Pueblo de Sol Tannat Blend (70% Tannat and Merlot/Cabernet Franc) Limited Edition 2007 Barrel aging, eep garnet purple color, nose of rich ripe purple and black fruit, vanilla notes from the oak, lots of black licorice. Familia Deicas 1 st Cru Exception 2005 100% Tannat. Pueblo de Sol Viognier 2011. Reserve line $14. 10 US.

must compare it to a Petite Mansang from France. Tannat 2005 (blend of regions). Blend of Tannant Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Javiar Carrau, an enologist and director of the family winery, greets me warmly and tells me a bit about the winery as we tour the property.  Here are some tasting notes.

had already tasted and reviewed their 2007 Cabernet Franc and found that to be one of the best Finger Lakes '07 Cab Francs from what was a very good FLX vintage. Along with the Cab Franc, I tasted a couple of blends that I thought were remarkable. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd. On this day, I tasted only a few whites.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?”

Traditional Cabernet Blends. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc – Yarra Valley. 2005 Penley Estate the Chertsey Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – Coonawarra.

When it was purchased by Albrecht Seeger and his family in 1978, the winery moved to the Brae Burns Estate (where you can find Icewine varitals such as Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal. so I am in Canada to celebrate the Icewine festival. Today the winery, located in Niagra-on-the-Lake, is covered in fresh snow.

After a very formal coffee and croissant breakfast, we were met by the energetic blonde Corinne Michot, who along with Marie-Louise Schÿler, Director of Communications, spent several weeks planning the extensive details of our very extensive trip to various AXA properties in France and Hungary. Visiting Pichon Longueville. The Cellar.

Tenuta Tignanello 2007 IGT 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in new oak barriques after fermentation until December, blended and aged in barriques for a year, each barrique was individually tasted before bottle aging for another year. complex and sexy.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Lunch.

love the Vieille Vignes, but the last vintage that I've seen here is 2005 -that was two years ago. drank a lot of 2005 Grand Vignolle, didn't love the 2006, never saw the 2007, and liked the 2008 a year ago at a Dressner tasting. My favorite producer in Saumur-Champgny, outside of Clos Rougeard, is Domaine Filliatreau.

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.

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. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

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.

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.

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.

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. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

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.

Concannon introduced America's first varietally labeled Petite Sirah in 1961, sparking a love affair with this varietal, and led with the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11 in replanting much of Napa Valley in the 1970s. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. must buy!

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.

Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Wölffer Estates 2006 Fatalis Fatum 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Castello di Borghese 2005 Merlot Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months.

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!!!

They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. 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. 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

Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore 2006 DOC 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerratalto 2005 nose: violets, plums, cherries, flavors: cola, ripe cherries, licorice, yum. Herbal, tar, cherries, smoky.

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. Tags: Cabernet-Merlot New York Seneca Wine Trail red wine Finger Lakes Can't do much better than that. 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.

purchased the Bonterra, because I have already reviewed two other of their wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed both. 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. It just never happened. Alcohol 14.5%

Winemakers Notes: Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes , where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. 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. From that day on I was a fan.

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 first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon California red wine Paso Robles Zinfandel Now Cabs I have no problem with.

dark purple, made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, very earthy, barnyard and mushroom, creamsicle fruitiness, plums, banana peels, tight tannins, could use a little time. Quick notes on a Bordeaux blend. 50-60

Produttori del Barbaresco, Barberesco, 2005 (about $33): I poured this wine the first day to illustrate tannins. Domaine Guion, Cuvee Prestige, Bourgeuil, 2006 (about $12): After our discussion online about cabernet franc, the polarizing grape , I had to add this wine to the following lineup. How could it not be?

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

So, to satisfy our thirst for a nice red wine to pair with my Chicken Parmesan, Shirley's Cavatelli Aleta (a cream sauce with Asiago cheese, prosciutto, baby peas, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers) and my daughter Pam's Fettucini with Joey's fabulous marinara sauce, we chose a Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005.

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.

This Cabernet Franc was part of the goodie bag I received upon leaving the Long Island Wine Challenge last week. Tags: Jamesport Vineyards north fork cabernet franc long island wines Enjoyed this at home paired with a pasta with red sauce.

The breakdown was 5 flights of 4 each of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), Chardonnay (oaked), Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This past week the Long Island Wine Council sponsored a seminar and blind tasting of its wines to compare them with others from international regions. So, here we go.

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.

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.

The 108 acres of vineyards are almost entirely dry-farmed (no irrigation) and largely planted to cabernet sauvignon although there is also merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. The 2005 Dominus has dark berry notes and deliciously fine tannins to give it good poise. But it’s not open to the public.

Cabernet Franc is not supposed to be this good. have been tasting more Cab/Franc this past year than any other red and although I had some that were very good, I would not have ever thought it can get much better. Tonight I dug into my modest wine vault and found a Ravines Wine Cellars , Cabernet Franc 2007.

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. Great Buy!

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.

was impressed with all the Rieslings and the Martini-Reinhardt Cabernet Franc. 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. Still heading south along rte.

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.

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.

On our recent wine tour through the Finger Lakes , I begrudgingly tasted a dry Cabernet Franc Rose' from Heron Hill Winery. Winemakers notes: In certain years when the Cabernet Franc has a higher acidity than normal some of the harvest may be suitable for rosé winemaking. Yes Lenn, I was nuts. That ought to be fun.

This is Guy Bossard's sparkling wine, made mostly of Melon de Bourgogne (the Muscadet grape), but there is also some Gros-Plant and Cabernet Franc in the blend. Our bottle of 2007 Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Clos des Briords was corked, sadly, as was our 2005 Luneau-Papin L D'Or. Perhaps even the seafood stereotype entirely.

There I tasted more reds and found an interesting blend 'Viridescens', a bordeaux style blend of Cab Franc, Cab/Sauv and Merlot. It was also a 2005, which I learned on this tour was a long summer and a fantastic year for the Finger Lakes reds. was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc.

It was November of 2005, BrooklynLady and I went to France together for the first time. Mathieu showed us cement vats full of fermenting juice - we saw and smelled the glorious 2005's as they bubbled away, turning sugar into alcohol. His blog is always interesting to read and his writing style is off-beat and truly hilarious.

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?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I haven't been overly impressed with the 2005 Bordeaux I've tasted to date. Then I got this email the other day from America's Wine Shop , advertising the 2005 Latour a Pomerol for $35. Besides, for my own sanity, I needed to try a 2005 Bordeaux that I could enjoy.

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.

2005 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River. 2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 2004 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra. 2006 Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley. 2000 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, Tasmania.

grew up drinking Kendall Jackson cabernet sauvignon at home and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo out. The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. The rationale is that Ridge wants to focus exclusively on cabernet, chardonnay, and zinfandel. All are superb.

He travels frequently and greatly enjoys his work with a small group of wine makers, mostly in Germany, France, and Austria. The 2005 Reynald Héaulé Vin de Table L'Insoumis de Village , or 'Black Sheep of the Village' (about $30) is a serious country wine made by one of the new wave Loire Valley natural wine hipsters. had a blast.

First, I’d like to apologize for the boorish NY rogues who elbow their ways to the front of the tables and stick their glasses under your noses as they demand, “Cabernet please!” The Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon * was less thrilling than previous vintages, but hinted at boysenberry and dark cocoa. Welcome Napa Valley Vintners!

Made from a friendly blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese, Pasticcio shows nuances of blackberries and cassis supported by an underlying freshness woven into a crisp, well integrated finish

numbered them and we did a blind tasting, pitting Girard's 2002 Cabernet Franc against a 2000 Ch. Charmail **, a 2005 Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot, 2000 Ch. Haut Gravet ** and the fifth wheel 2005 La Crema Pinot Noir Russian River Valley * It was interesting to note how these wines had evolved over the past 3-6 days.

Sadly, Tibor Gal died too young in a car accident in 2005. This wine helped us two on our goal to the Wine Century Club since it has 40% Kékfrankos, 30% cabernet franc, 15% syrah, 5% Kekoporto, 5% pinot noir, 5% cabernet sauvignon. We like to end the class in style: a giant edition of show and tell and taste. Good times!

went for the Bubbles, the Beaujolais, the Cab Franc, and the Chenin Blanc. The 2006's from Chidaine are quite good, although if you're used to the 2005's they will seem light. The 2006's are probably typical and the 2005's are probably extra rich and intense. The Italian wines - I didn't taste 'em. How thoughtful is that?

We've been drinking Baudry's wines pretty steadily since I was introduced to his wines in the early spring of last year with a 2005 "Le Clos Guillot" ** a rich and unctuous wine. Mostly blackberry and black currant with underlying earthy cabernet francness and a smoky texture in the mouth. Mmmm.garbage juice.If But I digress.

A favorite Cabernet of mine is the Yarden Cabernet.  The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  Both of these wines are lush and concentrated wines that provide a change from the usual Cabernet's. are their single varietal Merlot , Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. 

From the Paso Robles region of California comes this classic blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon , 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. Deep purple colors with a nose hinting of minerality, intense black fruits and, well, raw fresh steak. On the mouth there is vanilla and wood from the 18 months in French oak barrels.

The Puzelats grow Pinot Noir, Gamay, Côt (called Malbec in Argentina), Bréton (called Cabernet Franc in the film Sideways ), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris (called Pinot Grigio in Italy), and the rarely seen Pineau D'Aunis and Menu Pineau (called Arbois in the Jura). 2005 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è res , $19. Sushi!

bought a bunch (by my small NYC cellar standards) of Loire Valley reds and whites from the heralded 2005 vintage, and most of them require some cellaring in order to show at their best and most complex. Cabernet Franc is supposed to mature gracefully, to pick up many secondary characteristics to go with its youthful floral fruit.

When tasting Cabernet Franc (and Merlot, but I don't have enough context on that grape so I'm limiting this thought to Cab Franc), I found wines that smacked of vanilla and some sort of blackberry jam. Shinn's 2005 Estate Merlot is balanced and spicy, and just delicious. These are just my personal thoughts, that's it.

The Bourgueil was deep and dusky with cabernet franc typicity - loam, graphite, and sweet blackberries. I purchased both these Loire Valley wines as part of a case of under $20 wines at Smith & Vine last week. The Savennieres was gold, with honey, musk and white peaches. Both are good values

If you're in France, for example, and you exchange $100, you walk away with only 65 Euro, and that's before commissions and fees. 2005 Kuentz-Bas Alsace Blanc, $12, Kermit Lynch Imports (Blend of, in order, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Blanc, Muscat). Reds: 2005 Chateau la Rame, $13, Rosenthal Imports (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).

missed Wine Blogging Wednesday this month, silly me, and the theme was French Cabernet Franc. All Cabernet Franc from Cravant Les Coteaux, right outside of Chinon. The version David tasted was made from a different vintage, this one is 2005 grapes, I believe. And the ripeness really shows.

Put me at a table with this dish and a bottle of Pont de Crillon 2005 Pont de Crillon Les Chais de Pont de Crillon Cote Du Rhone and I am a happy wine geek. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat. The following is an interview with Keith Beavers, co-owner of In Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant and Alphabet City Wine Co.

Rather it was a 2004 (I think) Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc is one of the 5 Bordeaux varietals (grapes which can be used to make French Bordeaux wine - others being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec & Petit Verdot), and it is usually used as a complementary grape as opposed to a primary grape in Bordeaux.

And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried. L&R are a winery that focuses on Cab Franc, a varietal I am NOT generally a big fan of. It had 84% Cab Franc, 14% Merlot & % Cab Sauv and was delicious.

The K Martini & Sohn "Maturum" Lagrein Reserva 2005 stood out to me as it seemed to have the most distinct nose and was more fruit driven on the palate than the other Lagreins. This blend of 20% Tannat (a grape originally from SW France), 30% Petit Verdot (a Bordeaux varietal) and 50% Lagrein was very nice. new record high for me.

The line up was: Welcome White: 2005 Cascina degli Ulivi Filagnotti (Gavi, Piemonte)--comments? 2- 2005 Fontedicto Pirouette #5 $15 Grapes: Carignan Languedoc, France (for some reason, this one, which was rich and sunny and fruit forward wasnt a smash hit. Flight Two: All Syrah all the Time 2005 Edmunds St. Many thanks!

Here are the wines that I really liked: 2005 Chinook Cabernet Franc - Nice young cab franc nose of raspberries and rose petals, a bit of spicy pepper too. imagine this would retail at about $20, a pretty good value for a delicious and young drinking Cabernet Franc. Primehouse New York hosted the event.

BrooklynLady and I went to France together for the first time in October of 2005. From what I understand, though, it is actually easier to buy these wines here in America than in France, where they have achieved cult status and are virtually impossible to find. ve not found its equal in Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux?

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.

rose of Cabernet Franc, this wine is more pink than salmon colored, but its a muted and classy pink. 2005 Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Vendanges Manuelles , $13.50 (Chambers Street Wines). 2005 Champalou Vouvray , $16 ( Big Nose Full Body ). 2005 Chateau de Hureau Saumur-Champigny , $14 (Chambers Street Wines).

Here are some notes on wines that did not get their own post: Burgundy 2005 Jean Manciat Macon Charnay Vieille Vignes , $21 (Chambers Street Wines). 2005 Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Duresses , $28 (Chambers Street Wines). 2005 Domaine Monpertuis Cote du Rhone Vignoble de la Ramiere , $14 (Chambers Street Wines).

They grow and make good Cabernet Franc. have found Long Island Cab Francs to be very good in general, in their own dark, thick, fruity way. If I had to compare Long Island Cab Franc to Loire Wine, I would say that the more extracted wines of Saumur-Champigny are the most similar in style. already like them. alcohol.

Most are from 2005, a wonderful vintage. One thing I should mention - I did not include red grapes other than Cabernet Franc - no Pinot Noir from Menetou Salon or Sancerre, no Gamay from Anjou.I White: 2005 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine , $10 (so far, my case is the same as Lyle's). That's pretty intense.

2005 Eric Texier Vins de Pays O Pale , $16 - This is a sweet wine made entirely from Viognier grapes. 2005 Marechal Pommard La Chaniere , $50 - who would have thunk it? 2005 Desvignes Morgon Javernieres , $21 - Cru Beaujolais from Desvignes, always good. My 2's 2005 Michel Tete Julienas , $18 - barnyard city. Just yummy.

JS Score: 93, Oct 2005, Release Price: $78 Piero Busso Barbaresco Borgese 1999 x 3 WS: Refined red. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2005. And we return to Deetrane's dark tale of intrigue, wading through the swamp of the secondary market. Will Deetrane get to keep the wine? Please help me.

They use Malbec, Gamay, and even Cabernet Sauvignon in Muscadet, Anjou, and Saumur. But the dominant red grape in the Loire Valley, the grape that is used to craft the finest of its red wines is Cabernet Franc, known there as Breton. 2005 Chateau de Hureau Saumur-Champigny , $13. And at a fraction of the price.

2005 Catherine and Pierre Breton Bourgueil Trinch ! , $17. really liked it though, and I imagine that it is amongst the best such Cabernet Franc wines of the Loire Valley. I find it hard to share notes about every wine that I enjoy. Think of this as me cleaning out my closet, and sharing whatever I find in there with you.

We opened a bottle of 2004 Domaine des Roches Neuves Terres Chaudes, a cabernet franc from Saumur Champigny in the Loire Valley. Thierry Germain's (winemaker at Roches Neuves) 2005 Saumur Champigny is a truly great value at $15. Lamb is probably my favorite carne - such intense flavor, rich and kind of gamey. and bok choy.