnati newspaper opinionating that there are no good wines under $10. Couldn't be done. I disagree! So does Mr. Parker when he gave this wine a 90 rating a few months ago.

(One of these days I will find the keys to make those squiggly N's and accented E's! Any help?)

Desolation Flats Field Blend

2005-10-08T13:02:00.000-04:00

2003 Desolation Flats Rustler's Red ($10) - San Lucas, CA. There isn't much on the internet that I could find on this field blend of mostly Refosco (60%) Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Petite Syrah. This is a lot of wine for $10. Aromatic with full complex fruits. Fascinating stuff!

Wine Blog Wednesday #14 ReCap

2005-10-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

On Saturday night the entries started rolling in, and then a few came on Sunday. I can understand when people are excited to share their finds and it helps me get a start on the ReCap. I am organizing the wines by country so here goes and if there are some blanks from a country I will note it. Thanks to everyone who posted and let me know if I missed someone or if there is a broken link. And boy am I glad to have two computers and three screens to get this job done!

ALSACE

Tim from "Wine Cast" did some real digging and came up with four wines from Spain, Alsace, Canada and New Zealand.

AUSTRALIA

Jens at "Cincinnati Wine Garage" (that's me) tried a NZ Pinot but preferred an old favorite from Australia.

Dave V at "Cheap Wine Reviews" went rooting around the bargain basement and found a bottle of Lindemans for about the price of a movie ($6.49)

Taj at "The Cork and Demon" boldly reviewed her choice before breakfast for her first ever WBW. That a way to take a bullet for the team! Phil's Fetish from Bellarine Estate is a tough start to any day!

CANADA

Ian Scott at "The Home Winery" found some very interesting specimens that you need to read about! One of the Pinots he made himself from a kit. Now that is New New!

Tim from "Wine Cast" did some real digging and came up with four wines from Spain, Alsace, Canada and New Zealand.

CHILE

Orion at "Confabulist" found two wines but passed on New Zealand. His first choice was from Chile. His second was a Pinot Nero from Italy which turned out to be a popular choice.

Jessica at "The Varietal" not only enjoys New New World Pinot, but she is a winemaker for Porta Pinots from the Bio Bio Valley.

GERMANY

This was a few days late and then I got bogged down in the Columbus Day weekend, but Alexander at "Blindtasting Club" found a Baron zu Knyphausen 2002 Spatburgunder that was worth mentioning. Further, his site is in German, but his WBW is in English also. We are getting very international here!

ITALY

Orion at "Confabulist" found two wines but passed on New Zealand. His first choice was from Chile. His second was a Pinot Nero from Italy which turned out to be a popular choice.

Catherine at "Purple Liquid" reviewed a Pinot Nero Bianco from Oltrepo Pavese.

NEW MEXICO

Lisa the waitress at "Restaurant Widow" got very creative by trying a Gruet Sparkler made from Pinot. I like the way she thinks!

NEW YORK

Lenn at "Lenndevours" didn't have to go far to find something he liked! What a Pinot from New York!

NEW ZEALAND

First up is Lindy Toast from "Toast" with a selection from Brancott for $10. She compared it to a 2002 Saintsbury and I think preferred the Saintsbury. Also, she offers a recipe for pear preserves.

Andy at "Spittoon" offered up 4 wines from Spy Valley, one of which was a Pinot. His history of the property is interesting and his descriptions make me hope I can find them in Ohio.

Jens at "Cincinnati Wine Garage" (that's me) tried a NZ Pinot but preferred an old favorite from Australia.

Derek Baker at "Urbanzeitgeist" offered Amisfield Wines from Central Otago and liked it. It is available at K&L Wines and wine.com.

Mark at "Uncorked" up the road in Dayton was overwhelmed by a $30 Pinot from Central Otago.

After a miscue, Tyler at "Dr. Vino" reviewed the same wine from Mt. Difficulty. Catchy name!

Deena at "Vita-Culture" ventured over to the Marlborough for a Pinot from Lawson's.

Adler at "Vinography" added to the long list of wines from Central Otago with a Pinot from Syren.

Matt at "Sound and Fury" also found a Pinot from Marlborough although he is partial to Oregon as am I.

The rat (AKA Allan) at "Cellar Rat" got on the Central Otago train and reviewed Rockburn's Pinot.

Jathan at "Wine Expression" really liked his choice, the 2002 Nelson Pinot Noir "Seifried".

Chas at "Wine Tastings" not only liked his choice from Central Otago (yes, that place again!) but says it is a "place of beauty" and he has the pics to prove it.

Beau at "Basic Juice" got his creative juices going on another Pinot from Central Otago. (I think we all need to charter a plane to check this place out!)

Barbara from "winosandfoodies.com" reviewed another wine from Central Otago from the Akura winery. It seems if you are in the area, they are happy to show off their place. I'm telling you, we need to go!

CD at "The Corkdork" was the third to review Mt. Difficulty's Pinot and offered more details about the area and the winemaker. Thanks.

Tim from "Wine Cast" did some real digging and came up with four wines from Spain, Alsace, Canada and New Zealand.

SLOVENIA

Didn't see this one coming! Jack and Joanne at "Fork & Bottle" reviewed a 1997 Pinot Nero from Movia. Haven't seen that one on the local shelves!

SPAIN

Finally, Ryan at "catavino.net" presented a 1999 Can Bonastre's Pinot Noir. I have liked all the Pinot I have tasted from Spain. All one of them!

Tim from "Wine Cast" did some real digging and came up with four wines from Spain, Alsace, Canada and New Zealand.

TASMANIA

My fellow Cincinnatian Dean at "AWS'er Wine Blog" tried his first Tasmanian wine. Good job on finding something really new!

Jennifer at "Wine Waves" sent this in a bit tardy but what the heck, it's from Tasmania. We need to try more wines from Tasmania, in particular the Ninth Island 2004 Pinot.

OTHER

Oops! Jarrett who runs our beloved "Wine Blog Watch" (Thank you!) messed up the terms but posted anyway. Well, California was not on the list but "it was really good - and CHEAP!"

Wine Blogging Wednesday #14

2005-10-05T15:01:00.000-04:00

I am jumping the gun by posting early (as have about 5 others) so that I can work on the ReCap, and I have an all day golf tournament to attend. Also, let this serve as a reminder for other bloggers that tomorrow is The Day.

This month's topic is New New World Pinot Noir. That is Pinot from someplace other than France or the West Coast of the US. I personally think Oregon is producing some of the best Pinots right now but then again I like lots of fruit and a big nose. I was curious to see Pinots from other areas so I issued the challenge to seek out other Pinots.

2002 Dyed-in-the Wool, "Unchangeable" Pinot Noir ($15) -- Cantebury, New Zealand. In my search for "new" Pinots this one caught my eye while ordering lunch at Carls in Hyde Park. I thought they only produced Sauvignon Blanc in the grapefruit/grass style there. Couldn't find much about the producer on the label or the internet, but the color was a pale red, the aroma was light and I did't find much fruit or finish. In a word, simple. I would pass next time.

I have recently enjoyed some Chilean Pinots for the same price with tons of fruit and finish with much more complexity, and for $35 have really enjoyed a big Spanish Pinot from Torres.

I had not planned tasting more than one wine, but I didn't want to end with a mediocre choice. So here is one from the past.

2000 T'Gallant Pinot Noir ($15) -- Mornington Peninsula, Australia. Pale red color whith a big smokey/bacony nose, full, soft fruits and a long finish with structure. Went great with leftover grilled pork chops and summer squash and a movie, "Ghandi". At its original price of $30 it has competition, but marked down to $15, it's a steal.

California Italians

2005-10-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

2001 Monte Volpe "Peppolino" ($22) -- Red Wine, Mendocino, CA. According to the back label, this is a proprietary blend of 3 Italian varietals aged 18 months in French oak of which 30% is new. Greg Graziano is the owner/winemaker. The website PDF lists the varietals as Sangiovese, Montelpulciano and Negraomaro (34/33/33) with 210 cases produced.

Big nose and fruit with a medium finish. Great food wine with lots of stuff. I recently mixed this wine into a a case of mixed Italians and Chiantis for a friend. I am still waiting for the feedback.

MAYC

2005-09-30T22:31:00.000-04:00

I just came from my first annual meeting of the Mount Adams Yacht Club (MAYC) and I admire the organizational efforts and cunning of the Cincinnatians who have contructed a yacht club that is at least a half mile from the river and about 200 feet uphill from the river bottom. They are working on donating an old riverboat tow cleat to a park on the "Hill" to solidify their standing in case some big ship would want to tie up, but the overall purpose is not unlike must clubs in the Midwest. They just want to have fun!

The bad news is that the MAYC has no access to any kind of water unless there is a lime in it. Although, there are reciprocal privileges at many other real yacht clubs that are actually on the water on real lakes and oceans. The good news is that the meetings take place in a wine shop/bar where you can pull a bottle of 2001 Silver Oak Cab at about $75 and share it after a $6 corkage fee. I opted for the L' Ecole No. 41 Apogee at $45.

Most of the conversation at the annual meeting was about whether to share e-mail addresses in the new Club directory, and not about how much of the capital budget was needed to rebuild the sea wall after the most recent Nor'easter. But at $100 a year I am all in and since they have opened the membership to 200 members, I suggest you join now. The burgee is already flying over the front door of the shop!

Who knows when you will need to flash that membership card next time you are in Naples or Marco Island or Newport or San Diego or Put-in-Bay! Or your favorite bar in Mt Adams!

Permission to come aboard!

I Think I May Run For Office in Georgia!

2005-09-29T14:24:00.000-04:00

Georgia: Lawmaker to appeal denial of immunity in DUI case

By NANCY BADERTSCHER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 09/28/05

State Rep. David Graves failed Tuesday to convince a Cobb County judge that he should be immune from prosecution for DUI because he's a lawmaker. Now he plans to take his argument to the Georgia Supreme Court
.
Graves (R-Macon) has two pending DUI cases in Cobb, but is trying to avoid prosecution on one of them by relying on a centuries-old and rarely used provision of the state Constitution.

That provision holds that state lawmakers cannot be arrested during sessions of the General Assembly or its committees or while lawmakers are traveling to either one. Exceptions are made for "treason, felony, or breach of the peace."

Cobb State Court Judge Irma Glover on Tuesday rejected Graves' argument that he should have been granted immunity from arrest because lawmakers were in session and he was leaving a dinner meeting with other legislators when he was stopped Feb. 15 at a police roadblock in Vinings. He was arrested after refusing a sobriety test, authorities said.

Glover ruled that there was no evidence that the dinner, where Graves admitted to drinking two to four glasses of wine, was either a committee meeting or part of any legislative session.

"The fact that several legislators attended and [Graves] was wearing his legislative pin does not sanction the dinner," she said.

William C. "Bubba" Head, who is representing Graves, immediately filed an appeal to have Glover's ruling reviewed by the state Supreme Court. The process could take months.

"Because of the unique nature of this case, I think this is the only sensible way to go," Head told reporters after the hearing. "This is brand new law. And as far as I can tell, there's no case even close to this."

Georgia's legislative immunity provision has been on the books since 1789. Similar laws — including one in the U.S. Constitution for Congress — date to colonial times, when lawmakers feared being arrested by political rivals.

Assistant State Court Solicitor Gary Jones said the appeal delays Graves' trial, which had been set to start Tuesday.

LaTresse Snead, the state executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, attended the hearing. She said she was disappointed to see "such a high-profile figure charged with drunk driving.

"Drunk driving is not a mistake or an accident," Snead said. "People have a choice."

Graves, who is chairman of the House committee that oversees regulation of the liquor industry, was in the courthouse, but generally steered clear of the courtroom, reporters and television cameras. He made one brief appearance to tell Glover he willingly waived his right to be present for the discussion of his case.

In March 2004, Graves, a 47-year-old pharmacist, was arrested after authorities said he ran a red light in Cobb County. He consented to a blood-alcohol test and registered a .13, well above the .08 legal limit, records show.
In the latest case, Glover said Cobb police had sufficient evidence to arrest Graves, including a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and his admission that he had had several drinks.

If Graves is convicted of one or both drunk driving charges, he faces fines, possible jail time, loss of his driver's license and the possible loss of his committee chairmanship.

Cuvee de Pena

2005-09-29T12:04:00.000-04:00

2003 Cuvee de Pena ($9) -- French Vin de Pays des Pyrenees-Orientales. This may be the best Vin de Pays I have found so far. I couldn't find much info on it but it is produced in the South West corner of France right next to Spain (which may explain why I think this wine has a lot of stuff for the money).

The wine is made by the Cellier Agly Cooperative from the Cotes de Roussillon-Village. The 2003 vintage is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre. Big smokey aromas and flavors with lingering finish. It has been a favorite value wine for Mr. Parker. I agree! And if you buy it by the case, it is only about $8 per bottle.

Next up is a 3 liter box for about $20.

Showket Vineyards

2005-09-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

2001 Showket Cabernet Sauvignon ($70) -- Napa Valley. Usually the reps bring around the value and mid-level wines to sell and I enjoy searching for that next great value wine at $8 to $12. Then, sometimes we get treated to something special.

Heidi Barrett is the winemaker and along with her own projects has made wine for Screaming Eagle and Dalle Valle. I think this wine may be the least expensive of the bunch and should give you a flavor of her winemaking skills.

It is hard to say whether a $70 bottle of wine is worth it, but this wine is unbelievably elegant, full of fruit with a long sumptuous finish. I do love to find a great $10 bottle of wine for everyday use, but when I hit the Mega Lottery for $100 million net after taxes and present value of the annuity stream, this wine will be my everyday mid-week pizza wine!

I convinced the rep to leave a little extra glass around so that I could wash down my Chicken Parmesan and garlic bread.

And if you can't stretch for the $70 Cab, I would suggest trying the $35 Sangiovese or the $50 Super Tuscan called Asante Sana.

Bon Appetite!

French Vin de Pays

2005-09-28T08:41:00.000-04:00

2001 Maison Nicholas 1-1-1 Merlot-Syrah ($12) -- French Vin de Pays by D. de Virgine (and/or Michel Peresse). I am a sucker for a cute French wine label and am always on the lookout for a very good wine value at the lower-end of the French wines, but am usually disappointed in the results. This wine was nicely stacked at Biggs in wooden crates.

This one has some fruit flavors with not much aroma or finish. It is a blend of Merlot/Syrah (70/30) as the front label proclaims. Kudos for that.

The search continues!

Racchus Red Wine

2005-09-27T17:03:00.000-04:00

2003 Racchus Red Wine - Alexander Valley CA ($12) -- A blend of Cabernet and Syrah (63/37) by Ty Caton. A wine rep tasted this with me a few months ago and I ordered a case and then it sat in the garage covered in dust (but cool!) during the summer months until a wine geek came by the store and asked if I had tasted the Racchus. I couldn't remember but a few weeks later I found the case and he came by again and we popped (actually unscrewed) the top.

Soft big fruits and a nice finish. Now I know why I ordered a case! 14 months in new and used French Oak. 552 cases made. I think it's time to order some more!

From the PDF file on the website:

"Deep and rich in color, this wine’s enhanced warm oak
nose leads to flavors of black currant, blackberry and
plum. The soft texture leads to an extended finish with
hints of chocolate."

I concur and all that for $12!

Wine Blogging Wednesday #14 - October 5th

2005-09-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

New New World Pinot Noir

I am honored to be asked to host the next WBW for October 5th. Completely unrelated to THAT movie we all saw and with fall approaching (eventhough it is 89 and humid here) this month's theme is to find a Pinot Noir from someplace other than France or the West Coast of the United States -- New New World. Over the last few months I have seen Pinots from Chile, Spain, Australia (of course), New York, but I am sure there are some out there from places I haven't seen. This should be a great opportunity to explore an old varietal in some new locations and then compare them to the usual suspects.

So, find a wine, write it up, post it and then send me a link by e-mail to that I can write the wrap up shortly after the 5th. Between now and then I will freshen up my posting and linking skills! No need to find a food pairing unless you are already hungry. If so, include it. Go farther!

To learn more about the WBW concept and history please go to Lenn's site Lenndevous . You can read all the old wrap ups as he has organized them in the right column.

You can also read his first post on the topic on July 27, 2004.

Wine Blog Wednesday #13

2005-09-07T12:58:00.000-04:00

Well I never got around to finding any wonderful recipes for chocolate cake, let alone whipping something up. So, I am pairing my wine choice with a bag of M&Ms. Color doesn't seem to matter much here although the new blue ones are cute.

NV Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, Rutherglen Muscadelle (Tokay) ($17 for 375ml) -- Australia with 18% alcohol. This wonderful dessert style wine has been open for at least six months and is still full of syrupy flavors. Although you can enjoy this wine by itself it is even better with sweets, even M&Ms after lunch. The delicate fragrant aromas entice and the long silky finish delivers. Parker raved about this wine saying life is too short not to experience this Australian treasure. As with all dessert wines of this type it is wise to hide from the women and children as it will soon disappear.

Palladio Chianti

2005-08-24T04:44:00.000-04:00

2003 Palladio Chianti ($9) -- Italy by Winebow Leonard LoCascio Selections. 100% Sangiovese in steel tanks. Pleasant fruit flavors with smooth finish. Not complex or loaded with fruit, but a very good choice for mid-week pasta or pizza. Did I mention the $9 price.

Spanish Rose

2005-08-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

2004 Torres De Casta Rose ($10) - Catalunya Spain. Made from Garanacha and Carinena with skin contact of 24 hours. (From the nice notes on the back label!) I wish I had found this fine wine earlier this summer. It's still hot enough here to enjoy and will make a fine lunch for those Sunday brunchs in the Fall. Delicate fruit flavors with a medium finish and some acid backbone for most meals. Very dry with tannins present. Excellent choice for $10 from a very good producer from Spain.

Summer's Over

2005-08-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

Summer's over and it's time to drink red wine again. Actually, it's still 90 degrees and humid here and I'm still drinking whites and Rose's, but I just got a case of a great Spanish Rioja.

2001 Allende Rioja ($27) - Spain; imported by Cutting Edge Selections; produced by Finca Allende. This wine was rated very highly by Parker and is at a good price for a weekend wine. I bought the case without tasting but pulled a cork as soon as it arrived. Full fruit flavors and velvety finish right out of the gate without breathing. A great wine for the price. I urge you to try it.

Oh, it's good to back in town and back to work. Right!

Lance Armstrong

2005-07-25T09:47:00.000-04:00

Hey, Lance Armstrong, you just won your 7th Tour de France! What are you going to do next?

"I'm going to take my children on holiday in the south of France....go to the beach, DRINK WINE, eat and not worry about a thing."

Hey, Lance, don't forget to try some of those dry Rose's.

Wine Blog Wednesday #11 - Off Dry

2005-07-06T17:08:00.000-04:00

Marco Negri, Moscato D'Asti DOGC 2004 ($16) -- Italy, bottled by Negri SS Costigliole D'Asti. 5.5% alcohol. Some beers have more kick than this effervescent aperitif. I am a little clueless on this one, but I am making a stab at what I think is "off dry", that is not dry or sweet, but a little sweet I guess. Keep the kids and women away from this one as they will quickly finish this bottle off in a matter of minutes if left unattended.

This stuff could be habit forming! It is not overly sweet, just slightly so. I can see myself enjoying a pasta lunch on the stone escarpment in Portofino by the blue-green Mediterranean while downing several glasses of this thirst quenching, refreshing wine. Waiter, check please, my yacht is double parked at the marina. Now I just need to work on that fashion look of my blazer thrown over my shoulders! Chow Bella!

Ooops! I knew I forgot to do something before I left town on vacation! (July 13th)

Paringa

2005-06-20T20:09:00.000-04:00

Paringa, Shiraz "Individual Vineyard" 2003 ($11) -- South Australia; produced by David and Dena Hickinbotham from the ARH Australian Wine Company; 100% Shiraz from the Paringa Vineyards near the River Murray. This is a well-known value wine from Australia that consistently gets high marks from the critics. Ruby red color; mild berry aroma; soft fruit flavors with a touch of sweetness and a hint of pepper, and a medium finish; medium weight with mild tannins present. Overall, a very good wine for $11. It is not as big as the chewy, over extracted Spanish wines I have enjoyed lately, but is softer and more subdued. At times, it is in short supply, so it would be wise to stock up.

I will be on vacation without Internet access until the 29th, so TTYL. Be safe out there!

Father's Day Wine

2005-06-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

Cuvaison, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1999 ($36) -- California; by the former winemaker John Thatcher. Dark fruit aromas and very smooth finish. Served with tonight's Father's Day dinner of grilled steaks from Wild Oats (it's OK, they're organic!) with grilled corn-on-the-cob. The snap peas got left in the 'fridge. Usually it's the bread in the oven that is overlooked during the rush of food prep! The wine was elegant with a good acid backbone and complemented the meal.

Another great Father's Day of golf (first tee time at Fox Run at 6:45am with no waiting on any shots), five hours of US Open Golf on the widescreen TV interspersed with cat naps, presents from kids, surrounded by friends and family, grilled steaks, and good red wine. I think Father's Day should be celebrated every Sunday! Let's hear from the women out there on this one!

Ashanti Pinotage

2005-06-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

Ashanti Pinotage 1999 ($10 post off) -- Paarl, South Africa. Fragrant nose with integrated flavors and smooth tannins due to the bottle age. Reasonable at $20, but definitely worth trying at $10 on sale! Drink now. The leftover bottle the next day was showing a little tired.

Oo-La-La!

2005-06-16T14:52:00.000-04:00

Lillet, White French Aperitif Wine NV ($19) - Podensac-Gironde France; 17% alcohol. Not sure what to call this fortified wine made from wine and fruit liqueurs made from various oranges with a touch of cinchona bark from Peru (quinine). It is then aged in Oak for 6 to 12 months. I guess you order it by name. I was told the wine component is mostly Sauvignon Blanc with some Semillon. Serve well chilled either as a specialty cocktail (see the website for recipes), with soda and ice and a twist of orange, on the rocks, or neat in a wine glass. This is a great summer quencher and change of pace. I guess it's a little like very good Vermouth, but more flavor components and not just almonds and nuts. Bon Appetite!

The Little G is Back!

2005-06-15T14:17:00.000-04:00

Dehesa Gago 2003 ($13) - Toro, Spain from Telmo Rodriguez. I tried the 2002 last year and loved the big chewy flavors that stayed with me for a day after consuming a whole bottle. This vintage has the same big flavors, but not quite as over-the-top chewy, and is almost refined in the finish. Be sure to let it breathe for 20 minutes after opening. Another great value from Spain! If you can find it, load up. This wine usually disappears around the fall.

The Lucky Country

2005-06-14T16:51:00.000-04:00

The Lucky Country, 2003 Barossa Valley 55% Shiraz 45% Cabernet ($17) -- Australia. This is a "second label" from Two Hands although the bottle says that they are selected barrel samples. This wine has a big fruit nose and smooth flavors and a good finish. It is a touch raw and should smooth out with age, but is a good value from a very good producer. From the back label:

"We always awake to a beautiful day in Australia. We have a fun filled culture of natural beauty, color and space backed by a lovely clean environment. Enjoy this red wine, a true expression of the lucky country."

Wine Blog Wednesday #10 - White Pinot

2005-06-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

Strewn, Pinot Blanc 2001 ($10) -- VQA Niagara Peninsula, Canada, Dry White Wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The notes on the back label are: "A gentle oak aroma with a buttery note leads to a smooth, round palate and a mineral, crisp, clean finish." That pretty much nails it.

I was going to review the JK Carriere "Glass" Willamette Valley White Pinot Noir, as it had the White Pinot in the label, but it is a Rose and that was last month's WBW wine du jour. By the way, that wine finished first in last month's Erie Blind Tasting of Rose's. Then I thought I would look at some Pinot Grigio's or Pinot Gris', but nothing jumped out at me, until I read the fine print and was allowed to review a Pinot Blanc. I have liked this wine for several months after I found a bottle in the 'fridge at work and it has been popular with customers after they taste it. I think some of the popularity is the surprising flavor profile of oak and butter when they expect some steely, riesling-like flavor. Plus, there is the novelty (at least here in Ohio) of a Canadian wine that is not an Ice Wine.

This is a good food wine and a good chilled wine for summer when you want to try ABC (anything but chardonnay), but still need your oak and butter fix!

The website for Strewn gives little details on the wine production, but does offer an intriguing invitation to visit the winery and restaurant next time I'm driving by Buffalo on the way to Maine this summer.

"Thin to Win"

2005-05-21T14:04:00.000-04:00

This is a golfing term that is supposed to mean that usually when you thin a shot, at least from about 150 yards out, there is a good chance your ball may actually end up on or near the green. (However, a thin shot from around the green or from a sand trap will usually have disasterous results as the ball is long gone.) A "fat" shot has just the opposite results and, beside ruining your pride in front of your playing partners, will require you to trudge back to the cart, grab another club and try to hit the green again from about 20 yards closer. It is bad luck to even talk about a shanked shot, so we will leave that one alone!

I once played a round of golf fifteen years ago with Tommy Armour III who, beside cruising around the course in a smooth, effortless par 70, showed me how the pros are in a different league than us mortals. Having drilled a long perfect drive in the middle of the fairway on #13, he proceeded to lay a huge chunk of sod over on his approach shot. The ball went 20 yards. If I had done that I would be toast for 3 holes thinking about the fat shot. He calmly walked up to the ball, took a few practice swings and then stiffed it to 4 feet. He made the put and as we walked off the green he looked at me and said, "You need to do that on the Tour." Oh? Lesson learned, wisdom exchanged.

Now how does this have anything to do with wine? Well, in golf, thin is good, fat is bad. In wine, thin is bad, fat is good. Remember that. You're welcome!

Georges Duboeuf Moulin-A-Vent

2005-05-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Georges Duboeuf, Moulin-A-Vent Red Burgundy 2003 ($15) - France. Aged in Oak for six months. Can't tell you more as the site is pending (come on, I have a little wine shop for six months and I have a live website) and there are no production notes on the bottle. Burgundy means Pinot Noir if my memory serves me right, but maybe it's Beaujolais.

Anyway, there's not much nose, not much fruit. Thin and a short finish. Other than that, a fine example of French wine. I am sure it would be great with food but I am out of truffles.

I heard that the 2003 vintage was the "Vintage of the Sun". We'll see.

Erie Avenue Near Blind Tasting - $20 Rose

2005-05-19T20:52:00.000-04:00

I will be making a full report shortly but am currently buried in golf games and making deliveries. The short version is that the JK Carriere "Glass" White Pinot Noir came in first and the Vinum Rose (It's Okay!) of Cabernet Sauvignon came in second. One bottle was corked and fun was had by all. The appetizers from Pho Paris were spectacular and the Pizza at the Oakley Bar and Grill was fine, although the wine list at the latter was suspect. Best to order Guinness on tap or move onto the harder stuff! On a final note, the 1994 Robert Sinsky Vin de Gris Pinot Noir was a treat after the Blind Tasting. Who knew that a Rose could hold for 10 years!

There was much discussion about the next event as to what wines and where but that will be announced shortly. There will be a summer break for July and August (very civilized!), but people are free to gather if they so desire. Stay tuned.

Speaking of Summer breaks, I know the French have taken a lot of flack recently for some of their geo-political decisions in the Middle East, which stupidly caused some American wine lovers to dump First Growth Bordeaux down the drain, but I think the French have a great custom of shutting everything down in the month of August and taking a holiday. I think the French are clueless when it comes to wine labelling (see above), but on vacation planning, they have it nailed. If we all took the month of August off we would all be in a better mood until at least December, and could take a real vacation without worrying about what was happening back at the shop. (Usually not much that couldn't wait until we got back.) Just an idea. And then we could also practice sipping Rose at lunch, and liking it!

Response from the Ohio Liquor Control Commission

2005-05-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

"See you in court!" According to the Associated Press, officials in charge of Ohio Liquor think that the rules regulating shipping wine into Ohio are not discriminatory (neither did New York, Michigan or Virginia) and therefore the recent Supreme Court decision does not apply to Ohio Liquor regulations. Therefore they will be arguing their case in US District Court shortly.

Currently, residents can have wine shipped into Ohio, if it is not already registered (posted) in the State, and after filling out some paperwork and paying sales and excise taxes. Few wineries list Ohio as an approved state to ship to and so will not ship into the state. In-state wineries can ship without the paperwork and their wines are registered in the state. Sounds like two sets of rules to me!

Also, strangely residents and retail stores can't ship out of the state. UPS and FedEx will not take shipments if you tell them there is wine in the box. So forget about sending a Christmas gift to your brother in Denver, or a birthday gift to your sister in Florida! I am not sure of the rationale here.

Two Indiana wineries and some Ohio wine lovers are working on the US District Court case to open up the doors to outside wineries. They predict victory, but if you want to help, write your legislators and go to Free The Grapes. I would guess that Ohio is a year or two away from having open shipping rules. The US District Court must decide that the rules are discriminatory, then the State will have to issue new regulations. Better make that three to four years!

Breaking News

2005-05-16T10:51:00.000-04:00

Court Strikes Down Ban on Wine Shipments

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Wine lovers may buy directly from out-of-state vineyards, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, striking down laws banning a practice that has flourished because of the Internet and growing popularity of winery tours.

The 5-4 decision overturns laws in New York and Michigan that make it a crime to buy wine directly from vineyards in another state. In all, 24 states have laws that bar interstate shipments.

The state bans are discriminatory and anti-competitive, the court said.

It Can't Be That Complicated!

2005-05-16T10:25:00.000-04:00

"French swallow pride and simplify wine labels" By David Derbyshire, Consumer Affairs Editor (Filed: 14/05/2005)

For 70 years France has stubbornly clung to the most complicated and arcane wine labelling system in the world. But in a desperate attempt to stem the threat from the New World, French producers are starting to tell consumers what is in their bottles.

Following controversial changes to the appellation system, more and more quality Bordeaux wines are being labelled with the grape variety rather than simply its geographic region. The change is an attempt by producers to reverse falling sales and attract customers who seem to prefer the simplicity and clarity of labels on Australian, Chilean or South African wines.

If the new descriptions are adopted across France, they would reveal that a St Emilion is mostly made from merlot, that a red Burgundy is made from pinot noir and that a Chablis is made with chardonnay.

Vacation Wine

2005-05-15T20:46:00.000-04:00

Springfield Estate, "Whole Berry" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 ($20) - Robertson, South Africa; Estate Bottled. Many times customers rave about some wine they discovered on vacation and I try to find it here in Cincinnati. I usually don't burst their bubble by suggesting that perhaps the wine tasted so good because they were on vacation (no work, no deadlines, great food, good company and beautiful scenery). In the same vein, I have heard that wine in Italy doesn't give you a headache, but probably that is more due to not having to get up at 7am to go to work.

A customer found this wine in South Africa on their honeymoon and loved it. I tried to find it in Ohio, but West Virginia was the closest retailer as it is not distributed in Ohio. After a six hour drive on Saturday, the customer had got his case and another case for me as I had, on blind faith, ordered this wine. (I am not mentioning names here as this wine is technically contraband and I don't want to get anyone in trouble. Such are the liquor laws in 2005!)

This wine has a bouquet of fruit aromas with warm tasty fruit flavors and a medium finish. There were tannins present but, unlike a typical California Cab, there was a good underlying acidity that would make this a good food wine. Overall a good wine and worth the drive to West Virginia for a wine adventure and some great memories.

Vinum Cellars Rose - Wine Blog Wednesday

2005-05-11T11:53:00.000-04:00

Vinum Cellars, Rose 2004 ($12) - Napa Valley Pink Table Wine. Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon. From this irreverent winemaker we are told that "it's okay!" I assume that means that it is OK to drink Pink. A portion of the profits go to a national Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The irreverence of the winery must come from one of the winemaker's stint at Bonny Doon. Here is the official version:

Vinum Cellars is a collaboration of winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos, who first became friends while they were students at UC Davis. They share a long standing passion for Chenin Blanc and fondness for the more obscure grape varieties. After graduation, Chris went to work for Pine Ridge as Enologist, and Richard went to Bonny Doon as their distiller. Shortly after, their friendship was solidified over Chenin Blanc with the creation of their first wine "Pointe Blanc". Currently the Vinum Cellars team is working with over 14 grape varieties from El Dorado and San Benito Counties to Napa Valley.

I couldn't find a lot on production notes, but there is a short blurb on the vineyard:

Jim Frediani is a 3rd generation Italian grower and has probably forgotten more about growing grapes then most people know. Our cabernet comes from dry-farmed, old vines which express flavorful red fruit and powerful tannins. To make the red wine super concentrated, we remove some of the pink juice in the early stages after crushing. We then ferment this portion cold (like white wine) to make our groovy Rosé - It’s Okay!

I am always excited to try new varietals of Rose, so I opened a chilled bottle and then let it warm in the glass. I got very dry fruit flavors with a hint of watermelon and strawberry. Tannins are present and it has a good mouth feel. Lots of flavor here with a smooth medium finish. Thirst quenching and substantial. Very good. I would order more and will try the other Vinum wines very soon.

By sheer happenstance, I will be conducting a blind tasting of eight Rose's next Tuesday. The intent is to find eight different varietals. I will report on the findings later. I guess May is a perfect month to cover Rose's!

John Duval Wines

2005-05-10T23:46:00.000-04:00

John Duval Wines, Plexus 2003 ($39) - Barossa Valley; Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre (46%, 32%, 22%) I grabbed a six pack during a walk about in Cutting Edge's warehouse after sampling five Madeira's (more later about that expedition). They got twenty six-packs from the former winemaker of Penfold's Grange. The packaging is modern and clean.

Here is a blurb from another retailer:

The 2003 Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre is the most eagerly anticipated new wine release of the year. It's already a runaway winner before it even reaches the wine stores on March 1. Demand has been so keen that the Australian allocation has already been snapped up by wine distributors.
Wine stores report that buyers have been enquiring for some time to buy the first wine from the maestro. Mr Duval was Penfolds chief winemaker and maker of Penfolds Grange from 1986 until he resigned in mid-2002 after 28 years with the company. He was only the third winemaker of Penfolds Grange, regarded internationally as Australia's greatest wine.
His shock resignation came after the merger between Southcorp and Rosemount Wines in 2001. "I'm very pleased with the wine because there has been a lot of expectation," Mr Duval said. "The main one has been meeting my own expectations. I've been very nervous because I'm doing it for myself for the first time.

Here is one opinion from Parker's chat forum:

2003 John Duval Wines Plexus (Barossa Valley Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre): An explosion of ripe black, red and purple fruits envelops the nostrils. Quite often after such a power packed punch you expect a wave of vanilla and coconut oak but not with this baby. There is a touch of "Northern Rhonesque" passionfruit skins and the well seasoned French oak injects a little cedar, spice and toast. The palate is dense and juicy but not jammy and fruit and oak is in perfect harmony. There is a creamy texture with enough savoury characters to ensure the wines value as a food partner. As for the length, those inclined to time the finish had better put some new batteries in their stopwatch.

I guess he liked it. I did also.

Was a little confused on first opening (the wine, not me), but showed a Grenache nose and lots of fruit. Two hours later, after I returned from dinner, it had smoothed out and taken on a refined elegance, but still very young. Needs to age but shows great promise. I think I will pick up a few more six packs before they are all gone.

Top 30 US Wine Producers

2005-05-10T11:01:00.000-04:00

I am sure this has been posted by others previously, but it is always interesting to see the sales volumes of the "big boys".

WBM’s Top 30 US Wine Companies of 2004
(click on company name to view info)

Wine Company Annual US Case Sales
1 E&J Gallo Winery 75,000,000
2 Constellation Brands 56,000,000
3 The Wine Group 40,000,000
4 Bronco Wine Company 20,000,000
5 Beringer Blass Wine Estates 12,000,000
6 Trinchero Family Estates 9,000,000
7 Brown-Forman Wines 6,000,000
8 Kendall-Jackson 5,000,000
9 Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 3,700,000
10 Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines 3,250,000
11 Allied Domecq Wines USA 2,500,000
12 Heck Estates 2,000,000
13 Delicato Vineyards 1,600,000
14 Vincor USA 1,400,000
15 C. Mondavi & Sons 1,000,000
16 Don Sebastiani & Sons 1,000,000
17 Ironstone Vineyards 900,000
18 J. Lohr Winery 800,000
19 Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery 750,000
20 Peak Wines International 700,000
21 Bogle Vineyards 650,000
22 Barefoot Cellars 580,000
23 Rodney Strong Vineyards 550,000
24 San Antonio Winery 500,000
25 Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates Winery 500,000
26 Hess Collection 500,000
27 Wente Family Estates 375,000
28 Bonny Doon 365,000
29 Domaine Chandon 350,000
30 Rutherford Ranch Vineyards & Winery 350,000

Source: Company information and WBM estimates.The numbers do not include bulk wine-- wine processed by the company but sold under another company's brand. Two large bulk producers were omitted because they don't produce wine under their own brands: Giumaurra Vineyards (one of California's largest table grape growers) and Vie Del, the second largest player in the grape concentrate business.The rankings include annual U.S. case sales numbers for wine sourced from other countries but sold in the U.S. under a U.S. Wine Company. We estimate, for example, that E&J Gallo may annually produce 65 million cases in the U.S. but import somewhere in the vicinity of ten million cases from Italy and Australia.

Bogle Phantom

2005-05-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

Bogle Vineyards, Phantom 2002 ($18) - California; Petite Sirah, Old Vine Zinfandel, Old Vine Mourvedre (56%, 41%, 3%). This is a special cuvee from Bogle, a winery that produces about 650,000 cases a year, that comes out once a year and is quickly snapped up. I am not sure how many cases are produced, but I was happy to get three. For Mothers day I served this wine. Beautiful fruit aromas, with silky smooth full fruit flavors and a long finish. This is the most complex, tasty wine I can remember having for $18.

Vina Alarba Rose

2005-05-07T14:55:00.000-04:00

Vina Alarba Rose 2004 ($8) - Calatayud, Spain from Jorge Ordonez. Couldn't find any notes on any websites, but I am guessing Grenache here. This is a great summer cooler for lunch for $8. Has fruit flavors and some tannins with a medium finish. Great fun!

Cantele Salento Primitivo

2005-05-06T20:58:00.000-04:00

Cantele, Salento Primitivo 2003 ($11) -- Italy IGT. From the southernmost part of Puglia. It is also the easternmost point in Italy and can be described as "the heel of the boot". Mild nose with silky smooth flavors and a medium finish. Should be a very good food wine due to the acidity. Somewhat simple but a good choice for mid-week dinner.

Castle Rock Pinot Noir

2005-05-05T13:25:00.000-04:00

Castle Rock, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004 ($13) - California. The notes on the website are for the 2003 vintage, so I can't offer much as to production specifics, but I bought a few cases sight unseen and then just tasted. I got a big earthy nose on first opening (almost barnyard-like, Burgundian) then good fruit flavors and medium finish. This is very different from the typical sedate, cherry California Pinot, but this is a great Pinot for under $15. Also, good with food - today it was bacon pizza from Italianette Pizza on Plainville Road.

Quote of the Day

2005-05-02T14:49:00.000-04:00

During a conversation with a Manager of a local restaurant and a wine rep and a Champagne importer about the pricing on the lunch menu versus the dinner menu, the Manager offered this advice:

"You make your friends at lunch. You make your money at dinner."

Party Favorite

2005-04-30T08:17:00.000-04:00

Elyse, Cabernet Sauvignon, Morisoli Vineyard 2001 ($60 approx.) - As a wine geek I am often faced with the social dilemna of, upon bringing a wine to a party, whether to open it right away for all to sample, or to let the hosts stick it in their cellar for later consumption. I know it is social convention to offer the bottle to the host and then he/she can decide to stash it away for later use, or serve it then. I have decided that it makes the most sense to bring two bottles, one to consume right then, and a second for the hosts to put away. I then head straight to the kitchen or bar to find an opener. In this way I am guaranteed at least a few sips of some good wine and the hosts are happy. I guess as a wine retailer, I'm allowed.

This wine was brought to my party recently and quickly opened up by a guest who is also not shy about bringing and drinking good wines. Among the nine wines I served and the other four that were gifts, this was the "best of show". Briefly (as it was late by the time this beauty got tasted), it had a warm alluring nose, full fruit flavors with very smooth, almost silky, integrated tannins. Even the wine distributor, who had brought other wines and does not sell Elyse, ackowledged this to be the best that night.

The other wines consumed that night were, 2000 Luca Beso de Dante from Argentina, 1997 Anderson's Conn Valley Napa Cab, 2002 Finca de Sandoval from Spain, 2002 Tikal Patriota from Argentina, 2002 Tim Adamas Shiraz from Australia, 1998 Wightman Napa Cab, 2002 St. John's Road Shiraz from Australia, 2000 T'Gallant Pinot Noir from Australia, 2003 Castle Rock Reserve Napa Chardonnay, 2001 Strewn Pinot Blanc from Niagara, 2004 Enotria Moscato from California, 2000 Eola Hills Vin d'Or Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Oregon, Marques de Gelida Brut Sparkling Cava from Spain, and Fox Creek's Vixen Sparking Shiraz from Australia.

The Vixen got the most interesting comments of the night from, "I've never tasted anything like this before" as she raced off to find her husband to get him to try it, to "This tastes like kool-aid", to which I replied, "You need to drink more wines and less kool-aid. This Sparkling Shiraz is the hottest wine of the year!"

Jug Wine

2005-04-29T22:25:00.000-04:00

Martin Ray, Red 2001 ($13 for 1L) - Central Coast, California Red Table Wine. This really is jug wine with the handle, the one liter jug bottle and the screwcap. According to the website it is made from Syrah, Merlot and select red Rhone varietals. (I heard a rumor that the Angeline Syrah will be discontinued and blended into this wine.) If, by definition, jug wine is affordable - comparable to a $10 75cl - , quaffable wine, then this fits the bill and more. It is not only drinkable, it is chuggable. This is good wine and good fun.

Not a big nose, but fruit flavors - mostly from the Syrah - with smooth integrated tannins, yes tannins in a jug wine, and a moderate finish, although not a lot of complexity. (Hey, it's jug wine!) But I did not grow weary of this wine as the night progressed.

I can't wait to show up at the next cocktail party in Hyde Park with this baby swinging from my finger ready to P A R T A Y!!!! Now, if they came out with a two liter jug, we'd be dangerous!

Purple Wine Company

2005-04-28T16:38:00.000-04:00

I just got back from tasting 7 wines from the Purple Wine Company which was started by one of the former principals of the Blackstone Winery which was sold a few years ago. The notes are brief as I sipped while enjoying some Chicken Tikki Masala and Naan. I ordered some of these wines for the shop, but not all, more due to my current inventory situation at certain price points.

2004 Rock Rabbit, Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast ($10) - Good fruit with a little bit of grapefruit. Made in stainless tanks with no Oak or Malo. Good price for a summer wine. Good with food.
2003 Mark West, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County ($11) - Good traditional California Chardonnay with some butter, but not overdone. Some Malo here, I was told. I would load up , but I have 15 cases of another $14 Chardonnay to chew through.
2003 Mark West, Pinot Noir, Central Coast ($11) - Moderate nose, subtle Burgundian style. Great value. One of the best $10 California Pinots.
2002 Mark West, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County ($19) - Moderate nose with more fruit flavors and tannins. Also Burgundian. Very good and fairly valued.
2003 Rock Rabbit, Syrah, Central Coast ($11) - Big nose and full flavors. Deep purple color (see Company name!). 12% Cab and some Petite Syrah. Sold! I bought a case as Martin Ray has stopped making the Angeline Syrah.
2002 Avalon, Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($8) - 1% Syrah and 1% Tempranillo add some zest and aromas. I liked the wine and loved the price. It's on the list! Good fruit, smooth with tannins and a medium finish. Drinkable $8 California Cab! Will go well with a mixed case of Spanish Grenache, Argentine Malbec and Chilean Carmenere as a great value mixed case.
2002 Avalon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($14) - 90% Cabernet with other Bordeaux varietals. Smooth integrated tannins and good fruit. A good wine, but is among a crowded field of good, drinkable $15 California Cabs.

Overall, a good quiver of tasty value wines!

Don't Panic, It's Organic

2005-04-25T19:36:00.000-04:00

Lolonis, Redwood Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 ($21) - Mendocino, California. No pesticides or herbicides are used and the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. Ladybugs Love Lolonis! Vines are 35 to 40 years-old. Warm appealing aromas of dark fruit followed by full fruit with hints of chocolate and a long finish. Good stuff! Don't tell anyone it's organic!

Ventana Syrah

2005-04-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

Ventana, Syrah "Monterey" 2001 ($18) - Arroyo Seco, California. Single Vineyard and Estate Bottled. Big fruit and smooth tannins. Would have done well last Tuesday in the blind tasting. Good for sipping, and would pair well with roasted meats.

Chateau Beauchene

2005-04-21T14:27:00.000-04:00

Chateau Beauchene Cotes du Rhone 2001 ($15) - France. Premier Terrior. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (70%, 25%, 5%). I enjoyed this everyday drinker before heading out to the Playhouse last night, but it would also work very well with food. It has good balance, fruit flavors and a medium finish with enough soft tannins to hold it all together.

Erie Avenue Blind - $30 Syrahs

2005-04-20T08:42:00.000-04:00

This is getting old! Ceja again wins top honors. Not that we mind honoring a good winemaker, but Renee will now be impossible to live with after two first places in a row. The trash talking is becoming unbearable. The streak will end however, as next month we will be reviewing $20 Rose's. As Ceja doesn't make a Rose, Renee lobbied hard to change varietals. That having failed, she vowed to call Armando to see if he could whip up a special cuve'e. For the record, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot won't cut it, and we will need to see Ohio label approval!

Ten "judges" reviewed 8 Syrahs from $10 to just over $30, from Spain, Washington and California. To cleanse the palate we started with a bottle of Fox Creek's Vixen, a sparkling blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon (54%, 32%, 14%). Afterwards, we were treated to a cellar selection of a 1996 Edmunds St. John, Durrell Vineyard Syrah from Sonoma that showed a softened elegance of 8 years of bottle age. And a surprise blind bag of 1999 Burnet Ridge Que Syrah was well received and would have, in my opinion, done well tonight in the contest. Finally, the 2002 Inniskillin Ice Wine Vidal was a special treat and made for a great dessert after assorted curries and tandori chicken.

The results are slightly different than announced last night due to continuing mathematical programming errors. Someone besides me needs to do the math if we want the correct results!

8th - 68 points - 2002 Robert Hall, Paso Robles ($17) - This tasted great in the warehouse, but the last two bottles were, in my opinion, "off, medicinal, funky". I wasn't alone in ranking it last. It got four 8th place votes, and three 7th place votes. Now, what to do with the 5 cases I ordered!
7th - 61 points - 1999 Andrew Murray, Roasted Slope ($30) - Five 8th and 7th place votes. This was supposed to be a ringer and therefore demonstrates the beauty of blind tasting. [Ed. note: It has been recently brought to my attention that at least one taster thought this bottle was off and that is why it showed so poorly.]
6th - 56 points - 2003 Michael & David Phillips, Sixth Sense, Lodi ($15) - Three votes for 8th and 7th, then mostly 6ths and some 3rds.
5th - 48 points - 2001 Martin Ray, Angeline, Paso Robles ($10) - One vote for 1st, two votes for 7th, then mostly 4ths and 5ths. Not bad for a $10 Syrah against a bunch of $30 bottles. A little simple but well made. Martin Ray has stopped bottling this varietal and will mix their Syrah into other blends. There are 8 cases left in the warehouse!
4th - 36 points - 2001 Finca Sandoval, Manchuela ($33) - A blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre from Spain. Three votes for 2nd, and then mostly 4ths and 5ths. Only 1 point behind 3rd place. Some commented on it being "fat, thick, spicey, smokey".
3rd - 35 points - 2002 Melville, Estate, Lompoc ($25) - Two votes for 1st, one vote for 2nd, but one vote each for 7th and 8th. Some commented on its "depth and finish."
2nd - 31 points - 2002 L'Ecole No. 41, Columbia Valley ($32) - Four votes for 1st and one vote for 2nd, but several votes for 5th and 6th hurt. This was my favorite and others liked the "balance and silkiness."
1st - 25 points - 2002 Ceja, Sonoma Coast ($32) - Seven votes for 1st or 2nd and only one vote for 7th. This time it wasn't me. I gave it a 2nd. People liked the "balance of fruit and tannins" and enjoyed the "finish." I remember this wine being "bigger" when I tasted at the Wine Festival, but now it was refined and elegant.

Allyn's Cafe

2005-04-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

I stopped in Saturday for a late dinner and to listen to the music. I kick myself for not stopping in more often. If you love wine and music stop in. I also heard that they have a BIG beer list:

They have a wine store of about 200 labels that you can drag into the restaurant for a $5 corkage fee. The list is full of treats in the $10 to $40 range, and includes many of the wines in my shop. Obviously, the owner has great taste in wines! I had the Ceja, Vino de Casa which is a Pinot/Merlot/Syrah blend (60/32/8) for about $20. Big fruit and complexity with 22 months in French and American barrels. If this is Armando's house wine, I'm coming over!
The music tonight was acoustic guitar with covers from Van Morrison to Steely Dan. I did not get the musician's name but he had a good voice and it was very entertaining sitting in the booth with a front row seat. I read someplace that they also have amateur nights and a regular band on Sundays.
The cajun filet was great as a split entre along with popcorn shrimp.
And the best part is I could walk home from here if I had to. I know a trail through Larz Anderson Park that will take me to my back door in 15 minutes.

Cincinnati Nature Center

2005-04-14T22:05:00.000-04:00

For the next fundraising event the Director wanted to select wines that match the principles of the organization which include sustainability and locality. Unfortunately, we are hard pressed in Cincinnati to offer local organic wines, but I offered to review other organic wines from the United States. Here are my first reviews for Badger Mountain:

Badger Mountain "Vintner Estate Series" Rose of Cabernet 2003 ($8) -- Columbia Valley, Washington. Certified organic. 100% Cabernet Franc. Pale strawberry colors; not much nose; full fruit flavors with noticeable residual sugar; good structure, balance with some meat on it. This is a big Rose for $8. Perfect for Spring or Summer. And although I am not a fan of White Zin, lovers of that "varietal" will also enjoy this wine, even if it is a dry wine. The guy who delivered the hay today for Cody, the pony (it rhymes), who never drinks wine, said he liked it. (He and Polly were my guinea pigs tonight.) Of course, Polly loved it! I liked it too.
Badger Mountain Chardonnay 2003 ($11) -- Columbia Valley, Washington. Estate grown. Certified organic, No Sulfites Added. Contains naturally occurring sulfites, which are a product of fermentation. No additional preservatives are used. I tasted at room temperature at first and on first opening got an almost foxey aroma and flavor. (I like to taste whites wines warm at first to see what kind of suff they have.) When properly chilled after 20 minutes in a bath of iced water, I got clean, crisp, refreshing flavors that, I am guessing, saw little or no wood. No luxurious butter here, but I am told that the butter flavor profile is a tough order for organic wines that have no sulfites. Serve well chilled with food.

The mission of Cincinnati Nature Center is to inspire passion for nature and promote environmentally responsible choices through experience and education.

Charles Joguet

2005-04-14T09:46:00.000-04:00

Charles Joguet, Chinon, Les Varennes du Grand Clos, 2000 ($17) -- France, imported by Kermit Lynch. At first I wasn't going to look up all the winemaking notes (there are none on the back label), but I quickly found the producer's website. I had first guessed Grenache with little wood from a mediocre year. It seems it is actually Cabernet Franc from a "tough" year with 5 to 8 months of wood aging in unknown barrels. I got soft barnyard aromas with a thin cherry flavor and not much finish. Try serving with food to take the edge off. Not one to sip late into the night.

Colosi Sicilia for Wine Blog Wed #9

2005-04-13T03:22:00.000-04:00

Colosi Sicilia 2002 ($10) -- Messina Italy. 100% Nero D'Avola. The theme for Wine Blog Wednesday #9 is Sicilian Reds. After reviewing most of the distributor books, and not finding much, a wine rep brought by a single sample to taste and said that it is her favorite spahgetti wine for mid-week. (Usually I can convince the reps to leave the bottle behind for more extensive analysis, but this wine was quickly gathered up and taken away!) She said it was great with tomato and garlic which can be a hard match for most wines. On the nose I got a somewhat musty, dense aroma that I could not pin down, though not bad, and the flavors were almost sweet with good balance and there is some tannic structure, but also there is the acidity to match well with an Italian menu. A very good $10 food wine. I would probably get bored with this wine without food after the second glass, but that's me. I would prefer to languish over an open bottle for hours after dinner versus sitting at a table surrounded by plates of food.

From Vias, the importer:

Origin: Sicilia Rosso is a tribute to the oldest and most typical Sicilian grapes, Nero d`Avola, also called Calabrese. The synonym Calabrese is an “Italianization” of the old Sicilian dialect name for the spiecies “Calavrisi” which means literally “Avolla grape” or” grape originating in Avola”. Perhaps first used in the provinces of Siracusa and Ragusa, over the years it spread to some extent throughout Sicily but not Etna. Great red wines can be made from this species. The most important and typical feature is the bouquet of red fruit, which remains after long years of aging. But the great diversity of the production areas in the North, South, East and West of the island gives special character to the Nero d`Avola they produce.

Sparkling Shiraz

2005-04-11T15:13:00.000-04:00

Leconfield, Coonawarra Sparkling Shiraz 2003 ($30) -- Australia by the Hamilton Wine Group. My recent gushing review of Fox Creek's Vixen led another rep to offer his Sparkling Shiraz at a recent wine tasting. I thought that this wine went very well with the Saturday afternoon Master's coverage! Here are some winemaking notes. I assume it is 100% Shiraz versus the Vixen's blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

"A careful selection of Shiraz from Leconfield’s 29 year old estate vineyards underwent its primary fermentation in stainless steel prior to maturation in French and American oak barrels. Various components were selected for their complexity and deep fruit character. Secondary fermentation took place in the bottle with the final liquoring adding further complexity and balance. A wonderful example of this unique Australian style, showing the depth of ripe fruit characters and elegance for which Coonawarra is famous."

The consensus was that this was a better wine than the Vixen (yeh, we had popped one already earlier in the day!) with more fruit and a softer finish. If you want to cause a stir at your next function, pull one of these wines and watch as your guests are amazed to be drinking a blood-red Sparkler, which is also a very good wine!

Mi Sueno Winery

2005-04-07T15:51:00.000-04:00

I just tasted through five of their wines when Tom, the Director of Sales, and Renee, from Wide World of Wines, stopped by today. I don't rate wines in my reviews, but when I review wines for purchasing for the shop I score the wines for ordering. Three stars is a good wine, but I will not order the wine unless someone wants it. Three and a half stars is a buy. Four stars is a very good wine that I will promote and recommend. All five wines today were four stars, which is very unusual. Here are my quick notes:

2002 Chardonnay Los Carneros ($37) -- Balanced, Clean, Burgundian. Exceptional
2002 Pinot Noir Los Carneros ($40) -- 2,800 cases. Big nose, which I like, but also elegant flavors. This would have done very well at the last Erie Avenue Blind Tasting.
2001 Syrah Los Carneros ($42) -- 100% Syrah. Big flavors with tannins and will age.
2002 "El Llano" Napa Valley ($37) -- 68% Cab, 32% Syrah. This was probably the pick of the litter with great flavors, great balance and a good price.
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($62) -- Classic California Cab that is drinking great right now.

Hunter S. Thompson

2005-04-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

The recent issue of Rolling Stone that covers the life of Hunter S. Thompson is a must read for all and, through the many tributes to his life and wild antics revealed, paints a picture of another lost generation. Here is a short snippet from Semmes Luckett, whose job it was to mind the good Doctor for a stretch (good luck!):

"It was the mid-seventies, sometime after "Rolling Stone" had just moved to New York, and Hunter had been up for five days. He had a deadline, and it just wasn't working. There wasn't anything happening. We need to shut it down. So I composed a very reasonable telegram to send to Jann. We are professionals, after all. It listed the various reasons why the piece would be late. At the end of the telegram, I told the lady to put in: "On top of everything else, there's a raging blizzard outside. Yours, Semmes." I don't know if they still do telegrams like this, but you did this over the phone, and they'd send you a copy later. I didn't open it for a day or two and, of course, it listed everything, just as I had said it - until the last line where it said, "On top of everything else, there's a raging lizard outside."

And Rolling Stone accepted that -- to them it was reasonable. There was a "raging lizard outside" and they understood."

Sometimes there is a raging lizard outside, but you got to just keep going on!

Sweet Angeline

2005-04-03T18:28:00.000-04:00

Martin Ray, "Angeline" Paso Robles Syrah 2001 ($10) -- Santa Rosa, California. This is a 2nd/Value label from Martin Ray, a "legendary" winemaker as the website proclaims. Under new ownership, they have rolled out a few new labels. I have heard good reports on "Angeline", and had tasted this Syrah at Trios recently at $10 per glass (do the math!). I got a big fruit nose with soft, appealing flavors, good balance and a medium finish. Not a lot of depth or complexity, but may be one of the best $10 Syrahs ($10 for the bottle that is!).

Hess Select

2005-04-02T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hess Select, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 ($15) -- California. Cab/Syrah/Merlot blend (82%/15%/3%). Entry level line. Warm fruit nose from the Syrah, I guess; tannins and fruit flavors. Medium finish. Good value for an everyday California Cab. Mostly North Coast fruit with some from Napa.

Louie Louie, We Got To Go Now

2005-04-01T10:58:00.000-05:00

I know my generation has finally arrived when I am standing in the License Divsion of the State of Ohio BMV trying to renew my expired car tags, when I hear over the stereo system, "Louie Louie". When I first heard this song in the sixties by the Kingsmen, it was scandalous as everyone thought they heard some pretty explicit language about what was going to happen every night at ten! The FBI investigated, but they couldn't prove what was on the record as the words really are indecipherable, but that didn't keep many radio stations from banning the song.

Now along with the ATM and cell phones in the BMV offices, I can sing along to one of the most notorious songs in Rock history, along with "Gloria". This is progress, and 'My Generation" rules! Of course, my generation will soon lose out to my kid's, and we will be listening to Gangsta Rap while renewing our tags in twenty years. That is, if I can still pass the vision test.

Oh baby, a-way we go!

This is Real "Sick"

2005-03-31T14:40:00.000-05:00

Fox Creek, Vixen NV10 ($16) -- McLaren Vale, Australia. I am weak on the latest lingo here, but "bomb" is old and I'm not sure what "random" means, but this stuff is unbelievable. It is a Sparkling wine from Australia made from 54% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is blood-red and foams up with pale rouge colored bubbles when first poured. The nose has light fruit aromas, and the initial attack on the mouth is softened by the tiny bubbles. (So many cheap Sparklers are all about large bubbles and no fruit or flavor, and I feel the headache coming on with the first glass.) The finish here is lingering with fruit and a touch of sweetness, but very dry. (If that is a contradiction, please try this wine.) First off, this is a good drinking red wine, with the emphasis on red wine. Second, it's a fizzy! And it's definitely not a Blush or Rose, so from a distance it looks like a red wine. If you are Pink intolerant, then the coast is clear to walk around a crowded ballroom without embarrassment!

I just opened a bottle for lunch when the case was delivered off the truck, and I immediately called the sales rep to grab the last three bottles in the warehouse. This case is going home. Good luck finding it in Cincinnati! And as the Chef said the other day to the Manager of the resaurant at the mid-day tasting, where I first encountered this treat, after a case was ordered for the wine list, "Hey, you better lock this stuff up, this is sick!"

Party Red

2005-03-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Santa Ema, Carmenere 2003 ($6) -- Cachapoal Valley, Chile. This is marked down from $9 so that they can clear the warehouse for the new vintage. The Carmenere in Chile was long thought to be Merlot, until they did some DNA research. This wine has a good fruit nose, smooth (Merlot-like) flavors and a finish. I think this is an outstanding value as a party wine when you don't want to serve Crane Lake or Woodbridge! If your guests ask what Carmenere is, just tell them it's Chilean Merlot! This wine would also make a good mid-week table wine with anything from pizza to spahgetti. At $65 a case with the 10% discount, it's a no brainer!

Michael Broadbent MW

2005-03-30T14:02:00.000-05:00

I am half way through this blog, but it is a must read. Click on the title to link to Neal's article. Here is a snippet:

"What was the first chateau you ever visited?"

MB: "It would have been Chateau Palmer with Peter Sichel in 1955 and I remember Daphne walked across the roof afterwards. My first visit to Germany was in 1956 and we went drove all the way there from London on a Vespa with the luggage and Daphne on the back. It rained every day."

From London to Germany on a Vespa, with luggage and a wife! To taste wines! And fifty years later we talk about progress! Take me back there! F**k the rain!

Got to go. I need to finish the article!

$16 Bordeaux

2005-03-28T20:33:00.001-05:00

Chateau Beaulieu, Comtes de Tastes, Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2001 ($16) -- France. Estate bottled. Classy front label, and a very informative back label with production notes: (15 year vines on 25 acres; 55%Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon; high density vines with low yields; 60% new oak barrels; 12 months on the lees; hand harvested -- no snakes!) It's all there. I give it an A+ on packaging.

As for the wine, there was a pleasant fruit nose; tannins were present; but in the mouth it was jumbled and confused with a short finish. Another taster got vinegar. Ouch! I didn't think it was that bad, but compared to the very good wines coming out of Spain, Chile and Argentina for under $12 that have big aromas and full fruit balanced flavors, this little Bordeaux with the good looking bottle will remain a one-time sample not to be repeated.

Final note: this one may have been partially cooked as the cork showed signs of leakage. I will retest if someone else buys the next sample.

1999 RunRig

2005-03-27T20:19:00.000-05:00

I saw this on the list at Pigalls and thought it was a bargain at $280. Internet pricing is about $200 (if it were legal in Ohio), plus shipping plus being at risk for a bad bottle, I recollected, so I plunged in. (Sometimes there are gems on the wine lists in town!) Oh yeah, the meal and service were superb, really the best in the city and hanging out with Jean-Robert in the kitchen after dinner is the perfect ending to a fine meal. Back to the wine. The bottle was presented by Gary, the sommelier, dust and all. I suggested a good decant and we were off after a little glass of Cotes-du-Rhone Village. Richard, the Maitre D', and Gary were offered tastes. Gary enjoyed his and ran back to the kitchen to offer Chef a taste. Later during my dessert of seven cheeses, Gary said that he would normally suggest a Port, but the RunRig was big enough to suffice.

I had gone to the Torbreck tasting last fall in Cincinnati and had enjoyed all the wines in the portfolio, in particular, the Juveniles, which are great for the price. And David Powell is just a nice guy as we chatted about the bad weather and where he was headed off to next, and not some pretentious wine God, which he is, a wine God that is, given his talents. But sadly, there was no RunRig that day, and I didn't pony up and order cases of the other wines to get a few bottles of RunRig. Next year, I may.

I got a big nose of ripe, dark fruits (and I got a whiff of cedar, almost Cab-like; Richard found a subdued pepper), then a full mouth of more dark fruits and a long finish. It is 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier, but on a blind taste I would guess old California Cab, but big! Amazing stuff and over the next hour and a half I enjoyed this beauty. One of the best wines to date, right up there with the '97 Margaux and the '68 BV Georges de Latour, but where they were subtle and elegant and, in the case of the BV, ephemeral, the RunRig is real big, but elegant and has years, decades left. If I had to pick one, I would go for a case of the RunRig and enjoy a bottle every two years for the next twenty years. So at $200 every two years, that's only about $10 per month, right! That's a cheap price to drink greatness over the next twenty years!

How Not To Open A Bottle of Wine

2005-03-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

I thought we didn't need to go over this, but I guess there are some basic wine drinking skills that need to be reviewed in light of the new technology. We had covered proper serving temperatures and decanting, and a little bit on storage, but it seems we need to discuss the topic of opening up the new screw caps in light of some unfortunate stories, all true I am told. I know, as a certain in-law confessed to his recent confusion on opening a screw cap, but he is 85 and can be forgiven. The other story I heard from a reputable wine rep.

Don't try to open the screw cap with a wine opener by driving the sharp screw of the opener through the metal cap and then leveraging the top off. You will end up with a jagged mess that may cause more harm than good.
Also, don't try to use a "foil" cutter to cut off the top of the "capsule" to get at the "cork", and then take the wine bottle to the store and complain that there was no cork in the bottle. You will be wasting about 5 to 10 minutes cutting through the metal cap, you will probably be ruining a perfectly good foil cutter, and I will guarantee you that the clerks at your favorite wine store will be smirking everytime you go back to buy some wine.
The proper way, or if you want to impress your date, is to rotate the lower section of the screw cap enclosure in the opposite direction to break the seal (in a flourish similar to the preparation of opening a Champagne bottle), and then roll the top off the bottle by rolling it down your sleeve. The cap will fall into your hand to be whisked away. Do not present it to the host. Be sure to practice this a few times before going public!

Pho Paris Winemakers Dinner

2005-03-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

I just came from a planning session/lunch at Pho Paris where I introduced the wines to Jeff, the Manager, and Jared, the Chef, to begin the process of creating a menu for the Winemakers Dinner with Greg Graziano on May 9th. I had selected the “Enotria” Moscat and Arneis, the “Monte Volpe” Pinot Grigio and Peppolino, the “Graziano” Zinfandel and the “Saint Gregory” Pinot Noir. No final decisions were made, but Jared riffed about Blue Tuna, Rabbit, Buffalo, Lamb, Crab, Salmon, and Tuna, and made me dizzy with details on reduction sauces and compotes and flavorings. Paige, the Pastry Chef, then popped out and tasted the “Enotria” Moscat to begin matching the dessert. She threw out some ideas about melon and berries, then asked if she could keep the sample, “I don’t often like sweet wines, but this is good!” She then disappeared back into the kitchen. The scene is like watching artists at work, stretching their imagination, particularly when we are matching Italian wines grown in California with foods from a fusion French Vietnamese restaurant. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

To find out more about Graziano's wines, check here:

http://www.domainesaintgregory.com/index.html

The Jean Robert Restaurant website is here:

http://www.jean-robertatpigalls.com/

Two Wines from Billington Imports

2005-03-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

Chris, the Regional Manager, dropped off six wines to taste. I liked these two, althought the 2003 Catena Chardonnay was very good, but I am backed up on $18 buttery Chards right now. At $12 I would be all over it.

Cousino-Macul, Cabernet Sauvignon "Antiguas Reservas" 2002 ($15) -- Valle del Maipo, Chile. 100% Cab; 35,000 cases. Not a big nose, nor much taste evolution after being open for several hours, but a good, pleasant, smooth Red for the price with structure and integrated tannins. Very drinkable right now. I heard from Chris that there are back vintages available, and I look forward to tasting some older verticals at this price point.
Catena Zapata, "Alamos" Malbec 2003 ($11) -- Mendoza, Argentina. Big smokey nose with heavy fruit flavors and a smooth finish. It has been a long day of tasting, and I may be off, but I get an almost Pinot like cherry flavor and nose, but much stronger. This wine has lots of depth for $11 and was my favorite.

La Legua

2005-03-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Bodega Emeterio Fernandez, La Legua 2003 ($10) -- Cigales, Spain. Another wine blogger, Christian from "Turn the Screw", raved about this as the next Las Rocas and said all his customers loved it. (He has a wine shop in Savannah, Georgia.) As it turned out the wine was not in the Cincinnati marketplace because the wine buyer for the local distributor had passed on it after tasting through the Eric Solomon current releases. I requested a sample bottle with the promise to place a large order if I liked it. Before I had a chance to taste yesterday, the wine buyer had re-tasted, and a container shipment is on the way and should be here in a month. I guess he liked it. I liked it also, as did the wine rep and a local restaurateur.

This blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha has a big dark fruit nose, with a well rounded, tannic finish. It is a bit rough at first, but after 30 minutes, settles down. This is a big wine for $10. Not a good food wine as it would overpower most dishes, but a great wine to sip over several hours while you enjoy the taste evolutions. This is a buy-by-the-case wine as it will last for years, if you have the self-discipline. Hell, buy two cases!

Murphin Ridge Inn

2005-03-22T16:05:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I was dragged out of town to this wonderful spot in Adams County about an hour and a half from Cincinnati. I would have got there sooner except for all the Amish buggies in the way the last 10 miles! I had no idea what to expect as this was a surprise gift from Polly, so I was prepared for typical B&B American cuisine and a bad wine list (Red or White?). I brought a few wines just in case! They weren't needed as the wine list is short (20+) but packed with great selections (Qupe, Talbott, Kali-Hart, Cinnabar, Bonny Doon, etc) marked-up about $5 to $10 over retail. Thank You! I did enjoy sharing my wines with the owner, Darryl, however. He reciprocated and brought out a Mathews (sp?) Claret from Washington State. And the food is as good as any fine dining in town, and included freshly made soups, salads and breads, and entrees that fill you up after a day of roaming around the country-side, either on foot or by car. If you have any doubts about the cuisine, go to the web-site and order the cookbook.

Our room was one of the nine modern cabins that have king-sized beds, gas fireplaces, walk-in-showers and two person jacuzzi baths. The open floor plan and cathedral ceilings let in lots of light and are more than comfortable. This is NOT camping, but luxury, yet there are no TVs and your cell phones won't work. There are also rooms available in the large Guest House, but I would suggest the cabins.

I have not visited many Inns or B&B's in Ohio, but this one is top-shelf, and is highly recommended because of the setting on 125 acres of farm land, the food and wine, and the warm hospitality of the hosts. We will be back!

Telegramme Redux

2005-03-19T13:30:00.000-05:00

Telegramme, Chateauneuf du Pape 2002 ($25) -- France. H Brunier & Fils, imported by Kermit Lynch. This wine has been panned by some, in particular, Wine Lovers Page. Mr. Garr thinks the wine should not have been made due to the terrible weather conditions, and has compared it to a $10 Cotes-du-Rhone. I disagree. I cannot compare to the original Vieux-Telegraphe, but I think it is better than a $10 table wine. If it's not I would love to get some names from Mr. Garr for $10 wines that taste this good. I will buy 10 cases.

I had tasted this wine last fall at a distributor function, had liked it and ordered a case. When I saw the bad reviews I opened a bottle today to see what the fuss was about. I got very smooth slightly sweet Grenache flavors with slight tannins and a good finish. It may be simple but it is elegant and I would serve and sell anyday. I wish I had bought more!

St. Paddy's Day Wine

2005-03-17T19:47:00.000-05:00

Gracia, de Chile, "Porqueno" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 ($ xx) -- Colunquen Estate, Aconcagua Vally, Chile. "Reserva Lo Mejor". This wine was thrown at me after happy hour at Hap's by the winery's US Sales Manager (yes, I was Irish today and had a few Guinesses). I don't know if it is in the market yet, or what the price is, but I am gathering from the website, that "Reserva Lo Mejor" is one level down from the top shelf. I am guessing $25. It has a big fruit/berry nose with a burst of blueberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Tannins are there but integrated. This is a big, drinkable Cab with structure and a medium finish.

Now, the label. I think a classier label would really help here. (Although the Australians have done well with animals and cute names!) This wine deserves better packaging. "Porqueno"? Por que no! I don't get it. No entiendo. Si quieren vender muchas cases de vino in los Estados Unidos, necesitan, como se dice, "better packaging". Este vino esta muy bueno. Me gusta mucho! Muchas gracias. De nada.