Wines from the high altitude and cool climate of South Australia's Edna Valley have really been catching my attention in the past few months. Due to the conditions these grapes are grown in they tend to take on flavors and complexity you wouldn't find in your average white wines. Most people don't usually think Riesling when they think Australian wine, however Edna Valley is becoming quite well known for their age worthy Rieslings. Even this, 2009 Pewsey Vale Riesling with its great QPR can hold through 2019.
In the glass, the wine clean and clear with light straw gold hues and green undertones. On the nose aromatic scents of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, peach, citrus, pear and hints of mineral and grass are present. There is also an underlying scent of petrol and white florals which is a tell tale sign of the grape. On the palate, the tropical fruits hold true with some spiciness and honey on the finish. The acid is crisp and high, and balances the ripeness of the fruit. The finish is nice and drawn out with flavors of citrus and mineral characteristics.
This is a perfect spring and summer wine and great for pairing with brunch favorites and spicy fare like Thai or Indian foods. Because of the amazing price I would definitely buy a few bottles and experiment with aging; the wines acidity gives it the ability to hold for medium cellaring; about 6-10 years.
Argentina and Malbec go hand and hand in the wine industry and this young Malbec is a nice starting off point for exploring the region and its offerings. Because of Mendoza's high-altitude location and relatively arid climate the grapes tend to be quite acidic however retain their rich and ripe fruit flavors.
In the glass, the wine is inky and opaque with ruby purple coloring and little rim variation. The producer of this wine chose not to filter its juice in order keep the integrity of the flavors used to produce this wine. The nose is clear and fruit forward with aromas of stewed blue and dark fruit like blueberry, blackberry, huckleberry and plum. Scents of vanilla, violets and some herbal characteristics are also present with a hint of smoke and oak. In the mouth, the wine has a full and rich mouthfeel with the tannins nicely rounded out and balanced. The wine is dry with acid on the higher end and concentrated flavors of blueberry pie and tobacco. The taste on the palate stays true to the aromas on the nose and has such a beautiful sensation of sun ripened fruits with some additional savory characteristics of herbs and spice. The finish is nice and prolonged with the fruit and vanilla bringing the wine to a close.
This wine is young and is meant to be consumed in just that way. I would pair this wine with hearty meats that you would find in your typical Argentinian fare. Fire roasted beef steaks, grilled chicken and sausage, barbecued corn as well as spicy chili would be an amazing complement to this Malbec. Because the flavors of this wine are so concentrated I would definitely decant this and let it sit a bit before drinking.
Russian River Valley is hands down my favorite place in California to relax, enjoy the sunshine, dine, and, most importantly, drink wine. Yes, I am a bit biased having grown-up there summer after summer since birth; however, the area has so much to offer, and I can’t say enough about it. The Russian River Valley is a hidden gem nestled under soaring redwood trees and sun filled blue skies where food, wine, and activities abound.
When it comes to the history of this region and the birth of this wine country we can thank the Russian settlers who were the first to plant grapes here in the 1830’s. From then on, numerous generations of settlers came to develop the area. Large producers like Korbel Champagne Cellars and Foppiano Winery helped the area gain recognition. The Prohibition area tried to slow the industry down, however the hard work and determination of farmers in the area carried on. It wasn’t until the 1960s, when they realized that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourished, that this valley began to really excel, and the rest is…well…History.
The typical varietals you will find in this AVA are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with some Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel scattered in between. As always there are producers trying their hand at and doing great things with grapes like Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Malbec and Viognier. The climate of this region couldn’t be more perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with long warm days, cool moderate evenings and coastal morning fog. The wines produced from these grapes are known world wide for their structure, complexity, signature flavor, and style.
There are a handful of wineries in the area that I feel embody this region and all it has to offer. Small producers with a focus on the valleys “terroir” take pride in the wines they produce and are set in their tradition of winemaking in this specific manner. Some of these masters include, but are not limited to, Rochiolli Winery, Davis Bynum Winery, DuMOL, Williams Selyem Winery, Gary Farrell Wines along with some relatively newer players Arista Winery and C. Donatiello Winery. Wines coming from these producers are the epitome of Russian River Valley and should not be missed. Whether it be grapes from the Sonoma Coast or the Valley itself, wines coming from the region will have a boldness that you will not encounter anywhere else. Take a ride down the famous Westside Road and make yourself familiar with its inviting winemakers, breathtaking views, and fair weather. After a long day of wine tasting, there is nothing better than a five-course dinner at the world renowned Madrona Manor. Naturally, with great wine comes great food, and this region’s world-renowned chefs and restaurants that call this place home.
When I think wine country cuisine I think fresh, natural and simple as well as foods that complement local wines. No other restaurant in my opinion does this as well as Madrona Manor with their mix of timeless elegance, above and beyond service and food that will make your knees weak. When you enter the gates of Madrona manner you feel as though you are transported to another time and place. The statuesque yellow Victorian Manor guarded by redwood trees and framed beautifully with manicured gardens instantly removes you from your day-to-day hustle and bustle. Upon entrance into the main building you notice its stunning décor and period furnishings. Whether under dim romantic chandelier lighting indoors or below the canopy of the manors outdoor deck; you have the pleasure of enjoying Chef Mallgren’s artistically prepared Californian creations, paired with mainly local wine producers along with a selection of world offerings as well. Dining here will change your mind about what you though food and wine could be when they are masterfully joined as one.
With wine and cuisine taken care of there is the river to enjoy; canoeing, boating and swimming are a rocks throw from the vineyards. This area has so much to offer and once you visit there is no denying you will be back. The wine, the food and the river are calling.
I had the pleasure of attending Uncorked Events: Sonoma v. Napa Showdown tasting last night in San Francisco at Fort Mason’s Officers Club. All the heavy hitters were in attendance; Duckhorn, Silver Oak, Fisher, Dominus etc. Not only were the views of the bay phenomenal, but so was the wine that was being poured. A few wineries that I expected to really impress didn’t bring much to the table, while a number of others that I didn’t expect really blew me away.
My stand out favorite of the evening had to be St. Helena’s Pahlmeyer; with each wine poured stepping up in complexity and flavor. From their four offerings the 2007 Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($70) was by far at the top of my list of the night with rich and decadent flavors of tropical fruits (mainly pineapple), peach and buttered brioche. This is the epitome of what every Chardonnay should be with some strong aging potential. On the heels of this Chardonnay are the 2006 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red ($105) and the 2007 Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($70) following closely behind. As the event progressed I watched Pahlmeyer’s table go from bare to barely there with crowds of impatiently waiting drinkers swarming from right and left.
Another strong offering was presented by Twomey Cellar whose 2008 Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir ($49) quickly made my top 10 of the evening. The flavors were ripe and concentrated with flavors of bright red cherry, raspberry, cola and cigar box. This Pinot has the ability for some aging potential and I feel it would fare even better with a few more years in bottle. Moving onto another “Sonoma” selection; Sol Rouge’s 2007 Russian River Valley Viognier ($32) with it’s light sophisticated flavors and aromas of white tea leaves , peach, orange blossoms and white florals. The crisp and acidic elements of this wine were a wake up call from the overly oaked Chardonnays presented by many of the other participants.
As far as Napa standouts go, I was actually a bit under whelmed by their big players and downright disappointed in some. One that definitely did not disappoint was the Krupp Brothers 2006 Black Bart Bounty Syrah ($45) with bold dried bramble berry flavors of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry with subtle hints of vanilla, oak, spice and aromatic florals. The tannins are quite present and would definitely soften with a few years of aging.
All in all it was a great night with some really spectacular wines and Sonoma really taking the Trophy for me. There were too many to mention in this one post but many other producers really did present some outstanding wines.
Additional Recommendations:
2009 Fort Ross Rose of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($12) 2007 Sol Rouge Zinfandel, Tom Feeny Ranch Russian River Valley ($36) 2008 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($31) 2008 Siduri Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($31) 2009 Twomey Napa Sauvignon Blanc ($25) 2006 Dominus , Yountville ($135)
This is a wine from a winery I would usually steer clear of...Plastic chickens, skulls on wine bottles and gimmicks galore; however their wines esp the "Torcido" is an amazing showing of a smooth fruit forward Garnacha. Proves that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Point taken! Onto the wine...
On the nose the aromas are fruit forward with ripe red cherry, raspberry, dried cranberries and fig; with hints of smoke, clove, and cinammon. The flavors on the nose reflect the palate, however the taste takes on a more dark fruit flavor of stewed blueberry, blackberry and plum. There is a soft and full mouthfeel with a nice velvety finish that lingers long on the palate. The alcohol is high and the heat is definitely present yet I don't feel it overwhelms in any way.
Because of the rich flavors of this wine I would suggest pairing it with something that can stand up to its bold flavors. Hearty meat dishes like a roast, honey glazed ham or a juicy pepper steak would really get the palate going. This is quite a treat on it's own as well which is exactly how I choose to enjoy it. This is a great selection from a great producer who's wines have a great deal to offer. Note: This wine did take quite awhile to open up so I would suggest decanting it and giving it some time.
Specs: 2000 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Rioja
Rioja
Spain 13% Alcohol
75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha $29.99
Notes:
Rioja, Rioja, Rioja is all I can think about these days; quite a shame I hadn't discovered it's charm until recently. This Rioja validated these sentiments exactly, and is such a great example of why this style of wine is currently at the top of my list. The La Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with one quarter of its juice coming from Garnacha. This blending really adds nice dark fruit character to the ripe red cherry flavors of Tempranillo.
In the glass the wine is medium in intensity with a garnet brick color and some slight rim variation. The age of this wine definitely shows in the glass, however still retains it's youthful glow. On the nose aromas of leather, baking spices, cigar box, red cherry and Cola/Dr. Pepper are all present adding to the rich bouquet. The palate mirrors the aromas in the glass yet adds a more stewed/candied characteristic to the fruit with darker fruits like blackberry and some red raspberry. In the mouth the wine is smooth as silk with the age of this wine really rounding out the tannins. The balance of wood, fruit and acid is impeccable in this wine and adds further to the complex flavors and aromas. The finish is medium in length with candied fruit, vanilla and oak rounding out the end. This is a very special wine for an extremely fair price and I highly recommend scouting this one out.
As far as pairings go, I would suggest beef dishes like carne asada, hamburgers, braised meats like pork and lamb and sauces that contain tomatoes like salsa or a rustic ragu. This wine is available locally at K & L Wine Merchants.
This wine is the perfect example of the reason I'm head over heels in love with Pinot Noir from this region. Because of the maritime influence from the ocean, these grapes don't have the uber ripe cherry flavor you get from warmer climates. The flavors are tart, young and fresh.
This wine's ruby red clarity and dark intensity sit perfectly in the glass. The aroma is not as intense as expected however the scents are well defined and clear with black cherry, oak, vanilla, baking spice and white pepper on on the forefront. The wine is rich luscious and smooth with flavors of ripe red cherry, cola, vanilla, oak and raspberry. The finish is substantial in flavor with a light smokey and fruity end. This quality producer has definitely hooked me and I truly look forward to sampling their other vintages and varietals.
This wine is light enough in body that it can be paired with a variety of foods and flavors. Smoked ham and barbecued red meats would be a great match for this wine. However, when it comes to Pinot Noir I personally don't like to complicate things. I prefer keeping it as the main event.
Specs: 2003 López De Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza
Rioja Spain
12.5% Alcohol
65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo $24.99
Notes:
When speaking about Spanish wine the first thing that pops into most peoples minds is the beloved Rioja. The producers of this wine; the Lopez de Heredia family, have been perfecting and crafting these fine wines for hundreds of years. The winery, located in the La Rioja Alta Region of Spain, has high elevations and shorter growing season and tends to produce their wine in the old world style. As far as Rioja goes, I think this is a beautiful presentation of Rioja from an amazing Spanish producer.
In the glass, the color is intense and rich with garnet crimson hues. The aromas are lush and ripe with fruit scents of ripe red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. A nice blend of spices are also present with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and cigar box. There is some nice oak presence on the nose which reflects the 3 years spent in oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is extremely soft and smooth and reflects the age of the wine. The flavors are bright and fresh with the fruit taking the forefront. As discovered on the nose; the cherry, strawberry and raspberry are still present however, hints of tart fruit like cranberry and currant take the stage. The finish is long and velvety in the mouth with a finish of stewed fruits and smokey oak.
Personally, this is one of the better Riojas I have come across, especially in this price range. I definitely suggest seeking this wine out. It is available throughout the Bay Area and can be purchased at K & L Wine Merchants as well as Nectar Wine Lounge in San Francisco. Buy 2 bottles as it is ready to drink now but can also be laid down for another 10 or so years.
Specs: 2007 Champalou "Cuvee des Fondraux" Vouvray
Vouvray (Loire Valley) France
13% Alcohol
100% Chenin Blanc $19.00
Notes:
The Vouvray region of France is dedicated almost exclusively to the Chenin Blanc grape and is known throughout the world for its production of naturally acidic and fruit forward white wines. The grapes used to produce this Cuvee des Fondraux are harvested from 50 year old vines in the region which adds to its complexity and rich flavor.
In the glass, the wine is medium in intensity with gold and straw hues. The aromas in this wine are intense and fruit forward with aromas of white flower, peach, pear, golden delicious apples and honey. On the palate these same aromas resonate on the tongue with some added minerality and hints of golden raisins and earth. There are some slight buttery flavors but nothing too major as I doubt this wine spent much time if any in oak. The flavors are fresh and ripe and are reminiscent of the spring and summer seasons. The crisp acid and sweet ripe fruits complement one another well and add to the complex flavors in this Chenin Blanc.
This wine is off-dry but still rather sweet for myself to enjoy with anything but itself, with an appetizer or with dessert. I would suggest pairing with a nutty cheese like Brie or creamy goat cheeses. For dessert I would match this with a fresh apple or peach tart and vanilla bean ice cream. This is definitely a great wine to pop open and celebrate the arrival of the Spring season.
In continuation of my world wide quest for Pinot Noir I came across this German producer while dining at Terzo Restaurant in San Francisco. When I think Germany and the Rheingau my first thought is Riesling...it definitely isn't Pinot Noir; however I was proven quite wrong with this developed food friendly wine. The Prinz Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir) pronounced SHPAYT-bur-GUHN-der had similar characteristics of the grape variety, however there were some interesting qualities that stood out from others I have tasted.
When first poured, the wine was pale and lacking the color I was expecting, yet with time the wine opened up and regained its garnet color I am accustomed to.The aromas are light in intensity with pronounced earthy scents and slight hints of fruit. On the nose are scents of mushroom, herbs, and forest floor with tart strawberry and red cherry . The taste on the palate mimics the nose however the fruit becomes more apparent on the tongue. Within 20 minutes of opening the bottle the flavors and complexity of this wine really began to show and the acidic qualities began to really mellow out. With this came a more round and silky mouthfeel with rich flavors of red fruit and earth.
The Prinz Spätburgunder paired really amazingly with food due to its light flavors and intensity. I would suggest matching this wine with dishes containing fresh mushrooms and tomato as well as pastas or salads with truffle oil and Parmesan. This may be a little hard to find in your local wine shop however it is available locally at Terzo Restaurant as well as Dee VineWines in San Francisco.
Pinot Noir from the Côte d'Nuitsregion of France's Burgundy have quickly become my go to wines. The wines coming from the Gevrey-Chambertin commune of this region have yet to let me down. Yes... They are on the pricey side, however, you pay for quality and this Pinot Noir is just that.Gevrey-Chambertin's Burgundies are known worldwide for their complexity as well as for their production of quality Grand Cru wines.
In the glass, thewine is a clear, deep, crimson color with primary aromas of leather and earth, and hints of ripe strawberry and cherry. There is also a woody component to the nose with baking spice, accents of clove and cinammon.In the mouth, it is smooth and silky yet still light. With the red fruit flavors on the forefront, the earthiness becomes more apparent on the palate and the leather and wood finish it off. There is a spicy characteristic to the wine that really balances out the lush fruit along with the mineralistic and acidic qualities adding some complexity. The finish is medium in length ending with a cigar box flavor on the tongue.
Because this Pinot Noir is so light and feminine you would want to pair it with dishes that match its body. Cured meats like salumi and pancetta , grilled low fat meats, and steak tartare would really compliment one another. As far as dessert goes I would suggest this wine as the dessert in itself.
Specs: 2008 Valle dell'Acate, Case Ibidini, Nero di'Avola
Sicily 13% Alcohol
100% Nero d'Avola $13.00
Notes:
While exploring the wines of Italy and Sicily I stumbled upon this tasty Nero d'Avola from the southeastern region of Bidini in Sicily. This wine comes from a quality Sicilian producer however, this is one of their more buyer friendly wines which seems to have some of the same flavors and complexities of their more expensive counterparts. This region's hot Mediterranean climate produces rich ripe fruit flavors which is evident in the 2008 Valle dell'Acat Nero d'Avola. This wines flavor profile and dominant qualities are quite similar to France's Beaujolais style wines made from the Gamay grape.
In the glass the wine is bright and clear with intense ruby concentration with fuchsia around the rim. On the nose there are bold fruit aromas of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a hint of an herbal note like fresh mint. There is a very slight wood and spice characteristic, however hardly noticeable. The palate mirrors the nose of the wine with fruit and a short to medium finish. This wine is no way complex or life changing however it is great to drink with food or served slightly chilled on a warm day. I would suggest this as an everyday drinking or table wine if you are looking for something light and satisfying to the palate and your wallet.
I would pair this wine with tomato based dishes like pasta, hearty beef ragu with pappardelle, fresh pizza and light grilling meats like tri-tip. Like I had preciously mentioned, it is also refreshing on its own slightly chilled and the relatively low alcohol is great to serve at parties and events. The 2008 Valle dell'Acate, Case Ibidini, Nero d'Avola can be purchased through K & L Wine Merchants throughout the Bay Area. Cin Cin!
Cabernet Franc isn't usually my go to varietal as it tends to lack alot of flavor and complexity. This grape is usually a blending agent in wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is often added in small doses to add acidity and spice to these sometimes fruity varietals. When I opened this bottle I wasn't really sure what to expect as this wine is a little over 3/4 Cab Franc. Upon first smell and taste I knew I had been wrong about this bottle.
In the glass the wine is a deep garnet and almost opaque in the glass, with rich crimson around the edges. On the nose the aromas are intense and lush. Scents of red and black fruit like cherries, blackberries and raspberry stand out as the fruit while vanilla, cigar box and baking spices round out the bouquet. On the palate the wine is silky-smooth and round. The tannins and acid balance one another out extremely well which adds to the velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of ripe red cherry, oak, tobacco, and cloves mirror the aromas on the nose. The wine is powerful and full of flavor and complexity with a long finish and lingering aftertaste of oak and cherry. This is a beautiful wine from a quality producer who consistently puts out beautiful estate wines; the eye for detail is evident in this perfectly balanced Cabernet Franc blend. This wine will do well with aging up to 10 years however if perfect to drink now. It will only get better.
As far as food pairings, this can be enjoyed solely on its own or paired with heavy meats and game. Italian fare like short ribs with tagliatelle or hearty tomato dishes would compliment the bold favors.
So I have been asked twice today what kind of wine, if any, would pair well with tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day Festivites...It really got me thinking seeing as the flavors of corned beef and cabbage, though delicious, can also be quite bland. The briney salty qualities in the corned beef mixed with root vegetable like potatoes and acidic cabbage needs something to balance it out. After careful consideration and some charting of flavors I think the following should help those looking to solve this pairing dilemma.
The acidic, crisp, and tart fruit flavors in the following Rose are light enough to not compete with the flavors of the meal but add another quality of sweetness that lacks in this meal. The 2008 Tablas Creek Tablas Estate Rose ($25) is a great example of a tart rose without all the fruit that can come with this type of wine. If sweet is not what you are into something like an Oregon Pinot Gris would add everything the rose would without adding the extra sugar. In this case I would recommend the 2008 King Estate Pinot Gris($14) This wine is refreshing, bright and full of the acid needed to compete with your corned beef and cabbage. For all you red lovers out there a light Pinot Noir is what is needed to round out this meal. Pinot Noir is a great pairing with almost any dish but for this especially. Try the 2007 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir($39) it is relatively easy to find and is more earthy and spicy than fruity. This spice mixed with the mustard on your corned beef is the perfect match. Cheers!
Burgundy's are quickly becoming my go-to wines for special occasions, important dinners and well, any other night really. The complexity and flavors that come from Frances Burgundy region are like nothing you have experienced. This wine comes from Côte-d'Or's village of Chambolle-Musigny. This area is known for their high quality Pinot Noir that can usually be characterized as rich, silky if you know your producer. The key to allFrench wines is just that. Know your producer.
This wine's producer is labeled as Premier or (1er Cru) so you know you are getting a good quality wine off the bat. In the glass the wine is clear with medium intensity and shows garnet hues with some brick coloring around the edges. The aromas are clean and developed with cola, red cherry, baking spice and vanilla scents. The intensity on the nose is moderate and in no way overpowering. On the palate the wine has medium plus acid and moderate tannins and is nicely balanced in the mouth with flavors of cola, cherry, red raspberry and cigar box. The flavors are bright, fresh and beautifully present with a medium silky smooth finish.
Seeing as this is a high quality burgundy with some good acid and present tannins this wine can definitely be cellared for some additional time; perhaps 5-10 years. As far as pairings go; this would pair beautifully with beef stews, oven roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, as well as creamy cheeses like Brie and Epoisses. For dessert, hearty raspberry tarts or strawberry pie would compliment the fruit in the wine nicely. I would suggest buying two bottles... One to drink now and one to cellar. This can be purchased locally through K & L Wine Merchants.
Drinkers are usually confused by the "Petite" in the Petite Sirah varietal. However, Petite Sirah's aren't light in any way but exactly the opposite. These wines are typically dark, fruity as have pretty high tannins but in a good way...The T-Vine Petite Sirah is just that; dark, tannic, rich and fruity. The warm climate of Napa helps to get these berries to their perfect ripeness and it really shows in the bottle.
In the glass the wine is dark and basically opaque with ruby tones and fuchsia at the wines edges. On the nose there are dark black fruits, cinnamon, licorice and is pretty moderate in intensity. In the mouth the wine has a full mouthfeel and is quite viscous. The wine is moderate in acid and tannins with flavors of jammy fruits like raspberry and blackberry and a big kick of blue fruits like blueberry and boysenberry. The finish is complex and lengthy and ends with some earthy tones and hints of cigar box and tobacco. This wine is silky, smooth and very elegant. The mix of moderate tannin and acid with the punch of fruit and oak really balances the wine perfectly.
This wine is beautiful on its own with all its complex flavors and can pair really nicely with rich fatty foods. Juicy grilled steaks, pork tenderloin with cranberry, and desserts like blueberry crisp with vanilla ice cream would be divine. If you have yet to try a Petite Sirah I suggest you start here.
Before I discovered Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre I rarely ordered or purchased Sauvignon Blanc. For some reason as a whole they are never truly satisfying taste-wise; they seem to fall flat. However, the wines that come from this chalky soiled, cool region in the Loire Valley of France offer something that you cannot find in the Sauvignon Blanc's here in the states. The wines produced in Sancerre generally have a crisp acidic quality that is so fresh and divine. This wine is just that.
In the glass, the wine shows a clear straw color with hints of light green. On the nose the smell has great intensity with a sharp mineralistic aroma as well as hints of citrus like grapefruit, lime and lemon as well as white florals. In the mouth this wine has a perfect acidity. The acid mixed with fruit flavors of green apple, grapefruit, pear, lemon, and lime really show off the great complexity of this wine. When you add the fruit to the acid with mineral and florals of orange blossom and white flowers; you get a racy power-packed wine. The finish is long and the flavors carry through to the very end. Be forewarned this wine is extremely dangerous and numerous bottles can quite easily be consumed in short amounts of time.
This wine is great for a summer day or paired with acidic dishes like chicken piccata or fresh fish with lemon. It would also pair really well with fruity desserts like a key lime tart. The 2008 Domaine Auchere Sancerre can be purchased in San Francisco through Blackwell's Wines and Spirits.
I recently tasted this at a blind tasting and was pretty impressed with the flavors and aromas of this wine. The consensus of Pinot Noir was across the board at first smell and taste, even through to the end of the guessing game. With reveal came some surprised faces. Counoise?! What is Counoise?! This grape isn't a varietal usually found on its own, especially not in California. The grape itself is known mainly as a blending agent in Rhone and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Surprisingly enough the Writer's Block Counoise stood strongly in the glass and definitely held it's own.
In the glass a clear garnet color is present, similar to the color of the average Pinot Noir. On the nose, bright fruit aromas are what first hits you. Scents of ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, cinnamon and baking spice with a hint of toasty oak. On the palate the wine is silky and round with a substantial mouthfeel. The flavors are pretty high in intensity and quite fruit forward with juicy red cherries, raspberry, currant, baking spices, and oak. The wine ends off nicely with a roasted nuttiness on the end of the finish. It is beautifully drawn out with a great complexity and interesting aftertaste. The wine is well balanced and really enjoyable; especially for this price. It is unavailable in retail stores and is quite a small production, just under 300 cases if I remember correctly. Orders can be placed through the Steele Winery website.
Specs: 2005 Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Red Label
Tokaji
Hungary 10.5% Alcohol
Furmint, Harslevelu and Muscat de Lune $37.00
Notes:
Since the moment I tasted this exotic dessert wine I haven't thought about much else really. It's a taste I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing until recently. Royal Tokaji is a relatively new producer as Old World wine houses go however the Tokaji region has been known as Europe's finest for centuries. The Aszú 5 has only been produced in five vintages, the 2005 being the most recent to date. The sweetness from the wine comes from the production of the grapes. The grapes sit on the vine past their peak until they dry and become concentrated thus producing this sweet dessert wine.
In the glass the color is unique, with rich burnt amber hues and a crystal clear clarity. On the nose, aroma after aroma presents itself. Notes of peach, nectarine, apricot, orange, candied fruit, honey as well as bright florals all work in harmony. The scent has somewhat of a burnt or fortified essence to it something extremely out of the ordinary for your average dessert wine.
On the palate the wine is smooth, rich, round and complex. The high intensity flavors are layered beautifully; sweetness and acid balance in harmony in the tongue. Flavors of burnt orange peel, dried apricots, marmalade, honey, peach, nectarine and roasted nuts all help with the out of this world flavor the wine offers. The finish on this wine is long and lingers nicely on the palate; flavors unfold taste after taste. The 2005 Royal Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos Red Label makes the perfect dessert wine or aperitif. Like most dessert wines this would pair well with salty cheeses and fruit tarts. This is a phenomenal wine that you will most definitely fall in love with.
