At a recent tasting at Aldea in NYC I had the opportunity to meet Emilia and sample some of her wonderful wines from Brunello, paired with equally great cuisine. He also was one of the founders of the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium. All told there are 36 vineyards and 25 different kinds of soils and altitudes. One bottle = 1 vine.

Sampled at the Vias Portfolio tasting last week in NYC The Sangiovese grapes used to produce Suolo are from two single vineyard plots on the Argiano estate, one, their oldest vineyard planted in 1966, and one of their younger ones, planted in 1989, thereby playing on the contrasting age of the vines. Nicely balanced.

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

recently received a sample bottle of the 2004 Chateau Clinet. I am finally getting around to trying French wines. have heard that they do make some remarkable red wines. The truth is that for many years, I had no desire to purchase what I saw as just an expensive European wine and I would not venture far from the Italian wines I enjoyed.

bottle generally goes for about $400, but I sampled this at The Vias Portfolio tasting last week One of the top Amarone producers in the famed Veneto and inspired by Giuseppi Quintarelli, Romano drastically lowered it's vine yields resulting in rich, expressive and dense wine. Very nice acidity and silky tannins.

The wine list is incredible (and your key opportunity to sample all of Bouza wines). “What are those curious birds!” I can’t help but ask, as we tour the vineyard of Bodega Bouza in Uruguay. My guides are Eduardo Boido, winemaker and Cristina Santoro, who manages PR and communications. They grapes will include Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Happily the samples today were quite on point, with several within my highest score. "Do you know the significance of a golden carrot? Especially when 14 people are dining with you?". The spell-like meaning of a carrot with a gold sauce, served to 14 people, is luck. Spice. Coffee grounds. Elegant despite all its rich extracted blackness.

am happy I scored this wine highly because I actually pressed the juice during a visit there connected with a scholarship I won from the Masters of Wine education program (sponsored by AXA) and perhaps it was that juice in the sample! "Gorgeous weather for tasting Sauternes!". the delicious golden sweet wine of Bordeaux.

This allowed me to sample the 45 wines individually, make a tasting note, and then check on the producer. "This is absolutely fantastic!" a guest exclaims, entering the ground floor reception area of the famous Clos de Vougeot and seeing handsomely uniformed waiters pouring tastes of the region's finest red and white wines.

Fully a third of them were classified as “experts,” which seems not quite a representative sample of America (or perhaps Canada, where the data collection occurred.) There’s something of a cottage industry that has emerged in trashing the reputation of wine experts. The WSJ got in on the action too a while back.

Think about it - you can sample Sherries of all types for very reasonable prices, play around, try new things, expand your understanding of this forgotten (but perhaps now re-discovered) great wine of the world. I want to tell you about my favorite place to drink Sherry in NYC, a tapas bar called Palo Cortado. order tapas, that's it.

I'll be tasting samples of past vintages over the next two days to determine whether we bring this vineyard online for Crosby Roamann in 2012. I took a trip to a relatively new vineyard in American Canyon today. This acreage is planted to a musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, sometimes also referred to as Sauvignon Musque.

At least that is what I found in three samples I just received from the PR folks at Cornerstone Communications. I have often mentioned that my favorite white wine is Riesling, especially those from the New York Finger Lakes region. now think that it is maybe because I found the Riesling and Albariño so similar. Albarino Rias Baixas Spanish

Yet that having been said - and recognizing the importance of critics in 2012 - it does seem reasonable that a producer eager to sell her wines in the international marketplace should take the "required" steps of attaining good scores, which includes getting publicity, sending samples, etc. Is it right? What are your thoughts?

More than fashionable marketing, this (at least from what I sampled) makes a better wine. Curious to discover S. African wine? Though imports are high in the UK, it’s often difficult to find wine from S. Africa in the United States, even in a large city like New York. Below are some key finidings: 1. Think the tiny plots of Burgundy. News S.

Get this: in the Cup of Excellence program, “judges must be able to describe samples the same way when they are presented at different tables, in different orders.” In a profile of Aida Batlle , a coffee grower in El Salvador, The New Yorker blows the lid on coffee’s imitation of wine. a focus on harvesting good fruit.

and as Pierre opened a sampling of various vintages and regions and quality levels from cru to village, it is clear that the wines shared a clean, balanced appeal. Domaine Meo Camuzet is a gorgeous, very modern looking winery in Vosne-Romanee. Jeanne-Marie's Hospice Wine being 'elevated' at Meo Camuzedt.

In the tasting room we sampled several wines from bottle, including the miraculous old Amontillado called El Tresillo. Before going to the tasting room to sample the wines, we visited the museum. was struck by the fact that he would not pour us samples of his Antique Fino. Emilio Hidalgo was my first visit to a Sherry Bodega.

Then they sample three penis wine described as “a delicate blend of dog, deer, and seal penis” that helps kidneys and “male sexual power.” A team from National Geographic ventures into a pharmacy in Hong Kong. They try to discern the medicinal from the “magic potions.” Go figure. Or is it impossible?!?!

It's Halloween night and I just want to relax, sip a nice wine, eat a little cheese and sample some of the sweet goodies in the Trick or Treat bowl. Forget the relaxing, but three out of four is not bad. Nice and soft mouthfeel with some Finger Lakes mineral, lime and green apple. The finish was dry, long and citrusy. riesling Finger Lakes

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. Andrea Leon. There had just been an earthquake and the season had been wet.

During the past two years I had the opportunity to sample many Finger Lakes Meritage and it has become one of my favorite Finger Lakes red wines. One full week of gorgeous weather in now over. got out of work tonight and walked into the chilly and rainy night. Once home, I opened a Ravines Wine Cellars Meritage 2007( $24 ).

recently had a chance to sample a few along with a Chardonnay, Reisling and a Pinot Noir. Marlborough, New Zealand's South Island seems to have a handle on Sauvignon Blanc. Sarah is one of three winemakers at Cloudy Bay (teamed with Tim Heath and Nick Lane) in Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand. No traffic lights, no people and 1 coffee shop.”

Pablo Morande first planted vines in Casablanca Chile in 1982 where he introduced Chardonnay, Riesling and in 1986 the first Sauvignon Blanc. He did this in a time and place where no one would have believed he would succeed. There was virtually no rainfall, poor vegetation, frosts in winter and extreme swings of temperature between day and night.

had a few in my fridge recently purchased at the Finger Lakes Riesling Fest and was also sent samples of Riesling from six different wineries. The samples included dry Rieslings from Anthony Road Wine Company , Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars , Hosmer Winery and Keuka Lake Vineyards. The most interesting wine for me was the Icewine.

This week, as part of a Snooth tasting hosted by Eric Guido, we had the pleasure of sampling four Chilean red wines. The Terra Noble was my absolute favorite of the night, and not even the most expensive at about $16 to $18.

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. I haven't been to a tailgate party in 30 years. They also uncorked a lot of wine.

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!"

Coming back from a terrific weekend in Maine, where blueberries are fresh and the lobsters still pair as well with white burgundy as ever, I steered the Dr Vino mobile into the last exit for the New Hampshire State Liquor Store off of I-95. Or was it a dreary place, with low inventory, poor selection, surly or ignorant staff? bit of both.

The area’s top wineries will be on hand, offering samples of their award-winning Rieslings and you can purchase Rieslings by the bottle for off-site consumption. For $10, festival goers will have the opportunity to sample beer from local breweries while enjoying live music. So I had to immediately delete the post and start all over.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand My Notes : My sniffer was full of leather and earth and a bit of the toasty oak. It's been a lot of fun traveling the world through wine this past month. This is something I wanted to do for the year and I will continue as long as I can find the wines.

b) wine samples. In honor or “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me&# bringing their weekly news quiz to the NYT , we offer a news roundup this week in quiz format. 1) According to a new study released, the Napa Valley will be “unsuitable&# for what by the year 2040? a) Luxury resorts. b) Walnut trees. c) Premium grape growing.

tasting them day in and out, blending samples, distinguishing between the barrels that will be blended into other main lots and those that may stand out on their own to be designated some sort of "reserve" is a tough process. It's become my practice to taste and blend our wines in June of the year following harvest. Roughly 75% new wood; 13.6%

really enjoyed a sample of the famed Paski cheese from the island of Pag (served both fresh and aged) along with the other gastronomic treats. “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.

The study, whose lead author Julian Alston of UC Davis, examined data from 129,123 wine samples. Turning to the discrepancy between what’s on the label and what’s in the bottle, the study finds 57% of the nearly 100,000 samples to understate the alcohol level with the worst offending category being New World red wine (about.45

At the Barrel Tasting & Auction, get up close and personal with winery owners and winemakers behind 100 of Napa Valley's famed wineries, as they offer samples of still-aging wine directly from barrel for you to taste. I am so excited! just finalized arrangements for attending the Auction Napa Valley 2011! Get More Info Here ). Helena.

This group of three people went on to sample three more red wines, including a Douro, a Chateau La Rame Bordeaux, and something else - I cannot remember what. I met a friend the other night at a wine bar. good place to meet a friend and enjoy a glass of wine together. I don't know," one of them said. Tell us about the wines you have."

Taste of Italy in Astoria Thursday May, 12th 6:30 to 8:30 For our first event we will meet up in Astoria, Queens at Jolson's Fine Wines and have a wine tasting, a few nice wines to sample and a little time to get to know each other. The wines we will be sampling will be some Italian gems.

With just 8 samples, Moderator Marnie Old and panelists Christina Forner (owner, Bodegas Marques de Caceres), Diego Pinilla (winemaker, bodegas Bilbaninas), Rafael Vivanco (winemaker, Bodegas Dinastia Vivanco), and Paul Grieco (co-owner and sommelier, Hearth & Terroir) were able to answer all the above.

The hundreds of wines to be sampled at the Tribeca Rooftop included all varieties, red and white, along with cuisine from top restaurants in NYC. Austria Uncorked on May 4 presented a fabulous opportunity for NYC wine folks to experience what is quickly turning out to be the "coolest" wine to enjoy at wine bars, or bring to parties.

They are delicious and even though the early samples of top wines are still tightly wound, they have recovered that nervy intensity that I found frustratingly lacking in many of the 2009s. Outside of hipster wine circles, Muscadet is not so well known among younger wine drinkers. Then with the abundance of 2009, prices fell. wine picks

Apparently the latest issue of Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate came out yesterday with Parker’s reviews for the 2010 barrel samples and in-bottle tastings of 2008s. say apparently because it is behind the eRobertParker.com paywall and there’s nary a mention of it on wine discussion boards. Bordeaux

Now we taste barrel samples from 2010 wines. 2010 Grenache Eclipse component barrel sample -- juicy red concentrated fruit on the palate, finish of rich fruit and vanilla. So in addition to French producers and California producers today's seminar focus on High Noon winery, established in 1976, by the Noon family of McLaren Vale.

The project has support from the local alderman but soil samples have yet to reveal whether the site is “steeped in lead.&# Bill Lavicka doesn’t lack ambition. The Chicago resident has made wine in his basement laundry room for 35 years, after all, dubbing it Chateau Chicago. But now he wants to make an estate wine. Bonne chance!

During 2011 En Primeur, I had the good fortune to enjoy Mr. Blanc’s hospitality, sampling many of the older vintages and learning about the extensive history of the property. Called the “Versailles of the Medoc” Chateau Beycheville is a Saint-Julian Great Growth, boasting an elegant, palatial chateau and French gardens with ivory statuary.

Jancis Robinson provides a primer in the various ways that samples at the en primeurs tastings can be manipulated to show their best. SIPPED: the zany. Hardy Wallace (above) dropped in on the en primeurs tastings and handed out his scores ranging from 101.00 to 102.36 points in.17 point increments. He gets the award for best T-shirt! Eater ].

Perhaps these things are a bit silly to focus on, but it became an issue when I decided to convene the Brooklyn Blind Tasting panel to sample a load of "basic" German Riesling from the 2009 vintage. I'm a German wine neophyte, but over the past year I've started poking around a bit, drinking Riesling here and there. some do not.

Recently I received a few samples from Cinnabar Winery in the Paso Robles region of California. Not being a wine connoisseur, I love it when I open a new wine and just fall in love with what I found or what, in this case, was sent to me for tasting. little smoke and a lot of fruit on the nose. The finish was dry, smokey and extra long.

Jacques Meganote, a researcher at INRA in Bordeaux, has collected samples from the tendrils the vines in the region have shot out already this year. A French scientist has determined a way to evaluate the quality of the next Bordeaux vintage–vintage 2011, that is. The program is called “Bordeaux shoots and scores.&#. Bordeaux

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks at Banfi Vinters. This week has been about as far up and down on Pinot Grigio as it can get. Earlier in the week I tasted what maybe the worst tasting Pinot Grigio I ever had. Then, on Sunday, I opened what may be one of the best. The finish was long, dry with a hint of honey.

Jancis Robinson floated a novel idea on her website last week: what if critics, who descend on Bordeaux shortly to taste 2010 barrel samples, withheld their scores until the Bordeaux trade had finished their pre-sale campaign (known as en primeur )? Bordeaux wine writing

From this admittedly small sample of premier and grand cru wines from good vintages, I’d say the risks outweigh the rewards. It’s not every evening I get to taste ten white Burgundies with a decade or so of age. For one, they’re often expensive. What’s your assessment of the risk and reward of white Burgundy? follows after the jump.

Barrel samples are almost never tasted blind in regions where production is small because it is impractical. There’s a new order at the Wine Advocate. Last month, Robert Parker announced editorial changes at the publication he founded in 1978. He took a break from tasting in Burgundy, where he is now, to respond. And NFL? Twice.

We're supposed to send them sample bottles and then they have 100 wines on the table. This is the final post about my conversation with Jean-Marie Fourrier. It was an honor and a pleasure to interview him, and I hope that you've enjoyed reading about it. BG: I want to ask you about farming. You cannot plan your whole week. Jacques.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC Violets with spicy aromas, plump ripe fruits, and nuances of chocolate and cherry echo a wafting of smoke, while complex flavors of caramel, tar and mineral mingle in an elegant expression of this historic vineyard.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. Last year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard , so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage. In 1996, Concannon was the first Livermore Valley vineyard to place its land into a permanent conservation easement.

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

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged in French Oak Barriques for 24 months and six months in bottle. Complex and perfectly balanced tannins, ending with an extremely long and velvety finish.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC From vines adjacent to the Tignanello vineyards this Super Tuscan is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese with 5% Cabernet Franc, and only produced in exceptional years. Aged for 12 months in new French oak barriques and 12 months in bottle.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC. Back in 2006, when I took a cycling trip through Tuscany, I spent a few days in the quiet countryside of Castelnuovo Berardenga, where Sangiovese reigns. Finely structured with an opulent quality.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC Aged in French oak tonnaux for 18 months and another 12 months in bottle. The floral beauty of this wine is just overwhelming.

Sampled this today at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC Made with the best grapes of 100% Sagrantino, aged 2 years in French Oak Barrique and a minimum of 6 months in bottle. Flavors of ripe fruit woven with spices and vanilla, a bit tight but with great aging potential.

For the first portion of the tasting, we sampled Chateau Angelus 2005-2008, Chateau Figeac 2001-2003 and 2006, and La Conseillante 2000, 2001, [.]. Wine Reviews Wine Stories Wineries Bordeaux Chateau Angelus Chateau Figeac La Conseillante Wine Media Guild

glass jar of fois gras too, in case we wanted to sample it without the bothersome pastry around it. Some odds and ends to wrap up my recent trip to Champagne: First of all, I was wrong when I said that Peter Liem hasn't yet written about single-vineyard wines in Champagne. And speaking of Peter.he was a great host. There was cheese too.

This past weekend and tonight I have been sampling the Trivento Reserve Torrontes 2009 ( $10 ). Despite the fact that there is still a gazillion inches on snow on the ground and the mercury in my outdoor thermometer is frozen, I am still having this insatiable desire for white wines, especially new varieties. Much more to come.

We ended our tasting by begging to sample Ledru's Ambonnay Rouge, a wine that she didn't make in 2010 because of low yields. It was 5 pm and getting dark, and it was raining when we parked in front of Marie-Noëlle Ledru's house in Ambonnay. Tired, cold, and standing in the rain, we couldn't help but stop to admire her simple and lovely house.

Sampled this at Vino 2010 Italian Wine Week at the Waldorf Astoria Snuggled between the historical towns of Montepulciano and Pienza just south of Siena, Cavalierino wines are produced by Aurelio Busani and family. mingling with a musky farmyard aroma, hints of cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla with firm tannins and a fine finish.

Sampled this at Vino 2010 Italian Wine Week at the Waldorf Astoria From Colli Senesi in Tuscany, this blend of hand picked 85% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino and 2% Merlot grapes is fermented in glazed cement basins, aged for 20 months in oak barrels, then refined in bottle for at least 4 months.

Sampled this at Vino 2010 Italian Wine Week at the Waldorf Astoria Vibrant ruby red in the glass showing powerful aromas woven with black cherries, floral accents and vanilla laid over spicy smoked dried fruits and licorice, nicely balanced, cherry pie and chocolate lingering on a velvety finish.

attended the Prosecco seminar, which introduced the new quality wine laws and gave a sampling of Prosecco from many quality levels and price points. Anthony Giglio, also the official blogger at Vino 2011, is always a fun wine educator/entertainer and mesmerizing speaker. Italy News anthony giglio itallian wine week vino 20111

Now I took a sample out and said, “Oh, my God, it’s got a pink tinge to it, and it’s too sweet.&# W$Jay was slumming it with zinfandel recently. He had a passing remark about the origin of Sutter Home white zin. Trinchero said that there was something of a zinfandel arms race in the early 70s. Trinchero said “Oh, okay.

You can sample more than 600 wines from over 150 winemakers from around the globe without leaving the city. imagine jumping to all the wine regions in the world in order to get a sense of the key signature wines from different regions. Sounds fun, yes -- but also exhausting and expensive. So it's great that the. Here's the details. Jacob K.

Samples of wine and spirits can now be poured in California grocery stores. SIPPED: boom times. Wine auctions brought in a total of $408 million, nearly doubling the 2009 take according to Peter Meltzer. Hong Kong boomed, with $165 millon in wine auctions, surpassing New York’s $154 million. Bottoms up! SIPPED: chemicals. People ].

You can find books, the soil samples mentioned, and find delicious wine. “Welcome!&# says Jeremy Steimer in perfect English, looking very fresh and crisp on this hot sunny day with his well-pressed shirt, light hair, and cheerful smile. We shake hands in the M. Would it sound strange if I tell you I am a bit thrilled by the soils?

The wine, along with a soil sample from Montes’ Apalta Estate in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, is featured in this exhibit exploring the visual culture of wine and its stunning transformation over the last three decades. Specifically, the wine chosen was the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon. The exhibit is from November 20, 2010 - April 17, 2011

The grapes are measured for sugar, various acids, and other key points in a sample taken by a robotic arm, with a print out of the results available within seconds. Care for a Cava? When you reach for a Spanish Sparkler on your supermarket shelf, chances are it’s from Freixenet, given their 200 million bottle production. The Future.

Now here it is described on the web site: "In the shaded square of a quiet little village in the Haut-Var, this beautiful home adjacent to a 12th century abbey invites you to sample all the pleasures of a true gourmet experience. Hostellerie de L'Abbye de la Celle. Arrived just when it opened and thought the menu quite good and creative.

bought this bottle after a sampling at The New Amsterdam Market this past Sunday where I met Matt McBride from Vineyard 48 From The North Fork of Long Island, this Cabernet Franc opens with an earthy barnyard funk, violets, dried flowers and sour cherries, on the palate ripe strawberries and vanilla.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. In my last post I started to say something about a recent discussion I had with a few friends about 'cheap' wines and quality. This is the wine we were drinking that started that discussion. Glen Ellen Old Vine Zinfandel, Proprietor's Reserve 2008.

Stop by to sample their vintages and use this opportunity to stock up for the holiday entertaining and gift-giving. See the complete list of participating wineries below. Calling All Accordionists! New Amsterdam Market invites you to bring your instrument and mingle with fellow musicians while providing a unique soundtrack for our Winemarket.

Accustomed to large wineries, it is the first time I see someone take a sample from a stainless steel vat. jean gilles standing with Jeanne Marie de Champs. friendly wagging dog greets our arrival at the home of vignoble Gilles Lafouge, who now runs this sixth generation Auxey-Duresses winery. screw.

Among the many wines sampled I really liked the 2009 1er Cru Sentier du Clou, a wine with high acidity and a curious element of tropical mango. Jeanne-Marie De Champs is the owner of Domaines et Saveurs Collection and works with several Burgundian producers to bring their wines to the United States. No Coats Needed in the Cellar. The Tasting.

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

and with dessert we sampled two delicious Vin Santo: Badia Di Morrona VinSanto Del Chianti 2006 DOC 70% Trebbiano, 15% Malvasia Bianca, 15% Colombana, after the harvest, grapes are selected and hung from the ceiling until January, then aged in caratelli (small kegs) for 3 years, beautiful golden colors with apricot and almond bouquet.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks at Banfi Vintners. In March of this year I reviewed a few Carmenere wines from Chile and although they were not that bad, they still were not wines I personally would order when dining out or even buy as an everyday table wine. Pam's main additional ingredient is marjoram.

When it comes to creating a blend, Mr. Montilla and his team are often faced with the task of reducing 700 potential samples to just one. Quick! Thick of Rioja (the famous Spanish wine) and what flavors come to mind? Rioja History. It is said to be the most prestigious zone of La Rioja due to its soils and micro-climate. The Grapes.

At the reception area, a robotic arm takes a sample of grapes from random boxes of each producer to determine quality. The juice from each truck’s sampling is collected by a worker, who brings it into the adjacent station for 17 points of analysis. The Penedes. Xarel-lo, one of the key grape varieties, is grown here.

One of Veneto's top producers, Cantina Di Soave has launched three new brands and National Sales Manager Gary Grunner poured samples at Columbus Circle Wines. The brands include Duca Del Frassino, a Premium Wine-In-A-Box, Re Midas, an all new fresh affordable everyday indigenous wine, and Rocca Sveva on the higher end. retails for about $22.

A few weeks ago a sample box containing two bottles of wine showed up at my house. It wasn't Theise or Skurnik who sent the samples, it was a group called Rieslings of Europe (I think, I cannot find the box). First of all, it is a sample, and meant for me to drink in the near term, not a decade from now. Now, about Riesling.I

There were all sorts of delicious looking things for sale, but sadly, most of these things were not available in small portions for sampling. Went with a friend and also my 3 and a half year old daughter to the Hokkaido Food Fair at Mitsuwa , the large Japanese market in Edgewater New Jersey. This place was crowded! Another time.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. A few weeks ago I received two bottles of Glen Ellen wine and my first thoughts were 'why?' I haven't seen Glen Ellen in sometime and maybe that was because I very seldom check out the shelf with the $3 wines on it. Liters, another cheap wine association.

The first meetup of The Wine Society of Queens was held this weekend at The Wine Room of Forest Hills , where we sampled over a dozen new wines from California, France, Argentina, Italy, Spain and even Georgia (Russia). At the tail end hints of tea leaves, bits of cedar, milk chocolate and roasted marshmallow finish of nicely.

Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. Tonight I am finishing up my latest 3L box wine from the Octavin Home Wine Bar, Artisan Wines. It's been 12 days since my first pour and the wine is still as fresh and tasty as the first day. The Seven finished smooth with some spice, but very short.

We then sampled two dark Weissbiers. We had a ball sampling these beers with our dinner, and although you may not read about it here, I have a funny feeling that there is more Weissbier in my immediate future. My friend Dan Melia came for dinner the other night. But the most memorable thing we drank, for me, was Weissbier. Anyway.we

With six sparklings to sample, we sat silently, sipped, scribed notes, [.]. Monday morning began in the most spectacular way–with a blind tasting of rosé Champagnes.

headed to the market having had a light breakfast, so I would have room for as many samples as possible. Next stop was Painted Goat Farms , where I sampled and bought some delicious goat cheese with herbs, olive oil and pignoli nuts. The stalls are set up under the FDR Drive so it's semi-protected from the elements. Good idea.

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized a tasting last week to sample nine Bordeaux wines from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages, and below are some of my tasting notes. 2004 Chateau Sociando Mallet Haut-Medo c Full bodied, animal, barnyard, chocolate covered cherries, cherry liquore, dry leaves, $50. Chateau Dassault St.

Thankfully I went with people so I could sample all of these different things. I was in New Orleans recently and I had the opportunity to try out some of your recommendations from a while back. Very impressive in general, the eating and drinking in the Crescent City, but you already know that. No, I am not kidding. Cocktails were excellent.

To gain some idea, I oversaw the analysis of a random sampling of 80 wines from the offices of Wine & Spirits magazine, half foreign and half domestic wines. Although we treat the findings as anecdotal, it was interesting to note that half the wines we sampled were almost spot on the stated level, deviating only 0.3

We had high expectations for the Bandol rosé wines sampled at this month’s Imbibe New York Wine Club meet. After all, for rosé, these wines from Provence don’t come cheap.