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2009 Four Chimneys New Earth

This Cabernet Franc didn’t age long in our possession at all–we bought this bottle just about a week ago while tasting along the western shore of Seneca Lake in central New York.  Four Chimneys, an organic winery that takes care to ensure no synthetics or pesticides are introduced to their grapes, conducts their tastings from a simple barn that overlooks this one of the Finger Lakes.

2009 Four Chimneys New Earth Cabernet Franc, Seneca Lake, NY, USA.

2009 Four Chimneys New Earth Cabernet Franc, Seneca Lake, NY, USA.

Several of their sweeter wines missed the mark for me, but the New Earth was on target and I left carrying one.  This was despite its lame label, which makes me sound like a wine snob but I was really just underwhelmed by the designer on this one (other Four Chimney wines have labels with better personality, execution, or both).  At the time I thought New Earth had an oaky, spicy finish but that was less pronounced when we uncorked here at home.  It is light, more Pinot in color than Cab, and tastes similarly–light.  Nice smell…and the winemaker says “A very fine organic vinifera – full fruit, herbs and violets, richer tannins, and integrated oak.”

As depicted here, our New Earth accompanied a pasta-chicken-feta cheese dish on the first night it was open.  You might think a white better suited; I can tell you the Earth doesn’t overpower and was fine.  I had it again last night with some tacos, and it really did well mixed with the spices.  Tonight I even had enough left for a last glass after work.

I got my fix here–a mild red, and good memories of a fun family weekend in the Finger Lakes–but I’m sated for now and ready for something else next time.

 

 

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2007 Provenance Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon TK2 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard

Special shout out to Eagan for this gem.  I (among others) asked Jamie to bring a little extra slice of life with him to the site of our Lake Gaston reunion–and this was a true hookup.  A flushed, red beauty, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon we opened after everyone made it safe and sound through the torrential downpour of Hurricane Andrea to our lake house for the long weekend.

2007 Provenance Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon TK2 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA, USA.

2007 Provenance Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon TK2 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA, USA.

Sort of hard to make this tangible for you.  On one hand, the Provenance accompanied some out-of-this-world food–including the best guacamole I’ve ever had, a killer macaroni and cheese made with Gruyère and Blue cheese, and a massive potato salad topped with fresh bacon that somehow escaped curious hands throughout the afternoon.  Plus expertly cooked chicken and succulent beef tips that were managed by the skill and aplomb of a veteran grill man who negotiated a tight doorway and a new grill (to him at least) to deliver such a dining experience to the gathered parties.  This savory red stood tall in all of the kitchen whirlwind, and I was sad to see it bottom up too soon, as it worked so well with all the grilled finery.

On the other hand, the Provenance also looked for elbow room in an evening filled with bad–and worse–drinks.  In my youth, I could more willingly down a crappy glass for a laugh, but as I’ve gotten accustomed to some of the treats of the Russian River Valley, France, and other fertile grapelands, the prospect of drinking swill to amuse friends is less enticing.  Did I do it?  Of course; I’m with the band–but I’d have preferred to stay solely with the Cab.

Those who follow our wine notes know that we often share some of the winemaker’s thoughts or experts’ opinions in case such prose helps with your understanding of a wine’s composition, complexity, or intentions.  Most of the time, though, the goal is simply to make it accessible to the layperson who is looking to get a feel for a given vintage or taste, and that’s how we’ll go forward here.  You can link to the vineyard anytime you like (particularly if you’re questing for information on its storied history), but you really don’t have to with the 2007 Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s a treasure, one you should snap up and swirl with all possible haste.  It’s not only the bedrock for a weekend with the best friends on the planet, but it’s a keeper for your favorite grilled meal celebrating any occasion or none.  Grab some when you can–I know I will.

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Five Oaks Merlot

We received this Sonoma Valley (always have fond memories writing these words) Merlot as a gift for our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, and decided to break it out Friday night with dinner.  While the mushrooms simmered and the spicy beef ravioli were cooking, the full berrysmell of this satisfying Merlot wafted around the kitchen.

Five Oaks Merlot, Gallo Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, California, USA.

Five Oaks Merlot, Gallo Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, California, USA.

It’s been forever, as you’ll note if you scroll through the archives here, since we’ve actually uncorked a Merlot.  It’s always been more of a winter comfort, but this cold season I was definitely into Bordeaux and Pinot instead.  But the Five Oaks, produced by the Gallo Family Vineyards, was pretty solid.  Not spectacular, but functional.  Polished it off last night at the neighborhood poker game.

Not sure I’d buy one for us…it’s not the bold adventurous choice…but it is a safe bet that will ruffle no feathers.

 

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Ruffino Pinot Grigio 2012 Lumina

This was the prize at the end of a long day of road trippin’.   My wife created a special occasion all our own when she pulled this Grigio from the fridge and made it a featured element in a light, enjoyable dinner.  Pretty sure I’ve had the Ruffino before (maybe even wrote about that experience here?) but it couldn’t have worked as well as it did on this evening.  The Ruffino, fruity and cool, accompanied a perfectly cooked pork loin and a fresh salad of mixed greens, onions, apple slices, and blue cheese.  This white counterpunched well with the salad for sure and I loved that both of us were working the stemmed stuff.

Ruffino Pinot Grigio 2012 Lumina, Italy.

Ruffino Pinot Grigio 2012 Lumina, Italy.

This is the good script from the winemaker: “Lumina is produced from Pinot Grigio grapes grown in vineyards located in the beautiful northeastern region of Italy.  This well-balanced wine reveals delicious notes of pairs and citrus fruit and delivers a fragrant, fruity finish.”

They definitely have a way with words, but the whole picture comes across much better when you see it in context with our meal here.  Hope you enjoy as much as we did.

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2010 Masciarelli Montepulciano de’Abruzzo

Anyone who knows me or my tastes know that I more often frequent the vineyards of the US west coast than South America or Europe.  When straying from this path, however, I’m often pleased–whether sampling a power-packed Bordeaux or, in this case, a delicious Montepulciano from the Abruzzo region of Italy.  This my mother opened as part of a fun Mother’s Day celebration.  It started us off while we sampled bacon-wrapped scallops, mini-crab cakes, and other sundry treats, and it stayed with us (me in particular) during dinner and dessert.

2010 Masciarelli Montepulciano de'Abruzzo, Italy.

2010 Masciarelli Montepulciano de’Abruzzo, Italy.

The Masciarelli was paired with broiled swordfish, covered in a grape jelly and barbecue sauce, and grilled asparagus and risotto.  Not quite the way you’d draw up the game plan for a soft red, but it seemed to go well–as demonstrated by the empty bottle at the evening’s end.  It is supposed to be “one of Italy’s most famous wines…a classic, well-rounded, plumb-scented Italian red made from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region on Italy’s Adriatic coast.”  That description carries with it an ethereal quality that I think I found in the wine itself.

Great to celebrate the occasion with my mother and such an adventurous bit of vino.  Not soon to forget either!

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Atlas Peak 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Big, and bold, this fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon from the good people at Atlas Peak Vineyards.  Napa Valley is home to so many of my favorites, and this one quickly joined the list.  It is a mighty cab that grabs right hold of you and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished the last drop.  On a Friday night after a tough work week, the Atlas 2005 goes just perfectly with a grilled steak and a few scattered veggies that you pull off just to keep from feeling like a complete Viking.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon "Mountain Blend", Atlas Peak Vineyards, Napa Valley, California, CA.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Mountain Blend”, Atlas Peak Vineyards, Napa Valley, California, CA.

It has a “depth” and vibrancy to it…flavors of all dark berries and spices that escape my description.  After that great dinner, the Atlas kept good company while we turned up the tunes and blasted blues tunes loud and proud into the evening.  Here’s tasting notes supplied from the winemakers: “Perched on the steep slopes and high ridges above Napa Valley, vines here struggle in thin soil to produce grapes of concentrated fruit and uncommon character.  Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon draws upon its Atlas Peak Estate and other prestigious Napa Valley mountain appellations–each with its own personality–resulting in this superb mountain blend.  Aged in French oak barrels in the Winery’s caves, this muscular Cabernet Sauvignon showcases deep berry flavors, intriguing vanilla complexity and a smooth, lingering finish.“

Pretty big talk, right?  This bottle was part of a Buena Vista wine club membership, so finding it again will not be easy–the 2008 seems to dominate in online search–but the quest will be rewarding.

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Buena Vista 2008 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir

Friday night is always better when your friend Buena Vista stops by to join you for cocktails. The 2008 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir is good company to be sure. In what’s becoming a pattern, I had a glass of this berry-tinged red on Thursday night before a fantastic dinner of seasoned chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and veggie-heavy garden salads. Interesting mix of seasonings and wine that evening; it was hard to hold the line at just a single glass.

Friday’s dinner–pictured here for sake of posterity–took it to another level. My wife and I collaborated (yes she did the majority but I capably manned the grill) on a thick tasty London Broil, seasoned with plenty of salt, pepper, and similar, and we had too a few tater tot crowns and a light salad along with the cowflesh. It all came together in the 2008 Buena Vista–a smooth red that emptied far too soon. Sometimes I get to holding onto the Buena Vista, thinking that it should await a better occasion, and I’m glad that was not the case here. It was great and thankfully have a few related varietals from that fantastic vineyard to sample in the coming weeks and months!

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2008 Expo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Last tasting of the 2008 Expo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (at least for now).  After sampling a glass mid-week after work, I polished off this delicious cab on Friday evening on the porch.  My best friend was in town from California (he lives in wine country, actually) and we traded war stories as the evening came on.  The Expo kept me warm as the temperatures fell, and it went just fine with casual Friday food–chiefly a bun-free burger with all the fixings and French Fries.

The wine today was less about taste and more about relaxation–and it measured on both accounts.  I originally ordered this via http://www.WTSO.com and will keep my eyes peeled for future such offers.  This one was worthwhile for sure.

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La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2011

Another great treat for a milestone birthday, the La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2011 was gifted to me by my cousins and their significant others.  Becca and I had occasion to laugh and share an evening with the four of them and the rest of the Heuseveldt family last month, and I’ve been holding onto this lovely red for about four weeks waiting for my birthday so I could finally give it a shot.

La Crema Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, USA.

La Crema Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, USA.

So easy.  I knew from the first pour, as I saw the lights from our kitchen bleeding all warm and cozy through our stemless Riedel glass, that this Pinot was going to be something special.  Light, fruity, and a smooth finish.  It perfectly accompanied a light flank steak, steamed veggies, and a couple lightly seasoned baby potatoes.

Here some [edited] notes from the talented winemaker: “This 2011 opens with lovely, vibrant aromas of cherry pie and sassafras, supported by subtle earth tones and hints of rose petal and vanilla.  Vibrant pomegranate and cranberry join in on the palate, with notes of black licorice, espresso bean, sweet pipe tobacco and cherry cola.  With elegant structure, the juicy mid-palate leads to a lingering finish of sweet spice.”

That’s obviously way more technical than I could taste (I’d have to simply nod and grunt out, “Yeah, red berries.“), but I can say it was ready for business, and business was good!  Thanks to you all, Erik, Laura, Adam, and Bekah!

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Blue Rock Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend

Hard to know how to title this wine–the bottle reads simply Baby Blue but the winemaker’s website calls it Baby Blue Cabernet.  Or Baby Blue Estate Red Blend.  Whatever it’s called, it is fantastic.  My wife picked out this crazy winner and gifted it to me for my 40th birthday.  It was part of a great weekend, and we polished it off on Sunday night with a perfectly grilled steak, some delicious tater tot crowns, and grilled asparagus.  Perfect pairing, in all the ways that matter to me–obvious and subtle both.

Blue Rock, Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend. Alexander Valley, USA

Blue Rock, Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend. Alexander Valley, USA

At the moment, red blends are very much vogue for this gent.  Here’s the makeup of the Blue Rock:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon 52%
  • Merlot 25%
  • Cabernet Franc 13%
  • Syrah 10%

The winemaker remarks further, “The wine spent 16 months in French Oak (once used) and has been bottled unfined. As a result, Baby Blue is delicious on release and is intended for mid-term cellaring.”  Fans of this blog know that’s a bunch of high-falutin’ language but in the end it means one important thing–the wine is great.  I’m ready for my next glass already.