Photo Credit: Heron Hill Winery
I’m a huge fan of the Finger Lakes and its outstanding wines. Here is an article of mine on traveling to the Finger Lakes and which wineries to visit along the way published by Jersey Bites.
Cheers,
Veronique
28 February 2012 
2008 Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec
February 28, 2012 By
Dark Bing cherry-colored wine in the glass. On the nose, it offers a slightly spiced, juicy berry aroma. On the palate, it features mocha notes, ripe cherry flavors that linger on a long, dry finish.
Malbec is such a versatile, food-friendly varietal and at this affordable price point, it should be on your must-buy list.
Pairings: Rare duck, stinky cheeses, grilled beef tenderloin.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Around $12
16 February 2012 
Chocolate Shop – Chocolate Red Wine
February 16, 2012 By
Last night, I had the pleasure of joining a group of wine writers for an online tasting of Chocolate Red Wine by Chocolate Shop. I admit I was a bit pessimistic about yet another flavored wine, but this one surprised me.
The wine is a blend of multiple grapes (Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc…) that’s flavored with premium chocolate prior to bottling. The wine is best enjoyed within 12 months of bottling – each bottle is lasered with the bottling date.
In the glass, this wine is a deep ruby with bold cherry cordial aromas. On the palate, it’s less sweet/sugary than one might expect with the bold flavors of the fruity wine coming through. On the finish, it’s smooth with a hint of sweet cocoa from the 7% residual sugar.
This wine would pair beautifully with rare duck or other game. It might also work drizzled over premium vanilla ice cream.
The price point on this wine is $15 and it can be found at major liquor stores, grocery stores or via the winemaker’s website.
Cheers,
Veronique
8 February 2012 
2008 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
February 8, 2012 By
Beautifully-made Napa Cabernet. Deep purple in the glass, this wine displays a deep berry, very fragrant nose in the glass. In the mouth, it’s rich and well-balanced with plummy qualities and traces of coffee and cocoa.
Wish I could put a couple cases in my cellar to drink in 10 years.
Pairings: Grilled beef. Cheese course.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Around $60
7 February 2012 
2005 Quinta da Gaivosa Lordelo Tinto Douro
February 7, 2012 By
One super wine. It’s big and bold yet refined. Made from 100 year-old vines, this wine tastes of jammy sweet red fruit with deep earthy flavors and fine tannins.
If you ever have the chance to sample this Portuguese wine from the Douro region, jump at it.
Pairings: Grilled beef or lamb. Pasta with red sauce. Macaroni and cheese.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Sousao
Region: Douro, Portugal
Around $80
2 February 2012 
2006 Wild Oak by St Francis Merlot
February 2, 2012 By
Dark ruby in the glass, this Merlot offers a ripe cherry nose with some earthy notes. In the mouth, it’s a combination of dark berries with some chocolate undertones. The finish is uber dry and lovely.
This wine could really use some breathing time and decanting for a good 30 minutes to help open it up.
Nice Merlot, especially at this price point.
Style: Red
Grape Type(s): Merlot
Region: Sonoma, California
Around $20
19 November 2011 
5 American Pinot Noirs for Thanksgiving
November 19, 2011 By
Thanksgiving is an American tradition of family, friends, food and football. When it comes to which wine is best paired with the star of the meal, the turkey, there are many opinions.
Here are five of my favorite American pinot noirs that pair beautifully with your bird, and its accompaniments.
- 2007 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Pinot Noir – about $65, from California, click here for tasting notes
- 2007 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – about $45, from California, click here for tasting notes
- 2006 Tantara Bien Nacido Adobe Pinot Noir – about $50, from California, click here for tasting notes
- 2004 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir – about $30, from California, click here for tasting notes
- 2007 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir – About $20, from the NY Finger Lakes, click here for tasting notes
Have any turkey day wine favorites? Please share them!
Cheers,
Veronique
17 November 2011 
2006 Tantara Bien Nacido Adobe Pinot Noir
November 17, 2011 By
I simply love this wine. It’s not easy to come by in New Jersey, where I live, but when I’ve been able to secure a few bottles, I’ve enjoyed it tremendously.
The 2006 Tantara Bien Nacido Adobe Pinot Noir is dark ruby in the glass and pretty full-bodied for a California pinot noir. On the nose, there’s a ton of dark raspberries with notes of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, it’s all about ripe cherries with lots of earthiness, cherry cola, allspice and notes of mocha. The finish is long and silky/velvety. Just a perfect wine paired with roast chicken, wild mushroom risotto or grilled salmon.
Tantara Winery is a smaller producer and only about 200 cases of this little gem were produced, so get your hands on a bottle and enjoy. Read about my love of Tantara here.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Central Coast, CA
Around $50
16 November 2011 
2007 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
November 16, 2011 By
I have had the opportunity to visit Merry Edwards’ beautiful vineyard and tasting room and can say she makes some of my favorite pinot noirs. At a recent dinner party, I served the 2007 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to the pleasure of my guests.
This wine is dark ruby in the glass. On the nose, it’s pure Russian River pinot noir – ripe, dark berries with layers of earthiness and peppery notes. On the palate, it’s rich, velvety with tons of juicy cherries. The finish is long, elegant and silky.
If you don’t want to splurge on one of Merry’s single vineyard wines, this is an amazing wine at this price point.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley / Sonoma, CA
Around $45
15 November 2011 
2008 Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir
November 15, 2011 By
The Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir is pale in the glass but medium-bodied and bright with juicy berries and cherries on the palate. There’s a silky mouthfeel to this wine and there are notes of fir, pumpkin pie spice and cracked pepper. Classic Burgundy in style and delicious at this price point.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir
Region: Finger Lakes, NY
Around $20
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