The winery was started in 2000 by Paula Pivel, who worked for Citibank, and Alvaro Lorenzo. As the winery is located near the trendy resort town of Punta del Este, they have a study source of visitors. You will find Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Vigonier here along with Tannat. When you are in the area you must visit.

Fabulous visit today to Familia Deicas winery today, home of some of the best Bordeaux style wines in the world. It is a giant winery with many different buildings, including an old brick building that was a dairy a hundred years ago. The family started in 1979, when Juan Carlos Deicas (Fernando's father)  purchased the property.

He is here to escort us to the winery and introduce us to the winemaker Alexander Etcheverry and his wines. The key thing to consider here is that the winery is focused on quality. 44 Cab franc 28 Tannat 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 10 Merlot. "Welcome!" Alexander joins his. as well as a member of the Castillo Viejo family.

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. They will be celebrating their hundredth anniversary next year, and the winery is located two hours away from Montevideo near the Brazilian border.

Javiar Carrau, an enologist and director of the family winery, greets me warmly and tells me a bit about the winery as we tour the property.  In 1991 – by the time Javiar was in charge – the winery was doing well and Paul Hobbs, the famous winemaker and consultant who now has vineyards all over the world – came to visit.

It is a gorgeous day and this is one of the most spectacular vineyards I have ever seen -- trees of every description are planted around the winery, and I can just imagine Victoria as a child playing hide and seek with her siblings around them. The winery was bought by the Varela family several decades ago. "This is an incredible park!"

In any event it is an absolutely fabulous winery, with enough bells and whistles (in addition to great wine) to entertain visitors for hours. This winery is a must visit when you come to Uruguay. Also you can take a tour of the winery and see the peaceful vineyards and the elegant birds. Merlot 09. Very elegant Merlot. 

vivacious Daniel Pisano, director of his family's winery, picked me up and gave me a tour of his fabulous winery as well as one of the most entertaining lunch experiences of my life. His dream was to start a winery in Uruguay. Daniel remembers his grandfather as a small boy and would help him in the winery.

On the thirty minute drive to the Pizzorno winery (a very easy drive from the airport if you'd like to visit!), Ana tells us a bit about the winery and her life.this woman has such an exciting, multi-dimensional life she can make the cover of Oprah magazine in terms of multi-tasking. Let me tell you a little about the winery.

In his introductions to his various wines, Mr. Sartori kept emphasizing the concept of terroir, and underscored the fact his winery had no interest in producing Merlot. Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei, hired in 2003, was another notch in the winery's success. The Satori family's venture into wine making dates back to 1898.

It is an 18 th century chartreuse house converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant, where Michelin starred Chef Jean-Luc Rocha's inventive cuisine, is paired with the wines of Chateau Lynch-Bages and perhaps another winery owned by the Cazes family, Château Ormes de Pez in Saint-Estèphe. Very soon I will visit Chateau Cordeillan Bages!

This state-of-the-Art winery was designed twelve years ago by Mario Botta (who incidently also designed the SF museum) and is a curious balance of new and old. It's an icon, just like the wines which include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. News Tuscany italy Maremma Petra winery

"My great-grandmother was famous for being a harsh negotiator," Gaia Gaja tells me, telling a cute story about her great-grandmother and her marketplace shopping habits, which explains the name of the winery which means "endless negotiations" in Italian. The winery is located just down the road from Ornellaia, purchased finally in 1996.

Who would have thought that it is located in a Tuscan winery, not a museum! 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.

Good Sauvignon Blanc plus Merlot 09 and Syrah 09. The SB has a tangerine note, Napa Valley News american harvest weekend cakebread winery symposium for professional journalistsVery interesting seminar at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers -- a "bean tasting" with various wines from Cakebread!

Last night at Eataly (the new Italian food specialty megastore in Manhattan) I discovered  Domodimonti,  a boutique winery located on the picturesque countryside of Montefiore dell'Aso, in Le Marche Region, Italy. The grape varieties grown include: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Pecorino, Passerina Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  .

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. delightful blend of Merlot and Cab Franc. hope to be tasting some new varieties, visiting more wineries and just enjoying more great wine. At least new to me). So, here goes.

Africa, famous for the whales, shark diving, and increasingly wineries. As is the case I’ve found in many top wineries, Anthony pinpointed the particular portions of the 52 hectare estate that produce the best cultivar and today only these particular sections grow Hamilton-Russell grapes. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S.

Soon James Downes walks in and briefly tells me a bit about the winery. These site-specific wines are very exciting, and this is a very exciting winery to watch. The merlot is fabulous and a signature of what makes Downes Family so great. Downes Family “Mount Bullet” Merlot 2009. First, imagine the vista. News S.

who is at the helm of the winery with his wife, Alexandra. About Macari Vineyards Macari Vineyards, located on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island in Mattituck, is owned and operated by the Macari Family. The business is led by owners Joseph Macari Sr. and his wife, Katherine, and Joseph Macari Jr., Joseph Macari, Jr.

Two wineries being neighborly!”. 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 winery has 110 ha under vineyard and additional satellite vineyards in two other areas. Backsberg Winery Website.

"So here i am, at Ken Forrester's 96 Winery Road restaurant in South Africa!". In fact, today Anthony and I are meeting at a restaurant Mr. Forrester owns with Devon Valley wine maker Martin Meinert and Chef Kathy Romer- Lee called 96 Winery Road. 96 Winery Road. Africa for many decades. During my recent trip to S. News S.

Charles explains that this winery (they are called farms in S. Africa, possibly because so many wineries started out as farms) has been in the Graaff family for three generations. We try several wines, two Sauvignon Blancs, their signature Bordeaux blend called Rubaivat, a Merlot, a Pinot Noir, and all are incredibly delicious.

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. “Welcome!” says Gus C.G. Even then, its owners knew the sandstone and granite soil was special. News S.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. The Winery. Visiting the New Winery.

visited this winery in Argentina last year and happy to have the chance to review it again, this time paired with a variety of dishes at The Modern. The winery has been around since 1960 under "Bodegas Chandon" and 1997 was the first commercial vintage under the Terrezas de los Andes label. Red Wine from Clif Family Winery.

So very interesting to hear the colorful stories of people who sought out a winery, nursed it to fruition, and are now making a success of their wine. Franco-American couple Michael and Hélène Affatato purchased the1646-dated Chateau La Gatte in 2004, and enovated it into a B & B and winery. 100% Old vine merlot. Hours.

The 2009 Te Kahu is a Bordeaux style blend of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec. Te Kahu means 'the cloak' in Te Reo Maori and refers to the mist that envelops the Giants Winery in the Tuki Tuki Valley. First, this is the first New Zealand red wine I have tasted in a least four years.

and what's really interesting is that "Old World" wineries are seeking out these regions, and often, the wine produced is a blend of what is best of the Old and New World. It is planted with a majority of Malbec and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay and Viognier that will be used for futurewines.

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. a pneumatic press.

You probably already know Clos du Val, the winery that Bernard co-founded many years ago. 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. More About Bernard Portet.

Cesar Baeza – Brotherhood Winery. Matt Spaccarelli – Benmarl Winery. Carlo DeVito – Hudson-Chatham Winery. All winemakers participated in the planning/expense of the trip, yet Matt Spaccarelli, pictured above, acted as host -- he picked up half of our members in NYC, and the event (due to rains) was held at his winery.

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. The McGregor family established their winery in 1980 and began producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir that year. digress, now back to my Rose'.

Just so happens that Keuka Lake is the home of some of the finest wineries in the Finger Lakes. We did not taste the Merlot or the Lemberger, but were amazed with the Gruner Veltliner and the Pinot Noir. Sitting up on a hill overlooking the lake was the Blue Heron Café and one of my favorite wineries, Heron Hill Winery.

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

With as much land under vine as the countries of Germany and South Africa, Algeria continues to maintain a wine industry with over 70 wineries in operation. Clairette and Ugni blanc have become the dominate grape varieties with some smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Mouvedre and Syrah. Wine from Algeria!

Some wineries blend earlier, but I find that I enjoy the blending process just as the wines turn away from their sixth month in barrel. Merlot from Oak Knoll and 1.7% It's become my practice to taste and blend our wines in June of the year following harvest. might not understand them yet; they might not show themselves. alcohol.

For now, let's just say that the entire winery offers brands revolving around a postman theme, which range from young, easy drinking reds and whites to complex, concentrated Cabernet Savignons, Bordeaux-style blends, and Shiraz. The Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot blend is called Pillar Box Red, with aromas of blueberry, licorice, and dried mint.

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. Do you know that Cheval Blanc has a winery (partnership with Terarzas de los Andes) in Argentina? Tasters included journalists like myself tasting at En Primeur, as well as distinguished Masters of Wine and heads of the world's leading auction houses. Second Wine.

Winery owner Justine Henschke holds bottle next to WA Susan Barros. 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. How do the wines taste?

The winery is Tselepos Estate. 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. 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. Often a winemaker will stagger new barrels into the process to keep costs for the winery and the consumer more reasonable. Which Wines are Typically Oaked?

The winery is located on Soda Canyon Road in the Napa Valley. Renowned winemaker Helen Turley designed the vineyard, with 17 acres planted to Cabernet, Merlot, and Petite Verdot with what Shirley calls the "Turley signature" - a tightly spaced vineyard with competing rootstock to insure concentration of fruit.

It is a picture perfect snowy day and my host is Inniskillin winery, who has one of the most quality wines in the region. Today the winery, located in Niagra-on-the-Lake, is covered in fresh snow. Now you know the Merlot went incredibly well with this dish! so I am in Canada to celebrate the Icewine festival.

2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2007 Wilson Winery Petite Sirah. 2007 Star Lane Vineyard Merlot. Style note: A very vibrant Merlot with concentrated red/black fruit (cherries, pomegranate, black currant, great balance, layers of flavor/nuance/texture, and would be terrific with either grilled meat or roasted salmon.

Bought this bottle two years ago at a visit to Lenz Winery for a barrel tasting and laid it down for another two, $55 Two years in oak and five in bottle, mature and viscous with some sediment, unfiltered and unrefined with pungent aromas. range from raspberry to vegetal flavors, chocolate, coffee, sour cherries.

11 Rosaenovae Irpinia Terradora DiPaolo DOC 2009 Paolo Mastroberardino owns this winery formerly shared by brothers. 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.

Producers visited included millionaires making quality wine from Rhone varietals to wealthy families planning to build hotels in addition to vineyards on their vast amount of land, and a sprinkle of families who inherited the wineries from their forefathers and ex-patriots who make wine and other businesses (wedding services) as well. Alorna.

Monday: Tour of the Chateau Pichon Longueville Vineyards and Winery. Before lunch, though, Jean-Rene gave our group a very extensive, insider’s view of the high tech winery with all its bells and whistles. In the winery, Jean-Rene spent a lot of concentrated time explaining the Chateaux’s new gravitational system.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. The Winery. The Control Room.

Judit is the winemaker for Morlanda & Fra Guerau wineries located in the world-famous Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC) in Priorat, Spain. The modern winery was built in 1997, though the vieyards that surround it are much older. The sun is hot and within the hour the pickers go down to the winery to have their mid-day meal.

And yes, now that I am here visiting the Valdubon winery, I can feel that intense chill the altitude brings, even though the sun is shinning brightly in the early Fall sky. The winery grows five varieties of grapes, including the mainstay of Tempranillo, which here is called Tinto del Pais and by law must contain at least 85% of the blend.

The other is Montefalco Rosso, which by law is a blend of several grape varieties:: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Caprai winery and vineyards lie on the hillside below the Umbrian hilltop town of Montefalco. So I just received two wines today from producer Arnaldo-Caprai.

First, I do not understand the fact that Shirley had to visit five wine shops in the Tribeca and Soho areas of Manhattan before finding any wines from Long Island and the two that she brought home where from two different wineries owned by the same family. This year, although I planned for more, did not turn out as well as I would have liked.

Now I surely needed some vino, so I stopped at Benmarl Winery (America's oldest vineyard) to sample their Cabernet Franc (my favorite) and Merlot. The stalls are set up under the FDR Drive so it's semi-protected from the elements. headed to the market having had a light breakfast, so I would have room for as many samples as possible.

Audebert and Lurton presented the 2006 vintage in a structured tasting that began with the 1999 vintage (the first for the winery) and continued on to the yet unreleased 2008. You make a great wine in the vineyard, not the winery,” Mr. Audebert says. Work in the winery is more like fine tuning. Messrs. Cheers! pierre lurton

Later it was Chianti, then Merlot and Syrah and now entering the picture is Malbec. Today, the wines of Don Miguel Gascón are crafted in the City of Mendoza at the same winery that was built by the Spanish visionary whose name bears it. In certain times, certain wines become a fad. 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. I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen.

Treleaven Meritage 2007 produced and bottled by King Ferry Winery in King Ferry NY was exactly what was needed for the steak. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984. The winery now produces approximately 10,000 cases of wine per year. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

Vivacious Ulrich Latrille (pictured above), Head of Communications, welcomed us and updated us about the winery before lunch. 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.

Grapes include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cinsault, and Rolle. Nathalie and her mother speak many languages, and are very open to helping guests map out a plan of how to spend their days (the markets, other wineries, little villages to visit) so it is best to contact them directly with questions. “Welcome!&#

San Valero Winery (Groupo BSV) is a cooperative of 700 winegrowers who grow mostly garnacha vines, and collectively pool their grapes. It is thrilling to visit this mega-winery in the very tiny yet important Denominazion de Origeon (DO) town of Carinena for a few key reasons. Now you know garnacha - of course you do. Day 2?? Day 3.

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. Definitely a good party wine.

Not because of all the nice wines and great food (more on the food later), but because there is just not enough time in the day to stop by and visit all the wineries on your list. The day started at one winery that was not on the list. Three unique wineries and a microbrewery all in one estate. Maybe both!! was not disappointed.

This week I decided to open a dry and semi-dry from the same winery to compare and I chose one of the nicest Rieslings so far; Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2008. 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. Why, I'm not sure. Truly enjoyable.

it's always fun to sit next to a winemaker / winery owner during a wine dinner at a top restaurant like Park Avenue Spring in New York City. It was the first time I would meet Dennis Cakebread, and it was a thrill to be able to taste the wines and pepper him with questions about the winery's history. cakebread cake.

During the month of May at 8 pm on Mondays anyone can open a bottle of Riesling from any Finger Lakes winery and join in on Facebook or Twitter to chat about what wine you are having for the evening. My choice for the evening was a 2008 semi-dry Riesling( $14 ) from the Long Point Winery. All from the Seneca Lake wineries.

Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. His article "Life, Death and Rebirth at Zugibe" is the story of a winery, that survived the death of their founder just weeks before their first vintage. Sipping later was delightful.

He is cheif winemaker for the Golan Heights winery in the Golan Heights. Tags: News and Merlot vintage arden Rom blend of Syrah cabernet franc Have you had Israeli wine before? few years back, several producers came to the US and I was overwhelmed by how delicious all the wines were. These were excellent wines.

Ms.Biyela is here to promote her Stellekaya winery, whose wines are featured in select wine shops and South African wine bars here in New York, and also take part in the S. Hercules 06 was first, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. "So how does it feel to be a winemaker. Or because of color." Biyela.

Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. This past week-end, my pal Mark and I were able to taste two Rieslings from the Brotherhood Winery located in Washingtonville (Hudson Valley) NY on the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Enough history.

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

The terroir is as it has been for hundreds of years … yet the winery had been of course modernized. The vineyard area is 90 hectares (222 acres) and the grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 5%. Henri Lurton. After the 2009 Margaux blind tasting, I discovered I too had given it top marks.

founding family of California wine, Concannon is the oldest continuously operating winery under the same family name, with four generations of family leadership at the helm. These wines are a tribute to my great-grandfather, James Concannon, who founded our winery in 1883." few of the issues are for how long and where. must buy!

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.

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!!!

Nearly an hour's drive from the modern city of Bordeaux is the castle-like structure of this 2nd growth winery that was built by Pierre des Mesures in 1661. Many fault the old, infected wooden vats for the loss of the wine's quality, which may be why so many wineries are using stainless steel today. Chateau Rauzan Segla.

who is at the helm of the winery with his wife, Alexandra. Tags: north fork sustainable Organic merlot long island wines Macari About Macari Vineyards Macari Vineyards, located on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island in Mattituck, is owned and operated by the Macari Family. The business is led by owners Joseph Macari Sr.

Even though he has every reason to be an egotistical blowhard, he remains humble and democratic in spirit, asking sincere questions of those around him and quick to point to his team as the reason for the winery’s success. As I arrived at the upper winery, about 2,600 feet in elevation, the rain was falling. The road to Monte Bello.

They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. 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

Bogle Winery 2007. Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same.

The story elaborates on the difficult times of selling expensive wines from Napa and how wineries are struggling to adopt new sales techniques, including social media. But, as we’ve discussed before, social media are no panacea for wineries , especially since they are too often a regurgitation of marketing pabulum. Doubtful.

And if the producers I met are any indication, many Italian wineries are several generations old. Susannah Gold of Avvinaire/Vigneto Communications spoke from the standpoint of a media specialists addressing Italian wineries, urging them to create rich, content filled web sites. Professor Attilio Scienza. Seminar Tasting.

One of Peconic Bay Winerys’ sister brands, Nautique is a hearty blend of 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc produced in Cutchogue, Long Island. First thing that stands out is the bottom-heavy and tapered shape of the bottle, kind of like… well, a lighthouse. In the $15 range, 13.6%

With that mornings conversation still fresh in the mind, I was not going to pass up buying that wine and researching the winery. The winery is Cline Cellars. One of the first wineries on the road to wine country, Cline Cellars is located 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Sonoma-Carneros. 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%

Kris Heart produces this 100% Merlot with grapes grown in vineyards south of Palermo, aging in a combination of stainless steel tanks and barriques for 6 months, before bottling and blending in their Alto Adige Winery. Fresh fruit and clean aromas of red berries, with earthy tones and deep garnet colors.

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.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

The price is very competitive with other Finger Lakes Syrah at $32, but can only be found on-line at Atwater Estates Vineyards or at the winery, which has one of the most fantastic views of Seneca Lake. 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.

In the Finger Lakes region it is very scarce, only two wineries grow Dornfelder and Fulkerson Winery is the only varietal wine producer. purchased the Dornfelder at the Fulkerson Winery while on the Deck the Halls tour last week. This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine.

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. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

30 participating wineries offering a food pairing and an ornament for a Xmas wreath made from grape vines. We were able to visit 16 of the 30 participating wineries. We tasted some of their reds and brought home a nice Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This time it was our first visit to the "Deck the Halls" event on Seneca Lake.

From the Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, Long Island's North Fork, comes this blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. who is at the helm of the winery with his wife, Alexandra. The four grapes used here are also found in many Bordeaux, usually with a bit higher percentage of Cabernet.

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