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Haut-Medoc 2010 Chateau Dasvin-Bel-Air Cru Bourgeois

A week of scorching temperatures had us doing cold drinks rather than reds, and this was the first time all week vino was the right move.  We opened this Haut Medoc Bordeaux–a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot–to accompany a great meal of grilled steaks and blue cheese salads (shrimp cocktail kicked things off).  This Bordeaux hit high marks for us and will be great to revisit again soon.

It has all the marks that resonate for me: beautiful color, a deep and rich red that’s fuller than a Pinot Noir; a blackberry and dark berry (rather than a strawberry) underpinning; a smooth taste that resonated for me even though we probably drank it “too soon” and didn’t allow it to breathe or age in any appreciable way.  It complemented the pepper-seasoned steaks perfectly.

Chateau Dasvin Bel Air 2010, Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois, France.

Chateau Dasvin Bel Air 2010, Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois, France.

Luckily we have several bottles of the Chateau Dasvin Bel Air 2010 Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois so we’ll have plenty of chances to share tasting notes from the “experts” with you.  This time out we’ll share a little information on the vineyard itself.

“The Chateau’s 30-acre vineyard lies at the southern end of the Haut Medoc appellation, on a large, narrow gravel soil resting on a thin coat of sand and a bank of yellow arenite on the one hand, and Garonne gravel on clay subsoil on the other.  In this environment, 25-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot vines are planted at a high density (in order to naturally restrict yields and develop the wine’s fruit profile) and cared for sustainably to allow their healthy development.  A first selection in the field is followed by another at the sorting table to select only the best chosen grapes that will be de-stemmed and used.  The must ferments in stainless steel tanks and temperature-controlled cement vats and pumped over three times a day.  Depending on the tasting session, there are 1 to 3 rackings, to help with clarification and final aroma profile of the wine.”

That’s a lot of information.  Some of it works for me; some of it is superfluous.  I can tell you with confidence that whatever the process is, it works great.  Ready for the next glass now!

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Buena Vista 2008 Ramal Vineyards Syrah

Syrah isn’t my favorite red but this Buena Vista offering rang all the bells. Earlier this week my wife and I were in a beer state of mind but last night our favorite Sonoma vineyard beckoned. It poured out fragrant and fruity, a hint of spice hidden just below the surface, and was a great compliment to our pork chops with dijon mustard sauce, white rice with home-grown scallions, and mixed (i.e., green and wax) beans.

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You always know you’ve got a good bottle going when you look at it half full and are disappointed that it’s a work night…but that does make it all the better when you resume the “challenge” the next evening. The 2008 was again equal to the task, its rich ruby red the perfect companion to our pasta dinner this evening. I know without looking that the experts would praise this wine; we surely do too.

Thankfully we have more Buena Vista shelved and look forward to the next occasion, or even none at all, to break one out.

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Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Rosé Blend Bordeaux Rosé 2008

I’ll preface by saying this was probably the first Rosé we’ve opened in some time…definitely the first appearance in Notes and could possibly be the last.  We opened this Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Rosé Blend Bordeaux Rosé on a Friday evening and thought it might escort us into a nice weekend.  Just couldn’t take it…seemed so…middling and indecisive.

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Rosé Blend Bordeaux Rosé 2008, France.

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Rosé Blend Bordeaux Rosé 2008, France.

This 2008 Rosé is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet France, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and those grapes always engender positive remarks–whether separately or as some Bordeaux–from this consumer.  Lots of evidence of this all throughout the blog, but it just didn’t add up here.  Despite being stored horizontally, the cork had dried out and largely disintegrated when we tried to open this bottle.  Maybe that accounted for some unpredictability in taste?  I don’t know enough about the spoilage of wines to comment on this further but may give the winemaker some benefit of the doubt by sharing this variable with you, readers.

Given the thumbs down we experienced, I thought it might be helpful to include a second opinion and share with you the following: “This is one of the strongest efforts from Canon-La-Gaffeliere since their spectacular 1990. Tiny yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare and a final blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon have resulted in a wine of exceptional complexity. Aromas of roasted herbs, spice box, sweet and sour cherries, licorice, incense, and black fruits are followed by a wine with tremendous opulence, full body, and moderately high but sweet tannin. Excellent acidity gives precision to this big, but impeccably well-balanced, pure.”

I couldn’t disagree more (confess that we couldn’t even finish half the bottle) but leave it to you if you want to see for yourself.  I’ll skip this one next time.

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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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