Friday, June 28, 2013
Red Tail Ridge Winery: Finger Lakes Winery Visit
The tasting room remains small and unpretentious, plunked in the middle of a gravel parking lot a short distance from their abundant vines. Inside the walls display area artwork and the feel is light and casual. Sarah Cavanaugh greeted us and proved to be a knowledgeable host who guided us well through the tasting.
To knock off some road dust, we sampled the 2012 Estate Dry Rosé. The wine is 100% Pinot. It seems everywhere we go, whether it is British Columbia, Oregon or New York, dry Rosé is gaining in popularity. This is a clean, refreshing wine with bountiful fresh strawberry flavor.
Our attention then moved to the 2011 Dry Riesling. This is a solid effort with citrus and lemon flavor notes. The finish is crisp and the wine exhibits a tasty minerality.
The 2011 Semi-Dry Riesling trumped its Dry stable mate with a much richer flavor palate. This has 1.6% residual sugar and tickles the tongue with tropical flavors and a touch of tartness. This was my favorite wine of our visit.
Venturing into red territory, I opted for the 2011 Dornfelder, a casual sipping German grape. This is made with estate grapes and is a dense, fruity wine. This had some enjoyable earthy notes in addition to blackberry and cherry. This is a cool wine.
I mentioned the Rosé trend earlier. Another big trend in the Finger Lakes is the production of outstanding Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger). The grape thrives in the Finger Lakes terroir and Red Tail Ridge has been earning a passel of awards for it.The 2010 Blaufränkisch has light flavors of black cherry with layers of spicy pepper, cedar and herbs to give it some great complexity. This wine is a real treat.
We wrapped up with the 2011 Good Karma. This is a blend of estate Riesling with a touch (17%) of Chardonnay. It has a somewhat sweeter finish (2.9% RS) and generally wasn’t our “cup of tea.” However, Red Tail Ridge gets high marks here because 10% of the gross profit of sales goes to the regional food bank. Good Karma indeed!
The wine selection here is somewhat limited compared to larger Finger Lakes wineries, but what is offered is very good. The tasting room is just that, and doesn’t offer amenities such as a restaurant or large deck overlooking the water as some other wineries do. That is certainly small potatoes, because this is an operation producing outstanding wines.
We’re glad to see Red Tail Ridge thriving and we’re sure they’ll continue to soar!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Organized Crime 2011 Riesling, Beamsville Bench VQA
We’ve stopped in at this very small winery a couple times and our most recent bottle was courtesy of tasting team members Wine Chick and Sax Man who also make the pilgrimage.
The interesting name comes from a tale of two quarrelling Mennonite congregations who disagreed about one church buying a pipe organ. Members of the other congregation broke in and threw the organ down the hill. In the aftermath we are left with an interesting story and some mighty fine boutique wine.
Riesling can sometimes be a guessing game – not knowing if it will be finished sweet, dry or anywhere in between. The Organized Crime Riesling was a delightful off-dry with splashes of lemon flavor and a slight sweetness.
This has a medium to light body that is fresh and vibrant. It pairs well with poultry and light meals. It is also quite wonderful just on its own. Although I’m partial to dry Rieslings, the off-dry finish with this wine allows fuller flavors to blossom. The cost is a reasonable $21 CA.
After a thorough investigation, I’ve concluded that the only crime is not knowing about this winery and snapping up their flavorful goods.
Related articles
- Keuka Spring Vineyards: Finger Lakes Winery Visit (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Aromatic Whites From Finger Lakes Offer Smell of Success (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- The Dry Side of Riesling (themodernsomm.wordpress.com)
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 26-29, 2013
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Friday, June 28
Saturday, June 29
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Related articles
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars: Finger Lakes Winery Visit (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Aromatic Whites From Finger Lakes Offer Smell of Success (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Casillero del Diablo Winemaker's Red Blend, Reserva, 2011 (whywineblog.com)
- Wines of the World: Australia (atlastravelweb.com)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Moon Mountain Vineyard 2005 Estate Grown Syrah, Sonoma Valley
“Stop the presses!” I only had the chance to say that a couple times during my journalistic career. Today perhaps it has been replaced by, “Stop the digital upload!” Regardless, I had to make just such a quick change of plans on my blog post for today.
I had a wine picked out to review and was mentally outlining the blog, but then I sat down to dinner and the Green Dragon changed my plans completely. Instead of a typical Monday dinner of leftovers or something equally uninspiring, my wife whipped up a beautiful dinner of lamb steaks paired with roasted red potatoes and homegrown Swiss chard – and mint jelly too.
She directed me to pick out an “awesome red” to go with the epicurean feast. Down to the cellar I went and returned with a bottle of Moon Mountain Vineyard 2005 Syrah. I had picked up several Moon Mountain bottles during an online closeout. I must say this was a steal at $12. We’ve loved the winery since tasting their Cab a few years ago.
The grapes come from the rugged hills on the Sonoma County side of Mt. Veeder – a beacon of California wine goodness. In the decanter the deep purple wine rippled with dark brown edges. In the glass there was a noticeable aroma of mountain brambles.
Wine is always better with a gourmet meal and tonight was a chart-topper. The Syrah was a perfect pairing (if I do say so myself!).
I’ve had some 2005 wines recently that had lost their liveliness and were on the downhill slide. Not so with this Syrah! It was alive and kicking, exemplifying the essence of Syrah with a robust taste of sour cherries, healthy tannins and earthy, roasted nuts. The finish is of medium duration that floods in with a rush of berries.
This is a superb Syrah with at least two more years of peak flavor. You can certainly sip it on its own, but I would call this a “foodie favorite” and pair it with a strongly flavored entrée like lamb, sausage or venison.
Rating: 5 of 5 Value: 5 of 5
Related articles
- Mission Hill Family Estate: Okanagan British Columbia Winery Visit (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Bacon Swiss Chard (boomerempowerment.com)
- Most Common Types of Red Wine (wine.answers.com)
Monday, June 24, 2013
Mission Hill Family Estate: Okanagan British Columbia Winery Visit
So, it’s no hype when I say that Mission Hill Family Estate is the most spectacular winery I have ever seen. Have I seen all the wineries of Europe or New Zealand – of course not. But I have seen well more than 100 wineries including top wine regions like Napa, Willamette Valley, Washington State and Ontario. There have been spectacular wineries – but Mission Hill blows them away.
The Cabinator and I shuttled from Penticton – site of the 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference – to Kelowna, where we were to catch an early morning flight the next day. After a nice lunch on Earl’s rooftop deck in downtown Kelowna, we took off to visit a couple wineries in West Kelowna, the first being Mission Hill.
Mission Hill is a confluence of stunning surroundings, inspirational design, all-encompassing quality and superb wines. You can drink in the scenery like finest wine. The British Columbia vista combines the best of Colorado, Europe and Canadian cool.
The winery was designed by an international team of architects, designers and craftsmen. After strolling past immaculately tended Pinot Noir vines, you enter the courtyard passing under a five-ton Indiana limestone arch held together by a single keystone. The notch in the arch also lines us with the signature bell tower.
The Terrace outdoor restaurant has been named one of the top five winery restaurants in the world and it looks like a suitable perch for bald eagles with a gorgeous view of Pinot and Chardonnay vineyards and Lake Okanagan. The Loggia is a beautiful colonnade that provides a great vantage point to view the manicured grounds and the lake and mountains beyond. At least one snowcapped peak is visible.
The commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the front door. The tasting room is beautifully appointed with a wide range of wines available to taste. Tastings take place in their retail store or, for larger groups, in their tasting salons. The winery also has a visitors center with museum quality displays telling the store of Mission Hill.
After being knocked out by the architecture and décor, we decided it was time for wine. There are four tiers of wine, the Mission Hill Five Vineyards entry level and then moving up to the Mission Hill Reserve, Select Lot Collection and the Legacy Series. Prices move up accordingly.
We started with the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, a great refresher for a hot day with a dollop of passion fruit and citrus flavors. The Cabinator has a big thirst for reds, and so we moved to the 2010 Limited Edition Cabernet-Shiraz.
Most Okanagan wineries we tasted opt for the earthier Syrah style versus the sweeter Australian Shiraz style, so this wine was of interest. It offered a rich berry aroma and a light body. Fig and blackberry flavors threaded through the wine. Only 250 cases were made. Retail is $29.99 CA.
While sipping we learned about the challenges of winemaking in the Okanagan. It is a hot, short viticultural season and it is all about pruning to maximize the sunshine. The 2010 Cab showed the winemakers were successful, with cocoa, black cherry and spice flavors. The wine has a cold climate feel as opposed to the fruit forward Cabs of Napa.
We dipped into the Select Lot Collection for the 2010 Syrah, which was a rock star. This is a rustic wine with chocolate, cedar and blueberries. This is a sophisticated wine with layers of flavors.
Keeping in mind that we were preparing to step back into the bright Okanagan sun, we finished with a Rosé that blended Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay. This had a bright strawberry flavor and was perfectly light, crisp and dry.
We are big fans of the hospitality and scenery of the Okanagan. No one does it better than Mission Hill. This is a true gem of a winery.
Related articles
- Impressions of Penticton: Wine Bloggers Conference Extraordinaire (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference: A Visit To BC's Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- WBC13, Penticton, BC: It's A Long Way There! (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
Friday, June 21, 2013
Bennett Lane Winery Timeless Red, Napa Valley
This tasty red wine is “timeless” indeed. It is a blend of multiple vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Napa Valley. Bennett Lane is known for producing top of the line Cabernets and this is a good price point (about $28) to explore their winemaking.
The Cabinator brought this bottle over to the house to enjoy. He is a fan of Napa Cabs, of course, and this bottle didn’t disappoint.
Timeless is rich with bright cherry flavor that is fruit forward but with notes of caramel. The Merlot ensures this is smooth and a true “pop and pour” bottle.
This bottle doesn’t have the complexity that we imagine Bennett Lane’s Reserve Cabernet would have – the tannins are almost absent. Timeless does offer an explosion of juicy fruit and a long lingering finish. It is a nice casual red.
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Value: 3
Related articles
- Speed Blogging Day 2: B.C. RED's! Calling all B.C. Red wine lovers... (girlsgogrape.com)
- Patel 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- 2006 Bennett Lane Maximus Feasting WineOnly The Beginning (winecommonsewer.com)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Impressions of Penticton: Wine Bloggers Conference Extraordinaire
The recently concluded Wine Bloggers Conference in Penticton, British Columbia, was my fourth WBC event and
was epic in every way. A recent survey of bloggers gave this the highest rating of the six conferences that have taken place – and one of the main reasons is the essence of the Okanagan.
The Okanagan is beautiful. I’ve been to many scenic places, Telluride and Sedona come to mind, but this is the most beautiful area I’ve seen. I would have loved to come here even without wine (wait a minute, let’s not get crazy). The combination of beautiful lakes (including the massive Okanagan), soaring mountains, and sundrenched terrain makes this an outdoorsman’s dream.
Okanagan people are friendly. Douglas “Dino” Dean of Grape Escapes is one example. He transported us from Kelowna Airport to the opening reception at See Ya Later Ranch all the while laying knowledge on us about the local area and wineries. The wine community and the town embraced the bloggers with camaraderie. In a larger metro area, perhaps the WBC would have been a blip on the radar – but in Penticton it was a big deal. From the service staff at the restaurants to the vendors at the farmer’s market – everyone was welcoming and helpful.
Penticton and Kelowna are fit for foodies. The food at the Penticton Lakeside Resort was superb. We ate breakfast two mornings at the Hooded Merganser restaurant overlooking Lake Okanagan and the experience was awesome. This is the first restaurant where the server enquired how I would like the eggs on my Eggs Benedict. (They are poached, of course, but you can specify soft, medium or firm.) The breakfast in the park was of high culinary caliber. No Pentictonite should ever go hungry or have to eat non-organic food. We capped our last day in the area with lunch on a rooftop deck at Earl’s in Kelowna, watching parasails glide over the lake while sipping a Hester Creek Pinot Gris.
The wine scene is vibrant. Although mostly inaccessible in the states, there’s a treasure trove of quality wine in the Okanagan. Wines like Haywire Gamay Noir 201, Black Sage 2010 Merlot and the 2008 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin reflect the rugged and wild terroir with tastes that range from juicy berries to complex Bordeaux character. Wineries such as Tinhorn Creek and Mission Hill are world
class wineries that excel in the vineyard and in the kitchen.
The Merlots are complex with a beautiful earthiness and the Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminers are memorable. The range of wines produced is impressive, including some great Pinot Noirs and even surprising varieties like Trebbiano.
There were a few challenges in Penticton for both organizers and attendees – but they were overcome with gusto. Penticton, I shall return – and next time I’ll bring my wife!
Related articles
- WBC13, Penticton, BC: It's A Long Way There! (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference: A Visit To BC's Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Wines of Canada's Okanogan Valley (graperadio.com)
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 19-22, 2013
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Friday, June 21
Saturday, June 22
AREA WINE BARS
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Related articles
- Riebeek Cellars Pinotage 2011 (thecellarmistress.wordpress.com)
- Why You Should Patronize Your Local Wine Shop (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Casillero del Diablo Winemaker's Red Blend, Reserva, 2011 (whywineblog.com)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Seghesio 2008 Barolo
The lasagna was unique in that it was cooked in a wood fired stove. We gather with our college friends (almost) every year in a rustic cabin in Seneca State Forest in West Virginia. The cabins were built in the 1920s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and now are very much like well furnished lodges.
However the furnishings don’t go as far as electricity, running water or gas powered ovens. So this meal made by our friends came steaming out of the wood-fired cook stove. That’s a pretty hot proposition when you have to keep stoking the fire box while the temperature outside is 80 degrees.
The wine was courtesy of the International Wine of the Month Club. Barolo is named after the town from which it comes and is considered the “king” of Italian wines. It is a single vineyard wine from the Monforte zone of Barolo. This is a DOCG wine, the highest tier in the wine system of Italy.
This wine is rich with plum and noble flavors of red berries. Nebbiolo is the grape used and the Seghesio delivered flavor that was elegant but powerful. The group of a dozen enjoyed our meal at a communal table under soaring trees with a gurgling river a short distance away.
Barolo traces its history back to the Middle Ages and so our scene may be one that was duplicated countlessly over the years in Italy – friends enjoying wine from the Nebbiolo grape while eating a fire-cooked meal.
This wine was a revelation to me because I understood that Barolos should be aged 10 years or more before opening. The Seghesio was quite delicious only six years after vintage.
Drink them now or drink them later – Italian Barolo is a royal treat not to be missed.
Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
Related articles
- Learning About the Piedmont Region During #winestudio (winecompass.blogspot.com)
- Aglianico: Wine's Best Kept Secret (themodernsomm.wordpress.com)
- Dry Creek Vineyard 2010 Foggy Oaks Chardonnay, Russian River Valley (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
Monday, June 17, 2013
Summer in Paris Fundraiser at TREO Pairs French Cuisine and Wines
The iconic Arc De Triomphe in Paris. Photo credit: Anirudh Koul
TREO Restaurant and Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266, will host Summer in Paris, an elegant dinner with French white wines on Tuesday, June 18, at 6:00 PM. The event is the signature fundraising event for Beach House Family Shelter, one of the oldest organization in Toledo entering its 92nd year. The emergency shelter has had great success in helping homeless women, children and families regain independence. Tickets for the event are $85.
The event embraces the European experience of the Din’re Blanch or “White Dinner,” which is a traditional celebration of the summer solstice in Europe.
The program will begin at 6:00 PM with a social hour featuring Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. This will also be an opportunity to view silent auction items.
Dinner seating will be at 7:00 PM. The meal will feature French flavored courses paired with wonderful French white wines. A live auction begins at 8:30.
For tickets or information, please go to www.BeachHouseToledo.org.
Related articles
- French president's wine on sale (bostonherald.com)
- Why is wine aged in oak? (noselegsbody.com)
- Winestar's Red, White and Rose in Cans to Become 'Nespresso of wine' (extravaganzi.com)
Friday, June 14, 2013
Pioneer Wine Trail’s Summer Solstice Wine Release Party Scheduled June 22-23
Tickets for this self-driven tour with nine delicious food and wine pairings are $30 each. Each ticket purchase includes a tasting glass, tasting up to six additional wines at each winery, and a recipe card for the featured food. Designated drivers eat for free.
For more information call (517) 592-4663 or (517) 531-3080. If no answer, please call 517-655-2883 or 517-764-0679. The wineries included in this event are:
* Burgdorf's Winery (Haslett)
* Chateau Aeronautique Winery (Jackson)
* Cherry Creek Cellars Old Schoolhouse Winery (Brooklyn)
* Flying Otter Winery (Adrian)
* J. Trees Cellars (Blissfield)
* Lone Oak Vineyard Estate (Grass Lake)
* Pentamere Winery (Tecumseh)
* Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson)
* Sleeping Bear Winery & Brewpub (Parma)
Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). There are no physical tickets mailed for this event. Once purchased, your name is added to a registration list that will be at each winery. Simply bring your ID and enjoy.
Hours of the event are Saturday, June 22, from 1:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, June 23, from Noon to 6:00 PM. Tickets are available online at www.PioneerWineTrail.com.
There are a limited number of tickets available, ticket sales will end on Wednesday, June 19 at midnight, and tickets will not be available the day of the event.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Keuka Spring Vineyards: Finger Lakes Winery Visit
Hospitality, first class scenery and superbly crafted wines are a winning combination at Keuka Spring Vineyards.
We almost missed this stop as I was in a hurry to blaze a trail out of Penn Yan and head to Seneca Lake. That would have been a terrible mistake. At the urging of Cabinator, I jerked the wheel to the right and drove up the steep drive to Keuka Spring Vineyards.
When we arrived, our band of four knew that we had arrived at our home away from home. The day was sunny with a light breeze and the view of Lake Keuka was dazzling. Inside the tasting room we perched at the bar and enjoyed a wonderful panorama.
Although we hadn’t planned on the visit, we soon met owner Len Wiltberger and he rolled out the red carpet. The winery, which produced its first vintage in 1985, is a family affair and we then met daughter Jeanne, who is marketing coordinator. Their motto is “Family – Commitment – Excellence” and those values certainly shone through.
Winemaker August Deimel joined the group and led us through the tasting. We opened with a single vineyard Dry Rosé, which was a field blend of Lemberger and Cab Franc fermented together. This was beautifully fresh and perfect for a warm summer’s day.
We had an opportunity to taste several different vintages and August explained, “You take whatever the vintage has to give you. Each year you get characteristics of the vintage. 2011 was austere but 2012 was a warmer year.”
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: June 12-15, 2013
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Wines that go with what you’re grilling: 1. Couly-Dutheil Cabernet Franc Rose, 2. Pillitteri Riesling Gewurztraminer, 3. Burgans Albarino, 4. Alto-Cinco Garnacha, 5. Jam City Thoughtful Red, 6. The Zin, 7. Amavi Syrah, 8. Uber Schwang Riesling. Nominal fee per sample.
Friday, June 14
Saturday, June 15
AREA WINE BARS
- The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
- Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
- Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Related articles
- 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference: A Visit To BC's Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- Niner Wine Estates 2008 Bootjack Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles (toledowinesandvines.blogspot.com)
- German riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and possibly zinfandel (?) from Weingut Kunstler (andwine.info)