Monday, June 30, 2014

A Visit To Walla Walla Wine Country: Part I

A recent business trip brought TWAV Tasting Team Members Glorious T and the Cabinator to Walla Walla wine country. Here’s the first of Glorious T’s reports on one of our favorite wine regions.
By Tasting Team Member Glorious T
Downtown/North and Airport WineriesWent out right away on Thursday morning, noting wine tasting rooms that opened at 10 AM in order to make the most of the day. At 10:13 we finally found a door that opened.
The hostess at Otis Kenyon was brimming with enthusiasm and gave us a very pleasant and fun first taste of what Walla Walla had to offer. A small boutique winery, it had an interesting story. The owner's great grandfather was the town's first dentist and prospered for many years. However, when a new dental practice opened, the first took a match to it, burning it down! Hence, all of Otis Kenyon's labels appear singed.
The first wine, a 100% Roussanne was fantastic-light, fragrant, crisp. The Otis Kenyon 2012 Lawrence Vineyard Roussanne, Columbia Valley, was a real show stopper. Lemon lime, zest, slight oak with a bit of acidity. Only 170 cases produced, with 14.9% alcohol. The 2009 Matchless Cabernet, all from Walla Walla Valley, was smoky with well integrated tannins. It contained a slight blend of Syrah and Merlot. The 2010 Stellar Syrah is earthy and funky, with scents of lumber and flavored with earthy spices and sea salt. Due to small production, they were out of some reds we wanted to try. Since this was our first stop of many, we left empty handed but really recommend this as a stop on any tour, and will certainly order the Roussanne online, as it will make a terrific summertime wine.
Charles Smith came highly recommended by everyone with whom we spoke to in preparing for the trip. We opted for the reserve tasting, featuring the K Vintners wines. This turned out to be a great choice as the wines were very good.
Smith came to Walla Walla to pursue Syrah. It turned out to be a good plan, as he is known for making outstanding Syrah. The 2012 Milbrandt was just right, with the right amount of white pepper, and a very remarkable and memorable wine. Deep in color, long and structured, the 2011 Clifton Hill earned a gold star. Wow. Very complex, just feels big, refined tannins and long finish. Ahh.  2011 River Rock was smooth, rich, great finish – a “good by the fire” type wine (Green Dragon take note). The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc had high minerality and a slightly metallic edge; crystal clear and very fragrant.
Mark Ryan had a cool vibe and we enjoyed seeing rock posters adorn the walls and funk playing when we walked in the modern shop. Award winning winemaker Mark Ryan McNeilly loves music, especially Pearl Jam and we were excited to try the Pearl Jam lineup.
The wines were fantastic; sophisticated and elegant. All fruit is grown on Red Mountain. Stars here: 2012 The Dissident, very deep and savory, slight black pepper, elegant and silky showcasing polished tannins. 2012 Crazy Mary is luxurious, oaky vanilla with a long finish. We even purchased the glasses, just in case they contributed to the feel and texture of these awesome wines. As a treat, we were able to also try the 2011 Long Haul-a nice blend including Cab Franc was very well balanced. Brooke gave us a great tip about a show the next evening at Main Street Studios featuring musicians.
We arrived just in time to see the show's outstanding finale and enjoy a glass of Rotie Red blend. We stopped for a quick bite at the fast and fresh Graze, where a long line had already formed. This was a good sign, and the place is popular with the locals. Our choices, the Portabella Panini, Asparagus Panini, and Creamy Tomato soup were all great choices. The vegetables were fresh, the sandwiches just gruyere cheesy enough, and served with mixed greens.
We had met Five Star Cellars owner Dave Huse on a wine distributing tour when he came to Perrysburg Ohio. We fell in love with his reds and phoned ahead to make an appointment for a visit during our trip. Located near the airport, along with 19 other great wineries, in an area that was once a training base for World War II pilots. Not typically fans of Merlot, we have already been pleasantly surprised this visit by the different twist being grown and produced in Washington gives Merlot.
Five Star Cellars produces an outstanding 2009 Merlot; slight spice and slightly acidic, the winemaker has achieved a balance allowing it to serve as a great sipping wine, but big enough to pair with a nice meal. This universally appealing choice will also age well. We'll integrated tannins give this wine a nice long finish.
Other favorites: 2009 Syrah- elegant, lush and very deep. 2009 Sangiovese - dark fruit, oak with a toasty vanilla finish. The Semillon was refreshing, light citrus, pop of lemon, mineral nose, lovely long finish.
The team at Five Star Cellars shares our personal wine philosophy. They don't like tannins, and the harder the grape seeds are pressed, the more tannins you will taste in the wine. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon has 8% Merlot to soften it and the team here thinks adding slight Merlot to many varietals produces a better tasting wine. We agree. This dark, bold wine is a perfect choice to pair with an elegant meal.
Five Star Cellars is well known for the Cab based Bordeaux blend, Stellar. I deduced that the secret to its amazing flavor and feel must be the slight Hungarian oak, which delivers characteristically good flavor. A beautiful wine, this is silky and gorgeous.
The super Tuscan blend, Quinque Astrum was first made in 2008 and proved to be quite a crowd pleaser. We sampled the very fruit forward 2010, which we look forward to enjoying with grilled meals. We enjoyed our visit with Dave, he was not normally open at this time but graciously hosted us. The business is a family affair, with his son working as winemaker.
We have a special fondness for winery dogs. And it's a good thing Buddy beckoned us into Elegante Cellars or we would have missed out on seriously great wine. Located directly across from Five Star Cellars, owner retired chemistry teacher has earned an impressive array of medals, including recent awards from our beloved Finger Lakes. Doug Simmons prides himself on 100% pure varietal vineyard selections.
The Sangiovese was lovely and subtle. Among the standouts: the 2008 Malbec: notes of black pepper and blueberry mingle in this robust and tasty wine. The 2008 Merlot was just awarded several well deserved 2014 wine and food festival accolades. Very smooth, soft, and elegant yet very versatile. Grapes from Seven Hills, with significant presence of white pepper. The 2007 Cabernet also had black pepper present, but very well balanced. Thankfully, we gave in to the owner's insistence that we try the 2012 Strawberry Klicker Strawberry Acres, Wallace Valley. It was fresh strawberries in a bottle. Amazingly, no residual sugar-just a mouthful of sweet, natural strawberries. Will pair well with sharp cheeses or dessert. It says a lot that this team purchased a bottle. You will want this on hand for summertime guests.
Dunham was our next stop. A beautiful setting, we were greeted by two winery dogs, and a very friendly bartender and regular customers. It made for a fun tasting, especially when winemaker Eric Dunham walked in to talk about the wine.
The Chardonnay was mostly crisp with slight oakiness. The Riesling was off dry, not sweet, with dominant grapefruit. Three Legged Table Wine was our favorite. The winemaker uses whatever is available at the end of blends and it resulted in an approachable, easy drinking wine. Trutina, their big Bordeaux style blend would be great with food for balance, blended to be consistent in 70% 2010 Cabernet is the 16th vintage from the eighth winery in Walla Walla Valley. It’s a bit too edgy right now for our taste. The winner here was the 2011 Syrah, just released. It’s lush and vibrant, silky with a clove nose, spicy and has a hearty finish. The apricot dessert wine was so good, a pleasant finish to a great tasting experience.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Cabernet Is King At Maumee Wines Tasting

I was surprised when I noticed that the Maumee Wines website recently listed a Cabernet tasting. An area wine insider had told me that Maumee Wines had closed. In the process of preparing the weekly wine tasting calendar, I checked
the Maumee Wines website anyhow – and sure enough, they had a big, beautiful Cabernet tasting scheduled.
Although the bistro wine bar, which we really enjoyed, has closed. The retail wine shop remains open. And they continue to host monthly wine tastings.
It was Friday after a long work week, so Green Dragon and I met the Cabinator at Maumee wines and prepared to “wine down.” The tasting featured six Cabernets (or blends) with appetizers for $25.
The first Cab was Montes 2011 Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. This wine goes for $11.99 This is a super value. Comes out a bit edgy but then smoothes deliciously. Good fruit.
Next we delved into the Hedges 2011 CMS, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah from Washington State’s Columbia Valley. This has nice loose tannins and is highly drinkable (especially on Friday night!) but left me unimpressed. Not enough structure to make it interesting. Goes for $13.99.
Another Columbia Valley wine was next, the 2011 Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau St. Michelle has always been a leader in QPR (quality price ratio) and this didn’t disappoint. It has rich cherry flavors and is a nice “pop
and pour” wine. It was a favorite of Green Dragon who rated it twice as good as several of the other wines. Cost is a modest $19.99.
We finally entered the Cab country of California with the Eberle 2009 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a beauty of a wine. It is a mulberry color with loads of complexity. Tannins enhance the great flavors. It’s a wine that will pair wonderfully with meat dishes.
The Cabinator crowned the Eberle as his favorite of the evening. The cost is only $19.99, so you can live large while not putting a hurt on the wallet. I must agree that for the price, it is a great deal – but to see what bottle I bought, you’ll have to read on.
I have always enjoyed wines from Blue Rock winery – their Cabernet is outstanding and their Baby Blue is an incredible smooth sipper. We’ve enjoyed it on several occasions. Tonight we tried the new vintage, the Blue Rock 2012 Baby Blue from Napa.
We discussed whether this was actually too young, being just a 2012 vintage. For me the first sip dispelled that notion. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cab Franc, 6% Malbec and 5% Petite Verdot, I consider it a party in a bottle. The emphasis is on silky texture and red fruit flavors. Cab curmudgeons might say there’s too much Merlot – bit this hits all the right notes for me. At $29.99 it’s at a great price point too. Yes, I purchased this one.
Every fireworks show has a grand finale. For us it was the Burgess 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Burgess is one a long-time Napa winery and the flavor profile is what has made Napa famous for decades. It is a great food wine with firm tannins and refined cherry flavors. Burgess is a smooth wine that can compete with wines twice its price. It tips the scales at $34.99, not bad for a big time Napa Cab!
The evening was enjoyable for several reasons: we tried some great wine, met new friends and discovered that Maumee wines is alive and kicking. Keep your eyes open for their tastings on the third Fridays of the month.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Justin 2011 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon


I’ve been really enjoying Paso Robles Cabernet lately. It has a lush, interesting flavor that teases the palate. For me it could be the answer to, “What do you try when you need a change from Napa Valley?”
On a recent business trip to Philadelphia, a colleague from California was going on about how she loved Justin wines. She also dressed me down because I pronounced it “Paso Ro-blehz” instead of “Paso Ro-bulls,” which is the preferred pronunciation of the locals.
Right across the street from the hotel is a hip new restaurant, “Bank & Bourbon.” We were soon seated there and as I reviewed the wine list I decided that however you pronounced it, we were having Cabernet from Paso tonight.
Justin is one of the top wineries in California and produces Isosceles, its renowned flagship Bordeaux-style blend. I hadn’t tried any Justin wines and I was way past due.
We started with Bank and Bourbon’s Secret Knock cocktail, a mixture of their house aged whiskey, green tea and clarified milk. It caused a bit of confusion with our lactose-intolerant colleague – but since the lactose was mostly cooked out of the mix, she suffered no ill effects.
The wine was a great addition to my steak filet with royal trumpet mushrooms. It spends more than a year in small oak barrels, but the aging sculpts the wine subtly. This is a smooth wine with medium body, black fruit and currant notes. It has complexity courtesy of cinnamon and cocoa flavors. The mixture is a divine glass of vino.
This really whet my appetite for my trip to Paso Robles in about two weeks. Justin, don’t run out of wine before I arrive!
Rating: 4.5 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5 (based on a price of about $25)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 25-28, 2014

Bottle and glass photo of an Alexander Valley ...

Bottle and glass photo of an Alexander Valley California Cabernet from Sonoma County. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wednesday, June 25
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Jules Taylor 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Clos du Val 2010 Merlot, 3. CC: 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Mi Terruno 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Nominal fee per sample or $7 for flight.
 
Thursday, June 26
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Fine Summer Wines. 1. 2011 Wellington – Chardonnay – Sonoma Valley, 2. 2013 Domain LaFond – Roc-Epine Rose – Tavel, France, 3. 2012 LA 50/50 – Minervois – Minervois, France, 4. Bottle $21.99  Sample $2
2009 Wellington - Merlot – Sonoma Valley. Nominal fee per sample or $7 for flight.
 
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines from the South of Spain: 1. Raventos i Blanc Reserve Brut Cava – Barcelona, 2. Botani Dry Moscatel Seco – Malaga, 3. Etim Blanc – Montsant, 4. Paso A Paso Tempranillo ­–­ La Mancha, 5. Sinfonia Tempranillo – Castilla, 6. Jaun Gil Monestrell – Jumilla, 7. Zerran – Montsant, 8. Finca Sandoval – Manchuela, 9. Ordonez Victoria Moscat #2 – Malaga. Nominal fee per sample.
 
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
 
WineTastings-1_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thNoir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. For many, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape reigns supreme. Drop in and taste the king in both strictly varietal and blended bottlings.
Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
 
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.
 
Friday, June 27
Wood County Humane Society Wine and Dine Benefit, 6:00 – 10:00 PM. Bowen-Thompson Student Union, campus of Bowling Green State University. Tickets $50 per person, $95 per couple or $180 for four. Tickets include dinner and six drink tickets. Order tickets online here.
 
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Washington Tour (Red and White). Five wines for $10.
 
Saturday, June 28
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The Crus of Produttori Barbaresco. Some of the world's greatest wines are the small single cru Barbaresco produced by the Produttori di Barbaresco.  100% Nebbiolo made in Italy with grace and power, these are some of the truest expressions of terroir in the entire world of wine. For the first time, we at WCM have a few bottles of multiple crus for you to taste and, for a lucky few, to buy.  This will be a master class on the role of terroir in the flavor profile of wine.
 
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Technorati Tags:
[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
 

M Cellars: Ohio Winery Visit


“M” marks the spot. The spot for well-made dry wines in the wine country of Geneva, Ohio, that is.
M Cellars is one of the newest wineries in Ohio. Although it has been open a year and a half, it was seven years in the making, according to owner, vineyard manager and winemaker Matt Meineke. We were in town to attend the opening reception of Pairings: Ohio’s Wine & Culinary Experience and it gave us the perfect opportunity to visit this great new winery.
The 12.6 acre site was originally planted in Niagara grapes, a local variety that can have a simple, “foxy” taste. The old vines were removed, the soil prepared and plowed and the ground left fallow for a year. In 2008 Pinot Noir and Riesling were planted and the next year Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
The winery is in a wonderful location at 6193 South River Road in Geneva. It is just a short distance from South River Vineyard, a favorite winery of ours and across the road from another newcomer, Red Eagle Distillery. The building is sparkling new with a spacious and airy tasting room and a dynamite patio and deck with a great view of the vineyard.
Matt’s love is aromatic white wines. The wines of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, are an inspiration to Matt who wants to see what can be accomplished in a cool growing climate.
We were able to experience this as we opened our tasting with the 2012 Pinot Gris. It is a well structured wine with rounded flavors of fruit and honeysuckle. A nice pick for a warm summer day.
The 2012 Dry Riesling is estate grown – and it is worth noting that almost all of his wines are indeed from his own vines. This has a whisper of sweetness at 0.5% residual sugar. It has a full spectrum of flavors and is one of the nicest Ohio Rieslings we’ve enjoyed. There are flavors of apple and citrus.
We were also pleased to have a taste of M Cellars Rkatsiteli. While widely planted in the former Soviet Union, it’s a rarity here. We’ve been a fan since trying it at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes. This is going to be an exclusive for the M Cellars Society Wine Club, but Matt shared a sample of this aromatic wine which was dry with flavors of orange blossom.
The M Cellars reds are aged in Hungarian Oak and it adds a distinctive quality to the 2012 Pinot Noir. This is a Pinot from a small grape crop with concentrated flavors of baked spice. It’s dry and quite satisfying, a very nice Pinot with some smokiness.
Matt proudly explained that M Cellars is the only Meritage producer in Ohio. While other wineries might produce Bordeaux-style blends, none of the others go through the certification process and adhere to the quality standards for this special wine. The 2012 Meritage is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. It’s a dry, earthy glass of blackberry goodness. It was our favorite.
Although our palates mostly favor dry wines, there’s plenty to enjoy for sweet fans too. The Amelia sweet blush and Vidal Blanc ice wine are popular sellers. The wines range in price from about $18 for the Pinot Gris to about $27 for the Meritage.
The wine is made with finesse, the price is right and the tasting room and winery experience are top notch. It’s called M Cellars, but it easily could be called Mmmmm Cellars. Pay a visit and we think you’ll see why.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Bastille Day Dinner July 14th At Walt Churchill’s Market Briarfield Location

"The Storming of the Bastille", Visi...

"The Storming of the Bastille", Visible in the center is the arrest of Bernard René Jourdan, Marquis de Launay (1740-1789), Watercolor painting; 37,8 x 50,5 cm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A five-course gourmet wine dinner will be held 6:00 PM Monday, July 14th at  Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, as part of its 9th Annual Bastille Day Celebration. The dinner will feature the food of celebrity guest chef Bill Kolhoff.

The cost is $75 per person and pre-paid reservations are required. the event will be limited to 20 people. The dinner will be held outdoors on the patio, weather permitting.

It’s your change to celebrate France with a gourmet dinner that highlights the inequality between the peasants and the kings that brought on the French Revolution. This will be done through the juxtaposition of French country cooking and haut cuisine. Each dish will be perfectly paired with two small glasses of wine (one humble and one luxury) selected by our Wine Manager Austin Beeman.

Here’s the menu (wine pairings to be announced):

1. Galantine of Duck / Chilled Watercress Soup

2. Trout Meuniere / Coquilles St. Jacques

3. Poulet Chasseur / Quail Périgord Stuffed with Chantrelles

4. Seared Steak with Herb Butter / Beef Tenderloin Roulade

5. “Let Us Eat Cake!”

Call for more information or to make a reservation.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Toledo Museum of Art Announces Schedule for Wine By The Glass Pavilion

New Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art

Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art (Photo credit: mmeiser2)

The Toledo Museum of Art’s popular wine tastings will make a return in July. World class artwork and architecture enhance your winetasting experience. It takes place during the popular “It’s Friday!” festivities which includes an ever-changing combination of events for adults and families including free tours, activities, live music, glassblowing demonstrations, and (our favorite) wine tastings.

Wine By The Glass Pavilion takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Enjoy four wines and light snacks at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers, plus tax, and are available for purchase during Museum hours by phone at (419) 255-8000 Ext. 7448 or at the information desks.

Here’s the lineup for the tastings:

July 18 – Mario’s Favorites: Italian Wines
July 25 – Princess Peach’s Picks: Fruity & Full-Bodied
August 8 – Pinky & Blinky: Blush & Red Wines
August 15 – Zelda’s Zinfandels: California Classics
August 22 – Gamers’ Grapes: Casual to Hardcore

Thursday, June 19, 2014

La Braccesca 2011 “Sabazio” Rosso Di Montepulciano


The wonderful Tuscan red was discovered at Amis, a superb Italian eatery in Philadelphia. I was in town for a committee meeting and Amis was recommended by our local foodie.
Amis is an upscale yet inviting restaurant with low lighting, a view to an open kitchen, a warm color palette and knock-out food. Since Italian was the rule of the day, I scanned the wine list for a nice Chianti or Sangiovese-based wine to go with the meal.
Sabazio is produced by La Braccesca, part of the Antinori family of wines. The wine is 85% Prugnolo Gentile (which is a clone in the Sangiovese family) and 15% Merlot and other “complimentary grapes.”
This is a soft, lush wine that paired sublimely with my rigatoni with pork sausage ragu with beet greens. The brilliance of the chef was apparent in each entrée for our group, ranging from paccheri with swordfish and eggplant fries to tonnarelli “cacio e pepe” with pecorino and black pepper.
Sabazio is named for a monk at the abbey of Montepulciano who was the first, in the Middle Ages, to give precise directions how to ferment the grapes grown in the zone. His namesake wine is supple with bright berry flavor notes. It is a balanced wine with a touch of acidity.
As the capstone for a evening of great conversation and gastronomy, I took our server’s recommendation and had the salted butter semifreddo sundae with rhubarb marmalade and sbrisailona. This had the sweet and salty flavors to tease the taste buds while the textures of the soft semifreddo and crunchy sbrisailona added another dimension.
I’m not sure exactly what sbrisailona is – but apparently it pairs well with Sangiovese!
Technorati Tags: ,,

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 18-21, 2014

A bottle and remnants of a 1994 Silver Oak Cab...
A bottle and remnants of a 1994 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, June 18
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, June 19
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Nearly Summer Wines: 1. 2012 MJ Janeil – White blend – Gascogne, France, 2. 2013 Jean Reverdy – Sancerre Rose – Pinot Noir – Loire, France, 3. 2011 Domaine La Bouissiere – Gigondas – Gigondas, France, 4. 2010 Martin Ray – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California. Nominal fee per sample or $8 per flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines to Go with Summertime Food: 1. Foss Marai Rose Brut Prosecco – Italy, 2. Mont Gravat Cote du Gascogne – Gascogne, France, 3. Gosseaume Sauvignon Blanc – Touraine, Loire Valley, France, 4. Donati Cabernet – Central Coast, California, 5. Corvidae Rook Columbia Red – Washington, 6. Vina Olvido Rioja – Rioja, Spain, 7. Qupe Maxtap Red – Central Coast, California, 8. Carl Loewen Riesling Kabinett – Mosel, Germany. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wines from Medlock Ames: 1. Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Chardonnay, 3. Merlot, 4. Cabernet Sauvignon, 5. Bell Mountain Blend. Nominal fee per sample.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Parlez-vous français? From Bordeaux to the Rhone, Alsace to Champagne, France is where it's at when it comes to good wine. Whether you're just getting started, or a seasoned pro, we've got something for you.
Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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.
Friday, June 20
Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee, (419) 893-2525. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting. What better way to enjoy summer than with a big juicy steak on the barbecue, with a great Cabernet Sauvignon? The perfect wine to compliment beef, strong cheeses, or by itself on the back deck. Six Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet blends, heavy hors d'oeuvres and imported cheeses. $25 per person. Call for reservations.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Napa Tour (Red and White). Five wines for $10.
Saturday, June 21
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Rethinking Chardonnay and Merlot. It would be easy to think of Chardonnay and Merlot as boring old standards - incapable of making really interesting wine.  It would be easy, but you would be wrong!  This tasting scours the world to find really cool and usual versions of these most prosaic of grapes.  This should be fun.
Up & Coming…
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. June 23 and June 30, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Introduction to the Wines of Italy, A Special Wine Class in Two Parts. $40 per person. Call store for more information. Class must be prepaid.
Wood County Humane Society Wine and Dine Benefit, June 27, 6:00 – 10:00 PM. Bowen-Thompson Student Union, campus of Bowling Green State University. Tickets $50 per person, $95 per couple or $180 for four. Tickets include dinner and six drink tickets. Order tickets online here.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Technorati Tags:
[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Related articles

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Pioneer Wine Trail in SE Michigan Offers Summer Solstice Release Party June 21-22

The Summer Solstice Release Party is a self-driving tour of the wineries of Southeast Michigan's Pioneer Wine Trail featuring a new release wine pairing with food prepared by a local chef or restaurant.
Tickets for this self-driven tour with nine delicious food and wine pairings are $30 each. Designated drivers eat for free.
For more information call (517) 592-4663 or (517) 531-3080. If no answer, please call 517-655-2883 or 517-764-0679.  The wineries included in this event are:
* Burgdorf's Winery (Haslett)
* Chateau Aeronautique Winery (Jackson)
* Cherry Creek Cellars Old Schoolhouse Winery (Brooklyn)
* Flying Otter Winery (Adrian)
* J. Trees Cellars (Tecumseh)
* Lone Oak Vineyard Estate (Grass Lake)
* Pentamere Winery (Tecumseh)
* Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson)

Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits).  There are no physical tickets mailed for this event. Once purchased, your name is added to a registration list that will be at each winery. Simply bring your ID and enjoy.
Hours of the event are Saturday, June 21, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, June 22, from Noon to 6:00 PM. Tickets are available online at www.PioneerWineTrail.com.
There are a limited number of tickets available, ticket sales will end on Wednesday, June 18 at midnight, and tickets will not be available the day of the event.

Photo by Prayitno

Monday, June 16, 2014

Luke Donald Collection 2010 Viognier Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

First, I must confess, I have never heard of Luke Donald before. After I purchased this bottle (as part of a mystery half-case) I learned that he is a professional golfer and at one point in 2011 was ranked number one.
I’m a sports fanatic, but golf is one of the rare sports I just don’t care about. But I know that successful golfers can sometimes earn the scratch that results in successful winemaking – Greg Norman and Ernie Ells are examples.
Of more importance to me was the Viognier grape variety and the premier AVA of Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. That’s a combination for which I’d gladly put on plaid pants and become a golf fan.
Viognier is a delicate grape with floral notes and flavors of apricot and pears. It is a low yielding grape and is susceptible to disease, so it is a delicious surprise to find a bottle.
The LDC Viognier is a single vineyard wine and the grapes are whole cluster pressed, which imparts greater character and body. The wine is 100% Viognier and is fermented in stainless steel and French oak. Here’s where Luke Donald hit it into the rough.
The fermenting of the Luke Donald Viognier is half in stainless steel and half in French oak for a month. Then the wine was barrel aged for 18 months. Whoa! You don’t age graceful white wines in oak for a year-and-a-half! It overpowers and masks the flavors.
We found the wine to be crisp with good fruit, but with a totally unnecessary and pervasive oakiness. He gets high marks for the grape and the wine region, but gets a double-bogey for oaking.
Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5 based on $19 paid

Friday, June 13, 2014

Mount Veeder 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley


Mount Veeder Winery launched its first wines in 1973. They have expanded to three vineyard ranches nestled high in the Mayacamas Mountains in Napa and continue to produce bold, powerful wines.
We had a chance to experience a bottle of that boldness recently when we visited tasting team members Cabinator and Glorious T. We were in a celebratory mood. They had just finished some work on the deck of their new home and Green Dragon and I just returned from a long work assignment. (It was in Hawaii, so there could be worse places!)
Almost every glass from Mount Veeder Winery has transported me to a tasty Napa Valley experience. The 2006 did not disappoint.
The wine is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and the remaining 2% Malbec and Petite Verdot. It’s a mixture that is rich and bold with a lot of hillside brambles. For a wine that is eight years old, the tannins remain quite evident telling me this could age for several more years. The blackberry, cherry and vanilla flavors were polished with vanilla.
Life is always good on Mount Veeder. This 2006 is recommended for a complex and powerful experience.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Tickets Now Available for Uncork the Uplands, An Indiana Signature Wine Trail Event.

Let’s raise a toast to the 4th Annual Uncork the Uplands, the signature event of the new American Viticulture Area, the Indiana Uplands AVA. For one night only on August 2, 2014, enjoy a tasting of all nine south-central Indiana Upland Wine Trail wineries in one beautiful location at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard.
Uncork the Uplands offers vino lovers the chance to sample award-winning wines from all nine trail wineries paired with many savory foods. Uncork will also offer guests the opportunity to explore the Indiana Uplands’ unique terroir firsthand with a guided tour of Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard. Take a stroll, breathe in the summer air and sip your favorite Indiana Upland red or white while learning from the many winemakers who have helped build the Indiana wine industry with over 180 years of combined winemaking experience. This year, guests will even be able to purchase their favorite wine by the bottle to relish at home.
Creekbend Vineyard’s hilltop location and well-drained limestone soil creates an ideal environment for growing wine grapes that produce signature varietals such as Traminette, Chambourcin and Vignoles.  Encompassing 33,000 vines on 54 sprawling, sun-kissed acres, Creekbend wines have gained a national reputation for taste and quality.  Like Creekbend, the vineyards of the Indiana Uplands wineries have won the hearts and minds of wine judges and wine writers across the country.
The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail is located within the Indiana Uplands American Viticultural Area, a federally recognized grape-growing region established in 2013. The trail wineries include Best Vineyards Winery of Elizabeth; Brown County Winery of Nashville; Butler Winery of Bloomington; French Lick Winery of West Baden Springs; Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards of Starlight; Oliver Winery of Bloomington; Owen Valley Winery, Turtle Run Winery of Corydon and Winzerwald Winery of Bristow.
Uncork the Uplands will take place on August 2, 2014 from 4-8 pm at Creekbend Vineyard located at 7508 N. Woodall Road, Ellettsville, Ind. 47429.
Early bird ticket prices are $40 before July 15 and $50 after July 15.
Tickets will be available for purchase at all nine wineries, or at the BCT box office website.
Photo by Fofie
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 11-14, 2014

A glass of the French wine Sancerre made from ...
A glass of the French wine Sancerre made from Sauvignon blanc in the Loire Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, June 11
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. O Sola Mia - A Selection of Wines from Sola Winery: 1. Sola Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Sola Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Sola Meritage, 4. Sola Syrah. Nominal fee per sample of $4 per flight.
Thursday, June 12
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Closer to Summer Wines: 1. 2012 Chateau de Campuget – White Rhone Blend – Costieeres de Nimes, France, 2. 2013 Mas Carlot – Rose – Costieeres de Nimes, France, 3. 2013 Chateau Grande Cassagne – Rose – Costieeres de Nimes, France, 4. 2011 Chateau de Campuget – Red Rhone Blend – Costieeres de Nimes, France. Nominal fee per sample or $4 per flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Spring Comes to France - Refreshing wines for food and sun: 1. Marie-Pierre Manciat Creamant de Bourgogne — Burgundy, 2. The Furst Gewurztraminer — Alsace, 3. Rene Mure Pinot Gris — Alsace, 4. Haut Victoire Quincy — Loire Valley, 5. Guy Allion Le Haut Perron Sauvignon — Sauvignon Blanc, 6. Couly-Dutheil Clos de L'Echo Chinon — Loire Valley, 7. Chateau Magnol Haut-Medoc — Bordeaux. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wines distributed by Vintner Select. Special guest: Tricia Rasar. 1. Las Colinas Del Ebro Garnatxa Blanca, 2. Las Colinas Del Ebro Syrah/Garnatxa, 3. Elicio Syrah / Grenache Rose, 4. Tarrica Monterey Riesling. Nominal fee per sample.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Planet of the Grapes II. The world is just full of amazing wine regions-explore a handful of the best with us tonight. Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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.
Friday, June 13
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Owen Roe/Corvidae Special Event with guest speaker. Five wines for $15.
Saturday, June 14
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Summer Hemisphere, Southern Specials. What makes the wines of the southern hemisphere so excellent with our summer dining habits?  Maybe the spicy meaty richness of a Shiraz?  Or the blueberry cream of a Malbec?  The grapefruit and grass of a bright New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?  The herbaceous chocolate of a Carmenere? Nominal fee per sample.
Up & Coming…
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. June 23 and June 30, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Introduction to the Wines of Italy, A Special Wine Class in Two Parts. $40 per person. Call store for more information. Class must be prepaid.
Wood County Humane Society Wine and Dine Benefit, June 27, 6:00 – 10:00 PM. Bowen-Thompson Student Union, campus of Bowling Green State University. Tickets $50 per person, $95 per couple or $180 for four. Tickets include dinner and six drink tickets. Order tickets online here.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Technorati Tags:
[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

2011 Paxton AAA, McLaren Vale


This bottle had a couple of things going for it. First, it features Australian Shiraz and second, it is from McLaren Vale, one of the top Aussie wine regions. That was enough for me to pop on a duo of this wine from an online retailer. I got the pair for $45.
McLaren Vale is in south Australia about 20 miles south of Adelaide and on the coast. Grapes have been grown there since the early 19th century. Since then McLaren Vale has established itself as a premier wine region with more than 50 wineries and 13,000 acres of vineyards. It is also known for full-bodied Shiraz.
Shiraz is the same grape as Syrah, but there is a difference stylistically. Shiraz can often be finished with a touch of sweetness whereas Syrah often has an earthy character.
The Paxton is easy to like. It is a blend of 62% Shiraz and 38% Grenache. On the palate it offers ripe, red fruit. It is juicy and round but with solid tannins for structure. I detected more oak than expected.
This would make a nice match with grilled meats or lamb dishes. Should also be served up with good friends and great conversation.
Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5
Technorati Tags: ,,
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, June 9, 2014

Veritas Cork & Craft Shoots For July Opening In Downtown Toledo


Right now Veritas Cork & Craft, located at 505 Jefferson in downtown Toledo, is clearly a work in progress. Wires dangle from the ceiling, a work light illuminates the dusty floor and a step ladder sits by a pile of planks that will soon form a bar top. But very soon this space on the ground floor of the historic Commodore Perry Building will be the hottest destination for Toledo wine lovers.
“We’re targeting an opening in early July,” said Nick Kubiak, who is partnering with Franz Gilis on the venture. “Our vision for Veritas is a space where people feel welcomed and comfortable in a very convivial atmosphere.”
Veritas will offer great wines, craft beers and classic cocktails. They will also offer classes for beer, wine and mixology. There will be experienced staff to help patrons navigate the selections.
The establishment will seat about 65 people between the bar, soft seating and tables. It will be laptop and tablet friendly and offer free Wi-Fi.
Nick points out that unfortunate circumstances hitting all at once have caused some area wine shops and wine bars to close. He says the time is right for a new attraction for Toledo wine lovers. “The wine scene here is like the Gobi desert,” he said. “There is not a lack of demand and not a lack of knowledge, so for the area to be so underserved is surprising.”
Veritas will feature areas for wine and beer retail, cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a brasserie eating area for smaller food dishes like tapas, cheese plates and charcuterie. When possible, the foods will be sourced locally.
Inside the palette is a warm gold lit up by large windows looking out to downtown Toledo. There is an industrial vibe thanks to steel girders that not only hold up the building, but add a degree of coolness. Wood for the bar will have history ingrained as it was milled in upstate New York for a bar in 1868.
Nick is a seasoned wine professional well known in the Toledo area. “My philosophy of wine has evolved in three distinct stages of my life,” he said. “My first experience with wine was in the classroom, so when I taste wines, I think about it in a formal sense.  I believe that wine should always be correct to where it comes from and what grape varietal(s) it’s made from.
“My second most influential experience was in Europe where I learned that wine should be enjoyed as a part of life and a compliment to meals and good times with friends.  I also learned that wines have a personality and can sometimes tell a story decades old.  I believe these stories should not only be shared but also inspire new stories to be told by those who drink that wine.
“Lastly, as a seasoned wine veteran, who has sold wine for 13 years, I believe that wines should be accessible to everyone who wants to try it.  There are so many wines in the world it can be intimidating.  But I would like to show people that wine doesn’t have to be that way.  There are great wines available at every price point and in every category.  The important thing is to try them.”
Don’t, however, ask him his favorite wine. He never picks them and doesn’t like to favor a particular region, producer or grape. He rarely buys the same bottle twice and wants to keep experiencing all that he is able.
Anticipated hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday. There will be more than 400 choices of wines from around the world including all major growing appellations and grape varieties. Downtown Toledo has free street parking from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and after 5:00 PM and on weekends.  Also there is a parking lot and garage attached to the Commodore Perry Building that is open to the public.
There will be two styles of wine events. First, a weekly “flight night” potentially on Wednesday, where there will be a group tasting. The focus will be on the community and will be a great opportunity to interact and meet people. Veritas will also offer seminars on wine, mixology and beer. Nick envisions a 60 to 90 minute class on Saturday in the afternoon. It will be more note oriented and delve into the vinification of the wine and why it tastes the way it does. He hopes to Skype in winemakers.
Veritas is also is applying to become a chapter house for the US Bartender Guild. This will be an opportunity for professional education and networking for area bartenders.
Right now there is equipment to install, floors to polish and a myriad of to do items before Veritas Cork & Craft swings open its doors. Toledo area wine lovers can’t wait until the first bottle is uncorked!
Technorati Tags: ,,
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, June 6, 2014

Dry Creek Vineyard 2013 Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

There’s only one problem with the wine in this photograph – my wife drank most of it, leaving precious little for my enjoyment. That’s understandable with something as refreshing as the Dry Creek Vineyard 2013 Dry Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc is a French white wine grape that shines in sparklers from Vouvray and also is well known in South Africa, where it is sometimes called Steen. Whatever you call it, the Green Dragon really loved this wine.
It’s a classic summer sipper with crispness and fragrances of peach and melon. On the palate there is apple and citrus along with minerality.
To make up for almost shutting me out of this delicious bottle, she prepared a gourmet meal of broiled Asiago dusted Mahi-Mahi with a cannelini, power greens and bacon ragout. With the Chenin Blanc, it was absolutely stunning!
Dry Creek Vineyard has been producing Chenin Blanc with grapes sourced from Clarksburg since the early 1980s. It shows in the delicate, Loire Valley inspired flavors. This is a perfect food wine, as I discovered.
The wine is fermented in stainless steel, so it retains its crispness and the flavors are not concealed by oak. It’s a food friendly wine that is also wallet-friendly. It is a paltry $12. That’s not much when it can be the perfect pairing for a meal fit for a king.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Kenwood Vineyards 1994 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma


During our recent wine-themed cookout, the focus was on wines from the Finger Lakes. Tasting team member Dr. J had a special treat in his bag of tricks, however – this beautiful 1994 Kenwood Artist Series Cabernet.
It was the grand finale in a wine-soaked evening of fun. In addition to this tasty vintage of Cabernet, we experienced the first vintage of my mici – a grilled Romanian-style garlicky, skinless sausage. Understandably, you might be more interested in the wine!
The Artist Series by Kenwood is the highest reflection of art and winemaking. This line of premium wine was first released in 1975 and over the years has included work by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso. Together with superb wine, the vintages have proven to be highly collectable.
Dr. J was excited to share this wine with the group. The bottle features a reclining nude by artist David Goines and the label was first deemed indecent by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Thankfully the problem was resolved and this fantastic bottle released to the public.
The grapes for the wine came from vineyards at an elevation of 1,400 on the Mayacamas mountain range bordering eastern Sonoma Valley. The Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel aged for 24 months and then small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot were added to enhance the wine. The blend was then aged another six months in French oak.
The cork crumbled when we attempted to open it. Laboring like a couple of surgeons, we used a variety of tools to remove it. We then poured it through an aerator with a mesh basket to catch the cork particles and into a decanter.
Dr. J shared his thoughts on his treasure wine, “What I loved most was the depth and complexity that it still had after 20 years.  The nose of tobacco and leather seemed to continue to open as we sat around.  It has red fruit and spice with a nice long finish.”
In the glass, the wine is brick red. I got nice flavors of dried fruit and was surprised that the wine was so lively after a couple decades. Tasting team members Green Dragon, Wine Chick and Sax Man were also enthusiastic about the wine. It is still nicely balanced with a smidge of tannins evident but mostly integrated.
A perfect evening and a perfect glass of wine. Now that’s a true work of art.
Enhanced by Zemanta