Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011. Tannat Cab Frank Reserva 2008. Tannat 2008 Riserva de la Familia. 44 Cab franc 28 Tannat 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 10 Merlot. Cabernet Frank 2010. "Welcome!" says attractive dark haired Federico Domingo, Export Manager for Bodegas Castillo Viejo as we squeeze into his tiny car.

Tannat reserve 2008. blend of Tannat Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon  Malbec Merlot). "What exciting wines!" is my first reaction to meeting Marcelo Irurtia, who is in charge of vineyard management for his family's 100 year old winery, and Maria Silvia Bianchi, who is in charge of exportation. Gerwurtraminer 11 - Km.O.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are the grape varieties of Pauillac. The majority of these are cabernets, with a large predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, which give the wine its bright color, subtle flavor and great aging potential. You can almost taste it in the wine.

That was made clear by how she talked about Anyela's and what had been accomplished since their opening in 2008. 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. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd. Very professional! No gift shop.

2008 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley ( about $65 ) USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley. Sure enough, Eric posted the wines served, complete with tasting notes. For the full menu (pdf) , click here. Appetizers: crostini. USA, Virginia, Central Region, Monticello. Find it. Serve it.

The handpicked fruit from the excellent 2008 vintage (warm days, cool nights) are from estate vineyards and consist of 83% Merlot, 12% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1124 the seeds of a house of wine were planted. This also adds richness and texture. 14% Alcohol and $35 SRP

This Cabernet is super soft and very fruit forward with aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberry and forest floor, paired with a palate of berry flavors, chocolate, bing cherry, and a touch of oak. In the early 1980’s, Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles caught the attention of renowned Napa Valley vintner Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards.

Most notably the blended Marlstone and Briarstone Cabernet Sauvignon. Tonight was time to uncork a 2008 North Coast Zinfandel( $12 ) to serve with an outstanding beef stew prepared by my daughter Pam. Since then I have treated myself to some very nice red wines from that same winery. They are water-conscious too.

Upstairs in the glass enclosed tasting room we taste the Sauvignon Blanc 2011. taste both the 2008 and 2007, with the 2008 “Five” not yet released and the 2007 drinking very nicely! allen sauvignon blanc South Africa“Welcome!” says Gus C.G. Allen, an owner of Constantia Glen winery in Constantia, South Africa. News S.

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon round it all out, along with Petit Sirah and Merlot. Kit's Kiler Cab 2008. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit comes from an alluvial fan on Ritchie Creek in Calistoga, and the 8% Merlot and 8% Malbac comes from a vienyard along the Napa River.

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. 60% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc There is but one hectare (2.2 You can see some of the wines tasted below.

Helena Sauvignon Blanc is all barreled down and aging nicely. acre vineyard of clone 338 organic Cabernet Sauvignon is coming along slow and nice, with notes of mostly blueberry and very soft tannins. Veeder our.8-acre block of clone 337 Cabernet (pictured above) is showing wonderful notes of mixed berry compote.

News 009 Jacob's Creek Reserve Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills and finally jacob's creek their 2008 Jacob's Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2008 their 2009 Jacob's Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon their Jacob's Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2009. their Jacob's Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling 2010

did pass on a few nice California reds though and stayed with the Finger Lakes and a Salmon Run Meritage 2008 ( $11 ), a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Grilled a few NY strip steaks this past week-end and looked forward to opening a nice red wine for change. Merlot. Lots of nice aromas.

Here is a SuperTuscan blend of 85% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that is fermented in steel tanks for 15 days then barrel aged for 6-8 months in French oak, and finally in bottle for 3-6 months. cassis and smoke on the finish. This delicious bargain is $21 SRP

Clairette and Ugni blanc have become the dominate grape varieties with some smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Mouvedre and Syrah. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Aromas are still kinky. Wine from Algeria! Who would'a thunk. and 2nd Ave.

Equally fabulous was the 2009 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, with its exotic flavors of passion fruit and guava. The reds were all fabulous, yet my personal fav ws the 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which is heavily influenced by sun drenched days which gives the wine its ripeness. Jim Collins. Salute!

Director's Cut 2008 Cinema. Blend is 48% Zinfandel, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Verdot. Director's Cut 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Style: Straw in color, subtle nose reveals tropical fruits (guava, pineapple, honeysuckle) that extend to the medium-weight palate along with flavors of ripe peach.

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. Cabernet franc grown on limestone from a top grower in Chinon. Even though it is the “second&# wine from the Dominus estate, it has the seductiveness of good cabernet.

2008 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano – Adelaide Hills. 2008 SC Pannell Pronto Tinto Grenache Touriga Shriaz Monastrell – McLaren Vale. Traditional Cabernet Blends. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2005 Penley Estate the Chertsey Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – Coonawarra.

sparkling Blanc de Noirs, 2009 Zweigelt Classic, 2010 Estoras Gruner Veltliner, the 2008 ESTORAS Blaufankisch-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, a 100% 2008 Blaufrankisch, the 2008 Tesoro (their top wine0 and a delicious desert wine 2008 Cuvee Trockenbeerenauslese. Have you thought about Austrian culture?

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. I'm not a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, but that can be changed with more like this one.

The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Peite Verdot and Malbec was again delightful. Tonight was one of them nights when Shirley did not feel like cooking, I was not hungry and the NCAA Basketball National Championship was being played. game I have not missed in 38 years. Great way to end the night.

My favorite of the Rainer Wess wines was the Riesling Achleiten 2008, which had a smokey minerality that came out of the dark granite soil. Andi Kollwentz presented two whites (Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay) and three reds, with my favorite red being a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Blaufrankisch, and Zweigelt.

Last year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard , so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage. The Conservancy collection includes Pitite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. could not wait to open the 2008 Petite Sirah. The color was a very dark purple. The wine was perfect.

Excellent balance, round and soft. Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC

2006 Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon. Style note: A very good example of a California Cabernet Sauvignon that tries to represent its terroir, this well balanced wine offers layers of flavor and some real complexity. 2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2006 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. 8 views).

Macari Sauvignon Blanc 2009. Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. very good example of a California Cabernet Sauvignon that tries to represent its terroir, this well balanced wine offers layers of flavor and some real complexity. Wilson Zinfandel 2008 Dry Creek. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2009.

had the good fortune recently to receive a case of 2008 wines and must say all are of exceptional quality for the price. If I had to choose my two favorites, they would be the Chardonnay and the 2007 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Lohr 2008 chardonnay Arroyo Vista. Lohr 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles.

With an emphasis on maximizing fruit expression, Terrazas de los Andes grape varietals are carefully matched to their vineyard altitude: Chardonnay ( 1200 metres/3900 feet); Malbec (1067 metres/3500 feet), Cabernet Sauvignon (980 metres/3200 feet). 2008 Reserva Malbec. 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ruca Malen 2008 was a favorite, very dark and well balanced, with well integrated oak, finesse, and notes of chocolate and slight spice. Ruca Malen Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was delicious, typical of the region, with cassis, black current, and some chocolate. Tasting the Wines. The Six Wines. The Tasting Menu.

Today's tastings started with 2008 Arcadia with its aroma of white flowers, then progressed to 2008 Karia Chardonnay, and 2007 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon (34% new French Oak) then progressed to the 07 Fay Estate, cab 2007 S.L.V Estate cab, and the Cask 23 07 Cab which has attracted fans worldwide.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2008 Made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Pinot Noir, and 4% Malbec, this rose from the North Fork of Long Island shows colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus.

All six were reds and either 100% Shiraz or a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. 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. Table

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.

tried both the 2008 Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon and found both well balanced with good concentration of fruit and well integrated flavors. The Meritage was the more subtle wine of the two, though Cabernet Sauvignon fans will like the strong earth and blackberry notes of this single varietal, meant to be paired with steaks.

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. Blending the Malbec (from very old vines, which make for a very intense wine) and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most important elements in the winemaking process.

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

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

My favorite was the 2007 Vittorio's vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. also liked the 2008 Pinot Noir, which was sourced from the Henry Ranch in Carneros. The 2008 White Riesling was aromatic and well balanced, fermented slowly at low temperatures. Brooks Painter, winemaker. so recently I received three wines from V. sattui

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.

have already tasted two of the Octavin Home Wine Bar artisan white wines and did review the Sauvignon Blanc from that collection and was looking forward to trying the Zin, but not necessarily writing a review. I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. Best of all is the price.

Here is a fine Napa blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono, and 1% Grenache. Deep violet colors in the glass, spreading to a garnet outer ring, with aromas of red berry and ripe black cherry and wafts of smoke. Robert Parker: 90 pts Wine Spectator: 92 pts Retails: $35

but drinking like a complex Cabernet with rich chocolate and vanilla nuances, black sour cherries, good weight and texture, and firm tannins balanced with a pleasant acidity. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Maipo Valley Long thick finish with definite signs of Coca-Cola and maple syrup.

have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). The Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, was outstanding. Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc is from the famous cool climate vineyards of the renowned Marlborough winegrowing region. 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.

From Chile's Rapel Valley, comes this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 5% Carmenere, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 68% of which was aged for 7 months in French oak barrels, while 32% was aged in stainless steel tanks, before bottle aging. 2008 Winner of Wine Enthusiast's New World Winery

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.

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.

from McLaren Vale to showcase verticals of their Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. really enjoyed the 2001 Shiraz, which received 98 points from Wine Advocate, though I enjoyed the 2008 equally well with its jammy red fruits and "inky black fruit over vanilla ice cream" character. The Shrivingtons are an interesting family.

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.

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. Lobster.

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 147 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $15 Dry, tarry, some minerality, tight, attractive aromas of leather, sachet d'Épices and black cherry, with violets tones and oak. To me they were all great value wines.

From the foothills of Argentina's Andes Mountains, showing colors of deep bluish red with aromas of burnt marshmallow, leather, tobacco, smoked meats, red peppers and cassis. Deep forest flavors of black plum, cassis, spices and blackberry jam reflect a smooth tannic edge

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

blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, I found bright citrus fruit on the nose - think persimmon, and also some very prominent sandalwood aromas. 2008 Comptoirs de Magdala Vin de Pays du Mont Caume La Chance , $17, Jenny & François Selections - this wine kindly donated by Jenny & François for this tasting. Aren't they?

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.

Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Wölffer Estates 2006 Fatalis Fatum 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% million per year. Barbera, and aged 22 months in oak.

Tonight I uncorked another Carmenere from Concha y Toro , the Casillero del Diablo 2008 Reserve. This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.

Concha y Toro produces several different wine styles including a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes the Maule Valley. They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

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

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

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

An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Winemakers notes: This dynamic duo combines the brawn of Cabernet Sauvignon and the suppleness of Merlot. Tags: Cabernet-Merlot New York Seneca Wine Trail red wine Finger Lakes Can't do much better than that.

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. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet.

purchased the Bonterra, because I have already reviewed two other of their wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed both. Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. It just never happened.

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.

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

We tasted some of their reds and brought home a nice Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. fabulous swedish style meat ball over egg noodles was served with the Anthony Road 2008 semi-sweet Riesling. This time it was our first visit to the "Deck the Halls" event on Seneca Lake. We were able to visit 16 of the 30 participating wineries.

My tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month yielded this natural winner for me. Sourced from some of the best vineyards in Mount Veeder, Oakville, Rutherford, and Spring Mountain, this wine receives continual 91, 92, and 93 point scores.

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

Winemaker's notes: Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon Chianti may well be the single best-known wine in the world - historically celebrated, universally revered and enjoyed over centuries. Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant.

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

passed over many of my favorites before keeping out a Billsboro Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008. remembered commenting on an older post that this was may be the best Sauvignon Blanc I tasted outside of my favorites from New Zealand. find many good Sauvignon Blanc's from New Zealand and Chile between $9 and $12. Good Buy!

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.

Since then, Herzog & de Meuron have won the Pritzker prize and designed such buildings as the Tate Modern and the Bird’s Nest for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.) I’ve wanted to visit the Dominus Estate in Napa since it was built in 1997. But it’s not open to the public. So here’s an edition of Dr. Vino inside !

Cabernet Franc is not supposed to be this good. Tonight I dug into my modest wine vault and found a Ravines Wine Cellars , Cabernet Franc 2007. Tags: New York Cabernet Franc red wine Keuka Wine Trail Finger Lakes There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. Such is the case today! It has!

lot like between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Gewurztraminer. 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.

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.

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

Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy!

With ample experience in making and aging great wines dating back to 1964, Santiago Ijalba García left his position as general and technical manager in a historic Haro bodega to launch his own personal project. In 1998 under his newly-incorporated company Santiago Ijalba S.A. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. The first night I opened the Crianza.

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

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

Can't Wait) While out doing her bidding, I was informed that my daughter Pam was doing a broiled Salmon dinner, so I was looking for a nice Sauvignon Blanc to accompany the meal. OK, NZ is still the best, but the Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2006 is as good. Tags: white wine Sauvignon Blanc California organic made the right choice.

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. Doesn't beat my favorites, (dry Rieslings and Sauvignon Blanc), but is a very pleasant add to my summer wine collection. Tags: Rose' New York Cabernet Franc Keuka Wine Trail Finger Lakes Great Buy!

Instead of drinking crisp sauvignon blanc and dry Mosel in poorly air conditioned rented apartments I’ve been opening cabernets and merlots which I briefly cool off in the fridge. But as cheap 2008 Bordeaux threatens to flood our shores, I am eager to defend American producers in difficult times. Flights are delayed. Maybe two.

Of the six wines, the 2008 Veleta Vijirieja stood out as a zippy summer sipper and the 2006 Veleta Noladas, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and tempranillo had some interesting complexity; both were good values at under $15. What does a 62 point wine taste like? Man, that had to suck. accepted.

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!

Today, I stopped in to buy a Sauvignon Blanc for the evening. Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008. Tags: white wine Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 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 chose a good one. This wine is awesome!