Dry Creek Vineyard 2008 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley

The Mariner is a proprietary red blend introduced by Dry Creek Vineyard back in 2004. The winery’s vision is to create the finest Meritage using the five noble Bordeaux grapes. The 2008 vintage is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc.

We sampled this with Ace of Bass and our new friend Michael. The wine came on strong with a bit of “heat” due to the 14.5% alcohol. We suggest that this wine be decanted for about a half hour to let it open up and settle before sampling.

The wine has flavor notes of plum, black cherry and red fruit. There were notes of black tea and spice. Most of the action took place up front and the finish did not linger as much as we would like.

We were tasting the Mariner along with several bottles from Napa and there was quite a contrast. The Mariner was spicy with a bit of earth and dust for a very unique flavor profile. The Napa wines, by contrast were big and fruity.

The 2008 vintage was an immense challenge for the winemaker. There were consecutive weeks of frost in March, heavy winds in April and fires in the area in June. Despite the tricky conditions, Dry Creek Vineyard has created a blend that is certain to intrigue the wine lover. The Mariner is aged 26 months in French Oak.The fruit comes from 20+ year old vines.

We found this to be a unique wine with a different flavor than most. For optimal enjoyment, swirl and decant liberally.

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

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Robert Skalli 2007 Sud de France Reserve Grenache-Syrah Rosé, Cotes De Provence

The Green Dragon will never become the Pink Dragon. My wife has never been a fan of rosé, perhaps dating back to a bad experience with some schlocky sweet pink wine decades ago. But there’s a new rosé out there – it’s dry, refreshing and it’s cool.

I acquired this bottle of Robert Skalli Reserve Rosé with an online sampler of whites. A scalding hot day descended upon us and I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to sample this new phenomenon.

I boldly strode out onto the back patio, where the sun beat down with blinding rays. The first sip signaled sophisticated refreshment.

The rosé is a bright pink/orange color and has a medium body, which surprised me as I was expecting a lightweight drink. The overwhelming sensation is freshness, followed by citrus and floral notes.

It’s a thoroughly enjoyable wine, which shows unbelievers that there is a new breed of rosé that is well worth your time. This bottle cost a mere $10, but displays a tasty French sophistication.

By the way, this still failed to win over Green Dragon who tried doctoring up her glass with a touch of Riesling.

Rating: 2.5 of 5   Value 3 of 5

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Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: June 13-16, 2012

Old Vine cabernet from Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wednesday, June 13

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Celebrate Ohio Wine Month: Firelands Winery. 1. Firelands Pinot Grigio, 2. Firelands Pinot Noir, 3. Firelands Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Firelands Gewürztraminer. $7 or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, June 14

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Pre-Father’s Day Tasting: 1. 2008 Mount Veeder – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California; 2. 2008 Stags Leap Atremis – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California; 3. 2009 Cameron Hughes – Cabernet Sauvignon lot 285 – Napa Valley, California; 4. 2005 Silver Oak – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California. Flight $11 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Ohio Wines Celebrating Ohio Wine Month: 1. Firelands 1812 Sweet White, 2. Firelands 1812 Sweet Red, 3. Firelands Chardonnay, 4. Firelands Gewurztraminer, 5. Firelands Riesling, 6. Firelands Pinot Noir, 7. Firelands Cabernet, 8. Firelands Ice Wine. $1 of every bottle of Firelands, Lonz or Mon Ami wine purchased in June goes to the Toledo Metroparks. Nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. 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, June 15
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Dad's Cabs: 1. Poppy Hill, 2. Joel Gott, 3. Gunfighter, 4. Justin. $15 tasting.

Saturday, June 16

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Dad's Cabs: 1. Poppy Hill, 2. Joel Gott, 3. Gunfighter, 4. Justin. $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Watergate Break-In 40th Anniversary Tasting. 40 years ago, on June 17, 1972, five men were caught breaking in and trying to wiretap the national Democratic headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. We thought we’d have a little fun and commemorate the event with wine. 1. The Chardonnay “Conspiracy,” 2. Owen Roe’s “Sinister Hand” Grenache, 3. “Plungerhead” Old Vine Zinfandel, 4. Orin Swift’s “The Prisoner” Red. Flight $4 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 – 4 PM. 2nd Annual WCM Bistro Day. Walt Churchill’s Market’s Patio turns into a European-style Bistro. Join us for a 3 course bistro lunch. Starter, Dessert, and your choice between two main courses: Steamed Mussels in White Wine or Southwestern French-style Duck Breast. And let’s not forget Chef Bill Kolhoff’s delicious Duck Fat French Fries. $30 + tax per person if purchased before June 14^th. $45 + tax the day of the event. Wine not included. Samples of wine will be available for purchase during event.

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

AREA WINE BARS

• The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  
• Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  
• Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Flickr photo by Eflon

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Laurello Vineyard Rodavi, NV

Laurello Vineyards is a great family-owned boutique winery located in Geneva, the heart of Ohio Wine Country. Laurello combines a wide variety of quality wine, a great tasting room and pleasant, knowledgeable staff. This being Ohio Wine Month, we wanted to highlight one of their popular reds, Rodavi.

Laurello is located in the Grand River Valley and the Wine Growers of Grand River Valley have been quite successful promoting their wineries through events such as their annual Turkey Trot and Ice Wine Festival events. They have a full line of whites, reds and ice wines, many with the Grand River Valley designation.

We have visited the winery several times and interestingly, they seem to have a real touch with Super Tuscan wines. Super Tuscans originated in Italy where winemakers broke the mold and began producing Sangiovese-driven blends in a break with traditional wines. Laurello produces Rodavi, which is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Syrah, and also Cosmo, which is a Sangiovese and Merlot blend. These have been top picks each time we have visited.

We were treated to a bottle of Rodavi by tasting team member Dr. J, who visited Laurello and came away impressed as well. We cracked the bottle open recently and found it to be a real people pleaser.

This is a smooth bottle from top to bottom with only a whisper of tannins. This is a dry wine with a refreshing dollop of red strawberry and cherry flavor notes. It is medium bodied and has a flourish of vanilla.

Rodavi is designated “American,” meaning that the grapes (some if not all) probably came from California. Not surprising since Sangiovese is not a staple of Ohio vineyards. However, the winemaker’s skill comes through in a delightful package at a reasonable price of about $19.

June is a perfect time to visit an Ohio winery and taste all they have to offer.

Technorati Tags: wine,Ohio Wine Month

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Elegant Summer in Paris Fundraiser To Be Held On June 19 At TREO

Deutsch: Paris: Eiffelturm und Marsfeld (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

TREO Restaurant and Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266, will host Summer in Paris, an elegant five-course meal paired with French white wines on Tuesday, June 19, at 6:00 PM. The event is the signature fundraising event for Beach House Family Shelter, one of the oldest organization in Toledo entering its 91^st year.  The emergency shelter has had great success in helping homeless women, children and families regain independence. Tickets for the event are $75.

The event embraces the European experience of the “Celebrer Solstice d’Ete,” a huge celebration to welcome the summer season.  The theme mirrors the celebration by hosting all white food, white wine and suggesting all guests where white as well.  The setting at Treo will be all white as well.

Guests will be welcomed in a special white tent erected on Maplewood Street directly outside of Treo’s entrance with champagne and appetizers to kick off the evening.  All the silent auction items displayed in the tent as well. 

Dinner will be inside Treo and will be four additional courses all with French flavor paired with wonderful French white wines.  Brett McIntosh, Treo Chef, has planned a great ‘white’ menu.  After dinner guest will return to the outside venue for a live auction and to continue the fun.  The event begins at 6:00 PM with seating for for dinner at 7:00 PM.

For tickets or information, please contact Kim Kaplan  at kkaplan@k-ltd.com  or call (419) 269-0002.

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