tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334180950504017082024-03-18T21:50:30.481-05:00UnwindWineEnjoying wine - perspectives on wine buying, collecting, tasting, a study in wine marketing & branding; observations, experiences and ruminations of a winegeek & frequent traveler. Sharing so others can 'unwindwine' for greater wine discovery, understanding and appreciation.UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.comBlogger1726125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-44250067237796053932024-02-17T15:15:00.001-06:002024-03-07T11:31:27.037-06:00Gala Family Birthday Celebration features fun novelty namesake wine<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gala Family Birthday Celebration features fun novelty namesake label wine </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Son Alec and D-in-law Vivianna hosted a gala family birthday celebration for grand-daughter Marylin's second birthday. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1sV2EdfswBvJzbGH5P3nM_CUkuSRvtxBLPoZ9H4HWRMsmDnkLK0RRg_mEi6LtpGOvGE_9QH774YmWc5blT48tr7Xej5VySXQY77u-PGgzCx1awMyk5GgJtZOaPv31O3ZwORboMrEet_YewSX1J983eD1gy_eI7QjD9Q1svZFiDP-NltgzP8o5nDATD8/s809/Marylins-2nd-Viv-M-ATM-IMG_6783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1sV2EdfswBvJzbGH5P3nM_CUkuSRvtxBLPoZ9H4HWRMsmDnkLK0RRg_mEi6LtpGOvGE_9QH774YmWc5blT48tr7Xej5VySXQY77u-PGgzCx1awMyk5GgJtZOaPv31O3ZwORboMrEet_YewSX1J983eD1gy_eI7QjD9Q1svZFiDP-NltgzP8o5nDATD8/s320/Marylins-2nd-Viv-M-ATM-IMG_6783.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Family and friends gathered for beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail, a selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie, dips, fresh fruit, salads, and, of course, birthday cake and ice cream.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECmiCyPcUBDyOBFR7K0X1y2NwHi7IaFmiWTIbIK1NSdxjvIt0VkJQt9oOErHnYsEz6NYbmcYSkRRGE_NI9ID_p5q0JaMwYBXupS5UdgGY7M53Parjh81gpIQVu86eo_btWGgBlyOTIoVug7-gsU510rrG4189GmkgafWBxQYHWYO91eBwbywGAbqwv2I/s1079/Marylin-2nd-RRM-Viv-SAM-ATM-LJM-IMG_3537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECmiCyPcUBDyOBFR7K0X1y2NwHi7IaFmiWTIbIK1NSdxjvIt0VkJQt9oOErHnYsEz6NYbmcYSkRRGE_NI9ID_p5q0JaMwYBXupS5UdgGY7M53Parjh81gpIQVu86eo_btWGgBlyOTIoVug7-gsU510rrG4189GmkgafWBxQYHWYO91eBwbywGAbqwv2I/s320/Marylin-2nd-RRM-Viv-SAM-ATM-LJM-IMG_3537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6JEcCLRC-YFyOBvtwtcequ917oi7KQfR7SPsYI4snWHvYR8Xq1my7J09ssxcSOAHAwoEIGDAvWRoU37v1R411Hk_2jIIW-bzmfj5kgpYZwJLw4fyEYV-_QzUAFOgK06lmEr247kdfTmlRGz4jc6M8uQWw6VY0xZaVQz5DMaoL0oE2-RuYAsHvTzqlU/s1232/Marylins-2nd-tendloin-IMG_3531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1232" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6JEcCLRC-YFyOBvtwtcequ917oi7KQfR7SPsYI4snWHvYR8Xq1my7J09ssxcSOAHAwoEIGDAvWRoU37v1R411Hk_2jIIW-bzmfj5kgpYZwJLw4fyEYV-_QzUAFOgK06lmEr247kdfTmlRGz4jc6M8uQWw6VY0xZaVQz5DMaoL0oE2-RuYAsHvTzqlU/s320/Marylins-2nd-tendloin-IMG_3531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscfZ-Xw0-BWsPeNdTTdNlNsYBWJQta0pXdNBO_ckOI6oE9pv9qSqBfkMvjElhFW4kBGTvQoVuDf_5zl6Ls3f0UGMjHNm2rGc6P7FRiWiFvDW_uaDlP0zjoQAwi-M-PMF3QwPshdKqd9xbLOegSApB1oEY_phSIJRpSl9iWdnG77amz-p9LOQxftNY484/s1688/Marylins-2nd-charcuterie-IMG_3528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1688" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscfZ-Xw0-BWsPeNdTTdNlNsYBWJQta0pXdNBO_ckOI6oE9pv9qSqBfkMvjElhFW4kBGTvQoVuDf_5zl6Ls3f0UGMjHNm2rGc6P7FRiWiFvDW_uaDlP0zjoQAwi-M-PMF3QwPshdKqd9xbLOegSApB1oEY_phSIJRpSl9iWdnG77amz-p9LOQxftNY484/s320/Marylins-2nd-charcuterie-IMG_3528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoPJGNLVBvaX0jvJQG0uEKZ8hFswi2kkDJfggunKHIIzygl11W7N5VhwIIb6lOSoViG7UPqoJ3KYLjvcSt9-7WNlE2G51eV51fnXS6cw5Y2K6ZyASeRrnEpXKug9vrsqEUSW4ONWlorJuGX4U2uVwln8no0K5h_drCANb7R7EIVlpGD3CaHPFAObuDzk/s1328/Marylins-chips-dip-fruit-IMG_3532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1328" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoPJGNLVBvaX0jvJQG0uEKZ8hFswi2kkDJfggunKHIIzygl11W7N5VhwIIb6lOSoViG7UPqoJ3KYLjvcSt9-7WNlE2G51eV51fnXS6cw5Y2K6ZyASeRrnEpXKug9vrsqEUSW4ONWlorJuGX4U2uVwln8no0K5h_drCANb7R7EIVlpGD3CaHPFAObuDzk/s320/Marylins-chips-dip-fruit-IMG_3532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p>Alec pulled from his wine cellar several white and red wines for the occasion. As is customary in what is becoming somewhat of a tradition, I pulled from our cellar a novelty namesake wine as well. </span><div><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Hill Family Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2018</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We featured Hill Family Estate Vineyards in these pages in detail last March in this blogpost - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/03/hill-family-estate-napa-cabernet-2018.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hill Family Estate Napa Cabernet 2018</a>.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="date-posts" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-header" style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2534353720809818699" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We wrote about how As newlyweds, son Alec and Vivianna visited Hill Family Estate during their forest fire shortened honeymoon in Napa a year ago September. They visited the new Hill Family Estate winery, located just minutes south of Yountville just off Ste Helena Highway 29, the western main artery of Napa Valley. They tasted this wine there and since then have acquired wines as part of their wine club allocations. <br /><br />Doug Hill founded Hill Family estate vineyards back in 1977 when he acquired his first vineyards. Since then, eleven different vineyard locations have been added to the Hill Family Estate portfolio, mostly in <a href="https://www.goldmedalwineclub.com/wine-region/napa-valley-ava">Napa Valley</a> and its environs now covering more than 100 acres in numerous significant sub-appellations within Napa Valley.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For nearly four decades, the fruit was sold to the likes of Far Niente Winery, Silver Oak Cellars, Duckhorn Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Caymus Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars and a host of other winery luminaries. Hill Family grapes were considered among the finest grown in the prestigious Napa Valley. <br /><br />Around the turn of the century, Ryan and Carly Hill approached their father with the vision to establish the family winery with the family name on it. Hill Family Estate was born in 2001 with the first fruit that would become Hill Family Estate wines. A total of around 980 cases were produced and released in 2004. The new brand was immediately acclaimed and gained national prominence with numerous Awards and industry plaudits. <br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 280.947px; transform: scaleX(1.17196);">Hill Family </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 300.273px; transform: scaleX(1.09312);">Estate winemaker Alison Doran joined the team and crafted </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 319.599px; transform: scaleX(1.07851);">the inaugural 2001 vintage. Alison was introduced to </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 338.926px; transform: scaleX(1.12791);">Doug while he was growing grapes and she was making wine </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 358.252px; transform: scaleX(1.13692);">for Lewis Cellars, another one of our benchmark favorite producers, and the other estate visit tasting the kids attended during their shortened honeymoon. </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 377.578px; transform: scaleX(1.12255);">Alison </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 396.904px; transform: scaleX(1.14082);">developed her skill while being mentored by renowned wine </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 416.23px; transform: scaleX(1.12935);">expert Andre Tchelistcheff, completing a degree in winemak</span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 435.557px; transform: scaleX(1.14773);">ing at UC Davis and spending time in the legendary </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 454.883px; transform: scaleX(1.07104);">wine region of Alsace, France. Today, Doug and </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 474.209px; transform: scaleX(1.12016);">Alison work closely together selecting the highest quality </span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 493.535px; transform: scaleX(1.14708);">grapes and producing ultra premium wines</span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 424.542px; transform: scaleX(1.11633);"><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 510.435px; transform: scaleX(1.0484);">Today, the Hill Family owns 120 acres of vineyards </span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 527.613px; transform: scaleX(1.11755);">with properties on Atlas Peak, in Carneros, Oak Knoll and American Canyon. Th</span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 544.792px; transform: scaleX(1.16673);"> ey are 100% family-farmed, family-owned and </span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 561.971px; transform: scaleX(1.14156);">family-operated.</span>Production ranges between 9,000 to 12,000 cases </span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 441.72px; transform: scaleX(1.08959);">annually sourced from 12 different estate vine</span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 458.899px; transform: scaleX(1.04497);">yards allowing them to select the </span><span style="left: 509.356px; top: 476.078px; transform: scaleX(1.15691);">highest quality fruit for their wines.</span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);"><span style="left: 79.8201px; top: 209.701px; transform: scaleX(1.2221);"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);">The Hill Family portfolio has grown to over twenty five different labels across the broad range of varietals, blends, and single vineyard designated offerings. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);"> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);">Hill Family Estate opened a tasting facility in downtown Yountville, directly down from the famous French Laundry Restaurant of Chef Thomas Keller and Keller’s Bouchon Restaurant, a classical French bistro also located in Yountville where Ryan Hill was formerly a sommelier. <br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);"> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span style="left: 494.854px; top: 202.823px; transform: scaleX(1.40904);"><span>I <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/12/hill-family-estate-origin-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">wrote about </a></span><span><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/12/hill-family-estate-origin-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hill Family Estate and their wines in detail in a blogpost</a> late the year before last and in follow on blogposts:</span> <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/12/hill-family-estate-origin-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hill-Family Estate Origin Napa Valley Red 2016</a> and <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/hill-family-estate-origin-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hill Family Estate Origin Napa Valley Red 2018</a>. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /><span><span>We've had several Hill Family Estate wines with Alec and Vivianna and I believe this may have been the best label so far. </span></span></span><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>We had another one of their special limited release premium labels available to Hill Family Diamond Club members that Alec acquired as part of Alec's club allocation during</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/06/fathers-day-grilled-steak-wine-dinner.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Father's Day Grilled Steak Wine Dinner</a> last year. </span></div><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><br /></div><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Winemaker notes - This release was blended from fruit from several Hill Family Napa Valley vineyard sources. The high elevation Baker Vineyard up on Atlas Peak at 1,200 ft. providing intense tannins and color, was blended with vineyards from the valley floor and cooler areas - Windy Flats on the western foothills in Wooden Valley, and Beau Terroir is in the Carneros foothills. Also included in the blend was fruit sourced from Beau Terre, Hansen, and Villagio vineyards on the valley floor. Added to the blend was some Malbec and Merlot to add complexity of aromas on the nose along with fruit and oak spice, and finally some Syrah to add density without astringency.</span></div></div><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><div class="v65-product-description"><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH-YaIVjNLaFbfQBD6aiTUoftji-Rlo9HcMXMYM3EPcFg9FTRXa2W5m6KIoodiVVGX0vQNw3jOO4NbP2qhs_shufJdYG53qxERnZhkQvY0W0bS-0wU3pypFtSV6upwrfFZ_rQZoR5R0n6fTotGmwsV3yaK0-jWljZqtSLIZphwp09p5HbJcu6gMTwuCI/s809/lbl-CA-Hill-Family-Atlas-Peak-Cab-18.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH-YaIVjNLaFbfQBD6aiTUoftji-Rlo9HcMXMYM3EPcFg9FTRXa2W5m6KIoodiVVGX0vQNw3jOO4NbP2qhs_shufJdYG53qxERnZhkQvY0W0bS-0wU3pypFtSV6upwrfFZ_rQZoR5R0n6fTotGmwsV3yaK0-jWljZqtSLIZphwp09p5HbJcu6gMTwuCI/s320/lbl-CA-Hill-Family-Atlas-Peak-Cab-18.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon is accumulating a well-deserved
reputation for intensity and finesse. At 1,500 ft. elevation, the Baker
vineyard is a series of different volcanic soil types carved out of
heavy chaparral in Foss Valley with a southwestern exposure, featuring
several clones and rootstalks selected for their suitability to the
thin, rocky soil. 2018 had nice rainfall and a long growing season, with
bloom in early June, and veraison around August 14. The Cabernet
Sauvignon had big color and big tannins and showed off the potential of
the site and to create elegance and complexity. We did an optical sort
and used F15 yeast, letting the fermentation reach 97 degrees at its
highest point. Atlas Peak is not for everyone. It needs to settle down
and evolve for a while in bottle to soften and broaden the structure.
But for the collector who wants to see their investment pay off, this
wine is ready to age and grow for a long time."</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">:The 2018 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon aromas burst out, with many
layers of cassis, mocha, sage and blackberry. Mountain tannins underlie
the midpalate and persist to the end The palate is dense and focused,
with mountain tannins and plenty of structure that will act as
scaffolding for this wine to grow in the future.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">" <br /></span></p></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Interesting that Atlas Peak has emerged as a favorite in another wine tasting of several labels from the same vintage release including this gala winemaker tasting event - <br /></span></span></div><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/james-restaurant-cab-is-king-wine.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Restaurant "Cab is King" Wine Dinner w/ Bell Wine Cellars Wines</a></h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Some other wines from this sub-appellation - </span></span></div><div class="et_pb_text_inner">
<a name="2751898375159733374"></a>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/07/atlas-peak-cabernet-sauvignon-napa.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/09/napa-valley-atlas-peak-cabernet-duo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Napa Valley Atlas Peak Cabernet duo</a></h3></div><div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>I found this</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> dark inky purple garnet colored, full bodied with bold, full round complex expressive ripe black berry, raspberry and black currant fruits with a layer of soft sweet mocha, with notes of spice, floral and hints of cassis on a lingering tongue puckering tangy acidity silky tannin laced finish. </span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">RM 93 points. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3881100" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3881100</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://hillfamilyestate.com/product/2018-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://hillfamilyestate.com/product/2018-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon/</a> <br /></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://hillfamilyestate.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://hillfamilyestate.com/</a></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HFEWine" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/HFEWine</a><br /></span></p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">@HFEWine</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONvKJsPGChav_UJQyuc84cUkVIoMbQIAl8TvlntYKjYE2JZwmDKolsmNthyPUwC8e35WeuTjGsXzM86v2cUKs2A05wvB4iIG2Sfq-uFc_-zwoGPCgGDgjTZYpAotfSoNOm1G9-wS6pII-1JIUiVDCSxYiYMiB8sClmG6YQwaUpOTbxUFwHcA3DLFZvOw/s1079/Marylins-2nd-clan-McNees-IMG_8892.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONvKJsPGChav_UJQyuc84cUkVIoMbQIAl8TvlntYKjYE2JZwmDKolsmNthyPUwC8e35WeuTjGsXzM86v2cUKs2A05wvB4iIG2Sfq-uFc_-zwoGPCgGDgjTZYpAotfSoNOm1G9-wS6pII-1JIUiVDCSxYiYMiB8sClmG6YQwaUpOTbxUFwHcA3DLFZvOw/s320/Marylins-2nd-clan-McNees-IMG_8892.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering of clan McNees for <br />family birthday celebration<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Nova Wines Napa Valley Marilyn Merlot 2011</b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> </b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We then opened from our cellar a (almost) namesake wine for grand-daughter Marylin that we have fun with for these occasions. We featured Marilyn Merlot and their portfolio of wines in these pages in earlier blogposts including this one back in 2014 -</span><b> </b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/marilyn-merlot-and-norma-jean-wines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marilyn Merlot and Norma Jean Wines - A Study in Branding </a>
</p><div class="date-posts" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="post-outer" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="969049473310960019"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/marilyn-merlot-and-norma-jean-wines.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marilyn Merlot and Norma Jean Wines - A Study in Branding </a></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-969049473310960019" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"></div></div></div></div><div class="v65-product-description">
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The 2011 features a relaxed, playful image of Marilyn Monroe in a
green, low-cut blouse, short black skirt and timeless fishnet stockings
with black peep-toe pumps. Like the wine, a fashion that never goes out
of style.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUBWmDQf4JlSyX5GfUBWK_yVh-_jsVkBPzd4PxrGN9a2XocJDto5c55l0EnQZP265vm3He-nD15ejx9mW1bxioieFid9S0jHwDEKOcONQVLexf9-WF4j9FZtGhiYmVGExhqxWPFz1WGBtdHqe8C6IHIZSXWW9yXFqVch1ePcaGliwzcr6aD0tPiCnpc/s809/lbl-foil-CA-Marilyn-Merlot-2011-IMG_3538.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUBWmDQf4JlSyX5GfUBWK_yVh-_jsVkBPzd4PxrGN9a2XocJDto5c55l0EnQZP265vm3He-nD15ejx9mW1bxioieFid9S0jHwDEKOcONQVLexf9-WF4j9FZtGhiYmVGExhqxWPFz1WGBtdHqe8C6IHIZSXWW9yXFqVch1ePcaGliwzcr6aD0tPiCnpc/s320/lbl-foil-CA-Marilyn-Merlot-2011-IMG_3538.jpg" width="143" /></a><b>Winemaker’s Note:</b> The 2011 vintage Marilyn Merlot is
the 27th release of this fine wine. It is a straight Merlot this year .
The wine was aged in 100% oak barrels, 35% of which were new for this
vintage. Aromas of Ripe Strawberry and cherries, primarily thyme and
lavender complement the oak components of vanilla and smoke from the
wood. Moderate alcohol and good acidity make this wine a good pairing
with fine foods. Vineyard loc ations for this wine are from our longtime
growers in Yountville and Oakville regions of the Napa V alley. -- John
McKay."</span></p>
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</div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">:With a resurgence of interest for our 25th/SILVER ANNIVERSARY in
2011, and the sexy Red Dress in 2012, people continue to talk about the
quality and collectability of Marilyn Merlot,” says Donna Holder, an
owner of Marilyn Wines, "but Marilyn wouldn't have just collected these
wines, she would have drunk them." That’s because “the wine lives up to
its reputation, plush, soft, and sultry" according to Leslie Sbrocco,
author of "Wine for Women". And when they try it, reviewers admit to
“surprise” at the high quality."</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We have fun with these wines and find them okay for casual sipping on such occasions. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">At a dozen years of age, this was dark ruby colored, medium bodied and taking on some of the non-fruit characteristics of a Bordeaux varietal late in its tasting window with earthy woodiness and some smoke and leather setting in taking over from the brambly black berry notes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />RM 87 points. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">https://www.marilynwines.com/product/2011-Marilyn-Merlot</span></p><div class="v65-product3Up v65-group" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Product" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="v65-product-infoWrapper"><div class="v65-product-title v65-title">Earlier tastings of Marilyn Merlot. ...<br /></div></div></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/07/marilyn-merlot-2016.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marilyn Merlot 2016</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/02/nova-wines-marilyn-merlot-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nova Wines "Marilyn Merlot" Napa Valley Merlot 2018</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/12/marilyn-merlot-2012-label-unveiling.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marilyn Merlot 2012 Label Unveiling / Release</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/02/marilyn-merlot-2019.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marilyn Merlot 2019</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/02/nova-wines-marilyn-merlot-napa-valley.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nova Wines "Marilyn Merlot" Napa Valley Merlot 2018</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><p><a href="https://www.marilynwines.com/" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.marilynwines.com/</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.marilynwines.com/WINES/MARILYN-MERLOT" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.marilynwines.com/WINES/MARILYN-MERLOT</a></span></p></div>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-40176233994174422222024-02-14T15:38:00.136-06:002024-03-03T12:04:27.870-06:00Ferrari Sparkling and Spring Valley Uriah with Valentine's Day Filet of Beef Surf & Turf Dinner<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ferrari Sparkling and Spring Valley Uriah with Valentine's Day Filet of Beef Surf & Turf Dinner<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For a quiet intimate relaxing Valentine’s dinner, Linda prepared surf & turf, Filet of Beef and Lobster Tails in ramekins of buttered bread crumbs with braised roasted potatoes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We opened a Ferrari Rose Champagne style sparkling wine for the chopped salad starter and lobster tail course, followed by one of our favorite Right Bank Bordeaux varietal red blends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhn46NKVk6PAtS3EMlDrhx_48GPd89JH25pV1ogFWrMa97Gdzm6Ibcik-DCHJ3cLeypRAgRiNHGHkZRS9VLe2WisiW2bafQkMlxajMEFH12KFPN5uJyMWD0Ycfkz9yJiBHZidEIiQPe8zfl3Vj_2z9tVGrFq_UZ9bxPnlxTkFaN9xsYg7L4J7y5HAY6M/s1079/dine-in-val-24-uriah-surf-turf-IMG_3507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhn46NKVk6PAtS3EMlDrhx_48GPd89JH25pV1ogFWrMa97Gdzm6Ibcik-DCHJ3cLeypRAgRiNHGHkZRS9VLe2WisiW2bafQkMlxajMEFH12KFPN5uJyMWD0Ycfkz9yJiBHZidEIiQPe8zfl3Vj_2z9tVGrFq_UZ9bxPnlxTkFaN9xsYg7L4J7y5HAY6M/s320/dine-in-val-24-uriah-surf-turf-IMG_3507.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmszhQ2w_aUr14EameC0ysBj8cykHh6xmhIYgYEHdVao_jCRMEYAHjlD5Ns4CaI7YaDadXdshkO6JVuJn_zAaZ-dPVfrY_8WLSeKxMp5UIStE7T8HO-1v9Z-8pkEf47y9BZV3fveC5SqPpuxL4YclfWrJndu4YoQpYoabB2JVe9fjBq6MTC5z07X7h__0/s1079/dine-in-val-24-uriah-surfturf-IMG_3509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmszhQ2w_aUr14EameC0ysBj8cykHh6xmhIYgYEHdVao_jCRMEYAHjlD5Ns4CaI7YaDadXdshkO6JVuJn_zAaZ-dPVfrY_8WLSeKxMp5UIStE7T8HO-1v9Z-8pkEf47y9BZV3fveC5SqPpuxL4YclfWrJndu4YoQpYoabB2JVe9fjBq6MTC5z07X7h__0/s320/dine-in-val-24-uriah-surfturf-IMG_3509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>Ferrari Rose Champagne NV<br /></b></span><p></p><p>While seen on the winner's podium as the official toast of Formula 1® races, Ferrari Trento bears no relation to the car manufacturer, but plays up on the name, and provides the celebratory bubbly sprayed by and upon the auto racing victors. <br /><br />Giulio
Ferrari, a Trentino native, started his venerable sparkling wine house
in 1902, after studying winemaking in France. Convinced that his native
region’s terroir was ideal for growing Chardonnay, he produced three of
his now best-known cuvées – Ferrari Brut, Perlé and Giulio Ferrari – as
blanc de blancs. </p><p>Ferrari
wines consistently receive some of Italy’s top accolades, including
being awarded Tre Bicchieri 22 years in a row.</p><p>With its mountain
viticulture (the Dolomites), Trentino is an area well-suited to the
production of sparkling wines of great elegance and complexity. Ferrari represents
the largest estate in the Trentino region with 300 acres of vineyards. </p><p>In 1952, Giulio
Ferrari, having no children of his own, chose friend and local merchant
Bruno Lunelli as successor for his business. Today, the third
generation of the Lunelli family, with Bruno Lunelli's sons, Franco, Gino and
Mauro. They have established Ferrari as the market leader in Italy and the
nation’s celebratory wine par excellence with chief
winemaker Marcello Lunelli. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruZWrsw82b4pBk5NYcK-uxdYHEsoGcHtOtnXVsfQ0BmDu4o8jICUfidvFcK6hdjGMLI9PXyzPQusV0pYAIUQZT0Cx2PXH6WU0EwnGM_9Za_LuTvYmQbbQ1O6gYLSD2DYxgcKRfrN7HMxDSkWnEsWDL0_hjzYilIOlBxv8gE5PHWWDsP-XJDse4SGsRjc/s809/btl-FR-Ferrrari-Rose-NV-IMG_3704.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruZWrsw82b4pBk5NYcK-uxdYHEsoGcHtOtnXVsfQ0BmDu4o8jICUfidvFcK6hdjGMLI9PXyzPQusV0pYAIUQZT0Cx2PXH6WU0EwnGM_9Za_LuTvYmQbbQ1O6gYLSD2DYxgcKRfrN7HMxDSkWnEsWDL0_hjzYilIOlBxv8gE5PHWWDsP-XJDse4SGsRjc/s320/btl-FR-Ferrrari-Rose-NV-IMG_3704.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #5f6368; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #5f6368; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Ferrari Rose </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #5f6368; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">is </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">a premium blend of Pinot Noir and</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Chardonnay grapes </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">vinified as a </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #5f6368; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">rosé</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">. </span><p></p><div aria-hidden="false" aria-labelledby="tab-label-description" class="data item content" data-role="content" id="description" role="tabpanel">
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<div class="value"><b>Winemaker Notes:</b><br data-uw-rm-sr="" role="presentation" />Ferrari
Brut Rose is salmon pink in color. The bouquet is distinct and very
refined, with the fresh fragrance of hawthorne flowers, red currants and
wild strawberries. The taste is Dry, clean and elegant, with a delicate
finish of sweet almonds.</div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value">This was rated <span class="pipProdProReviews_rating">92</span> points by <span class="pipProdProReviews_name" itemprop="author">James Suckling, </span>91 points by <b>Wine Enthusiast, </b>and 90 points by <b>Tasting Panel, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate</b> and <b>Wine Spectator. </b></div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value">Pale salmon color; smooth balanced with bright acidity, delicate rosé red berry flavors bright raspberry, hints of pomegranate, blood orange
and a hint of hazelnut and toasted almond. </div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value">RM 90 points. </div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=467910" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=467910</a> <br /></div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value"> </div><div class="value"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Spring Valley Vineyards <b>Uriah Red Blend 2014</b></span> <br /></div><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For the main course of filet of beef we opened this <b>Right Bank Bordeaux varietal blend</b> from one of our favorite producers. We've written often in these pages about Spring Valley Vineyards in <b>Walla Walla</b> Washington and their portfolio of wines named for members of the family. </span></div></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We've written a dozen tasting notes about this label, but surprisingly, this is the first one for this 2014 vintage release.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Spring Valley Vineyard <b>Uriah</b> is a <i>Right Bank</i> Bordeaux Blend, meaning it is <b>Merlot</b> based like those from the northeastern or right bank of the Gironde River, (as opposed to. Spring Valley <b>Frederick</b>, their <b><i>Left Bank</i></b> Bordeaux Blend in the style of wines from the left bank or from the south west of the river based primarily on the <b>Cabernet Sauvignon</b> grape.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOrm1YoDU7AU2tjQ0cg9HYj62BdcKSny-wzt5_MPb1dZ33M5_gdJbD_O2taG1-RE7ZhyphenhyphenP4ok9Z7kBtU5O9VaIN9z-TzK0UIGWNieFcWuIf_yc_q-jfkwk3Q5EnfkXurO_hVZxCirHAGs/s1600/wine-site-NW-Walla-Walla-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-roadside-6951-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOrm1YoDU7AU2tjQ0cg9HYj62BdcKSny-wzt5_MPb1dZ33M5_gdJbD_O2taG1-RE7ZhyphenhyphenP4ok9Z7kBtU5O9VaIN9z-TzK0UIGWNieFcWuIf_yc_q-jfkwk3Q5EnfkXurO_hVZxCirHAGs/s320/wine-site-NW-Walla-Walla-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-roadside-6951-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I've featured
in these pages often about the portfolio of Spring Valley wines with each label
featuring a member of three generations of the <b>Corkrum</b> family reaching back to first generation founding producers Uriah and wife Nina Lee. <br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We tasted and acquired this wines during our visit to the tasting room and vineyards during our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/spring-valley-vineyards-tasting-and.html">Spring Valley Vineyards Tasting and Vineyard Visit</a></b> as part of our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/walla-walla-ava-wine-experience.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">appellation visit to the Walla Walla (Washington) wine region</a></b>
in 2018. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBaAjslQCiaziCnPlA8U5quR5zEjgApimjQFMN03dddMX1uiFVNIHBqEMNf9aqQayhUds_UfMAzOBCzjj0UMAARpOzs7vGWEp_2r7JhGs0yQxjDjXwU0Nj5ll_k1OGdmJoBnHTtYBZuI/s1130/wine-site-NW-Walla-Walla-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-Dean-Derby-Rick-6940-remc.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBaAjslQCiaziCnPlA8U5quR5zEjgApimjQFMN03dddMX1uiFVNIHBqEMNf9aqQayhUds_UfMAzOBCzjj0UMAARpOzs7vGWEp_2r7JhGs0yQxjDjXwU0Nj5ll_k1OGdmJoBnHTtYBZuI/s320/wine-site-NW-Walla-Walla-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-Dean-Derby-Rick-6940-remc.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">During our visit to the area, we drove out northeast of town to see the Spring Valley Vineyards. <br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There we had the privilege of meeting Dean Derby, husband of
Sharilee Corkrum Derby, who is daughter of Frederick and grand-daughter
of Uriah Corkrum who is featured on this label. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tonight, with
dinner, Linda also served a chopped salad, a selection of artisan cheeses
and medley of Greek olives. The black Greek olives were an amazing
pairing with this wines.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah Walla Walla Valley Red Wine 2014</b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />We've been collecting this label for two decades and typically hold close to a decade of vintages in our cellar. When the 2010 vintage received a Top 100 #27 in the Wine Spectator Top
100 ranking for the year, it suddenly disappeared from merchant stocks. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We acquire it regularly as part of our wine club shipments allocation. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_nw/lbl-NW-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-Uriah-2014-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="374" height="400" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_nw/lbl-NW-Spring-Valley-Vnyds-Uriah-2014-remc.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>Tonight, this 2014 vintage is the oldest release we hold in our cellar of this wine so we pulled it as part of cellar management, drinking the oldest vintage as we cycle through the half dozen vintage releases in our cellar, replacing the oldest with the newest. <br /></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Being a blend of five Bordeaux
varietals, this was more complex than the 'simpler' Frederick with only
three. I often compare the profile of blended wines to their width and
depth - imagine a bar chart with five bars vs one with three.</span></p><section class="pipProdMakerNote"><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This
2014 release of Uriah is a blend of 56% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec</span></p></div>
</section><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This release was awarded 93 points by Wine Spectator and James Suckling, 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, and 90 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Winemaker's notes - "Winemaker Notes A blend focused on elegance and finesse. Herbal nose
with hints of cassis and cherry. Lightly spiced, the texture is rich
with velvety tannins and an ultra-long finish." <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Interesting that back on release, Wine Spectator wrote to "Drink now through 2023". At ten years of age, I would say this was at the apex of its drinking profile, not likely to improve with further aging, <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, concentrated, complex, a bit tightly wound but balanced, dark berry, cherry and plum fruits with notes of herbs, black tea, dark mocha chocolate with hints of creosote with nicely textured and integrated acidity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> RM 92 points.<br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2296582" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br />https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2296582</a></span></p><p><a href="https://www.springvalleyvineyard.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.springvalleyvineyard.com/</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Some other Uriah reviews going back a dozen years ... <br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/05/spring-valley-2013-blends-uriah-vs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/05/spring-valley-2013-blends-uriah-vs.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/02/uriah-spring-valley-red-blend-2015.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/02/uriah-spring-valley-red-blend-2015.html</a></span></p><p>https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/03/uriah-spring-valley-vineyard-red-wine.html<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <br /></span></p><p>https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/09/uriah-spring-valley-vineyards-walla.html</p><p>https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/12/spring-valley-vineyard-uriah-red.html</p><p>http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/07/uriah-spring-valley-red-blend-2002.html</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/02/del-dotto-gio-tuscan-reserve-spring.html</p><p>http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/groth-reserve-napa-cabernet-2010-on-eve.html</p><p>http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/12/spring-valley-vineyard-uriah-walla_19.html</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-47973768927859293682024-02-10T13:18:00.004-06:002024-03-04T11:05:03.214-06:00Hill Family "Like a Hawk" Red Blend<p> Hill Family “Like A Hawk” Napa Valley Red Wine</p><p>We joined son Alec for dinner and to watch our Alma mater Indiana University Hoosiers play Big Ten rival Purdue in NCAA basketball. Alec and Vivianna served a delicious dinner of pasta in a vodka cream sauce and for a wine accompaniment with dinner we trolled Alec’s wine cellar and pulled this hearty <b>Big Red</b> wine for the occasion. </p><p>Alec and Vivianna discovered <b>Hill Family Winery and Vineyards</b> during their honeymoon in <b>Napa Valley</b> and since then have acquired this limited release wine as part of his allocation shipments as a member of the Hill Family wine club.</p><p>The Hill Family own 120 acres of vineyards with a focus on Atlas Peak, Carneros and Oak Knoll. They are 100% family-farmed, family-owned and family-operated – growing fruit for Napa wineries as well as their own wines.<br /><br /> <b>Hill Family Vineyards "Like A Hawk" Napa Valley Red Wine 2020 </b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDKz1n9a7JKDfF2eOji93DvNt_26dS6Heivl_olCNUvNZcihnc0IBvRNwqTXmqqjAvbzGDKniai9WibBsIIFXWLIQTBQ_BHRNvxRT47pCLBLVRwEBm8bN2RC-ndcLXZnZ_z9SqeweYVdQ_GaRhJpSJ7PN88aiF8R1VNqpWtRxodFJ1epWPphOOMq6FJU/s2475/lbls-CA-Hill-Family-Like-A-Hawk-2020-remc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDKz1n9a7JKDfF2eOji93DvNt_26dS6Heivl_olCNUvNZcihnc0IBvRNwqTXmqqjAvbzGDKniai9WibBsIIFXWLIQTBQ_BHRNvxRT47pCLBLVRwEBm8bN2RC-ndcLXZnZ_z9SqeweYVdQ_GaRhJpSJ7PN88aiF8R1VNqpWtRxodFJ1epWPphOOMq6FJU/s320/lbls-CA-Hill-Family-Like-A-Hawk-2020-remc.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>This limited release special label bottling is a variously from year to year a unique blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with some<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Malbec, Viognier and Petit Verdot. It is typically sourced from Hill Family estate vineyards </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Baker Vineyard in Atlas Peak and Clarke Vineyard in American Canyon.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rear label notes that this wine is a tribute to the fifth generation of the Hill Family. This is named for the winemaker's son Landon who is featured on the label. While strolling through the vineyards together, he posed the young toddler up on a fence post. He stood up erect and said, "look, I am like a hawk!", hence the name. </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Winemaker notes - In 2020, with all the challenges we had during harvest, we needed to persist in using our best scientific attitude and tools to make our wines. After 16 months, we were able to blend our best lots and make the 2020 “Like a Hawk.” It is a big, elegant, energetic wine, with its well-known color and density, and it is always great to see Landon on the label representing the next generation of Hill family farmers! The 2020 Like a Hawk has bold aromas of black cherry, cassis, vanilla, mocha and a hint of raspberry jam. The palate is big and intense, certainly no pushover – the tannins are present, but they are rich with dark chocolate and cassis."</span></span></p><p>"With the catastrophic fires of 2020 the wine world has been holding
its collective breath to see what will come from this vintage in the
Napa Valley. Fortunately scientific advances in dealing with the fruit
from that year have been up to the challenge, and we were able to blend
our best lots to make 402 cases of a big, elegant, and beautiful Like A
Hawk." </p>
<p>The 2020 release was 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Syrah and 1% Viognier.</p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, dense concentrated round forward blackberry and black cherry fruits accented by spice, cassis and hints of dark mocha chocolate with full round tannins on the lingering finish. </span></span><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">RM 91 points. <br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_code et_pb_code_0 addtocartform" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; animation-duration: 0.2s; animation-timing-function: linear; background: 50% center / cover no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(83, 88, 94); color: #53585e; font-family: "Gilda Display", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="et_pb_code_inner" style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="excerptwrapper" style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4428912" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4428912</a><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /><a href="https://hillfamilyestate.com/2020-like-a-hawk-release/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hillfamilyestate.com/2020-like-a-hawk-release/</a> <br /></span></p></div></div></div>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-50596076089608993112024-02-07T13:16:00.021-06:002024-02-15T07:44:21.922-06:00Destiny Neighborhood Beef Tenderloin Wine Dinner<p>Destiny Neighborhood Beef Tenderloin Wine Dinner</p><p>Visiting our favorite getaway <a href="https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Destiny Cove vacation rental in Destin, Florida</b></a>,
we hosted a dinner with friends and neighbors. Linda prepared a full
beef tenderloin, sliced into filets of beef, served with baked potatoes,
haricot verts and mixed green salad. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaiALkJptE0rTeR1V-ivOg7rMKkfVHryIxFt05TQtV39874ur3jz922sKdFjw8Ie890fSr8bHNq6OmVNWch0U91KtNG6-mBHlnfNhR0YVEEe9hquWoe7WzvPZaK7OVO4J_9nTZWKnai1ZhXwr4ekSgesxPnqg7m5cUdf1B9vGptNT2cUplzWTf4PZB7E/s861/artisan-cupcakes-carrot-cake-cupcakes-IMG_3395.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="861" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaiALkJptE0rTeR1V-ivOg7rMKkfVHryIxFt05TQtV39874ur3jz922sKdFjw8Ie890fSr8bHNq6OmVNWch0U91KtNG6-mBHlnfNhR0YVEEe9hquWoe7WzvPZaK7OVO4J_9nTZWKnai1ZhXwr4ekSgesxPnqg7m5cUdf1B9vGptNT2cUplzWTf4PZB7E/s320/artisan-cupcakes-carrot-cake-cupcakes-IMG_3395.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Before dinner we served a variety of artisan cheeses, fruits and mixed nuts. </p><p>To accompany the dinner we opened a wine flight with varietal wines for each course. </p><p></p><p>With the salad course we served a Washington State Chardonnay. </p><p>With
the main course we opened a medley of red wines - an aged vintage Napa
Cabernet, an aged simple easy drinking Sonoma Cabernet, and a complex
Washington State GSM Blend. </p><p>Our guests brought for the dessert course a selection of artisan cupcakes from the bakeshop just outside our community gate and carrot cake cupcakes, which we paired with a flight of dessert wines from Italy and Austria. </p><p></p><p><b>Moffett Livingston Stanley's Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997</b><br /></p><span style="font-size: small;">We were planning a mini-family reunion last month in Destin so I brought for that occasion several 'family' wines, whimsically sharing names with certain family members, such as this Stanley's Vineyard label and so named brother-in-law. <br /><br />This is named for 'Stanley', a family name in the owner/producer John Livingston's family. John resettled his family in St. Helena, Napa Valley in 1976 as an idyllic place to raise his six children, not necessarily with any forethought of joining the wine business. However, in 1984, they began pursuing their learned passion in wine and began producing Cabernet wines. <br /><br />John Livingston was a geologist, and became intrigued with finding vineyards suitable to produce Stanley’s Selection Cabernet wine, seeking an optimum combination of stony hillside soils, eastern exposures and suitable micro-climates. In the ensuing years he found such vineyards, also chosen for sound farm management and proven consistency. All the vineyards were only a few acres in size, too small for big wineries but perfect for Livingston Stanley Cabernet. The 'Stanley’s' Vineyard label was blended from six small parcels in Napa by legendary winemaker John Kongsgaard.<br /><br />Moffett Vineyards and the Livingston Moffett Winery, continued to be operated by Diane and John Livingston and were assisted for 22 years by their son Trent who helped grow the family winery from the cellars to the marketplace. Diane and John retired and sold the winery in 2005, resulting in a generational transition with Trent as successor of Moffett Vineyards.<br /><br />Trent and his wife Colleen Moffett relocated in 2014 to the northern Willamette Valley to pursue making 4 different Pinot Noirs from 3 different Willamette Valley sub-appellations, all the while remaining connected with Napa Valley through Moffett Vineyards.<br /><br />In addition to the Moffett Vineyards heritage, Trent and Colleen are co-producers of Screenplay Wines and C&T Cellars. <a href="https://moffettvineyards.com/order-zoloft-free-overnight-delivery">.</a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_California/lbl_CA_livingston_moffett_stanleys_napa_cab_1997_remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="532" height="320" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_California/lbl_CA_livingston_moffett_stanleys_napa_cab_1997_remc.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This is the last of three bottles we acquired back upon release. We
drank the first two bottles back in 2010 and 2014 and still held this bottle a decade later in our cellar. <p></p><p>At two and a half decades, this
was still holding its own, only perhaps slightly diminished from age at a
quarter century, testament to the longevity of the ‘97 vintage Napa
Cabs. </p><p>This release was awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and
90 points, Wine Advocate, Robert M. Parker, Jr. Upon release, Parker
said it should drink well for fifteen years. <br /><br />Winemaker's notes -
"For the 1997 vintage, John chose four mostly one- to two-acre
vineyards: Price, next door to Spottswoode; Walther, near Caymus;
Corbett, adjacent to Moffett Vineyard; and Gemstone, with five clones of
Cabernet along with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Verdot. Yields
ranged between of 2.5 to 4.5 tons per acre. It was aged in a combination
of French and American oak."<br /><br />Tonight, this was largely
consistent with my earlier tastings, dark ruby colored, medium bodied
with blackberry, black cherry and currant fruits, starting to give way
slightly with notes of black tea with hints of anise and bitter dark
chocolate with a bit of spice,
plum with tone of cedar on the medium to firm tannins and acid balanced
finish.</p><p>RM 89 points. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=162762" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=162762</a><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2036967142" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><a href="http://moffettvineyards.com/" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://moffettvineyards.com/</a><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/12/livingston-moffet-napa-cab-with-beef.html">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/12/livingston-moffet-napa-cab-with-beef.html</a></p><p>Another
label we were holding for our bro-in-law, a fan of the namesake
producer, we opened this for casual drinking with cheeses, fruit and
nuts before dinner. </p><p><b>Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2007</b></p><p>This was a futile inglorious attempt at producing a novelty namesake branded wine by comedian and Saturday Night Live fame Dan Aykroyd, who folks say, should've stayed with acting.<b> </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbusDkXsGcw-8FxRkL7GGgaAL-p5OK9WNelHIfN-vln8uAuOcG-hSRurbkYn6CqXpkvSog__OQ9fh1grXUj-hirzPUyaQvY4lo84SmJ6owcoU3Yk7z36ukr0__l4ri_6xpSSscqFUgiEMpUYV5HTnwurWwJ85O028ixHYXEY1mUfaZ_2DyEhWb0zHHfrg/s809/lbl-CA-DeLoach-Dan-Akroyd-Discovery-Series-Sonoma-Cab-2003-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbusDkXsGcw-8FxRkL7GGgaAL-p5OK9WNelHIfN-vln8uAuOcG-hSRurbkYn6CqXpkvSog__OQ9fh1grXUj-hirzPUyaQvY4lo84SmJ6owcoU3Yk7z36ukr0__l4ri_6xpSSscqFUgiEMpUYV5HTnwurWwJ85O028ixHYXEY1mUfaZ_2DyEhWb0zHHfrg/s320/lbl-CA-DeLoach-Dan-Akroyd-Discovery-Series-Sonoma-Cab-2003-remc.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><p></p>Winemaker Notes - "The
grapes are sourced primarily from the Alexander Valley, which with its
cool mornings and evenings and warmer
inland climate allow the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to fully ripen. The
wine is aged in 60-gallon French, American & Hungarian oak barrels
for added complexity and increased
concentration. This process also brings out softer tannins and a more
fruit-forward palate."<section class="pipProdMakerNote"><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"> </div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description">Cellartrackers panned this wine, albeit they tend to be sophisticated wine drinkers. This exceeded my expectations, which admittedly were very low. I was open minded and opened it prepared to dump it, but while simple and uninspiring, it was okay for casual sipping with some cheeses before dinner. Several guests found it enjoyable and suitable for casual easy sipping.</div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"><p>Wine Enthusiast gave this 82 points. I didn't find it resembled their profile - "Overripe and bitter .... dry, with raisin and grapeskin flavors that have a Porty, tannic edge."</p></div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description">Ruby colored, medium bodied, dark berry fruit, notes of tobacco, smoke and black tea with an abrupt finish. RM 82</div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"></div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"> </div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=649869</div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"> </div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description">With the dinner we opened this Rhone varietal red blend. <br /></div><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"> <br /></div>
</section><p></p><b>Force Majeure "Parvata" Red Mountain GSM - Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre 2017</b><h2 class="date-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;"> </span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We've opened this wine and featured it several times in these pages. We first featured this label in our Force </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Majeure Vineyards Site Visit and Tasting report </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">as shown here: <br /></span></div><h2 class="date-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;"><br /></span></h2><h2 class="date-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">October 2018</span></h2><div class="date-posts" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/force-majeure-vineyards-site-visit-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Force Majeure Vineyards Site Visit and Tasting</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4492114545520190489" itemprop="articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Force Majeure Vineyards Site Visit and Tasting<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One of the inspirations for and objectives of our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/walla-walla-ava-wine-experience.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Walla Walla Wine Experience 2018</a> </b>was to visit Force Majeure vineyards. We first met <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/06/todd-alexander-joins-force-majeure.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Force Majeure</b> winemaker Todd Alexander and marketing, distribution and branding exec <b>Carrie Alexander</b></a> during
the Chicago stop of their promotion tour in 2016 when we hosted them at
Italian Village in Chicago. Since then we've acquired a respectable
collection of Force Majeure wines, hence, they were one of our shortlist
priority visits when we planned our Washington State, Columbia Valley
wine trip.</span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></div><h4 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Force Majeure Parvata Red Blend 2017 </b><br /></span></h4><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We originally discovered and acquired this label during our <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/force-majeure-vineyards-site-visit-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">visit to <b>Force Majeure</b> in <b>Walla<i> </i>Walla</b> back in 2018</a>. We hold three vintages of a mixed case from our wine club allocation orders. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This is from their <b>Force Majeaure</b> <b>Red Mountain Vineyard</b> site in the central <b>Columbia Valley</b>.
The Red Mountain site was the very first vineyard on the steep, rocky
upper slopes of Red Mountain. Developing the Red Mountain estate
vineyards involved carefully matching varietal and clonal selections and
vineyard trellising and irrigation to the eight distinct soil types in
the vineyard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><i>Parvata</i> </b>means “mountain” in sanskrit, and hence is the name for Force Majeure's southern <b>Rhône style blend</b>, grown in the sandy, loamy soils of the lower section of the Red Mountain vineyard.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Parvata is a a classic Rhone River Blend that the French, and in the new World, the Australians, call <b>GSM</b>, for the blend of the three Rhone varietals, (25%) <b>G</b>renache, (23%) <b>S</b>yrah, and (42%) <b>M</b>ourvedre. <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ZMehDrKCX9_uIyv1xTYK1T9Dk2NDAn9AiudCagv66PiSNLztk5Sosnqdl4FOVCgM2y7QBkHP9PT9-F6qu0JZ5ph4kaxkZFA8Q56MsR6o6JGf1Zc-iL1N3wRVw31VTx0g7zv1iyUVIRhS2oJUnNWNJr4UgiSXxcnRo15M2mTAHA-iMTq9xf9fu2c/s3311/lbls-NW-Force-Majeure-Parvata-2017-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #741b47; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2498" data-original-width="3311" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ZMehDrKCX9_uIyv1xTYK1T9Dk2NDAn9AiudCagv66PiSNLztk5Sosnqdl4FOVCgM2y7QBkHP9PT9-F6qu0JZ5ph4kaxkZFA8Q56MsR6o6JGf1Zc-iL1N3wRVw31VTx0g7zv1iyUVIRhS2oJUnNWNJr4UgiSXxcnRo15M2mTAHA-iMTq9xf9fu2c/s320/lbls-NW-Force-Majeure-Parvata-2017-remc.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">But
this 2017 Parvata is a blend of Rhone varietals, somewhere between a
GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) and a CDP (Chateauneuf-du-Pape of which
70% is typicall GSM, the total can be from a possible thirteen
sanctioned varietals). This release is 42% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 23%
Syrah, and 'lesser' varietals, 4% Cinsault and 5% Counoie - 100% sourced
from the Force Majeure Red Mountain Estate vineyard.</span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We've
posted blogspots of the 2015 and 2016 releases but this is our first
tasting of the 2017 release. It seems to be less fruit forward than the
earlier releases. <br /><br />This was consistent with those earlier tastings. Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, this
is black fruits accented by white pepper, dried herbs, leather and
tobacco notes with bright lively acidity.<br /><br />RM 92 points.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3519567" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3519567</a><br /><br /><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/force-majeure-vineyards-site-visit-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/force-majeure-vineyards-site-visit-and.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://forcemajeurevineyards.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://forcemajeurevineyards.com/</a> </span></p><p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">@ForceMVineyards</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></p></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_fj0P-ePP8Kw0bNeshijOVUQvwP_xmqpAalJNwKHVRm6MsoTilUQukBmCmLGYzJev-c2CgzpHJaS6mCo80ZDEadKZyo3ClTXrZehTZrzS5vVFe8VeQ7Wbs3OGgJ3m4nZXstCgnQpADRY-Q2t6awWMI-WLfFkNe4Lz6ZaffjxEznor-eVSqZT0jQCSIg/s809/wineflt-dessert-wines-warre-alpiane-kracher-tba7-IMG_3409.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_fj0P-ePP8Kw0bNeshijOVUQvwP_xmqpAalJNwKHVRm6MsoTilUQukBmCmLGYzJev-c2CgzpHJaS6mCo80ZDEadKZyo3ClTXrZehTZrzS5vVFe8VeQ7Wbs3OGgJ3m4nZXstCgnQpADRY-Q2t6awWMI-WLfFkNe4Lz6ZaffjxEznor-eVSqZT0jQCSIg/s320/wineflt-dessert-wines-warre-alpiane-kracher-tba7-IMG_3409.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We then served artisan
cupcakes brought by neighbor Jan, and cupcakes brought by Debra. With
the sweets, we opened several dessert wines from different regions with
different profiles. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /> <b>Alois Kracher Nouvelle Vague TBA - Trockenbeerenauslese Chardonnay No. 7 2001 <br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We brought this from our home cellar and were holding it for a special occasion such as this. We hold a vast collection of labels and vintages from Kracher who offer a broad portfolio of dessert wines from Austria. This is from Seewinkel, an area in the <b>Burgenland</b> region of <b>Austria</b>, along the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl, <br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />Kracher is internationally regarded as one of the finest dessert wine makers. After Alois Kracher passed away in December 2007, his 27 year-old son Gerhard took over responsibility of winemaking and managing the winery. He carried on the tradition with the same veracity and dedication that his famous father once did with the same outcomes of extraordinary notable award winning wines.<br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Weinlaubenhof Alois Kracher estate vineyards possess a microclimate uniquely suited to the production of Beerenauslese and <b>Trockenbeerenauslese</b> wines. They have nearly 70 acres of vineyards planted with Welschriesling, Chardonnay, Traminer, Muskat Ottonel and Scheurebe. <br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_Italian/lbl_EU_kracher_nouvelle_chard_tba_2001_remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="259" height="400" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_Italian/lbl_EU_kracher_nouvelle_chard_tba_2001_remc.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>This release was awarded 95 points by Wine Spectator, 94 points by Wine Enthusiast. and 18/20 points by Jancis Robinson.<br /><br />Winemaker Notes - "Attractive aromas of ripe stone fruit, apricot jam, nuts and fresh herbs characterize this Welschriesling TBA, along with a silky texture and highly balanced acidity with pleasant floral notes on the elegant, salty finish." <br /><br />In the fall of 2020 I wrote: "As I have written in the past, at their most desirable (to my taste preference) these wines are rich, thick, unctuous, and voluptuous with apricot marmalade, mango, toffee/brown sugar, and caramel notes. This may have been there at some point and perhaps passed that stage of its aging profile. If so, then it is time to drink although it will no doubt continue to age gracefully for several more years. But the rich, sweet apricot fruits nectar was diminished somewhat and has turned more to a smokey charcoal layer over the fruits which were more subdued. Delightful never-the-less<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Copper and tea colored, full bodied, thick structured, rich concentrated notes of sweet orange marmelade, apple and apricot fruit nectar with of pain grille, honey and nutmeg spice on a long unctuous textured finish. </span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">RM 92 points. <br /><br />From an earlier posting: <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/08/kracher-trockenbeeren-auslese-tba-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/08/kracher-trockenbeeren-auslese-tba-7.html</a></span></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">In winter of 2018 - I gave this 91 Points.</span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/thanksgiving-feast-features-rhone-wine.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/thanksgiving-feast-features-rhone-wine.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19086" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19086</a></span></p><p><b></b></p><p><br /><b>Ca' della Vignalta Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio Fiore del Deserto Moscato (Muscat) Passito </b><b>2015 </b></p><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"></span><p></p><div class="place-desc-large"></div><p></p><p>From <b>Veneto</b>, and area formerly part of the Colli Euganei DOC, it was established as a separate DOCG in 2010. The Veneto DOCG appellation specifies some significant production rules: </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Grapes for <b>Passito </b>must be dried on or off the vine to achieve a minimum potential alcohol level of 15.5%</li><li>Minimum
alcohol level: 4.5% for Bianco dolce (10.5% potential); 6.0% for
Spumante (10.5% potential); 9.0% for Passito (15.5% potential); 10.5%
for Bianco secco</li><li>Residual sugar: Minimum 100 g/l (10.0%) for Bianco dolce, Spumante, and Passito</li><li>Aging: For Passito, minimum 1 year (ERD = November 1, V+1)</li></ul><div class="place-desc-large"> <div class="place-name"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvzVU3rrE4AfnihmCmq1608VCzKlXE0IfCFQfnwrP8J4dIY1Ocbkmrqot-HjjpaPjhPeawdjuSMuuu8XpVwaI_OTVFJQp1tAXLM6knoYvixcCR0uYIHgbRATne_pnjm1mhAIhJZ6GZYb82nuNuD5yqS2d3gMUScjg9H69kvXaFqOMBIdMQWgJ9_P_8qQ/s809/btl-vagnalta-alpianae-colli-eugenie-passito-2015-IMG_3409.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvzVU3rrE4AfnihmCmq1608VCzKlXE0IfCFQfnwrP8J4dIY1Ocbkmrqot-HjjpaPjhPeawdjuSMuuu8XpVwaI_OTVFJQp1tAXLM6knoYvixcCR0uYIHgbRATne_pnjm1mhAIhJZ6GZYb82nuNuD5yqS2d3gMUScjg9H69kvXaFqOMBIdMQWgJ9_P_8qQ/w108-h400/btl-vagnalta-alpianae-colli-eugenie-passito-2015-IMG_3409.jpg" width="108" /></a></div>Az. Agricola Vignalta <span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Fior d </span></span></b><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">' </span></span></b><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Arancio Colli Euganei</span></span></b> have 346 acres of vineyards on the side of the highest of the Euganean hills outside the village of Arquà Petrarca southwest of Paduea, Italy, seventy kilometers southwest of Venice. They are planted primarily to <b>Moscato</b> as the principal White Grape Variety, with an average age of vine<b>s of </b>16 years. The
grape is particularly suitable for the production of complex and
intensely aromatic Passito wines that perfectly pair with desserts and
biscuits. They produce 76,700 cases per year of which 5.000 – 7.000 bottles are this Orange Muscat based Passito, produced in 375 ml bottles. </div></div><p><b>Az. Agricola Vignalta </b>produce a wide portfolio of red, white, dessert and sparkling
wines. This sweet muscat wine is predominantly based on Moscato
Giallo grapes, which produce sweet and fresh wines, with distinguishing
citrus notes. The label includes three different styles: dry white wine,
sweet <i><b>Passito</b></i>, and bubbly <i>spumante</i>. <br /></p><div class="ct-div-block" id="div_block-437-9552"><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Fior d </span></span></b><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">' </span></span></b><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Arancio Colli Euganei Passito </span></span></b><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">DOCG</span></span></b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">
: it is a complex wine, with a bright golden yellow color that reaches
light amber with time. It reveals aromas of yellow fruit in syrup,
apricot and acacia honey. It manages to maintain a good balance between
flavor and sweetness.</span></span><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> </span></span><br /></div><p>Winemaker notes - "With its amber yellow colour and golden reflections, our Fior d’Arancio
Passito captures at first sight thanks to the bright shades that it
shows in the glass. The perfume is complex and elegant: balsamic notes
of canned fruit, dry dates, candied figs, jams, honey, eucalyptus and
vanilla stand out from the bouquet. Each sip is warm, embracing but not
cloying and has a delicate almond husk final taste. Rich and balanced. <b>Vinification:</b> drying grapes in “fruttaio” for 4 months,
crushing and squeezing rasin to obtain a very sweet must, fermenting in
French oak barrel for 18 months."</p><p>Descriptions of the color of these wines vary based on the age and stage of their aging profile. These dessert wines start out golden or pale straw colored, and darken over time, turning deep golden, then light brownish, darker to orange rust, then a copper color, and finally even to a blackish weak coffee color. High quality versions from top vintages can age for fifty years or more. <br /></p><p>Tea copper colored, full bodied, complex sweet notes of figs, hints of honey, raisins almonds and sweet tea on a smooth pleasant finish.</p><p>RM 91.<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2734338" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2734338</a></p><p><a href="https://www.vignalta.it/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vignalta.it/en</a>/</p><p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-31120527717895827712024-02-02T13:30:00.014-06:002024-02-09T16:01:16.004-06:00BBQ Ribs and Syrah <p>BBQ Ribs and Mollydooker Syrah </p><p>Vacationing at our favorite getaway, <a href="https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Destiny Cove vacation rental in Destin Florida</b></a>, with friends, we prepared a dinner of <b>BBQ ribs</b>, baked potatoes and grilled fresh veggies. To pair with the ribs, for one of our favorite wine food pairings, we opened a hearty <b>Syrah</b>/Shiraz. </p><p><b>Mollydooker Blue Eye'd Boy Shiraz 2021</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtA7gR3qNlPgy7R5gJJeWX0AkBsGTBatGOCCWS1BaitZheD3Fc9qyqnKAM1OdzlVWRWMa8BLnMRe30Nt2fWJ_OkGRvcLP6tXvIdhGsQOcbrN9TiKe5TuRck0GVN3zCPogdcDznAua0IRAmDNE15LLQtRUs2ZZ2bCaJxyYrJQT3Ruv6IvXSXElFFZw-gU/s809/dine-in-Destin-Cove-PR-LJM-IMG_3456.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtA7gR3qNlPgy7R5gJJeWX0AkBsGTBatGOCCWS1BaitZheD3Fc9qyqnKAM1OdzlVWRWMa8BLnMRe30Nt2fWJ_OkGRvcLP6tXvIdhGsQOcbrN9TiKe5TuRck0GVN3zCPogdcDznAua0IRAmDNE15LLQtRUs2ZZ2bCaJxyYrJQT3Ruv6IvXSXElFFZw-gU/s320/dine-in-Destin-Cove-PR-LJM-IMG_3456.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>Friend Pat R picked this up during our visit to Total Wine in Pensacola to share during our week together. <p></p><p>We've written often in these pages about the fun we have with this label and the rest of the <b>Mollydooker </b>portfolio of wines. Here are several previous posts on the subject:<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>September 10, 2022<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/09/blue-eyed-boy-brunier-racines-for-bbq.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Eye'd Boy & Brunier Racines for BBQ Rib Dinner</a> </span></h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting"><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>March 11, 2022<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/03/blue-eyed-boy-and-cdp-for-italian-beef.html" target="_blank">Blue Eye'd Boy and CDP for Italian Beef Dinner</a></span>
</h2><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>May 5, 2012<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2012/05/graduation-celebration-wine-tasting.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Graduation celebration wine tasting flight</a></span>
</h2><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>February 7, 2014<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/02/mollydooker-carnival-of-love-shiraz-2011.html">Mollydooker 'Carnival of Love' Shiraz 2011</a></span></h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting"><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>July 4, 2023<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/07/lede-to-kalon-and-greywacke-showcase.html" target="_blank">Lede To Kalon and Greywacke showcase 4th of July Celebration</a></span>
</h2><h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>February 3, 2022<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/02/mollydooker-scooter-merlot.html" target="_blank">Mollydooker "Scooter" Merlot</a> </span></h2><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Mollydooker Blue Eye'd Boy Shiraz 2021</h3>This is named for the son of winemaker/producer Sarah Marquis. This is one of the signature wines we keep on hand for our love of big full throttle Shiraz, and as a wine to enjoy with our own 'Blue Eye'd Boy', our son Alec.</div><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKubkbnHGiUJRyv4_tOUEOUZRAWpELNK1dRF6XyCq5w7l8A-PMpkfa2Kh2sWKOixXeMrjV8iLBNxN-8wZaHkOwG2MkWcjWIkjKXE59r6senxLW2dSx1m6iovIncvHy3SSQCQOF-iWhj5gip6O_cve7v6ngoPsVPyiH8xZjBxKGJFyo5Zn3yuW88CvLY4/s3646/lbls-AU-Mollydooker-Blue-Eyed-Boy-Shiraz-2018-2-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3646" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKubkbnHGiUJRyv4_tOUEOUZRAWpELNK1dRF6XyCq5w7l8A-PMpkfa2Kh2sWKOixXeMrjV8iLBNxN-8wZaHkOwG2MkWcjWIkjKXE59r6senxLW2dSx1m6iovIncvHy3SSQCQOF-iWhj5gip6O_cve7v6ngoPsVPyiH8xZjBxKGJFyo5Zn3yuW88CvLY4/s320/lbls-AU-Mollydooker-Blue-Eyed-Boy-Shiraz-2018-2-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We hold a half dozen vintages of this label and this is the newest, latest release which we're trying here for the first time. <br /> <br />Winemaker Notes - Black
crimson in color, this wine leaps from the glass with powerful
aromatics of blueberries, fresh plum, licorice and nuances of chocolate
biscuit. The seamless texture is laced with fresh berry fruit, coffee,
vanilla cream and warm spice, giving us a full-bodied Shiraz with an
endless depth of flavor and great length.<section class="pipProdMakerNote"><div class="pipProdMakerNote_copy" itemprop="description"><p>This was rated <span style="font-weight: normal;">92 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Parker's Wine Advocate wrote an interesting observation about this label; "</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once you taste a few of a producer's wines side by side, you really start to
get a feel for stylistic preference between warm vintages and cool
ones. I surprise myself by saying here that I prefer the warmer vintages
at Mollydooker (this does not make it right) because the sunshine and
ease with which ripening can occur in a warmer year really seems to suit
the plush, high-octane style being proliferated here. So, this 2021
Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz is far more on the blue fruit spectrum than the
2020 ..."</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">The key here is comparisons of this same label from vintage to vintage, and contrasting the resulting impact from a warm vintage vs a cool vintage. Such distinctions are best revealed through comparison tastings of one vintage alongside another or others - what is referred to as a 'vertical' tasting (as opposed to 'horizontal tasting' which would be various wines from the same vintage). </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">This was dark inky colored, full bodied, powerful concentrated, full throttle big round black and blue fruits accented by spice, black tea, notes of licorice and hints of bitter dark mocha chocolate with a long full finish.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">RM 92 points. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4404716" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4404716</span></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://mollydookerwines.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mollydookerwines.com.au/</a></span></p><p><a href="https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove</span></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://twitter.com/MollydookerWine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MollydookerWine</a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://twitter.com/unwindwine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/unwindwine</a> <br /></span></p></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-5693713499848418002024-01-27T18:18:00.008-06:002024-02-09T09:52:13.483-06:00Steak Night, Fresh Catch and Wine Specials at Wine Bar Destin<p>Steak Night, Fresh Catch and Wine Specials at Wine Bar Destin</p><p>The Wine Bar - Destin </p><p></p><p>Visiting our favorite getaway, <a href="https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Destiny Cove vacation rental in Destin Florida</b></a>, we dined at The Wine Bar restaurant in Destin. </p><p>We first discovered the <a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-grand-boulevard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Wine Bar in the Sandestin Grand Boulevard</b></a> shopping center. It's adjacent to and affiliated with the <a href="https://chanswineworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Wine World </b>wine shop</a> that has an amazing and impressive selection of 100 point and first growth producer wines. We then learned they have four locations including this one, <a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Wine Bar in Destin nearby</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtML9VxtkOL5WZ8X2CWzKZ1fZ6ECzoA3wScFlPPFJWJomzfOlkr5HNcwdME3wsPA51HCfNsP63_H1SyFeyljum8T9rCDMlhgALhB8o7lKTy8aSwrkM3sCOr6ehBzN3kdk8OlUtZTCQbaflQM11q7cUIiLmNhR91NyU03oXwxj8sbG7vVuaAycGp7JNpg/s1079/Wine-World-Destin-100-pointers-IMG_3355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtML9VxtkOL5WZ8X2CWzKZ1fZ6ECzoA3wScFlPPFJWJomzfOlkr5HNcwdME3wsPA51HCfNsP63_H1SyFeyljum8T9rCDMlhgALhB8o7lKTy8aSwrkM3sCOr6ehBzN3kdk8OlUtZTCQbaflQM11q7cUIiLmNhR91NyU03oXwxj8sbG7vVuaAycGp7JNpg/s320/Wine-World-Destin-100-pointers-IMG_3355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wine Bar Destin</a> location is located at the Shoppes of Paradise Key (on Commons Drive across from the Destin Commons Center). In addition to the restaurant, they have the adjacent wine shop that also includes a cheese shop - a trifecta, all in the one location, just up the street from our neighborhood! </p><p>The dining room offers casual fine dining in a rustic and quaint setting, intimate and slightly dark, with an adjacent bar and a private wine room for special dinners and private groups.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMw1mPfx0mhkM0SLF4TPpRA7f9EJKgILBrOH574QsZrytxQ6oSrMC7w_G425eD9n5GYzdfQXzhT7DI_Egc_IYVKLOxoNG0H1Z-VrYiqDBD9-kio0gltv_Ot2Ywbgr8G_D1Tkt_kSK67rUdJys0YY_yxlTKbe4RlwtbPqLDMj1fQj_RCZzBv2KSyOeAc/s1158/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IMG_3337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1158" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMw1mPfx0mhkM0SLF4TPpRA7f9EJKgILBrOH574QsZrytxQ6oSrMC7w_G425eD9n5GYzdfQXzhT7DI_Egc_IYVKLOxoNG0H1Z-VrYiqDBD9-kio0gltv_Ot2Ywbgr8G_D1Tkt_kSK67rUdJys0YY_yxlTKbe4RlwtbPqLDMj1fQj_RCZzBv2KSyOeAc/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IMG_3337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Wine Bar restaurant offers a core selection soups, salads and small plates, with chicken, steaks and fresh seafood. They tout an <b>award winning wine list</b>, and and extensive selection of<b> </b>artisan cheeses! </p><p>The wine list offers a broad selection of WBTG - Wines By The Glass; five Sparkling Wines, three Rose's, nine "Fresh and Bright Whites", and nine "Round Rich and Ripe White Wines". For red wine selections they offer seven :Soft and Fruity Reds", twelve "Big and Bold Reds:. </p><p>And, for 'Happy Hour', from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, they offer a 12 oz. carafe of WBTG selections for the price of a large glass, 8 oz. They also offer a wine flight of Luxury Whites and one of Luxury Reds. <br /></p><p>We ordered from the wine list a carafe specials the premium Brunello Montalcino of which they were out, so, we opted for a Barolo, a Napa Valley Red Blend, and a Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay.</p><p>As starters we ordered the cesar salad and the Beet Caprese Salad - heirloom tomatoes, roasted red beets, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, balsamic glaze (shown below).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cTGZ8vHfQHHSG0Amp5AloRmygEcUfqQnxoXIbd2IgEbS68JFrE5PuxUW0sWwnXx2BSn9ybA_hfWak_yU6XEQUyWZTGLYPXDDt5uV-PYoJh8f7fxxg-24wb08jG-CZmJ88S20gMdl73B2pro32ZtU1HX8DANSY7UXa3_HOSWDj-YtcKHv8QDS-ac93Q4/s1014/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-beet-salad-IMG_3338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1014" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cTGZ8vHfQHHSG0Amp5AloRmygEcUfqQnxoXIbd2IgEbS68JFrE5PuxUW0sWwnXx2BSn9ybA_hfWak_yU6XEQUyWZTGLYPXDDt5uV-PYoJh8f7fxxg-24wb08jG-CZmJ88S20gMdl73B2pro32ZtU1HX8DANSY7UXa3_HOSWDj-YtcKHv8QDS-ac93Q4/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-beet-salad-IMG_3338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>For entrees, Linda ordered the Manchego Crusted Grouper, the Daily Fresh Catch Special with carolina gold rice, field peas, wild mushrooms, lardons, jalapeno and citrus beurre blanc.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOZ9X5onr1Sdnt2ze1KGlvMzoFv5euubkrFXcnqw2B8YRKGRaMx_kNUzagUMxJlhtVQN2kfpVRXJ6XJ12FFkehAcJ4k6Rb2VvskoF_5KJ41uC3IEK04gNPp2ZRn3rMfZ-eriowXlzbHU7TyYuhYeCU4juAcWCKfNcXzFKIFNgNa421nFdHsB2frTKJ3o/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-crusted-grouper-IMG_3342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOZ9X5onr1Sdnt2ze1KGlvMzoFv5euubkrFXcnqw2B8YRKGRaMx_kNUzagUMxJlhtVQN2kfpVRXJ6XJ12FFkehAcJ4k6Rb2VvskoF_5KJ41uC3IEK04gNPp2ZRn3rMfZ-eriowXlzbHU7TyYuhYeCU4juAcWCKfNcXzFKIFNgNa421nFdHsB2frTKJ3o/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-crusted-grouper-IMG_3342.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p></p><p>Saturday night is Steak Special night so I ordered the Saturday Night Filet of Beef special, prepared Pittsburgh style, charred on the outside, medium hot pink center on the inside. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV70ppYo61kcVvP6Wy3puqunGlJ1ywrF0h0909kxYO8L96WSTS9tZ-MMCGGhZZ6tzcuN3_EuNklifbYYFRDn_vK-BkzUQPsDfq6GDAK_FvMLamc9lJrx7pPP3s_sCO_Hf_6ivKseN331oXkExycn1IObxUP_tVaJ6Oiyploc4uFNEi15UaNc3i2DhUyqo/s1007/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-filet-IMG_3345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1007" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV70ppYo61kcVvP6Wy3puqunGlJ1ywrF0h0909kxYO8L96WSTS9tZ-MMCGGhZZ6tzcuN3_EuNklifbYYFRDn_vK-BkzUQPsDfq6GDAK_FvMLamc9lJrx7pPP3s_sCO_Hf_6ivKseN331oXkExycn1IObxUP_tVaJ6Oiyploc4uFNEi15UaNc3i2DhUyqo/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-filet-IMG_3345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With the steak we ordered two carafe special red wines, a Red Blend and a Barolo, our second choice since the published Brunello di Montalcino was not available. <br /><p></p><p><b>Aril Sonoma County Kick Ranch Red Blend 2017</b> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h29VbBftJtXonPuuNV7Qnhd7uAHAy4B1vp-hSGfA7IVHUpfJ2CtDb833izUksdsDq-n9GS51B6kbYPweXswsl6oIdVnFP0AJFzdLuFbJht_k63DT3k3jb6AwB7yWMHheq-AVEbOUKBWdUe3-_9LXmAzlHvNpt6dsFuY2kSJbQYHdbQrILvbnY1cwTak/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-Avril-Sonoma-Cnty-Frick-Ranch-Red-Blend-2017.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h29VbBftJtXonPuuNV7Qnhd7uAHAy4B1vp-hSGfA7IVHUpfJ2CtDb833izUksdsDq-n9GS51B6kbYPweXswsl6oIdVnFP0AJFzdLuFbJht_k63DT3k3jb6AwB7yWMHheq-AVEbOUKBWdUe3-_9LXmAzlHvNpt6dsFuY2kSJbQYHdbQrILvbnY1cwTak/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-Avril-Sonoma-Cnty-Frick-Ranch-Red-Blend-2017.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>This is from <b>Aril Wines</b>, founded in 2008 by Harmon and Joanne Brown to produce a small amount of premium, hand-crafted wines based
on their Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley. They retained renowned
winemaker and viticulturist Ehren Jordan (Failla/Turley) as
winemaker and vineyard consultant in 2014. He employed a simple
philosophy of procuring optimal grapes and respecting them in the
winery applying a
minimalist approach to showcase place, balance, and
elegance.<p></p><p>In 2018, the Jay family purchased the brand to
continue the legacy and production. </p><p>Aril produce four labels of Bordeaux varietals including this unique blend which includes Rhone varietal Syrah, all sourced from the <b>Kick Ranch Vineyard</b> that sits high atop<b> Spring Mountain</b> which
separates Napa Valley to the east and Sonoma Valley to the west. </p><p>Sitting
on the western facing slope of the mountain in what is known as the <b>Fountaingrove District </b>in <b>Sonoma County</b>, it
has vistas all they way to the Petaluma Gap to the west, which provides
cool nights and foggy mornings. The producer site describes the
vineyard rows planted to capture maximum sun exposure.</p><p></p><p>The Fountaingrove District is a sleeper of an appellation within
Sonoma County, the 17th AVA, latest and most recent to receive American Viticultural Area (AVA) status in March 2015. </p><p>The District takes its name from an historic area of northeastern Santa
Rosa, the Fountaingrove District that was inspired by the legacy of
California's original "cult winery." Of the 38,000-acres in the appellation 500 acres are planted to vineyards from five wine producers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUOuqIdCjb2FNbEY9G_q8zoQKR6g8FJouq1e5e8OHbW4_OnkeQ_Ha_-5NUjuKnr1Yvwu4AXp8_tE4aHaf0cRI8gy_AcSrzXJLIlH6C6T3VcyLDq8vNLZkYCnGdCjGiSbz3K5dxfodgBnky6vTcuuadWQ8mDFPFSCRtJ2fALr6wJsH06EWHS02nDKrmRc/s487/SCW_2016%20AVA%20Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="487" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUOuqIdCjb2FNbEY9G_q8zoQKR6g8FJouq1e5e8OHbW4_OnkeQ_Ha_-5NUjuKnr1Yvwu4AXp8_tE4aHaf0cRI8gy_AcSrzXJLIlH6C6T3VcyLDq8vNLZkYCnGdCjGiSbz3K5dxfodgBnky6vTcuuadWQ8mDFPFSCRtJ2fALr6wJsH06EWHS02nDKrmRc/w400-h250/SCW_2016%20AVA%20Map.jpg" width="400" /></a> </p><p>The Fountaingrove
District sits in the middle of the Mayacamas Mountain range that separates Napa Valley to the east from Sonoma Valley to the west. It is bounded to the north by Sonoma County's Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma Valley to the south, Chalk Hill to the northwest, and Russian River Valley to the west. </p><div><p></p><p></p>This label is a
unique blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Petit Verdot. It was aged in 33% new
French Oak barrels for eighteen months. This was the six vintage
release of this label. Only 275 cases were produced.<p></p><p>This was dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, concentrated full round red and black fruits with notes of dusty rose, leather and spice with hints of anise. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/m/wines/4847352" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/m/wines/4847352</a></p><p>https://www.arilwines.com/<br /><br /><a href="#"></a><br /><b>Azienda Agricola Icollirossi Barolo Monforte d'Alba Nebbiolo 2018 </b></p><p></p>Icollirossi Barolo is a DOCG designated wine from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy. <p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidySa08Wfp9grzXqeH57xUK8nA8iipGEDzj2Zfjd757wNdWGQ68bafKCCiQOL05fe1zjBQS7fYJi_qmnNq2Ha0tkUgs4Df2U8lK-hqB1E2wfAdMv_H3_VWah92zRme6sKfCvBE00FVDVXqsq-2NyE7X0oWpiGE4jUdc83_sPG90R7pDH9KZ7rvJpROnw0/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IColliRossi-Barolo-2018-IMG_3350.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidySa08Wfp9grzXqeH57xUK8nA8iipGEDzj2Zfjd757wNdWGQ68bafKCCiQOL05fe1zjBQS7fYJi_qmnNq2Ha0tkUgs4Df2U8lK-hqB1E2wfAdMv_H3_VWah92zRme6sKfCvBE00FVDVXqsq-2NyE7X0oWpiGE4jUdc83_sPG90R7pDH9KZ7rvJpROnw0/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IColliRossi-Barolo-2018-IMG_3350.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>One
of the world's great red wines, Barolo is also one of the most
distinctive, primarily due to the DOCG rules regulating the grape, how it is produced and the unique terroir of the region in which it grows. Wines from the Barolo
DOCG must be 100% Nebbiolo. <b>Barolo</b> wines are noted for their ability to age
and need to be
aged for at least 38 months after the harvest before release, of which
at least 18 months must be in wood. <p></p><p>Located in North West Italy, the Piedmont Wine Region has the largest
area in terms of DOC and DOCG wines. Meaning “foot of the mountain,” due
to its proximity to the Alps, Piedmont wines including Barolo, Barberesco, Gattinara, Ghemme and Gavi all benefit from the slopes and terrain characteristic of the region. </p><p>
Barolo production codes stipulate that vineyards must be
located on hillsides, however a recent revision of the production code
released in 2010 goes further to specifically exclude valley floors,
humid and flat areas, areas without sufficient sunlight, and areas with
full-on northern exposures.</p><p>
</p><p></p><p>Nebbiolo is the dominant grape variety for reds and produces wines with tannic and
acidic qualities that can also have fairly high alcohol content. This
distinctive combination profile makes distinguished and cellar-worthy wines of Barolo
and Barberesco some of the most sought-after. </p><p></p><p><b>This Barolo</b> is from the commune of <b>Monforte d'Alba</b>, one of several DOCG (<i>Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita</i>) communes in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. </p><p>Winemaker notes - "Bold and complex, I Colli Rossi Cru Monforte Barolo 2018 delivers rich
flavors of dark fruits, spices, and earthiness. Powerful tannins and a
long finish. Pair with lamb, beef, and game."</p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">Bright Ruby colored, medium full bodied, layered flavors
of blackberry and cherry with </span>notes of earth, anise, tobacco and hints of cedar and clove spice with polished tannins on <span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">an expressive lingering finish.</span></p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">RM 89</span></p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4381237" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4381237</a> <br /></span></p><p><b>Mer Soleil Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2022</b></p><p>This is an entry level label from the legendary <a href="https://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wagner Family wine portfolio</a>, most known for their flagship Caymus brand. <span style="color: black;">Mer Soleil is led by second generation Owner and Winemaker Charlie Wagner. It is sourced from vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA near the coast in Monterey County.</span></p><p>This wine is named for the sea and sun in recognition of the distinctive place where
it is sourced. The
<b>Santa Lucia Highlands</b>, 40 minutes south from Monterey in North Central coastal California are known for morning fog, bright sunshine and gusting winds and an extended growing season. Grapes stay on the vine longer, leading to
the development of intense aromas and flavors. <br /></p><p>Producer's notes - "A lively flaxen gold, this wine features a harmonious nose that previews
the playful balance to come on the palate. Scents of brown spice,
toasted almonds, custard and light oak mingle with Meyer lemon zest,
honeysuckle and a hint of apricot. Entry is round, as this wine's fruit
and natural acidity build on each other, with echoes of brown spice,
citrus and apricot enveloped in a creamy texture. A vibrant finish of
lemon/lime showcases the distinctly bright acidity produced from the
Monterey coast, leaving an enticing freshness that prepares the palate
for another sip."</p><p>Aromas of baked croissant, apricot, lemon/lime and honeysuckle. Round
and creamy on the palate with notes of lemon squares and fresh natural
acidity. Creamy yet fresh, the wine is balanced by lively acidity and
bright citrus. <br /></p><p>A widely distributed, moderately priced, easy drinking Chardonnay.</p><p>RM 88 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4851990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4851990</a> <br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin</a><br /></p></div>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-8174147506586015812024-01-27T15:36:00.000-06:002024-03-05T15:38:51.311-06:00Steak Night, Fresh Catch and Wine Specials at Wine Bar Destin<p>Steak Night, Fresh Catch and Wine Specials at Wine Bar Destin</p><p></p><p>Visiting our favorite Destin Florida vacation rental, The Cove, we dined at The Wine Bar restaurant in Destin. </p><p>We first discovered the <a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-grand-boulevard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Wine Bar in the Sandestin Grand Boulevard</b></a> shopping center. It's adjacent to and affiliated with the <a href="https://chanswineworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Wine World </b>wine shop</a>
that has an amazing and impressive selection of 100 point and first
growth producer wines. We then learned they have four locations
including this one, <a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Wine Bar in Destin nearby</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtML9VxtkOL5WZ8X2CWzKZ1fZ6ECzoA3wScFlPPFJWJomzfOlkr5HNcwdME3wsPA51HCfNsP63_H1SyFeyljum8T9rCDMlhgALhB8o7lKTy8aSwrkM3sCOr6ehBzN3kdk8OlUtZTCQbaflQM11q7cUIiLmNhR91NyU03oXwxj8sbG7vVuaAycGp7JNpg/s1079/Wine-World-Destin-100-pointers-IMG_3355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtML9VxtkOL5WZ8X2CWzKZ1fZ6ECzoA3wScFlPPFJWJomzfOlkr5HNcwdME3wsPA51HCfNsP63_H1SyFeyljum8T9rCDMlhgALhB8o7lKTy8aSwrkM3sCOr6ehBzN3kdk8OlUtZTCQbaflQM11q7cUIiLmNhR91NyU03oXwxj8sbG7vVuaAycGp7JNpg/s320/Wine-World-Destin-100-pointers-IMG_3355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wine Bar Destin</a>
location is located at the Shoppes of Paradise Key (on Commons Drive
across from the Destin Commons Center). In addition to the fine dining restaurant,
they have the Craft Bar restaurant, and the adjacent Wine World wine shop that also includes a cheese shop - a
trifecta, all in the one location, just up the street in our
neighborhood! </p><p>The dining room offers casual fine dining in a
rustic and quaint setting, intimate and slightly dark, with an adjacent
bar and a private wine room for special dinners and private groups.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMw1mPfx0mhkM0SLF4TPpRA7f9EJKgILBrOH574QsZrytxQ6oSrMC7w_G425eD9n5GYzdfQXzhT7DI_Egc_IYVKLOxoNG0H1Z-VrYiqDBD9-kio0gltv_Ot2Ywbgr8G_D1Tkt_kSK67rUdJys0YY_yxlTKbe4RlwtbPqLDMj1fQj_RCZzBv2KSyOeAc/s1158/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IMG_3337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1158" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMw1mPfx0mhkM0SLF4TPpRA7f9EJKgILBrOH574QsZrytxQ6oSrMC7w_G425eD9n5GYzdfQXzhT7DI_Egc_IYVKLOxoNG0H1Z-VrYiqDBD9-kio0gltv_Ot2Ywbgr8G_D1Tkt_kSK67rUdJys0YY_yxlTKbe4RlwtbPqLDMj1fQj_RCZzBv2KSyOeAc/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IMG_3337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The
Wine Bar restaurant offers a core selection soups, salads and small
plates, with chicken, steaks and fresh seafood. They tout an <b>award winning wine list</b>, and and extensive selection of<b> </b>artisan cheeses! </p><p>The
wine list offers a broad selection of WBTG - Wines By The Glass; five
Sparkling Wines, three Rose's, nine "Fresh and Bright Whites", and nine
"Round Rich and Ripe White Wines". For red wine selections they offer
seven :Soft and Fruity Reds", twelve "Big and Bold Reds:. </p><p>And,
for 'Happy Hour', from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, they offer a 12 oz.
carafe of WBTG selections for the price of a large glass, 8 oz. They
also offer a wine flight of Luxury Whites and one of Luxury Reds. <br /></p><p>We
ordered from the wine list a carafe specials the premium Brunello
Montalcino of which they were out, so, we opted for a Barolo, a Napa
Valley Red Blend, and a Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay.</p><p>As
starters we ordered the cesar salad and the Beet Caprese Salad -
heirloom tomatoes, roasted red beets, extra virgin olive oil, fresh
basil, balsamic glaze (shown below).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cTGZ8vHfQHHSG0Amp5AloRmygEcUfqQnxoXIbd2IgEbS68JFrE5PuxUW0sWwnXx2BSn9ybA_hfWak_yU6XEQUyWZTGLYPXDDt5uV-PYoJh8f7fxxg-24wb08jG-CZmJ88S20gMdl73B2pro32ZtU1HX8DANSY7UXa3_HOSWDj-YtcKHv8QDS-ac93Q4/s1014/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-beet-salad-IMG_3338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1014" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cTGZ8vHfQHHSG0Amp5AloRmygEcUfqQnxoXIbd2IgEbS68JFrE5PuxUW0sWwnXx2BSn9ybA_hfWak_yU6XEQUyWZTGLYPXDDt5uV-PYoJh8f7fxxg-24wb08jG-CZmJ88S20gMdl73B2pro32ZtU1HX8DANSY7UXa3_HOSWDj-YtcKHv8QDS-ac93Q4/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-beet-salad-IMG_3338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>For
entrees, Linda ordered the Manchego Crusted Grouper, the Daily Fresh
Catch Special with carolina gold rice, field peas, wild mushrooms,
lardons, jalapeno and citrus beurre blanc.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOZ9X5onr1Sdnt2ze1KGlvMzoFv5euubkrFXcnqw2B8YRKGRaMx_kNUzagUMxJlhtVQN2kfpVRXJ6XJ12FFkehAcJ4k6Rb2VvskoF_5KJ41uC3IEK04gNPp2ZRn3rMfZ-eriowXlzbHU7TyYuhYeCU4juAcWCKfNcXzFKIFNgNa421nFdHsB2frTKJ3o/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-crusted-grouper-IMG_3342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOZ9X5onr1Sdnt2ze1KGlvMzoFv5euubkrFXcnqw2B8YRKGRaMx_kNUzagUMxJlhtVQN2kfpVRXJ6XJ12FFkehAcJ4k6Rb2VvskoF_5KJ41uC3IEK04gNPp2ZRn3rMfZ-eriowXlzbHU7TyYuhYeCU4juAcWCKfNcXzFKIFNgNa421nFdHsB2frTKJ3o/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-crusted-grouper-IMG_3342.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p></p><p>Saturday
night is Steak Special night so I ordered the Saturday Night Filet of
Beef special, prepared Pittsburgh style, charred on the outside, medium
hot pink center on the inside. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV70ppYo61kcVvP6Wy3puqunGlJ1ywrF0h0909kxYO8L96WSTS9tZ-MMCGGhZZ6tzcuN3_EuNklifbYYFRDn_vK-BkzUQPsDfq6GDAK_FvMLamc9lJrx7pPP3s_sCO_Hf_6ivKseN331oXkExycn1IObxUP_tVaJ6Oiyploc4uFNEi15UaNc3i2DhUyqo/s1007/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-filet-IMG_3345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1007" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV70ppYo61kcVvP6Wy3puqunGlJ1ywrF0h0909kxYO8L96WSTS9tZ-MMCGGhZZ6tzcuN3_EuNklifbYYFRDn_vK-BkzUQPsDfq6GDAK_FvMLamc9lJrx7pPP3s_sCO_Hf_6ivKseN331oXkExycn1IObxUP_tVaJ6Oiyploc4uFNEi15UaNc3i2DhUyqo/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-filet-IMG_3345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With
the steak we ordered two carafe special red wines, a Red Blend and a
Barolo, our second choice since the published Brunello di Montalcino was
not available. <br /><p></p><p><b>Aril Sonoma County Kick Ranch Red Blend 2017</b> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h29VbBftJtXonPuuNV7Qnhd7uAHAy4B1vp-hSGfA7IVHUpfJ2CtDb833izUksdsDq-n9GS51B6kbYPweXswsl6oIdVnFP0AJFzdLuFbJht_k63DT3k3jb6AwB7yWMHheq-AVEbOUKBWdUe3-_9LXmAzlHvNpt6dsFuY2kSJbQYHdbQrILvbnY1cwTak/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-Avril-Sonoma-Cnty-Frick-Ranch-Red-Blend-2017.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h29VbBftJtXonPuuNV7Qnhd7uAHAy4B1vp-hSGfA7IVHUpfJ2CtDb833izUksdsDq-n9GS51B6kbYPweXswsl6oIdVnFP0AJFzdLuFbJht_k63DT3k3jb6AwB7yWMHheq-AVEbOUKBWdUe3-_9LXmAzlHvNpt6dsFuY2kSJbQYHdbQrILvbnY1cwTak/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-Avril-Sonoma-Cnty-Frick-Ranch-Red-Blend-2017.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>This is from <b>Aril Wines</b>, founded in 2008 by Harmon and Joanne Brown to produce a small amount of premium, hand-crafted wines based
on their Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley. They brought on renowned
winemaker and viticulturist Ehren Jordan (Failla/Turley) as
winemaker and vineyard consultant in 2014. He employed a simple
philosophy of procuring optimal grapes and respecting them in the
winery applying a
minimalist approach to showcase place, balance, and
elegance.<p></p><p>In 2018, they sold the brand to the Jay family who continue the legacy and production. </p><p>Aril produce four labels of
Bordeaux varietals including this unique blend which includes Rhone
varietal Syrah, all sourced from the <b>Kick Ranch Vineyard</b> that sits high atop<b> Spring Mountain</b> which
separates Napa Valley to the east and Sonoma Valley to the west. </p><p>Sitting
on the western facing slope of the mountain in what is known as the <b>Fountaingrove District </b>in <b>Sonoma County</b>, it
has vistas all they way to the Petaluma Gap to the west, which provides
cool nights and foggy mornings. The producer site describes the
vineyard rows planted to capture maximum sun exposure.</p><p></p><p>The Fountaingrove District is a sleeper of an appellation within
Sonoma County, the 17th AVA, latest and most recent to receive American Viticultural Area (AVA) status in March 2015. </p><p>The
District takes its name from an historic area of northeastern Santa
Rosa, the Fountaingrove District that was inspired by the legacy of
California's original "cult winery." Of the 38,000-acres in the
appellation 500 acres are planted to vineyards from five wine producers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUOuqIdCjb2FNbEY9G_q8zoQKR6g8FJouq1e5e8OHbW4_OnkeQ_Ha_-5NUjuKnr1Yvwu4AXp8_tE4aHaf0cRI8gy_AcSrzXJLIlH6C6T3VcyLDq8vNLZkYCnGdCjGiSbz3K5dxfodgBnky6vTcuuadWQ8mDFPFSCRtJ2fALr6wJsH06EWHS02nDKrmRc/s487/SCW_2016%20AVA%20Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="487" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUOuqIdCjb2FNbEY9G_q8zoQKR6g8FJouq1e5e8OHbW4_OnkeQ_Ha_-5NUjuKnr1Yvwu4AXp8_tE4aHaf0cRI8gy_AcSrzXJLIlH6C6T3VcyLDq8vNLZkYCnGdCjGiSbz3K5dxfodgBnky6vTcuuadWQ8mDFPFSCRtJ2fALr6wJsH06EWHS02nDKrmRc/w400-h250/SCW_2016%20AVA%20Map.jpg" width="400" /></a> </p><p>The
Fountaingrove
District sits in the middle of the Mayacamas Mountain range that
separates Napa Valley to the east from Sonoma Valley to the west. It is
bounded to the north by Sonoma County's Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma
Valley to the south, Chalk Hill to the northwest, and Russian River
Valley to the west. </p><p></p><p></p>This label is a
unique blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Petit Verdot. It was aged in 33% new
French Oak barrels for eighteen months. This was the six vintage
release of this label. Only 275 cases were produced.<p></p><p>This was
dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, concentrated full round red and
black fruits with notes of dusty rose, leather and spice with hints of
anise. <br /></p><p>RM 90 points.</p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/m/wines/4847352" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/m/wines/4847352</a></p><p><a href="https://www.arilwines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.arilwines.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="#"></a>We also from the WBTG selections this DOCG Nebbiolo.</p><p><b>Azienda Agricola Icollirossi Barolo Monforte d'Alba Nebbiolo 2018 </b></p><p></p>Icollirossi Barolo DOCG is a renowned Italian
red wine known for its complexity, often featuring red fruit, floral,
and earthy notes. Barolo, produced in Piedmont, is often referred to as
the "King of Wines."<p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidySa08Wfp9grzXqeH57xUK8nA8iipGEDzj2Zfjd757wNdWGQ68bafKCCiQOL05fe1zjBQS7fYJi_qmnNq2Ha0tkUgs4Df2U8lK-hqB1E2wfAdMv_H3_VWah92zRme6sKfCvBE00FVDVXqsq-2NyE7X0oWpiGE4jUdc83_sPG90R7pDH9KZ7rvJpROnw0/s809/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IColliRossi-Barolo-2018-IMG_3350.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidySa08Wfp9grzXqeH57xUK8nA8iipGEDzj2Zfjd757wNdWGQ68bafKCCiQOL05fe1zjBQS7fYJi_qmnNq2Ha0tkUgs4Df2U8lK-hqB1E2wfAdMv_H3_VWah92zRme6sKfCvBE00FVDVXqsq-2NyE7X0oWpiGE4jUdc83_sPG90R7pDH9KZ7rvJpROnw0/s320/dinesite-Destin-Wine-Bar-IColliRossi-Barolo-2018-IMG_3350.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>One
of the world's great red wines, Barolo is also one of the most
distinctive. This is due to several factors, with two being the most
important, grape and the soil in which it grows. Wines from the Barolo
DOCG must be 100% Nebbiolo and aged at least 38 months, 18 of those in
wood barrels. <p></p><p>Located in North West Italy, the Piedmont Wine
Region has the largest
area in terms of DOC and DOCG wines. Meaning “foot of the mountain,” due
to its proximity to the Alps, Piedmont wines including Barolo,
Barberesco, Gattinara, Ghemme and Gavi all benefit from the slopes and
terrain characteristic of the region. Nebbiolo,
the dominant grape variety for reds, produces wines with tannic and
acidic qualities that can also have fairly high alcohol content. This
combination makes the distinguished and cellar-worthy wines of Barolo
and Barberesco some of the most sought-after, according to our Piedmont
Wine Guide. In terms of value, the Langhe, Ghemme and Gattinara areas
also produce wine with the Nebbiolo grape, but sell at a fraction of the
price. Barbera and Dolcetto
offer buoyant red wines that are best enjoyed in their youth. The crisp
and fresh white wines from the Gavi DOC are made from the Cortese grape
and are suitable pairings for lighter fare, such as seafood or poultry.
Moscato
is also grown in Piedmont and is responsible for most of the sparkling
and sweet dessert-style wines produced in the region. For an extensive
list of red and white wines, read our detailed Piedmont Wine Ratings. <span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0"><br /></span></p><p></p><p>Winemaker notes - "Bold and complex, I Colli Rossi Cru Monforte Barolo 2018 delivers rich
flavors of dark fruits, spices, and earthiness. Powerful tannins and a
long finish. Pair with lamb, beef, and game."</p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">“This wine is jam packed with character and layered flavors
of blackberry and cherry with a bold finish. It needs hearty fare such
as ossobuco, roasted herb lamb or pasta, and robiola and truffle.”</span></p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">Dark ruby colored, medium bodied, concentrated bold complex blackberry and black cherry fruits with earthy spices, tobacco and cedar notes with firm focused tannins on the long finish. </span></p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0">RM 89 points. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4381237" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4381237</a></p><p><span _ngcontent-yaj-c83="" class="description" data-hook="product-description" tabindex="0"> </span> </p><p><b>Mer Soleil Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2022</b><br /></p><p></p><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">This is a product of </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">Charlie Wagner, oldest son of the legendary ChuckWagner of Caymus fame, one of the oldest most storied labels in Napa Valley. Charlie leads second Caymus labels </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">Conundrum along with this coastal Mer Soleil Chardonnay. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">Showing the distinct character that represents the dramatic growing conditions of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County. In addition to Mer Soleil, Charlie also produces Sea Sun Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The regions where Sea Sun is sourced have included Monterey, Santa Barbara and Solano Counties. Another of his creative endeavors is Red Schooner, a rich, dark Malbec made from grapes grown in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, shipped chilled to Caymus and produced in the supple Caymus style.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, Libre Baskerville, serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;">Mer Soleil takes </span></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">its name from the sea and sun – the two forces of nature that form its exotic character, reflecting the dramatic place where it is sourced. With morning fog, bright sunshine and gusting winds, Monterey county has an extended growing season. Grapes stay on the vine longer, leading to the development of intense aromas such as custard and toasted almonds, rich fruit flavors and enlivening lemon/lime.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;">Consumed BTG from the wine list this was straw colored, medium bodied with round tones o</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">f citrus brown spice and honeysuckle and pain grille with a crisp refreshing, clean finish.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">RM 88 points.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: NewBaskervilleW01-Roman, "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/</a></div><div><br /></div>https://www.thewinebarfl.com/the-wine-bar-destinUnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-58497457372552514742024-01-25T07:45:00.016-06:002024-01-30T09:46:37.411-06:00Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Naperville <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen
Naperville </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">on Ryan and D-in-law Michelle
treated us to dinner at <b>Gordon Ramsey's RK Kitchen</b> in downtown <b>Naperville (IL)</b>. This
was our first visit to the trendy restaurant that opened in our hometown last
summer to much fanfare. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJB0klwxsarlS4DQXo0j5iriOMplA1BfzOURtdJ_UQxIISped8ZCcFMBo2pE8mBpcyLTqveZKeRewmkM3IkHrF-Jj0cHMKROKsjYUqiU13eXcd7K9j7sR3gMplieauY2VJlOdLKgj1PBRYSZtnHSc9qP7N7Bx7LFvvJkxSVr4D-gto8xJFz7Vj2NGHcw/s1126/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-IMG_3173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1126" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJB0klwxsarlS4DQXo0j5iriOMplA1BfzOURtdJ_UQxIISped8ZCcFMBo2pE8mBpcyLTqveZKeRewmkM3IkHrF-Jj0cHMKROKsjYUqiU13eXcd7K9j7sR3gMplieauY2VJlOdLKgj1PBRYSZtnHSc9qP7N7Bx7LFvvJkxSVr4D-gto8xJFz7Vj2NGHcw/s320/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-IMG_3173.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpHWSO5afhBx90qWzA4L-7U9MiUV8wfhykdZORpFrAOLUuPff2zTYJ35hf7valmEjLJuwmmPsJ4c5uhDOkXfcqx8QwfQQokj2mfCCeNaECuV48u53RQ0HSfOWZ5Gor1SSuRa5qvkZVYBTsGusmNYzTad4CrIpAWDp4rLIG8W2MIe9WaBmzLkuabNQms/s1126/Dinesite-RK-01-24-Ryan-Mich-Lin-Rick-IMG_3166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1126" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpHWSO5afhBx90qWzA4L-7U9MiUV8wfhykdZORpFrAOLUuPff2zTYJ35hf7valmEjLJuwmmPsJ4c5uhDOkXfcqx8QwfQQokj2mfCCeNaECuV48u53RQ0HSfOWZ5Gor1SSuRa5qvkZVYBTsGusmNYzTad4CrIpAWDp4rLIG8W2MIe9WaBmzLkuabNQms/s320/Dinesite-RK-01-24-Ryan-Mich-Lin-Rick-IMG_3166.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">R</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">eaders of these pages know I
write often about dinesites and our food and wine restaurant experience. But,
up until now I've not had a metricized qualitative or quantitative rating or
review system against which to evaluate and compare such restaurants. Based on
tonight's, and recent experiences, I felt such a evaluation method with criteria was required
and after much thought devised a system to try. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Using my new system, I evaluated
tonight's dining experience. I then went back and retrospectively scored a half
dozen recent restaurant experiences as a basis of comparison, evaluating the
evaluation system, so to speak. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here are my criteria for
evaluating a restaurant dining experience, and the associated weight applied to
each:</span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Food - 35
- Selection, quality, creativity or ingenuity, presentation, course pairing,
wine pairing <br />
<br />Wine - 35 - Breadth and depth of selection, range of options at various price
points, suitability and applicable pairing with the dinner courses<br />
<br />Ambiance - 10| - atmosphere, vibe, comfort, stylishness, general aura<br />
<br />Service - 10 - delivery, attentiveness, professionalism, attitude, overall
experience<br />
<br />Value - 10 - value for quality, service, atmosphere, experience</span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Wow
Factor - Lastly, what I simply call the WOW Factor - additional scoring,
weighting based on special consideration or extra credit factors that
contribute to the overall experience such that they warrant attention - food
and wine pairing - site architecture, location, historical significance,
specials ... other ... potential for +10 points </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So, here we go, for tonight's
experience - </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Food - 31 - Food was superb
in creativity, ingenuity, preparation, quality - downgraded the rating for the
only thing lacking, bread or depth of selection choices - only the limited menu
choice detracting from score.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Wine - 31 - Same as food, the
minimalist winelist offered various options for each course, at multiple price
points, but lacking depth and breadth of multiple choices for minimal options
for effective wine pairing with each course. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ambiance - 8 of 10 - chic,
stylish, artful, warm, lively and vibrant but a bit noisy and boisterous for
optimal comfort. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4HpEiXXkSyeXHvaGOu7QU3qWEgKX-PDSnkMIcA1VeZ9EQaGvqftqTNyUpoR1vzoewcKlpSvP9Xmc1wbsv8DEsCifoksMl6ZSKgU2mYeXBrPxVl0ltnKmaPqZ-7b4HbHztj788dw9Y95JnXqR3pC8E8TPhAGs4ZL0zBmB6keY40qgXiUzMaE0v2AtfYk/s1126/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-bar-dr-IMG_3178.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1126" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4HpEiXXkSyeXHvaGOu7QU3qWEgKX-PDSnkMIcA1VeZ9EQaGvqftqTNyUpoR1vzoewcKlpSvP9Xmc1wbsv8DEsCifoksMl6ZSKgU2mYeXBrPxVl0ltnKmaPqZ-7b4HbHztj788dw9Y95JnXqR3pC8E8TPhAGs4ZL0zBmB6keY40qgXiUzMaE0v2AtfYk/s320/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-bar-dr-IMG_3178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Service - 9 of 10 - Starting with
the host station, going the extra meal to seat us promptly, attending to
checking our coats, superb food service, adequate wine service. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Value - 5 - Expensive, especially
taking into account the ala carte sides, and the somewhat limited number of
options or alternatives. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">WOW Factor - 8 points extra credit
for the up-beat, stylish, quality fixtures, furnishings, layout, design,
artfully designed and implemented for a positive experience. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Total - 92 points.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOQP2oL5s_FO2JbXneaE4JlsRWZmwBTBb7wJDT_4LcU6Kw-m6VXcgNNb8BpaZEOCH3gHkSw02DsdebyNoUX554QMnr5CIJU2HGSc3ls7OpEuTCH6wmUU6Yk4CIRWo5jtGN6TXX2-IY4xlMCiCqYYHkiIhyiaox-rErbPof9ZUwvQXPQx_taeQQtuBlq4/s1470/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-winewall-IMG_3164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1470" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOQP2oL5s_FO2JbXneaE4JlsRWZmwBTBb7wJDT_4LcU6Kw-m6VXcgNNb8BpaZEOCH3gHkSw02DsdebyNoUX554QMnr5CIJU2HGSc3ls7OpEuTCH6wmUU6Yk4CIRWo5jtGN6TXX2-IY4xlMCiCqYYHkiIhyiaox-rErbPof9ZUwvQXPQx_taeQQtuBlq4/s320/dinesite-RK-Naper-0124-winewall-IMG_3164.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdadHHCUIVHcEe6ciKTnN96zSsZmcF4PBkydFkZTEutM0EJ68aUbrbYo0OR-Rpwh8GoCeXjWny9UDXxvGq2oiopcIwMkhonjtwkxOfV_PbpggDOu6O0r2ZV8c25N6WHncmEVCirIHcDBss9KCWmhyphenhyphenhg6BpJtR-QdZHqOdvcxDsOuoGEZ05vTq6OJZ6gY/s975/dinesite-RK-0124-dr-rear-IMG_3180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="975" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdadHHCUIVHcEe6ciKTnN96zSsZmcF4PBkydFkZTEutM0EJ68aUbrbYo0OR-Rpwh8GoCeXjWny9UDXxvGq2oiopcIwMkhonjtwkxOfV_PbpggDOu6O0r2ZV8c25N6WHncmEVCirIHcDBss9KCWmhyphenhyphenhg6BpJtR-QdZHqOdvcxDsOuoGEZ05vTq6OJZ6gY/s320/dinesite-RK-0124-dr-rear-IMG_3180.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Our dinner - </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We started with a Wedge Salad
which they conveniently served almost family style like a chopped salad making
it easy and convenient to share around the table.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wedge Salad-
iceberg, blue cheese, glazed bacon, roasted tomatoes, pickled red onion,
chives.</span></span></h4>
<h4><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">With the salad
course we had from the WBTG offerings two sparkling wines - </span></span></h4>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose'</b></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Lanson Brut NV Champagne</b> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For our main source entree
selections, we had to try the house specialty, Ramsey's signature dish, the<b>
Beef Wellington</b>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Beef Wellingto, potato purée,
glazed baby root vegetables, red wine demi, served medium rare.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeLJTrIKmbuyoOLdzRMTkWZ1LHP2pLs050oqhODFk7YY3ewP8ofu4E-wtBegQs-MDzA-ewFmy2ptsNvEfqmxQpSluXVKLQPd0ztu1Zu46EkhEtQPdNDxO9x3bIOaZBtt-0Q0H4JmMSLkI__X5l4irCRNCc4gEZp-Uo3BpUIa2GLo4TwDvUqMjPEsLor4/s948/dinesite-RK-0124-beef-wellington-IMG_3150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="948" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeLJTrIKmbuyoOLdzRMTkWZ1LHP2pLs050oqhODFk7YY3ewP8ofu4E-wtBegQs-MDzA-ewFmy2ptsNvEfqmxQpSluXVKLQPd0ztu1Zu46EkhEtQPdNDxO9x3bIOaZBtt-0Q0H4JmMSLkI__X5l4irCRNCc4gEZp-Uo3BpUIa2GLo4TwDvUqMjPEsLor4/s320/dinesite-RK-0124-beef-wellington-IMG_3150.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">RK offers a Daily Special so in
the spirit of trying out the gourmet chef's selections, Linda ordered the daily
special - <b>Lobster Pot Pie</b> -butter-poached lobster, lobster bisque filling
served aside for preparation at the table by the diner, pouring into the puff
pastry.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqg4ElHGLsHT4QYhDYmOUMQrKu01y9_twTWhzeH6tb14YPhDtbVkf4xgnFNUihN1evDSQTlLn0NSoy-9wXKHiY1iwdA_3U-v_Aw9RayHa982z7hEeEhvEXzJq_dcqq-9Hx5MGC0-fmtJ7_f9q533n4aXi-mL2i4rrfn6oOWTe7MLiQ8n0e7d-azgsnYw/s1165/dinesite-RK-0124-lobster-pot-pie-IMG_3146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1165" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqg4ElHGLsHT4QYhDYmOUMQrKu01y9_twTWhzeH6tb14YPhDtbVkf4xgnFNUihN1evDSQTlLn0NSoy-9wXKHiY1iwdA_3U-v_Aw9RayHa982z7hEeEhvEXzJq_dcqq-9Hx5MGC0-fmtJ7_f9q533n4aXi-mL2i4rrfn6oOWTe7MLiQ8n0e7d-azgsnYw/s320/dinesite-RK-0124-lobster-pot-pie-IMG_3146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We ordered two side dishes, Potato
Puree with sour cream and chives, and the Roasted Heirloom Carrots with harissa
yogurt, za’atar, brown butter, marcona almonds and mint.<br /> <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-veDnMchkAQ69o3j95K4jaz0pcHuYOyWI-7VKJU6YfRmjjwiqNChiewtavfMrd7r4zNi5pcwjLehpcBeLf1mOd2pMm5WoE39MWJctddr8UhA8KkSh_TJdS_ZPgY19UV809BkNIIKNx994qkW0yN8VnEjTzcECAY1kq3GEjKnfE75ErPvGMs8ZzHnsSj8/s973/dinesite-RK-0124-roasted-carrots-IMG_3152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="973" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-veDnMchkAQ69o3j95K4jaz0pcHuYOyWI-7VKJU6YfRmjjwiqNChiewtavfMrd7r4zNi5pcwjLehpcBeLf1mOd2pMm5WoE39MWJctddr8UhA8KkSh_TJdS_ZPgY19UV809BkNIIKNx994qkW0yN8VnEjTzcECAY1kq3GEjKnfE75ErPvGMs8ZzHnsSj8/s320/dinesite-RK-0124-roasted-carrots-IMG_3152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For dessert we ordered the Sticky
Toffee Pudding -warm date cake, sweet cream ice cream and english toffee sauce.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Bmi-xNz9HyV19GpCzGur3gW4ZwMIwdLz7AlPCJffNh0awRO2y1I6HUNZCuR8L8VoLS52Wtem55P0ckWb9Zcnajc-S3qS6TcFba2NiWMYmxeIL9dkGHAT-iAEP4ixihgEXJ0ELdpJR6P_CbxTvBIvdL0SWnbadewLn3m9ENfszUlJICIE7FTQqkh5aI/s873/dinesite-RK-caramel-fig-cake-IMG_3160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="873" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Bmi-xNz9HyV19GpCzGur3gW4ZwMIwdLz7AlPCJffNh0awRO2y1I6HUNZCuR8L8VoLS52Wtem55P0ckWb9Zcnajc-S3qS6TcFba2NiWMYmxeIL9dkGHAT-iAEP4ixihgEXJ0ELdpJR6P_CbxTvBIvdL0SWnbadewLn3m9ENfszUlJICIE7FTQqkh5aI/s320/dinesite-RK-caramel-fig-cake-IMG_3160.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Our wine accompaniment pairing
with the dinner was a robust full bodied Red Blend. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Ridge Lytton Springs Red Blend
2021</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Once again, as happens often, we drank
this same wine, from our cellar, about this same time, two years ago, almost to
the day for another dinner tastings - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/01/ridge-vineyards-lytton-springs-dry.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek ValleyZinfandel 2014</a>. At that time, I wrote about the producer and wine in these
pages, Ridge Vineyards and Lytton Springs. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We always keep a selection of big robust fruit forward wines for pizza and
barbecue - Zinfandels, Syrahs and Petite Syrah varietals to name a few. We
typically hold a half dozen different labels from the various offerings of
Ridge Vineyards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Ridge Vineyards</b> are a legendary producer of a broad portfolio of
wines with an extensive line-up of Zinfandels, all from<b> single vineyard
designated label</b> sites. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ridge has a rich history dating
back to 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San
Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello
Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There, he planted vineyards and constructed
a winery of redwood and native limestone in time to produce the first vintage
of Monte Bello in 1892. The historic building remains to this day serving as
the Ridge production facility.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ridge have been producing <b>Lytton Spring vineyard</b> wines since 1972
with 100 plus-year-old Zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah,
Carignane, a small amount of Mataro (Mourvèdre), and Genache. The site has
produced the quintessential example of <b>Dry Creek Valley </b>Zinfandel. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Lytton Springs site lies just north of the town of Healdsburg, just west
of Highway 101 in the Dry Creek Valley. The topography consists of a benchland
and gently rolling hills. The climate provides foggy mornings turning to warm,
sunny afternoons and breezy late evenings. Soils are varied with a predominance
of gravelly clay, which aids in moisture retention, ensuring that the grapes
ripen slowly. The Lytton Springs terrior with weathered, agronomically poor
soils in the benchland have proven to be an ideal site for Zinfandel vines to
produce classic Zinfandel varietal wines.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Lytton Springs vineyards were part of land once owned by Captain William
Litton, who during the last half of the nineteenth century developed the
springs and built a hotel just east of the vineyard for San Franciscans who
arrived by train to “take the waters.” </span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">According to the producer's website, Long after the death of Captain Litton, controversy continued in regards to the
change from “i” to “y”, as the accepted spelling of the Litton property.
According to the text of Once Upon a Time by Julius Myron Alexander, the
spelling was changed “because it was proper”. Then, in a 1969 Press Democrat
article, Healdsburg City Clerk and local historian, Edwin Langhart, offered a
different opinion, “It appears the name was changed in error by a draftsman or
some other official, and it has stayed ‘Lytton’ ever since:’ Whatever the
reason, records show that by 1896, most official documents had adopted the
‘Lytton’ spelling. </span></span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ridge Vineyards dates back to 1959 when three scientists from Stanford
University's Research Institute (SRI) and their families formed a partnership
and bought a property owned by Dr. Short up on Monte Bello Ridge high atop the
Santa Cruz Mountains. One of them, David Bennion, made a half barrel of
cabernet from the ten year old vines. The partners re-bonded the winery and
named it Ridge Vineyards in 1962. That year they produced their first Monte
Bello vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ridge produced its first Zinfandel in 1964 from 19th century vines on the
Pichetti Ranch near the base of the Monte Bello Ridge. Ridge produced it's
first Sonoma County Geyserville Zinfandel in 1966, from vines planted in 1882. By 1968, production had increased to just
under three thousand cases per year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Paul Draper joined the partnership as winemaker in 1969. He was a Stanford graduate in philosophy, and a
practical winemaker, not an enologist. His knowledge of fine wines and
traditional methods complemented the straightforward “hands off” approach
pioneered at Ridge. He had recently returned from setting up a winery in
Chile’s coast range. He oversaw the restoration of the old Perrone winery and
vineyards acquired the previous year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">He first saw the Lytton Springs vineyard in 1972 and, based on its age with
80 years old vines, purchased grapes and produced Ridge’s first Lytton Springs
bottling that year. In 1991, on the 20th anniversary of their first vintage,
Ridge purchased the Lytton Springs winery and the old vines surrounding it,
making it a true estate vineyard.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Paul Draper went on to become a legend with Ridge Vineyards. The Ridge brand
grew to a broad portfolio of more than four dozen single vineyard designated
label wines from more than two dozen different vineyards. They operate two
wineries and hospitality sites, Lytton Springs in Healdsburg up in north Sonoma
County and Monte Bello high in the Santz Cruz Mountains above Silicon
Valley. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Paul Draper retired in 2016 at age 80, after 47 years as winemaker. Ridge
continued on expanding with additional vineyard site purchases include the
purchase that year of Whitton Ranch, a 36-acre parcel in the heart of
Geyserville.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Red Blend
2021</b></span></p><p></p><p>This is a single vineyard designated label, sourced from the Lytton Springs vineyard in Northern Soboma County. The vineyard lies just north of Healdsburg on the benchland where the gently rolling hills separate Dry Creek from Alexander Valley. </p><p>Lytton Springs is named after Captain William H. Litton and two naturally occurring springs that were located on the original property. Litton worked as a ship’s pilot in the San Francisco Bay in the mid nineteenth century before acquiring the large tract of land in 1860. The property straddled the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys that extended from the southernmost boundaries of Geyserville to the northern limits of the fledgling town of Healdsburg, with the Russian River serving as its eastern boundary. The property was originally part of the Rancho Sotoyome land grant of the 1840’s. By 1867, Captain Litton was considered the fourth largest property owner in Sonoma County. </p><p>In 1872, the San Francisco and Northern Pacific Railroad linked Healdsburg and points north with the Bay area. In an attempt to attract tourists, Captain Litton and three partners built a resort hotel on the site in 1875, known as “Litton Springs” for the popular soda springs that were located half a mile uphill from the original hotel site. The naturally carbonated seltzer, or sweetwater, springs were considered to have medicinal value for their mineral properties. The springs still exist today and their presence was one of the primary reasons that underground caves were never built underneath the winery.</p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Captain
Litton sold the 2700 acre property, including the hotel in 1878. Over the next
couple of decades, the resort property was bought and sold and subdivided into
smaller parcels by various owners. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">According to the producer's website, “It
appears the name was changed in error by a draftsman or some other official,
and it has stayed ‘Lytton’ ever since:’ Whatever the reason, records show that
by 1896, most official documents had adopted the ‘Lytton’ spelling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The
vineyards were first established on the property in 1901 with the hillside
vineyard blocks on the eastern portion of Lytton Springs, followed by vineyard
blocks on the flats in 1910. To this day, Lytton Springs is home to those
100-plus-year-old Zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah, Carignane, a
small amount of Mataro (Mourvèdre), and Grenache.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">The
site is ideal for Zinfandel with foggy mornings, warm, sunny afternoons and
breezy late evenings. The agronomically poor soils are gravelly clay which
holds moisture ensuring that the grapes ripen slowly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">This label was first
produced in 1972. <br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1daUT1ZNGm3PjuSqnV5kUW_Skp5fuYc2uM3LChQrreXNxXrfvetc3FCMrgzlPGIA1n5zLNyLBuRWP1A3siKrdL7oFah98-PX74-CSc4aHPw1jZ-il9AK4dBKempd_TMzF4DIP8369HgimEF1wgpKvwROO_8kJGw8zrU47jc7TL4w_xpWo2RMIa_B8S7c/s845/Ridge-Lytton-Spgs-2021-IMG_3155.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1daUT1ZNGm3PjuSqnV5kUW_Skp5fuYc2uM3LChQrreXNxXrfvetc3FCMrgzlPGIA1n5zLNyLBuRWP1A3siKrdL7oFah98-PX74-CSc4aHPw1jZ-il9AK4dBKempd_TMzF4DIP8369HgimEF1wgpKvwROO_8kJGw8zrU47jc7TL4w_xpWo2RMIa_B8S7c/s320/Ridge-Lytton-Spgs-2021-IMG_3155.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p>I write regularly in these pages about the pairing of wine with food. This wine was too bold and rich for the Beef Wellington, which would've been better suited with a more balanced and finely integrated Red Blend. </p><p>This vintage release is a red blend of 72% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9%
Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Cinsaut and 1% Counoise. <br />
<br />
This label release was awarded 95+ Points by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, 94
Points by Zinfandel Chronicles<b> </b>and 94 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com, and 93
Points by Owen Bargreen, OwenBargreen.com.</p><p></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: "inherit", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Winemaker Notes</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">"Rich blackberry and plum on the
nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated
tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and
dried sage.' </span><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">"Lytton Springs has become synonymous with classic Dry Creek zinfandel. It shows
potent, ripe boysenberry and blackberry, but also a pronounced rusticity and
earthiness often attributed to its blending varietals; petite sirah and
carignane. Acid and tannin are firm, yet not overwhelming; in youth, at least,
fruit predominates. This balanced, powerful wine becomes more nuanced with age,
and it often holds for more than a decade."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, a cacophony of bright,
vibrant expressive, full round ripe red and black brambly fruit flavors
accented by sweet spices, clove and cinnamon, full tannins on the finish. May be better with some age to further integrate.<br /></span></p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;">RM 92 points.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4578675" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4578675</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"><a href="https://www.ridgewine.com/product/2021-lytton-springs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ridgewine.com/product/2021-lytton-springs/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"><a href="https://www.ridgewine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ridgewine.com/</a> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"><a href="https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/en/us/ramsays-kitchen/menus/naperville" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/en/us/ramsays-kitchen/menus/naperville</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/GRamsaysKitchen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GRamsaysKitchen</a></span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">@RidgeVineyards</span></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-70620709236018453512024-01-23T17:58:00.004-06:002024-02-01T07:59:43.434-06:00UGCB 2021 Vintage Release Tour 2024 Comes to Chicago <p>UGCB 2021 Vintage Release Tour 2024 Comes to Chicago </p>
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<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b>Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux <span>(UGCB) North American 2021 Vintage
Release Tour Chicago</span> Preview Tasting 2024 </b></span></span></span></h4></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit", serif;">Once again, the
UGC Bordeaux (<b><i><a href="http://ugcb.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB))</span></a></i></b>,
annual release tour visited <b>Chicago</b> this week unveiling/showcasing their
<b>2021 vintage </b>release wines. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit", serif;">The <span style="color: blue;">Union </span><span>is the association of 131
members of the top premier wine producer estates from the most prestigious Bordeaux
appellations</span>. </span></span>In cooperation with
distributors, brokers and merchants t<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit", serif;">hey host over 80 events in fifteen countries visiting 65 cities to present their wines to </span></span>some 50,000 or so
professionals and wine lovers each year around the world.</p><p>Their events go beyond France, taking them throughout Europe (Germany, UK, Belgium,
Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia), to this tour of North America (US and Canada) ,
and to Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore). </p><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This year's North American tour to Canada and the US visited </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Miami, then Toronto, Montréal, </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and culminating in San Francisco</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: dimgrey;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx1TwdhRAy6VMVq9c3Wab3b1lUfyGFCXWfV-DSwM4wFym8xo7mO1fdQdxMwTLnV_Br2Fiz4bgMT8zulMSg5dG1-4s7RAGLv_Kj3OTJ8t7pDtLA1FpHnu19ZqiYc7ouzNmJlclKrvcElU0xkoInvC4kO3ZYLXLlgXvZcVbjdfwXfMh5LMqkpc24E74/s3300/UGCB-23-Pour-Boys-TomC-REMc-Ernie-Lyle-UGCB-ambassadors-IMG_7425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2488" data-original-width="3300" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx1TwdhRAy6VMVq9c3Wab3b1lUfyGFCXWfV-DSwM4wFym8xo7mO1fdQdxMwTLnV_Br2Fiz4bgMT8zulMSg5dG1-4s7RAGLv_Kj3OTJ8t7pDtLA1FpHnu19ZqiYc7ouzNmJlclKrvcElU0xkoInvC4kO3ZYLXLlgXvZcVbjdfwXfMh5LMqkpc24E74/s320/UGCB-23-Pour-Boys-TomC-REMc-Ernie-Lyle-UGCB-ambassadors-IMG_7425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'<i>Pour Boys</i>' Tom C, me, Ernie and Lyle with <br />UGCB Ambassadors Chloe Morvan and
<br />Marie Damouseau, from 2020.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>As in previous years, members of our '<i><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/search/label/Pour%20Boys" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Pour Boys</b></a></i>'
wine group (left) helped conduct the event in Chicago, one of the highlight of my wine exploits throughout the year. </span><br />
</span></span></span><br />
As in years past, except the Covid disrupted<a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/06/grand-cru-bordeaux-2019-vintage-release.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> alternate site last year at Chicago Union Station Grand Hall</a>, which actually was delayed to June, the gala event was held in t<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chidhhh-the-drake/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HI-CHIDHHH&y_source=1_MTIyMDc4OC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">he <b>Drake Hotel</b></a><b> </b>in the
magnificent grand Gold Coast Ballroom (shown below). <br />
<br />
The Pour Boys serve as volunteers, working with the host organizers <b>Mike Wangbickler, Kat Stark </b>and the <b>Balzac
Communications </b>team, and the UGCB Bordeaux events team member
Marie Damouseau.<p></p><p>According to the routine, we help prepare the room and the wines, checking in trade
registrants, and standing in for producers who faced travel or other
disruptions, presenting and pouring their wines. </p><p>We start early
in the day unpacking and distributing the wines, carefully setting up
each wine station for the arrival of the producers' and their
representatives for presenting and pouring the wine during the afternoon
session. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYrbL0AMz-SQAOPXAAv89AsL4XQXv6VdZtK-GB-8mOss09FURDRmFMXh_Oequ8nyLJwPjnV9rgk2l6M-ISJFNhHKTcU73r8ygHehiwjkcSzu6McMP0pSlk7Sy89WRPQV6u1cfFasb_e7L6z7Xyonl52bhtOVzKPF9xSUy55HB-_yGIiZ91Rb2A4xD/s1001/UGCB-23-station-set-up-IMG_7445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1001" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYrbL0AMz-SQAOPXAAv89AsL4XQXv6VdZtK-GB-8mOss09FURDRmFMXh_Oequ8nyLJwPjnV9rgk2l6M-ISJFNhHKTcU73r8ygHehiwjkcSzu6McMP0pSlk7Sy89WRPQV6u1cfFasb_e7L6z7Xyonl52bhtOVzKPF9xSUy55HB-_yGIiZ91Rb2A4xD/s320/UGCB-23-station-set-up-IMG_7445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Often over the years, several producers or their representatives were
delayed in travel or had other disruptions and we were called in to service to
pour their wines, hence we earned our moniker, the '<i><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/search/label/Pour%20Boys" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Pour Boys</span></b></a></i>'. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our fifteenth year working this gala
annual event. <br />
<p></p><p>As usual, close to a hundred producers were represented at the event that was
attended by over five hundred members of the trade, merchants, hospitality and media. <br /></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBVzF7H1K16sUj9ny3zotwJN2JFJO38eoQi7F2glsHwidMetkzhCOa4oq0xr8sgykAvVW6kZsuGgHTv7HTvfYBTx_v_xA_5HnRM3vhX_NaO3iB6fdHI7fIGY6MzNO8hgIqX2eBvGshCWsiC2UCtOJxiz52dTEbqpdpQVxa-AdEFI1KztWwCoII6Zz/s3300/UGCB-23-Drake-BR-REMc-IMG_7399-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="3300" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBVzF7H1K16sUj9ny3zotwJN2JFJO38eoQi7F2glsHwidMetkzhCOa4oq0xr8sgykAvVW6kZsuGgHTv7HTvfYBTx_v_xA_5HnRM3vhX_NaO3iB6fdHI7fIGY6MzNO8hgIqX2eBvGshCWsiC2UCtOJxiz52dTEbqpdpQVxa-AdEFI1KztWwCoII6Zz/s320/UGCB-23-Drake-BR-REMc-IMG_7399-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As is their custom in
the third week of January, this annual roadshow is a marathon trek across North
America by the producers and their representatives offering wine professionals
and oenophiles the chance to meet the Bordeaux principles, winemakers and
commercial directors. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As always, we appreciate the investment in time and
effort expended by the producers and their <i>brand ambassadors</i> to visit
Chicago. It provides a wonderful opportunity to meet them firsthand and discuss
their perspectives on their brand, approach to crafting their style, their
history, businesses, and their vintages including, of course, the current
release.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS-9BAqRuopAt6RbDMdJKTMwnKpSgTeYoiJDmDlIbQ0b3CF6cmXUS9YkDk-kYdSIrwdWAOt-82hG2n99rfnBaqOI8t6TCOLem9ono3IdY721g6P96LoVyBGD-_feq-YywWxmw8Md7NycJeMBn1HX7IuI0G-V7IW3cvt_jhyDa0rh70s4iD-osacNA/s3301/UGCB-23-Pour-Boys-TomC-REMc-Lyle-Ernie-IMG_7441-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2499" data-original-width="3301" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS-9BAqRuopAt6RbDMdJKTMwnKpSgTeYoiJDmDlIbQ0b3CF6cmXUS9YkDk-kYdSIrwdWAOt-82hG2n99rfnBaqOI8t6TCOLem9ono3IdY721g6P96LoVyBGD-_feq-YywWxmw8Md7NycJeMBn1HX7IuI0G-V7IW3cvt_jhyDa0rh70s4iD-osacNA/s320/UGCB-23-Pour-Boys-TomC-REMc-Lyle-Ernie-IMG_7441-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>As collectors and holders of a not-insignificant collections of Bordeaux
wines dating back four decades, we Pour Boys hold as many as several dozen or more
vintages of some of these labels. Meeting the owners, family members,
producer / winemaker / representatives of these great Chateaux is a
great privilege and offers a collector the chance to learn more about
their investment and wines. <p></p><p></p><p>As
such, I tend to focus on and taste those wines that I know well and
hold verticals (multiple vintages of the same label), of which my wine
buddies and I have holdings. </p><p>This year, due to the challenging vintage with its reduced yields and less than stellar wines in some cases, thereby potentially suppressing prices following three outstanding vintages, some of the producer's took a pass opting out of this year's tour. Conspicuously absent were two of our perennial favorites and cellar collection wines, Chateaux Pichon Longueville Baron and Pichon Comtesse de Lalande. </p><p>Also, several of the Sauterne Appellation producers chose to showcase wines from recent past vintages rather than present the current 2021 release. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Despite the inclement weather, this years event was well attended to a full house (shown below).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguctxazGazNxVbz_4QQ7xcYY-opipRkmw3JChuTn7ffxlUvBYhak__iN8meefWvym9vcgYMYkrbE-BS3DFAVhxUwrdOKDxqzONfV-kcMn6pzgc3NtvHbZ82PpK1cPXDBlB9BA7uvlgMLp49fKvVzP7Eb6BJh9VwOWrLigY5WSVgViwVv0f8NIxFl3vTIE/s1148/UGCB-24-Chi-IMG_3302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1148" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguctxazGazNxVbz_4QQ7xcYY-opipRkmw3JChuTn7ffxlUvBYhak__iN8meefWvym9vcgYMYkrbE-BS3DFAVhxUwrdOKDxqzONfV-kcMn6pzgc3NtvHbZ82PpK1cPXDBlB9BA7uvlgMLp49fKvVzP7Eb6BJh9VwOWrLigY5WSVgViwVv0f8NIxFl3vTIE/s320/UGCB-24-Chi-IMG_3302.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXzsORypOoz4oX-PDxGyGOTwVMg-AzzeoySEWu4pMRW_TR8MQkFlmrJr6826AIbNK6xXQ-e0JgD_jCQReDzGKraV79qQc4-RHr9LrF7Gw70bar8kXnBf2WeDIthI1XRfBh8yfqyFB1nsUqw6m0XFIKd4YLyjycGx8NHCIXcWRMm-QhtCKWXWv81vJ/s3300/UGCB-23-Drake-BR-before-IMG_7399-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="3300" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXzsORypOoz4oX-PDxGyGOTwVMg-AzzeoySEWu4pMRW_TR8MQkFlmrJr6826AIbNK6xXQ-e0JgD_jCQReDzGKraV79qQc4-RHr9LrF7Gw70bar8kXnBf2WeDIthI1XRfBh8yfqyFB1nsUqw6m0XFIKd4YLyjycGx8NHCIXcWRMm-QhtCKWXWv81vJ/s320/UGCB-23-Drake-BR-before-IMG_7399-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
After working to set up the event, register attendees and fill in for
late arriving producers' due to travel delays, we were able to partake
of the release tasting. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As usual, we focused on the producers that we
own and collect, with
particular interest in those that we visited during our last trip to
Bordeaux, as well
as those we are targeting for our next or futures visits to the region. <br />
<br />
</span>As mentioned above, the <b>2021 vintage</b> was a challenging <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">year for Bordeaux producers and the resulting wines need scrutiny in selecting winners and standouts. <br /></span></p><p>The Bordeaux region experienced an atypical year, marked by a lack of
sunshine throughout the spring, impacting the wine-growing season
despite a favorable start in June and the return of sunshine at the end of the harvest. The 2021 season faced frost in April then mildew in late July and early
August. Over the course of the year, the inclement weather cut
Bordeaux’s crop by a third.</p><p>A technical year for the winemakers, it enabled them to
produce a wine with lower degrees, perhaps more digestible, reminiscent
of a more classic style marked by the Bordeaux continental climate such as the modern era 2008 or 2014 vintages. <br /></p><p>Compared to the three previous top rated years of 2018, 2019 and 2020, it is lighter
and fresher than those three vintages and will probably mature more
quickly. <br /></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Juvdn46Tdj0yGR-haUzswVOyNCnZwCNm1Y3Tw2eVFcb8m34J3Wc1pgrNvXYjc7DUoD7n1py0fultSG5n7p_7jXcDpFu_OnGM9eYI2HxKWJhZipzq5ewH17zyNVZ7JHsBU_yBNJv6TUitEBUk4Ss7tWYqQF7Xm317GUiEwX1Vi7j9c0ps4Lfh10_8LTw/s1365/UGCB-24-Chi-2021-Vintage-card-IMG_3265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1365" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Juvdn46Tdj0yGR-haUzswVOyNCnZwCNm1Y3Tw2eVFcb8m34J3Wc1pgrNvXYjc7DUoD7n1py0fultSG5n7p_7jXcDpFu_OnGM9eYI2HxKWJhZipzq5ewH17zyNVZ7JHsBU_yBNJv6TUitEBUk4Ss7tWYqQF7Xm317GUiEwX1Vi7j9c0ps4Lfh10_8LTw/s320/UGCB-24-Chi-2021-Vintage-card-IMG_3265.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> An official card from the UGCB described the 2012 vintage this way - <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"A challenging vintage <br />where time appeared<br /> to slow down. <br />Mild, cloudy, <br />then sunny conditions<br /> resulted in <br />incredibly resilient vines. <br />A late harvest <br />with low yields<br /> and subtle aromas<br /> set the tone for <br />wonderful surprises. </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>A well focused vintage. <br />A wine growers vintage."</b><br /></p><p>Hence, it is not a vintage to avoid despite the typical panning by some of the press. It will require adjusting expectations accordingly. If the vintage results are reflected in prices, it will provide the opportunity to pick up more affordable wines, perhaps obtaining the Grand Vin as opposed to the second label, in some cases. <br /></p>Wine Enthusiast wrote, "While it may be a smaller vintage, there are still extremely enjoyable red and white wines at the top end. At its red heart, it is a Cabernet
vintage. That means look for wines with Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left
Bank in the Médoc and in Pessac-Léognan and of wines with a good
percentage of Cabernet Franc in Saint-Emilion."
<p>"The 2021 is lower in alcohol than recent vintages (13-13.5% compared
with 14.5% or even 15% in 2018), higher in the fresh fruits and lighter
on the tannins. Whites and sweet wines in Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes are magnificent despite seriously lower volumes." <br /></p>
<p>“We have produced wines that are classic, with fruit to the fore,”
says Nicolas Labenne, technical director at Château Lynch-Bages in
Pauillac. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
As is the custom, the afternoon session is for the benefit of the press and trade and wine
professionals, and in Chicago, the evening session in Chicago was hosted by merchant partner <b>Binny's Beverage Depot</b>, the Chicago-land wine
superstore, offering tickets to the evening session to their valued customers
and the public. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p>My perspective was that many of the wines showed a slight bit of astringency with slightly diminished thin fruits with some green notes and hints of menthol and some green pepper. </p><p>There were some pleasant surprises, some in places one might not expect. Shown below, <span lang="fr-FR">Château Coufran</span> from St Estephe who go against the conventions of the<span lang="fr-FR"> Médoc region </span> and prodominate Merlot over Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, more akin to a Pomerol. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFE7g7KEmLEWMQyv7ZT4rcVgeNFOjhhTfyLmJtjscEeglPRAFjCgl5rDrcnIwm160TficMddAMfleGDK_gPtOFnTtNAN15qt6tUrp-7tauDrx9P24oU8Sqr6w__rUATU9ZZ0bbzMHaaT9oRlqCTuEeB0fHNDN9rDzC3T4RndSkfVVWZkArPA2clrQaik/s845/UGCB-24-Chi-REMc-Frederick-Vicaire-Chat-Coufran-IMG_3306.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFE7g7KEmLEWMQyv7ZT4rcVgeNFOjhhTfyLmJtjscEeglPRAFjCgl5rDrcnIwm160TficMddAMfleGDK_gPtOFnTtNAN15qt6tUrp-7tauDrx9P24oU8Sqr6w__rUATU9ZZ0bbzMHaaT9oRlqCTuEeB0fHNDN9rDzC3T4RndSkfVVWZkArPA2clrQaik/s320/UGCB-24-Chi-REMc-Frederick-Vicaire-Chat-Coufran-IMG_3306.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With <span lang="fr-FR">Frédéric</span> Vicaire of <br /><span lang="fr-FR">Château Coufran</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Some of the standouts were the Margaux appellation seemed to show well with a highlight being <span lang="fr-FR">Château</span> Lascombes. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HBKgf7zQQUVxfcrfNgAu-gYYL1LP9Q7m6w_6bLrRl7NvntFNOnkdzEY1YgN7upwNLHRJKkUj7A5KkB5L20318Tf0YwUK_Y2P2yBwA3pJEuv7L5axmya8Ft4jZVsAqbb9-p1qZ17PUBnG2EhpgI2O10yYmmGu86hfQq1eVxxLX_NE0f2IjkXjX4dPSpQ/s845/UGCB-24-Chi-Chat-Lascombes-IMG_3305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HBKgf7zQQUVxfcrfNgAu-gYYL1LP9Q7m6w_6bLrRl7NvntFNOnkdzEY1YgN7upwNLHRJKkUj7A5KkB5L20318Tf0YwUK_Y2P2yBwA3pJEuv7L5axmya8Ft4jZVsAqbb9-p1qZ17PUBnG2EhpgI2O10yYmmGu86hfQq1eVxxLX_NE0f2IjkXjX4dPSpQ/s320/UGCB-24-Chi-Chat-Lascombes-IMG_3305.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Karine Barbier of <span lang="fr-FR">Château Lascombes<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The wines of Chateaux Leoville and Langoa Barton from St Julien showed well and revealed some new branding as well. </p><p></p><p>From a branding perspective, <span lang="fr-FR">Château</span> Langoa Barton celebrates the 200th anniversary ownership of the property acquired in 1821 with a special label highlights milestone of the property and pays homage to the patriarch Anthony Barton who passed away during the vintage in January 2022. </p><p>This is the first vintage vinified in the Barton family's new winery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6zV7MandC6aXYeSus1njEyS70YbRZ9T5VR_5KRpJnELFA6ByhB7Wjlsi_PNE9aPWR47mwqn-_l0kGRl6fcDs4fkkrkbnejFvqo3KTwk-veifXkyvPPd0eu7SiUUinPAjOqi14NJxszF1GYe_N_f7xVdKol_dQzZopiJKpT1dxrghx4GI1_gejc9Op0k/s720/btl-FR-Langoa-Barton-2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6zV7MandC6aXYeSus1njEyS70YbRZ9T5VR_5KRpJnELFA6ByhB7Wjlsi_PNE9aPWR47mwqn-_l0kGRl6fcDs4fkkrkbnejFvqo3KTwk-veifXkyvPPd0eu7SiUUinPAjOqi14NJxszF1GYe_N_f7xVdKol_dQzZopiJKpT1dxrghx4GI1_gejc9Op0k/s320/btl-FR-Langoa-Barton-2021.jpg" width="99" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>As is customary, the Barton wines were represented by Managing Director Lilian Barton Sartorius who represents the 9th generation of the Barton family. These days the property is managed by Lilian assisted by her husband, Michel Sartorius, and their grown children, Damien and
Melanie, of the 10th generation, who are taking on increasing responsibility in the business. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSGM6QyKwCK7eDDhYeMMacAgaLnQ8Lvgxq0vtLYx5xB_toR7w-v1j7W2tz6IRoRdhMYD_PWhQIpwf5ciclQVAYPbHK1ZmuwqNGcSEngxQcM9XUUFjfX1CgZV4VP7et7B6Uj62mGKJQL4b7q_dz8-NLgxldVmFJlyxuVqo5372YJdnYFs4B5KpY8ohEPY/s810/UGCB-24-CHI-Stephan-von-Neiberg-Lillian-Barton-Claire-Ridley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="810" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSGM6QyKwCK7eDDhYeMMacAgaLnQ8Lvgxq0vtLYx5xB_toR7w-v1j7W2tz6IRoRdhMYD_PWhQIpwf5ciclQVAYPbHK1ZmuwqNGcSEngxQcM9XUUFjfX1CgZV4VP7et7B6Uj62mGKJQL4b7q_dz8-NLgxldVmFJlyxuVqo5372YJdnYFs4B5KpY8ohEPY/s320/UGCB-24-CHI-Stephan-von-Neiberg-Lillian-Barton-Claire-Ridley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The ever dapper <span>Stephan von Neipperg,<br />(<a href="http://www.neipperg.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Château Canon-La-Gaffelière) </a></span><br />with Lillian Barton Sartorius (Chateaux Leoville &<br />Langoa Barton) and Claire Ridley representing <br />Leoville Poyferre.</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><section class="content-section columns-section text-section animated-section active"><div class="columns"><div class="single-column text-column"><div class="column-text-content"><div class="content"><div class="content-inner"><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"> </div>
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</section><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWNU02iIXDaoKUoJ9r32qD76uSp3zxMMx_T8i8QjIYzmvXsC_dKqbFe3BB3W3ER1tTXurE0Sakz50LAoj-lqaNae8IS6nqF42HaUbyllg0UsUKhJqUcH3LRXhLgLmYKk1KUo4bZma3LN0N1AR00Uijb8-vBNqm7EhgSuhOni9dJyt9KXfsbJZX0D6/s2475/lbl-Chateau-Siran-Margaux-2020-rm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1432" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWNU02iIXDaoKUoJ9r32qD76uSp3zxMMx_T8i8QjIYzmvXsC_dKqbFe3BB3W3ER1tTXurE0Sakz50LAoj-lqaNae8IS6nqF42HaUbyllg0UsUKhJqUcH3LRXhLgLmYKk1KUo4bZma3LN0N1AR00Uijb8-vBNqm7EhgSuhOni9dJyt9KXfsbJZX0D6/w116-h200/lbl-Chateau-Siran-Margaux-2020-rm.jpg" width="116" /></a></div>Continuing the branding approach introduced in the post Covid
era, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Château</span></span> Siran released an artist label series featuring artwork that was updated with new vintage release. Of course, this promotional branding was made epic by ultra-premium first growth producer Chateau Mouton Rothschild with their artist series. I <a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/label_library_pages/French_wine_label_pages/MR-Lbls/Label_Library_Mouton_Rothschild.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chronicle that series in my compendium label library page on my winesite</a>. (Notably, Mouton Rothschild with their grand vin are not members of the UGCB.)<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Producers Sevrine and Edouard
Miailhe wanted to memorialize the pandemic that paralysed the world in
2020. They chose a theme
of an anti-Covid allegory recognizing the olfactory qualities together
with the beneficial properties of red wines with the new label's bright
colors, celebrating "the joy of living and the
happiness of sharing". </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The 2020 vintage marked the return of the family tradition of Château
Siran’s illustrated labels with a collaboration with Federica Matta, a
Franco-Chilean artist 'sensitive to the natural elements and the culture
of wine'. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf-79AB6yVeP97-t4K8MNCaq90EZ4Z16h7_uK4kHZSsgGKQSYtpLzI6k0heHwlFjfkCN5GbAb_wyNXP4Y9MDOto1fd1b3xN0C2ULFtrpHOrA50Y__srvXCnA26M5ELaRHR0EnfReFI-qFnYQzReW4W0kalmEDefYbPgml-6HdCXBMmm8JpjmjYHIk_ko/s767/btls-FR-Chateau-Siran-2021-IMG_3211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf-79AB6yVeP97-t4K8MNCaq90EZ4Z16h7_uK4kHZSsgGKQSYtpLzI6k0heHwlFjfkCN5GbAb_wyNXP4Y9MDOto1fd1b3xN0C2ULFtrpHOrA50Y__srvXCnA26M5ELaRHR0EnfReFI-qFnYQzReW4W0kalmEDefYbPgml-6HdCXBMmm8JpjmjYHIk_ko/s320/btls-FR-Chateau-Siran-2021-IMG_3211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Earlier <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/search/label/UGCB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">UGCB and related events are featured
in earlier unwindwine blogposts</span></a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most recently .. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/01/ugcb-2020-vintage-release-tour-chicago.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UGCB 2020 Vintage Release Tour Chicago 2023</a><br /><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/06/grand-cru-bordeaux-2019-vintage-release.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grand Cru Bordeaux 2019 Vintage Release Tour Chicago</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/01/ugcb-2017-release-tour-chicago.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UGCB 2017 Release Tour Chicago </a></span></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://twitter.com/ugcbwines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ugcbwines</a> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>@ugcbwines </span></span></span><p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-91096042598348741612024-01-14T19:00:00.010-06:002024-01-17T09:45:55.647-06:00Round Lake Vineyards Sangiovese with pizzaRound Lake (MN) Vineyards & Winery Sangiovese with pizza <p>Sunday night dinner, Linda prepared a hearty three cheese and pepperoni pizza so I pulled from the cellar a hearty 'pizza wine' - an Italian varietal Sangiovese
that we discovered, tasted, and acquired at the winery during our cross country tour back in the summer of 2022. This was a perfect food wine pairing!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXRFsyctH3bfvrGGk23tZkEDfeYX53Bt2jwyWD5uncl5a9HvdDlPmuB-v3MRrfOwKilANRkTYfhu4byhcAskg79yxQxlk7lHmz5T3nelhtUMMNFQSXMcAWe-FplRVOEW6TBPkfkneZOnDEe0mSnWiaIom0pi8aVB0zpglMwVFgWgw7z6ZgCvCW12t/s3301/Winery-Round-Lake-bistro-lawn-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2203" data-original-width="3301" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXRFsyctH3bfvrGGk23tZkEDfeYX53Bt2jwyWD5uncl5a9HvdDlPmuB-v3MRrfOwKilANRkTYfhu4byhcAskg79yxQxlk7lHmz5T3nelhtUMMNFQSXMcAWe-FplRVOEW6TBPkfkneZOnDEe0mSnWiaIom0pi8aVB0zpglMwVFgWgw7z6ZgCvCW12t/s320/Winery-Round-Lake-bistro-lawn-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/08/round-lake-vineyards-and-winery-round.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visited <b>Round Lake Vineyards and Winery</b> in Round Lake, Minnesota</a> where we had the pleasure to meet owner producer Scott Ellerbrook and his son, winemaker Logan Ellerbrook (below). We <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/08/round-lake-vineyards-and-winery-round.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wrote about our estate winery visit in an earlier blogpost</a>. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYFMVB-2lbwBWqyxgIt3KS5UGV_vE4W1aLtdqhrlrIfABB6GwUcsarDX6g2zcw2Llemv7aaC9Kj_t2HS8MlgGfUpMkdwsjXJOWj4xHuRqhOdpD7i5rDJtDSYlfUM36HeE1q8xcO3g1bZ31UDHDjgcIxrad23JOuS2w_VL22s_h4UzSlO4Tf5tIrUf/s2996/winery-Round-Lake-Scott-Logan-Ellerbrook-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2996" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYFMVB-2lbwBWqyxgIt3KS5UGV_vE4W1aLtdqhrlrIfABB6GwUcsarDX6g2zcw2Llemv7aaC9Kj_t2HS8MlgGfUpMkdwsjXJOWj4xHuRqhOdpD7i5rDJtDSYlfUM36HeE1q8xcO3g1bZ31UDHDjgcIxrad23JOuS2w_VL22s_h4UzSlO4Tf5tIrUf/s320/winery-Round-Lake-Scott-Logan-Ellerbrook-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Round Lake Vineyards American Sangiovese 2019</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJQq_418tp2k9Z2HdA_R4ZdbMxE9wgTce-TxI--kZVQSAf-ybzzsrYMWz-QLQ0LEaig9Jq5pAPnRqvH9PwGZ10YvjWYD3jeWxJTprNxIb5qmw_UEbFfp8ylW8xbzLzMPYXXqId4mMLcWYHBmvOg3rhKCFX4zmD5j842VtMcl0WkyF2EAugA-4uVV5/s2475/lbl-MN-Round-Lake-Sangiovese-2019.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1176" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJQq_418tp2k9Z2HdA_R4ZdbMxE9wgTce-TxI--kZVQSAf-ybzzsrYMWz-QLQ0LEaig9Jq5pAPnRqvH9PwGZ10YvjWYD3jeWxJTprNxIb5qmw_UEbFfp8ylW8xbzLzMPYXXqId4mMLcWYHBmvOg3rhKCFX4zmD5j842VtMcl0WkyF2EAugA-4uVV5/s320/lbl-MN-Round-Lake-Sangiovese-2019.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>We
tasted this label as part of our Red wine flight selections at the
Round Lake Bistro restaurant on the estate. I wrote earlier about this wine, that it was a standout high
achiever of this <b>Minnesota</b> producer and we acquired some as part of a mixed case of their wines we brought home for occasions such as tonight. <p></p><p>Fruit for this label is actually sourced from the <b>Sierra Foothills</b> in Amador County, California, hence it carries the '<b>American</b>' wine designation on the label. </p><p></p>Winemaker notes on this label: "The 2018 Sangiovese is a delicate fruit forward wine with flavors of
dried cherry and red plum. A hint of spice and candied fruit give a
sweeter finish on the palate."
<p></p><p>Garnet colored, medium bodied, bright acidity, expressive
plum, cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with notes of pepper, cinnamon, vanilla
and hints of cola, caramel and sweet oak with moderate tannins on a
moderate finish. </p><p>RM 89 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4413868" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4413868</a></p><p><a href="https://www.roundlakevineyards.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.roundlakevineyards.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RoundLakeWinery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RoundLakeWinery</a> <br /></p><p> </p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-18788481567319388882024-01-13T12:20:00.023-06:002024-01-16T15:41:25.966-06:00Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018<p>Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018</p><p>We had left over beef bourgogne for dinner so I pulled from the cellar this premium Napa Cabernet for pairing. This is the flagship estate wine from <b>Grgich Hills</b>, one of the most storied legendary producers with a historic past. </p><p>Founded by <span><b>Miljenko “Mike” Grgich </b>in 1977 </span>with Austin Hills, the winery has been f<span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;">amily-owned and operated since</span>. </p><p><span><b>Miljenko “Mike” Grgich </b>was born and raised in Croatio in a winemaking family. He came to American and Napa Valley i</span>n 1958. He worked for Lee Stewart, founder of Souverain
Winery and an early Napa Valley pioneer, then Christian brothers before Beaulieu Vineyard where he spent
nine years working alongside the legendary Russian winemaker André
Tchelistcheff. </p><p>In 1968, Mike became chief
enologist at Robert Mondavi
Winery, considered the most innovative winery at the time. “In 1969, I made my first Cabernet for Robert Mondavi,” Mike
recalls. “In an important blind tasting,
fifteen California winemakers proclaimed ours to be the best Cabernet in
all of California.”</p>
In 1972, Mike joined Chateau Montelena as winemaker and limited partner.<p><span>Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition at
the epoch “<b>Judgement of Paris Tasting</b>” of 1976 when, in a now-historic blind
tasting, a panel of eminent French judges blind tasted a flight of fabled white Burgundies of France and a small sampling
of upstart Chardonnays from the United States Napa Valley. When the scores were
tallied, the world was shocked to learn the French judges had chosen the 1973
Napa Valley Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, as the finest
white wine in the world. The results stunned the international
wine establishment and put US and California wines on the map, and earned winemaker Mike Grgich a reputation as one of
the greatest winemakers in the world.</span></p><p>Austin Hills of the namesake coffee company, founded Hills Vineyards and developed his own label in 1975.
After the Judgement of Paris in 1976, Austin contacted Mike Grgich with a
proposal to join forces to produce world class wines in Napa Valley. </p><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"><div><p></p>
<p>Austin Hills had broad business experience and money to invest, since he
and his sister, Mary Lee Strebl, had just sold the coffee company.
Austin wanted to produce world-class wines and was looking for a
winemaker to do that. Mike had extensive winemaking and management
experience and now had the reputation as the American winemaker who
beat the French.</p><p>Austin grew up in the Hills Bros. Coffee company
family, founded by his grandfather and grand uncle in
1878 in San Francisco. Austin acquired a business background,
earning a B.A. degree from Stanford University and M.B.A. from
Columbia University, before working at Hills Bros. Coffee, Inc. Starting
as an assistant coffee buyer, he worked his way up to Vice President
and finally Chairman of the Board. <br /></p>
<p></p>
<p>Today, Austin is Chairman of Grgich Hills Estate, and also president of Hills
Vineyard, and an active member of San Francisco society, serving on a wide variety of
boards. </p><p>The Hills Vineyard should not be confused with <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/03/hill-family-estate-napa-cabernet-2018.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hill Family Vineyards of Napa Valley</a>, long time Napa Valley grape growers and vineyard owners who produce a portfolio of wines often featured in these pages. </p></div></div><p>The two men were an ideal match for success with their combined complementary business and viticulture and winemaking skills, so Mike Grgich joined forces
with Austin Hills in a partnership in 1977, forming Grgich Hills. <br /></p><p>The Grigh Hills winery and vineyard was established in Yountville in the center of Napa Valley on the valley floor. Mike first discovered the property in 1958 as an ideal site to produce quality grapes due to its ideal sun exposure and excellent
drainage. </p><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light">
<div class="et_pb_text_inner" style="text-align: left;"><p>Today, the 63-acre Yountville vineyard is planted to classic Bordeaux varietals - 53 acres Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.4 acres Petit Verdot, and 5.1 acres in Merlot. A 25-acre plot is the
second oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1959. These
vines are showcased in a vineyard designated latbel, "<i>Yountville Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon</i>".</p></div>
</div><p>Grgich Hills expanded the Yountville Appellation vineyards in 1984. </p><p>In 1992, Grgich Hills was selected Winery Of the Year by <span>Wine & Spirits magazine, and, Mike Grgich appeared
on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine, “California’s Old World
Master-Few Can Challenge Mike Grgich in crafting World-Class Wine.”</span></p><div class="dsm-timeline-content"><div class="dsm-description"><div class="dsm-timeline-content"><div class="dsm-description"><p><span>By 2007, Grigh Hills had grown to </span>366 acres spread across five vineyards throughout
Napa Valley - <span class="percent-value">34 acres in </span>Calistoga, <span class="percent-value">18 in </span>Rutherford, <span class="percent-value">163 in American Canyon, 88 in </span>Carneros, and the original 6<span class="percent-value">3 in Yountville. <br /></span></p><p>Able to use estate grown grapes exclusively in
the production of their wines, they changed the name to “Grgich Hills Estate” to
recognize their wines as 100% estate grown. <br /></p><div class="dsm-timeline-content"><div class="dsm-description"><div class="dsm-timeline-content"><div class="dsm-description">
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY7_NN7dSODhGudxTo-W9pdz-z-hQEIsms6qvoPmIKO9nUV2XvqmY9nrizGcL5znIVTmDSgJNdvMt-FHVQhemAyTMhYIenmGvVGPqKqFJNhTnEK3nG437H7jkrz8gtlOlvubDBvbsg3uhMhyphenhyphenmDMLuIJEGekkSlxYzehQGt48_PuxcNNfB5Bi59C26wf4/s2250/wine-book-Mike-Grgich-Glass%20of-Miracles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY7_NN7dSODhGudxTo-W9pdz-z-hQEIsms6qvoPmIKO9nUV2XvqmY9nrizGcL5znIVTmDSgJNdvMt-FHVQhemAyTMhYIenmGvVGPqKqFJNhTnEK3nG437H7jkrz8gtlOlvubDBvbsg3uhMhyphenhyphenmDMLuIJEGekkSlxYzehQGt48_PuxcNNfB5Bi59C26wf4/s320/wine-book-Mike-Grgich-Glass%20of-Miracles.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>In 2016, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich released his long-awaited autobiography, <i><b>A Glass Full Of Miracles</b></i><i>. </i>At 94 years of age, Mike Grgich retired as president and
passed on the baton to his daughter, Violet. He remains active in winery
operations as Founder and Winemaker Emeritus, and is a Vintners Hall of Fame Inductee and James Beard Award Winner.<p></p><p>A Croatian TV documentary about his life, “Like the Old Vine,” won the
Grand Jury’s Special Award from France’s Oenovideo Film Festival. <br /></p><p>Violet Grgich grew up accompanying her father in the vineyards and cellar. She spent
her summers at the winery, doing everything from bottling line work to
laboratory analysis and working in the tasting room.</p><div class="dsm-timeline-content"><div class="dsm-description"><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"><div>
<p>She attended the University of California, earning a BA in
music while taking classes in biology, chemistry, and enology. After
graduation, she returned home to Grgich Hills to continue her education
in the wine business, learning beside
her father.</p>After a period to receive her Master of Music in
harpsichord at the world renowned Indiana University School of Music, Violet rejoined the winery fulltime
in 1988. Today, she is responsible for daily management of the winery, as
well as sales and marketing. <br /><br />Ivo Jeramaz serves as Winemaker and VP of Vineyards & Production, responsible for the day-to-day operations in the cellar and the
vineyard, including naturally farming Grgich Hills’ 366 acres. </div><div> </div><div>Ivo was born in Grigh's home country Croatia to a family of grape growers and was involved in making family wine from boyhood. After earning a masters degree in engineering from the University of Zagreb in 1986, he came to Napa Valley to join his uncle, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, Over the ensuing three decades at Grgich Hills Ivo learned the classic style and art
of winemaking from his uncle, supported by the science and
technology, and from what he gained from enology and viticulture courses at University of
California, Davis.</div><span class="spacer"> </span></div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"><span class="spacer">Joining </span><span class="spacer"><span>Mike’s daughter, Violet Grgich as President, and Ivo Jeramaz,
Mike’s nephew as Winemaker/VP, the </span></span>next generation of the Hills family has also found a home in grapes,
rather than coffee beans: Austin’s youngest son, Justin, and Ivo's oldest daughter Maja Jeramaz have joined Grgich Hills
continuing the family legacy.</div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"> </div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description">Today, Grgich Hills Estate produce a portfolio of Bordeaux varietals, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Mike was intrigued about the Croatian origins of Zinfandel and obtained a single Croatian Crljenak Kastelanski
cutting, taken from one of the last nine Crljenak plants in existence.
It is planted and continues to thrive in Grgrich's Calistoga Vineyard.</div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"> </div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description">In April, 2023, Mike Grgich reached centenarian status. The
winery celebrated with the release of two “Centennial Wines;” the 2020
Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay, and the 2019 Old Vine Cabernet
Sauvignon. <br /></div> <br /></div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description">
</div></div></div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3"><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light">
</div>
</div>
</div><div class="et_pb_team_member_description"><b>Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 </b></div> </div><div class="dsm-description"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa0U3OpZb8Ye9bHY1lZdYTynQ3kWdif0bwq9o9C64QMX3oaT4srP4bBEru4v9T7o_K4q7oPWBlfquS36Lo6az6kK1i3l8DoOGBlNKFwCySJR4xXu5yJaP0mC_TVzdf40g-7fRHoF8G6nO36mqN2M_8TIJFUWWRg0sWzfqYTwo55jPI5ovoty5UOIu2lE/s2475/lbl-CA-Grgich-Hills-Estate-Napa-Cab-2018-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa0U3OpZb8Ye9bHY1lZdYTynQ3kWdif0bwq9o9C64QMX3oaT4srP4bBEru4v9T7o_K4q7oPWBlfquS36Lo6az6kK1i3l8DoOGBlNKFwCySJR4xXu5yJaP0mC_TVzdf40g-7fRHoF8G6nO36mqN2M_8TIJFUWWRg0sWzfqYTwo55jPI5ovoty5UOIu2lE/s320/lbl-CA-Grgich-Hills-Estate-Napa-Cab-2018-remc.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>This is 100% estate grown fruit, a blend of 80% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced primarily with grapes from the Grgich Yountville vineyard supplemented from Grgich Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards.</div><div class="dsm-description"> </div><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>This release was awarded 93 points</span>
by James Suckling, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>92 points</span>
by Wine Advocate and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>90 points</span>
by Connoisseurs Guide and Vinous. </span><div class="dsm-description"><span class="H2ReviewNotes"> </span></div><div class="dsm-description"><div class="dsm-description">Bright garnet-purple in color, medium full bodied, <span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;">expressive ripe blackberry and </span>blackcurrant fruits with floral, cassis, tobacco,
licorice, cedar and earthy notes, with a hint of clove spice turning to tight crisp
acidity and grainy tannins on the finish. Still young at five years, this might benefit from a little more time to settle and integrate. <br /></div><div class="dsm-description"> </div><div class="dsm-description">RM 91 points. </div><div class="dsm-description"><a href="goog_1048113991"><br /></a></div><div class="dsm-description"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3351128" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3351128</a><br /></div> </div><a href="https://www.grgich.com/product/2018-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.grgich.com/product/2018-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley/</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GrgichHills" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GrgichHills</a></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-56224311840388516282024-01-10T20:00:00.031-06:002024-01-11T10:53:00.132-06:00Château La Dominique Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé with Beef Bourgogne<p><b>Château La Dominique Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé with </b>Beef Bourgogne</p><p>For a hearty midweek dinner, Linda prepared her delicious beef bourgogne, so I pulled <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/07/our-wine-cellar_2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from our wine cellar</a> this <b>Grand Cru Classé</b> <b><i>Right Bank</i></b> <b>Bordeaux</b> for a fabulous food and wine pairing. Having a fine wine cellar is made for situations such as this. </p><p>While some suggest Burgundy wines based on Pinot Noir for pairing with beef bourgogne, I prefer a moderate, complex, but expressive and soft Bordeaux such as <b><i>Merlot</i></b> based blends from the<b><i> Right Bank,</i></b> such as this. <br /></p><p><b>Château La
Dominique</b> produces this <b>Grand Cru Classé </b>wine from their 71 acres of vineyards located in the northwest of <b>Saint-Émilion</b>, on the edge of the Pomerol
appellation, adjoining some of the most famous
vineyards of the region - Cheval Blanc, Figeac, La Conseillante,
and L'Evangile. It has been owned by the Fayat family since 1969.</p><p>From the Wine Cellar Insider, we learn that Chateau La Dominique dates back to the 1700s and is named for the island in the Caribbean where the original owner of the property earned his fortune.<br /><br />The Fayat family purchased the estate in 1969 from the de Bailliencourt family, who had owned the vineyard since 1933 and also still own Chateau Gazin in Pomerol. The property had several ownership changes over the previous two decades before it was obtained by Clement Fayat.<br /><br />Clement Fayat started out as a bricklayer and went on to found one of the largest construction companies in the world. In addition to La Dominique, he also owns Chateau Fayat in Pomerol and Clement Pichon in the Haut Medoc
appellation. The Fayat family also recently purchased Vieux Fortin in St. Emilion which was incorporated into La Dominique.<br /><br />The 71 acre Château La
Dominique vineyard is planted to 81% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. All the vineyards are classified as Grand Cru Classe. The best parcels in the La Dominique vineyard are located next to the legendary first growth estate Cheval Blanc, and not far from Chateau Figeac, one of our favorite Saint Emilion producers, and cellar holdings. Head north towards Pomerol the estate also bordered the premiere estates of Chateau Conseillante and LEvangile in Pomerol. <br /></p><p></p><p>Chateau La Dominique underwent a major renovation of the entire estate in 2013 including the chateau, cellars, winemaking facilities, grape reception area, and a larger vat house, bringing in the most up-to-date, modern technology available. </p><p>Robert Parker's Wine Advocate wrote of the 2012 vintage - "This 2012 is sensational and further evidence of the
rebound of La Dominique after a few years of mediocrity." </p><p>The estate produces 60,000 cases per year of the grand vin and slightly more than 7,000 cases per year of a second wine, Saint-Paul-de-Dominique. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We have enjoyed tasting these wines and meeting the producer at the annual UGC
Bordeaux' (<span><span><i><b><a href="http://ugcb.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB))</a></b></i></span></span> North American release tour (s) and appreciate their participation and visits to Chicago to show their wines. See example postings of this event here - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/01/ugc-bordeaux-2013-release-tour-chicago_30.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UGC Bordeaux 2013 Release Tour Chicago 2016</a>, and </span><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/01/bordeaux-producers-2010-release-tasting.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Chicago</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">.
<br /><br /></span></div>
<div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div><b>Château La Dominique Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Grand Cru Classé) 2012</b> <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsfhqLwVjuIRLI5zow4VRD0PFFZHvvq0nJqQZTCep-S3U_T3YUt7wmNWkmEsuta3A8SjNaUIooV1RtGdXz2GfYzpQNWBvPLS_x0_CUGn88zxmbf4fOdkgq_x2-BL_LYpQH_SBRmuZxsKr-OMNpp9QMFAb6SlbQYyuduPDy8Rg1yi_47vtlPhyphenhyphenQCGiSfE/s875/btl-foil-cork-FR-St-Emilion-Chat-La-Dominique-2013-IMG_3114.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="471" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsfhqLwVjuIRLI5zow4VRD0PFFZHvvq0nJqQZTCep-S3U_T3YUt7wmNWkmEsuta3A8SjNaUIooV1RtGdXz2GfYzpQNWBvPLS_x0_CUGn88zxmbf4fOdkgq_x2-BL_LYpQH_SBRmuZxsKr-OMNpp9QMFAb6SlbQYyuduPDy8Rg1yi_47vtlPhyphenhyphenQCGiSfE/w215-h400/btl-foil-cork-FR-St-Emilion-Chat-La-Dominique-2013-IMG_3114.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>This wine was produced with the advisement of the legendary Merlot master, Michel Rolland and Jean-Philippe Fort
as consulting winemakers. <p></p><p>The 2012 is a blend of
95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. </p>This release was rated 94 points by Vinous, 93 points by Wine Advocate, 92 by Wine Cellar Insider, and 89–91 by Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast. <p><span class="taster">
</span></p><p>At eleven years of age, the label, foil and most importantly the fill level and cork were ideal, likely at it's apex and may be there for perhaps close to a decade yet. </p><p>This was double decanted and left to open for an hour before serving.<br /></p><p>Dark garnet inky purple color, medium full bodied, elegant, bright vibrant expressive but soft ripe plum, cherry and blackberry fruits with
floral, spice and earth notes, hints of lavender, black tea and licorice with a long smooth silky finish. </p><span class="consignes-content" data-moz-translations-id="1">60,000 bottles of this cuvée were produced</span><div class="rating_text hidden ui-dialog-content ui-widget-content" id="rating_text_descr" style="display: block; height: auto; min-height: 60px; width: auto;"><div class="reviews-list-container"><div aria-level="2" class="title" role="heading"><br /></div><div aria-level="2" class="title" role="heading">RM 92 points. </div><div aria-level="2" class="title" role="heading"><br /><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1603259" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1603259</a> <br /></div></div></div><p><a href="https://www.chateau-ladominique.com/en/accueil/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.chateau-ladominique.com/en/accueil/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/chladominique" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/chladominique</a></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;">@chladominique</span></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-58923866607828087382024-01-06T21:00:00.002-06:002024-01-12T11:06:56.979-06:00Venge and Beau Vigne wines with intimate family dinner<p>Venge and Beau Vigne wines with intimate family dinner - Venge Napa Syrah with Vodka Cream Sauce Pasta</p><p>We were invited to son Alec's and Vivianna's house for dinner to watch IU Hoosier Big Ten Basketball. Alec prepared a delicious vodka cream sauce with penne pasta, baked bread and a delightful Cesar Salad. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0-5iE0GHy97SyC4hqW8oW9e7_gYk2R1aMJO-OrFMUrbeMyou7dWc1ZSrU6Hw0qTwbk_ZhfuClPdHmQBc1lIIg9ukk4oBXNyKGTuSNSvx79bpyFtm3m7ZSiBlJMtsC5gqLvOfPKP1bi05zsjFB0gKP3gVLvug3gUaQKuvZMhpo23cvfLFtUSYmCCXdNc/s845/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-penne-vodka-cream-IMG_4747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0-5iE0GHy97SyC4hqW8oW9e7_gYk2R1aMJO-OrFMUrbeMyou7dWc1ZSrU6Hw0qTwbk_ZhfuClPdHmQBc1lIIg9ukk4oBXNyKGTuSNSvx79bpyFtm3m7ZSiBlJMtsC5gqLvOfPKP1bi05zsjFB0gKP3gVLvug3gUaQKuvZMhpo23cvfLFtUSYmCCXdNc/s320/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-penne-vodka-cream-IMG_4747.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOexKNe2E4U0BUW150D8I1Nxe-0fVjDpLd9jDbm4X4M1P8X7Zmyv7DaasaXTfoT4oMK00hNUL671iTJoYpQpaVusMQsPx-9LMv4aq0i8zDxuGVrZdQkc68wdU9nx_xM7rXoAd3lXZUOlhvn5OabbkbsJ2CkpwZbzKAFPBlAFZng4tScGGcG9CDgjd16UY/s845/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-cesar-IMG_4748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="829" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOexKNe2E4U0BUW150D8I1Nxe-0fVjDpLd9jDbm4X4M1P8X7Zmyv7DaasaXTfoT4oMK00hNUL671iTJoYpQpaVusMQsPx-9LMv4aq0i8zDxuGVrZdQkc68wdU9nx_xM7rXoAd3lXZUOlhvn5OabbkbsJ2CkpwZbzKAFPBlAFZng4tScGGcG9CDgjd16UY/s320/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-cesar-IMG_4748.jpg" width="314" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ytGsTgKji5fl_wG6fCmiSY7jU_f7n2wVhOGdJY_sCgL8b82YSeyzhkUUvHX50oh27KOgA67DXj0lEFAoPcNyRTMRvwkuqky8GHHqyEX3zoIG7wuYnUz1whT_yxXPFOcsHFQiwSUELhp3r0UH_6ZBZ3hPBcsqfS7TvT3jmSAlq0Ft1u3qCvP9NuZA8zQ/s845/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-baked-bread-IMG_4750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ytGsTgKji5fl_wG6fCmiSY7jU_f7n2wVhOGdJY_sCgL8b82YSeyzhkUUvHX50oh27KOgA67DXj0lEFAoPcNyRTMRvwkuqky8GHHqyEX3zoIG7wuYnUz1whT_yxXPFOcsHFQiwSUELhp3r0UH_6ZBZ3hPBcsqfS7TvT3jmSAlq0Ft1u3qCvP9NuZA8zQ/s320/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-baked-bread-IMG_4750.jpg" width="197" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLW_KOXm5XN4YjeAEII9MPjMhSYsffqCDPLE2MmtZTBXMWdKHZYD8ygRLaWcEs-BAaa3S54_1OSVVo0Rgkq0tVgtOxgroDNIFX6Rd5dx9zNA4MqQwlpTkqYCEJ4Tewz9c-fmemh8biM5oL1WUHdy_9TBpgIckUi1FY-DC0TWuPpfH2g8gzJthW5d5hWI/s845/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-Murrays-St-Andre-Triple-Cream-IMG_4739.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="678" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLW_KOXm5XN4YjeAEII9MPjMhSYsffqCDPLE2MmtZTBXMWdKHZYD8ygRLaWcEs-BAaa3S54_1OSVVo0Rgkq0tVgtOxgroDNIFX6Rd5dx9zNA4MqQwlpTkqYCEJ4Tewz9c-fmemh8biM5oL1WUHdy_9TBpgIckUi1FY-DC0TWuPpfH2g8gzJthW5d5hWI/w161-h200/dine-in-Alecs-24-01-Murrays-St-Andre-Triple-Cream-IMG_4739.jpg" width="161" /></a></div></div></div><br />Prior to dinner, Alec opened a nice <b>Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay</b> for sipping with some artisan cheese and with the salad course. He served a delectable <b>Saint Andre Triple Cream</b> cheese from Murray's Cheese that was an ideal pairing with the Chardonnay. <br /><p></p><p> I've written in these pages the irony that Murray's Cheese is now available locally from our Mariano's Grocery Store. We used to shop at Murray's Cheese Shop and dine at Murray's Cheese and Wine Bar on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village in New York with Alec and Viv when they lived in Manhatten. After they moved to Chicago, Murray's was sold to Kroger who had also acquired the Mariano's Grocery chain. </p><p><b>Beau Vigne Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVEVIuiTE4OAzqBbCb7bCfyEuHaJ2-dYhjdFX3ekMyjyiBawIUMz8L9ccpkWemFbr8U-AwgcNhUCJPRwJQ0tIBUZ1f5wlmxAkZs2jl5rc8YAD8ll86QBRzDxaSv-KBXmUl_2n_Byx_aRDroTkHl5w6ymQhIgfzpvpZrYoX27caDbxhTSLJHjd0bdpx7k/s845/lbl-CA-Beau-Vigne-Napa-Chardonnay-2021-IMG_4742.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVEVIuiTE4OAzqBbCb7bCfyEuHaJ2-dYhjdFX3ekMyjyiBawIUMz8L9ccpkWemFbr8U-AwgcNhUCJPRwJQ0tIBUZ1f5wlmxAkZs2jl5rc8YAD8ll86QBRzDxaSv-KBXmUl_2n_Byx_aRDroTkHl5w6ymQhIgfzpvpZrYoX27caDbxhTSLJHjd0bdpx7k/s320/lbl-CA-Beau-Vigne-Napa-Chardonnay-2021-IMG_4742.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>Both Alec and we have collected several labels of Napa Valley wines from this producer Beau Vigne. This is the first time I have seen or tasted any of their white wines including this Reserve Chardonnay. <b> <br /></b><p></p><p><b> Winemaker's notes - "</b>2021 Reserve Chardonnay -this is Napa Valley after all- and while you
might expect today’s offering to resemble the classic weighty, juicy,
oaky versions, you are absolutely correct. We feel this 2021 ranks as <b>one of the most pleasant Reserve Chardonnay's we've produced to date."</b></p><p>The
Vineyard runs along a northern stretch of Carneros soils that are thin
and rocky. As a result, these old vines struggle to produce even the
most modest of crops. </p><p>Tasting Notes: <b>Fresh almond, apple turnover with hints of rose </b>and
lavender honey. The concentrated mouthfeel is draped in white stone
fruits. The wine showcases our commitment to minimal intervention
winemaking.</p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4510075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4510075</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://shop.beauvigne.com/product/2021-Reserve-Chardonnay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://shop.beauvigne.com/product/2021-Reserve-Chardonnay<br /></a><b> </b><br /></p><p>For pairing with dinner, I took a <b>Venge Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah</b>. </p><p>I've written often in these pages about the fun we have with the "V" collection of wines from Venge Vineyards with our daughter-in-law Vivianna. </p><p><b>Venge Vineyards Napa Valley Stagecoach Vineyard Block 1-4 Syrah 2015</b></p><p>This is produced by Kirk Venge, son of legendary Nils’ and Dianna Venge, who was exposed to winemaking at an
early age and has proven to be as talented a winemaker as his father.</p><p>In 2008, Kirk stepped into Nil's shoes and acquired full
ownership of Venge Vineyards in 2008. To this day, Kirk continues the Napa Valley
heritage, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of
bearing the Venge family name. </p><p>We visited Nil's at the Penny Lane Venge Family Vineyard and Winery down in central Napa Valley, and then went up and met Kirk at his new estate near Calistoga back in 2002 as chronicled in this blogpost - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/02/visit-to-venge-vineyards-and-nils-venge_20.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit to Venge Vineyards and Nils and Kirk Venge</a>.</p><p>Since then, we've acquired many Venge labels from his various brands that extend beyond the Venge name. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw-TQm_wwvRvf3ObB2GR6e8S4hIcQohtkmIlUi0dtRkq7SaXsSZnMex2iaYEEhumA2-z67EoUM1MFZXtG1pYlxMjXKCl0eaIr97fgXd1YViQfWDYRenXbaKGOmrR6J2kTCDKqunyIEPO-_Ws0DJOR29Cp-m0RBWOKYU2Po8QPQlkPOJY7Hoh8miwweC8/s845/btl-CA-Venge-Napa-Stagecoach-Syrah-2015-IMG_4744.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw-TQm_wwvRvf3ObB2GR6e8S4hIcQohtkmIlUi0dtRkq7SaXsSZnMex2iaYEEhumA2-z67EoUM1MFZXtG1pYlxMjXKCl0eaIr97fgXd1YViQfWDYRenXbaKGOmrR6J2kTCDKqunyIEPO-_Ws0DJOR29Cp-m0RBWOKYU2Po8QPQlkPOJY7Hoh8miwweC8/s320/btl-CA-Venge-Napa-Stagecoach-Syrah-2015-IMG_4744.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>This is from the legendary Stagecoach Vineyard, which according to the producer, "Stagecoach is one of the Napa Valley’s largest and leading mountain
vineyards located near the Atlas Peak AVA at an elevation of around
1,700 feet above sea level. The soil is very rocky and topography very
steep. Temperatures are warm in the midday and cold at night. This
diurnal effect makes for a balance of vibrant acidity and fruit
structure that is concentrated and focuessed. “Block I-4” is referenced
in this bottling because of its very high elevation relative to the rest
of the Stagecoach Vineyard." <br /><p></p>"Stagecoach Vineyard continues to produce Syrah of unparalleled
quality. The Syrahs from that mountain vineyard really shine from the
steep, rocky terroir of the location." <br /><p>The 2017 vintage possesses a bold,
deep, dark color that opens the door to an array of black fruit
aromatics. Cassis, blackberry, warm toasted bread and French Oak
vanillin all fill the glass with purpose. While still young and in
development, the palate shows superior promise with minerals, tongue
swirling acidity, cherry and black plum. The tannins are firm and
support the back palate for several moments beyond the initial taste. If
cellared correctly, this wine will continue to improve through 2029.</p>The wine was managed under the Venge barrel program of 100% French oak with 60% entirely new Francois Frères
from the tight grained Voges forest in both medium and heavy toast.
Bottled unfiltered.<p>This was the latest tasting of another vintage of a mini-vertical
collection of this limited release label I picked up at auction, and it
was by far the best so far. </p><p>This was awarded <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>93 points</span>
by Wine Enthusiast and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>92 points</span>
by Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.</span> </p><p>This is the style and profile of wine
we most enjoy - Linda's absolute favorite, big, thick, chewy full
throttle full fruit Syrah.</p><p>Dark inky purple garnet colored, full bodied, powerful concentrated chewy unctuous textured black and blue fruits with a layer of vanilla and spice with notes of what Robert Parker's Wine Advocate calls "Chinese five spice, hoisin and
cardamom over a core of plum preserves, violets and blackberry pie with a
waft of earth", with
firm, big but polished fine-grained tannins on a tongue coated long finish.</p><p>RM 94 Points. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3223878" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3223878</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.vengevineyards.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vengevineyards.com/</a></p><p> <br /></p><p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-38011223969631336882024-01-05T20:00:00.017-06:002024-01-12T11:47:56.560-06:00Pour Boys Wine Dinner at Italian Village Chicago<p>Pour Boys Wine Dinner at Italian Village after Art Institute Tour - a fabulous day in the city - arts, perfect food and wine pairing ... <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Linda and I spent a day in the city (<b>Chicago</b>) touring the <b><a href="https://www.artic.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art Institute of Chicago</a></b>,
one of our favorite destination outings, to see the Picasso special
exhibit. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We planned a dinner at classic historical Chicago land<span>mark restaurant<span>, <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Italian Village</b>, Chicago</a></span></span></span></span></span></span>, one of our favorite
eateries, and were joined by fellow Pour Boys Dan and Lyle, with Terry. <br /></span></div><p>We have featured our visits to the magnificent Art Institute in several posts in these pages - </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/09/chicago-experience-museums-architecture.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Experience - Museums, Architecture and Smith Wollensky Riverside Lunch</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/day-in-chicago-art-institute-chez-joel.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Day in Chicago - Art Institute - Chez Joël French Bistro </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2012/07/art-institute-garden-summer-lunch-wines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art Institute Garden Summer Lunch Wines</a></span></h3><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One of the highlights of the world class Art Institute Chicago collection, and one of Linda's favorites, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><b>Paris Street, Rainy Day</b></i> (French: <i lang="fr">Rue de Paris, temps de pluie</i>), oil painting by the French artist Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894).<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf1t2fmEUdwt1UVsRTpWEK9uq0o-E8Fq4AlY5qMAmJOzh0yHBSZXl00XwpXAsueqtQBsivLTrzHvItku4DDzngTpilVws1FmhOZCvJpJ5qqSuTIHHvSv7pxbsMaUWxOrLMVKGKYjwcTplFbfyUNjJ0qLjX9hBEWLTkelkRqqQTM3ujULtncFQyIbLhPM/s1059/Linda-AIC-Rainy-Day-Caillebotte-IMG_3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1059" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf1t2fmEUdwt1UVsRTpWEK9uq0o-E8Fq4AlY5qMAmJOzh0yHBSZXl00XwpXAsueqtQBsivLTrzHvItku4DDzngTpilVws1FmhOZCvJpJ5qqSuTIHHvSv7pxbsMaUWxOrLMVKGKYjwcTplFbfyUNjJ0qLjX9hBEWLTkelkRqqQTM3ujULtncFQyIbLhPM/s320/Linda-AIC-Rainy-Day-Caillebotte-IMG_3040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We've
also featured <b>Italian Village</b> in many posts in these pages from many
business dinners with my staff and customers, our Pour Boys wine group,
and special family dinners -</span> <br /></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/12/team-dinner-and-go-to-casalferro-wines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Team Dinner and Go-to CasalFerro Wines at Italian Village Chicago</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/09/italian-village-wine-dine-chicago.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Italian Village Wine & Dine Chicago</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/08/italian-village-vivere-wine-dinner.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Italian Village Vivere Wine Dinner Features Masseto Cellar Selection</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/merry-christmas-frozen-and-gala-family.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merry Christmas - Frozen and gala family wine dinner</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We
were delighted to get 'my' regular private dining room and table, one
that I frequented regularly over the last couple years for staff, team and
customer dinners. And, what fun that the IV staff hung my staff
picture on the wall at the head of the table, like we used to do when we
dined there, just like all the celebrity pictures on the walls. </span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT5mGyyaZHSc0JYkHcZNuFnRSccRWICCs6YvV2s7MNV2tbnigYlLFyo9J7RcVUX6CC4WGG2m0yOEW1XkjBNjrsoWf74Unm0PGuY8DrGiPTyFXJAuASOYazLud7g1ZZdH02B0QRcgjL7KfP0LNcqfRIcnwn-nzsTpjHqrrYUzGmwKyuDuadc-X7QT6B54/s1150/dinesite-IV-24-01-pourboys-IMG_3076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1150" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT5mGyyaZHSc0JYkHcZNuFnRSccRWICCs6YvV2s7MNV2tbnigYlLFyo9J7RcVUX6CC4WGG2m0yOEW1XkjBNjrsoWf74Unm0PGuY8DrGiPTyFXJAuASOYazLud7g1ZZdH02B0QRcgjL7KfP0LNcqfRIcnwn-nzsTpjHqrrYUzGmwKyuDuadc-X7QT6B54/s320/dinesite-IV-24-01-pourboys-IMG_3076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We
were served by Gerry, one of the senior long time team members as IV
retained their long term staff throughout the pandemic disruption - many
who have been 'in the family' for decades. <br /><p></p><p>Of the many many
dinners we've had at IV, tonight's was one of the best with excellent
food, wine and service, as good as it can be - a perfect pairing of wine and food which amplifies and accentuates the enjoyment of both! <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsfslTCiJa3q1IMXr4uD4yhIP6oax59cSnVOTBh7PNNdBLyPPAMFXKVYQV3v7qVaii3T0iWBcMcLNSOpBVMWXFsME_Q6TGgJWfTsZ1GMi8AK8ef2WKtsfauul9eLfPUrE6xSBd9S6nzQCFlCae8YpbymmuNoEhu-034xlMl9bJNCVLqsH-1hfrf9caFI/s845/dinesite-IV-24-01-win-flt-IMG_3072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsfslTCiJa3q1IMXr4uD4yhIP6oax59cSnVOTBh7PNNdBLyPPAMFXKVYQV3v7qVaii3T0iWBcMcLNSOpBVMWXFsME_Q6TGgJWfTsZ1GMi8AK8ef2WKtsfauul9eLfPUrE6xSBd9S6nzQCFlCae8YpbymmuNoEhu-034xlMl9bJNCVLqsH-1hfrf9caFI/s320/dinesite-IV-24-01-win-flt-IMG_3072.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><p></p><p>We started with
anti-pasta - a cheese and charcuterie board with delicious gorgonzola
and muscarpone cheeses with pepperoni and meats, and grilled calamari. </p><p>As a starter wine, Gerry
brought us a <b>Antico Fuoco Veronese IGT Red Blend </b>for casual sipping
before everyone arrived for dinner. </p><p>For our dinner entrees we
ordered a broad selection that represents the breadth and depth of the
IV menu. Linda and I both ordered dishes with the IV Marsala sauce with
pasta - me the <b>Veal Marsala “Scallopine”</b> - Mushrooms, Marsala Wine,
Capellini, and Linda the <b>Beef Toscanini</b> - Filet Mignon Medallions,
Mushrooms, Marsala Wine and Pappardelle.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCvHH6EpgaJE8Zd8Ke40Jp1mD3pmJnSyAKdCITp8VGzTVqx6AvV88drtoSIb3q9nxorLGk7S5VmA1079LAJLOsg0yHaUEpxLksz0M013zizEmSmQ9Sp4v4FrmCukiLwU0QQCfb9bTsHozLSBA7dbjBKQXTRpe-Xi8s7tOMtxm3QSCSxcJBCOYZHogJB4/s870/dinesite-IV-24-01-beef-toscanini-pappardelle-IMG_3081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="870" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCvHH6EpgaJE8Zd8Ke40Jp1mD3pmJnSyAKdCITp8VGzTVqx6AvV88drtoSIb3q9nxorLGk7S5VmA1079LAJLOsg0yHaUEpxLksz0M013zizEmSmQ9Sp4v4FrmCukiLwU0QQCfb9bTsHozLSBA7dbjBKQXTRpe-Xi8s7tOMtxm3QSCSxcJBCOYZHogJB4/s320/dinesite-IV-24-01-beef-toscanini-pappardelle-IMG_3081.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WcBVQgj89sMA6VtwUvnuTdOsBrkhmP2T9FDHSUGHUGvPxbuMM6MlmeuA8VCEakFsirvM8oFWKebIQh7DNgwEKKwplL5XAQ5JWiIwl7qzW2NiQfOpKCujQGLsGmJ2EA3tJ5RWctSaQHabSYt2AQxM_4hTyRrgkJMCthUnoLJSMR6jgREZWMZgABOTb8Q/s945/dinesite-IV-24-01-veal-marsala-IMG_3078.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="945" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WcBVQgj89sMA6VtwUvnuTdOsBrkhmP2T9FDHSUGHUGvPxbuMM6MlmeuA8VCEakFsirvM8oFWKebIQh7DNgwEKKwplL5XAQ5JWiIwl7qzW2NiQfOpKCujQGLsGmJ2EA3tJ5RWctSaQHabSYt2AQxM_4hTyRrgkJMCthUnoLJSMR6jgREZWMZgABOTb8Q/s320/dinesite-IV-24-01-veal-marsala-IMG_3078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Terry ordered the fabulous
IV <b>Italian Sausage and Peppers</b> - Italian Grilled Sausage, Green Peppers,
Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato Sauce and Mostaccioli.<p>For Lyle, they
prepared a special off menu dish of <b>Chicken Ciaccatore</b> - chicken, tomatoes, peppers,
mushrooms and onions in a tangy spicy tomato sauce.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGlECTV8ceHINCm55L2nfAC63_f8XyzuqRRrYoMn9e5K4LZqy-8sqk372saelVM5YZvg44UFkl7LybFAjpI7FFrz31hpcfaVnfpMJHSSgUSTDzJX6ws1XBuU7C_UGT3rX737n_k0Oab03pEx7Jb-nV9YDbmPGWDw7av8-iXhM-oVsSWIAYmZ3yfipFYM/s941/dinesite-IV-24-01-chicken-ciaccatore-spec-IMG_3075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="941" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGlECTV8ceHINCm55L2nfAC63_f8XyzuqRRrYoMn9e5K4LZqy-8sqk372saelVM5YZvg44UFkl7LybFAjpI7FFrz31hpcfaVnfpMJHSSgUSTDzJX6ws1XBuU7C_UGT3rX737n_k0Oab03pEx7Jb-nV9YDbmPGWDw7av8-iXhM-oVsSWIAYmZ3yfipFYM/s320/dinesite-IV-24-01-chicken-ciaccatore-spec-IMG_3075.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Dan had the <b>Linguine Frutti Di Mare</b> - Linguine In A Zesty Tomato Sauce with Mussels, Scallops, Calamari, Shrimp, and Clams.</p><p> </p><p>Lyle
has amassed an impressive cellar collection of Italian Brunello do
Montalcinos so he took the lead in ordering the wine selections for
dinner - two Brunellos, a <b>Caprili Riserva</b> and an <b>Altesino</b>. </p><p><b>Caprili Brunello di Montalcino AdAlberto Riserva Sangiovese
2015 </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwGJaqhogWzgZ9mPMdhNaTh9poU5fhA4zqLwROjCV7vdEj2i200ijyEKkbsTObm6LE1Q9Cf8SHWRAbct7QGXnHB44kfh9kXMuZwqm2ExH4Tf_OUz-YKXPOr4W-lEqfoc7y_0GplBZBKCVeHQn-EKCKtIBwq3gqvzyWfPaccJVc8FKjRCVlWiAbPLbtLc/s845/lbl-IT-Caprili-AdAlberto-B-d-M-Reserva-2015-IMG_3069.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwGJaqhogWzgZ9mPMdhNaTh9poU5fhA4zqLwROjCV7vdEj2i200ijyEKkbsTObm6LE1Q9Cf8SHWRAbct7QGXnHB44kfh9kXMuZwqm2ExH4Tf_OUz-YKXPOr4W-lEqfoc7y_0GplBZBKCVeHQn-EKCKtIBwq3gqvzyWfPaccJVc8FKjRCVlWiAbPLbtLc/w178-h400/lbl-IT-Caprili-AdAlberto-B-d-M-Reserva-2015-IMG_3069.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>This wine is a homage to current owner and winemaker Giacomo Bartolommei’s great grandfather
Alberto, who planted these vines in 1965. This Riserva is a single-vineyard designated label from the estate’s Madre vineyard. AdAlbreto is a special bottling, only produced in top vintages from the finest fruits drawn from the same site since 2010. It is a small-production wine with just 4,000 bottles made, carefully selected and blended by winemaker Giacomo Bartolommei. <br /><p></p><p></p><p>This was awarded <span class="H2ReviewNotes">
<span>97 points</span>
by Wine Spectator, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>96 points</span>
by Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>95 points</span>
by Vinou, and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>94 points</span>
by Decanter and Wine Enthsiast.</span></p><p>
</p><p>Dark ruby colored, full-bodied, concentrated and complex yet smooth, elegant and balanced, rich forward vibrant ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits with notes of black tea, clove spice, earth,
tobacco and leather with hints of anise and dark mocha on a smooth polished ultra fine
tannin finish. </p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>RM 95 points. </span></span></p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3871944" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3871944</a><p><a href="https://www.caprili.it/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.caprili.it/en/</a></p><p><b>Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2017</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGs9p90xK35Stu78JhnCXPIqtkSCkBXNE-3PN8m_cFEwuBTBS3-hf8r_N6hzVmZFGq4Jl_IuKDofse-5nxrytRIKCAQt8rU8JzWvjq4BCaNW8cTMAxBAHZ_sGo9esG5Nyp5FrFvAmcl9mJb1cp_RpzXUQntWin7xFhZZxypFgSs9VZ97AIuAhBiA23pY/s845/lbl-IT-Altesino-B-d-M-2017-IMG_3066.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGs9p90xK35Stu78JhnCXPIqtkSCkBXNE-3PN8m_cFEwuBTBS3-hf8r_N6hzVmZFGq4Jl_IuKDofse-5nxrytRIKCAQt8rU8JzWvjq4BCaNW8cTMAxBAHZ_sGo9esG5Nyp5FrFvAmcl9mJb1cp_RpzXUQntWin7xFhZZxypFgSs9VZ97AIuAhBiA23pY/w216-h400/lbl-IT-Altesino-B-d-M-2017-IMG_3066.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>This is the primary Altesino label, 100% Sangiovese fruit courced and blended from 60 acres of estate vineyards throughout Montalcino to create the most balanced Brunello from each
vintage. Annual production is 11,600 cases, of which 3,500 are imported, <p></p><p>They also produce a Reserva premium label as well. </p><p>This is rated 95 by James Suckling, 94 Points, by Robert Parker's Wine
Advocate, 92 Points by Eric Guido of Vinous and 90 by Wine Enthusiast.
</p><div class="overview">Dark Ruby colored, medium-to full-bodied, full round balanced blackberry, black cherry and black currant fruits with savory baking and clove spices with hints of licorice, tobacco and leather with smooth silky tannins on the lingering finish.<br /></div><p>RM 92 points. <br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4119676" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4119676</a> </p><p><a href="http://www.altesino.it/en/altesino/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.altesino.it/en/altesino/</a></p><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> Antico Fuoco Veronese IGT Red Blend </b><b>2021 </b></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4882923" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4882923</a></p><p> </p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-58620663880104052962024-01-04T12:11:00.085-06:002024-01-13T09:36:35.459-06:00Elmhurst fine dining caps day of suburbs' museum tours <p>Elmhurst (IL) fine dining caps day of suburban museum tours <br /></p><p>Linda and I visited the <a href="https://lizzadromuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Lizzadro Museum</b></a> in Oak Brook, then the Picasso Exhibit at the <b><a href="https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmhurst Art Museum</a></b>. Following our museum outings, we visited downtown Elmhurst and dined at Victory Restaurant. </p><p>As a I child, I grew up in Elmhurst and attended Hawthorne Elementary School across the street from the original <a href="https://lizzadromuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Lizzadro Museum</b></a> and the current day site of the <b><a href="https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmhurst Art Museum</a></b>. Back then, the museum site was a street and a block of aging homes that I would walk and pass enroute to school. It was during that time that the original Lizzadro Museum was built in Wilder Park directly across from my school. </p><p>So, it was heartfelt to revisit my childhood neighborhood and hometown. Also, Linda was touched by the history and legacy of the Lizzardro Museum, so we joined and became supporting members. This pays homage to ancestors, one of whom was a stone mason in southern Indiana who worked on the National Cathedral In Washington DC, her brother, a geology major in college, her mother Lucy, an artist who painted, drew, and did work in ceramics and some in lapidary arts, and Linda's several years selling fine jewelry for a major department store, more for recreation and enjoyment than the remuneration. <br /></p><p>While in the Elmhurst neighborhoods, we visited two historic, architecturally significant homes - driving by the <b>FB Henderson House</b> by legendary architect <b>Frank Lloyd Wright</b>, and then while visiting the Elmhurst Art Museum, we toured the <b>McCormick House</b>, by another legendary architect, <a href="https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/architecture/architect/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Mies van der Rohe</b></a>. This was especially interesting since we visited the notable Mies van der Rohe Farnsworth House earlier this summer. Also, readers of these pages know I give tours at the <a href="https://flwright.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio</a> in suburban Oak Park. <br /></p><p></p><p>Our visit to the Elmhurst Art Museum was to see the Picasso exhibit, which was a precursor to our visit to the magnificent Art Institute of Chicago and the Picasso exhibit there, the follow day which included a <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/pour-boys-wine-dinner-at-italian.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pour Boys Wine Group Dinner at Italian Village Chicago</a>.</p><p>Visiting downtown Elmhurst we visited <a href="https://tanninswine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Tannins Wine Shop and Wine Bar</b></a>
and met proprietor and Certified Sommelier Mike Allas. He has a carefully selected offering of wines for sale and for sipping on-site, with a broad selection of WBTG - Wines By The Glass. The retail selection included wines from Chateau La Nerthe, one of our favorite producers from the Rhone, which we visited a couple of times. It also included a couple labels from HourGlass Vineyards in Napa, some of which we hold in our cellar, but also a label we've not seen before which we're eager to try at some point. </p><p>The real crown jewel of the establishment may be the Reserve Wine List which is available on request. It includes for retail sale a who's who of Napa Valley ultra-premium labels with the usual suspects included - Shafer Hillside Select, Opus, Joseph Phelps Insignia and Dominus, to name a few. We'll look forward to visiting
Tannins again soon for causal wine sipping and small bites. <br /></p><p>We then went
next door to dine at <a href="https://www.victorymeatandseafood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Victory Meat and Seafood Restaurant</b></a>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jikch2D1EoMD3DXQgbeHjB2eQYxpSGiLbICbP_sunXEdW4GgIF2xA1yxfX0MzJoXMVjwlsNs-Jgtyj4z6JQ0VotcdW3nk6plxjB9Edk1vxT8RpXCv8U3kO1zIYjrPX-xEzkYg1aW4a5j6P8cC_KDkY2W9EJuHWIFTzvQw4VYAYJ1Lww_LZwiYlleUOI/s1166/dinesite-Victory-Elmhurst-IMG_3013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1166" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jikch2D1EoMD3DXQgbeHjB2eQYxpSGiLbICbP_sunXEdW4GgIF2xA1yxfX0MzJoXMVjwlsNs-Jgtyj4z6JQ0VotcdW3nk6plxjB9Edk1vxT8RpXCv8U3kO1zIYjrPX-xEzkYg1aW4a5j6P8cC_KDkY2W9EJuHWIFTzvQw4VYAYJ1Lww_LZwiYlleUOI/s320/dinesite-Victory-Elmhurst-IMG_3013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />They offer a formal fine dining room adjacent the bar, and a more casual dining seating area at, along and to the rear of the bar. As the first diners of the evening we were seated in the rear. Next time we visit, we'll seek to sit in the nicer more formal dining room.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZO6rTsO6VAElBDTDi7lK0bEq8MGRxsgsS9gcVm1lBkGhekOyF_7isISjbXIldv2sJqKUM-UgJ9k6n2IqjQ_0AOj4RFdV3F941J50pvUKc4ZoFYIwBwqKw5umXZxJfV2NltnoXXoH-hztBeIBYBEQIRIJL5OleYIj3Ca586v8_Hpjxoe0xqWV-yToDkc/s1800/dinesite-Victory-dining-room-IMG_3011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1800" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZO6rTsO6VAElBDTDi7lK0bEq8MGRxsgsS9gcVm1lBkGhekOyF_7isISjbXIldv2sJqKUM-UgJ9k6n2IqjQ_0AOj4RFdV3F941J50pvUKc4ZoFYIwBwqKw5umXZxJfV2NltnoXXoH-hztBeIBYBEQIRIJL5OleYIj3Ca586v8_Hpjxoe0xqWV-yToDkc/s320/dinesite-Victory-dining-room-IMG_3011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn97SjCsy0W4sXI0wkvzVpdcoHgoDEn_PpjK3OBgwbN_al9sQS2eTxuE1SSj3w54kTUfsqcOtp_1ExrHnLWrHwesSRaI_PbBtnn3cX-Yhhcwn-50gHcXaJPVwEin_pnABG3QJ5fBaub-k8CTnpuSlQM5PeEsHw1Unjq9NErNoAM-n8VGC8xRAZ1xSmqyg/s1466/dinesite-Victory-bar-lounge-dr-IMG_3010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1466" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn97SjCsy0W4sXI0wkvzVpdcoHgoDEn_PpjK3OBgwbN_al9sQS2eTxuE1SSj3w54kTUfsqcOtp_1ExrHnLWrHwesSRaI_PbBtnn3cX-Yhhcwn-50gHcXaJPVwEin_pnABG3QJ5fBaub-k8CTnpuSlQM5PeEsHw1Unjq9NErNoAM-n8VGC8xRAZ1xSmqyg/s320/dinesite-Victory-bar-lounge-dr-IMG_3010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The menu offers a selection of seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta dishes, soups, salads, appetizers, oysters, and desserts. </p><p>There is a limited but adequate, carefully selected wine list with several offerings of WBTG - Wines By The Glass.</p><p>For starters, in consideration of being their 'first diners of the New Year', we were treated to Lobster Bisque! It was delectable, rich, warm, flavorful with ample chunks of fresh lobster meat. </p><p>Linda ordered the Baked Oysters, sourced from the Northeast Atlantic coast which we were advised, are considered the most delectable and sweetest by the chef. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-a_GnG1OhsjdCgywFkZ0bJjE6tEvmvXVsMPz0OIDe2N6keAWoyvhKVo1rR2bW6odTV2Umhb6XhWOvUcqGy0p3Kz3Ug1KTjjn24UFKxOsifxg9FKQBpt-iAKKwIRfuZu3LgP_TQsImegMxHvSDzqIwkP62OF_VCSoCgmApOOxY5qqz3FLlq5_rHxAZxw/s1446/dinesite-Victory-baked-oysters-IMG_2998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1446" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-a_GnG1OhsjdCgywFkZ0bJjE6tEvmvXVsMPz0OIDe2N6keAWoyvhKVo1rR2bW6odTV2Umhb6XhWOvUcqGy0p3Kz3Ug1KTjjn24UFKxOsifxg9FKQBpt-iAKKwIRfuZu3LgP_TQsImegMxHvSDzqIwkP62OF_VCSoCgmApOOxY5qqz3FLlq5_rHxAZxw/s320/dinesite-Victory-baked-oysters-IMG_2998.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb9Zgdk6AduL856Y4hmBMYAEX39Ec3fuNcsDsD4hc_MtqdKn9jiKJwd3_WbC196P6bOOuuKU-gnn_u-49KsGiZkwhjAkpv8oV0kNlO6kfzYUynhzMF9CHAF5pEE-ET47X0YCvK_DPs03jdHY42hQAqh_syC0vmO38camqKuPYcofR64OBwLKCAHHU1Qs/s875/dinesite-Victory-oyster-bar-IMG_3008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="873" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb9Zgdk6AduL856Y4hmBMYAEX39Ec3fuNcsDsD4hc_MtqdKn9jiKJwd3_WbC196P6bOOuuKU-gnn_u-49KsGiZkwhjAkpv8oV0kNlO6kfzYUynhzMF9CHAF5pEE-ET47X0YCvK_DPs03jdHY42hQAqh_syC0vmO38camqKuPYcofR64OBwLKCAHHU1Qs/s320/dinesite-Victory-oyster-bar-IMG_3008.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><p>For our entrees, Linda had the Maryland Crabcakes and I the SeaBass. </p><p>Maryland Crab Cake <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyqXmnVaRx4fMT_6K2OjuujMgK6AzHJB0KBMntbeBTG9IlVOg6FBMofubUh1KDuVLlUzhDON0BM-9X2HAplXv8YlpWaMCokOuw7ZEtKvaoyHkVQylSmDNXavjKF7U66sM8Ez_oElTUXwo1JMY3EnmrJSptPy4uQ0X-8MqnVTqSKlv34oij3OL5qJNx3o/s1131/dinesite-Victory-crab-cake-IMG_3003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1131" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyqXmnVaRx4fMT_6K2OjuujMgK6AzHJB0KBMntbeBTG9IlVOg6FBMofubUh1KDuVLlUzhDON0BM-9X2HAplXv8YlpWaMCokOuw7ZEtKvaoyHkVQylSmDNXavjKF7U66sM8Ez_oElTUXwo1JMY3EnmrJSptPy4uQ0X-8MqnVTqSKlv34oij3OL5qJNx3o/s320/dinesite-Victory-crab-cake-IMG_3003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Linda loved the hearty rich crab filled preparation. The smaller portion size was due to the fact it was a starter, which she selected for her entree. Even then, it was sufficient for her dinner. <br /></p><p>Seabass - Broccolini and EVOO</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrnb8wSbtsNOqWmfnS-gG0naXfT98dwqWxzs7_k2X9JKtHtmv9AOlF-0QJ6OZ95ksE39Ukg9QgnC2yzSEeblV2kN9rKx0NSWMBHDTzx51HsvazH8Gm_s-wDOombNSNEafVEWN-p3xCFDf4-m7oXL0cveongt3EObILxu_fTFzc5Ju0luF-4B3ZDDKgRU/s994/dinesite-seabass-IMG_2999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="994" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrnb8wSbtsNOqWmfnS-gG0naXfT98dwqWxzs7_k2X9JKtHtmv9AOlF-0QJ6OZ95ksE39Ukg9QgnC2yzSEeblV2kN9rKx0NSWMBHDTzx51HsvazH8Gm_s-wDOombNSNEafVEWN-p3xCFDf4-m7oXL0cveongt3EObILxu_fTFzc5Ju0luF-4B3ZDDKgRU/s320/dinesite-seabass-IMG_2999.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Sea Bass was prepared and presented nicely and properly, the brocolini and beans prepared with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) accompaniment was filling and tasty, but suffering from a comparison with the extraordinary Sea Bass with black truffle risoto <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/plumpjack-reserve-napa-chardonnay-at.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we had the other evening at Entourage Restaurant in Naperville</a>. </p><p>For wine pairings we ordered from the ample BTG - By The Glass offerings a pair of two current release young <b>Sonoma County</b> Chardonnays. </p><p><b>Neyers "304" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022</b></p><p>This is from namesake Bruce and Barbara Neyers, originally from Delaware, they moved to Northern California in 1970 and ultimately purchased the Conn Valley Ranch in 1984 and established Neyers Vineyards in 1992.</p><p>In 1999, they purchased the winery and thirty-acre parcel in 1999, in the Sage Canyon area of Napa Valley. They renovated the estate building a modern winery. They produced their first Neyers Vineyards
vintage in the new facility in 2000 and in 2002 were named Artisan Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits
Magazine.</p><p> </p><p>On their 50-acre Conn Valley ranch estate they grow Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for about
25% of their production. They also purchase grapes from a select group of growers including the Sangiacomo family
of the Carneros District, Will Nord of Napa, the Rossi Ranch of Sonoma
County, Markus Bokisch and the Evangelho family. </p><p class="content-text">Bruce started his career as a chemist, but pursued a career in wine starting at Mayacamas Winery
in the Napa Valley in 1972 where he spent two years as
assistant winemaker while studying in the wine program at University of
California, Davis. He and Barbara spent two years in the Nahe
region in Germany where he worked as an apprentice winemaker. Returning
in 1975, he joined Joseph Phelps who was just starting his winery, and worked there for 17
years, leaving in 1992 as general manager.</p>
<p class="content-text">From Phelps, Bruce joined Berkeley-based importer Kermit Lynch serving as National Sales Manager until his retirement in 2017. Working with 100+ French wine producers he learned about viticulture wine-making and production.</p><p>Bruce's experience with French wine importer Kermit Lynch and their French producers had an influence on their wines such as organic farming, making wines naturally without use of
cultured yeast or lab designed malo-lactic starter, and bottling wines without fining or filtration. Also, Neyers uses French barrels made to their specifications from wood they buy in bulk.</p>Meanwhile, Barbara taught then pursued her love of food and
cooking, eventually managing the heralded Chez Panisse
Restaurant in Berkeley for 20 years. <br /><p class="content-text">Bruce and Barbara raised three
children on their ranch in the Conn Valley area of the Napa Valley,
where they now grow grapes while they jointly manage the winery, which is now a
joint venture with Trinchero Family Estates.</p><p class="content-text">Tadeo Borchardt is winemaker who oversees the winemaking process along.</p><p>Bruce
Neyer's says, “No expense has been spared in our grape growing, winemaking
practices, or processing equipment, yet customers repeatedly tell us
that our wines represent great value in today's highly competitive wine
market.”<span style="color: #222211;"> </span>Bruce Neyers produces the company blog, “Vintner Tales.”</p><p><b>Neyers "304" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwi2AT3snai88xYB-E763vGv-jF6-IISKm3fh56qUtbzDDitc0R_YYzd5lQNJ_LHPpT3FJLwEM1ICvHkc0UVGdrsQwESSPTSijGyoaAf5WRJsfZJrlshER_xeB8vbKiULjD-vLN3VTNokb9PBLx_K0qnLAh1KyjyONmui6Inn2mbhHDQtZiUMSCjE6o/s875/lbl-CA-Neyers-304-Sonoma-Cst-Chard-2022-IMG_3006.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwi2AT3snai88xYB-E763vGv-jF6-IISKm3fh56qUtbzDDitc0R_YYzd5lQNJ_LHPpT3FJLwEM1ICvHkc0UVGdrsQwESSPTSijGyoaAf5WRJsfZJrlshER_xeB8vbKiULjD-vLN3VTNokb9PBLx_K0qnLAh1KyjyONmui6Inn2mbhHDQtZiUMSCjE6o/s320/lbl-CA-Neyers-304-Sonoma-Cst-Chard-2022-IMG_3006.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>Winemaker Notes - "A crisp freshness is the main component the winery looks for, but they enjoy the bright minerality as well, and the naturally low alcohol level makes the wine even more enjoyable. There is no contact with oak barrels during the production, so the charming fruit component is allowed to take center stage."<p></p><p>This was rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and 90 points by James Suckling. <br /><br />Light straw colored, light medium bodied, notes of golden apple, pear and hints of peach fruits with wet stone and mineral with a crisp abrupt finish. </p><p>RM 89 points. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4753140" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4753140</a></p><p><a href="https://www.neyersvineyards.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.neyersvineyards.com/</a></p><p><br /><br /><b>Hartford Court Sonoma Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022</b></p><p>This is from Hartford Family Winery, founded in 1993 by Don and
Jennifer Hartford, natives of the Russian River Valley. Their vineyards and winery are located in the
Sonoma County town of Forestville, about 15 miles the
cool Pacific Coast in difficult locations along the rugged foothills of the region.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7gCrwHxWsPFDLfFutblpVs5t4QNeAqVCkQUi-uy64zjXDK0c0Flx8rkW7xyH73WFytDhVj9K4sQ0WaE3lDsnH3jmRzQ15ViktFJOglvDXYGu2TMA3spGLJCyel1tITH15RVJLJntm8HxvvV3UjppDcT6x5qrwJJHyv-lriAu4t50OL6OD5L-i6vFuKQ/s875/lbl-CA-Hartford-Ct-RRV-Chard-2022-IMG_3004.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7gCrwHxWsPFDLfFutblpVs5t4QNeAqVCkQUi-uy64zjXDK0c0Flx8rkW7xyH73WFytDhVj9K4sQ0WaE3lDsnH3jmRzQ15ViktFJOglvDXYGu2TMA3spGLJCyel1tITH15RVJLJntm8HxvvV3UjppDcT6x5qrwJJHyv-lriAu4t50OL6OD5L-i6vFuKQ/s320/lbl-CA-Hartford-Ct-RRV-Chard-2022-IMG_3004.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>Hartford Family makes wines under two brands, the Hartford Family and this Hartford Court which is labels of small lot single vineyard designated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that
express the "high-personality distinctive qualities inherent in each vineyard's terroir" -
the interplay of soil, slope, exposure and climate. They produce a dozen different vineyard specific labels sourced from more than a dozen vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Green Valley and Sonoma Coast
appellations.<p></p><p>This is their estate label, not vineyard specific but a blend from numerous vineyard sources. <br /><br />Winemaker Notes - "The 2022 vintage, one of Hartford Court's earliest harvests on record, gave them wines with precision and concentration. The Chardonnay has great
elegance and bright acidity from the fruit harvested in August, with the
fruit harvested in September giving more ripe fruit and richness."</p><section class="pipProdMakerNote">
</section><p>Golden straw colored, medium bodied, rich round complex, ripe apple and pear fruits with notes of sweet papaya or mango, and lemon citrus and tropical fruit notes with hints of oak and medium acidity on the finish.<br /></p><p>RM 90 points. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4808170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4808170</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hartfordwines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hartfordwines.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/HartfordWines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/HartfordWines</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.victorymeatandseafood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.victorymeatandseafood.com</a> <br /></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-89696935800458288362024-01-02T20:00:00.020-06:002024-01-16T08:04:37.316-06:00Spring Valley Katherine Cabernet Franc with artisan cheeses<p>Spring Valley Vineyards "Katherine" Cabernet Franc with artisan cheeses and bacon wrapped dates .. </p><p>A quiet winter night by the fire bingeing on a TV special series, Linda prepared <b>blue cheese</b> stuffed <b>bacon wrapped dates</b> with a plate of <b>artisan cheeses</b>. I pulled from our cellar a big fruit forward tangy spicy wine as a perfect pairing for the occasion. </p><p>Often we select a big fruit filled Syrah/Shiraz but tonight I pulled a Bordeaux varietal, a grape used to add structure and spice to the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A wine that is 100% single varietal with those characteristics isn't for the feint of heart, but fits the bill perfectly for our tastes. </p><p>Tonight we opened this <b>Spring Valley Vineyards "Katherine" Walla Walla Cabernet Franc</b> 2016.</p><p>We discovered and acquired this wine during our visit to the Spring Valley Vineyards tasting room in Walla Walla back in 2018 as covered in this blogpost - <span>October 27, 2018 - </span><b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/spring-valley-vineyards-tasting-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Valley Vineyards Tasting and Vineyard Visit</a></b>.</p><p>We joined their wine club and as members receive regular quarterly shipments of their wines. We amassed a collection of the
complete portfolio of wines including this label. Our
Cellartracker records show we have 95 bottles of 35 different Spring
Valley wines in our collection.</p><p></p><p>One of the great historic Walla Walla wineries, Spring Valley Vineyard lies 12 miles northeast of the town of Walla Walla, amid the
picturesque wheat fields of southeastern Washington and the Blue
Mountains in the distance. The land that was originally used for farming dating back to the the 1880s. <br /></p><p>Founded by Uriah, Katherine, and continued by the next generation, Frederick, and Nina Lee
Corkrum, Shari Corkrum Derby and her husband Dean Derby continued to
operate the wheat fields, vineyard and winery. Shari and Dean
Derby planted vines on the land from 1993 and made their first vintage in 1999. <br /></p><div class="acclaim-date">Today, Spring Valley have 110 acres of
vines planted, all in the relatively cool micro-climate of Walla Walla
Valley in the southeast corner of Washington State.<br /></div><p>We had the pleasure of meeting Dean Derby on the property during our visit to the estate.during our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/walla-walla-ava-wine-experience.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">appellation visit to the Walla Walla (Washington) wine region</a></b> in the fall of 2018. We visited the <b>Spring Valley Vineyard</b> tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, then ventured out to the vineyards and winery northeast of town. There, we met <b>Dean Derby,</b> patriarch, and husband to Shari Corkrum
Derby, grand-daughter of Uriah Corkrum, founder and namesake for their Bordeaux Blend label, husband to Katherine, namesake for this label. </p><p></p><p>Meeting Mr. Derby was one of the highlights of our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/10/walla-walla-ava-wine-experience.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walla Walla Wine Experience</a>, </b>especially since he has since passed on. We posted a <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/11/tribute-to-dean-derby-spring-valley.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Tribute to Dean Derby and memorium of that visit - Spring Valley Vineyard</b></a> toward the end of 2021. </p><p>We thought of him last week as his alma mater, University of Washington played in the NCAA national football championship, and next year join the Big Ten conference. I wrote about Dean playing on and being captain of that football team in my tribute blogpost.<br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Derby's son Devin Corkrum Derby served as winemaker until his passing in 2004. Devin’s assistant and friend Serge Laville took over as winemaker and has been crafting wines since. Originally they focused on varietals from the Northern Rhone region in France, they expanded production to Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and this Cabernet Franc, and a Right Bank and a Left Bank style Bordeaux Blend. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>I've written often in these pages about Spring Valley Vineyards portfolio of wines named for members paying homage to the family and ancestors dating back to the first generation founders at the turn of the last century. We have several vintage releases of their annual case that features six of these labels - each one commemorating a different family member. This
Cabernet Franc is named in honor of founder Uriah Corkrum’s wife Katherine, a
native of Wales who immigrated to Walla Walla Territory in 1897. She and
Uriah had four sons, including Frederick Corkrum.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSQX_glUkEYknW5j5tP5qa36klVa0Kbw4h8FyDFReuJUXQ-Ph0RTxQUb87i6h33xxELo9T4Oi_piKjrwydITP_NQ44bmd_3TrxI0dPk3SbYfQRLKx2jg5vTCyd1YkImYVYN7fb-uGsRyby7tzXVwSDVZn1o5jBL5a9KHwTkX-LwWXUvHnIJ_LwVnodmM/s3301/wine-vertical-NW-SVV-2015-Family-Box-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3301" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSQX_glUkEYknW5j5tP5qa36klVa0Kbw4h8FyDFReuJUXQ-Ph0RTxQUb87i6h33xxELo9T4Oi_piKjrwydITP_NQ44bmd_3TrxI0dPk3SbYfQRLKx2jg5vTCyd1YkImYVYN7fb-uGsRyby7tzXVwSDVZn1o5jBL5a9KHwTkX-LwWXUvHnIJ_LwVnodmM/s320/wine-vertical-NW-SVV-2015-Family-Box-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We have a vertical collection of seven vintages of this wine. Normally, as part of cellar management, I would open the oldest, earliest vintage to drink, but, I pulled a bottle from the rack, not thinking that we have a couple older vintages in the decorative OWC - Original Wood Cases, each with a vertical collection that include this label. I'll need to 'break' those collections at some point and consume the older releases. <br /></p><p><b>Spring Valley Vineyards ‘Katherine Corkrum’ Walla Walla Cabernet Franc </b><b>2016 </b><b>- </b> <br /></p><p>This wine commemorates Katherine Williams Corkrum, born and raised in
Wales, then came to America and settled in Walla Walla Washington to
eventually marry Uriah Corkrum. Together they raised a family with three sons that would
follow for three generations developing the property. <br /></p><p>This is 100% estate grown Cabernet Franc. The vines follow the north-south slope of the hills in vertical rows, an
orientation that when combined with the declination of the slope,
allows the vines to take optimal advantage of air drainage, sunshine,
and the reflective nature of the surrounding wheat fields.</p><p>The wine was aged 18 months in 100% neutral French Oak<b>, </b>mostly new, 2-year-old and 4-year-old
barrels</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P6BfGdyJZjpxW3R6dmOV54TgX32ldxYxynAj_BzVpkRwSfopEMOU23mDiB3ACnjV-PqYNOQx-cb9Ep6k24NjBXl2TXMC15xCFFwUOqo03Kg7Q_v1oS3paYyLc9INJBq9rEs3UqjntoTGN0_vF8DNjeotM-pPkr2MhqHQlx8hxSSeiO-H46qwfp8_Zqc/s2475/lbls-NW-SVV-Katherine-cab-franc-2016-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P6BfGdyJZjpxW3R6dmOV54TgX32ldxYxynAj_BzVpkRwSfopEMOU23mDiB3ACnjV-PqYNOQx-cb9Ep6k24NjBXl2TXMC15xCFFwUOqo03Kg7Q_v1oS3paYyLc9INJBq9rEs3UqjntoTGN0_vF8DNjeotM-pPkr2MhqHQlx8hxSSeiO-H46qwfp8_Zqc/s320/lbls-NW-SVV-Katherine-cab-franc-2016-remc.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><p></p><p>Winemaker's Tasting Notes - “The 2016 Katherine has floral and almond notes with a rich texture and minerality. The finish is dominated by rich cherry flavors and lingering tannins.”<br />~ Winemaker Serge Laville </p><p>The 2016 vintage was “much better than average, with plenty of time to pick
at the right time.” The harvest lasted six weeks, which was
relatively long for Spring Valley Vineyard, <br /></p><p>Interesting that the producer's published 'Food Pairings' for this wine includes "Beef bourguignonne, cassoulet and grilled portobello mushrooms". These are the exact hearty foods we love and enjoy pairing with appropriate wines such as this.</p><p></p><div class="product-attribute-wine"><div class="product-attribute-wine-value"><div contenteditable="false" disabled="">This release was rated 94 Points by Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points by Owen Bargreen, 91+ Points by Vinous Media and 89 points by Wine Enthusiast.</div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""> </div><div contenteditable="false" disabled="">Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">full round with a silky smooth texture, ripe dark blackberry fruits with notes of spice, tar, mocha chocolate, herbs and hints of cherry with </span>t<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">oasty oak on a lingering finish. </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">RM 91 points. </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3069347" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3069347</a> </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div contenteditable="false" disabled=""><div class="acclaim-list"><div class="acclaim-entry" tabindex="0"><div class="acclaim-date"></div><div class="acclaim-date"><a href="https://www.springvalleyvineyard.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.springvalleyvineyard.com/</a></div><div class="acclaim-date"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-28595092443588186482023-12-31T15:43:00.015-06:002024-01-10T16:44:42.022-06:00Cloud View 1999 with Beef Tenderloin<p>Cloud View 1999 Bordeaux Blend with Beef Tenderloin for intimate New Years' dinner <br /></p><p></p><p>For a quiet News Years Eve dinner at home, Linda prepared a delicious beef tenderloin, with fresh baked bread, bacon mac-n-cheese, and peas and corn. I pulled from the cellar this aged vintage Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend as an ideal wine accompaniment. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjBtF5OIRyo1wiIVL6pAG76mRp16AO2AQlyiF4rVPffJsg_XGxQ14RRMpDu8y66_kvFQJRTjhArFq1DiLQTiwQRSBXNXrqgE_KLdBp4eQ13aQnS1JHdGIBbtS4dsTjeyS24fxT1w1g3Uf1g9CeAMFVWy7UaifLYnBS2nvlMnkZ-1bSoaOKBf4pxKD9Ag/s1541/dine-in-12-31-tenderloin-baked-bread-IMG_2964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1541" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjBtF5OIRyo1wiIVL6pAG76mRp16AO2AQlyiF4rVPffJsg_XGxQ14RRMpDu8y66_kvFQJRTjhArFq1DiLQTiwQRSBXNXrqgE_KLdBp4eQ13aQnS1JHdGIBbtS4dsTjeyS24fxT1w1g3Uf1g9CeAMFVWy7UaifLYnBS2nvlMnkZ-1bSoaOKBf4pxKD9Ag/s320/dine-in-12-31-tenderloin-baked-bread-IMG_2964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhlM4gn0gbb73H4To4UJx_gy8h_V2-pZiwalEreFNIuLIPpTcJa6eGi37Rgn0ad4KVQE6C-m_fd0qycUdPg2G2XiIp04_qVSbTkpZf1UeCCgPcpktBmnBw1Dc-JZbiyISFD5pvnarG_NsE27lpatODjMv4mexgMlyX18yRyTLGJ6Bs-KIZo-ot5ZM2WQ/s1171/dine-in-12-31-bacon-mac-cheese-peas-corn-IMG_2966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1171" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhlM4gn0gbb73H4To4UJx_gy8h_V2-pZiwalEreFNIuLIPpTcJa6eGi37Rgn0ad4KVQE6C-m_fd0qycUdPg2G2XiIp04_qVSbTkpZf1UeCCgPcpktBmnBw1Dc-JZbiyISFD5pvnarG_NsE27lpatODjMv4mexgMlyX18yRyTLGJ6Bs-KIZo-ot5ZM2WQ/s320/dine-in-12-31-bacon-mac-cheese-peas-corn-IMG_2966.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I wrote about <b>Cloud View</b> in a detailed blogpost last summer - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/cloud-view-napa-valley-pritchett-hill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud View Napa Valley Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005</a>. I wrote that the estate was sold and is now owned by Tim Mondavi of Continuum. Excerpts from earlier posts ... <br />
<p></p><p>The Cloud View Vineyards estate was located on <b>Pritchard Hill</b> in the Vaca Mountain range that forms the eastern wall of Napa Valley, just south of Lake Hennessy and to the east of the Oakville <span class="caps">AVA</span>. The vineyards are grown between 1,000 and 1,500 feet above the Napa Valley floor. They were originally planted by owners Linda and Leighton Taylor who moved to Pritchard Hill in 1990 and began planting 23 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot on the 90 acre property five years later in 1995. </p><p>The property eventually included 26 acres planted to Bordeaux varietals Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot, planted by the
original owners Linda and Leighton Taylor.</p><p>After selling the property, the Taylors had intended to continue the brand, but use purchased
Pritchard Hill grapes but we've never seen any indication of a release from them. </p><p>Pritchard Hill is the site of some of
Napa's most prestigious labels including Brand, Bryant Family, Colgin, Del
Dotto's ultra-premium Villa Del Lago, Ovid and one of our favorites, Chappellet and David Arthur. We visited <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/david-arthur-napa-valley-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Arthur on Pritchard Hill during our Napa Wine Experience in 2013</a>, <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and previously, we visited <span>Chappellet on other side of </span>Pritchard Hill during our <b><a href="http://www.mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-09/chappellet-0909/napa_harvest_09_chappellet.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley Experience - Autumn '09</a></b> with our visit to long time<span> </span>resident/producer Chappellet Vi<span>neyards.</span></span></span>
</p><p>While
Pritchard Hill is not an official appellation (AVA - American
Viticultural Area), it certainly could be, but lacks a sponsor to apply
and lobby for designation. Donn Chappellet, owner/producer, the earliest settler in the
modern era owns the 1971 Pritchard Hill trademark and firmly declares,
“It
will not become its own AVA.”</p>This 1999 Cloud View release was the inaugural release of wine and this label from this estate. Production was limited with 400 cases produced in 1999, 560 cases were made in 2000, growing to 2,000
cases were made in 2004.
<p>We have six vintages of this label, from the 1999 through the 2005 vintage. A fellow Cellertracker'er
contacted me year before last, seeking one of our vintages to fill out his vertical
collection. We traded bottles to each fill out our verticals in a
perfect trade scenario. Of our six vintages we hold of this
label, we selected the oldest one, tonight, as part of cellar inventory
management. Also, we recently drank a ultra-premium Napa Bordeaux from this same 1999 vintage, so I was eager to compare the two. <br /></p><p>This vintage release is a blend of 44% Merlot and 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from the winery's estate vineyards. Interesting that they publish the lower percentage Merlot first and the majority Cabernet second (on the rear label - as shown here). Note this very limited production release was acquired at auction at Winebid.com. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN3Eotr_QZICkzVeEc3nky1S9Cv7pstDM6ElnmZoVYwLVaeW7IoUpeQJGZbVUZKeekqLBLCFWmyt4L-qsrk70W_LujxWwLBTxFarV7ebN1MmHBNnQrp3CpjV4aVRJ_L9Mk4bD16QxXHbslktLahyphenhyphenItPPm72Nmykm_yZel4NlvNBYgXBvOwUCtvPkQndU/s845/lbl-CA-Cloud-View-1999-rear-IMG_2974.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN3Eotr_QZICkzVeEc3nky1S9Cv7pstDM6ElnmZoVYwLVaeW7IoUpeQJGZbVUZKeekqLBLCFWmyt4L-qsrk70W_LujxWwLBTxFarV7ebN1MmHBNnQrp3CpjV4aVRJ_L9Mk4bD16QxXHbslktLahyphenhyphenItPPm72Nmykm_yZel4NlvNBYgXBvOwUCtvPkQndU/s320/lbl-CA-Cloud-View-1999-rear-IMG_2974.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>The winemaker for these wines was Karen Bower Turjanis who previously worked under Paul Hobbs at Lokoya and Cardinale Estate. We tasted a Cardinale Estate just the other evening, as featured in a blogpost in these pages - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/boys-night-features-flight-of-ultra.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boys night features flight of ultra-premium Napa Cabernets</a>.
Fernando Espinoza was the cellarmaster and owner Linda Taylor was the vineyard
manager.<p></p><p>The entire 85-acre Cloud View
property was acquired by Continuum, the wine label owned by brother and sister Tim and Marcia
Mondavi with Margrit Biever Mondavi, widow of the legendary Robert Mondavi. The Continuum brand was founded in 2005, and is Tim Mondavi's first venture since leaving the Robert Mondavi Winery
in 2003. Both the 2006 and 2005 vintages were made from grapes from a
leased Oakville property, and the Pritchard Hill purchase helps realize
the family's goal of being a single-vineyard estate winery. The switch
from an Oakville bottling to a Pritchard Hill bottling began with the 2008 vintage.</p><p>The late Robert Mondavi, who was also a partner in the Continuum
brand, visited the site with his family before he passed away in May of 2008.
"It's so meaningful that he saw it, to see where we are headed in the
future," said Carissa.<br /><br />Winemaker Notes for the Cloud
View Vineyard's 1999 Proprietary Red Table Wine .... "is rich with intensely
dark ripe fruit, round mid-palate and a long lingering finish of velvety
tannins.
The myriad of aromas includes anise and fennel, black olive and wild
ginger, and is supported by a solid base of dark fruit and the toasty
vanilla of fine French oak.
On the palate, the ripe fruit opens up to hues of raspberry, blackberry,
and dark black cherry with subtleties of lavender. The tannic backbone,
which draws itself directly from this mountain site, weaves seamlessly
with the warmth of creamy oak.
We have crafted this wine for enjoyment now and well into the future.
Aroma & Color
Earthy–red dust, dark ripe fruit, wild sage, anise, fennel, black olive,
ginger, vanilla oak. Profoundly garnet with the deep colors unique to
mountain fruit.
Flavor - Dark ripe fruit, raspberry, blackberry, lavender, velvety tannins, and
subtle, creamy oak.
Overall comments - Lush, delicious, round mid-palate, long finish, mouth filling.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Georgia,Times;">I featured other vintages of this label in these pages in these blogposts and Cellertracker posted tasting notes. <br /></span></span></p>In February 2018 - <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=417380&iNote=6875985" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I wrote I like this wine:</a> and gave it 92 Points.<p>This was dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, with firm
concentrated structured core of brambley earthy black currant and black
berry fruits with a layer of sweet caramel accented by tones of cassis,
sweet spicy tangy oak and silky tannins on the lingering finish.</p><p>I featured it in a blogpost in these pages - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/02/cloud-view-napa-valley-pritchard-hill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud View Napa Valley Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2004</a>.<a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/02/cloud-view-napa-valley-pritchard-hill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/02/cloud-view-napa-valley-pritchard-hill.html</a></p><p></p><div class="date-outer">In June last summer, 2023 I featured this label in these pages in this blogpost - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/cloud-view-napa-valley-pritchett-hill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud View Napa Valley Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005</a></div><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting">
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-336517994962143991" itemprop="articleBody"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvDQ_W1RpJpluQY7cBqPQgHwttd6Oz_b8WiBJLPvbn-2HTBXem28yArq2c1MaklkAS_7Jlh4GDzHlZmcRdOEXBLEuRGPuxEuGkXlSIbtbi9zC_PTgoHXyGrSzGpDlI6cZ6XMefkZEAtpc_fj6zIHWbh3t7oQiTpcXFd4PJ0zM0Vgc1ADwTA2BiS9K9Vs/s2475/lbl-foil-cork-CA-Cloud-View-Napa-Red-2005-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1292" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvDQ_W1RpJpluQY7cBqPQgHwttd6Oz_b8WiBJLPvbn-2HTBXem28yArq2c1MaklkAS_7Jlh4GDzHlZmcRdOEXBLEuRGPuxEuGkXlSIbtbi9zC_PTgoHXyGrSzGpDlI6cZ6XMefkZEAtpc_fj6zIHWbh3t7oQiTpcXFd4PJ0zM0Vgc1ADwTA2BiS9K9Vs/w209-h400/lbl-foil-cork-CA-Cloud-View-Napa-Red-2005-remc.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><p>The
hill is named for homesteader Charles Pritchard who planted vines and
produced the 1890
vintage of Zinfandel and Riesling. Pritchard Hill’s modern era began in
1967, when Donn Chappellet acquired and developed their property on the
advice of André Tchelistcheff, then at Beaulieu Vineyard.
</p><p>When Chappellets bought the property, there was an existing
vineyard planted there to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Gamay and
Johannisberg Riesling. He eventually replaced these with Bordeaux
varieties, except for a brief experiment with Chardonnay. Chappellet's approximately 100 acres of planted vines makes their
vineyard the biggest on Pritchard Hill.</p>
<h4></h4>Following Chappelett over the next decade were two Long families, unrelated. Bob Long and his wife, Zelma (then the chief
enologist for Robert Mondavi, established Long Vineyards, which is no longer
operating), and David Arthur Long and his father, Donald, planted
their vineyard in 1978. Today, David Arthur Vineyards is owned by David, his brother, Bob,
and Bob’s wife, Joye. Bob Long also has his own brand, Montagna. <div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Pritchard Hill is known for red soil known as Sobrante,
described by David Arthur’s and Montagna’s winemaker, Nile Zacherle, as
“volcanic clay loam.”The terrain is littered with huge boulders which some wineries, like Colgin
and Brand, dynamited to clear the land to make it suitable for planting.</div><p>The
high altitude well drained poor soils produce low yields of small,
intensely flavored
grapes with thick skins. Pritchard Hill sits above the fog line which
comes up to 1,200 feet above sea level allowing for extra sunshine when
the lower elevation is shrouded in fog. Notably, on Howell Mountain,
further north in the Vaca Range, the 1200 foot elevation where the fog
stops, is the demarcation point between Napa Valley and Howell Mountain
appellations' designated wines. <br /></p><p>Legendary winemaker Philippe
Melka, one of our favorite producers, makes wines at
Gandona, Brand and was Bryant Family’s winemaker until 2006, calls
Pritchard Hill “the best of both worlds: Oakville sophistication with
the extra intensity of a hillside.” We featured a Phillip Melka Bordeaux Blend during that same tasting the other evening mentioned above with the Cardinale, as featured in the blogpost <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/boys-night-features-flight-of-ultra.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boys night features flight of ultra-premium Napa Cabernets</a>.
</p><p>The Brand estate
had been owned by the Miner Family Winery till it was purchased by
businessman
Ed Fitts. Portuguese Gandona owners bought the land from Bob Long
(Zelma’s husband) when
Long Vineyards ceased operations. </p>Another of our other favorite wines in our cellar is <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/01/arns-napa-valley-melanson-vineyard.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arns Melanson Vineyard Syrah produced by John Arns over on Howell Mountain</a>.
He obtains the fruit for this single vineyard designated label from the
10.5 acre vineyard on Pritchard Hill that is planted to Cabernet,
Chardonnay and Syrah. Greg Melanson acquired the vineyard back in 1988.
Previously, it was owned by
Round Pond; Bob and Zelma Long planted the original vineyard in the
early 1970s. For years, Melanson sold fruit to the likes of Heidi
Barrett (for La Sirena) before starting his own brand. We drank this label just the other evening and will post it in these pages soon.<br /><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33ri0x6JRIw28fDOaL71vsZDS0tt-wHkzsw_gcBuA0cy1PZRXUE4xHTkK6-p_vSa7GqkKYOGKjo0qIOUrqwMLDwKSUEi9XRLH04Nn8DJtS6Y9-_sQcaVJGiU_oEqYniHoOV5AwGtGdoZbbfY5md14g_y2nXjLKcHPJhozUU25FiYR552Jj6swf0lyWzY/s2475/lbl-CA-Cloud-View-Napa-Red-2005-remc.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1762" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33ri0x6JRIw28fDOaL71vsZDS0tt-wHkzsw_gcBuA0cy1PZRXUE4xHTkK6-p_vSa7GqkKYOGKjo0qIOUrqwMLDwKSUEi9XRLH04Nn8DJtS6Y9-_sQcaVJGiU_oEqYniHoOV5AwGtGdoZbbfY5md14g_y2nXjLKcHPJhozUU25FiYR552Jj6swf0lyWzY/s320/lbl-CA-Cloud-View-Napa-Red-2005-remc.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud View 2005 rear label<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Bryant
Family Pritchard Hill 13 acre estate was developed in 1985 by the
all-star team that included
winemaker Helen Keplinger, consultant Michel Rolland and vineyard
manager David Abreu. Todd Alexander worked there on Pritchett Hill where
he gained notoriety when his wines earned high ratings and critical
praise. There he
learned the craft under legendary viticulturist David
Abreu and winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, following in the
footsteps of notable producer Phillip Melka before <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/06/todd-alexander-joins-force-majeure.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">moving to Walla Walla Washington to take on winemaking and production at Force Majeure</a>. <p></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/del-dotto-napa-valley-cave-tour-barrel_12.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Del Dotto, developer of a vast portfolio of Napa properties and brands, and producer of one of the largest collections in our cellar</a> knew
"Pritchard Hill was a key vineyard site from drinking Bryant Family,” he
says. “David Arthur convinced me of the potential of
these wines.” From the broad portfolio of Del Dotto labels, he reserves
the Villa del Lago brand for his ultra-premium estate Pritchard Hill Cabernet
Sauvignon.
</p><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ovid was developed in 2003 by former software entrepreneurs </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dana Johnson and Mark Nelson who bought their vineyard land in 1998 and launched Ovid five years
later. They assembled the superstar team including vineyard
manager David Abreu, winemaker Austin Peterson (who worked with Michel
Rolland at Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol) and consulting winemaker
Andy Erickson (formerly of Screaming Eagle, now at Dalla Valle). <br /></span></p><p></p>The
Cloud View Vineyards estate ceased operation with the 2006 vintage when
it was sold to Tim Mondavi when he struck out on his own after the
family broke away from Robert Mondavi Winery. When he acquired the Pritchard
Hill estate and founded Continuum Estate, the 62 acre vineyard was the
second largest estate in the
region.
Note that the Cloud View brand was not sold so we might see it re-emerge
in some fashion at some point in the future although the website is
gone and the domain name is for sale.<br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>
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</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">In November 2021, fellow Cellartracker'er<a class="uppercase hovercard" data-hovercard="ajaxpersonpopup.asp?iUserOverride=25320&CK=f9dcb8ebe1bbeca3e4e342e3d641249a" href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=13924&iNote=9457528" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
<span class="static" itemprop="author">Thirsty1</span> wrote about this wine in a vertical tasting. </a></div>
<p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF2zXJeuAFdRoTyIkdBAhsy41quh-SUHWgRnnRc8MtdgOgBvu8iRNKz_PedPZaCtChNFqXpmSUlO1ARYak6uEilNoNJuDW3kRpxGJ-qTPddPGBGHenaqbEYOg-RBfvquiN-QvMgQO5fphyS-ITE4xoIqr73SRpLImEVUxE1oRLov_uXZCNIaIkD-Q2nw/s845/btl-foil-cork-CA-Cloud-View-1999-IMG_2961.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF2zXJeuAFdRoTyIkdBAhsy41quh-SUHWgRnnRc8MtdgOgBvu8iRNKz_PedPZaCtChNFqXpmSUlO1ARYak6uEilNoNJuDW3kRpxGJ-qTPddPGBGHenaqbEYOg-RBfvquiN-QvMgQO5fphyS-ITE4xoIqr73SRpLImEVUxE1oRLov_uXZCNIaIkD-Q2nw/s320/btl-foil-cork-CA-Cloud-View-1999-IMG_2961.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>"The 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004 and 2005 Cloud View Vineyards wines were enjoyed side by side
at Bourbon Steak with Rib Cap, grilled Vidalia onions and crispy
brussel sprouts. The wines were left upright for a day, then opened with
an ah-so at home an hour before dinner to keep the corks together, then
quickly reinserted to minimize oxygenation. The clear winner was the
2002 - in full flight. Still exhibiting youthful fruit and towering
structure, this beauty had weight, leather, dark hanging fruit and
stunning aroma. Lingering, lasting finish. It still has much life ahead
of it. The 2001 was a bit of a surprise. It was massive and brutish, but
reserved. As if it were a towering building draped in a cape. The 2000
was a shocker. From a horrible vintage, it excelled. Not near the
greatness of the other vintages there was no expectation it would be
good, and it was - just to a lesser note. The 2003, 04 and 05 were
fairly interchangeable; mature fruit, acid and tannins in balance. All
delicious in their own right. The 1999 was the oldest and looked the
part. It was brick around the rim and had that dried blackberry note,
plowed earth and cocoa powder texture. It was the only one, aside from
the 2000, that I would say was on the decline. Incredible wines on an
incredible night."<p></p><p>I've been waiting for an opportunity to enjoy this rare label
and the other five vintage releases that I hold in the cellar. This tasting was consistent with earlier tastings of other vintages. <br /></p><p>Dark
garnet colored, medium to full bodied, rich concentrated full round but
approachable balanced and integrated dark berry and plum fruit accented
by floral, smokey vanilla, clove spice and notes of camphor with a long
tangy acidic silky tannin laced lingering finish. </p><p>RM 93 points.</p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=13924" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=13924</a> <br /></p>The website www.cloudviewvineyards.com is no longer active and the domain name is for sale. <p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-15808987656470326962023-12-28T21:00:00.007-06:002024-01-02T07:00:17.815-06:00Plumpjack Reserve Napa Chardonnay at Entourage Restaurant Naperville<p></p><p>Plumpjack Reserve Napa Chardonnay 2022 at Entourage Restaurant Naperville </p><p>Son Alec & d-in-law Vivianna gave us a gift card to their latest favorite restaurant <b>Entourage</b>
in <b>Naperville</b>, IL. It turns out Alec discovered the GM and Principle of
the restaurant is a college buddy of one of his best buds from NYC, AJ,
who has been to our home several times for wine and dinners. Hence, we
were eager to try their restaurant find, which they highly recommended. </p><p>Entourage<span class="s1"><b> </b>features craftfully dry-aged cuts of beef, seafood, sandwiches, and small plate dishes. </span><span class="s1">The founders opened a similar </span>Entourage<span class="s1"> restaurant
in suburban Schaumburg, IL in 2006 that was named “Restaurant of the Year”
by a Chicago magazine, and neighboring Vai’s Italian Kitchen which earned best
Italian restaurant honors two years in a row.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wy17_TgqlOjwy9gHYQxrFWUuLmMDlVk3nBGo5_xAPBvZy9PJvoHTS2Rp5kVOsQjZvevG4pJLksK5Ski64D0KdZjBho0bOza_YgMuSacRCiUL8nlnQFhSl66SHDpxh4RhyphenhyphenZZzAwNahrI8OTQZjXAbB6qW4GtgkTqRlmiYbpudHKewBs9qYg9Dsomqd-Q/s1903/Dinesite-Entourage-bar-IMG_2925.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1903" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wy17_TgqlOjwy9gHYQxrFWUuLmMDlVk3nBGo5_xAPBvZy9PJvoHTS2Rp5kVOsQjZvevG4pJLksK5Ski64D0KdZjBho0bOza_YgMuSacRCiUL8nlnQFhSl66SHDpxh4RhyphenhyphenZZzAwNahrI8OTQZjXAbB6qW4GtgkTqRlmiYbpudHKewBs9qYg9Dsomqd-Q/s320/Dinesite-Entourage-bar-IMG_2925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="s1">There is seating in and adjacent the lively bar, and a dining room to the rear with a couple booths, cushioned bench and table seating. <br /></span><p></p><p>We decided on two seafood dishes for our entrees and hence ordered a bottle of Napa Valley Chardonnay as an accompaniment.</p>For
a starter we had the Roasted Beets and Whipped Goat Cheese Salad with
Arugula, Baby Gem, Spicy Pecans, Hot Honey, Blood Orange Vinaigrette and
Fennel. Linda loved it but I found the whipped goat cheese uninspiring.
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2aSyNqHjHh5pG1pGI234D5NAeg3LIoOa4e7spa0gqYdUn9R3ZaE4eVaUOdYcb0SJoUX5EieY8g4vMUJSdws4GbRrCQo6dIeu-T4wQtbCKd0-VhHX6TccNbB-2RJZI9aWD28fd2qPBoHotuhP3L4fvFHfkeAhwktNRM8aPxoG0oyNM2LDBVfq3mAxyyI/s1173/Dinesite-Entourage-Beet-Salad-IMG_2921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1173" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2aSyNqHjHh5pG1pGI234D5NAeg3LIoOa4e7spa0gqYdUn9R3ZaE4eVaUOdYcb0SJoUX5EieY8g4vMUJSdws4GbRrCQo6dIeu-T4wQtbCKd0-VhHX6TccNbB-2RJZI9aWD28fd2qPBoHotuhP3L4fvFHfkeAhwktNRM8aPxoG0oyNM2LDBVfq3mAxyyI/s320/Dinesite-Entourage-Beet-Salad-IMG_2921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I chose the <b>Branzino</b> based on my favor for <b>Meuniére</b> sauce and for whipped potatoes. It too was uninspiring, okay but not great, a bit bland, perhaps because it was served less than hot. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGtmA2yfCf_Szjp2al5vcrkWVVMeg36BjJUkt-dtTsmj6DL4YglZ0fflTVac4B-hrEDaepQ-5WIjAQWyI5r8iPymLuu_oGY32d_LXx8shHoWazWPJv-jSGCChmfDMKA73cTer6a332ththIf0WWCaLg_3Bisk0_4pfAlDee5mcBhvJqagkciMSrTgb1g/s1363/Dinesite-Entourage-Branzino-IMG_2924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1363" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGtmA2yfCf_Szjp2al5vcrkWVVMeg36BjJUkt-dtTsmj6DL4YglZ0fflTVac4B-hrEDaepQ-5WIjAQWyI5r8iPymLuu_oGY32d_LXx8shHoWazWPJv-jSGCChmfDMKA73cTer6a332ththIf0WWCaLg_3Bisk0_4pfAlDee5mcBhvJqagkciMSrTgb1g/s320/Dinesite-Entourage-Branzino-IMG_2924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Linda
ordered the Miso Marinated <b>Chilean Seabass</b> with Broccolini, Charred
Peppers, Shiitake Mushrooms with <b>Black Truffle Risotto</b>, Yuzu and Sake
Butter Sauce. This was extraordinary, delicious in all respects, the
fish artfully prepared and served hot, and the Black Truffle Risoto was
spectacular. I tried it and loved the Charred Peppers accent which Linda
found slightly offputting to the dish. <br /><p></p><p>The Wood Grilled Branzino Meuniére was served with Yukon Pommes Puree, Baby Tomatoes, Artichoke Brussel Sprouts, Basil and Lemon Caper Sauce.</p><p>Entourage<span class="s1"><b> s</b></span>ervice was super, attentive and professional throughout the evening. </p><p>The Entourage winelist offers a thoughtfully and carefully selected winelist of fifteen White wines and 30+ Reds, half of those BTG - By-The-Glass. It is mostly from the US but also offers some selections from Australia, Italy, France and some reds from Spain and whites from Germany. Five Chardonnays were on offer in a range of five price points. <br /></p><p>It includes several notable and some favorite producers including Darioush, Long Shadows, Shafer, (Cabernets), Domaine Drouhin, Foxen and Brave (Pinots), Rombauer, Fontanafredda Barolo, Anaperenna Barossa Shiraz, and Chateau LaNerthe Côtes-du-Rhône (Rose).<br /></p><p>Despite
our serious disdain for and distrust of the despicable owner
producer, hypocrite politician, we order the Plumpjack Reserve Napa
Chardonnay, putting politics aside for the evening to enjoy our wine dinner outing.</p><p><b>Plumpjack Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022 </b><br /></p><p>Plumpjack Estate Vineyards and Winery sits on the east end of Oakville Cross Road, just off the Silverado Trail, in southern Napa
Valley. It used to be one of our favorite producers and sites to visit in Napa
Valley before their ownership became so political, and regretably so radical and
divisive. </p><p>We visited the winery several times over the years and hosted
their winemaker for a special dinner back in the early 90's. Over the
years we acquired an extensive collection of Plumpjack Estate Napa
Cabernets, some Merlots and Syrahs, including several vintages of their Cabernet Reserve offering dating back to 1995 through 1997. </p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Some of these visits were chronicled in these pages's blogposts - </span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/plumpjack-napa-valley-oakville-cabernet.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plumpjack Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/09/plumpjack-founders-reserve-napa.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plumpjack Founders Reserve Cabernet</a></span></h3><p>I
mentioned our cellar collection of Plumpjack vintages during our last
visit there during a private tasting and they eagerly tried to
supplement our collection of those vintages from their library, but at $500
to $700 per bottle, we politely passed. </p><p>We first visited Plumpjack in its earliest days at the PlumpJack Wine
Store on Fillmore Street in San Francisco, opened in 1992 by partners that included former San Francisco mayor and current
Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and some of his benefactor supporters. </p><p>Over
the years the investment group backing Newsome as their high profile
figurehead lead has amassed a collection of premier Napa Valley
properties and brands including PlumpJack Estate Winery, CADE Estate
Winery, Odette Estate Winery and 13th Vineyard.</p><p>They also own and operate the rustic PlumpJack Inn boutique hotel set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in North Lake Tahoe, and several restaurants including Balboa Cafe in San Francisco, PlumpJack Cafe in Olympic Valley, Wildhawk, a neighborhood bar in San Francisco’s Mission district, and White Rabbit neighborhood bar in the Marina district. <br /></p><div class="slide sqs-gallery-design-grid-slide" data-animation-role="image" data-type="image" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1704130090001_338"><div class="margin-wrapper">
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</div><p>The PlumpJack Winery sits in the heart of Napa Valley's renowned
Oakville appellation, surrounded by the 42-acre estate vineyard. Both the winery building
and the vineyard date back to the 1800s. The east boundary of their vineyard lies along the foothills of the Vaca mountain
range and yields grapes with the kind of bold fruit character that comes
from well-drained hillside soils. To the west, their estate lies in the
Napa River flood zone, where the vines take root in rich, deep clay
soil yielding grapes with softer, more supple varietal character. From
their oldest, rockiest section, the "I" Block, they source their
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, of which we hold a half dozen bottles from several aged vintages.<br /></p><p><b>Plumpjack Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NX0D3zDiurHwncAv1nb76S-R2WY7wTuZ3NG295XwiW2aQM3-G_3v3pECbsALnWAuurtv9Y2k8qz980sqKY_-5_iAqtus44L6j0uF42bVXDa0Rw-VT5H0XtvRxuJzPO577tx2b6no5Iv2y7nDOXj-4LQHwWr8CO0C5Ha-w-dfCDEZd_Nqei9uiWKL9lk/s875/lbl-CA-Plumpjack-Napa-Reserve-Chardonnay-IMG_2969.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NX0D3zDiurHwncAv1nb76S-R2WY7wTuZ3NG295XwiW2aQM3-G_3v3pECbsALnWAuurtv9Y2k8qz980sqKY_-5_iAqtus44L6j0uF42bVXDa0Rw-VT5H0XtvRxuJzPO577tx2b6no5Iv2y7nDOXj-4LQHwWr8CO0C5Ha-w-dfCDEZd_Nqei9uiWKL9lk/s320/lbl-CA-Plumpjack-Napa-Reserve-Chardonnay-IMG_2969.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>This Chardonnay is sourced from grapes grown in two vineyards in Napa Valley – one in the southern Napa Los Carneros appellation
near San Pablo Bay, and another in St. Helena in the Central Valley.
Just 30 miles apart, Los Carneros can be 10-15° cooler than St. Helena.
Due to this difference and other important differences, such as soil
type, these two vineyard sites vary significantly in character and
expression. When blended, these differences in expression add layer upon
layer of flavor to the nose and palate, creating a beautiful and
complex Chardonnay. <br /><p></p><p>Winemaker's notes - The 2022 PlumpJack Reserve Chardonnay is a gorgeous, multi-faceted wine.
The nose delivers layers of aromas—apple, baked pear, and lemon curd
mingle with white peach, apricot, and honeysuckle with a dash of nutmeg
and cinnamon just beneath the fruit. The palate is energetic and
dynamic, beginning with a rich, mouth-filling texture reminiscent of
lemon curd, followed by bright acidity that evokes lemon zest and
honey-crisp apples. Finally, the beautiful acidity pulls the wine
through the back of the palate, creating a long, structured finish. </p><p>Light straw colored, light medium bodied, crisp, tangy citrus with notes of apple and pear with bright acidity on the lingering finish. </p><p>RM 89 points. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4703905">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4703905</a></p><p><a href="https://plumpjackwinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://plumpjackwinery.com/</a></p><p>We look forward to returning to Entourage, next time to try to Indiana Farm Raised beef with some favorite red wine (s). <br /></p><p><a href="https://entouragerestaurant.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://entouragerestaurant.com/</a></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-39813501920061967992023-12-23T18:00:00.000-06:002024-01-01T12:39:41.985-06:00 Christmas dinner offers medley of festive wines<p>Christmas dinner offers medley of festive fine wines - old world, new world ... Left Bank, Right Bank ... <br /></p><p>The tree was trimmed, the stockings were hung on the fireplace, and the house was decorated and lit up as the entire family gathered for a festive Christmas celebration and dinner. In all, there were twenty-six of us assembled for the gala festivities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPTI_GI6TCBtXf6bXfUoxFPL458LAxPBsT7tEhsEJnnygvWBQ_v5EhoLEMVLq86h8_j7jUvkwsQqCjhiDh29j7rpPu4kkfR_mbjMUJI7-uUF3O_0XeWWXLf7oG8T2kNGWwB45gf_7_9jCe_R_J-tougFJjneA6eP6Y2-eIxOF0eL_VzNXifHzLxCo1Jc/s1435/Christmas-2023-fireplace-stockings-IMG_2874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1435" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPTI_GI6TCBtXf6bXfUoxFPL458LAxPBsT7tEhsEJnnygvWBQ_v5EhoLEMVLq86h8_j7jUvkwsQqCjhiDh29j7rpPu4kkfR_mbjMUJI7-uUF3O_0XeWWXLf7oG8T2kNGWwB45gf_7_9jCe_R_J-tougFJjneA6eP6Y2-eIxOF0eL_VzNXifHzLxCo1Jc/s320/Christmas-2023-fireplace-stockings-IMG_2874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSk_M9AdrgeFocqXEuR-P5GzCFo8IBsBRNMmlC4Gi9dGVY-cSQ7fuKUsjayLaGZrnXvLu0eoVnZsg_PyMRV21N6y3FCtsH23VJVXyKzzluVxJ42Lt4VoxtYeGtiXpLSMJD1RLZcL8I1aMM8ZGfJTrZJpedfm4664XEd9pvZKZgQos5ZhZq1O4vEJMJcc/s1423/naper-house-IMG_2901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1423" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSk_M9AdrgeFocqXEuR-P5GzCFo8IBsBRNMmlC4Gi9dGVY-cSQ7fuKUsjayLaGZrnXvLu0eoVnZsg_PyMRV21N6y3FCtsH23VJVXyKzzluVxJ42Lt4VoxtYeGtiXpLSMJD1RLZcL8I1aMM8ZGfJTrZJpedfm4664XEd9pvZKZgQos5ZhZq1O4vEJMJcc/s320/naper-house-IMG_2901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This is how we imagined our house decorated for Christmas ! ! ! In reality it looked like this .... <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUT6sdhlgesSRTda2P6YDSx5Q9vQeQONahZYHlnRNWojUbSq_12_9MYah7XSJM3mC4_j45SniaToaUCLtv1C7QzXZKyHZAj0_iZ6NbotXYbWNISJYjgn8KW_owVaHyVofKZ7ohtGWHUzNlw-3B0AzLwQJOJGLBEUDUzsQBPp_eSaDwV1fxwBzxjkSzw4/s1262/hobson-decorated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1262" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUT6sdhlgesSRTda2P6YDSx5Q9vQeQONahZYHlnRNWojUbSq_12_9MYah7XSJM3mC4_j45SniaToaUCLtv1C7QzXZKyHZAj0_iZ6NbotXYbWNISJYjgn8KW_owVaHyVofKZ7ohtGWHUzNlw-3B0AzLwQJOJGLBEUDUzsQBPp_eSaDwV1fxwBzxjkSzw4/s320/hobson-decorated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Linda prepared a Bone-in Prime Rib and Beef Tenderloin with Beef Bourgogne sauce, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and haricot verts, and cranberry fruit jello. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8fScZuxB21EDMnYV-nS4eTKK632I_SvKQoBQFyEKe5vaGfwAmZdTrdFvhd4E8i_1GGYeGedL4K9f-vUsL1ZWSmfaN6iSmsbWFIqKdNSUzEndSFqDt7EN90mBmVQ-bwlfXEWxmqw0NoBwFEfyD2GHwrjLC8iXE4hmbDjVE2KAOij138cmdIiT013ovpw/s1268/Christmas-23-bone-in-prime-rib-IMG_2882.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1268" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8fScZuxB21EDMnYV-nS4eTKK632I_SvKQoBQFyEKe5vaGfwAmZdTrdFvhd4E8i_1GGYeGedL4K9f-vUsL1ZWSmfaN6iSmsbWFIqKdNSUzEndSFqDt7EN90mBmVQ-bwlfXEWxmqw0NoBwFEfyD2GHwrjLC8iXE4hmbDjVE2KAOij138cmdIiT013ovpw/s320/Christmas-23-bone-in-prime-rib-IMG_2882.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The kids brought an extensive cheese and charcuterie board, shrimp cocktail and a selection of Christmas cookies. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs9sAZAQeJ5ryFCIyvdUhwfEp2hWM25m63JzCT5lAapbRAOWYqpxnN6sBD0nRRYIKpalHuPLk2-YwJL-lUsZEG4TySI9GPyTHELBuhODK7R1FCA3eQrBk95HLHtG6W3OMICn7MGDFn2xlczkr7d0LLlsvL71pQ2sKkfoipDHscsOywTYFOGjnBVxVIFI/s1810/Christmas-23-ATM-Cheese-board-IMG_2879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1810" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs9sAZAQeJ5ryFCIyvdUhwfEp2hWM25m63JzCT5lAapbRAOWYqpxnN6sBD0nRRYIKpalHuPLk2-YwJL-lUsZEG4TySI9GPyTHELBuhODK7R1FCA3eQrBk95HLHtG6W3OMICn7MGDFn2xlczkr7d0LLlsvL71pQ2sKkfoipDHscsOywTYFOGjnBVxVIFI/s320/Christmas-23-ATM-Cheese-board-IMG_2879.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The gala provided an opportunity to open a broad medley of wines and Champagnes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rSPCS9tj_bpoXnn7Z2dB30PetS97PrSgsTtE3R2uoV0dVwwZHFzMEQN_ao3GS4ichqwDQED5jQSHhI5DKhNhiBN2qGNVUnq5pTq2Q1IHqdPUYpPeZ3gGuKYgHVvKFSU0HOD5fxmH9dadYvld7Zar26b3G-69fcuAOsiit_wtZO0Ei83LzYN7vDAJvhQ/s4042/win-flt-Christmas-2023-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="4042" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rSPCS9tj_bpoXnn7Z2dB30PetS97PrSgsTtE3R2uoV0dVwwZHFzMEQN_ao3GS4ichqwDQED5jQSHhI5DKhNhiBN2qGNVUnq5pTq2Q1IHqdPUYpPeZ3gGuKYgHVvKFSU0HOD5fxmH9dadYvld7Zar26b3G-69fcuAOsiit_wtZO0Ei83LzYN7vDAJvhQ/w400-h245/win-flt-Christmas-2023-remc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>For the cheeses and charcuterie and salad courses, and to celebrate the recent birth of grand-daughter Millie to Alec and Vivianna, we opened a birthyear vintage Champagne. </p><p><b>Delamotte Champagne Blanc de Blancs Millésimé 1990</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46LMAQa1ATIFDQkxGO2OKILIMEDsKavsPnef2XbP3PeRDan4XRhGdNDXXmUAi-xByCA85tQwgLpO0OgqPuzVUjz8gP6dxh6l30NKarKoO4vMeaWQY2Zwdu3MbZdKay4KWAZhy1b9hp_WxCuX2RjKJ29eYegrmhkzPPY3FA9CP20VViywsWzJqlLPUWk/s3260/btl-FR-Champagne-Delamotte-blanc-de-blanc-1990-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3260" data-original-width="1023" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46LMAQa1ATIFDQkxGO2OKILIMEDsKavsPnef2XbP3PeRDan4XRhGdNDXXmUAi-xByCA85tQwgLpO0OgqPuzVUjz8gP6dxh6l30NKarKoO4vMeaWQY2Zwdu3MbZdKay4KWAZhy1b9hp_WxCuX2RjKJ29eYegrmhkzPPY3FA9CP20VViywsWzJqlLPUWk/w125-h400/btl-FR-Champagne-Delamotte-blanc-de-blanc-1990-remc.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div class="viewMoreModule_text"><p>The House of <b>Delamotte</b> is the
fifth-oldest Champagne house in the historic wine region, founded in 1760 and is the little sister winery to the legendary House of
Salon producing just 25,000 cases annually, and are both run by Didier
Depond. The two wineries sit side-by-side in the heart of the <b>Côte des Blancs</b> in <b>Le Mesnil-sur-Oger </b>to the south of the village of Epernay. </p>This vintage Delamotte is made from 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay. Winemaker notes - Delamotte Blanc de Blancs exhibits absolute <b>purity</b>, with the vinification process taking place in stainless steel tanks. Blanc de Blancs is a mineral champagne, with a chalky sensation
achieved by a modest addition of reserve wine (10% maximum). This
particular note is the very essence of the Delamotte vineyard and its Chardonnays,
which grow in a pure chalk soil. The wines tend to be a little austere
when young, which they manage by allowing maturation on the lees – far longer than the
statutory fifteen months – extended to four or five years before
disgorgement. Ageing after disgorgement continues to perfect the finesse
and elegance of the final cuvée.</div><p></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">
<span>This vintage release was awarded 95 points</span>
by Wine Spectator, </span>Ranked #15 Top 100 Wines of 1998 and Highly
Recommended, <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>92 points</span>
by
Wine Advocate, and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>91 points</span>
by International Wine Cellar.</span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">Its always a risk to hold vintage wine, and moreso for Champagne, for long term cellaring and aging, in this case, collecting birthyear wines to served at special occasion such as this. Upon opening, the bottle didn't 'pop' from the release of pressure as is customary with sparkling wine. We were worried it was gone, having lost its effervescence, but, in the end, it was very approachable and tasty for memorable and enjoyable drinking. </span>
</p><p>
Wine Spectator said, "Mouthfilling and wonderfully flavorful but not
overpowering, blends abundant ripe fruit flavors with a subtle mousse
and weaves great complexity with an elegant restraint. Like a classic
Meursault that sparkles." </p><p>
<span class="H2ReviewNotes">
Wine Advocate called it "'</span>other-worldly' exquisite, loaded with
leesy, wheat thin, buttery flavors, exceptionally complex, rich
flavor, yet oh so delicate and light. It seems obvious that
the quality of the 1990 Champagne vintage is going to be remarkable."</p><p>International Wine Cellar said, "Complex, smoky aromas of lemon, spring flowers, minerals,
marzipan and spices; like a grand cru white Burgundy. Vibrant and ripe,
with beautifully integrated acidity and superb flavor intensity. Big but
fine. The palate-cleansing aftertaste features a note of caraway seed. "</p>One fellow Cellertracker, ThompsonandFrench held this same vintage until Christmas last year and on 12/27/2022 had a similar experience noting, "Initially tasted like it was over & wld last for 10 mins tops, but give it those 10 mins, and it become heaven! Limited sparkle, rich and delicious. Moorish - very." He 'Liked' it and gave it 95 points. <br /><p>After settling this was delightful, mature but complex and tasty, we gave it 91 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=572333" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=572333</a></p><p><a href="https://www.champagne-delamotte.com/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.champagne-delamotte.com/en/</a> <br /></p><p>We then moved from the 'old world to new world' and opened this American sparkler .... <br /></p><p><b>King Estate Willamette Valley Brut Cuvee Sparkling Wine 2016 </b></p><p><b>King Estate</b> is a 1033 acre vineyard
complex and state of the art winery situated atop the rolling slopes in
the Coast Range foothills, near the southern end of <b>Oregon's Willamette
Valley</b> producing Chardonnay, Pinot
Gris and Pinot Noir. King Estate also has an innovative
culinary program.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBgKWqxPBNEtMGypXmxF5QJHRuw3AYq0auX5MYTmFlYavmAxu51nk9Tz5nV5WXwCEulr76bQyFxDuSdcXDUoWxhO1IbEoA_brWoZUAtLyHVJWseamFhD5aHtP_5fGuK18LXMZ_xoHKWF33iDk5UlxBMmGYqSGZURMAZFr13EGg9AORP1W-ZVuSl4PwMc/s2475/lbl-NW-King-Estate-Brut-Cuvee-2016-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBgKWqxPBNEtMGypXmxF5QJHRuw3AYq0auX5MYTmFlYavmAxu51nk9Tz5nV5WXwCEulr76bQyFxDuSdcXDUoWxhO1IbEoA_brWoZUAtLyHVJWseamFhD5aHtP_5fGuK18LXMZ_xoHKWF33iDk5UlxBMmGYqSGZURMAZFr13EGg9AORP1W-ZVuSl4PwMc/s320/lbl-NW-King-Estate-Brut-Cuvee-2016-remc.jpg" /></a><p>Willamette Valley’s cool climate is ideal for growing fruit that is well suited for sparkling wine. The 2016 King Estate Brut Cuvée was four years in the making and eight years since they last produced a sparkling wine. <br /><br />Winemaker Notes - A
luxurious nose awakens the senses with aromas that carry through to the
palate: bruised apple, lemon and flowers along with toast, biscuit,
fresh bread, slate and walnut. Tiny bubbles create an excellent mousse
followed by bright and fresh acidity that rounds out nicely on the
mid-palate. Stark and yet elegant acidity on the finish provides
backbone with a complexity that lingers.
</p><div class="viewMoreModule_text"><p>This is a Blend of 83% Pinot Noir and 17% Chardonnay, mostly estate sourced by also from neighboring growers within the Willamette Valley AVA, the fruit was predesignated for the sparkling program based on how it ripened.</p></div><p>Winemaker Tasting Notes - "A luxurious nose awakens the senses with aromas that carry through to the palate: bruised apple, lemon and flowers along with toast, biscuit, fresh bread, slate and walnut. Tiny bubbles create an excellent mousse followed by bright and fresh acidity that rounds out nicely on the mid-palate. Stark and yet elegant acidity on the finish provides backbone with a complexity that lingers."<br /></p><p>Light, crisp and refreshing. RM 89 points. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3784770" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3784770</a></p><p><a href="https://kingestate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://kingestate.com/</a></p><p>We then moved to red wines, and in light of the beef entrees, we opted for pairing with blends with their increased complexity. We pulled from the cellar a couple of classic <b>Bordeaux Grand Cru Classes'</b>, a <b><i>Right Bank</i></b> with its Merlot predominance, and a <b><i>Left Bank</i></b> with Cabernet Sauvignon focus. We also selected a selection from the new world, one in a right bank style and one left bank to compare with the aged mature old world offerings. </p><p>Prior to the blends, for casual sipping we opened a favorite Napa Cabernet. <br /></p><p>Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018</p><p><br /> <b>Vérité "La Muse" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend <span class="SKUInformation">1999 <br /></span></b></p><p>I written often in these pages about Jess Jackson (1930–2011) who founded what became one of the most
successful family-owned wine companies in the world. Jackson’s lengthy career spanned more than
30 years in pursuit of his vision and passion to produce extraordinary wine from
California’s best vineyards. Over the years <a href="https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Jackson Family Wines</b></a> developed and acquired nearly <a href="https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/wineries" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>forty iconic brands </b></a>as the empire expanded beyond California Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties to Oregon, and beyond our borders to Australia, France, Italy, Chile and South Africa. </p><p>The meteoric rise of Jess Jackson was chronicled in the book <b><u>A Man and His Mountain</u></b>, the story of self-made
billionaire Jess Jackson and his pursuit of his dream to build a brand
of premium varietal based wine for the mass market. His accomplishments
over the ensuring two and a half decades exceeded all expectations
achieving the art of the possible building a multi-billion dollar wine
empire. I wrote about the book in these pages in this blogpost - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/02/kendall-jackson-grand-reserve.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2018</a>.</p><p></p><p>From the earliest days, Jackson had longed to create wines that
would be just as good as the world’s best wines and was confident that
the terroir in Sonoma County had that potential. <br /></p><p>Jackson first met
French Vigneron Pierre Seillan during a visit to France in the 1990s. A friendship developed between the Jackson family in California and
the Seillan family in Bordeaux. When Pierre Seillan visited California
in 1997, he bought in to Jackson's vision to develop the potential of Sonoma County terroir and <b>Vérité</b> was born.</p><div class="view-mode-full"><div class="field-wrapper body field"><p>Pierre
Seillan has spent the previous five decades perfecting his micro-cru
philosophy to create world-class wines from diverse terroirs. He teamed with Jack to use the same approach to capture the
unique expressions of Sonoma County that he applied in Bordeaux, and Tuscany in each
vintage.</p>
<p>Seillan’s wine career began at Bellevue, his family's
estate in Gascony, France, where he learned to grow Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and several white varieties. Later he focused
on Cabernet Franc at Château de Targé in the Loire Valley. Seillan then
spent two decades in Bordeaux making wine at several châteaux across eight different appellations, where
he discovered the distinctive nuances between various vineyard sites.
He perfected his micro-cru approach to
build elegant and complex architecture in his wines that reflected their source sites.</p>
</div>
</div><p class="text-align-center">Beginning in 1998, Pierre Seillan has crafted the wines of
Vérité, joined by his daughter Hélène Seillan who stepped
into the role of assistant winemaker at the estate.</p>Born in 1987, Hélène Seillan spent her
childhood in both France and California, surrounded by family and
friends for whom winemaking was as much a passion as it was a
profession. Following in her father’s footsteps, Hélène pursued a career
in winemaking and began splitting her time between Sonoma County and
Saint-Émilion. Starting in 2006, she served as assistant winemaker for
her father at the family’s Bordeaux estate, where she worked on all
aspects of winery management showing the same talent, passion and
ability as her father. Hélène studied Viticulture and Oenology at the
Institut Rural de Vayres in Bordeaux.<p class="text-align-center">Vigneron Pierre Seillan carefully crafts each blend of
Vérité from the mosaic of more than 50 “micro-crus” across four
Sonoma County appellations, each contributing its unique palette of
aromatics, flavors, textures and structural elements he needs to craft
the wines of Vérité. Each micro-cru is harvested and fermented separately, then aged in French Oak barrels of various custom toasts.</p>
<p class="text-align-center">Seillan carefully tailors his winemaking
techniques and oak regimens to the personality of each lot, providing
him with hundreds of unique components he can use to create the
architecture of the final blends of three distinctive labels of the Vérité portfolio, La Muse, La Joie and Le Désir.</p><p>La Muse is the label developed in the style of the <b>Right Bank</b> of Bordeaux, delivering the incredible depth and
texture with a Merlot-based blend from the top micro-crus of eastern
Sonoma County. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5caC6y8SS9Q38VRckbdH9L6eoi-fRxaoBwppKhCmvdLvlEZ6MbqLsUopXV2PXhtUOZnMAtANamt3Vmw4vECBtSw7K5QSKG4Vf23PXyUetQeIp3bs9HXC8DZPqUBD40CZ5d_nEGFNdulNkED9H3TyTxNBw_jNHGpduFN4t8Ir2mqrpfouMlFI-qHBes2s/s3486/btl-foil-cork-CA-Verite-La-Muse-1999-IMG_remc-2905.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3486" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5caC6y8SS9Q38VRckbdH9L6eoi-fRxaoBwppKhCmvdLvlEZ6MbqLsUopXV2PXhtUOZnMAtANamt3Vmw4vECBtSw7K5QSKG4Vf23PXyUetQeIp3bs9HXC8DZPqUBD40CZ5d_nEGFNdulNkED9H3TyTxNBw_jNHGpduFN4t8Ir2mqrpfouMlFI-qHBes2s/w114-h400/btl-foil-cork-CA-Verite-La-Muse-1999-IMG_remc-2905.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>This 1999 release was the second vintage of this ultra premium producer label, it was composed of a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon (84% of the
fruit from Sonoma and 16% from Napa).<p></p><p>
<span class="H2ReviewNotes">
<span>It was rated </span></span> <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>97 points</span>
by Wine Advocate</span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span> and 93 points</span>
by Vinous. </span></p><p>At twenty-four years, the label, foil and most importantly the cork were all in pristine condition. The wine was likely at its peak, but not likely to improve further with more age. </p><p>Garnet colored, medium bodied, complex yet balanced, integrated, elegant and polished, soft and smooth black and red currant and plum fruits highlighted with notes of cedar, tobacco, expresso and hints of leather and forest floor turning to smooth fine and mildly sweet tannin. </p><p>Robert Parker noted - "plush and vinous,
seamless and energetic, in the mold of an old-style Pomerol. (Right Bank Bordeaux appellation)"</p><p>RM 92 points. <br /></p><p>Winemaker Notes - "This wine is noticeably denser and richer in texture
than the 1998 Vérité. The wine retains a similar lineage with red and
black fruit characters and a velvety texture. What one notices last is
the broad finish that lingers on the palate." </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421</a><br /></p><div class="field-wrapper field field--name-field-notes field--type-text-long field--label-above field__items"><div class="field__item"><div class="field-wrapper">
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</div>
</div>
</div><p><a href="https://www.veritewines.com/wine/la-muse/1999" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.veritewines.com/wine/la-muse/1999</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/verite_wines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/verite_wines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/verite_wines</a></p><p><a href="https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/</a> <br /></p><p><br /> <b>Melka "Métisse" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend 2003 </b></p><p>If you're selecting a Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend, one can't get a more authentic representation than a label produced by French Bordeaux turned Napa winemaker <b>Phillip Melka</b>. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I've written often in these pages about Phillip Melka and his Bordeaux heritage and experience, his Napa estate wines<span> and his influences and collaborations across Napa Valley and beyond, including as a contributing winemaker in the Long Shadows Vintners Collection program. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/09/melka-cj-napa-valley-red-byob-at.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melka CJ Napa Valley Cabernet BYOB at Carnivore & Queen</a></span></h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/02/long-shadows-duo-showcase-katy-business.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Long Shadows Duo Showcase Katy Business Dinner</a></span></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/10/chateau-boswell-napa-valley-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Château Boswell Napa Valley Estate Reserve Red Wine 2016</a></span></h3></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Melka's influence even reaches here to Illinois where</span><span> Phillip was the mentor for <b>Eric White</b> of <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/08/galena-cellars-vineyards-and-winery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Galena Cellars Vineyards and Winery in Galena, IL</a>, whom we met during our stay in the estate guest house during a getaway holiday week. </span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Philippe grew up in Bordeaux, earned his
degree in Geology at the University of Bordeaux and later his Master’s
degree in Agronomy and Enology. His first wine job was at Château Haut
Brion in Bordeaux. His first introduction to the Napa Valley came in
1991 as an intern with Christian Moueix, proprietor of Chateau Petrus in
Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley. Philippe came to Dominus to study
soils – then spent a few years as a traveling winemaker and ultimately
settled in the Napa Valley in 1994.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><b>Melka Estates</b> started with Philippe and Cherie
Melka sourcing fruit for their first two labels, two wines named
in honor of their two children Chloe and Jeremy and Metisse. They have
since grown to four collections, CJ (a red blend very approachable in
its youth sourced from premium vineyards throughout the Napa Valley),
Metisse (a word that means ‘blend of cultures’ with wines from the Napa
Valley), Mekerra (from the property they own in Sonoma County) and
Majestique (single vineyard wines from outside of the Napa Valley). As a
footnote, one quickly realizes the affinity the Melka’s have for the
letter ‘M’.
<br /></span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9DFqJSPDo-4nlhIwx5bKEOB7qQVhaOEPFjP8LFP3mVtvp316yiYtlzZ8duB8u2macu1ULbTHftJSiku6goVK38V0ruROWiCFa1mTETvOrz92myuBLMM0ch2LzAmfLEKhxhZtPA9PWQ8IF7PVTKRXHYS3ZW5HLxMNvK9Y3IJ11ExNw8IGory760nglR4/s3718/btl-cork-CA-Melka-Metisse-2003-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3718" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9DFqJSPDo-4nlhIwx5bKEOB7qQVhaOEPFjP8LFP3mVtvp316yiYtlzZ8duB8u2macu1ULbTHftJSiku6goVK38V0ruROWiCFa1mTETvOrz92myuBLMM0ch2LzAmfLEKhxhZtPA9PWQ8IF7PVTKRXHYS3ZW5HLxMNvK9Y3IJ11ExNw8IGory760nglR4/w106-h400/btl-cork-CA-Melka-Metisse-2003-remc.jpg" width="106" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">This 2003 Metisse, is a blend in the <b>Left Bank</b> Bordeaux style with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10%
Petit Verdot, sourced from the famed Madrona Ranch Vineyard. The 2003 is a Bordeaux blend based on 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, from Jim
and Stephanie Gamble's Madrona Ranch vineyard located near Spottswood at the foot of Spring Mountain on the edge of the town of St Helena. </p><p style="text-align: left;">This vineyard is located on the eastern
side of Saint Helena, at the base of the Mayacamas where it is protected from
the northern and western winds. This old river bench settles mostly
large gravelly sediments and a small portion of thinner clay particles
which explains why varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit verdot
and Merlot were planted. This 3.5 acre estate is reminiscent of the
Graves area of Bordeaux.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Winemaker's Notes - "The wine from this vineyard displays
classic profile of gravelly soils characteristics; dark and red cherry
layered with spices, the wine is perfume, seductive and refined."</p><p></p><p>"Bright medium ruby. Black plum, black cherry, caramel and violet on the
nose. Sweet and round but high-pitched, with nicely integrated acidity
lending freshness to the dark berry and licorice flavors. Finishes with
fine tannins and excellent length. The 2004 Metisse is full ruby. Black
plum, minerals and a hint of game on the slightly wild nose. Dense,
silky and lush but with perfectly integrated acidity and a violet
florality giving this rather claret-like wine a distinctly juicy
character. Offers terrific subtle sweetness and finishes with
outstanding persistence."</p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This label was awarded 93 p<span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>oints</span>
by Wine Advocate and </span></span><span class="H2ReviewNotes">
<span>92 points</span>
by Int'l Wine Cellar.</span></p><p>Bottled in June 2005 after aging 19 months in 59 gallon French barrels,
75% new oak, 520 cases were released in the Spring of 2006. <span class="H2ReviewNotes"> <br /></span></p><p>Winemaker's Notes - "This wine is a densely structured full bodied
Cabernet with a deep red color. The aromatics are a mix of blackberry,
tar and chocolate with floral overtones. The wine is rich with dark
fruit flavors, possessing layers of complexity which give it such
dimension and character. The finish is silky."<span class="H2ReviewNotes"> <br /></span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">This may have been the WOTN - Wine of the Night, it was certainly my favorite of the evening being in the style that I prefer.<br /></span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">At twenty years, the label, foil and most importantly, the fill level and cork were in ideal condition. This was likely at its apex although not likely to improve with further cellar aging.</span> <br /></p>Bright ruby colored, medium-full bodied, full round bright vibrant flavors of sweet plum, blackberry and black currants with notes of mocha, caramel and violets with hints of creosote on a smooth polished fine tannin laced lingering finish.<p>RM 92 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=199889" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=199889</a></p><p><a href="https://www.melkaestates.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.melkaestates.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/MelkaEstates" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MelkaEstates</a> <br /> <br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cos d'Estournel Grand Cru Classe St Estephe Bordeaux 1989</b></span></div><p style="text-align: left;">One of the classic historic <b>Left Bank</b> Bordeaux producers, we hold a dozen plus vintages of this label dating back to the 1979 which we featured in a blogpost below, including this 1989, and large format birth-year vintage bottles that we have served at family special events and celebrations as featured in these blogposts:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nz7pWRJEbA3a8yK6ftBJMt_XgEq5ipxHgL1A7THDReMoX4CKdGnZlv-MqsoZZZfRVqEZWLe-qk471v_4WLKAL5Q4kdVPQWlEOBaHZx-WVScjHL5RoecHCZqmSdztUCkE7-kost-dbDs/s1600/btl-foil-cork-FR-Cos-d-Estournel-1985-remc.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="382" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nz7pWRJEbA3a8yK6ftBJMt_XgEq5ipxHgL1A7THDReMoX4CKdGnZlv-MqsoZZZfRVqEZWLe-qk471v_4WLKAL5Q4kdVPQWlEOBaHZx-WVScjHL5RoecHCZqmSdztUCkE7-kost-dbDs/w95-h400/btl-foil-cork-FR-Cos-d-Estournel-1985-remc.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/01/family-celebration-dinner-features.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Celebration Dinner Features Birthyear Vintage Wine</a>, <br /></span><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/07/birthyear-vintage-magnum-cos-destournel.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birthyear vintage magnum Cos d'Estournel</a></span></h3>Other posts featuring vintages of this label dating back to the 1979 vintage.. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/pour-boys-impromptu-wine-dinner-on-deck.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pour Boys Impromptu Wine Dinner on the deck</a></span><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/02/otbn-2019-last-saturday-night-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OTBN 2019 - Open That Bottle Night</a></span></h3><p>We visited the magnificent historic iconic <b>Chateau Cos d' Estournel</b> during our visit to the Medoc in the summer 0f 2018. Leaving the Pauillac town and appellation, driving past Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one crosses a miniscule creek leaving Pauillac and entering the <b>St Estephe appellation</b>. Rounding the bend and climbing the gentle hill, the iconic gate looms over the highway framing the historic Chateau, overlooking the estate vineyards across the road with the Lafite estate in the distance. </p><p>Chateau Cos d’Estournel is a Second Growth Bordeaux from the
Bordeaux classification of 1855. The estate is located on the border as
one leaves Pauillac and enters St.-Estephe, adjacent to and looking
across the vineyards at Chateau Lafite Rothschild. The historic iconic
Chateau sits atop the hill and emerges in full view as one rounds the
bend on the D4 route. According to the producer, <span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;"> 'Cos' means "the hill of pebbles".</span></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIt_Kd9Ox2Sq1PEDuywHniQbCEI4mXz4gKWr8gPnlqHM55xjZogafvUUY56aWDgiFSV-KcmCMqo1T19pJ7K57XMVdNmGBD1VNO4iRF8yACqq_oQsNM9L_FqxoLGmElturVTiQ53aTckaXg-o-oSwo6sbT2RtztMiZgUmWpQcluXi5CqZgC6TVxsKw9fs/s3298/Chateau-Cos-d-Estournel-D4-IMG_1264-RM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3298" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIt_Kd9Ox2Sq1PEDuywHniQbCEI4mXz4gKWr8gPnlqHM55xjZogafvUUY56aWDgiFSV-KcmCMqo1T19pJ7K57XMVdNmGBD1VNO4iRF8yACqq_oQsNM9L_FqxoLGmElturVTiQ53aTckaXg-o-oSwo6sbT2RtztMiZgUmWpQcluXi5CqZgC6TVxsKw9fs/s320/Chateau-Cos-d-Estournel-D4-IMG_1264-RM.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><span id="maincontent">Its oriental facade is adorned with three pagoda
turrets, all cast in a soft golden sandstone. Chateau Cos d'Estournel
today covers 170 acres separated from Chateau Lafite, along the southern
edge, by the stream between St. Estephe and Pauillac. </span>The chateau
is surrounded by 160 acres of vineyards planted to 60% Cabernet
Sauvignon and
40% Merlot.<br /><span id="maincontent"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h0CZY6iMqHDm6PowQce3RaYPcNJ5cLE8dHpMSdwvRWm3HwBbyh8k0MjeI6B6MG_ulb_14tGTbNZysG0QqVDCewUXTwN818iGk1PfI4hBtqn7TCnBMudnvxp1AB4DkQAIRdPDq33SBX4/s1600/chat-cos-d-estournel-st-estephe-historic-gate-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h0CZY6iMqHDm6PowQce3RaYPcNJ5cLE8dHpMSdwvRWm3HwBbyh8k0MjeI6B6MG_ulb_14tGTbNZysG0QqVDCewUXTwN818iGk1PfI4hBtqn7TCnBMudnvxp1AB4DkQAIRdPDq33SBX4/s320/chat-cos-d-estournel-st-estephe-historic-gate-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p><span id="maincontent">The gravelly
soil, over a flint, limestone and silicate subsoil low in nitrogen, has
eroded over centuries to form steep ridges which perfectly drain the
vineyards. The vineyards are planted 60 percent in Cabernet Sauvignon
vines, 2 percent of Cabernet Franc, and 38 percent in Merlot. Naturally,
the percentage of Cabernet or Merlot in the composition of each vintage
depends on the climate for that vintage which favors one grape variety or the other.</span></p>
Founded in the
18th century by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, the chateau’s wines were in demand all over the world from the 19th century.
The chateau was bought and sold many times during the late 19th and
20th centuries, and in 2000 it was acquired by Michel Reybier, who has
managed it and maintained it's excellence.<br />
<br />
Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that Cos d’Estournel “has been
particularly successful in difficult vintages” and “remains impeccably
managed.” Some 200,000 bottles of the signature Cos d’Estournel are
produced each year. <br />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAdK83WjtW8Hfvcx2NU6iiJQlqUzcASHxcV6YbQris9cPJvkUy1uG8W7DRANCT0K00IeEzpN4z0Lq3aILYpRgHlSkWPUgebnhvrttxiQm6VDyJpKiW5N7zyVouNlvreetxxiDGg6V3hc9mG629AE7FMlpzAnaU1zeqqC39WTL2QTU8kxqbCKPyIEJtMI/s3927/btl-cork-FR-Cos-d-Estournel-1989-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3927" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAdK83WjtW8Hfvcx2NU6iiJQlqUzcASHxcV6YbQris9cPJvkUy1uG8W7DRANCT0K00IeEzpN4z0Lq3aILYpRgHlSkWPUgebnhvrttxiQm6VDyJpKiW5N7zyVouNlvreetxxiDGg6V3hc9mG629AE7FMlpzAnaU1zeqqC39WTL2QTU8kxqbCKPyIEJtMI/w101-h400/btl-cork-FR-Cos-d-Estournel-1989-remc.jpg" width="101" /></a></div>
Our Cellartracker records indicate we still hold a half dozen vintages
of this label from the eighties and nineties including a half case
of this vintage release.<br />
<br />
<span class="H2ReviewNotes">We acquired and have held this bottle in our
cellar since release - the foil and label are like new, the cork was
intact despite starting to saturate. Again, evidence our
cellar conditions are suitable for decades aging fine wines. </span><p></p><p>This release was awarded 95 points by Robert Parker and his Wine Advocate, <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>94 points</span>
by
James Suckling, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>93 points</span>
by Wine Spectator, and </span>18.5/20 points by <span class="H2ReviewNotes">Jancis Robinson. </span><span id="maincontent">Parker was prescient when he projected to "Drink
now-2025" back in 2010. </span><br /><br />
<span class="H2ReviewNotes">Garnet colored with a slight tinge of brown
rust bricking, medium full bodied, complex, concentrated, rich black
berry and black cherry fruits with notes of leather, tobacco, coffee,
herbs, spice and hints of cedar with lush tannins and crisp acidity on a
long aromatic finish. </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"></span> <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><br /><br />RM 93 points. </span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">Fellow Cellartracker'er </span><a class="uppercase hovercard" data-hovercard="ajaxpersonpopup.asp?iUserOverride=306355&CK=500bf78d586102526a8df1ad8bffb915" href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1624&iNote=10821904" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="static" itemprop="author">Vinnut</span> Reviewed and "Likes this wine" just last month and gave it 93 points.</a> Reading his review, it was 100% consistent with out experience tonight, even down to the saturated yet intact condition of the cork. I respectfully repost his review here below which sums up perfectly our tasting this evening.<br /></p>
<p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody">"Medium-dark garnet in color
with slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & fragrant nose of
ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & cassis with
overtones of classic cigar box notes of cedar & tobacco, leather,
graphite, floral notes of violets, herbs, forest floor/loam, mushrooms,
minerals, cocoa, tar & some sous-bois notes. Medium-full bodied with
a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe
fruit flavors of dark cherries, blackcurrants & cassis with herbs,
mushrooms, minerals, coffee & a slight hint of oak/vanilla. Long
lingering silky-smooth finish. Drinks quite well at present with
decanting & airing. At 34 years of age, I doubt any further
development would occur from additional aging, but it should hold here
for another 4 to 5 years. Fill was in lower neck; cork was saturated 1/2
up but intact."</p><p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody"></p><p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1624" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1624</a></p><p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody"><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><a href="https://www.estournel.com/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.estournel.com/en/</a> </span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/Cos_dEstournel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br />https://twitter.com/Cos_dEstournel</a> </p><p class="break_word" itemprop="reviewBody">Swithing from the Left Bank back to the Right Bank, another 1989 vintage Bordeaux .. <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Château Pavie Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 1989<br /><br /></b></span></div>Château Pavie, situated on Saint-Emilion's limestone
plateau and Pavie-Decesse is one of the "happy few” Saint-Emilion Grands
Crus
Classés. It is the Premier Grand Cru Classé flagship of the Perse family portfolio of estates that includes Saint-Emilion Châteaux Pavie,
Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet and Bellevue-Mondotte and Clos Lunelles in the Côtes de Castillon appellation. <br /><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">All are managed by owner
Gérard Perse who move to Saint-Emilion in the early 1990s and purchased Château Pavie in 1998, followed a year later with the purchase of Grand Cru Classe Pavie Decesses.</p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">The first Pavie vines were planted
in Saint-Emilion on the "Pavie Hillside” south east of the town of Saint-Emilion, which previously grew red-fleshed
peaches on the hills, a variety called "Pavie peaches” gave their name to the vineyard. Over time, peaches give way to vines.</p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">The estate dates back to early owner Ferdinand Bouffard, a Bordeaux négociant, who inherited the Domaine de la Sable. Gradually, and over twenty years purchased the smaller neighboring vineyards of Pigasse,
Chapus, Fayard and Dussaut to create a property of almost 125 acres which would become Château Pavie. Bouffard continued to vinify
and sell each property's wine separately:
Larcis-Bergey, Pavie-Pigasse, Pimpinelle, Clos Simard and La Sable.</p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">Bouffard passed and the
individual domaines continued through the First World War while awaiting a new owner when in 1919 they were acquired by Albert Porte. He sold Pavie-Pigasse which would become
Pavie-Decesse, and united the other domaines to create the current Château
Pavie. </p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">In 1943, Château Pavie was purchased by Alexandre Valette, a
négociant from Saint-Ouen who already owned the neighboring vineyard of
Troplong-Mondot. </p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">In the first Classification
of Saint-Emilion wines in 1955, Pavie achieves the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé "B”.</p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">Jean-Paul Valette sold Château Pavie to current owners Gérard and Chantal Perse in 1998.</p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">
</p>Château Pavie was promoted
to the rank of Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé "A” in 2012.<br />Appellation</div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"> </div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"></div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"></div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"></div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;">In 2001, Perse purchased the Château Bellevue-Mondotte property which is
just several vines distant from Pavie and Pavie-Decesse, a 'little jewel'
of but 5 acres in size, situated on excellent terroir at the summit of
Saint-Emilion's famous limestone plateau. The second part of the Château 's name, reminiscent of its famous neighbours La Mondotte and Château Troplong-Mondot, became Château Bellevue-Mondotte's with exceptional terroir.</div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"></div><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"><div class="texteSuiteBas" style="display: block; opacity: 1; transform: matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0); visibility: inherit;"><br />In 2001, Gérard Perse, already owner of the famous Château Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet and Bellevue-Mondotte, creates « Esprit de Pavie » A Bordeaux red wine. </div><br />The estate is planted to 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon with an average age of the vines being 43 years. Annual production is 70 000 bottles.<p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify">Château Pavie has diverse terroirs: typical of the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau composed of
clay-limestone soil on an asteriated limestone subsoil, located at an
altitude of approximately 85 meters above the Dordogne River. The terroir is called "milieu de côte" (middle of the slope), located
approximately 55 meters above the Dordogne and composed of very fine
brown limestone. </p><p class="wysiwyg-text-align-justify"></p>Today,
Perse's daughter Angélique, along with son-in-law Henrique, and their two children, born in
Saint-Emilion, live at the property.
<p></p></div><p> <b>Château Pavie Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 1989</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1gBffFNU-zpmhuWc1LF0-7HHMT8Y-OvuFVZBUQgHZqE5df3X7Rg0pOdq-WGPOZ4ayIOaSsl4qJtkSwyPp6pMQ-hsrCFDDy_8R9zxZ6dBSoB7xj-E99XVuQuf2MCRiO0uAFZyVknw_dq6KrSPvqIay9OThmpLqzTF3eeMxwD7B3_KnQTdGJZMLeonJWI/s3632/btl-cork-FR-Chateau-Pavie-1989-rm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3632" data-original-width="1023" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1gBffFNU-zpmhuWc1LF0-7HHMT8Y-OvuFVZBUQgHZqE5df3X7Rg0pOdq-WGPOZ4ayIOaSsl4qJtkSwyPp6pMQ-hsrCFDDy_8R9zxZ6dBSoB7xj-E99XVuQuf2MCRiO0uAFZyVknw_dq6KrSPvqIay9OThmpLqzTF3eeMxwD7B3_KnQTdGJZMLeonJWI/w113-h400/btl-cork-FR-Chateau-Pavie-1989-rm.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>This release predates Gérard Perse's acquisition of the estate by almost a decade and does not quite match the highly acclaimed 1990 Pavie, but it continues to drink well. It was awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator and 17.5/20 points by Jancis Robinson.<p></p><p>Like the Cos above, at thirty-four years, the fill level, label, foil and importantly the cork, were all in pristine condition - the cork showing slight saturation but still integrally intact. This was past its apex but pleasant and still within its acceptable drinking window, but at a point where it will no doubt diminish from age here forward.<br /></p><p>Garnet colored, medium to full-bodied, balanced, smooth but relatively simple blackberry fruits with notes of mushroom, tobacco, dusty rose and hints of milk chocolate with soft fine tannins and elegant texture on the moderate finish. </p><p>RM 90 points.</p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=20878" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=20878</a></p><p><a href="https://www.vignoblesperse.com/en/chateau-pavie/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vignoblesperse.com/en/chateau-pavie/home</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Chateau_Pavie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Chateau_Pavie</a></p><p> <br /></p><p>Following dinner we opened several other festive bottles for sipping with deserts ... <br /></p><p></p><p>Madame de Beaucaillou 2018</p><p>Fluffy Billows Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018</p><p>Josh Phelps GW Steady State 2015</p><p><i><b>Merry Christmas! </b></i><br /></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-73505020042505938052023-12-22T20:00:00.000-06:002024-01-01T12:39:00.344-06:00Boys night features flight of ultra-premium Napa Cabernets<p>Boys night features flight of ultra-premium Napa Cabernets</p><p>Son Ryan invited brothers, dad and in-laws, in town for the holidays, over for a boys night of darts, ping-pong and pop-a-shot. He opened the evening serving a flight of ultra-premium Napa Cabernets. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vUmlTpFPsEc3FtB70Qtsyrv2U2PCTi4u7K8X19nN1pqBx0DxwdhDgF3MfeDP9SZizp0hdbcMhEKTCp_S3lm0A58YUm_K-_EffRuG7x1rsL7xaDymEFAOSuBwFo6NbpkLT5WrEAh2XfKVVdw3Sm0GrB5kFq6rKejLOusmoTtzuJe-XDArTBmCm_H2bmM/s875/Ryans-12-23-win-flt-IMG_2869.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="805" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vUmlTpFPsEc3FtB70Qtsyrv2U2PCTi4u7K8X19nN1pqBx0DxwdhDgF3MfeDP9SZizp0hdbcMhEKTCp_S3lm0A58YUm_K-_EffRuG7x1rsL7xaDymEFAOSuBwFo6NbpkLT5WrEAh2XfKVVdw3Sm0GrB5kFq6rKejLOusmoTtzuJe-XDArTBmCm_H2bmM/s320/Ryans-12-23-win-flt-IMG_2869.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><p> Ryan served a selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkLJoUzcH92b7SgkdYoO5Kslqji23CMQh8stXznaGLp7EdFFjtkNlRDd1uG2e1opCugiGN5LumXhqW0h9KZPm_vX7Cnzvc8oC4PY6KUV8naS-e5ZmuLcjoZO30YxP_37M3oh4lr9PuzkzNFxBxASX5NPu4gM2mUbRELjEHtYYayvr3PLiG1W2Dh4MPgY/s1336/Ryans-12-23-cheeses-IMG_2865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1336" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkLJoUzcH92b7SgkdYoO5Kslqji23CMQh8stXznaGLp7EdFFjtkNlRDd1uG2e1opCugiGN5LumXhqW0h9KZPm_vX7Cnzvc8oC4PY6KUV8naS-e5ZmuLcjoZO30YxP_37M3oh4lr9PuzkzNFxBxASX5NPu4gM2mUbRELjEHtYYayvr3PLiG1W2Dh4MPgY/s320/Ryans-12-23-cheeses-IMG_2865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzCWXC75-oKDOWhESS9aqMOIQOZ5p-ZuQoACkvB43NgY5I5kRH4oF4rKBMOCXnP0-o0v9vpnXvTbrGO1Ba49v6skEI25Wki6ULw4xoHxxlC-pr9ackEn5fLYy_Dk7rWwkHyMD7uJP7jNk1p1xJXJFdGgCQP7I7l2-j5b6DChz1jmwDfEYoLyYhEx4Jk/s930/Ryans-12-23-Rick-Ryan-IMG_2864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="930" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzCWXC75-oKDOWhESS9aqMOIQOZ5p-ZuQoACkvB43NgY5I5kRH4oF4rKBMOCXnP0-o0v9vpnXvTbrGO1Ba49v6skEI25Wki6ULw4xoHxxlC-pr9ackEn5fLYy_Dk7rWwkHyMD7uJP7jNk1p1xJXJFdGgCQP7I7l2-j5b6DChz1jmwDfEYoLyYhEx4Jk/s320/Ryans-12-23-Rick-Ryan-IMG_2864.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-SumsF3XUcX17zA7eUjGFLFM07E5UprbcXHmJtT6P4kUkFUSR63h4SRRdp9o_jeFY7jb55L2RFHvjyDSyJshe0F7oXvaA_s353hEcfrqLgGaveRZTgFXbcNsGl1qVcB8bkLYeyqnQCyMp6OGJMOgR0xTHP8d0NBsyRrPwrtuSMC6M9e-PGi4u8MUS1Y/s804/Ryans-12-23-Sean-Ryan-2-IMG_2863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="804" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-SumsF3XUcX17zA7eUjGFLFM07E5UprbcXHmJtT6P4kUkFUSR63h4SRRdp9o_jeFY7jb55L2RFHvjyDSyJshe0F7oXvaA_s353hEcfrqLgGaveRZTgFXbcNsGl1qVcB8bkLYeyqnQCyMp6OGJMOgR0xTHP8d0NBsyRrPwrtuSMC6M9e-PGi4u8MUS1Y/s320/Ryans-12-23-Sean-Ryan-2-IMG_2863.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div> <p></p><p><b>Hall Xzellenze Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007</b></p><p>We <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/hall-rutherford-winery-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">discovered, tasted and acquired this label at the magnificent Rutherford Estate Winery during our Napa Wine Experience in 2017</a>. This is sourced from the <b>Sacrashe Vineyard</b> that lies just above the
winery adjacent to the estate residence. We hold and have had some of the earlier
single vineyard designated wines from this vineyard dating back to 1998.
Who knew this would evolve and progress to such heights? Not often does
one get to taste a 'perfect' wine. of course perfection is in the eyes
('eyze') of the beholder. <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The
2013 vintage of this label that we tasted that day in their magnificent
tasting room in the cave at the Rutherford Sacrashe estate (shown
below) got <b>100 points</b> from <b>Robert Parker</b></a>. <br /></p><p></p>We tasted this wine recently in our Pour Boys holiday wine dinner so it was great to compare an earlier vintage of this classic Napa label - the flagship of Hall Wines. That release and another were featured in these pages' blogposts:<p></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/12/exzellenz-and-aged-robert-craig-mt.html">Exzellenz and aged Robert Craig Mt Veeder for holiday celebration gathering</a></p><p>https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/hall-rutherford-winery-estate.html </p><p>Ryan has also visited the Hall Rutherford estate and has acquired a significant collection of Hall wines and several vintages of this super label. </p><p>This earlier release was awarded 96 points by Wine Enthusiast and <span class="wineRatings_rating">93 points by </span>Wine Spectator.</p><div class="pipProfessionalReviews"><div class="reviewsContainer viewMoreModule js-expanded"><div class="viewMoreModule_text viewMoreModule-reviews"><div class="pipProfessionalReviews_list"><div class="pipProfessionalReviews_review"><div class="pipSecContent_copy">This is 100% Cabernet sourced from the Hall Estate Sacrashe Vineyard that surrounds the producer's home and sits above the Hall Rutherford Winery and Hospitality Center. This was a limited production barrel
selection of only 420 cases.</div><div class="pipSecContent_copy"> </div><div class="pipSecContent_copy">We wrote in earlier visit blogposts about the spectacular <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hall Rutherford estate and cave tour</a>s at the Rutherford estate sitting in the <b>Sacrashe Vineyard</b>, with hospitality rooms above the wine production area, barrel caves and tasting room below. <br /></div><br /><div class="pipSecContent_copy">A
powerful expression, ripe and rich, with tiers of loamy earth, spice,
currant, blackberry and herbal notes. Full-bodied, very tight and
compact, ending with firm, fine-grained tannins and a touch of new
saddle leather. blackberry jam,
chocolate, olive and cedar flavors, it’s hard to not drain the bottle
now. But it also shows fabulously rich tannins that suggest aging. </div><div class="pipSecContent_copy"> </div><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1023839" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1023839</a></div></div></div></div></div><p>Continuing our flight of outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons ...<br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p><b>Cardinale Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010</b><br /></p><p>Just last week at our <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Christmas dinner offering a medley of festive wines</a>, we served another ultra-premium label from the extensive <a href="https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Jackson Family Wines</b></a> portfolio of iconic brands. <br /></p><p>I written often in these pages about Jess Jackson (1930–2011) who founded what became one of the most
successful family-owned wine companies in the world. Jackson’s lengthy career spanned more than
30 years in pursuit of his vision and passion to produce extraordinary wine from
California’s best vineyards. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcDh5gPzwHc8WB8jopC05LYC4Uuc9zA8fECeyIaMVbtwPxY2F_9PyieyHQM05ejVdGheeLonFd4CJNlSt_9jIGD6QI2yPUkip5Q04xmpMspeDRcFbyd4c7BjRsd_oxa-lA6bNH1a4p3Mqa42pRyxa8VTxAxBX8MoW83ZSR5lf5eqrDyH3Z1P7BknP6k0/s773/btl-cork-CA-Cardinale-2010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="192" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcDh5gPzwHc8WB8jopC05LYC4Uuc9zA8fECeyIaMVbtwPxY2F_9PyieyHQM05ejVdGheeLonFd4CJNlSt_9jIGD6QI2yPUkip5Q04xmpMspeDRcFbyd4c7BjRsd_oxa-lA6bNH1a4p3Mqa42pRyxa8VTxAxBX8MoW83ZSR5lf5eqrDyH3Z1P7BknP6k0/w99-h400/btl-cork-CA-Cardinale-2010.jpg" width="99" /></a></div><p>Here is another one of those labels, <b>Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, </b>a small-production, limited-availability wine, highly sought after label. </p><p>In 1983, Jess Jackson, proprietor of Kendall-Jackson Winery, decided to
produce a world-class red Meritage wine. The name comes from the
original Cardinale vineyard site at Kendall-Jackson's Lakeport winery.
The wine is made predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with small
amounts of Merlot and, in certain years, Cabernet Franc. </p><div class="pagebody-wrapper"><div class="container pagebody-container"><div id="productbody"><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-12 product-info"><div class="col-sm-4 product-left"><div class="product-image">The 2010 Cardinale is 86%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, sourced from 100% Napa Valley hillside and mountain vineyard sites. It was aged 20 months in 98% new French oak.</div> </div><div class="col-sm-4 product-left">It was produced by winemaker Chris
Carpenter who wrote: “An
intriguing combination of dark fruits and spices. The blending of five
mountain sub-appellations provided aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark
cherry and dragon fruit. These fruits meld on the palate with holiday
spice and Sumatra coffee bean characters. The wine is lush in mid-body
texture and has a lingering finish.”<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden view-mode-teaser"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-in-past-vintages field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden view-mode-teaser"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><br />Winemaker Notes continue .... "The 2010 Cardinale reflects a vintage that challenged us and highlighted
our dedication to producing a wine that defines the very best of Napa
Valley in a way that impacts your palate like Coltrane's "A Love
Supreme." The score is at once a classic of musical creation and a
masterpiece with all of the subtly, grace and precision of a Mozart
symphony, but with the charisma of complex Jazz. Following suit, the
2010 Cardinale is an intriguing combination of dark fruits and spices,
opening with scents of ripe boysenberry and dark cherry that meld on the
palate with holiday spices and Sumatra coffee bean flavors. The 2010
Cardinale has a lush, mid-body texture and a lingering finish."</div></div><div class="col-sm-12 product-info"><br /></div><div class="col-sm-12 product-info">This release was awarded 96 points from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>92 points</span>
Int'l Wine Cellar and Stephen Tanzer, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>91 points</span>
from Wine Spectator
</span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"> and
</span>17/20 points by Jancis Robinson.</div><div class="col-sm-12 product-info"><br /></div><div class="col-sm-12 product-info">Dark garnet colored, full bodied, intense, powerful and rich layers of dark red and black fruits with notes of mocha, cinnamon, cassis, earthy cedar and tobacco
with hints of tar and graphite on a firm grippijng tannin laced lingering finish. </div><div class="col-sm-12 product-info"><div class="col-sm-4 product-left"><div id="layer_field1"><span class="H2ReviewNotes"> </span></div><div id="layer_field1"><span class="H2ReviewNotes">RM 93 points. </span></div><div id="layer_field1"><span class="H2ReviewNotes"> </span></div><div id="layer_field1"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1600225">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1600225</a><p class="text-product-desc"><a href="https://www.cardinale.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cardinale.com/</a></p><p class="text-product-desc"></p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pagebody-wrapper"><div class="container pagebody-container"><div id="productbody"><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-12 product-info"><div itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Product"><div class="col-sm-8 product-right"><div class="row"><div class="col-xs-12"><div class="tab-content"> </div><b>Fleury 29 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013</b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-4">I featured Brian and Claudia Fleury and their Fleury Napa Valley estate wines in thess pages back in 2018 in the blogpost <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/08/fleury-estate-napa-valley-cabernet_8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fleury Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Duo.</a> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I wrote about when we first met <b>Brian and Claudia Fleury</b> at a <b>Del Dotto Estate Winery</b> event
(see below) back in 2002. From that meeting we acquired some Fleury
Estate <b>Lauren Bryce</b> <b>Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> from what I believe was
their inaugural vintage release. How surprising then and what fun to hear son Ryan
speaking of this wine and about he and some of his buddy's acquiring
some of the highly allocated select wine for their cellars. Fleury
Estate Napa Cab is a favorite of him and several of his colleagues who
have extensive collections of numerous releases of this label. <br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="col-sm-4"><div class="col-sm-8"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhLSUHofKW9EVIA0r29HGtW3FBr8eSQSaAxynigDz7ZM69ppBZyqAaa248alJJM9fOQjX6hxLwQThpdegYm25RCYcucJADUhSJilp6-nDR8Qao-DEHcc_I7C8zCp_iNJK6-aARFV6SFElpkEAaaV-AVk2jgIbzVL2rj_bVoM7O7bK-eqp0TTawHJzP5A/s2475/Fleury-Le-Fleur-29-2013-btl-fr-bck.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1385" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhLSUHofKW9EVIA0r29HGtW3FBr8eSQSaAxynigDz7ZM69ppBZyqAaa248alJJM9fOQjX6hxLwQThpdegYm25RCYcucJADUhSJilp6-nDR8Qao-DEHcc_I7C8zCp_iNJK6-aARFV6SFElpkEAaaV-AVk2jgIbzVL2rj_bVoM7O7bK-eqp0TTawHJzP5A/w224-h400/Fleury-Le-Fleur-29-2013-btl-fr-bck.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>Fleury Estate Winery owns 50 acres of premium
vineyard land in different appellations and
elevations that they note allow them to "craft consistent, high quality
Napa Valley
wines year after year". Their primary Fleury Estate Vineyard located in the heart of Napa Valley just south of St. Helena in Rutherford, is also home to
the Fleury tasting room, winemaking facilities and 11 acre estate
vineyard. </div><div class="col-sm-8"> </div><div class="col-sm-8">They also own and manage 30 acres in the St Helena
Vineyard, and six acre Howell Mountain Vineyard
high up in Deerpark.</div><div class="col-sm-8"> <br /></div><div class="col-sm-8">Their vineyards
are planted to all the Bordeaux Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span><br /></div></div><div class="col-sm-4"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="col-sm-4"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Le Fleur 29 is sourced from the Fleury estate vineyard in the foothills above St Helena sitting at an elevation of 880 feet. It is named for Brian Flurry's father Lee Fleury. <br /></span></div><div class="col-sm-4"> </div><div class="col-sm-4">Garnet colored, medium full bodied bright expressive blackberry fruits accented by clove spice, oak, tobacco leaf, graphite with hints of sweet mocha and vanilla. </div><div class="col-sm-4"> </div><div class="col-sm-4">RM 93 points. </div><div class="col-sm-4"> </div><div class="col-sm-4"><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2917734" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2917734</a></div><div class="col-sm-4"> <br /></div><div class="col-sm-4"><a href="https://www.fleurywinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fleurywinery.com/</a></div><div class="col-sm-4"> <br /></div>
</div><br />UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-11023210098154052562023-12-15T13:50:00.047-06:002023-12-21T10:36:16.657-06:00Wayfarer Chardonnay BYOB at Carnivore & Queen<p>Wayfarer BYOB and website confusion/conflict at Carnivore & Queen Restaurant Downers Grove <br /></p><p>For a Friday night date night, we planned to go to a local neighborhood eaterie, <a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Carnivore & the Queen</b></a> in adjacent <b>Downers Grove </b>(IL). The last time we were there, we learned it was the last evening in the existing site, that they were premiering opening the expanded adjacent dining room the following evening. So, we were eager to go back and see and try out the 'new' restaurant. </p><p>Even though we know the usual menu, we reviewed the posted <a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/#menu-supper-section" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on-line menu</a> to plan our evening, and chose two seafood options for our dinner. Exploring our wine pairing options, we checked the on-line <a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/#menu-wines-section" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">published winelist </a>(below) options to pair with our seafood selections. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVFgisJefNyq8jsEEjINLsqqaOwFR6kARTiGh_DKwGUnO8bwC_KIwD8Fn2C49k5OlJaQM4Vc9Ye0mzWQG8WXhJppRd8qFQGeZjwsUU4SQS6vzIyilc3iykzFM6m6H9_sTFfen1qBNR9vc6vyeG5suLaaIPrZx9Je5WGOB4_peX4QYrOAUl3n-fZC2Xhg/s1217/img-carnivore-winelist-cork-fee.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1217" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVFgisJefNyq8jsEEjINLsqqaOwFR6kARTiGh_DKwGUnO8bwC_KIwD8Fn2C49k5OlJaQM4Vc9Ye0mzWQG8WXhJppRd8qFQGeZjwsUU4SQS6vzIyilc3iykzFM6m6H9_sTFfen1qBNR9vc6vyeG5suLaaIPrZx9Je5WGOB4_peX4QYrOAUl3n-fZC2Xhg/s320/img-carnivore-winelist-cork-fee.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Seafood selections ... <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETV__MHXpeNosHKlFxw-rPP-GB5Lr_Jxur50iqnLbrHYfchmkBT9DUZZw0JXHku-p7Y4F3zuqh3yCoP0P_QM5lrEipzztjc8ej_CGHLZd8x76irFOxr9PV6pHsWEgmxGmxTTEwIwUdrB02ig9L0VDBpilmDYeANgrMd2JgyjmS-193vuVhvb-E1vGR4/s3614/dinesite-Carnivore-baked-walleye-shrimp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3614" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETV__MHXpeNosHKlFxw-rPP-GB5Lr_Jxur50iqnLbrHYfchmkBT9DUZZw0JXHku-p7Y4F3zuqh3yCoP0P_QM5lrEipzztjc8ej_CGHLZd8x76irFOxr9PV6pHsWEgmxGmxTTEwIwUdrB02ig9L0VDBpilmDYeANgrMd2JgyjmS-193vuVhvb-E1vGR4/s320/dinesite-Carnivore-baked-walleye-shrimp.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh Baked Northern Walleye and Shrimp <br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9m7DvjbJuFXnrHV8hvJvq8VvoLi3AdQTrnGhNAFRuc_q58kzqARF9erduRTt32NFhbFT3Lm3Cnvu4xnOCS0d7njA8bUYOoCzztieTBfAJkzPSmFUPuzj1PdR9TBdWIFDWeubk_Mu69eRBOKOUa7AlGFV9gxT6lyp1oLlEjBkwVzN27jXvTpB6xg2oDY/s3841/dinesite-Carnivore-Seabass-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3841" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9m7DvjbJuFXnrHV8hvJvq8VvoLi3AdQTrnGhNAFRuc_q58kzqARF9erduRTt32NFhbFT3Lm3Cnvu4xnOCS0d7njA8bUYOoCzztieTBfAJkzPSmFUPuzj1PdR9TBdWIFDWeubk_Mu69eRBOKOUa7AlGFV9gxT6lyp1oLlEjBkwVzN27jXvTpB6xg2oDY/s320/dinesite-Carnivore-Seabass-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan seared Chilean Sea Bass Beurre Blanc Sauce<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>In light of the very limited options, one Sauvignon Blanc and one Chardonnay, we pulled from our cellar an ultra-premium highly rated recent release Sonoma Chardonnay that we were eager to try and review, to take for an accompaniment, taking into account the prominently displayed <a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/#menu-wines-section" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">posted published <b>Corkage Fee</b></a>. </p><p>Carnivore & Queen Published Winelist page, copied SIC below:<br /></p><p><span></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WINES & LOCAL CRAFT BEERS</b></p><h3 id="yui_3_17_2_1_1702842958279_2383" style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>BUBBLES<br />by the glass & BOttle<br /><br /></b>FRANCOIS MANTAND BRUT JURA, FRANCE<br />rose FRANCOIS MANTAND BRUT JURA, FRANCE<br />Bariano prosecco Spumante, DOC<br /><br /><b>WHITE<br />by the glass & Bottle<br /></b><i><br /></i>SAUVIGNON BLANC Chateau Saint-Marie, Bordeaux, Frace<br /> ROSE' LA FAGE, FRANCE<br />CHARDONNAY Raymond Reserve, CA</h3><h3 style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>REDS<br />by the glass & Bottle<br /></b> Pinot noir belle gloss, ca<br />Sangiovese Gran Sasso, Abruzzo, ITaly<br />Beujolais Gamay Domaine Pascal, Burgundy, France<br />ZINFANDEL HERITAGE DRY CREEK, CA<i><br /> </i> CABERNET SAUVIGNON KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT, CA<br />CABERNET SAUVIGNON Goldschmidt Game Ranch, ca<br />cabernet sauvignon frogs leap, ca<br />cabernet sauvignon phase IV, ca<br />RED BLEND dusi model m, CA</h3><h3 style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Corkage Fee’s<br /></b>Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & SUnday $15<br />Friday & Saturday $25 <br /></h3><p><span></span></p><!--more--><br />We arrived early for our early reservation and were promptly seated at a table to the side and rear of the main dining room, in the corridor to the kitchen, essentially behind and with a view of the working side of the adjacent bar. For decades, more often than not, I would reject our first table seating offered, asking for a more favorable setting. Tonight, contrary to my normal response, I opted to avoid any friction or tension and casually accepted our seating arrangements, ironically, the only table with virtually no line of sight view into the main, let-alone the new expanded restaurant dining room.<p></p><p>We finished our dinner and received the bill for settlement. I noted we were charged a $45 corkage fee. I pulled up on my phone what I clearly recalled was $25 and there it was, as I remembered, as shown above in context. </p><p>I brought this to the attention of the server who suggested I 'refresh my browser' and promptly summoned the manager. When confronted with the disparity he directed me to 'refresh my browser'. I exclaimed the website, as viewed earlier on my home computer, and then again, realtime on my phone browser, clearly showed what I claimed, a $25 corkage fee.<br /></p><p>The manager argued that I must be wrong and that I must be using an old browser or some related setting that was bringing up incorrect information. Never-mind that I've been in the software business for four decades and manage a global software company, or that I have been publishing my own personal website for more than two decades, or that I publish this on-line blog with a thousand postings going back ten years, I must be clearly mistaken. He admonished me that my browsing was errant and he showed us, after much searching, displayed on their website, the $45 corkage fee. </p><p>Later, I reviewed the <a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Carnivore & the Queen website</b></a> in detail and found the reference (s) to the corkage fee (s). The design of the site is such that all content is on one continuous page, down the main page that serves as a home page with navigation bar, are content for the welcome/about page, also the special event Santa Brunch page, the menu first page and second page, kids menu, rolling events banner, location map and contact page with announcements, reservations page, and, below/following all of that, tucked away in some fine print before and above the <span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1702847399003_3012" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SPECIALTY CRAFTED Local Spirits COCKTAILS page, then the</span><b id="yui_3_17_2_1_1702847399003_3012" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LOCAL SPIRITS </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Featuring Our Own Vodka & Bourbon Locally Distilled page, then, the </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WINES & LOCAL CRAFT BEERS section featuring the</span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b>actual winelist (showing the 'errant' corkage fee), and three more pages of content, gallery, news, reviews etc ..... </p><p>Never mind the static Menu Navigation bar at the top that takes you directly to the Wine List, and each of these content sections, through bookmarks to the section headings ... if one navigates the main page with all its content, without using the Navigation Bar/Buttons at the top, scrolling from top to bottom, one will come across the $25 corkage fee, halfway down, and then many pages later, will also come across the 'updated' increased $45 corkage fee. <br /></p><p>Alas, we were both right, their website which is one continuous main page shows both corkage fees, $25 near the middle, and navigated to on their winelist, and much further down nearer the bottom, $45.<br /></p><p>After much rancor and animated discussion, he offered to 'refund' me the difference. Having already filled out the payment authorization, based on the lower amount, I advised him it wasn't necessary, I had settled the account and he could account for the corkage fee, and remaining tip, however he wished - a concept he found difficult to grasp, but eventually accepted, concise, unequivocable and final, indeed. <br /></p><p>What an excruciating and painful experience. <br /></p><p>We'll return to Carnivore and Queen eventually, and will be steadfast to experiencing the new dining room, and will follow the prevailing published/posted corkage fee accordingly. </p><p></p><p>In any event, here's my review of the Wayfarer Chardonnay which
highlighted the Pan Seared and baked Walleye with Shrimp, and the
Seabass with muniere sauce. <br /></p><p><b>Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross Seaview Sonoma County Chardonnay 2021</b></p><p>I featured an earlier release of this label back in June in this blogpost,<b> <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/wayfarer-sonoma-county-seaview-ross.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wayfarer Sonoma County Seaview Ross Chardonnay with lobster</a>. </b>In that post, I wrote in depth then about the producer, vineyard site and label. <b></b></p><p>We toured the Sonoma Coast and Sonoma County and Russian River Valley during our Napa Sonoma Wine Experience in 2017.<b><br /></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>In recent months, since we've made five trips and had a dozen and half seafood dinners on the Gulf Coast, we've explored and enjoyed a wide selection of ultra-premium Chardonnays - SeaSmoke, Kistler, Wayfarer, Far Niente, Domaine Serene Reserve, and others. This was the most expressive, distinctive, bright and vibrant of any of our recent Chardonnay selections.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv34iP4hPUhhq61flpLKVmsBLTGJgbXCb20wfpYtknamSqzlv3VDO0VM36pTVFPuB1rP2Pr9rQWFFz0CZzrZ9woh7-NttiDf1n3TjbNIBJCWO-FQRBvSJbZSjzSIxYcRd25nC7JVxGLSjY5XHE4hxHmGOAb876d6IEge2Jy5AjX3sBdJaTSaK_t74eTZY/s2475/lbl-Wayfarer-ft-ross-seaview-chard-2021-remc-IMG_2824.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv34iP4hPUhhq61flpLKVmsBLTGJgbXCb20wfpYtknamSqzlv3VDO0VM36pTVFPuB1rP2Pr9rQWFFz0CZzrZ9woh7-NttiDf1n3TjbNIBJCWO-FQRBvSJbZSjzSIxYcRd25nC7JVxGLSjY5XHE4hxHmGOAb876d6IEge2Jy5AjX3sBdJaTSaK_t74eTZY/s320/lbl-Wayfarer-ft-ross-seaview-chard-2021-remc-IMG_2824.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>This was awarded 98 points by Erin Brooks, who wrote, "The 2021 Chardonnay The Estate is delightfully decadent and almost feels
like a guilty pleasure—it's so packed with flavor! It has gregarious
aromatic layers of warm peach, summer honey, candied citrus and wafts of
allspice. The medium-bodied palate is luxuriously satiny and features
expansive, concentrated flavors. Despite its generosity, it maintains
balance with bright acidity, and it has an epically long finish." <p></p><p>This was so up-front that it was almost obtuse and perhaps needs some settling time, but was delicious none-the-less. <br /><br />Light golden straw colored, medium bodied, rich, dense, concentrated and forward, notes of citrus laced pear with notes of honey flavor but without residual sweetness, smooth and polished on the finish. </p><p>One CT'er (Cellertracker reviewer), 'RhoneWho' writes "opulent bouquet ... uplifting aromatics infused with ripe
summer California white orchard fruits and white flower floral". I agree with his assessment that "This wine will definitely improve with bottle aging in 3-5 years and can
easily sustain its primary profile over 10+ years given its structure." He gave this 97 points. <br /></p><p>RM 94 points. <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4612323" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4612323</a></p><p><a href="https://www.wayfarervineyard.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wayfarervineyard.com/</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/WayfarerWine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/WayfarerWine</a> @WayfarerWine</p><p><a href="https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://carnivoreandthequeen.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/QueenCarnivore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/QueenCarnivore</a> @QueenCarnivore <br /></p><p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-7205539721382463562023-12-12T11:05:00.001-06:002023-12-22T17:09:52.478-06:00Long Shadows Chester Kidder with Beef Tenderloin<p>Long Shadows Chester Kidder with Beef Tenderloin</p><p>With left over beef tenderloin I pulled from the cellar this premium Washington State Cabernet as an accompaniment. </p><p>This is from Long Shadows collection which I I have featured often in these pages, <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/08/long-shadows-cellars-feature-world.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Long Shadows Cellars feature world class winemakers and Columbia Valley fruit</a>.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <span>Long Shadows was the creation of <b>Allan Shoup</b>,
leader of Chateau St Michelle from 1983 to 2000. There he introduced
Washington State grapes to winemakers from around the world in
collaboration to produce quality wines. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span></span></span>
</p><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>After
retirement from Chateau St Michelle he founded Long Shadows to produce
world class ultra-premium wines in Washington with fruit sourced from there. He built a state of the
art winery in Walla Walla and recruited a team of legendary producers to
craft signature wines from the best vineyards' fruit from the
Washington Columbia Valley. Three years into the new venture Long
Shadows was awarded the Winery of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Shoup
recruited a top winemaker with expertise and a track record producing
best in class wine in each category or type of wine based on varietal
grape. Marketed under the <b>Vintners Collection</b>, each of the Long
Shadows labels in a testament to the legend of the winemaker for each
label based on each varietal.</span></span> </div><div class="pipWinery_copy viewMoreModule" itemprop="description"><div class="viewMoreModule_text"><p>Since the
beginning, Long Shadows' Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Gilles
Nicault, has overseen the operations of the winery and worked closely
with the vintners to bring each winemaker’s vision to completion.
Internationally renowned winemakers Randy Dunn (Feather Cabernet
Sauvignon); John Duval (Sequel Syrah); Philippe Melka (Pirouette Red
Wine); and Michel Rolland (Pedestal Merlot) are active partners in their
respective wines. Gilles now crafts Poet’s Leap Riesling and Saggi, a
Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, in styles that remain true to their
original winemakers, Armin Diel and Giovanni Folonari respectively.
Gilles crafts Chester-Kidder, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend,
independently.</p><p>Gilles works closely with the state’s top growers
to execute a diverse winemaking protocol at Long Shadows’
state-of-the-art facility in Walla Walla to produce wines of exceptional
quality, true to the Columbia Valley’s terroir. <br /></p></div></div><p>N<span style="font-weight: bold;">illes Nicault</span>
has served as director of winemaking and viticulture since Long Shadows
inception in 2003. As resident winemaker overseeing daily operations at
Long Shadows' state-of-the-art winery in Walla Walla, Gilles works with
a group of celebrated vintners from around the globe. It is his job to
ensure that each winemaker's vision is realized in the vineyard and the
cellar.
</p><p>
While many winemakers would find this proposition a daunting task,
French-born Nicault describes the position as his "dream job." Those who
know Gilles best say it is his insatiable curiosity and desire to learn
something new every day as well as his winemaking skills that make him
uniquely qualified for the position. In addition to executing daily
operations at the winery, Gilles is the winemaker for Long Shadows'
acclaimed Chester-Kidder, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah blend that carries
his signature.</p>
<p>
Gilles grew up in southern France and graduated from the University of
Avignon with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. He honed his craft in
the fabled hillside vineyards and wineries of Cotes Du Rhone, Provence
and Champagne. On 1994, already a vintner of rising fame in his
homeland, Gilles traveled to Washington State to expand his winemaking
skills.</p>
<p>
Impressed by Washtington State's vineyards and the opportunity to be
part of a growing wine community, he stayed in the Columbia Valley,
working for Staton Hills and Hogue Cellars before joining Woodward
Canyon in 1996, where he stayed until moving to Long Shadows in June
2003. Sharing Woodward Canyon's passion for world-class wine, Gilles
soon found Woodward Canyon's founder Rick Small was his ideal mentor and
biggest champion. In 1999, Woodward Canyon named Gilles head of enology
and production.</p>
<p>
Gilles is married to winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla of Forgeron Cellars,
also an acclaimed winemaker. The couple wilves in Walla Walla with their
two children.</p><p>Allen
Shoup named this wine in honor of his mother, Elizabeth <b>Chester</b>, and
his grandmother, Maggie <b>Kidder</b>. He selected Long Shadows' Director of
Winemaking and Viticulture, Gilles Nicault, to craft this New World
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other classic Bordeaux varieties.</p><p>Chester-Kidder is
one of six distinct red wines from Long Shadows Vintners - a collection
of ultra-premium wines, each built on the unique expertise of some of
the world’s most knowledgeable winemakers to showcase the quality and
caliber of Washington State’s Columbia Valley. </p><p><b>Long Shadows "Chester-Kidder" Columbia Valley Red Blend 2015</b> </p><p>The 2015 Vintage of Chester-Kidder is a red varietal blend composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot, sourced from the <b>Columbia Valley</b> Appellation. It is styled
to capture the complexity of the growing region, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes from Candy Mountain give the
wine its firm structure and wonderful intensity. Walla Walla Valley
vineyards contribute Cabernet that adds depth and rich textures. Petit
Verdot sourced from Sagemoor Vineyards provides layers of ripe, fresh
flavors and refined tannins. This release is aged
for an average of 30 months in tight-grained French oak which allows
the fruit to fully integrate prior to bottling.<br /><br /> We wrote about this wine earlier this year in this blogpost - <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/02/long-shadows-chester-kidder.html">Long Shadows Chester Kidder</a>. <br /> <br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz38HENcZBPrUu2a0WyLG4rt-SRBMGj3UmNcp4VrHn8MRq_kBpLm1l9ybg2H19M4iP0HpozKPmaf3-GVsyHQFtae4BgTHrRAU6AYY2odi-EFLtdU4qEroc_y87fIfDclBtdFD4ZjcEvawCA3NxBd7eujrLX9wz5SmgqcuT8yWnqrHeO-3aPe6ny7c_yo/s2495/lbl-NW-Long-Shadows-Chester-Kidder-2015-remc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="1146" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz38HENcZBPrUu2a0WyLG4rt-SRBMGj3UmNcp4VrHn8MRq_kBpLm1l9ybg2H19M4iP0HpozKPmaf3-GVsyHQFtae4BgTHrRAU6AYY2odi-EFLtdU4qEroc_y87fIfDclBtdFD4ZjcEvawCA3NxBd7eujrLX9wz5SmgqcuT8yWnqrHeO-3aPe6ny7c_yo/s320/lbl-NW-Long-Shadows-Chester-Kidder-2015-remc.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>The 2015 CHESTER-KIDDER was awarded 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points by Wine Advocate and <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>92 points</span>
by Vinous.
</span> <p></p><p>This was bright garnet/ruby colored, medium to full bodied with a complex rich round core blackberry, black raspberry and red currant fruits with notes of licorice, savory spices, dark mocha chocolate and hints of graphite and earth, ending with a
long and complex finish with gripping tannins.</p><p>RM 92 points. </p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2914665" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2914665</a><p><a href="https://longshadows.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://longshadows.com/</a> </p><p class="uppercase font-bold"><a href="https://twitter.com/LongShadowsWine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/LongShadowsWine</a> </p>@LongShadowsWine <p> </p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-39854600184625018832023-12-08T21:00:00.025-06:002023-12-16T16:07:49.187-06:00Pour Boys Holiday Wine Dinner 2023<p></p><p>Pour Boys Holiday Wine Dinner 2023</p><p>Dr Dan and Linda hosted Lyle
and Terry and Linda and me for a 'Pour Boys' wine group holiday dinner.
They prepared Veal Marsala as the main entree dish with mashed
potatoes, brussel sprouts, mixed green salad and roasted red pepper
soup.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2Iv1tQ7XclSsTw_Wq_DNBl9aJVF6NQcWEbfu95k0rZV31DUrcBEOCBs514oHgX6ibvUZgWJ3cnpZ_Iz8kqIvXYXNNNLx5r22eVZaen4JAa_-tbhUuhacpHxhNPRe29aSGsWzGsDuqWZMW868xS-1mQ3cWF1UkR1cCQs0NmJRV1xFTD1UfhNgqtRd07g/s2741/PB-Dans-holiday-23-Fins-Dan-Linda-IMG_2616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2741" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2Iv1tQ7XclSsTw_Wq_DNBl9aJVF6NQcWEbfu95k0rZV31DUrcBEOCBs514oHgX6ibvUZgWJ3cnpZ_Iz8kqIvXYXNNNLx5r22eVZaen4JAa_-tbhUuhacpHxhNPRe29aSGsWzGsDuqWZMW868xS-1mQ3cWF1UkR1cCQs0NmJRV1xFTD1UfhNgqtRd07g/s320/PB-Dans-holiday-23-Fins-Dan-Linda-IMG_2616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />Before dinner they served a medley of artisan cheeses and charcuterie. <br /><p></p><p>Dan pulled from his cellar a <b><i>horizontal </i></b>selection of 2011 vintage vineyard designated Aussie Shiraz' from producer Clarendon Hills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV5GLQXjcchc0K2g_Lw3NSZ7KjcaiCBVLRg4CknuQzvEWUkDQfQkzdFznqQ1g0562zF09ZozGsHE7lLRuhkGE9y2vGcnBqLhQ1ePd_HBajrRdn0BzizBFnLEXrMD_tzOwsB6oTa3VjYeMzPQjcCogrkRCtuChHLPB2eqrDZdDCkRpNaQcpDybjQY_qgw/s2475/PB-Bade-holiday-23-clarendon-hls-horiz-IMG_2596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV5GLQXjcchc0K2g_Lw3NSZ7KjcaiCBVLRg4CknuQzvEWUkDQfQkzdFznqQ1g0562zF09ZozGsHE7lLRuhkGE9y2vGcnBqLhQ1ePd_HBajrRdn0BzizBFnLEXrMD_tzOwsB6oTa3VjYeMzPQjcCogrkRCtuChHLPB2eqrDZdDCkRpNaQcpDybjQY_qgw/s320/PB-Bade-holiday-23-clarendon-hls-horiz-IMG_2596.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><p></p><p>What
a treat to taste three different designated vineyard selections
from the same vintage - thereby called a 'horizontal' collection. </p><p>Clarendon
Hills produced these different vineyard specific Shiraz's in 2011 - Bakers Gully,
Moritz and Liandra vineyards. Dan was able to obtain this collection
at auction for this special tasting. </p><p><b>Clarendon Hills</b> is a small family run winery based in <b>Clarendon, South Australia</b>, founded by biochemist Roman Bratasiuk in 1990, the self-taught winemaking proprietor. Considered
somewhat of a maverick within the Australian industry, Roman changed the landscape of Australian fine wine. Roman’s prophetic vision was to introduce the single
vineyard concept to Australian wine. </p><p><span data-mce-fragment="1">Roman purchased a 160ha property high in the
hill country of Clarendon at an altitude close to that of the Adelaide
Hills. Here he established a vineyard with single-stake trellising
similar to that used on the steep slopes of Germany and Austria; it
produces the Domaine Clarendon Syrah. Sons Adam and Alex have joined
their father in the business – Adam in the winery, Alex managing the
future direction of Clarendon Hills. </span><span data-mce-fragment="1">-JAMES HALLIDAY</span></p><p>Roman pioneered the
Australian Grenache category with the release of Australia’s first
single vineyard, 100% Grenache: the 1991 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs
Grenache, then extended that approach to Shiraz. </p><p>He also developed what became his flagship ultra-premium label, one of Australia’s
greatest single vineyards with his Astralis Syrah
vineyard in Blewitt Springs. Over the following 3 decades Roman and Clarendon Hills developed a world-wide,
first-class reputation highlighting remarkable old vine Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet vineyards from the Blewitt Springs and Clarendon sub districts.</p><p>The McLaren Vale terroir with close proximity to the Great Southern Ocean and
St Vincent Gulf, in combination with old mature vines produce wines that typify the
region with freshness and bright natural acidity derived
from the marine climate.</p><p>Clarendon Hills Syrah’s are considered among the very best in
Australia from
arguably Australia’s greatest single vineyard Syrah, Astralis, Clarendon Hills has added a number of
individual, exceptional, single vineyard old vine
expressions to the portfolio.</p><p> Roman adopted a
‘Burgundian’ approach to branding producing 19 single vineyard designated wines,
reflecting an internal hierarchy seen in the old-world with their Village wine,
Premier-Cru and Grand-Cru classifications. </p><p><i><b>"Roman Bratasiuk is one of planet earth's greatest winemakers" - Robert Parker Jr, Wine Advocate 5 Star Winery - Halliday Wine Companion</b></i>
</p><p><b>Clarendon Hills Bakers Gully Syrah 2011</b><br /><br />This release got <span>92 points by Halliday Wine Companion and 90+ by Wine Advocate.</span></p><p>Aggregate of Cellartracker scores of 89.8<span> <br /></span></p><p>Dark ink color in the glass. Smooth with well integrated tannins. Hint
of black pepper. Really good qpr - better value than the Liandra and
actually enjoyed it better<span> <br /></span></p><p><span> <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1953002" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1953002</a></span> </p><p><b>Clarendon Hills Liandra Vineyard Syrah 2011 </b></p><p></p><p>The Clarendon Hills Liandra Syrah site is located in the Blewitt Springs
sub-region of McLaren Vale, a sandy section of the famous
Blewitt Springs sands.</p><p>Aggregate of ten Cellartracker scores of 88 <br /></p>
<p>CT'er - Deep, dark and full bodied. Subdued fruit. Hints of black pepper and
solid tannins. Good.</p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1953013" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1953013</a></p><p><b>Clarendon Hills Moritz Vineyard Syrah 2011 </b></p><p>Winemaker's Notes - The Moritz vineyard was planted in 1975 in a fine sandy soil with
pebbled ironstone top soil. Located in the lowest elevated sub-district
Kangarilla it is dry-grown and trellised. The Syrah vines are encouraged
to yield approximately 2 tonne per acre or 34 hectolitres per hectare.
Consistent vineyard characters include coffee, blue berry and black
olive like vibrance in the primary fruit spectrum. Moritz displays
balance and intensity. Bitter chocolate and coffee flavors mingle with
the earthy meatiness and combine to provide a supple experience. <br /></p><p>Aggregate of ten Cellartracker scores of 90.3<br /></p><p>Initial nose was acidic and dark red fruit. Wild herbs, a little mint, later after some decanting there was cola. Very intense taste of tart berries. A little pepper in the middle. nice tannins at the front long tart finish. Intensely fruity without being sweet. Savory notes appear after on the pallette after about 1 hour in the decanter Excellent. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1955271" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1955271</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://clarendonhills.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clarendonhills.com.au/</a></p><p> To
pair and compare with the horizontal flight I brought another vineyard
designated label Napa Valley Shiraz from Venge Vineyards, one of our
favorite producers, from the 2010 vintage. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSepPfOwvzVcuiGhzl0apJxfJdA_S-Y9oZ2L1eQ-vocd8nzmQR937Xm80c2vV-7dGUkx4SKPuqNhW4VQnq2mcir-t0sYcoWpCjYWkNDHqymXSYAGmHQSh-dVQfYwOJ_ulFaDNS-Aw_vmvc5MgvjVDBr18NJFNAPWjigbMPGb-vE_OcLbdGDS0Z7hYIRE/s3671/PB-Bade-holiday-23-Venge-syrah-10-IMG_2429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3671" data-original-width="990" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSepPfOwvzVcuiGhzl0apJxfJdA_S-Y9oZ2L1eQ-vocd8nzmQR937Xm80c2vV-7dGUkx4SKPuqNhW4VQnq2mcir-t0sYcoWpCjYWkNDHqymXSYAGmHQSh-dVQfYwOJ_ulFaDNS-Aw_vmvc5MgvjVDBr18NJFNAPWjigbMPGb-vE_OcLbdGDS0Z7hYIRE/s320/PB-Bade-holiday-23-Venge-syrah-10-IMG_2429.jpg" width="86" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lyle
brought from his cellar another 2010 vintage release of Sonoma County
Bordeaux Blend, <b>Cinq Cépages</b> from <b>Château </b><b>St. Jean</b>. We've visited the
Chateau estate winery on several occasions over the years including
during our Napa/Sonoma Wine Experience 2017. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCff0XJLqg-EB0dxc0gjVmH1zsOhL6A0keaZr5Cmf5-eyunRCJFdlnAh5Si0srEDKEYgJf7Jbs6CkmdYHHN_s4Lf16JTQWHTCosF3LAki2DrbP0vh6hEnkBo3dyYBdKs_yFzFXeB3WScC3510mpGsFnLWurq_4RFVBlX32F_fLz2BDjOmthsNzkYaXowA/s2475/PB-Bade-holiday-23-xcel-cinq-sea-smk-IMG_2599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1791" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCff0XJLqg-EB0dxc0gjVmH1zsOhL6A0keaZr5Cmf5-eyunRCJFdlnAh5Si0srEDKEYgJf7Jbs6CkmdYHHN_s4Lf16JTQWHTCosF3LAki2DrbP0vh6hEnkBo3dyYBdKs_yFzFXeB3WScC3510mpGsFnLWurq_4RFVBlX32F_fLz2BDjOmthsNzkYaXowA/s320/PB-Bade-holiday-23-xcel-cinq-sea-smk-IMG_2599.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><p></p><p>With the starter courses Dan served Sea Smoke Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2014.<br /></p><p>I
mentioned that during our recent week retreat to our Florida vacation
rental home, I read a couple books, including most notably, "A Perfect
Score" by producer Kathleen Hall of Hall Vineyards. We obtained signed
copies of this book at the Producer release tour tasting in Chicago with
Dan & Linda. </p><p>To commemorate that memorable evening, and the
festive holiday, Dan graciously pulled from his cellar a bottle of Hall
flagship <b>Excellenz</b>, also from the 2014 vintage. We tasted and acquired
this wine during our visit to the producer during our Napa Wine
Experience in 2017. </p><p>I mentioned that we tasted the 2013 vintage
release of this wine at our family Christmas celebration last year and I
noted that that wine was on par with and notably perhaps the best
bottle of California or Napa Valley wine I ever experienced. I featured
that bottle in this blogpost at the time. <br /></p><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/12/exzellenz-and-aged-robert-craig-mt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exzellenz and aged Robert Craig Mt Veeder for holiday celebration gathering</a>
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div>
<p></p><p>The
kids and grandkids assembled at our house following the annual
ritualistic Santa's breakfast at our local Seven Bridges Golf Club.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQSALds-2TQSMk8uOjzaKpyKJqiVlOZnWtIdtOZRrI-PMr3ez8YfJ76qutDkqVSd1cltlQcTf84Bl3Ht5M1rrdofbx3gApyOePmg-ryma87HNF19GvuBJIh7QlcFue9_GzmuS8kxNmCFhLHWXVuJHq18-j0cMP9uXSkVtfBb3usBS_0S8mXIcFbV_/s3300/Mc-Christmas-2022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQSALds-2TQSMk8uOjzaKpyKJqiVlOZnWtIdtOZRrI-PMr3ez8YfJ76qutDkqVSd1cltlQcTf84Bl3Ht5M1rrdofbx3gApyOePmg-ryma87HNF19GvuBJIh7QlcFue9_GzmuS8kxNmCFhLHWXVuJHq18-j0cMP9uXSkVtfBb3usBS_0S8mXIcFbV_/s320/Mc-Christmas-2022.jpg" width="320" /></a><p></p><p>For such a festive family gathering, the boys
went down to the cellar and pulled two memorable, notable bottles,
Hall's flagship ultra-premium <b>Exzellenz </b>Napa Cabernet, from the grandkids birthyear 2015 vintage, and the historic inaugural vintage release of <b>Robert Craig Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon</b>, 1993.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hall Exzellenz Rutherford Sacrashe Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015<br /></b></span></span></span>
<br />We <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/hall-rutherford-winery-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">discovered, tasted and acquired this label at the magnificent Rutherford Estate Winery during our Napa Wine Experience in 2017</a>. This is sourced from the <b>Sacrashe Vineyard</b> that lies just above the
winery adjacent to the estate residence. We hold and have had some of the earlier
single vineyard designated wines from this vineyard dating back to 1998.
Who knew this would evolve and progress to such heights? Not often does
one get to taste a 'perfect' wine. of course perfection is in the eyes
('eyze') of the beholder. <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The
2013 vintage of this label that we tasted that day in their magnificent
tasting room in the cave at the Rutherford Sacrashe estate (shown
below) got <b>100 points</b> from <b>Robert Parker</b></a>.<br />
</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-2013/Hall/img_napa_2013_hall_rutherford_tasting_rm_remc_5777.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-2013/Hall/img_napa_2013_hall_rutherford_tasting_rm_remc_5777.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Parker wrote of this wine; "This hails from the foothills of Rutherford
and refers to Kathryn Hall’s ambassadorship to Austria between 1997 and
2001. A prodigious wine with beautiful floral notes intermingled with
blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry and graphite, the wine hits the
palate with a full-bodied force, but nothing seems pushed, cloying or
out of sync. Gorgeously pure blue and black fruits cascade over the
palate, a full-bodied presentation with remarkable purity and
complexity. The finish is a good 45-50 seconds, and while there is
significant tannin, the extravagance of the fruit and glycerin generally
conceal it. This is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind, world class Cabernet
Sauvignon that should prove compelling for at least another 30-40+
years."<br />
<br />
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. 100 Points.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-2013/Hall/img-napa-2013-sacrashe-vnyd-5849-remc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-2013/Hall/img-napa-2013-sacrashe-vnyd-5849-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacrashe Vineyard at Hall Rutherford Estate<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>What a treat,
and what better way to enjoy such a spectacular cellar selection than
with family - especially my two sons who are becoming oenphiles in their
own right, like me! </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hall Exzellenz Rutherford Sacrashe Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015</b></span></span></span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>As explained on the rear label, shown below, the name </span></span><i><b>Exzellenz</b> </i>is German for <i>Ambassador</i>, in commemoration of Kathyn Hall's service as US Ambassador to Austria from 1997 to 2001. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVQduWO8hDxtO63F4y0GMwahOLL8a0jM2pNS-O4fInCXKvRmdZgcHMMkv_AA2pDJRqhJV_b4PvQ9--rq-0eYvMlYFcBTfwiTL8vFoM95rguRoHKV8ARisoWhtIMdPNMaJ4M2qILSMq4xarUgyloYWH40Kmog9lbc_lOOZurfGikkItqvgUAHY45h3/s960/img_napa_2013_hall_rutherford_cellar_5810%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVQduWO8hDxtO63F4y0GMwahOLL8a0jM2pNS-O4fInCXKvRmdZgcHMMkv_AA2pDJRqhJV_b4PvQ9--rq-0eYvMlYFcBTfwiTL8vFoM95rguRoHKV8ARisoWhtIMdPNMaJ4M2qILSMq4xarUgyloYWH40Kmog9lbc_lOOZurfGikkItqvgUAHY45h3/s320/img_napa_2013_hall_rutherford_cellar_5810%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bricks in <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
in the magnificent tasting room in the cave at the Rutherford Sacrashe
estate (shown right and above) and featured in a separate blogpost at
this link</a>) are recovered and repurposed from a former royal castle in Austria. <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span> </span></span><p></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>This
is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Sacrashe Vineyard (shown
above) at the Hall Rutherford Estate on the lower slopes of the Vaca
Range overlooking Rutherford, Napa Valley. <br /></span></span></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>While this release didn't get 100 points, it came as close as possible, 99 points by</span>
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, </span>97 points from Owen Bargreen of <a href="http://owenbargreen.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">owenbargreen.com</a>,<span class="H2ReviewNotes"> and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>93 points</span>
by Wine Enthusiast.
</span>
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4kIeypCCf-yVuhkyA2HQSJebubrFP9zVDAfc_PnV6WKyEOlGH8veki8ojPeSLRE2a-thr6zZ7YJSTfNZdIOO1TwtEUymXS1X6YNS98jCt6WOp7_1lFVekyRsjDr6GW0mxo2Z6Y-RwaQRgB6G5EnI4ceC838OyikVJFDp2Jj6gphmqBvoO-Fp1DbK/s3199/lbls-CA-Hall-Exzellenz-napa-cab-2015-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3199" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4kIeypCCf-yVuhkyA2HQSJebubrFP9zVDAfc_PnV6WKyEOlGH8veki8ojPeSLRE2a-thr6zZ7YJSTfNZdIOO1TwtEUymXS1X6YNS98jCt6WOp7_1lFVekyRsjDr6GW0mxo2Z6Y-RwaQRgB6G5EnI4ceC838OyikVJFDp2Jj6gphmqBvoO-Fp1DbK/s320/lbls-CA-Hall-Exzellenz-napa-cab-2015-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Parker wrote about this wine: "Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and sporting a very deep
purple-black color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz unfurls
slowly, tantalizingly out of the glass to reveal powerful, intense
scents of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and
preserved plums with an undercurrent of Chinese five spice, molten
chocolate, licorice and Marmite toast with wafts of garrigue and
camphor. Very rich, full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it coats
the mouth with black and blue fruit preserves plus tons of spice and
savory accents, held together by a rock-solid, grainy frame and
finishing with epic persistence."<p></p><p>Spectacular! Delicious!
Enchanting! Deep dark garnet colored, full bodied, rich, concentrated,
round, rich, complex but elegant and seductive smooth blackberry and
black currant fruits accented by savory clove/cinnamon spices, tones of
crème de cassis, mocha chocolate, tobacco leaf and black tea, with a
tongue coating dusty gripping but silky smooth tannin laced lingering
finish. </p><p>RM 97 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2508301" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2508301</a></p><p>So tonight, we tasted the 2014 vintage release of this ultra-premium label. <br /><br /><b> Hall "Exzellenz" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014</b></p><p>This release was awarded a monumental 99 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and 95 points by Wine Advocate. <br /><br />Deep
dark garnet/purple colored, full-bodied, firmly structured and
muscular yet nicely balanced, smooth and polished, rich round blackberry
and plum fruits, Wine Advocate cites 'mulberries, smoked meat. Indian
spices and tree bark', hints of Crème de cassis, toasty oak and graphite
on a long firm chewy tannin laced finish. </p><p>RM 95 points. <br /></p><a href="https://twitter.com/HALLWines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/HALLWines</a> <br /><p>@HALLWines <br /></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/hall-rutherford-winery-estate.html">Hall Rutherford Winery Estate Appellation Tasting</a>
</p>
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Our visit to the <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hall Rutherford Estate</a></b> was one of the highlights of our <b><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/08/napa-sonoma-wine-experience-2017.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Napa Sonoma Wine Experience 2017</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu65-SXB2c1gIvPgi6P-xL8TLfpsfswwySZNSzZmowDVUockP9Yyg8_VKtBrqn1-O5g9dU27h2wKug_tXPRIKtUdPTtwKGJ26BpwFYt945W-iVTjQMBCVWmbh3ypk1jwoMUSc6jN3WMEQ/s1600/napa-17-hall-tasting-rm-1790-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu65-SXB2c1gIvPgi6P-xL8TLfpsfswwySZNSzZmowDVUockP9Yyg8_VKtBrqn1-O5g9dU27h2wKug_tXPRIKtUdPTtwKGJ26BpwFYt945W-iVTjQMBCVWmbh3ypk1jwoMUSc6jN3WMEQ/s320/napa-17-hall-tasting-rm-1790-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a>We wrote in earlier visit blogposts about the spectacular <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/hall-napa-valley-rutherford-estate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hall Rutherford estate and cave tour</a>s at the Rutherford estate sitting in the <b>Sacrashe Vineyard</b>, with hospitality rooms above the wine production area, barrel caves and tasting room below.<b> </b><br />
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The magnificent caves are sculpted into the mountain with bricks brought
from an Austrian castle and features alcoves that create a galley of
sculpture art.<br />
<br />
The magnificent tasting room (shown left) at the end of the barrel cave
features a large table for thirty guests underneath a massive chandelier
fashioned from a thousand year old grape vine.<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hall Exzellenz Rutherford Sacrashe Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
This is sourced from the Sacrashe Vineyard that lies just above the
winery adjacent to the estate residence. We hold some of the earlier
single vineyard designated wines from this vineyard dating back to 1998.
Who knew this would evolve and progress to such heights? Not often does
one get to taste a 'perfect' wine. of course perfection is in the eyes
('eyze') of the beholder. This wine got <b>100 points</b> from <b>Robert Parker</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfmCVNO3nxLqA-hshX7_Te67BN0rouy_2q0UPVZYMO18mqymT6t8xf3WHPGtW86uR7DLI17fBaavsxyJhAiNainkcnRXfICjbRCoU6hwJsPYI3wesOsScj9MH-_cOFfJN-o6muPvu4k/s1600/napa-17-hall-exzellenz-2013-1780-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfmCVNO3nxLqA-hshX7_Te67BN0rouy_2q0UPVZYMO18mqymT6t8xf3WHPGtW86uR7DLI17fBaavsxyJhAiNainkcnRXfICjbRCoU6hwJsPYI3wesOsScj9MH-_cOFfJN-o6muPvu4k/s320/napa-17-hall-exzellenz-2013-1780-remc.jpg" width="231" /></a>Parker wrote of this wine; "This hails from the foothills of Rutherford
and refers to Kathryn Hall’s ambassadorship to Austria between 1997 and
2001. A prodigious wine with beautiful floral notes intermingled with
blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry and graphite, the wine hits the
palate with a full-bodied force, but nothing seems pushed, cloying or
out of sync. Gorgeously pure blue and black fruits cascade over the
palate, a full-bodied presentation with remarkable purity and
complexity. The finish is a good 45-50 seconds, and while there is
significant tannin, the extravagance of the fruit and glycerin generally
conceal it. This is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind, world class Cabernet
Sauvignon that should prove compelling for at least another 30-40+
years."<br />
<br />
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. 100 Points<p>https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1873772<br /></p><p>Exzellence 2014 ... <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">From a tasting 11/14/2020 - I wrote:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><br /></div>
<p>WOTN - Wine of the Night - Deep garnet-purple color, full-bodied,
firmly structured yet perfectly balanced and silky smooth, elegant and
polished, full concentrated black berry fruits with notes of crème de
cassis, graphite, hints of cigar box and what Robert Parker described as
tree bark turning to a long sinewy spicy oak laced finish. </p><p>RM <span class="score">96 Points.</span></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/11/fabulous-premium-wine-flight-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/11/fabulous-premium-wine-flight-for.html</a></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2508295" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2508295</a></p><p><br /> <b>Château </b><b>St. Jean "Cinq Cépages" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend 2010 </b></p><p>The Exzellenc compared nicely with the <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Cinq Cépages </span></span> that Lyle brought from his cellar. </p><p>We featured our visit to the Chateau during our Napa Sonoma Wine Experience in 2017 in this blogpost <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/07/chateau-st-jean-sonoma-reserve-private.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chateau St Jean Sonoma Reserve Private Tasting</a>.</p><p>We
had this release with Lyle and Terry when he rbrought it BYOB to a
local Trattoria in their West Loop neighborhood for a festive holiday
dinner as featured in this blogpost <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/robert-craig-veeder-cinq-cepages-byob.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cinq Cépages BYOB at Mart Anthony Chicago</a>.</p><p>At that time, I wrote, "This 2010 vintage may be the best Cinq Cépages I have had - bigger,
fuller and more concentrated than any I remember. This was immediately
apparent when we opened and poured the dark inky purple thick full
bodied juice into the glass while the room filled with bright floral and
berry fruit aromatics." <br /></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/robert-craig-veeder-cinq-cepages-byob.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/robert-craig-veeder-cinq-cepages-byob.html</a> <br /></p><p>We
hold a dozen vintages of this label dating back to the 1994 vintage,
one of our favorites from this producer. This is a classic label, Cinq
Cepages referring to the five flavors derived from the five designated
Bordeaux varietals included in the blend - Cabernet Sauvignon (78%),
Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Petit
Verdot and Malbec. </p><p>This label gained notoriety when <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">the <b>1996</b>
Cinq Cépages was named the #1 Wine of the Year in Wine Spectator's Top 100
list, and later the 1999 vintage went on to be named number two.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-T9LuTF8RzI8qtokw3Oy0_ONLqPsy5IP_AgnQ017XzHi3Ljkp0Y3fyH_8YTg1szHW16glzSLbSO8flia8lRMtGglvJ3evHCIzrrXWi5EDTQzViBGfexWwU-WwO3KCRj0VPB2ZaKIcuU/s720/lbl-CA_Chateau-St-Jean_Sonoma_Cinq-Cepages_Cabernet-Sauvignon_2013_remc%255B1%255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-T9LuTF8RzI8qtokw3Oy0_ONLqPsy5IP_AgnQ017XzHi3Ljkp0Y3fyH_8YTg1szHW16glzSLbSO8flia8lRMtGglvJ3evHCIzrrXWi5EDTQzViBGfexWwU-WwO3KCRj0VPB2ZaKIcuU/s320/lbl-CA_Chateau-St-Jean_Sonoma_Cinq-Cepages_Cabernet-Sauvignon_2013_remc%255B1%255D.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>Winemaker's notes:
"The 2010 Cinq Cépages is a stunning color in the glass, deep ruby with a
subtle violet colored rim. Layered aromas are vivid; black plum,
blackberry compote, clove spice, tanned leather and a hint of fresh
tobacco leaf. Secondary aromas of raspberry and spiced cherry mingle
with notes of violet and pomegranate. The aromas lead to an incredibly
juicy palate with flavors of blueberry, cherry and blackberry. Nuanced
flavors of espresso and a distinct mocha component add to the
complexity. The full-bodied wine has smooth, silky tannins that offer
solid structure but do not overwhelm. The wine is plush and approachable
yet complex and appealing in the glass. In signature Cinq Cépages form,
this wine combines the strength of the diverse Sonoma County region to
create a well-balanced, complex and powerful wine."
<br /><p></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes">This vintage release was awarded </span>
<span class="H2ReviewNotes">
<span>93 points</span>
by Wine Spectator, </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>and 92 points</span>
by Wine Advocate
</span><span class="H2ReviewNotes">and </span><span class="H2ReviewNotes">Vinous. </span>
</p><p>Dark garnet purple colored, medium to full-bodied, firm,
dense structured blackberry, black cherry and plum fruits with notes of
spice, earthy, smokey cedar, cigar box and black olive with smooth
moderate polished tannins on the finish. </p><p>RM 92 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1710008" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1710008</a></p><p>https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/robert-craig-veeder-cinq-cepages-byob.html</p><p></p><p>For pairing with Dan's Clarendon Hills Shiraz', I brought this Napa Valley label. <br /></p><p><b>Venge Vineyards </b> <b>"Stagecoach Vineyard - Block I-4" Napa Valley Syrah 2010</b> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwITs9J6jC4Fj4a04jjEhbuODUewJbEzTgcEOuoqfF3NLCT9jDR5QCTpYA-OIYI7JApVRiyefaYz3b9uk7OgXSD661MP83qPfNLTGUeNjE-9kieGp0hawp5naNJuOO_pPb8RlDH5klnk0voFiomphfTtQtz18k5t8JgoTZSWYWWPLzmriC5mA-aPZE6U/s3671/PB-Bade-holiday-23-Venge-syrah-10-IMG_2429.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3671" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwITs9J6jC4Fj4a04jjEhbuODUewJbEzTgcEOuoqfF3NLCT9jDR5QCTpYA-OIYI7JApVRiyefaYz3b9uk7OgXSD661MP83qPfNLTGUeNjE-9kieGp0hawp5naNJuOO_pPb8RlDH5klnk0voFiomphfTtQtz18k5t8JgoTZSWYWWPLzmriC5mA-aPZE6U/w108-h400/PB-Bade-holiday-23-Venge-syrah-10-IMG_2429.jpg" width="108" /></a></div>Venge
are one of our favorite Napa Valley producers that we've been enjoying
since the 1980's. We've had dozens of vintages and many labels from this
producer which we've visited in Napa Valley several times, and this the
first Venge Syrah we've ever had. We obtained this limited production
single vineyard desigated release at auction recently and we were eager
to try it. We recently obtained a mixed case of four vintages of this
label and tonight we brought this, the oldest vintage release. <br /><br />This relessae was awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast and <span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>91 points</span>
by Wine Spectator.
</span><p></p><p>Wine Enthusiast noted, "With this wine, Venge has taken a giant leap into the front
ranks of California Syrah producers". </p><p>This is sourced from the
legendary Stagecoach Vineyard, which sits high up on Atlas Peak in the
Vaca Range that forms the eastern boundary wall of Napa Valley. </p><p>This wine was aged in 60% new French oak. </p><p>Dark
inky purple colored, medium full bodied, with dense extracted briary
blackberry fruits accented by a layer of licorie and spice with notes of
herbs and tobacco leaf with chewy chunky tannins on the full finish. </p><p>RM 92 points. </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1873772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1873772</a></p><p> After dinner with the dessert and chocolates we had this aged<b> Sauterne </b>dessert wine that we brought from our cellar. <br /></p><b>Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes Bordeaux 1998 </b><p>We enjoy tasting this wine at the <b>UGCB Release Tour </b>tastings each year. </p><p>Some<b> UGCB reports: </b></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/01/bordeaux-producers-2010-release-tasting.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Chicago</a> - <b>Bordeaux Producers 2010 Release Tasting Chicago</b></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2016/01/ugc-bordeaux-2013-release-tour-chicago_30.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UGC Bordeaux 2013 Release Tour Chicago 2016</a> - UGC Bordeaux 2013 Release Tour Chicago 2016</span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/01/union-des-grands-crus-de-bordeaux.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Chicago 2015</a> - <span>Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) 2012 Vintage Release Tasting Chicago </span><br /></span></h3><p style="text-align: left;">Considered as one of the first <b>Grand Cru Classé </b>of <b>Sauternes</b>,
<b>Château La Tour Blanche</b> from the estate of the
same name is known for classic Bordeaux viticulture.</p><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-0920419 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider" data-element_type="widget" data-id="0920419" data-widget_type="divider.default">
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<p>Founded in the 17th century by Monsieur <b>de Latour Blanche</b>,
the Château la Tour Blanche estate produces all kinds of wines. The
first owner was a squire, adviser to the Parliament of Bordeaux. In
1855, this wine was recognized as <b>Premier Grand Cru</b> Classé of Sauternes during the World Fair. The estate was bought in 1876 by Daniel Iffla.</p><p><b>Château La Tour Blanche</b> is unique among the classed growths in Sauternes. It is owned by the state and is home to the <b>La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology.</b> The <b>First Growth's</b> benevolent status was down to the generosity of its owner, <b>Daniel Iffla,</b>
who went by the name Osiris, and was a powerful financier and
philanthropist whose only stipulation with La Tour Blanche was the
founding of a wine school. </p>In 1907, the latter bequeathed it to the French state after his
death and to this day, the entire estate is owned by the
Ministry of Agriculture. In order to respect the wishes of the deceased owner, a school of wine making and
viticulture was established in 1911, built on the estate to
accommodate the children of the region. Today, the viticultural <b>high school of the Château de La Tour Blanche</b> trains many technicians and vineyard enthusiasts.
<p>The estate covers an area of 70 hectares, a large part, 44 are covered in vineyards composed of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. The estate is composed of
gravelly soil favorable to surface drainage. This arrangement eliminates
much more moisture at the foot of the vines, thus contributing to the
improvement of the production. <br /></p>
<p>The establishment produces primarily sweet wines, classified under the name “<b>Sauternes</b>“, a designation of controlled origin in the appellation Sauternais, one of the many subdivisions of the
Bordeaux region. A dry white is also made along with an extremely rare red wine made composed from Merlot.</p>
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</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_French/Bordeaux/Sauterne/lbl_FR_La_Tour_Blanche_1er_Cru_1998_remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="338" height="400" src="https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/labels_French/Bordeaux/Sauterne/lbl_FR_La_Tour_Blanche_1er_Cru_1998_remc.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>As
is custom in Sauterne, this is a Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc Blend -
Semillon (~77%), Sauvignon Blanc (~20%), and Muscadelle (~3%).<p></p><p>It was awarded 93 points by Wine Advocate and 91 points by Wine Spectator and two others. </p><p>Winemaker
notes - The colour is straw yellow. The nose reveals loads of fresh
fruits,
such as apricot or peach, but also beeswax and cinnamon. In mouth the
attack is very supple with much fullness and roundness. Great aromatic
complexity dominated by candied fruits is present. The final is spicy,
developing to honeysweetened savours. </p><div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<p>Vintage characteristics: The year 1998 was marked by difficult weather conditions. Indeed,
after a very dry end of winter, the wet weather in April delayed the
vegetation (174 millimetres and 22 days of rain). The period from May
until the end of August was again character- ised by extreme dry
conditions. Then September was very similar to April with 94 milli-
metres and 17 days of rain. So maturity and overmaturation were
disturbed, and the grape harvest began only on September 28. Sanitary
sorting involved a little loss, but thereafter everything went well
thanks to a nice month of October, which made it possible to obtain very
high concentrations.</p>
<p>
Number of bottles produced: 39,000</p><p>Deep golden color. This is nicely balanced, mid-weight and fresh, with
notes of saffron, apricot jam, some sweet spices, honey, caramel, some
smokey botrytis notes, some flowery notes too and figs. It‘s medium+
bodied, with medium acidity and just beautiful overall balance of
sweetness and acidity. Pretty long finish. <br /></p></div>
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<p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=75950" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=75950</a></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-15406655716843313192023-11-28T10:38:00.008-06:002023-11-28T10:51:57.612-06:00Signorello Hope's Cuvee Napa Chardonnay for Thanksgiving<p>Signorello Hope's Cuvee Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 for Thanksgiving Feast</p><p>Every year at Thanksgiving I rethink, and overthink about what wine will we serve with dinner. I seek a special wine with some distinction or significance, but invariably default to a favorite one that we enjoy. Such was the case again this year when we opened a couple of memorable bottles from our cellar that we have a history of enjoying. We gathered with family and in-law for a getaway week to our <a href="https://www.destinvacation.com/rentals/unit/the-cove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Destiny Cove vacation rental</b></a> in Destin, Florida. <br /></p><p><b>Signorello "Hope's Cuvee" Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 </b></p><p>This ultra-premium Napa Chardonnay was an easy choice, not only for quality drinking, and ideal pairing with the dinner, but also brought back several memories related to family and friends for the holiday. </p><p>When it came time to posting about this selection, I realized we last had this same label during a 'celebration' dinner just last summer. Notably, this is a label of which we hold several vintage releases, and this was the oldest bottle in that vertical collection, thereby practicing good cellar/inventory management.</p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/signorello-hopes-cuvee-napa-chardonnay.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tonight's experience was consistent with that most recent tasting which I posted in Cellartracker and in these pages back in June.</a> <br /></p>
<p>Bright golden yellow colored, medium-full bodied, rich, textured,
round fruits, hints of butterscotch and peach accented by honeysuckle,
nut, stone, and with a long flavorful lip-smacking finish.</p><p>6/13/2023 - <a class="uppercase" href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2232077&iNote=10530447" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I like this wine:</a> <span class="score">94 Points</span><br /><br />https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/06/signorello-hopes-cuvee-napa-chardonnay.html</p><p></p><p>https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2232077</p><p> I wrote extensively about this wine and our visits to the winery with family and friends, and the recent history of the winery having been destroyed in the Napa region fires. <br /></p><p></p>Posted Monday, June 12, 2023
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Signorello Hope's Cuvee Napa Chardonnay 2014
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<p></p><p>Concluding a real
estate transaction, Linda and I had an intimate mini-celebration dinner
at home on the deck. I pulled from the cellar this premium <b>Napa Valley Chardonnay </b>for the occasion as a pairing with the roasted chicken with haricot verts, carrots and mashed potatoes. <b><br /></b></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK3s0IblF4cyloPQFjrz6ZN43Yij3psuio0AbWrwDGcT1e6aVMg84Si5WDMkVGLSF61uflF0nkLXFNeRi9clDp0EC1erdDkDn1AtSVQ_pqnp_z15aZeXnfgGHITsXqKoeWzeSeBCio40/s1600/img-napa-2013-signorello-sign-remc-5879%255B1%255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="864" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK3s0IblF4cyloPQFjrz6ZN43Yij3psuio0AbWrwDGcT1e6aVMg84Si5WDMkVGLSF61uflF0nkLXFNeRi9clDp0EC1erdDkDn1AtSVQ_pqnp_z15aZeXnfgGHITsXqKoeWzeSeBCio40/s320/img-napa-2013-signorello-sign-remc-5879%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/search?q=hope" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">posted in earlier blogposts</a>, we
discovered and acquired (the then current release vintage of) this wine
during our visit to the <b>Signorello </b>Estate on Silverado Trail in Southeastern Napa
Valley during our <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/04/signorello-napa-valley-estate-vineyard.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Napa Valley Wine Experience in 2013</a>. <p></p><p>At that time I wrote about this label: "I am predominantly a red wine drinker and while I enjoy an occasional
glass of white, most often with appropriate food, I don't normally get
excited about a white wine. This chardonnay was the exception,
memorable and special."</p><p>As part of proper cellar management, we pulled from <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/07/our-wine-cellar_2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>our cellar </b></a>the
oldest vintage release in our collection of the multiple vintages we
hold of this label. I had set this bottle aside over the weekend to
open with Sis Pat in town since she was with us when we visited the
winery (shown below), but we didn't get to it.
</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFwXlzhcbk21FLLeqp4_7W3zz6ymeS30SXYFpaW_c80FODvTy9iA-y6d6AMspQrOi-ymF6cofgKwBgAtE_otCAJW4HzHkGxV-FJNgv96TZmNPRqKMwoka4Zj-XOqc64Th4oK97EBb8oI/s1600/img-napa-2013-longs-signorello-REM_5693%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFwXlzhcbk21FLLeqp4_7W3zz6ymeS30SXYFpaW_c80FODvTy9iA-y6d6AMspQrOi-ymF6cofgKwBgAtE_otCAJW4HzHkGxV-FJNgv96TZmNPRqKMwoka4Zj-XOqc64Th4oK97EBb8oI/s320/img-napa-2013-longs-signorello-REM_5693%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With sister/in-law and nieces' family at <br />(Former) Signorello Estate overlooking vineyards <br />and valley floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><p>
The Signorello winery sits at the very southern end of Napa Valley and has 43 acres of vineyards, including some
of the oldest Chardonnay vines in all of Napa Valley - fruit from 37-year-old
vines goes into his Hope’s Cuvée.<br />
<br />
The magnificent Estate
was destroyed in the fires that engulfed much of sections of Sonoma
and Napa in 2017. Fires came down the foothills to the property that sat up the
hill back from the highway.</p><p>The fire reached the winery and
completely destroyed the
hospitality center that also housed offices, a wine lab and a
family residence upstairs. The adjacent
crush pad and stainless steel tanks survived intact along with the
barrel cellar and equally if not most importantly, the vines of the
adjacent vineyards. </p><p>In the wake of the destruction from Napa
Valley’s October 2017 Atlas
Peak Fire, Ray Signorello (Jr) vowed to rebuild. We're relieved to read about
the Phoenix of Signorella Estate,
rising from the ashes, literally, and being rebuilt, even grander and
larger than before. Signorello said he viewed the tragedy as an
opportunity to do something new and exciting and is rebuilding with a
larger fermentation facility, wine caves and a stunning expanded
hospitality center. </p>The winery has kept almost all of its team employed as an interim
step toward returning to normalcy and they have been operating out of a modular building was brought in to
serve as a temporary hospitality center.<p>
The adjacent Darioush
property nearby that sits at the valley floor closer to the highway and
similarly situated properties were untouched. <br />
<br />
<b>Signorello "Hope's Cuvée" Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014</b></p><p>The
2014 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvée is crafted from a selection of the best
lots and
barrels sourced from the thirty-five year old vines on the 5 acre estate
vineyard in front of the winery overlooking the valley floor. There
were 379 cases produced of this wine,
which went through 44% malolactic and was aged in 56% new French oak. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyayWqHupD1WpAdhayxMQiVm5e8k2O9tmBKKnqj_l-AtnZ-cV9tiX8T7pAEwHYCUSwKsFJlBH3NacNEmsF6R8oveAZalOid5oK7LK4dgVbS3L9Ubnpy-9GP1Fbto81JEkud8nPFYB62KT4u0toRhwAfTs8w3b1mkIdni0IZCMaZivBvDSIL33D-D/s960/img-napa-2013-signorello-estate-vineyard-remc-5687%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyayWqHupD1WpAdhayxMQiVm5e8k2O9tmBKKnqj_l-AtnZ-cV9tiX8T7pAEwHYCUSwKsFJlBH3NacNEmsF6R8oveAZalOid5oK7LK4dgVbS3L9Ubnpy-9GP1Fbto81JEkud8nPFYB62KT4u0toRhwAfTs8w3b1mkIdni0IZCMaZivBvDSIL33D-D/s320/img-napa-2013-signorello-estate-vineyard-remc-5687%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Winemaker/producer
Notes - Hope’s Cuvée Chardonnay showcases our utmost dedication to
excellence, named in honor of my mother, Hope Signorello. It benefits
from an intimate understanding of our 5.12 acre parcel on the west side
of our hill. Planted 36 years ago with clonal selections from one of the
region’s earliest outstanding vineyards, it is now one of the oldest
Chardonnay vineyards in Napa Valley. Night-time hand-harvesting into
small trays protects the varietal’s refined and delicate flavors. This
wild yeast and unfiltered Chardonnay can be enjoyed over the next 12
years. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiZjHIFmIm9pZ2KQfJAIGrFF7bkj5_7UiZzKYZSwgNh1fXPJcwLZys2yTsP7uWxAFqZhCzmIsLelA3HAvOXSfYIAjF_P76l32f6o2vhlTlFJcsnxJ-s-PjM65SsNDtsxGu8uNAvJyt7Ju05usEol1OkSBUX1Vs80sSuxehICAcQ6lO_i3E4jz9UYK/s2475/lbl-foil-cork-CA-SIgnorello-Hopes-Cuvee-2014-IMG_9651-remc.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2094" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiZjHIFmIm9pZ2KQfJAIGrFF7bkj5_7UiZzKYZSwgNh1fXPJcwLZys2yTsP7uWxAFqZhCzmIsLelA3HAvOXSfYIAjF_P76l32f6o2vhlTlFJcsnxJ-s-PjM65SsNDtsxGu8uNAvJyt7Ju05usEol1OkSBUX1Vs80sSuxehICAcQ6lO_i3E4jz9UYK/s320/lbl-foil-cork-CA-SIgnorello-Hopes-Cuvee-2014-IMG_9651-remc.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>This release was awarded 96 points by <b>Robert Parker's Wine Advocate</b>. He wrote, "The 2014 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvée is a stunning Chardonnay. The wine shows plenty of orange blossom, honeysuckle, lemon custard and
crushed rock notes. It is certainly very Burgundian and almost like a
grand cru from the village of Puligny-Montrachet. Terrific stuff, with
stunning texture and richness" ... (RP) (10/2015) <p></p><p>This
is one of the few Chardonnays that we keep in our cellar that is vastly
predominantly red wines. This was delicious and most likely at the apex
of it's drinking profile, but likely not to improve from further aging,
so time to drink up. The fill level, label, foil and most importantly,
the cork were all pristine, in ideal condition, still wrapped in the
tissue packaging, we acquired this bottle upon release and have held it
in our cellar for nearly a decade. <br /></p><p>Bright golden yellow
colored, medium-full bodied, rich, textured, round fruits, hints of
butterscotch and peach accented by honeysuckle, nut, stone, and what
Parker calls "plenty of orange blossom, lemon custard and crushed rock
notes," with a long flavorful lip-smacking
finish.<br /><br />RM 94 points. <br /> </p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2232077" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2232077</a></p><p>
<a href="https://www.signorelloestate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.signorelloestate.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/SigVin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SigVin</a> </p><p>@SigVin </p><p>We also opened another favorite that we have featured in these pages before as well. This wine is available in distribution at <a href="https://www.totalwine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Total Wine, the big box wine and beverage superstore near our Florida home, and in Indiana, so we pick this up enroute or on location and not have to rob our wine cellar collection.</a></p><p>Like the wine above, we also gave this one 94 points in our personal rating.<br /> </p><p>We lasted <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/05/tensley-colson-canyon-santa-ynez.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">featured this wine in these pages in</a><span><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/05/tensley-colson-canyon-santa-ynez.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">, May, 2023, when I wrote</a>:<br /></span></p>
<a name="4959245011766686912"></a>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/05/tensley-colson-canyon-santa-ynez.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tensley Colson Canyon Santa Ynez Mountains Syrah 2020</a>
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div>
<p>Tensley Colson Canyon Santa Ynez Mountains Santa Barbara Country Syrah 2020</p><p></p><p>It was just about a year ago that we discovered and acquired this and several other <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/05/tensley-santa-barbara-county-wines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tensley Santa Barbara County Wines, that I wrote about here, and replay below,</a> during our <b>Santa Barbara County Wine Experience</b>. This was the standout of that tasting and best represents the style that we love.</p><p> </p><p><b></b></p><div style="clear: both;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWVPvxzRaNvpkjfEoCE7U_K2IBknEnRmJIJHntJ8BhQvjfTIkOgVhjM9qJmQB79WUqjmo86OFdM_6YKys1SIIyD4tRpem7Co9j40B7K3My4SJ3Haqk_InPfVr2w6jQzdquNzJPq7e1j-TL2j0JVsJn2PnNXbEKYjYG9MGubQ8Snh7tcTVjWiT6MTk/s3272/Winesite-Tensley-Vineyards-Alisos-Cnyn-Rd-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="3272" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWVPvxzRaNvpkjfEoCE7U_K2IBknEnRmJIJHntJ8BhQvjfTIkOgVhjM9qJmQB79WUqjmo86OFdM_6YKys1SIIyD4tRpem7Co9j40B7K3My4SJ3Haqk_InPfVr2w6jQzdquNzJPq7e1j-TL2j0JVsJn2PnNXbEKYjYG9MGubQ8Snh7tcTVjWiT6MTk/s320/Winesite-Tensley-Vineyards-Alisos-Cnyn-Rd-remc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We discovered <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/05/tensley-santa-barbara-county-wines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tensley Santa Barbara County Wines</a> during that <b>Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley</b> Wine Experience while driving the <b>Foxen Canyon</b> wine trail. One of the producer's we visited recommended we check out <b>Tensley </b>Wines, which was near that estate we were visiting. <p></p><p>We
drove by the Tensley vineyards on Alisos Canyon Road, (shown left)
which was closed, so we stopped in the Tensley tasting room in downtown <b>Los Olivos</b>.</p><p>I was not aware of this brand prior to this trip. It was a top discovery and revelation and may certainly
be one of our go-to boutique labels going forward. We joined their wine
club to obtain a supply of their labels from those tasted and going
forward. <br /></p><div aria-labelledby="tab-title-description" class="woocommerce-Tabs-panel woocommerce-Tabs-panel--description panel entry-content wc-tab" id="tab-description" role="tabpanel"><b>Colson Canyon Vineyard | Santa Ynez Mountains <br /></b><br />Since
joining their wineclub, we have acquired a half dozen labels from this
producer, but this single vineyard designated label remains our
favorite. Sourced from Colson
Canyon Vineyard, high up in the Santa Ynez Mountains north of Los
Olivos, it has been providing exceptional Syrah fruit to Joey Tensley
since 2000.
It is this fruit that helped Tensley become the one of most sought
after Syrah's on the coast with consistent high ratings, one vintage
flirting with Robert
Parker perfection at 99 points.<p></p>Tensley released his first
vineyard-designate Syrah from Colson Canyon in 2001 and the wine press took notice. That year Matt Kramer of the<i> Wine Spectator</i>
named two of Tensley’s 2001 Syrah’s to his list of the Top Ten Wines in
the World. Robert Parker, Jr. scored all the ‘01’s in the
high 90’s, calling them “serious, hand-crafted efforts.”
<p>By 2008, Food and Wine Magazine named the Colson Canyon Syrah “Top
Syrah in America Over $20.” Two years later, Robert Parker gave the 2008
Anniversary Series Colson Canyon Syrah 99 points, and Wine
Spectator Magazine named the 2008 Colson Canyon Syrah "#17 of its Top 100 Wines in
the World". The 2007 Colson Canyon Syrah was ranked #22 the year before.
Since then, the string of high scores has been consistent. </p></div><div aria-labelledby="tab-title-description" class="woocommerce-Tabs-panel woocommerce-Tabs-panel--description panel entry-content wc-tab" id="tab-description" role="tabpanel">Tensley and his wife
Jennifer, purchased the Colson Canyon property about five years ago, ensuring that they
would always be able to tap the most distinctive site. </div><div aria-labelledby="tab-title-description" class="woocommerce-Tabs-panel woocommerce-Tabs-panel--description panel entry-content wc-tab" id="tab-description" role="tabpanel"><p>Perched high up at an elevation of 1,400 feet, the combination of
warm days and cool nights produces dense, fruit-forward wines with
opulent jamminess. The site covers<b> </b>115
acres but has only 16 acres of grapes because the elevation and
rugged terrain make so much of the site untamable. Tensley believes that
only three more acres have the potential to be planted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDYTCMUuAeXJTerugQ-6YMEt0b2sp1WmRGCdLSlboMI_IYkn5oxLxnD7Qtn3rK3c1AVZm-bu-Zrznq6pWGWpUUVDqiIRPvdFkwHoNgZ3MRx866_BWLNq7PJFG5hViUu5GtfCHqcpyyPZ4gCqQoJf0o6WevmRjrl_L5NVet3Tb2kTDwSkHH7lPppvD/s2475/lbl-CA-Tensley-SBC-Colson-Canyon-Vnyd-Syrah-2020-remc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDYTCMUuAeXJTerugQ-6YMEt0b2sp1WmRGCdLSlboMI_IYkn5oxLxnD7Qtn3rK3c1AVZm-bu-Zrznq6pWGWpUUVDqiIRPvdFkwHoNgZ3MRx866_BWLNq7PJFG5hViUu5GtfCHqcpyyPZ4gCqQoJf0o6WevmRjrl_L5NVet3Tb2kTDwSkHH7lPppvD/s320/lbl-CA-Tensley-SBC-Colson-Canyon-Vnyd-Syrah-2020-remc.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></div><b>Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard </b><b>Santa Ynez Mountains</b><b> Santa Barbara County Syrah 2020</b> <br /><br />Winemaker Notes: "Everything we farm in house is something very special to us. This
site is one of the most unique and special places in the world of wine.
High (1400 elevation) in the hills north of the Santa Maria Valley with
some of the most iron-laced soils I have seen in Santa Barbara County.'<p></p><p>"This wine always delivers juicy round seamless edges. This is the only
wine we add some new French oak, as its weight and power integrates with
the oak, adding a bit of toasty buttery complexity. Colson Canyon is
such a beautiful example of fruit forward juicy California Syrah. Open
it anytime and enjoy its blueberry, cassis and chocolate nuances or
leave it 20 years and enjoy its leathery, almondy notes. It does not
really matter when you open it, it will deliver."</p><p></p><p>1925 cases were produced.</p><p>This was awarded 94-96 points by Jeb Dunnuck, 96 points by Wine Advocate, 95-97
points by Vinous, and <span class="wineRatings_rating">95 points by </span>Wine Spectator.</p><p>Might
I consider this the Tensley 'flagship'? This reminded me of a couple
other memorable highly rated Syrahs that has been standouts - Kongsgaard Carneros Hudson Vineyard
and Penfolds Grange. Both are flawless, seamless, and notable for their
smooth, polished, balanced profile. While not to that level of
perfection perhaps, this is close and evokes the same experience. This
bottle was from the Wine Club allocation we received from that visit.
We're anxiously awaiting our fall release shipment that we're told was
shipped this week. <br /></p><p></p> <p>We love this full throttle jammy
rich fruit forward style of the 2020 Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah.
Notably it has been recognized with four scores of 95 points or more.</p>We wrote about this wine in January and before that late last fall. Each time I gave it <span class="score">94 Points.</span></div>
<p>Consistent with earlier notes - even better with BBQ ! Dark inky
purple colored, full bodied, thick concentrated unctuous juicy black and
blue fruits with layers of cassis and chocolate nuances with notes of
oak, leather and tobacco on a tongue coating lingering finish. <br /><br /><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/01/family-celebration-dinner-smoked-ribs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/01/family-celebration-dinner-smoked-ribs.html</a></p><p>Earlier, last fall I wrote: "Dark inky purple colored, full bodied, thick concentrated unctuous
juicy black and blue fruits with layers of cassis and chocolate nuances
with notes of oak, leather and tobacco on a tongue coating lingering
finish." </p><p>RM <span class="score">94 Points</span></p><p><a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/10/tensley-colson-canyon-vineyard-syrah.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/10/tensley-colson-canyon-vineyard-syrah.html</a></p><div class="pipWineNotes">
</div><div class="viewMoreModule_text viewMoreModule-reviews"><div class="pipProfessionalReviews_list"><div class="pipProfessionalReviews_review"><div class="pipSecContent_copy"><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4090797" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4090797</a> <br /></p><a href="https://tensleywines.com/product/2020-colson-canyon-syrah/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tensleywines.com/product/2020-colson-canyon-syrah/</a></div></div></div></div><p><a href="https://twitter.com/tensleywine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/tensleywine</a></p>@tensleywine <p></p>UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833418095050401708.post-35672844408029696732023-11-14T15:40:00.019-06:002023-11-17T16:29:34.262-06:00Robert Craig Affinity and Beef Bourguignon - A Perfect Pairing<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Beef Bourguignon and Robert Craig Affinity for a Delicious Perfect Food and Wine Pairing </h3><p>Following our <a href="https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/bv-tapestry-with-beef-bourgogne.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dinner the other night featuring Beef Bourguignon and a Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend</a>, we did a repeat with leftovers and another similarly situated wine selection. Tonight we pulled from the cellar a Robert Craig Affinity, his Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Blend. This turned out to a perfect 100 point wine and food pairing. <br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnfwChT-hC1IEKa80Xvh7GuK4x2Lf7Chvz8a3R7AAmA7AxDj2eaexPqNORqxzkmuTRg29AbHTQjDOIFVxaSrMT4fxXfL4gILzXHQGkacvKgsiLwAlIdnWmeRGh0W6Rr_QxexJBKJCkMRjlo19zNdlDeGjIrIB7ja4WIEEl07xo_GJocVmnwHXuxYBYJY/s2784/dine-in-beef-bourguigne-robt-craig-05-11-23.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2784" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnfwChT-hC1IEKa80Xvh7GuK4x2Lf7Chvz8a3R7AAmA7AxDj2eaexPqNORqxzkmuTRg29AbHTQjDOIFVxaSrMT4fxXfL4gILzXHQGkacvKgsiLwAlIdnWmeRGh0W6Rr_QxexJBKJCkMRjlo19zNdlDeGjIrIB7ja4WIEEl07xo_GJocVmnwHXuxYBYJY/s320/dine-in-beef-bourguigne-robt-craig-05-11-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><p></p>I've written often that Robert Craig Napa Valley Cabernets are one of the largest holdings in our cellar dating back to the inaugural release vintage back in 1993 and 1994. Affinity is the basic Bordeaux Blend aside several appellation specific Cabernet Sauvignons in the Robert Craig portfolio. I've written how Robert intimated that he was most proud of this label and went to lengths to keep the price affordable so it could used as an entry point introduction to the brand and portfolio.<p></p><p>I could not imagine a wine that would be better suited for tonight's spectacular delicious dinner. This evening we had the beef over buttery cheese mashed potatoes rather than the linguini noodles. </p><p><b>Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Blend 2005</b></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vRmnjKkdeEYqMy3lsWQetd7cJAT8jYlTKZwxaAh_ke-cyZdYx-LayXhpYTNmRTVGZLznCS_7dqMSiXKIabooylprMnWl7zJ_kqnPEujb46-AqBTJPB3UW0fdWx1EiLL2EG5y-pmUkFmMW-FN7Jj6-1dGnvxyzUy4l2Hyrmw-urTV1KLV6WSeP41MERc/s3232/btl-lbl-foil-cork-CA-Robt-Craig-Affinity-2005-RM-IMG_2419.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3232" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vRmnjKkdeEYqMy3lsWQetd7cJAT8jYlTKZwxaAh_ke-cyZdYx-LayXhpYTNmRTVGZLznCS_7dqMSiXKIabooylprMnWl7zJ_kqnPEujb46-AqBTJPB3UW0fdWx1EiLL2EG5y-pmUkFmMW-FN7Jj6-1dGnvxyzUy4l2Hyrmw-urTV1KLV6WSeP41MERc/w123-h400/btl-lbl-foil-cork-CA-Robt-Craig-Affinity-2005-RM-IMG_2419.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><p>This is a classic example of the optimal pairing of wine with food accentuates and amplifies the enjoyment of both! We've had at least of dozen vintages of this label over the years and I don't recall any one that I enjoyed more. </p><p>This vintage release is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. <br /><br />Winemaker Notes - "Expansive ripe black cherry and currant aromas, with spice, black tea
and violet notes. Bright and abundant dark fruit flavors and black
currant liqueur are intertwined with sweet spice box, licorice and
violets. Opulent black cherry drives the lively, long-lived finish. A
rich, multi-layered Cabernet that balances power with finesse.'
</p><div class="pipWineNotes"><div class="pipWineNotes_copy viewMoreModule" itemprop="description"><div class="viewMoreModule_text"><p>
</p>"The 2005 Affinity marries the power and richness of Napa Valley hillside
Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for a
complex, supple and stylish Bordeaux-blend, backed by silky, ripe
tannins. Luscious fruit flavors of great depth and purity are hallmarks
of Affinity together with integrated tannin structure for long-term
aging."<p></p><p><span class="H2ReviewNotes"><span>This release was awarded 90 points</span>
by Wine Advocate and 89 points by Wine Spectator. Robert Parker called it </span>a "elegant Margaux-like
stylish, graceful wine".
</p><p> Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, well-balanced, full round rich intense flavors of black currant and black cherry fruits with notes of cinnamon spice, sweet cassis, toasty oak, graphite,
and hints of cedar. </p><p>RM 93 points. <br /></p></div><div class="viewMoreModule_text"><p>At eighteen years the fill level was ideal as was the foil, the label was slightly torn, and most importantly, the cork was slightly saturated and a bit soft from some past seepage, but still intact.<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=442936" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=442936</a></p><p><a href="https://robertcraigwine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://robertcraigwine.com/</a> <br />
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<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">@RobertCraigWine </span><br /></p></div></div></div><p></p><br />UnwindWinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831311750839182275noreply@blogger.com0