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: , , , ,
30 October 2019 2018 Bodegas Granbazan Etiqueta Verde Albarino

2018 Bodegas Granbazan Etiqueta Verde Albarino

October 30, 2019 By

I’m unsure why I don’t drink more Rias Baixas Albariño – it’s outstanding and an incredible value! The wines from that region are refreshing, delicious, showcase the big flavors I enjoy in white wines and are food-friendly to boot.

I enjoyed this 2018 Bodegas Granbazán Etiqua Verde Albariño wine at a tasting dinner where it was served as an aperitif to go with an amuse-bouche and was pleasantly-surprised it was less than $20.  

About Bodegas Granbazán

In the 1960s, Manuel Otero y Otero purchased land that had been planted with eucalyptus and cattle feed in the hopes of converting it to vineyards. In the 1980s, his son, Manuel Otero Candeira, built Granbazán, a chateau with a beautiful building amid a vineyard pergola-trained vines.

Granbazán was instrumental is elevating the quality of wine in Galicia and for raising the reputation of Rias Baixas white wines around the world.

Bodegas Granbazán is now owned by Pedro Martínez Hernández, of Rioja estate Bodegas BAIGORRI fame, who endeavors to set new quality standards through his investments in vineyards and cellar technology.

Etiqueta Verde (‘Green Label’) is the entry-level offering from Granbazán. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed before undergoing a cool pre-fermentation maceration which helps to lock in and amplify aromas and structure.

Looks: Pale straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear and grapefruit on the nose with some grassiness

Taste: Ripe melon and apple on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, crisp acidity with a bit of salinity on the finish

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño

Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Price: $19

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Spain 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: , ,
1 May 2019 Discovering the San Marzano Wines of Puglia

Discovering the San Marzano Wines of Puglia

May 1, 2019 By

In the past, when I thought of San Marzano, I thought of ripe, juicy, flavor-packed tomatoes. Now, San Marzano Wines (http://www.sanmarzanowines.com/en) also come to mind.

No photo description available.
Photo by San Marzano Wines

San Marzano Wines is a prominent Puglian producer, creating wines with true to their regional characteristics. Situated in the Primitivo di Manduria DOP, San Marzano is a wine cooperative (cantine) that was established in 1962, when 19 vine growers from San Marzano di San Giuseppe— whose families had farmed the land for generations—joined forces to maximize their efforts. Today, San Marzano continues a philosophy of balancing longstanding traditions with modern techniques and has over 1,200 vine growers across more than 3,500 acres of vineyards.

San Marzano Wines are focused on highlighting the region’s traditional varieties, primarily Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera (plus some others). The cantine weaves tradition, passion and modern techniques to produce a range that highlights the character of each grape and the terroir.

2015 Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria

The Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria is 100% Primitivo, and its name celebrates the year that San Marzano was launched. This is a big boy and while nice now with some decanting, it shows the aging potential of this wine.

Looks: Intense ruby in the glass

Smell: Stone fruit, jammy cherries with notes of mocha

Taste: Black cherry jam, with notes of licorice and coffee

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, rich tannins, dry long finish

Pairings: Beef/lamb/game (think Pappardelle with pork ragu)

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Primitivo

Region: Puglia, Italy

Price: $33.99

2015 Il Pumo Negroamaro Salento IGP

Il Pumo Negroamaro Salento IGP is named after pumo clay pottery very popular in the region and the clay soils the wines in the Salento peninsula are grown in. This budget-friendly wine is great during the week, with takeout pizza or on its own.

Looks: Purple/red in the glass

Smell: Bright red berries with floral notes

Taste: Ripe red berries/fruit with some plum and a little spice on the finish

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, velvety texture, great acidity, medium finish

Pairings: Grilled red meat, pizza, antipasto, cheese plate

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Negroamaro

Region: Puglia, Italy

Price: $8.99

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: Italy, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
27 March 2019 2017 Domaine Henry Pelle Menetou Salon Morogues

2017 Domaine Henry Pelle Menetou Salon Morogues

March 27, 2019 By

About Domaine Pellé

Domaine Pellé, the largest producer in the Menetou-Salon appellation, is in Morogues, a small village to the west of Sancerre. Domaine Pellé’s history only dates back to 1959, but records show the Pellé family was making wine in the Loire region long before that.

Vines grow over 40 hectares of limestone-clay soils very similar to those found in Sancerre. Two-thirds of the vines are Sauvignon Blanc and the rest is Pinot Noir. The estate practices sustainable methods in the vineyards and very gentle pressing of the grapes in the winery.

Wine Overview

I ordered this wine at a tapas restaurant where I knew I’d be eating a variety of seafood-based dishes – great pick! The wine is a nice example of Sauvignon Blanc from this region – bright, crisp with super acidity that’s ultra food-friendly.

It’s difficult to find Sancerre at this price point and the ones that are, just aren’t this good.

Looks: pale yellow in the glass

Smell: citrus (grapefruit and Meyer lemon), wet stone, melon

Taste: grapefruit, lime, melon and a little grassiness and salinity on the finish

Texture and Finish: light and fresh with a tiny bit of creaminess on the finish

Pairings: cheeses (Brie, Feta, goat), oysters, seafood, sushi

Style: white Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Loire Valley, France

Price: $19

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: France, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
13 March 2019 2017 Martin Codax Albarino

2017 Martin Codax Albarino

March 13, 2019 By

I used to drink a lot of Rias Baixas Albariño and loved it…not really sure why I ever stopped – it’s delicious, refreshing, food-friendly and inexpensive! I enjoyed this wine at a sea side seafood restaurant on a recent vacation and promised myself I’d go back to it after returning to the USA.

Martin Codax was one of most important Galician men of the middle ages. Bodegas Martin Codax was founded in 1986 and has grown into one of the most respected wineries in Galicia’s Rías Baixas region.

Looks: Bright straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense citrus on the nose with herbaceousness

Taste: Ripe apple and juicy apricot/peach

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, little spritz on the finish

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño

Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Spain, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
6 March 2019 2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

March 6, 2019 By

I was at a beach side resort looking through the casual restaurant’s wine list and saw this wine that I hadn’t had in a while so decided to order it, although I’m not typically a Chardonnay fan…unless it’s old and French! It was just lovely on a warm night and not a buttery/oaky bomb, which is always appreciated. Best part – it’s $12 retail back in the USA!

Penfolds is one of the most well-known wine producers in Australian and helped set the landscape of fine Australian wine. It makes wines of all price points, both red and white.

Looks: Straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Pineapple and citrus

Taste: Ripe apple, peach, pear, pineapple and a little lime on the finish

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, creamy texture, nice level of acidity

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: South Australia

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, 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: , , , ,
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