Mumm Napa Brut Rose

I had every intention of posting this review after yesterdays tasting, but ... 

So, here's one last sparkling wine to consider for your New Year's celebration.  

Mumm Napa Brut Rose (formerly known as Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs) ($23) is from Rutherford, California.  It is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay.  The color is a very light pink. My palate just does not detect aromas and flavors in sparkling wine.  However, I can differentiate (flavor) between one that is bready/yeasty and one that is not.  Mumm Napa Brut Rose is not bready/yeasty and has lots of refreshing bubbles.  Although this is dry, it is not as dry as Gloria Ferrer Brut (reviewed on December, 26th).    

I tasted out both Mumm Napa Brut Rose and Gloria Ferrer Brut yesterday.  Customers enjoyed both and the favorite of the two was Gloria Ferrer.    

Winemaker's Notes:  Like an alluring rose, the radiant pink color accentuates this elegant sparkling wine, while displaying a wide range of red and black fruit tones, such as wild straw berry, bing cherry and dark plums. With its more robust quality, Brut Rosé is a wonderful wine with many kinds of cuisine, ranging from Thai to Italian. It is especially good as an aperitif, served with hors d’oeuvres or with a main course of steamed lobster.

Happy New Year!

Ruffino Prosecco and Riondo Prosecco

This year Ruffino released a new Prosecco.  With the holidays, and customers wanting recommendations, this was something I had to taste and review.  My personal preference between Cava and Prosecco is Prosecco.  On my palate, I find Prosecco to be less dry and more enjoyable.   

Ruffino Prosecco ($14) is from Italy and 100% Prosecco. Crisp and refreshing with a hint of lemon and minerality.  It was great with my appetizer of  arugala, burrata, and prosciutto.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Color: Bright straw yellow with fine bubbles.  

Aroma: The bouquet is fragrant and intensely fruity. It shows clean notes of apples, pears and citrus, accompanied by slight hints of hawthorn, wisteria and elder.  

Tasting profile: Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubble caressing the palate. Intense sensations of apples and peaches drive a pleasant aftertaste, that is reminiscent of fruity and floral aromas.  

Pairings: Ideal as an aperitif; it is very versatile as a food companion. Ruffino Prosecco perfectly matches with pizza, fish and shellfish dishes as well as white meat dishes. 

Best when young; drink within four months from the purchase." 

My favorite Prosecco has always been Riondo Prosecco ($14) reviewed on April 24th.  I  did do a comparison tasting between this and the Ruffino.  I was hard pressed to tell the difference, but find the Riondo had a hint more lemon on the palate.  I would purchase either of these in  heartbeat.  Resolving the dilemma of which Prosecco to buy would be based on availability and/or price (should one be on sale). 

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

The  other day the rep from my distributor asked me if I  ever tasted Jaume Serra Cristalino.  I said I hadn't.  She mentioned that at one of her other accounts it sells very well.  The next day in my trade magazine I read that Jaume Serra Cristalino has a 7% share of the imported sparkling wine market.  That's the same share as Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon (excluding Dom Perignon), and just 3% below Freixenet (which is my old reliable stand-by).  I also noticed the label had a disclaimer - "Jaume Serra Cristalino is not affiliated with, sponsored by, approved by, endorsed by, or in any way connected to Louis Roederer's CRISTAL champagne or Louis Roederer."  Besides, it's that time of year when customers ask me for recommendations on sparkling wine.  Based on all of the above, this wine was a must try.   

Jaume Serra Cristalino ($9) is a non-vintage Brut Cava from Catalonia, Spain.  A nice bubbly Cava and I felt I couldn't tell the difference between it and Freixenet ($11).  So, I had to do what I had to do and open a bottle of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (like I said, it's my stand-by and I keep it on hand in the house - I love to cook with it) and taste them side by side.  I must say they are quite comparable.  Hard pressed to tell the difference.  Not sure if I'll stick with my old stand-by or switch because Jaume Serra Cristalino is less expensive.    

Several of my tastings this week have been on Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and it sells quite well.

Winemaker's Notes:  Straw color, smooth and fresh aromas; fine and fruity palate with a dry aftertaste. Clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut

I did tastings every day last week (for Christmas) and will be doing tastings every day this week (in anticipation of New Year's Eve).  A lot of wine and a lot of customers.  Because New Year's Eve is synonymous with Champage (at least in my mind it is), I will try to focus on sparkling wines this week.  Today I'll review Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut.  

Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut ($19) is from Sonoma, California and a blend of 91.2% Pinot Noir and 8.8% Chardonnay.  A lovely, refreshing sparkling wine with oh, so many bubbles.  I want to say it even had a delicate flavor of Meyer lemon.  I tasted this wine last year and found it to be extremely dry.  This year was much better and more enjoyable.  A great sparkling wine for the holidays.  Customers enjoyed this.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Delicate pear and floral notes backed by toasty almond. On the palate, one finds lively citrus, toast and apple flavors overlaid with persistent effervescence, a creamy mid-palate and toasty finish.  

A tremendously versatile wine that is equally delicious with shellfish, crab, roasted chicken or sushi. Seasoning affinities include lemon grass, fennel and white pepper. Look to hard aged and triple crème cheeses with Meyer lemon compote for the cheese course."

J Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009

While shopping the wine section at BJ's I saw J Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles.  I do love a good wine from Paso Robles.  Plus when I visited J Lohr winery in May I enjoyed their wines.  This Cab was a must purchase and taste.  

J Lohr Estates Seven Oaks 2009 Cabernet ($11.50 at BJ's) is from Paso Robles, California. It is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Merlot, 2.5% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc. What a terrific jammy nose of black cherry and smoke, with a hint of cocoa and coffee.  The flavor was black cherry and cocoa.  Smooth and balanced.  This is a must have! 

Winemaker's Notes:  Aromas of black currant, plum and black cherry, lifted by a bouquet of vanilla, toasted pastry and spice.  Highly complimentary to a wide range of foods. Pair with a rich lasagna, roasted lamb, or a London Broil.

Pandemonium Red, 2009

A couple days ago, in my last post, I reviewed Pandemonium 2010 White and asked the question, "what possessed me to purchase this wine?"  I know what possessed me to purchase the red ... I was purchasing the white so I had to get the red too!

Pandemonium 2009 Red ($9) is from California; Lodi and Clarksburg.  It is a blend of Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  It has a great complex aroma of blackberry, tobacco, and charred wood.  The flavor is a hint of blackberry with tobacco slightly jammy.  Yum!  (Such as the wine term that it is.)  It is medium bodied. Low tannins and low acidity.  I enjoyed this wine.  For the price, it's a great everyday wine to keep on hand.

Winemaker's Notes:  Embracing its name, this wine shines through its unrestrained, unconventional blending of four red varietals. The rich spice and jammy flavors of Zinfandel mingle wildly with the dark cherry and blackberry fruit of Merlot. Zesty aromatics from Petit Verdot round out the palate while Malbec delivers a soft, silky finish resulting in a wine with intense fruit and depth of flavor. Each varietal is crafted independently to allow for the expression of its individuality and then combined to deliver a rich and smooth wine that only a little pandemonium could create.

Cranberry-Orange Mimosa

Just before Thanksgiving I found this recipe in my recipe box.  Not sure where I got it from.  I want to pass it on in case you would like to make it for Christmas.   

Cranberry-Orange Mimosa

Simple syrup:

2 c. sugar

1 c. fresh cranberries

1 c. orange juice

½ c. water

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cook 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher.  Pour through a wire-mesh strainer, pressing berries with back of a spoon.  Discard solids.

Refrigerate at least 24 hours.

Mimosa:

            To a champagne glass add ¼ cup simple syrup and ¾ c. sparkling wine.  Stir.

 

Enjoy!

Note:  If you enjoy sweet then the mimosa proportion of champagne to syrup (above) is perfect for you.  I on the other hand like it less sweet and changed the proportion to -  3 tablespoons cranberry-orange syrup and 3/4 cup Prosecco.  It was delicious for me and made my cooking in the kitchen more fun.  If you want it less sweet then play with the ratio of cranberry-orange syrup to sparkling wine. 

Pandemonium White, 2010

I had a 60-day trial membership to BJ's.  It was up this month so I shopped there like it was my last shopping spree.  I must admit they have an interesting selection of wines, albeit a small one.  I purchased a number of wines that I hope to review over the coming weeks.     

One of the wines I purchased was Pandemonium White.  What possessed me to purchase this wine?  The label?  The blend? The fact that I had a temporary membership to BJ's and was shopping like I'd never shop there again?  What ever the reason, I'm glad I purchased it.  

Pandemonium 2010 White ($9) is from California; Lodi and Clarksburg to be exact.  It is a blend of Chardonnay, Moscato,, Semillion, and Viognier.  What a pleasant surprise this was.  A refreshing aroma of grapefruit, peach, butterscotch and honey.  The flavor to me was reminiscent of Chardonnay and difficult to determine specific flavors.  Nicely balanced with low acidity.   A must try.  

Winemaker's Notes:  This wine has a great expression of fruit and depth of flavor. Each variety adds layers of fruit and presents a constantly unfolding aroma to intrigue the taster. The aroma of tropical fruit and pear are revealed from the Chardonnay and the Semillon followed by the floral scent of Viognier. The experience is capped off with notes of white peach and honeysuckle from the Moscato. The lush and silky mouth feel is developed by vinifying each variety as individual wines which allows each wine lot to reach its fullest potential before blending into Pandemonium.

Ménage à Trois Moscato, 2010

I have not forgotten about those of you who enjoy sweet wines. I tasted a Moscato that is new on the market.  

Ménage à Trois 2010 Moscato ($10) is from  Folie à Deux winery in California.  What a wonderful lush aroma and flavor of peach, apricot and melon. The mouth feel is substantial and not thin and watery.  There is a hint of acidity.   A delicious Moscato that is a must try for those of you who enjoy sweet wines.  The alcohol is a tad higher than usual at 12%.    

Winemaker's Notes:  Our Moscato blends wines from three different growing areas, each crafted by a different winemaker. Lovely floral aromas and luscious peach/apricot flavors make it the perfect Mènage à Trois!

Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio, 2010

I had the opportunity to taste Robert Oatley's 2010 Pinot Grigio during one of my tastings. This is 100% Pinot Grigio and from Adelaide Hills, South Australia.   It is a very simple wine with a lemon tart flavor and a hint of spice.  The mouth feel was thin.  Not a favorite of mine and it had mixed reviews from customers.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Robert Oatley Adelaide Hills Pinot Grigio is a particularly food-friendly style – medium-bodied, crisp and with a spicy aroma.     

Texture and structure are the hallmarks of our Pinot Grigio. We aim to capture the delicate pear, ginger and spice notes of the variety. Some parcels are fermented with more solids to promote palate weight. The wine’s natural partridge-eye hue has been retained in a wine that is crisp and fresh with the pure flavor of Pinot Grigio."

Cupcake Angel Food, 2010

After my review yesterday of Cupcake's 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, I could not wait any longer to taste Cupcake's Angel Food.    Oh, how enjoyable and different.  

Cupcake 2010 Angel Food ($11) is from California.  It is a blend - primarily Chardonnay and the remainder undisclosed.  The nose was all vanilla and ... I know you can't smell creamy, but that's what it felt like ... very reminiscent of cream soda.  The flavor was also vanilla with a hint of Granny Smith apple, plus a tad of oak.  It had a creamy mouth feel.  Acidity was medium and the wine was nicely balanced. The winemaker's notes are spot on.  This will definitely be one of my go-to wines for the summer.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Made with premium chardonnay grapes as a base, this proprietary white blend is luscious, aromatic and delightfully reminiscent of an Angel Food cupcake. Flavors of baked Granny Smith apple and hints of toasty vanilla combine for a creamy mouth feel that has become a signature of Cupcake Vineyards.  A heavenly pair with white cheddar fondue, pancetta wrapped figs or simply as an aperitif.

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, 2011

With all the wines I've been pouring for my tastings that have been on the upper end of the spectrum, I tasted out a Sauvignon Blanc.   

Cupcake 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($10) is from Marlborough, New Zealand.   This wine did not disappoint.  It was your typical fruit forward New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  The nose was a delightful grapefruit/citrus.  The flavor was a tad milder than the 2010, but still a bold grapefruit, lemon, lime. There was a hint of tartness on the finish which I attribute to a flavor of goosebery. I enjoyed it as did the customers. 

Winemaker's Notes:  This Sauvignon Blanc is reminiscent of a lemon chiffon cupcake. It’s made up of integrated flavors of Meyer lemons, Key limes and a finish that awakens the appetite There are hints of grapefruit, gooseberry and citrus, and comes together with a long, creamy finish.  Serve chilled with oysters on the half shell or with a rich, cream lobster risotto.  

Note:  Customers were all telling me how much they enjoy Cupcake Chardonnay.  This is one Chardonnay that I have to taste.  One customer told me about Cupcake Angel Food.  That I purchased and hope to taste and review soon.  It is a white blend and primarily Chardonnay.

Wild Horse Pinot Noir, 2010

Wild Horse 2010 Pinot Noir is wonderful!  I poured this at one of my tastings a few weeks ago and again today.  Customers love it.  

Wild Horse 2010 Pinot Noir ($20) is from the Central Coast of California and is 100% Pinot Noir. This was a light bodied, complex wine.  The aromas are dark cherry, leather, and oak.  The flavors smoke and tobacco.  Tannins are light.  A delightful lingering finish.  A must try. 

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available.)

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

With the holiday season in full swing I am tasting higher end wines.  They are great for entertaining, as gifts, and to purchase for ones self and enjoy.  Another great wine that I tasted out was Franciscan's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.  I enjoyed is so and it reminded me of my visit to the winery this past May ... wonderful wine.  

Franciscan 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($26) is from Napa Valley, California.   It is a blend of  80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.  In the plastic tasting cup I was only able to detect a nose of dark cherry.  However, the flavor was complex with dark fruit, and earthiness with some chocolate and oak.  The tannins were mild and this was nicely balanced.  Customers enjoyed this.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Deep garnet color. A luscious cascade of dark fruit, including black currant, black cherry, plum, and blackberry complemented by sweet vanilla and baking spices. Flavor is rich, round, and full-bodied; layered with blackberry, cherry, dried plums, and a hint of cocoa; generous weight on the palate and smooth, mouth-filling tannins; the finish lingers with flavors of rich cassis and black cherry.

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

My wine tasting last weekend included an upper tier wine from Robert Mondavi.  It was their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($28).  I'm not a fan of the lower tier Mondavi wines, but this wine was lovely.  In this instance, price does make a difference. 

Robert Mondavi 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot,5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot.  In the plastic tasting cup the only distinct aroma was dark cherry.  However, the wine was quite flavorful with berry and a subtle hint of coffee.  Mild tannins and smooth.  Balanced.   Customers enjoyed this.   

Winemaker's Notes:   This powerful, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of juicy black cherries and Italian plums, seamlessly transitioning to flavors of ripe dark fruit. Its rich, fleshy texture, lengthy finish, and impeccable balance impart a regal maturity to this wine that belies its true age.

Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc, 2011

I am not a fan of  Root 1 wines.  However, I do enjoy Sauviginon Blanc and the 2011 vintage is hitting the shelves.  With that I had to taste Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc.  Even though their other varietals are not my favorite I was not about to discount their Sauvignon Blanc.  Besides, I wanted to taste a Sauvignon Blanc that was not from New Zealand.   

Root 1 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is from Casablanca Valley, Chile. What a pleasant wine!  The aroma was a delightful grapefruit and grassiness, as was the flavor with a hint of minerality.  It was enjoyable to have a Sauvignon Blanc that was not your typical New Zealand fruit forward grapefruit, lemon, lime.  It was low in acidity and had a nice finish.  Crisp.  Clean.  Highly recommend.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Pale green in color, concentrated aromas with tropical fruit and citrus notes. Great acidity with fresh lime and grapefruit balanced by soft minerality on the palate. Bright and crisp with rich fruit expression and an elegant finish.     

FOOD PAIRINGS: Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing and pairs delightfully well with many types of foods. Try it with fresh summer salads, grilled oysters, or baked salmon. A great match with smoked ham and cheesy potato casserole, or lemon-herbed chicken with spring vegetable risotto."

Tomaresca Neprica, 2009

Tormaresca Neprica has been on the shelves at Fresh Market for several months.  It keeps selling out each time it comes into the store.  This was a wine I had to taste.  

Tormaresca 2009 Neprica ($12) is from Puglia, Italy and the Antinori Family (Villa Antinori). This is a blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo (Zinfandel) and Cabernet Sauvignon.  A jammy aroma of berry and black cherry with a hint of tobacco and smoke.  A flavor of tobacco and smoke with a hint of black cherry.  The finish is long and the body is medium. Smooth.  Low tannins. Nicely balanced.  I can see why customers enjoy this and why it always sells out.  The perfect accompaniment to an Italian meal.

Winemaker's Notes:  Intense ruby red in color with violet hues. Aromas of red fruits and black cherry dominate the nose, complimented by light floral notes. Soft and flavorful on the palate with balanced acidity and subtle tannins.

Fox Run Vineyards Riesling, 2009

The preparations for Thanksgiving are over, but the hustle and bustle of Christmas is now here.  It seems that I am going non-stop.  I have found so many wines to taste and review.  I have also had a number of new wines for my tastings.  Definitely - So much wine, So little time!  Let me start with a wine I purchased for Thanksgiving - Fox Run Vineyards 2009 Riesling.  

Fox Run 2009 Rielsing is from upstate New York, in the Finger Lakes region.  I had wonderful visions of a delicious wine.  A riesling would be a nice compliment to our Thanksgiving meal.  But, it was only a vision and in actuality this wine fell quite short.  There were no tantalizing aromas and a mouth feel and flavor of water.  It was very disappointing to all of us at the dinner table.  The winemaker's notes does not even come close to describing the wine we drank.

Winemaker's Notes:  Loads of tree fruit aromas, especially nectarine and tangerine, are found in this fragrant wine. The palate is perfectly balanced, with a soft yet zesty finish. The slight sweetness makes this Riesling incredibly versatile. Lovers of rich, complex wines will find this wine highly cellar-worthy.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay and Update on Big House Red

As luck would have it, after opening my bottle of Big House Red (which I reviewed on November 17th) I had a tasting with it this weekend.  WOW!  Customers enjoyed this and it flew off the table.  It wasn't as popular as Big House White (reviewed on November 10th) - which I might add is out of stock in the warehouse - but still a hit.  For $8 they are both good value everyday wines.  

The second wine tasted out, was Robert Mondavi 2010 Private Selection Chardonnay.  The grapes come from various growing regions 61% Monterey County, 33% San Benito County, 6% Santa Barbara County.  It is 98% Chardonnay blended with  1% Muscat Canelli, 1% Malvasia Bianca.  Their 2009 Chardonnay was one of the first wines I reviewed (March 20th).  All though the 2009 is a slightly different blend, I can say  the 2009 and 2010 are consistent.  Both are very acidic killing any flavor and shutting down my palate.  Not balanced.  Not enjoyable.  Customers did not like.  

Winemaker's Notes:  The natural roundness of our Chardonnay was enhanced by partial barrel and malolactic fermentation coupled with extended aging on the yeast lees, resulting in a luscious, complex wine. The nose reveals lemon blossom, pineapple, and peach aromas with smoky oak nuances along with enticing vanilla spice and toasty brown sugar flavors. The creamy, mouthfilling palate creates a lush impression and is balanced by a rich, lingering finish.

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Bogle Petite Sirah

Yesterday's tasting was for Chateau St. Jean 2010 Chardonnay and Bogle 2009 Petite Sirah.   

November 1st, I reviewed several Chateau St. Jean wines - Fume Blanc, 2009 Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, and Cinq Cepages. All were quite nice.  Chateau St. Jean's 2010 Chardonnay ($11) is no different.  As with the 2009, it is your classic chardonnay.  A hint of creaminess and lemon.  Balanced and easy to pair with food.  Customers did enjoy this Chardonnay.  

Winemaker's Notes:  ... shows notes of pear, lemon cream, and hazelnut.  

Bogle 2009 Petite Sirah ($11) was ... okay.  A hint of dark fruit on the nose, the flavor was light tobacco and leather. It was nicely balanced and the tannins were mild, but this was not a complex wine and very much one note.  Customers even remarked that it was lacking something.  I'd drink this with a casual meal - burger or pizza.  Not a wine I'd find relaxing and enjoyable while I'm cooking which is what I love to do.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Voluptuous and full-bodied on the entry, the heady aromas of black currants and plums awaken the senses. Lusciously jammy and inky in appearance, the concentrated fruit wraps itself around tones of pipe tobacco, leather and cocoa, to mesmerize the palate. Juniper and spice seduce the supple tannins, as this wine finishes long and lingering, but not before a final touch of acidity charms the balanced mouthfeel yet again.    

Try this unique wine with rich meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces."

Layer Cake Shiraz, 2009

I had the opportunity to taste Layer Cake 2009 Shiraz ($16).  This is 100% Shiraz from south Australia sourcing the grapes from McLaren Vale. Aging is 50% in new French oak. It has a fabulous and lush cherry aroma.  There is a flash of fruit and chocolate on the palate which is quickly overpowered by a lingering pepper finish.  The tannins are light.  When I do my wine tastings, I must say that this is very popular and a customer favorite.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Dark, dense and creamy, complex aromas of black plum, Bing cherry, blackberry and pepper merge with licorice, tobacco, mocha and dark chocolate. This is one inky Shiraz; an explosion of dark, super ripe, wild blackberry, with a touch of cigar box finishing with a mélange of exotic spices. A pure fruit bomb…complete from attack through a long, lingering finish. Chefs will save this cake for themselves

Big House Red, 2010

I opened my bottle of Big House Red.  
 
Big  House Red, 2010 ($8) is from California and like Big House White (reviewed on Nov. 10th) this is quite the blend -  27% Petite Sirah, 14.5% Syrah, 8.6% Montepulciano, 8.2% Barbera, 6.4% Nero d’Avola, 6.1% Tempranillo, 3.3% Malbec, 2.4% Aglianico, 2.4% Souzao, 2.3% Charbono, 2.2% Petite Verdot, 2.1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Tannat, 12.5% Other Esoteric Reds.  The nose is earthy and tobacco with a hint of blackberry.  Unlike Big House White there wasn't quite the "fireworks" in my mouth but the flavor was none-the-less enjoyable.  My palate tasted flashes of raspberry, cranberry and spice. Not quite the "fruit bomb" in the winemaker's notes. For the price, a nice every day table wine.

Winemaker's Notes:  "This Big House Red lives up to that old Fruit Bomb moniker that you’ve come to expect. It starts with a nose full of blackberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavors of cranberries, roses and a touch of rhubarb. This finish lingers, with flavors of vanilla and a touch of dark cherries in the finish.   

Food Pairing:  Big House Red pairs well with all grilled meats, lasagna Bolognese, grilled vegetables or even sashimi grade Ahi tuna."

Ace of Spades Champagne, Gloria Ferrar Va de Vi, and Zardetto

I'm going to continue one more day on sparkling wine.  Heck, it's the holidays.  

The other night I went to a bubbly tasting and tasted a variety of sparkling wines, Champagnes, and Proseccos.  Quite the experience and tons of fun.  Anyway, this wasn't an opportunity for me to take notes, but I did sip and savor.  Three bubblies stood out in my mind. 

I have always enjoyed (and still do) Domaine Ste. Michelle sparkling wine from Washington state.  I have now added a new affordable favorite to my list - Gloria Ferrer VA de VI ($22).  Very enjoyable and gave me an ah-ha moment.  I enjoy a sparkling wine that has some fruit on the palate and isn't all bready and yeasty.  Although I cannot pick out the fruit flavors this had an enjoyable hint of fruit with a bit of creaminess and a lot of bubbles.  

Winemaker's Notes:  The wine offers abundant aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear and Bing cherries amid enticing yeasty tones. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe peach, Meyer lemon, fresh berries and vanilla join with creamy textures in a lasting finish.  

The second stand-out was Brignac Brut Gold Ace of Spade (just over $300) from Armand de Brignac winery in France.  All I can say is move over Cristal!  This was marvelous.  Creamy.  Nice fruit.  Great bubbles.   

Winemaker's Notes:  “Armand de Brignac is a Prestige Cuvée produced in the traditional, old-world style, from grape to glass.  Armand de Brignac Brut gold is our flagship cuvée, a singular example of French Champagne tradition.  Marvelously complex and full-bodied, its bouquet is both fresh and lively, with light floral notes.  On the palate, Armand de Brignac has a sumptuous, racy fruit character that is perfectly integrated with the wine’s subtle brioche accents.  The Champagne’s texture is deliciously creamy, with great depth paired with a long, silky finish.  

Our Brut Gold is pressed from a perfectly balanced blend containing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier wine.”  

Lastly, Zardetto Prosecco Brut from Italy.  The nose on this was candied  apples.  Amazing.  The flavor was nice and what I would call a typical Prosecco.  It did not have a sweet or candy apple flavor.  

Winemaker's Notes:  “… scents of acacia flowers, wild strawberries and ripe golden apples.  Prosecco’s soul explodes in this Brut … It is crystal clear, with an effervescent white froth and a fine pearlage.  The flavor is delicately soft and harmonic, it has a clean and pronounced character and it lingers on the palate for a long time before entering the most pleasant memories.”

 

Sparkling Holiday Beverages

At Thanksgiving and Christmas I enjoy preparing beverages made with sparkling wine, Cava or Prosecco.  I find it very relaxing to be cooking in the kitchen with a little bubbly blend.  Here are three of my favorites:

Champagne Limoncello Cocktail

(Cooking Light – April, 2010) 

          1 (750 ml) bottle champagne or cava

          8 Tbl. Limoncello (lemon flavored liqueur)

          Add 1 tablespoon Limoncello to each glass (8 glasses).  Divide champagne/cava evenly among 8 glasses.  Serve immediately.  

Yields:  8 glasses  

Grand Mimosa

(foodnetwork.com – Michael Chiarello)

          ¼ c. orange juice

          ¾ c. champagne

          1 Tbl. Grand Mariner   

 

          In a champagne flute, pour orange juice and champagne.  Top with Grand Mariner.   

Yields: 1 glass  

Ruby Red Grapefruit Fizz   

(realsimple.com)

          1 Tbl. Contreau

          ¼ c. ruby red grapefruit juice

          ¾ c. sparkling wine

          Ice

          Over ice pour all remaining ingredients.   

Yields:  1 glass

St. Claire Mimosa

Saturday I tasted out something new, St. Claire Mimosa.  This is all the convenience of sparking wine and fresh squeezed orange juice in a bottle.  You just tip the bottle a couple times (do not shake) and pop the top (it has a bottle cap closure).  Who knew!  It's bright orange bottle is quite eye-catching and customers flocked to my table. 


St. Claire Mimosa ($10) is from St. Claire winery in New Mexico.  It is their Brut sparkling wine blended with  fresh squeezed orange juice.  Yes, it tastes like a mimosa.  A few customers commented that there wasn't enough orange  juice while others thought not enough sparkling wine.  Most thought it was great and it flew off my table. Personally, I thought there weren't enough bubbles.  This is easy-breezy for your holiday breakfast or brunch.  Personally, I enjoy Mimosas and other sparkling drinks while I'm in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.  (See tomorrows blog for those recipes.)  If  you want something quick and convenient, St. Claire Mimosa is worth a try.  

Winemaker's Notes:  The perfect brunch wine! Our Mimosa is the fail proof way to liven up your next gathering. We take lush, fresh sweet orange juice and blend it with our crisp, dry Brut sparkling wine to create a perfectly blended Mimosa, without the fuss. Just gently tilt the bottle to mix, pop the top, and your next Sunday brunch will be filled with a delicious sparkling wine that is lively and expressive.

Sofia Rose and St. Francis Red Splash

Last nights tasting was for two wines that I have not reviewed before.  Both were very enjoyable and customers loved them.  I almost sold out with the exception of 1 bottle each.  Dang! 

Sofia 2010 Rosé ($15)  is from Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma, California and a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache from Monterey County.  The nose is an inviting strawberry.  The flavor a hint of strawberry finishing with a mild spice.  This is semi-dry.

Winemaker's Notes:  Francis Coppola Sofia Rosé is a wine of unparalleled beauty. From its shapely, stylized bottle to its delicate fruity essence, Sofia Rosé is a wine like no other. When served chilled, its refreshing style makes a delicious partner to light summer fare and savory hors d’oeuvres.  

St. Francis 2007 Red Splash ($10) is from Sonoma, California. This is a delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Old Vine Zinfandel (the vines are 60 to 110 years old).  An aroma of dark fruit, the flavor is spice and blackberry.  Tannins are medium. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Full-bodied with ripe, red fruit character and spicy aromas.  Spicy and rich, this 2007 red is a winner.  This is a great everyday red that works well on its own or with BLT sandwiches, pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and ground sausage, or a blue cheese burger.

Note:  The Red Splash labels come in seven varieties of splashes.

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages and Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

With the holidays upon us I am busy doing tastings three times a week.  The wines I'm pouring are perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday meals.  Last night I had a tasting on two great wines. Customers truly enjoyed them both. 

Louis Jadot 2010 Macon-Villages  ($14) is from France.  This is 100% Chardonnay and is unoaked.  Yet again an aroma did not come through in the plastic tasting cup.  However, the flavor was spot on to the winemaker's notes - nice crisp, low acidic wine with a taste of green apple.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright and crisp with notes of apple; a classic expression of this Burgundy grape.  Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif or with shellfish, crab cakes, and goat cheese. 

I use to have a rule of thumb - I did not try wines from regions where the grape was not indigenous.  Having tasted Pinot Noirs from New Zealand ... I've tossed that rule out the window.  Pinot Noirs from New Zealand are marvelous.  The next wine I tasted out last night is no expection. 

Kim Crawford 2009 Pinot Noir ($19) is from Marlborough, New Zealand. It has a nice strawberry nose.  The flavor is also the perfect blend of strawberry and black pepper with light tannins.  This is a light bodied Pinot Noir.  

Winemaker's Notes: An enticingly aromatic wine showing notes of red berry fruits and dark cherries with the alluring complexity of well integrated oak.  Vibrant, fresh fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry underpinned by nuances of sweet, smoky oak.  Good firm tannins give the wine length and weight.  You can savor the wine long after it has left your palate.  Cellar up to five years.

Big House White, 2010

There are labels that will cause one to purchase a wine. There are also those labels that cause one  to not want to purchase the wine.  For me,  Big House White (and Red) were in the latter category.  However, Fresh Market had a great buy on Big House White and Red - 2 for $10.  At that price I had to taste it, not to mention that one of the girls I work with did a tasting on them and said they sold VERY well. 

Big House White, 2010 is from California and quite the blend of grapes - 22.7% Malvasia Bianca, 15.9% Gruner Veltliner, 15.7% Sauvignon Blanc, 9.2% Gewürztraminer, 7.9% Riesling, 7.3% Chenin Blanc, 6.1% Muscat Canelli, 5.2% Viognier, 4.5% Verdelho, 4.4% Albarino, 1.1% Pinot Gris - definitely non-traditional.  The aroma is fruity and floral; very inviting.  The flavor was like fireworks in my mouth. The stainless steel aging definitely let the flavors shine through.  A mild taste of Sauvignon Blanc, a burst of Riesling, a hint of Muscat, a tad creamy.  All nicely balanced, crisp and refreshing. Even at the regular price of $8 Big House White, 2010 is a nice every day table wine.  Definitely worth purchasing.  

Winemaker's Notes  (On their website it's called "Warden's Comments"):  "With a nose that carries the vibrancy of spring and white flowers and lychee fruit that surround the senses. The palate opens up to tropical fruits, dried apricot and white peaches. This wine finishes strong with a cleansing citrus zest that lingers.   

Food Pairings:  It’s quite possibly the perfect accompaniment to summer “chain gang” duties in the yard, fresh fish, Asian cuisine or even Sunday morning fruit salads."  

Oh, and take a look at the label.  It's a prison escape on the front with ransom note "writing" on the back.  I love the barcode.  It represents prison bars with a sheet tossed threw them for the escape.  Looking at it now, after tasting the wine, it's not such a bad label.   

I did purchase the red and will review that after I open it.  ENJOY!

Project Paso Sauvignon Blanc, 2009

Project Paso 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is from Don Sebastiani & Son's, Paso Robles, California.  This is not 100% Sauvignon Blanc grape and is blended with a small amount of Semillion.  A nice, crisp wine with the typical Sauvignon Blanc profile of grapefruit, lemon and lime, but also having a hint of green apple.  An enjoyable and refreshing wine.  

Winemaker's Notes: "Our Project Paso Sauvignon Blanc has classic varietal aromas of lemon and grass, with hints of honey and lime from a small percentage of Semillon. A white grape often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon lends extra complexity and a hint of richness to the mouthfeel. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon marmalade come together with the citrus zing of key lime and grapefruit, mellowed by green apple notes in the background. Great structure and length come from the integrated acidity of this wine, and the transition from sweet fruit to zippy finish is fresh and crowd-pleasing. 

Pair this Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc with summer salads and soft cheeses, such as a tuna nicoise salad or a goat cheese, watermelon, and greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Zesty goat cheese spread on a crust of fresh bread would also make a great match with the bright flavors of this Central Coast wine."

This wine also has the zork-cork.  Not a screw top, but no corkscrew required.  Just pull the tab and unwrap to the top of the cork.

Sofia Riesling, 2010

At one of my tastings this weekend I tasted out Sofia Riesling, 2010, Monterey County, Califorinia.  This is from Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma, California. A nice light, balanced semi-dry Riesling, the flavors were peach, minerality, a hint of honey and a finish of green apple.  I thought it was rather nice.  Customers enjoyed it and it sold very well.  Perfect for your Thanksgiving meal or holiday table.

Winemaker's Notes:  Our Sofia Riesling dazzles with full, ripe fruit flavors balanced by a vibrant acidity. Off-dry in style, this Riesling has an intoxicating perfume of pears and apricots, along with luscious flavors of white peaches, green apples, and a hint of pineapple.    

Customers loved the distinctive shaped bottle.  I must admit that I purchased this not just to enjoy the wine with my sushi, but because I wanted the bottle.  I've soaked off the label and put a pour  spout in it to use if for my olive oil.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages and Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent

With the holiday season just around the corner customers are beginning to ask about wines for Thanksgiving.  The Gamay grape is perfect for the holiday table; a light grape/wine with NO tannins (tannins are not in the DNA of the Gamay grape).  With that in mind, yet again, I had to compare two wines.  Both 100% Gamay, from France, from Louis Jadot.  One a Beaujolais-Villages.  The other Moulin-a-Vent.  So what's the difference in flavor? 

Louis Jadot 2009 Beaujolais-Villages ($14).  This was a medium garnet color.  The aroma was a hint of cherry with earthiness.  The flavor also a hint a cherry, earthy and a hint of oak.  A nice light wine.  Nicely balanced.  Definitely worthy of the holiday table and if you don't like tannins this is perfect for you.  I have done tastings on this wine and it sells very well.

Note:  I find it interesting that the Winemaker's Notes say, "gentle tannins" when tannins are not in the make-up of the Gamay grape. 

Winemaker's Notes:   Fresh red fruits on the nose with a hint of dark cherry.  Slightly spicy with a touch of grey pepper, liquorice and a touch of rose flower.  The whole wine is very well balanced with a nice acidity and the tannins presence on the finish invites food pairing with terrines, charcuteries, grilled red meat, white fish, cheese or simply as the sole wine of a meal. This wine is supposed to be drunk young although it can be kept easily up to 5 years or more. 

Chateau des Jacques 2009 Moulin-a-Vent ($18 Costco).  The color was a dark ruby red.  The aroma had a hint of cherry with earthiness and smoke.  The flavor was earthy and spice with a hint of oak.  Nicely Balanced.  A little fuller bodied than the Beaujolais-Village (with a richer aroma). This too would be nice for the holiday table.  Again, if you don't like tannins this is perfect for you.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent is a solidly structured, full-bodied, deep garnet wine which shows intense aromas of iris, roses, spices and ripe red fruit. The impressions on the palate are fleshy, velvety and tender, finishing with a firm acidic crispness and long, pronounced final. The wine approaches maturity in most vintages after six to ten years.

Red Diamond Chardonnay, 2009

Red Diamond is one of my favorite vineyards.  I enjoy their Merlot and Cabernet and recommend these to customers all the time.  I finally purchased a bottle of Chardonnay.  

Red Diamond 2009 Chardonnay is from Washington State.   The aroma is apple and herbacious, leading to flavors of green apple, vanilla and a hint of oak with a slight creaminess.  It has medium acidity and is nicely balanced with a long finish.  Perfect for pairing with food.  

Winemaker's Notes:  About 20% of the wine was barrel fermented in French and American oak; the other 80% in stainless steel. Aged for more than six months in those oak barrels, the result is a bigger and richer wine.  This Chardonnay is loaded with flavors of ripe honeydew melon  and spiced apples and finishes with a touch of creamy oak.

Wente Riverbank Rielsing, 2009

Wente 2009 Riverbank Riesling is from Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California.   A nice, crisp Riesling with a floral aroma.  The flavor is a creamy apple and spice.  A slight bite on the finish, but for the most part, nicely balanced. 

Winemaker's Notes:  This Riesling exhibits aromas of honeysuckle, lychee and fresh cut red apple, with a hint of nutmeg. The taste is crisp and fresh, delivering full, classic Riesling flavors of red apple and spice. The acid and the semi-sweetness are perfectly balanced for an excellent mouth feel. This intriguing wine is delightful as an aperitif or served with fruits, cheeses and a variety of light entrees.

Boglle Phantom, 2008

I had every intention of reviewing this wine the beginning of October when it was first released.  Well ... you can see how that worked out for me.  

Bogle Phantom is a single release wine coming into the stores every October.  It's release is anxiously awaited by customers and when the stores run out of their allotment it is not guaranteed they will get any back in (it all depends on what is available in the warehouse).  As soon as it hit the store shelves I purchased a bottle.  When I did tastings on it last month, it sold quite well. 

Bogle 2008 Phantom ($16) is from California.  It is a blend of 51% Old Vine Zinfandel (from Lodi and Amador), 47% Petite Sirah (from Clarksburg) and 2% Old Vine Mourvedre (from Amador) and aged 30 months in American oak.  The color is a rich dark purple.  The aroma is dark fruit, cassis, tobacco, chocolate, and cedar.  The flavors are earthy, spice, and chocolate.  A complex wine that is well balanced with mild tannins. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Phantom is back…Bogle’s apparition of fierce berry and sensual spice returnsto tease and tantalize. Notes of juicy boysenberry and black fruit are deepened with aromas of pipe tobacco and black pepper, while subtle hints of clove and vanilla softly envelop the palate. Intense and luscious, the rich character opens to reveal red fruit of spirited cranberries and raspberries. Over two years in 1, 2, and 3 year old America oak capture and concentrate the essence of the three unique varietals, creating yet another vivid and full-bodied red wine, impossible to ignore.

Though the wine is remarkable now, age in the bottle will only integrate these distinct varietals more. Welcome the winery ghost into your home again with this latest vintage, and enjoy with full-flavored and hearty meals…before it vanishes again.

Richmond Wine Excursion

I have been delinquent in reviewing wines and hopefully this review will partially make up for that.  I also hope that this is the start of my getting back on track.  I've been tasting so many wines that I have quite a few to review.   

I had the opportunity to pour at the first annual Richmond Wine Excursion this past weekend (Friday, Oct. 28th and Saturday, October 29th).  This was open to on-premise and off-premise people in the trade and the public.  I'm sure the cold rainy weather kept a lot of people away, but the those that attended seemed to enjoy the tasting.  It gave me the chance to speak with so many wonderful  people.  I poured six wines from Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma, California.  All were very well received.  

Chateau St. Jean 2009 Fume Blanc ($16).  First let me say that this is one of my favorite wines.  When I need a change of pace from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, or when customers ask me for a wine recommendation and they are not interested in Chardonnay, this is what I turn to.    

A blend of 89% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillion, and 1% Viognier, this is oak aged.  The aromas are a mild citrus and floral notes.  On your palate the flavors are citrus with a hint of apple.  Crisp and clean.  If you're looking for a nicely balanced wine that is easy to pair with food I highly recommend this.

Winemaker's Notes:  Vibrant aromas of fresh Asian pear, sweet citrus and jasmine blossom jump from the glass. The nose leads to a refreshing palate with distinct Fumé Blanc flavors of juicy fruit and floral notes. The addition of Semillion to the blend adds a sweet red apple flavor to this refreshing and crisp wine. The finish is long and clean with a lemon zest note.  

Chateau St. Jean 2008 Robert Young Vineyards Chardonnay ($28) is aged in French oak for 12 months.  This is a single vineyard Chardonnay (I do enjoy single vineyard wines). The aromas and flavor profile are true to the winemaker's notes.  I especially enjoyed the  honeysuckle and vanilla flavors with a hint of minerality.  There was a nice creaminess.  Nicely balanced.  Another wine easy to pair with food.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Fresh aromas of yellow stone fruit, lemon zest and hints of honeysuckle and vanilla introduce the nose of this single vineyard Chardonnay. A medium-bodied entry fills the mouth with notes of melon, clove and wet stone minerality and ends with a lasting lemon oil finish. The wine has a creamy texture with bright acidity, making this an excellent food wine.  

Chateau St. Jean 2009 Chardonnay ($16) is your classic Chardonnay.  Another nicely balanced wine.    

Winemaker's Notes:  Displays bright aromas of lemon cream, mango and notes of toasted hazelnut. This wine has a subtle elegance with a lingering finish.   

          In comparing the Robert Young Vineyard Chardonnay and the Sonoma Chardonnay, the latter has a little more oak on the palate.  Both very nice. 

Chateau St. Jean 2007 Merlot ($16) comes from various vineyards in Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Carneros, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valley.  This has a marvelous cherry aroma.  The flavors of spice with a hint of chocolate were on my  palate.  Mild tannins. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Aromas of ripe blackberry fruit, black cherry, cola and sweet oak spice burst from the glass of this wine. The bright fruit characters carry over onto the palate and mingle with notes of cassis and chocolate, helped by a small amount of Malbec.  An elegant wine and a good value. 

Chateau St. Jean 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16) is a classic Cabernet.  Mild tannins.  In all honesty, I was too busy enjoying the Cinq Cepages to pay much attention to this wine (or even the Merlot).  

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright aromas of blackberry, red currant, cassis and hints of cedar box are inviting on this Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is concentrated and structured with a plush fruit core of dark berry fruit. The palate is round and full and with a lingering finish. 

Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cinq Cepages Cabernet Sauvignon ($67).  Cinq Cepage translates "Five Varieties".  This is a Bordeaux-style red blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.  The aroma was blackberry and chocolate. The palate was  jammy with dark fruit, coffee, and earthiness.  Nicely balanced.  Lingering finish.  Mild tannins.  This wine was THE favorite at my table.  Many people had this wine before and were fans.  Highly recommend.  

Wine Enthusiast rated this 92 and Robert Parker a 90.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Cinq Cépages is the flagship wine of Chateau St. Jean. Each year, Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren selects fruit from the finest Bordeaux variety vineyards to craft a wine that showcases the best of Sonoma County. The primary grape sources for the 2006 vintage are Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Sonoma Valley. The Alexander Valley grapes highlight bright berry with back notes of dried herbs, while the Sonoma Valley fruit is from our home vineyard – the St. Jean Estate Vineyard – and brings black and dense mountain fruit to the blend. The Knights Valley fruit adds boysenberry flavors and elegant tannins.   

This is a classic Cinq Cepages with signature notes of blackberry jam, red raspberry, milk chocolate and violet. The palate offers a rich, dark fruit density surrounded by well-structured tannins. Layers of generous black plum and fresh-picked blackberries combine with notes of black tea and mocha. This wine has beautiful oak integration and a lushness throughout that leads to a lingering finish with hints of blackberry and clove.

14 Hands Chardonnay and Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel

What ever cold/flu was going around, found it's way to me.  Now that I'm back on my feet and can taste wine it's back to reviewing.  I'm going to get back in the swing with two wines from my tasting this past weekend.  One was the customers favorite hands (no pun intended) down. 

14 Hands 2010 Chardonnay is from Washington State, sourcing the grapes from Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley and other parts of Columbia Valley.  It is 89% Chardonnay blended with other aromatic varietals.   If you're looking for a creamy, buttery Chardonnay then this is it.  The flavor was a nice fruit and hint of spice with a little acidity.  Crisp and refreshing.  Customers enjoyed this wine and I sold out.   

I am a huge fan of 14 Hands wines.  If you try any of their varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Hot to Trot Red Blend, and Hot to Trot White Blend - you wont' be disappointed.

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright apple and floral aromas are complemented by light notes of vanilla and sweet butterscotch.  Juicy pear and apple flavors give way to subtle touches of toast and spice and ends with a soft finish. 

Four Vines 2009 Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel is from California with the grapes from Medocino, Amador, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Lodi.    The aroma was delightfully fruity.  However, on the palate there was something that "bit you back".   The mouthfeel was also a bit thin for a Zinfandel.  I did sell a few bottles of this wine, but for the most part customers did not enjoy.  I enjoy old vine Zinfandels, but this one did not measure up. 

Winemaker's Notes:  On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice.  On the palate, blackberry and  spice plum fruit with a rich mouth feel.  Big and opulent on the mid palate with plenty of structure, trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish.