22 July 2020 Virtual Tasting with Dracaena Wines

Virtual Tasting with Dracaena Wines

July 22, 2020 By

Last week, I participated in an informative Zoom wine tasting with Lori Budd of Dracaena Wines. I’ve done a few virtual wine tastings since the start of the pandemic, and this was fun with tons of great info sharing about the winery and Paso Robles.

About Dracaena Wines

Lori and her husband Michael left corporate America, and New Jersey, four years ago to live out their dream in Paso Robles, California. Through hard work they’ve grown to producing over 400 cases of wine yearly.

Dracaena, pronounced [druh-see-nuh], is the scientific name of the plant better known as the Draco plant. The name allowed the couple who come to winemaking from scientific backgrounds to also honor the memory of their Weimaraner, Draco, through their winemaking business.

We tasted three wines: 2019 Rosé of Syrah, 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc and the 2017 Cabernet Franc Classic.

2019 Dracaena Wines Rosé of Syrah

Lovely Provence-style rosé that would be great with food but also perfect for sipping on a warm day. This has bold flavors and definitely not a wimpy, watery rosé (amen to that).

Looks: Dark rich pink/coral color in the glass

Smell: Fresh, ripe strawberry

Taste: Juicy strawberry and raspberry with some floral notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, crisp, great acidity, dry finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, creamy cheeses or as an aperitif on a warm day

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $20

2017 Dracaena Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc

Single clone, single vineyard (Plummer Vineyard) Cabernet Franc. According to Lori “not made to taste like bell pepper” which I can absolutely appreciate.

Looks: Dark ruby in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit, black berries with smoky/mocha notes

Taste: Ripe raspberry, dark fruit, chocolate/leather notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-heavy bodied, rich, medium tannins, medium finish

Pairings: Grilled/roasted red meats, aged cheeses, ribs

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $45

2017 Dracaena Wines Classic Cabernet Franc

This wine received a stellar 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and is a big boy that could benefit from some cellaring to attain its full potential. For the tasting, I used my aerator and it saw an immediate softening. Lori stated it could easily go 10 years in the cellar.

Looks: Dark purple/red in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit (raspberry/cherry)

Taste: Ripe raspberry, chocolate-covered cherry, pumpkin pie spice

Texture and Finish: Medium-heavy bodied, rich, medium tannins, medium-long finish

Pairings: Grilled/roasted red meats, aged cheeses, beef short ribs would be especially tasty

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $34

Wine Club

Dracaena Wines has a very popular wine club called Chalk Club where fans of their wines can become members by buying three bottles twice a year at a minimum. A progressive discount is offered for folks who remain members. Members can choose either all red wines or a mix of red and rosé. For more information on Chalk Club, visit: https://dracaenawines.com/chalk-club.   

Dracaena Wines are distributed through the winery, available online for purchase and available at many places.

Lori teased by telling us that 2020 will bring about a Chenin Blanc from Clarsburg and I cannot wait to get that in my glass.

Cheers,

Veronique

Note: Wines were provided by Dracaena Wines complimentary for this tasting.

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Red Wine, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

2016 Fair Oaks Ranch Merlot

July 2, 2020 By

This light/medium-bodied Central Coast Merlot drinks very young and I recommend it be uncorked at least an hour before drinking or it be poured through an aerator. This will help it soften up and get more of the Merlot roundness the grape is known for.

The 2016 Fair Oaks Ranch Merlot is affordable, light, fruity easy drinking wine.

Looks: Transparent ruby red in the glass

Smell: Bright cherry and dark berries aromas

Taste: Juicy cherry and fresh raspberry flavors with some oaky/chocolatey notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light/medium-bodied, sweet/tart on the finish

Pairings: Grilled meats – beef or lamb, cheesy burger

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Merlot

Region: Central Coast, CA, USA

Price: $14

Cheers,

Veronique

This wine was provided to me for sampling by https://wineinsiders.com/ and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s enjoyable.

Filed Under: Merlot, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
13 May 2020 2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard

2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard

May 13, 2020 By

I’ve been a fan of Wilde Farm Wines for several years, ever since the New Jersey-based owners, Loren and Amy Grossman, started doing wine-themed dinners at local restaurants. It’s been incredible to have the opportunity to see the wines and portfolio evolve over the years, and this year, I’ve been enjoying the 2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard.

About Wilde Farm Wines

The Grossmans named their winery after Wilde Farm, a horse farm on the on the estate of Samuel Wilde which was built in 1907 in northern New Jersey. About twenty years ago, the Grossmans purchased he estate and raised their family there.

About the Wines and Winemaking

Wilde Farm makes a small quantity of wines by hand from old vines located in the finest vineyards in California. The emphasis is a balance of acid and fruit for wines that can age well.

Acclaimed winemaker Pax Mahle is the genius behind the winemaking at Wilde Farm. Mahle and the Wilde Farm team source grapes from old vine, low yield sites, where soil, climate and honest farming practices allow for a full expression of the type of grape and the place the grapes come from.

The 2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard is an easy-drinking wine that’s affordable enough to be uncorked on pizza night (a very nice pizza night) but would also pair well with grilled meats or duck breast at a dinner party. The juicy cherry and fresh fruit flavors with spiced notes paired well with the cheesy pasta I served this young wine with, a bit chilled as was recommended.

Looks: Bright red in the glass

Smell: Bright aromas of cherry and dark berries with spiced notes

Taste: Juicy cherry and fresh fruit flavors with floral and spiced notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light/medium-bodied, sweet/tart on the finish

Pairings: Grilled meats – pork, chicken, cheesy pasta

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Dolcetto

Region: Mendocino, CA, USA

Price: $28

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Dolcetto, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
6 May 2020 2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

May 6, 2020 By

Found this 2018 Honig Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley wine at a local store and it was great with bold flavors from the Semillon/Muscat that I wish I found more often in other Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve been a Honig fan for a long time and this wine is going in the cellar for summer grill outs. Please note that this is the ‘reserve’ version of their Sauvignon Blanc.

About Honig Vineyard & Winery

Honig is family-owned, certified sustainable and solar-powered. The Honig family settled in Rutherford in 1964 and started winemaking in 1980. The popular Napa Valley winery focuses on producing two varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Honig family name translates to the German word for honey, so bees have a huge presence on the estate, one of the many benefits of sustainable farming practices. The family fully believes that healthy bees are a sign of a thriving eco-system. The bee is prominently-featured on wine labels and throughout the winery.

For those wanting to visit, I can personally say it’s a fabulous place. Not only are the wines excellent, the tasting room staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the setting is gorgeous.

Looks: Medium yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense green apple, citrus and floral notes

Taste: Meyer lemon, ripe peach/pear/plum with floral notes on the palate. Oak flavors, but not over-bearing

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, creamy texture with nice acidity with a dry finish

Pairings: Seafood, grilled fish/chicken, dinner salad

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 89% Sauvignon blanc, 9% Semillon, 2% Muscat

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Suggested Price: $35 (found for $27 locally)

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
26 February 2020 Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

February 26, 2020 By

I had this lovely Tasmanian sparkling wine by the glass at a hot NYC restaurant and really didn’t know what to expect. I was taken aback by what a great wine this was for the price point.

About Ninth Island

Ninth Island is named after a small island located in the Bass Strait, just off the coast from the Pipers Brook Estate where the Ninth Island Wines are made.

Pipers Brook Estate and Ninth Island are regarded as modern day pioneers in the wine industry of Tasmania where they produce 100% estate grown and made wines, like this Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling.

Great moussy sparkler with bright lemony and juicy apple aromas continuing on the palate with some strawberry and floral notes.

Looks: Medium straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear, citrus and apple on the nose

Taste: Zesty citrus, like strawberry and floral notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, creamy mousse with great acidity with a dry finish

Pairings: Seafood (specially oysters), fish (ceviche would be great). Great as an aperitif

Style: Sparkling White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Region: Tasmania, Australia

Price: $25

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
8 January 2020 Tasting the Wines of Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast

Tasting the Wines of Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast

January 8, 2020 By

Cline Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California founded by Fred Cline, one of the original Rhone Rangers, in 1982 in Oakley, California. Cline’s original vintages from Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignane vines dating as far back as the 1880’s.

Nancy & Fred Cline. Photo credit: Cline Cellars Inc

In 1989, the Clines acquired a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery to Sonoma County. While the original vineyards were focused on Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, Fred and his wife Nancy have continued to plant vineyards in Sonoma County with Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Cline Cellars is grounded in sustainability through its natural and sustainable Green String farming methods.

Cline Cellars’ Sonoma Coast wines are produced from vineyards in the region known as the Petaluma Gap and are exposed to morning fog from the nearby Pacific, with a combination of shallow clay and deep loam blocks that make this area much sought-after for Pinot Noir and other finicky varietals.

2018 Cline Cellars Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

This Sonoma Chardonnay packs big flavors of ripe juice tropical fruit, pear and apple with oaky/vanilla notes on a long, rich finish.

Looks: Pale golden in the glass

Smell: Vanilla, peach, ripe red apple, caramel

Taste: Juicy papaya, ripe pear, caramel and vanilla on the finish with oaky notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, medium acidity and long finish

Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster/monkfish, chicken wings, buttery risotto

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 98% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Gris

Price: $20

2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast

Refreshing, thirst-quenching and approachable California Pinot Gris that’s both food-friendly and a perfect sipper on a warm afternoon. Great price for a lovely wine.

Looks: Palest yellow with hints of green in the glass

Smell: Pink grapefruit, tart apple

Taste: Bright flavors of apple, pear and Meyer lemons

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, bright acidity and light, crisp finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, lighter salad, as an aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Price: $15

2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has silky texture and the cherry cordial/raspberry flavors I enjoy/expect from this region.

Looks: Medium ruby red in the glass

Smell: Ripe raspberry/strawberry, chocolate notes

Taste: Chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, nice level of acidity, smooth tannins and long finish

Pairings: Duck, roast chicken, grilled salmon, game

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Price: $20

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
20 November 2019 2012 Vina Lanciano Rioja Reserva

2012 Vina Lanciano Rioja Reserva

November 20, 2019 By

We uncorked this 2012 Viña Lanciano Rioja by Bodegas LAN when we recently grilled some filet mignon kabobs over charcoal and it was a perfect match.  This wine would pair beautifully with Thanksgiving foods.

According toBodegas LAN Viña Lanciano is the architect of the original philosophy of our winery. Its name reflects the essence of a unique enclave and the river that embraces it in this magical place, with vestiges of ancient history, such as the remains of the Mantible bridge of Roman origin that stars in its label. Viña Lanciano condenses the philosophy and know-how of LAN since its inception.

This Spanish wine is made from a selection of 30+ year-old vines located in Bodegas LAN’s Viña Lanciano estate.

Nice wine with a great ageing potential.

About Bodegas LAN

Bodegas LAN is one of the top Rioja regional producers in the region. Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is named after the first letters of the three provinces in the DOCa Rioja: Logroño, Álava and Navarra.

Bodegas LAN mixes the best of Rioja tradition and modern winemaking with their pioneer approach to aging in the highest quality oak barrels, crafted by the world’s best coopers – including French, American, Russian and hybrids.

Viña Lanciano is both a wine and a vineyard, made from vines planted in one of the region’s most exquisite settings nestled on 175 acres. It is a representation of LAN’s pioneering commitment and dedication to the land.

Winemaker and technical director María Barúa and her team practice viniculture sustainability with their signature vineyard Viña Lanciano.

About 2012 Vina Lanciano Rioja Reserva

Looks: Bright cherry red/purplish in the glass

Smell: Intense dark/black berry and fruit on the nose with hints of pumpkin pie spice on the finish

Taste: Chocolate-covered cherries, licorice with a bit of spice on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, silky mouth-coating texture, medium level of tannins and textbook Viña Lanciano estate minerality on the finish.

Pairings: Grilled meat, stews, aged cheeses

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo

Region: Rioja, Spain

Price: $26

Cheers,

Veronique

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
15 May 2019 Barbolini Lancillotto Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro NV

Barbolini Lancillotto Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro NV

May 15, 2019 By

Barbolini was an early pioneer of high quality Lambrusco in Emilia-Romagna. I was glad to find this wine at a local Italian restaurant to remind myself to go get a case for summer outdoor parties. For those not familiar with Lambrusco, it’s a red sparkling wine from Italy. It’s refreshing, super food-friendly and a perfect sipper on a warm summer day. And, this bottling is $14 – a complete bargain.

Looks: Foamy and purple in the glass

Smell: Black cherry, black raspberry with some earthy notes

Taste: Big mouthful of dark cherry

Texture and Finish: Bone dry, medium-bodied but light and fresh with great acidity and light tannins. Short finish

Pairings: Charcuterie plate, pizza, red sauced pasta

Style: Red Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): Grasparossa Lambrusco

Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Price: $14

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Italy, Lambrusco, Red Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
30 January 2019 2017 Gulp Hablo Garnacha

2017 Gulp Hablo Garnacha

January 30, 2019 By

I’m a fan of visiting boutique wine shops where professional advice leads to finding bottles that are gems. This is the case when I visit Amanti Vino in Morristown or Montclair, NJ (https://www.amantivino.com). Proprietor Sharon Sevrens has made recommendations over the years on bottles I wouldn’t have otherwise tried, always with great results. This time, she pointed me in the direction of this value-priced Grenache from Castilla La Mancha, Spain that was fantastic!   

This is a fun, bright, mouth-watering, juicy Grenache from Spain that’s perfect for Tuesday pizza night or outdoor BBQs. Won’t break the bank at around $12 but it drinks much better than bottles in that price range I’ve had of late. This wine is made by natural-wine star winemaker Juan-Antonio Ponce and is certified biodynamic.

Comes in a one liter bottle.

Looks: bright red in the glass

Smell: Bright red berries with notes of violets

Taste: Tart red berries/fruit with a bit of earthiness

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, great acidity

Pairings: Beef/lamb tacos, pizza, antipasto, charcuterie plate

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Grenache

Region: Castilla La Mancha, Spain

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Grenache, Red Wine, Spain, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

2013 Alba Vineyard Cabernet Franc Heritage

January 23, 2019 By

About Alba Vineyard

Alba Vineyard (www.albavineyard.com) is a 93-acre estate nestled in the rolling hills of Warren County, on the north side of the Musconetcong river valley, a tributary of the Delaware River. Alba is a part of the Warren Hills AVA and is situated in the central New Jersey town of Milford.

I’ve written about Alba Vineyard and its beautiful winery and tasting room in prior articles. The place is magical and I highly-recommend a visit, in the summer for the gorgeous courtyard where one can enjoy a bottle while listening to music and munching on food prepared by local restaurants, or in the colder months for a sampling of the wines in the warm and cozy tasting room.

Looks: Inky purple-red in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit with some smoky notes

Taste: Rich flavors of dark raspberries with some vanilla and mocha notes

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, silky mouth-feel, medium finish

Pairings: Beef, lamb, venison, rich tomato sauce-based dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Warren County, NJ, USA

Price: $40

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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