2006 Benoît Lahaye Champagne Mill ésime , $68, imported by Jeffery Alpert Selections. drank the 2002 in Portland on the day that I met my good friend Peter Liem , back in August of 2008. Been so busy lately with work that I just haven't had time to write here. 1999 Clos Rougeard Saumur Bréze , Louis/Dressner Imports, price unknown.

Pizzorno Tannat Riserva 2008 100% tannat 1 year barrique oak 1 year bottle. Pizzorno tinto reserve 2008. Primo 2006 Pizzorno tannat 50 25 cs 20 merlot 5 petite verdot – 15 months French oak individually … 5 months as a blend in oak – rests for three years. “Welcome!” to designer sunglasses. Two types of sparklers are produced ….

the Sartori di Verona Amorone della Valpolicella 2008 was full bodied and elegant with a mineral/earth character. The Sartori di Verona Amarone della Valpolicella "Corte Bra" 2006 was delicious, spicy, with concentrated ripe fruit, very well balanced. The Satori family's venture into wine making dates back to 1898.

Since 2006, the attention paid to the agricultural heritage of Lynch-Bages has become even greater. As of 2008, the second label of Lynch-Bages will be called, "Echo de Lynch-Bages". Very soon I will visit Chateau Cordeillan Bages! am also looking forward to meeting  Jean-Charles Cazes, whom I will have dinner with on Tuesday April 3.

They generously poured their 2006 traditional Marchesi di Barolo which was balanced and high in acidity and concentrated fruit, as well as their stony vineyard Sarmassa. We also tried the Canubi 2008 and Coste di Rose 07 which was faded garnet and very perfumed nose with a succuent slightly floral finish. 46th edition of Vinitaly.

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

have found 2008 to be an exceptional year across the board, with more variation and less concentration in 2009. enjoyed the 2007s, but not when they were still too young -- they are still only starting to open up -- and 2006 was phenomenal from the beginning. 2008 Botanica * Robust blue-purple in the glass, with a Smörgåsbord (?)

Why, on Christmas even my friend Dan Melia opened an absolutely gorgeous bottle of 2006 Marie-Noëlle Ledru Saignée Rosé , and we drank it with excellent grilled cheese sandwiches and various pickles. This bottle comes entirely from 2008 and is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Well, of the last few months anyway.

His three year plan, turned into nine, and he eventually moved to Numanthia in Spain in 2008. Numanthia was founded in 1998, and in 2006 the partners sold to Moet Hennessey. The 2008 was expressly fresh fruit, while the 2009 was slightly warmer vintage like 06, 03 with a level of intensity, and lots of character). SRP $200

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.

Mr Joliet was kind enough to open several bottles of red, from 2010 to 2006. tried the 2008 which is a fabulous vintage and incredibly well balanced with racy acidity and that delicious cherry. “Your grandfather actaually used that press!” Yet it is true. Beside the press are equally ancient looking straw baskets for gathering grapes.

Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cuvée Madeleine Collignon 2006. Saint-Romain blanc, Cuvée Joseph Menault 2008. Meursault-Charmes 1er Cru, Cuvée Albert Grivault 2008. Wine lovers in New York are gearing up for the The 151st Wine Auction of the Hospices de Beaune will take place November 20, 2011 in Beaune. Magical Journey". ROUGE.

Some of the wines tasted: Chateau Clerc-Milon: 1994, 2004, 2005, 2006. Chateau Lynch-Bages: 1996, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006 and Echo de Lynch-Bages 2008. Chateau Pontet-Canet: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006 and Les Hauts de Pontet 2005. Pauillac is a small region, only about 5,000 people, and had very humble beginnings.

bought several bottles in early 2008 and loved when it was released, but found subsequent bottles to be too oaky. was a different taster in early 2008, and the wine changed too. Imagine having to review this wine for a magazine or some sort of publication, having to score it based on one experience in 2008. Starkly different.

The non-vintage Extra-Brut we drank was based on wines from 2007 and 2006, but because of the ripe richness of the wine, I guessed it was based on 2008. Ledru's top wine, the 2006 Cuvée du Goulté ( best of the best ) of Ambonnay, was constricted and tight on this evening, as might be expected in its youth. wines from Ambonnay.

Two Malbecs followed, Killka Malbec 2008 and the Reserve Malbec, with the Reserve having a fuller mouthfeel and more intense concentration of fruit. At the heart of Salentein is the Killka Center for Culture and the Arts (LINK HERE), which opened in 2006. What can you say about an excellently turned out Chardonnay?

Two Malbecs followed, Killka Malbec 2008 and the Reserve Malbec, with the Reserve having a fuller mouthfeel and more intense concentration of fruit. At the heart of Salentein is the Killka Center for Culture and the Arts (LINK HERE), which opened in 2006. What can you say about an excellently turned out Chardonnay?

Indeed, the Live-ex aanalysis describes the 2008 and 2006 as 'remarkable value for money under 300 pounds per case.'. Bought by the Lurton family in 1922, and managed by Henri Lurton since 1992, the estate's wines are constantly high-scoring but it remains one of the cheaspest second growth's on the market.

The wines below were all fab: my favorites were the Gaia 2010 Wild Ferment, Gaia 2009 Santorini Thalassitis (intense nose with minerals and lime zest)m and the 2006 Sigalas. An older vintage Sigalas—2006. --. Chehalem 2008 Ribbon Ridge Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir (Ideal Winemaker Wine). topic: natural wine movement.

Here are five current releases I would cellar for 15 years that will bring a whole lot of bang for much less buck: Domaine Baudry, La Croix Boisée, 2008. Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco, 2006 : This excellent nebbiolo can age (the 1978 is drinking well today, apparently ). And around $30 a bottle? It sells for under $30. Roda I.

2008 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano – Adelaide Hills. 2008 SC Pannell Pronto Tinto Grenache Touriga Shriaz Monastrell – McLaren Vale. 2006 Massena Howling Dog Durif – Barossa Valley. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot – Margaret River.

Bodegas Roda Reserva 2006. Style note: Immediately impressive 2006 right out of the bottle - no need for decanting though it is just as delicious the next day. 2006 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino. 2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay. Drink now to 2025. light gold color.

After a few beer nights, I finally was able to open, taste and drink two remaining red wines I have received from Cinnabar Winery; the 2008 Sextant Vineyards Syrah and the 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon. We threw in a baked potato and fresh green beans and opened the "gem" of the Cinnabars, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The current release is based on the lovely 2006 vintage, and it feels substantial and ripe, and entirely under control, very fresh. This release is mostly from the fantastic 2008 vintage, the balance is 2007. This time of year there are a load of trade tastings, and even if like me, you only go to a few of them, you hear things. cases.

Of the three Chardonnays were I preferred the 2008 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard, which was very Meursault like and Greg said was due to the specific vineyard. The other two were very nice - the Manchester Ridge 2008 and the 09 Sangiacomo Vineyard. Greg La Follette of La Follette Wines. very strong signature aroma and palate here.

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. Huff Blancs de Blancs 2006.

It was excellent wine and it's elegant richness, and the sense of completeness it exuded leads me to guess that it is based on the superb 2008 vintage. Leaner and more elegant than the 2006, which was also very good. 2008 Comptoirs de Magdala Vin de Table (Provence) La Chance , not more than $20. very solid producer.

She disgorged a bottle of the NV Brut for us, based on the great 2008 vintage. The 2006 is only the second vintage to make it to the US, I believe, and it is a great wine. Ledru's 2008 Ambonnay Rouge was broad and airy on the nose, with spicy and floral nuances that complicated the rich fruit. neighbor helps her, she said.

Icewine is not usually the first beverage to consider to pair with oysters, yet our lunch kicked off withGlacier Bay Oyster with Inniskillin sparkling Vidal Icewine 2008. Afterwards, we had an icewine tasting with Bruce Nicholson, who was responsible for the vintages during 2006 and afterwards. Inniskillin Winemaker Bruce Nicholson.

2006 Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon. 2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2006 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This week I've tasted some excellent wines! USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley). color - purple, medium intensity, med trans. nose: med+ intensity, spice, black berry, black currant, oak. finish length is med+.

My best Rosé - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé 2006. Best White wine - Atwater Estate Vineyards Riesling 2008. The 2008 Atwater was what I brought to our Thanksgiving dinner. Best Red wine - Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva 2006. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Now for my best of 2010.

Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. Wilson Zinfandel 2008 Dry Creek. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2009. With its velvet texture, nose of well sorted fresh grapes, and fresh flavors, this is a well balanced New World Pinot that can match many foods, especially salmon, pork, rare duck. Mazzocco Sonoma Petite Syrah Aguilera 2007.

Yalumba The Scribbler 2008 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Shiraz showing aromas of oak, raw wood and ripe cherries while on the palate hints of violets, black pepper and a spicy intensity. Flight 2 Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008 Muted smoky aromas, eastern spices, sour cherries, cocoa, and forest floor, raspberry, blueberry and fresh finish.

Wiemer , dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, 2008: the class almost unanimously liked the wine from our own Empire State; the winery website provided the basic useful info I was looking for, including photos, history, and tech specs and the wine. More Americans are drinking wine today than ever before. Forget social media and “web 2.0″–too

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.

2008 Jean et Gilles Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru La Chapelle, $30, Imported by Fruit of the Vines. 2008 Reinhard & Beate Knebel Riesling trocken, $14, Imported by Mosel Wine Merchant. 2006 Domaine Oudin Chablis Les Serres, $22, Jenny & François Selections. Can you get geared up for a laundry list post? Yes, I do.

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.

2008 Michel Delhommeau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Cuvée Harmonie , about $15. 2008 Claude Riffault Sancerre Les Boucauds , about $28. The 2008 was all young craggly rocks, and you could drink it with oysters and then scrape the mud off a pig with whatever is left in the bottle. By the way, Rouge Tomate is really good.

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. In the way that the general wine drinking public under-values Loire red wines, I think that us Loire lovers under-value the wines of Domaine Filliatreau. promise you, you will not be disappointed.

Recently, both Messrs Lurton and Audebert came to New York to introduce the fabulous 2006 vintage. Audebert and Lurton presented the 2006 vintage in a structured tasting that began with the 1999 vintage (the first for the winery) and continued on to the yet unreleased 2008. Messrs. Work in the winery is more like fine tuning.

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.

They are 23 months apart in age, born in 2007 and 2008. BrooklynLady and I visited the Lafouges in 2006 when she was 7 months pregnant with our daughter. I'll find more, but the 2008 Burgundies haven't really been released yet in NYC, never mind things like vintage Champagne. recently had a 1995 La Chapelle and it was fantastic.

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.

Our next visit was the wines of Groupo Italiano Vini (GIV) which completed the acquisition of Bolla in 2008. Next was the Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2008 Repasso which saw 18 months in Sloavian Oak (delicious) and finally Amarone 2006, from hillside vineyards and matured for three years in Slovian Oak barrels. Day 2.

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.

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.

He said 2006 and 2009. 2006 Domaine Sigalas Santorini Barrel Fermented Assyrtiko - Riper and richer than the others, smokey, and something almost chalky (but there is no chalk) on the nose. 2008 Hatzidakis Santorini Assyrtiko was beautiful wine, salty and savory with deep flavors of herbal honey and smoke, and of course, seawater.

Park Avenue Spring was a wonderful venue to showcase the wines - a creamy 2008 Chardonnay with a long crisp finish that paired well with the oyster, refreshing 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (tank-fermented and aged in neutral French Oak barrels), 2004 Pinot Noir (everyone's favorite!) "So what did the first winery look like?"

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.

Domaine du Closel , La Jalousie, Savennieres, 2006. Domaine Aubuisieres , cuvée de silex, Vouvray, sec, 2008 $18: really a gorgeous example of chenin–and a good value too. Francois Pinon , cuvée tradition, Vouuvray 2008. Domaine Belliviere , Jasnières, 2006. It can tack on decades effortlessly. Consider decanting.

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 2008 Alice and Olivier de Moor Chablis Rosette , $38, Louis/Dressner Selections is the first Chablis I've had from the 2008 vintage. The 2006 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos , about $80, this wine is a sample donated by Henriot Inc. We had a bunch of people over for dinner this weekend for Chablis night.

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 Reserve Chardonnay 2008 had excellent concentration of fruit and ripe, succulent flavors, while the 2008 Chardonnay had New World Finesse and good structural integration. As a Californian, I was incredibly loyal to my native state and spent many long, sun-soaked weekends checking out all the new wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Flight one consisted of yellow tail Reserve Shiraz 2008 from Southeastern Australia ($11), d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia ($60), Marquis Philips Shiraz 2008, McLaren Vale, Australia ($13) and Archetype Shiraz 2007 Barossa, Australia $15. Doug Frost MS MW & John Casella (blue tie). Table.

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!

Lot 159 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008: new release $14 Musky aromas, citrus, creamy oak. Lot 154 Lake Country Zinfandel 2006: new release $13 Bubblegum, vanilla, banana and blueberryCameron Hughes is a Negociant in the wine world, delivering small "Lots" of high-end wines at very affordable prices. My favorite of the group.

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.

Here are the wines we tasted, with a few notes: Three of us picked the same wine as our favorite, the 2006 Delille Vin de Pays du Mont Caume Terre d' Omb re , $17, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. 2006 Château Jean-Pierre Gaussen Vin de Pays du Mont Caume , $11, Moonlight Wines Imports. But the inexpensive red wines of Provence? It is 12.5%

And the note from Alfred Tesseron of Pontet-Canet: We started biodynamie for 14 hectares in 2004, in 2005 we did 100% on 81 hectares (200 acres), which is the total vineyard of Pontet-Canet so also for the vintage 2006. Over on Twitter, there was some confusion about the status of their Biodynamic certification. Here are their.

The smoke-tainted (and some smoke-free) 2008 Sonoma Pinot Noirs are hitting the market now (as we tasted earlier ). In what may well have been an April Fool’s spoof, Sharon Kapnick draws to our attention a new label on the Allegrini Pallazo della Torre 2006. SIPPED and SPIT: wine as an investment. Reuters ]. SIPPED: legal action.

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.

The first 4 pairings with various Salumi: Ruffino Chianti Superiore DOCG 2008 From the Poggio Casciano Estate vineyards in Chianti, using choice grapes during the harvest, as per the Superiore and Chianti Classico production standards, and aged for seven months in stainless steel tanks and two additional months in bottle.

Wölffer Estates 2006 Fatalis Fatum 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27.5% know I’m partial to reds, so I tried the Wölffer Estates 2008 Grandioso Rosé Bouquet of peaches, honeysuckle, flavors of pears, kiwi, mineral, grapefruit rind, reminding me that Spring is Here million per year. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5%

In 2006 I took a cycling tour thru Tuscany where I discovered a passion for wines. In January 2008 I started this wineblog: vigna uva vino. Advertising on Vigna Uva Vino ABOUT vignauvavino.blogspot.com? From that experience I began writing in a journal about the wines I liked. It is upon this number that we base our advertising costs.

The Arboleda 2006 was more full bodied with lots of earth, green pepper and tobacco. 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. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.

Grignolino d’Asti 2008. Barbera d’Asti 2008. Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato 2008. Monferrato Rosso Il Re 2006. Chiara Ferraris. Did you know that wines from Italy are the most imported wines to the USA? Now certain Manhattanites (you now who you are!) mushrooms, pasta). Featuring the wines of. 12:30 pm.

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.

Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. The Arboleda Carmenère 2006 was purchased locally for $19 Vintage: 2006 Appellation: Chile Wine pH: 3.61 Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. Wine Acidity: 5.31

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

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.

And it’s especially important to keep the staff wine savvy, now that they were honored with the 2007 & 2008 Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction and 2008 & 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Finally, we taste the only red – Volnay 2006 by Jean Yves Devevey. Awaiting the Tasting. Brad Haskel. mrs Barnes.

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%

The 2008 Umathum Traminer was a tasty and interesting wine. liked the weird savory roasted vegetable flavors of her 2006 Carnuntum Spitzerberg , but the 2007 was as good as any wine on the table, with beautiful floral aromatics and an ethereal texture that allowed the layers of fruit, soil, and flower to unfold gracefully.

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.

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.

Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba 2008 DOC Cherry pie, red berries, blackberries, tobacco, polished. Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 70% form Napa, 30% from Sonoma with a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Well, here they are. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet.

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.

The blog started out in 2008 only as fun thing to do and to give my new wine affiliate web site it's first link. When I made my first Finger Lakes wine tour in 2008, I went expecting to taste only white wines. What an exciting year this has been for Why Wine Blog and for me personally in my quest to further my knowledge of wine.

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.

So, thanks to my friend Raelinn who turned me on to Beatrice et Pascal Lambert Chinon Tradition Graves 2006 $16 Clos du Tue-Boeuf Cheverny Rouge 2008 $18 Domaine De La Bergerie Anjou "Sous La Tonnelle" 2008 $13 (chenin) Govone Barbera D'Alba Superiore 2005: $ 13.99 # 4- Affordable wine in N. Virginia!

The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. The second bottle was an Agent for Change 2006 Zinfandel. ** 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. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

Pinon, Francois NV Vouvray Brut AND if you want to go ultra geeky-- Donati 2008 Malvasia dell'Emilia IGT Frizzante $2o. And for the Tzimmes: Monte Dall' Ora 2006 Valpolicella Classico $16.99 They asked for help. tried to do my best. Here are the first four requests. 1 This one came in from Susan. This one is tough. recommended.

Rocca Sveva Soave Classico 2008 DOC When I was a younger man, the most famous white wine from Italy was from the Soave region, near Verona. Rocca Sveva Amarone della Valpolicella 2006 DOC The Amarone Process The hand-picked clusters are set to dry on "drying racks" for at least 3 months in special temperature- and humidity-controlled lofts.

2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Modus Operandi, Napa Valley, California. ? 2006 Riesling, Brooks “Ara”, Wilamette Valley, Oregon. ? Right now, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dr. Manmohan Singh, prime minister of India, is being feted at a state dinner! alcohol, not exactly my recipe for good times with green curry. Potato and Eggplant Salad.

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. Another six-week session of my NYU class just wrapped up last week. How could it not be? It will be on my Thanksgiving table–and in a white wine glass.

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.

2008 Overnoy/Houill on Poulsard Arbois Pupillin , $36, Louis/Dressner Selections. 2006 Domaine Stéphane et Mireille Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes , $18, Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons. Jura wines are kind of obscure, outside of the wine-geek world. It seems as though Jura wines are the next hip thing. Who knows?

loved the "entry-level" 2008 Muscadets by Luneau Papin, particularly the 2008 Luneau-Papin Clos des Allées , about $15. liked François Pinon 's 2008's even more than I did the 2007's at this early stage. The 2008 Clos du Tue-Boeuf Cheverny Gravotte , about $24, is 100% Pinot Noir from 30 year old wines on chalky soil.

Charles Krug 2006 Merlot Heron Hill 2007 Blaufrankisch Mud House 2008 Pinot Noir (NZ, central otaga) No one comes to this site to see these wines slammed, so I won't. Needed to clear out some bottles. The only bottle I felt sorry for was the poor American Oak drenched Heron Hill. Come on guys! The terroir is there for the taking!

If forced to choose, I would buy the 2008 Chateau Fouquet , with its bright nose of red fruit and a clean, energetic, and ripe palate. few bucks more buys the 2008 La Grande Vignolle , price unknown but probably about $20, a wine made from old vines in the huge Grande Vignolle vineyard. Diddy made an appearance, as did Martha Stewart.

We had a 2006 Bornard Poulsard La Chamade for $54 and that's better than totally acceptable. drank a bottle of 2006 Pierre Frick Gewurztraminer Rot Murlé , $22, Jean-Marie de Champs Selections, the other night with a stew of French green lentils, carrots, and sausages. had no beer to bring, so I brought wine. Will not happen again.

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.

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. The day started with a series of speeches about some of the history of Long Island wines, how the wines were picked for the blind tasting, followed by Q&A. So, here we go.