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. Family Deicas Preludio 2006. yet from the tasting notes below you can see it was worth it. Reserve line $14. 10 US.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are the grape varieties of Pauillac. Since 2006, the attention paid to the agricultural heritage of Lynch-Bages has become even greater. Very soon I will visit Chateau Cordeillan Bages! About the history of Chateau Lynch-Bages. About the terroir of Chateau Lynch-Bages.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2006 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. The new design of the Chateau Baccarat glass collection successfully unleashes the full potential of the wines.

Cellar Selection France 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape 4 starsDeed red rose color. Closed aromatics at the moment; tangerine, dry bloody notes, dark cocoa and dried flowers. Needs decanting right now. This is tight and dry, pleasant at first, with noticeable soft tannins, cracked black pepper, somewhat racy red fruits and good Zzzing!

For example, let's pretend I have just poured you a glass of 2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir from California. Outside Burgundy, Pinot Noir can be found in Alsace, where it is one of the few red varieties grown, and in certain vineyards in the centre of France. Quick! Wine, of course. Well done!" Le Nez du Vin ," she whispered. I asked.

Peter generously brought a bottle of Selosse Champagne from France for my birthday in the fall. 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. Well, of the last few months anyway.

France chateaneuf du Pape 2006 3 starsDark plum color. Very closed on the nose, with mild notes of dry lavender and mellow herbs; then prunes, blood, and citrus notes as it breathes. This is monolithic, bold, and dense for the sheer pleasure of density, which is a style I can very much admire and enjoy - most often.

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?”

France chateaneuf du Pape 2006 3 starsTasted at the Barrington Bistro. Dark garnet color. Very fresh floral nose with faint licorice, plum, and strong bloody overtures. Finishes with sweet red berry notes.

He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Robert Parker, April 2006. James Suckling, March 31, 2006. Roger Voss, May 01, 2006

2006 Ch. France Crosby Roamann napa Bordeaux 2006 2011 3 starsOur sauvignon blanc is coming along nicely! After picking we brought the fruit back to the winery and covered it with a little SO2 and a little dry ice to keep it cool. The fruit was transfered to a 2-ton basket press, pictured below, for a gentle pressing.

Their 2006 Collioure Magenca Rouge is a blend with grenache, mouvedre, and carignan - all old vines. Jean-Roger Calvet from Domaine Thunevin-Calvet in Mary, France is next. The next panelist is Herve Bizeul from Le Clos des Fees, in Vingrau, France which has 400 habitants. Schist is extremely important to this domaine. years.

Cabernet franc grown on limestone from a top grower in Chinon. Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco, 2006 : This excellent nebbiolo can age (the 1978 is drinking well today, apparently ). Isole e Olena, Ceparello 2006 , about $60: I had the chance to try this wine at a tasting last year and thought it was terrific. Under $30.

2006 Massena Howling Dog Durif – Barossa Valley. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot 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.

This is ripe but controlled and perfectly balanced, absolutely drinkable Cabernet Franc. Leaner and more elegant than the 2006, which was also very good. I stopped into the Jenny and François spring portfolio tasting the other day to taste some of the new releases. It's a portfolio to get to know, if you haven't already.

My maternal grandfather loved the great wines of France and Italy. am a bit late on this one, but we drank a bottle of one my favorite wines in the world, Cedric Bouchard’s 2006 Rose de Saignee Le Creux d’Enfer. There’s a new order at the Wine Advocate. He took a break from tasting in Burgundy, where he is now, to respond. Twice.

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. Afterwards, we had an icewine tasting with Bruce Nicholson, who was responsible for the vintages during 2006 and afterwards.

also have become more interested in the wines of France. My best Rosé - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé 2006. Best Red wine - Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva 2006. Although known primarily for white wines, the Finger Lakes does very well with Cab Franc and Lemberger and their red blends. Marvelous Wine!

They actually have a wine spitting contest in France! Sure, one may come forward, but it will have to do better than India’s United Breweries, which received a “frosty reception&# bidding on Taittinger in 2006. SIPPED: spitting! “The length and precision of the stream are just unbelievable.&# France24 ]. WSJ ]. Check.

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.

Here are a few of my tasting notes: Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2006 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, 2 years in oak, 4 months in bottle, deep violet colors, delicious cherry pie aromas, dark waves of chocolate and coffee. On October 25th at The New York Public Library The Instituto Grandi Marchi presented their “Premium Brands”.

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.

2007 Claux Delorme Valençay , about $16, is a delicious blend of Malbec, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Lighter in body than the 2006, it continues to impress me as a full bodied wine that is fit for richer meaty dishes, and yet has a light enough mouth feel to be very good to drink on its own. Silly me.

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. If you like Cabernet Franc from the Loire and you haven't tried this wine, you honestly should make a point of buying this. The wines deliciously express terroir and are modestly priced. This is great wine!

Yet the sixth is an “imposter&# – not a Champagne from the named region in Northern France, but a Napa Valley sparkler. Wines 1 – 4 were very pale and elegant, the robe (or color as they say in France) was like that of a pale onion skin. “Of course, I can detect a California sparkler!&# Schram and J.

Eric and his wife Deborah took a trip to Trepass Vineyards last year and returned raving about their wines, so I was really happy to unwrap this Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is used for blending Bordeaux and other varietals in the Loire Valley, but is being seen more and more around the world

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.

Though its home is in Loire Valley of France, most Americans are more familiar with the fresh vibrant taste of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Chateau de Sancerre 2006, Sancerre AOC This Sauvignon Blanc is a classic from France’s Loire Valley. Something that pairs well with grilled skewers of fresh shrimp and swordfish. Salud!

It is actually one of the oldest wine estates of France and in 1953, the Ministry of Agriculture awarded the property with the “Cru Classé” title, a prestigious vintage wines award. One of my favorites was the red Cuvee Prestige 2006, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which is paired with the lamb. Well, this is that scene.

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.

Making up for the freezing rain and wind that day two years ago were the delicious 2006 Chablis and the very warm welcome of the producers of Chablis and Auerrois. Tags: Burgundy France News 10th Edition Les Grands Jours De Bourgogne 2010 burgundy jean francois bordet laurent droughin romain collet chablis room. Tropez. chablis buffet.

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

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

Now this is a relatively new region producing quality wines, among them Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and "Yarden Rom" which is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (percentages depending on the vintage), aged in French oak barrels for roughly 21 months and bottled without filtration.

2005 is thought to be a great vintage because, as in most of France, conditions were essentially perfect. 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. Okay, that's not exactly what we did.

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.

Vin de table lies at the bottom of the administrative heap in France: it’s derided, dirt cheap and sold in supermarkets by the flagon. Although it has been produced only in 2004, 2006, and 2007, the label legally can’t state a vintage as a vin de table , so instead they rely on the microscopic font of the lot number , 20.06

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.

From Valle de Uco in Mendoza, Argentina comes this unbelievable 100% Cabernet Franc, aged for six months in oak barrels. On the mid-palate is cola, black pepper and dark glycerine with a wonderful finish of resinous black cherry. Sampled a day later and then two days later and only improved as time went by. Simply put, this wine is delicious.

He’ll shop around the world’s best wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and California to find some very good juice in bulk that a vineyard might sell for $55 per bottle and sell it for $15. Lot 154 Lake Country Zinfandel 2006: new release $13 Bubblegum, vanilla, banana and blueberry

and that is because in old world regions such as France’s Loire Valley, they refer to a bottle of wine by the region where it is from. Today we tried the 2006 vintage of Chateau de Sancerre white with lobster and it was a terrific pairing. Marc Sorrel-Dejerine of Chaeau De Sancerre.

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% Clovis Point 2007 Archaeology 56% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Syrah, whew!

The Arboleda 2006 was more full bodied with lots of earth, green pepper and tobacco. This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.

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

A blend from Verona of Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Cabernet Franc, this is loaded with intense aromas of black raspberries, vanilla, stewed prunes, and even hints of bacon with an even smaller hint of varnish. Ovaltine. Seems like a perfect match for a cold snowy February night

Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore 2006 DOC 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Lungarotti Torgiano Rosso Vigna Monticchio Riserva 2006 licorice, tobacco, smoke, black cherries and violets. 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!!

our flight arrived too late for this, so arrived in time to hear Frances Mayes, author of "Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life" speak about her book. Chiarello produces wines and we tried his Cabernet Sauvignon Eileen (2006) as well as a reasonably priced Puglia red. Thursday - today - was also very dynamic.

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.

New favorites are the Cabernet Franc, Lemberger (Blaufrankisch) and Syrah's from the Finger Lakes. Best White: Many good Finger Lakes Riesling's and Gewurzt's, but best white tied between a CA Chardonnay from Clos du Bois the Calcaire and the Michael Shaps 2006 Viognier from the King Family Vineyards in Virginia.

2006 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ** Deep red rose. Tags: 2 stars France Bordeaux 2006 1 star 2001 Champagne 1993 Napa Valley Full and dry, with blood orange on the tongue and lemon drop viscosity, somewhat less elegant than previous bottles, possibly due to variation? Very nice.

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.

Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. Tissot, Arbois, Poulsard, vielles vignes, Jura 2006 about $17. The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5%

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.

Latkes are difficult and while I could see a cabernet franc, the greasiness screams out for a sparkler. 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. What wine would be best to serve with this?

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? Many Nebbiolo fans were made from a sip of this wine.

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

This was my favorite from the first flight at the Snooth Cabernet tasting last week. Initially, beautiful dark ripe blackberry aromas assault together with wafts of berries, and hints of vanilla, spices and cassis. 15% alcohol and $16.99

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.

Tags: Cellar Selection 2 stars France 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape

Very positive in general, Sifton said this about the wine list: "Totally acceptable selection, but much better to experiment among the 23 beers on tap and large selection of bottled beers that have traveled here from Britain, from Brooklyn, from Germany, from France." But none of this would have happened had I made a better beverage choice.

From France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux, this Ruby red, with a nose muted with red cherries, spices and a bit of barnyard, or as Eric quipped, "a hint of moo". Back to the Shades of Red pairing at Eric Guido's. Eureka. get it

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.

Writing in Friday’s Globe and Mail of Toronto, Beppi Crosariol, the paper’s wine columnist, weighs in on the topic of Cabernet Franc. Follow along on Twitter ) If you haven’t weighed in, do you love or hate Cabernet Franc? happen to love cab franc! happen to love cab franc! gonzogastronomy @drvino ouch!

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.

As in Cheverny, red wines from Valençay contain several grapes, typically some blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Franc. The 2006 vintage is 40% Gamay, 30% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Pinot Noir. and the earthy structure that the Cabernet Franc brings to the table." For example.

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.

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!

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. While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

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

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

From the South of France sails this 50/50 blend of Syrah and Grenache, made by 2 brothers who sailed around the world for 2 years and decided on their return they would fulfill their lifelong dream and make wine together. land ho

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!

Again there was no date anywhere on the bottle, but I'm guessing it is a 2006. 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. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. That's different.

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.

wasn't really concerned about price, I just had a desire to try another Oregon wine, so I brought home a bottle of Henry Estate Oregon Pinot Noir 2006. 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.

OK, NZ is still the best, but the Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2006 is as good. Bonterra Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2006, found at $13 Take it from an amateur wine lover. 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. made the right choice.

The wine, Cycles Gladiator, made by Soledad, California-based Hahn, retails for about $10 and had sold about 600,000 cases since 2006. If the nymph were in today’s Tour de France, she would at least be required to have a helmet! Alabama’s liquor authority has banned a label depicting a nude nymph (side view!)

here are extensive winemaker notes: DELAS FRERES Wines from Côtes du Rhône, France Côtes-du-Ventoux 2006 The appellation of Côtes-du-Ventoux sits on the East bank of the Rhône river at the foot of the Ventoux mountain range. CHARACTERISTICS: This wine comes from a blend of wines from the heart of the Cote du-Ventoux appellations.

blame it on the tongue-defying regions, names, and producers from Germany -- German taxonomy makes France look simplistic. 2006 St. Tags: 2 stars 2006 3 stars 2005 Good Value Germany 2007 2008 I promised myself I would drink more German wines this year. 2007 Joh. Enjoyed this immensely. Striking nose of apricot and honey.

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. 2006 Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Expression d'Orthogneiss , $19, Kysela Imports. 2006 wasn't the greatest vintage in Muscadet, but this is great wine.

Writing in the Wine Advocate, Jay Miller had dropped the 62 on the 2006 while previous two vintages of Viu 1 scores of 92 and 92+ accordingly (about $60; find these wines ). Viu 1 2006, for instance, became Wine Enthusiast Editor’s choice with 92 points on July’s 09 issue.&#. But it turned out that was the 62 pointer, the 2006.

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!