Friday, February 27, 2015

Villa Maria 2010 Private Bin Dry Riesling, Marlborough

The Marlborough of Australia is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc and we enjoy this wonderful nectar. We pulled a little switcheroo during a recent visit to our friends. We brought a bottle of  very nice Dry Riesling from Marlborough.
It was a chilly winter evening and we decided to warm things us with a visit to friends for some libations and a game night. Our friends John and Maria were getting ready for a trip to Mexico, so we wanted to spend the evening with them before they left.
The Dry Riesling might have been a contributing factor, but John and I loosened up the rules of the game a bit. It was a card game and the winner of the hand was the one who got ride of their cards first. The losers had to give the winner chips based on how many points were left in their hand.
Things were looking good for me, but then my fortune turned. As we neared the end, John and I kept randomly tossing chips into the pot, which drove Green Dragon wild, because we weren’t following the roles. She eventually was the winner.
Also a winner was the Villa Maria. The wine was tasteful (like our hostess of the same name).
In the glass, the wine is a pale lemon color. It’s fresh tasting with a light body. There are flavors of citrus, lime and green apple. There is acidity, but it doesn’t have the intensity of the acidity either in Finger Lakes Riesling or the Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. It’s ideal for warmer weather, or in our case, a wintery evening when you want to think about warm weather.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5 (Based on $11 price)

Thursday, February 26, 2015

From The Archives: The 5 S’s Of Wine Tasting

Whether it’s a home wine tasting for friends or a tasting at a winery in Napa Valley, there are some rules that can make it more enjoyable. Always select the wines so that the light, weaker wines come first and the stronger ones follow. Dry wines should precede the sweet ones and typically white before red. Also you should progress according to quality. Don’t start the tasting off with a $75 bottle of Stag’s Leap Chardonnay and then finish with a run of the mill $10 wine.

As you begin to taste the wines, keep the Five S’s in mind: “See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor.”

See
The first step is to enjoy the wine's color. For white wines, the older the wine the more golden it gleams. It can be a pale yellow all the way to an amber color. Reds can range from a garnet red to a beautiful deep purple. Tip your glass (partially!) and view the color against a white background, such as a napkin or tablecloth, to admire the hue.

Swirl
To release the aroma, gently swirl the wine in your glass. This mixes oxygen into the wine to release the fragrance. To best swirl wine, place the glass on the table and hold the stem of the glass. With the glass remaining on the table, quickly move it in small circles.

Smell
Much of wine's pleasure is in the aroma, which comes from the grapes, and reflects the wine making process. After swirling, immediately place your nose close to the opening of the glass. Gently sniff the wine making note of your first impressions. Depending on the type of wine, you may discover hints of familiar smells such as fruit, spice, floral or even toasted (such as nuts, coffee or cocoa). Higher quality wines will express more aromas than inexpe3nsive, poorly made wines.

Sip
Take a medium-sized sip small sip, roll it around in your mouth for about three to five seconds. Breathe in a little air to once again release the aroma as you are tasting. Notice the taste and the "texture" - how it feels in your mouth, from light and refreshing to full and robust. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience a wine’s flavor.

Spit or...
Swallow. The former may sound impolite, but it's not. In fact, it's the only way to taste if you are sampling many wines, and it can be done very discreetly. At many tasting counters, you'll notice a large bucket for that purpose as well as for any leftover wine in your glass. You can reset your palate by eating a piece of bread or cracker. If you aren't driving or consuming many wines, you may prefer to swallow the small samples. Just don't overdo it.

Savor
Most wines have a lingering aftertaste or "finish" even after you have completed the actual tasting. Take some time to appreciate the unique flavor of the wine.
You may want to write tasting notes, which at first might be very simple: deep red in color, fruity. With experience, your notes will become more descriptive.

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Photo by feverblue

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 25-28, 2015

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Wednesday, February 25
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. A Big Chard and Some Warming Reds for Pure Winter Pleasure: 1. Hartford Court 2011 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 2. Masciarelli Marina Cvetic 2010 Montepulciano, 3. The Federalist 2013 Zinfandel, 4. The Federalist 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. Nominal fee per sample or $9 per flight.

Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting. Come out with friends, have fun, taste good juice! $15 per person.

Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, 5:30 – 8 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting.

Thursday, February 26
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Mid-Winter Wine Selections
2014 Matua – Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand, 2. 2013 Apothic Crush – Red Blend – California, 3. 2013 Josh – Cabernet Sauvignon – California, 4. 2012 Coda – Cadence – Red Blend – Seattle, Washington. Nominal fee per sample or $5 per flight.

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines That Go with Tony Packo's Chili. Spice to Spice and bold to bold! Sample Packo's Chicken and Regular Chili. 1. Chateau de Segries Lirac, 2. Finca Sandoval Salia, 3. Pozzan Napa Back Barn Zinfandel, 4. If You See Kay Red, 5. Terra Barossa Shiraz, 6. Pepperjack Barossa Red, 7. Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Weekly wine tasting.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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.
Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 7 PM. Zen and Zin. Please join us for an hour of relaxing yoga followed by a delicious glass of Zinfandel.
Friday, February 27
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. February Thaw: Wines with Floral Notes. 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. Cru Beaujolais with special guest. Nominal fee per sample.
Saturday, February 28
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Betz, Cayeuse & More Superstars of Syrah. Perhaps America’s greatest value in premium wine are rich full-bodied reds made from Syrah. We’ll taste from Washington State to California with a bevy of high-rated, limited production superstars. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.



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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Up & Coming:
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar). 



Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Join The Celebration: Open That Bottle Night 2015 Is Saturday, February 28

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 28. That's the date for Open That Bottle Night.
Since the millennium, one night in the dull, dark month of February has been immeasurably brightened for wine-lovers by the creation of a special day to celebrate cherished bottles of wine, champagne and spirits. Open That Bottle Night is dedicated to making sure that those bottles of fine wine put away for a special occasion, are used and enjoyed.
Open That Bottle Night is an annual occasion that aims to motivate people to reconnect with each other over a bottle, and create good memories with friends and family.
Are you saving a certain bottle of wine for a special occasion that never seems to arrive? Created by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, wine writers for the Wall Street Journal, Open That Bottle Night makes the last Saturday in February just that occasion. Use OTBN as a reason to enjoy that special wine — while it’s still at its prime!
Are you feelin’ it yet? Here is a link to our report from last year’s OTBN to get you in the spirit. This year we’ll have a gathering at Toledo Wines and Vines international headquarters to celebrate the event.
If you follow us on Twitter (@toledowav) , you’ll be able to see the various bottles we sample in real time. You can share your activities on our Facebook page, Google+ page, comment on the blog or tweet us. All that social media should help you work up a big thirst!
Happy OTBN!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Ken Forrester 2012 Petit Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch


The Green Dragon and I will be visiting South Africa this spring to celebrate a wedding anniversary. In addition to a safari, we’ll be visiting the Winelands to sample ample South African wine.
The country of South Africa ranks eighth on the list of wine production, behind such behemoths as France, Italy, and the United States. It’s history reaches back to the 17th century and exports have doubled since 2013.
Stellenbosch is one of the wine regions we will be visiting, and so when I spotted this bottle at Walt Churchill’s Market in Perrysburg, I picked it up. It’s always good to do some advanced research.
Chenin Blanc is the widest grown grape in the country. It is known for producing outstanding wines in France’s Vouvray region, but it can also produce uninspired wine.
The Petit Chenin Blanc is a youthful wine that is suitable for everyday drinking. At a cost of $6.99, you could actually afford to drink this every single day. This is one of the Petit “range” entry level wines. The top range at Ken Forrester is the Icon Range, with single vineyard wines designed for aging.
This is a fresh and fruity wine. there are tastes of green apple and grapefruit. The body is light and there is no harsh acidity. It is a soft, ready to please wine.
According to Green Dragon, it is a perfect wine to enjoy while taking a warm bubble bath. In that case, I better order her some more.
Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5

Friday, February 20, 2015

Don’t Miss Out! Glass City Wine Festival Scheduled At Toledo Seagate Center on March 7

Tickets are now on sale for the Glass City Wine Festival. The third edition of this popular event will take place March 7 at the Seagate Convention Center in Toledo.
All VIP tickets have been sold out, but regular tickets are available. Admission tickets are from 1:00 to 4:00 PM ($25) and 6 PM to 9 PM ($30). If tickets don’t sell out, they will be available at the door for $5 more. You get the hint, if you are planning on going, you should buy your tickets now.
Glass City Wine Festival is an opportunity to taste regional wines, sample gourmet cheese and fare from local restaurants and shop for unique gifts from a number of local, craft businesses. More than a dozen Ohio wineries will be pouring at the event.
We were very pleased with last year’s events. It was fun, fashionable with plenty of great wine. There are 19 different wineries participating. You can find see them here.
For more information, and to order tickets, visit the Glass City Wine Festival website here.



Thursday, February 19, 2015

Henry’s Drive 2010 Pillar Box Reserve Shiraz, Padthaway

My wife, the Green Dragon, loves Mardi Gras – as I do. We love the spirit of New Orleans, the people, the music and the food. The joie de vivre saturates this annual blowout.
So on Tuesday we fired up the Zydeco music while the Green Dragon baked some beignets and cooked some jambalaya. Her jambalaya is spicy with sausage, but also has shrimp. That makes it a tough call on a wine pairing.
I grabbed this 2010 Pillar Box Reserve Shiraz from  Henry’s Drive Vignerons. I scored it a while ago from Underground Cellar.
Shiraz is the same grape as Syrah but the style is usually different. Shiraz can be a bit sweeter, but it also can be incredibly rich and complex, resulting in some of the world’s best wines.
The wine is a deep, dark crimson in the glass. We sipped our initial glass while the rest of the bottle decanted. We had some nice crusty bread to counteract the spice of the entrée. We were pleased to discover that the Pillar Box could stand up to the spice. As Green Dragon put it, this is no wimpy wine.
While there is a nice medley of fruit flavors, it tends toward the dark side. With deep flavors of plum and cooked fruit minced with scratches of tar and spice. It has multiple layers. Hours later we revisited the decanter and found more delicate flavors that our Cajun dish had overpowered earlier.
This wine is a winner: a great Aussie for about $25. You’ll be glad to go “down under” for this Shiraz.
Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 4 of 5

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 18-21, 2015

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Wednesday, February 18
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Closeouts, Part Trois/Drei/Three: 1. Steelhead 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Los Cardos 2013 Malbec, 3. Allamand 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Santa Rita 2007 Triple C. Nominal fee per sample or $6 per flight.

Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting. Come out with friends, have fun, taste good juice! $15 per person.

Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, 5:30 – 8 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting.

Thursday, February 19
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Wow, What a Treat! 1.
Fantini – Trebbiano – White Blend – Italy, 2. La Vite Lucente – Red Blend – Italy, 3. The Riddler – Red Blend  – Lot Four – Napa California, 4. 2006 Chateau d’Armailhac – Pauillac – France. Nominal fee per sample or $12 per flight.

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual "Heart of Darkness" Wine Tasting. The darkest, fullest, firmest, heftiest wines from around the world for the darkest days of winter. You’ve got to “like” very dark and very dry to like this tasting. 1. Romantico, Toro, Spain, 2. Brumont Torus, Madiran, France, 3. Chateau Grand Abord Bordeaux, Graves, Bordeaux, France, 4. Chakana Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 5. Terredora Dipaolo Taurasi, Taurasi, Italy, 6. Black Rock Petite Sirah, Red Hills, Lake County, California, 7. Delectus Petite Sirah, Spring Mountain, Napa, 8. Noval Black Port. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Weekly wine tasting.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, February 20
Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Place, Maumee. Zinfandel Tasting. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Artisan pizzas to compliment the evening.  $30 per person. Call to reserve your spot.
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. You Had Me at Merlot: Wines That Make a Great Impression. 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. Ports by Request: 1. Kopke Dry White Porto, 2. Dow’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port, 3. Six Grapes Reserve Porto, 4. Fiest 2006 LBV Porto, 5. Kopke 2011 Vintage Port. Nominal fee per sample or $15 per flight.
Saturday, February 21
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Perrin Family Wines: Old World vs. New. The Perrin Family have built a leading reputation for organic wines in Southern France and around the world. We’ll taste some examples. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.



Technorati Tags:
[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Up & Coming:
Thursday, February 26 -- “Zen and Zin” (1 hour yoga class followed by a glass of Zinfandel). Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar). 



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Ten Great Places to Hike, Bike and Sip in California Wine Country

Has the long cold winter got you down? Here are 10 great suggestions for planning your next trip to California wine country, courtesy of Wine Institute. All of California's dozens of wine regions offer hiking and biking opportunities, as well as new "favorite" wineries and wines to taste and discover. Below are just a few of the many opportunities to get out and active among the vines suggested by Wine Institute.
For more information on California's wine regions, wineries and wines, go to www.DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.
North Coast
Free Self-Guided Vineyard Walking Tours in Sonoma County Wine Country

Take a free self-guided tour with no appointment necessary at several wineries in Sonoma County, getting a healthy burn as you take in spectacular views. Stop in the tasting room to pick up a detailed walking-tour guide, with points of interest clearly marked along the route. You can finish at the tasting room and sample wines from the vines you just explored (tasting fee may apply). Tours offered at wineries including: Schug Carneros Estate Winery, Landmark Vineyards, Balletto Vineyards, Mauritson Family Winery, Stryker Sonoma Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Guided Sip & Cycle Tours of Sonoma County, Napa Valley and Carneros Regions
Whether amateur or pro, the landscape in and around Sonoma County and Napa Valley is breathtaking. For those who prefer a guided experience, there are many options for bike rentals and guided tours that take you to wineries in and around Santa Rosa, some with picnic lunches or with tasting fees waived. Vendors include Ace It Wine Country Bike Tour, Getaway Tours Sip 'N Cycle Tour (Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Calistoga, Carneros), Napa Valley Bike Tours, St Helena Cyclery and Wine Country Bikes' Cycle Dry Creek and Madrona Manor Tour Package (includes stay at the inn).
Hike or Bike Napa Valley on your Own
The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a 47-mile path for exploring the world-famous region by foot or pedal at your own pace from Vallejo's Ferry Terminal to the foot of Mount St. Helena in Calistoga. For a packaged but still self-guided experience, Clif Family Winery at VeloVino offers bike rentals through Calistoga Bike Shop. Start the day at the winery's Clif bar for an espresso and a map of the winery team's favorite routes. End the day with a food and wine pairing experience and wine by the glass at the lively tasting bar displaying cycling memorabilia or at the outdoor patio and wine sensory garden.
Sierra Foothills
Hiking or Biking the Sierra Foothills Wine Region

Just a quick day trip from Sacramento and Lake Tahoe is the Sierra Foothills wine region, which encompasses the great wine sub-regions of El Dorado, Amador and Calaveras. These regions have been producing wine since the Gold Rush days. Most of the grapes are grown on rolling hillsides at elevations over 1,200 feet above sea level – making for scenic bike rides and hikes. The El Dorado Trail boasts 28 miles of beautiful mountains and vineyard views. If you'd like to ride but want someone else to do the planning, Giro D'Oro Cycling offers weekend and five-day trips through the area, as well as daily bike rentals.
San Franciscso East & South Bays
Livermore Valley Wine Tasting by Foot, Bicycle or Train

First-time visitors to Livermore are often surprised at the numerous, closely situated wineries surrounded by open space and gentle hills of vineyards in San Francisco's southeast bay. Cycling routes are plentiful and winery and bike path maps are available through the Livermore Valley Winegrowers. A good walking route is on Greenville Road where six wineries are within less than a mile, including Big White House Winery, McGrail and Bent Creek Winery. Another good hike is on Tesla Road where walkers can visit Wente, Steven Kent, Page Mill, Concannon and Retzlaff. Niles Canyon Railway offers a laid-back way to taste Livermore wines paired with hors d'oeuvres. The wine-tasting trains run alternate Sundays in the summer.
Hike, Bike and Horseback Ride
through the Santa Cruz Mountains

Whether your favorite transportation is your own two feet, a bike or a horse, Fremont Older—a 763-acre open space preserve bordered by Garrod Farms Stables and home of Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards—is a great place to hike or ride. The oak studded hillsides are home to many native animals, from bobcats, coyotes and deer to a variety of bird species. Begin the trail in the Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards parking lot, and end in the tasting room for wines from their Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing vineyard. Horseback riders can rent from the stables and book a tour of the sustainable chardonnay vineyard and estate.
South Central Coast
Bike Tours from the Vines to Coast
in Paso Robles Wine Country

Named the 2013 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Paso Robles has a lot to offer the biking fan. Take a self-guided tour from City Park town square through vineyard country up to J. Lohr Winery for a tasting and return to City Park to enjoy more tasting rooms, boutique shops, galleries and wine-centric eateries. For guided tours, Paso Bike Tours offers several wine country tours, including "On a Mission," where guests bike to the historic San Miguel Mission, winding through the countryside past farms, ranches and vineyards. Or sign up with Central Coast Outdoors for a Pacific Coast / Paso Westside guided biking tour, where you'll pedal past stunning stretches of coastline and rolling hills and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local winery, followed by tastings at wineries, such as Lone Madrone.
Hike, Bike and Sip in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara, known for surfing and the "Sideways" movie that made the wine region famous, is also a prime hiking region. Work up a sweat on the seven-mile Reyes Peak trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Reward yourself afterwards by checking out nearby Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Cyclists also can sign up with Santa Barbara Adventure Company for a full-day wine country bike tour. Cycle through spectacular vineyards and ranches along Foxen Canyon Trail or Santa Rita Hills, stopping at notable vintners such as Zaca Mesa Vineyards and Riverbench Vineyard & Winery. Tour includes a picnic lunch.
Inland Valleys
Hike through Nature Preserves near Lodi Wine Country

Surrounding Lodi are thousands of acres of nature preserves, a paradise to avid birders and nature lovers. The Cosumnes River Preserve is a favorite among visitors and offers year-round hiking trails and an educational visitor center. Nearby is the interactive Lodi Wine & Visitor Center where you can walk through the demonstration vineyard, learn about winegrowing and winemaking, find out more about local wineries and taste Lodi wines.
Southern California
Hike, Bike or Jog through Temecula Wine Country

Just 90 minutes from Los Angeles and San Diego is the Temecula wine region. Several wineries offer opportunities to walk among the vines. Eco-conscious travelers may want to book a stay at The Ponte Family Estate which offers AAA Four Diamond, sustainable accommodations. The winery and vineyard are third-party certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program—one of the most widely adopted programs in wine for sustainable practices. The estate has 300 acres of scenic, sustainably-farmed vineyards, and is popular for guests who want to run, walk, cycle or hike. The winery also formed a marathon team of staff, locals and guests who meet weekly to jog through the vineyards at dusk. Celebrate your efforts by sipping wines in the tasting room or at the restaurant.
Photo Credit: seannaber via Compfight cc










Monday, February 16, 2015

Dry Creek Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon in Dry Creek Valley is relatively unknown. Dry Creek Valley is much more widely known for superb Zinfandel.
Surprisingly, the valley has almost as much Cab planted as Zinfandel. Conditions are great for Cabernet grapes with long days of intense sunshine that let the grapes ripen to perfection.
The 2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet has a flavor profile of bright cherry, but with undertones of spice and earth. As I sip the wine, I can picture the hilly, sun baked soil. The wine has an herbal quality as well.
The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 1% Malbec. It’s a winning combination, with the Merlot providing just the right amount of softness. We let the wine decant for about a half hour as we sipped and this is recommended as it really opened up.
This vintage was barrel aged for 18 months in Hungarian, French and American oak. The grapes come from vines that are 15 to 20 or more years old. While enjoyable now, this wine will only improve over the next four to five years.
Selling for $25, this is a solid California Cab suitable for entertaining, or relaxing with a loved one on a chilly February evening.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Château des Erles 2010 Cuvée des Ardoises, Fitou


This bottle may be the most interesting one I plucked from the recent clearance at Andersons. It hails from a previously unknown to me wine district, Fitou, which is located in the huge Languedoc region in southern France.
Fitou is located next to the better known Corbieres. It focuses strictly on red wine. That’s just fine with me.
Cuvée des Ardoises is the deuxième vin (or second wine) of Château des Erles. It is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre. The vineyard is on steep, hilly, irregular terrain with soil of slate and schist. Ardoises is French for schist, a type of metamorphic rock. (That’s your geology lesson for today!)
This is a deep, opaque wine. It is aged in Bordeaux casks, so it has very firm tannins. It takes a while to unwind, but when it does, it’s very enjoyable.
In the Mediterranean area, the use the term “garrigue” to describe an herby, grassy quality in the wine. The Cuvée des Ardoises has garrigue in addition to a rich, robust flavor of dark fruits and spice.
As an under $20 purchase, this is a great buy. It’s more hearty than many Grenache/Syrah blends – and a bit mysterious too. I like it, and I’m sure you will like it Fitou.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Domaine des Cassagnoles 2013 Reserve Selection Cuvée Gros Manseng, Cotes de Gascogne


This low-priced French gem was procured at Morgan & York in Ann Arbor for about $12. We’re always on the lookout for interesting whites and this was recommended by a staff member.
Cotes de Gascogne is a wine growing district in Gascony in the southwest of France. The region is known mostly for its white wines.
Our initial tasting reaction is that this offers all the fruit notes of a Sauvignon Blanc without the mind-bending acidity. This is a nice and easy sipper.
The flavor notes are of fruit, fresh flowers and apricot. It is medium bodied with a fresh and delicious taste.
At this price, it could be a “go to” everyday white. It will pair well with fish and poultry dishes.
I’m not sure what exactly makes this a “reserve selection,” but it certainly delivers on taste and value. It’s also an opportunity to check out Gros Manseng, an offbeat white that is work discovering.
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Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 4 of 5

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 11-14, 2015

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Wednesday, February 11
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Wines for Your Valentine: 1. Chandon Brut Rosé, 2. Romance White, 3. Fifty Shades of Gray Red Wine, 4. Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine. Nominal fee per sample or $9 per flight.

Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting. Come out with friends, have fun, taste good juice! $15 per person.

Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, 5:30 – 8 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting.

Thursday, February 12
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. More Valentine ideas: 1. Spin The Bottle – Chardonnay – USA, 2. Acrobat – Pinot Noir Rose – USA, 3. G Lionier – Cotes du Rhone – Red Blend – France, 4. Chateau Erles – Cuvee des Ardoises – Red Blend – France. Nominal fee per sample or $4 per flight.

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wine and Chocolate Night: 1. J Lohr Chardonnay & Pineapple Chocolate, 2. Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir & “Excellence” A Touch of Sea Salt, 3. Qupe Syrah “Excellence” Chili Chocolate, 4. Michael David Earthquake Zinfandel & Dark 85% Cocoa, 5. Justin Cabernet & Dark 99% Cocoa, 6. Machmer Gewürztraminer & Intense Orange Chocolate, 7. Gruet Demi Sec Sparkling Wine & Milk Chocolate dipped Strawberries, 8. Alvear Solera Pedro Ximenez Sherry & White Chocolate, 9. Graham’s Tawny Port & Milk Chocolate, 10. Rainwater Madeira & Chocolate with Caramel. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Weekly wine tasting.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, February 13
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles: Valentine’s Day Salute. 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. Romance is in the Air: 1. 2010 Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee, Sonoma, 2. 2013 Romance Viognier/Torrontes, Mendoza, 3. 2011 Folie a Deux Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 4. 2012 Taken Red Blend, Napa Valley. Nominal fee per sample.
Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-8 PM. Valentine’s Wine Tasting. 1. Te Amo Pinot Grigio, 2. Seducer Red, 3. Sensual Malbec, 4. Piquitos Moscato, 5. Batasiolo - Barolo Chinato. $15 per person. Includes, wine, cheese, and chocolate samples.
Saturday, February 14
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. A Study in Prices: $10-$20-$30-$40-$50-$60. A frequent question is “What do I get when I spend more on Wine?’ This tasting will walk you through the many classic price tiers and show how different prices allow for different qualities in the wine. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.



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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Up & Coming:
Friday, February 20 – Zinfandel Tasting. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Artisan pizzas to compliment the evening. Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Place, Maumee. $30 per person. Call to reserve your spot.
Thursday, February 26 -- “Zen and Zin” (1 hour yoga class followed by a glass of Zinfandel). Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar). 



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival Scheduled March 7th, 14th, and 21st

With cold weather comes the Ice Wine Festival, now in its 12th year. The festival is located in the Northeastern Ohio in the heart of the Grand River Valley Wine Region. The event will be held March 7, 14 and 21. Five area wineries come together to celebrate this golden nectar otherwise known as ice wine that can only be made in certain parts of the world. Not only is this wine unique but Grand River Valley ice wines have garnered top awards in international wine competitions.

The festival consists of 5 area wineries all within a 10-minute drive of each other. Each winery will provide a sample of their wines, an ice wine glass, and a complimentary appetizer. The event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m. The cost is $6 per person at each winery.
Patrons begin at the winery of their choice for this fun, progressive Ice Wine tasting throughout the Grand River Valley wine region. Participating wineries include Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards. Making this event a progressive tasting is one of the reasons the event is such a draw. Patrons will have a unique experience at every winery and will be able to see different sights around the area.
Many wineries have added “extras” for people to enjoy. Some of the extras include special wine dinners featuring local meats, cheeses and vegetables, ice carving, dog sledding, food demonstrations and several artisans. Most of these “extras” are free but some will cost the patron a small additional charge. In addition, many of the winemakers will be on hand for people to talk to and other wines will be available for people to taste.
"This year is especially exciting for us here at Debonne Vineyards," says Tony Debevc, President. "Our 2013 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine garnered the top award at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition being recognized as the sweepstakes winner for "Best Dessert Wine". In addition, our winemaker, Ed Trebets, garnered the same award for "Best Dessert Wine Maker". The festival provides a great opportunity for patrons to taste this award winning ice wine and the award winning ice wines at the other wineries as well.
Art Pietrzyk, owner of St. Joseph Vineyards, looks forward to the festival every year, "The Ice Wine Festival is a great opportunity for people to get out in March after another long and cold winter." He adds, "Ice Wine is unique and can only be produced in areas such as ours. Imagine that, a benefit from the cold!" The wines featured at the Ice Wine Festival are ‘true’ ice wines. The grapes are left on the vines at the end of the traditional harvest season and await Mother Nature to shift seasons from fall to winter. Once the grapes are truly frozen, and the temperature reaches 17 degrees or less, the grapes are picked and pressed immediately before they have a chance to thaw.
Out of town guests will be sure to want to check the local visitor’s bureau websites for places to stay the night. Since the Ice Wine Festival is in March, many of our hotels and restaurants are able to give top-notch service because it is a slower time of year and are able to offer wonderful amenities and are much less crowded.
In an effort to help the local food banks, the wineries are encouraging everyone to bring in canned food items for which they will receive $1 off at each location. For more information about the Ice Wine Festival call 440-466-3485 or visit www.wggrv.com for a list of details.
Appetizer Menu and Events
DEBONNÉ VINEYARDS: APPETIZER: Butternut Squash Soup with Diced Pears Sled Dog Demonstration all day Live music Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Field to Fork Progressive Dinner – each Friday evening. Call 440-466-3485 or www.debonne.com for more information on the dinner.
FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE APPETIZER: Chocolate Hazelnut Pursette. View our custom designed evergreen Ice Wine Queen. Live music Friday & Saturday evenings. Join us for our 3 course Wine Pairing Dinner.  Available Friday, Saturday, & Sunday all three (3) Ice Wine Weekends!  No Reservations Necessary.  Visit FerranteWinery.com for our menu. SPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON ICE WINE TASTING  Enjoy this unique and rare Ice Wine paired with Chef’s appetizer.  (small additional fee)
GRAND RIVER CELLARS WINERY & RESTAURANT APPETIZER: Blue Cheese & Bacon Mac & Cheese Featuring Ice Carving at 12 p.m; Delightful Soy Candles featuring Ice Wine Candles Ice Wine jelly samples and sales by Gathering Place; Ice Wine Marshmallow Roast All Day (small additional fee) Field to Fork Progressive Dinner – each Friday evening.  Call 440-298-9838 or www.grandrivercellars.com for menu or more information on the dinner. Live music Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30-10:30.
LAURELLO VINEYARDS APPETIZER:  Silky Chocolate Mouse with a Savory Crunch Topping Featuring Beach Glass Jewelry by Rita Burns. Art show by Carolyn Mandato featuring European scenes.
ST. JOSEPH VINEYARDS APPETIZER:  Apple Strudel with infused Ohio Maple Syrup Art Show Krzys Family Maple Syrup Demonstration













Monday, February 9, 2015

Justin 2011 Isosceles, Paso Robles

Justin Vineyards & Winery exemplifies the flavorful and robust reds of Paso Robles, California. I was fortunate to attend a Paso Robles CAB Collective tasting event last summer during the Wine Bloggers Conference. You can bet that I made a beeline for the Justin table.
The goal of Justin is to produce world-class Bordeaux-style blends. The limestone rich soil of their Paso Robles vineyards stresses the vines, resulting in grapes that richly express their varietal nature. The hot days and cool nights result in wines with great structure.
Luckily, all of the coolness of Justin – the soil, the old world techniques, the great terroir of Paso – all ends up in the bottle. Isosceles is a signature wine that in 2011 celebrates its 25th vintage.
We enjoyed a terrific meal with friends Larry and Donna at the Final Cut restaurant at the Hollywood Casino in Toledo. The service and décor are impeccable and the food is stellar.
Although we had a couple of seafood entrees in our group, we opted to “go big or go home” with this bottle of Justin Isosceles. The Paso style has bright fruit flavors and so it paired better with the lighter dishes than a heavy Napa Cab would.
The 2011 Isosceles is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. The wine has excellent structure without dense tannins. The profile is elegant flavors of black cherry, vanilla and red fruit with sprinkles of cedar. On the palate it is rounded and plush.
Isosceles runs about $72 (significantly more than that at a nice restaurant), but all thoughts of anything as crass as money melt away as you sip this divine bottle. The winery also offers some other entertaining blends in its Signature line that are worth checking out. There are lower cost options too.
Isosceles has now joined the ranks of our favorites. You’re invited to try it as well. We think you’ll like this angle on winemaking.
Rating: 5 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5

Friday, February 6, 2015

Refugio Ranch 2012 Viognier, Santa Ynez Valley


A few years ago Viognier was supposed to be the “it” wine. You know, like Malbec was for several years. A vino that captures the imagination of the wine-buying public. It never quite happened. Maybe Moscato took its place. Whatever transgressed, Viognier remains a favorite of mine despite the fickle whims of the world.
There are three reasons I really appreciate Viognier. First, it is a wine that can be expressive and complex. Secondly, my trip to Virginia a couple years ago showed the wide spectrum of what can be done with Viognier (it is their state’s signature wine). On the third hand, the Green Dragon, my wife and tasting partner, is not a fan of Chardonnay – especially if it is oaked. That triggered a search for interesting white wines.
The Refugio Ranch Vineyards 2012 Viognier is an example of a deliciously different white wine. It comes from the Santa Ynez region of Santa Barbara County. Rhone grape varieties are shining stars in this part of California. A mile of the Santa Ynez River snakes through Refugio Ranch bringing with it sandy, alluvial soil, and a natural flow of cool air combined with ocean breezes to create an ideal climate for growing white Rhone varietals.
We served the RR Viognier while enjoying a beet salad with friends at home prior to heading out to the Final Cut restaurant at the Hollywood Casino. Our guests found the Viognier surprising.
The nose is a fragrance of a flower garden. The wine was partially fermented in stainless steel to keep the fresh fruit highlights, but partially in French oak to impart richness. On the palate there are flavors of oranges, peach and honeysuckle.
Refugio Ranch Viognier is a refreshing flavor ride. It will pair well with vegetable dishes or salmon. There were only 250 cases produced. I happened to snap this up at only $18 online, which is about $10 less than SRP.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, you can find a delicious bottle of Viognier.

Rating: 3 of 5 Value: 4 of 5







Thursday, February 5, 2015

Kathryn Kennedy 2008 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains


Last weekend, we decided to slip out to visit an old friend – Zinful Wine Bar in Waterville. I happened to receive an email from Nick Kubiak, who now is the wine manager. Zinful is open on a limited basis after being closed for quite some time. Although they no longer have the restaurant, Zinful has outstanding wine – and Nick!
Zinful now offers a half dozen or so choices each of white or red wine (plus a nice selection of craft beer). After looking over the choices, and debating whether Green Dragon wanted a wine flight, I strolled into the retail area.
At Zinful you can purchase a bottle in their retail area and pay a corkage fee. This allows you to sip your vino at leisure in the bar area. With Ohio wine laws now allowing you to take your unfinished bottle of wine home with you, it’s a great bargain.
The inventory at Zinful isn’t massive in numbers, because they are actually trying to reduce the inventory size. It is, however, deep in delicious bottles. They have some sensational collector-caliber Cabernets.
This bottle from Kathryn Kennedy Winery caught my attention. I’ve had just a few wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains, but they left me wanting more. As I recall, it cost $33.
Santa Cruz Mountains is the first AVA in the nation to be defined by its mountain topography. The region produces outstanding Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Nick mentioned that the signature flavor of Santa Cruz Mountain wines is the olive flavor. True enough, the savory flavor of olives came shining through. This wine has incredibly smooth tannins and a superb symphony of flavors. It has blueberry, cranberry and a bit of dust in its profile.
So, on this evening we made a couple of great discoveries: Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet is outstanding, and Zinful Wine Bar is alive and kicking with some great bottles available. Plan to stop in.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 4-7, 2015

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Wednesday, February 4
Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Madison Street, (419) 243-6675. 6:30 PM. Uptown Wine Tasting.
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Jim's Picks: 1. Shaya Habis 2010 Verdejo, 2. Coppola 2012 Zinfandel, 3. Brancaia 2011 Tre Rosso Toscana, 4. Hypothesis 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. Nominal fee per sample or $9 per flight.

Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting. Come out with friends, have fun, taste good juice! $15 per person.

Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, 5:30 – 8 PM. Wednesday Wine Tasting.

Thursday, February 5
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Valentine Ideas: 1. Palmeri 2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – Stagecoach Vineyards, 2. Joel Gott 2012 Grenache – Alakai, 3. Molnar Family 2011 Carneros Pinot Noir – Napa Valley, 4. Biutiful Brut Cava – Spain. Nominal fee per sample or $11 per flight.

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. In Sight of the Andes – Wines from Argentina: 1. Maipa Torrontes, 2. Mapema Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Clos de los Siete, 4. Alamos Seleccion Malbec, 5. Zolo Cabernet, 6. Leo Premium Malbec, 7. Tikal Patriota, 8. Chakana Red. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. No tasting tonight.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, February 6
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Zinfandels: 1. 2012 Sextant, Central Coast, 2. 2011 Fritz, Dry Creek Valley, 3. 2011 Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice, Sonoma, 4. 2012 Pozzan, Napa Valley, 5. 2011 Wild Hog, Fort Ross-Seaview. Nominal fee per sample.
Saturday, February 7
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Rioja: Spain’s Classic Region. Rioja is one of the world’s most historic and important regions. Specializing in the Tempranillo grape, Rioja has been essential for putting Spanish wines on the international map. Rioja also leads the way by aging many of their finest wines to perfection in-winery before selling them to the public. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.



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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Up & Coming:
Friday, February 13 – Valentine’s Wine Tasting. 6:00 PM. Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Friday, February 20 – Zinfandel Tasting. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Artisan pizzas to compliment the evening. Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Place, Maumee. $30 per person. Call to reserve your spot.
Thursday, February 26 -- “Zen and Zin” (1 hour yoga class followed by a glass of Zinfandel). Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar). 

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

CORE 2007 Elevation Sensation, Alta Mesa Vineyard, Santa Barbara


This spirited wine from CORE Wine Company grabbed me from my very first sip. That was last summer in Santa Barbara at the annual Wine Bloggers Conference.
There was a special tasting event at the Sunstone Winery villa. During the sun dappled early evening, winemaker Dave Corey was pouring Elevation Sensation. The elegant wine put a stamp of perfection on a the scene featuring blue sky, golden hills, great food and new friends.
Elevation Sensation comes from a vineyard high atop Santa Barbera County. It is a Rhone-style blend of 62% Grenache and 38% Mourvedre. The Grenache means it’s ready to drink now, while the Mourvedre gives it aging capability.
I opened this after returning home with friends following dinner at Social gastropub. The meal was wonderful, but filled with the crazy energy and chatter of a hundred or so diners launching their weekend.
We were able to kick back afterward with the Elevation Sensation. Tasting Team member Cabinator noted the very deep flavor notes and said, “it is elevated all the way through.” Indeed, this has heavy accents of cola and raisin polished with some punchy fruit. Relaxed, yet powerful, this is a sensation you will not soon forget.
I purchased a pair of bottles online at $29.99 each. It’s a small price for the memories of last summer – and the creation of some new sensations too. I wasn’t surprised when the online offer quickly sold out.
The funky style of Santa Barbara wines is something I truly appreciate. They deliver Rhone-style wines with a California twist. CORE Winery is one to watch – and you can begin your experience with Elevation Sensation.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 4 of 5

Monday, February 2, 2015

Ravines 2013 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes

For many years it has seemed that Finger Lakes wine was an insider secret. Incredible whites, especially Riesling, and Cabernet Franc at practically a song. But to experience them, in most cases, you have to travel to upstate New York.

The word is getting out – and that is a good thing for the wineries of our favorite region. It also makes possible pleasant surprises like a recent one in Philadelphia.

I had arranged an executive board dinner at Fork, a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant headed by Chef Eli Kulp. Upon scanning the wine list, I was tickled to find this 2013 Dry Riesling from one of our favorite producers, Ravines Wine Cellars.

Ravines is a family-owned winery nestled on a scenic hillside overlooking Seneca Lake. Not only do they knock it out of the ballpark with their Riesling, but their Cabernet Franc and Meritage are noteworthy as well. They secured a warm spot in our heart during our first visit, when we straggled in during a rain storm and then were treated to a stratospheric tasting paired with chocolate while we enjoyed a perfect view of the lake.

I opted for the Ravines Dry Riesling for our first course, a choice of kale salad (with burnt honey vinegar, pecorino and ginger crème fraiche), scallop crudo with fermented parsley, or spruce smoked yellow beets with poached oysters, horseradish and green juniper. We had three entrée selections: arctic char, NY strip steak or charred cauliflower “steak.” For those choosing the NY strip, I selected a nice French Chinon.

The Ravines was a superb introduction for my board members who hadn’t tried Finger Lakes Riesling. The grapes come from White Springs, 16 Falls and Hobbit Hollow vineyards. The wine is a very food-friendly 12.5% alcohol.

The wine is dry at 0.4% residual sugar and aging on the lees provides a gentle rounded texture. The flavors are delicate citrus, white flowers and apple. The trademark minerality and ample acidity keep it fresh and lively.

With outstanding quality like this bottle from Ravines, I won’t be surprised the next time I see Finger Lakes on the wine list at a fine restaurant in a major city. Kudos.

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 5 of 5 (based on $17.95 SRP)