Friday, August 29, 2014

Farm To Table Dinner and Wine Pairings Scheduled September 20 at Pairings


Cornucopia, an “All-Ohio farm to table dinner and local pour tour” is scheduled Saturday, September 20, At Pairings, Ohio's Wine and Culinary Experience, located at 50 Park Street, Geneva, Ohio. The event runs from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and the cost is $100 per person.

This dinner is your chance to celebrate the harvest season in the midst of northeast Ohio’s wine country with a locally-sourced dinner. The event features a five-course dinner prepared by star chef Jeff Fisher as well as live music.

Jeff has personally visited local farmers to select his food stuffs and met individually with each of the featured wineries to plan this exceptional meal
Here’s a sneak peak at the perfect pairings:

  • Salt roasted beet salad: local lettuce, candied walnuts, blue cheese, topped with stone ground mustard orange dressing.
  • Charcuterie with local house cured meats, pickled vegetable, and local cheeses.
  • Hand rolled ricotta Gnocchi with roasted heirloom tomatoes, baby arugula, fresh basil, in salt water Parmesan broth
  • Lemon herb rubbed grilled leg of lamb with assorted local fingerling potato and vegetable sides.
  • Apple crisps triffle with goat cheese ice cream, apple cider reduction, pumpkin seed oil.
Some of our favorite wineries are featured: Harpersfield Winery, Harpersfield; M Cellars, Geneva; Ferrante Winery, Geneva; and Debonne' Vineyeards.
Go to OhioWines.org to make reservations.  Seating will be very limited.
To plan a whole weekend getaway. Quail Hollow, The Gateway Resort to Ohio Wine Country is offering an overnight package:  call Kari Brozic at 440-350-3579 or e mail her at Kari Brozic







Thursday, August 28, 2014

Domaine Serene Rockblock “SoNo” Syrah, Oregon


I had mixed feelings about this bottle before opening it during a recent trip to Tennessee. Usually, I avoid non-vintage wines.


There are exceptions, for example, most Champagne is non-vintage as part of an effort to provide the very best flavors across the years. Rockblock is a signature blend of Domaine Serene. Domaine Serene produces a flagship Pinot Noir, Evenstad Reserve, which retails for about $65.

Sometimes being non-vintage allows the winemaker to select the best from different harvest years. In this case, SoNo also combines selected grapes from two different vineyards.

However they did it, the results rock. This is a stylish, robust-yet-smooth Syrah with a finish that goes on and on. Flavor notes of blueberry and smoke are evident.

We opened it during our cabin trip with old friends. My college roommate was playing tunes on guitar and demanded that his glass be kept filled during his epic performance. I poured him some Syrah, then realized how good this was. I stealthily switched his out for a humdrum red blend, keeping the SoNo for Green Dragon and me. He wouldn’t know the difference.

I scored a great deal on this bottle, getting it for $19.99. The SRP is $40. If you see it on sale, buy it. Even at full price, this is a memorable wine that will bring mucho enjoyment – even if you have to use deception.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 5 of 5 (based on my $19.99 price)

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: August 27-30, 2014

English: Sauvignon blanc wine grape. Location:...
Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes, Vlasotince vineyards, southeast Serbia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, August 27
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Vintage Closeouts and Good Sales: 1. Laporte 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Hayman & Hill 2010 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Peter Lehmann 2010 Clancy's Re, 4. Cacchiano 2010 Rosso Toscana. Nominal fee per sample or $5 per flight.
SPECIAL EVENT: Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Inaugural Wine Tasting, hosted in the Veritas retail wine shop. Elizabeth Spencer Wines with special guest Scott Burgess. 1. Pinot Blanc, 2. Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Chardonnay, 4. Pinot Noir and 5. Cabernet Sauvignon. Cost is $15 per person and includes small noshes.
Thursday, August 28
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Happy Labor Day: 1. 2012 Vigilance – Sauvignon Blanc – Lake County, 2. NV Underwood – Pinot Gris – Oregon, 3. NV Underwood – Pinot Noir – Oregon, 4. 2011 Michel-Schluberger – Maison Rouge Red Blend – Dry Creek Valley, CA. Nominal fee per sample or $4.50 per flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual Wines for BBQ and Grilling for Labor Day Cookouts: 1. Ned Pinot Gris, 2. Midnight Full Moon Red, 3. Menage a Trois Midnight, 4. Renwood BBQ Zinfandel, 5. Cryptic Red, 6. Troublemaker Red, 7. Freakshow Cabernet, 8. Gorman Pixie Syrah. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. This week’s tasting moved to Saturday.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Back to School. Well friends, it's true, summer's winding down and it's time to once again focus on our studies...but it doesn't all have to be all PSY and LIT! Join us for this 'Back to School' lesson in wine basics...it's the coolest classroom on campus! 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, August 29
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, August 30
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 12:30-3:30 PM. French Wines from the Grand Cru Portfolio. Special guest: Rachel Nasitir. 1. Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau Bordeaux Blanc Sec, 2. Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses Ventoux, 3. Domaine de l'Espigouette Cotes du Rhone, 4. Torus Madiran Vin Rouge. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Forgotten Favorites: Lost on the Shelves. There are so many exciting wines that we're bringing in everyday that many sneak onto the shelves and then become forgotten.  These are wines that we really like that haven't yet been featured. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Deep Sea 2009 Red Blend, Central Coast


This red blend was shared with our good friends during our trip to the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament in Cincinnati. I had brought a few bottles with me for Cincy as well as our next destination, a cabin getaway in Tennessee.
When I mentioned which bottles I had, the Cabinator quickly demanded that we pop open the Deep Sea. This is a delicious and dependable wine that I picked up for a song at Churchill’s in Perrysburg.
The 2009 vintage of Deep Sea Red is 89.4% Syrah, 4.8% Lagrein, 2.6% Petite Syrah and a mere 1.6% Merlot. To my knowledge, I haven’t had any wine with Lagrein in it before. It is an Italian grape from the Trentino-Alto Adige region that is made into deep rich reds.
Like the wispy image on the label, this wine has multiple layers. This wine has body, but not the briary spikes, of some Syrah. It is rich and soft with a trace of oak. It is dominated by red fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry.
We had a long day at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, watching several matches prior to seeing Roger Federer put away Gael Monfils with his trademark Swiss precision. At just the right time, Deep Sea Red delivered a winner with all the elegance of a sweeping Federer backhand.
Game. Set. Match!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Gorman Wines Shine At Rolf and Daughters Dinner

Nashville is known as Music City, but they don’t do too badly in the gastronomy department either. During my recent visit, I spent most of my time in the guitar-shaped convention center, but had a delicious opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine courtesy of the Seattle and Austin convention and visitors bureaus.
As you might suspect, a special event put on by these two cities will be pretty cool. It was held in one of the most talked-about restaurants in Nashville: Rolf and Daughters. With Seattle supplying the Washington state wine and Austin the music, it was a gem of an evening.
Rolf and Daughters is in the up-and-coming Germantown area and last year was named the third best new restaurant in the country by Bon Appétit. It specializes in what chef-owner Philip Krajeck describes as “modern peasant food.” If this is what the peasants are eating, they are doing well indeed.
After disembarking from the motor coach with our group, I was surprised to hear someone calling my name. It was a former colleague Jay Strother, accompanied by his wife. I hadn’t seen Jay for more than a decade, but there he was holding a glass of chilled rosé on the patio. He’s a successful executive in the Chicago area and we conversed pleasantly in the humid afternoon sun.
The wines were provided by Gorman Winery of Woodinville, a wine mecca in Washington State. The winery produces 7,000 cases a year, focusing primarily on the premium wine appellation Red Mountain. Winemaker/Owner Chris Gorman was at the dinner to mingle with the crowd and introduce the wines.
Upon arrival we enjoyed a crisp, chilled glass of the 42-39-56 2013 Rosé. It is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot. The temperature in Nashville was nearing 90 and so this refreshing wine was a godsend. We stepped inside an continued enjoying the wine and music by Austin performer Erin Ivey.
Rolf and Daughters has a rustic, funky décor with well-trained waitstaff. Each dish is an eclectic masterpiece of farm-to-table ingredients. We had a fixed menu for our group. The regular dinner menu is limited in choices, but dazzling in its range.The first course was a delicious salad of heirloom tomato, farmer cheese with charred and raw zucchini. It was paired with Gorman 2013 “Big Sissy” Chardonnay.
This Chard is barrel-fermented and undergoes malolactic fermentation to give a creamy texture. It sings with oak and is vibrant on the tongue.
Chef Krajeck is known for his pasta, and the pasta course was superlative. We had two offerings, a rigatoni verde with heritage pork ragout and sarvecchio and a farro gemelli “hen of the woods” with spinach and lemon.
The pasta verde was one of the best dishes I’ve enjoyed in months with the perfect consistency and shot full of flavor. The “hen of the woods” is a chicken pasta dish and was savory and succulent.
The pasta was paired with my favorite wine of the evening, the 2011 Gorman “Pixie” Red Mountain Syrah. A spicy, solid wine, it is aged in French Oak for 21 months. It ripples with plush flavor.
When I saw that 735 cases of “The Bully” 2010 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon were produced, I assumed this was a limited production wine. But when you are a small-by-design winery, Chris informed me that it actually is one of their most plentiful wines. It is smooth, fruity and low in tannins. It includes 10% Petit Verdot. It paired with our pastured chicken entrée which was served with la ratte potatoes, calabrian chili mayo and creamless corn.
An Olive & Sinclair chocolate tart put an exclamation point on the meal. It was accompanied by a “cry baby.” No, I’m not talking about a dissatisfied guest. That is the name of the Gorman 2012 Late Harvest Yakima Valley Chenin Blanc.
This is “faux” icewine because the grapes were frozen post-harvest at –6 degrees for five weeks before pressing. The Cry Baby has an amazing bouquet and was a perfect pairing with dessert.
Outstanding Nashville cuisine, perfect Washington wine, and guitar tunes from Austin. That’s my recipe for one superb evening.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Michigan By The Bottle, Michigan Wineries Partner For Second Metro Detroit Tasting Room

View of Grand Traverse Bay from Old Mission Pe...

View of Grand Traverse Bay from Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The founders of Michigan By The Bottle, a website/online community promoting the Michigan wine industry, are teaming up with eight wineries from throughout the state to establish a second collaborative wine tasting room in Royal Oak.

Located on Woodward Ave., just south of Webster, the Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room will offer tasting flights paired with small bites for a nominal fee, plus take-home wine sales by the bottle and case. The facility also will carry various Michigan-made snacks and products, and will host events like winemaker meet-and-greets, art exhibits, food and wine pairing sessions, wine education classes and more.

With all state and municipal licensing and approvals in place, buildout on the space began the week of Aug. 18. Nov. 1 is targeted for a “soft opening,” with a more formal grand opening celebration to follow.  

The first MBTB Tasting Room in Shelby Township last December was the first in the state to open a tasting room under this collaborative concept, which links multiple previously unaffiliated wineries under a single roof. The Shelby location has been extremely successful and warmly welcomed by the surrounding community, prompting the expansion into Oakland County.

At the Royal Oak location, two additional partner wineries are being added to the six already involved in the Shelby Township site. The eight partner wineries are excellent examples of Michigan viticulture and viniculture, all using estate-grown and/or locally sourced fruit. They are:

  • 2 Lads Winery (Traverse City)
  • Chateau Aeronautique (Jackson)
  • Chateau de Leelanau (Suttons Bay)
  • Domaine Berrien Cellars (Berrien Springs)
  • Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery (Northport)
  • Peninsula Cellars (Traverse City)
  • Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson)
  • Verterra Winery (Leland)

Michigan By The Bottle was founded in 2009 by Shannon and Cortney Casey of Macomb Township, MichiganByTheBottle.com promotes the Michigan wine industry through video features, podcasts, articles, tasting notes, winemaker interviews, event listings and more.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Fenn Valley Winery: Southwest Michigan Winery Visit

Winery report by TWAV Tasting Team Member Dr. J
Another favorite winery stop of my wife and I is Fenn Valley.  This is truly our favorite winery; the one that really got us into wine back in 2008.  We learned of a tour through the vineyard where you get to stop alongside various grape varieties and taste the wine that comes from those grapes.  These tours are very popular and sell out most of the time.  This was the case on our very first visit so we learned to book ahead of time.  We had no idea this would become a tradition to look forward to every year.
A group of 21 of us gather onto a canopied wagon with bench seating as we are pulled through the vineyard by a tractor.  We were led by Brian for a very in-depth look into the winemaking process and the grapes as they make their way from the vine into wine. 
The first stop of the tour is next to the Pinot Grigio.  This wine is super clean and crisp with stone fruit notes.  Looking to the other side of the path, one sees the Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a newer varietal to Fenn Valley and not a common find in Michigan.  The cooler region Sauvignon Blancs tend to have more of a grapefruit character over the warmer weather “grassy” examples and this one follows suit.  I liked this one even more so than last year’s so they are really starting to dial it in.  The third wine of the stop is the Edelzwicker or “Noble blend” consisting of Riesling and Traminette.  An annual favorite of ours and anyone we share the wine with, Edelzwicker is wonderfully fruity and floral and will pair well with spicy foods or simply on its own.
The next stop involved getting out of the wagon to experience two different Rieslings between the vineyard rows.  First is the dry Riesling with peach, apricot, and a nice clean finish.  Dry versions of this wine are becoming more and more popular in Michigan.  The dry Riesling was followed up by a semi-sweet offering.  While I tend to find myself preferring the dry versions, this one was my favorite of the two.  With a residual sugar of 2.01%, the alcohol is slightly less due to stopping the fermentation process in order to capture this hint of sweetness.  The perfectly balanced acidity keeps the sugar in line for a wonderful summer sipper.
The third stop got us into the reds.  Cabaret Rosé was the first pour and is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  Crisp and fruity strawberry notes make for a refreshing patio wine on a hot day.  Now it was time to get into bolder, dry red wines; the Merlot and Meritage.  The Merlot is a reserve version meaning “of high quality”.  The oak is apparent with smokiness and cherry.  The Meritage is another favorite of mine and contains a blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc and Merlot.  These three varieties meld together for notes of fruit, spice, and earthiness all in one.
The last and final stop was the hybrid section of the vineyard.  Yet another favorite, the Capriccio was passed around.  This non-vintage wine is a blend dominated by Chambourcin with small portions of Cab Franc and Merlot.  Whether you prefer dry or slightly off dry reds, this is a perfect middle of the road wine that both sides can agree on.  And for those that like the sweet wines, we finished with two excellent examples that most anyone can enjoy. 
The Late Harvest Vignoles happened due to perfect weather conditions favorable to Botrytis “Noble rot” in 2012.  There is pronounced apricot flavor as expected with a Botrytis wine and notes of pineapple and butterscotch.  At about 5.5% residual sugar, the sweetness is once again kept in check with nicely balanced acidity.  The grand finale was the Vidal 42 Ice Wine, which recently won a double gold medal.  A rich, almost syrupy character leads to fruit cocktail in a glass and a nice long finish.  You don’t have to like sweet wines to truly appreciate this gem.
For $8, you get all of this, a logo glass, and a $5 off coupon towards the purchase of four bottles of fine Michigan wine.  There isn’t anywhere else you can get the up-close and personal experience for the price, which is close to the tasting fee that many wineries charge in the tasting room alone.  Tours can be booked online.  Fenn Valley is where it all started for me, and there isn’t anyone in the state who does it better!

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: August 20-23, 2014

Preparing a flight of wines at a tasting bar
Preparing a flight of wines at a tasting bar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, August 20
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Nominal fee per sample or flight.
Thursday, August 21
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample or flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. ¡Viva España! Many people still don't know that Spain is pumping out some of the very best wines in the world, and that they are most definitely masters of the value game. It's not just about Rioja anymore. 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, August 22
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. Princess Gamers’ Grapes: Casual to Hardcore. Enjoy four wines and light snacks at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Purchase during Museum hours by phone at 419-255-8000 ext. 7448.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, August 23
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The Best American Wines You Didn’t Know Existed. When people think about winemakers pushing the edge, they tend to focus on Europe - and often for good reason. But, more and more, winemakers across this country are trying unconventional grape varieties, extreme old vines, biodynamic winemaking, and interesting cellar techniques. This is a chance to see the cutting-edge of American wine making. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Wine Aficionado Shares Tips for a Full-Bodied Experience

A glass of Oregon Pinot gris

A glass of Oregon Pinot Gris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Slide over, sweaty mug of brutish beer; wine has stepped up its game!

In the past two decades, zins, cabs and chardonnays have soared in popularity among imbibing Americans. The preference of just one in four in 1992, its now the alcoholic beverage of choice for 35 percent of us, according to a 2013 Gallup poll. At the same time, beer has taken a tumble, from the favorite of nearly half of us to just 36 percent.

“Wine is an adventure in a glass – something other cultures have recognized for centuries,” says Howard Kleinfeld, author (as Howard K.) of “Dial M for Merlot,” www.DialMforMerlot.com, a fun novel about a lovelorn nerd whose world snaps to life with his first wine tasting.

“For a long time in this country, we viewed wine as an elitist beverage. Just to be eligible to uncork a bottle required a scary level of sophistication. I have great respect for connoisseurs and the sommeliers, but if you’ve ever attended a wine tasting, you quickly see wine is actually the great equalizer.”

For those who’ve never visited a vineyard or sipped a Gewurztraminer, Kleinfeld offers these tips to free up your palate -- and your psyche -- for a full-bodied experience.

1.  What’s the best wine?
You’ll find all kinds of lists purporting to distill the top 10 or top 100 best wines of the thousands upon thousands of new releases each year. They are a wonderful resource for information and a great starting point, but there is no substitute for personal exploration.
“The best wine is always whatever’s in your glass at the moment,” Kleinfeld says, “unless whatever’s in your glass makes you grimace, in which case …”

2.  Don’t drink it if it doesn’t make you happy.
Life really is too short to not make the most of every moment – and every sensual experience.
“I learned that in 2007 when I was diagnosed with throat cancer at, what I felt was, a very young age,” Kleinfeld says. “I got through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation with the love and support of my family and friends, but I lost my sense of taste for a few years.”
Cancer-free and with all of his senses intact, Kleinfeld says he has resolved to enjoy every sip of life.
“Don’t waste your time on wine you don’t enjoy. Save it for cooking,” he says. “Drink something that puts a smile on your face. And remember – there are all kinds of smiles.”

3.  Go ahead and shell out $50 or $100 on a wine you just have to taste again.
A lot of us think California and Napa Valley when we think domestic wines, and while The Golden State is the No. 1 producer in the country (followed by Washington, Oregon and New York), every state now has wineries. That means that wherever you are, there’s a wine tasting room within driving distance.
“If you go to a wine tasting and you sample something you absolutely love, something you know you want to taste again – maybe with a steak, which they don’t usually have at wine-tasting rooms, go ahead and buy it,” Kleinfeld advises.
“Forget that it costs three or four times what you (might) usually spend for a bottle of wine. Splurge. See tip No. 2.”

4.  Forget the red with meat, white with fish and chicken rule – unless it works for you.
The idea of pairing red wines with red meats has to do with the bolder flavor of both. Fish and chicken tend to have milder flavors, as do many white wines.
“But there are so many exceptions to those ‘rules’ you may as well just toss ‘em,” Kleinfeld says. “They don’t take into account the range of flavors of meat, fish and chicken, especially when you consider all the different ways they can be prepared. And if you’re not a fan of Riesling, for instance, you won’t like it no matter what you pair it with.”
Be an adventurer, he advises. Open a few different varieties of wine when you sit down to eat and explore different pairings.
“The entrees and wines you best enjoy together are the perfect pairings for you.”

About Howard Kleinfeld (Howard K)

Howard Kleinfeld is a full-time wine enthusiast, part-time foodie, and first-time author. His new novel, “Dial M for Merlot,” www.DialMforMerlot.com, written under the pen name Howard K, follows a 30-year-old math whiz’s intoxicating journey of wine discovery. Kleinfeld is a longtime singer-songwriter whose compositions/productions for advertising, TV shows and indie films have earned him Emmy, Telly and Addy, awards.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Hickory Creek: Southwest Michigan Winery Visit

Winery Review By TWAV Tasting Team Member Dr. J
It has become an annual tradition for my wife (Casey) and I to take our girls to South Haven, Michigan to stay with her side of the family for a week of fun.  This is right near the heart of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA.  Casey, myself, and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law take a day to visit the wineries of southwest Michigan in the Berrien Springs and Buchanan areas. 
We started our trip at Hickory Creek.  This winery is one of the farthest south of the tour and we had only been there once before.   We were instantly greeted by our wonderful, friendly hostess, Linsay.  She was quick to tell us that there is a $5 fee for five tastes but “I usually serve more than that.”  I knew immediately that it was going to be a great visit. 
The first wine was the 2011 Pinot Gris.  This wine has been highly awarded.  With a nose of flowers, fresh spring, and lots of fruit, this Pinot Gris ranks right with the best of the Pacific Northwest.   
Next was the 2012 Gruner Veltliner.  This is an Austrian grape that you won’t find too many examples of in the Midwest.  It was very pleasing with notes of hay and white pepper.
There were two offerings of Chardonnay; the 2010 Zero Oak and the 2011 Oaked.  The 2010 was more acidic with passion fruit while the 2011 was smooth and creamy with stone fruit, honey, and hints of the oak.  The group unanimously voted for the buttery, oaky version.
Moving on to the reds, the 2012 Cab Franc Rosé was poured.  This had much more body than your typical rosé.  It was a little darker in color and very flavorful, noting vanilla and strawberry.
Two Pinot Noirs followed with a 2009 and a 2010.  What a difference one vintage can make!  The 2009 was fruity and peppery.  The 2010 was more earthy and smoky.  Both were very fine examples and the group chose the 2009 as their favorite.
We finished with a pair of Cab Francs.  The 2008 is the epitome of this varietal as a standalone; nose of cherry and coffee with smoke and pepper on the palate and soft tannins.  This grape is so good, I don’t know why there aren’t more single varietal bottlings outside of the Midwest.  The last wine is a non-vintage lightly sweetened Cab Franc called Rouge Doux.  It brings loads of blackberries with balanced sweetness and acidity. 
Hickory Creek offers an extensive list of quality wines, some of which I did not have a chance to mention.  This is certainly a must-stop winery if you are in the area or want to make a special visit.  Come see Linsay.  She makes Hickory Creek Winery what a wine tasting experience is all about!









Friday, August 15, 2014

Observations From A Wood County Fair Wine Judge

For two different wine competitions I've had the honor of serving as judge. My first experience was at the Indy International Wine Competition. This is a world class competition with internationally acclaimed wines, world-class judges and an army of volunteers. Volunteers in white lab coats roll out wines in scores of wine glasses each of which are marked with a code. The captain of the judging team, of which there are several, communicate with a set of differently colored flags.
I recently served on the Wood County Fair homemade wine judging panel along with Mike Gregg and TWAV tasting team member Dr. J. This was my second time. The three of us judged 180 wines in a period of about three hours. It certainly is a much different setting.
At the county fairgrounds, we judged our wines in front of the winemakers. Each of us tasted through a category (combinations of red or white, sweet or dry, grape or non-grape and the novelty categories). In some cases this could be up to 14 wines. When we decided on the winner of the category, we stood up and announced the results.
For survival, you must swirl, swish in your mouth and then spit. For me, I need to swallow a bit of wine to get the full effect. In most cases this is a micro-sip to confirm the impressions of smell and taste.
Some recalibration is necessary, because you are not comparing premier cru from Bordeaux. These wines can be quite good, but they are typically wines you pair with a sunny afternoon on the patio and not tuxedos and caviar.
In the non-grape category, I had the chance to taste wines made from cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, red and black raspberries, and elderberries. One of the very best combinations is strawberry and rhubarb.
The winemakers at the Wood County fair really have a way with blush wines. They were crisp and refreshing and the colors were a delight to the eye.
After we had chosen the winners in each category, we then moved to a “taste-off” to select the best red, the best white and the best of show. The best of show went to a sparkling blueberry wine. Darn right it was good!
The winemakers and audience then had a chance to sample the entries during a reception. This is a great way to end a wine competition.
My post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the novelty wines. The category included two jalapeno wines and a Pina Colada wine. I applaud the creativity, but won’t be stocking up on them anytime soon.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Natural, 2010 California Red Table Wine

This wine came to me in a “mystery case” from an online retailer. The case, or actually this wine, is still a mystery.
The wine is made by Plata Wine Partners, a company that produces start up and private label wines. For example, they developed the Buccaneer line of wines for the large BevMo chain.

Plata has access to more than 25,000 acres of California wine grapes. In addition to having some talented winemakers, they have a stable of designers and a packaging team that can take a wine from concept to the bottle.
That being said, I really got no closer in determining the details on this wine. I usually do investigation online to see if there are data sheets from the winery or other stories when I prepare a review. In this case, nada.
I will say that we enjoyed it at a BYOB party on the porch of a historic home in Bowling Green with about 50 other people. The weather was perfect and the The Natural was a sipper that worked well while juggling a wine glass and a plateful of finger food.
“The Natural” is a baseball themed movie with Robert Redford and there is a turn-of-the-century baseball player on the label. For about $10 I wasn’t expecting a home run. I think I got at least an RBI single, though.
It’s a smooth wine with ample red berry flavor. Not much to speak of in the tannin department. A good guess is that this is a California Zinfandel blend and it is certainly the equal of other red blends in the under $15 department.
Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: August 13-16, 2014

English: PV wine bar
Wine bar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, August 13
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. The Mollydookers are Here! The Mollydookers are Here! Four 2013 vintage Mollydooker wines from Australia to taste. 1. "The Scooter" Merlot, 2. "Two Left Feet" Red Blend, 3. "The Maitre D'" Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. "The Boxer" Shiraz. Nominal fee per sample or $12 per flight.
Thursday, August 14
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Closeouts in August? Yes! 1. 2012 Gauthier – Sauvignon Blanc – Napa, 2. 2009 Riondo – Rosso – Veneto, Italy, 3. 2012 Tarima Hill – Monastrell – Alicante, Spain, 4. 2008 Jade Mountain – La Provencale Red Blend – Sonoma. Nominal fee per sample or $5 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. What's in a Name Tasting: 1. Shebang White – California, 2. Ship of Fools – Mission Peninsula, Michigan, 3. Blindfold White – California, 4. Muddy Water Pinot Noir – Waipara, New Zealand, 5. Sin Zin – Alexander Valley, California, 6. Playtime Red – Lake County, California, 7. Horseshoes & Handgrenades – Dundee, Oregon, 8. India Ink Red Kuleto – Napa. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Goin’ South. We're going south of the equator this week on a wild wine ride! Drop in and taste terrific wines from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand! 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, August 15
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, August 16
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The Loire Valley of France. If there is one region of France that flies under the radar, it is the Loire Valley. It is home of much of the world's finest Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc as well as great Cabernet Franc and beautiful dessert wines. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Arizona Stronghold 2011 “Mangus” Red Wine

If you’ve never had a wine from Arizona, you are not alone. I never did until the recent Wine Blogger Conference and I was intrigued. When I had the chance to pick a bottle from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards recently at Churchill’s, I didn’t hesitate.

Arizona Stronghold wines come from the land of Apache Chief Cochise. Winery owners Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan believe that the soils and climate of their vineyards stand up to the best in the world.

Their winegrowing effort is all about elevation. They’ve found what they believe to be the perfect “Mediterranean Band” in the mid-Arizona elevations between the heat of Phoenix and the cold of Flagstaff.

Mangus is their Super Tuscan blend featuring 69% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petite Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It checks in with a 14.5% alcohol level.

This wine has plenty of lush fruit with cranberry and dried cherry being prominent. On the palate there are some dusty spices that give it a rustic appeal and elevate the quality of the wine. Mangus is a very enjoyable wine.

Mangus has a retail price of $24.99. An Arizona Stronghold Cabernet Sauvignon was also available at Churchill’s in Perrysburg. I suggest you saddle up and try one of their Arizona wines.

Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Prosecco Brunch Scheduled August 24 At Churchill’s Briarfield Location

Wine service pouring a glass of the Italian sp...

Wine service pouring a glass of the Italian sparkling wine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A gourmet Prosecco brunch will be held Sunday, August 24, at Walt Churchill's Market Maumee, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. The wines of the Bisol family will be featured.

Prosecco is a white wine grape grown primarily in the eastern part of Italy’s Vento region. It is famed for its sparkling wine. The best-known Prosecco comes from the wine region of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene. The finest Prosecco is labeled Superiore de Cartizze. The Bisol family has farmed since the 17th century, making wine on their estate since 1875.

A five-course meal prepared by celebrity chef Bill Kolhoff will be served. The cost is $75 and the event begins at 12:00 noon. Call Austin Beeman for reservations. Seating is limited.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Chateau La Grave de Bertin 2010 Cuvee Heritage Bordeaux

I’ve been purchasing more French wines lately and this Bordeaux grabbed my attention when I saw it online for half price. I was able to score it for only $14.
The Cuvee Heritage is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was highly rated and I looked forward to sipping it.
In the glass the wine is deep purple and it has a light, slightly woodsy nose. It is medium in body.
The wine is very smooth – in fact a bit too smooth for my taste. There are flavor notes of berries, spice and a smidge of vanilla. The rounded flavors and soft tannins left me feeling this wine was just an anonymous face in the crowd.
I like wine to tell me something, to make a statement about its grapes, terroir or the winemaker. I know I have to get my hearing tested, but I heard nothing. With “heritage” prominent in the wine’s name, I expected an interesting tale.
Green Dragon enjoyed the wine, so perhaps I wasn’t properly tuned in to the charms of the Cuvee Heritage. It’s satisfactory, but not special.
Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5

Restaurant R’evolution: Enjoying New Orleans Cuisine At Its Creative Best


One of the tremendous burdens of my “real” job is that I must travel to cities such as New Orleans and inspect hotels to see their suitability for conferences. Often, in the spirit of “taking one for the team,” I’ll have to go to local dining establishments to check their quality. Oh, the agony!
Kidding aside, any opportunity to visit the “Big Easy” is a cause for rejoicing. During my most recent visit I had the chance to dine at one of the most talked-about restaurants in New Orleans, Restaurant R’evolution thanks to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
R’evolution is the partnership of two world-famous chefs, Rick Tramonto and John Folse. Friends for over a decade, the two chefs deepened their bond in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when Folse asked Tramonto to join his large-scale efforts to feed survivors and rescuers across the region. They later joined forces to open Restaurant R’evolution in June 2012 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter.
The décor of the restaurant connects with the soul of New Orleans, but with a contemporary twist. It is upscale casual, but hip – and the service is impeccable. In addition to the dining area, there is a speakeasy style Bar R’evolution with chef-driven craft cocktails. Their wine cellar has 10,000 selections, with an emphasis on those that pair well with Cajun and Creole cuisine.
We opened with a cool spoonful of lobster gazpacho, just the right bite to get our palates humming. Earlier in the day we got the insider tip to be sure to try to crab beignets. New Orleans + crab + beignet sounds like a perfect formula to me. These airy pastries melted in our mouths with a burst of flavor.
At this point we were ready for our appetizer (no sense rushing a meal at a place like R’evolution!). I had one of the best beet salads I’ve ever eaten. It featured roasted baby beets (red, gold and pink) with goat cheese and candied pecans with fresh micro-greens. So flavorful!
To accompany our meal, I selected the Aurelien Verdet Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits Le Prieuré 2011. This Pinot Noir has a ripe raspberry bouquet with concentrated berry flavors. It is a refined wine which paired brilliantly with my duck entrée as well as the fish and beef enjoyed by my other dinner guests.
Our meal was certainly not over. The night in New Orleans was still young. For dessert I relied on my inside source and asked for the sampler of homemade ice cream. Three small scoops were provided: vanilla bean, toasted marshmallow and the buzz-worthy crunchy peanut butter. The peanut butter ice cream was worth the trip alone – rich and silken decadence.
Then we were done, but a large red box arrived at our table. It appeared to be a jewelry box. I assumed that it contained various teas to enjoy after dinner. Instead we found that each drawer contained a delicious truffle or pastry. They were made all the more delectable because you had to slide open a drawer to reveal what was inside.
If this is a revolution, let’s make the best of it! Viva la R’evolution!
Restaurant R’evolution is located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans at 777 Bienville St.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: August 6-9, 2014

A Sonoma Hill and the Moon
A Sonoma Hill and the Moon (Photo credit: Don McCullough)
Wednesday, August 6
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Latitude 38: Napa versus Sonoma with Special Guest Kevin Boehm of Heidelberg Distributing. Compare a Pair of Chards and Pinot Noirs From Napa Cellars and Folie a Deux wineries from along Latitude 38 that runs through Napa and Sonoma counties
Samples are priced individually or $8.00 for the flight of four. 1. Napa Cellars Chardonnay, 2. Folie a Deux Chardonnay (Sonoma), 3. Napa Cellars Pinot Noir, 4. Folie a Deux Pinot Noir (Sonoma). Nominal fee per sample or $8 per flight.
Thursday, August 7
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. White Blends and Pinot Noirs, Different Styles. 1. 2012 the Beach House – White Blend – Western Cape, South Africa, 2. 2012 Chateau Lamothe – White Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France, 3. 2012 Domaine De Regusse – Pinot Noir – Provence, France, 4. 2012 Mac Murray – Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley, California. Nominal fee per sample or $5 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Real Deals from Around the World - Time to Stock Up. 1. Richter Zepplin Riesling – Mosel, Germany, 2. Masi Masianco Blanc – Italy, 3. Campeloup Pinot Noir – Loire Valley, France, 4. Campos Reales Tempranillo – La Mancha, Spain, 5. Los Cardos Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina, 6. Deep Sea Red – Central Coast, Calif., 7. Avante Mencia – Castilla y Leon, Spain, 8. Portal – Douro, Portugal. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-0 PM. Mollydooker Tasting with special guest Tricia Rasar. 1. The Scooter Merlot, 2. Two Left Feet Shiraz/Cab/Merlot, 3. The Maitre D' Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. The Boxer Shiraz. Samples $2 each.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Pump up the Jam. You heard right! We're gonna pump up the jam at this tasting with some high intensity whites and reds that are perfect for the last of your grillin' and chillin' summer days! Time to break out the patio pounders. 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, August 8
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. Princess Pinky & Blinky: Blush & Red Wines. Enjoy four wines and light snacks at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Purchase during Museum hours by phone at 419-255-8000 ext. 7448.
Saturday, August 9
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

These Two Wines Got Me Through The Toledo Water Crisis

Toledo is in the news again, unfortunately not in a positive way. Our water problems, stemming from an algae bloom on Lake Erie that caused the water system to be shut down, made national headlines.
I got word early Saturday morning at about 5:30 AM. Wondering who on earth would be calling at that hour – I listened to the “no drink, no boil” message and was relieved it wasn’t a call about a family disaster.
After tennis, I got word it was OK to shower. It would have been a long and stinky day otherwise. During the water crisis – during which there was news coverage only rivaled by an invasion of Iraq – we couldn’t drink any tap water. We had about 10 bottles of water in the house, but more importantly, we had plenty of wine.
It was sort of a bummer on Saturday because we had planned on going to dinner. But the crisis shutdown almost all restaurants in the Toledo area. My crafty idea was to head south to Bowling Green for a dinner there. We arrived only to find that half of Toledo had the same thought. The restaurants were overflowing. We kept on driving to Findlay and ended up with a delicious meal at Rossilli’s.
How did we stay hydrated, you may ask? The first wine was the delicious Dry Creek Vineyard 2012 Heritage Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma County. Pre-Prohibition vines were grafted onto new rootstock to provide “young vines” that display “old vine” characteristics.
This wine is smooth with intense blackberry and plum flavors. The fruit is mouthwatering and there is a slight woodsy note from the French, American and Hungarian Oak. This is only $20 and is an outstanding Zin value.
On Sunday I was parched. Normally I would fill up a big glass with ice water, but that was verboten. Instead I reached for the Domaine Labbé 2012 Abymes Vin de Savoie. This is one of my “go to” white wines. It comes from the foothills of the Alps in eastern France and is 100% Jacquère. Jacquère (jah-KEHR) is the predominant grape in the Savoie region and produces light, dry wines.
Abymes has the flavors of a lemon slice with a delicious undercurrent of minerality. It can stand alone as a superlative refresher, as it did for us, or can pair well with lighter food. I picked this up for $12.99 at Walt Churchill’s Market in Perrysburg.
It’s over now, but who knows when the next crisis will be? We’ve endured the Polar Vortex and the Water Crisis. Perhaps something for the fall, like a raging brushfire of dried leaves? Whatever the challenge, with these trusty wines – and perhaps some fresh flashlight batteries – you’ll be tastefully prepared.
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Sunday, August 3, 2014

Unique Terroir Fuels Paso Robles Zinfandel Excellence

Clockwise from top left: Winemaker McPrice Myers talks Zin,
Brochelle Vineyards XV Anniversary Cuvee, Dusi Ranch is an
iconic vineyard, foggy marine layer clings to the Dusi Ranch vines 
Prior to last month’s Wine Bloggers Conference, we participated in an excursion to Paso Robles. A high point was the visit to Dusi Ranch Vineyard.
Dusi Ranch is an iconic Zinfandel vineyard. Owned by the Dusi family the vineyard is used for the family for it’s own wine production and to sell to other winemakers in the area. 
We visited with five producers of Zinfandel (and other varieties) in the vineyard to experience the terroir firsthand and taste some of Paso’s best with our wine hosts. We had a chance to visit with J. Dusi Wines, Turley Wine Cellars, Brochelle Vineyards, Tobin James Cellars and McPrice Myers/Barrel 27.
Zinfandel is Paso Robles’ heritage wine grape variety first planted in the late 1880s.  The proximity of the Pacific Ocean, orientation of numerous canyons and valleys, and varying elevations produce many different microclimates in the Paso Robles AVA. This was certainly evident with Dusi Ranch. We had heard about the Templeton Gap and now was a chance to experience it.
The area benefits from the largest swing between high daytime and low nighttime temperatures of any region in California.  This is partly due to the cool marine air that flows east through the Templeton Gap and north along the Salinas River Valley from the Monterey Bay. During our visit, despite sunny skies, the weather was cool and breezy and a dense fog clung to the vines. Temperatures can drop 40 to 50 degrees overnight. 
This temperature fluctuation is considered a key by winemakers and wine grape growers to attain the intense varietal character displayed in wine grapes from the area. During the tasting we discovered an array of well-balanced Zinfandels, wild west scenery and laid-back hospitality. Here are some of my favorites:
Tobin James Cellars 2011 “Fat Boy” Zinfandel – Tobin James is related to Jesse James and is a true Paso Robles original. Starting in the tasting room years ago, he now is producing some of the best wines in the region, including this burly but tasteful Zin. 
Barrel 27 2013 Pound for Pound (barrel sample) – Winemaker McPrice Myers has an awesome touch with Zin and this 2013 was powerful, smooth and satisfying. It can only get better by release date.
Brochelle Vineyards XV Anniversary Cuvee – A special blend of 41% Syrah, 28% Zin plus Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon made from “rock star” barrels, this silky smooth wine was among the best of my entire WBC visit.
Turley 2013 White Zinfandel – You are not reading a typo. Yes, this is a refreshingly light wine closer in style to dry rose than the plonk popular in the 1980s.