A Hidden Gem in the desert

A discrete little shop in the middle of everything, this little tasting room is easily dismissed with a famous named ice cream shop on one side and a movie theater on the other. Tulip Hill is the name and good wines is the game. Making both red and white, I first came across them a few years ago while serving tables at a local restaurant. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend is what I tried and always wanted to try it again. Finally I have had the chance and it was everything I remembered, marvelous. A small family winery with vineyards in both known areas and not so known areas within California, their philosophy of let the fruit do the talking, making incredible wines at even better price points they are definitely worth checking out, I guarantee you don't walk out empty handed.

2008 Cabernet Syrah $24: This blend explodes with loads of fresh berry fruit, hints of cocoa and cedar. A bold wine that softens as it opens will make a great gift or a great dinner party wine. Enjoy this wine with a grilled steak and roasted veggies or with dark chocolate after the steak.

2009 Mirage Red Blend $22 (wine club wine): A medium bodied, round tannin, fruit forward, seductive blend of Merlot and Syrah, enjoy this wine as it opens up more as time goes on. Layers of juicy plum, cherry and lavender lead into a experience that is hard to beat.

2012 Amorosa $15: A sweet rose color wine made from Gamay grapes, this is a wine that is not easy to find but will leave you wanting more. Honey laced strawberries, raspberries and fresh blossoms, chill and enjoy on a warm summer evening watching the sun go down.

To find out more about Tulip Hill Winery visit their website: http://www.tuliphillwinery.com/ or if you are in the desert stop by the tasting room and say you read "Love That Wine"

Deal of the week: Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot

Robert Mondavi is a legendary winemaker and pioneer known for making wine for all occasions and budgets. From Woodbridge to Opus One. Mondavi  is a household name. Known mostly for Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Mondavi wines are true to form and pure of heart. The Merlot is no slacker though and should not be taken lightly. The Napa Valley series wines are quintessential in flavor, structure and style giving true to form wines of top quality for mid range pricing.

The 2011 Napa Valley Merlot showcases the true characteristics of Merlot, with aromas of plum and cherry which follow through to the palate. Subtle and round tannin from start to finish with a medium length finish, bursting flavors of plum, cassis, cherry and cocoa. Enjoy this wine on its own or with your next Osso Bucco dinner. Will age beautifully for the next 5-7 years.

Find out more about the Napa Valley series from Robert Mondavi Winery at their website; http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/

Silver Oak Cellars

Iconic Silver Oak Winery has two different locations; Alexander Valley and Napa Valley. Fortunately for me, we stumbled across the Napa Valley winery is located in the rich volcanic soil region of Oakville. The newly renovated winery was reopened in 2008 after the horrific 2006 fire that destroyed the vintage and the winery. Silver Oak practices the sole production of Cabernet Sauvignon and their ideals, philosophies and techniques are top notch. As you drive down the long the driveway leading to their iconic symbol, the water tower which stands proudly up front.The property is surrounded by rolling hills covered with their beautiful vineyards. Walking up to the winery you are met with a beautiful fountain that leads up to the stairway of the tasting room and legendary library of Silver Oak with bottles from vintages dating back to the original 1972 vintage. As you walk in the tasting room, it's filled with gifts and memorabilia, with the library to the left. The barrel room to the right and the tasting counter right in the middle. While I was there, the newly released 2009 Napa Valley Cab was being poured along with the 2009 Alexander Valley Cab with the 2007 Napa Cab as a bonus and what a bonus it is to taste that exceptional wine.

2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Beautiful aromas of violet and cassis lead to a full palate of berry, spice and chocolate. A long lingering finish with smooth round tannin, easily able to drink now or keep for a rainy day.

2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Complex aromas of ripe red fruit and floral characteristics give way to a full bodied true Cabernet Sauvignon, black cherry and baking spices with layered tannin and lingering finish.

2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Imagine putting your nose in a bowl full of chocolate, cherries, coffee and freshly sanded wood and you will begin to understand the complexity of this one of a kind wine. A big bountiful nose with fully structured flavors and tannin that won't let up, 2007 was simply the best.

To learn more about the Duncan family and Silver Oak Cellars visit there website at: http://www.silveroak.com/ and if you go say you read the "Love That Wine" blog.

2nd stop: Twomey Winery and Tasting Room

Nestled along the everlasting Silverado Trail in Calistoga is a small elegant winery known as Twomey. Twomey is owned and operated by the Duncan family who also are the proprietors of the iconic Silver Oak Cellars. Started in 1999, the Soda Canyon vineyard was acquired with fully mature Merlot vines already established there. Known for one of the only single vineyard Merlot's, this wine will not disappoint if you ever make your way up there. Rich, silky and fruit forward concentrated with a never ending finish it's hard to stop drinking it once you have started.

We arrived at Twomey early enough in the day to where it was not completely packed yet in the tasting room and lucky for me Ross was my tasting guide. We started off with their newly released 2013 Sauvignon Blanc which portrayed very forward citrus and floral aromas, tropical fruit on the middle palate with a crisp lingering finish, amazing! As we progressed talking about tasting notes, history of the winery and vineyards, Ross tasted me on their evolution of Pinot Noir. The three Pinot Noir I tried, all same vintage 2012 coming from three distinct regions; Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and Russian River.

2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir display very bright acidity in the front with characteristics of rose petal, cherry and a slight smokey flavor on the finish. This was only the beginning. 

2012 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was silky smooth, creamy and so delicious. Ripe strawberry, cherry and roses on the finish was absolutely boggling my mind.

2012 Russian River Pinot Noir. Generally my favorite Pinot Noir come from the Russian River AVA and this one did not disappoint. Full bodied, silky and seductive flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry and sweet spice filled my senses and took over me completely. A smooth middle palate that burst with flavor and a slightly tannic finish. This is what Pinot Noir was made to do, make you fall in love with wine so when someone says that's a great wine. all you can is "oh yes, Love That Wine."

To finish this extravagant experience was heart breaking but the best was only yet to come. The 2009 Napa Valley Merlot. Easily the best Merlot I have ever tried, forget every preconception you have about Merlot because this will make you a believer if you are already are not. Grown from French clones in volcanic soils, this wine is truly in a league of its own. Full bodied, silky and seductive, your mouth fills with ripe berry, smooth spice, chocolate and coffee. From the first sip to the last drop, the taste and sensation is addicting. These are the type of times that make you love wine tasting and keep searching for more.

To find out more about Twomey wines visit them at their website:
www.twomey.com/#!/welcome or if you plan on stopping by ask for Ross and say you read Love That Wine.

Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek

Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek is a phenomenal winery that is definitely a must go! Award winning wines that are second to none and focus on fruit purity and characteristics. I first found out about their wines when some guests first brought in their amazing Zinfandel and Petit Syrah. These wines absolutely blew me away. From the first appearance, to the last sip, I couldn't wait to get my own to enjoy. The wines were deeply ruby red in color, full bodied with beautiful structure and flavors worth drinking now or worth cellaring for a special occasion.

A little information on Dry Creek. Dry Creek AVA is in Northern Sonoma County bordering Healdsburg right off Hwy 29. This AVA is very small, charming and a must see for wine lovers. Author of  the infamous book, "The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil, says that Dry Creek is "perhaps the most charming viticultural area of all in Sonoma County... Time seems to have stood still there." She couldn't be more correct. The rolling hills along the low lying valleys with sporadically placed vintage farmhouses, feels like you have drove into another century. This area has been adapt to viticulture dating back to the late 1800's.  The area in total 32 square miles, 16 miles long by 2 miles wide it is easy to miss, but once you are there it could easily become a place you will want to return too.

Back to Kokomo, while there I was amazed by the hospitality and care they showed while we were there. Leslie was my tasting guide and as we got to talking, not knowing who was sitting right next to us quietly, was Ross. Ross is the hospitality manager for Kokomo and between the two of them, I can not say enough great things. As Leslie started asking questions wondering what I would like to taste, we went from a few wines to their entire library of extraordinary wines. I am only gonna touch on a few but believe me I could go on and on about what they do, amazing stuff!

2013 Timber Crest Sauvignon Blanc: $20 (from winery only)

Light and crisp with intense fruit flavors and structure for this style, aromas of citrus, pear and tropical notes, the mouthfeel is lush and viscous at the same time. Guava, tangerine and apricot will overwhelm your palate like nothing you will ever taste. While tasting this I thought the perfect pairing would be a fresh pear and goat cheese torte.

2012 Russian River Pinot Noir: $36 (from winery only)
Gold Medal Winner 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

This complex pure Pinot Noir focuses on the quality and complexity that Pinot Noir can have. Floral and fruity aromas with complex structure and mouthfeel this is not your typical everyday wine. You can drink it now or keep it in your cellar for years to come.

(These wines are almost exclusively sold through the winery. Very limited production of these wines are made and a must try.)

To find out more information on Kokomo Wines check out there website:
www.kokomowines.com

The family history treasure hunt

I recently just got back from Napa and while we were there not only did we do wine tasting, we also went on a family history treasure hunt to put into perspective some information we have found earlier. This is my reflection about that part of our trip.

Our first adventure was off up to Geyserville and Dry Creek, which is towards the top of Sonoma County. Of course we took the safe route staying on the freeways. Unfortunately there was major construction going on which delayed the whole process and what was supposed to be a 45 minute drive, took 2 hours. The great part about traffic and being in Napa Valley is the endless views of vineyards, old farms and huge historic estates that you get to see and be in awe over. The trip to Geyserville was the part of our family history hunt. Going up to Geyserville was almost as we were travelling back in time. Very secluded, spread out small farm houses with orchards and vineyards surrounding them. Driving the winding roads along the mountainside, covered in indigenous canopy it was beautiful, relaxing and exciting to see what was to come. Our first stop was at a property that was once owned by my wife's 2nd Great Grandfather, that he bought during the late 1920's and the amazing part was the original bridge, garage, workshop and house were still there. Now understanding that most of these backwoods homes that are not wineries were posted with NO TRESPASSING signs, but being there I had to do it, I trespassed! Luckily for me the gentleman that owned the property was outside up by the house and I was able to talk to him, before he used extreme prejudice and through me off the property. I told him who I was and how I was connected to the property and asked if he knew any of the history that went with it. After I told him this, he was extremely welcoming and told me everything he knew. He had brought the property in the early 1970's from an Italian family named the Bearizzi's and at that time there were NO VINEYARDS!!!! He continued to tell me that all the farmland and valley's were covered in fruit orchards and grapes were nearly non-existent with the exception of a few small vineyards spread around. He gave me a small tour of the property and told me that the entire property spanned over 80 acres, along the mountainside and creek following through the property. I asked if it was part of Dry Creek and he told me, "no this area is actually called Dutcher Creek". I asked him if I could take pictures of the property and he said," yes of course", and I was then on my way. He walked me around showing me where different parts were that he thought I would want pictures of, walked to the end of the property and I was on my way.

The second stop was the Olive Hill Cemetery to visit the family graves and pay our respects. Now this part of our trip is not my glass of wine, but I have to admit as much as I am not always gun-ho about these parts of the adventure, once we are there its always a bit interesting to see what we find. We did end up finding the family grave plot, after driving around all over the cemetery and it was very neat to see and pay our respects.

After visiting the cemetery we were off to Healdsburg where the last property in the area was and unfortunately, the final resting place of Gottfried Wieland (2nd Great Grandfather). Healdsburg is one of the small towns that make up part of the whole area. Charming, beautiful, little town with lots of shops and small boutique restaurants. It was a place I would love to spend more time in. Before the trip started, we looked up more information and tried to find out if there was any place we could search for documents about our family being there and the Museum of Healdsburg was the place to find them. Unfortunately when we got there, they were closed due to construction of a new exhibit opening the following week we were there.

A long day of driving but definitely worth the experience.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Wine and Whiskey, my two favorite adult beverages. Whiskey is a spirit to me that can relate to wine, made from only certain ingredients, called different names from different regions, has multiple styles and gets better with age. I guess you can say that with other spirits as well, but not like Whiskey. Scotch Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, Moonshine Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Colorado Whiskey just to name a few. Obviously not as vast as wine would be considering there are over tens of thousands different type of vines and grapes world wide. Bourbon Whiskey I would say is my personal favorite.

Bourbon Whiskey has an interesting back story, filled with legends and folklore, tales and wonders. Dates and origin have often been disputed on who started it, where it got its name and who really was the father of Bourbon. My association of Bourbon is Bourbon county, Kentucky funny part is there is no single distillery within Bourbon county, Kentucky due to ever changing county lines, and in history people dispute that fact by saying the whiskey's name came forth from Bourbon St in New Orleans. Bourbon as a name was not actually associated with the whiskey until the late 1800's, what we do know is that whiskey "Bourbon" or otherwise has been around before that time. 1964 Congress passed a legislation that Bourbon is a definitive product that can only be made in the USA and not in any other country trying to export to us any product with the name Bourbon on it. Whiskey now is one of fasting growing spirits in production exporting to over 100 countries throughout the world and steadily rising.

Bourbon is a corn based whiskey mixed with grain produced in a sour mash style aged in charred oak barrels. "High End" Bourbon whiskey is aged a minimum of 6 years, can be blended or single barrel (just like wine blended or single vineyard) with "Straight" Bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of 2 years up to 4 years. There is no real aging limit on how early you can pull the whiskey and bottle it for aging, the recommendation is 3 months.

Buffalo Trace is located on the Kentucky River in Franklin, Kentucky and has been distilling whiskey since the late 1700's. Named after the mighty Buffalo who forged trails along and across the Kentucky River the actual distillery has been in the same spot for over 2 centuries. Continuing tradition Buffalo Trace uses the exact same grains used back then, locally grown grains go into this exceptional Bourbon. Smooth in flavor and finish, hints of caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit, this is a whiskey you definitely have to try. Considering it is a high end whiskey don't count it on price, I found a bottle for under $20, when usually can go upwards of $30 depending on where you buy it from. Sorry I am not going to divulge where I bought mine that will be my secret to buying more. Cheers!

Fetzer Crimson 2010 Red Blend

This deep ruby red blend is by no means a traditional style California blend. Petite Syrah, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon make it fruit forward, earthy, funky and smooth all at the same time. Not the mixture of varietals that usually go together but who is to say what goes together? This wine was absolutely amazing and the price point was a selling point itself, $11! Score one for the good guys. 2010 was phenomenal year for California Reds. The right type of precipitation, weather, soil, and root stock made Reds grown in CA remarkable. Fetzer Crimson Red Wine brings to the table dark stone fruits, earth, a hint of smoke, cedar, with a smooth finish. Drink now with friends, by yourself with a significant other, pair it with some good food or on its own, the choice is yours and yours alone! (Totally had to say that) Cheers!

Wine of the week: 2011 Spanish Quarter Red

Spanish Quarter Red has been a wine I have been very interested in, blending together a new comer to Spain Cabernet Sauvignon and the widely known Spanish grape Tempranillo this wine is well worth checking out. I found it at the store for just under $10 and online for cheaper than that. A STEAL!!! That is nice thing about Spanish wines right now, you can find really good ones for cheap do to their economy! Good thing for us wine lovers. The color is deep Ruby almost Purple with a medium+ nose with aromas of floral, mineral, oak, sweet spice and black fruits. On the palate after it has opened up a medium-dry sweetness, medium acidity and tannin with good flavor intensity and with a balanced long finish. Anyone wanting to try a different wine without breaking the bank to do so this is wine to do it with. Pair with soft artisan cheese, bbq'd meats, heavy cream or tomato based pasta dishes with chicken or shrimp.

Meeting A Original

Tonight was an experience all in itself. Not only was it extremely busy both in the bar and in the dining rooms of the restaurant within the chaos of it all the eye of the storm appeared with me having the absolute pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. L. Mr. and Mrs. L are now retired wine makers and I truely wish I had the time to sit down with them and talk more about their marvelous journey as winemakers. The little bit that I got to talk to them they told me their journey began in 1968 when there were only about 13 or 14 wineries in the Napa Valley. With them at dinner a bottle of Pinot Noir from their last vintage of 2009. Ruby red in color, bright red fruit, floral, with a slight bit of minerality, the Anderson Valley Pinot was exquisite.

Most everyone breaking into the wine world knows about the documentary "Somm" the journey of four people trying to gain the elusive master certification. Granted yes one day I would love to be there but in no time soon will I be ready. But what about the movie Bottle Shock? Bottle Shock is the cinematic documentary of Château Montelena and the wine heard around the world. What it must have been to be a winemaker, farmer, vitner at that time. Mr. and Mrs. L were there! I can not wait to see them again and talk more about it, so what we call this is the intro to a very interesting post! Cheers everyone!

Today's question

If you had to choose what would be your top wine varietal to drink?

Wine tasting techniques

Have you ever gone to a restaurant or seen on T.V. people order wine and wonder why they try to swirl wine in their glass or smell the cork when the server places it in front of them? Tasting technique can play a huge roll in what the outcome of the wine can and will be. From the time you or someone else opens the bottle it starts to gain oxygen creating a different biology, evolving and transforming into something different. Not that oxygen makes Red darker and White more clear or golden, but the taste, texture and smell are different, because technically until that cork is popped or the screw top undone the wine is still aging.

When ordering a bottle at a restaurant whether it be your waiter, wine steward/sommelier, restaurant manager or the guy sitting next to you at the dinner party your at you want to look at a few things and make sure it is something you are going to enjoy. The label on the bottle is your first clue, the name, the vintage, the grapes used, does it say "old vine" (if ordering Zinfandel), does it have the AVA which it is from, "Reserve" or "Estate" bottled, are all your first indications on what you can expect, and if it doesn't then that is okay too because not all amazing wines want to give away their secrets on the label. A label or a name shouldn't just be the end all be all, it is only your first step into tasting.

Once opened if it has a cork inspect the cork by squeezing the end by where it made contact with the juice. Look at the color of the area, does it have sediment does it have sugar crystals on it, is it dry, does it smell funny, it should your smelling a cork! You can still get some of the aroma but there again that is not your deciding factor, step two is the cork.

Now you have your first little bit poured into your glass. Before anything admire the color, the craftsmanship, the fact that what your about to drink not only took at least three years to grow, but was created and cared for, hand picked and sorted, pressed and aged, because what your drinking is a piece of art, the grandure of what it is, what will be and what it does is nothing to be taken lightly. Tilt your glass, raise it above your eye sight and look at it in the light, layers, layers of depth, complexity, color, structure, taste, and years. Now smell.

Smelling that first aroma gives way to the experience and relationship you are now creating with not only the people around you but creating an experience you always remember. Where there is wine there is memories being created. Think about what your smelling, flowers, berries, minerals, herbs, veggies, smoke, oak, vanilla, citrus, hay, pineapple or tropical fruits, apple, peaches, apricots there are so many things happening, and it all comes from one fruit. Swirl.

Swirling is the gateway to what will be, what will this wine be once it opens up from more oxygen, because that is what you are doing opening a gateway to another level, levels of flavor are now opening as the bouquet opens up and nuances and aromas released another dimension, characteristic and profile created. The "legs" linger on the sides of the glass like paint on a canvas, adding to what will be your first taste.

Now smell again, new aromas, new flavors, new layers of complexity, nose tingling, mouth watering, umami is happening.

Taste...

Mouth feel, the first indication that something is happening. As soon as it hit your lips you have again created a memory. Anything can happen at this time, by now someone has cracked a joke, made you laugh, asked a question, said something ridiculous, anything can happen. The texture, flavor, mouth feel, aroma taking over your senses like nothing else can because you know this is special. These are the moments you don't forget, everyone is watching, the ultimate decision is about to be made. Yes or no?

Roth Estate makes it great

Not the oldest or the youngest of wineries but Roth wines will certainly not disappoint. Known mostly for their Bordeaux style wines out of Alexander valley, Roth has now ventured into Burgundian style wines like Pinot Noir along the Sonoma Coast. The 2008 Estate Merlot was a beautiful example of an Old World wine done California style, bringing forward the exemplary fruit, complexity, depth and structure. As soon as you open the bottle to pour your first glass wild blueberries take over your senses like smelling a fresh pie from the oven. Full structured flavors of currants and cedar come through with round structured tannins that linger with a smooth finish. Between $20-$25 for the bottle I would highly recommend any of Roth wines. 2008 Merlot paired with seared duck breast with a jalepeno blackberry sauce, that just sounds to good! Cheers!

Old Vine, Young Vine

Like everything else we see in the world there is always old and young, with wine its no different. Vines can live upwards of 100 years old but that doesn't mean they produce the best wine made, or that they even produce enough juice to put into production. Depending on the AVA a 25 year old vine could be considered "old" so what is the big difference between old and young? Is it the depth of the root? Is it when it was planted? A certain type of grape vine in particular? Wine vines take a minimum 3 years before they produce fruit, 5 years before they produce enough fruit for an actual harvest worthy of production and last up to about 25 years hopefully with full production, if no complications occur such phylloxera which is a disease which attacks the vines killing them from the roots. After a vines first full harvest at 5 years old its yield slowly starts to decrease year after year creating a more concentrated, full flavor that most everyone enjoys. I mean do you really want to drink a acidic, flat, mineraly, no flavor wine? I don't. Don't get me wrong, there are great wines that are mineral, earthy toned wines that continue to dominate and are great wines and Old World countries such as France and Italy have perfected and protected those practices for centuries. The AOC and DOCG (check out my old world new world article to learn more) of France and Italy, just to name a few, tell vitners where, what, how and at what age they can use grapes from those vines. Truly creating "old vine" wine. Red Zinfandel in the U.S. is probably the most widely known and used grape for old vine wines but again that is all subject to opinion.

There are also practices that a lot of New World wineries and vitners do as well to create the simulation of what "old vine's" go through to create the same structure at an early age in young vines. Water deprivation or water deficit simulates what old vines go through in drier years. Considering old vine roots can reach upwards of 25 feet going through many different soil types and young vines maybe 6 feet reaching the middle part of the first layer, maybe, this is a strategic way to produce much more concentrated fruit at the earlier stages.  But there is another factor to consider when talking about vines and fruit and that is coverage.

Coverage is one of the biggest factors when it comes to grapes and wine making. Kirk Grace vineyard manager at Stags Leap Cellars talks about this in a article on their website. The reality is coverage is what dictates under ripe from over ripe. Under ripe fruit can create over acidic tart flavors that strip the palate and have an overbearing nose, as to where over ripe fruit can be to concentrated doing the same with bold flavors and spice. At the end of the day Grace says the blend grapes from blocks that are 3 years old all the way up to 35 years old.

Wine is all subjective that is the important thing to remember and I will always stand behind that. Everyone's palate is different and everyone's style is different. Some people drive Cadillac some people drive BMW, that is what makes it fun, if we all did everything the same that would just be boring and insignificant and not worth writing, or talking about. Old Vines can be 25 years old all the way to 100+ years old.

A personal favorite

Justin Reserve 2009 Tempranillo is one of my favorite wines I have drank. Spice forward with fruit finish as it opens up it only gets better. The spice integrates with the fruit weaving together to make this incredible win, dark berry fruit with an earthy spicy nuance with plum and strawberry makes it impossible to drink just one glass. 2009 was such an incredible year for Justin which is located about 20 miles outside of Paso Robles the drive to the winery is as great as the wine at the destination. Rolling hills, tree covered mountains, streams, lakes, peaks and valleys this is a must go winery if and when you go to Paso Robles. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and their staple Isosceles blend, Justin winery is not only a staple winery in Paso Robles area it is absolutely beautiful. When you park you walk alongside some of the vineyards leading up to the "inn" at Justin where they have their award winning gourmet restaurant, exquisite library leading to the tasting counter which looks out among the grounds surrounding. Tempranillo traditionally a Spanish varietal from the Rioja region can be anywhere from medium and fruity to bold and spicy Justin Reserve Tempranillo is a medium bodied wine that will pair perfectly with grilled meats, creamy full flavored artisan cheeses, or just on its own. Justin makes both red and white wines and everyone they make is worth a try they consistently year end and year out make an incredible product from their food to their wine, next time you see the name Justin on a wine bottle, pick one up and give it a go. Cheers!

Pasanu the Spanish powerhouse

Pasanau Ceps Nous 2008 Priorat Red Wine is the purple people eater of Spanish Red wine. Priorat region is located in North East Spain just below Barcelona along the coastal region of the Balearic Sea. Consisting of 70% Grenacha or Grenache here as it pours into your glass all you see is a deep purple color as if you were looking into liquid obsidian. Beautiful color with a heavy nose and flavor to match this Spanish heavyweight. Blackberry, plum, spicecake fill your palate and take over your mouth with a long dry finish that leaves you wanting more and more. Blended with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mazuelo this wine is big, powerful and would go perfectly with a grilled steak.

Priorat has become one of the most popular regions in Spain creating big wines that sell for 4 or 5 times the amount of Rioja. Creating more and more cult style wines it is very hard for everyday drinkers or even collectors to resist what is going on. Mostly consisting of Grenache based wines the next big grape varietal to blended with is Cariena, Carignan in France, this rustic grape adds depth and structure, where it lacks both in other parts of the world. Soil, weather, and appellation due play big roles in this. Other great wines to check out from Priorat are: Nita 2010, Cellar Pasanau Ceps Nous 2010 and La Perla Noster 2007.  

Special Thanks to Alex McClelland who showed me this awesome wine! Thanks buddy hope all is well!

Predictions 2014

Every year, new trends pop up and every year they change, grow, evolve or die. 2013 personally I saw red blends, old world wines, example Chateauneuf Du Pape, Spanish Rioja, Rhone and Bordeaux make huge jumps in world popularity. Rioja was ranked 2013 Wine Spectators #1 wine, 2014 will be no different, new popularity of different wines will start to show, another number 1 will be crowned and craft beers and spirits, farm to table, locally sourced ingredients, the expansion of the mind will start to happen and curiosity will take over. Questioning the ideology that the best wines can only come from certain regions will be put to the test. New American wines gaining ground, becoming more accessible will take place all over the country, with states like the Virginia's, New York, Texas and Idaho leading the way, producing smaller unknown grape varietals and thrusting them forward into the masses. Larger names such as Duckhorn and the Jackson family known for their ever popular "Kendall Jackson" wines are setting up stakes in other states like Washington and Oregon according to different sources. We will see the growth of sustainable, organic, bio-dynamic, microbial farming practices with production already taking place that will be another thing people will look towards while looking over wine lists in restaurants. Is it locally sourced? Will be the question you ask your server when asking about the veg on the dish. In London instead of the 2 meat and veg it will be reversed, 2 veg and meat will be the new popular way of thinking, Eastern Europe like Solvania and Bulgaria will modernize wine production creating great affordable wines, with Spain doing the same do to a crumbling economy.  The prediction of Chardonnay being the varietal come back made by the Washington Post was interesting to me considering Chardonnay is the most widely drank grape in the U.S. so to see what will happen is something to watch out for. According to WP American, New Zealand and Australian vintners say they have the right clones and the right vines. Don't count South America though, Argentina, Chile and even Brazil will come with some heat this year, with that being said I think a Chateauneuf De Pape will be the #1 wine for 2014, we will just have to wait and see.

Banfi 1st winery in the world

Banfi wines has some very interesting history behind it. It involves

the pope, his chief of staff before and during his reign and her family. Teodolinda Banfi a patriarch, inspiration, general, and mother was the inspiration to Banfi wines, started by her nephew John Mariani, born in Connecticut raised in Italy what he must have seen growing up never the wiser he was watching his future come to life. Teodolinda was the head of staff for Pope Pius XI even before he became Pope and was known as Cardinal Ratti. She was the one who chose all of the wine he would drink with his meals and make sure everyone knew their job, a formidable personality but took charge like a 5 star general, never escaping the eyes of her nephew John Mariani the future creator and visionary of Banfi. Banfi wines and exports was started in New York in 1919 right when prohibition was getting to start. John Mariani just had what we would call dumb luck to start a business at this time, but this man was a visionary. Instead of shutting his business down and calling it quits he transformed his business and started exporting herbs, spices and medicinal bitters from Italy, travelling back and forth from the US still taking the time to seek out and taste Italy, France and Germany's finest wines. A true pioneer in the wine world, he is and was a driving force, visionary, entrepreneur and personality beyond his time.

Today Banfi is a leading export and import company of wine specializing in Italian wines and venturing into Chilean wines, they also export their own vinification to over 50 countries worldwide. Still family owned and operated today located in Old Brookville, NY, they also have their estate in Tuscany, Italy. 

Banfi was the first winery in the world to achieve exceptional enviormental, social and ethical responsibility, leadership and customer satisfaction awards, along with 2010 Wine Pioneering award and best Italian wines 12 years running. I definitly think its safe to say, if its not broke don't fix it. 

Banfi's Chianti Classico Riserva is a great wine that represents the classical tastes of Italian vinicultural and is a great wine for anyone wanting to get into Italian Red wines without getting your palate overwhelmed. A very subtle nose of cherry, spice and earth, the taste is a creamy texture of chocolate spice and a subtle finish of cherry vanilla. Food recommendations with this would be grilled meats, pasta dishes, tomato based dishes, and creamy textured cheeses.