7 July 2021 2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc

2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc

July 7, 2021 By

This Virginia wine was in my April wine club pack put together by The Cork Report. There were only 370 cases made, so finding a bottle could prove challenging, but definitely worth it.

Photo by Early Mountain Vineyards

About Early Mountain Vineyards

Early Mountain Vineyards is a 350-acre property situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The popular Virginia winery was voted the number one USA tasting room by USA Today in 2016.

Early Mountain Vineyards was acquired by Jean Case in 2012. Case, a philanthropist, is the Chairman of the National Geographic Society and CEO of the Case Impact Network and the Case Foundation. Her primary vision in buying the winery was to advance respect for Virginia wines.

One of the first things Case did after buying the winery was hire Ben Jordan, a native Virginian, as Winemaker. Jordan started his winemaking career in Sonoma County, CA and was the GM and Winemaker with Michael Shaps Wineworks in Charlottesville, VA prior to joining Early Mountain Vineyards. Jordan and Early Mountain align on a philosophy “to craft high quality wines that showcase a commitment to the vineyard and the expression of place”.

About the 2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc

The 2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Shenandoah Valley Cabernet Franc shows what kind of wines can be crafted when left to the care of an artisan like Ben Jordan. More Burgundy than Bordeaux in style, this Virginia Cabernet Franc is a delight of dark fruit and berry on the nose and palate with a smooth/silky texture. I served the wine with grilled steaks and roasted mushrooms and it was outstanding.

Looks: Medium ruby red in the glass

Smell: Dark berries, plum and tobacco aromas

Taste: Juicy dark cherry and ripe raspberry/blackberry flavors with some leather/earthy notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, medium tannins, smooth, dry finish

Pairings: Grilled meats – beef or lamb, cheesy burger, roasted mushrooms

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Franc

Region: Shenandoah Valley, VA, USA

Price: $30

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
16 June 2021 2018 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2018 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

June 16, 2021 By

This 2018 Chardonnay by Russian River Valley’s Gary Farrell Vineyards proves yet again that everyone should have an open mind about California Chardonnay. Unoaked Chardonnays lovers will enjoy this wine with its nice level of acidity and cripness while more traditional Cali Chard fans will appreciate a glass of this beauty with its touch of oak.

The nose is of juicy ripe lemon/pink grapefruit. Great balance between the Meyer lemon/lime flavors and the richer flavors of honey and juicy peach. Crisp and refreshing.

Simply a beautiful example of what this Russian River Valley pioneer and Winemaker Theresa Heredia produce together. Plus, so much value at this price.

Pairings: Brie or Camembert cheese, seafood like lobster or crab, cheesy quiche.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Aging: 8 months in 30% new French oak

Region: Russian River Valley, CA, USA

Price: $35

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

Filed Under: Chardonnay, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
2 December 2020 2019 Limerick Lane Rosé

2019 Limerick Lane Rosé

December 2, 2020 By

I wrote about my visit to Limerick Lane Cellars after my last Sonoma County winery tour. The place is amazing, and I highly recommend a visit next time you’re in wine country. Very intimate setting with very knowledgeable staff and some of the very best wines in Sonoma.

As part of my allocation, I ordered a few of the rosé bottles as it’s a special wine. The creation of the Limerick Lane Rosé was inspired by Jake Bilbro’s 2012 visit to Southern Rhone region of France then Provence.

The grapes for the 2019 Limerick Lane Rosé are grown and picked specifically for this wine and not a saignée of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. If you’re fortunate enough to find this wine (less than 500 cases made), buy buy buy!

Looks: Medium salmon in the glass

Smell: Inviting juicy citrus and floral notes on the nose

Taste: Zesty citrus, ripe strawberry on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, with great acidity with a dry/clean finish

Pairings: Seafood (specially oysters and mussels), fish (ceviche would be great). Great as an aperitif but so food friendly also

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 50% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache & 3% Grenache Blanc

Region: Sonoma County, CA

Price: $28

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Grenache, Mourvedre, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations

November 18, 2020 By

You have ONE week to make your way to the wine store and purchase just the ‘right’ bottle of Thanksgiving wine. I know the choices can be daunting with so many options at some many pricepoints that need to please so many people.

Here’s a compilation of easy-to-find American wines for Thanksgiving I wrote that will help guide your wine shopping experience.

Link to the list.

Happy wine shipping!

Veronique

Filed Under: Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

2018 No Curfew Pinot Noir

November 11, 2020 By

The 2018 No Curfew Pinot Noir is part of the Amici Cellars and Olema Wines family from Calistoga, California, known for expertly crafted wines of character, quality, and personality.

I’m trying to incorporate a few wines I’ve never sampled, priced under $15, every time I go to the wine store. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir was found on one of my shopping trips and I need to stock up on it and check out the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon No Curfew also produces. It  drinks young and fresh with cherry cordial flavors and a lovely velvety finish.

The 2018 No Curfew Pinot Noir is affordable, a very enjoyable easy drinking wine and I’m digging its motto of “Because Limitations Are A Drag”.

Looks: Dark garnet red in the glass

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

Taste: Chocolate-covered cherry and ripe strawberry with a little spice on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, spice on the long finish

Pairings: Duck, turkey, mushroom-based dishes (mushroom risotto would be stellar), grilled salmon, a great cheesy burger

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: California, USA

Price: $14.99

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

10 American Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Fall

September 23, 2020 By

While conventional wisdom might suggest we stop wearing white on Labor Day and reserve our rosé drinking to summer, it doesn’t have to be so (well, perhaps on the wearing white part).

Recent Nielsen stats (as reported in Wine Business Monthly) show that Rosé wine sales in the U.S. are the fastest growing of any wine category at a growth rate of over 40% annually.

Rosé wine was once known as a summer patio sipping wine, but its food friendliness and its many excellent medium to heavy-bodied examples have changed the perception and now rosé is popular year-around. While there are many light-bodied rosé wines best served as aperitifs or lighter dishes, many can hold up to the heartier foods served in the fall.

Here are 10 American rosé wines to enjoy this fall:

Gruet Brut Rosé ($14.99) – Deepest pink color in the glass with moussy bubbles and intense red berry favors. I’m a huge fan of Gruet and you need to check them out. 100% Pinot Noir from New Mexico.

2019 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir ($19.99) – Lovely salmon-colored in the glass, this delicious wine is lighter than some of these others, but it’s elegant and offers peach and strawberry flavors with great acidity and we’re not always eating short ribs in the Fall! Bonus: it comes in a magnum. 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma, CA.

2019 Stolpman Estate Rose Ballard Canyon ($19.99) – Deep pink in the glass, this wine offers big juicy strawberry flavors and the winemaker goes as far as suggesting it be paired with a steak. 100% Grenache from Santa Barbara, CA.

2019 The Withers Rosé ($19.99) – Salmon-colored in the glass, this medium-bodied wine offers big cherry and peach flavors with floral notes. 100% Pinot Noir from the Sierra Foothills, CA.

2019 Bedrock Rose Ode to Lulu Sonoma Valley ($20.99) – If you love the fab Bandol rosé of France, this will be right up your alley. Vibrant wine with ripe berry flavors and a hint of pepper on the long finish. 65% Mataro and 35% Grenache from Sonoma Valley, CA.

2019 Paumanok Vineyards Vin Rosé ($21.00) – In the glass, the color is deep pink. This is a semi-sweet wine that would be super paired with Thai food or other spicy cuisine. Rosé blend from North Fork of Long Island, NY.

2019 Red Tail Ridge Pinot Dry Rosé ($24.99) – If you can find/order wines from this winery – do it. This rosé is a big mouthful of ripe raspberry with a bit of cranberry tartness. 100% Pinot Noir from the Finger Lakes, NY.

2019 Ehlers Estate Sylviane Rosé ($32.00) – This lighter pink color is deceiving as it’s a full-bodied wine with big strawberry jam and juicy peach flavors. Great acidity on the long finish – perfect food wine. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, CA.

2018 Milbrandt Vineyards Rosé ($35.99) – Much fruitiness on the palate but a mix of berries and dried fruit like cranberries which would be great with pasta in a creamy sauce. Just a touch of herbes de Provence on the finish. 73% Syrah, 27% Tempranillo from Columbia Valley, WA.

2016 Benton Lane Pinot Noir Rosé ($38.99) – Bright pink in the glass, this intense wine has flavors of cherry pie filling with some cranberry tartness. 100% Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, OR.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Rose, Blush Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
16 September 2020 TerraNoble Wines of Chile Virtual Tasting

TerraNoble Wines of Chile Virtual Tasting

September 16, 2020 By

Last week I participated at a virtual wine tasting featuring the lovely wines of TerraNoble from Chile. The session was led by TerraNoble winemaker Marcelo Garcia and Tomas Uribe the Regional Director, USA & Europe for TerraNoble who did a great job translating to English for Marcelo.

Marcelo Garcia (left) and Tomas Uribe (right)

About TerraNoble

Founded in 1993, TerraNoble pioneered quality wines in the Maule Valley. According to the winery, the name “TerraNoble” recognizes the unassuming majesty of the soils of the Maule Valley, and its ability to gift excellent wines. When it was first established, TerraNoble was a boutique winery specializing in Merlot but in 1994, when Chilean Merlot was identified as Carmenere, the popular winery’s focus shifted to this rediscovered varietal that is now top of mind when wine drinkers think of Chilean wine.

TerraNoble has furthered its regional presence to the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys where its philosophy continues to be one of minimum intervention, for wines to be true to the land and the distinctiveness of its grape varieties.

The winery believes in sustainable principles and is a Sustainable Wines of Chile Certified winery that adheres to the Wine in Moderation initiative, and is now Vegan certified.

About Winemaker Marcelo Garcia

TerraNoble Winemaker Marcelo Garcia was born in Santiago, Chile and studied agronomy at Universidad Mayor before earning his Diploma in Winemaking from the Universidad de Chile in 2000.   

Marcelo worked his first vintage at Concha Toro in 2000 as a winery operator. In addition to Concha y Toro, Marcelo’s résumé features other important Chilean wineries, such as Valdivieso, Santa Carolina and San Pedro. At San Pedro he was responsible for 1865, Castillo de Molina and Santa Helena, among the winery’s most renowned brands.

Marcelo joined TerraNoble as Chief Winemaker in 2015 where he has formed a team that always delivers the best that Chilean viniculture has to offer.

About the Wines Tasted

2017 Gran Reserva Carmenere

Looks: Purple red in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit/berry with peppery notes on the nose

Taste: Ripe/juicy stone fruit and tart raspberry on the palate with dark chocolate notes

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, sweet/round tannins with balanced acidity with a medium finish

Pairings: Grilled meats, spicy chili

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere

Region: Maule Valley, Chile

Price: $18.99

2016 CA1 (Carmenere Andes)

Looks: Cherry red in the glass

Smell: Ripe red fruit with minty notes on the nose

Taste: Cherry and red fruit on the palate with oaky notes

Texture and Finish: Medium/full-bodied, round and balanced tannins with a silky texture and a long finish

Pairings: Mushroom risotto, cassoulet  

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere

Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Price: $24.99

2017 CA1 (Carmenere Andes)

Looks: Red with some blueish hues in the glass

Smell: Big juicy red fruit on the nose

Taste: Ripe red fruit and cherry on the palate with minty notes

Texture and Finish: Medium/full-bodied, round tannins with long, fresh finish

Pairings: Grilled meats, spicy chili

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere

Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Price: $24.99

2017 CA2 (Carmenere Costa)

Looks: Deep red in the glass

Smell: Big red fruit on the nose

Taste: Ripe/juicy red fruit and on the palate with some spiced notes

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, little jammy, firm tannins with a bit of minerality and with a long, intense finish

Pairings: Grilled meats, stewed meat dishes like beef short ribs

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere

Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Price: $24.99

2018 Gran Reserva Carignan

Looks: Deep red in the glass

Smell: Red fruit with some floral notes on the nose

Taste: Cherry and tart raspberry on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, nice minerality with a crisp, long finish

Pairings: Cheese plate, red sauced pasta

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Carignan

Region: Melozal, Maule Valley, Chile

Price: $18.99

Very impressed by these wines.

Cheers,

Veronique

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

Filed Under: Carmenere, Chile, Red Wine, Wine Reviews
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: , , ,

2017 Mooncrest Sauvignon Blanc

July 8, 2020 By

This 2017 Mooncrest Sauvignon Blanc is an affordable, light, fruity easy drinking porch sipper.

Looks: Pale yellow in the glass

Smell: Pink grapefruit, grassiness

Taste: Green apple, juicy pear, sweet citrus on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light, crisp, good acidity, dry finish

Pairings: Oysters on the half shell, grilled fish, aperitif on a warm day

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Santa Clara Valley, CA, USA

Price: $14.99

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: Sauvignon Blanc, United States, White Wine, 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: , ,
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