2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille ( about $80 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley. 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. Appetizers: crostini.

Fabulous evening with Bob Pepi, wine consultant and founder of the Eponymous brand of California Reds. Wine Spectator called Bob's first Cabernet Sauvignon "a Cellar Selection.". also liked the Syrah and the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. News cabernet franc eponymous petite sirah robert l pepi syrah

In the Cedars-Sinai study, 36 women were randomized to drink either Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay daily for almost a month, then switched to the other type of wine. LOS ANGELES (Jan. women, new research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shows. White wine lacked the same effect. Switching may shift your risk.” Co-author Glenn D.

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. An unexpectedly good red California wine for $13 a bottle (An on line search may get you closer to $11, but you'll have to do your homework).

In May of 2009 I reviewed a Chardonnay from California that I named as the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, a Clos Du Bois Calcaire. Most notably the blended Marlstone and Briarstone Cabernet Sauvignon. California ZinfandelSince then I have treated myself to some very nice red wines from that same winery.

At Backsberg you will find wines in various quality levels, with whites including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and sparklers as well including Viognier. quickly become a fan of the Bordeaux blends with its soft juicy tannins, and the Cabernet Sauvignon with its hint of mint and black marble. Two wineries being neighborly!”.

It is very quaint, very wine-centric and in some ways similar to the restaurant where I was introduced to Robert Mondavi in California’s Napa Valley, a place frequented by local winemakers. The Sauvignon Blanc, increasingly one of S. "So here i am, at Ken Forrester's 96 Winery Road restaurant in South Africa!". Africa for many decades.

The collection included sparklers, chardonnay, pinot noir, and a cabernet sauvignon, all named with numbers that had key significance for Jean-Charles. 22 from Mendocino Ridge, and often asks him to bring over a case of the "22" when he is flying from California to France. For example, the JCB No.

Do you recall the California gold rush from your fourth grade history class? At the time, people from all over the world headed to Northern California to make it big. Today, Argentina is the "new California" and the new "gold" are vineyards planted in regions with the right soil, exposure, and access to water to assure quality wine.

At present, they are offering a Cabernet Sauvignon (with six percent of Merlot) and Sauvignon Blanc with a percentage of Semillion. Due to the similarities of several of his favorite wine regions in France, it was California’s. Bernard Portet on left, his son Olivier center, and guest at right. More About Bernard Portet.

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.

I always relish the rare opportunity to taste a California wine from the 1970s, the era before rising temperatures and fruit bombs. But I recently had something even more rare: tasting the BV, Georges de Latour, Private Reserve, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1958. Ah yes, the renowned St-Emilion cabernet sauvignon!

As you may know, coastal regions in California are considered 'cool climate,' and 'cool climate' wines are premium quality. Equally fabulous was the 2009 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, with its exotic flavors of passion fruit and guava. News Alexander Valley cabernet Dry Creek Valley gallo jim collins wineJim Collins.

Free, Christobal (a trained enologist) left his homeland to learn about winemaking in some of the most famousvineyards in the world, including Bordeaux, France (at Chateau Margaux in 2002),Barossa Valley, Australia (Rosemont Estates, also in 2002) and Napa Valley, California(Franciscan Estates in 2001). Koyle Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

premium winery in the Napa Valley that makes limited quantities of premium varietals that blend classic French wine making characterstics with California fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon. So you know all about the e-auction that opens May 29, 2011 in alignment with the Auction Napa Valley 2011, yes? The critics love the wines. Padrone.

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

The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Peite Verdot and Malbec was again delightful. This California wine used grapes from Paso Robles, Lodi, Lake Country and Monterey County. California red blendgame I have not missed in 38 years. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising.

The moves notably included promoting Antonio Galloni to a greater role, as Galloni took over reviewing California wines from Parker himself as well as adding coverage of Burgundy (ex-Beaujolais) to his beat that already included Champagne and all of Italy. Which California wines excite you the most? His unedited replies follow below.

The Show is a big, rich, deep Cabernet, although according to the website there are also small quantities of Merlot for softness, Cabernet Franc for earthiness and acidity, and even Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot to give it a deep ruby color. all aged in French and American oak. Big is the key descriptor here. Good bang for the buck.

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

"Have you tasted their Sauvignon Blanc? " To be clear, we are speaking of the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from the Arkenstone Vineyards estate in Howell Mountain. And "rock" is the appropriate word, for even though this is a California Sauvignon Blanc, the minerality is incredible. It rocks!"

2005 De Lorimier Mosaic (USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley). 2006 De Lorimier Malbe c (USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley). 2007 Mazzocco Petite Sirah Pony Reserve (USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley). color: Opaque, purple, scintillating. finish med +. tasted blind. finish is med+.

2006 Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon. USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley). 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. 2006 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

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. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2009. Macari Riesling 2009.

Lohr is a California producer of many different varietals, and increasingly, many different vineyards. If I had to choose my two favorites, they would be the Chardonnay and the 2007 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Lohr 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles. Lohr 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Vineyards.

few weeks ago I received three red wines, an Eco-Balance Carmenere, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The first opened was the Carmenere, a blend of 85% Carmenere and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Finally, this week, after work, I opened the Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah.

The first meetup of The Wine Society of Queens was held this weekend at The Wine Room of Forest Hills , where we sampled over a dozen new wines from California, France, Argentina, Italy, Spain and even Georgia (Russia). At the tail end hints of tea leaves, bits of cedar, milk chocolate and roasted marshmallow finish of nicely.

As soon as I stepped into one of my favorite shops I was greeted by an employee behind a table with about 50 cases of an inexpensive Hayes Ranch California Cabernet Sauvignon stacked behind him. Only $7 and a metal twist off cap for a California Cab. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon California Right!!!

This Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon shows masculine aromas of coffee, cassis and chocolate while on the palate powerful, resinous flavors of black cherries and an a hint of black pepper. Winemaker's notes: Named for the French vine clone, 337 is an alluring expression of a California Cab with prestigious Bordeaux roots.

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.

My favorite was the 2007 Vittorio's vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It was named "Best Riesling in California" for the past two years, as well as winning two gold medals - California State Fair / Best of Appellation, Winemaker Challenge. 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. Tags: box wine California Zinfandel At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings.

Coppola has successfully striven to create a good everyday wine expressed here in a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Geyserville, California.

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

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.

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.

The theme, apparently, was California wines with ties to Mexico. Given that, here’s the range of California wines they could choose from: almost all of them. The California wine industry would produce few bottles of wine if it weren’t for the work of Mexican viticultural laborers. Citrus Vinaigrette. Paul Hobbs?]

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.

from McLaren Vale to showcase verticals of their Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Now the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon earned 94 points from the Wine Advocate and in a similar way, I liked the 2008 which was very much "drink now" yet can clearly improve with bottle age. The Shrivingtons are an interesting family.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

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. He sells directly to consumers on line thru his website and retails mainly at Costco.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. The past few months I have been tasting, or should I say consuming, some really fantastic California wines from many different AVA's. Tags: California Petite Sirah red wine few of the issues are for how long and where. Suggested retail is $15.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. Tags: California red wine Sonoma County Zinfandel 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. Not that I am old??

The wines are sourced from preeminent and emerging wine growing regions including Monterey County; California Central Coast; Marlborough, New Zealand; Spain and Hungary. Monthaven Chardonnay is made in California's largest small-lot winery," notes Jeff. It truly delivers artisan wine, a glass at a time," says Richardson.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

Monte Bello, the estate’s top wine, is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot, but also, in some vintages, some petit verdot. Estephe-like in its tannins; turns out it was 76% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot. This wine has all the pleasure of top cabernet with age from a superior vintage and producer.

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.

Aged fourteen months in American oak barrels, showing deep thick ruby colors and hefty texture with buttery aromas of rhubarb/cherry pie, cassis, plums and a christmas spice. On the palate a potpourri of raspberry, vanilla, tea, leather, white pepper, anise and tobacco. Fairly strong earthy tannins with good integration and a round finish. alcohol

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

Vintage: 2007 Appellation: California Vineyard Sources: Clarksburg & Lodi Harvest Date: September 10 through October 24, 2007 Release Date: March 2009 Wine pH: 3.61 Tags: California red wine Petite Syrah Think my taste buds are back. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

Isn't there some sort of buzz predicting the price lowering of high end California wine? And yes, you have probably heard gloom and doom statements about "overpriced" California wine. sunspot vineyard cabernet sauvignon winebid.com.Now you must be asking yourself some questions, quite possibly: 1.

Chiarello produces wines and we tried his Cabernet Sauvignon Eileen (2006) as well as a reasonably priced Puglia red. Chronicle's Michael Bauer, Bon Appetite's Heather John, and Thomas Ulrich, of the Journalism Department of California State University. Something about the Carignan grape and its corporal quality). Stay tuned!

Tasted along side the 2005 Nickel and Nickel Regusci Vineyard Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon (a very tasty wine at this young age, with some jammy notes and very mellow tannin, making it immediately approachable) the Monte Bello was less concentrated and forthcoming. deep plum color, with a certain vibrancy, like polished wax.

There is some duplication with Evan Dawson’s travel post from yesterday but there is also much new, including John’s tasting notes from Mayacamas Cabernet 2003, 1991, 1985, 1974, & 1968. The Mayacamas cabernets are then bottled without fining, and aged an additional two years in bottle prior to release. 2015-2050.

Wine type: Red Wine Varietal: Blend Appellation: California Acid: 67 g/100ml PH: 4.06 Tags: California red blend 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. Here's what I learned.

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.

Throughout the evening we sampled a broad spectrum of 5 wonderful wines, 1 Italian white, 3 Italian reds and 1 California Cab. 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.

purchased the Bonterra, because I have already reviewed two other of their wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed both. Tags: California red wine Mendocino County Zinfandel organic Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% Zin is one wine that over the years I tried earnestly to enjoy.

The structure of Pinotage is different from Cabernet Sauvignon, because it does not have the same amount of tannins. Africa intead of California where I believe it is being grown. Are some blocks of a winery's estate better suited to Pinotage then, say, Cabernet? Kanonkop Abrie Beeslaar. It reminds more of a Rhone blend.

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 old saw seems true in life as well as wine, at least, that was the feeling I got the other night after the wines were revealed in a tasting of 2005 California Cult Cabernet organized by none other than David Hamburger of Vintage Tastings. He was young and rich. It’s not expensive,” he said. Really?” I said. How much?” he responded.

The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. believe this is my first from the Paso Robles' region of California. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

More tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month. Made from 90% Cabernet, 6% Tempranillo, 4% Syrah. Lot 143 is one of the first acquisitions of Sam Spencer, (our new wine maker) after originally bringing us Lots 1 and 2 back in 2003.

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.

It is a kosher Cabernet Sauvigon from California.  2005 Herzog Special Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon For those of you who do not know, [.]. I’ve had the wine before.  Not Napa Valley, but Alexander Valley fruit. 

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

Another California Cab from the second flight at Snooth's Cabernet Blind Tasting last week. Dark purple rose colors, aromas of smoked meats, speck, black cherries and hints of rubber band with flavors of strawberry pie, violets and a dusty fruitiness. alcohol $8.99.

This red from California is from the second flight at Snooth's Cabernet Blind Tasting last week. Actually this is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah and 4% Merlot and made from grapes from Mendocino, Lake County and Napa County (45%, 30%, 25%). alcohol and $12.99.

Another entry from Snooth's Cabernet blind tasting last week. We were given 4 flights of 3 for a total of 12 California Cabernet Sauvignons. Floral aromas start the ball rolling followed by chalk dust, and soap, then flavors emerge of black cherry, citrus rinds and coffee. Has a slight bite with a medium finish.

Another entry from Snooth's Cabernet blind tasting last week. We were given 4 flights of 3 for a total of 12 California Cabernet Sauvignons. On the nose Salumi, leather, earth, vanilla, and tobacco with flavors of cinnamon and other spices, and bursts of ripe cherries, white pepper and twizzlers, high acidity, 13.5%

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.

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.

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. Not a great buy, but.

Premature oxidation of dry, age-worthy white wines–be they from Burgundy, Bordeaux or California–is a tremendous problem today, and at this point in time it does not look to me as if any meaningful progress has been made since the scourge first became readily apparent when the 1996 white Burgundies began to tank. think not.

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.

Tags: Wine Reviews wine events amanti vino California Cabernet Sauvignon california pinot noir Mauritson Wines Maysara Winery Oregon wine

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. 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.

OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Oh yeah, for those who don't know, that wine was judged the most outstanding New York wine for 2009.

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

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

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

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

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. Should I take one from South Africa or a Bonterra organic from California? OK, NZ is still the best, but the Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2006 is as good.

It's a blend of California grapes, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, 70% and 30% respectively. Last week while on vacation a friend of mine gave me a bottle of his home made wine. In the glass it resembled the paler colors of a Pinot Noir, and reflected fresh aromas of cherries and dark berries. Bottle courtesy Frank M

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. Flights are delayed. Market volatility remains high. All indicators point to a long and restless summer. And it's the wettest spring anyone can remember.

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. must have a screwed up nose.