Wine – Page 17 – Appetite for Wine

Bordeaux, Club W, Pinot Grigio, Pinotage, Winc, Wine

Club W: Part III

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 Appetite for Wine

At long last, I bring you my third and final installment of my Club W series. Between summer travel and other matters, it’s been awhile since I checked in on this online wine distributor. If you missed the first two posts, you can read them here, and here. Go ahead, I’ll wait…

A few things have changed since my last Club W post.

First, a company name change and rebranding. Club W is a part of Winc (Wine, Inc.), and the decision was made to drop the Club W name, and identify solely as Winc. This transition is still in process, and the clubw.com website is still fully functional.

Secondly, the minimum purchase requirement has increased from three bottles to four. To qualify for free shipping, you always had to order four bottles, so now all orders are shipped for free. On the bright side, if you enjoy reds and whites equally, this allows you to select two reds and two whites as your default setting. (You can also select any combination of four – all reds, all whites, or three of one and one of the other.) Nevertheless, this also means that instead of $39 per month, plus $6 shipping for a total of $45, the cost for continuing, regular membership is $52 per month.

Third, the company has implemented an incentive to encourage customers to rate their wines. When you rate 10 wines, you get a $10 credit. Unfortunately, this is not retroactive, so the seven bottles I’ve already rated don’t qualify. In addition, as I’ve mentioned before, the rating system at Club W/Winc is simply a 1-5 star system; there is no option to enter tasting notes or other feedback.

If you’ve read my first two posts, you know that with both of my first two orders, I ran into some hiccups. (If you haven’t read them, why not? The links are right up there in the first paragraph!) You also know that customer service quickly and efficiently resolved the problems; said solutions including credits and free wine. Always a good thing! For my third order, I decided to let the Club W/Winc algorithm do its thing and select the wine for me, based on the preferences I entered when signing up, and enhanced by my previous orders and ratings. This time, my order was processed and delivered without a hitch! Third time’s a charm, right?

I received my order confirmation e-mail, and within a couple of days, the box of delicious goodness arrived at my office. The box included exactly the four bottles identified in my confirmation notice; two reds and two whites. Also included, as always, were glossy pages with information about the wines, tasting notes, and suggesting recipes for pairing.

Below are my reviews of the four wines from my third Club W order. All wines are $13.00:

Wondeful Wine Co. San Luis Obispo County White Blend 2014

Enjoyable white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognior, and Muscat. Straw color with aromas of elderflower and pineapple. On the palate, flavors of white peach, with elderflower, pineapple, and apricot. Pleasantly dry with light acidity and fruit-forward profile, giving it a sweet sensation. Nice on its own, but also pairs well with foods, like baked chicken.

3.5 out of 5 stars (85 – 87 points)

Chommie Pinotage 2015

My first Pinotage. Purple color with a ruby rim. Aromas of raspberry and earthy musk. On the palate, bright red cherries and fresh raspberries excite the tongue with fresh acidity. The wine is medium bodied, with dry tannins and a medium finish. The finish is sour cherry and spice, and a return of the earthy/musky notes. It paired nicely with smothered beef & lamb patties.

3.0 out of 5 stars (82 – 84 points)

Più Gioia Pinot Grigio 2015

Straw color. Aromas and flavors of white peach and golden delicious apple. Light to medium body with a supple mouthfeel and balanced acidity. The finish is floral, white peach, and a bit of mineral. A nice Italian PG, better than the 2014 vintage (reviewed in Club W – Part II). Served well chilled.

4.0 out of 5 stars (88 – 91 points)

Nouvelle Ère Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2014

Ruby color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry bramble, black cherry, and cedar. On the palate, there are flavors of blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and spice. There is also a mineral/earth terroir note common in Right Bank Bordeaux. Medium body with bright acidity. Tannins show late, and are firm and tight, but soften with air. The finish lingers with dark berry, cedar, and spice. As with most Old World wines, it’s good on its own but is best with food – in this case a seared sirloin.

3.5 out of 5 stars (85 – 87 points)

So while the overall experience has improved, and was seamless with my third order, my opinion of the wines is pretty much the same. Good but not exceptional. There are a few gems worth repeating, but overall, there are comparable wines available for less money at retail wine shops. Let’s review the pros and cons, as I see them:

Pros:

Supporting the little guy
Info cards with recipes
Exploring unusual varietals
Availability of International wines
Personalized, hand-written thank you note!
They have some unique features that other online retailers and clubs do not. For example, it appears that once you’ve placed a bottle in your basket, it’s yours – even if you don’t complete and ship the order for a couple of months, and it otherwise sells out in the meantime.
Their customer service team is prompt, courteous, and efficient.
You can easily skip a month, or several, without cost or penalty.
Their packaging is exceptional.

Cons:

Inability to review wines; only assign them a 1-5 scale rating. It has been my experience that, for me, writing a review and describing the flavors and elements in the wine enhances my enjoyment of the wine. Rather than simply knocking back a glass, I become more attentive and contemplative, and enjoy the wine more.
I’d also like the ability to communicate with the independent winemakers. Placing a face, personality, and story with the name on the bottle makes enjoying wine a much more personal experience.
While their customer service team is very good, the fact that I had contact with, or from, their customer service team three times in my first two orders is telling. Hopefully it’s just growing pains and they’ll get the kinks worked out.

In conclusion, I do think Club W/Winc is a good place to experiment for those just getting into wine. Based on their marketing materials, their target audience is clearly Millennials who fit that category. They allow you to receive different wines from around the world (depending on individual state shipping restrictions) on a regular basis without having to put any thought into buying decisions. Nevertheless, those who have a broader, deeper level of wine experience may find these wines wanting for complexity and depth. If you’re new to wine, and like the simplicity and ease of this business model, I heartily recommend Club W/Winc!

Have you purchased wine from Club W/Winc? Let me know about your experience in the comments.

Cheers!

Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa, New World, Old World, Paso Robles, Wine

Old World v. New World Cabernet: A Total Wine & More Event

September 17, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Total Wine & More bills itself as “America’s Wine Superstore.” I would have to agree. The first two times I walked into a Total Wine store, I walked out empty handed. It was simply overwhelming. Those of you fortunate enough to live near one of their 135 stores in 18 states know what I mean. They stock more wine, beer, and spirits on their shelves than anywhere else I’ve ever seen. Simply walking through the store can be disorienting to the uninitiated. I recommend hiring a guide. If you’re ever in the Sacramento area, drop me a line and for a small fee (a bottle of sumpin’ sumpin’) I will gladly help you navigate the labyrinth.

Like so many retailers these days, Total Wine has a loyalty rewards program; they call the Total Discovery Program. Basically, you earn points for each dollar spent in the store. You start at the “Select” level, which basically gets you coupons. Rack up enough points and you level up to the “Reserve”, then “Grand Reserve” levels. At these levels, you receive discounts on products and classes, and invitations to complimentary Members-Only events.

But this post is not intended to be free advertising for this magical place. Rather, it is about an event I attended there yesterday evening. Apparently, even though most of my wine comes to me via online retailers, I buy enough product from Total Wine to have recently achieved “Reserve” level status. Thus, I received an invitation to their Sip & Mingle event, The Great Cab Debate: Old World vs. New World Cabernet Sauvignon. Not one to turn down an opportunity to taste world-class wine for free, I naturally submitted my RSVP accepting the invitation.

As one might imagine, this event pitted four Left Bank (Cabernet based) Bordeaux against four California Cabernet wines, in the spirit of this year’s 40^th anniversary of the famous Judgment of Paris tasting. This was not a blind tasting, and as the name of the event, Sip & Mingle, implies, it was as much a social evening as a wine tasting. At these events, participants are encouraged to chat, socialize, and nibble on the snack foods provided. Sure, there were a couple of serious wine tasters present, who stood quietly in a corner sipping, spitting, and jotting notes without interacting much. But for the most part, the 20 or so people there relaxed at the tables and enjoyed the wine and conversation. It was certainly a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours on a Friday evening.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “What about the wine?” Ah, yes, the wine. Most of my Bordeaux experience has been Right Bank, Merlot based, so I was anxious to try some of the prestigious Left Bank Chateau creations. These hailed from the Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pessac-Léognan, and Pauillac appellations. The California wines included one from Paso Robles, and three from the general Napa Valley AVA. In order of recommended tasting, here’s what I thought of them:

Sextant Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2014

Brick red, ruby rim. Nose of blackberry and red currant. Flavors of blackberry, red currant, black pepper and spice. A little hot but smooth tannins. Long, spicy finish.

Retail $19.99

4.0 out of 5 stars (88-91 points)

Château Pierre de Montignac Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2011

Brick red, ruby rim. Plum and earth on the nose. Flavors of raspberry, sour cherry, soft oak, and spice. Bone dry with firm tannins and a medium finish.

Retail $19.99

4.0 out of 5 stars (88-91 points)

Courtney Benham Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011

Purple color with brick rim. On the nose, green bell pepper, light blackberry, and dusty earth. Blackberry, black plum flavors with soft, smooth tannins and light acidity. Medium finish with berry and white pepper.

Retail $24.99

3.5 out of 5 stars (85-87 points)

Château Landat Vieilles Vignes Haut-Médoc 2012

Ruby color. Nose of raspberry and blackberry. Flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, red currant, earth, and spice. Supple tannins, medium acidity, and a medium, spicy finish.

Retail $29.99

4.0 out of 5 stars (88-91 points)

Christophe Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012

Purple color with ruby rim. Aromas of ripe blackberry and soft oak. On the palate juicy blackberry, cassis, and white pepper. Super soft tannins and light acidity. Medium finish of dark berry.

Retail $35.99

4.5 out of 5 stars (91-94 points)

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2009

Deep purple color with ruby rim. Nose is fig, mushroom, and cedar. Flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, black pepper, and black plum. Soft, velvety tannins and balanced acidity with a long, fruity, spicy finish.

Retail $39.99

4.0 out of 5 stars (88-91 points)

Baldacci IV Four Sons Fraternity Napa Valley Red 2012

Deep, inky purple color. Aromas of blackberry, bramble, cassis, and a hint of licorice. On the palate, blackberry, cassis, black pepper, and spice. Rich and fruity, with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Long finish with berry, cocoa, and spice. My favorite of the evening.

Retail $46.99

4.5 out of 5 stars (91-94 points)

Château d’Armailhac Grand Cru Classé Pauillac 2012

Ruby color with brick rim. On the nose, herbal notes with green bell pepper and blackberry. Flavors of blackberry, bell pepper, earth, spice, and cedar. Still young, the tannins are edgy and its a little acidic. This one needs a few more years in the cellar.

Retail $44.99

3.5 out of 5 stars (85-57 points)

This was a fun evening. Although not a blind tasting, it was interesting to compare Old World v. New World Cabernet Sauvignon based wines. Overall, as in ’76, Napa won the evening. At least for me! I look forward to my next invitation to a Total Wine & More Sip & Mingle event!

Franc Dusak, nakedwines.com, Viognier, Wine

Review: Franc Dusak Viognier Sonoma Valley 2015

September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Awhile back I reviewed Franc Dusak’s Sonoma Zinfandel 2013, and as I usually try to do, included a brief introduction to Franc himself. I’ve had a number of Franc’s wines, and have been over-the-moon for all of them. I recently tried his Sonoma Valley Viognier 2015, and this white wine is no exception. It is spectacular!

Without belaboring the point, and considering my crazy-busy schedule right now which has severely cut into my blogging time, here is the review I posted on the NakedWines.com site for this amazing Viognier:

I am now convinced that my original aversion to Viognier resulted from low quality, rather than the varietal itself. Every NakedWines.com Viognier I have tried has been simply amazing! Franc’s 2015 is no exception, and Viognier is now one of my favorite white wines!

Light straw color, with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach, and elderflower. On the palate, Golden delicious apple, white peach, elderflower, and a hint of fresh pineapple, mingling with fresh, light acidity; it’s like drops of gold on the tongue. Light to medium bodied and pleasantly dry, this is a stellar Viognier.

Served with Chicken Breast with Basil-Wine Sauce (the Viognier is in the sauce!) it is an amazing, heavenly experience.

4.5 out of 5 hearts (92 – 94 points)

Angel Price: $11.99 (still currently in stock – hurry to get yours before it’s gone!)

NakedWines.com frees talented winemakers from the burden of marketing and sales, and allows them to focus on what they do best: make unbelievably delicious wines. These are all small batch, boutique wines, that Angels (members) can purchase for amazing, discounted prices. If this Viognier, or any of the dozens of other phenomenal available wines, sound like your cup of tea, follow this link for a voucher worth $100 off your initial order of $160 or more. Free wine? It doesn’t get better than that!

Bubbles, MWWC, Variety, Wine

Life in a Bubble – #MWWC27

September 9, 2016 Appetite for Wine

It’s that time again! The Monthly Wine Writing Challenge!

The theme for #MWWC27 is “Bubbles.” Like probably every other person out there in the blogosphere, my mind immediately went to Champagne, or any other sparkling wine. There are many to choose from; Cava, Prosecco, Cremant, California Sparkling, and so on. Then, like probably every other wine writer out there, I thought: “too obvious; everybody will be writing about that.” Ah, but then again, like Vizzini, from The Princess Bride (only the best movie ever made), perhaps I can outwit my opponents by doing exactly what they expect me to do!

But lest I get involved in a land war in Asia (watch the clip, it’ll make sense), I decided to write from what I know and let the words flow as they may. This is a decision made largely due to the fact that I have not a lot of experience with wines that tickle the nose. You see, many members of my family get headaches after drinking sparkling wine, so I don’t often buy it. We can debate whether the bubbles cause the headaches, or that they result from some other cause. The fact remains that sparkling wine rarely makes an appearance in my home. I do try to keep a bottle of Prosecco or Cava on hand for those unexpected special occasions, or a spontaneous brunch in need of a Mimosa, but that’s about it.

So what is there to say about bubbles, then? Life.

We humans are a predictable lot. We like routine, and take comfort in the familiar. We take the same route to work every day. We shop at the same stores, and eat at the same restaurants, because we know what to expect. I even know people who will order the same thing off a menu every time they go to a particular restaurant. They don’t like change, or trying new things. We like to live our lives in big, comfortable, predictable bubbles. Boring! Yet many people approach wine in the same way.

While there are at least 10,000 grape varieties in the world, realistically about 1,300 are used in commercial wine production. So why, then, do so many people “only drink Chardonnay”? Or Cabernet Sauvignon? Or Pinot Noir? Because that is the comfort bubble in which they live. They know what to expect. They are predictable. These people are really missing out! There is so much variety out there; so many flavors to experience and enjoy, why limit yourself?

I love variety. When I go to a favorite restaurant, I like to try different things each time. It’s the same with wine. Sure, I have my favorite, go-to varietals, but why limit oneself? I love variety! Sure, a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon will pair with my steak, but what about a Chilean Carménère? Shall I open a familiar Sauvignon Blanc this warm summer evening, or a different and exciting Grüner Veltliner? I recently submitted my application to the Wine Century Club. Yes, it’s a real thing! All you have to do for membership is try at least 100 different varietals. And you know what? Blends count! It’s really not that daunting a challenge, if you are willing to get out of your bubble and try new things.

Life bubbles are limiting; restricting. They only allow you to experience what is within reach and safe. I encourage you to step out of your bubble and try something new. The next time you are in your local wine shop, or better yet, the unfamiliar wine shop in the next town over, instead of reaching for that familiar bottle of Chateau Drink Often, try something adventurous and new. This is my challenge: Explore. Experience. Enjoy life outside your bubble.

Box Wine, Shiraz, Trader Joe's, Wine

“Box of Wine”, A Review of Trader Joe’s Block Shiraz Wine in a Box

August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 Appetite for Wine

A co-worker of mine has an interesting, daily tradition. Much like the way some people might the start the day with a greeting such as “Top of the morning”, Eric ends each day with a unique parting phrase. He expresses, to each of us in the office, a good evening, with his wish for a bounty of our preferred adult beverage. Ever generous with his blessings, he does not suggest a mere glass of this or that. No, my beer-drinking co-worker Eric shares his good will to Linda with “bottle of vodka”, and to Jennifer with “bottle of rum.” Knowing my penchant for the nectar of the grape, he would always wish me a “bottle of wine.” Until recently, when it came to his attention that wine can also come in a box. Now his evening salutation to me is “box of wine!” to which I respond, “and a case of beer for you, sir.”

Now, truth be told, the only “box of wine” I’ve ever had much interest in is the 6 or 12-bottle cases I have delivered to my office. When ordering from an online merchant, it is much more reliable to receive shipments there, where there is always an adult to sign. I am aware there are some companies which prohibit such practices, having worked for one not too long ago. However, the small company where I now work is much more laid-back. In fact, the owner of the company has his wine club shipments delivered there, too! Goose; gander.

But I digress. Throughout my life, I’ve observed that when it comes to hobbies and interests, I have either time, or money, but rarely both concurrently. Recently, I’ve found myself in a situation in which I have neither in great supply. Yet my passion for wine remains unabated, so I consolidated my search for affordable wine into my weekly sortie to Trader Joe’s. I’ve known TJ’s to be a reliable source of quality wine at reasonable prices. I’ve also known that TJ’s carries a line of boxed wines, suspiciously inexpensive. I’ve even seen some favorable reviews of said boxes of wine. So with some trepidation, I hoisted a 3-liter box of Australian Shiraz into my cart and headed for the checkout. After arriving home and storing the weekly provisions, I dug out the tap and drew my first glass from a box of wine. Here’s my review, posted on Vivino:

After reading a few favorable reviews, I decided to give boxed wine a go. I was pleasantly surprised. This Aussie Shiraz, a Trader Joe’s exclusive, is pretty good. Not overly complex, but what do you expect for $3/bottle? The 3-liter box (equal to 4 bottles) costs just $12.

Ruby/purple color. Aromas of blackberry and black cherry. Flavors of ripe blackberry, red currant, blueberry, fig, and spice, with a little oak on the finish. Soft and smooth, but as I said, not a lot of depth or complexity. Since it keeps up to six weeks (if you’re an amateur) it’s good for a mid-week after-work glass, and maybe for the in-laws. 🙂 The only real challenge is self-regulation. “Was that 5 glasses or 6? Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?”

3.5 Stars (85-87 points)

Of course that crack about serving this to the in-laws is just a joke. Hehe. OK, Nancy? We good? And for those of you too young to get the reference, the quote at the end is homage to “Dirty Harry.”

In any event, I was fairly impressed with the Block Shiraz, especially given the price point. My local TJ’s also carries a California Cabernet Sauvignon and a California Sauvignon Blanc. I’m given to understand the Block label also produces an Australian Chardonnay, but it wasn’t in stock when I was there. For a reasonably good weeknight wine, at an amazing price, head to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and give this a try!

Merlo Family Estate Vineyards, Trinity County, Trinity Lakes AVA, Wine

Lesser Known AVAs: Trinity County

August 8, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Merlo Family Vineyards — Image Credit: merlovineyards.com

Trinity County has the distinction of being the third leg of the infamous “Emerald Triangle,” the prolific and prosperous Northern California marijuana growing region. Landlocked, it is somewhat less famous than its coastal neighbors, Mendocino and Humboldt counties. It is also much more remote and difficult to access, which contributes to its mystery and intrigue. The primary legal industry (at the time of this writing, cultivation of marijuana is still illegal) is timber, although that has been in decline for some years. Fortunately, Trinity County boasts some very rugged terrain with a variety of rich soils, the result of centuries of geologic upheaval, which are excellent for growing vitis vinifera.

The official American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within Trinity County is the Trinity Lakes AVA. There are only two wineries located within the Trinity Lakes AVA, (Alpen Cellars and One Maple Estate Vineyards & Winery), but there are others in the greater Trinity County region. The entirety of Trinity County is not yet recognized as an AVA yet, but it is just a matter of time. The rugged beauty of this part of the state is breathtaking, but takes real dedication to make the journey. There simply is no easy way to get there! Trinity County may never achieve anywhere near the wine-tourism traffic as Napa or Sonoma, but one wonders if that’s a bad thing. The trip from Napa or Sonoma to greater Trinity County is anywhere from four to six hours by car. If you are up it, you will be rewarded by the stunning scenery and fantastic wines!

Fortunately for the less adventurous among us, we don’t have to travel hours of backroads and switchbacks. One Trinity County winery has its tasting room solidly rooted on the floor of the Sacramento Valley: Merlo Family Estate Vineyards. Located inside The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, just minutes from Lodi, Merlo produces some outstanding wines. (Full disclosure: I am a member of the Merlo Wine Club.) I recently stopped in to pick up my club order, and tasted through their current releases. These are some amazing wines: a lightly oaked, refined Chardonnay; a light and crisp Syrah Rosé; and some blockbuster, big, bold reds. Their signature red blend, Blackbird (the family name Merlo means Blackbird in Italian) is an addictive 50/50 blend of Syrah and Zinfandel. So addictive, I’ve heard that it’s sometimes lovingly referred to as “Crackbird.”

I spent the better part of an hour chatting with proprietor, Ray Merlo, in between other customers. Ray is an engaging, personable man, who is passionate about his wine, and dedicated to educating people to help enhance their enjoyment. Ray is committed to quality; so much so that he pulled his 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the market for several years because he felt it just wasn’t ready. For only a few vintages, Ray was able to procure some high quality Napa fruit, which he hand-harvested in the wee hours of the morning, and then rushed to his winery in Trinity County for crush and vinification. Of such high quality were these grapes that they required years of bottle aging before the wine matured enough to really enjoy. He only recently reintroduced it, and from the generous tasted I had, I can say it was well worth the wait. Rich and full bodied, with classic Napa Cabernet aromas and flavors, this 2006 is amazingly smooth. You’d expect to pay $75 to $100 for a Napa Cab of this quality, but retail price is only $59, and club members pay only $48.

Below are my reviews of the current release portfolio. Some are pretty brief; I was enjoying the conversation and didn’t take copious notes…

Merlo Family Estate Chardonnay 2012

Lightly oaked allowing the fruit to take center stage. Apple and pear with some grapefruit notes. Soft mouthfeel and just a hint of toasted oak on the finish.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points) $20 Retail/$16 Club

Merlo Family Estate Syrah Rosé 2014

Light, crisp rose. Medium pink color, with Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon. A nice, dry rose for those hot summer days!

4.0 Stars (88-91 points) $18 Retail/$15 Club

Merlo Family Estate Pinot Noir 2012

Rich, earthy Pinot Noir, in the classic NorCal style. Purple color with ruby rim. Aromas of ripe plums and spice. Flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, cherry, and earth with a lingering finish of dark fruit and soft earth tones.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points) $27 Retail/$22 Club

Merlo Family Estate Blackbird (NV)

Delicious blend of Syrah and Zinfandel. Smooth tannins reveal flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and spice. Nice, long, spicy finish.

4.5 Stars (92-94 points) $18 Retail/$15 Club

Merlo Family Estate Syrah 2012

Deep and brooding, this is a rich, full bodied Syrah. Inky purple, with aromas of blackberry and spice. Flavors of dark berry, ripe blueberry, black pepper, and oak. The wine coats the mouth and lingers with an earthy, spicy finish.

4.5 Stars (92-94 points) $25 Retail/$20 Club

Merlo Family Estate Zinfandel 2011

Big, bold, juicy, and spicy. This is an “in your face” wine that doesn’t hold back. Ripe, juicy blackberry and black cherry mingle with spicy black pepper. The tannins are big and chewy, balanced with light acidity. The finish hangs around awhile to remind you of just how amazing that last sip was, inviting you to take another sip.

4.5 Stars (92-94 points) $25 Retail/$20 Club

I hope you get the opportunity to try some of these exceptional Trinity County wines, and that you’re inspired to get out and explore some Lesser Known AVAs.

Benjamin Darnault, Languedoc-Roussillon, nakedwines.com, Viognier, Wine

Viogn-Yay! Review: Benjamin Darnault Viognier 2015

July 27, 2016July 27, 2016 Appetite for Wine

I’m not normally a big Viognier fan. There are just too many low quality offerings out there that are off balance, and often the characteristic floral notes come off as just sweet. When I do buy Viognier, it’s usually for white sangria. So when this bottle arrived in a sample pack for review, I was a little apprehensive.

Benjamin Darnault produces wine for NakedWines.com. His flagship wine, Minervois, a Grenache-based blend from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, is an Angel favorite. He also produces some stunning Rhône wines. I’ve had several of these reds, and have always been impressed, so this gave me hope that his 100% Viognier would be a winner, too. Here’s what I thought when I gave it a try:

Many of the reviews here [on the NakedWines.com website] have said this is a great wine for a hot day. Well, it’s 106F today in my neck of NorCal, so this seems to be the day to give this a go!

Clear, straw color in the glass. The aromas…oh, my…the aromas! I could smell the floral and citrus aromas from, literally, 3 feet away as I poured! Honeysuckle, elderflower, white grapefruit, and mild apricot explode on the nose. On the palate, the floral notes mingle with apricot, mango, grapefruit, and lemon. Bright acidity gives it zip, while a creaminess at the back of the tongue softens it and provides a medium-full mouthfeel. The finish goes on and on with yellow citrus flavors.

Viognier is probably the only varietal my wife enjoys more than me, and I love this one! Crisp, refreshing, and delicious, this is a great hot-weather quencher, that also goes well with a variety of foods. Yum.

4.5 out of 5 Hearts (92-94 points)

Angel Price: $10.49

If this sounds like your kind of wine, and you’d like to try this or any of the dozens of other small batch, high quality wines available from NakedWines.com, click here for a voucher worth $100 off your first order of $160 or more. You’ll be glad you did!

Cheers!

MWWC, Solitude, Wine

Alone in a Crowd #MWWC26

July 13, 2016July 13, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Solitude. Wine. Solitude and wine. At first glance, those two words don’t seem to go together. Isn’t wine meant to be enjoyed in the company of others; friends and loved ones? Of course it is! And don’t they say drinking alone is a sign you might have a problem?

Yes, they do, but what do they know? And just who are “they,” anyway? “They” are everywhere, telling us what we should and should not be doing. “They” aren’t very fun at all. But I digress.

This is my entry for the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge, #MWWC26. As last month’s winner, Beth, the Traveling Wine Chick, had the honor of selecting this month’s theme. And she chose “solitude.” Challenge. Accepted.

This month’s theme was announced on the first day of my 30-day trip to Québec City. It turned out to be a timely announcement. Québec City is in the Canadian province of Québec, which is commonly known as French Canada. In Québec, the people speak French. I don’t.

Some of my first thoughts on solitude came during my first few days of my trip, as I struggled to find what I needed in the Super Marché. Shopping in an unfamiliar grocery store is stressful enough, but there is a sense of being all alone in a crowd when you don’t speak or read the language. It certainly gave me a much greater appreciation, and sympathy, for immigrants to the U.S. who are not English speaking. Fortunately, most of the people there do speak at least some English (Canada is, after all, officially a bilingual country), and are very accommodating, so I was able to survive. (In my defense, I tried to learn French before our trip. I really tried! I did manage to pick up a few helpful terms and phrases, but darn it, I’m old!) In true stereotypical Canadian fashion, I even had several people apologize for their poor English. I always responded that their English is far better than my French! Then we laughed together. Laughter is, indeed, a universal language.

But this isn’t the MWC. It’s the MWWC, with the emphasis on the first W…wine! So, whereas wine and solitude don’t naturally seem to go together, please allow me this opportunity to wax poetic.

I submit to you, dear reader, that wine and solitude are actually symbiotic. While it is true that wine is meant to be enjoyed with others, one of the unique and magical truths about wine is that everybody experiences it differently. Pour a taste from the same bottle for 10 different people (OK, let’s assume it’s a magnum), and each will describe different aspects of the wine. Some with limited wine experience may taste only fermented grape juice, while others might describe a host of fruit, floral, herbal, or mineral notes. There are no right or wrong answers; the enjoyment is in each individual’s own, unique, subjective experience.

Take this concept to another level with me. We’ve (hopefully) established that a group of individuals experience the same wine differently. In much the same way, an individual within that group will experience different wines in different ways. It is in the enjoyment and ethereal experience of a given wine that the individual drinker is transported to his or her own, unique place. A place of solitude.

Open a bottle of Bordeaux, and share it with a loved one. Allow the aromas to invade your senses. See the color in the glass as you swirl the wine. Now, to the tasting. That first sip, rich and decadent, may transport you to the rolling hills of the French countryside. You imagine are walking in the vineyard; the cool evening breeze in your hair; the gravelly soil crunching underfoot. You are utterly alone in this charming place. Solitude. Your partner experiences something completely different. Her Bordeaux fantasy involves a Parisian bistro; an outdoor table on the sidewalk, the bustle of the people passing by; the charming waiter with his attentive gaze, ready to refill the glass at a moment’s notice; and the delightful meal with which to enjoy the wine. Solitude.

It’s a hot, summer afternoon. You open a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. The straw color immediately cools you as you anticipate the cold, crisp refreshment. Take that first sip – instantly you are carried away to the soft, warm sands of a tropical beach; relaxing in a chaise with a good book. The sun is warm on your skin, the sand soft and warm on your feet. You are utterly relaxed. Solitude. Yet your partner has been whisked away to a cool mountain lake; on the porch of a cabin overlooking the rippling water. Hungry trout beckon, but rising to grab the fishing pole would merely disrupt the moment. Solitude.

Wine is an enchanting, magical beverage. Depending on your circumstances, it can bring relief to a stressful day, enjoyment to a social or family gathering, or release you to indulge in your own unique, relaxing, peaceful solitude. Different people, different experience. Different wine, different destination. Where will your next glass of wine take you?

SNAP! We’re back! Still not convinced? Are you worried about the whole “drinking alone” stigma? Do you have a pet? If so, you’re not drinking alone! If not, and you are interested in adopting and being a good pet parent, then get thee to the nearest SPCA and rescue a deserving dog or cat.

There are hundreds of dogs and cats that need a loving home, and you will never drink alone again! (Note: I do not advocate adopting a pet simply as a drinking buddy. If you are not willing to devote the love, time, and attention needed to care for a pet, please don’t.)

Now sit back, pour a glass of whatever strikes your mood, let it take you where it will, and bask in your solitude!

Cabernet Severnyi, Carone, Ile d'Orleans, Quebec, Quebec City, Wine

Québec City: The 4th and Final Week

July 5, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Parliament and Fountain — The Parliament Building and Fontaine de Tourny, a gift from Bordeaux, France

We are nearing the end of our journey to Québec City. It has been an exciting adventure, and the longest time we’ve ever been away from home. We are both fortunate to have jobs that allow us to check into work remotely, and that Colette, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel travels so well!

Traveling Colette — A little nervous about her first flight, but she did great!

One of our primary goals in taking this extended trip, a variation from the standard American two-week vacation, was to immerse ourselves in a different culture and, as best we can, “live like a local.” While 30 days clearly isn’t sufficient time to fully integrate, particularly when one does not speak the local language with anything remotely approaching fluency, we do feel that we settled in nicely and got to see the goings on beyond the typical tourist. We quickly found a local, independent café, and within a few days the barista had memorized my wife’s order. There are few things that make one feel more like a local than having a barista or bartender recognize you when you walk in, and immediately start making your drink for you.

Past vacations for us have typically encompassed only one weekend in a locale, so we were only able to experience the events of that Saturday and Sunday. By living here a full month, we had the pleasure of watching weekends come and go, and the variety of activities with them. One weekend, a BBQ Fest popped up literally across the street from our condo. Another weekend, we encountered an outdoor circus a few blocks away, and we enjoyed watching as children learned how to walk a tightrope or swing from a trapeze. We were here to help the province of Québec celebrate her 408^th birthday one weekend, and then participate in the 149^th Canadian national Independence Day the following weekend. We got to see all the sights, museums, and attractions we had planned, without rushing or concern for the weather. If it was raining on a day we planned an outing, we just changed our plans. Québec is a great walking city. Everything we wanted to see was within 3 miles or so, albeit much of it uphill! The upside (pun intended) is that the walk home was mostly downhill!

Of course, there’s wine! Small but emerging, the Québec region is producing some interesting, high quality wines. Relying mostly on hybrids and clones, local winemakers are making tasty table wines; both reds and whites. Fruit forward but not jammy, these wines are structured and balanced. They tend to finish with an earthy, musky, funky essence, which I suspect is terroir-driven. Native grapes have been described as “foxy” tasting, and I think that may be similar to the funkiness I find on the finish. Those who like a hearty, earthy Pinot Noir will really enjoy these wines. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested, to seek out Québécois wines and give them a try! If your local shop can’t procure them (most Québec wines are consumed locally), you’ll just have to make the trip to this enchanting province!

A discussion Québécois wine isn’t complete without mentioning their wheelhouse wine product. The Ice Wines and Late Harvest wines are spectacular! These are the wines that put this region on the wine map, and we enjoyed them a lot. Both Ice Wines and Late Harvest wines are very, very sweet. They are enjoyable as after-dinner quaffs, and a little goes a long way! Fortunately, many of these are widely available in the U.S.

As I mentioned in Québec City, Week 1, other than at restaurants or bars, most wine (and all liquor) must be purchased through the government owned and operated SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) stores. I got to be something of a regular here, too. Store sizes vary, but in the larger stores, selection of European and Southern Hemisphere wines is pretty impressive. I was a little disappointed in the representation of wines from the U.S., but then, I can get those at home. The prices of the U.S. wines were surprising, too; some nearly double what I pay in the states. However, European and Southern Hemisphere wine prices are quite attractive! During our time here, in addition to the Canadian wines, we’ve enjoyed wines from France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Argentina, and Chile. Only a couple of the wines I bought here are available at my home Total Wine & More or BevMo stores, so we’ve definitely made the most of our travels! I’ve included reviews in each of my weekly posts. Here’s what we enjoyed during Week 4:

Pfaffenheim Alsace Cuvée Bacchus Gewurztraminer 2013

I’m no Gewürztraminer expert, (my reference is Fetzer) but I one is the best I’ve had.

Soft, golden straw in the glass. Aromas of apricot and honeysuckle. On the palate, honeysuckle, elderberry, and floral dominate. The acidity is soft and the mouthfeel, oh so smooth. The apricot is there, just below the surface, with gooseberry and pear. More sweet than spicy. The finish is medium long, with just a bit of classic spice, and that soft, smooth honey. Yum.

4.5 stars (92-94 points)

SAQ Store, $19.95 CAD (approx. $15.25 USD)

Vicente Gandia Hoya De Cadenas Reserva Tempranillo Utiel-Requena 2012

Rich, dark, Ruby color in the glass. On the nose, an explosion of ripe cherries and spice! This continues on the palate, along with some raspberry and cedar. Tannins are a little edgy at first, but soften with exposure to air. Acidity is balanced, creating a wine that pairs with food, but is also pleasant to drink on its own. On the lingering finish the cherry continues with hints of black pepper and oak.

4.0 stars (88-91 points)

SAQ Store, $12.95 CAD (approx. $9.90 USD)

Fleur de Sauvignon Bordeaux 2014

Gold color in the glass. Aromas of apricot and white peach, some pineapple, with a hint of herbs. On the tongue there are flavors of apricot, peach, pineapple, and honeysuckle, as well as fresh-cut hay, and a little green bell pepper. Very dry with minimal sweetness, but bright acidity. The finish is brief, with some tropical fruit and herbal notes.

3.0 stars (82-84 points)

SAQ Store, $14.90 CAD (approx. $11.39 USD)

Carone “Venice” Cabernet Severnyi Reserve 2012

My favorite of all the Québec wines I tried! A Cabernet Sauvignon clone, originally bred to withstand the harsh Russian winter, it does well here as well. According to the sales rep at the Farmer’s Market, this is the only 100% Cabernet produced in Québec.

Deep purple color in the glass. Classic Cabernet aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and oak. Medium to full bodied with smooth tannins with balanced acidity. It’s lighter than traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, but still has all the flavor and structure. The lingering finish is enticing with dark berry, vanilla, and oak. This wine pairs well with steak, or any other rich, juicy meat.

4.5 stars ( 92-94 points)

Marché du Vieux-Port Farmer’s Market, $28.00 CAD, (approx. $21.62 USD)

Frescobaldi Pater Sangiovese 2014

Bright ruby color in the glass. Aromas of fresh raspberries and cherries. On the palate, those flavors mingle with blackberry, plum, soft oak, and spice. Tannins are soft and smooth, and balanced with fresh acidity. A solid offering from a reliable producer, this paired very well with Farmer’s Market fresh basil pasta and marinara sauce.

4.0 stars (88-91 points)

SAQ Store, $15.95 CAD, (approx. $12.31 USD)

Graffigna Elevation Reserve Red Blend 2012

A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat, and Bonarda. Deep, brooding purple color. Aromas of dark berry and smoke. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and oak. Firm, chewy tannins with lively acidity. A perfect pairing for grilled flank steak. Long, smoky finish with lingering dark berry.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points)

Auberge Louis-Hebert, $8.50 CAD per glass (approx. $6.59 USD)

Caliterra Reserva Carmenérè – Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Deep purple color. Initial aromas of blackberry, bramble, and baking spice. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, cherry, and oak. Sharp tannins, with medium acidity and medium body. The finish is black fruit and black pepper, with some vanilla. The wine has good flavor and structure, but needs a little more time to allow the tannins to soften.

3.5 stars (85-87 points)

SAQ Store, $12.95 CAD, approx. $10.07 USD

As we wrap up our trip, we are off to Montreal for a few days. Then it’s back home to reality once again. Thanks for following along!

Aquarium du Quebec, Canada, Changing of the Guard, Citadelle de Quebec, Fete Nationale, Quebec City, Wine

Québec City, Week 3

June 27, 2016 Appetite for Wine

Week three of our Québec City adventure saw the arrival of our daughter and 9-year old grandson. With a fresh infusion of awe and wonder, we set out to enjoy even more sights and adventures. We hopped on the red, hop on-hop off bus for an open-air, second deck look around the city, affording us views we had not seen from street level.

Although touristy, we generally try to take one of those double-decker bus tours when we arrive in a new city. They provide a great overview of the city, allow you to get your bearings a bit, and help you decide which sights you want to explore in more detail. While on the bus, my grandson spied the exact t-shirt he wanted to get as a souvenir of his trip. After disembarking, we made our way to the store where he got his t-shirt, and I found (and bought) mine!

Thursday was my wife’s birthday, so thousands of people from all over Québec came over for a fête on the Plains of Abraham. There was a huge concert, featuring French and Québécois performers with music ranging from country, to folk, to rock. It was all in French, and we didn’t know the songs, but music is a universal language and everyone there had a great time! After the 2+ hour concert, they even had a fireworks show! Oh, Friday happened to be Québec’s 408^th birthday, so the fête could have possibly been for that. Like I said, it was all in French!

On Saturday, we paid a visit to the Aquarium du Québec. It’s a fun family destination, and while small in comparison to some aquariums, they really pack in the interest and delight. Dory and Nemo were even there! Among other attractions were the two baby walruses. Apparently, breeding walruses in captivity is incredibly difficult. Worldwide, only seven pups have been born in captivity since 1930! As luck would have it, two of them were born recently right here in Québec!

Perhaps the highlight of the week, aside from my wife’s birthday, of course, was the Changing of the Guard at the Citadelle de Québec. Built by the British, starting in 1820, to defend against anticipated attacked by the Americans, the Citadelle is now home to the Royal 22^nd Regiment. Located on the highest point in the city, the views are amazing! The Changing of the Guard ceremony is similar to the one in London, which I missed when I visited there a few years ago. The Royal 22^nd Regiment’s version includes their mascot, Batisse the Goat. This is a tradition that has continued for decades. The current goat is Batisse XI, and is a direct descendant of Batisse I, a gift from Queen Elizabeth in 1955. They continue the lineage, and Batisse XIII is currently in training!

Changing of the Guard

And yes, there was wine this week, too! Here’s what we had, in no particular order:

Borsao Crianza 2013

Red blend of Grenache Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo. Ruby red with aromas of raspberry and blackberry. Medium body but structured, with distinctive oak flavors along with the berry. The finish is medium with dark berry, oak, and mineral notes.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points)

Le Grand Café, $7.75 CAD per glass (approx. $5.95 USD)

13^th Street Winery Burger Blend 2013

A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir. Delightfully juicy and delicious. Medium red color with red raspberry and cranberry, with some mild earthiness and spice. With lively acidity and mild tannins, this is a great wine with…well…burgers!

4.5 Stars (92-94 points)

Chez Victor, $9.25 CAD per glass (approx. $7.09 USD)

Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2015

I’ve been reading a lot about Pinot Blanc lately. It seems to be riding a tide of popularity, so naturally I wanted to try it.

Light straw color. Initial aromas of unripe apricot and almond notes. On the tongue, tangy acidity wakes up the tongue with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, red apple, apricot, and mild almond, with a hint of spice and mineral on the finish. Slightly creamy mouthfeel, yet dry and brisk, it’s quite refreshing and paired very well with our dinner of seared chicken with tarragon sauce.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points)

SAQ Store, $19.55 CAD (approx. $15.18 USD)

Folonari Valpolicella 2014

Great pizza wine! Ruby red color. Aromas of blackberry bramble and spice. Flavors of ripe raspberry, black pepper, plum, and oak are balanced with smooth yet structured tannins and bright acidity. Long, zippy finish of raspberry and Bing cherry. Amazing value! Yes, I will have another glass, thank you!

4.5 Stars (92-94 points)

SAQ Store, $15.90 CAD (approx. $12.35 USD)

Vieux Chateau Renaissance Bordeuax 2014

Ruby color with red brick rim. Aromas of blackberry bramble, raspberry, and new oak. On the palate, blackberry, cassis, raspberry, and oak, with a hint of eucalyptus or mint on the finish. Quite dry, with a medium body and light acidity.

I don’t normally think of Bordeaux with pizza, but it says, right on the back label, “Ideal pour accompagner vos pizzas…” And they’re right! This was a great pairing with our combination pizza.

4.0 Stars (88-91 points)

SAQ Store, $14.55 CAD (approx. $11.39 USD)

Roquebrun Col de L’Orb Saint-Chinian 2015

A very nice Rose for a hot day. Tasty and refreshing, delightfully dry, and not overly complex. It has a deep salmon color. Initial aromas are soft strawberry and raspberry essence. On the palate, there are flavors of strawberry and raspberry, with a bit of floral, and a hint of fresh fig on the finish. The acidity is light and zesty, leading to a medium finish.

3.5 Stars (85-87 points)

SAQ Store, $14.10 CAD (approx. $10.92 USD)

I also found another Québec wine that I really like a lot! I only had a sample at the farmer’s market, but it’s sure tasty. I’m waiting to review it until I can have a proper glassful, so stay tuned!

Merlo Family Estate Chardonnay 2012

Merlo Family Estate Syrah Rosé 2014

Merlo Family Estate Pinot Noir 2012

Merlo Family Estate Blackbird (NV)

Merlo Family Estate Syrah 2012

Merlo Family Estate Zinfandel 2011

Pfaffenheim Alsace Cuvée Bacchus Gewurztraminer 2013

Vicente Gandia Hoya De Cadenas Reserva Tempranillo Utiel-Requena 2012

Fleur de Sauvignon Bordeaux 2014

Carone “Venice” Cabernet Severnyi Reserve 2012

Frescobaldi Pater Sangiovese 2014

Graffigna Elevation Reserve Red Blend 2012

Caliterra Reserva Carmenérè – Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Borsao Crianza 2013

13th Street Winery Burger Blend 2013

Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2015

Folonari Valpolicella 2014

Vieux Chateau Renaissance Bordeuax 2014

Roquebrun Col de L’Orb Saint-Chinian 2015

13^th Street Winery Burger Blend 2013