Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Top 25 Wines of 2013: TWAV’s Top Picks

Our team spans the globe tasting hundreds of wines during a year. Only a select few qualify for the TWAV Top 25 List.
As we reflect on 2013 and look forward to a bright, new year, we’re pleased to present our list of the 25 best wines we’ve sampled. An asterisk * indicates wines of special merit.
The list is presented in alphabetical order. Click the link to view our original review/story. Drum roll please!
TWAV TOP 25 for 2013
1. Au Bon Climat 2010 XXX Anniversary Chardonnay, Nuits-Blanches au Bough, Sta. Maria Valley
2. Belle Glos 2011 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
3. Bloomer Creek 2011 1st Harvest Morehouse Road Vineyard Dry Riesling
4. Brandborg 2009 Ferris Wheel Vineyard Pinot Noir, Umpquah Valley
5. Casa Rondeña “1629,” New Mexico
6. *Clos Pepe 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
7. Damiani Wine Cellars, 2010 Cab Franc Reserve, Finger Lakes
8. *Domaine Eden 2010 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
9. Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, 2006 Brut
10. Familia Deicas 1er Cru D’Exception, 2006 Tannat, Uruguay
11. Five Star Cellars 2009 Supernova Red, Walla Walla Valley
12. Heron Hill 2010 Reserve Blaufrankish, Finger Lakes
13. *Imagine Wine 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah
14. *Keuka Spring Vineyard, 2010 Epic Reserve, Finger Lakes
15. Hermann J. Wiemer 2011 Magdalena Vineyard Dry Riesling
16. Holman Ranch Vineyard 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Carmel Valley
17. McGregor Vineyard 2008 Black Russian Red, Finger Lakes
18. Montes Purple Angel Carmenere, Chile
19. Norman Vineyards 2005 The Vocation, Paso Robles
20. Opus One, 2010
21. Organized Crime 2011 Riesling, Beamsville Bench VQA
22. *Patel 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
23. Ravenswood 2008 Single Vineyard Pickberry Red Blend, Sonoma Mountain
24. Steltzner Vineyard 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
25. *World’s End 2009 Good Times, Bad Times Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokalon Vineyard
Other wines we love:
  • Beau Vigne 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Bodegas Valdemar 2008 Inspiracion, Rioja
  • Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina
  • Cooper’s Hawk 2011 Gerwurztraminer, Lake Erie North Shore VQA
  • Damiani Wine Cellars 2009 Sparkling Brut, Finger Lakes
  • Dry Creek Vineyard 2008 Endeavor Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
  • Dry Creek Vineyard 2009 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley
  • Vinoble Musset-Roullier 2009 Petit Clos La Philosophie due Bel Ouvrage, Loire Valley
  • Chateau Paul Mas 2010 Clos des Mures, Coteaux du Languedoc
  • Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes
  • Keuka Spring Vineyard 2012 Riesling, Finger Lakes
  • L. Mawbry, Blanc de Blanc, Leelanau Peninsula
  • Moon Mountain Vineyard 2005 Estate Syrah, Sonoma Valley
  • Naked Rebel Cabernet Syrah Blend, California
  • Niner Wine Estates 2008 Bootjack Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • Peju 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
  • Tin Barn Vineyard 2009 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
  • Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2009 Eruption, Okanagan Valley VQA
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Monday, December 30, 2013

Zinful Schedules Red, White & Boom Benefit Tasting On January 25

You’re certain to get a bang out of this special tasting scheduled at Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. On January 25, Zinful will host Red, White & Boom, a benefit with proceeds helping to fund the 2014 Waterville Fireworks.
The event starts at 6:30 and features five wine and beer tastings with food pairings and a silent auction. There will also be live music by Candice Coleman and Chris Brown.
Tickets are $50 per person. If you purchase your tickets by January 15, you will receive 10 raffle tickets for auction items valued at $100.
For tickets, stop by Zinful or call (419) 878-0606.
Photo by Les Haines.

Friday, December 27, 2013

La Spinetta Il Nero Di Casanova 2009 Sangiovese, Toscana

We popped open this wine during our recent visit to Colorado. We went out to visit our daughter who works at Beaver Creek ski resort in Avon, just west of Vail.
Our condo was conveniently located across the street from a wine-focused restaurant. A few steps away in the other direction was Beaver Liquors with an infamous wine cellar full of great vino. We dashed across the icy street and came back with two bottles, including this one.
La Spinetta is an Italian wine producer with three wineries. La Spinetta Casanova is their latest, opening in 2003 in Tuscany, and produces three 100% Sangiovese wines. The wine label is decorated with a drawing of a rhino.
Il Nero is aged in medium toasted French Oak for nine months and then finished in stainless steel vats for two more. The winemaker uses malolactic fermentation in oak, which contributes to the full body and smooth texture.
Sangiovese is a luscious grape and this wine did not disappoint. It is a deep, intense red in the glass. On the palate this is a rich, full wine with splashes of dark cherry and raspberry.
We sipped this wine while planning our next day’s trip to the Beaver Creek slopes and left just enough for a glass to enjoy the next day before heading to the hot tub. This was great on its own, but there’s no question it would be a great pairing with grilled meat or pasta. The cost is about $25.
Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 4 of 5
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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: December 26-28, 2013

Thursday, December 26
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Beautiful Bubbly for the New Year: 1. G.H. Mum – Champagne, 2. Loredan Gasparini – Prosecco, 3. Marie-Pierre Manciat  – Cremant, 4. Geoffroy – Rose’ De Saignee. $15 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Sparklers, Big Reds, Moscatos and More: 1. A. Margraine Premier Cru Champagne, 2. Locations AR, 3. Tarima Hill, 4. Kuleto Native Son, 5. Rosa d Rosa, 6. La Spinetta Moscato D'Asti, 7. Rinaldi "Bug Juice,” 8. Contero Mocato D'Asti. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. No tasting.

Saturday, December 28
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The Big Champagne Tasting. Every year, our tasting of the very best artisanal Champagnes is one of our most beloved wine tastings.  If you've only had the 'big factory' Champagnes, you haven't really had Champagne at all.  This is the tasting that will change how you think about sparkling wine and Champagne. We will also be pouring Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, and Great Michigan Sparkling Wine for the value bubby drinker. 

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas from Toledo Wines and Vines!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know,
Where the tree tops glisten

And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

Irving Berlin
Photo Credit: randihausken via Compfight cc

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Franciscan 2007 Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay

Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay is a delightful and distinctive wine from Franciscan Estate in Napa Valley. Grapes from the cool Carneros area and Franciscan’s top vineyards are used.
We opened this bottle up right before heading out to Colorado for a vacation combining a visit with family and some skiing. Green Dragon isn’t wild about Chardonnay, but this was chilled and ready to sip as we enjoyed the spirit of the holidays.
“Sauvage” is French for savage, but the wine is far from beastly. In this case it refers to the use of wild fermentation.
Franciscan was the first Napa Valley winery to produce a wild yeast-fermented Chardonnay, starting in 1987. Yeast is not added, but instead the native yeast that live on the grapes perform the fermentation. Unlike cultured yeast, wild yeast comes in many strains, reflective of the vineyard terroir. In each experience we’ve had with Chardonnay made with the wild fermentation, it has a more complex and robust flavor.
The wine has a deep golden color in the glass. On the nose there is fresh citrus. It is a rich, rewarding experience on the palate. Cuvée Sauvage is full and the oaking (14 months in French Oak) seems light and integrated.
Tastes of lemon with beautifully blended oak are part of the delicious experience. I must confess I am a fan of Orville Redenbacher – but I don’t believe my taste buds were deceived: Cuvée Sauvage tastes like buttered popcorn.
So flip on a seasonal film like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and enjoy a heaping helping of Cuvée Sauvage – with extra butter! It’s a top pick for Chardonnay.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 3 of 5 (Costs between $34 and $43 retail.)
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Monday, December 23, 2013

“Some Extremely Valid Points!” -- Bogus Comments Irritate Blog Publisher

We're traveling the world on another wild wine adventure. While we're gone, enjoy one of our most popular past posts.

In my other life I work for a scientific organization where the emphasis is on things being evidence-based. There’s an enormous focus on measurement.

It’s a good thing too, because metrics are a huge component of blogging and social media. I track all sorts of metrics, like unique visitors, page views, time spent on the blog, number of subscribers, Twitter followers, Facebook fans and on and on.
Everyone likes to keep score. This is America, after all.

If there is a “golden ticket” for blog publishers, it is a comment from a reader on a blog post. I’d love to measure comments by the bushel and here are a few examples of what we’d like to see:
     “Hey, thanks for visiting our winery. We loved your write-up. A special bottle of reserve vino is headed your way.”
“I tried the 2009 Maroon Cabernet and we agree with your tasting notes. Incredible.”

“You are to be commended for your high ethical standards and superior journalistic skills.”

If only! Instead, spammers and no-goodniks have invaded the sanctuary of blog commentdom. For the past month or more, my inbox has been bloated with phony comments designed to promote bogus websites or spread an insidious computer virus. It’s not unusual to get a dozen a day.

I review each comment before they are published, so these get caught in the moderation queue before they make it to the blog. But other blogs allow comments to go up without this safeguard. So these spammers are able to lure people to their sites much more easily than with an individual email.

Here’s an example of these laughable comments:
  • Thank you for the good writeup. It in truth was a amusement account it. Glance complicated to far brought agreeable from you! However, how could we keep in touch? Also see my site > printable-coupons
  • Thanks for sharing your thoughts on cheap discount cigarettes. Regards
  • Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the rest of the website is also very good. Look at my page causes of urinary tract infections in men
  • Fantastic support from this blog! Thanks alot for the info I required
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The trend these days is away from comments with more focus on tweets and retweets, Facebook likes and so on. Perhaps that will eventually rid my inbox of these internet desperadoes.

Comments from real, live readers about our posts are appreciated! Spammers only detract us from our mission of keeping our corner of the world informed about dynamite wines, superb wineries and the coolest wine-related events.


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Friday, December 20, 2013

Chakana 2011 Estate Selection Malbec, Mendoza


Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capitol and Malbec is the shining star of the country’s wine industry. Chakana is a great choice for exploring wines a cut above entry level Malbec.
The winery name comes from the local Indian word for the Southern Cross. The wine is 100% Malbec from their Agrelo vineyard. The label has a folk-art style jaguar protecting the bottle from thirsty wine bloggers.
This is another bottle courtesy of the Cabinator and Glorious T. The wine is aged in French oak, which adds a bit of soft tannin. This was a ripe explosion of fruit in the mouth.
The rich fruit flavors include black cherry and raspberry. It’s a lively wine with a silky finish. It is full bodied, but never feels heavy.
It’s available in local stores for about $24. Chakana is a great wine to sip on a wintery Northwest Ohio day!
Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5
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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Chateau Tour Bicheau, 2009 Graves Grand Vin de Bordeaux

Graves is an interesting French wine appellation. It’s in Bordeaux, but this AOC (appellation d’origin côntrolée) is just as well known for its whites as for its red wines.

We were having dinner at the new house of the Cabinator and Glorious T, and so the focus was on red wine. Cabinator is branching out into French wines and picked up this bottle upon the recommendation of Austin Beeman at Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee.

This 2009 Chateau Tour Bicheau is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet. It is aged 12 to 14 months in oak barrels, a fourth of which are new.

“Graves” is French for gravel and the AOC takes its name from the gravelly soil. The vineyard is on a gravel outcropping. Clay and limestone soil is also found on the slopes in the Tour Bicheau vineyard. It is a 5th generation family winery that dates back to the late 1876. The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand.

Upon first sip, the Merlot takes control for a very smooth experience. This is a beautifully balanced wine. It has some mineral tones with generous blackberry flavor notes. It’s got loose tannins and a very satisfying finish.

Tour Bicheau offers two red wines, this one sells for $19.99 and is a “Grand Vin de Bordeaux.” Their Grand Vin du Chateau Tour Bicheau is pricier and is made from their oldest vines.

This is a super satisfying sipping sensation – a delicious Bordeaux from a top French region. We recommend that you buy at least two. Enjoy one now and save one for a year or two.

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 5 of 5

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: December 18-21, 2013

Wednesday, December 17
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Son-of-Z-Best Returns! Our annual "high-end wine tasting"! This year with a slight twist!  We will begin with the four wines listed below, and as each bottle runs out, it will be replaced with a different bottle!  So depending on when you stop by, the lineup may be completely different!  All are highly limited, amazingly rated wines...so you cannot go wrong!  And as always, we will have a wonderful variety of foods from our very own Saundra and the House of Meats! 1. Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne, 2. Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay '08, 3. Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac '06, 4. Taylor Fladgate '03 Porto. Premium tasting.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, December 19
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Magnificent Red imports for Christmas. 1. 2004 Villa Cafaggio – San Martino – Italy, 2. 2005 Campo del Drago – Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, 3. 2006 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothchild  – Pauillac, France, 4. 2006 Chateau Clerc Milon – Red Bordeaux – Pauillac, France. $23 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual Affordable Cabernet Night: All cabernets under $30. 1. Mercer Canyons, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington; 2. Columbia Crest H3, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington; 3. Louis Martini, Sonoma, California; 4. Monkey Business,  North Coast, California; 5. Ben Marco, Mendoza, Argentina; 6. Charles Smith, Washington; 7. Susanna Balbo, Mendoza, Argentina; 8. Mettler, California; 9. Newton, Napa, California; 10. Selby, Sonoma, California; 11. Treana, 12. Paso Robles, California; 13. Powers Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington; 14. Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Columbia Valley, Washington; 15. Charles Krug, Napa, California. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. No tasting.

Saturday, December 21
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. No tasting this week.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Laetitia Vineyard 2012 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley

It had been a pretty miserable, rotten day – and in general, I’m an upbeat guy! We had gotten socked with a winter storm and the snow kept coming for hours.
Aside from the fact that I had to use the snowblower three time during the day, the storm also created the possibility we couldn’t go to a dinner with friends. We were planning on going to the new house of the Cabinator and Glorious T. It’s a bit further away than their previous home and the roads were a slushy mess.
We decided it was a trip we had to make, so we loaded up all the cold weather emergency gear – portable snow shovel, extendable icescraper and brush and this bottle of 2012 Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir.
Laetitia Vineyard is located in Arroyo Grande Valley in central California. It was first planted to grapes in 1982 by French winemakers. Nineteen years later, it was purchased by Selim Zilkha who founded a successful wind power company and now champions environmental sustainability.
This is a superb Pinot Noir and I can only imagine it getting better with a year or two of bottle age. Pinot Noir is a delicate grape and there is a fine line between finesse and uninspired. That’s why this wine is so appealing.
Most Pinot is made by removing the grapes from the stem prior to fermentation. For this wine, 45% whole clusters are included during the maceration and fermentation. It provides depth and complexity that can be lacking in some Pinot.
Laetitia calls this wine their “black sheep” because of the unique whole cluster process. We agree, as long as we’re talking about the “black sheep of awesomeness!” This is a wine that delivers expressive flavors of raspberry and cola with a smidge of mushroom – all wrapped in a light, balanced body.
The wine is aged for 11 months in 50% new French barrels, but the flavors are never overpowered. There are only 420 cases of this wine and it is worth searching for. The retail price is $28 and it’s an excellent value for that price.
The quality of California Pinot Noir is better than ever. At the recent California Pinot Noir Summit, Laetitia was named one of the “sensational seven” producers of Pinot and we can see why. Their whole cluster wine is an excellent introduction to their line of quality Pinot.
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Monday, December 16, 2013

Cuilleron Villard Gaillard 2008 Les Vins De Vienne Saint-Péray

This wine arrives from the Saint-Péray appellation of France’s Rhone Valley. Rhone is well known for their delicious red wines made with Syrah and Grenache – but some outstanding whites hail from the area as well.
I bought this bottle because my online order of some Cabernet was just short of the amount needed to qualify for discounted shipping. I added this bottle for $10.99 and cut my shipping cost down to just $5.
This Saint-Péray was then stored in our wine chiller. The other night Green Dragon was wrestling with the lights on our Christmas tree and she said, “I’m gonna need some wine for this.” I scampered downstairs and returned with this bottle.
The three main white grapes in Rhone are Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier. Of these, I’m partial to Viognier. This Saint-Péray is 100% Marsanne, which I rarely sample. Although some Marsanne is planted in the US, the largest acreage of Marsanne is in France.
In the glass this wine is rich gold with green highlights. It’s a medium bodied wine with more fullness than you might expect. On the nose there is faint aroma of toast and tropical fruit.
The flavor of Marsanne is rustic – big and somewhat unrefined. I envision this wine being quaffed in the French countryside with some local cheese during an impromptu picnic.  It has minerality as well as a tanginess with melon flavors mingled with earth and tropical fruit.
Unlike the vast majority of whites, this wine can be aged, which allows the Marsanne to take on deeper color and flavors.
For only $10.99 this was a tasty departure from Chardonnay. It’s not a life-changing wine, but it is refreshing – and our Christmas tree now is well-decorated with working lights.
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Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Salmon Run 2007 Meritage, Finger Lakes


Salmon Run is the value line of wines from Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes region of New York. For us, anything associated with Dr. Frank, a true wine pioneer, is sure to please.
Upon uncorking this lovely Bordeaux style blend, there was a huge rush of fragrant berry bouquet. In Green Dragon’s words, “it has a huge nose.” I don’t think she was talking about me…
In the glass this is a deep raspberry red color. The first few sips had noticeable tannins. Happily these smoothed out nicely into a great glass of wine. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
On the palate there are berries galore with a nice shot of currant flavor. The fruit flavors never overpower and flavor notes of earth blend are woven throughout. Dr. Frank’s top end wines are worth it – but this Salmon Run ripples with great taste.
This was purchased at the winery for a paltry $14 and has been in my cellar for a couple years. Just like hungry bears look forward to the salmon run each year, we look forward to each bottle of Salmon Run, knowing it will delivery tasty goodness at a price that’s easy to swallow.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Ultimate Wine Gift? The Winemaker for a Day Experience

Looking for a last minute holiday gift for someone on your list who loves wine? Give them a Winemaker for a Day Experience.  Imagine a day, working in a real wine cellar with a favorite vintner.

The 'Winemaker for a Day Experience', sponsored by the Ohio Wine Producers Association, offers a hands on opportunity to participate in the production of great wines guided by some of Ohio's best professional winemakers.

Participants might be helping to blend an award winning vintage or perhaps would bottle wines from the spectacular 2012 vintage or assist in the Crush next fall as grapes come into the cellars to begin their journey to gold and silver medals.

Participants can select the winemaker with whom they will work from among the following wineries in every corner of the state:
  • Caesar Creek Vineyards, Xenia
  • Candlelight Winery, Garrettsville
  • Debonne' Vineyards, Madison
  • Ferrante Winery, Geneva
  • Gervasi Vineyard, Canton
  • Heineman's Winery, Put in Bay
  • Maize Valley Winery, Hartville
  • Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva on the Lake
  • Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion
  • Shamrock Vineyards, Waldo
  • The Winery at Lakehouse Inn, Geneva on the Lake
  • Terra Cotta Vineyards, New Concord
  • Vinoklet Winery, Cincinnati
Upon completion, the 'Winemaker' will receive a certificate suitable for framing....and a bottle of wine labeled with the 'Winemaker for a Day' logo to share [along with bragging rights] among his or her family and friends.

This unique experience would make a perfect holiday gift for that wine lover on your list.
Slots are limited and times for the 'Experience' must be based on mutually available schedules. Cost is $175. Call 800-227-6972 or go to www.OhioWines.org and click on the Winemaker offer in the scoller and make reservations for the 'Winemaker for a Day'

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: December 11–14, 2013

English: Vineyards in Napa Valley
Vineyards in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, December 11
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Walter Hansel Russian River Chardonnay, 2. Anciano Reserva Tempranillo 2007, 3.1907 Malbec, 4. Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec. Nominal fee per sample or $8 per flight.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, December 12
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Spectacular Reds for Christmas: 1. 2007 Leonetti Cellars – Sangiovese – Walla Walla Valley, Washington, 2. 2010 Spring Valley Vineyard – Uriah – Walla Walla Valley, Washington, 3. 2007 Ladera – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California, 4. 2007 Husic Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California. $23 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Z-BEST Our annual premier wine tasting of the year, was rescheduled to Thursday, December 12th and Affordable Cabernet Night has been moved from Dec. 12th to Dec. 19th. Same great world class wines!
White: 1. Jean Marc Brocard Montee de Tonnerre Premier Cru Chablis 2008, 2. Ramey Ritche Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, 3. J.L. Chave Hermitage Blanc 2004. Red: 1. Produttori del Barbaresco 2008, 2. Fin Amour, 3. Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial Rioja 2009, 4. Caro 2007, 5. Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, 6. Bosquet des Papes Chant le Merle Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, 7. Paulo Scavino Cannubi Barolo 2007, 8. El Nido 2006, 9. Ghost Block Estate Napa Cabernet 2010, 10. Cult Napa Red 2011, 11. Husic Vineyards Das Palmas Napa Cabernet, 12. Buccella Napa Cabernet 2011, 13. Delectus Petite Sirah 2006, 14. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz, 15. Amon Ra Shiraz 2010. Dessert: 1. Donnhoff Neiderhauser Hermanshole Riesling Auslese 2007, 2. Pillitteri Vidal Ice Wine, 3. Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine. Port: 1. Pocas 2009 Vintage, 2. Gould Campbell 1977 Vintage Port. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. Wines for the Holiday Feast. 5 wines for $10.

Saturday, December 14
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Iconic Wines of Southern France. Taste the iconic wines of Southern France: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Hermitage, and many more appellations... with wine manager Austin Beeman. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Barboursville Vineyards 2012 Virginia Merlot


Virginia is a sleeping wine giant that is now perhaps awakening. We had a chance to sample some of the Old Dominion’s great wines during the Wine Bloggers Conference held in Charlottesville back in 2011.
The Virginia wines that are at the top of the list in our mind are Viognier and Cab Franc. One of the outstanding wineries is Barboursville Vineyards.
Roots run deep at Barboursville Vineyards. The estate house there dates back to 1814 and was designed by Thomas Jefferson. Winery founder Gianni Zonin acquired the plantation in 1976 with the goal of establishing a vineyard.
Jefferson had tried this repeatedly at Monticello and failed to achieve a single harvest. But Gianni has succeeded -- and done so beyond all expectation. Barboursville’s Octagon, a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot, sets the standard for Virginia Reds. This year the 2009 vintage was awarded the Governor’s Cup for best wine in the state.
During a recent meeting in Richmond, I received a bottle of the 2012 Merlot as a nice amenity in my room. I was much too busy during the event to drink it, so it waited until a few days ago when Green Dragon and I uncorked it.
The Barboursville 2012 Merlot is a highly drinkable wine right now – no need to set aside for aging. It spends limited time in oak barrels and so the taste is bright and fresh. It is a dry wine with very soft texture. The wine burbles with the flavors of fresh red berries.
This wine retails for $14.99 and is a great casual sipping wine. It can also pair with lighter beef or pork dishes perhaps with risotto or lentil soup.
Barboursville Vineyards always delivers satisfaction, whether it be with their “classic” line of entry level wines or their $50 bottle of Octagon. Thomas Jefferson’s dreams are realized in the quality wines from Barboursville.
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Monday, December 9, 2013

Santa Rita Medalla Real 2008 Gran Reserva Carmenere, D.O. Colchagua Valley, Chile


This bottle caught my attention while in Churchill’s to pick up a muffin after my morning workout. Carmenere is the spotlight grape for Chile and Santa Rita is a producer that delivers full flavor at a great price.
About $20 is the going price for this bottle, but it was on sale for an amazing $6.99. I didn’t need to ask more questions – the Santa Rita was soon in my shopping bag along with my muffin and yogurt.
Colchagua is closer to Chile’s low and rolling Coastal Range than to the higher Andes. It benefits from cooling breezes that blow in directly from the sea. Marchigue and Apalta are the two vineyards selected for this wine. The Santa Rita is 14.5% alcohol and is aged in oak for 10 months.
For me the best Carmenere is lush and flavorful. Upon first sip, the wine seemed tight – even after we aerated it. The mouth-drying tannins were very evident. As we sipped and it opened up, the flavors began to beam through, with distinct herbal and toasted oak notes. Vanilla and light cherry flavors were background singers.
This didn’t strike the right chord with Green Dragon, but it was an acceptable wine for me. The next night I decanted the remaining wine, which we had refrigerated. For an hour, it was decanted and it made a positive and noticeable difference. The tannins were dialed down and the earth and herbs receded into the background and the red fruit and chocolate tastes were dialed up.
We recommend that you try this with a steak or barbeque rather than sipping on its own.  Let it decant for 30 to 60 minutes to let it loosen up.
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Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 5 of 5 (based on my $6.99 purchase price)
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Friday, December 6, 2013

Tickets Now On Sale For Glass City Wine Festival March 1 In Toledo

One of the biggest stories last year in the area wine scene was the debut of the Glass City Wine Festival. Well, it’s back for the second year and tickets are now on sale.
The event will be held at the Seagate Center in Toledo on March 1. Tickets for the afternoon session (1:00 to 4:00) are $25 and the evening session (6:00 to 9:00) are $30. Special VIP tickets are available as well. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Every ticket holder gets a keepsake wine glass, sampling from all the wineries and vendors as well as great entertainment.
The Glass City Wine Festival is your opportunity to taste regional wines, sample gourmet cheese and fare from local restaurants and shop for unique gifts and household treasures from a myriad of local, craft businesses. Plenty of parking is available.
Participating wineries so far include:
For more information, visit the Glass City Wine Festival website.
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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Bloomer Creek Vineyard: Finger Lakes Winery Visit


Another in our continuing reports on Finger Lakes wineries.
It isn’t often we discover a winery hiding in plain sight. That happened during our most recent Finger Lakes visit.
I’d seen Bloomer Creek on the Seneca Wine Trail map for years, but had the mistaken impression that the focus was on sweet wines. The winery building itself is, well, very humble. We passed it several times as it is next door to one of our favorite Finger Lakes restaurants, the Stonecat Café.
When we heard a raving recommendation from another winemaker, we decided to check it out. I figured it would be a short visit, but when we walked inside the door to the barnlike tasting room, we were transported into a world of incredible premium wines.
We met winemaker Kim Engle and soon learned that Bloomer Creek has been featured in the New York Times, the Wine Enthusiast and is on the wine list at exclusive Manhattan restaurants. Like his tasting room, Kim is funky and fun and was soon pouring us some wine.
Our first sip was a glass of his 2011 1st Harvest Morehouse Road Vineyard Dry Riesling. The vineyard is about 15 miles north in Ovid. Boom! We tasted a lot of Riesling and had visited more than 10 wineries before this stop – and this was the best Riesling of the trip! This wine was an orchestra of complexity, picking up subtle characteristics from the skin and stems. The balance between fruit and acidity was perfect. Luscious flavors of apples and melon were prancing.
The Riesling magic continued with the 2011 2nd Harvest Auten Vineyard Riesling. This is sweeter with 4% residual sugar, but the balance is exquisite. It has bright flavors of lime and pineapple. A dynamite wine.
We next moved to the red with the 2009 Vintner Select Pinot Noir. There’s some, but not much, Pinot Noir in the Finger Lakes. In general our expectations aren’t very high when tasting a Pinot from this area – but we were jazzed by this wine. It was a surprise that ended on our list of top wines. It has medium body with a tangle of cherry, earth and spice flavors.
Other selections included the 2008 White Horse Red, which is a blend of 2/3 Cabernet Franc and 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and the semi-dry Edelzwicker Blue Cap Trocken, a new-to-us blend of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Cayuga White. We closed out with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, which scored highly with our tasting team member, the Cabinator.
To add to the coolness of the wines, the Tanzen Dame labels feature the watercolor “Lost Women” by New York artist Jimmy Wright. The artistry is inside the bottle as well. This is one of our favorite Finger Lakes finds and a top recommendation to all Finger Lakes visitors.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: December 4-7, 2013

A flight of ice wines from Niagara region
A flight of ice wines from Niagara region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, December 4
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Seven Daughters Red Blend, 2. Jam City Thoughtful Red, 3. Diseno Old Vine Malbec, 4. Santo Moscato D'Asti. Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.
Denny’s Craft Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Call for schedule… 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Call for schedule… 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, December 5
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Late Fall Wines: 1. 2012 Tascante – Buonora – Carricante – Italy, 2. 2009 La Tancia - Chianti – Italy, 3. 2010 Chateau des Karantes – Languedoc, France, 4. 1980 Vintage Port – Smith Woodhouse – Portugal. $12 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
 
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Z-BEST Our annual premier wine tasting of the year, featuring world class wines. White: 1. Jean Marc Brocard Montee de Tonnerre Premier Cru Chablis 2008, 2. Ramey Ritche Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, 3. J.L. Chave Hermitage Blanc 2004. Red: 1. Produttori del Barbaresco 2008, 2. Fin Amour, 3. Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial Rioja 2009, 4. Caro 2007, 5. Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, 6. Bosquet des Papes Chant le Merle Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, 7. Paulo Scavino Cannubi Barolo 2007, 8. El Nido 2006, 9. Ghost Block Estate Napa Cabernet 2010, 10. Cult Napa Red 2011, 11. Husic Vineyards Das Palmas Napa Cabernet, 12. Buccella Napa Cabernet 2011, 13. Delectus Petite Sirah 2006, 14. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz, 15. Amon Ra Shiraz 2010. Dessert: 1. Donnhoff Neiderhauser Hermanshole Riesling Auslese 2007, 2. Pillitteri Vidal Ice Wine, 3. Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine. Port: 1. Pocas 2009 Vintage, 2. Gould Campbell 1977 Vintage Port. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4-7 PM. Pinot Noirs from Around the World. 5 wines for $10.

Saturday, December 7
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Holiday Food & Wine Event. There are gourmet food samples around the store and excellent wines in the wine shop.  Join us in sampling some of the best values and most exciting wines, perfectly paired for your holiday dining.. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 12 – 4:00 PM. Holiday Food & Wine Event. There are gourmet food samples around the store and excellent wines in the wine shop.  Join us in sampling some of the best values and most exciting wines, perfectly paired for your holiday dining.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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