Tannat Cab Frank Reserva 2008. Tannat 2008 Riserva de la Familia. 44 Cab franc 28 Tannat 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 10 Merlot. "Welcome!" says attractive dark haired Federico Domingo, Export Manager for Bodegas Castillo Viejo as we squeeze into his tiny car. Alexander joins his. as well as a member of the Castillo Viejo family.

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. The brand of these two wines is Km.0

Don Prospero Merlot Rose 2011. Don Propsero Tannat Merlot 2011. 60% Tannat, 40% Merlot. Don Propsero Tannat Merlot 2011. 60% Tannat, 40% Merlot. Pizzorno Tannat Riserva 2008 100% tannat 1 year barrique oak 1 year bottle. Pizzorno tinto reserve 2008. 60 Tannat 30 cab 10 Merlot. “Welcome!”

In his introductions to his various wines, Mr. Sartori kept emphasizing the concept of terroir, and underscored the fact his winery had no interest in producing Merlot. the Sartori di Verona Amorone della Valpolicella 2008 was full bodied and elegant with a mineral/earth character. Take our first wine, Ferdi Garganega.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are the grape varieties of Pauillac. The Merlot grape harvest takes two days as it is early ripening, often followed by a break of several days. As of 2008, the second label of Lynch-Bages will be called, "Echo de Lynch-Bages". Viticulture.

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

Dry and luscious with a blend of 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. This Riserva is made only from grapes grown on the Gabbiano Estate in the heart of Tuscany. Only the oldest and best Sangiovese vines on the property are used. Rich and intense ruby colors paint a picture of full body, texture and complexity.

The two Bordeaux blends are the Constantia Glen Three and the Constantia Glen Five, with the “Five” containing the typical five grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc) and the “Three” containing the major Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Welcome!” says Gus C.G. News S.

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. The Cellar.

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon round it all out, along with Petit Sirah and Merlot. Kit's Kiler Cab 2008. 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. Terrezas de los Andes. Reserva Malbec 2009. 21.99.

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. Château La Gatte - Bordeaux Rosé - 100% Merlot. 100% Old vine merlot. You can see some of the wines tasted below.

We'll be picking the Oak Knoll District Merlot next. 2008 Hanzell Estate Sonoma Pinot Noir Briny, musky, with notes of damp earth and mild but fresh spice aromas with bright fresh and sweet grape notes on top. Crosby Roamann USA 3 stars Sonoma Napa Valley 2008Harvest is progressing nicely, if slowly, here in Napa Valley.

Okay enough reminiscing, back to the present: medium body, spicy and vegetal, with a good medium to long (and soft) finish (my adult heart feels carefree and happy) A good Merlot @ $21 SRP. Music has the magical ability to transport you to a particular time and place. or to be more exact. Macari Wines are on Long Island's North Fork

Mark was smiling widely tasting both the Dr. Frank and the Salmon Run Chardonnay while I could just not believe the 2008 Dr. Konstantin Frank Meritage. We did not taste the Merlot or the Lemberger, but were amazed with the Gruner Veltliner and the Pinot Noir. also enjoyed the 2008 Meritage. My favorite was the '09 Cayuga White.

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% Merlot. Grilled a few NY strip steaks this past week-end and looked forward to opening a nice red wine for change. Seemed to be stuck on Finger Lakes white wines all summer.

Tonight I am getting a head start with a very nice Merlot from one of my favorite California wineries, Concannon Vineyards. 2008 Selected Vineyards, Central Coast Merlot( $10 ). Winemakers Notes : The 2008 Merlot, Selected Vineyards is a luscious wine with soft edges and rich flavors. California red wine merlot

Clairette and Ugni blanc have become the dominate grape varieties with some smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Mouvedre and Syrah. Wine from Algeria! Who would'a thunk. Ok, for some reason I may have missed this in Geography class. When I think of Algeria, I think of desert, sand, sun and boiling hot! and 2nd Ave.

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. As you may know, coastal regions in California are considered 'cool climate,' and 'cool climate' wines are premium quality. Salute!

2008 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano – Adelaide Hills. 2008 SC Pannell Pronto Tinto Grenache Touriga Shriaz Monastrell – McLaren Vale. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot – Margaret River. So now you are asking: did it work? Shiraz Blend.

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. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising.

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

In 1982, the Montague Vineyard, 50 acres adjacent to the Niagara District Airport, was acquired and produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. 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.

2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2007 Star Lane Vineyard Merlot. Style note: A very vibrant Merlot with concentrated red/black fruit (cherries, pomegranate, black currant, great balance, layers of flavor/nuance/texture, and would be terrific with either grilled meat or roasted salmon. This week I've tasted some excellent wines!

had the good fortune recently to receive a case of 2008 wines and must say all are of exceptional quality for the price. Lohr 2008 Merlot from Paso Robles: This is an easy drinking style of wine that would pair perfectly with grilled salmon or pork, with very cleanly defined black fruit and bright elements of spearmint.

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.

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.

Melini Borghi d'Elsa Chianti DOCG 2009 85% Sangiovese Grosso with 15% Canaiolo, Malvasia, Trebbiano, Merlot, 3 months aging in stainless steel, more floral undertones mingling with forest floor, a bit of toasted nuts, ripe cherries and raspberries. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

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. It is the harvest, you see, and the workers are here to pick.

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. With its illustrious history and small production, Chateau Cheval Blanc was and still is accessible to only the privileged few. Messrs. Cheers! pierre lurton

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.

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Stoney Lonsesome Estates 2008 Reserve. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. Finish was so-so but enjoyable.

Even though I still don't understand why he has some cabernet or merlot ( I think his brother had something to do with it) he has pure enthusiasm. 09 has wine from 2007 & 2008 and has a distinct Jura like voile thing going on. 2008 Mendall L'Abeurador Macabeau Two days of maceration, lots of fennel and slite fizz Energy.

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.

The Montefalco is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% of Merlot. 2009 Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani 2008. Tags: Wine reviews 2005 montefalco rosso 2009 grecante grechetto colli martani 2008 montefalco. The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, and earth.

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.

One in particular was a "white" Merlot which was being bottled in the adjoining room. also tasted and brought home a 2008 Gewurztraminer. As I am writing this post I am sipping on a 2008 RNC dry Riesling, one of a few now in my cooler. Maybe both!! The day started at one winery that was not on the list. was not disappointed.

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.

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.

The two wines we tasted were the 2008 Riesling and the 2008 'dry' Riesling. Now looking forward to 4 day trip to New York City and some Long Island Merlots and some more Hudson Valley wines. To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region.

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 169 Napa Valley Merlot 2007: new release Blue fruits, candy cane, some heat, blueberries, oak, structured. Cameron Hughes is a Negociant in the wine world, delivering small "Lots" of high-end wines at very affordable prices.

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.

Here are my favorites right now (prices are with the 10% mixed case discount): Whites 2008 Benaza Monterrei Gode llo , $11.70, Jose Pastor Selections, Vinos & Gourmet Imports. 2008 Knebel Mosel Riesling Trocken , $12.60, Mosel Wine Merchant, USA Imports. This wine is 90% Merlot from Bordeaux. think it it is possible, yes.

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.

Here are a few of my favorites: Channing Daughters 2007 Sculpture Garden 88% Merlot from the Sculpture Garden vineyard (the oldest on the South Fork, planted in 1982) and 12% Blaufrankisch from Sylvanus vineyard, aged in French and Slovenian oak barrels for twenty-two months. million per year. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5%

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.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

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

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. So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. 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.

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.

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 wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines. 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. Always nice to return to the Finger Lakes with Shirley and friends for a day of wine tasting and stocking up the wine fridge for the holidays.

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.

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!

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.

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.

passed over many of my favorites before keeping out a Billsboro Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008. I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. That happened this week. But, halllelujah, tonight was a bit more successful. pulled every bottle of white wine I had (about 20). Not a great buy, but.

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.

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. blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table.

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 !

There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. hope I never get to that point in my lifetime. don't hide the fact that in the past two years I have fallen in love with wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York. have my favorite Finger Lakes wineries and my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Such is the case today!

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

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

just reviewed the 2008 semi-dry Riesling from Anthony Road Wine Company and knew if anywhere near the area I would have to visit. Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. mean Damn!

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.

The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Palate: A medium bodied palate is defined by abundantly ripe plum fruit, a touch of earth and trademark Merlot spice. The wine is smooth and supple, very much in the keeping with the modern style of Merlot. Tags: red wine merlot Australia

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. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. Flights are delayed. Could this be right?"

blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot and Tinta Roriz (tempranillo) Winemaker's Notes: "The reserve is a very deep black ruby in colour. One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Great Buy!

2008 Grosset Wines Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. 2008 Tahbilk Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Goulburn Valley. Day One. Valley.

Here are the rosés I've had at home so far this spring, some great, some not as great: 2008 Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé , $14, Rosenthal Imports. 2008 Domaine de la Sauveuse Cuvée Carolle Côtes de Provence Rosé , $14, Imported by Vintage Trading Inc. 2008 Shinn Estate Vineyards Rosé , $13.50.

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 is perfect for the beginning of summer. Showing colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus. Retails for $14.99, 12.8% alcohol

From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. This wine put the 1989 to shame. Oppulently opaque, but this is most likely mature. You can smell the twenty-one years on this.

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. From barrel, we also tasted the 2008 Geyserville Tightly wound, young, but still elegant, with spice and cedar and tight red fruits. This is a white knuckled trip, but I can never wait to just get there.

Here are some rapid fire observations from this portion: Pichon-Lalande has a higher proportion of merlot in the final blend; coincidentally, it slightly rounder than its cabernet dominant neighbor, which may be why some who use anachronistically ascribe gender to wine attributes consider it the more “feminine&# of the duo.

Varietals grown and produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah." Corrections : In my November 22, 2008 post I described a Dominus that I returned at a restaurant because it tasted off to me. Warning: This is a knock your ass to the floor wine. You will be tempted to drink the whole bottle in one sitting. Try not to.

Jean California Merlot 2005 * This is by all accounts a good value and one worth picking up to host a dinner party, a wedding, a bar mitzavah, or the return of the prodigal son from his animal quest. Produced in much the same manner as the California Merlot from Chateau St. "How much crap wine did you drink over the holidays?" No idea?

A blend of just 50% cabernet sauvignon with 32% cabernet franc and 18% merlot "with all of the fruit coming from the Napa Valley." The predominant scent was succulent road tar with cab-franc-graphite spice underneath. On the palate, the wine suggests olive tapenade, bay leaf, and wild blueberry jam. Actually, it does the opposite.

Smooth but with decent structure, this Chilean Merlot (a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Carménère) brings aromas of plums mingled with berries and pencil lead. then plays on the palate with spices, currants, cherries and a smokey chocolate. In the $8-9 range, this is a workhorse of a good everyday wine that works with food or on its own.

They are all pretty much blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Some are Cabernet Sauvignon based (meaning the majority of the blend is Cab) and some are Merlot. Ah, the Holidays. New York is full of festivities and gatherings and friends and family. Speaking of the perfect gift what about wine. promise.

Quilceda Creek, for example, releases its proprietary cabernet sauvignon and merlot in January, and its estate vineyard cabernet sauvignon (the "Galitzine Vineyard") and its second label "Columbia Valley Red Wine" in August. Most of the cults aren't even bottled yet when they are purchased as futures, and this fact might give you the "blues."

Tenuta Il Borro Toscana 2005 IGT From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months. Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.

From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger Il Borro is part of a stable of wines brought forth by Salvatore Ferragamo, whose grandfather built the famous footwear brand.

I don't know if this happens everywhere, but at every party or picnic I attend, there is always some body watching their calorie intake and monitoring each and every bite of food they consume. always have to laugh at those who always order two cheeseburgers, a large order of fries and a "Diet" coke. Probably not.