In his introductions to his various wines, Mr. Sartori kept emphasizing the concept of terroir, and underscored the fact his winery had no interest in producing Merlot. fabulous experience today tasting the wines of Sartori di Verona at SD26, a fine Italian restaurant in Manhattan, where these excellent wines were paired with five courses.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2006 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. Chateau Rauzan Segla 2001 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 63.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.5%

Dinner concluded with Chateau Pichon Longueville 2001, very black and intense, with delicious notes of tobacco, vanilla bean, black current, and black licorice. Dessert was served with the delicious 5 Puttanyos 2001 Tokaji from Disznoko, AXA’s property in Hungary. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” Perfect Berries. The Lunch.

Two years in oak and five in bottle, mature and viscous with some sediment, unfiltered and unrefined with pungent aromas. range from raspberry to vegetal flavors, chocolate, coffee, sour cherries. Bought this bottle two years ago at a visit to Lenz Winery for a barrel tasting and laid it down for another two, $55

Dinner concluded with Chateau Pichon Longueville 2001, very black and intense, with delicious notes of tobacco, vanilla bean, black current, and black licorice. Dessert was served with the delicious 5 Puttanyos 2001 Tokaji from Disznoko, AXA’s property in Hungary. Visiting Pichon Longueville. That was my room). Perfect Berries.

You can read more about its history by one of my favorite Internet scribes, The Wine Doctor, here [link] Dinner concluded with Chateau Pichon Longueville 2001, very black and intense, with delicious notes of tobacco, vanilla bean, black current, and black licorice. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# The Control Room.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17.

Winemakers notes: A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

The Vineyard Today the vineyards cover about 70 hectares throughout Margaux with 130 separate parcels of vines, with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot. The challenge of the season was to preserve freshness of Merlot because of the high alcohol potential. Maturation on lees makes for a silkier wine.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

Now looking forward to 4 day trip to New York City and some Long Island Merlots and some more Hudson Valley wines. To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Brotherhood also happens to be America's oldest winery.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

"2001," I say, even though the other wine journalists around the table have guessed vintages as late as 2006 because of the vibrant dark color (wine becomes more pale with age) and fresh acidity. The Vineyard has a density of vines per hectare 10.000, with 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

75% Sangiovese (Minimum required by DOCG), plus 25% other varieties like Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame Toscana IGT 2004 60% Colorino, 40% Merlot, this one being my favorite of the day. Superiore rules require yields 10% lower than Chianti Classico. Violets, plums, spices with herbal notes.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Winemakers notes: This dynamic duo combines the brawn of Cabernet Sauvignon and the suppleness of Merlot. So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili.

John Casella : CEO of Casella Wines, which launched now ubiquitous [yellow tail] in June 2001. Paul Giamatti : played role of Miles in Sideways (2004); crushed the fortunes of Merlot with a single line while the film boosted interest in Pinot Noir. Now it’s voting time! You can only vote for one person.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds.

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table.

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. hope I never get to that point in my lifetime. don't hide the fact that in the past two years I have fallen in love with wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York. have my favorite Finger Lakes wineries and my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Such is the case today!

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

I 'm currently making room in my wine cooler for a recent large quantity buy, so I pulled out a Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Riserva for a pizza dinner tonight. had this wine about four years ago and wasn't fully impressed at that time, but thought I'd give it another chance and the price was right. Turned out to be a good move.

One of the problems with bringing home lots of wine from a Finger Lakes wine tour is deciding which ones to try first. Shirley helps make that decision easier by planning some meals ahead of time or by just giving me a warning of what's on the menu for the night. Sometimes though, it can be challenging choosing the right wine for the meal.

OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Oh yeah, for those who don't know, that wine was judged the most outstanding New York wine for 2009.

Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy!

With ample experience in making and aging great wines dating back to 1964, Santiago Ijalba García left his position as general and technical manager in a historic Haro bodega to launch his own personal project. In 1998 under his newly-incorporated company Santiago Ijalba S.A. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. The first night I opened the Crianza.

The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Palate: A medium bodied palate is defined by abundantly ripe plum fruit, a touch of earth and trademark Merlot spice. The wine is smooth and supple, very much in the keeping with the modern style of Merlot. Tags: red wine merlot Australia

Instead of drinking crisp sauvignon blanc and dry Mosel in poorly air conditioned rented apartments I’ve been opening cabernets and merlots which I briefly cool off in the fridge. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. Flights are delayed. Could this be right?"

blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot and Tinta Roriz (tempranillo) Winemaker's Notes: "The reserve is a very deep black ruby in colour. One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Great Buy!

Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. Great Buy!

The 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River still had a lot of tannic vigor that Andrew Caillard amusingly described as “a hairy armpit, long hair style wine that is no shrinking violet.&#. Of the remaining wines (see the full list here ), I wanted to particularly highlight the 2001 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier.

The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. I have no idea what occurred between the early 1980's and present in the case of New York Finger Lakes red wines. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 2001 Dalwhinnie Eagle Series Shiraz, Pyrenees. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. 2001 Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir, South Gippsland. Day One. Day Two.

It would amount to "rock music wine" with "a bit of swing and a bit of international pop thanks to the addition of Cabernet and Merlot grapes". Sting spends much of his time in Tuscany when he is not touring, and recorded the album All This Time at Il Palagio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Winemakers Clive Otto, Dave Dowden, and Will Shields crafted a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from the Margaret River appelation of Australia in 2001 for Vasse Felix. Tags: 3 stars 2001 Australia balanced and elegant wine.

This Italian Merlot/Cabernet blend is loaded with aromas of black currant and leather, a nice acidity, and a silky texture. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon Fig and Olive merlot The finish is long and juicy. Had this by the glass at Fig & Olive in downtown (W 13 st) NYC at a Muscular Dystrophy charity event.

Kapcsandy State Lane Vineyard "Estate Cuvee" 2005 This is the estate blend - that is, the third wine from this property after the "State Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon" which serves as the flagship wine and the "Roberta's Reserve," a merlot based blend. I have a love/hate relationship with Wine Spectator. love their events. Very fine.

A 2003 Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja and the 2001 Grant Burge "Meshach" Shiraz.  While the king, a Cab based wine (with 10% Merlot) was thoroughly enjoyed and drunk to the last drop.  I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish."  Emillion Grand Cru. 

From 100% sangiovese, the Perlato del Bosco Rosso 2001 ** is thick and dark and dry. Tua Rita is the home winery of couple Rita Tua and Virgilio Bisti bought their estate vineyard in Suvereto in 1984 and planted cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with another seven hectares planted later.

Then there was that California style Bordeaux, narrowing the margin between the wines, moving a wine I sort of like (Bordeaux) too close to a wine I really didnt warm to, (Napa Cab/Merlot). 2001 Micalet? 2001 Micalet? They became the norm. Cheval Blanc? Youve got to be kidding. But I did. Heres the premise. Fed up with Bordeaux?

Do I ever recall getting sentimental about Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? cannot believe this is merlot. 2001, I said. Do I ever recall getting sentimental about Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? cannot believe this is merlot. 2001, I said. 25th » Disconnectivity in St. story due. disaster. Taste?" Taste?"Oh

Made from grapes of 15 year old vines, unfined and unfiltered, this is a wine made oxidatively to show fruit and is ready to drink now. Aromas of cherry and raspberry are present but the ageing (stored 2 years in oak and 5 years in bottle) makes for a complex wine with a subtlety showing secondary fruit (vinuous) flavors that are superbly melded

I'd always enjoyed Argiano's wines, and I was disappointed to learn that the brunellos had - just maybe - been doctored with cabernet, merlot, or syrah. This bottle was purchased for me in Tuscany on release and was stored in my cellar since. But even if that was true, this was just too good to ignore.

Also in the $13-$14 range from Galil Mountain and worth checking out is their Merlot &/or Shiraz. And I hear that they are about to release (don't know if/when it will arrive Stateside) some single vineyard Merlot & Syrah from their Ortal vineyard which is also very nice. Buy it up, drink it and be proud. The Dalton Canaan Red.

And their 2004 "Right Bank" Red, a blend of Cab Franc (53%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (9%) & Cab Sauv (8%) was beautiful. She had a nice Sauvignon Blanc and very pleasant Merlot as well. It had 84% Cab Franc, 14% Merlot & % Cab Sauv and was delicious. Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high. Great stuff.

Or a glass of 2001 Old Vines Cabernet or Merlot, also by The Lenz. horned in on that action, and I have to tell you - the 2001 Merlot (a blend really, including 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) was just delicious and interesting and completely graceful. There is a winery located in Brooklyn. No kidding, there really is.

Here is what I did like: 2001 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto Riserva - in my tasting guide the only notes next to the wine say "Holy S%*}!" 2005 Vistorta Friuli Grave Merlot Vistorta - should have a blank white lable with one word on it in black letters -"Red Wine." Also, the place was a total zoo. unrelenting. 2000 Cav.

have tasted Monte Bello cabernets from 1976, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2004, and I am constantly amazed by the wine's ability to age gracefully. According to the professional wine critics, 2004 was a very good vintage for California cabernets, merlots, and blends. These wines require patience. Margaux.)

• Rocche Dei Manzoni 2001 Pinonero Damino (Piemonte-Pinot Nero) To come. Merlot , Pinot Nero) This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Nero is from the Friuli/Slovenian border and is stored in Slovenian oak casks for three to seven years. As a tasting room it really is a near perfect space, both functional and cozy.

The Dutch were the first to bring vitis vinifera (European vines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) to the regions in the mid fifteenth century. We have Upland Organic Estate's 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. and check out the Upland Estate's 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. Let's talk South Africa. That sounds simple enough. Done.right.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.

Now I know, I must do a better job documenting the exact wines, but I do remember that we ordered a 2000 Merlot & a 2001 Cabernet. The merlot was either oxidized, past its prime (yet still tannic?), Better than the merlot, but not great. Too "tired" from all the wine last night to blog. So without further ado.

good bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Chardonnay from Long Island usually costs the same as a better bottle of wine from elsewhere. 2001 The Lenz Estate Selection Merlot , $22. 2004 Shinn Estate Vineyards Estate Merlot , $25. 2002 Scarola Merlot , $?? 2004 The Lenz Old Vines Merlot , $?? alcohol. Yummy.

JS Score: 90, July 04 - Release Price: $50 Luigi Pira Barolo Marenca 2001 x 3 WS: Intense aromas of blackberries, lightly toasted oak and plums. JS Score: 94, July, 2004 - Release Price: $52 Paitin Barbaresco Sorì Paitin Vecchie Vigne 2001 x 3 WS: Rich and decadent, with mushroom, berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Please help me.

blend of 47% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Cabernet Franc. Second Place - 2001 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley $68 : one 1st place vote, one 2nd place vote, one 3rd place vote = 9 points. blend of about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. put this wine in 2nd place.

Or slightly less scientific because of the inclusion of several vintages, Washington State Merlots: 25 Merlots, all Washington State. Not scientific, by any means - there might be 5 or 6 vintages, wines made mostly from Merlot and others made mostly from Cabernet Franc, and others that are blends.