Mount Veeder 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder in California must be a magical place. Like the idyllic Hidden Valley ranch dressing commercials where there are rainbows and smiling children are singing songs as they eat large bowls of vegetables. Except with wine. Yes, definitely wine.

The Mount Veeder AVA in Napa takes its name from a 2,677-foot volcanic peak that crowns the Mayacamas range, which runs between Napa and Sonoma. The steep slopes require that the grapes be picked by hand.

There is something special about Mount Veeder and its rugged, wonderful wines.

We recently enjoyed this bottle from Mount Veeder Winery opened by Ace of Bass and Glorious T. The bouquet is rich with blackberry and dark cherry. The tannins are soft and smooth yet lend structure.

A delight to the senses, the Mount Veeder cab unfurls a riff of dark berries and mocha that is dabbed with smokiness and mountain character. The medium bodied wine has a lingering savory finish that urges you to fill the glass yet again.

If you can find this vintage (one of Napa’s best), it will cost about $39. That is still less than some Mount Veeder Winery cabs and reserve wines which top out at more than $100.

Things are good at the mountain top!

Technorati Tags: wine,Napa Valley

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

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Uncork the Uplands Showcase of Indiana’s Top Wines & Food Scheduled Saturday July 21

Image of Oliver Winery via Snooth

This year’s Uncork the Uplands will feature the finest selections from the award-winning wines and food cultivated exclusively from the south-central region of Indiana known as the Uplands Wine Region. This exciting epicurean event will entice and elevate the senses for both the connoisseur and the novice and will be an exquisite – and educational – experience for everyone in attendance.

Saturday’s event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. guests will enjoy special Indiana food and wine pairings and culinary presentations by our guest Daniel Orr, the internationally renowned chef and creator/proprietor of FARMbloomington. There will also be a Wine Mixology session with Lauren Smith of Fireside Bar & Grill.

The celebration will feature over 20 pairing stations of the Indiana Upland Trail’s first-rate wines and regional foods, featuring Mr. Orr as special guest.

Saturday’s festivities include:

5-10 p.m.: Indiana Wine and Food Tasting and music Josh Glauber, Stephen McWhirter, Holly Jackson, and Mike Turner.

6:30 p.m.: Chef Orr Cooking Presentation #1

7:15 p.m.: Book Signing with Chef Orr

8:00 p.m.: Chef Orr Cooking Presentation #2

8:30 pm.: Mixology session with Lauren Smith of the Fireside Grill

9:00 p.m.: Book Signing with Chef Orr

Uncork the Uplands is sponsored by: Monarch Beverage Company, Glazer’s Olinger Indiana, VESTA @ Ivy Tech, French Lick West Baden CVB, VisitBloomington.com, Sunnyside of Louisville, Innovative Labeling Solutions, Lawrence County CVB, Indy International Wine Competition, The Indiana Wine Grape Council, FARMBloomington and Huber’s Orchard and Winery. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward Ivy Tech of Southern Indiana’s Viticulture Enology Science & Technology Alliance (VESTA) and TheFARM Fund raising future culinarians at Ivy Tech in Bloomington, Indiana

The event will be held at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, located at 19816 Huber Road in Starlight, Indiana. Tickets are available online until July 20, 2011 11:59 p.m EST. the cost is $75. For additional event information visit http://www.uncorktheuplands.com.

The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail is nestled among the rolling hills of Southern Indiana and showcases nine wineries ̶ Best Vineyards Winery, Brown County Winery, Butler Winery, Carousel Winery, French Lick Winery, Huber Winery, Oliver Winery, Turtle Run Winery, and Winzerwald Winery ̶ each proudly coupling high quality wines with a wonderfully unique epicurean experience. For more information visit  http://indianauplands.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IndianaUplands and Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/IUWT.

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Galen Glen 2008 Stone Cellar Riesling, Pennsylvania



Photo by Toledo Wines and Vines

My brother Tom and his wife Helen stopped by our house during a recent cross-country road trip. They were on their way back from Red Rocks in Colorado where they saw the String Cheese Incident in concert. It was obvious they were parched and tired after hours on the road.

Ever the congenial host, I asked if he would like a glass of water or lemonade, to which he responded, “What’s the matter – don’t you have wine?” Well of course I did.

The day was blisteringly hot and one of the few whites I had chilled down was this bottle of 2008 Galen Glen Stone Cellar Riesling. Since this is the Summer of Riesling, I gladly uncorked it and poured a couple of nicely chilled glasses.

Having tried very few Pennsylvania wines, I was befuddled in a pleasant way. This was very tasty Riesling! The wine has a mouthwatering acidity (and that’s very good). On the palate there is pronounced minerality and orange peel and citrus flavor notes. I would term this as off dry and a good partner for seafood and chicken.

Galen Glen is located in the Eastern Pennsylvania about 20 minutes from Jim Thorpe (the town, not the person) in Andreas. They are part of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and have won a number of awards for their wines.

The wine retails for $14 and is a sound choice for a refreshing regional Riesling.

Technorati Tags: wine,Riesling Hour

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Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: July 18-21, 2012

Ripe Sauvignon blanc grapes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wednesday, July 18

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 1. Domaine de Sainte Rose Coquille D’Oc, 2. Poppy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Sosabe Tabanka Red, 4. Niepoort Tawny Porto. $8 or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, July 19

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. The World of Unfamiliar Wines II: 1. 2010 La Caplana – Gavi – Cortese – Italy, 2. 2010 Jovly – Vouvray – Chenin Blanc – France, 3. 2011 Marramiero Da Ma – Montipuciano Rose’ – Italy, 4. 2010 Georges Duboeuf – Morgon – Gamay – France. Flight $5.50 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Fresh wines for the summertime and big grillin’ wines: 1. HD Riesling, 2. Migration Chardonnay, 3. Honig Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Victor Hugo Hunchback, 5. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel, 6. The Show Grenache, 7. Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy, 8. Alfred Merkelback Edener Trepchen Riesling Auslese. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Leese Fitch Wines. $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, July 20
Special Event – Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Art of the Vine. Wine: Surfing USA (California coast wines), Tour: Water, Water Everywhere. Sample four wines, light snacks, and enjoy a complimentary art tour at 7:00 or 8:00 PM. $15 members or $25 nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at the TMA information desks; reservations are not required.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Sauvignon Blancs: 1. Chateau Baron du Luze White Bordeaux, 2. Paul Thomas Sancerre, 3. Ferarri Carano Fume Blanc, 4. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $15 tasting.

Saturday, July 21

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Sauvignon Blancs: 1. Chateau Baron du Luze White Bordeaux, 2. Paul Thomas Sancerre, 3. Ferarri Carano Fume Blanc, 4. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Angeline Wines from California. The new line of Angeline wines is composed of an array of varietals sourced from renowned California wine regions like Russian River Valley, and other notable appellations within Sonoma County; as well as Napa Valley, Mendocino County, Santa Barbara County and the Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valley wine regions. 1. Angeline Chardonnay Reserve, 2. Angeline Merlot Reserve, 3. Angeline California Pinot Noir, 4. Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve. Flight $2.25 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:30 – 5:00 PM. 2009 Bordeaux & 2010 Rhone : Value Edition. Two of France’s “Best Ever” vintages are hitting the store at the same time. For many vineyards, these are the best their wines have ever been. This tasting is going to feature some of the best values (under $25) that these stellar vintages produced. Depending on turn-out, we might crack open a couple “bonus wines” from among the premium bottles as well. Nominal fee per tasting.

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.

Technorati Tags: wine

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

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Taking A Sip From The Top Five “Unexpected” Wine Regions

Photo by Pavlo Boyko 

Have a taste for something different? Try These tips courtesy of Charlotte Chipperfield. She is the founder and wine educator of The Wine Key. Charlotte has over 10 years experience in the wine and hospitality industries

1. Istria, Croatia
Matosevic Winery in Istria is the longest standing vineyard in its area. The peninsula where the vineyard is located is the largest along the Adriatic Sea. The climate is ideal for growing Malvasia, the most widely planted white grape in the region. 
To Sip: Alba Antica 2008, a barrel-fermented Malvasia Istiana, nutty and perfumed with the acacia wood in which it’s aged ($20).

2. Guerouanne, Morocco
Within the five wine-producing regions of Morocco, there are 14 recognized appellations. Guerouanne, in the Meknes region, near the city of Fez, has an ideal climate for growing grapes, with cool winters, hot summers and nights that always dip down no matter what the daytime temperature is. The locals say wine has been produced here for some 2,000 years. The red grape Cinsault thrives in Morocco, accounting for 40% of vineyard plantations.
To Sip: Fresh and fruity Les Trois Domaines 2010 Guerrouane Rouge, filled with red berry flavors and just a hint of hot-weather spice ($11).

3. Virginia
Yes, all 50 states make wine. But that doesn’t mean all 50 states produce good wine. The number of wineries producing decent bottles in Virginia, for one, is on the rise. The state has produced wine since the country was founded. Most recently, a wine that has been worth writing about is Barboursville Vineyards’ Octagon, which has earned praise from critics far and wide.
To Sip: Barboursville Vineyards 2006 Octagon, a blend of Merlot, Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot has such great body and balance, it could pass for a stylish Bordeaux ($40).

4. Montevideo, Uruguay
Chances are you’ve never had a wine from Uruguay, the fourth largest wine producer in South America. Winemakers there push Tannat the way Argentineans push Malbec, but the grape is still largely unknown in the U.S. Its climate is said to approximate that of Bordeaux more than any other South American country. And, being a New World region, it’s not beholden to any grapes in particular.
To Sip: Viñedo de los Vientos 2004 Angel’s Cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay, Trebbiano Romagnolo and Viognier, redolent of dandelion and marzipan, with a hint of sherry-like oxidation ($15).

5. Sopron, Hungary
Hungary isn’t exactly an emerging wine region, per se. The Tokaj area is famous for its late-harvest dessert wines. Sopron, on the other hand, is known for elegant reds, in particular those made from the Kékfrankos grape (a.k.a. Blaufränkisch). It’s one of the few regions in Hungary that specialize in red wine. While many wines from Hungary – and from emerging regions as a whole – tend to be made in the “international” style, tasting as though they could be made anywhere. Sisters Birgit and Katrin Pfneiszl are currently transitioning to organic farming.
To Sip: Their earthy Pfneiszl Kékfrankos 2009, an Old World-style wine with a wild, rustic persona ($16).
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Dry Creek Vineyard 2011 Sonoma County Fumé Blanc

Dry Creek Vineyard’s Fumé Blanc is the wine that first parted the curtain and showed me that Sauvignon Blanc can be a gratifying vino. Back in the mists of time, I tried a bottle of Fumé Blanc (I’m sure I didn’t know what grape it was then) and was pleasantly surprised.

The wine, at the heart and soul of the DCV winery, has been produced since 1972. It is styled after the classic wines from the Loire Valley in France.

This Fumé Blanc is stainless steel fermented with a crisp and juicy style that is ready to “pop and pour” or more accurately, twist and taste. That’s one of the beauties of this wine. You won’t be scratching your head and doing scholarly research to decide if it is a good wine – the first swallow is refreshing satisfaction.

The bouquet balloons out with citrus and green grass. On the palate there is lime and apple mingled with a cool minerality. The acidity keeps it crisp and dry with a satisfying zing.

Dry Creek Vineyard’s 2011 Fumé Blanc is a QPR (quality price ratio) explosion, costing only $14.

It’s a bottle of Sonoma County cool that will please the full spectrum of your dinner party guests.

Full disclosure: This bottle was received as a marketing sample.

Technorati Tags: wine,Sauvignon Blanc,Sonoma

Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 4.5 of 5

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