Just southwest of famed Montalcino in Tuscany, Argiano produces this attractive blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Syrah, each fermented and aged for several months in French and Slavonian oak separately before blending. Medium-Full body with soft tannins.

Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011. 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. Alexander joins his. as well as a member of the Castillo Viejo family.

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

Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Bodegas Carrou. Sauvignon Blanc Sur Lie 2010 (stainless steel). Petite Mansang (90%) and Sauvignon Gris (10%) 2010 from Montevideo. It seems as if the Sauvignon Gris adds zip. Blend of Tannant Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Merlot. They buy 25% new oak every year.

Tannat Merlot 2011 50/50 Unoaked. 2009 Cabernet Franc. 2007 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon  (85 Tannat 15 CS). "This is an incredible park!" I couldn't help but exclaim as Victoria  Varela, the fourth generation of her family who is also in charge of the export market, shows me around her Varela Zarranz estate. Herbal.

The soil is here calcareous clay loam soil and the 15 hectares are planted with Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot in addition to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. an absolutely fabulous visit to Pisano Wines today. The story started three centuries ago in Italy. His dream was to start a winery in Uruguay.

Due to its gravel dominated soil it is planted in grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (35%), and Merlot(30%). The majority of  Saint-Émilion wines are dominated by Merlot, so Figeac is more similar to the wines of the Medoc and Graves. “Welcome!” The wines are aged in 100% new oak barrels.

will meet Eric soon, and am very excited to taste the new vintage as well (hopefully) some older vintages because though this estate is based in Saint Emilion, which is Merlot territory, because of the unusual gravel soil on this estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the prominent grape in the blend. said a friend in an email.

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. Viticulture.

You probably know that in Maraux, six varietals are allowed: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. yet in the past, Carmenere was and is still allowed. The problem until now is that it was difficult to ripen fully. In my Decanter article , I explain the decision behind its revivival.

Chateau Rauzan Segla 2006 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. Chateau Rauzan Segla 2001 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 63.5%

This Bordeaux is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Saint-Androny is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. Very attractive aromas of eucalyptus, figs, black cherry, juniper and a bit of dried fruit. very nice blend and certainly a good everyday red for the under $10 pricetag

It's an icon, just like the wines which include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Merlot flourishes on the clay soils, and as I taste through the lines (value-priced Zingari, high end Quercegobbe) I am struck by a strong similarity to Pomerol. Hand harvesting rules, along with indigenous yeast.

The focus is on international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Flagship Ca' Marcanda is a blend of 50 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvigon, and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. all this gorgeous sunshine!" she says, "And just listen to the birds chirp!

Conceived as a marriage between the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes, this Italian "SuperTuscan" has evolved over the years from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon to more Merlot, which yields more plush, supple, luxurious wines. Isn't this art incredibly gorgeous?

” Frequent drinkers today aged 26 – 34 have more confidence than Waugh since 78% of them think they can tell the difference between merlot and cabernet sauvignon, even more similar than Burgundy and Bordeaux! Oh, and they’re even more confident about telling cab from merlot, clocking in at 83%.

This is a luscious, full-bodied wine (50% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 10/10 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) from Mendoza with a rich, ripe, perfumed nose of deep luscious black fruit, a very intense palate of dark fruit, very balanced tannin and acidity, and long finish with more dark rich ripe fruit. Great with steak. Powerful.

The grape varieties grown include: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Pecorino, Passerina Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  . Do you like sulfates in your wines? No one does. In addition to Domodimonti we tasted other specialty items from Marche, as well as fabulous Amaro digestifs from Varnelli. Low-yielding vineyards.

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

delightful blend of Merlot and Cab Franc. There were also some very nice Cabernet Francs from the Finger Lakes and surprisingly my pick for Best Red Wine is from the Finger Lakes. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. should be back on track after the holiday season.

The wines produced here are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, all very balanced, elegant, and Burgundian as you can imagine. He offers three handcrafted wines – sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and a syrah based blend called ‘Serenity.’ Grant has strong feelings about the state of sauvignon blanc in S. link]. link].

Africa and daughter of Warwick founder Stan Radcliffe, is the force behind the famous Bordeaux blend, Trilogy, popularized Cabernet Franc, and was instrumental in launchng the Pinotage society so it is natural that these wines are consistent award winners (though there are other award winning red blends, and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well).

At Backsberg you will find wines in various quality levels, with whites including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and sparklers as well including Viognier. Reds include Merlot, some Rhone varietals, and red blends. They even have a Kosher range (sparkling brut, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot). Two wineries being neighborly!”.

The Sauvignon Blanc, increasingly one of S. "So here i am, at Ken Forrester's 96 Winery Road restaurant in South Africa!". first met Ken Forrester in New York at a trade event in New York City focusing on wines from South Africa. Africa for many decades. During my recent trip to S. Chenin Blanc has been S. and an excellent late harvest.

Upstairs in the glass enclosed tasting room we taste the Sauvignon Blanc 2011. allen sauvignon blanc South Africa“Welcome!” says Gus C.G. Allen, an owner of Constantia Glen winery in Constantia, South Africa. We are here at Constantia Glen to experience one of the “newer” wineries in Constantia, though the property dates back to 1685.

He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The world of wine has been good to me. Ray O., Julien 2003. Thank you, Ray!

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon round it all out, along with Petit Sirah and Merlot. 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.

Château La Gatte - Bordeaux Rosé - 100% Merlot. bleeding of our finest Merlot parcels, approximately 20% of the merlot vat's free run juice is drawn off only 3 hopurs after fruit comes in from the field. 60% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc There is but one hectare (2.2 100% Old vine merlot. Hours.

have always liked New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's, but red wines were just not attractive to me. The 2009 Te Kahu is a Bordeaux style blend of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec. First, this is the first New Zealand red wine I have tasted in a least four years. It has a twist off cap.

Helena Sauvignon Blanc is all barreled down and aging nicely. We'll be picking the Oak Knoll District Merlot next. acre vineyard of clone 338 organic Cabernet Sauvignon is coming along slow and nice, with notes of mostly blueberry and very soft tannins. Harvest is progressing nicely, if slowly, here in Napa Valley.

My favorite wine of the evening was the DiamAndes Gran Reserva 2007, the first wine produced by this promising vineyard with the help of Michel Rolland: it is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet. Do you recall the California gold rush from your fourth grade history class? The 130?hectare Argentina News argentina brune laplane diamandes

It will be my first time to Pfalz,and Kuhn is one of the key producers of Pinot Noir, along with other international red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, St. The winery has twenty hectares planted with Riesling and other international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Gewurztraminer.

Now interestingly, the scallops also pair well with the Cupcake Chardonnay and Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, two of my favorite wines. When the SB (my pet name for Sauvignon Blanc) was first poured, I was entranced by the fresh aroma of cut grass, and appreciative of the fuller, well-balanced body. A bite-sized bit of fun. ".

At present, they are offering a Cabernet Sauvignon (with six percent of Merlot) and Sauvignon Blanc with a percentage of Semillion. Bernard Portet on left, his son Olivier center, and guest at right. So fun to catch up with Bernard Portet today over his new Heritance Wines at Apiary, a fun restaurant in New York.

Mercer Estates wines sampled at lunch included the Pinot Gris (one of the best selling wines in Washington), the Merlot (absolutely my favorite of the Mercer Estates wines with its mouth filling, rich flavor, incredible balance, and pure elegance of fruit) and Cabernet Sauvignon. "This Gone Fishin wine label is great!"

Of course, I did come to the rescue with a Cabernet Franc Rosé just brought home from my recent Keuka Lake Wine Tour and a visit to McGregor Vineyard and Winery. Tonight Shirley made one of her classic catastrophes. It was meant to be something between a gumbo and jambalaya. In order to save dinner, I had to choose a good wine.

One of the traditional Bordeaux varietals, Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. After a few minutes catching up on today's emails, that insatiable yearning for a nice glass of wine took control. The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec Argentina

We've reached about 50% veraison in our small plot of Merlot at Jaeger Vineyard just west of Big Ranch Road in Oak Knoll District. Our one acre plot of Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is about 40% through veraison. Our clone 181 is catching up slowly on last year. There isn't a lot of shatter here. Crosby Roamann Napa Valley

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% Merlot. Grilled a few NY strip steaks this past week-end and looked forward to opening a nice red wine for change. Lots of nice aromas.

merlot, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 9.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5.6% To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon. luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning.

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!

We began with base blends of our varietals -- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot -- and then experimented with single barrel additions and reductions, "reserve" or "barrel selections," and blind tasted everything with friends and family repeatedly. The base blend for the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, a Mt. alcohol. alcohol.

even so far away, one gets an incredible sense of the soil that produces such incredible Cabernet Sauvignon. SInce I'm in NYC, I am so luck as I can go to my favorite Park Avenue Spring restaurant and have three vintages of Cabernet from their family cellar paired with four courses of chef Kevin Lasko's cuisine! Helena.

Frequently confused with the Montepulchiano grape, it is important to remember the main grape here is Sangiovese, here called Prugnelo Gentile.Though some producers can add up to thirty percent of other varieties (colorino, caniaolo, mammolo, even Merlot and /cabernet Sauvignon by law) wine made from 100% Sangiovese is not uncommon.

The vintage was a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc with 70% new oak. Did any of you happen to read Neal Martin’s blog today on the eRobertParker.com site? The reason I bring this up is because we also briefly connected at En Primeur, and now I am comparing his notes to mine.

Traditional Cabernet Blends. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc – Yarra Valley. So now you are asking: did it work?

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.

This medley of five grapes is a cross blend of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties that includes 82% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Shiraz and aged for six months in oak. All round this is a very good value at $19.95 retail per bottle

Is was founded in 1989 by Yiannis and Amalia Tselepos , who planted the first cabernet sauvignon and merlot vines on the foothills of Mt. Tonight I opened my first Greek wine and another new white wine grape to add to my growing list of new wines. The grape is Moschofilero. The winery is Tselepos Estate. An almost perfect match.

Red wine varietals that tend to benefit from a good bit of oak include: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Chianti, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo and Syrah. White wine varietals that are receptive to oak’s influence include: Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and of course Chardonnay.

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.

Recently selected by Wine Spectator as one of the five best wines in the world, made with grapes grown in the area of Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, this blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in new barrels and casks for 18 months.

The Conservancy collection includes Pitite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Last 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. The wine was perfect.

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

really enjoyed the Valcalepio Rosso Riserva which is a 50-50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, then a minimum aging of 3 years in French oak casks, and finally 3 months in bottle. Sam visits Italy quite often and has the opportunity to pick his favorites.

So I eagerly accepted the opportunity to taste the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and also the 2006 ROY Estate Proprietary Red Wine. The Proprietary Red 06 is a very lush yet balanced style of Cabernet Sauvignon, with bright acidity and excellent long finish. first met Shirley Roy a few years ago at a trade event.

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. 2006 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. 2007 Star Lane Vineyard Merlot. 8 views).

From Mendoza, Argentina the Bressia family produces this blend of 50% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah. What a powerful first impression?! This wonderful red reminds me why I love wine so much. Sumptuously textured and revealing a complex and memorable finish

From Montepulciano this ruby red SuperTuscan blend of 40% Prugnello Gentile (Sangiovese), 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot brings bright red fruits, ripe plums, coca-cola, prunes, blueberry, spices, pepper, smooth and balanced

If I had to choose my two favorites, they would be the Chardonnay and the 2007 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. 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.

From Tuscany roars this Super blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot, showing an intense nose of resinous oak, black cherries, violets, and on the palate cassis, blackberry, bright ripe cherries, white pepper and spices. complex. silky. balanced. beautiful.

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.

From The North Fork of Long Island, Macari produces this delicious blend of 42% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. alcohol, retails for $42/bottle. Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Macari Vineyards

Because of economic grants and the demands of the international market, many producers are blending with international varietals especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and to a lesser extent, Chardonnay. The next wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon (60/40). About Lisbon. Meeting Producers. Alorna.

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.

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 grapes allowed by the region include Garnacha and Carinena, which combine together to produce wines of dramatic power and depth, though in recent years Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah have been recently planted. “That’s why it grows so healthy and ripe.&# ?? The Grapes of Priorat?? In the vineyard.

The DO allowed blending grapes include Garnacha, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbac, and a white grape named Albillo. Ribera del Duero!?? In Manhattan, this Spanish Denominacion de Origen (DO) sounded so glamorous and exotic, especially as it is home to the world’s most famous and expensive wines (Vega Sicilia, anyone?)??

The other is Montefalco Rosso, which by law is a blend of several grape varieties:: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. So I just received two wines today from producer Arnaldo-Caprai. The Grecante, a white, is 100% Grechetto from Dei Colli Martani. Delightful refrushing crisp finish.

Appellation: Spain Inaugural Release: 10,500 cases Blend: 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Tempranillo, 8% Grenache and 8% Graciano Alcohol: 13.6%. Tonight I am finishing up my latest 3L box wine from the Octavin Home Wine Bar, Artisan Wines.

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. Each varietal is vinified separately, with the Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French oak, and the Malbec aged in one year old barrels. Messrs. Cheers!

remember when I started enjoying wines that Cabernet Sauvignon was "thee wine to have." Later it was Chianti, then Merlot and Syrah and now entering the picture is Malbec. In certain times, certain wines become a fad. Most are priced under $15 and many delicious Malbecs are under $10. For that price this wine is incredible.

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.

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. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17.

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.

Made with a blend of 80% Malbec, 17% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Merlot, very dark, and lush opaque blackberry colors, and plumy syrupy textures. Tannins, which are strong at first, allow for good aging but do settle down nicely to reveal a fruity and lush Malbec blend

The Vineyard Today the vineyards cover about 70 hectares throughout Margaux with 130 separate parcels of vines, with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot. The challenge of the season was to preserve freshness of Merlot because of the high alcohol potential.

a limited selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah from different harvests. Aurora Ochoa of Penin Group and Marta Tornos Camacho of Groupo BSV. San Valero Winery (Groupo BSV) is a cooperative of 700 winegrowers who grow mostly garnacha vines, and collectively pool their grapes. Now you know garnacha - of course you do.

Now that the cabernet sauvignon is ready for racking and blending I've started playing with sample blends. To get the party started I divided our cabernet sauvignon, which represents the lion's share of our available wine, into four categories: (1) Tight, and tart raspeberry notes. 2) Dark fruits. 3) Mellow and round.

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.

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.

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?" cakebread cake.

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

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

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

Hercules 06 was first, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The middle wine was a single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon 05, ripe and succulent with notes of black current. "So how does it feel to be a winemaker. and given special attention because of your sex? Or because of color." Biyela.

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. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Brotherhood also happens to be America's oldest winery.

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.

Lot 169 Napa Valley Merlot 2007: new release Blue fruits, candy cane, some heat, blueberries, oak, structured. 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.

The vineyard area is 90 hectares (222 acres) and the grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 5%. Oak vats are used for Cabernet and Merlot from the plateau of Brane, and for the others fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tank or epoxy-lined concrete tanks.

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!

The Vineyard has a density of vines per hectare 10.000, with 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot. Celine Villars-Foubet. "So what vintage do you think this is?" " asks charming hostess Celine Villars-Foubet, an owner of the 1855 Grand Cru Chateau Camensac (and many others).

This SuperTuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is from three estates, Brancaia (Castellina), Poppi (Radda) and Brancaia in Maremma (Morellino di Scansano). Tags: Astoria Morellino di Scansano Cabernet Sauvignon SuperTuscan Sangiovese merlot Maremma Trattoria L'Incontro

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 wines in the new artisan collection are Monthaven Central Coast Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; Silver Birch New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; Boho Vineyards California Old Vine Zinfandel; Pinot Evil Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio; Big House Red and White; and Seven, produced from seven Spanish red varietals.

75% Sangiovese (Minimum required by DOCG), plus 25% other varieties like Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame Toscana IGT 2004 60% Colorino, 40% Merlot, this one being my favorite of the day. Superiore rules require yields 10% lower than Chianti Classico.

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. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% million per year.

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!!!