8 June 2016 2014 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay

2014 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay

June 8, 2016 By

2014 Au Bon Climat ChardonnayOn the nose apricot and citrus with flinty notes. The palate of this medium to full-bodied wine brings more citrus with a decent level of acidity on the finish. A great value for a California Chardonnay of this caliber.

I’m a big fan of Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat’s winemaker, who’s been making high quality wines in Santa Barbara County since the early 1980s.

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood, poultry.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Price: $22

Filed Under: Chardonnay, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
25 May 2016 2012 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir

2012 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir

May 25, 2016 By

2012 Evesham Wood “Le Puits Sec” Pinot NoirThe 2012 Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir is just a lovely, lovely Pinot Noir.

In the glass, it’s dark raspberry in color. The nose is of dark, ripe berries and cherry with some peppery notes. Hard to stop sniffing to take that first sip! This medium-bodied Oregon Pinot Noir offers raspberry and stone fruit flavors laced with some peppery sweet notes on the velvety finish. Blind tasters could easily be fooled into thinking this was a Burgundy.

Pairings: Duck, roasted poultry, grilled salmon.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Price: $45.99

Filed Under: By Country, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
2 March 2016 Getting to Know Gigondas Wines

Getting to Know Gigondas Wines

March 2, 2016 By

GigondasA couple weeks ago, I attended a wine tasting focused on Gigondas wines. I’m not well-versed on these wines so really enjoyed the 10 wines we sampled and the open discussion from the group.

About Wines of Gigondas (Wikipedia):

“Gigondas is a French wine Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern Rhône wine region of France. It is primarily a Red wine region, with a very small amount of rosé wine produced. No white wines carry the Gigondas appellation. Being a little brother of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wine is moderately prestigious and can yield beautiful results when treated with care. Gigondas AOC wine is produced exclusively in the commune of Gigondas, in Vaucluse”.

Here are three of the wines we sampled that were my favorites along with my tasting notes.

2012 Domaine du Cayron ($35) – This wine was bright ruby in the glass. Big raspberry aromas with earthy notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied Rhone wine offered intense red fruit, black pepper and a bit of stone fruit flavors. Low to medium tannins, dry medium finish. 

2003 Domaine Santa Duc ($30) – This wine’s best days were likely behind it but it still offered nice dark raspberry aromas with dark berry continuing on the palate but not in a powerful way. Tobacco, leather and pepper were still present on the finish but not in a powerful way like the others in the tasting did.

2010 Pierre Henri Morel ($30) – This wine was dark purple in the glass. Big dark berry aroma with woodsy, leather notes. On the palate there were big cassis/blackberry/stone fruit flavors with a bit of pepper and pumpkin pie spice on the medium finish.  

There are two things to keep in mind with Gigondas wines: 1) let them age or decant the heck out of them 2) drink them with food, they need it and will be at their deliciousness apex with it.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, France, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

10 Provocatively-Named Wines for Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2016 By

Drink-Chilean-Red-WineFor those looking for wine suggestions for Valentine’s Day, I want to share my latest Jersey Bites compilation of 10 Provocatively-Named Wines for Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re staying home to enjoy a home-made dinner or going out to a restaurant that allows you to bring wine, I hope you try one of these ten wines and leave me a comment about them.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
10 February 2016 10 Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Winter

10 Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Winter

February 10, 2016 By

Rosé wine sales are booming on the American market with 3.3 million cases estimated to have been sold in 2015, up from 500,000 cases sold in 2008 (source: Nielson).

Rose Wine WinterWhat was once considered a summer patio wine, rosé has become popular year-around due primarily to its food-friendliness. While there are numerous light-bodied rosés best served as aperitifs, many can hold up to hearty foods served in the winter.

Here are 10 rosé wines to enjoy this winter:

Valdo Rosé Brut ($13.99) – Deep pink in the glass, this wine offers fruity aromas and floral and raspberry flavors very fine bubbles. Nerello Mascalese, Glera.

Paul Cheneau Brut Rosé ($13.99) – Very bright cherry-pink color with well-developed small and constant bubbles forming a gentle rosary. Intense notes of fresh red fruits and hints of fine lees and dried berries, together with subtle, yet very attractive fragrances of fresh strawberries. 85% Trepat, 15% Pinot Noir.

2014 La Petite Perrière Rosé ($13.99) – Bright, pale pink with light raspberry colored highlights. On the nose, the wine develops subtle aromas of raspberry and morello cherry with hints of rose petals. 100% Pinot Noir.

2015 Los Vascos Rosé ($13.99) – Bright, pale pink color. On the nose, aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and pomegranates underscored by white chocolate and sugar syrup. The palate is fresh, balanced and persistent. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah.

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé NV ($15.99) – Bright pink in the glass with strawberry aromas that carry over in the mouth. Laced with citrus and a little clove, Creamy and silky texture with nice level of acidity and a clean, dry finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé ($15.99) – In the glass, the color is festive and bright pink. The nose is of intense red berry and cherry aromas. The bright fruity aromas continue on the palate. There’s good acidity and minerality with a slightly tart medium finish. Syrah, Aragones.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Rosé ($21.99) – The flavors display nice strawberry and wild cherry fruit, with a touch of richness on the mid palate. It is balanced with dry, crisp acidity and complimented with a creamy texture and long finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

2014 Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel AOC ($23.99) – A pretty rosé wine with violet tints and a nice salmon color. The nose is intense with tones of red currant, raspberry and white flowers. 55% Grenaches (red & white), 30% Cinsault, 13% Clairette, 2% Others (Syrah, Mourvédre, Carignan, Bourboulenc).

2014 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé ($35.99) – Intense floral nose with a bit of strawberry. It has incredible peaches and juicy, ripe cantaloupe flavors with bright acidity and a long pleasantly dry finish. 50% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 2% Carignan.

Champagne Drappier Brut Rosé ($54.99) – Very well structured, with exemplary purity of red fruits. Striking Champagne on the nose offering similar sensations on the palate. Warm and satiny, lightly spiced with balanced hints of stoned fruits thanks to a lovely freshness in the finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
20 January 2016 2010 Okto Lyrarakis Wines Red Wine

2010 Okto Lyrarakis Wines Red Wine

January 20, 2016 By

2010 Okto Red WineDeep ruby color in the glass. Red berry and tart cherries on the nose that carry over to the palate. Light tannins and good acidity. Spicy/sweet finish.

Pairings: Grilled red meat, game, hard cheeses.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Blend of Syrah, Kotsifali and Mandilari

Region: Crete, Greece

Price: $12

Filed Under: Greece, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
2 January 2016 Wines of South Africa Virtual Tasting

Wines of South Africa Virtual Tasting

January 2, 2016 By

A few weeks ago I was invited to explore South Africa wines via a virtual tasting. I’ve explained the concept of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those who are new to the idea, here’s how they go:

  • Open some bottles in the varietal or brand being showcased.
  • Get some people together to try the wine(s) and experience with you (or do as I typically do – put some yoga pants on and enjoy from the couch with iPad, iPhone and laptop handy).
  • Drink and share your tasting notes with other wine fans from around the world using the established hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook (in this case #TasteSA2015).

Here are my thoughts on the wines we tasted:

2013 Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc

Pale green in the glass with lovely grassy / lemony aromas. Meyer lemon and green apple flavors with bright acidity.

2013 Ken Forrester FMC Chenin Blanc

Big with smoky and honey flavors and a lemony finish. Would be super paired with Thai food or even, dare I say, Mexican. Liked this wine but guessing it could use some cellaring.

2014 Paul Cluver Gewurztraminer

Lovely floral nose with tropical fruit notes. Pink grapefruit and peach flavors with just a touch of sweetness and nice acidity. Asian fusion lovers’ wine.

2013 Creation Wines Pinot Noir

Pumpkin pie spice / clove and dried cherry aromas. Big dark cherry flavors laced with lots of earthy notes. Tannic finish that could have used aging or at least decanting on my part.

2013 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon

Darkest purple/red in the glass – inky. Chocolatey, earthy, dark berry nose. Rich blackberry flavors with leather and mocha notes. For less than $10, it’s a steal & party-perfect.

2013 LAM Pinotage

Pinot Noir looking in the glass. Haven’t loved Pinotage in the past, but really appreciate this version with lovely red fruit.  

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: South Africa, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
26 August 2015 1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru

1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru

August 26, 2015 By

1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand CruIn the glass, the 1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru is the darkest of ruby with a bit of brick notes from the age of the wine. It was difficult to stop sniffing the spice-laced berry aromas to move on to take a sip – lovely, lovely nose. The palate offers berry, plummy and licorice driven with a roundness on the finish which offers just a bit of minerality.

This medium-bodied wine is likely near its peak with great structure and balance. I thank my friend Harry for sharing this beauty with us.

Pairings: Grilled meat, cheese course.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Red Bordeaux Blend

Region: Bordeaux, France

Price: $65

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
19 August 2015 2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

August 19, 2015 By

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon BlancI had the pleasure of sampling this brand new Sauvignon Blanc by Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon experts – Jean Edwards Cellars, at the James Beard House. This is the first white by these masters of reds and it’s a winner.

In the glass, the 2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is straw color. This wine is a little un-Sauvignon Blanc like on the nose (a good thing where I’m concerned) with rich tropical fruit aromas and lots of juicy citrus. Love at first sniff. The tropical fruit aromas carry on to the palate with Meyer lemon notes. I really enjoyed the richness the Semillon brought to this wine and the minerality on the finish is outstanding.

A very food-friendly wine and a pleasant departure from other Sauvignon Blancs with little to no flavor. Unoaked Chardonnay fans – take note of this lovely wine.

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood, raw oysters/clams, pear salad with citrusy vinaigrette.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Semillon

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $32

Filed Under: Sauvignon Blanc, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
22 July 2015 2012 Esporao Late Harvest White

2012 Esporao Late Harvest White

July 22, 2015 By

2012 Esporao Late HarvestI’m a fan of wines produced by Esporao and at a recent luncheon hosted by David Baverstock, Chief Winemaker of Esporao, I learned a late harvest wine is produced by the famed winery. I love sweet wines and was intrigued by this Semillon-based late harvest.

In the glass, the color is a medium straw color. The nose is of intense tropical fruit with sweet citrus notes. The fruitiness continues on the palate with a bit of honey on the long finish. The wine is rich without being heavy on the palate. There’s great acidity on this nicely-balanced wine. Not cloyingly sweet as many of the more affordable wines can be.

Pairings: Foie gras, blue cheese, desserts that aren’t overly sweet – stone fruit tarts, roasted figs.

Style: Dessert Wine

Grape Type(s): Semillon

Region: Alentejo, Portugal

Price: $17 (375 ml bottle)

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

Filed Under: Dessert Wine, Portugal, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
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