In Vino Veritas

Leon Beyer - Pinot Blanc - 2000

2007-10-28T18:16:00.000-04:00

Another Alsatian. Another yummy try.

Léon Beyer, Pinot Blance, 2000. Appellation Alsace contrôlée. Mis en bouteille par Léon Beyer. Imported by HB Wine Merchants, New York, NY.

The Furst - Riesling - 2004

2007-10-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

One in a long line of Alsatian wines I've bought in an effort to explore the wines of our homeland. We weren't French. We weren't German. We emigrated via Austria to New York. I must admit...most of the Alsatians, including this one, have been quite delicious.

The Furst, vin d'Alsace, appellation Alsace contrôlée, Riesling, 2004. Les vignerons réunis de Kientzheim&emdash;Kayserberg.

Qupe - Syrah - 2003

2007-10-28T17:53:00.000-04:00

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Two bottles of this disappeared! Yum! Can't get enough.

Qupé, Syrah, 2003. Produced and bottled by Robert N. Lindquist, Santa Maria, CA. www.qupe.com

Black Opal - Cabernet Merlot - 2005

2007-10-28T17:49:00.000-04:00

Don't remember much about this one...we were several bottles into the evening by the time we opened this one. It was good, but hey, that's all I can say.

Black Opal, Cabernet Merlot, 2005. Produced and bottled by Black Opal Wines, Sturt Highway, Nuriootpa, S.A. 5355, Australia. Imported by FWE Imports, Napa, CA.

Sangiovese - 2004

2007-10-28T17:45:00.000-04:00

Sangiovese, dry red wine of Molise. Another Italian red table wine. This one did not have an aftertaste of band-aids.

Sangiovese, 2004. Produced and estate bottled by Di Majo Norante &emdash; Campomarino (CB), Italy. Imported by Winebow Inc, New York, NY.

Zolo - Malbec - 2004

2006-09-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

From a 3RD where we consumed a few too many bottles. Another amazing Argentinian Malbec.

Zolo, Malbec, 2004. Produced and bottled by Fincas Patagonicas S.A., Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Imported by Epic Wines, Aptos, CA.

Altos de la Hoya - Monastrell - Jumilla - 2003

2006-09-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

A jumilla from another 3RD. Loved it like all the rest of them.

Altos de la Hoya, Monastrell, Jumilla, 2003. Embotellado por Bodegas Olivares S.I. Product of Spain. Imported by Vieux Vins, Inc, Vineburg, VA.

Trapiche - Malbec - 2003

2006-07-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Another lovely malbec from Argentina. While we didn't have it with steak, we did have it with grilled burgers. It was an excellent complement to the grilled beef. I don't remember exact price, but it had to have been affordable otherwise I probably wouldn't have bought it.

Trapiche, Oak Cask Malbec, 2003. Produced and bottled by Bodegas Trapiche, est.: A-71058. Imported by Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd., New York, New York. www.frederickwildman.com

Sofenia - Altosur - Malbec - 2003

2005-12-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

This was my favorite of the three bottles from December's 3RD. I've never had a Malbec before that was unblended. Amazing. Utterly amazing. Another Argentinian success story. I will definitely have to try more Malbecs because of this as well as the Malbec/Merlot from Falling Star.

A redolent and colorful wine with an excellent smooth flavor. This is one to keep on hand.

Sofenia, Altosur, Malbec, 2003. Estate grown, produced, and bottled by Sofenia S.A., Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina. Imported by Tastings Import Company, Chicago, IL, 60607. www.sophenia.com.ar

Luzon - Jumilla - 2004

2005-12-22T09:51:00.000-05:00

A redolent red from Spain. Rich in flavor, a bit stronger than I expected. Definitely worth trying again (I've already procured another bottle). Affordable (sub $10).

Luzon, Jumilla, 2004. Estate bottled by Bodegas Luzon, S.L., Jumilla, España, R.E.-7263-MU. Imported by Cutting Edge Selections, Inc, Fairfax, Ohio.

Penfolds - Kalimna Shiraz - 1998

2005-12-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

An utterly enjoyable shiraz. Affordable. Is a blend from their various vineyards, but apparently predominantly from the Kalimna vineyard. When on a stocking-up trip recently, I saw there were a number of different blends, with a different dominant vineyard (Coonawara for example). I haven't tried a different blend yet. This blend was a flavorful smooth treat.

Penfolds, Kalimna Shiraz, South Australia, Bin 28, Vintage 1998. Produced by Penfolds Wines, Penfold Road, Magill, South Australia, Australia, 5072. Imported by Southcorp Wines North America, 60 Garden Court, Suite 220, Monterey, CA, 93940. www.penfolds.com

Francis Coppola - Gold Label Chardonnay - 2002

2005-11-27T17:53:00.000-05:00

Given my love of Coppola's Claret, I bought the Coppola Merlot and Chardonnay as well. I brought the Chardonnay to Nashville with us for Thanksgiving with my family.

It needed time to breathe, but it turned out to be a decent Chard. Better than a typical everyday or cheap bottle. Again in the 18-22 range, it could serve as a reliable mid-range chard. It went well with the turkey and the rest of the thanksgiving trimmings.

Francis Coppola, Diamond Series, Gold Label Chardonnay, 2002. Vinted and bottled by Francis Coppola Diamond Series, Rutherford, CA. www.niebaum-coppola.com

Francis Coppola - Black Label Claret - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2002

2005-11-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite wines, ever. It is certainly one of Coppola's best. Affordable at around 18-22 USD, and one of the best cabs I've ever had.

A bit dry, excellent balance in flavor, alcohol, and nose. I highly recommend this wine for a fine aged cheddar, or other cheese begging for a quality red. The 2002 is getting a little harder to find, so I highly recommend you pick up a few bottles for the future.

Francis Coppola, Diamond Series, Black Label Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Vinted and bottled by Francis Coppola Diamond Series, Oakville, CA. www.niebaum-coppola.com

Principiano Ferdinando - Barbera d'Alba - Pian Romualdo - 1995

2005-11-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

So Chili brought over this Italian Barbera for November's 3RD. I should say up front that there is a split opinion on this wine. Of the three of us that expressed opinions, there are three opinions.

First, my opinion. I found the wine to be strong, flavorful, and interesting. I want to say "spicy" but that's not quite the word I want. Anyway, my interest ended in the aftertaste, however. Because after I swallowed this wine, all I could taste was "band-aid." That's right..."band-aid." All I could taste was a disposable elastic adhesive bandage. Not my idea of "YUM!" or "DELIGHTFUL!" or anything of the sort. I immediately left this wine behind.

Chili and Keli expressed positive notes about the wine similar to my own. Keli and I tried for a while to find words to describe the flavor. She continued to drink it and try to discern its flavor long after I had decided "band-aid." She and Chili polished off the bottle. Keli agreed with me that it was indeed odd, and could understand my comments, but still liked it. Chili liked it, but said it wasn't going to go back on his "to buy" list anytime soon.

So one "Maybe," one "It's OK," and one "It tastes like a used band-aid." You decide for yourself.

Principiano Ferdinando, Barbera d'Alba, denominazione d'origine controllata, Pian Romualdo, 1995. Imbottigliato all'origine - Estate bottled by Azienda Vitivinicola Principiano Ferdinando, di Principiano Americo, Monforte d'Alba, Italia. Imported by Vias Import Ltd, New York, NY.

Handley - Anderson Valley Chardonnay - Estate Grown - 2002

2005-11-22T18:54:00.000-05:00

As a lover of chards, I decided to buy this bottle as part of my stock-up visits to my local liquor store. It looked interesting if unassuming, and the price was in my preferred range. We opened it with dinner (November's 3RD). Not your typical chard.

It had an exceptionally strong nose...almost overpowering. And it was strong on alcohol and low on flavor. Again not typical of the chards I've come to know and love. Letting it breathe for a while made it drinkable, but still strong up front with a weak finish. Not my favorite chard in the least. Not terrible, just not quite what I want out of a chard.

Handley, Anderson Valley Chardonnay, Estate Grown, 2002. Produced and bottled by Handley Cellars, Philo, California. www.handleycellars.com

Joseph Drouhin - Primeur - Beaujolais Nouveau - 2005

2005-11-22T18:47:00.000-05:00

A bottle from a friend for November's 3RD. A wonderful beaujolais. Will have to keep an eye out for this one next year. I may even stop by our local wine store for a bottle on the way to my Mother's for Thanksgiving. A flavorful beau...go for it.

Joseph Drouhin, Premier, Beaujolais Nouveau, Appellation Beaujolais Contrôlée. Mis en bouteilles par Joseph Drouhin, Négociant-Éleveur à Beaune, Côte-d'Or, France. Imported by: Dreyfus Ashby & Co, New York, NY.

Trimbach - Gewurtztraminer - 1999

2005-11-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

I had been saving this bottle for a while. Initially I had thought to share it with a friend at some shindig related to his wedding, but that came and went. I bought this wine since I had not yet had a gewurtztraminer, and this one is from the ancestral homeland, Alsace, France.

This is quite possibly one of the best wines I've had in a while. It was perfectly balanced, full of flavor, just sweet enough, just enough alcohol, and incredibly smooth. It went wonderfully with the port salut cheese and fresh greek pistachios that made up our afternoon snack. Delightful. I must find some more.

Combine the great wine with their (apparently) great attitude: "Enjoy Trimbach wines, with everything except ceremony." Rawk. Vintners after my own heart...

Apparently Trimbach is one of the most widely known vintners of Alsacian gewurtztraminer. If the 1999 is any indication, this is something worth keeping on hand. I bought this bottle at a neary wine shop, for around $15 for the 750ml bottle. That was on sale, so it may cost more retail.

Trimbach, Gewurtztraminer, 1999, Appellation Alsace Contrôlée. Mis en bouteilles par F.E. Trimbach a Ribeauville, Alsace, France. Imported by Seagram Chateau and Estate Wines Company, New York, New York.

Hogue - Harvest Red Varietal Blend - Washington

2005-11-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

This bottle was brought by a guest to October's Third-Thursday dinner party. I'm sometimes a bit wary of general affordable reds. But this one was exceedingly drinkable (as evidenced by me and Chili drinking most of it) with a good balanced flavor. It went well with meat, and oddly enough went really well with cookies. Cookies?! Not a dessert wine, but it complemented the sugar in the cookies quite nicely. We're such philistines.

Hogue Harvest Red Varietal Blend, Table Wine, Columbia Valley. Produced and bottled by Hogue Cellars, Ltd, Prosser, WA. www.hoguecellars.com

Bodegas Vinos de Leon - Tinto Lena - 2002

2005-09-26T19:20:00.000-04:00

A Spanish wine recommended to me on one of my wine shopping ventures. Moderately priced import (under 20 if I remember correctly).

This was the first bottle we opened at our monthly dinner party a week or more ago. It seemed a bit over-strong with the first sip, but by the second or third we began to appreciate it more fully. A good full-bodied red...would go well before or after a meal.

Bodegas Vinos de Leon, Tinto Lena, 2002. Elaborado y embotellado por Bodegas Vinos de Leon, S.A. Leon, España, R.E.N° 4160-LE.

Vina Borgia - Garnacha - Spanish 2003

2005-08-15T22:22:00.000-04:00

Finding Vina Borgia Campo de Borja Garnacha was the result of yet another North End Cafe cheese board adventure. My usual drunkard colleagues and I all agreed this wine kicked ass for being on their $15 list.

It was a very fruity red and was awesome with the assortment of cheeses we had (two of which were different blue cheeses - but I don't think they cater the grouping to the wine.). That's about all I can say to describe it, since my familiarity with Garnacha isn't all that great.

Limestone Restaurant has the same wine, same year, for $25 a bottle, (so don't buy it there!) :)

I have no idea which stores stock Vino Borgia locally, but here's the link to a site listing it for $7

I'm sure everyone already knows this, but Whole Foods now has a great little wine shop complete with organic wines, (big surprise). Here's the link.

Twin Fin Shiraz - Graton, California - 2002

2005-07-06T00:50:00.000-04:00

Wow!

I'm still a tipsy as I write this, but it is because of the wine I'm discussing, so I can do that, right? ;P

According to the label, this wine has the flavors of blackberry, red raspberry and crushed pepper. The label also claims it to be a wine that goes well with a fine meal, but is better at a cookout, bonfire or a night on the beach. The label has a lovely old red convertible sitting on the beach at sunset, complete with a surfer dude and his board, (that's what I call smart advertising!)

I loved it, but because I'm still under the influence of it, please disregard my dire infatuation for the moment. I can guarantee the following things: It was great from the first sip, and kept getting better; In each sip, you experience a strong flavor, then sweet, and then nothing. Its as if it just dies there on your tongue. Sort of... Flattens out, if you will.

It was tried with steak, chicken and white chocolate cheese cake, and it perfected the flavor of each.

We found it on the wine list at Ramsi's, but the label said information could also be found at twinfinwines.com

Cartlidge & Brown - Pinot Noir - 2003 California

2005-06-14T06:47:00.000-04:00

I think I've found a wine that is just as good if not better than the all-time favorite I listed a while back, (see Angeline.)

From the first sip - Utter divinity! Sooooo smooth and delightful. We tried it with smoked Gouda and some pepperoni/sausage slices. Together, the flavors actually made my toes curl! I will be purchasing many bottles of this in the future!

Its available at Old Town Liquors in the Highlands, and I assume any Liquor Barn or Party Mart too. I don't remember it being anymore than $10.

Folie à Deux - Ménage à Trois - 2003

2005-06-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

This is quite simply a lovely wine. Affordable. Reliable. And a wonderful flavor. Delightful. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this wine. It is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet.

And the name can make wonderful double entendre during the evening's conversation!

Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, 2003. Vinted and bottled by Folie à Deux Winery, St. Helena, Napa County, California 94574. http://www.folieadeux.com/

Windtree - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2001

2005-06-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

Was the first bottle served before last Friday's dinner. It was brought by our dinner guest. Not amazing, but not bad. A passable cab-sauv, but nothing that really made it special. I wouldn't go out of my way to find more. Probably in the 15-25USD range, from our guest's comments.

Windtree, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001. Produced and bottled by Windtree Vineyard, Healdsburg, CA.

River Bend Winery

2005-05-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

I swear I'm not on a local wine kick! This isn't so much a single wine, as it is an entire winery.

I was at an event at the River Bend Winery last night and got to try a few of their wines. The chardonnay was very good, as was the Cuvee Blue. I had a couple sips of their cabernet, and either it was really good, or the person originally drinking from the glass had some very tasty back wash. Ok, nevermind. I'll just say it was good.

I don't know what the years are on their wines, but there were around ten different varieties. The only other information I have is their address:

River Bend Winery, 120 South 10th Street, Louisville

(Its between Main and Market, just down from Caufield's.)

Enjoy!