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. Sampled at the Vias Portfolio tasting last week in NYC

wanted to see what varietial of wine I was buying, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir etc. Although I try to keep my tasting notes and blog reviews to wines that are much less expensive, I also like to post about wines I enjoyed and this Bordeaux I enjoyed immensely. I am finally getting around to trying French wines.

It is a quaint vineyard and after a tour of the ferementation vessels we have our tasting in the cellar, surrounded by oak barrels. Federico speaks English well and conducts the tasting. Below are some notes from the tasting. Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011. 44 Cab franc 28 Tannat 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 10 Merlot.

Now here are some tasting notes. 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.

Javiar did just that – and thus led the now-currant movement of small family wineries putting their efforts into perfecting the presentation and taste of the natural Tannat grape. Now Javiar is a man very much about “good taste.” Wine is good for your health, yet I think it should taste good. Here are some tasting notes.

The tasting room is located in a separate building and very quaint. Below are notes from the tasting. 2009 Cabernet Franc. 2007 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon  (85 Tannat 15 CS). "This is an incredible park!" With us is Carla Fallabrino, who works in marketing and tourism. you can see them both in the picture above.

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. As we taste the delicious wines (the family produces over thirty wines, we continue to chat. an absolutely fabulous visit to Pisano Wines today.

The driver has just deposited me at this famous wine estate in Saint-Emilion and since I have a small collection at home, am very excited to talk about the wine and taste some classic vintages during dinner. Due to its gravel dominated soil it is planted in grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (35%), and Merlot(30%).

"I'm having a vertical tasting of Figeac!" responded so quickly I did not realize the tasting was in Philadelphia, and I live in New York! The opportunity to taste several vintages of this famous chateau is intoxicating. said a friend in an email. and I love history and a good story almost as much as wine.

As much as I'm looking forward to the food and wine pairing, I'm looking to tasting the new vintage of Lynch-Bages (and hopefully some older vintages as well, and will share my notes with you). It had been the first wine I bought at auction and I've tasted through the various vintages here in New York. Viticulture.

So, it was a very short tour, but a very enjoyable day and I got to taste some very nice wines from one of the youngest wineries in the Finger Lakes. had already tasted and reviewed their 2007 Cabernet Franc and found that to be one of the best Finger Lakes '07 Cab Francs from what was a very good FLX vintage. Lake Rd.

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

Baccarat 's presentation of their beautifully designed crystal wine glasses was matched only by the vertical tasting of 3 vintages of Chateau Rauzan-Segla Gran Cru Classe-Margaux. 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.

The tasting room above is very "old school" yet the cellar and vat room are located in this incredible structure. It's an icon, just like the wines which include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Winemaking is old school here, mixed in with a bit of new technology. News Tuscany italy Maremma Petra winer

The focus is on international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. We taste the wines - there are three, each meant to express a different type of soil. Flagship Ca' Marcanda is a blend of 50 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvigon, and 10 percent Cabernet Franc.

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?

We are here at this fun restaurant overlooking 57th street to taste some of Jean-Jacques new releases for the American market, and I am excited by the opportunity to ask a Uco Valley producer a variety of questions about the terroir of this Argentine region about an hour south of Mendoza, and taste his wines. Lagravière. Quite juicy!

Not expensive at all, at least when I found this 2009 Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional / Cabernet Sauvignon for only ( $10 ). What I also found was a big bold blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals almost all Cabernet's I've tasted. Surprise, Surprise!! Awesome!

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. Clos de la Siete 2009 (Michael Roland).

In addition to Domodimonti we tasted other specialty items from Marche, as well as fabulous Amaro digestifs from Varnelli. Not all "natural" wines are delicious, yet Domodimonti manages to strike the right balance between quality taste and staying true to the environment. Do you like sulfates in your wines? No one does. THE VINEYARD.

Each year, at least for the past three, I have been tasting new wines.(At Best Rosé - Every visit I made to a Finger Lakes winery this past year, I tasted a dry Rosé, brought quite a few home and enjoyed each and every one. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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. can't be as kind and name this as the best Zin I've tasted, but was very pleased with the wine and the beef stew pairing.

The reception, lunch, and tasting was held at the very elegant winery of Bouchard Finlayson, which is described as “a boutique winery” yet looks like a Bel-Air mansion or a 5-star hotel in Beverly Hills – take your pick. tasted through the many selections and found them all very nice. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S. link].

The equipment is so new and shiny you could see your reflection, and is visible from the tasting room and restaurant so it is very much part of the décor. You will find many varietals at Waterkloof – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Mouvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, all very balanced and perfectly delicious!

The visit begins with a drive up to the winery through a gorgeous oak tree lined path … there is a sense of anticipation as one enters the doors of the tasting room, located in a newly modernized and gorgeously redecorated 1752 historic structure, the Manor House. also really liked the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. link].

Johann Krige and Abrie Beeslaar in the Tasting Room. Johann gave me a tour that began in the bright, gorgeously designed tasting room that was buzzing with tourists and locals eager to buy and try wine. The tasting room was newly redesigned, partly to keep up with S. for my application paper. This ensures maximum skin contact.

Before a guest even tastes the wine in the gorgeously designed tasting room, or in one of the many outdoor venues for a picnic, the stage is set for an afternoon experience. Welcome,” says winemaker Nic van Aarde upon arrival, bringing us wines to taste. Norma Radcliffe, one of the first female winemakers in S. News S.

Glen Carlou and Backsberg are neighboring wineries in Paarl who kindly hosted me for a tasting of both wines, then lunch at Backsberg’s lovely al fresco restaurant. The Backsberg tasting room is rather whimsical in design … light and airy and down to earth at the same time. Arco Laamar & Harry Haddon (checked shirt). News S.

And though tonight we are tasting and drinking Mr. Forrester’s wines, the wine list itself has many excellent selections. 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. During my recent trip to S. Chenin Blanc has been S. News S.

Upstairs in the glass enclosed tasting room we taste the Sauvignon Blanc 2011. feature of these mica-rich soils is their ability to impart a wonderful minerality to the wine which I can really taste in every sip. taste both the 2008 and 2007, with the 2008 “Five” not yet released and the 2007 drinking very nicely!

It's allowed me to meet interesting people with broad tastes and vastly different backgrounds. 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 collection included sparklers, chardonnay, pinot noir, and a cabernet sauvignon, all named with numbers that had key significance for Jean-Charles. 7, my favorite Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, was named for the moment he had his first taste of wine. For example, the JCB No.

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. Social climber?

At the end of the tasting, both owner Leslie Barnes and wine director Brad Haskel thanked Helene for her insight, and also for talking about wine in a way the young servers can understand. You can see some of the wines tasted below. 60% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc There is but one hectare (2.2 London Lennie’s.

First, this is the first New Zealand red wine I have tasted in a least four years. 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. It has a twist off cap.

Helena Sauvignon Blanc is all barreled down and aging nicely. The wine in stainless steel barrel tastes bright and ripe, but the new and once used oak adds this complexity that is lost from either lot alone. The fruit here is tasting very nice, showing some senescence and ripe blackberry. Our 2011 St. Up on Mt.

Yet the Sauvignon Blanc, with just a hint of semillion, was crisp and delicious, as was the Carmenere. In the course of the tasting we learned that the company is experimenting with a wide variety of vineyard sites, from the coast to the hills, and we tasted a barrel sample from the 2010 'Explorer's Collection' Carmenere Marchique 2010.

Today the Wine Media Guild had the rare and very special opportunity to taste test 'cork vs. screwcap' for the second time. Those of us lucky enough to be present in 2007 (myself included) tasted the 2002 vintage of various cru wines from Domaine LaRoche in both cork and screwcap. Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Tri County 2002 Cork.

where guests learned the history of Bodega DiamAndes and had the opportunity to taste some of their wines. Tonight we tasted several red and white wines, most aged in French oak barrels (on average, a third new) for twenty months. Do you recall the California gold rush from your fourth grade history class? The 130?hectare

"So this Prosecco actually tastes like a cupcake!" a lunch participant exclaims, tasting the Cupcake Prosecco from Italy. Now interestingly, the scallops also pair well with the Cupcake Chardonnay and Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, two of my favorite wines. A bite-sized bit of fun. ". And he's right on another level.

met Bernard and interviewed him for my A Taste of Luxury television show nearly ten years ago in Boston, where he was in town hosting a very elegant wine and food pairing dinner at the Museum of Fine Arts. At present, they are offering a Cabernet Sauvignon (with six percent of Merlot) and Sauvignon Blanc with a percentage of Semillion.

My taste has changed, somewhat! Tonight I opened a perfect wine for that tailgate experience, or in other words, "very cheap" (but good); a Concha Y Toro Xplorador Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($8) *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks at Banfi Vintners. Cabernet Sauvignon red wine Chile

Since then, Washington State has been been sending wines and their winemakers to New York on an annual basis for tastings, yet rarely (never?) did I have an opportunity to sit down and taste with a winemaker. It was fabulous to taste David's wines and learn about his winemaking practices. "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. I'm letting mine sit for a few more years, but what I tasted on the visit were just extraordinaire. The watermelon aromas and taste were like those of watermelon life savers.

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the new technology is the ability to host 'tasting webinars' for wine education. For example, many journalists, upon tasting a wine, would love to have the winemaker right there to answer questions about yeast, terroir, the way different plots are mixed, and vintage conditions.

One of the traditional Bordeaux varietals, Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In the mouth there was lots of plum, blackberry with some mocha and a little spice that lead to a long finish with taste of black plum, tobacco and spice. The story in Argentina is quite the opposite.

the clusters look big and bold just like last year, and the berries that have turned are already starting to taste sort of nice. 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% The finish was nice and long, spicy, dry with a taste of currant. Seemed to be stuck on Finger Lakes white wines all summer. Merlot.

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!

Today Mr. Collins was visiting NYC and we had a chance to meet and taste some 08s and 09s, which are currently now in supermarkets, wine stores, and restaurants throughout the country. Equally fabulous was the 2009 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, with its exotic flavors of passion fruit and guava. Jim Collins. Salute!

It's become my practice to taste and blend our wines in June of the year following harvest. Tasting for blending is consuming; a labor-intensive labor of love. The base blend for the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, a Mt. Before that, the nascent wines are too young to be focused enough for me to make the best of them. alcohol.

am tasting the Pinot Grigio, rolling its dry, mineral-rich, balanced flavors in my mouth whilechatting with two very intriguing and charming gentlemen. Next came the 2009 Argento Cabernet Sauvignon, also aged six months in oak (80% French, 20% American) which paired with crispy duck and quinoa risotto.

The native grapes have unfamiliar names, yet many wines I tasted are familiar … Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia. “We are very lucky today!” a woman said, stepping onto the gorgeous rooftop of a West Side building where the gorgeous sun displayed its golden rays after several days of clouds and rain.

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

After months of torturously preparing our 2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, tentatively named "Serotonin", and our 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, likely monikered "Dark Garden", we finally got around to bottling today, May 18, 2011. It is, all bullshit aside, tasting pretty awesome right now. But that wouldn't be true.

Just hope now that I won't have to spit what I'm tasting. Until then, I'll still cheat a bit, but I do hear the Cabernet Sauvignon calling or is that an old vine Zin I mentioned in my last post that I have been dealing with an ulcer issue. It's something I've had for about 20 years and seems to come and go whenever.

It is designed to provide visitors with an authentically Argentinean experience: horseback riding (of course), wine tasting, cooking classes, an award-winning restaurant, and soon, a bed & breakfast. This dish was also accompanied by the Riserval Cabernet Sauvignon ($12) and both went very well with these dishes.

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.

Cabernet franc grown on limestone from a top grower in Chinon. Napanook 2007 cabernet sauvignon : This wine’s list price is about $50 but I’ve seen it online as low as $35. Even though it is the “second&# wine from the Dominus estate, it has the seductiveness of good cabernet. And around $30 a bottle?

first met this eRobertParker.com wine columnist a few years back at one of the parties surrounding the tasting of the VDP “Grosse Gewachse” in Germany. ve had the good fortune to visit the property, meet winemaker/owner Henri Lurton, and taste some fabulous vintages both here in New York and at the Chateau.

Very interesting tasting of Australian wines Susan Barros organized today for the first Wine Australia Tasting of 2011 -- Unusual Varietals and Classic Blends. have to say that after tasting these wines, I rushed to the office to break out my James Halliday "Wine Atlas of Australia!" How do the wines taste? Shiraz Blend.

Typically, when wine brands come to New York they offer the trade a walk around tasting, and sometimes a lecture about the wine. Have you thought about Austrian culture? The wines were fabulous. Really fabulous wines, and a very well orchestrated event. Austria News exterhazy winery of austria

After a few beer nights, I finally was able to open, taste and drink two remaining red wines I have received from Cinnabar Winery; the 2008 Sextant Vineyards Syrah and the 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm not a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, but that can be changed with more like this one.

The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Peite Verdot and Malbec was again delightful. Felt real smooth in the mouth with taste of dark plums, cherry, some anise and spice. game I have not missed in 38 years. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising. Great way to end the night.

By all accounts Brane was quite the socialite, and despite his vibrant personality and title, had a deep scientific educational background and was largely responsible to identify Cabernet Sauvignon as the Medoc’s ‘premier grape.&# In light of En Primeur, I'll be spotlighting some favorite chateaux and their history.

Recently at a tasting at Brooklyn Oenology I met winemaker Russell Hearn and his wife Susan from Suhru Wines where they were showing their 2007 Suhru Red. All round this is a very good value at $19.95 retail per bottle

Both producers described their properties and we tasted some fabulous wines. Andi Kollwentz presented two whites (Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay) and three reds, with my favorite red being a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Blaufrankisch, and Zweigelt. We tried the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon on its own, and I liked it a lot.

Is was founded in 1989 by Yiannis and Amalia Tselepos , who planted the first cabernet sauvignon and merlot vines on the foothills of Mt. In the mouth there was a flat citrus taste. 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.

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.

This wine was part of a tasting at my Level ll Intermediate Certificate WSET class in Wine & Spirits last weekend at the International Wine Center Medium finish with spices lingering and very good, retails for about $75.

He took a break from tasting in Burgundy, where he is now, to respond. How important is blind tasting to wine evaluation? There is no question blind tasting is useful, especially for wines that are similar, or in competition settings. How many wines can you effectively taste in a day? His unedited replies follow below.

The Conservancy collection includes Pitite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Felt good in the mouth with soft tannins and taste of cherry, black plums and some toasty oak. Last year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard , so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage.

This week I attended a tasting at Enoteca Di Palo where Lou Di Palo and son Sam run a well stocked wine shop loaded with hand picked value driven Italian wines. Sam visits Italy quite often and has the opportunity to pick his favorites. There were 4 other wines represented and I will talk about them later.

"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!"

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.

tasted blind. 2006 De Lorimier Cabernet Sauvignon Crazy Creek Vineyard (USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley). 2006 De Lorimier Cabernet Sauvignon Warm Springs Ranch (USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley, Warm Springs Ranch). color: Opaque, purple, scintillating. finish med +.

and really thrilled to see that among the goodies are two Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from different vineyards. So without reading the notes from the winery I am going to try them and see if I can really detect a difference in taste, as well as quality. Very exited to receive a case of de Lorimier's new offerings.

This week I've tasted some excellent wines! 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.

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. Mazzocco Sonoma Petite Syrah Aguilera 2007.

The reds are made primarily of Grenache and Mourvèdre, and there are many other grapes added in smaller proportions, like Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, Petit Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and then local varieties such as Muscat Noir, Castet, Manosquin, and Brun-Fourca. To me, they don't taste like anything else that I know of.

We are sitting in the gorgeous guest reception villa Nicholas designed to entertain journalists and other visitors, and about to taste a selection of his wines and enjoy lunch. Tasting Cheval des Andes. Dark purple and intense in color, the 2006 is composed of 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enter the Executive Chef.

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

Tasting the Wines. We were able to taste six wines, beginning with the Ruca Malen Chardonnay 2009, very fresh tasting with good balance and tropical notes. Ruca Malen Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was delicious, typical of the region, with cassis, black current, and some chocolate. The Tasting Menu. The Six Wines.

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

Tasting notes: First up is a bouquet of summer fruits; peaches and nectarines with a tangy grapefruit accent. Flavor: broad and fresh; the characteristic fruity aromas of the bouquet come through with complexity and end with a clean finish. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

talian wines paved the way for my wine education, but last night my friend Eric Guido provided a detour for me: A blind tasting of six Australian wines from the famed Barossa Valley. All six were reds and either 100% Shiraz or a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Table

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. From tastings at various trade shows, Portuguese wines often seemed to offer rich, concentrated flavor for a very reasonable price.

The dinner was more informal compared with the panel discussions and tastings earlier, and was a perfect end to the day. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish. Freshness is apparent and a fine, mellow character displayed with an overall balance. Intense perfumed aromas of dried fruits with honey and cocoa

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

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.

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

One of my favorites was the Leese-Fitch Cab and here are some tasting notes: I know the label says Cabernet Sauvignon, in reality what you get is an amazing blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, 5% Syrah from River Junction, 5% Tempranillo from Moneterey, with Lodi contributing the 2% Alicante Bouchet, and 2% Petite Sirah.

Now I know most of the wines from Puglia, yet tonight was the first time I had the opportunity to taste Nero di Trola, which we tried as a single vareital with our entray of grilled lamb chps, or the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%/50%) which paired very well with the Formaggi. or something like that?"

also seem to get caught tasting an inexpensive wine, pleased with what I tasted, buy a bottle, take it home and open to find something just short of crappy grape juice. So, I took out the Hayes Ranch 'In The Saddle' 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, got my corkscrew and "oh no it's a twist off." Exactly what I was looking for.

few other journalists and I gathered together to taste her wines and hear her story at Dan Meyers new Maialino restaurant in Gramercy Park. The most interesting aspect of the tasting was experiencing the 2005 and 2009 Foja Tonda grape, an indigenous grape to Vallagarina in Italy’s Adige Valley. Incredible!

One of the highlights of attending En Primeur in Bordeaux this year for me had been the opportunity to taste the new vintage of prestigious, historic Chateau Cheval Blanc, famed for nearly two centuries for its unique terroir. For me, the nose had the usual blackcurrant associated with Cabernet Sauvignon, plus some cherry and fresh red fruit.

remember when I started enjoying wines that Cabernet Sauvignon was "thee wine to have." In a very short period of time, Argentina has taken this French grape and has begun to produce some of the most incredible tasting wines to ever be produced in South America. In certain times, certain wines become a fad.

Its characteristic taste is fresh and distinctive, with just a hint of almond. 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. 10 *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand.

also got to barrel taste this semi-sweet rosé and was waiting for something a little different out of Shirley's kitchen to give it a try. 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. Stoney Lonsesome Estates 2008 Reserve.

My favorite was the 2007 Vittorio's vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Usually I taste blind, and now I'm sorry that I didn't because the sense of Napa terroir is so strong here it could have been an easy win. Brooks Painter, winemaker. so recently I received three wines from V. Very good quality, 931 cases. Very concentrated fruit.