Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei, hired in 2003, was another notch in the winery's success. the Sartori di Verona Amorone della Valpolicella 2008 was full bodied and elegant with a mineral/earth character. The Satori family's venture into wine making dates back to 1898. Take our first wine, Ferdi Garganega. liked this wine a lot.

In fact, the Bush White House served the Peter Michael “Les Pavots” 2003 ( about $275 ) to none other than Queen Elizabeth when she visited in 2007. 2008 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley ( about $65 ) USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley. For the full menu (pdf) , click here. Find it.

The compliant states that Kurniawan had been living illegally in the US since 2003. Asimov also tweeted a link to this 2008 Men’s Vogue piece by Jay McInerney on “ billionaire winos.” He tallied $16 million in American Express bills between 2006 – 2011. He ran up $11 million of debt in 2007 alone.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. absolutely loved this wine with its notes of Prince Edward cherry tobacco and truffle.

Flor de Garnatxa 2008 Garnatxa Blanca Celler la Bollidora, D.O. Lo Piot 2003 Cesca Vicent, D.O.Q. "20 wines!" exclaimed a fellow particpant at today's Master Class tasting of Catalunya wines led by Josep Roca, Co-Proprietor, Sommelier, and Wine Director of the (Catalunya based) Michelin 3-star restaurant El Celler. The menu follows.

Following a tasting of Médoc and Sauternes Grand Cru Classé wines from the 2005 and 2008 vintages there was a “9-star” dinner created by a trio of three-star chefs: Alain PASSARD (L’Arpège, Paris), Anne-Sophie PIC (Maison Pic, Valence), and Yannick ALLENO (Le Meurice, Paris). Fabulous opening dinner at Haut-Brion last night for the press.

Movia 2003 Goriška Brda Puro. Chehalem 2008 Ribbon Ridge Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir (Ideal Winemaker Wine). Chehalem 2008 Willamette Valley 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir (Ideal Restaurant Wine). Merry Edwards 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (Ideal Restaurant Wine). Au Bon Climat 2008 California Isabelle Pinot Noir.

Wines included: Angels Gate Winery Mountainview 2008. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2008. Closson Chase Vineyards Closson Chase Vineyard 2008. Colaneri Estate Winery ‘Paese’ 2008. Flatrock Cellars 2008. Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery Tête de Cuvée 2008. Lailey Vineyard Old Vines 2008.

The tannins are fine; the wine in 2009 exhibits fine tannins while the 2008 could benefit from more bottle age (or a good decant). I’d also venture that this wine would last a couple of decades and would like to buy a few bottles to tuck away for my son born in 2008. How does cabernet franc age? I’d tend to agree.

Here are the wines we drank in the order in which we drank them, along with a few notes: 2008 Roger Coulon Coteaux Champenois Blanc , $40-50, Rosenthal Wine Merchant. 2008 Léclapart Coteaux Champenois Trépail Rouge , $55, Imported by Jandell Selections. Not all Champagne is sparkling wine. knew I needed to try more.

Flight 1 Penfolds RWT 2003 Creamy cherry aromas with a slight indication of citrus rinds and roasted meats, on the palate flashes of raisins and ripe cherries, the alcohol is evident at first but after a few hours starts to open nicely. All six were reds and either 100% Shiraz or a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Table

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Visiting Pichon Longueville. AXA generously hosted the winners of the AXA Millesimes scholarship offered to students of the Master of Wine educational program a week in October 2010. The Cellar.

Melini San Lorenzo Fattorie Melini Chianto DOCG 2008 85% Sangiovese Grosso with 15% Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in stainless steel 4-5 months, raspberries and cassis with floral waves of violets, forest floor. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. Monday: Tour of the Chateau Pichon Longueville Vineyards and Winery.

would have pulled out a nice Gewurztraminer if I had one, but settled for a Fontana Candida Frascati Superiore DOC 2008. Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. Shirley keeps doing her part by challenging me to come up with a pairing for some of her weird dinner experiments. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

Stoney Lonsesome Estates 2008 Reserve. I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. What I do know is that she cooked skinless chicken breast in apple juice with oyster mushrooms, slices of gala apples and diced mint fresh from the garden.

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. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual. did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. It seems to be that the wine always is a bit different, no, a lot different than what I remembered.

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.

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.

In 2003, he made 3 different vins jaunes, all of which had a similarly oxidative nose, naturally, but all of which had different textures. The Cotes du Jura en Barberon, 2007 & 2008, grown on limestone soil, had a lovely richness. Stephane Tissot from the Jura outside Les Caves Augé in Paris. By Timothy Eustis. Just not today.

This week I decided to open a dry and semi-dry from the same winery to compare and I chose one of the nicest Rieslings so far; Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2008. 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. Why, I'm not sure. Truly enjoyable.

My choice for the evening was a 2008 semi-dry Riesling( $14 ) from the Long Point Winery. 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. All from the Seneca Lake wineries.

The first one I opened was the Zugibe semi-dry 2008( $14 ). 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. Evan is passionate about Finger Lakes wines and authors some of the most interesting articles on the subject.

The two wines we tasted were the 2008 Riesling and the 2008 'dry' Riesling. 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. Enough history.

The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. 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. Sound good? What else is better!

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.

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.

Tonight I uncorked another Carmenere from Concha y Toro , the Casillero del Diablo 2008 Reserve. 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. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.

The 2008 Antica Terra / * to be released to the mailing list next week, is vibrant and glossy in the glass, the color of dessicated roses, that reminded me of Middle School romances and Rilke, of notes scribbled furiously in journals and hidden under pillows. The 2008 Botanica / * -- a barrel selection -- is more concentrated. spice?)

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

The second course of fish was paired with Azua Bobal Roble 2007 (sweet floral nose, fruit and spice on the palate that does not weigh one down) and Quantum 2008 blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O.

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!!

The tasting room is located in an 1850s farmhouse and the wine is the Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008. Cline Cellars is a national sponsor of the event and contributes $25,000 from the proceeds of 2008 Cashmere sales. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's.

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0%

By the afternoon, the CEO, Steve Bachmann, posted this to his blog : After three years of very rapid growth — placing it among the top 15 fastest growing private companies in the SF Bay area from 2006 to 2008, Vinfolio experienced a much more difficult sales environment during 2009. The San Francisco-based company had just raised $4.5

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.

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.

** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. It can also be disappointing when the wine received is one that I don't normally drink or one that I have a hard time with. 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.

Now I have a few and tonight I chose a 2008 Reserve Reisling from Fox Run Vineyards. Thankfu lly for me, a no sugar guy, the 2008 vintage is a dry Riesling, 1.0% Only in years when ripening conditions are outstanding will this wine be produced and the 2008 is well worth it. The downside of this Riesling is the price.

passed over many of my favorites before keeping out a Billsboro Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008. I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. That happened this week. But, halllelujah, tonight was a bit more successful. pulled every bottle of white wine I had (about 20). Not a great buy, but.

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.

About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. 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. First, the label. for $11.

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.

just reviewed the 2008 semi-dry Riesling from Anthony Road Wine Company and knew if anywhere near the area I would have to visit. Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. mean Damn!

Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Winner of the New York Wine and Food Classics's 'Governor's Cup.' I Don't Like Sugar."

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.

Looking for great buys in wine? Just look to Australia. Don't know what's going on Down Under but right now some of the best buys for wine are Australian. The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Our wine taste profiles are about 180 deg. apart, so I was a little hesitant, but he hit this one right on the nail.

Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. dropped into a local shop this week and during a conversation with the shop owner I had asked if he had any wines from Oregon. He did. He actually had one. It was a Pinot Noir. have had some really nice Pinot's from Oregon before, but they were a bit pricey. Pricey, but good. Great Buy!

Today was a shopping day with Shirley. We did the Home Depot, BJ's, Best Buy, Panera for lunch, two grocery stores and one Mom and Pop wine shop. The 'honey do' list at home was longer. Back to my day job tomorrow. Unfortunately, there were no choices for a good New Zealand Savvie so down the aisles I walked searching for one that interested me.

It seems every winery in the Finger Lakes has a Meritage. Most are nice bordeaux style blends that are very popular and very tasty and very distinct to each winery. Years ago I struggled to find one to like, now I am finding it difficult to taste one I don't like. And then, there comes along one that is over and above any I have tasted before.

I know those close to me won't believe this, but I am actually going to review a Rose' wine. In doing so, I am showing them that I can accept the fact that for almost all of my adult life I have been very stupid or as Lenn Thompson said 'Are you nuts.' Yes Lenn, I was nuts. The resulting juice once pressed was the perfect hue of pink. Great Buy!

Further, Grant Phelps, the Viu Manent winemaker, said that the Viu 1 was “identical in almost every respect&# to the 2003, 2004 and 2005, three vintages that he also made. What does a 62 point wine taste like? Not that I follow scores for wine very much, but a 62 pointer? Man, that had to suck. accepted. Was it inferior?

One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. To kill time I visit or window shop the shops at the station and sometimes get awful lucky by finding a great deal. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Drink now or through the next 5 years." Great Buy!

Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008. I really enjoy shopping for wine and finding one that I never tried and end up putting it on my list of must have wines. Today, I stopped in to buy a Sauvignon Blanc for the evening. Today, I chose a good one. These are wines that are designed to be enjoyed. think they are just trying to impress.

2008 Grosset Wines Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2003 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon, Hunter. 2003 Craigow Riesling, Tasmania. 2008 Tahbilk Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Goulburn Valley. Disgorged 2008 Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz, Barossa Valley. 2008 Angullong Sauvignon Blanc, Orange.

SPIT and SIPPED: Bordeaux 2008. After better-than-expected but still largely tepid reviews, Bordeaux 2008 took a shot in the arm form Robert Parker who raved about it. All the action is summed up nicely, with charts of price action, on FT.com’s Alphaville blog. Lost?&#. SIPPED: wine growing. Wine in London, yes. But vines?

The 2008 Albarino ** from an estate vineyard in Soledad was tight and racy. The 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare * was aromatic but a little flabby, while the 2003 Cigare Volant **/ and 2004 Cigare Volant ** each showed a little reduction. The 2003 showed tar, smoke, and prune. Maybe it will turn out great, maybe not.

Mr. Burke has no experience owning restaurants in a down economy; he launched his empire during restaurant boom times, starting in 2003. What's on David Burke's fine-dining menu? lot of in-your-face discounts. Chef and restaurateur David Burke's business sounds like a financial-crisis perfect storm. And yet.Mr. How could this be? TRY IT!

In 2008, I also gave in to my reds only attitude and took the wife on a Cayuga Wine Trail outing. Take it from a novice: " Great Buy " Other Reviews: Travaglini Gattinara 2001 Carpineto Dogajolo 2006 Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 Muga Rioja Reserva 2003. The wine pairs well with summer salads and I enjoy it with BBQ Chicken.

While not as impressive to me as Vietti's 2003 Masseria * which was full, wildly berry with menthol and pine notes and the texture of warm milk, the 1995 was a wonderful wine. Tags: 1995 Italy Piedmont 3 stars 2003 4 stars We can't go out on New Year's Eve. It's sort of a house arrest kind of thing. Long story. Happy Birthday Dad!

2008 photo by Dave Trieger Exhibiting a wonderful freshness, this red wine from Spain is made from 90% Tempranillo grapes and 10% Graziano y Mazuelo then aged 24 months in American oak. Showing colors of deep red and warmer amber hues around the edges, this Rioja has medium body and soft tannins.

So on the last trip to the cellar I brought back a couple bottles of Chateau Cantemerle -- one bottle of the 2000, one 2003 -- which we opened last night with hamburgers (90% lean, over toasted whole wheat bread, smothered with Gruyère, grilled onions, and dijon mustard) and Mary Ellen's Double Dutch German Chocolate Cake.

The Taylor-Fladgate LBV 2003 is an excellent example. “I always thought port was gross,&# a friend told me after I poured him a port that he actually liked. “But I guess that’s because I always had it at my uncle’s where the bottle had been open since last Christmas.&#. All we needed was a roaring fire! He said $50.

Castiglion Del Bosco Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco. Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years.

candy cane wrapper plastic toys mineral rubber bands dried herbs catsup vegetal green pepper blackberry chocolate Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized this vertical tasting of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon's ranging from 1975 to 1979 and ending with a 2003 Pietra Santa thrown in for good measure. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

This is the first Burgundy Trip 2008 post. In extremely ripe vintages (recently 2003 and 2005), the nuances of terroir can take a back seat to the aromas and flavors of ripe fruit. Coming soon to Burgundy Trip 2008 : Burgundy dilettantes, Charolais beef, and thoughts on wine buying strategy. What an incredible trip!

Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco. We start with a bouquet of smokey vanilla and red licorice candy, then subtle traces of dark chocolate and black cherries on the palate.

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized this vertical tasting of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon's ranging from 1975 to 1979 and ending with a 2003 Pietra Santa thrown in for good measure. See another review by Greg Dal Piaz ©2008 photo by Dave Trieger The first on the table was the 1975 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

A wow wine at age five, you would never know this was petite sirah, and it has only been in bottle since November 2005. Composed of 77% Petite Sirah with 23% Zinfandel from the Lytton Springs estate vineyards, this is inky and opaque with blackberry jam, sweet tannins reminiscent of fine Right Bank Bordeaux, and velvety Shiraz-esque texture.

There's little doubt this is a very good Monte Bello , constructed for a very long life, but in my estimation the 1995 lacks the density and concentration of the great Monte Bello's of the past decade, notably the 1996 and 2003. At thirteen, the 1995 Monte Bello is still a child. keep waiting for this wine to fully reveal itself. It won't.

Owned by the Ferragamo family, Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years. It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. alcohol content

Here are my reviews: Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 DOCG (Fattoria dei Barbi) Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello has a really interesting mix of aroma vs. palate. Not long ago Gary Grunner--a wine aficionado with a special interest in Italian wines-invited me over to his house for a tasting. alcohol content.

As G-20 leaders met in Washington this weekend while the economic world burns, they sipped Shafer Hillside Select 2003, a $250 Napa cab ( find this wine ). SPIT: 2008 Hospice de Beaune. SIPPED: too much. This raised the hackles of bloggers at CNN (perhaps because they could only find it for $500?). Thanks, Arthur ! ). SPIT: too little.

Deep ruby color. Fresh raspberries and dried flowers on the nose. sour cherry and dried cranberry synthesis on the palate with granite on the finish. Undeniable structure of dark stones. It has always been somewhat of an underdog wine from an underdog vintage, with something of a lean & mean attitude about it.

Of particular interest was the 2003 Yarden Syrah - a big California style Syrah with dark fruit, this concentrated wine with big soft tannins will coat your palate and leave you with a nice long finish.  Made a trip back up to the Golan Heights today.  I even got to take a trip up a row of vines on a mechanical harvester. 

Audrey, reading Wine Spectator in Lake Tahoe, Spring 2008) So it was with glee and trepidation that I ordered one ticket for the California Wine Experience at the Marriot in NYC - but mostly glee. Last year the 2003 propriety wine was like plush chocolaty velvet. Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 * Simply gorgeous.

think that my bottles are made from 2003 grapes. I'm guessing 2003 because the new version of this wine that I tasted the other day at the Terry Theise portfolio tasting is based on 2004, which I thought was stunning, by the way. NV Jean Lallement et Fils R é serve Brut , $55, Terry Theise Selections, Skurnik Imports.

A 2003 Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja and the 2001 Grant Burge "Meshach" Shiraz.  I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  A wonderful woman and great cook it is always a nice shabbat when spent with her and her family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish."  Emillion Grand Cru. 

Now this - the 2003 Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny La Marginale , this just isn't any good. I'm talking about wines from places and producers that I've liked in the past, things that I expected to like. Like this - the 2006 Luneau-Papin Domaine Pierre de la Grange Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Vieilles Vignes at $12. Schlameal!

It's a little too cold for Sancerre so I opted for this bottle of 2003 Peter Michael chardonnay from the "Ma Belle Fille" section of the Knight's Valley estate vineyard. The Blue Point Grill in Princeton, New Jersey is my favorite restaurant in the world. know I sound like a kid saying that, "my favorite in the world," but it's true.

This 85% Negroamaro , 15% Malvasia Nera red wine blend from the Puglia region of Italy is ruby colored with aromatic hints of tobacco and spice and slightly bitter flavors of cherry and cedar. From The Wine Room of Forest Hills

The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  I'm sorry for the delay in writing this post.  I have gotten MANY requests for my Rosh Hashana suggestions.  I'm pressed for time (aren't we all) so here goes. decided not to write about wines that typically retail for more than $30. 

2008 photo by Dave Trieger Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello di Montalcino has a really interesting mix of aroma vs. palate. At first the nose reveals roasted meats, toast and ripe concentrated stewed prunes. Then you taste the intense ripe cherries, plums and spices and then a bit later chocolate, more spices and black pepper.

25th | Main | The Surrogate Mother Approach to Winemaking and Business Models » The Bordeaux Report September 13, 2008 (Part 1) I could care less about most of Bordeaux after 1996. the 2001 was before they had any toasty new oak barrels, which they bought in 2003 thanks to the insistence of their California importer, North Berkeley.

Almost perfect today, and still a four star wine anyway. This chardonnay is an aged gold color, with huge tropical fruits, nuts, and full citrus notes throughout. Big, bright, fruity, intense - just simply a "wow" wine. In my opinion Kongsgaard sets the bar for chardonnay in California, followed closely by Peter Michael and Kistler

This was excellent: Dark ruby color; fresh herbs and mild black pepper on the nose; sweet warm blood, smoke and pepper on the finish.

The other day, I opened a 2003 "Reserve Shiraz" from Padthaway,  in the southeast corner of South Australia. Henry's Drive is making some spectacular wines. I first tried their "Pillbox Red" last year in a blind tasting of ten Spanish and Australian wines and chose it as my favorite wine of the night - it was also the second cheapest.

The 2003 Kistler "Dutton Ranch" Russian River Valley Chardonnay was a pale gold color, with petrol and a little rubbery funk on the nose that dissipated as the wine opened up to reveal lemon meringue pie and custard notes. The 1997 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is a sometimes gorgeous wine. And before that, I had been less than wowed.