Tag Archives: USA

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

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

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!

by

Buena Vista 2010 Pinot Noir, Otelia’s Selection

Almost a month ago, Notes covered the 2008 Otelia and it’s a pleasure to taste today the 2010 vintage.  I have a tendency to save Buena Vista offerings for big occasions, but this one fell into “grip it and rip territory” and figured it was a much better option than the French Pinot Noir I had (briefly) considered as an alternative.  Live for today, right?

OteliaThe 2010 Otelia arrived as part of our February 2013 shipment (interesting comparison to the 2008, which arrived as part of our February 2012 shipment) and was pretty notable itself.  Our tasting notes from the winery read, “The 2010 Otelia’s Selection Pinot Noir offers alluring aromas of cherry, black cardamom [note: this always reminds me of classic Cheers bar wars], plum, and Mandarin orange peel.  Cranberry and dark chocolate truffle mingle seamlessly with a delicious carmelized toastiness on the palate, while the wine’s balanced acidity and structure lead to a long, lasting finish.”

This Otelia first kept company with a simple meal of ground beef and pasta, its red-berried goodness working as an effective complement to the salt and spice of the dinner.  The darker berries were evident on the nose, but I cannot say either my wife or I detected the orange referenced by the Buena Vista team.  It is indeed smooth, however, and definitely finds an easy finish in your palate.  Tonight the 2010 Otelia Pinot Noir will be served with barbecued chicken breast, crispy crown potatoes, and fresh corn off the cob.  I’m confident it will play well with the carbs and spices, engendering not heartburn but a fruity mouthfeel that results in smiles all around.  It has less of the earthy tone that I admire in Cabernets, but has the underpinnings of “velvet berries” that I often prefer in domestic Pinot Noirs.

We’re finishing bottle number 0367 of only 280 cases, and that exclusivity helps me–whether artificial or actual–feel like we’re onto something special.  Thanks to Buena Vista, you’re in good hands either way.  Be sure to enjoy one of these for yourself.

by

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2011

The Russian River Valley is famous for its great wines and, like other notable regions in California wine country, the unique climates and soils that make grape growing so fascinating and rewarding for the vineyards located here.  Years ago on an amazing summer vacation, my wife and I learned that it’s the cool evenings and perfect year-round weather that make for effective growing seasons and the maturity of the grapes in this part of the country.  The Rodney Strong Vineyards is one such beneficiary, and those of us who sample its work from time to time are winners as well.

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2011, Russian River Valley, California, USA.

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2011, Russian River Valley, California, USA.

Even though we had a great Pinot Noir already open and beckoning, we vaulted this 2011 to the head of the class to accompany our Sunday dinner.  Our pork tenderloin, sliced into heavenly slabs each about an inch thick, had basked all afternoon in a great marinade of olive oil, basil, garlic, and lemon juice, and was grilled (thermometer-aided) to a tender finish.  Accompanying this was a delicious medley of Israeli couscous and quinoa that my mother magicked up with some roasted red pepper, feta cheese, calamatta olives, cucumbers, and white balsamic vinegar–as well as the Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2011.

Here’s the rundown from the winemakers at Strong: “Soft and silky, with intriguing floral and crushed pomegranate aromas, this medium-bodied wine was aged for nine months in small, French oak barrels which added a hint of toasty vanilla and spice complexity.  Ideal for current enjoyment, this Pinot Noir will age nicely over the next two to four years.”

If you read NotesOfNote with any regularity, you know that vanilla notes doesn’t usually play too highly in this house.  This scent is more locked away in the 2011 Pinot Noir from Rodney Strong, though, and I don’t think I would even have noticed if not for the prompt from the winemaker.  I think that’s a good thing but try it for yourself and see if you agree.

by

Meiomi 2011 Pinot Noir

Okay, you saw the name and immediately made your guess on its pronunciation.  It’s the word “coast” (phonetically ‘May-OH-mee‘) in the language of California’s Wappo tribe and an apt title for this blend of grapes from three of California’s leading regions–Sonoma County (26%), Santa Barbara County (23%), and Monterrey County (51%).  Many of their best qualities are swirled together in this winner, which we’ve luckily sampled over the course of the last three evenings.

Meiomi 2011 Pinot Noir, Rutherford, California, USA.

Meiomi 2011 Pinot Noir, Rutherford, California, USA.

Friday it accompanied hors d’oeuvres–cheeses and olives and whatnot–and struck such a chord with us that the Meiomi actually stuck around for our fabulous salmon dinner.  Peppered perfectly, the salmon had baked just to taste.  It wasn’t so dry that it flaked at fork touch, nor so rare that it resembled sashimi (which I do love).  A vegetable medley of red peppers, green onions, broccoli, and baby potatoes rounded out the meal and was a great backdrop for the Pinot Noir.  This may seem like an unlikely pairing to some but it worked very effectively.

Meiomi must be shaped in part by Joseph J. Wagner, a fifth-generation winemaker whose family has deep roots in Napa Valley.  He did a great job if he had a hand in this one.  Dark, pungent, and earthy, this spicy Pinot Noir has genuine oomph to it.  It’s not some weak-bellied Pinot that goes easy on the flavor.  To the contrary, it’s muscular.  It’s substantive.  It announces its presence as soon as the bottle is uncorked, and you can tell just from the initial waft of dark cherry or blackberry (or the like) and its spicy undertones that you are in for a treat.  If you are more biased toward vanilla hints and strawberry-tasting Pinots this is not really your bag but if you like your reds to give a good shot in the arm this is it.

The Meiomi worked just as effectively the next night accompanying a local pizza pie, and again the next with a marinated pork loin that was grilled in the hot July evening.  I’d put it in my top 10 for sure and have to think about a larger move if I had the good fortune to sample another bottle.  Get yours today.

by

Buena Vista 2008 Pinot Noir, Otelia’s Selection

Buena Vista 2008 Pinot Noir, Otelia's Selection, Sonoma, California, USA.

Buena Vista 2008 Pinot Noir, Otelia’s Selection, Sonoma, California, USA.

The good folks at Buena Vista had sent the 2008 Otelia as our February 2012 club shipment, and we finally pulled it this hot and uncomfortable July weekend.  Here’s their thinking on its composition: “Named for the Count’s youngest daughter, the 2008 Otelia’s Selection Pinot Noir is plum in color, with wonderful aromas of dark fruits, black raspberry, chocolate, and white peppercorn that delights the nose.  On the palate, rich grilled flavors emerge with a core of currant, raspberry, and hints of coco [sic] bean.  The wine shows excellent balance with a nice tannin structure and smooth texture.”

Part of the reason the Buena Vista Pinots strike such a chord in our house is because they are more dark fruits (e.g., black raspberry, currant) and earthy spices (e.g., peppercorn) as opposed to strawberry and vanillas that I find a bit too cloying.  The 2008 Otelia hits a whole of lot of marks for us and will for you too, if you can find it.  The winery seems to have moved on to the 2010, which too sounds fantastic but we have yet to taste it.

I’m savoring the last glass of the bottle just now as we usher in Sunday evening, but it was a key to a great Friday night meal of grilled steak (seasoned with pepper and salt if memory serves), fresh corn from the cob, and some potato salad.  Even though it was probably still 90+ degrees by dinner time, the Pinot Noir was enjoyable and worked well with the flavors of the grilled steak.  Definitely smooth and probably even better for you if you are pulling it from some place with better temperature control than we have in our basement.

by

Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot

Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

Over the last several nights, this bottle accompanied many a fine meal–including a home-made chicken scarpiello and a light, summer chicken salad.  This Buena Vista Carneros Merlot was possibly best, however, accompanying just a pizza from our favorite local joint.  Half pepperoni and half pepperoni – black olive, the pie seemed to work well with the cherry and peppery vibe of this 2010 red.  It really looks and smells the part too:  it’s unmistakably Merlot, a deep purple color that wafts dark fruits up at you even as you pour your first glass.

For more informative notes by ‘real’ tasters or even the winemaker you can click here any time.  The description of how this varietal came to bear is worth the read.  Someone with more expertise (or perhaps promotional inkling) gave this a 91 and I think that seems about right in comparison to other reds I’ve had occasion to enjoy.  Always love a Buena Vista and look forward to the next!