The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The Federalist expresses this revolutionary blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Syrah and 1% Sangiovese. Different blocks were fermented separately to preserve the character of each. Aged for 15 months in new oak.

Very dark purple in the glass, with good weight; on the nose a playful cherry creamsicle set against an earthy leather, after breathing a while opens to ripe blackberry and spices.

On the palate... OMG, blueberry pie a la mode! (with vanilla ice cream), black fruits really noticeable at back of tongue along with sour cherry. Chewy texture, good ripe fruit with excellent tannin structure. SRP $17.76.

Cocobon Vineyards Red Blend, California

I recently found this unbelievable bargain in a local shop in my neighborhood sitting in a sale bin, Cocobon Vineyards Red Blend. The bottle caught my eye, and I bought one because the name and label intrigued me and hey... I'm glad I did! I bought a case and I'm heading back tonight to buy another. I love this stuff! It's a perfect everyday wine at just under $9 by the case.

It's a velvety blend of 61% Zinfandel, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Petite Sirah, definitely a new world red, with fruitiness upfront as a major component, but it also has so much going for it on the nose and palate. I could hardly detect any smoke so I'm guessing it is not barrel aged, at least not for long. It shows aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and very ripe cherries. Rich flavors ring out as cocoa and dark jammy fruits coat your palate. The finish is silky and long for a wine this inexpensive.

Here I thought I discovered something new but with a little Google search I discovered it was a huge seller on the west coast at Trader Joe's stores (where it sold for under $7). They couldn't restock the shelves fast enough. It's produced by Underdog Wines, the makers of Cupcake Wines. Click here to find a location near you.

Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend 2009

From Mendoza, Argentina, Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend 2009 is a delicious Bordeaux blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot sourced from seven of Rutini's vineyards and aged in French oak for 18 months.

Ruby colors with beautiful concentrated port-like aromas...or even in the Amarone family. Also present are notes that come in pairs, for instance licorice and menthol, violets and lavender, vanilla and chocolate. 

While the palate delivers such delicious flavors of coffee and tobacco and ripe summer fruits. The tannins are ripe and easy and the finish goes on and on to exhibit a unique balance and makes for a wonderful quality wine.

GOTG First Look Series: Barollo Wines

I recently had the good fortune to try the new line of wines soon to be available in New York from Barollo (not Barolo) wines from the Veneto region of Italy.

The first white wine up was the 2013 Barollo Sauvignon Blanc made from 100% of the same. Stainless steel fermentation. The first thing I noticed about the aromas was the absence of cat pee, which frequently appears in varied quantities in many Sauvignon Blanc's. There are nice grassy base aromas layered below herbaceous nuances of citrus, while the palate displays a verdant earthy slate minerality along with more citrus fruits like grapefruit and lime. A very fine acidity with balance and juicy finish.

Paired perfectly with a first course of shrimp with yellow squash, baby kale, tomato confit with a champagne vinaigrette dressing.

Barollo Pinot Bianco 2012
Similar to a Chardonnay but slightly dryer, aromas of buttery apple pie and tropical fruit partnering well with a palate of ripe apples and hints of banana. Very food friendly with lively acidity which pairs well with a second course of pumpkin risotto.

Barollo Manzoni Bianco 2012
Manzoni Bianco, an indigenous grape from the province of Treviso, which was originally a cross-breeding of Riesling Renano and Pinot Bianco in the 1930's. Usually used as a blending grape, Barollo is one of a handful of wineries presently producing Manzoni as a single varietal.
Pale golden colors in the glass, on the nose a floral bouquet with nuances of apricot, apple and marzipan. On the palate notes of pears and powdery flower petals. Delicate but with texture and structure showing minerality that also works very well with the pumpkin risotto.

Barollo Frater Rosso 2013
Stainless steel fermentation and 3 months in bottle. Deep purple in the glass, animal and underbrush on the nose, exotic spices, super ripe cherries, violets and an overall floral bouquet. Flavors are intense but not overpowering with gamey notes, red bing cherries, and a lingering finish of violet candy and nutmeg. Beautifully balanced and complex... but, easy drinking, and as someone at my table pointed out, "... bridges the gap between new and old world reds".

The Frater (above) and Frank (below) both paired well with 3rd course of Grilled Hanger Steak with Caramelized Onions & Oxtail Marmalade.

Barollo Frank 2010 Cabernet Franc
Late harvested for ripeness, the stems are removed early to eliminate any green taste. Aged 12 months in French barriques before bottle aging for 6 months, resulting in an elegant, well structured, mouth watering Cab Franc with smooth, even aromas. Ruby red colors with warmer colors around rim, on the nose ripe cherries, tobacco and cocoa. On the palate a soft, elegant balance of acidity and tannins, with earthy flavors of coffee and red berries and a wonderful long finish.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2013

This is the first time Macari has done a Rose with mainly Cabernet Franc (60%) with Pinot Noir (2%) added (there is also 38% Merlot). All were vinified separately and left soaking on the skins for 3 hours.

Fresh and lively acidity with red fruits, mainly strawberry and raspberry, with waves of watermelon, peach and red cherry. White pepper on the finish. Perfect for this time of year. SRP is $15.

Heritiers Dubois Rose D'Anjou AOC 2012

This beautifully fresh French Rose from the Anjou Region of Loire is a blend of Gamay, Grolleau and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested just before over ripening. Pale raspberry colors the glass with ripe red fruity aromas complimented by rose water. On the palate something wonderful happens as the crisp acidity of pears and apples dance a juicy tango slightly spiced with cinnamon. SRP $8.99.

Claude Reaut Chateau Bujeau La Grave Bordeaux 2010

From the Bordeaux region of France this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc displays a deep ruby color in the glass, with aromas of violet and dried herbs, set against flavors of cherry, cola, cassis, plums and blueberry. Nicely structured, and good fruit intensity while tannins were soft and well balanced. Sampled this by the glass at Friend of a Farmer in NYC.

Achaval-Ferrer Quimera 2010 Mendoza Argentina

From Argentina's Lujan de Cayo, Mendoza region and sourced from Diamante, Bella Vista and Mirador vineyards Achaval-Ferrer produces this wonderful Bordeaux style blend of 31% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Each variety was initially fermented separately in small tanks before aging for 12 months in new and 1 year old French oak barrels.

Dark ruby colors are a prelude to an expressive bouquet accented by spice and dried flowers, followed by a complex flavor profile showing tobacco, glycerine, red berries, cherries, cola and dried spices. This is a perfect bottle for a special event with family or good friends.

Chateau la Chapelle Maillard Bordeaux 2010

From Bordeaux, France, this organic wine is a really good find for under $10. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make up an amalgam of aromas showing dark cherries with brooding earthy undertones, while flavors of tobacco, olives, cloves and leather complement spice and licorice and slight hints of powdered cocoa. Good on the finish and again, a great value for an everyday red.

Laverne Bordeaux 2010, France

A traditional Bordeaux blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, this rouge presents dark aromas influenced by licorice and spices, while on the palate, which is dominated by waves of cassis, there is cedar, plump black currants along with juicy acidity and a lively spicy finish. Under $10 at Pop's Wine & Spirits.

Pago de Vallegarcia Hipperia 2009

Pago de Vallegarcia is found in a part of Spain's "Montes de Toledo" a forest terroir near the Cabaneros National Park. Skewed toward the French Bordeaux style, Pago de Vallegarcia produces their 2009 Hipperia with a blend of 47% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. After initial fermentation and maceration it is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and 18 months in bottle.

Dark cherry colors in the glass, bold aromas of red berry, blue fruits, fresh herbs and balsamic with a palate displaying violets, blueberry, cassis, licorice,  eucalyptus, mint and a mild smokiness.  Nicely balanced with strong tannins, and a long finish. 14.5% alcohol and SRP of $29.99.

Sampled at Spain's Great Match WINEFOODDESIGN at Metropolitan Pavilion on October 24, 2012.

Chateau La Grange Clinet Bordeaux 2008

From Entre-Deux-Mers sub region of Bordeaux, here is a wonderful value in a red Bordeaux blend of merlot 57%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, and 18% Cabernet Franc, sustainably farmed, fermented in stainless steel vats, aged in oak barrels for 12 months, and in bottle for a year before labeling.


Dark rose colors with purple edges. Deep violet aromas, fresh mint mixed with complementary earth tones, suggestions of smoked meats, and attractive blackberry notes. Very easy on the palate with ripe cherries, cassis, and licorice... mild tannins but balanced acidity. Nice long finish. Great find on sale at Pop's for under $10.

Vertical Tasting of 3 Chateau Rauzan-Segla in New Chateau Baccarat Glasses

Baccarat's presentation of their beautifully designed crystal wine glasses was matched only by the vertical tasting of 3 vintages of Chateau Rauzan-Segla Gran Cru Classe-Margaux.

The new design of the Chateau Baccarat glass collection successfully unleashes the full potential of the wines. The new shape works this way, the wide base prevents alcohols from overpowering the aromatics of the wine, the closed angle allows the the aromas to fill the glass when swirling, and the "vertical chimney" redirects and consolidates the aromas.

The first test was a comparison between the Baccarat glass and a common Bordeaux wine glass, and I have to admit the wines' attributes were more apparent from the former.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2006 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months.
Clean colors of warm ruby, aromas of violets, raspberry, hints of leather, tobacco and candied fruit and caramel countered by flavors of spice with a vegetal edge, slightly tight tannins, white pepper with a warm mouth feel.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2001 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux
63.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months.
Classic Bordeaux style, darker ruby colors, ripe cherries and floral aromas accented by violets and licorice, on the palate there's a meaty and spicy tang combining with chalk, pepper and earth, echoes of ripe cherries and raspberry followed by a smart balance and long finish.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2000 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new oak barrels for 18 months.
Deep blackberry ruby colors, beautiful aromas colored by pastel and dried flowers (violet), chocolate and vanilla with flavors of black fruits, cassis, glycerine and spice. Beautifully balanced, smooth and wonderful finish.

Chateau Leoville Poyferre St. Julien 2003

The world of wine has been good to me. It's allowed me to meet interesting people with broad tastes and vastly different backgrounds. Ray O., after over a year of following my blog, recently took a trip from his hometown in Austin Texas to the Big Apple. We met for dinner at a small French BYOB called La Sirene, and Ray brought a bottle of Chateau Leoville Poyferre St. Julien 2003. He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

First up are the amazing aromas, the impression of clay and wet soil is so present right out of the bottle, with cassis and violets floating up from the ground. The deeply opaque purple colors translate onto the palate as delicious ripe cherry, paired with Christmas spices, accompanying floral notes and verdant black fruit. Velvety tannins and perfect balance make this wine an incredible masterpiece with a silky smooth and extremely long finish. Thank you, Ray!

Wine Advocate
I have had this wine three times out of bottle, rating it 97 once and 98 twice. It is a colossal success and a potential legend in the making. Its saturated, dense inky/blue/purple color offers up notes of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and creme de cassis. A synthesis of power and elegance, this multi-layered wine has spectacular concentration, sweet but high tannin, and low acidity A stunning effort that showcases this legendary terroir, it is a brilliant, brilliant success. The quintessential Leoville Poyferre? Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. Score: 98. —Robert Parker, April 2006.

Wine Spectator
Pure cassis on the nose. Impressive. Full-bodied, thick and powerful, with loads of fruit and big, velvety tannins. Goes on for minutes on the palate. Huge wine. Very, very impressive. This is one of the big surprises of the vintage. Best after 2012. 19,165 cases made. Score: 95. —James Suckling, March 31, 2006.

Wine Enthusiast
A huge, opulent wine that packs sweet, rich tannins and spicy fruit. In the midst of all this decadence, though, is a kernel of tannic dryness. This estate, long the weakest of the three Lèoville wines, is now back in top form. Score: 93. —Roger Voss, May 01, 2006.

Macari Rose 2010

To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon... luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning... and juicy red berries previewing the bright flavors of fresh squeezed cherries and contrasting nicely with hints of citrus to balance things out. And ending happily with a smooth and long finish.

The blend by the way is 70.7% merlot, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 9.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5.6% Malbec with 13.8% alcohol. This is a summertime must-have at $15 SRP.

See another review of this wine by Eric Guido

Suhru Red 2007 Long Island

Recently at a tasting at Brooklyn Oenology I met winemaker Russell Hearn and his wife Susan from Suhru Wines where they were showing their 2007 Suhru Red. This medley of five grapes is a cross blend of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties that includes 82% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Shiraz and aged for six months in oak.

Clear but dark colors in the glass, clean aromas with medium intensity and hints of black fruits, stone fruits, and black pepper, while on the palate, dry with medium acidity and tannins, good body accompanies flavors of raspberry, dried fruits, chalk and a pastel fruitiness, the finish is reminiscent of blueberry jam and the length is medium to long.

All round this is a very good value at $19.95 retail per bottle.

The Show Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California

The Show is a big, rich, deep Cabernet, although according to the website there are also small quantities of Merlot for softness, Cabernet Franc for earthiness and acidity, and even Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot to give it a deep ruby color... all aged in French and American oak.

Big is the key descriptor here... with vibrant aromas of bacon, dried black cherries and hints of violets on the nose, accented by jammy chunky nuances of fruits, spices and vanilla and good length on the finish. Good bang for the buck.

Enjoyed this at Dee's Brick oven Pizza, also available at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassacaia 2007 DOC

The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged in French Oak Barriques for 24 months and six months in bottle.

Enticing aromatics of cigar box and spicy smoke, a ripe fruit bouquet of black cherry and plum, with seductive vestiges of herbal sachet, vanilla, glycerine, spices, and even earthy hints of tar.

Complex and perfectly balanced tannins, ending with an extremely long and velvety finish.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC.

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2007 IGT

From vines adjacent to the Tignanello vineyards this Super Tuscan is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese with 5% Cabernet Franc, and only produced in exceptional years. Aged for 12 months in new French oak barriques and 12 months in bottle.

Full bodied with intense aromas of plum and summer fruits, black pepper, coffee, chocolate, and flavors of vanilla, wet slate, black cherry and licorice. On the tongue tannins are soft and expertly balanced with a long captivating finish.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC.

Vineyard 48 Cabernet Franc 2007

From The North Fork of Long Island, this Cabernet Franc opens with an interesting mix of earthy barnyard funk, violets, dried flowers and sour cherries, while on the palate attractive ripe strawberries and vanilla. After decanting for a few hours the flavors mellowed a bit and veered back towards sour cherry.

Bought this bottle for $45 after a sampling at The New Amsterdam Market this past Sunday where I met Matt McBride from Vineyard 48.