Edgewood Estate St. Helena Triangle Malbec 2002

Edgewood Estate St. Helena Triangle Malbec 2002  

Full bodied - dark inky purple color. Huge forward fruit flavors - blackberry, black raspberry and ripe plum, accented by a layer of dark chocolate and spice, hints of smoke, creosote and cassis on the late palate - a bit hot from the 15.7% alcohol content but the flavors are big enough to overcome. Smooth velvety tannins on a long supple finish.

RM 91 points. 

One of the traditional “Bordeaux varietals”, Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, used to add deep color and tannin based structure, backbone and complexity to the blend. These characteristics make for a delicious savoury and hearty wine that goes well with hearty cheeses and beef.

This is a one of a kind - one time special selection Lot 54, from the 2002 vintage bottled for the 2004 Napa Valley Vintners annual Premiere wine tasting and auction. Its an eye opener to be on the lookout and pay attention to Napa Valley Malbec as a robust tasty food friendly wine.

IRONY Monterey County Pinot Noir 2009

IRONY Monterey County Pinot Noir 2009 

The producers say the irony of this wine is that "with its beautifully balanced fruit with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavor that it is so affordable". Indeed, its easy to find a flavorful easy drinking American Pinot Noir for $35, harder at $25, and difficult at best under $15. Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir is such a find. 

Garnet colored, medium-light bodied, the winemaker's notes sum up this wine well. Irony 2009 Monterey County Pinot Noir opens with red cherry, ripe strawberry and vanilla aromas, heightened by an earthy undercurrent of clove and sage. Bright red cherry avors are layered with strawberry jam and accents of rhubarb and red licorice. Lush, supple tannins found in this medium-bodied Pinot Noir are beautifully balanced with fresh, crisp acidity.

The Irony Pinot Noir is from the Monterey, California Appellation, sourced from the Arroyo Seco and San Bernabe viticultural areas: The blend is 89% Pinot Noir, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Other.

RM 87 points.

This pleasant surprise wine-find for easy drinking affordable Pinot Noir should be easy to find with 35,000 cases produced.

Rubissow Mt Veeder Merlot 2006

Rubissow Mt Veeder Merlot 2006 

Another wine obtained during our Mt Veeder Appellation tour producer visit.
 

Full bodied, firm but smooth, elegant and polished. Black berry, black raspberry, ripe plum, layer of tobacco, layer of mocha and coffee bean.
RM 91 points.

http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2011/03/mt-veeder-appellation-trail-rubissow-mt.html 

Yates Family Vineyards Cheval Mt. Veeder Cabernet Franc 2007

Yates Family Vineyards 'Cheval' Mt. Veeder Cabernet Franc 2007

Wine obtained at the Yates Family property during our Mt Veeder Appellation visit. 

Full bodied - forward black berry, black raspberry and spicy clove with a hint of cassis and dark chocolate with a lingering tannin flavorful finish. 

Winemaker Tasting Notes - A deep, dark ruby appearance with hints of graphite and toast on the nose that finish with dry rocks and cigar tobacco. Strong flavors of espresso with small splashes of clove and cardamom. Dark chocolate covered cherries with cassis. Intense mountain fruit lingers on the palate and finished with supple tannins. 

RM 91 points. 

Watch for more reviews as we enjoy the selection of Yates Family Wines procured during our recent producer visit. 

75 (Seventy Five) Wine Company Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

75 (Seventy Five) Wine Company Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 

Reasonable value in a moderately priced California cab. Dark garnet purple color - medium-full bodied - not overly complex but pleasant full flavored easy drinking - good complement to grilled steak, grill-charred veggies and crescent rolls - flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits with a hint of smoke, cassis and leather on a moderate tannin finish. From Beckstoffer's Amber Knolls vineyard up over the Napa Howell Mountain ridge-line in Red Hills, Lake County. Also recently picked up some Schrader Double Diamond cabernet sauvignon with fruit sourced from the same vineyard from same era. Should be interesting comparison - stay tuned.
RM 88 points.

http://cellartracker.com/w?358922

Schrader Double Diamond Mayacamas Range Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Schrader Double Diamond Mayacamas Range Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Medium bodied - dark berry fruits, blackberry, black raspberry and currant with hints of mocha and cassis with a subdued spicy, moderate tannin lingering finish.
RM 88 points.

Horizontal Tasting - 2004 Bordeaux Alongside Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Horizontal Tasting - 2004 Bordeaux Alongside Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon


Comparison tasting of 2004 'horizontal' - wines from the same vintage - Bordeaux and Silver Oak Alexander Valley reveals a study in terroir, styles and aging profiles. Wines tasted are below, shown in tasting order based on anticipated weight and complexity which proved to be appropriate:

• Chateau Giscours Grand Cru Classe Marqaux 2004
• Chateau Leoville Barton St Julien 2004
• Chateau Clerc Milon Pauillac 2004
• d'Armailhac Grand cru Classe Pauillac 2004 
• Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

The Giscours, Leoville Barton, and Silver Oak were poured from magnums and decanted three to fours hours earlier. 

The highlights of the evening for me were the Leoville Barton and the Silver Oak which were both bright, complex, smooth, polished and flavorful indicating peak readiness to drink in their seventh year despite very different styles and tasting profiles. Not surprising, contrasting the Leoville Barton was the Clerc Milon which while balanced and full was still a bit closed and tight revealing a longer aging profile needing more time to open and fully reveal itself. The Giscours was next in my rankings followed by the d'Armailhac.

Chateau Leoville Barton Cru Classe St Julien Bordeaux 2004

Consistent producer of high quality good value ageworthy Bordeaux.

Bright floral notes, nicely balanced layers of black raspberry, black cherry, hints of leather and touch of smoke. Full bodied intense flavors yet delicate, polished and a silky fine tannin finish.  
RM 91 points. 

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 

Surprisingly complex but refined and polished with layers of black berry fruits accented by cola, almond, nutmeg, sweet soft oak with layers of spice and vanilla on a long aromatic silky tannnin finish.
RM 90 points.

Chateau Clerc Milon Pauillac 2004

Second label of revered first growth Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Complex, firm with rather subdued black fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry, black currant with hint of cassis, touch of leather and earth. Still a bit closed suggesting need for more time to open and reveal itself.
RM 89 points.  

Chateau Giscours Grand Cru Classe Marqaux 2004

Medium-full bodied, complex, dark berry and black cherry fruits with tone of slightly tart cherry and hint of raspberry, cassis, spice, tones of leather and pencil lead on the medium finish.
RM 88 points.

d'Armailhac Grand Cru Classe Pauillac 2004 

Third label of esteemed Chateau Mouton Rothschild, behind second label Clerc Milon. Medium-full bodied, less complex and lacking the polish and integration of the others, a bit flabby but forward black berry and black cherry fruit flavors with a layer of  mocha, cedar, and hint of camphor on a slightly firm spicy and acidic finish.
RM 87 points. 


Tasted with medley of artisan cheeses and over dinner of mixed green salad, beef tenderloin, twice baked potatoes and green beans. Dinner hosted at Bill and Beth C's with Dan & Linda, Bob & Gloria, and L. Chocolate cake and berries to finish commemorating my birthday!


Terroir - from Wikipedia - Terroir comes from the word terre "land". It was originally a French term used to denote the special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place bestowed upon particular varieties. Agricultural sites in the same region share similar soil, weather conditions, and farming techniques, which all contribute to the unique qualities of the crop. It can be very loosely translated as "a sense of place," which is embodied in certain characteristic qualities, the sum of the effects that the local environment has had on the production of the product. Terroir is often italicized in English writing to show that it is a French loanword. The concept of terroir is at the base of the French wine Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) system that has been the model for appellation and wine laws across the globe. At its core is the assumption that the land from which the grapes are grown imparts a unique quality that is specific to that region.

Elizabeth Spencer Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Special Cuvée 2007

 Elizabeth Spencer Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Special Cuvée 2007

Hot - high alcohol taste - almost as if fortified w/ cognac - overpowering the black cherry fruits, with layer of mocha and spice. Tasted by the glass at 'fyve' (ala five as in Pentagon) at Ritz Carlton Pentagon City, Arlington - perhaps open too long? Or kept too warm?

RM 87 Points. 

Château Larmande St. Émilion Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux 2005

Château Larmande St. Émilion Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux 2005



A reliable producer that provides consistent value year after year - especially so in the highly rated 2005 vintage. My best of tasting pick from an earlier Bordeaux flight tasting. Medium bodied, floral perfume, flavorful red berry, plum fruits, subtle spice, cherry-cranberry, nice texture and an appealing moderately firm grip of tannin in the finish.  
RM 91 points. 

Rosemount Estate McLaren Vale Balmoral Syrah 2002

Rosemount Estate McLaren Vale Balmoral Syrah 2002

Tasting Journal Update - Dark inky purple color, medium-full bodied, ripe raisin flavored smokey blueberry, sweet black currant, tobacco and earthy leather on the firm tannin laced black cherry finish.

RM 89 Points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=317099

Grand Tour Chicago - Wine Tasting Extravaganza

Grand Tour Chicago - Wine Tasting Extravaganza

One of the ultimate wine tasting experiences besides actually visiting wine country is Wine Spectator's annual/bi-annual* Grand Tour - a wine tasting extravaganza of over two hundred producers. While its not a substitute for visiting wine country, it is an opportunity to meet the winemakers or producer representative directly, rather than their local distributors, which is the case is most tasting events.

There is something for everyone from standard bearer First Growths to breakout producers and new vintage releases, some revealing the artwork of new winemakers. A highlight is discovering new emerging labels or established labels entering new markets. Such was the case with the 2011 Grand Tour bi-annual visit to Chicago. Again this year it was held at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom.

* Most cities including Chicago host Grand Tour every other year. 

Grand Tour in the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom

Such a broad and diverse offering can be daunting. One can approach the challenge of so many choices several ways - look for new discoveries, focus on known producers' new releases, wander serendipitously or randomly, or some combination thereof. We develop a detailed plan of what producers we want to visit and then determine tasting based on what they are serving - avoiding lackluster features and offerings we've already experienced. Our tasting route follows countries and regions that we know and collect - no room for experimentation in our plan.

Tasting so many wines in one evening quickly overwhelms the palate so we taste wines with which we have previous experience or familiarity. Lack of or diminished palate discrimination hinders wandering into new realms.We also focus on the more complex sophisticated wines early and move to the bigger, 'narrower' wines from there. You probably figured out by now - we taste reds and don't spend time on whites at such an event - the sole exception being Inniskillin Niagara Peninsula Riesling Icewine 2007 which was according to plan.

 We tend to focus on our selections and not be tempted to venture off plan otherwise one will never get through their preference list. We've been very diligent in keeping to our plan over the years although we deviated moreso this year than previously due to the size of our group.

Rick with Dan Kosta of Kosta Brown

Our preference list was only fifteen  percent of those available which is still thirty wines. I hit all but the most of the last half dozen which were ports as I ventured off and did explore some discoveries in chosen categories, such as the Aussie Shiraz's mentioned below, for example.

In the Pinot Noirs, we tasted perennial favorites Kosta Browne Russian River Valley 2009, Domaine Serene Evensted Reserve 2007, and Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007, as all were pouring as yet untasted new releases.

The first growth Bordeaux features were Chateau Mouton Rothschild serving the spectacular 2005 vintage and Chateau Margaux pouring their 2004. We started with these as the chance to taste First Growth Bordeaux wines is a special occasion and valued experience. A Pauillac comparison was available with the Lynch Bages 2005, and the Pontet Canet 2008. Margaux was best represented of the Bordeaux appellations with Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer 2004, Brane-Cantenac 2003, Du Tertre 2005, and Giscours 2005. St Estpehe was represented by long favorite Cos d'Estournel. Standouts from the Bordeaux' besides the Mouton were Lynch Bages, Brane-Cantenac and  the Cos d'Estournel. Conspicuously modest and subdued was the Chateau Margaux '04 - perhaps too young to reveal itself.

Consensus highlight of the 'Big Cab' offerings was the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006 with its rich chewy forward fruit and complexity. Notable entries were Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon '06, Beaulieu Vineyards Georges De Latour '07, Cliff Lede Poetry '07, and Beringer Private Reserve 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons. We passed on the Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages and Etude. A new release offering that showed well was Gemstone Vineyards Yountville Ten (10th Anniversary Release) 2006 which is now made by Phillip Melka. The consensus underachievement was the Caymus Special Select 2008 as I was alone in our group to give it high marks.

We overlooked and missed the 2007 HALL "Exzellenz" Sacrashe Vineyard Red Wine ($165) not recognizing yet another new label, which was unfortunate given her recent spectacular releases of her Kathyrn Hall label. We skipped the Provenance having just recently enjoyed their 2007 Cabernet (perhaps their best to date). 

The Australian Shiraz category featured several new discoveries including Two Hands 'Zippy's Block' Single Vineyard Ronnefeldt Road Marananga Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007, D'Arenberg poured their highly rated 2006 vintage Dead Arm, Penfolds their RWT (we skipped both having already tasted), and Mollydooker poured their top shelf Velvet Glove Shiraz 2009. Two other Australian Shiraz discoveries of the evening were the Chateau Tanunda very limited release 2008 'The Château' - '100 YEAR OLD VINE' Shiraz and Hentley Farm 'Clos Otto' Barossa Valley Greenock Creek Shiraz 2008. Pictured at left is Chateau Tanunda's Dagmar O'Neill pouring 100 Year Vines Shiraz for Bill C.




The Grand Tour remains a highlight of our tasting experiences each year. At $200 it is not for the every day casual wine drinker or those content/satisfied to drink modest wines. For those looking to test their palate discrimination, to explore a wide variety or broad selection of wines, then the tour offers just that. of course there are many wine tasting opportunities out there that are less extravagant. With so many selections, care must be taken to pace, spit, and cleanse - not drink/taste too much too fast, spit rather than drink (swallow) if you're looking to taste more than you would normally drink, and rinse and cleanse your palate with the furnished water, bread, or crackers regularly to maintain any sense of discrimination. 

This year,  based on lessons learned in years past, we ate just before arriving which reduced the distraction of the institutional buffet food., and time taken from the wines. As we're not getting younger and some have bad knees, next year we'll absolutely have to pre-arrange for transportation back to the hotel - and as such we got hotel rooms in the city to simplify getting home at the end of the long evening. All that said, we're 'All-In', looking forward to the next Grand Tour, which regretably but also thankfully is at least a year away!

The folks from Hentley Farm (above)  and their
'Clos Otto' Barossa Valley Greenock Creek Shiraz 2008

The jury - Rick, Ernie, Bill, Dan, Eric and Lyle.

California Cabernet New Release Discoveries - Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge & Hoopes Estate Discovered

California Cabernet Spring '10 Release Tasting - Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge & Hoopes Estate Discovered

Tasting of recent California Cabernet Sauvignon releases uncovers some new discoveries - Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge and Hoopes Estate Cabernet Sauvignons. Malloy's Finest Wine and Spirits in Lisle, Illinois hosted their annual gala spring tasting of 120 wines. I focused on six California Cabernets - four known and two new discoveries uncovering some some nice surprises.

Wines tasted:

Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage Red Wine 2007
Hoopes Estate Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Arrowood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

We've long known Rodney Strong Cabernets and Symmetry Meritage wines and especially enjoyed their recent vintages of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a pleasant surprise to discover their new single vineyard designated Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006, from a 140 acre property in the hills near Cloverdale, Sonoma County Alexander Valley. I deemed this best in class of this tasting.

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, barrell aged 22 months in French Oak with 40% new barrels. Deep dark purple in color, firm but very approachable, full bodied with rich extracted black and blue berry fruits, ripe plum, hints of vanilla, dark chocolate and touch of spice. this wine exhibited complexity, depth and polish with a well balanced acidity on a long finish. RM 93 points. 

The Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage Red Wine 2007 was also impressive. This Bordeaux blend consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot was aged 26 months in French oak barrels. Dark inky purple color, medium to full bodied with flavors of blackberry and plum fruits,  layers of cassis, dark chocolate and a hint of spice on a smooth soft lingering finish that belays its 15.1% content.  RM 91 points.

Another new discovery of the tasting was Hoopes Family Estate Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. Dark color, full bodied, firm, intense and complex blackberry, black cherry and black raspberry fruits with a layer of spice, leather and tobacco box on a firm tannin lingering finish. This would be a great accompaniement to hearty cheese or grilled steak. RM 92 points.

A good benchmark to measure these wines against was the Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.  Dark ink color, full bodied, complex and sophisticated dark berry fruit with hint of  cassis, licorice, touch of smoke and mocha on the long lingering finish. RM 92 points.

Robert Parker gave the Beringer 95 points, revealing his more sophisticated palet that likely apprecated the complex sophistication of this wine, while I tended to favor the more forward perhaps narrower but deeper cabs above.

Arrowood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. This wine was more subdued and almost delicate compared against the 'big'hitter's' above.

From vineyards near the lower Sonoma Valley hillside winery, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits predominant black berry and black cherry fruits, a hint of cassis, toasty oak and a touch of mocha on the soft finish. RM 89 points.

Rounding out the tasting was  Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 
Dark color, medium-full bodied, black cherry fruits with hint of earth and cassis framed by balanced acidity and tannins. RM 89 points.

Kudos and thanks to Malloy's Finest Wine and Spirits in Lisle for hosting this quality event.

Steve Hoff Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006

 Steve Hoff Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 

This is as good as their higher priced select shiraz at a fraction of the price. Great compliment to hearty meats, cheeses, dark chocolate - Deep dark purple color - full-bodied, ripe and rich layers of deep blackberry, plum and anise, hints of blueberry and black cherry with a long lingering fine-grained tannin finish. RM 90 points.

Other reviews - 

92 pts Robert Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate (JM) - It is opaque purple-colored with an enticing perfume of smoke, meat, bacon, and blueberry. This leads to a full-bodied, plush, ripe, layered wine with gobs of savory fruit, well concealed tannin, and superior length. This in-your-face Shiraz will drink well for a decade.

91 pts Wine Spectator
Ripe and rich, with deep blackberry, plum and licorice flavors mingling for effect as the finish rolls on, finishing with fine-grained tannins. 

90 pts Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar (JR)
Ruby-red. Powerfully scented bouquet of cherry and blueberry preserves, smoked meat and dried flowers. Fleshy dark fruit flavors are weighty and velvety, with fully absorbed tannins and a late-arriving spicy quality. This is all about fruit and is already delicious, but it has the concentration and balance to reward cellaring for a few years.

Darioush Napa Valley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Darioush Napa Valley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

From Darioush Estate vineyards on Mt Veeder, at Oak Knoll and Napa Valley, a Bordeaux style blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec.
Dark inky purple color - full bodied - full forward complex integrated black berry, black raspberry and plum fruits accented by layer of cassis and hint of cedar and touch of mocha with a lingering silky tannin finish.
RM 91 points.

http://cellartracker.com/w?727918

Napa Valley Oakville & Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

Napa Valley Oakville & Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

First dinner outside on the deck of the year featuring three Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, artisan cheeses, grilled steaks, sauteed green beans and twice baked potatos  - served at Bill & Beth C's.


Provenance Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -  Surprising depth and fullness - deep purple color - full bodied - black berry and black currant fruits, hints of spice and cedar and dark chocolate.
RM 91 points.

Barbour Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 -  
Medium bodied leather, hints of earth and smoke with subtle black cherry and black berry fruits on a moderate tannin finish. RM 88 points.

Del Dotto Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 -
A bit of a cross between the top two wines above - medium - full bodied, black berry fruit, leather, hints of earth, cedar, spice and a soft smoky tannin finish. RM 90 points.

Easter Brunch Festive Dining with Fine Wines

Easter Brunch Festive Dining with Fine Wines

Easter weekend featured festive dining with family with home cooked preparations matched with fine wines. Easter eve featured Mayacamas Napa Valley Mt Veeder Merlot 2006 and Chardonnay 2009 served with lasagna and baked chicken respectively. We tasted and just received these wines from our recent Napa Valley Mt Veeder Appellation Trail Wine Experience visit to the winery. We featured these for sister Jan visiting from Cal accompanied us on the trip but left early and missed the Mayacamas visit and tasting.

 Easter brunch at home after church featured Eggs Benedict with lobster medallions, with hollandaise and asparagus spears. Also featured was a remarkable blueberry french toast bake. The wine accompaniment was Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2006.

Easter evening we tasted Elan Napa Valley Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 with artisan cheeses and medallions of beef filet with carmelized onions. The Elan tasted remarkably like a vintage Bordeaux with huge floral scents, earthy leather, black fruits, smoke and black cherry with hints of anise and cedar. This wine originally tasted at the winery with producer Richard Elliott-Smith and his lovely wife Linda back during our 1998 Napa Wine Experience (see picture and caption below).

It was true to Richard's Bordeaux roots in flavor, character and apparent age-worthiness as this seventeen year old is not only holding well but is revealing itself more profoundly than earlier tastings. Tasted with artisan cheeses and medallions of beef filet with carmelized onions it went well with the hearty blue cheese and aged cheddar. RM 90 points. 

Linda & Rick, Richard & Linda, Phil W. and AJ
tasting Elan Cabernet Sauvignon at Monticello Winery in 1998.

Rosemount Estate McLaren Vale Balmoral Syrah 2000

Rosemount Estate McLaren Vale Balmoral Syrah 2000

Label from 1999 vintage.

Some say Shiraz, they say Syrah!

Tasting Note - Dark inky purple color. Medium-full bodied. Aromatic, leather, slightly earthy aroma that gives way to complex flavorful blue fruit and ripe black raspberry, raisin, black cherry, cassis, tar, and tobacco that turns to an aftertaste of smoke, currant and a hint of plum. Over the course of the evening, the wine seemed to age as the berry fruits gave way to the more fig raisin aged feel while the deep aromatics lingered. While I gave it a 92 initially on opening, by the end of the night I gave it a 90. RM 90 points.

The wine went well with smoked almonds and heady blue or gorgonzola cheeses with sliced pear. It would go well with beef or lamb.

We have a horizontal of this wine from 1992 through 2004. Thankfully this wine has avoided that mineral and slight metallic note that some Syrahs take on. It is less extracted and fruit forward than some of the almost over-powering fruit bombs from the region.

During those early years the wine was priced in the $33-36 range, then escalated to $50. After the 2000 vintage the price was fortunately and wisely rolled back to under $30 where it remains. I have seen the 2004 vintage at this price - a good value for this quality wine. I have not seen vintages later than 2004 of this wine in the market.

Yates Family Vineyards Alden Perry Reserve Napa Valley Mt. Veeder Napa Redwoods Estate 2006 Red Wine

 Yates Family Vineyards Alden Perry Reserve Napa Valley Mt. Veeder Napa Redwoods Estate 2006 Red Wine

This wine was one of the discoveries and highlights of our Mt. Veeder Appellation trip and Yates Family Vineyards producer visit last month. The wine is a Bordeaux style blend with 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine is named after Alden Yates, proprietor Michael Yate’s father and Perry Yates, his grandfather, who first purchased the Mt Veeder vineyard property in 1950. Yates produce Bordeaux varietal fruit that is mostly sold to other producers. We've likely had their fruit in wines we get from name producers. They produce small quantities of one to two hundred cases of their Bordeaux varietal wines and of this blend.


We tasted the wine at the winery and purchased a case which just arrived. We opened and drank this with artisan cheeses and filet of beef. The wine was a perfectly complement to the blue cheese and went well with the grilled steak.

Tasting notes -
A bit of acid heat initially that soon wears off to a pleasant smooth drinking wine. Deep garnet color - full bodied bursting with complex layers of rich forward blackberry, ripe sweet black raspberry fruits, tones of cinnamon spice, anise and hints of floral, sweet oak, white pepper and tobacco leaf, finishing with moderate smooth tannins on a rich full finish.
RM 92 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1012016

Ivy Restaurant - Wheaton, Illinois - Wine & Dine Experience

Ivy Restaurant - Wheaton, Illinois - Wine & Dine Experience

We've been wanting to dine in this location for many years in light of its unique setting in a historic building originally built as a chapel complete with stained glass windows and cathedral ceiling. Several different restaurants have come and gone at this site despite its prime location in the center of trendy downtown Wheaton, Illinois.

There is some irony that the Ivy Restaurant website homepage prominently features Martini Night given that Wheaton was a 'dry' town for so many years. They also offer a half-price wine night on Tuesday's which is always a worthwhile endeavor and practice worth supporting.


While they feature their dinner and dessert menus, I could not find a wine list on their website so I called to inquire about their corkage policy which is $20 per bottle. Alas, having selected a favorite entree, Gorgonzola encrusted New York strip steak, I set upon the wine cellar for a fitting pairing. We also invited friends Mark & Shirley to join us and knowing Shirley loves Cabernet Franc the stage was set for a cab franc stand-off showcasing a vintage favorite aside a premier new discovery offering from our recent Napa Valley wine experience.

My cellar search discovered two bottles remaining from a case of Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1997, and an as yet untouched case just received and racked last week of Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2007.

I advised the server we were doing a wine tasting pairing and inquired further about the featured selections. Per the menu, the steak was accompanied by Ivy House Potatoes. Advised that they were roasted in garlic I opted for the Ivy Whipped Potatoes. Mark ordered a Special du jour Braised Veal Shank served with roasted potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables. Both ladies ordered the special feature du jour Sea Bass with cous cous.

For starters we ordered the Chorizo Stuffed Dates - wrapped with applewood bacon, baby arugula with smoked tomato sauce, Almond Encrusted Brie, and Prince Edward Island Mussels sauteed with shallots, garlic, bacon, cream, fresh thyme in a white wine broth served with toast points.

Since I was focused on the wine tasting/pairing, I avoided the mussels sauteed in garlic. The brie cheese on the toast points was a nice but uninspiring accompaniment. The others cited the mussels as being less than stellar appearing to be not as fresh as they might be.

The stuffed dates were very tasty and a perfect accompaniment to the wines - especially the bright, vibrant 2007 Constant -so much so we ordered a second round. The dates were very tasty despite the fact the smoked tomato sauce added nothing, in my mind at least.

The anticipation of the wine/entree pairings was heightened. The New York strip arrived smothered with a crusted Gorgonzola which normally I love. Unfortunately, it was so laced with Thyme, there was no sense of the Gorgonzola whatsoever, let alone the beef. I am not a fan of Thyme, which normally I would associate with poultry and Thanksgiving turkey dressing. The affect on the beef was very unappealing. Worse, the whipped potatoes were laced with garlic. By this point any hope of a comparison tasting of the Cabernet Francs was lost.

The Sea Bass was also a bit disappointing, being less than stellar fresh, and the cous cous appeared to look more like risotto. Unfortunately, the dinners were also loaded with salt so as to take away from the tasting experience. We couldn't get enough water.

The saving grace of the evening, beside the stuffed dates, was Mark's entree the braised veal shank which he enjoyed very much.

We finished with the creme brulee which was very good.

The restaurant wine-list was basically American, appeared to predominate with California complete with a range of offerings up to Silver Oak Alexander Valley at $128 and Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet at $150 - no vintages listed.  Had it been listed on-line, I would have planned accordingly as there appeared to be one or two selections I would have explored. I appreciate and was grateful for their fair and appropriate corkage policy - indeed, it provided the basis for our visit.

Napa Valley Cabernet Franc tasting -
Constant Diamond Mountain 2007, Del Dotto Napa Valley 1997

Our wine tasting/comparison was outstanding, up to the point of being overpowered by the smothering spice, garlic and salt. The Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1997 was opaque garnet colored, medium bodied and opened with a earthy leather revealing its age, turning to black cherry, spice and a hint of tobacco (RM 90, WS 91 points). The Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Franc 2007 was inky dark purple color, full bodied, dense and concentrated with complex forward, chewy black berry fruits, spice, with long lingering silky tannins (RM 93-94, RP 93-94 points).

We visited Constant Vineyard and Winery just last month during our Diamond Mountain Wine Experience as featured on this blog. Del Dotto are long favorites as were featured during our Napa Valley Wine Experiences several times in 1998, 1999, and 2003 as showcased on our featured producers on www.unwindwine.com.

The restaurant is very picturesque with a very nice setting including an outdoor seating area adjoining the ivy colored building - hence the restaurant name. The ambiance upon entry is a bit confusing as the elegance is a bit undermined by the sports-bar feel with the big screens featuring sports in the bar adjacent to the entry.

We were seated promptly, reasonable to expect for a 6:30 seating with reservations. There is a stylish side dining room surrounded by windows and accessed  through french doors off the main dining room. The main dining room has the high cathedral ceilings with a surrounding second floor balcony overlooking the main floor. At the head of the room is a large massive stone fireplace. Seating is tight with three columns of tables down the center and sides of the 'sanctuary', one sidewall having window views to an adjoining courtyard, the opposite side against a bench seat under an alcove looking out into the main hall.

The service was attentive and friendly albeit lacking in detail to properly describe the nature of the food preparations given our stated sensitivity to wine suitable. Moreover, the menu descriptions failed to mention the spices and garlic which might have been acceptable had they not been so predominate (overwhelming). Upon our frank expression of dissatisfaction, the chef did come out and discuss our concerns, defending the preparation and noting its popularity and lack of previous complaints. I can't imagine other diner's finding this preparation acceptable. We offered up our oft-visited Angeli's Restaurant in Naperville as a splendid example of fabulous Gorgonzola feature entree's. We should've also mentioned Angeli's superb mussels offering as well as it is also spectacular and superior to the Ivy Restaurant feature.We were offered the entree be removed from the bill but believe this did not happen given its hard to imagine how the bill could be $250 (plus the $50 tip).

All in all our experience was disappointing and regrettably we will not likely return soon to or recommend Ivy Restaurant in Wheaton. 

http://www.ivyofwheaton.com/
120 N Hale St
Wheaton, IL 60187-5113
(630) 665-2489

Restaurant Tallent - Bloomington, Indiana - Wine and Dining Experience

Restaurant Tallent - Bloomington, Indiana

By far the standard bearer for fine dining in Bloomington, local natives and namesakes, David and Kristen Tallent take exquisite cuisine to a level one expects to find in finer restaurant mecca's New York or Chicago. Not surprising, since they studied at the C.I.A. - Culinary Institute of America in New York, then learned and refined their craft at fine restaurants there. At the C.I.A., David became learned in the Slow Food Movement using local, seasonal and organic ingredients.

David and Kristen initially opened Restaurant Tallent in 2003, then moved to the current location in 2007. David oversees the kitchen operations and develops the menu creations, while Kristen overseas the wine list, dessert menu and serves as pastry chef as well as General Manager. 

The menu creations are Indiana Hoosier cuisine with a sophisticated cosmopolitan flair. I tried the Indiana Strip Steak with Hash Brown Casserole, Asparagus, served in a Wild Mushroom Bordelaise. We also tried the seafood entree - the Alaskan Halibut with Creamed Cabbage & Ramps, Sunchokes, Corned Beef, and Maple Mustard Gastrique, and the Herbed Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables, Preserved Lemon & Pistachio Pesto. All the entrees were creative and superb. For starter we tried the Rye Whiskey Foie Gras Torchon with Rhubarb Jam, Bourbon Sherry Caviar and Cornmeal Waffle. The Foie Gras was exquisite, undone slightly by the overtly tangy sour Caviar and the bland underwhelming cornmeal waffle. Toast points would have better suited the elegance of the Foie Gras.

I called ahead early in the week after making dining reservations, to arrange corkage arrangements for a special vintage bottle selection from our cellar befitting a very special dining occasion. We were advised this is not allowed and then directed to the wine list selections. Alas, in choosing our entree and wine pairing, our wine selection had been removed from the wine list. Ironically, as is my custom before ordering, and then again when I discovered our wine choice was no longer offered, I had inquired whether there were any wine selections not shown on the winelist. I was admonished that the wine list was complete, and representative of all available selections. Only on insisting to investigate the availability of the particular wine we had chosen from the published on-line winelist were we presented with our original selection choice - albeit a different vintage, which had been removed from the published list, and which remains still on the on-line feature. Moreover, while having been advised ahead of time in our phone inquiry to refer to the winelist, and then advised that the winelist was indeed up-to-date and correct, our second selection from the published list presented at the table, supposedly updated just the day before, was not available. Clearly, their care and attention to detail in the precision and accuracy and presentation of both the on-line list and the published list provided at the table is lacking, overshadowed only by their disregard and lack of respect for the value a client may place on the import of selecting a favored and appropriate matching wine to accompany their dinner selection. Some diners, certainly wine geeks or aficionados, consider the wine experience an integral and important part of the dining experience. Expecting relative accuracy is not a long call considering the number of red wines offered numbers about thirty.

This unsettling discourse only set to magnify other service shortcomings of the evening - an entree served less than hot, empty water glasses, and in-attentive servers failing to check on progress or satisfaction of the meal. Never-the-less, the quality and imagination of the food selections and preparations were wonderful and warrant a visit, or a return trip.

Wines tasted:

Twomey Napa Valley Merlot 2006
Full bodied - dark inky ruby color -  fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry, layer of spice and cedar with a hint of tobacco and dark chocolate on a finely polished tannin finish. RM 91 points.
Grapes sourced from Soda Canyon Ranch vineyards in southeast Napa Valley.
94% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Shown - 2004 vintage bottle.



Second wine selection choice, listed on offer but not available - Pahlmayer Napa Valley Red Wine 2006.

Raymond Sommelier Selection California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
(Available by the glass)
Medium-full bodied, black cherry and brambleberry fruits with a layer of spice, tobacco, herb and hint of anise on a moderate tannin finish. RM 88 points.
Grapes sourced - 64% Napa County 27% Sonoma County 9% Lake County 
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc

Restaurant Tallent were supporters of the Big Red Wine Fest a charity wine tasting to support Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington.

Restaurant Tallent
208 North Walnut Bloomington IN 47404
Phone - 812-330-9801

Hoosier Heartland Wine & Dine - B-Town Weekend Getaway

Hoosier Heartland Wine & Dine - B-Town Weekend Getaway 

A visit to Big Ten 'B-Town', Bloomington, Indiana. Weekend getaway to visit son Alec, IU Kelly B-school student, and to celebrate his (21st!) birthday .

Le Petit Cafe - Casual cultural dining - authentic Provencal Country French dining experience - food, ambiance, due to and brought by French hosts. Dinner with L, Erin & Lucy, Alec and buddies Zach and Jordan.

Selections are posted on a white board - a couple of starter selections - pate, cheese credite, entrees - beef, fish, chicken or pork. sides are family style - a starch and a veggie and a medley of deserts.

Wines are fundamentally simple, French - white or red, tastefully and creatively selected to accompany the dinner selections. The husband wife team share duties of cooking and serving.

Service is focused, genuine, attentive, and sincere.   

Louis Latour Morgon Les Charmes Beaune Cote-d-Or 1999

The suggested selection served with our meal. Pleasant easy drinking - medium light bodied - garnet color - black cherry fruits, dusty rose, hint of tobacco on a moderate, short tannin finish. A good value in a Pinot Noir wine.  

Nice complement to cheese, salad and the beef entries.

RM 88 points.

Viader Napa Valley Proprietary Red 1990

Alec's birth-year wine to celebrate his 21st birthday weekend. This wine was pre-arranged to be available for our special occasion dinner.

Very Bordeaux like - subdued black berry fruit, floral, leather, tobacco and a hint of spice layer on a moderate soft tannin finish.  Cabernet Sauvignon 68%, Cabernet Franc 32%.
RM 91 points.

Nice complement to the beef entries, chocolate deserts. 


 
The spectacular Viader Howell Mountain Estate was featured during our Viader Napa Valley Wine Experience 2008.

Delia Viader was featured at a Binny's an evening with Delia Viader vertical wine tasting in Lakeview, Chicago. 



More to come ...

March Madness Eclectic Mix of B-Ball and Wine Tasting

Get-together to watch March Madness NCAA B-Ball and Taste Some Wine

Like the NCAA tourney, an eclectic mix not normally seen together - some were big and powerful, some were legends, some unknowns, some over-achievers, and a cinderella.




2007 cc: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Second time tasted and consistent notes - a bit tart and hard on initial opening - much softer and more approachable the next day. Full bodied - dark garnet color. Complex, slightly restrained blackberry fruits, spice, layer of cassis, hint of cedar with tones of mocha on a full lingering soft tannin finish.
RM 91 points.

  

Muddy Water Waipara, New Zealand Pinot Noir 2008

Ruby-colored, light medium bodied, bright forward medley of sweet tangy fruits - cherry, wild strawberry, plum, spice and dusty rose flavours with soft silky tannin on a short finish.
RM 88 points.

Marquis Philips Southeast Australia Shiraz 2000
 
In a blind tasting this would pass as a southern Rhone - Aromas and taste of firm forward rich very ripe black raspberry, almost raisin and fig give way to intense pepper and anise finish. 
RM 87 points 



 


Piedra Hill Vineyard Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Dark garnet color - medium-full bodied. Full forward ripe black fruits - black berry, black cherry, almost raisiny, hints of anise and a layer of spice on a full firm lingering tannin finish.
RM 89 points.


 

Pope Valley Winery Napa Valley Eakle Ranch Merlot 2005

From the base of the rear of Howell Mountain. Medium bodied - dark garnet color - black licorice, anise, leather and a hint of smoke overtake the black berry and black cherry fruits and spice. RM 86 points.


Interesting selection brought by Bill & Beth - namesake to Beth's Pope family heritage with a connection in her past somewhere. Notably, she also was championing the support for the Kentucky Wildcats who advanced to the Final Four over Bill's favored North Carolina Tar Heels.

Linda and I, and Bob are all supporting our Hoosier heritage favorite Butler Bulldogs with Gloria lending encouraging support to keep family unity. Onward!