by

14 Hands Merlot, Washington, USA

I’ve previously remarked that sometimes an enjoyable bottle of wine is less about the grapes and more about the company or the ambiance.  This could be one of those occasions, as the 14 Hands was a featured red served this evening during the Wedding Reception for my cousin and his new bride.

Held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the reception was really one-of-a-kind.  Guests had private access to stroll through the Aquarium prior to the cocktail hour, taking in the amazing creatures (e.g., puffins, rays, sharks, and fish of SO many varieties) and flora of the sea.  Windows overlooking the lights of the Inner Harbor granted us great views as we sipped and socialized with one another.

This was my first tasting of the 14 Hands, and it did the heavy lifting.  If you read Notes with any frequency you’ll know that we don’t often pull a Merlot, but this one would definitely work.  Serviceable, savory, and fruity, the 14 Hands–from the Columbia Valley in Washington–carries that rich ruby coloring and promising scents on your nose.  I definitely enjoyed and will always remember it as “the Merlot from David and Charci’s wedding”.

by

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

Anniversary dinner–commemorated with Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label to celebrate the occasion.  Always love its crisp peachy goodness and, enjoyed on the patio with my family around me, this one is right on target.  The combination is pretty had to beat.  It’s a favorite of my wife’s; a smile on her face and a full glass in her hand are all this man needs.

The Veuve preceded Chicken Limone, served with a light pasta and Italian bread, courtesy of Rosario’s.  Wish the bubbly had lasted a bit longer but all good things, right?

 

by

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West

This red blend ranks highly in both taste and clever branding.  The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West was my favorite from our tasting at this award-winning Finger Lakes earlier this year, and it performed nicely even weeks later when we approached this meritage with clear hearts, minds, and palates.  You know how it is–sometimes on a tasting trail you’ve had multiple grapes and glasses that slightly skew your reaction to any one varietal and, returning home, you find that your purchase tastes very different from what you’d remembered.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West sidesteps that pitfall, providing a great combination of Cabernet Franc (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), and Merlot (24%) that’s sure to do good things for your evening.  Produced by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Sellers along the western side of Seneca Lake, it’s just west of the 76th meridian (42° 34′ 36″N 76° 51′ 31″W)” and derives its name accordingly.  Like many other reds favored here in Notes, the 76 West carries scents of dark, minerally soil and dark berries (maybe a cherry here too?) to you as soon as you make that first pour.  Great swirl in the glass…nice balance too that encourages repeat pouring/consumption.

We combined the 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West with blue cheese salads and steaks from the grill as our Friday night treat(s).  Good play of the red with the fresh pepper in the salad but particularly with the grilled meat.

The folks at Lamoreaux produced only 400 cases of this gem, so if you’re at all interested in picking up a few bottles don’t wait too long.

by

Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio, 2012, Italy

Santa Margherrita, Pinot Grigio, 2012, Italy.

Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio, 2012, Italy.

On a hot, humid August day where adult beverages are called for, you can go with beer, mixed drinks, or Pinot Grigio–and the folks at Santa Margherita make a fine one.  It’s clean.  It’s fresh, and its understated scents of citrus strike a fine balance in terms of sweetness and balance.  It’s appreciated in equal measures by my wife and by me.

The 2012 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio complemented our barbecued chicken, sweet corn, and potato salad.  The latter had a mustard tang, and the Grigio effectively offset this taste…the BBQ too.

If you’ve had this white wine, you know what I mean.  And if you haven’t, carpe diem and grab one today.

by

Domaine Virginie Thunevin AOC Bordeaux, 2009

Kicking off the Labor Day weekend with the Domaine Virginie Thunevin AOC Bordeaux, 2009.  After a “preview” glass on Thursday, this Bordeaux set up one of our favorite meals tonight–complementing filet mignon steaks (including java rub) right off the grill and blue cheese salads with the crumble, pepper, and the dressing.

Domaine Virginie Thunevin AOC Bordeaux, 2009, France.

Domaine Virginie Thunevin AOC Bordeaux, 2009, France.

As expected, the pairing worked really well and was first time in several weeks we opted not for a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon but rather a red blend.  This one, developed by winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin, is a mix of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Cabernet Franc (10%), and named for his daughter.  We have a couple more bottles of the Domaine Virginie Thunevin so I’ll tackle more of his craft in future posts and focus here on the initial feedback we had on its taste.

With that said, “fruit flavors” is the prevailing thought I’d offer on this Bordeaux.  You want to swish it, savor it, and swirl all about your mouth because it just feels juicy.   Even without aging, its a very full taste and has a very fruity aftertaste on your tongue.  Easy tannins.  I haven’t yet been able to isolate the berries that your tongue will taste with the Domaine Virginie 2009, but it’s definitely less in the raspberry/strawberry world and more on the blackberry/blueberry path.  Almost seems like a liquid version of a delicious berry pie?

So far so good on this wine…three more to go from this initial shipment and each one promising!

by

Meiomi 2012 Pinot Noir

So pleased to have another go at this blend of grapes from California’s Sonoma (26%), Santa Barbara (23%), and Monterrey County (51%) regions. My brother was visiting for the weekend and, hearing of how well the 2011 vintage went over in our house, he brought along this treat to help us all celebrate the good time.

I actually opened the 2012 late Saturday night after the Rockland Boulders vs. New Jersey Jackals baseball game (won by the visitors), when all driving was done for the day and it was time to relax and tell stories from the ballpark. Great bouquet of fruit and damp earth immediately greets you, spills out into your glass, and engenders your smile at the promise of berries to follow.

And then do I do the Meiomi justice? Depends on how you view a good Pinot Noir when it’s “paired” with delicious homemade frozen yogurt (coffee flavored, with all the extra care and touches!) and pretzels. Pretty damn fine in that situation, if you ask me, but gives you an idea what kind of refined palate I have. If that’s not quite what you have in mind, know that we had this bottle and a second too the following Sunday afternoon with shrimp cocktail and then dinner–blue cheese salad [with bacon and fresh-roasted potatoes] and grilled filet mignon. I think our merry band of revelers would have said some of the steaks were slightly too well done; other pieces slightly underdone. The good news here is the Meiomi 2012 bore up under all those varying demands.

It’s sort of kicked up Pinot Noir…almost striving for the weight of a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. This bottle didn’t seem to have quite the same spice feel that the 2011 vintage had, but that only dawns on me now in hindsight so it’s fruity profile makes up a complex fun wine. Glad I had a chance for more.

by

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast

Our second take on the Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, a red blend from Napa Valley, California.  Nice reward for a day of hard work, Lions comprises Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Merlot (10%), and Petite Verdot (8%) and those who follow Notes will see immediately why it strikes a chord for this grape fan.  Produced by Jim Ragusci (and some friends) of Ragusci Vineyards in Stag’s Leap, it’s aged 18 years in French oak–not necessarily my favorite approach but used to good effect here.

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA.

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA.

We paired the Chasing Lions 2010 with pasta salad, steamed broccoli, and beef.  The wine’s earthy scent, its aromas of dark berries, nicely complemented the starches and spices of our dinner.  Here are some specifics from the experts:

“It shows dark fruit aromas of black cherries, violets, and cassis.  Blackberry, anise, and raspberry notes enhance the bouquet.  Drinks beautifully now but like its predecessors, the 2010 has the structure and finesse to allow it to develop for at least an additional five to seven years.”

Looks like my first impression wasn’t too far off and, though I don’t get the raspberry note at all in my tasting, you might be interested to reflect back on those observations as I myself did.  Still think the smooth finish and the easy comfort of the Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast make it a great addition to your meal.

by

Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza Red 2008

Friday night I enjoyed the company of old friends and a new Tempranillo.  It’s always great when you’re mixing the two, in particular when they get you outside your “usual suspects” and choices.  If you read Notes with any frequency, you see tastes that run domestic more than European, reds more than whites, and Cabernets more than Merlots.  (This last one is obviously a current and seasonal bias…)

Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza Red 2008, Spain.

Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza Red 2008, Spain.

Consequently, I was really happy when our gracious hosts unveiled this treat on us.  It was a new opportunity to learn, consider, and describe.  The Crianza Red 2008 is deep ruby red in color, and with a hearty berry burst that comes tumbling right out of the bottle into your glass.  I’m not sure if it’s a cherry undertone or red raspberry base, but either way it’s on point.  Not sure if there’s a spice in the mix but presume so…though I have virtually no ability to separate it from the abundant fruity notes.  Easy, smooth finish too…

I sampled my first glass in the waning evening light, playing cornhole on a well-manicured Raleigh NC lawn and surrounded by the laughter of children and lifelong friends, and was fortunate to have another as the day began to wind to a close.  I’m not going to give you the experts’ feedback; the Marques website has that information if you want it.  I know this is affordable, accessible, and should be a ‘no brainer’ that complements a lot of situations in which you may find yourself.  Do it…and soon.

by

Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2010 Riesling

Based on some online recommendations, this Columbia Valley Riesling I picked to accompany the veal saltimbocca, french fries, and broccoli raab that I had in celebration of our anniversary.  One glass carried me through a tasty garden salad; the second was paired with my entre.  In this respect it was more valuable, a light and sweetish Riesling that played off both the saltiness of the veal and the bitterness of the broccoli.

Great evening that far outshines this Washington white wine.  Much of it’s personal, so let me simply say the 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle is probably better in a food pairing (some good ideas noted above) unless you enjoy its innate oaky sweetness.

by

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast

A new shipment–featuring this Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast–arrived Wednesday and we nearly made it to the weekend before sampling this new red.  Thursday night we had our first exposure, and it was a good one.  Pulling the cork unleashed a deep, earthy scent.  Definitely Cabernet Sauvignon undertones, with the richness and dark berries, and in this one we also got a whiff of an “aged barrel” scent.

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvigon, North Coast, California, USA

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvigon, North Coast, California, USA

So, promising out of the gate, right?  We thought so too, swirling and sipping after our long work days.  On Thursday the Lions preceded a ground beef and pasta meal (rather than accompanying it); Friday night this North Coast red was intentionally paired with a pan-seared filet mignon and chopped salad.  Worked well in these settings, to be sure.  We have a couple more bottles of this enjoyable Cabernet, so let me save the notes of the experts and the winemaker for a future post.  I haven’t been biased with any such reviews as of yet so here’s our first take:

Great first impression, with a cherry(?) berry flavor mixed with a dark rawness…that soil kind of vibe that I first mentioned above.  It seems intentional to this observer.  The Lions has a smooth finish, and less of a tobacco or spice feel that I’ve described in other recent Cabernets in Notes of Note.  Those type of nuances are what sets apart a “good” Cabernet like this one seems to be from others I’d call “great”.

Interesting as well: We often take down a bottle over the course of two evenings, recorking for the night.  Most have equal or better value the second tasting, but the Lions notably did not.  Will be interesting to see if I have a different take next time, assuming we partake over just a single tasting.  Stay tuned for more!