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. yet from the tasting notes below you can see it was worth it.

must compare it to a Petite Mansang from France. Tannat 2005 (blend of regions). Blend of Tannant Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Merlot. … so the first thing you notice as you drive to Bodegas Carrau near Montevideo is the gorgeous grounds and the stunning classic “Spanish Style” Hacienda with flowers all around.

Their village is mostly pinot noir (pn) and I liked their 2005 brut prestige with pn and chard. Though the fair is small, it is interesting to observe and meet people mostly from france yet also all over the world. Wow it is so exciting to be here and meet the growers. visit each producer in turn. pours the wine. Maxime Blin. Sélèque.

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.

Like many of the most prestigious brands in Argentina, the family is based in Bordeaux, France. Nine years later (2005)  they acquired Château Gazin Rocquencourt, 28 hectares situated next to Malartic?Lagravière. In 1996, Jean-Jacques's  parents Alfred?Alexandre Alexandre and Michèle Bonnie purchased Château Malartic?Lagravière,

Mr.Boutinot’s first vintage was from the 2005 harvest, reflecting improvements in soil surveys that determined the variety, rootstocks and the trellis systems to use. French chef Grégory Czarnecki has more than a decade's worth of experience garnered in some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France and the experience is unbelievable.

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?”

The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, 2009 France The grapes (Gamay) are gently crushed, an extended maceration of 12-20 days gets you the extraction of color and tannins, then aged in French oak for 8 to 10 months. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40.

The poll was released by the signatories to the Joint Declaration to Protect Wine Place & Origin, a coalition first formed in 2005 when the initial global declaration was signed. Results from a recent poll of U.S. Key findings from the poll of 1,000 U.S. This underscores the challenges winemakers face with current labeling laws. and beyond.

stars France chateaneuf du Pape 2005It turned rainy and cold here and left me craving a hearty and succulent red. This CdP did the trick. Deep red rose color, with a pliable medium plus structure and mostly dry but soft tannin throughout the palate. very long finish at the fore and middle-finish. Seamless but not quite robust.

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.

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. 2005 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz – Barossa. Winery owner Justine Henschke holds bottle next to WA Susan Barros.

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. He said, "Each bottle should share all these qualities with the drinker".

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.

The precious few bottles I'm glad that I saved this for at least a few years (2005 is the current vintage), as it seems to be in a particularly sweet spot right now. This particular bottle actually was purchased in France and traveled here by suitcase. I hung out with Peter Liem for a lot of the past two weeks. loved this rosé.

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. 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.

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.

We then enjoyed two wines from the 2005 vintage with my fish soup. 2005 is thought to be a great vintage because, as in most of France, conditions were essentially perfect. I'm not sure yet where I stand on 2005, as I've had some wines that are more about ripeness and grape character than they are about terroir.

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.

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.

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% Castello di Borghese 2005 Merlot Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months. million per year. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5%

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

Deetrane's parents have a condo in Chamonix, France, right near the border of Switzerland. In the end I decided on two wines that are from the part of France that borders Switzerland, Savoie and the Jura. It was my friend Deetrane's birthday the other night. We began with an excellent plate of charcuterie. Then came the fondue.

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. All of them were exceptional and I took very brief tasting notes of each.

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.

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%

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.

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.

My publisher requested that I address in a few words, maybe 1000 or so, how the wine world has changed since I started the book in 2005. Why it was so important to be published in France?" I'm stuck. Plunked in the mud. Stopped in the cold. Brain dull. Struggling to decide which wine is the ASF wine of the year. Such decisions. And is.

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.

dissertation about the political economy of the wine industry in France and the US. Domestically, the boutique wine industry got a shot in the arm from the 2005 Supreme Court decision that paved the way to opening up shipping from wineries to consumers. Everyone’s looking back! Oh, yes, researching my Ph.D.

Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5% Importer: Kermit Lynch. That just fanned their flames of desire.

** 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.

France Schueller, Gerard 2007 Alsace Riesling Cuvee Particuliere This puppy isn't for everyone, but it will be great with cocktail food. 12.99 **Chaumont, Guy 2005 Bourgogne Pinot Noir I'm afraid to tell you about this. The one everyone has been waiting for, party wines from Chambers Street Wines, my home away from home. Real burgundy.

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?

From all 2005 fruit; equal parts pinot noir and chardonnay. Tags: 2 stars France NV Champagne From Mareuil-sur-Ay, this brut rose is a pale blood orange / raw salmon color. Orange blossom and rose water compose the firm midnote, with nice citrus notes on the finish. Very suave and unusually long. Purchased at Heights Chateau.

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. dominusestate.com.

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. It has! Great Buy!

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. Can't think of a better way to start a 2 week vacation then to spend it at some fantastic wineries in the Finger Lakes. mean Damn!

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.

blame it on the tongue-defying regions, names, and producers from Germany -- German taxonomy makes France look simplistic. 2005 Weingut Clemens Busch Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Pundericher Marienberg Riesling Spatlese (Gustabfullung) Pale hay with lemony notes. Tags: 2 stars 2006 3 stars 2005 Good Value Germany 2007 2008 2007 Joh.

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. Nice steady, cool fermentation. Great Buy!

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. They were all sweet.

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?

At the G8 summit in the UK in 2005, reporters overheard Jacques Chirac murmur about the British hosts to some fellow world leaders, “One cannot trust people whose cuisine is so bad.&#. The irony of this comment was not lost on Mike Steinberger. They’ve even lost their edge in the kitchen. &#.

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!

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. knew what I wanted, one that is already on that list, but also found a new one sitting next to mine and decided to take one home to try. Today, I chose a good one.

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. kinda surprised her this evening by opening a California Cabernet Sauvignon made with organic grapes. Great Buy!

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. 2005 Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Riesling, Barossa. 2005 Mount Horrocks Riesling, Clare Valley. 2005 John Duval Wines Eligo Shiraz, Barossa Valley. 2005 Vasse Felix Semillon, Margaret River. 2005 Mount Mary Quintet Cabernets, Yarra Valley.

I am just going to begin by saying the Clos Du Bois Calcaire 2006 is probably the best Chardonnay I have ever had. Now I'll qualify that statement by saying I do not do white wine that often and that over the years have had probably less or near 100 different Chardonnays and that is really not that many. Made me feel good, I don't win that often.

It was disgorged in February of 2008, which leads me to assume that it is based on grapes from 2005, and bottled in 2006. 05 was warm in Champagne, as in most of France, and so Boulard had a cooperative climate to work with for this style of wine. But it is not easy to make a good non-dosé Champagne.

Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. Tags: Cellar Selection 2005 1997 4 stars 1995 2 stars USA 1991 3 stars 1999 Good Value Ridge Vineyards 2007 Sonoma Monte Bello 2008

recently went to Vins du Jura , a tasting featuring 20 producers from the Jura region of France. My favorite sous-voile wines of the tasting, in no particular order, were the 2005 Domaine Andre and Mirielle Tissot Arbois Savagnin , 2005 Domaine Labet Savagnin Vin de Voile from Côtes du Jura , and the 2004 Domaine de la Pinte Arbois Savagnin.

Really some good stuff to read on wine, the upcoming Tour de France and life in general. was born and raised in Pennsylvania and until I did a tour at Chaddsford in 2005, I didn't think grapes could grow in PA let alone make good wine. I am sitting here feeling bad because I missed adding a new post last week. know I can't.

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.

To the tape: Mr. Staples pointed to the example of Château-Lafite Rothschild, a first-growth Bordeaux, which soared from £675, or $955, for a 12-bottle case in the 2002 futures to £4,000 a case for 2005 — which he called “the best vintage I’ve ever tasted.” He estimated it cost the château €10, or $13, to make a bottle of the wine.

Tags: 2 stars France Bourgueil 2006 3 stars 1 star Sancerre 2005 Loire 2007 Chinon Savennieres

Sean Larkin is producing exceptional cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot (on the Jack Larkin label). Tags: 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Napa Valley Welcome Napa Valley Vintners! Yes, it’s cold and dreary in New York. It’s the kind of wet chill that gets under the skin. didn’t even try.

He brought a few truly special bottles of wine from France for this dinner, one of which was the 2002 Benoît Lahaye Brut Champagne Millésime. This version is, anyway, which I am guessing is based on 2005 grapes, bottled in 2006, and disgorged in August of 2008 based on the hard-to-spot code on the back label that reads "08 2008."

But last week I participated in a Wine and Spirits tasting of wines from the South of France. And this wine turned out to be the 2005 Domaine Henri Milan Baux de Provence Saint Remy de Provence red blend (about $25). In October I went to the Domaine Select Wine Estates Grand Portfolio Tasting. Remy de Provence. loved this wine! C'mon.speak

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

This is a traditional format, handed down to the new world from France. As previously reported, the 2002 Girard Caberent Franc Napa Valley displays bright and luscious strawberry notes on opening. History, like beauty, is in the mind of the beholder. That was the end of the beginning of Girard. It's clean and elegant. Elegance.