We had a quick tour de France I was looking for an example of a Rhone that would fit within our budget. The wine has some definite ripeness to it–indeed, a tad much for me–but the class participants welcomed the layered flavors of fruit, a hint of bitter notes such as coffee and warming alcohol at 14%. wine picks

delightful blend of Merlot and Cab Franc. Best Red - For me, this was definitely a year for the white wines, passing up some of my favorite reds all year and those I did taste were mostly mediocre at best. I guess saying that 2011 was not as eventful as 2010 would be understating it a little. At least new to me). So, here goes.

Peter generously brought a bottle of Selosse Champagne from France for my birthday in the fall. loved this wine too, although it is definitely different from the other Lahaye wines I've had. Well, of the last few months anyway. So I'll compile them in a best-of-the-unposted list from the last part of 2011. And more Sherry.

Africa instead of having them delivered from France. The wines are made as natural as possible to have a definite sense of place, with natural yeast and gravity fed movement -- all excellent quality. Hermanus is a coastal town about in the most southern part of S. Africa, famous for the whales, shark diving, and increasingly wineries.

the soils are volcanic and the wine shows a definitive sense of terroir. like it is in France and Spain," said a friend, sharing a bottle of this wine with me at a trendy restaurant. Curious about what wine to bring for Thanksgiving dinner? Suavia Soave Clasico DOC 2009 Veneto, Italy. Very mineral rich!" Very elegant and delicate!"

Our first time at the Blue Heron and will definitely return when back in the region. Two years ago, I fell in love with their 2007 Cabernet Franc. Some very nice reds and delicious whites, by my favorite was the 2010 Rosé d' Cabernet Franc. Finally got to do something other than working around the house on my week off.

First she travels to France to meet with pioneer Nicolas Joly, whom she calls the ‘Deepak Chopra” of wine dynamics. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy learning more about winemakers, the art of making wine, and the intricacies of the natural wine movement. Naked Wine by Alice Feiring. Reviewed by Marisa D'Vari.

I've been wanting to get back on the Cayuga Wine Trail for over a year now and definitely wanted to visit some wineries again and some that I have not yet been to. Other whites were also excellent along with a dry Rosé and another red, a Cab/Franc. But, today, well let me tell you about today. Our first stop was at Goose Watch Winery.

don't aspire to drink geeky wine, and I'm not saying that geeky wine is by definition good wine - that would be absurd. And lastly, with a slightly aged hard goat cheese, we drank an amazing Amontillado Sherry, the Valdespino Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Amontillado Tio Diego , purchased in Epernay, France for 20-something Euro, not imported.

The point for me is not to try to guess the wine, although that is fun and definitely a part of the learning experience. But it can be great fun too if you're with the right people, and I definitely was. Some one said it was a Cabernet Franc. A lot of people don't like blind tasting, but I enjoy it a lot. It's possible, anyway.

If a producer like Frances Boulard, for example, buys just over 5% of the grapes he uses to make his wines, do we still say that he makes grower Champagne? Unless I am misunderstanding the definition of grower Champagne, Roederer's wines are grower wines, except for the NV Brut. Entry hall at Champagne Louis Roederer.

Called the "definitive guide to Argentina's wine country," this is an information-packed book that is also remarkably easy and entertaining reading, and is studded with very dynamic pictures of the country and its people. "Viva, Argentina!" Laura joins the Team. 2008 Alamos Seleccion Malbec.

Definitely a good party wine. Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive.

Very tight aromatically, but there are hints of chalky rock and citrus fruit, and there is a definite oxidative character to the fruit. 2005 is thought to be a great vintage because, as in most of France, conditions were essentially perfect. We had a bunch of people over for dinner this weekend for Chablis night. But close.

Not too many decades ago, nefarious producers and negotiants used inexpensive wine from the south of France to add volume to Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Guests at the 21 Club. Did you know that the U.S. is the second-largest export market for Champagne, behind the United Kingdom? Over 20 million bottles were shipped to the U.S. in 2004 alone.

and that is because in old world regions such as France’s Loire Valley, they refer to a bottle of wine by the region where it is from. Old World wines are said to be more dry and mineral, and this is definitely the case here, as evidenced by both Chateau de Sancerre’s white and red.

The Marques de Concha Casa, at $20, was definitely the best of the three, although the Casillero del Diablo was a great buy. 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.

Definitly not Beaujolais, but fruit forward with much higher alcohol. 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. am fortunate to know a few survivors, including one male, now retired, co-worker.

My own sense is that five to 10 years ago, Riesling was definitely in on the ascent. It was the last place in France that was dominated by negociants, everywhere else in France, wine drinkers had learned to seek out the best domains. Is Riesling a hard sell? Just how good is 2009? We discussed these topics–and more. Great.

I'll be back to Fox Run for the annual Deck the Halls event and will definitely bring home some more. 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. Tonight, Shirley baked trout with Cajun spices, cole slaw, corn and Cajun fries.

It is absolutely delicious and easy to drink, although there is some complexity here too, it is robust and flavorful, but it compliments instead of overwhelms your dinner, and it has a definite sense of place, or terroir. The 2006 vintage is 40% Gamay, 30% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Pinot Noir. For example.

found the wine at Total Wine & More in Virginia Beach for $23, so I can't call it a great buy, but it is definitely a good buy and will look for more Michael Shaps wine on my next trip to Virginia. While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review.

Definitely going to be a white wine, but I had at least five to chose from. 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.

From La Mancha region of Spain, Tempranillo is a beautiful grape with definite style, and this one displays deep purple/ruby tones and aromas of dark berries, spices and a hint of powdered sugar. This bottle was brought to the table by my friend Brendan and was tasted along with Costieres de Nimes from France

Oh most definitely! 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. Winner of the New York Wine and Food Classics's 'Governor's Cup.'

Don't think I would have with any fish, but definitely a nice wine for lamb or a nice pork roast or even a good angus beef hamburger. Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. dropped into a local shop this week and during a conversation with the shop owner I had asked if he had any wines from Oregon. He did. Pricey, but good.

put this stop first because it is definitely my favorite New York winery. There I tasted more reds and found an interesting blend 'Viridescens', a bordeaux style blend of Cab Franc, Cab/Sauv and Merlot. was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. Our first stop was at Damiani Wine Cellars.

Definitely cherry, what kind of cherry beats me and a little spicy note of cedar and hint of vanilla and a bunch of plum. Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon is a definite buy again wine and at only $16 Take it from an amateur wine lover. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago.

The Jura, in eastern France right near Switzerland, is only place I know of where Poulsard is grown. The tannins are smooth but quite prominent right now, and there is a definite sense of gravelly rock on the finish. 2006 Domaine Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieille Vignes , $18, Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons.

Definitely a wine I am going to stock up on. I am just going to begin by saying the Clos Du Bois Calcaire 2006 is probably the best Chardonnay I have ever had. Last evening my wife and I had dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Central New York, The Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville. Made me feel good, I don't win that often.

Thus, the application of the traditional definition of terroir to anything but small vineyards in specific areas is oxymoronic. acres of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, caberent franc and petit verdot consistently displays its own unique terroir. Perhaps if I drank La Tache often enough I would understand terroir differently. La Tache).

By Days 3-5, this was clearly progressing in a much more elegant fashion than the East Bench or Paso Robles, without losing definition or dark fruit notes. From 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot,5 % Cabernet Franc.,5% I'm happy to say that 2007 zinfandel so far has exceeded expectations.

The northern most vineyards in western France are in the Loire Valley appellations of Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir. If you're interested in Loire whites, all of these are definitely worth trying. The Chenin Blancs from these places have never been as sought after as those from Vouvray, Montlouis, or Savennières.

Jeremy has access to an incredible cellar loaded with wonderful wines from all over France - he can pull out whatever he likes for dinner. think I basically maintained my dignity, but I definitely was emitting the "I covet" vibe. "I consider myself primarily a grape grower." - Jeremy Seysses. rarely covet. Georges. Heartbreaking wine.

They are all pretty much blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. These are definite crowd pleasers that won’t break your wallet. These wines are some of the most affordable wine in all of France and are delicious blends with all kinds of comfy flavors that all kinds of people are going to like. promise.

While there are many silly (separate entrances for separate licenses) and annoying (not being able to to sell cheese in a wine shop nor wine in a food shop) aspects of New York wine retail laws, the free tasting is a definite boon for consumers. A couple of weekends ago, I attended the grand re-opening of Wine Connection in Pound Ridge, NY.

went for the Bubbles, the Beaujolais, the Cab Franc, and the Chenin Blanc. These are piercing wines of great definition, and they can seem like turtles, just their head visible underneath all of that shell. There was simply no way to taste everything, even if this were the only tasting of the day. Burgundy, Jura, and Muscadet.nope.

A wine (Hermitage) I will definitely be re-visiting. A Sangiovese/Syrah/Cab Franc blend was intriguing and determined to be a great food wine.  While 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.  Chateau Latour. 

This is a definite buy 4-bottles and drink over the next 18 months wine. If you want to know why the cool kids all seem to love Loire Cab Franc, drink this wine Listen - I don't always have time to write something grand for this blog. Very busy times lately, as you know. Way too many bottles, he says. Why yes, yes he would.

slim man with streaks of grey in his hair, intense and exacting, He was waiting for me at the outdoor table, an overhang protecting from the days constant rain (a difficult year in Bordeaux and much of France). It felt as fruit forward as a 2005 but definitely had started to develop the slightest bit of secondary characteristics.

Coeur D'Alene Cellars focuses mostly on the Rhone varietals Syrah and Viognier along with Cabernet Franc and the of course the usual suspects Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. It has a definite grip to it but the tannins are not going to take over any dish you might it up to. They look enticing and compel us to splurge. Idaho? Cheer

Oh and we can't forget good ol' cab franc. This is definitely a business run on passion. Abruzzo is the land of Montepulciano. The grape Montepulciano; which is sometimes confused with the Sangiovese based wine from the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany called Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. Nice and confusing. Until now. Let's get to it.

Also of note, as long as we are discussing Carignan, is that it is the most widely planted grape in France today ( according to winepros.org - bet you didn't know that - I sure didn't). But definitely check out an Aragon wine if you are presented with the opportunity. But I found out today. It is in Spain. The "8.0.1 Time for sleep.

France. On the nose is a definite spiciness and the palate is cooked fruits, white pepper and a smooth finish. Note: Chamarré is the first brand to take advantage of the new French wine appellation, "Vin de Pays Vignobles de France" which allows blending across regions. This is 100% Shiraz from Chamarré.

Cousin cultivates Gamay, Grolleau, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Chenin Blanc - there is something for everyone in this portfolio. This is a definite re-buy, although the price forces me to consider the occasion instead of just grabbing another and tucking it away, as I would if it were under $20.

then had a Rose' made from Cab Franc before moving on to the reds. Definitely a great food wine. had a 2004 " The Sisters " Cab made with 8% Cab Franc. My day began in LA with an early flight from LAX to SFO. rented a car at SFO and made my way to wine country. My day started with one of the places I neglected to take notes.

Moving to the Rhone valley in France I tried some wines from Eric Texier. Next to Texier was Domaine Franck Peillot from the Bugey region of France (a place I had never previously heard of). wine I will definitely keep an eye out for in the future. Sadly Pam was not there, but her 2005 Cab Franc & 2004 Cab Sauv were.

The author is a paid lobbyist for the producers of millions of hectoliters of wine from a specific region and thus by definition not objective. France has a competitive advantage in this area. And all is always now. Borrow from Burnt Norton? The beginning of the end is when natural wines makes its way into a trend story, no? Come on.

We don't drink a whole lot of wine from southern France, as those we've tasted are too big and roasted, a bit hot, and they don't drink easily with food (or at all). Nicely perfumed, very fruity and floral, good acidity, very lively, and definitely had the muscle to stand up to the steak. You know what this means?

While I am not VERY familiar with all the Gamla wines I hear good things and definitely recommend trying them. Definitely fruit forward, the PS/Zin can be found in the 2004 vintage and sells for between $16-$24 - yes, a wide range. absolutely love the Segal's "unfiltered" so I definitely intend to check this wine out this Passover.

L&R are a winery that focuses on Cab Franc, a varietal I am NOT generally a big fan of. Cabernet Franc is known for having green bell pepper notes, and these green herbaceous notes simply do not jive with my palate. Definitely one I'll be on the lookout for! Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high. Great stuff.

This wine is like a prizefighter in training - no sweet or fatty foods, lots of sleep, and definitely no sex, but this is just training. Here is a concentrated and intense Loire Cab Franc that will reward time in the cellar. I've been checking in on my 2005 Loire wines lately, just to see how things are going. It's just fantastic wine.

definitely recommend seeking this one out. This blend of 20% Tannat (a grape originally from SW France), 30% Petit Verdot (a Bordeaux varietal) and 50% Lagrein was very nice. then was offered their "Amistar" Cabernet Franc 2005. But the "Amistar" Cab Franc. Possibly my favorite 100% Cab Franc EVER. BUT, do it SOON!

No I have never been to this part of France or France at all for that matter but I have researched enough to be able to imagine what it must be have been like in this bucolic commune. have looked and looked and found minimal information on the details of how Malbec made it from France to Argentina. The answer is yes we do.

This is definitely an important area in the country's winemaking history for the French populated it in the 1860's because of a powdery mildew outbreak in the Bordeaux and its surrounding areas. wonder if this is when garnacha was introduced to France as Grenache? And yes it is Spanish. That and the wines can be poetically memorable.

In France Cabernet tends to be a bit more refined with phenolic harmony even in the more rustic examples. Here they are the definition of earthiness. It is definitely a food wine with the natural acidity swimming around breaking up the body of wine. This is definitely a wine of the earth. Let's talk South Africa. Wrong!

BrooklynLady and I went to France together for the first time in October of 2005. From what I understand, though, it is actually easier to buy these wines here in America than in France, where they have achieved cult status and are virtually impossible to find. ve not found its equal in Cabernet Franc. This goes for about $55.

This wine was definitely grown in a valley. But there are a couple of other general areas of France that make great wine and are a bit off the radar.for now. This wonderful appellation is situated in the south of France along the Mediterranean Sea. So the Alphabet City Wine Co. Everything we had hoped for is, so far, happening.

He says the 05 VV was opened too early, but he calls it a definite rebuy that should be great down the line. A definite rebuy," she says. At about $18, the Domaine Guillemeot-Michel Quintaine "is a no-brainer at a restaurant," and "a definite rebuy." Many delicious wines were identified, most of them under $25. hear that.

loved the "regular" version of this Southwest France gem, so tasting the reserve was a no-brainer. If you come across this it's definitely worth a try. I used to call this kind of post "Recent Sips," but I think I like this better. We went to Rosewater , a neighborhood favorite. Worth coming to from Manhattan, or when visiting NYC.

Could be our small sample, but this reiterated for me that France continues to make some of the finest under $15 wine in the world. It lacked the focus and definition that I found in the Loire wines, but it was very good, and I think a good value. That's a fun thing to do on a summer evening though, so no complaints. Another time.

definitely got it. First we tasted one Pinot and one Cabernet Franc, both by Hargrave , the founding winery in Long Island. The Cabernet Franc was not as impressive, but I liked it a lot, probably more than anyone else at the table. One of those stunning afternoons that reminds you how good it is just to be alive. Very happy.

love French wine, but the good doctor ruled out what he called "the big six grapes" from France, namely Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. So in honor of WBW 37 I tasted wine made from France's Chenin Blanc. That rules out a lot of wine. And almost always a good value, too.

don't know much about viognier other than it is native to the Rhone area of France and became popular for a minute in the US and then dropped off a bit. The floral aspect of this viognier was still in check and not too overwhelming but definitely prominent playing with a new flavor of peach or pear. I have been away for a bit. Cheers

Definitely not trying to steal Joe's thunder here, not that I could anyway. But after discovering this little lovely from Domaine des Cassagnoles for $10, I had to keep going, to taste more white wine from Southwest France. like everything about these Southwestern whites so far. Have no fear, Detective Colombard is on the case.

It's from Gascony in the south west of France, the region of Madiran and Jurancon. Bone dry, lip smacking, and yummy sipping, this would be great with seafood sure, but could definitely stand up to roast chicken or even lean pork loin. This wine is a Vins de Pays (C ountry Wine ) des Cotes de Gascogne. That would be annoying.

They grow and make good Cabernet Franc. have found Long Island Cab Francs to be very good in general, in their own dark, thick, fruity way. If I had to compare Long Island Cab Franc to Loire Wine, I would say that the more extracted wines of Saumur-Champigny are the most similar in style. 2005 Corey Creek Cabernet Franc , $30.

He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in providing lots of information regarding his chosen theme: wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France that are priced between $15-30. This is hot weather France where hardy grapes thrive, like Grenache and Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan, and of course, Syrah.

NV Renerdat-Fache Bugey Cerdon Demi-sec Petillant , $16 - this is a low alcohol (~7.5%) effervescent rose colored wine from Bugey in eastern France. Definitely a $15 beauty. 2005 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Cabernet Franc , $13. All of the wines of Franc Peillot of the Jura. hauled my butt into Manhattan (!) Just yummy.

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Cabernet Franc. More to my palate, but could definitely mellow for a few more years. And we return to Deetrane's dark tale of intrigue, wading through the swamp of the secondary market. Will Deetrane get to keep the wine? Will Konstantin disembowel Deetrane, and feast upon his wine-ravaged liver? Big wine.

absolutely am a Rudolph Steiner fan, and I definitely think of soil and its components as a vital living being that can experience varying degrees of health. For WBW I decided to taste a 2005 wine, the vintage that everyone is so excited about all over France, and the Loire is certainly no exception. cents. Now.biodynamic wine.

Almost like a cross between a cannonau and a cab franc with more depth and color. It is definitely a food wine and I can see why it is so popular for port with its fruit concentration. Wolff was telling me recently about a certain Portuguese wine that he had quite enjoyed. It isn't even used anymore (the name not the grape). Not yet.

The Cabernet Franc is my favorite, there is also the Cot (known elsewhere as Malbec), and the Cuvee Granit, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, I think. had the Cab Franc with the cod, served slightly chilled as it should be. Or the food is too bland, too salty, or improperly cooked. This is just a comfortable place to eat.

But before I completely leave France, I want to mention a few of the places we ate in Paris, and share a few notes. The place was tiny, with maybe 8 tables, and definitely low key, but everything was delicious. Thank you France! That's right, I have now finished posting about our Burgundy trip. Highly recommended. Magnifique!

France. know France on the surface and have always been under the impression that I wouldn't be able to find a good deal because you really need to know your producers and if you are not careful you could spend a pretty penny on something less than stellar. So I stayed away from France for a while. It is time for me to re focus.

Oregon, Italy, and reds can hail from Washington, Spain or France. Overall, I would not recommend this wine to drink now, but I would definitely enjoy tasting it again several years down the road. Lenn at Lenndevours started an online community wine tasting session a while back, participation has increased as time goes by.

There are several top notch producers of Savennieres, including Domaine du Baumard, Chateau d'Epire, and Nicolas Joly, proprietor of Clos de la Coulee de Serrant, one of only 3 vineyards in France to have status as its own appellation. The 2003 vintage, as in most of France, was very hot. Did you notice that? Mais bien sur!

So it was time to explore France via the east village. Next was a bottle of 1990 chinon 100% cab franc from the Loire region of France. The Loire is mostly known for their whites but who can pass up a $40 1990 from France. had tried Cab francs from Italy, Cali and New York State but not from where it was born, France.

This grape originated in Spain and was later made famous in the Rhone valley of France. The alcohol was definitely prominent and the pepper was a bit overwhelming yet pleasant at the same time. Well it was time to branch out. was in a wine shop the other day looking for a good deal. went to the Union Square Wine shop's new location.