Friday, September 30, 2011

Deep Sea Red Blend, 2008, Central Coast

I enjoyed this California red during a recent meal at Boudro’s on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Outside lights twinkled and boats carrying visitors cruised back and forth on the narrow waterway. Inside my fellow diners and I enjoyed a great meal at one of the best restaurants in the area. We had opted for an inside table since the temperatures outside still hovered around 90 degrees.

Having enjoyed a fish entree the previous evening, I opted for a nice Black Angus fillet and wanted a new red to go along with it. The Deep Sea caught my attention, perhaps inspired by the water just a few feet away from us.

Deep Sea is a blend of 74% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah, 6% Lagrein (which is new to me), with dashes of Merlot and Mourvèdre. It has a nose of plum and berries and a very mellow, smooth entry. The tannins for this wine were very soft and a bit more structure would have made it a more ideal pairing with my steak. This certainly was an enjoyable sipper due to its rounded, jammy flavor notes. The finish was of medium duration. The bottle retails for about $21. ***

After finishing our meal we hopped on one of the barges that travel the river and took in a nice tour while enjoying dessert and cordials.

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Dinner at Bistro Vendome, Denver, Features a Trio of French Wines


As a guest of Visit Denver, Denver’s convention and visitors bureau, I was treated to a succulent meal at Bistro Vendome, located a few blocks from the 16th Avenue Mall. This restaurant is named after a stylish eatery in Paris and brings continental cuisine to the Rockies.

Strolling through a nice courtyard with outside dining we entered our private dining room and were treated to a glass of Simmonnet-Febvre, Cremant de Bourgogne, a brut sparkling wine in the traditional method from Burgundy. The light effervescence blended well with my first course of Crepes Vendome, which wraps roasted chicken, tomato, olives and herbs and was topped with a fried egg and béarnaise sauce.

Conversation ranged from President Obama’s visit earlier in the day to the latest episode of Storage Wars. Our salad course arrived paired with Henri Perrusset, Macon-Villages. This was a slightly oaky Chardonnay that seemed to be a one-note wine and not too special.

I opted for the Truite en Croute de Pistaches, which was a nice trout crusted with sautéed pistachio and spice topped with new potatoes, asparagus, bacon, onions and red peppers. This was a wonderful dish that married a perfectly done trout with well-seasoned and sublime topping. Most of the group had opted for the Steak Frites with béarnaise. I sampled some from a willing guest and it was done perfectly. The wine pairing was Chateau Peybonhomme, Les Tours, Cotes de Blaye 2008. This was a brilliant wine with subdued tannins. The smooth red  berry flavor was persistent and led to a  finish velvety. This is a 70% Merlot, 30%
Cabernet Sauvignon blend that really rocks.

This was a delightful evening complete with a stroll through Denver’s downtown. A new favorite wine was uncovered, the Chateau Peybonhomme, as well as a superlative Denver eatery.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wine Tastings & Events: September 28–October 1, 2011

Frog's Leap Winery
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Wednesday, September 28
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Some sweet…some dry…but all REDS! 1. Big Woop! Red, 2. Thorn Clark Terra Barossa Shiraz, 3. Amalaya Vino Tinto de Altura, 4. Villa M Rosso. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Sicilian Marchese Montefusco Wines.$15.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM. Wine Tasting. Cost is $15.

Thursday, September 29
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Fine wines of the great state of Washington: 1. Columbia Crest Grand Estates – Chardonnay – Columbia Valley, 2. Gilbert Cellars – Claret – Yakima Valley, 3. Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills – Merlot – Columbia Valley, 4. Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Riesling – Columbia Valley. $4.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Do You Know Merlot? 1. Beringer’s Napa Merlot, 2. Casa Lapostolle Merlot, Chile, 3. Newton Merlot blend, 4. Sainte-Marie Alios, France, Merlot blend, 5. Swanson Oakville Merlot, 6. Pine Ridge Napa Valley Merlot, 7. Frogs Leap Merlot Rutherford, 8. Grgich Hills Napa Merlot. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Heitlinger Wines from Germany. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample. Call for information.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, September 30
* Special Event * Toledo Museum of Art Wine by the Glass Pavilion series: German Weine Fest. 7:00 to 9:30 PM in the Glass Pavilion. Enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Bring on the Bordeaux: 1. Chateau Lamothe Blanc, 2. Chateau Les Terrasses de Bouey, 3. Seigneurs D'Aiguilhe, 4. COYAM (Chilean Bordeaux-Style Blend). $15 tasting.

Saturday, October 1
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Bring on the Bordeaux: 1. Chateau Lamothe Blanc, 2. Chateau Les Terrasses de Bouey, 3. Seigneurs D'Aiguilhe, 4. COYAM (Chilean Bordeaux-Style Blend). $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Saturday Wine Tasting. Entwine … Inspired by a shared passion for wine and food,
FOOD NETWORK and WENTE VINYARDS worked side-by-side to craft these wines that are great sipped alone and delicious paired with food: 1. Entwine Pinot Grigio, 2. Entwine Chardonnay, 3. Entwine Merlot, 4. Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM Wine flight TBA. Cost is $15.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Wine Lingo: What Does Malolactic Fermentation Mean?

Ball-and-stick model of lactic acid
Image via Wikipedia
Enjoying wine shouldn’t be an intimidating experience – but there’s a lot of lingo out there that can intimidate drinkers who are simply trying to sip a glass of vino that they like. Malolactic fermentation is such a term, one that sounds very technical, but the idea itself is a simple one.

Wine made from fermented grapes naturally contains malic acid. To produce some desired qualities, winemakers can induce a secondary fermentation to convert the naturally occurring malic acid into lactic acid.

The conversion is caused by bacteria and can occur naturally, but more commonly the bacteria is added by the winemaker. MLF is frequently used to reduce the sharp edges of cool climate Chardonnay. A rounder, fuller mouthfeel is one benefit of MLF. Wines undergoing MLF are often described as creamy with an improved body.

So next time you are enjoying a creamy, buttery Chardonnay, you can impress your friends by asking, “I wonder if the winemaker used malolactic fermentation?”

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Chimney Rock 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, Napa Valley

We enjoyed this bottle while taking a dinner break from a board meeting in Chicago. Chi-town is known for its Italian food, so we headed for Toscano’s on River Road in Rosemont. Peter, one of the owners, arranged a private room and we were happy to pay a reasonable corkage fee to pop open this baby with their well-known hand-made pasta dishes.

The wine is deep dark garnet in color and swirling releases a complex aroma. This beautiful bottle display the opulent flavor for which Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is known. It exhibits hints of mocha and cinnamon with ripe currants.This has strong but smooth tannins that lend a velvet touch to its long, smooth finish.

Chimney Rock is a memorable bottle and was a highlight to our evening. It sells for about $60 retail and about $100 on restaurant wine lists.On our 5-star scale, this scores a well-earned ****+.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Toledo Wines and Vines: Random Thoughts on Celebrating Our Second Anniversary

On September 13, 2009, Toledo Wines and Vines launched the blog with its first post. Our vision was to be a "go-to" resource for wine lovers in the Toledo area who want to know about tastings, events, locally available wine and to share comments as well. It is 687 posts later and I hope we are making progress in achieving that goal.
I recall putting the blog together and making that first post – and then sitting back and hoping someone would click on us to take a look! We now have had more than 28,000 visitors and 62,000 or so page views. I think we provide a good service for our readers as well as the local wine shops, regional wineries and charities putting on benefit events.
Two years is no small achievement in the blogosphere, which is littered by hundreds (maybe thousands) of abandoned blogs – started and jettisoned when the publisher discovered it was a lot of work. Unlike many blogs, we try to post regularly. I’m a former newspaper editor, so I’m used to publishing on deadline. We publish new content here six times per week. We don’t publish on Sunday.
During the couple years we’ve had fun attending local wine tastings and events as well as traveling to wineries in Washington State, Colorado, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario and Virginia.
A special thanks goes to our tasting team which includes, first and foremost, my wife the “Green Dragon.” Other members include Sax Man and Wine Chick, Ace of Bass and Glorious T and Josh and Casey. (Hopefully by the time you read this, Josh will get a proper TWAV wine blogging nickname.) Glorious T runs the Facebook page and all members contribute posts and help evaluate the wine.
We also want to thank readers, whether you are returning regulars or just passing through. Without readers a blog is like a tree (or grapevine) falling in the forest without anyone there. Your emails and comments on posts are always welcome.
My lunch hour is almost done, so as a parting gift, check out some of these “best of TWAV” posts from the past.
Niagara’s Search for Cool Climate Chardonnay Mastery
Tres Belle Wine and Martini Bar Now Open at Levis Commons
Valentine Wines to Love
Open That Bottle Night 2011 Report
The Soave Experiment
Vox Populi 2007 Pinot Noir, Romania
Niagara Peninsula Winery Visit: Kacaba Vineyards
Another Rustic Wine Tasting
Washington Micro-Wines Make Splash In Toledo Area

Friday, September 23, 2011

Finger Lakes Riesling Hour Tasting: 2010 Vintage Has Favorites for Everyone


The Finger Lakes is considered by many to be North America’s premier cool climate wine growing region, featuring more than 100 wineries and 9,000 acres of vineyards. The region is home to more than 200 Riesling brands and this versatile grape was front and center during last night’s Riesling Hour tasting.
TWAV joined hundreds of other tasters in sampling the 2010 Finger Lakes 2010 Riesling vintage last night.
Our lineup included:
  • Casa Larga Dry Riesling (0.4% Residual Sugar)
  • Swedish Hill Winery Dry Riesling (0.5% RS)
  • Lakewood Vineyards Dry Riesling (0.98%)
  • Keuka Spring Vineyards Riesling (1.25% RS)
  • McGregor Vineyard Semi-Dry Riesling (1.5% RS)
  • Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars Semi-Dry Riesling (2.7% RS)
Josh arrived early and he and I got a head start on the Casa Larga. The nose was outstanding with cool minerality and floral aromas. On the tongue it was flinty with high acidity and Granny Smith apples. I remarked that if I drank only one wine this evening and it was Casa Large, I’d be very happy. A nice way to begin.
This was my first taste of Swedish Hill, a winery that I have somehow missed on our previous trips to the Finger Lakes. It is one of the largest wineries in the region and produces 60,000 cases annually. This opens with a light nose and has pear notes on the palate. It wraps up with a short, dry finish. This was my favorite of the dry Rieslings.
We jumped next to Keuka Spring Vineyards. This winery is a new favorite of ours based on a great time at their tasting room during our last Finger Lakes visit. This wine moves (slightly) up the sweetness scale. Swirling releases the trademark Riesling aroma with mineral, green apple and pear. Josh commented that this was more toward the German (and Michigan) style of Riesling. This wine opened up beautifully and the chill wore off. Ace of Bass raved about this wine, especially its ability to pair with all sorts of food from grilled chicken to Caesar salad.
McGregor’s Semi-Dry Riesling took the stage next. Jazz man waxed poetic with this wine, declaring it as “light as the lilt of a Scottish brogue.” It is similar in sweetness to Keuka, but has a bright quality and a touch more acidity, which gave it a nice airiness. We dubbed McGregor as McAwesome!
We circled back for a Dry Riesling and uncorked the Lakewood.  Jazz Man and Wine Chick gushed about this wine. Lakewood is one of the best and most consistent Finger Lakes wineries. This wine had the fruit dialed back in favor of a steely minerality. Citrus flavors circulate amid a dry and flavorful finish.
Dr. Frank was batting clean-up for us, with its Semi-Dry Riesling. This drew raves from the entire tasting team – including Green Dragon. It is the quintessential Finger Lakes Riesling (try spelling that without spellcheck after your sixth wine!). We decided  that this wine really defines Riesling. Although higher in residual sugar than the other five wines, the acidity is dialed in so well it doesn’t taste overly sweet. This has citrus flavor notes dancing with apple and peach. It’s an elegant, complex wine.
Finger Lakes 2010 Riesling is a strong vintage. Of the six wines we sampled it’s easy to see how any one of them could become an instant favorite depending on an individual’s palate. The styles ranged from racy acidity to smooth, swirling fruit. The winemaker’s artistry was displayed in many different ways but each a pleasing result.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Finger Lakes Riesling Vintage 2010 Ready For Launch

Map of the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
Image via Wikipedia
The climate of the Finger Lakes region of New York can be extreme and unpredictable. Sweltering hot summers and cold, frigid winters can be difficult to manage for some, but growers there have embraced their unique terroir which also boasts superb growing circumstances with Lake Ontario to the north, deep lake microclimates and well drained slopes facing east and west. Many consider it America’s best cool climate region lending to especially aromatic white wines.

The region is celebrating the release of the 2010 vintage Rieslings with a series of special events including the Riesling Hour 6:00 to 9:00 PM tonight (Thursday, September 22). Wine lovers will be participating at retail stores, wineries, restaurants and virtual tasting events. The TWAV team will be participating in the virtual tasting and tweeting our comments and posting them to Facebook.

The celebration is certainly understandable. Riesling is king in the Finger Lakes with more than 100,000 cases of Riesling produced annually. There are more than 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes and the average producer makes two to three styles of Riesling each year. Most Finger Lakes Rieslings reflect a strong sense of place and a unique personality.

The 11 roughly parallel Finger Lakes are among the deepest in North America at 450 to 600 feet deep. The unique geography was scraped by glaciers two miles thick. 10,000 years later some of the best Riesling in the world is produced here.

The Finger Lakes area is our favorite for winetasting. It is scenic, unspoiled and mostly uncrowded. The wine is not only outstanding, it is offered at crazy-good prices. Our favorite wine is Dry Riesling, so we’re looking forward to the Riesling Hour tasting and sharing the delicious results.


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wine Tastings & Events: September 21-24, 2011



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Wednesday, September 21
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 1. Pulenta Chardonnay, 2. The Jack Riesling, 3. La Meridiana Bricco Sereno Barbera D’Asti, 4. Seven Artisans Petite Sirah. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Angela Pringle, wine distributor for the wholesale wine supply company Purple Feet will be pouring samples of some New World Wines from her company's boutique wine portfolio.$15.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM. Wine Tasting. Cost is $15.

Thursday, September 22
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Fine wines of France: 1. Domaine Sainte Anne – White Bordeaux, 2. Couly-Dutheil – Chinon – Chenin Blanc – Loire Valley, 3. Justin Monmousseau – Chinon – Cabernet Franc – Loire Valley, 4. Domaine Sainte Anne – Red Blend – Bordeaux $4.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Macho Zinfandels: 1. Winsome Zinfandel, 2. Condor Zinfandel, 3. Spann Mo Zin, 4. Hobo Zinfandel, 5. Wild Hog Zinfandel, 6. Seghesio Zinfandel, 7. Rombauer Zinfandel, 8. Frank Family Zinfandel. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. New World Wines from Purple Feet wine distributor. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Tasting is cancelled - be back next week.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, September 23
* SPECIAL EVENT * 16th Annual Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation Wine & Cheese Social on Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Avenue, Bowling Green. Great selection of wine, silent auction, appetizers. Tickets $35. Call 419-354-6297 or email rblickensderfer@bgohio.org.


Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Aficionado Anniversary Tasting featuring the Wines of Long Shadows...Yum! Special Guest, Jim Krusinski from Vintner Select. 1. Pedestal Merlot, 2. Saggi Super Tuscan-Style Red Blend, 3. Chester Kidder New World Blend, 4. Poet's Leap Riesling.  $20 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Tasting is cancelled. Be back next week.

Saturday, September 17
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Aficionado Anniversary Tasting featuring the Wines of Long Shadows...Yum! 1. Pedestal Merlot, 2. Saggi Super Tuscan-Style Red Blend, 3. Chester Kidder New World Blend, 4. Poet's Leap Riesling. $20 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Saturday Wine Tasting. 1. Pulenta Chardonnay, 2. Beringer California Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Marietta Old Vine Red Lot #54, 4. Richter Estate Riesling. $2.25 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Malbec and the wines of Argentina. Join us for this hearty, smooth, and powerful wines from Argentina. Malbec-based wines delivery some of the world’s finest values. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM Wine flight TBA. Cost is $15.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate Harvest Party Set September 24

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Saturday, September 24. You are invited to come celebrate the harvest rain or shine under the big tent.
, 8400 Ann Arbor Road, Grass Lake, Michigan, (517)522-8167,  is hosting its biggest event of the year, the 10th Annual Harvest Party
New wine releases will be featured and Dr. Gunn will be on hand to provide classic rock and blues. Food will be available from The Bone Island Grille.  There will be hourly drawings for gift baskets and an afterglow around the bonfire at 9:00 PM.

Admission price is $7 and includes wine tasting and entertainment.
Photo by Chris Willis
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Monday, September 19, 2011

Michigan Winery Visit: Chateau Aeronautique

The future of Chateau Aeronautique Winery is up in the air – and that’s a good thing.

While other wineries might have farm animals, a golf course, or a boat dock, this Michigan winery embraces  the airpark lifestyle of flying and vintage airplanes. We paid a visit to this Jackson winery during their annual fly-in.

Chateau Aeronautique is located in Williams Aero Estates. It’s very typical of upscale subdivisions in Michigan, but then you notice the very long, large garage doors. The houses have hangars that open up to a grass landing strip. Lorenzo Lizzaralde, the winery owner, is an airline pilot with a love of flying – and of wine.

On most days, visitors can enjoy wine at a gazebo and deck which serve as a tasting bar. During the fly-in event, which was attended by hundreds, the hangar was converted to a tasting room, with oak barrels serving as tables. The food was plentiful – and free.

Guests could enjoy the live music while relaxing on a sun splashed deck overlooking the airfield.
Wine is good. Wine with music and a nice setting is better. Wine with music, a nice setting and vintage planes periodically buzzing by is a real happening.

After enjoying some hamburgers and hotdogs hot off the grill, we were ready to sample the high-flying Chateau Aeronautique wine. Green Dragon and I were joined by Kelly and Gary for the tasting.

The tasting menu offers 15 different wines with a cost of $5 per person, which includes a nice winery glass. We opened with the 2009 Seyval Blanc, a hybrid white that fares very well in Michigan and Ohio. This was my favorite of the dry whites. Light in body, it had a refreshing sweetness and touch of citrus.

The Chardonnel is an unusual hybrid grape developed by Cornell University. The 2010 vintage has apricot on the nose but less flair than the Seyval and less body than the Chardonnay.

A limited edition, the 2009 Chardonnay is aged in French oak which lends a bit of toast to the grapefruit and melon flavors. This scored well with our tasters.

Crossing over to the reds, we hit the DeChaunac, another unusual variety. This is light in body with a slightly fruity approach. The wine is aged in oak.

Cabernet Franc is always a favorite and the 2008 is one of CAW’s
most successful wines. This has a a medium body with a dusty cherry flavor and a mild peppery pop on the finish. At only $22 for a bottle, this is a great value and a nice food wine.

The best scoring wine of the day was the 2009 Aviatrix Crimson, a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. This struck the right balance for me. It powers up with a smooth Merlot-powered take-off, enters into some barrel-rolls provided by the Cabernet Franc and comes in for a long, smooth landing provided by the Cabernet Sauvignon. Flavors of plum and teas leaf abound.

We then took a stroll around to get a closer look at the planes on the ground and watch the take-offs and landings. Blue skies and puffy clouds made the conditions almost ideal.

Upon our return we tasted some of the CAW sweet wines although our palates are geared more to the dry. We sampled the 2010 vintages of Pinot Gris, Vignoles and Gewurztraminer. These were certainly popular with the crowd, but in my mind would have been very interesting wines with a tad less sugar.
We closed with the 2008 Late Harvest Riesling. Kelly dubbed this one heavenly – certainly sweet, but with a a subtle tapestry of flavors.

Chateau Aeronautique is a member of the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. It offers a fun and unique experience with well-made wines.
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Saturday, September 17, 2011

Finger Lakes Gears Up For 2010 Riesling Launch

The arrival of the 2010 Finger Lakes Rieslings will be celebrated the week of September 19-24 with the national debut of the 2010 Rieslings from 30 Finger Lakes wineries.
2010 was an excellent year for Finger Lakes Rieslings and the occasion will be highlighted with a special Riesling Hour virtual tasting on Thursday, September 22, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM EDT. Gatherings will be held at restaurants, wineries and homes with tastings commenting in real time on Twitter, Facebook and blogs.
TWAV will be participating and sharing our thoughts about the newest vintage of one of our favorite wines. To whet your appetite, check out the video about Finger Lakes Riesling.



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Friday, September 16, 2011

2010 SOHO Black Label Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

This expressive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was the second half of an outstanding online wine purchase. For $25 I purchased a “duo” of Sauvignon Blanc from SOHO, a cool Marlborough winery through Lot 18, which offered free shipping.
One bottle was the White Label, which was billed as the everyday drinker. Everyday must be nice in New Zealand because it was rated very highly by us. The Black Label is dubbed as the choice for special occasions.
A side by side tasting would have been ideal, but as things turned out, we tasted each about a week apart, starting with the White Label.
The White was like a rogue ocean wave hitting you in the face on a sunny summer day. It was crisp and refreshing. We were looking forward to tasting the “dark side” with the Black Label.
The Black Label begins with a splash of lime. There is also a fleshy, herbal quality to go along with the bright fruit. It gives the wine a fuller mouthfeel and a layer of nuance not found in the White Label.
The acidity is mouthwatering and the overall sensation very refreshing. The wine can stand alone or pair beautifully with seafood. Black or White label is a good choice with the Black flashing a bit more sophistication.

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Colorado Winery Visit: Canyon Wind Cellars

The wine at Canyon Wind Cellars is as refreshing as the spectacular scenery at the Palisade, Colorado, winery. This was the third in a quartet of winery stops we made earlier this month in the Grand Valley AVA of Colorado.

The winery was founded in 1996 and is run by the Christianson family with able assistance from Napa Valley winemaker Robert Pepi.

Patriarch Norman Christianson is a retired geologist  whose trained eye recognized the unique setting in Palisade, Colorado – the cobblestone bench, abundant water, fertile soil, cool mountain breezes and low humidity – was perfect for growing high-altitude wine grapes.

We were immediately impressed by the locale of the winery. Winds through the canyon ruffled the vineyard leaves while the
surrounding rough, rocky mesas jutted into the picturesque blue sky.

Ready for some vino after a long day of traveling, we stepped into the small but impressive tasting room.
Canyon Wind has 35 acres under vine divided between two vineyards: the Riverside Vineyard and the Cliffside Vineyard. They have an impressive array of wines. With the help of our server Pam, we began tasting through
their goods.

We kicked off with the ‘09 Pinot Grigio. This was a light bodied wine with a slight hint of honey. Another white, the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, soon followed. Like the Grigio, this is 100% Cliffside Vineyard. This was another light bodied wine that lacked the snap of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc, but was refreshing.

The wine lineup began to shine with the reds. We opened with the ‘09 Cabernet Franc that came from the Riverside Vineyard. The wine is aged for 15 months in oak and has a supple body with flavor notes of cranberries and blueberries. This is a nicely balanced wine that drinks well.

We were interested in tasting the ‘09 Tempranillo because we learned that this would be the last vintage of this wine for CWC. Pam told us that the winery was going to remove the Tempranillo vines and replant with the more popular Malbec. This was a lush wine with red fruit and touches of vanilla. The wine sprang from an experimental planting. It’s a great wine and we hate to see it go. Grab a bottle now if you still can! This was our favorite and we picked up a bottle.

We finished with a strong trio of reds that shows the strength and diversity of the CWC lineup. The ‘08 Petit Verdot was a rich dark wine with deep flavors of black cherry, the ‘07 Syrah had a complex swirl of flavors with earth and roasted meat, and the ‘05 elegant ‘05 Cabernet Sauvignon was remarkable. The Cab is a blend from the two vineyards with rich plum and cherry and notes of mocha. This is the flagship wine of Canyon Wine and it is easy to see why. It’s a complex wine with potential for aging that displays Colorado winemaking at its best. It sells for $26.
Two other CWC bottles warrant mention – and they “cover the waterfront” in terms of price. The first is IV, a handcrafted, very limited blend of the best Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. No samples were available as this wine retails for $100. We’re told that the wine is a popular seller despite the price. More accessible is the 47-Ten red, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This is an easy drinking winemaker’s blend that costs $13. We also bought a bottle of this and enjoyed it during a late night family gathering in Telluride. The name comes from the altitude of the vineyard, 4,710 feet above sea level. This wine is high-altitude in terms of value too.

CWC is a scenic winery fueled by awesome estate vineyards and savvy winemaking. It’s a top pick for those seeking some of the best wines Colorado has to offer.

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wine Tastings & Events: September 14-17, 2011


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Wednesday, September 14
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wait…what? Four lesser-known wines. Come experience these unusual treasures: 1. Toricino Fiano di Avellino, 2. Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier, 3. Corti Benedettine del Padovano Raboso, 4. Le Rivesaltes de Leonie Vin Doux Naturel. $9 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Fritz Winery Wines (with special guest). $15.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM. Wine Tasting. Cost is $15.

Thursday, September 15
* Special Event * -- 4th Annual Wine and Wishes fundraiser, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio. The event will take place on Thursday, September 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the boulevard at Levis Commons. Wines from Heidelberg Distributing, appetizers from Levis Commons restaurants and live music by Hepcat Revival. Tickets $50. Call 419-931-8888, or online at www.ShopLevisCommons.com.

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Take a trip to Italy: 1. Branchni – Pignoletto, 2. Giacomo Mori – Chianti, 3. Sasyr – Sangiovese and Syrah, 4. Masi – Campofiorin Rippaso – Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella. $5 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. French Wine Values: 1. Jean-louis Denois Brut Sparkling Chardonnay, 2. Plan Pegau Cote du Rhone, 3. Les Terrasses de Bouey Bordeaux, 4. Chateau Des Leotins Bordeaux, 5. Cuvee Alice Ollieux Romanis, 6. Domaine du Dragon Provence, 7. Les Trois Couronnes Chateauneuf du Pape, 8. Domaine Cady Coteaux du Layon. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Fritz Winery Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Purple Feet: First of our portfolio tastings showcases Purple Feet Distributing, of Macedonia, Ohio, a small, boutique-based distributor with a strong focus on high-quality California wines. We'll be joined by Purple Feet wine associate, Angela Pringle. This tasting is going to be chock full of fantastic California Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and many others. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, September 16
* Special Event * Toledo Museum of Art Wine by the Glass Pavilion series: Passion's Fruit: Pinot Noir. 7:00 to 9:30 PM in the Glass Pavilion. Enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Grapes Off the Beaten Path: 1. Borsao Macabeo, 2. Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet, 3. Ciconia Aragonez/Syrah/Touriga Nacional, 4. Odfjel "Orzada" Carmenere. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Purple Feet: First of our portfolio tastings showcases Purple Feet Distributing, of Macedonia, Ohio, a small, boutique-based distributor with a strong focus on high-quality California wines. We'll be joined by Purple Feet wine associate, Angela Pringle. This tasting is going to be chock full of fantastic California Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and many others. Nominal fee per sample.
Saturday, September 17
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Grapes Off the Beaten Path: 1. Borsao Macabeo, 2. Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet, 3. Ciconia Aragonez/Syrah/Touriga Nacional, 4. Odfjel "Orzada" Carmenere. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Saturday Wine Tasting. 1. Niner Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Le Lapin Speed Bump, 3. Bogle Phantom, 4. Mulderbosch Rosé. $2.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The Last Great Rosé Tasting of the Year. Fall is less than a week away. So let us celebrate the end of Summer with delicious Rosés from around the world. And if you haven’t tasted these crisp, dry, and refreshing wines – make sure you attend.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM Wine flight TBA. Cost is $15.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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