tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79672918806681903362024-02-08T07:00:00.677-08:00Nick's Wine World - Wine Tasting NotesWelcome to Nick's Wine World. I love great and interesting wine. I have been posting tasting notes for years for fun. I collect wine and my tasting notes are normal notes of taste, aroma etc. I also like talking about where I was, what I was eating and other cool aspects of tasting wine. Whether you love Cabernet Merlot Pinot Noir Burgundy, or delicious white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc - let's share and enjoy great wine and reviews!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-51472350708368072682014-09-09T17:26:00.001-07:002014-09-09T17:26:52.555-07:002013 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Tasting NoteFor years new Zealand has put out some of the better and less expensive wines - particularly for Sauvignon Blanc. Oyster Bay is one of them. While I usually found tasting this producer to be a notch below Kim Crawford and some others, for the price - it is still a very solid wine and easy pleasing. These are very consistent wines to taste regarding vintage year to year. You'll find similar notes from a 2005, 2007 or most other years. New Zealand knows how to do Sauv Blanc.<br />
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I find these NZ and most white wines are best after refridging and then letting the temperature come up a little or just put them in an ice bucket to chill, but not get TOO cold. Wine served too cold voids much of the flavor - unless it's not a good white wine to begin with, then chilling it out is your best bet. :) <br />
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<b>Tasting Note Review 2013 Oyster Bay</b><br />
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Crisp and clean, though I found the 2013 Oyster Bay a little thin without much acidity. It had the typical nice grassy - kiwi - tropical flavors. It was a little bitter, but not through the whole finish - which was decent. Oyster Bay is a very solid wine to serve at cocktail hours or on a hot day. It also is very reasonable with the US price range usually between $10 - $13. Hard to beat. Your friends that drink any ole pinot grigio and not that into wine nuances will enjoy this and not compare it other vintages or many of the Sauvignon Blancs out there. It will hold it's own. <br />
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So, for the price - it's a buy, but taste some other producers in that region and see what best suits you. That is really the best judge of white wines or any wine. Feel free to post your experience with this wine or any New Zealand Sauv Blanc.<br />
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Happy Sipping (don't gulp)<br />
<br />
Nick<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-2000475915363351142014-05-02T15:37:00.000-07:002014-08-23T19:04:47.153-07:002002 Neal Family Cabernet - Reviews and Wine NotesNotes by me for the 2002 Neal Cabernet. Opened 2 hours. Drank over the next 90 minutes.
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Big nose with ripe blueberry, candy apple and brown suger. Very sweet on the nose (too much) that settled down a little after a while where I got some coffee later and less syrupy notes. Concentrated blackberry and crushed fruit with black cherry on the taste. Very little earth or secondary non obvious fruit flavors. In balance with a solid finish. Not overly tannic. A delicious easy to drink cab that would please any non serious winos who don't care much about complexity or nuances.
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Added Notes for the 2002 Neal Cabernet:
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Decanted for one hour, then poured back into the bottle. Consumed one hour later at dinner at Hoku (Kahala Resort). Dinner was great, by the way! Fully-loaded with dark, black plum, and hints of leather, cinnamon, and raisin.
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<p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-62045724631247853812012-05-07T19:29:00.002-07:002012-05-07T19:29:48.295-07:00Castello Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino Wine Tasting 1997 and 1999<b>1997 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino</b>
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Aired for 1 hour. Nose was very open (first time for me). Ripe rasberry and flowers. Open right out of the gate. Tastes of wild berries, spice, slight cherry tartness - in a good way. Tannins are resilient, but integrated with the fruit - a sign we are just about there. Long Finish. Improved slightly over 2 hours, but not too much.
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91-92 Wine Review Points
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<b>1999 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino</b>
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It was opened (not decanted) for 2 hours in bottle. Had with Veal Chop. This definitley has more finesse and grace than the 97 did at the same stage in the bottle. It was not giving at all early on. 3rd glass brought out more classic sangi fruit and light spice. Very "Banfi" (it is the one brunello I can blind peg every year to the producer - Frescobaldi being the other). Tannins were well integrated and polished. Long Finish.
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Rating range (92-94 pts)
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<b>1999 La Poderina Wine Tasting Review and Notes</b>
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Decanted 1 hr. Great clarity in the glass, but tight to start. Early aromas of berries, tobacco, and a little spice. Swirled for another 20 minutes, good legs.
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First taste brought flavors of cherries, dates, meat, vanilla. Perfect tannins. Incredibly elegant and balanced. Long long finish. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, an hour later it was better still, never faded. Full throttle flavor. Not even close. Best 1999 Brunello I've had. Classy and delicious.
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95 Points
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I'd go 2 hours min. in decanter now, but wait this one out.
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Aromas of cedar, flowers, smoke and a lot more. The aromas are stunning. Taste of ripe and spicey cherries, with some delicious toasty flavor. Long lingering finish. Got better over the 90 minutes it was opened. Great balance. A perfect cross between ripe california and burgundian style. Also a good cross between the denser Beaux Freres Vineyard and the lighter Ana vineyard.
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Beaux Freres is an elite California winery of pinot noir. Their wines are largely only available through their mailing list, fine dining establishments and auction.
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Production was very low on this.
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95 Points
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Well, everyone has their "WOW WINE NIGHT" and this was mine. I was very fortunate to attend a private tasting in NYC given by a portfolio manager of a major brokerage firm that does business with a very good friend of mine.
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These all came from his private cellar. The theme was one of his favorite Bordeaux vs. great CA. Cabs. None of the Leovilles were decanted, except the 82' - so you had to sit with these for a while to get some good impressions.
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<b>1994 Leoville-Las Cases</b>
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This was the first wine we tasted. Aroma of cedar and earth. Leather, cherry, vanilla. Very polished. Long finsh. 92 Points.
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<b>1990 Leoville-Las Cases</b>
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Great wine! Barnyard scent that eventually gave way to leathery, spicy and old world fruit that opened up later in the night. I did go back to it and glad I did. This was a favorite of many. The BX pros thought the 90 was more gratifying and open than the 89' initially, but the 89 was more preferable to some. Heaven. 95 Points.
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<b>1989 Leoville-Las Cases</b>
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This was a surprise hit for many (VS. the 82 and the 86) and a few had this as their favorite LLC. More tannic than the 90 with lovely earth, toasty oak, cedar and wonderful sweet fruit just coming out. This was the tightest of the bunch. Very youthfull. Long long life. 95 points.
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<b>1986 Leoville-Las Cases</b>
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This was a suprise. Wonderful aroma that would set up the taste. After my second sip of it, it tasted very dry, almost a little chalky. Thinking I had a little palate fatigue, I had some water and bread, but it was still there. I commented to someone else and they agreed. Our host thought the bottle was not showing well compared to another he had 6 months ago. Too bad. Off bottle? I was waiting for this one all night (along with the 82). THIS bottle: Still 90 points
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<b>1982 Leoville Las-Cases</b>
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This is the oldest BX I have ever had and how often do you drink a 100 point RP wine. Me: never.
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This was decanted for 45 minutes or so. The anticpated LLC of the evening. Still youthfull nose. Fruit was lush and polished, but the tannins were silky but not heavy and the finish gave a lot but was short of "wow". It was the opinion of many and I that this bottle tasted near maturity - not that the wine itself is, but this bottle seemed slightly peaked to some or at worst, not improving. I still loved it and an experience I will cherish. 95 Points.
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<b>2002 Schrader Cellars CS to Kalon Vineyard</b>
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Served from a magnum. Awesome nose. Toasty, with huge lush fruit, needed major time, but I wasn't waiting!. A finish that went on and on. A killer wine that wowed many, including me. A decade to go easy. Where do I get some more of this?! 96 points.
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<b>1995 Silver Oak CS</b>
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A former champ that was simply overmatched tonight. Attractive nose, oak. Full bodied, balanced and polished. Good, not great finish. I have never had a 95 Silver Oak, but I would have liked to have tried this 3 years ago. Aging well, but for the better? I do not think this will improve. Classy cab, I like em' bigger than this. 91 Points.
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<b>2002 Switchback Ridge CS Peterson Family</b>
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Incredible aroma. Rich color. Crushed Blackberry, mint, dates, long serious finish. Wonderful. Would have loved to have tried this 3 hours later - but alas, the bottle was long gone! Another classic Cab to remember. Major years ahead obviously. 95-96 Points.
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<b>2000 Bryant Family CS</b>
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I was staring at this bottle all night knowing I may never get the chance to taste this again.
WOW. Huge, huge, huge. The color was so deep and lush. Black and purple mix. Big dark fruit, sweet cassis, dark chocolate. Finish was a monster. Easy the best 2000 Napa Cab I have tried. It actually was better than any 1999 or 2001 Napa cab I have ever had! 96 Points
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<b>1995 Araujo Estate CS Eisele Vineyard</b>
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OMG! Can it get better? Yes! This was my WOTN and probably 1/3 of the rooms too. This is a 95? Amazingly youthfull. Toffee, spice, sweet big big fruit, circled in vanilla, with tannins that say "20 years easy". A finish to die for.
98 Points.
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What a night!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-18890366436101826802012-04-26T12:10:00.004-07:002012-04-26T12:10:53.931-07:002011 Babich Sauvignon Blanc ReviewBabich Sauvignon Blanc is a year in and year out consistent white wine from the incredibly consistent Marlborough region of New Zealand. One of many inexpensive, yet zesty white wines coming out of that region and why they are so fun to review. Quality white wines at inexpensive prices. The 2011 vintage seems as solid as years past.
The 2011 is the 95th year of winemaking from this producer.
<b>2011 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Wine Review</b>
Light pearish color with a very clear body. The nose gives good hints of green apple, lime and citrus. This certainly screams cold shell fish on a warm breezy afternoon!
The taste has good acidity with tart fruit and tropical flavors. It finishes pretty well. It has that "zest" you look for in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Still, the nose provides more complex flavors than the taste gives you. A good solid white wine
at under $12 (for most people).
Babich Wine Review Score: 86 POINTSUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-23831498942128094502011-11-15T08:08:00.000-08:002014-08-23T18:53:01.936-07:00Bringing Wine To Restaurants - How To Wine BYO = Bring your OwnOk. One of THE biggest things I complain about to friends and family (who care to listen) are the absolute horrible wine lists at restaurants. Granted, the wine list horror show I describe is probably not an issue for 90% of the diners out there, which is probably why it never gets better and why I will probably BYO (Bring Your Own) for the rest of my life!<br /><br />I am speaking to "good quality restaurants" and I am not being overly picky here at all. There are certain things I expect when I go out. I know I am spending $1.75 for a coke, $5 - $7 for a beer and so on. I also know I am spending 2 - 2 1/2 times retail for most wines. The ratio on a restaurant list can be smaller for expensive bottles and greater for cheaper bottles.<br /><br />Selection<br /><br />I live in New York, so the best restaurants should have the best wine lists with the best selections where BYO shouldn't be needed right? Well - most of the time...no. I have found that most restaurants buy from the 2 or 3 big liquor distributors in the state and most of them have much of the same stuff - on the higher end at least. The selection on the US premium wine end is the most predictable in selection and the most frustrating. Let's take the over $40 retail market for Napa Cabernet for instance. If you are in a good steakhouse (and New York has plenty of great ones), a nice Napa Cab can really do the trick. Sure paying $45 for a T-Bone steak a la carte sucks, but a prime dry aged steak is something special that I usually have no problem paying up for.<br /><br />What IS the problem? <B>The wine list</B>. The selection more often than not comes down to large production of overrated (for price to quality mostly) known labels: Silver Oak, Silverado, Opus, Frog's Leap, Mondavi Reserve and maybe 3 or 4 others usually. Most of these in good vintages are quite good, but the predictability of these names at double or more retail - sometimes $125 or more for many just doesn't work. When you actually collect wine and you have aged it and know they are better than what you are being offered, I'd rather BYO and pay the corkage. Restaurants do not lose money allowing people who bring good wine to a restaurant vs. buying from their list. The truth is - we come back and I just will not buy an off vintage 2003 Silver Oak for $125. I would rather bring a 1999 Switchback, Pride or other superior cult cab I may have paid $50-$75 for and pay the $20 corkage, and it's a better wine too. It's not really about the money with me when I look at list (most of the time). It's about quality and a list that has thought put into it. I have little kids. I don't get out THAT much, so I want the lists of where I dine to be pretty nice and hopefully offer different or better bottles than what I have at home. Not a lot to ask right? This one of the reasons I BYO.<br /><br />Vintage<br /><br />Wow! I have a few pet peeves on this one. Again - not sure how many others do...or care! The first just gets me riled up right away: not having the vintage year on the wine list a restaurant is handing you. Oh man - that just pisses me off to know end. It's actually funny when my wife is with me as she is not the wino geek I am so I try not to overly "Niles Crane" the scene but even if I just say very casually, "I'd like this wine if it is the 2002 or 2001" and the server comes back with a bottle saying "I'm sorry we only have the 2006!", I almost have to laugh and feel like I am on another planet as the waiter AND my wife give me that look of "what's the difference?" WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!<br /><br />The other big issue with vintage of wine on most restaurant lists is the fact that many show off vintages of popular names. It's rarely a 2002 Opus (I wouldn't buy that either), it's a 2003 - an inferior vintage, for the same price. Why? Because there are tons of it around and it is a sexy sell for the distributor and most restaurant owners want the hot names on their list and really don't know wine.<br /><br />The 3rd bad wine vintage issue on restaurant lists is that few carry older vintages. Sure, some classic restaurants do, but most will not carry even 1995 Bordeaux - much less 1989 or 1986. Just trying to find a 2001 Napa Cabernet is a struggle. 2001! That vintage is just starting to drink well - at least on the premium wineries.<br /><br /><B>The vintage issues is a HUGE reason why I like to BYO</B>.<br /><br />List Prices<br /><br />I listed prices last because it really is not the most important reason to bring good wine bottles to restaurants. I understand why a list doubles the retail price for a bottle or more - it certainly does that with food. I doubt a 1 1/2 pound lobster at the fish store costs $32! so I get much of it. I just don't like the gouging and many not even notice it. But when the pricing is really out of whack, it can set me off. Seeing a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, which is a very good white wine from New Zealand going for $36 on a list when it retails for $12 or less will send my wine list blood pressure soaring!<br /><br />So much of this wine list rant may seem like a group of wine snoot peeves run amuck, but when you have really good wine at home and take the care to hold it to maturity or near in drinking window, you'd like to have some wine choices when you eat out. I usually do and it's not always a problem, but BYO is a nice way to go. Of course even BYO has some basic rules of politeness: Don't bring cheap or overly available wines or wines that are already on their list. I find that to be pretty rude and just screams of cheapness. Most state allow for BYO but it pays to handle it right. Calling ahead and saying "Can we bring our own wine?" is not the right move. It's too easy to say no for them and you sound like, well - a cheapo who may bring in a liter of $5 jug quality wine. "I'd like to bring a special bottle that I have in my cellar to have with dinner, is that ok?" is a much better way to go.<br /><br />Many restaurants do take the time to put thought into their list - I have several places that do and if you live in Napa or in a top NYC French restaurant, you have no problems with any of this. But, if this rant makes you feel not so alone when you are quietly having a wine snooting rage next to your wife or other non-wino - I'm glad to give you some company!<br /><br />Nick Hunter is a multiple website owner, consultant and Internet author. He is the owner of Nick's Wine World, an entertaining blog of wine tasting notes from unique and lesser known cult wineries. He also has written many articles on the subject including a piece on How To Buy Wine Online
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<br />A beautiful addition to any collection, this set of four wine glasses includes two 21-1/2-ounce Cabernet glasses measuring 9-1/4 inches tall and two 13-ounce Viognier glasses measuring 8-1/4 inches tall. Specifically designed to enhance the flavor and finish of the rich red and aromatic, fruity wines respectively, the glasses' sleek profiles create a dramatic and elegant presence on crisp white table linens or when enjoyed on the patio or deck as evening falls. In addition, their serene, aesthetically pleasing silhouettes look equally fitting when lined up in an open hutch or bar between uses.
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<br />Constructed of dramatic non-lead crystal with smoothly tapered bowls and rims, each vessel rises above a machine-blown stem with a square-shaped, art-deco style that offers a comfortable hold while sipping and socializing. A three-tiered ridge encircles the base and top of the stem, capturing and scattering light to dazzling results. A memorable and fitting wedding or hostess gift, the set of four wine glasses come attractively packaged and clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-83206388900673742862011-04-30T09:06:00.000-07:002011-04-30T09:17:34.321-07:00The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc Wine - 2010 The CrossingsThe Crossings Sauvignon Blanc is a very affordable, light and refreshing wine from the great Marlborough region of New Zealand. The 2010 is another consistant wine product from this wine region. <br /><br />The aroma offers fresh cut grass and tropical fruit. The taste of the Crossings is perfect for outdoor spring time wine drinking. This wine, consistant with most Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand is available at very attractive prices. The Crossings can be bought from most US locations for under $10. Hard to go wrong with a fun white wine for that price. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />NickUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-61364169918995309042011-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:51:13.684-08:002009 Acacia Pinot Noir Review ScoreAcacia has been making affordable quality pinot noirs for many years and I have enjoyed them the last 5 years or so. Acacia is pretty widely available and normally sells for around $15 or less. That is a very low price for what I would call "drinkable" pinot noir and this is more than drinkable. A review of this wine has to factor much of the price/availability factor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-41741418170599793652011-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:002011-01-13T13:18:10.785-08:002009 Brancott Sauvignon BlancOne of the best value (and best tasting) regions of the world is in Marlborough region of New Zealand. Always consistent and of great value - including the 2009 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is incredibly consistant with their Sauvignon Blanc offerings. Whether it's Brancott, Kim Crawford, Nobilo, Cloudy Bay or a 1/2 dozen other top quality producers. 2009 looks like a solid vintage for Sauvignon Blanc in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. <br /><br /><strong>2009 Brancott</strong><br /><br />An easy wine to like from the start. Very nice tart fruit, peaches and green apple on the nose. Tastes of lime and tropical zesty fruit. The 2009 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc is right in the wheelhouse of people looking for that under $15 white wine tasty treat! The finish is good and leaves you wanting more of this tasty NZ wine.<br /><br />Always plenty on the shelves. Stock up! :)<br /><br />All the best<br /><br />NickUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-3018145401081749112011-01-06T07:51:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:09:29.383-08:00Wine and Cheese - Pairing Wines and CheeseOne of the great combinations is good wine and good cheese. The pairing is subjective of course. Both in wines and the cheeses we like. I'd like to focus more on the cheese pairings for now. I personally like flavorfull but not overly sharp cheese when having it with red or white wine. In my opinion when the cheese is too strong, it really overpowers the wine you are drinking. Now if the wine you happen to be having is not that great - then by all means... :)<br /><br /><strong>Chedder Cheese</strong> - while not "sophisticated" for some (whatever that means) really works great with red wine. Actually [don't laugh] but even good chedder snacks and crackers like Cheese-itz will hit the spot! Hey - when u got kids, you grab lol. On a more serious note, there are many quality and taste variances with cheeder. There's white chedder, traditional yellow, sharp, very sharp etc. But all in all, I think chedder cheese really pairs solidly with most wines.<br /><br /><strong>Fiore Di Sardegna Cheese</strong> - A personal favorite of mine that many people are not aware of. It is condsidered a medium hard cheese in texture but has great creamy flavors. It is a wonderful Italian cheese - with or without wine. But why have it without wine? :)<br /><br /><strong>Provolone Cheese</strong> - Ok, don't get all flamey on me, but I am not a big fan of hard provolone cheeses. Just not my thing. It's a little strong, the flavors don't really work for me straight up and it has an aftertaste. I love grating it over cooked food and I really love sliced provolone (as a cold cut), but for a hunk of nibble with wines - it doesn't work for me. For most it does. Again - like wine, it is subjective!<br /><br /><strong>Parmesan Cheeses</strong> - Like chedder, there are many types but when I'm in the mood for a good hard salty cheese, I love them! <br /><br />Ok folks - feel free to chime in. Wine and food bring great debates! Share your favorite combinations and pairings ;)<br /><br />Nick<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=10523&u=480675&m=2419&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/ACF2465.gif" border="0"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-18866696337817181702010-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:13:31.997-07:00Franciscan Chardonnay 2008A lot of white wine tastings lately! The 2008 Franciscan Chardonnay is the next one up. Fransiscan is a popular California producer. I have had their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot many times, but this is my first dive into their Chardonnay. <br /><br />No heavy hand here as the aroma and taste has good flavor but not over the top as many California Chardonnays can go. Nice aroma or fruit peel and warm butter. Flavor delivers nice vanilla, warm nuts and deep citrus undertones. The Franciscan Chardonnay 2008 is light enough to be consumed on it's own but has the depth to match strong with typical chardonnay wine food pairing. <br /><br />Cold crab anyone? :)<br /><br />Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-64184207595417610062010-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:002010-10-28T14:13:51.743-07:00Banfi Pinot Grigio 2009 San AngeloCastello Banfi or just Banfi as people call it is most known for their world known classic red wines. These include Brunello di Montalcino with it's riservas, Rosso di Montalcino and other signature italian red wines. Their San Angelo pinot grigio is a delicious white wine and 2009 is another consistant wine offering.<br /><br />Crisp, fresh and lively with no bitterness or harsh finish. The 2009 Castello Banfi San Angelo is a very nice pinot grigio. Only drawback is the price, which while not "pricey" (between $15-$20) - it does come in $5 or so over other pinot grigios I would consider equal. But - quality in Italy comes with a price sometimes! and like I said - $18 or so for a really nice white wine is no big deal. And who said California wasn't pricey?!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=1563054345" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-44574143636353888292010-10-27T11:42:00.000-07:002010-10-27T12:05:25.514-07:00Kim Crawford Pinot Noir Review 2007 - Wine ReviewKim Crawford is a consistant year in and year our producer of great value wines including Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. New Zealand is the base and posting a review for the 2007 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir is a pleasure. Tasting it is even better!<br /><br />This is no light Pinot for starters with big aroma and flavors - oh and the price is under $20. Nuff said? :) Seriously - I'm done paying $50 for cult California Pinot (well mostly lol). Most do not surpass a wine like the Kim Crawford Pinot Noir and they can be twice the price. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE a powerful Russian River Valley Pinot, but you would be VERY challenged to find a real strong one for $16 for instance. <br /><br />The 2007 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir has great deep color. It looks like it will deliver great aromas and a full flavor and it does. Most wine reviews and tasting notes focus on the taste of the wine, and I agree - that should be the deciing factor but the "nose" on the wine really is great to mention when it stands out. Hey - the wine lasts longer that way! [take it all in]<br /><br />The aroma and the palate both work here with delicious cherries, maple and well rounded fresh flavors deliver a great taste and very solid finish. <br /><br />The 2007 Kim Crawford is a joy and a consistant bottle in our house. Oh - and twist cap too. Gotta love that since I am always losing or breaking my wine openers! :)<br /><br /><strong>Wine Review Rating: 91 Points</strong><br /><br />A winner any way you cut it! <br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00006LABV&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-30854102261839304402010-10-26T06:37:00.000-07:002010-10-26T07:32:20.961-07:00Cuvaison Chardonnay - Cuvaison 2008 Carneros<strong>Cuvaison Chardonnay Wine Review</strong><br /><br />Hi all. A lot of white wine reviews by me lately. Guess I'm hanging on to summer :) Cuvaison Chardonnay is up next! This is a chardonnay right in my "wheel house" style wise. Balanced, Rich in Flavor but not overly oaky or buttery. It is a California Chardonnay.<br /><br />This wine cries "have me with clams and shellfish" - wish I had some now!...but I will have to suffer with good Italian Fiore di Sardegna cheese and the Cuvaison.<br /><br />The wine in the glass has a really nice color that hints at the full flavor, body but non syrupy or heavy chardonnay and that does become true when the aroma and taste come thru. <br /><br />The nose came thru nice with pine nuts and some buttered popcorn actually! Ok - now I'm craving buttered popcorn lol <br /><br />The Cuvaison has nice orunded butter and toasted almond flavors but it is not "heavy" on the palate nor any heat here. It's got a little spritz too which I like. The alcohol is fully integrated into this wine and it a young Chardonnay. <br /><br />The finish is solid but not above average long and it turns a little lighter at the end. I don't mind that in a white wine as I'm looking for crispness, refreshing and flavor and the Cuvaison Chardonnay delivers there! <br /><strong><br />Cuvaison Chardonnay Price</strong><br /><br />Ahh... a very good part to this white wine and California Chardonnay is Price! Under $25 and for a strong quality California Chardonnay - that really wails. Compare this to $65 Kistlers and you'll see. And while I love Kistler, Martinelli, Dutton Goldfield and others, the pricing has gotten a little crazy the last 10 years. <br /><br /><strong>2008 Cuvaison Chardonnay Wine Rating: 91 Points </strong><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0009S5BN4&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-30821298542331843432010-10-22T08:35:00.000-07:002010-10-22T09:08:54.395-07:002009 Kris Pinot GrigioI have been enjoying the Kris Pinot Grigio over the last year or so. I only saw it in the stores over the last 2 years I think. I usually don't drink and post notes on that many pinot grigios - but there have been some very good ones lately for me - [see also Tiefenbrunner on this blog]. The 2009 Kris is certainly one I happily recommend. You'll see it between $10-$14 or so.<br /><br />Nose of green apples and fresh cirtus. The taste is very balanced and rounded with tastes of tropical fruit and good acidity. Has that style that will remind you of good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! <br /><br />The finish is good for a pinot grigio - which is limited. Only negative it is slightly green and hard on the finish. A very solid everyday white wine though. Oh and a screw cap too! UNPLANNED WINE RANT HERE: Why are there any pinot grigios still with cork or synthetic cork? Screw Top is the way to go! I have $40 Pinot Noirs that have gone the screw top way - and I love it! Ok some purists aren't that absolute about it but Pnot Grigio? cmon! [RANT ENDS] :)<br /><br />Buy the 2009 Kris Pinot Grigio<br /><br />Not sure where to rate this, I'll go 87-88 Points.<br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000JXDM26&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-84643220319592267372010-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:002010-10-18T14:57:39.415-07:002006 Domaine de St. Paul Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée JumilleI am enjoying this wine with my wife now. The 2006 Domaine St Paul Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Jumille is a really polished wine at this early stage. It has deep aromas of spice, dates, prunes, and figs - which I love! Gotta love figs :) <br /><br />The color of this wine is deep and lush looking. The nose really is terrific on this Chateauneuf du Pape but is hinting at "don't drink me now!" But hey - it's too late lol. I cooked a nice pork roast with oven baked potatoes ready to match with am old world wine.<br /><br />Ok now I'm picking up really nice vanilla. Wife thinks I'm nuts of course, but hey - it's my job ha-ha<br /><br />Now on to taste the Domaine Saint Paul. As expected, the wine is restrained and not quite ready. It was opened for 2 hours, but my first wine drinking window analysis is another 2-5 years on this one. It is wonderfully smooth with cherry and mineral flavors and rounded tannins. <br /><br />I am really loving this wine - oh and the best part (well one of the best parts) is the price! Under $25 which is a total friggin steal here. <br /><br />The 2006 Domaine St Paul Chateauneuf du-pape (man I hate writing that all out for spelling reasons lol) is a "stock up" wine. A perfect tuck away but it is also not a tannic closed monster that could not be served now. <br /><br />I'm impressed - for what that's worth! ha-ha<br /><strong><br />This CDP: 92 Points! </strong><br /><br /><font size=5><a href="http://e21fcwyn54oebq9no8pwraxwdo.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=NWINEWRLD" target="_top">Wine Value Pro System</a></font>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-1710353203341908642010-10-05T13:39:00.000-07:002010-10-22T09:15:57.640-07:002008 Tiefenbrunner Pinot GrigioTiefenbrunner has produced some really tasty pinot grigio for a solid price the last few years. I am drinking the 2008 Tiefenbrunner now and it really has some great concentration of fruit and flavor for a pinot grigio - which let's face it, is not the most deep complexing varietal in the world :)<br /><br />This wine is always a pleasant surprise - even for people who only drink white wine or even just pinot grigio. <br /><br />The palate has really good concentration of apple, apricot with great crispness and acidity. Not watery at all. The Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio delivers real lively pinot grigio flavors with a good finish and great value. <br /><br />Under $15 makes a great value for a white wine this good.<br /><br />Find, Drink and Enjoy! <br /><br />Nick<br /><br /><SCRIPT charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822/US/runawebbusine-20/8002/e1a65dff-0359-4f44-893c-07ee97d321e1"> </SCRIPT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Frunawebbusine-20%2F8002%2Fe1a65dff-0359-4f44-893c-07ee97d321e1&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT><br /><br /><form action="http://www.winezap.com/search/searchResults.cfm?r=562364" method="post">Search for wine: <input type="text" name="searchText" size="20"><input type="submit" value="Search for Wine!"></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-56715376624667502742010-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:002010-08-11T15:04:07.354-07:002009 Michel Lelu Mâcon-Villages - ChardonnayThe Michel Lelu Macon - Villages French Chardonnay is a very refreshing and light bodied white wine that is perfect for summer sipping. It is very Non California Chardonnay tasting. Very little oak or heavy hand here. This is a 2009 white wine that is ready to enjoy now alone or with some cold seafood.<br /><br />For people who say they don't like Chardonnay - this white village burgundy is perfect and should have no enemies. Light and zesty. <br /><br />Aroma is light with some lemon and lime and a hint of white pepper. The taste is more watery than California and other more dense Chardonnays. I would recommend the 2009 Michel Lelu Chardonnay for Sauvignon Blanc lovers who like the citrus zest in their white wine but prefer lighter and less green white wines - without a heavy oaky or bigger bodied Chardonnay. It is missing some acidity that I like in my white wines, but that is a matter of preference imo. <br /><br />This goes down real easy though! - especially on a hot summer day like I have here :) 12.5 alcohol is integrated very well. Price was very right as well. Under $20 which is a big bonus. <br /><br />Rating:<br /><br />87 Points<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=st1&mode=books&search=french%20wine&fc1=000000<1=&lc1=3366FF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" width="120" height="240" border="0" frameborder="0" style="border:none;" scrolling="no"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-60527423214832269682010-05-28T11:32:00.000-07:002010-05-28T12:42:06.583-07:00Oyster Bay 2008 Pinot NoirOyster Bay is a wine producer in New Zealand. I have had their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc many times and while I have always found it consistent and tasty, the 2008 Pinot Noir is a real hit. <br /><br />Many of you may already know that Wine Spectator really popped this with a strong review giving it 91 points I believe and while I do not follow WS ratings, I have to agree with that range. The 2008 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir is a home run, especially when you factor in the Price. Good Pinot Noir is not cheap and while New Zealand is mostly more affordable than pricey California Pinot Noir of equal quality, this gives up nothing in taste, concentration and effort - for 1/2 the price or more of many California offerings. Including cult Russian River Valley wines. <br /><br />The wine has great rich color with really nice earthy qualities and very strong concentration of fruit. Finish is long. Only slight negative to some is it is a little "hot" on the finish. I can taste the alcohol heat here, but after a long week of work - I usually don't mind that lol. I'll also chalk some of that up to some off balance on a young wine and it is young. <br /><br />I'm very impressed with this offering from a producer I was not expecting THIS strong an effort in Pinot Noir. <br /><br />Stock up for the summer! The word is out on the 2008 Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Nick<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001EWE8W4" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />Market your wine and website with a <a href="http://www.nicksseoworld.com/freenewsletter.html">free SEO Newsletter</a> on how to get your site listed on the first page on Google. Great tips for wineries and wine lovers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-48666355376829558142010-05-13T19:00:00.000-07:002010-05-13T19:02:22.762-07:002008 Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard Chardonnay ChileWow. Best under $20 Chardonnay I have ever had. More to come on this post but I'm still drinking it and enjoying it too much now to type too much lol<br /><br />Yummy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967291880668190336.post-77556410945794492042010-03-06T13:23:00.000-08:002010-03-06T13:44:32.447-08:002008 Neal Family ZinfandelI have been a fan of Neal Family Vineyards in Napa Valley for 8 years or so. I have also met and dined with Mark Neal while tasting his wines. I have enjoyed a full range of their wines from the easy drinking and yummy Zinfandel (including the 2008) and their more complex offerings - especially their Cabernets and particularly, their Single Vineyard Cabernets. <br /><br />I am not "usually" lol one to open a box of freshly delivered wine and pour away and while I didn't do quite THAT here - this endless winter of 2010 had me craving a summer fruity Zinfandel and the 2008 was recently shipped to my office. <br /><br />I have had many vintages of this Zinfandel and while most Zins from California producers can vary little from year to year IMO based on the way the grape is meant to ripen, fruit forward with a higher degree of sugar - I enjoy some differences from year to year. I found the 2008 Neal Zinfandel very open as expected. It had a very full mouthfeel with good amounts of dark chocolate, mountain fruit and violet aroma and undertones. It was full, fruity and while a little thick for my tastes - the alcohol is kept in check 14.9 - which is right in the sweet spot for Zins IMO alcohol wise. The 2008 Neal gives you the pop and plush of a fun and very tasty zinfandel without the heat (alcohol hit or burn) that other zins can give. <br /><br />So while a drinking a bottle by yourself will give you a "knock" for sure - I mean 14.9% Zinfandel will do it's job on ya but this wine can easily be slow consumed and corked up fine for several days ahead if you choose. <br /><br />I don't normally put a score on Zinfandels but the Neal Family is in the very upper tier for it's price range. $20-$25 or so depending on where you can get it. <br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=runawebbusine-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001DEQJXE" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0