Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2015

Aged in American and French oak for six months this bright Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington is a soft and fresh white for summertime pairing.

Pale yellow in the glass, opens with a floral blast then aromas follow showing green apples and pears. On the palate is a wave of ocean foam and other reminders of the sea, also a hint of butter, lemon rind, honey and raw oak.

Will pair perfectly with a pasta with shrimp, garlic and oil, also worth a try with a salmon and ginger dish or crab.

14% alcohol, lowest price was online at Wine.com at $8.99

Abadia Retuerta Selección Especial 2013, Spain

What a wonderful succulent red blend from La Milla de Oro (the Golden Mile) of Castillo y Leon - Sardón de Duero, in Spain. Instead of the D.O. classification the producers opted for the more flexible "VdlT Castilla y Leon" allowing a terrific blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah and other varieties like Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Aged for 13 months in French and American oak barrels, this viscous red has thick dark colors accented with heady aromas of cherry pie and dark chocolate. The palate shows a richness that treats the tongue to a bombardment of ripe red and blue fruits through a lens of silky tannins and exquisite balance. What a beautiful treat! This bottle goes for about $30.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2016 Barossa Valley

“I’m the Dude, so that’s what you call me. That or, uh His Dudeness, or uh Duder, or El Duderino, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.” — The Dude

“Careful man, there’s a beverage here!” 
— The Dude

There sure is!  I know it's not a White Russian, but this Two Hands Gnarly Dudes (Named for the gnarled old Shiraz vines that produce this luscious grape) is the beverage here for "The" Dude on Father's Day. 

And it comes from Australia's Barossa Valley made with 100% Shiraz and aged in French Oak for 12 months.

In the glass the colors are a ruby red with brighter red at the rim. The aromas are a stunning and attractive blend of cassis and underbrush with hints of salumi, herbs and slate. On the palate more blackberry and plum with bold, smoked meats and cigar box. Finishing long and bold with a hit of spice and black pepper. 13.5% alcohol. A great way to wish The Dude Happy Fathers Day.

Ventisquero Grey Carmenere 2013, Single block, Maipo Valley, Chile

From Ventisquero's Trinidad Vineyard this Carmenere is aged 18 months in French oak barrels.

Dark ruby paints the glass, medium weight but opaque, aromas of verdant black fruits, anise and cassis and fresh cherry pie. Beautiful silky tannins leaning against an even brighter acidity testify to a smooth, clean and smoky palate of blackberry, barnyard and finishes with green pepper.

The flavors settle nicely, yielding to quite an earthy and lengthy finish. This. Is. Wonderful!

Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Near perfect conditions made 2012 a banner year for California's grape growing season, and here's a Cabernet that proves it without breaking the bank. Sourced from Napa, Lodi, Paso Robles and Monterey, with a blend of 76% Cabernet, 13% Syrah, 7% Zinfandel and 4% Merlot, this juicy red is a study in supple tannins and bright acidity. Aged in American and French oak barrels for 8 months.

Reddish purple hues coloring the glass, with an opaque density, fruity aromas of cassis, blueberry, and some red fruits, along with subtle hints of vanilla bean. Then the palate shows ripe flavors of plum and black cherry, underscored by more red and black fruit.

Can't go wrong with this one at about $9!!!!

Callia Alta Malbec 2014

This broad shouldered red Malbec from Argentina has me leaning towards Malbecs again.

This one is from the Tulum Valley in Argentina's province of San Juan. Cold fermented and aged for 3 months in French and American oak.

Ruby and purple colors reflect the resinous raisin and spice aromas while deep flavors of black cherry, cloves and cinnamon enter the mix. Accented nicely by eucalyptus and green pepper and ending with an autumnal finish lingering on the palate. All for $10!

Tenuta Luce Della Vite, Toscana

Tenuta Luce Della Vite, is a brand started in the 1990's by two wine visionaries, Robert Mondavi and Vittorio Frescobaldi who were never worried about "worlds colliding". If anyone knew how to combine old world and new, it was this duo. They collaborated on Luce, the first wine made in Montalcino blending Sangiovese and Merlot.

I recently had the pleasure of tasting a cross section of their wonderful vintages.

All were a blend of 50% Merlot & 50% Sangiovese, aged in French oak: one third new, one third 1 year old and one third 2 years old, then aged for an average of 18 months before bottle release.

Here is a mix of descriptors from tasting notes to freeform word association:

2012: black fruits, dry, ripe cherry, smoked oak, licorice and spices, ripe tannins.

2010: deep ruby colors, vibrant aromas of violets, blue fruits, on the palate blueberry & blackberry gripping tannins but silky

2008: blue fruits, toasted wood, ripe cherry and spicy white pepper, gripping tannins but with good acidity.

2006: gorgeous to lay down licorice 

2002: clay, violets, smooth tannins, blackberry, licorice, tar, balsamic, chewy

2000: beautiful aromas flowers even tempered smooth blue fruits ripe cherry 

1998: ruby colors with rust around rim, complex aromas blending vanilla and caramel, while flavors are clean showing apricot and ripe peach with berries and a sparking balanced finish.

1995: ruby rust colors, sweet floral aromas sweetly oozing caramel and vanilla maple syrup, and a balsamic edge doing a dance with confectioners sugar.

Argiano Suolo Toscano IGT 2012

Suolo (soil in Italian) is produced lovingly by Argiano from 100% Sangiovese Grosso taken from both the oldest and youngest vines on their estates. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled tanks using indigenous yeasts, then into French oak casks for 18 months, before being bottled for a year and released.

Colors are ruby red, while the nose shows sweet floral notes set against coffee
and vibrant honey-covered dark fruits, the palate displays a complexity of sweet smoked ripe cherries, exotic earthy bramble, balsamic, and black pepper. Dark fruits brood their way through to a delicious lengthy finish.

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.

Three Italians to Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner. Sofia Loren, Robert DeNiro and Mario Balotelli?!?!?!

Well, you could try, but here are three Italians that might be easier to find... and will definitely work with your next Thanksgiving Dinner.

'IL' Spr!z... it's an Apertivo modeled after the Venetian Spritz recipe blending semi-sparkling wine with blood orange. The flavors and aromas are natural bold blood orange with herbal hints. This will pair perfectly at the beginning of the day with cured meats and cheeses.


Castello Di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Estate grown blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino & Canaiolo hand picked, stainless steel fermentation, aged in French oak barriques for 18 months followed by three months in bottle. Nice acidity and tannins, ruby colors in glass, with exotic aromas of cherry and spice, wood and dark fruits. Full body with tobacco notes and black cherry flavors, and a good long finish, this will work well with Turkey Dinner along with the following Rocca.

Rocca Sveva Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore DOC
70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara blend is "re-passed" for 11 to 14 days over the freshly fermented grapes that have made the Amarone, giving it added structure, depth and roundness. 30% of the wine is aged in oak barrels while 70% is also aged separately in large oak botti for 12-18 months before bottle aging for 6 months. Dark ruby colors with deep aromas of vanilla, black cherry and cassis, Dark fruits on the palate and floral notes and a smooth long finish.

Lieb Cellars Bridge Lane Red Blend 2012

Lieb Cellars produces this excellent affordable red blend from the North Fork of Long Island. A second label for Lieb, Bridge Lane is a Bordeaux style blend of 46% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec aged 12 months in French oak barrels.

Dark red cherry colors with intense aromas of balsamic, vanilla, and root beer candy, flavors of ripe raspberry jam, black cherry, cola, and spice with a long, smoky, cedar finish. SRP is $20 and 12.9% alcohol.

Besides the 750 ml bottle, it is also available in 3 liter boxes (equal to 4 bottles), and... get this... a 19.5 liter Keg! which is equal to 26 bottles or 130 glasses. Sounds like a great idea for any big event.

Mustache Vineyards Merlot 2011 Lodi California

From Lodi California this excellent Merlot is a huge bargain at $15 per bottle! It's actually a blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Sirah and 2% Petit Verdot and is truly a thing of beauty. After fermentation the grapes were soft pressed and 30% went into French and American oak barrels while 70% went into stainless steel tanks for 11 months prior to bottling.

Warm rose colors the glass, with enormous ripe fruit aromas showing raisins, spices, maple syrup, vanilla, plums and marzipan. On the palate blueberry, blackberry, cola, white pepper and leather. Pretty acidity, nicely integrated and balanced with a long, smooth finish.

Trumpeter Chardonnay 2013 Mendoza Argentina

Produced by Rutini, Trumpeter is made with hand harvested Chardonnay grapes sourced from estate vineyards in the Uco Valley, Mendoza Argentina. 30% malolactic fermentation followed by aging for 7 months in half new French oak and half used barrels. 

Very approachable with fresh aromas of kiwi and other tropical fruit... meanwhile on the palate... fresh notes of green apple, vanilla cream and flowers, along with a mild minerality. Nicely integrated to make a wonderful everyday Chardonnay at around $10.99 per bottle.

Bargetto Winery

Earlier this month while in Monterey, California I had the pleasure of visiting the Bargetto Winery Tasting Room, right on Cannery Row. Billy Norton was my excellent wine guide and took me through the following 5 wines, 1 white and 4 reds.

Bargetto Viento Vineyard Monterey County Gewerztraminer 2011
Clear straw colors the glass, aromas of apricot, ripe grapefruit, mango and lychee, while the palate is an intense blend of green apple and citrus. Crisp acidity and long thoughtful finish.  $15





Bargetto Monterey County Sangiovese 2012
Aromas of spice, cinnamon, potpourri, vanilla and pine, flavors of dark fruit, licorice, cherries, black pepper and earthy finish.

Bargetto Tuxedo Red 2011
A really pretty blend of Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Refosco, with additional contributions from their signature La Vita blend of Sirah, Zinfandel and Merlot. Named after Tuxedo, the Winery's mascot cat, this blend is aged in new & neutral French, American and Hungarian oak for 18-36 months. Aromas of violets, rosewater and barnyard, on the palate cassis, blue fruits and leather, beautiful bright acidity and soft tannins. Enjoyed this immensely, great as an everyday wine. This was one of my favorite bottles and a bargain at $18.

Bargetto Monterey County Petit Sirah 2012
Aged in 30% new and 70% neutral American and French oak for 24 months. Dark fruits, cherries, chocolate covered raisins, toasted oak. Nice balance of chewy tannins and acidity. $22

Bargetto Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Sourced from Peter Martin Ray vineyard, aged in oak for 18 months. Sweet ripe cherries, red and black ripe fruits, blackberry contrasting with a slight vegetal hint of red bell pepper and tobacco. Full bodied, complex and well balanced. $48

Holman Ranch Vineyards & Winery

The Wine Cave

You are immediately assaulted by beautiful aromas as soon as the massive wine cave doors swing open. Completed in 2012, not more than six wine caves can be found in all of Carmel Valley. Nick Elliot (Guest Services/Manager/Owner) and Hunter Lowder (Marketing Manager/Owner) are partners in this family business and when they're not giving the grand tour, both can be found knee deep in grapes (they recently bottled their whites). The winery is sustainable, recently certified organic, maintaining a low carbon footprint, and Hunter and Nick both expressed their dedication to the stewardship of the land. They're also investigating the possibility of using solar energy.

From the Barrel

The first tasting was the 2013 Hunter's Cuvee, a high end Burgundian clone (115) from Dijon region and influenced by the European flavor profile. A very good vintage, aged in half new and half neutral barrels, aromas of ripe berries and fruit forward but at the same time dry with hints of dried herbs and leather.

The second barrel sampled was an interesting experiment, the Late Harvest Pinot Noir Port (working title Sueno), which was a cross section of grapes from favorite vineyards that the partners each picked from, fortified with Cognac. Dark and syrupy, black fruits, caramelized dates, nuts and dark chocolate.

Production 

All pressing, aging, bottling, etc is done in the cave. Entire bunches of white grapes are pressed gently and fermented in stainless steel tanks to give the wines a more astringent "pop". The red Pinot Noir grapes are destemmed for softness, put into hoppers and pumped into open top stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The Pinot Noirs are generally more old world style, with less fresh fruits and more oak, earth, mushroom and barnyard.

Aging

All French oak from producer Francois Freres "Mercurey" is used for 2 years for maximum affect before being switched over to a neutral phase duty.

Three Bottles

Holman Ranch Vineyards Estate Grown Pinot Gris 2012
Fresh acidity, floral, green pepper, citrus and honey.

Holman Ranch Vineyards Estate Grown Chardonnay 2011

Dry, oaked, grass, floral blossom, melon and pear, more like a Sauvignon Blanc style.

Holman Ranch Vineyards Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2010
Hearty, savory, dry with medium acidity, earthy, mild strawberry, cherry, old world style.

Holman Ranch is truly beautiful, but there's so much more... a perfect place for a wedding, a retreat away from everyday life, an equestrian center, even corporate events. There's a pool, spa, wine tastings, archery, golf, skeet shooting, olive groves, BBQs... and more.

Eureka! Central Otago/New Zealand Wines Strike Gold!

Recently, I had the delicious opportunity to experience wines from New Zealand's Central Otago, which is the world's southernmost wine region.  This area's climate and geography is similar to that of Burgundy and Willamette Valley, and one of its sub-regions, Bannockburn, was a gold mining town in the 1860's. It's an area of extremes, boasting the highest and lowest temperatures nationally, as well the highest light intensity of the country, with 95% percent of its wineries part of the New Zealand Sustainable System. That's enough to entice me, so without further ado, here are some of my wine notes:

Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Pipeclay Terrace 2010 $95
Opaque deep rose colors, violet on the nose with complex but subtle hints of stone, roasted vanilla beans and caramel. On the palate delicious ribbons of cola, ripe cherry, strawberry and spice. This vineyard and winery is certified sustainable. Unfiltered and unrefined, this was my hands down favorite.

Felton Road Bannockburn 2010
Vegetal, strawberry, red fruits, raspberry, spicy bing cherry.

Felton Road Pinot Noir Cornish Point 2009 $55
Attractive aromas, metallic mineral, vanilla, yummy cherry and strawberry.

Felton Road Pinot Noir 2010 $40
Caramel aromas with fresh red berry flavors, mild tannins and long finish.

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2009 $40
Alluringly funky on the nose with barnyard and underbrush contrasting violet, glycerine and wood, beautifully balanced against blue fruits and vanilla. Excellent long finish. This one was outstanding, especially for the price.

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2010 $37.95
Dark and brooding, also funk, horsey but again beautifully balanced. Very attractive floral aromas, with vanilla, barnyard and plum. White pepper and spice on the palate, slightly high alcohol content, ripe tannins and good finish. This vineyard and winery is certified sustainable. Aging: One year in French oak and another in bottle.

Felton Road Chardonnay 2011
Beautiful! Fresh, mineral, quenching, kiwi and green apple. Tastes more like a Sauvignon blanc than a Chardonnay. 

 
The dinner/tasting took place at the fantastic Aureole New York at 135 West 42nd Street. A wonderful evening, highlighted by wines that prove there might still be some gold in those New Zealand hills!

Appetizer
Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Crispy Shitake, Sacallion, Taro Root, Ponzu, Lavash Cracker

Main Course
Roasted Scottish Salmon 
Sweet Potato, Black Trumpet Mushroom, Apple Nage

Lagoalva Espirito 2011, Portugal

From the Tejo region of Portugal, this delicious red wine is made with 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Castelao, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French and American oak casks for 4 to 6 months.

Dark ruby/purple colors with violet and earthy herbal aromas, concentrated flavors with red and dark fruits, vanilla, coffee, blueberries, spice, black pepper, and glycerine. I know that sounds like a lot going on at once. but... it works. Chewy fruit on the palate with smooth acidity and mild tannins. Finishes long and pretty with smoky undertones. Found this at Keuka Kafe (a Wine Bar) on Queens Blvd where it was $9 per glass, but can probably be found in wine shops for under $12 per bottle, I'll have to check into that.

Aalto 2009, Aalto Bodegas y Vinedos

Another red from Spain's Ribera del Duero, Aalto Bodegas Y Vinedos hand harvests grapes, then ages for 23 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by additional months once bottled. This gem has beautiful aromas of fresh  perfumed flowers, wood, both red and dark fruit, black cherry, contrasting with smoked meats and cigar box, beautiful flavors of blueberries, licorice, spice, cassis, dark cocoa with an herbaceous edge. With the holidays coming up, I would suggest springing for this baby at around $40.

La Vendemmia Chianti DOCG 2011

OK, here's a great deal for an every day red wine, you're not going to believe the value. It's a Sangiovese aged for 3 months in French oak, with really pretty aromas of plums, and blackberry... dry but with fresh fruit flavors, mouth-watering tannins and an overall smoothness usually lacking in a wine this inexpensive. I found this at Pop's Wine & Spirits in Island Park, NY for $5.75 a bottle (mixed case price). I need to go back and buy a case myself. What a great deal!

Viña Sastre Crianza 2009, Bodegas Hermanos, Sastre

Here is another beauty from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain where the 2009 vintage was reportedly a very good one, and this Tempranillo reflects that. After initial fermentation aged for 18 months in French oak.

Deep bluish red colors with red cherry, blue fruits, violets and deep earthy aromas, mushroom or truffle-like, more flavors of red fruits, red licorice candy and exotic eucalyptus, on top an herbal mint/lavender cast. Very fruit forward, with herbaceous twist and ready to drink (but can only improve with age). This would be a great wine to bring to a holiday celebration at $33.