Monday, February 29, 2016

Tercero Wines Delivery Artistry With Rhone Grape Varieties


Rhone style wines have a firmly planted home in California’s Santa Barbara County. Tercero Wines is one of the leaders of the pack.

Rhones Crafted With Care


After years of working in the educational and trade publishing industry, Larry Schaffer decided it was time for a change. After delving into winemaking and spending a stint as enologist for Fess Parker Winery, Larry launched Tercero Wines in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Larry has a passion for grapes from the Rhone region in France. Santa Barbara County may be the best place in the US to grown Rhone varieties and his artistry shines through in each bottle. The Tercero wines we recently sampled offered refined flavors, great balance and an artistic style.

A Tasting With Tapas


For the trio of Tercero wines, Green Dragon prepared a four-course tapas style meal. The first wine of the evening was the 2013 Tercero Grenache Blanc paired crab cakes.

Although the white Grenache variety isn’t as widely planted as the red, its vines are plentiful in Spain and France. It’s also a popular white wine choice in Santa Barbara County.

This Grenache Blanc shows a brightness with solid acidity. It is balanced and offers notes of citrus. It’s not a fruit bomb and there’s no noticeable oak.

“When I taste wines with too much oak, I often wonder what they are hiding,” said Larry. He adds that he doesn’t want to hide anything.

Grenache Goodness


Grenache (along with Syrah) is the key to the Rhone-style wines loved by aficionados. Would the 2010 Tercero Larner Vineyard Grenache be able to “hang” with high quality French wines?

The answer was a gratifying “yes.” The Grenache accompanied the next dish:  roasted carrots and shallots with oil-cured olives and Gremolata.

The Larner Vineyard is the southernmost vineyard in Ballard Canyon, which recently because its own AVA. The vineyard also produces grapes for Jaffurs, which is one of our favorites.

This wine is what Grenache is all about. Sorry about this, Cab lovers, but Grenache can display finesse rarely approached by Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tercero Grenache is bright and balanced with light, ripe berry flavor.

Our next tapas arrived (the Green Dragon was outdoing herself!). We enjoyed sautéed chorizo with Grenache sauce while making the transition from Grenache to our final wine.

Cuvée Does the Loco-Motion


We had been decanting the 2010 Cuvée Loco for more than an hour and it was time to taste the goods. The Cuvée is also from the Larner Vineyard and is a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 25% Syrah.

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While I was still reveling in the Grenache, the Green Dragon and our friend Maria proclaimed Cuvée Loco as the best wine of the evening. Our final course was a NY strip steak with southwestern peppers and chorizo butter. No doubt the pairing was sensational.

The Tercero GSM was velvety on the tongue and offered a berry-driven lushness. Cuvée Loco also has a degree of heartiness beyond the Grenache alone, courtesy of the Syrah, which adds earthiness.

Our wine dinner concluded a month-long “tour” of the wines of Santa Barbara County. The Tercero tasting room in quaint and funky Los Olivos is certainly on our list for our next visit there. The wines tasted are affordable ($25 for the white, $35 for the reds) gems we can heartily recommend for your dinner table.

Full Disclosure: These wines were provided as marketing samples.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Get Ready To Celebrate: Open That Bottle Night Scheduled Feb. 27


Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 27. That's the date for Open That Bottle Night.
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!

We love the concept of Open That Bottle Night. It’s a once-a-year excuse to unshackle that special bottle you’ve been saving and savor it – no need to wait for a 25th anniversary, new job or significant birthday. Celebrate the here and now, or as an artist friend of mine likes to say, “savor the moment.” It's like having fine china and crystal that never gets used because no occasion seems to be special enough.

We hope you use this opportunity to pop a special bottle. We’ll be celebrating in style at the Exchange Club of Toledo benefit wine tasting. Let us know about your OTBN bottle (click on comment below).

Cheers!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Survey Results: Wine Drinkers Are Diverse With Appreciation Of New Offerings For More Occasions

In a newly released survey, 35% of survey respondents classified themselves as “wine adventurers."



Frequent Drinkers Stick With What They Know


Whether it’s relaxing at home, dining out at a restaurant or celebrating with friends and family, Americans are enjoying wine at a wider variety of occasions than ever before. The 2015 Gallo Consumer Wine Trends Survey, commissioned by E. & J. Gallo Winery, found that 85 percent of frequent wine drinkers now believe that wine is appropriate for casual and formal settings alike. The survey of 1,000 frequent wine drinkers between the ages of 21 and 64 is a follow-up to the 2014 survey of the same name, which aims to capture the current state of American wine drinking attitudes and behaviors.

The survey found that even while Americans are bringing wine into a growing number of occasions, frequent wine drinkers still stick to what they know. When presented with a list of 40 well-known wine brands across a range of price levels, respondents indicated that they purchased an average of 3.2 brands on a regular basis. However, Americans showed overall interest in a diverse range of wine styles, packaging formats and sizes and also shed light on their perceptions of wine and wine culture.

 

The Millennial Versus Baby Boomer Experience


An overwhelming 82 percent of all frequent wine consumers enjoy between one and five glasses per week; however, their experience varies significantly by demographic. Millennials are twice as likely to enjoy wine when socializing with friends (22 percent versus 11 percent), whereas baby boomers are fifty percent more likely to reach for wine during a family meal (33 percent versus 22 percent). Millennials are also four times more likely to often select a wine based on its label, more frequently looking for personality and originality.  Baby boomers, by contrast, often look to the label for information such as region of origin and product details.

 

Wine Tribes



When asked to classify themselves as a type of wine consumer, 35 percent of survey respondents chose “wine adventurer,” indicating a desire to explore options and to have new experiences with wine. Millennials were more likely to categorize themselves as “wine novices” (30 percent), while baby boomers often considered themselves “wine traditionalists” (27 percent) or “wine brand loyalists” (13 percent). Interestingly, only 3 percent of total respondents self-identified as “wine snobs,” making the case that most wine drinkers aspire to enjoy wine on their own terms rather than following a prescriptive set of traditional cultural rules.

 

Wine Fears Are Minimal


A new area of interest explored in the 2015 survey was common fears among wine drinkers.  Overall, frequent wine consumers didn’t claim to have many concerns; however, four in ten were frightened by the prospect of mispronouncing a wine’s name. Millennials reported a greater level of “wine fear” overall than older drinkers, stating that:  

  • 34 percent feel awkward when asked by a server to “taste” wine at a restaurant
  • 34 percent are afraid their wine selection will be judged by others
  • 31 percent feel uncomfortable talking about wine with others

However, 42 percent of all survey respondents acknowledged that wine is becoming less formal.  By continuing to remove these barriers from the category, the wine industry will welcome new friends and continue its expansion into everyday occasions.

 

Rosé Any Day


Almost twice as likely to purchase rosé in comparison to baby boomers, millennials are clearly driving purchasing trends for blush wines. Interest among rosé drinkers noticeably swells as early as April (42 percent), peaks in June, July and August (ranging from 70 to 75 percent) and holds strong through September (52 percent). This growing passion for rosé beyond the summer season is indicative of millennials’ interest in a more diverse selection of wine overall.

 

Portable Packaging


Portability and convenience were notable points of differentiation for a variety of alternative packaging options. In fact, 37 percent of survey respondents identified boxed wine as a convenient option and 54 percent would be open to using casual boxed wine as their “go-to” in the refrigerator.

Similarly, 32 percent of consumers recognized wine in a can as being portable and perfect for picnic or cookout scenarios in which bringing a bottle of wine would be inconvenient.  Among fans of alternative packaging, outdoor events remained the primary occasion for the use of these products, which include 187ml bottles (42 percent), tetra packs (43 percent) and cans (60 percent).

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 24-27, 2016

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Wednesday, February 24
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Dean’s Pinot Paradise Tasting: 1.Toad Hollow “Eye of the Toad” Rose of Pinot Noir 2013 (California), 2. Cloudline Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2013 (Oregon), 3. Anne Amie Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2013 (Oregon), 4. Bridlewood Pinot Noir Monterey 2013 (California), 5. Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2013 (California). $9 per flight of nominal charge per sample.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Thursday, February 25
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. More New Wines & a Vintage Port:  1. 2009 Piazzano Rio Camerata – Chianti – Italy, 2. 2013 Mauro Molino – Dolcetto D’Alba – Italy, 3. 2012 Domaine Virginie Thunevin – Red Bordeaux – France, 4. 2007 W & J Graham’s – Vintage Port – Portugal. Pay per sample or $13 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Fine Wines from Greece and Israel: 1. Alpha Estate Malagouzia White – Greece, 2. Skouras Moschofilero White – Greece, 3. Santorini Assyrtiko White – Greece, 4. Mt. Tabor Chardonnay – Israel, 5. Mt. Tabor Shiraz – Israel, 6. Tabor Adama Merlot – Israel, 7. Tabor Adama Cabernet. Nominal Fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wine tasting. Try making your own blends with six red varietals.

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, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-8 PM. Weekly wine tasting with Tricia Rasar of Vintner Select. Call for information.

Friday, February 26

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Around the world best values. Tricia Rasar from Vintner Select shows us which great wines from around the globe have the matching great price: 1. Marde Vinas Albarino, 2. Les Jamelles Rose, 3. Rios de Tinta Ribera Del Duero, 4.
Brouca Clos Sauveplane Mourvedre, 5. Las Liebres Bonarda. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, February 27
SPECIAL EVENT: 6-8 PM, Exchange Club of Toledo’s Fourth Annual Wine Tasting at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo. Wine pairings with delicious appetizers and silent auction. Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit area youth scholarship program. For tickets contact Gail Weller at (419) 343-2426 or gweller@nationalexchangeclub.org .
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Wines From Argentina.While we are south of the border, we might as well stop on the tour in Argentina, right next door to Chile. The wines from Argentina are also great values but also wines of character. Nominal fee per sample.
SPECIAL EVENT: Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-8 PM. Grand Opening Tasting. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be live music from Tim Oehlers, hors d’oeuvres and prizes.

 
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival Kicks Off In March



What’s the very best thing about our sometimes miserable winter weather? The rare and delicious treat of ice wine. In March some of the best in the nation will be featured at the Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival.

Five Wineries Join In The Fun


The 13th Annual Ice Wine Festival in the Grand River Valley Wine Region, located in Northeast Ohio, will be held on March 5, 12 and 19. Five area wineries in the Madison/Geneva area will come together to celebrate this golden nectar otherwise known as ice wine. It’s a wine that can only be made in certain parts of the world. These wineries have also won top honors in international wine competitions for these ice wines making them some of the best produced in the world.

The festival consists of five area wineries all within a 10-minute drive of each other. 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, 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.

 

Weather Extremes Create A Challenge


Ice wine is one of the wines that require extreme temperatures in order to produce. With the weather being so extreme the last couple years, the grape growers have had their concerns. “It has been a rough couple of years for these grapes and with the warmest December on record, I was glad to see the cold weather come to freeze the ice wine grapes. I would never think of saying that after the last two very cold winters", says Nick Ferrante, owner and winemaker for Ferrante Winery. Art Pietryk, owner and winemaker of St. Joseph Vineyards looks on the bright side, “Another cold winter in 2015 damaged some of the buds on the sensitive vinifera wine grapes and reduced the crop. The good news however; with a reduced crop load the grapes ripened early and were of exceptional quality."

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, area 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.

 

What You Need To Know


Participants will need to determine a starting point at one of the participating wineries in the Grand River Valley. 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 5:00 PM. The cost is $6 per person at each winery. 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.

Monday, February 22, 2016

LaMontagne Winery Producing Mountains Of Small Production Gems

The focus of LaMontagne Winery and winemaker/owner Kim Smith is wines of exceptional quality that represent the vintage and the place in which they were grown.

Climbing The Mountain


The name “LaMontagne” means the mountain. This Santa Barbara County winery has been on a quest to reach the mountain top of quality.

Winemaker/owner Kim Smith produced her first vintage in 2010 and each year since then her work has been rewarded with gold medals.

Of course, the proof is in the bottle. Her focus is keeping the wine in the barrel until it “sings.” We had the opportunity to sample the 2014 LaMontagne Marshall Vineyard Malvasia and the 2013 LaMontagne Sta. Rita Hills Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir.

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Ancient Grape, Modern Taste



Malvasia has been around for about 2,000 years and is thought to originate in the area around the Aegean Sea. Malvasia is primarily a white wine grape, but has many subvarieties.

It has been used to great success in sweet and fortified wines, such as Madeira. Perhaps because I had not sought these other wines out, my experience is strictly with the dry Malvasia wine.

For our tasting we had the LaMontagne Malvasia with garlicky parmesan shrimp. The Malvasia has a perfumy, floral bouquet, but in the glass it doesn’t overwhelm the senses. It is delicate with white flower notes, apricot and a slight nuttiness. The aroma is similar to Gewürztraminer, but not as intense.

This is an enjoyable, elegant white wine. It’s very well suited for those who want something different from their whites. Only 100 cases of this were made. It retails for $30.

Serene Sta. Rita Pinot Noir


From our visits to Santa Barbara County, we know that Sta. Rita Hills is home to knockout Pinot Noir. In the hands of Kim Smith, that is an understatement.
The 2013 LaMontagne Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir is a dreamy glass of Pinot Noir. Smith says that Sta. Rita Hills being a dead sea bed means so much more is going on in the bottle. We certainly found that to be the case. 




We paired the Pinot Noir with a pineapple, mushroom and ham pizza. To be honest, the Green Dragon makes great homemade pizza, but my focus was entirely on the Pinot Noir.

This is a superlative Pinot Noir that could age for several more years and become even more stellar – like an ingot of gold growing in value! In the glass the Pinot Noir shimmers with flavor notes of strawberry and rhubarb. An undercurrent of minerality is part of the package.

The Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot has a SRP of $55. There were 98 cases produced and each bottle is worth seeking out. LaMontagne produced four Pinot Noir in the 2013 vintage, using different vineyards or grape clones. It would be a delightful experiment to sample each against each other. We suspect there would be many arguments about which is the finest – but no losers in the end.

LaMontagne is a landmark mountain worth visiting time and again!

Friday, February 19, 2016

Zinful Tasting Boutique Plans Grand Opening In Perrysburg


Zinful Tasting Boutique, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, (419) 931-9946 is no stranger to area wine lovers. For many years the wine bar was a gathering place for aficionados when it was located in Waterville. Joyce Franzblau has a new location in downtown Perrysburg and area residents are headed there in droves.

Tastings are typically held on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, but you should check the schedule here (we run an area wine calendar on Wednesdays) and on their Facebook page. Due to some special events, the schedule will vary.

Tonight (February 19) there will be a special Winterfest tasting from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with Tricia Rasar from Vintner Select. A beer tasting will be held on Saturday. On February 25th, Tricia Rasar is back for a tasting.

The Grand Opening Tasting is scheduled 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 27. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be live music from Tim Oehlers, hors d’oeuvres and prizes. Anyone who has attended an event at Zinful knows that it will be exceptional!

The retail store has a fantastic selection of wines and the atmosphere is great.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Sparkling Wine And Glowing Reds Highlight Valentine Dinner

With Valentine’s Day falling awkwardly on a Sunday, the Toledo Wines and Vines crew cooked up a gourmet meal highlighted with a constellation of outstanding wines.

Who Needs An Overpriced Restaurant?



For Valentine’s Day, Green Dragon and I are probably like a multitude of other couples. I make dinner reservations – often at the last minute – we wait in line and then cram into a fancy restaurant. Since it’s so crowded the wait is often long and the service questionable.

With Valentine’s Day on Sunday this year, we took another approach. I play tennis on Sunday nights. So I assumed I would have to cancel or risk the rage of the Green Dragon.

I was mistaken. Green Dragon informed me that she and Glorious T, her buddy and a member of the tasting team, would make dinner. This would take place while the Cabinator (her husband who also goes by “Wine Sponge”) and I played in our Sunday night tennis ladder.
What a deal! The fabulous dining experience would be ready when we got back from the club.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net

3-2-1 Lift Off!


When we arrived home, delicious odors wafted through the halls. Garlic parmesan shrimp appetizers were awaiting. I had a couple of bottles of sparkling wine chilled down. We led off with the Chandon Extra Dry Riche from California.

Outrageously good! Creamy bubbles and, as billed, a rich goodness with a hint of sweetness. A shrimp and a sip of bubby erased all memories of any bad shots during the tennis match.

Since we polished off the Chandon before the first course – a delicious lobster bisque – I decided we needed a second sparkler. I opened the Dubl 2006 Greco Vino Spumante. This is a somewhat quirky sparkler with a burnished gold color and a smoky, citrus flavor.


In An Instant A Fumble And A Shattering


As I was bring the flutes to the table, I somehow batted the glass and it went shattering to the floor. Unfortunately, there was no one close to blame it on. Even my dog Amber was in the next room.

Thankfully we were soon seated and enjoying an incredible lobster bisque along with a salad with goat cheese crouton. Priceless! Somewhere someone was trying to cut a rubber chicken in an overpriced restaurant while we were dining like royalty.

As we transitioned to our entree, we popped the cork on the 2011 Soléna Guadeloupe Vineyard Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley. This comes from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA within Willamette and has a deep raspberry flavor with traces of vanilla and herb.

On To The Main Course


The main course was Chicken Cordon Bleu. Covered with panko, this was a delectable treat served with potatoes and sautéed mushrooms and a thick garlicky cheese sauce. The Soléna continued to rock as we talked and laughed our way through the entree.



The decanter was empty and it was time to open another red – this was a beautiful 2012 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc from Walla Walla. This was indeed beauty in a bottle with elegant aromatics with cherry, blackberry and even some mineral notes. It was Cab Franc heaven!
We finished with a fudgy orange cappuccino torte, which sent our taste buds into orbit. We then retired to the living room to chat, clink our glasses and savor the moment.

One More Wine Before We Go


It was then I made my second mistake of the evening. I asked the Cabinator if he wanted more wine. Turns out he had Monday off for Presidents Day, so getting up early the next day wasn’t a concern for him. “Sure,” he replied and I returned with a bottle of Efeste 2010 Upright Merlot from Washington State’s Red Mountain AVA.

I first learned of Efeste during my visit to Taste of Washington last year in Seattle. What an impressive winery. Upright shows what I love about Washington State Merlot – it has depth, it has character and if a wine can have gravitas, it does.

Upright has dustiness and flavor notes of crushed blueberries, coffee and vanilla. (That sounds like a pretty good dessert too – but this is a dry wine.) The evening sipped and slipped away.
A special thanks to our Valentines, Green Dragon and Glorious T. We love them almost as much as wine – just kidding, of course!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 17-20, 2016

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Wednesday, February 17
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Good Wines & Another from the Top 100. 1. Yalumba 2014 Vermentino (Australia), 2. Castello D'Albola 2011 Chianti Classico (Italy), 3. 1000 Stories 2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel (California), 4. Domaine Virginie Thunevin 2012 Bordeaux (France), 5. Hardy’s Whiskers Blake Classic Tawny (Australia). $7 per flight of nominal charge per sample.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. February 17 – March 2, Introductory Wine Topics Class. Three classes Wednesdays at 6:30. Class will be directed by a Certified Specialist of Wine implementing the curriculum of the Society of Wine Educators. Cost $75 through January 29 and $100 after. Limited enrollment.
Thursday, February 18
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. New Italian Wines at The Andersons Maumee Store. 1. 2012 Tenuta Iuzzolini – Ciro Rosso Classico – Verona, 2. 2013 Torre D’Orti – Rosso – Valpolicella, 3. Cantine Russo – Rampante – Rosso – Sicily, 4. Piazzano – Colorino – Toscana. Pay per sample or $6 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Our Annual 'Heart of Darkness' Wine Tasting. The darkest, boldest, fullest and firmest wines for the darkness of mid-winter. 1. Terredora Di Paolo Aglianico, 2. Altos Reserve Malbec, 3. Alto Moncayo Grenache, 4. Brandlin Cabernet, 5. Herdade do Esporao Petit Verdot, 6. Field Stone Petite Sirah, 7. Mazzi Amarone, 8. Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone . Nominal Fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wine tasting.

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, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, February 19

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Peek Into The Private Reserve. Join us with a Rep. from Small Family Owned Vineyards and taste selections from the Private Reserve Catalog. Not an everyday occurrence. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, February 20
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Wines From Chile.The wines from South America are some of the finest buys in the market today.Everything from the affordable to the esoteric wines from Chile are always a value at any price. Nominal fee per sample.

 
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

February 27, 6-8 PM, the Exchange Club of Toledo’s Fourth Annual Wine Tasting at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo. Wine pairings with delicious appetizers and silent auction. Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit area youth scholarship program. For tickets contact Gail Weller at (419) 343-2426 or gweller@nationalexchangeclub.org .

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Vaza 2014 Tempranillo, Rioja


Stuck in a red wine rut? Tempranillo is making inroads into the American market. Tempranillo wines are medium bodied wine, food friendly and affordable.

Better Than Beyoncé


This Super Bowl was a little different for me. I didn’t have “a dog in the hunt.” My team found dozens of different ways to lose games in the fourth quarter and was eliminated from post-season contention early on.

So, rather than a massive Super Bowl party, Green Dragon and I enjoyed this game from the comfort of our family room. We uncorked a great bottle of Vaza 2014 Tempranillo and enjoyed watching Peyton Manning shock the world.

Rioja Is Always A Winner


While the outcome of the Super Bowl was hotly debated leading up to the game, there is no question about Rioja. Some of the world’s best wines come from this winegrowing region in Spain.

It’s a pleasant surprise to find that Rioja wines can be very affordable and great values. The Vaza Tempranillo has a SRP of only $12. But it is as impressive as the Denver Broncos pass rush.

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Pizza And Tempranillo – A Winning Score!



For our Super Bowl noshing, Green Dragon whipped up two styles of mini-pizza. We had Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham and also a barbecue pizza with chicken and spicy sauce.

The Vaza is very food friendly. There are no heavy tannins. It paired very well with the pizza and also lends itself to fun, informal occasions.

It is refreshing and youthful and is awash with ripe, red berry flavors. Tempranillo and this bottle from Vaza, are great options for entertaining. If you are thinking of a Pinot Noir or a Merlot, Tempranillo is a good option instead.

For a little bit of spare change, you can enjoy wine from one of the world’s great wine regions. Viva Vaza!

Full disclosure: We received this bottle as a marketing sample.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

Kessler-Haak Vineyard Chardonnay And Pinot Noir A Harmonious Duo

Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines craft wines in the Santa Rita Hills region of California’s Santa Barbara County. Their wines are food friendly and speak of place and time.

Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulez!


If we can’t be in New Orleans celebrating Mardi Gras, the next best thing is to crank up a celebration at home with some good wine. We did just that with some N’Awlins-style food and a pair of standout wines from Santa Barbara County.

Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines is situated in the northwest corner of the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Fog rolls across the hills in the morning followed by crisp Pacific breezes and bright afternoon sunshine. Conditions are ideal to produce cool-climate style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

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Zydeco Sets The Stage


The joie de vivre is strong in New Orleans. There is a pulse of people, culture and energy. There is great jazz and blues and our favorite: Zydeco. The music is a Cajun blend of accordion, washboard and lively singing.

With the Kessler-Haak 2014 Estate Chardonnay chilling, we put on “Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot” by Rockin’ Sidney and Green Dragon started whipping up her shrimp Jambalaya.

For our meal we also had spicy Red Beans and Rice and finished it with a New Orleans style King Cake.

Cool Climate Chardonnay Rules


I poured glasses of both the Chardonnay and the Kessler-Haak 2012 Ohana Pinot Noir as the salad course came out. I began sipping the Chard and declared, “This is one of the best Chardonnays I’ve had in years.”

We’re not fans of buttery and overly oaked Chardonnay. I guess there is a time and place for it, but we’re fans of more restrained and polished winemaking.

The apple, pear and slightly nutty flavor of the wine was sublime. There is a slight whiff of oak, but it only danced around the edges of the flavor profile. This was a beautiful pairing for our shrimp Jambalaya.

This is an impressive Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay for only $29. It provided a perfect launch for our festive evening.

Pinot With A Great Pedigree


The Santa Rita Hills and Santa Barbara County have a reputation for superlative Pinot Noir. The film “Sideways” brought fame to the region even as it caused Merlot sales to plummet.

The Ohana Pinot was a winner right out of the bottle. The aroma of blackberry and briars was a signal that this would be a sensational wine. Ohana is a Hawaiian concept that means family – but beyond that it means that eveyone should remember they are family and need to cooperate.

We “cooperated” by serving up the Red Beans and Rice. The dishes we served were more driven by the occasion of Mardi Gras than us identifying the ideal pairing for Chardonnay and Pinot. But it worked!

Flavors of dark berries and juicy plum wrapped with the Ohana’s smooth texture. This is a wine that makes any occasion special and has the flavor to bring a smile to your eyes. It retails for $40.

Kessler-Haak wines exemplify the adage that great wine is made in the vineyard. Each day staff is in the vineyard working to coax the best out of the grapes. Harvesting the grapes at just the right time is key to success. The winemaking process is minimalistic, intervening in the natural process only when necessary.

Santa Barbara County is a wine region to know. Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines produces exciting wines to help you let “the good times roll.”

Full disclosure: We received these wines as marketing samples.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Chateau Tebeau: Ohio Winery Visit

Back in the 1980s Bob Tebeau was a home winemaker who created a humorous label. Little did he know that circumstances would lead him and his wife to create the real Chateau Tebeau.


A Wine Oasis


Last Friday we headed out to Port Clinton and Marblehead on a sunny winter’s day. We enjoyed a great visit to the Liberty Aviation Museum and on the way back made a special detour.

While we’ve tasted quite a bit of Chateau Tebeau wine at the Glass City Wine Festival and the Island Wine Festival, we’ve never been to the winery. Time to correct that!

The winery is located in Helena (population 224!) in Sandusky County, between Fremont and Gibsonburg. The Lake Erie shore is dotted with wineries, but not so in this part of Ohio. Chateau Tebeau is an oasis in a wine desert.

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A Good Choice For Sipping, Strolling or Dining


Mary Tebeau, who owns the winery along with husband and winemaker Bob, was in the tasting room when we arrived. We learned the winery opened in January 2010 and had a major expansion in 2012 when the old production area was turned into dining space.

The original vineyard had 300 vines and they have since planted another vineyard with three times the amount of vines. The winters of 2014 and 2015 were devastating to Ohio wineries. We were looking forward to trying some Chateau Tebeau Cabernet Franc, but alas, the bad weather meant none was available.


The tasting room is spacious, nicely decorated and – we understand – a fantastic place for a meal or to enjoy live music. In the warmer weather, guests can enjoy their wine out on the deck, in the gazebo or picnic area.

Growing Strong, Growing Local


The tasting menu is a long one at Chateau Tebeau. They offer more than 15 different wines ranging from the dry to sweet dessert wines. The wine list clearly shows which wines are estate grown in their vineyards and others that use grapes from other locations. All the wine is made on premises.

We began our tasting with the Traminette, which is a hybrid grape. Chateau Tebeau makes two styles, dry and sweet. Traminette is similar to Gerwurztraminer with a bit of spice and a floral aroma. This one had a semi-dry finish.

We sampled the Riesling next. The grapes come from New York State and this made for a pleasant wine with a semi-sweet finish.

It was time to move on to the reds. We began with the 2012 Noiret. Noiret is a hybrid developed by Cornell University. It was created to withstand cold weather and produces a light bodied red. This Noiret had a very cherry flavor and an almost Sweet Tart taste. We liked it!

I was looking forward to the Frontenac. Frontenac is another cold-hardy grape, this one developed by the University of Minnesota. Some hybrid grapes lack boldness, but not Frontenac. This wine had cherry aromas and tastes of leather and plum. This is very well done.

We finished up with the 2014 Petite Sirah. This was made with grapes from Lodi, California. Lodi produces some stellar wines, especially Zinfandel. This was particularly juicy and we recommend it when you visit.

Chateau Tebeau offers a beautiful setting for tasting wine and having an evening of entertainment. We particularly enjoy the estate wines, but a wide range of wines are offered. Although we sampled on the dry side, we understand the Harvey Schwartz Red is a favorite of those with a sweet palate.

You can find Chateau Tebeau wines at the upcoming Glass City Wine Festival and even in some Toledo area stores – but the best experience is reserved for visitors to the winery.

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Turning Wine Into Whisky In Australia’s McLaren Vale

Access to high quality barley and barrels and a variable yet temperate climate have distillers confident South Australia can emerge as a top-shelf whisky region.


By Andrew Spence

A $2.5 million distillery in the McLaren Vale wine region – best known for its bold shiraz - will begin operating this month with the aim of releasing its first single malt in about two years.
The McLaren Vale Distillery Founder and General Manager John Rochfort has moved back to South Australia after several years honing his craft in Tasmania, one of the premier whisky producing regions in the southern hemisphere.

His last role was as CEO at Lark Distillery ­– the gold medal winner for Best World Whisky at the International Whisky Competition in Chicago in 2014.

The McLaren Vale region, about 40km south of Adelaide, is home to the original Hardys winery, which has grown into a major international wine brand.
Rochfort said access to high quality local barrels was one of the reasons McLaren Vale was chosen as the site for the distillery.

“We’ve selected some incredible South Australian barrels with amazing history like a 90-year-old muscat cask that continually held muscat for the entire period of time – it was the same block of muscat every single season – and we’ve got our hands on some incredible port barrels as well,” he said.

“A lot of the vineyards are coming forward with their best, award-winning barrels saying ‘we’d love you to have them, please in four or five years when it’s ready can you spare us a bottle’.”
In recent years India and Taiwan have emerged as leading warm climate whisky producers while the southern Australian island of Tasmania has long been known as a hot spot for high quality single malts.

Rochfort said the distillery’s location in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges overlooking the vale was an “amazing climate” for maturing whisky.


“We get these really crisp, cool nights and then South Australian summer days and then in the afternoon around three or four o’clock we get these really nice cool breezes that bring it right back down so for maturing barrels and really getting the most out of the wood it’s an amazing location,” he said.

A malting plant will be built on site to allow barley from specific districts to be malted individually to make true single batch whiskies.

“What we’ve been able to do is work with farmers in four specific regions of South Australia – they each have their own climate that produce a different character to the grain.

“So by doing that small batch malting, every single barrel we put out will have its own provenance from the grain.”

Rochfort will work alongside his brothers Nicholas and Lachlan and father Christopher at the distillery.

They plan to mature most of the whisky in 100 and 200-litre barrels, but will initially use some 50-litre barrels to kick start the operation.

“Obviously with the wood to spirit ratios they will mature much faster so I would expect that in two years, two and a half years there to be a first release,” he said.

“We would like to think it would be a good rich, oily whisky, that’s got a lovely oily mouth feel and is rich with a really good palate feel, that’s the goal.

“We’ve already been approached by a couple of different countries putting their hands up for our first thousand bottles, which we haven’t even put down yet -demand is incredible at the moment.”

Output at the distillery, which has been helped by a $500,000 South Australian  Government Regional Development Fund grant, is limited because it can only   process 100 tons of barley a year.
“So we’re looking at around 20,000 litres in our first year growing to a maximum of 50,000 litres by year five,” Rochfort said.

The range of whiskies will start with the McLaren Vale single malt at $120-$150 through to the Bloodstone Collection featuring the “Best of the best” barrels from South Australia, ranging in price from $500- $1000.

“These are barrels that have previously won amazing awards – it could be a 1967 Grange Hermitage barrel – so when we get hold of these barrels we want their complete history from everything that ever went into that barrel, the dates of the fill, it must have only ever had the same grape variety from the same block in that barrel or we won’t accept it as a Bloodstone barrel,” Rochfort said.

“The grain must be specially grown on farms, it must maintain its provenance.

“When we bottle them, an original bottle of the muscat, or sherry or port or bourbon or whatever was in that barrel before we took use of it will be part of that box set when the whisky is matured. You’ll also be able to have a little bottle of the Mount Lofty spring water that we use, a little sample of the grain that we use for that particular bottling and some shavings of the actual wood from the barrel as well as the bottle of single malt.”

Rochfort said he was working with separate groups in three other South Australian wine regions – Barossa Valley, Limestone Coast and Clare Valley – who wanted to start their own whisky distilleries.

“We would really like to see the single malts representing the regions of South Australia because each region has its own special wines and grain growing abilities and to be able to produce a single malt which is truly made up of that region’s input is the goal,” he said.

About 45km south of McLaren Vale at the mouth of Australia’s biggest river, The Murray, Gareth Andrews has been running the Steam Exchange Brewery in Goolwa for a decade, where he now also distils whisky. He hopes to launch his first single malt towards the end of the year.

The G R Andrews & Sons Fleurieu Distillery is producing spirit for three established Australian whisky makers – including two in Tasmania – to help provide cash flow while its whisky matures. 
Andrews said South Australian distillers were beginning see the opportunities created by a global whisky boom.

“Globally, the whole whisky boom is on and people are looking for quality over quantity and they are starting to realize that good quality single malt whiskies can be made in other places than Scotland,” Andrews said.

“We’ve got the barley, we’ve got the climate, so everything’s good.”
Adelaide-based Southern Coast Distillers began selling its South Australian whisky in 2011. Jim Murray described one of its single malts in the 2012 edition of The Whisky Bible as "one of the most astonishing whiskies it has been my honour to taste".

Article courtesy of The Lead South Australia

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: February 10-13, 2016

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Wednesday, February 10
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Jim’s Wines for Your Valentine: 1.
Gruet Rosé, 2. Chateau Dutruch Grand Poujeaux Moulis-en-Medoc, 3. Lioco Indica Red, 4. Redhead Red, 5. Kopke 10-Year Tawny. $11 per flight of nominal charge per sample.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.

Thursday, February 11
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. More Valentine Ideas: 1. Dr. Deinhard – Riesling Extra Brut – Germany, 2. Wolfberger – Pinot Blanc – Alsace, France, 3. Tormaresca – Primitivo – Italy, 4. Ridge – Pagani Ranch – Zin Based Red Blend – Sonoma. Pay per sample or $10 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. 2nd Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Pairings for Tasting Event: 1. Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse paired with Sliced Apples, Pears and Peaches, 2. Schramsberg Brut Rosé paired with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, 3. Fournier Marsannay Bourgogne paired with Lindt Chocolate with Sea Salt, 4. Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel paired with Lindt 85% Cocoa, 5. Field Stone Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Lindt 70 % Cocoa, 6. Merkelbach Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese paired with Lindt Intense Orange, 7. Chateau Bel Air Sauternes paired with Lindt White Truffles, 8. Cossart Rainwater Madeira paired with Lindt Milk Chocolate, 9. Kopke Fine Ruby Porto paired with Individual Chocolate Cakes. Variety of cheeses and artisan breads. Nominal Fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wine tasting.

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, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, February 12

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Valentine Wine Selection Tasting. Emily Wagy with Tramante & Sons, LLC will feature selections that are sure to impress your Valentine and compliment your holiday dinner.Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, February 13
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Valentine Wine Tasting. For the perfect evening for your “sweetie,” we will showcase everything from that ideal Sparkling Rose to the dinner wine as well as the compliment to a fine dessert.

 
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

February 17 – March 2, Introductory Wine Topics Class, Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. Three classes Wednesdays at 6:30. Class will be directed by a Certified Specialist of Wine implementing the curriculum of the Society of Wine Educators. Cost $75 through January 29 and $100 after. Limited enrollment.
February 27, 6-8 PM, the Exchange Club of Toledo’s Fourth Annual Wine Tasting at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo. Wine pairings with delicious appetizers and silent auction. Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit area youth scholarship program. For tickets contact Gail Weller at (419) 343-2426 or gweller@nationalexchangeclub.org .

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Drone Launches Wine Flight In Search Of Santa Barbara Vino



Like thousands of others this Christmas, I received a drone as a gift. I’ve had a ball flying it – but this is my first attempt to pair my love of wine with drones…

And Now For Something Completely Different


Over the years I’ve enjoyed the humor of Monty Python. Their television show was a collection of madcap skits and often there was no segue – just the narrator intoning, “And now for something completely different.” Today I offer something completely different.

We participate on a regular basis in Wine Studio, which is a wine education program. This month the focus is on the glorious wine of Santa Barbara County. We’ve visited there twice, once with my cousin and later for the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference.

Wine Studio involves tasting wine while having a Twitter chat, which enables you to share your thoughts with wine lovers from around the country. A winemaker or winery rep typically takes part. It’s a great program and I’m looking forward to tonight’s session.

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Surface To Air Missile Of Wine


So, weather conditions were right for some drone flying over the weekend. Also, I usually take some photos of the wine we’ll be drinking in advance of Wine Studio. That’s called serendipity!

I set up the wine bottles and a glass for the photo shoot and then decided I should get some aerial footage from the drone. The result? You can judge for yourself. Please enjoy the cinematic excellence!


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Monday, February 8, 2016

Josh Cellars California Red Wines




Josh Cellars is the creation of Napa winemaker Joseph Carr. The Josh wines are sourced from vineyards throughout California and offer an entry level price.


California By The Bottle


Joseph Carr offers wines from Napa and Sonoma with sophistication at a reasonable price. The wines range in price from $20 to $40 and include some from the Rutherford and Combsville regions in Napa Valley.

In 2007 the Josh line was created by Joseph Carr. These wines are sourced from a variety of vineyards in the state and so carry the “California” appellation. The are affordable (in the $13 to $17 price range) and are widely available.

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The Crimson Duo



We had the opportunity to taste the 2013 Josh Cabernet Sauvignon and 2013 Legacy red blend. The Legacy retails for about $11 while the Cab goes for around $13.

The Josh Cabernet is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It is sourced from Mendocino, Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties.

This is a quaffing wine. It has a rich aroma of dark fruit and is juicy with blackberry and cherry. However, you shouldn’t expect a multi-layered taste experience at this price point. It’s one dimensional – but that dimension is satisfying.

The finish is short and the tannins are faint – making this a lighter bodied Cab. Like other red wines at this price point, it isn’t for aging, but for enjoying within the next year or two.

The Legacy blend uses grapes from the Central Coast, Lodi and Sonoma and Napa counties. It’s blend is 45% Merlot, 45% Zinfandel, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Sirah.

I had expected a Bordeaux style blend, but the Zinfandel takes the wine in another direction. The flavor is plum with a few notes of leather and nuts.

It took me several sips to decipher this wine. It’s an enjoyable casual wine. By that I mean it is light to medium in body without heavy tannins. No decanting or swirling is required to open up the wine. It can be enjoyed with or without food.
Guests will enjoy this from the get-go and at the price of about $15, you can afford to serve several bottles.

Uncork Josh for an everyday wine that enables you to sample California goodness with a down home price.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.


Friday, February 5, 2016

Buy Tickets Now For Exchange Club Of Toledo Benefit Wine Tasting February 27

It’s getting closer! Don’t be left out in the cold. Order your tickets now for the Exchange Club benefit wine tasting.

The Exchange Club of Toledo is a community serice organization with a long history of helping where it is needed most and lending a hand to area students. They’ve also made a name for themselves by hosting an immensely enjoyable benefit wine event.

On February 27, 6-8 PM, the Exchange Club of Toledo will host its Fourth Annual Wine Tasting at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo. The event will take place in the very cool Historic Lobby. Wine pairings with delicious appetizers will be featured along with a silent auction.

The cost for the event is $50 per person and proceeds benefit the club’s area youth scholarship program. In short, you can do good by having fun.

We’ve attended each of the previous wine tastings and have enjoyed the wide selection of wines and the chance to mingle in this very historic room. The Oliver House opened its doors as a hotel in 1859. It was designed by renowned architect Isaiah Rodgers and now has a place on the Historic Register. The Historic Lobby is a unique curved room with an elegant bar and high ceilings. In short, it is a perfect place for a wine event.

For tickets contact Gail Weller at (419) 343-2426 or gweller@nationalexchangeclub.org .


Thursday, February 4, 2016

Stag’s Leap 2012 Hands Of Time Napa Valley Red


Stag’s Leap Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon soundly beat the grandest French wines in the famous Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. The winery has never looked back.

Haunting Hands Of Time


I was back in California recently, this time to Anaheim for a business meeting. I had arranged a dinner at The Catch, an upscale seafood and steak restaurant.

For the evening’s wines, I had selected a Zaca Mesa Viognier and on the red side, a tasty French Gigondas. I almost spilled my glass when I was informed that they were out of the Gigondas and weren’t able to special order it. I regained my composure when the server said that we were upgraded at no additional cost to Stag’s Leap 2012 Hands of Time red blend.

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High Fives All Around


Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a superlative winery that earned worldwide recognition for California wines by stomping the French competition in the Judgment of Paris blind tasting in 1976. Today their Cabernets are extraordinary and Artemis and Cask 23 are close to the hearts of wine lovers.

Hands of Time is the entry level Bordeaux blend from Stag’s Leap. On the upper level, the label allows you to authenticate your wine. The estate tier of wines are all north of $100.

The good news is Hands of Time is a sensational wine. At about $30, it is loaded with Napa goodness. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot. This gives it a soft texture but enough structure to stand up to a nice medium rare filet.

On the palate this is juicy black cherry flavors with a touch of cedar and chocolate. The finish is fine and lingering. The bottle shows the image of a hand with palm outstretched. This prompted many of our dinner guests to “high five” the bottles for a job well done.

A Thoughtful Wine


When the “Hands of Time” unexpectedly shows up on your table, it causes you to reflect. On how time passes too quickly. On people and friends from years gone by. On the promise of tomorrow.

This is a wine well suited for “deep thoughts” such as these or just plain enjoying good food and wine. At about $30, this is affordable even after the restaurant markup. The Hands of Time may indeed move too quickly – slow them down and enjoy each second with this bottle.

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 5 of 5