Brancott Estate | Marlborough

Posted on March 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Brancott Estate, Marlborough New Zealand

2010 Sauvignon Blanc | 2010 Pinot Noir

A couple of weeks ago I hosted a private wine tasting for wine industry sales people and among the selection were two wines from New Zealand’s Brancott Estate.

Brancott estate wineBrancott Estate Wines started in 1934 as Montana Wines, but recently changed their name to Brancott Estate.  The Brancott vineyard was their flagship vineyard and so they thought it appropriate to make the change.

Brancott were among the first to plant pinot noir in the Marlborough region and also among the first to recognize that Sauvignon Blanc was going to be huge for New Zealand.

Speaking of the Sav-blanc, here’s the info:

The wine has a pleasantly ripe aroma and palate.  Tropical fruit intermingled with lemon grass spice.  And I mean exactly like dried lemon grass spice.  I actually have a bottle of this spice on hand to help people understand wine terminology.  The wine is straight forward, uncomplicated but not flabby or boring.   I think this is a pretty good deal at $10 to $15 retail depending on where you shop.

The pinot noir was interesting.  I am so much more used to the various flavor profiles of California pinots.  This one was quite a bit different.  Not as complex as some of the big names, but I think it’s quite a steal at $10 to $15 retail.

Aromas of cherries and strawberry with a fruit forward palate with the nice little added kick of cinnamon spice.  The big difference with the majority of California Pinots is that this wine had a decent funky earthy quality to it.

Weekly Wine Journal rating on both wines: 89 points

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Posted in Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Review, Wines under $20

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Scotch Review | Laphroaig 10 year single malt whisky

Posted on March 1, 2012 | 9 Comments

Wine drinker’s Scotch Review | Laphroaig 10 year

10 year maltI know this is a wine website, but I decided to switch things up with a Scotch review.  Why Scotch? Why this Scotch?

Over the last year I was introduced to the world of Scotch and of all the ones I’ve tried, it is Laphroaig that I enjoy the most.  I was first introduced to Laphroaig on a Friday afternoon at a friends office.   I know it sounds so cliche, sitting in a plush leather chair in the C.E.O’s office, 3pm on a Friday, sipping Scotch!  It is a cliche, an Awesome one!

This particular Scotch appeals to me because it is incredibly rich.  I find most Scotch’s to have a sort of medicinal flavor to them.

I don’t know if you ever remember walking on train tracks as a kid, but if you have you will remember the aroma of the rail way ties.  Creosote. and Peat.  If you haven’t experience walking on train tracks, maybe you are familiar with the aromas of campfire, extinguished campfire, or the smell of your clothes the next morning.

All of these aromas might sound off putting, but I assure you they are not.  If you are a wine nerd like me, you will find Laphroaig one of the most fascinating beverages you’ll ever try.

If you like wines with a nice long finish, you’ll love this.  The finish goes on for 5 to 10 minutes!

Important!  How to drink this drink (and Scotch in general)   Mix the Scotch 50/50 with cold water.  Ice cubes can be added, but they tend to dull and mute the flavors in much the same way that red wine can be when it is served too cold.  I use a couple of ice cubes because I live in Phoenix, Arizona and it is really never below 80F or 27C and so a little ice can make the drink more refreshing. Do not use tap water, use purified or spring water. The water helps elevate the aromas, and softens the heat.  Drinking 80 proof straight up, especially one as rich as this one, will probably be too much.

As a wine drinker, have you enjoyed Scotch?  Other drinks?  Feel free to comment!

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Taste of Howell Mountain Spring Tasting 2012

Posted on February 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Taste of Howell Mountain Spring Tasting will take place on Wednesday March 21st, 2012 at the historic Bently Reserve in San Francisco.

Wine tasting

The view from Howell Mountain

30 wineries from Howell Mountain AVA will be on hand pouring their wines and guests will have the chance to meet some of the wine makers as well.

For only $45 a ticket guests will enjoy wines that can run upwards of $100 a bottle. There will also be food pairings.  Some of the more well known wineries in attendance are:  Cakebread, Charles Krug, La Jota Vineyards, Dunn Vineyards, O’Shaughnessy and Outpost.

Other Howell mountain gems on hand include: Black Sears Vineyard, W.H. Smith wines and Cade.

Last June I attended the Taste of Howell Mountain summer event at the Charles Krug winery and I was really blown away by the quality of wines.  It took my palate quite some time to get over the fact that it would be a long time before I tasted that many high quality wines in one day!

Click HERE for tickets

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London International Wine Fair | May 22-24 2012

Posted on February 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

London wine tastingThe London International Wine Fair 2012 is being held in London May 22nd through the 24th, 2012.  This free event is not open to the general public, instead it is a trade only event meant to connect producers with buyers.

Importers, retailers, restauranteurs and trade buyers will be able to sample over 20,000 wines and spirits from 35 countries.  Organizers expect over 20,000 trades people to attend.  In addition to the product samples there will be a number of educational seminars, and Master Classes.

For more information visit the official London International Wine Fair website

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Three 95 point Napa Cabernets under $100

Posted on January 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Although I am likely to be castigated by fellow wine bloggers for this, I thought I would go ahead and do it anyway!  95 point Napa Valley Cabernets for under $100.  On first glance there is just so much wrong with that sentence.

It was hoped by many that 2012 would be the year consumers would learn to think for themselves and stop buying wine based on points. So being a bit of  a contrarian I just couldn’t help myself.

I thought it might be fun for wealthy wine nerds to have a wine party (and invite me).  Everyone would need to bring a bottle of wine.  A wine rated 95 points or higher, and priced at under $100.

SO…without any flavor profiles or any context what so ever,  here are 3 wines that would suffice:

napa wine2007 Clark-Caludon Estate Cabernet:

Rating: 95 points Robert Parker

Price: $78

napa wine2008 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet

rating: 95 points, Robert Parker

Price: $48

2007 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet

Rating: 96 Points, Robert Parker

Price: $80

Did I miss any?  What wines would you put on the list?

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Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Wines over $20

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New York Wine Expo | March 2-4, 2012

Posted on January 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New YorkThe 5th annual New York Wine Expo is being held at Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City March 2nd through March 4th, 2012.

The world class event will feature a Grand Tasting showcasing over 760 wines and 190 wine maker on hand pouring wines for you!  In addition to the Grand Tasting there will be wine seminars put on by Wine Spectator, and also one seminar led by author and PBS personality, Mark Oldman.

Several seminars will take place throughout the weekend. Below please find a list of those currently on sale. Please check back for additional sessions to be added. Friday, March 2, 2012

6:00 – 7:00 pm
Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator
Explore grapes and wine styles as you taste eight wines from around the world, learn the tasting techniques used by pros and build a wine appreciation framework that you will use for the rest of your life. Naww… It’s just smushed grapes.) In this lively seminar, Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee, will attempt to cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about wine, but were afraid to ask… including the key buzzwords for describing wine, stemware, decanting and storage as well as tips for saving leftover wine, food pairing and ordering wine in a restaurant. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced wine drinker, you’ll have fun, learn a lot, and take home handouts that you can use to do tastings on with friends. Price: $30.00

8:30 – 9:30 pm
Wine Spectator Presents…Portugal – Discover a World of Difference
Do you enjoy discovering new grapes and new wines? Do you like crisp, refreshing whites and full-bodied, rich reds? If the answer to these questions is yes, you’re in for a treat. One of the world’s most traditional wine countries is seriously stepping up its game and using indigenous grape varieties from diverse regions to produce delicious wines. Join Wine Spectator director of education Gloria Maroti Frazee in this exploration of Portugal and taste for yourself why wine critics are excited about Portugal’s new wave wines. Price: $25.00


Saturday, March 3, 2012

12:30 – 1:30 pm
Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator
Explore grapes and wine styles as you taste eight wines from around the world, learn the tasting techniques used by pros and build a wine appreciation framework that you will use for the rest of your life. Naww… It’s just smushed grapes.) In this lively seminar, Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee, will attempt to cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about wine, but were afraid to ask… including the key buzzwords for describing wine, stemware, decanting and storage as well as tips for saving leftover wine, food pairing and ordering wine in a restaurant. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced wine drinker, you’ll have fun, learn a lot, and take home handouts that you can use to do tastings on with friends. Price: $30.00

1:00 – 2:00 pm
The Rhône Valley: A River Runs Through It…with Mark Oldman
Renowned wine speaker, author, and PBS TV personality Mark Oldman  gives you an insider’s view of the wine of France’s celebrated Rhône Valley, which Saveur magazine recently said “yields some of the most delicious wine on Earth”.   In his charismatic, savvy style that the Aspen Business Journal deems “hilariously entertaining” and sells out audiences across the country, Mark clues you in to a wide variety of Rhone wines that will make you the envy of your wine-passionate friends. Price: $25.00

Tickets for the Friday night event are $75 until Feb 24th and $85 thereafter

Tickets for the Saturday night event are $85 until Feb 24th and $95 thereafter.

*EXCLUSIVE* Weekly Wine Journal Readers enter PROMO CODE “WWJ15″ and get a $15 discount off your ticket.

Buy tickets HERE

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Wine Review | Robert Foley Vineyards | 2007 Petite Sirah, Napa

Posted on January 15, 2012 | 1 Comment
wine blog

2007 Robert Foley Petite Sirah

Robert Foley is  well known for his critically acclaimed Claret, a Bordeaux style red wine. Robert Foley’s Claret has received 94+ points every year since 2001 from both The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.  At $110 a bottle most people will find this too steep a price to pay for perfection.  Luckily Robert Foley does make other varietals, which are equally perfect and less than half the price.

The 2007 Petite Sirah from Napa Valley is one such wine.  At roughly $60 retail this wine can be enjoyed by a slightly bigger group of “wine enthusiasts”.

I say “wine enthusiasts” because this is a serious wine. By serious I mean powerful, full bodied, rich, opulent and dark.  This wine is a tannic monster with a minimum of 20 years aging potential.  Don’t let the word tannic fool you though, it’s not an overly acidic wine, in fact it is exceptionally smooth and supple.

The thing that blows me away the most about this wine is the 16.5% alcohol content!  I didn’t check the % before drinking the wine, I rarely do.  Near the end of the bottle on the 2nd night I check and was amazed.  There is no heat whatsoever and just a hint of ripeness.  An overly ripe almost raisin like flavor is the hallmark of overly alcoholic poorly made fruit bombs. The ripeness in this wine is so faint as to be barely noticeable and is perfectly balanced by the tannins.

Robert Foley vineyards produce relatively small quantities of wine (less than 100 cases of their Howell Mountain Cabernet are produced every year)  there is still some 2007 Petite Sirah available, my advice is:

If you are a wine nerd/enthusiast like me, you will want to have this wine in your collection.

Weekly Wine Journal rating: 98 points

2007 Robert Foley Petite Sirah

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Posted in Petite Sirah, Wine Review, Wines over $20

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