A REAL Wine Tasting

Over the years, I've been to my fair share of wine events...from massive wine festivals with thousands of self proclaimed wine experts pushing and shoving their way through hundreds of wine distributors pouring a minuscule tear drop of wine into thick glass stemware to the smaller and a bit more intimate wine tasting events organized by restaurants or wine shops.

However, I have a confession.  I've never been to a REAL wine tasting.  You  know, a wine tasting with the big boys and gals...the sommeliers, the winemakers, the who's who in the viticulture universe....

Curious to see what an "insiders" wine tasting felt (and tasted) like, I begged Mr. Vino to get me a spot into a special, by invitation only event he was hosting at one of his restaurants.  It was a portfolio tasting of Elite Wines' creme de la creme Spanish wines....Vega Sicilia Unico, Clos Mogador, Alion, Mauro, Cune Gran Imperial (Just named Wine Spectator's 2013 Wine of the Year!)...you name it...there were more than 200 different types of wines from all different regions in Spain, all different grape varieties, all neatly lined up waiting to be sipped and savored...it was a grape feast at its finest!

I went  alone.  I didn't want any distractions.  I wanted to be a fly on the wall and experience firsthand what  goes on when winemakers, distributors, importers, wine aficionados, and sommeliers get together.

Here's what I observed and discovered...CHEERS! ;)

 

Courtesy drinkcharitably.com 

1.  People spit up.  A  LOT.  I"m no novice when it comes to wine so naturally I'm familiar with the buckets at wine tastings for people to dispose of wine and move on to the next pour.   Typically, I always take a small sip and then dump out the rest of what's in my goblet into the bucket....BUT NOT REAL WINE PEOPLE!  At the risk of sounding quite uneducated in viticulture, I was flabbergasted (think eyes wide open, mouth dropped) to see how the wine masters literally took a small swig of vino, swirled it around in their mouth, let it sort of marinate inside and then POUF! ...they spit it all out into the ritzy silver buckets.  I felt like an outsider and total newbie because instead of spitting out, I'd savor and swallow!  If I spit it out into the bucket, would it splash back up on my face and onto my brand new knit frock?  So, while I didn't practice this spitting technique at my very first event with wine pros, it's something I have to learn to master....gracefully .... at home...preferably with clothes I don't mind soiling!

 

2.  Real wine tastings aren't for drunkards.  Wine industry folk take their tastings seriously.  They study the wines in the portfolio and are focused and determined to try out specific bottles.  And, they don't stay for long.  They network, chat, exchange thoughts, but they don't linger.  Because they spit out (a lot!) they're certainly not stumbling out of the event (a very common sight at most mainstream wine tastings!).

 

Courtesy www.basementprofessor.com 

3.  Buying a rare vintage at a restaurant isn't prudent.  While tasting a Vega Sicilia Unico, one of the most prestigious and high end wines in the world, I overheard a wine insider tell another wine insider that it's foolish to order an over the top expensive wine (like a Vega Sicilia) at restaurants because it doesn't give the wine sufficient time to breathe and aerate.  By the time the wine is at it's prime in terms of taste, the bottle is nearly empty.  So, if you're going to splurge on a fabulous bottle of wine, buy it at a wine shop and enjoy it in the comfort of your own humble abode.

4.  The wine world welcomes newbies with open arms (and bottles!).  Nearly half of the individuals I met were lawyers or business people before stumbling (no pun intended!) into the wine business.  Fed up with the long hours, repetitive work, and ongoing stress, they set out to pursue something that made them happy...something they were passionate about and made them excited to get up every morning and go to work. They read up, got connected, took risks and now are happier than they've ever been.  Quite inspiring, I'd say.

Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year Cune Gran Imperial and Cune CEO and 5th generation descendent fifth generation Victor Urrutia

 

 

Good vs "Bad" Vino: How to Tell the Difference

Image via yumsugar.com

 Have you ever feverishly opened up a bottle of wine only to take a first sip and almost instantly felt disappointed by the taste?

If your answer is yes, chances are you’ve probably second-guessed yourself on whether the wine was simply not your style or if truly may have had some sort of defect. 

Over the years (and over several bottles of wine!), my olfactory senses have sharpened considerably when it comes to knowing what a wine should NOT smell or look like.  Yet, despite this self-proclaimed savvy-ness, I sometimes find I doubt myself when a wine feels “off.” 

At a recent wine tasting event, a well-known winemaker had to take a few different whiffs, swirls, and tastes of the wine before proclaiming the wine bottle was slightly defective in taste.  So, if even a wine expert can be dubious of his own wine, imagine us mere mortals!

To help decode good vs “bad” vino, I’ve put together this simple list of things to look out for—they’re my tell tale tell all signs that the wine my goblet is better suited for the drain than my divine consumption!

#1.  Less Than Swell Aromas  

Most of the time, you can tell right away from the smell whether or not the wine is ok to drink.  It’s a matter of being on the lookout from what aromas that are blaring out: DO NOT DRINK ME.  Here are a couple to keep in mind:

• Wet dog
• Soggy Cardboard
• Old, worn band-aids
• Dirty farm animals
• Nail polish remover/acetone
• Vinegar
• Burnt rubber
• Cabbage

Do not pass go if you detect any of these aromas!  Likewise, if the wine has NO aroma, do not pass go.  Ditch it down the drain (or if you’re like Mr. Vino, save it to do a red wine vinegar from scratch!) and pop open another bottle without feeling guilty!

#2.  Atypical Color and Appearance

The more you become familiar with a wide variety of wines, the easier it will be to notice when the color and/or overall appearance of a wine is just not right.  For example, I know that Sauvignon Blancs are generally pale yellow to straw green and that Chardonnays are more gold and a deeper, stronger shade of yellow….if my Sauvignon Blanc looks more Chardonnay-ish in color, I know right away that the wine may be past its prime and/or probably not good to drink.  Think about a good friend you’ve known for years.  If he/she starts talking in a different accent or had a radical change in wardrobe choices, you’d suspect something was awry, wouldn’t you?

#3. Bubbles in Your Wine....and it's NOT Champagne

Of course, I adore bubbles in my champagne flute…in my wine glass?  Not so much.  If you detect bubbles or a “fizzy” nature in your wine, be wary.  This usually signifies fermentation is happening in the bottle and you don’t want that.

Got questions or other tips to add? Drop me a line!

Old World vs. New World Tasting

Image via alexisbell.com

Next week, we celebrate Columbus Day and pay homage to Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World.  With this holiday on the horizon, I thought it'd be a perfect occasion to explain, explore, and enjoy the differences (and in some cases, similarities!) of New World and Old World  wines.

First, let's start with a brief primer.  Where wine comes from is most often categorized as either "Old World" or "New World."  Old World wine regions include Europe and parts of the Mediterranean.  New World wines are from newer wine-producing regions such as the U.S., South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

In addition, if you take a look at different wine labels, you'll notice that Old World wines are typically referred to by their REGION (Rioja, Bordeaux, Tuscany, etc,) while New World Wines are typically referred to by their GRAPE (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.).

One of the biggest differences between Old and New World wines is the laws that govern how the wines are made.  In the New World, there are few restrictions and winemakers generally have more flexibility and freedom to craft grapes in the manner they desire.  The Old World, on the other hand, follows a wildly stringent set of rules that specify a wide range of provisions and instructions, including what grape varieties can be planted, maximum yields, which techniques can or can not be used to make the wine, and the use of oak, just to name a few.  They were originally established to ensure the wines maintained a certain quality.  Nowadays, many winemakers feel these rules are archaic and need to adapt given factors such as climate and viticulture changes, as well as advances in winemaking.

Just at Columbus conducted many voyages back and forth, from Old World to New World and back, diversifying and discovering the distinct wines of both worlds, is important for your palate. In my frank opinion, there is no such thing as one "world" producing better wines than the other. And, they may...or may not...taste different! To help illustrate that point, I recently did a blind tasting with Mr. Vino of a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (New World) and one from France (Old World).  We also compared and contrasted a Merlot from Washington (New World) with a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from France (Old World).  Bottom line: all four wines were amazing, just different in structure, taste, and intensity.  They say that has to do with "terroir"...what do you think?

CHEERS!

 

NEW WORLD WHITE: 

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand

This showstopper from the New World is one of my all-time favorite sauvignon blancs.  It is elegant and structured with a beautiful balance and notes of elderflower, peaches, and lime zest.  Crisp and light on the palate with a smooth, silky, and refreshing finish, this gorgeous white is perfect to sip on an Indian summer type of day or with appetizers or hors d'oeuvres prior to dinner.  It's also the ideal libation to pair with grilled chicken dishes, simply prepared fish, and sushi.

These A-list grapes hail from estate and grower vineyards in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renhill, and Brancott sub-regions of the Wairau Valley of Marlborough in New Zealand.  Sauvignon Blanc is considered the country's flagship varietal and constitutes more than 80% of New Zealand's exports.

Cloudy Bay, named after the bay at the eastern edge of Wairau Valley, grows primarily Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir and a few varieties of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Elderflower, peaches, lime zest

Finish:  Long, refreshing, crisp, and silky
 
Price: Approximately $25

OLD WORLD WHITE: 

Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre, 2011, Loire Valley, France

This Sancerre, from the Loire Valley in France, is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes.  It is full-bodied on the palate and presents more of an overall roundness and smoothness in taste and less of the crispness and zestiness found in the Cloudy Bay. 

It is also packed with the typical characteristics of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs:  fresh cut grass, grapefruit, lime, and citrus fruits.  The sharp minerality and herbaceous style of this Sauvignon Blanc distinguishes it from its New World counterparts, most of which are typically more crisp and acidic.  This Old World wine is an excellent match with white meats and fish, as well as a nice chevre cheese.

Jean-Paul Picard's Sauvignon Blanc grapes are all hand-picked and come from clay-limestone, south-facing slopes of the Grand-Chemarin and Coteaux de Marloup vineyards that have 30+ years old vines. The Picard family has been making wines for more than 400 years in the small village of Bue, an area considered to have some of the finest "terroir" in Sancerre. 

Besides the Sancerre region, other appellations in France that are highly regarded for Sauvignon Blanc are Pouilly-Fume and Bordeaux.  The climates of these two regions are well suited in slowing down the ripening on the vine and allowing more time for the grapes to develop the ideal balance of acidity and sugar levels.  Generally speaking, Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc are typically more spicy, flowery, mineraly, and perfumey while those grown in Bordeaux are fruiter and sweeter in taste.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Fresh cut grass, grapefruit, lime, citrus

Finish:  Moderate, smooth and round
 
Price: Approximately $22

NEW WORLD RED:

The Velvet Devil Merlot, 2011, Columbia Valley, Washington

I have to admit that for some reason,  I've snubbed my nose every time I've seen this bottle on restaurant wine lists.  I guess the name kind of scared me away and left a bad taste in my mouth even before I dared to take a sip ...

Well, on a recent date night , I heeded Mr. Vino's "don't judge a wine by its cover" advice, ordered this wine and was pleasantly surprised.  This rich, fruit forward, medium bodied, supple and smooth wine from Columbia Valley in Washington will set off fireworks in your mouth.  

Made from 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this New World wine displays a beautiful bouquet of dark tart cherries, wood, and tobacco and tastes of bittersweet chocolate and dark fruit and berries.  For the reasonable price, it's a wine with character and fierceness.   Pair this wine with heartier winter dishes such as beef bourguignon and roast duck and enjoy!

Velvet Devil is made by Charles Smith, a wine pioneer and perhaps most impressively, a self taught winemaker with a New World meets Old World story.  Born to a Welsh mother and French father, Charles grew up in Northern California.  He discovered his passion for wine after spending several years in Scandinavia managing a rock band and wining and dining at magnificent locales with the rock stars.  After Charles' stint in the music industry came to a close, he returned to the "New World," met a French winemaker who encouraged him to make his own grape "juice" and the rest is history.

Charles Smith wines follow a carpe diem philosophy.  They are created to drink today, not a few years from now.  Best of all, they demystify wine with their marketing of a very simple message:  "it's just wine, drink it!"

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Dark tart cherries, anise, wood, and tobacco

Taste:  Dark fruit and berries, bittersweet chocolate

Finish:  Medium
 
Price: Approximately $11

 

 

OLD WORLD RED:

Hebrard Cotes du Bordeaux Superior 2011, France

I love everything French....and French wines are no exception.  The Hebrard Cotes du Bordeaux Superior is a great example of a reasonably priced, everyday Old World wine.  It's elegant, refined,  has a great aromatic nose, is fruity in taste but more "earthy" than typical New World Wines at the same price point. 

Unlike the Velvet Devil made from 100% Merlot grapes, this wine is made up of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and has a more rustic, woody, yet smooth and silky taste.  The bouquet and mouth are spectacular, the flavors are well balanced, but the finish is shorter than I expected.  Nevertheless, it's a friendly wine at a value price and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and/or a beautiful array of cheeses

The Hebrard family name has long been associated with quality wines.  In 1832 they purchased the reputable "Chateau Cheval Blanc," Premier Grand Cru Class A in the prestigious Saint Emilion appellation of France.  More than 150 years later, the family sold the Chateau to an international group. The Hebrard wines are now a collaboration with approximately 30 winegrowers throughout the Bordeaux region. According to Maison Hebrard, they are keenly focused on building and cultivating relationships with winegrowers to maintain the quality and finesse associated with wines of Bordeaux.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Cedar, lavender, spicy, clay

Finish:  Short
 
Price: Approximately $13

 

 

Shutdown Sips

It's Day Three of the government shutdown.

It absolutely surreal that nearly everything from Head Start programs benefiting young under privileged young children to National Parks and museums have simply been forced to close their doors indefinitely.  Congress can't come to a resolution so everyone, especially those who need it the most, have to deal with the consequences and suffer....

Here in DC, I have a number of friends who are directly and indirectly impacted by the shutdown. Whether it be government employees, hospitality and tourism folks, businesses with government agencies as clients, everyone and everything is feeling the brunt of this treacherous storm.

Earlier this week, restaurants, including Mr. Vino's place, filled the Twitter-verse with generous and heartfelt tweets touting food and drink specials to those impacted by the shutdown.  I thought it was brilliant and it inspired me to put together a quick list of five amazing wines that won't break the budget during these times of uncertainty.  Each of them delicious and under $10...perfect for when your energy for going out wanes and you desire to sip in the comfort of your own home.

Here's to hoping everything resumes back to business as usual...SOON!  CHEERS.

1.  Thorny Rose Sauvignon Blanc, 2011, Marlborough New Zealand 

courtesy bestwineinny.com

This wine is always stocked in our refrigerator and a spectacular everyday Sauvignon Blanc. If you enjoy crisp, fresh, zesty white wines, this one's for you!  It also presents well-balanced flavors that are not too sweet nor too dry in the mouth and in the taste.

While the collection of Thorny Rose's wines are made from varietals grown in Washington state, these stellar Sauvignon Blanc grapes hail from the Marlborough region of gorgeous New Zealand.  It's no wonder it's so delicious...and VERY easy to drink...without food, or with grilled chicken dishes and grilled seafood.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Fruity, minerals, tart

Taste: Flowery, fresh, crisp, grapefruit flavors

Price: Approximately $9

 

 

 

 

2.  Clos du Bois Chardonnay, Sonoma, California

 

Rich, buttery and full-bodied, this Chardonnay gives you an amazing bang for your buck.  The creamy texture coats your mouth and showcases hints of green apple tartness and the succulent juice of Bosc pears.

The grapes for this elegant, yet affordable, Chardonnay are a combination of the Clos du Bois' estate vineyards, as well as from more than 100 contract growers from the prominent North Coast of California.  This wine pairs beautifully with a fish prepared with a butter base, pasta with creamy sauces, and a variety of chicken dishes.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Green apple, pear, vanilla

Taste: Buttery, rich, full-bodied

Price: Approximately $10

 

 

3.  Vina los Valles, 2011, Rioja, Spain

 

This is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite Riojas--regardless of price!  It tastes like a rich, expensive wine and bursts with flavors of raspberries, boysenberries, and dried cranberries.  It is full-bodied, structured and jammy with a fresh, long finish.  The taste of the grapes stays in your mouth for long after you've taken a sip.

This ravishing Rioja is made from 90% organic Tempranillo and 10% Grenacha grapes by master winemaker Miguel Angel Rodriguez.  Vina los Valles cellars occupy a total of nearly 62 acres of vineyards in four different zones of Rioja Alta.  All grapes are harvested by hand and sorted again upon arrival at the winery prior to crushing and fermenting.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Raspberries, boysenberries, dried cranberries

Taste: Same as above; full-bodied, jammy, fresh

 

Finish:  Long

Price: Approximately $9

 

4.  Mark West Pinot Noir, 2009, Sonoma, California



A lighter, but delightful, red that exhibits subtle vanilla tones and fruity components of berries, plums, and jam.  I find this wine to be "gentler" and smoother than the typical spicy and peppery Pinot Noirs.  This is a wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods as it is not over powering or, shall we say, "in your face."  If you like lighter reds or are still a "I prefer white," drinker, this may be a great starter red wine for you.

I find it challenging to find a good quality Pinot Noir for under $20, however, the Mark West name is synonymous with remarkable Pinot Noirs at reasonable, everyday prices.  For almost 40 years, the winery has created a brand around the tagline, "Pinot for the People."  And, thankfully, that means we don't have to dish out a lot of dough for a light, round wine that is an everyday go-to wine. 

 

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Vanilla, berries, plums

Taste: Raspberries, strawberries, jammy

 

Finish:  Little

Price: Approximately $10

 

 

5. Alamos Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

 

I always turn to Argentina when I need an easy, inexpensive wine to pair with everything and an everyone, regardless of their wine "tastes."  The Alamos Malbec is popular at my cocktail parties as its smooth, black cherry and blackberry flavors are a hit with both wine "snobs" and wine-o-phytes alike.  Medium-bodied and well structured with strong tannins, this rich Malbec has hints of chocolate and sweet, savory spices and presents a medium finish.  It's a great choice to accompany snacks, tapas, and hors d'oeuvres. 

The Alamos winery touts itself on making wines "that are as good as wines as twice their price"....I think this wine, at just under $10, has accomplished this incredible feat.  A great value wine with a burst of flavors and all around silky, smooth feel.

Wine Notes
Bouquet:  Black cherry, blackberries, earthy

Taste:  Silky, velvety, chocolate, sweet spices

Finish:  Medium

Price:  $9

 

 

 

Tasting Wine Like a PRO: 4 Easy Steps

You picked ME to taste the wine?!?!?

Time and time again when dining out, I see a look of fear, embarrassment, and intimidation the moment a server or sommelier bestows the distinct honor of "tasting" the wine upon a lucky member of the table.  Fling the fright!  Read these four easy steps and then step up to the plate next time you hear: “who is tasting the wine this evening?"

 

Step 1:  Take a look at the wine. Pick up the glass by its stem (never by the bowl) and inspect the color.  Older red wines will be orangey while younger wines will be more deep purple or ruby colored.  I like to lean the glass slightly against the white tablecloth or napkin so that the true color of the wine can be inspected.  Generally for red wines, the lighter the color, the lighter the body of the wine...the more intense the color, the more full bodied the wine.

 

Step 2: Swirl your glass. You can do so either in the air or on the table…just pretend as if you're tracing imaginary circles with the base of your glass. Why swirl?  Because it helps the wine aerate and release its aroma or bouquet.  

Step 3:  Smell the bouquet.  After swirling, don’t be shy and dip your nose as deep into the glass as you can.  I close my eyes as I find it to help fine tune and accentuate my olfactory perception of the wine…take a big sniff and concentrate on the aromas…what does it remind you of?  There is no wrong answer!  However, if you smell wet cardboard, rot, or intense cork, be alert…the wine may have a defect. 

Step 3: Sip and savour.  This is the fun part.  You’ve seen, swirled and smelled…now purse your lips, take a small sip of the wine, and let it linger for awhile in your mouth.  Swish it around and enjoy.


Step 5: Summarize.  How does the wine taste? Big and jammy or light and dense? How long did the wine taste stay in your mouth (this is called the “finish”).  Personally speaking, the longer the finish, the better I enjoy the wine. 

The most important tip for tasting?  Remember that the point of the "tasting" ritual at a restaurant is to determine whether the wine has a defect NOT to give your opinion on whether or not you like the taste!

 

Got any tips of your own or any amusing wine "tasting" moments?  Share them with me!  

CHEERS!

Five FAB Fall Wines Under $15

As the days of summer slowly dwindle to an end, I find myself lingering over each and every last drop of the light, crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blancs and rosés in our cellar. While I'm not quite ready to bid adieu to the long, balmy, routine-free days of summer, I must admit that thoughts of  rich and robust  red wines, fireside chats with family and friends, and the breathtaking tapestry of fall foliage make welcoming autumn less dreary and a little more exhilarating.

With the equinox quickly approaching, I look forward to sipping heavier, more intense reds that envelop me like a thick, luxurious velvet blanket on a brisk autumn day.  Here are five fabulous red—all under $15—perfect for the cooler temperatures…grab a cozy blanket, light a fire, and enjoy…

Happy Fall…CHEERS!

1.  Estancia Estates, Keyes Canyon Ranches, 2011 Merlot

Toasty, Velvety, and Easy to Drink!

This merlot is a medium bodied, but intense wine with a  rich, purple color and moderately long finish. The nose is spicy and woody, with hints of licorice while the taste is jammy with notes of berries, plum, wild cherry and vanilla.  It is an easy to drink wine, likable to a variety of palates and great to pair with hearty fall meals like meatloaf, chili, and roast duck.

The word "estancia" loosely translates to "estate" in Spanish and illustrates the Estancia Winery's philosophy that the best wines are those that bring their place of origin to life.  Estania is comprised of three vineyards located on the Central Coast of California:  Pinnacles and Stonewall Vineyards in Monterey and Keyes Canyon in Paso Robles.  The latter region's cool evening temperatures, paired with warmer days make it the ideal climate for the Merlot, as well as Cabernet and Zinfandel grape varieties to yield wines that are lush, smooth, and perfectly balanced.

This merlot is a superior find for the taste and value.  

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Spicy, woody, licorice

Taste: Dense black plum and cherry, jammy, vanilla and berry flavors

Finish:  Moderate, smooth, complex, and oaky

Price: Approximately $12

2. Acentor Garnacha, 2011, D.O. Catalayud, Spain

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

A grand garnache from Spain and named after the small birds that flock together to eat the grapes of the these 50 year old vines, this wine is an explosion of blackberries, herbs, and autumn pies. It is medium bodied, fruit-forward and smooth on the tongue with flavors of rich berries and spices that produce a clean finish.  Acentor pairs beautifully with pork, hams, and roasted or grilled poultry and game.

The wine, from the Aragon region of Spain, is produced by famous Spanish winemaker Isaac Fernandez widely known in the viniculture world as the creator of some of the most prestigious fine wines of Ribera del Duero including Bodgegas Mauro, Neo, and Astrales.

Acentor is an elegant wine without the hefty price tag associated with an Isaac Fernandez wine.  It's no wonder that the acentor birds devour these grapes for dinner...

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Blackberries, herbs, cherry pie

Taste: Spicy, jammy, berry

Finish:  Fresh, smooth, soft tannins

Price: Approximately $12

3.  Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone, 2010, Southern Rhone, France
A Smooth French Belle

Earlier this year, The WineSpectator featured a cover story on the quality and value of Cotes du Rhone wines.  Since then, I’ve tasted a number of these wines and have found the Domaine Andre Brunel to be one of my all-time favorites from Southern Rhone.  This medium-bodied and robust wine is a beautiful bargain red with notes of blackcurrant, cherries and small red berry fruits and hints of mild spices.  The blend is 80% Grenache, 10%Syrah, and 10% old vine Cinsault.  I have paired this beauty with mussels, stews, ratatouille, roasted vegetables, and tomato-based pastas.

Andre Brunel’s family has made Southern Rhone their home since the 18th century.  His grandfather established the winemaking tradition and his father ran the Cailloux estate until 1971, when Andre took over the helms and catapulted the domaine into world class recognition.  The estate destems all of their grapes to prevent bitterness and bottles their wines unfined and unfiltered.  The winery is best known for its much-celebrated and high end Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux and the Cuvee Centenaire.

This bargain beauty is an ideal companion for a meal on a brisk and blustery fall day.

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Blackcurrants, spices, cherries


Taste: Ripe red fruits

Finish:  A bit harsh in the beginning, but rounds out in the end and the longer the bottle is open

Price: Approximately $11 

4.  Gascon Malbec, 2011, Mendoza, Argentina

A Red That Tangos

This 100% malbec wine from the Mendoza region of Argentina is a good, everyday wine that exhibits characteristics of mulberry, cedar, and strawberry jam.  Intense, thick and chewy, the wine is medium bodied, yet spicy and robust.  A grilled steak with chimichurri and potatoes is an excellent accompaniment to this big South American wine.

The wine is named after the original founder of the winery, Don Miguel Gascon, who built his grape empire in 1884 after moving to Argentina from Spain.  Don Gascon's heirs and descendants ran the winery until 1993 when another prominent wine family in Argentina, the Catenas, took over the vineyards with a group of investors.  Since then, winemaker, Ernesto Catena, has brought the Gascon wine to world-wide recognition.

The Gascon Malbec suits many different palates and is a value wine that has the warmth and richness needed for crisp fall weather.

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Mulberry, cedar, strawberry jam


Taste: Blackberry, plum, cocoa

Finish:  Spicey and long

Price: Approximately $10

5. Layer Cake Shiraz, 2011, Barossa Valley, Australia

Let's DRINK Cake (despite the screwtop)...

This stunning Shiraz is a show-stopper!  However, please don't judge the screwtop...this wine is full-bodied, smooth, supple, and bursts with flavors and aromas of chocolate, coffee, and black fruit.  Blackish, ruby in color, it is rich, intense and possesses an incredibly long finish that remains on your palate well after you’ve swallowed a sip…it's reminiscent of the feeling after a mouthful of POP ROCKS.

Layer Cake is made by winemaker Jayson Woodbridge, most known for his pricey and well-regarded Hundred Acre wines in Napa Valley, California.  He created the Layer Cake wines so that everyone...not just the elite can savour fine wine without breaking the bank.  The wine is produced in the famous Barossa Valley in Southern Australia and made from old-vine shiraz.  According to many reputable wine reviewers, this is one of the top shiraz wines on the market.  It is best to open this wine several hours before sipping as it needs a bit of time to open up and show off all its intensity.


The name "Layer Cake" was inspired by Woodbridge's grandparents.  Each Sunday, his grandmother baked a layer cake that his grandfather would enjoy with a glass of wine.  The grandfather explained to him that the vines of a great wine "live in layers of soil just like the layers in Grandma's cake; each layer brining a different flavor."  He would later use that analogy to explain that everything in life has deep layers and complexity.

Woodbridge's mission with this shiraz was to "simply shock people about how good wine could be at a very affordable price"...I opine:  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Bitter chocolate, coffee, black fruit

Taste: Blackberry, black cherries, black currant, licorice

Finish:  Long, luscious and explosive

Price: Approximately $15

Sparkles and Shimmer!

The exquisite presentation at The Capella's Rye Bar

A few months ago I attended a fabulous soiree at the gorgeous Capella Hotel in Washington DC to debut Taittinger’s, one of the most prestigious houses of champagne, newest bottle of sparkly:  NOCTURNE. 

Just as the name implies, Nocturne (meaning “night time in French), is the perfect “end of the evening” libation.  With notes of fresh white flowers, crisp yellow peaches, and plump dried apricots, this shimmering champagne has a smooth, yet crisp taste and a long delightful finish.  It is comprised of 40% Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and 60% Pinot Meunier.  I found it to pair exquisitely with desserts, pates, and cheeses, as well as on its own, after a hearty-meal.  While on the pricey-side, this bottle of bubbly is a perfect choice for special occasions, holidays and/or gift choice for a special person.

Nocturne’s debut was absolutely decadent.  The champagne flowed freely while The Grill Room’s (the Capella’s restaurant) Chef Jakob Esko dished out an endless parade of his savory creations, each one more delectable than the other.  One of the highlights of my evening was meeting Mr. Taittinger himself.  He spoke with fervor about his family’s winemaking origins, their passion and  love of the vineyards, and their quest to produce one of the finest champagne houses in the world. 

The Taittingers started off in the 19th century as a family of wine merchants dating back to the 19th century.  After almost 75 years, the family sold their champagne business to the U.S. hotel group, Starwood, in 2005.  A year later, the Taittinger family purchased it back.  Their vineyards, located in Reims, France, comprise more than 700 acres and stock more than 12 million bottles of bubbly (wouldn't it be nice to be a Taittinger!)!  For more information, visit the Taittinger website.  CHEERS!

Mr. Clovis Taittinger!

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Aromas of fresh white flowers, yellow peaches, dried apricots

Taste: Crisp, with hints of raisins and honeyed fruits

Finish: Smooth, velvety, and long

Price: Approximately $60

A Wine that ROCKS..for a Cause

When I think of rock bands and rock stars, thoughts of screeching guitars, intricately etched tatoos, and FIERCE attitudes rush to my mind. I think of those tough-as-nails individuals who gulp down hard liquor as if it were water. I certainly have never equated rock stars with wine. In my frank opinion, its a tad bit, shall I say, "delicate" for rock stars...

So, you can imagine my surprise when Mr. Vino (my fabulous hubby) came home with a bottle of Drops of Jupiter Petite Sirah 2010 from Livermore, CA and told me it was created by the rock band Train. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first about what the wine would actually taste like..BUT, one sniff of the bouquet and I almost instantly began opening up to the possibilities of what Jupiter could deliver.

The wine, produced by the Save Me Francisco Wine Company (the name of Train's first single and album) is an homage to the band's hit single "Drops of Jupiter."  It is a fruit forward, full-bodied Petite Sirah with a smooth and supple finish that can easily be enjoyed with or without food.

It's no wonder this wine is so delicious.  The production is a collaboration between the Save Me Francisco Wine Company, James Foster of The Wine Group and Concannon Vineyard, the very first winery to introduce an American Petite Sirah in the 1960s!

What's best about this wine?  It rocks for a cause.  Part of the proceeds of the sales goes to Family House, an organization that houses families whose children are receiving treatment at the University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital.

I agree wholeheartently with Train's Jimy Stafford who said, "Just like music, we believe that wine should be accessible. One can share and revel in Drops of Jupiter moments with the ones they love."  Buy a bottle, enjoy, and help a great cause....CHEERS!

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Aromas of currant and boysenberries

Taste: Fruit forward, jammy and intense

Finish: Smooth and supple with a sturdy backbone

Price: Approximately $10-12