Some ripe peach … the flavors are not overoaked or over-vanilla’d like some California wines. Merlot 09. Very elegant Merlot.  Tannat  (50) Merlot (30) Tempranillo (20). “What are those curious birds!” I can’t help but ask, as we tour the vineyard of Bodega Bouza in Uruguay. They will be vinified here to start.

Sourced from vineyards in the Central Coast region, Cupcake Vineyards brings this California Merlot to the table for a mere $10 price tag but it's definitely worth way more. Really like this as an every day Merlot. Supple tannins but smooth and attractive with a matching finish.

Reds include Merlot, some Rhone varietals, and red blends. They even have a Kosher range (sparkling brut, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot). Arco Laamar & Harry Haddon (checked shirt). Two wineries being neighborly!”. Both seemed very effervescent and personable and passionate about South Africa and its wines. Backsberg Winery Website.

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. "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. 96 Winery Road.

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.

Cesar Baeza of Brotherhood, also a producer of a sparkling wine, exuded charm and reminded our group that Brotherhood was making "champagne" (they are allowed to say this on the label) since before California was part of the United States! Matt Spaccarelli of Benmarl. Do you live in NYC? Michael Migliore – Whitecliff Vineyard.

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

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

As you may know, coastal regions in California are considered 'cool climate,' and 'cool climate' wines are premium quality. From the Dry Creek Valley comes the Merlot 08, a wine with many exciting layers of flavor such as black fig, plum, and vanilla, then some cocoa and strawberry jam on the palate. Jim Collins. Salute!

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. Great way to end the night.

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.

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. USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley). 2007 Star Lane Vineyard Merlot. 8 views).

Lohr is a California producer of many different varietals, and increasingly, many different vineyards. 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. lohr merlot Paso Robles

few weeks ago I received three red wines, an Eco-Balance Carmenere, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. few nights later with a meal of pork chops, whipped potatoes and sauerkraut I opened the Merlot, a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Syrah. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Chili merlot organic Again the aromas were very nice.

Of note, the charismatic vigneron Pascal Collotte makes a solid red (merlot-cabernet franc) and a rosé from his 30 acres in the Entre-Deux-Mers region; The Bernaults, of the 30-acre Chateau Beauséjour in Montaigne-Saint-Emilion, make a merlot-cabernet franc blend from 45 year-old vines.

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. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

Tags: box wine California Zinfandel

have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Light and fruity with little oak was not what I expected from a CA Chard.

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.

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 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.

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.

While Merlot’s fall from grace can be traced to one line in the movie Sideways , the fall of Syrah has been more difficult to track. Next we were off to Mendocino County, California with the multi-vineyard Tous Ensemble 2007 from Copain (about $20). The Carlei , Heathcote Shiraz, Green Vineyards 2003 from Victoria opened our tasting.

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. Paul Draper is, without question, one of the world’s great winemakers. The road to Monte Bello. had chosen.

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

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

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!!

But that is a part of the character and charm of Monte Bello, which distinguishes it from so many other wines from California, even those -- if not especially those -- from Napa Valley. Also tasted (blind): 2003 Ridge Vineyards California Mountain Merlot and 2005 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Both very similar in style to the 2005 Monte Bello.

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. So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

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.

Tags: California red wine Mendocino County Zinfandel organic

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.

Fred Franzia : The California-based creator of Two Buck Chuck, which debuted in 2002, believes that no wine should sell for more than $10 a bottle. Paul Giamatti : played role of Miles in Sideways (2004); crushed the fortunes of Merlot with a single line while the film boosted interest in Pinot Noir. Now it’s voting time!

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.

believe this is my first from the Paso Robles' region of California. The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Well, I really didn't want to like this wine, simply because it was in a box (actually it's in a bag, in a box). But, the truth is. It has a freshness that is not easy to find these days in an everyday wine. It's touted to stay fresh for four weeks. Aromas of blackberries, raspberries, cedar, violets with hints of fresh baked pastries. alcohol

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

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.

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds.

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.

From Monterey, California, a Meritage is a Bordeaux style blend using Cabernet and Merlot. this one also has Petit Verdot and Malbec in the mix. On the nose a thick and intense syrupy aroma of ripe cherries, with juicy flavors showing herbal influence, swathed in violet powder and a mild vegetal edge.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table.

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

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

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

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

One of the problems with bringing home lots of wine from a Finger Lakes wine tour is deciding which ones to try first. Shirley helps make that decision easier by planning some meals ahead of time or by just giving me a warning of what's on the menu for the night. Sometimes though, it can be challenging choosing the right wine for the meal.

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.

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

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

Instead of drinking crisp sauvignon blanc and dry Mosel in poorly air conditioned rented apartments I’ve been opening cabernets and merlots which I briefly cool off in the fridge. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. Flights are delayed. Could this be right?"

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

kinda surprised her this evening by opening a California Cabernet Sauvignon made with organic grapes. Today they are one of the standard bearers for organic wines in California. Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon California red wine organic Great Buy!

The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. I have no idea what occurred between the early 1980's and present in the case of New York Finger Lakes red wines. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars This wine put the 1989 to shame.

From 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot,5 % Cabernet Franc.,5% Tags: Cellar Selection 2004 2 stars USA Central California 3 stars Ridge Vineyards 2007 Sonoma Napa Valley Ridge Vineyards Z-List Spring shipment included the 2007 Geyserville, East Bench, and Paso Robles zinfandels.

And you’re probably remembering just how nice it is to live in California. Sean Larkin is producing exceptional cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot (on the Jack Larkin label). apparently beat me to it) but the 2006 Jack Larkin Merlot should be on the list of hot new wines from Napa. Welcome Napa Valley Vintners!

Attended another blind tasting last night hosted by Greg dal Piaz of Snooth: 2005 Cosentino Il Chiaretto California 14.8% $18 On the nose resinous leather, fruit, white pepper, plastic wrap, high alcohol, with a palate of sour cherries, licorice sticks or twizzlers, and a woodsy profile. tasting like a Merlot blend.

Jean California Merlot 2005 * This is by all accounts a good value and one worth picking up to host a dinner party, a wedding, a bar mitzavah, or the return of the prodigal son from his animal quest. Produced in much the same manner as the California Merlot from Chateau St. No idea? Check out this website to learn more.

If you're into California Cult wines, then you might want to know when they come out, and how much they will cost, but there is no comprehensive release schedule for these wines -- anywhere -- and the cults themselves are the last people to ask. You aren't alone. This list is by no means complete, and it may very well be inaccurate.

NV Concha y Toro Reservado Merlot C.O. NV Barefoot Pinot Grigio California * Bright and light acidity, with nice grapefruit and orange notes Mexico is a difficult place to find a good bottle of wine. Those were a Seavey cabernet and a Hansell chardonnay I purchased at Scotto's Wine Cellar nearby before we left. drink beer.  2006 M.

2004 Napa Valley Merlot **+ Thoroughly enjoyable. 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ** The merlot was so good I went back and bought a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon. This opened up very nicely after a few hours, but never really showed the complexity and big fruit of the 2004 Merlot. had never even been to the estate.

Of particular interest was the 2003 Yarden Syrah - a big California style Syrah with dark fruit, this concentrated wine with big soft tannins will coat your palate and leave you with a nice long finish.  Much more versatile in terms of foods it will pair well with than the more popular Cabs & Merlots. looks a little freaky huh.

Audrey, reading Wine Spectator in Lake Tahoe, Spring 2008) So it was with glee and trepidation that I ordered one ticket for the California Wine Experience at the Marriot in NYC - but mostly glee. Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain District 2005 ** incredibly ripe, plush, and forward; very juicy. love their events. Cayuse "Bionic Frog" *?

Greg opened 3 beautiful California reds for us: Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1985. Laurel Glen Sonoma 1985 Cabernet (blended w merlot & Cab Franc, I think).2nd Had the opportunity to share dinner and some great wines (thanks to Greg Dal Piaz) with a small group of snoothians this past week. the wines.

It actually reminded me a bit of a California Zinfandel.  While the king, a Cab based wine (with 10% Merlot) was thoroughly enjoyed and drunk to the last drop.  I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  A wonderful woman and great cook it is always a nice shabbat when spent with her and her family. 

From the Paso Robles region of California comes this classic blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon , 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. Deep purple colors with a nose hinting of minerality, intense black fruits and, well, raw fresh steak. On the mouth there is vanilla and wood from the 18 months in French oak barrels. alcohol and $62 SRP

Then there was that California style Bordeaux, narrowing the margin between the wines, moving a wine I sort of like (Bordeaux) too close to a wine I really didnt warm to, (Napa Cab/Merlot). This marked the year of the complete coup; reverse osmosis/micro bullage machines rolled into town like WW2 German tanks. They became the norm.

The Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from California have been crushed, de-stemmed and had the yeast added.  We ended up picking up some Zinfandel that we were pretty excited about as well as some merlot that we were a little less excited about.  We were much happier with the Zinfandel than we were with the merlot. 

This Pine Ridge 2005 Carneros Merlot from the Napa Valley/Carneros region of California is 98% Merlot , 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec and aged 15 months in French oak barrels. tasted this wine at the California Wine Month expo at Espace on west 42nd street in NYC SRP is $45.

Being far enough north that he wants all the sunlight he can get (as opposed to California which needs protection), he removes leaves on the vine to expose the grape, getting the added benefit of circulation which helps prevent disease. Soft and lean, almost like a Pinot Noir, not like California style Cabernet.

This is about the fraudulent use of a meaningless stamp of approval, as useful as lets, see, a California Cabernet that has the U.C. This is about the fraudulent use of a meaningless stamp of approval, as useful as lets, see, a California Cabernet that has the U.C. August 19, 2008 Mom called. Did you see the Sunday Magazine? Fraud?

Made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon aging in French oak barrels for 18 months, then 15% Merlot added to the final bottled blend. This rich deep rose colored Cabernet from Napa , California is full-bodied, clean and smooth. On the nose wafts chocolate, oak and herb. Extremely concentrated and complex with an alcohol content of 14.9%

There were exclusively California wines that ran the gamut, but I'll be concentrating on the reds I enjoyed. First up is the Merlot from Napa County, California. This is one of my favorites from a tasting I attended this past weekend at The Restaurant at Sun & Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, N.Y. alcohol content.

Washington State, is known to produce some exceptional reds, in particular Merlot, Syrah and yes, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends including all or some of the aforementioned varietals). So instead, I want to bring up wines from another not-too-discussed wine region - Washington state. Happy lesser known wine region wine tasting!

Some young Bordeux (a red wine blend generally containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and up to 3 other "Bordeaux varietals") can be so acidic & tannic that one really needs to wait as many as 10 years or more before it softens enough to be palatable. What is better, an old wine or a young wine? Up to your personal preference.

Even though this red wine from California is labeled Cabernet Sauvignon , upon further research I found that it is in fact a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah , 4% Merlot and 1% Tempranillo. On the finish there is a spice and vanilla on the palate. This is a decent every day Cab and can be found in the $8 range. alcohol

and "California promotes wines that dont suck" Um.since when did fresh herbs become weird?! And millions of people think that California wines dont suck.but that certainly isnt an indication of greatness. Doesnt the fellow realize there would be no California wine without Europe? Now, what could make the fellow happier? Sheesh.

Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec- quite an intense mix, but it works. Here are 7 of my most recent favorite inexpensive but good wines. alcohol.

Making my way past the French wines I landed in the California section. But the lure of the reds grabbed me and it was the California reds and people I either knew or recognized who convinced me that white time was up. His 2004 Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red is a blend of 1/3 Cab Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, & 1/3 Cab Franc.

This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah , 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec -- quite an intense mix, but it works. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks. a glass. alcohol

Today after work a few of us got together and sampled a really powerful bottle of wine from California. it's 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot and barreled for 19 months in new and used French oak. Powerful because it is 15.1% alcohol, but also because it's intensity is almost visible. and a nice long velvety finish.

April 12 for the Twenty-third California Futures Tasting at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, featuring wines from 48 producers' 2006 vintage, plus a number of additional samples. What is happening with California winemakers always drinking French wines behind the scenes? traveled down to Wasihngton D.C. French wines! Awesome.

could write about the fabulous Israeli Cab or the not so fabulous French Bordeaux, the overrated California red, or awful Israel Merlot (it was BAD) but who cares?!?!! Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. lighter wine than a Cab, merlot or Syrah, Barbera is said to be the most (or second most) planter varietal in Italy.